news--2020-06-14--Coronavirus lockdown eased further: What you can (and can't) do

Lockdown restrictions are continuing to ease across the UK as the number of coronavirus infections drops .
It has now been 12 weeks since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the measures in March - drastically changing our lives .
However , the coronavirus rules in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland differ slightly from each other in terms of what people can and can not do .
A variety of non-essential shops and services can reopen under conditions that they adhere to social distancing measures .
These include the following : • Gift shops and retail spaces in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites and tourism sites However , other businesses - including pubs , restaurants and hairdressers - will remain shut until at least July .
Zoos and safari parks can reopen , but attractions will not be allowed to reopen indoor exhibitions such as reptile houses .
They must also ensure amenities including cafes are takeaway only to comply with social distancing guidelines .
They too can reopen so long as social distancing measures are implemented by venues .
In England , these are usually pop-up screenings on tour , for which people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive-in cinemas such as The Luna Cinema , while at others such as The Free Range Range Film Club across London , cinemagoers are allocated socially distanced spaces from which they can kick back and watch films on giant screens .
They can start reopening , with pupils in Year 10 and 12 able to get some face-to-face time with teachers before the summer holidays .
Mr Johnson said the move would help students `` prepare for exams next year with up to a quarter of these students in at any point '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return to primary school this term before the summer holidays have been dropped after the government conceded social distancing would be a challenge for some schools .
Some primary schools have already reopened for Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 students , with class sizes limited to 15 pupils , desks spaced as far apart as possible and outdoor spaces utilised in keeping with the government 's new guidance .
The Department for Education ( DfE ) guidelines advise schools to stagger break times , as well as drop-off and pick-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils moving around .
Schools should also consider introducing one-way circulation , or placing a divider down the middle of corridors .
The advice also suggests nurseries and schools should remove soft furnishings and toys that are hard to clean - and try to keep children in the same small groups at all times each day .
Face coverings will be mandatory on public transport .
Bus and train commuters in England could be refused travel if they fail to comply with the measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 - or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include scarves , a piece of cloth or a mask - and certain travellers , such as young children and people with disabilities or breathing difficulties , will be exempt .
Churches and other places of worship will be open for private , individual prayer where people can `` reflect and pray '' while adhering to social distancing rules .
However , worship groups , weddings and other services will still not be permitted .
It comes after a government task force with faith leaders was launched last month to develop a plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of religious buildings .
Adults living alone , or single parents with children under 18 , can now spend the night at another household and create a `` support bubble '' .
This is an attempt to make lockdown more bearable for those who have been cut off from friends and family since 23 March .
They can form a bubble with one other household which means they will effectively be treated as a single household for the purpose of the lockdown rules .
They can visit each other 's homes and stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have to observe the two-metre social distancing rule .
No , and while it does not matter where the two households are , officials have suggested people should stay local if possible .
It means elderly people living alone could form a bubble with the household of an adult son or daughter , while single parents could link with their own parents to share childcare .
Couples who do not live together can also visit and stay with each other .
If one half of a couple shares a flat or house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can see their partner if they live alone .
But if both partners share a home with other people , they can not see each other .
If two grandparents live together in one household , they can only visit their children and grandchildren if their son or daughter is the only adult in his or her household .
If a grandparent lives alone and has two or more children who each live alone , they must choose between them .
What if someone develops coronavirus symptoms ?
All members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Does the scheme apply to people who are shielding ?
No , the relaxation does not apply to vulnerable people who are shielding .
Is the 'support bubble ' scheme only in England ?
A similar scheme has been introduced in Northern Ireland .
This allows a person who lives alone to visit someone else 's home , including staying overnight .
They do not qualify if they have a child or children living with them .
Last month , the PM gave an update on what restrictions would be lifted from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in groups of up to six people in public or private outdoor spaces and dental surgeries opening from 8 June .
You still can not exercise in an indoor sports court , gym or leisure centre , or go swimming in a public pool .
Outdoor gyms and playgrounds are still off-limits , and you can not share a private vehicle with someone from another household .
People are also not allowed to invite anyone other than close family or friends , and someone from the deceased 's household , to a funeral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Restaurants and hotels : 4 July is the earliest point at which `` some of the hospitality industry and other public places '' could reopen , the PM said , but only if `` they are safe and enforce social distancing '' .
Hairdressers : Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News that salons and barbers will not reopen until 4 July `` at the very earliest '' .
Those over 70 should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household .
If they do go out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from others and should comply with social distancing rules .
Anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP , including those 70 and over , should continue to do this until at least the end of June .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said this week Scotland 's restrictions will be eased further on 19 June following `` clear and sustained '' progress in tackling the virus .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a four-phase `` route map '' .
What you can do now : • Up to eight people from two households may gather outdoors , as long as people are social distancing • People are able to sit and sunbathe outdoors • Visits inside another household are not allowed • Non-contact sports like golf , fishing , bowls , outdoor swimming , canoeing and tennis are allowed • People are able to travel - preferably walk or cycle - to carry out activities , but they should try to stay close to home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but none of their cafes • Some parts of the criminal justice system resume Scotland will move into phase two from Friday , marking the point when the virus is considered `` controlled '' and the R number is consistently below 1 .
Scottish schools have been asked to start preparing for the return of pupils in the autumn using a `` blended model '' .
This would involve part-time study in school combined with some learning at home .
As part of its four-phase `` route map '' , lockdown measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland include : • Teachers to return to work in June to prepare for schools reopening in new school year in August • Support for children going into primary one or moving from primary to secondary school • More children , not just of key workers , to have access to critical childcare , particularly outdoor nurseries • Scots can meet two other households at the same time while outside - up to a maximum of eight people from Friday • Anyone shielding can go outside for exercise from Friday and meet people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing • Face coverings will be mandatory on public transport in Scotland from Monday • Dentists will also be able to open • Places of worship will be able to reopen - although only for individual prayer and not services • Closer to normal with different households meeting - although with social distancing • Schools to reopen on 11 August but with a `` blended model '' of school and home learning • Childcare providers , larger shops , indoor pubs and restaurants , hairdressers , museums , cinemas , gyms and hotels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers and funerals beyond close family • Relaxation of all restrictions `` in line with public health advice '' People are currently only allowed to meet members from one other household while outdoors and are urged not to travel further than five miles for leisure .
The next lockdown review is due to take place on 18 June .
What you can do now : • People from two different households in the same local area can meet up outdoors , but they must continue to maintain social distancing and strict hand hygiene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning they must n't - as a general rule - travel more than five miles from home • Exceptions will be people travelling to work , to seek care or shopping for essentials if they are n't available locally • Vulnerable people who have been `` shielding '' from the virus have been advised they can exercise at times that are not too busy • Carry out unlimited exercise outdoors but must `` stay local '' , starting and ending at home and only with people from their household - with a quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said all schools in Wales will reopen on 29 June .
Education minister Kirsty Williams has said the four-week term will end on 27 July and will see staggered starts , lessons and breaks for different year groups .
Only a third of pupils at most will be in school at any one time , and teachers will be prioritised for antibody testing .
Parents who choose not to send their children to school will not be fined .
Students who fall into the shielding category will carry on with online learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would give pupils , staff and parents time to prepare for a `` new normal '' when the next academic year begins in September .
The Northern Ireland Executive has a `` pathway to recovery '' route map for easing the lockdown and some rules - within steps one and two of the five-stage plan - have been relaxed as the R number is currently estimated as being between 0.5 and 0.9 .
First Minister Arlene Foster said that people living alone will now be able to stay at one household in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no social distancing restriction attached and people can stay overnight if they wish .
But the relaxation does not apply to individuals who are shielding .
All non-essential shops , with a range of new hygiene and social distancing measures , were allowed to reopen on Friday .
What you can do now : • Groups of up to 10 people who do not share a household are allowed to meet outdoors two metres apart • Places of worship are open for private prayer , while drive-in church services and cinemas are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including fishing , golf , tennis and some water sports • No restrictions on private travel , as long as it is in Northern Ireland • Use face coverings if you can not social distance • Non-food retail outlets and some libraries are allowed to open • Phased return to office working but those who can should work from home • Gatherings of up to 30 people - with social distancing • Part-time schooling for priority groups , with in-school and remote learning • All `` contact '' retail such as hairdressers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a risk assessment • All school pupils go back on a part-time basis , with in-school and remote learning • Competitive sport to resume behind closed doors , or with spectator limits • Restaurants , pubs and cafes can open after a risk assessment , initially on a limited basis • Close physical contact sport allowed and return to full spectator competitive sport and live events • People can meet in large groups subject to social distancing

Lockdown restrictions are continuing to ease across the UK as the number of coronavirus infections drops.
It has now been 12 weeks since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the measures in March - drastically changing our lives.
However, the coronavirus rules in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ slightly from each other in terms of what people can and cannot do.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 PM eases lockdown with another household
ENGLAND
Which shops are reopening?
A variety of non-essential shops and services can reopen under conditions that they adhere to social distancing measures.
These include the following:
Fashion shops
Charity shops
Betting shops
Tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers
Auction houses
Antique stores
Retail art galleries
Photography studios
Gift shops and retail spaces in theatres, museums, libraries, heritage sites and tourism sites
Mobile phone stores
Indoor markets
Craft fairs
Similar types of retail
However, other businesses - including pubs, restaurants and hairdressers - will remain shut until at least July.
Image: People buying takeaway pints at a pub on Wandsworth Common in London
What about zoos?
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Zoos and safari parks can reopen, but attractions will not be allowed to reopen indoor exhibitions such as reptile houses.
They must also ensure amenities including cafes are takeaway only to comply with social distancing guidelines.
Outdoor cinemas
They too can reopen so long as social distancing measures are implemented by venues.
In England, these are usually pop-up screenings on tour, for which people can buy tickets online.
Some are American-style drive-in cinemas such as The Luna Cinema, while at others such as The Free Range Range Film Club across London, cinemagoers are allocated socially distanced spaces from which they can kick back and watch films on giant screens.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:04 More schools to reopen
Secondary schools
They can start reopening, with pupils in Year 10 and 12 able to get some face-to-face time with teachers before the summer holidays.
Mr Johnson said the move would help students "prepare for exams next year with up to a quarter of these students in at any point".
Plans for all pupils in England to return to primary school this term before the summer holidays have been dropped after the government conceded social distancing would be a challenge for some schools.
Some primary schools have already reopened for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 students, with class sizes limited to 15 pupils, desks spaced as far apart as possible and outdoor spaces utilised in keeping with the government's new guidance.
The Department for Education (DfE) guidelines advise schools to stagger break times, as well as drop-off and pick-up times, to reduce the number of pupils moving around.
Schools should also consider introducing one-way circulation, or placing a divider down the middle of corridors.
The advice also suggests nurseries and schools should remove soft furnishings and toys that are hard to clean - and try to keep children in the same small groups at all times each day.
Face masks
Face coverings will be mandatory on public transport.
Bus and train commuters in England could be refused travel if they fail to comply with the measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 - or face a fine.
Face coverings can include scarves, a piece of cloth or a mask - and certain travellers, such as young children and people with disabilities or breathing difficulties, will be exempt.
Image: Churches are reopening for private prayer
Places of worship
Churches and other places of worship will be open for private, individual prayer where people can "reflect and pray" while adhering to social distancing rules.
However, worship groups, weddings and other services will still not be permitted.
It comes after a government task force with faith leaders was launched last month to develop a plan to enable the phased and safe reopening of religious buildings.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:06 'Support bubbles' allowed between households
'Support bubble'
Adults living alone, or single parents with children under 18, can now spend the night at another household and create a "support bubble".
This is an attempt to make lockdown more bearable for those who have been cut off from friends and family since 23 March.
They can form a bubble with one other household which means they will effectively be treated as a single household for the purpose of the lockdown rules.
They can visit each other's homes and stay overnight if they want. They will not have to observe the two-metre social distancing rule.
Can people switch between bubbles?
No, and while it does not matter where the two households are, officials have suggested people should stay local if possible.
Who benefits?
It means elderly people living alone could form a bubble with the household of an adult son or daughter, while single parents could link with their own parents to share childcare.
Couples who do not live together can also visit and stay with each other.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:46 COVID-19 'support bubbles' reunite families
But...
If one half of a couple shares a flat or house with one or more other people, they can see their partner if they live alone. But if both partners share a home with other people, they cannot see each other.
If two grandparents live together in one household, they can only visit their children and grandchildren if their son or daughter is the only adult in his or her household.
If a grandparent lives alone and has two or more children who each live alone, they must choose between them.
What if someone develops coronavirus symptoms?
All members of the bubble must isolate themselves for 14 days.
Does the scheme apply to people who are shielding?
No, the relaxation does not apply to vulnerable people who are shielding.
Is the 'support bubble' scheme only in England?
A similar scheme has been introduced in Northern Ireland.
This allows a person who lives alone to visit someone else's home, including staying overnight.
They do not qualify if they have a child or children living with them.
Image: Coronavirus measures have been gradually eased since the beginning of lockdown
Last month, the PM gave an update on what restrictions would be lifted from 1 June, which included people gathering in groups of up to six people in public or private outdoor spaces and dental surgeries opening from 8 June.
You still cannot exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool.
Outdoor gyms and playgrounds are still off-limits, and you cannot share a private vehicle with someone from another household.
People are also not allowed to invite anyone other than close family or friends, and someone from the deceased's household, to a funeral.
Image: The government has not said when hairdressers, barbers and salons will be allowed to reopen
What could change in July?
Restaurants and hotels: 4 July is the earliest point at which "some of the hospitality industry and other public places" could reopen, the PM said, but only if "they are safe and enforce social distancing".
Hairdressers: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News that salons and barbers will not reopen until 4 July "at the very earliest".
Advice for over-70s
Those over 70 should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household.
If they do go out, they should be careful to maintain distance from others and should comply with social distancing rules.
Anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those 70 and over, should continue to do this until at least the end of June.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
SCOTLAND
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said this week Scotland's restrictions will be eased further on 19 June following "clear and sustained" progress in tackling the virus.
She said Scotland's lockdown would be relaxed in a four-phase "route map".
What you can do now:
Up to eight people from two households may gather outdoors, as long as people are social distancing
People are able to sit and sunbathe outdoors
Visits inside another household are not allowed
Non-contact sports like golf, fishing, bowls, outdoor swimming, canoeing and tennis are allowed
People are able to travel - preferably walk or cycle - to carry out activities, but they should try to stay close to home
Recycling and waste services resume
Outdoor industries like agriculture and construction resume
Garden centres are allowed to open - but none of their cafes
Some services like social work resume
Some parts of the criminal justice system resume
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:43 Two Scottish households can meet from Friday
Scotland will move into phase two from Friday, marking the point when the virus is considered "controlled" and the R number is consistently below 1.
Scottish schools have been asked to start preparing for the return of pupils in the autumn using a "blended model".
This would involve part-time study in school combined with some learning at home.
As part of its four-phase "route map", lockdown measures to be relaxed in the future in Scotland include:
Teachers to return to work in June to prepare for schools reopening in new school year in August
Support for children going into primary one or moving from primary to secondary school
More children, not just of key workers, to have access to critical childcare, particularly outdoor nurseries
Housing market to reopen
Gradual reopening of takeaway and drive-through food outlets
In phase two:
Scots can meet two other households at the same time while outside - up to a maximum of eight people from Friday
Anyone shielding can go outside for exercise from Friday and meet people from one other household - maintaining social distancing
Face coverings will be mandatory on public transport in Scotland from Monday
Dentists will also be able to open
Professional sport can resume
Places of worship will be able to reopen - although only for individual prayer and not services
Phase three:
Closer to normal with different households meeting - although with social distancing
Schools to reopen on 11 August but with a "blended model" of school and home learning
Childcare providers, larger shops, indoor pubs and restaurants, hairdressers, museums, cinemas, gyms and hotels can reopen
Live events with restricted numbers and funerals beyond close family
Dentists to fully reopen
Phase four:
Relaxation of all restrictions "in line with public health advice"
Image: People queue at Caerphilly Garden Centre in Cardiff, Wales
WALES
People are currently only allowed to meet members from one other household while outdoors and are urged not to travel further than five miles for leisure.
The next lockdown review is due to take place on 18 June.
What you can do now:
People from two different households in the same local area can meet up outdoors, but they must continue to maintain social distancing and strict hand hygiene
They must also stay local, meaning they mustn't - as a general rule - travel more than five miles from home
Exceptions will be people travelling to work, to seek care or shopping for essentials if they aren't available locally
Vulnerable people who have been "shielding" from the virus have been advised they can exercise at times that are not too busy
People could already:
Carry out unlimited exercise outdoors but must "stay local", starting and ending at home and only with people from their household - with a quick break to eat something
Garden centres can reopen
Recycling centres and libraries can open
The Welsh government has said all schools in Wales will reopen on 29 June.
Education minister Kirsty Williams has said the four-week term will end on 27 July and will see staggered starts, lessons and breaks for different year groups.
Only a third of pupils at most will be in school at any one time, and teachers will be prioritised for antibody testing.
Parents who choose not to send their children to school will not be fined.
Students who fall into the shielding category will carry on with online learning.
Ms Williams said the shorter term would give pupils, staff and parents time to prepare for a "new normal" when the next academic year begins in September.
Image: Friends observe social distancing as they meet outside Stormont in Belfast, Northern Ireland
NORTHERN IRELAND
The Northern Ireland Executive has a "pathway to recovery" route map for easing the lockdown and some rules - within steps one and two of the five-stage plan - have been relaxed as the R number is currently estimated as being between 0.5 and 0.9.
First Minister Arlene Foster said that people living alone will now be able to stay at one household in a so-called "support bubble". There is no social distancing restriction attached and people can stay overnight if they wish.
But the relaxation does not apply to individuals who are shielding.
All non-essential shops, with a range of new hygiene and social distancing measures, were allowed to reopen on Friday.
What you can do now:
Groups of up to 10 people who do not share a household are allowed to meet outdoors two metres apart
Garden and recycling centres have reopened
Places of worship are open for private prayer, while drive-in church services and cinemas are allowed
Non-contact outdoor activities are allowed, including fishing, golf, tennis and some water sports
No restrictions on private travel, as long as it is in Northern Ireland
Use face coverings if you cannot social distance
Non-food retail outlets and some libraries are allowed to open
Step three:
Phased return to office working but those who can should work from home
Gatherings of up to 30 people - with social distancing
Part-time schooling for priority groups, with in-school and remote learning
Museums, galleries, libraries to reopen
Concert and theatre rehearsals to resume
Step four:
All "contact" retail such as hairdressers, gyms and salons can open after a risk assessment
All school pupils go back on a part-time basis, with in-school and remote learning
Staggering demand for public transport
Wider range of gatherings allowed, including church services - subject to social distancing
Competitive sport to resume behind closed doors, or with spectator limits
Leisure centres to open
Outdoor concerts allowed on a restricted basis
Step five:


news--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: All Saints fashions CVA plan amid high street crisis

All Saints , the contemporary fashion retailer , will next week become the latest high street chain to demand steep rent cuts from its landlords as it fights to survive the coronavirus crisis .
Sky News has learnt that All Saints will launch a Company Voluntary Arrangement ( CVA ) on Tuesday that will seek rent reductions across its UK and US operations .
Headquartered in east London , the company has been owned by Lion Capital , the private equity firm , since 2011 .
Lion , which counts Jimmy Choo and Cadbury-Schweppes among its past investments , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the outbreak of the pandemic , and is said to have decided that a CVA for its UK and US subsidiaries represents the most viable choice .
Alvarez & Marsal , the professional services firm , is handling the process .
The launch of All Saints ' CVA is scheduled to take place the day after the government permits non-essential retailers to resume trading for the first time since March .
All Saints trades from more than 250 stores in 26 countries , and has a strong presence in Asia .
Founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000 people across the group .
Sources close to the CVA process said All Saints planned to close only a handful of its stores under the CVA , with the focus of the restructuring plan being to extract substantial financial concessions from landlords .
The chain is run by Peter Wood and chaired by Lyndon Lea , the boss of Lion Capital .
In 2018 , it recorded total sales of £331m , roughly half of which was generated by its business outside the UK .
The company , which is understood to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said its rapidly expanding digital operations accounts for around a quarter of overall sales .
Its UK business comprises roughly 40 standalone stores , with dozens more concessions in department stores .
One source said Lion remained committed to All Saints .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The chain 's pursuit of a CVA will represent the latest infliction of pain on Britain 's big retail property-owners , with Hammerson and Intu Properties faring particularly badly during the COVID-19 crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter of the rent they are owed on quarter-day later this month , prompting an intensification of tensions between real estate-owners and commercial tenants .
A new code of conduct drawn up during the pandemic which aims to share its financial burden more fairly between the two sides has met with a lacklustre reaction from key stakeholders .
The high street 's jobs bloodbath is expected to deepen next week with the launch of a CVA by Poundstretcher , the discount retailer .
It is expected to warn landlords that as many as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it does not secure sufficient rent concessions .
Meanwhile , New Look , the fashion chain , is in talks with landlords about switching to a turnover rent arrangement .
The response of store-owners is said to have been `` mixed '' .
The carnage in the retail sector will be underlined in the next 10 days , with Intu , the owner of the Trafford Centre in Manchester and Lakeside shopping centre in Essex , on the brink of falling into administration .
Lion and All Saints declined to comment on @ @

All Saints, the contemporary fashion retailer, will next week become the latest high street chain to demand steep rent cuts from its landlords as it fights to survive the coronavirus crisis.
Sky News has learnt that All Saints will launch a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) on Tuesday that will seek rent reductions across its UK and US operations.
Image: The fashion retailer employs more than 3,000 people across the group
Headquartered in east London, the company has been owned by Lion Capital, the private equity firm, since 2011.
Lion, which counts Jimmy Choo and Cadbury-Schweppes among its past investments, has been examining options to support All Saints since the outbreak of the pandemic, and is said to have decided that a CVA for its UK and US subsidiaries represents the most viable choice.
Alvarez & Marsal, the professional services firm, is handling the process.
The launch of All Saints' CVA is scheduled to take place the day after the government permits non-essential retailers to resume trading for the first time since March.
All Saints trades from more than 250 stores in 26 countries, and has a strong presence in Asia.
Founded in 1994, it employs more than 3,000 people across the group.
Sources close to the CVA process said All Saints planned to close only a handful of its stores under the CVA, with the focus of the restructuring plan being to extract substantial financial concessions from landlords.
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The chain is run by Peter Wood and chaired by Lyndon Lea, the boss of Lion Capital.
In 2018, it recorded total sales of £331m, roughly half of which was generated by its business outside the UK.
The company, which is understood to have seen record sales last year, said its rapidly expanding digital operations accounts for around a quarter of overall sales.
Its UK business comprises roughly 40 standalone stores, with dozens more concessions in department stores.
One source said Lion remained committed to All Saints.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The chain's pursuit of a CVA will represent the latest infliction of pain on Britain's big retail property-owners, with Hammerson and Intu Properties faring particularly badly during the COVID-19 crisis.
Some landlords expect to receive barely a quarter of the rent they are owed on quarter-day later this month, prompting an intensification of tensions between real estate-owners and commercial tenants.
A new code of conduct drawn up during the pandemic which aims to share its financial burden more fairly between the two sides has met with a lacklustre reaction from key stakeholders.
The high street's jobs bloodbath is expected to deepen next week with the launch of a CVA by Poundstretcher, the discount retailer.
It is expected to warn landlords that as many as 250 of its shops could close permanently if it does not secure sufficient rent concessions.
Image: Intu, the owner of the Trafford Centre in Manchester, is on the brink of falling into administration
Meanwhile, New Look, the fashion chain, is in talks with landlords about switching to a turnover rent arrangement.
The response of store-owners is said to have been "mixed".
The carnage in the retail sector will be underlined in the next 10 days, with Intu, the owner of the Trafford Centre in Manchester and Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, on the brink of falling into administration.
Lion and All Saints declined to comment on Saturday.


news--2020-06-14--Coronavirus: UK 'winning the battle' as just 36 new deaths recorded

The UK has recorded the lowest number of daily coronavirus deaths since before nationwide lockdown measures were introduced .
After the figures were released , Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted : `` Yesterday , across the UK , only 36 deaths were recorded with coronavirus - the lowest since 21 March .
`` We are winning the battle against this horrible disease . ''
The official total of UK deaths across all settings now stands at 41,698 .
According to the Department for Health and Social Care , more than 6.7 million coronavirus tests had been conducted in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 144,865 carried out on Saturday .
However , figures are still not being made available for how many individual people were tested .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In total , 295,889 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK , although the actual number of people to have contracted the disease is likely to be much higher .
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic , there have been more than 63,000 excess deaths in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for National Statistics .
Of those , just under 50,200 have been linked to COVID-19 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced lockdown measures in the UK on 23 March , and some restrictions have since been eased .

The UK has recorded the lowest number of daily coronavirus deaths since before nationwide lockdown measures were introduced.
After the figures were released, Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: "Yesterday, across the UK, only 36 deaths were recorded with coronavirus - the lowest since 21 March.
"We are winning the battle against this horrible disease."
The official total of UK deaths across all settings now stands at 41,698.
According to the Department for Health and Social Care, more than 6.7 million coronavirus tests had been conducted in the UK as of 9am on Sunday - with 144,865 carried out on Saturday.
However, figures are still not being made available for how many individual people were tested.
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In total, 295,889 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK, although the actual number of people to have contracted the disease is likely to be much higher.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been more than 63,000 excess deaths in the UK, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
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Of those, just under 50,200 have been linked to COVID-19.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced lockdown measures in the UK on 23 March, and some restrictions have since been eased.


news--2020-06-14--Coronavirus: PM orders 'urgent' review of two-metre rule amid calls for it to be scrapped

Boris Johnson has ordered an `` urgent '' comprehensive review into the two-metre social distancing rule amid calls for it to be scrapped .
Easing the current restriction is seen as vital if businesses such as restaurants and pubs are to be able to reopen sustainably .
The World Health Organisation recommends keeping a distance of at least one metre .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the issue will be looked at `` in the round '' and will involve scientists and economists as the coronavirus pandemic evolves .
But it will be ministers rather than the government 's scientific advisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether to relax the current rule , he said .
And he warned that while he understood concerns from businesses about not being able to operate under social distancing laws , health and safety was still the number one priority .
Some experts , including the chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty , have previously signalled their reluctance to see any easing while the COVID-19 epidemic continues .
Speaking on Sky News , the chancellor told Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` The prime minister has put in place a comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now we have made good progress in suppressing the virus , we 're at a different stage of the epidemic than we were at the beginning , and that enables us to take a fresh look at this .
`` Obviously many other countries around the world use a different rule .
We have seen a couple of countries recently - Norway and Denmark - have moved from two metres to something less . ''
He added : `` It is important we look at it comprehensively in the round and that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Sunak said he recognised the importance of reducing the rule ahead of non-essential businesses reopening their doors for the first time in three months on Monday .
He added : `` I can very much understand the positive impact it will have on businesses ' ability to open and thereby maintain the jobs that they have , and make sure all the people that work for them can come back to those jobs .
`` That 's really important to me . ''
But he added it must be `` safe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still continuing to move through the country .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Organisations such as the British Beer & Pub Association ( BBPA ) have been urging ministers to reduce the two-metre distance rule to one metre , adding that only a third of the UK 's pubs will be able to reopen later on this year .
On Monday , non-essential stores will be able to reopen for the first time in three months despite rules around social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunak added it was safe to go shopping next week as the five tests , which is the government 's measure to see if restrictions can be eased , had been met .
The five tests involve making sure the NHS can cope with the demand , to see a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates , having reliable data from SAGE which shows the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels , being `` confident '' that challenges such as testing capacity and PPE are in hand , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to a second peak of the virus .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' People will see tomorrow it 's a slightly different experience , '' Mr Sunak said .
`` Obviously there 's social distancing , a new process for returns .
`` There might be one-way systems , there will be screens up everywhere and staff will be able to provide advice and help .
`` It is a safe environment and we should be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to shop in confidence , knowing that it 's safe , I know that shops up and down the country are ready to welcome us back and get our high streets springing back to life again . ''

Boris Johnson has ordered an "urgent" comprehensive review into the two-metre social distancing rule amid calls for it to be scrapped.
Easing the current restriction is seen as vital if businesses such as restaurants and pubs are to be able to reopen sustainably.
The World Health Organisation recommends keeping a distance of at least one metre.
Image: People are seen enjoying the sunshine at St James's Park in central London from a safe distance
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the issue will be looked at "in the round" and will involve scientists and economists as the coronavirus pandemic evolves.
But it will be ministers rather than the government's scientific advisers who will take the final decision on whether to relax the current rule, he said.
And he warned that while he understood concerns from businesses about not being able to operate under social distancing laws, health and safety was still the number one priority.
Some experts, including the chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty, have previously signalled their reluctance to see any easing while the COVID-19 epidemic continues.
Speaking on Sky News, the chancellor told Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "The prime minister has put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule.
"Now we have made good progress in suppressing the virus, we're at a different stage of the epidemic than we were at the beginning, and that enables us to take a fresh look at this.
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"Obviously many other countries around the world use a different rule. We have seen a couple of countries recently - Norway and Denmark - have moved from two metres to something less."
He added: "It is important we look at it comprehensively in the round and that is what we will do urgently."
Mr Sunak said he recognised the importance of reducing the rule ahead of non-essential businesses reopening their doors for the first time in three months on Monday.
He added: "I can very much understand the positive impact it will have on businesses' ability to open and thereby maintain the jobs that they have, and make sure all the people that work for them can come back to those jobs.
"That's really important to me."
But he added it must be "safe to do so" as the virus is still continuing to move through the country.
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Organisations such as the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) have been urging ministers to reduce the two-metre distance rule to one metre, adding that only a third of the UK's pubs will be able to reopen later on this year.
On Monday, non-essential stores will be able to reopen for the first time in three months despite rules around social distancing still being in place.
Image: Retailers have been gearing up to reopen on 15 June
But Mr Sunak added it was safe to go shopping next week as the five tests, which is the government's measure to see if restrictions can be eased, had been met.
The five tests involve making sure the NHS can cope with the demand, to see a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates, having reliable data from SAGE which shows the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels, being "confident" that challenges such as testing capacity and PPE are in hand, and making sure that the adjustment will not lead to a second peak of the virus.
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"People will see tomorrow it's a slightly different experience," Mr Sunak said. "Obviously there's social distancing, a new process for returns.
"There might be one-way systems, there will be screens up everywhere and staff will be able to provide advice and help.
"It is a safe environment and we should be able to go out knowing that, we should be able to shop in confidence, knowing that it's safe, I know that shops up and down the country are ready to welcome us back and get our high streets springing back to life again."


news--2020-06-14--HMM Algeciras: World's largest container ship arrives in UK for first time

The world 's biggest container ship , around the same size as four football pitches , has arrived in the UK for the first time .
HMM Algeciras is so large its arrival had to be modelled on a simulator to ensure it could be carried out safely .
The 1,312ft ( 400m ) long and 200ft ( 61m ) wide ship is delivering a variety of goods at DP World London Gateway in Thurrock .
Its journey to the UK began in China and it has also been to South Korea , the Netherlands , Germany and Belgium .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the Port of London Authority carrying out simulator modelling .
The vessel is due to leave Britain on Monday taking UK goods back to China via Singapore .
Peter Livey , managing director for Britain at shipping company HMM , which owns the vessel , described its maiden voyage as a `` major milestone '' .
He said : `` Ships of this size give us the capacity and flexibility to get our customers ' goods to the right place at the right time . ''
HMM Algeciras , an Ultra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is sailing under the flag of Panama .
Ernst Schulze , UK chief executive of DP World , which runs the port , said the commitment of his staff has been `` critical '' to London Gateway remaining open throughout the coronavirus lockdown .

The world's biggest container ship, around the same size as four football pitches, has arrived in the UK for the first time.
HMM Algeciras is so large its arrival had to be modelled on a simulator to ensure it could be carried out safely.
The 1,312ft (400m) long and 200ft (61m) wide ship is delivering a variety of goods at DP World London Gateway in Thurrock.
Its journey to the UK began in China and it has also been to South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
Preparations started more than six months ago, with the Port of London Authority carrying out simulator modelling.
The vessel is due to leave Britain on Monday taking UK goods back to China via Singapore.
Peter Livey, managing director for Britain at shipping company HMM, which owns the vessel, described its maiden voyage as a "major milestone".
He said: "Ships of this size give us the capacity and flexibility to get our customers' goods to the right place at the right time."
HMM Algeciras, an Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV), is sailing under the flag of Panama.
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Ernst Schulze, UK chief executive of DP World, which runs the port, said the commitment of his staff has been "critical" to London Gateway remaining open throughout the coronavirus lockdown.


news--2020-06-14--Coronavirus: No reduction in two-metre rule until next month, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has suggested there will be no reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule until next month .
The prime minister has launched an `` urgent '' comprehensive review into the coronavirus guideline .
But he revealed on Sunday the two-metre rule would remain under review until the next stage of the government 's planned reopening of the economy , scheduled for 4 July .
Non-essential retail shops are being allowed to open in England from Monday but pubs , clubs , restaurants , hairdressers and beauty salons are being told to stay closed .
This is due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in person-to-person contact over longer periods .
The government is under pressure to reduce the two-metre rule to one metre , as is recommended in countries such as France , Denmark and Singapore .
It has been claimed two-thirds of English pubs will be forced to stay closed unless the rule is reduced to one metre .
Senior Conservative MPs are urging the government to act now in order to save millions of jobs in the hospitality sector .
A relaxation of the measure could also help more schools to reopen and allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson was asked about the review of the social distancing guideline on a visit to Westfield Stratford City , a shopping centre in east London , on Sunday .
`` We 'll work very closely with the scientists at all times and make the right decision on the basis of safety , health and stopping the disease , '' he said .
`` The question for us is - as we get the numbers down so it becomes one in 1,000 ( people infected with coronavirus ) , one in 1,600 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being two metres or one metre or even a foot away from somebody who has the virus are obviously going down statistically .
`` So you start to build some more margin for manoeuvre and we 'll be looking at that , and we 'll be keeping it under constant review as we go forward to the next step in our plan , which is 4 July .
`` So we 'll be keeping it under review for 4 July . ''
But the prime minister stressed he would not `` sacrifice the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in combating the spread of COVID-19 .
`` The country has come together to squash the incidence of the disease down and that gives us the potential now to look at those rules , '' he added .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier , Chancellor Rishi Sunak told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday show that Mr Johnson had `` put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule '' .
`` Now we have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're at a different stage of the epidemic than we were at the beginning , and that enables us to take a fresh look at this , '' he said .
`` Obviously many other countries around the world use a different rule '' We have seen a couple of countries recently - Norway and Denmark - have moved from two metres to something less . ''
Mr Sunak added : `` It is important we look at it comprehensively in the round and that is what we will do urgently .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` positive impact '' a reduction in the two-metre rule would have on businesses ' ability to reopen .
Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith pointed to recent economic data that showed the UK suffered the biggest collapse in GDP ever seen as it plunged by 20.4 % in April .
`` There is a real economic imperative to get the economy moving again , '' he told Sky News , as he expressed his hope the two-metre rule would be reduced `` quickly '' .
`` One of the problems in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule hamstrings us in a whole series of areas . ''
Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds warned if the government moved to a one-metre rule without it being supported by scientists , there would be a risk of a second peak of coronavirus infections which `` could cause even greater economic damage '' .

Boris Johnson has suggested there will be no reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule until next month.
The prime minister has launched an "urgent" comprehensive review into the coronavirus guideline.
But he revealed on Sunday the two-metre rule would remain under review until the next stage of the government's planned reopening of the economy, scheduled for 4 July.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Chancellor announces two-metre rule review
Non-essential retail shops are being allowed to open in England from Monday but pubs, clubs, restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salons are being told to stay closed.
This is due to the greater risk of transmission of COVID-19 in person-to-person contact over longer periods.
The government is under pressure to reduce the two-metre rule to one metre, as is recommended in countries such as France, Denmark and Singapore.
It has been claimed two-thirds of English pubs will be forced to stay closed unless the rule is reduced to one metre.
Image: In France a one-metre distance is recommended
Senior Conservative MPs are urging the government to act now in order to save millions of jobs in the hospitality sector.
A relaxation of the measure could also help more schools to reopen and allow more pupils to return to classrooms.
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Mr Johnson was asked about the review of the social distancing guideline on a visit to Westfield Stratford City, a shopping centre in east London, on Sunday.
"We'll work very closely with the scientists at all times and make the right decision on the basis of safety, health and stopping the disease," he said.
"The question for us is - as we get the numbers down so it becomes one in 1,000 (people infected with coronavirus), one in 1,600, maybe even fewer - your chances of being two metres or one metre or even a foot away from somebody who has the virus are obviously going down statistically.
"So you start to build some more margin for manoeuvre and we'll be looking at that, and we'll be keeping it under constant review as we go forward to the next step in our plan, which is 4 July.
"So we'll be keeping it under review for 4 July."
But the prime minister stressed he would not "sacrifice the huge efforts of the British people" in combating the spread of COVID-19.
"The country has come together to squash the incidence of the disease down and that gives us the potential now to look at those rules," he added.
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Earlier, Chancellor Rishi Sunak told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday show that Mr Johnson had "put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule".
"Now we have made good progress in suppressing the virus, we're at a different stage of the epidemic than we were at the beginning, and that enables us to take a fresh look at this," he said.
"Obviously many other countries around the world use a different rule
Image: The UK has a two-metre rule, but other countries only recommend one metre
"We have seen a couple of countries recently - Norway and Denmark - have moved from two metres to something less."
Mr Sunak added: "It is important we look at it comprehensively in the round and that is what we will do urgently."
Image: Many pubs will have to remain shut without a reduction in the two-metre rule, it has been claimed
The chancellor said he understood the "positive impact" a reduction in the two-metre rule would have on businesses' ability to reopen.
Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith pointed to recent economic data that showed the UK suffered the biggest collapse in GDP ever seen as it plunged by 20.4% in April.
"There is a real economic imperative to get the economy moving again," he told Sky News, as he expressed his hope the two-metre rule would be reduced "quickly".
"One of the problems in moving the economy is that the two-metre rule hamstrings us in a whole series of areas."
Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds warned if the government moved to a one-metre rule without it being supported by scientists, there would be a risk of a second peak of coronavirus infections which "could cause even greater economic damage".


news--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: China reports surge in COVID-19 cases after Beijing shuts food market

China has reported its highest daily total of new coronavirus cases in two months after Beijing 's largest wholesale food market was shut down following a rise in local infections .
There were 57 confirmed cases in China in the 24 hours to midnight on Saturday , the National Health Commission reported .
It was the highest daily toll since mid-April and included 36 in Beijing .
The new cases come amid mounting concerns over a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic .
China had relaxed most of its anti-virus controls after the ruling Communist Party declared victory over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Xinfadi market on Beijing 's southeastern side was closed and 11 neighbourhoods around it were locked down after more than 50 people in the capital tested positive - the first confirmed cases in 50 days in the city of 20 million people .
An official said the Fengtai district was in `` wartime emergency mode '' and tourism banned in the Chinese capital .
The cluster was detected after throat swabs from 45 people , out of 517 tested at the Xinfadi market , proved positive for coronavirus , although none of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the authorities .
Officials have said more than 10,000 people at the market will be tested , and the premises disinfected .
A city spokesman said all six COVID-19 patients confirmed in Beijing on Friday had visited the market .
They are the first locally transmitted cases in the city in more than 50 days .
The market was closed after someone , who had recently visited it , was reported to have been infected on Thursday .
As well as halting domestic tourism , sporting events have also been suspended in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools for some students have been dropped .
Sky 's Asia correspondent Siobhan Robbins said : `` People in the area have been told not to leave their houses .
`` It is a worrying time for Beijing because it had n't had a locally transmitted case for almost two months , so it just shows you how tricky COVID-19 is to keep under control , and Beijing is n't taking any chances .
`` Not only are these areas in lockdown , some schools and nurseries in the area were closed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut as well .
`` There is mass testing taking place , officials saying that more than 2,000 wholesale market workers were tested on Friday alone . ''
`` State media are reporting that the chairman of the market said traces of COVID-19 were found on a salmon chopping board - that has led to people getting concerned about food safety standards and an investigation launched across the city , '' she added .
The virus was first reported at a seafood market in Wuhan , the capital of central China 's Hubei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now been around 7.6 million people infected worldwide and more than 420,000 have died , according to Johns Hopkins University which has been tracking the outbreak .

China has reported its highest daily total of new coronavirus cases in two months after Beijing's largest wholesale food market was shut down following a rise in local infections.
There were 57 confirmed cases in China in the 24 hours to midnight on Saturday, the National Health Commission reported.
It was the highest daily toll since mid-April and included 36 in Beijing.
The new cases come amid mounting concerns over a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
China had relaxed most of its anti-virus controls after the ruling Communist Party declared victory over the disease in March.
Image: An official has said the area is in 'wartime emergency mode'
On Saturday, the Xinfadi market on Beijing's southeastern side was closed and 11 neighbourhoods around it were locked down after more than 50 people in the capital tested positive - the first confirmed cases in 50 days in the city of
20 million people.
An official said the Fengtai district was in "wartime emergency mode" and tourism banned in the Chinese capital.
The cluster was detected after throat swabs from 45 people, out of 517 tested at the Xinfadi market, proved positive for coronavirus, although none of them showed symptoms of COVID-19, according to the authorities.
Image: The Xinfadi wholesale market has been closed by the authorities
Officials have said more than 10,000 people at the market will be tested, and the premises disinfected.
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A city spokesman said all six COVID-19 patients confirmed in Beijing on Friday had visited the market.
They are the first locally transmitted cases in the city in more than 50 days.
The market was closed after someone, who had recently visited it, was reported to have been infected on Thursday.
As well as halting domestic tourism, sporting events have also been suspended in the city, while plans to reopen schools for some students have been dropped.
Sky's Asia correspondent Siobhan Robbins said: "People in the area have been told not to leave their houses.
"It is a worrying time for Beijing because it hadn't had a locally transmitted case for almost two months, so it just shows you how tricky COVID-19 is to keep under control, and Beijing isn't taking any chances.
"Not only are these areas in lockdown, some schools and nurseries in the area were closed on Friday, several other markets have been shut as well.
"There is mass testing taking place, officials saying that more than 2,000 wholesale market workers were tested on Friday alone."
"State media are reporting that the chairman of the market said traces of COVID-19 were found on a salmon chopping board - that has led to people getting concerned about food safety standards and an investigation launched across the city," she added.
The virus was first reported at a seafood market in Wuhan, the capital of central China's Hubei province, in December.
There have now been around 7.6 million people infected worldwide and more than 420,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University which has been tracking the outbreak.


news--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: Brazil overtakes UK with world's second-highest number of COVID-19 deaths

Brazil has overtaken the UK as the country with the second-highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the world after recording 41,828 fatalities .
The hardest-hit Latin American nation reported 909 deaths on Friday , with more than 828,000 confirmed cases .
It is now just behind the US with the second-highest number of coronavirus-related deaths , figures from Johns Hopkins University show .
It comes a week after Brazil 's government was accused of attempting to hide the true extent of the outbreak in the country after it stopped publishing a running total of coronavirus deaths and infections .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his handling of the crisis after he dismissed the pandemic as `` a little flu '' and has refused to wear a mask or practice social distancing .
He has also rejected ordering quarantines , and many Brazilians have criticised him for opposing city and state measures such as lockdowns and other steps to curb the spread of the virus .
Brazil 's biggest city , Sao Paulo , is freeing up space at its graveyards by digging up the bones of people buried in the past and storing their bagged remains in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who died at least three years ago will be exhumed and put in numbered bags before being stored temporarily in 12 storage containers that the city 's funeral service has purchased .
The containers containing the bodies will be delivered to several cemeteries within 15 days , a statement said .
Sao Paulo is one of the coronavirus hotspots , with 5,480 deaths recorded as of Thursday in a city of 12 million people .
Health experts are concerned about a new spike in cases after a significant fall in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruno Covas to authorise a partial reopening of business this week .
Brazil is expected to reach the peak of infection in August , with the virus having spread from big cities into the nation 's interior .
Michael Ryan , the World Health Organisation 's ( WHO ) emergencies chief , said : `` Overall the health system is still coping in Brazil , although , having said that , with the sustained number of severe cases that remains to be seen .
`` Clearly the health system in Brazil across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustain its effort in this regard .
But the data we have at the moment supports a system under pressure , but a system still coping with the number of severe cases . ''
Brazil 's latest figures come as India reported another record daily surge in infections to pass the grim milestone of 300,000 cases .
India 's total number of cases reached 308,993 , the fourth-highest in the world .

Brazil has overtaken the UK as the country with the second-highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the world after recording 41,828 fatalities.
The hardest-hit Latin American nation reported 909 deaths on Friday, with more than 828,000 confirmed cases.
It is now just behind the US with the second-highest number of coronavirus-related deaths, figures from Johns Hopkins University show.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:22 'Bolsonaro weakens the stay at home message'
It comes a week after Brazil's government was accused of attempting to hide the true extent of the outbreak in the country after it stopped publishing a running total of coronavirus deaths and infections.
President Jair Bolsonaro has come under fire for his handling of the crisis after he dismissed the pandemic as "a little flu" and has refused to wear a mask or practice social distancing.
He has also rejected ordering quarantines, and many Brazilians have criticised him for opposing city and state measures such as lockdowns and other steps to curb the spread of the virus.
Brazil's biggest city, Sao Paulo, is freeing up space at its graveyards by digging up the bones of people buried in the past and storing their bagged remains in large metal containers.
And the remains of people who died at least three years ago will be exhumed and put in numbered bags before being stored temporarily in 12 storage containers that the city's funeral service has purchased.
The containers containing the bodies will be delivered to several cemeteries within 15 days, a statement said.
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Sao Paulo is one of the coronavirus hotspots, with 5,480 deaths recorded as of Thursday in a city of 12 million people.
Image: A woman hugs her elderly sister-in-law through a plastic curtain at a nursing home in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Health experts are concerned about a new spike in cases after a significant fall in the use of intensive care beds prompted mayor Bruno Covas to authorise a partial reopening of business this week.
Brazil is expected to reach the peak of infection in August, with the virus having spread from big cities into the nation's interior.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:58 'Gravediggers don't stop digging'
Michael Ryan, the World Health Organisation's (WHO) emergencies chief, said: "Overall the health system is still coping in Brazil, although, having said that, with the sustained number of severe cases that remains to be seen.
Image: A COVID-19 cemetery in Manaus, Brazil
"Clearly the health system in Brazil across the country needs significant support in order to sustain its effort in this regard. But the data we have at the moment supports a system under pressure, but a system still coping with the number of severe cases."
Image: The Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery where new graves have been dug in Manaus, Brazil
Brazil's latest figures come as India reported another record daily surge in infections to pass the grim milestone of 300,000 cases.
India's total number of cases reached 308,993, the fourth-highest in the world.


news--2020-06-14--Grenfell Tower fire: Churches in London ring bells 72 times to mark three years since tragedy

The third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire is being marked today in commemorations taking place online because of the coronavirus lockdown .
A series of video messages from relatives of the victims were played during a virtual service , remembering the 72 people who died , hosted by the Bishop of Kensington , the Rt Rev Dr Graham Tomlin .
Messages from members of the local community and musical performances were played .
Relatives paid tribute to their loved ones and vowed to continue to fight for justice when the second phase of the public inquiry restarts .
Faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day - and at 6pm , churches across London rang their bells 72 times in memory of those who lost their lives .
The Grenfell United survivors ' group has asked homeowners across the UK to display green lights from windows from 10.30pm .
In a video message , Boris Johnson said the country was working to ensure such a disaster would not be repeated .
The prime minister said : `` That night , 72 men , women and children were taken from us in the cruellest of circumstances .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealing with the consequences of what happened and working to make sure it never happens again .
`` While those affected by Grenfell are not able to gather in person , all of us in this country are with you in spirit . ''
It comes amid warnings thousands of people are still at risk from the cladding that accelerated the fire .
In his message , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledged to do `` everything in my power '' to prevent such a tragedy happening again .
His party estimates 56,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same flammable cladding as Grenfell .
Sir Keir said : `` In the midst of their suffering , the Grenfell community came together to campaign for justice , safe homes and change .
Because no one should ever go through the loss and pain they experienced .
`` But three years on and , unbelievably , tonight people will go to bed in unsafe homes .
Three years on and there has been little justice or accountability .
Three years on their campaign continues . ''
The fire began as a small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth floor of the 23-storey tower block in North Kensington , west London .
Within minutes , flames had raced up the exterior of the building and then spread to all four sides with such speed that by 3am , most of the upper floors were well alight .
It was the most deadly domestic blaze since World War Two , but the Fire Brigades Union ( FBU ) has warned `` the loss of life could be worse still '' if a similar tragedy occurred .
In what he called `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , FBU general secretary Matt Wrack described a `` postcode lottery '' concerning how many firefighters would be sent to their building in the event of a blaze .
He said : `` Lives in London and the South East are worth no more than the rest of the country , yet different regions have drastically different standards . ''
Mr Wrack added the loss of 72 lives at Grenfell was deeply traumatic , but said there was `` a good chance that the next Grenfell will be outside London , in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fire , and the loss of life could be worse still '' .
The public inquiry into the disaster , whose first report criticised firefighters ' actions on the night , was paused in March because of the pandemic and is due to restart on 6 July .

The third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire is being marked today in commemorations taking place online because of the coronavirus lockdown.
A series of video messages from relatives of the victims were played during a virtual service, remembering the 72 people who died, hosted by the Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Rev Dr Graham Tomlin.
Messages from members of the local community and musical performances were played.
Image: People hug during a commemoration to mark the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire
Image: The Bishop of Kensington led the online commemoration service
Relatives paid tribute to their loved ones and vowed to continue to fight for justice when the second phase of the public inquiry restarts.
Faith leaders conducted sermons and reflections online throughout the day - and at 6pm, churches across London rang their bells 72 times in memory of those who lost their lives.
The Grenfell United survivors' group has asked homeowners across the UK to display green lights from windows from 10.30pm.
In a video message, Boris Johnson said the country was working to ensure such a disaster would not be repeated.
The prime minister said: "That night, 72 men, women and children were taken from us in the cruellest of circumstances.
"As a nation, we are still dealing with the consequences of what happened and working to make sure it never happens again.
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"While those affected by Grenfell are not able to gather in person, all of us in this country are with you in spirit."
Image: 72 people died in the Grenfell Tower fire
It comes amid warnings thousands of people are still at risk from the cladding that accelerated the fire.
In his message, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledged to do "everything in my power" to prevent such a tragedy happening again.
His party estimates 56,000 people are living in homes wrapped in the same flammable cladding as Grenfell.
Sir Keir said: "In the midst of their suffering, the Grenfell community came together to campaign for justice, safe homes and change. Because no one should ever go through the loss and pain they experienced.
"But three years on and, unbelievably, tonight people will go to bed in unsafe homes. Three years on and there has been little justice or accountability. Three years on their campaign continues."
Image: Firefighters mark the one-year anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire on 14 June 2018
The fire began as a small kitchen fire just before 1am on the fourth floor of the 23-storey tower block in North Kensington, west London.
Within minutes, flames had raced up the exterior of the building and then spread to all four sides with such speed that by 3am, most of the upper floors were well alight.
It was the most deadly domestic blaze since World War Two, but the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned "the loss of life could be worse still" if a similar tragedy occurred.
In what he called "a chilling warning to the prime minister", FBU general secretary Matt Wrack described a "postcode lottery" concerning how many firefighters would be sent to their building in the event of a blaze.
He said: "Lives in London and the South East are worth no more than the rest of the country, yet different regions have drastically different standards."
Image: In 2018, Downing Street in London was illuminated in green to mark a year since the fire
Mr Wrack added the loss of 72 lives at Grenfell was deeply traumatic, but said there was "a good chance that the next Grenfell will be outside London, in an area where fewer resources are mobilised to a fire, and the loss of life could be worse still".
The public inquiry into the disaster, whose first report criticised firefighters' actions on the night, was paused in March because of the pandemic and is due to restart on 6 July.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: New hand sanitiser plant 'to be operating within 10 days'

Chemicals firm Ineos says it is to open a new plant on Teesside within 10 days capable of producing one million bottles of hand sanitiser per month .
It made the announcement as the government appeals for firms to produce goods , such as ventilators , that are vital for the NHS as it battles the coronavirus crisis .
Ineos , which already produces rubber gloves , PVC saline drips , syringes , ventilators and medical tubing , said the cleaning product it would produce just outside Middlesbrough would be given to the health service free of charge .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for use on wards and by health professionals .
Sir Jim Ratcliffe , the billionaire founder and chairman of Ineos who also holds the accolade of being Britain 's richest man , said : `` Ineos is a company with enormous resources and manufacturing skills .
`` If we can find other ways to help in the coronavirus battle , we are absolutely committed to playing our part . ''
There is a shortage of hand sanitisers currently given huge demand worldwide .
Dyson , best known for its bag-less vacuum cleaners , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plea for more ventilators as resources are stretched .
The firm , founded by Sir James Dyson , has its research base in the UK .
A Dyson spokesman said : `` Dyson has responded to the government 's request for support with its Covid-19 response by focusing resources into the design and manufacture of a ventilator for the NHS .
`` This is a highly complex project being undertaken in an extremely challenging timeframe .
`` We have deployed expertise in air movement , motors , power systems , manufacturing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology and development company TTP , The Technology Partnership , based in Cambridge . ''

Chemicals firm Ineos says it is to open a new plant on Teesside within 10 days capable of producing one million bottles of hand sanitiser per month.
It made the announcement as the government appeals for firms to produce goods, such as ventilators, that are vital for the NHS as it battles the coronavirus crisis.
Ineos, which already produces rubber gloves, PVC saline drips, syringes, ventilators and medical tubing, said the cleaning product it would produce just outside Middlesbrough would be given to the health service free of charge.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Tech firms help to make ventilators
It intends to make standard and pocket bottles for use on wards and by health professionals.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire founder and chairman of Ineos who also holds the accolade of being Britain's richest man, said: "Ineos is a company with enormous resources and manufacturing skills.
"If we can find other ways to help in the coronavirus battle, we are absolutely committed to playing our part."
There is a shortage of hand sanitisers currently given huge demand worldwide.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 This is what you can (and can't) do on lockdown
Dyson, best known for its bag-less vacuum cleaners, is among other companies to have answered the plea for more ventilators as resources are stretched.
The firm, founded by Sir James Dyson, has its research base in the UK.
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A Dyson spokesman said: "Dyson has responded to the government's request for support with its Covid-19 response by focusing resources into the design and manufacture of a ventilator for the NHS.
"This is a highly complex project being undertaken in an extremely challenging timeframe.
"We have deployed expertise in air movement, motors, power systems, manufacturing and supply chain and are working with medical technology and development company TTP, The Technology Partnership, based in Cambridge."


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Elderly people found 'dead and abandoned' at care homes in Spain

Spanish troops brought in to help tackle the spread of the coronavirus outbreak have discovered elderly people `` dead and abandoned '' at their retirement homes , according to the country 's defence minister .
Some elderly residents were `` completely left to fend for themselves , or even dead , in their beds '' , Margarita Robles told Spanish TV channel Telecinco when discussing the COVID-19 crisis .
She did not say what had caused the deaths , how many people the soldiers found or where they were discovered , but she said authorities would use the full force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Defensor del Paciente , a privately-funded patients ' ombudsman group , said it has filed complaints of negligence with the public prosecutor and asked for in-depth investigations into the management of three homes nationwide .
The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Spain has risen by 514 to 2,696 , with more than 6,000 new cases reported .
There have now been 39,673 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country , up from 33,089 on Monday .
There are about 5,500 care homes across Spain and all of them - of which two-thirds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with their almost 400,000 elderly residents cut off from their families .
Many homes are being asked by the country 's overwhelmed hospitals to look after the seriously ill , but they lack ventilators and must compete with hospitals for scarce medical equipment and virus testing kits , according to industry representatives .
Nurses , doctors and other health workers have echoed the complaints of their fellow colleagues in other countries , saying they do not have enough equipment , like masks .
Spain 's national health service is `` demonstrating a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation '' , said the country 's health minister Salvador Illa , who warned the next week would be difficult , and that the epidemic could reach its peak in Spain in the coming days .
In some homes , staff said they were rationing masks or making their own out of cloth , or wearing disposable gowns for many of their shifts .
Some workers have reportedly said they are too scared to go to work , while others had fallen sick , leaving homes short-staffed during a time of unprecedented need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A spokeswoman for the national prosecutor 's office said she could not comment on individual cases , but that all complaints against nursing homes will be investigated .
In Madrid - which has the most confirmed coronavirus cases in Spain - the municipal funeral home said it would stop collecting bodies from Tuesday because of a shortage of equipment .
And authorities in the capital are using an Olympic-sized ice rink as a morgue , which has been kitted out with hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government said deputy prime minister Carmen Calvo has been tested for coronavirus after being taken to hospital with a respiratory infection and is awaiting the results .
Two other ministers and Begona Gomez , the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez , have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Health officials in Spain have said 87 % of coronavirus patients who had died in the country were aged 70 or older .

Spanish troops brought in to help tackle the spread of the coronavirus outbreak have discovered elderly people "dead and abandoned" at their retirement homes, according to the country's defence minister.
Some elderly residents were "completely left to fend for themselves, or even dead, in their beds", Margarita Robles told Spanish TV channel Telecinco when discussing the COVID-19 crisis.
She did not say what had caused the deaths, how many people the soldiers found or where they were discovered, but she said authorities would use the full force of the law to punish those responsible.
Image: Spain's military emergency unit leave a care home after carrying out disinfection procedures
The Defensor del Paciente, a privately-funded patients' ombudsman group, said it has filed complaints of negligence with the public prosecutor and asked for in-depth investigations into the management of three homes nationwide.
The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Spain has risen by 514 to 2,696, with more than 6,000 new cases reported.
There have now been 39,673 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country, up from 33,089 on Monday.
There are about 5,500 care homes across Spain and all of them - of which two-thirds are privately run - are locked down, with their almost 400,000 elderly residents cut off from their families.
Many homes are being asked by the country's overwhelmed hospitals to look after the seriously ill, but they lack ventilators and must compete with hospitals for scarce medical equipment and virus testing kits, according to industry representatives.
Nurses, doctors and other health workers have echoed the complaints of their fellow colleagues in other countries, saying they do not have enough equipment, like masks.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Spain moves to prevent coronavirus disaster
Spain's national health service is "demonstrating a great capacity to respond in an exceptional situation", said the country's health minister Salvador Illa, who warned the next week would be difficult, and that the epidemic could reach its peak in Spain in the coming days.
In some homes, staff said they were rationing masks or making their own out of cloth, or wearing disposable gowns for many of their shifts.
Some workers have reportedly said they are too scared to go to work, while others had fallen sick, leaving homes short-staffed during a time of unprecedented need.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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A spokeswoman for the national prosecutor's office said she could not comment on individual cases, but that all complaints against nursing homes will be investigated.
In Madrid - which has the most confirmed coronavirus cases in Spain - the municipal funeral home said it would stop collecting bodies from Tuesday because of a shortage of equipment.
And authorities in the capital are using an Olympic-sized ice rink as a morgue, which has been kitted out with hospital beds.
On Monday, Spain's government said deputy prime minister Carmen Calvo has been tested for coronavirus after being taken to hospital with a respiratory infection and is awaiting the results.
Two other ministers and Begona Gomez, the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, have tested positive for COVID-19.
Health officials in Spain have said 87% of coronavirus patients who had died in the country were aged 70 or older.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Prototype ventilators could be mass-produced to ease NHS pressure

Doctors and engineers have unveiled a prototype ventilator that 's simple enough to mass-produce in a fortnight , soon enough for the expected surge in coronavirus patients .
The team from Oxford University and King 's College London took less than a week to take the device from the drawing board to working prototype , so that it can soon help in the fight against COVID-19 .
Sky News witnessed the first test on a medical dummy .
It worked - the simulator 's chest rose and fell .
The Oxvent is made using a standard resuscitation bag and valves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need for 3D printing of complex parts .
Compressed air squeezes the bag , blowing oxygen into the lungs , with the frequency of 'breaths ' controlled by simple electronics costing less than £100 .
Andrew Orr , an engineer at Oxford University , said Sony confirmed that it could turn what is currently a jumble of wires into a printed circuit board - and produce 5000 of them in a week .
`` If this is something that we can knock together in a weekend , then mass producing it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
`` You could go from this rats nest to a circuit board in a couple of days . ''
Covid-19 has overwhelmed well-resourced hospitals in northern Italy , alarming doctors in Britain .
The NHS has just over 8,000 ventilators , but the government says 30,000 will be needed .
Professor Andrew Farmery of Oxford 's Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences said the Oxvent 's design lacks the `` bells and whistles '' of modern ventilators , but is safe and reliable .
`` The beauty of it is its simplicity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have gone back to the state of ventilators 10-15 years ago .
We have used components that we already have on the shelf , which is important when the supply chain is stressed .
We have repurposed them . ''
: : Listen to the Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The design ca n't break , there are no motors to burn out and there are no parts to snap .
It can be assembled in a less than two hours from the plans we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Oxvent team pitched their design to the Cabinet Office on Monday and two hospitals have said they are ready to test it on patients .
Professor Sir Mark Walport , chief executive of UK Research and Innovation , said the team was `` working very hard with the business community who are really pulling their fingers out and working very hard on a variety of fronts to build new ventilators and make sure as many as possible are available '' .
`` But to be honest , there is n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stocks of ventilators that are needed when you have a pandemic like this . ''
More than 60 companies have responded to the Prime Minister 's call for help in producing ventilators .
Manufacturers such as Vauxhall and Airbus have said they could 3D-print parts and assemble devices .

Doctors and engineers have unveiled a prototype ventilator that's simple enough to mass-produce in a fortnight, soon enough for the expected surge in coronavirus patients.
The team from Oxford University and King's College London took less than a week to take the device from the drawing board to working prototype, so that it can soon help in the fight against COVID-19.
Sky News witnessed the first test on a medical dummy. It worked - the simulator's chest rose and fell.
Image: Two hospitals say they're already ready to test them on patients
The Oxvent is made using a standard resuscitation bag and valves widely used in the NHS, eliminating the need for 3D printing of complex parts.
Compressed air squeezes the bag, blowing oxygen into the lungs, with the frequency of 'breaths' controlled by simple electronics costing less than £100.
Andrew Orr, an engineer at Oxford University, said Sony confirmed that it could turn what is currently a jumble of wires into a printed circuit board - and produce 5000 of them in a week.
"If this is something that we can knock together in a weekend, then mass producing it will be dead simple, he told Sky News.
"You could go from this rats nest to a circuit board in a couple of days."
Covid-19 has overwhelmed well-resourced hospitals in northern Italy, alarming doctors in Britain.
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The NHS has just over 8,000 ventilators, but the government says 30,000 will be needed.
Image: The government wants to urgently slow the spread of the virus
Professor Andrew Farmery of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences said the Oxvent's design lacks the "bells and whistles" of modern ventilators, but is safe and reliable.
"The beauty of it is its simplicity," he said.
"We have gone back to the state of ventilators 10-15 years ago. We have used components that we already have on the shelf, which is important when the supply chain is stressed. We have repurposed them."
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"The design can't break, there are no motors to burn out and there are no parts to snap. It can be assembled in a less than two hours from the plans we will make freely available to any manufacturer."
The Oxvent team pitched their design to the Cabinet Office on Monday and two hospitals have said they are ready to test it on patients.
Professor Sir Mark Walport, chief executive of UK Research and Innovation, said the team was "working very hard with the business community who are really pulling their fingers out and working very hard on a variety of fronts to build new ventilators and make sure as many as possible are available".
"But to be honest, there isn't a country in the world that has the stocks of ventilators that are needed when you have a pandemic like this."
More than 60 companies have responded to the Prime Minister's call for help in producing ventilators.
Manufacturers such as Vauxhall and Airbus have said they could 3D-print parts and assemble devices.