news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Top doctor urges UK government to consider Korean antibody tests

One of the country 's leading doctors is urging the government to follow his antibody testing regime so the country can start working towards a confident lockdown exit strategy .
Professor Karol Sikora is using inexpensive , self-administered kits imported from South Korea .
The Sugentech kits cost less than £10 each and are widely used in South Korea and Germany - two countries with effective , proven testing regimes .
Thirty staff working at Professor Sikora 's private cancer clinic in Reading have been screened to see if they are carrying COVID-19 antibodies using the self-administered kits .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing the blood of all the staff here for antibodies against coronavirus .
There are two types : IGM , which peaks at about 10 days after infection , and IGG , which takes four or five weeks before it peaks .
That 's the problem with these kits and indeed with all antibody testing , it 's the timing and the relationship to the infection .
`` We know that there are much better assets in the lab that are expensive that need to be sent off and they 're better controlled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kits which are cheap , less than £7 a kit to do the test , and the more expensive lab tests to validate what we 've got from the kits . ''
It is a small , localised initiative but one that could have far reaching and significant consequences .
Governments across the world are racing to find a proven antibody test .
It would map the true spread of the virus and essentially allow people with a virus immunity to reintegrate with society .
Dr George Xynopolous , CEO for Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ validation tests took place .
He explains why it has been so difficult to produce a reliable , effective antibody test so far .
`` This is a new virus and everything in medicine takes time .
It 's not something you can do just by waving a wand , it needs proper verification , it needs trials , it needs a lot of patients to test the method you 're using to ensure it works for everybody .
Each one of us is individual and we 're different and not one size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than four months after the breakout in Wuhan , China , scientists are still learning more about coronavirus .
`` We have made huge advances in some parts of medicine , but as the island of knowledge grows so does the coastline of ignorance , so new questions are being asked all the time , '' Dr Xynopolous added .
Professor Sikora is looking for consistency .
He needs the results of the self-testing kits to match the expensive , lab-based tests .
After several hours of testing , Professor Sikora is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping for .
Two of those tested are positive .
He says the result is `` fantastic '' .
`` So we 've tested nearly 30 of our staff , two are positive and I know who they are , fantastic for them and it means now we have two positives we can compare to other samples , '' he said .
`` Not only are they positive in this complex lab-based assay which is very precise , they 're also positive on the China kits and on the Korea kits , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Sikora is sharing his results with the government .
There are still many unanswered questions but it is a small hopeful step forward , one that he thinks might show us a way out of this pandemic .
`` Firstly we get a handle on how prevalent infection is in the community - we need to know how many people out there are infected .
Is it 10 % .
Is it 20 % ?
Is it 30 % ?
So that 's for community but for the individuals who test positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and they 're not likely to get it again , we do n't think , so they 're immune and hopefully completely healthy and can work normally from now on so they can be relieved . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But he warns against a rush to lift the lockdown .
`` If the lockdown is released without having immunity in the community , the magic number - the R0 - or infectivity of the virus will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Once we have a base line of immune patients out there it means the virus has nowhere to hide and it dies out , and the pandemic dies .
So it 's good news we have something to measure at last . ''

One of the country's leading doctors is urging the government to follow his antibody testing regime so the country can start working towards a confident lockdown exit strategy.
Professor Karol Sikora is using inexpensive, self-administered kits imported from South Korea.
The Sugentech kits cost less than £10 each and are widely used in South Korea and Germany - two countries with effective, proven testing regimes.
Image: Sky's Ashish Joshi is seen getting tested in the laboratory
Thirty staff working at Professor Sikora's private cancer clinic in Reading have been screened to see if they are carrying COVID-19 antibodies using the self-administered kits.
He told Sky News: "We're testing the blood of all the staff here for antibodies against coronavirus. There are two types: IGM, which peaks at about 10 days after infection, and IGG, which takes four or five weeks before it peaks. That's the problem with these kits and indeed with all antibody testing, it's the timing and the relationship to the infection.
"We know that there are much better assets in the lab that are expensive that need to be sent off and they're better controlled, so we're doing both: the kits which are cheap, less than £7 a kit to do the test, and the more expensive lab tests to validate what we've got from the kits."
It is a small, localised initiative but one that could have far reaching and significant consequences. Governments across the world are racing to find a proven antibody test. It would map the true spread of the virus and essentially allow people with a virus immunity to reintegrate with society.
Dr George Xynopolous, CEO for Medical Diagnosis, runs the laboratory where the validation tests took place. He explains why it has been so difficult to produce a reliable, effective antibody test so far.
Image: Dr George Xynopolous, CEO Medical Diagnosis
"This is a new virus and everything in medicine takes time. It's not something you can do just by waving a wand, it needs proper verification, it needs trials, it needs a lot of patients to test the method you're using to ensure it works for everybody. Each one of us is individual and we're different and not one size fits all."
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Even now, more than four months after the breakout in Wuhan, China, scientists are still learning more about coronavirus.
"We have made huge advances in some parts of medicine, but as the island of knowledge grows so does the coastline of ignorance, so new questions are being asked all the time," Dr Xynopolous added.
Professor Sikora is looking for consistency. He needs the results of the self-testing kits to match the expensive, lab-based tests.
After several hours of testing, Professor Sikora is given the news that he has been hoping for. Two of those tested are positive. He says the result is "fantastic".
Image: Professor Karol Sikora is using inexpensive, self-administered kits imported from South Korea
"So we've tested nearly 30 of our staff, two are positive and I know who they are, fantastic for them and it means now we have two positives we can compare to other samples," he said.
"Not only are they positive in this complex lab-based assay which is very precise, they're also positive on the China kits and on the Korea kits, which is good news for testing."
Professor Sikora is sharing his results with the government. There are still many unanswered questions but it is a small hopeful step forward, one that he thinks might show us a way out of this pandemic.
"Firstly we get a handle on how prevalent infection is in the community - we need to know how many people out there are infected. Is it 10%. Is it 20%? Is it 30%? So that's for community but for the individuals who test positive they can relax, they have had COVID-19 and they're not likely to get it again, we don't think, so they're immune and hopefully completely healthy and can work normally from now on so they can be relieved."
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But he warns against a rush to lift the lockdown.
"If the lockdown is released without having immunity in the community, the magic number - the R0 - or infectivity of the virus will be too high," he added.
"Once we have a base line of immune patients out there it means the virus has nowhere to hide and it dies out, and the pandemic dies. So it's good news we have something to measure at last."


news--2020-04-13--Coronavirus: Family of nurse who died say she was 'neglected' by the government

The husband of an NHS nurse who died after contracting coronavirus has said his wife was “ neglected ” by the government and more needs to be done to protect frontline workers .
Amor Padilla Gatinao , who worked at the NHS for 18 years , died on Friday after contracting COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , last month .
Her husband Mario said he believes the 50-year-old caught the virus while working at St Charles Hospital in west London .
He said their three children have been left devastated by the loss and is calling for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Sky News , he said : `` Our youngest child is 14 years old and it is so hard .
The pain is unbearable .
`` I called the ambulance and they came to the house but refused to admit her to the hospital .
They told her to take paracetamol .
Her whole body was in pain .
She could n't eat .
She was diabetic and also had a heart condition .
`` I do n't know why the government did not do more to protect NHS workers , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My children 's lives will never be the same again . ''
Mr Padilla Gatinao described his wife 's final days as `` very difficult '' .
`` She could n't sleep , '' he said .
`` I begged the paramedic to do something , but they left us .
I am so very upset .
`` I drove her in my car to St Mary 's Hospital .
She spent eight or nine days there and the last thing she told me was she wanted to go on to a ventilator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I came back to the family home the day before my mum died .
We were n't able speak to her as she struggled to speak without oxygen .
The last thing I told her was to get better .
`` I expected her to get through this but she was in so much pain .
We are so scared .
We were n't able to hold her and to tell her goodbye .
No one can give us a hug and a hug is all me and my family need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a clinical nurse assessor who moved to the UK in 2002 , first felt symptoms of the respiratory disease on 22 March .
She was intubated and put in an induced coma on 30 March .
She is the fifth Filipino nurse and 44th NHS worker to die after contracting the illness , according to Nursing Notes , a medical site which tracks staff fatalities .
A London ambulance spokesman told Sky News : `` We sent an ambulance crew to the scene and treated a patient but did not take them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any further contact from that address .
`` We would like to express our sympathy to the family at this very difficult time . ''
Chemotherapy nurse Donald Suelto , 51 , is another Filipino nurse who died after treating a patient who had tested positive for COVID-19 .
His niece , Emelyne Suelto Robertson , a nurse in Scotland , said her uncle had dedicated his life to the UK 's health service after moving to the UK 18 years ago .
`` He died all alone in his flat and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him , '' she said .
`` His friends never heard from him , so they asked the police to go and check on him . ''
According to Ms Robertson , her uncle 's body was later discovered by police after they searched his flat .
She echoed Mr Padilla Gatinao 's thoughts , saying that a failure to protect frontline staff may have had an impact on her uncle 's ability to respond to the crisis .
`` There are a lot of Filipinos here working in the NHS who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` A lot of these people are dying alone with no one .
We need to do more to help these people who have given their lives in this war .
`` My uncle was lucky to have me as his next of kin but there are so many others who are dying with no one to support them .
This needs to change .
The government must protect other Filipino nurses from dying . ''
Mr Suelto , who worked on a cancer ward in Hammersmith Hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fever and cough within days of going into isolation .
`` The patient who he came into contact with at the hospital had tested positive for the virus and he was told by his manager to go into isolation , '' said Ms Robertson .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Suelto , who was asthmatic , video-called his niece just days before he died .
He told his family he wanted to fight the virus .
`` The last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is in the Philippines , was a week ago , '' she said .
`` He told us the way he felt he knew he would n't survive .
He told his mum , 'This is not a virus .
This is like a weapon that is attacking my body .
It 's stabbing all the parts of my body ' .
`` He said he could n't fight it anymore .
Some of his colleagues who he worked with have tested positive for the virus and they kept in touch with @ @ @ @ @ @

The husband of an NHS nurse who died after contracting coronavirus has said his wife was “neglected” by the government and more needs to be done to protect frontline workers.
Amor Padilla Gatinao, who worked at the NHS for 18 years, died on Friday after contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, last month.
Her husband Mario said he believes the 50-year-old caught the virus while working at St Charles Hospital in west London.
Image: Amor Padilla Gatinao is pictured with her husband, Mario
He said their three children have been left devastated by the loss and is calling for more protection for NHS staff.
Speaking exclusively to Sky News, he said: "Our youngest child is 14 years old and it is so hard. The pain is unbearable.
"I called the ambulance and they came to the house but refused to admit her to the hospital. They told her to take paracetamol. Her whole body was in pain. She couldn't eat. She was diabetic and also had a heart condition.
"I don't know why the government did not do more to protect NHS workers, like my wife. She was neglected. My children's lives will never be the same again."
Mr Padilla Gatinao described his wife's final days as "very difficult".
"She couldn't sleep," he said. "I begged the paramedic to do something, but they left us. I am so very upset.
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Image: Amor Padilla Gatinao (second right) with her family in Paris. Pic: Family
Image: Donald Suelto, 51, died after contracting COVID-19
"I drove her in my car to St Mary's Hospital. She spent eight or nine days there and the last thing she told me was she wanted to go on to a ventilator."
Her eldest daughter Sophia said: "I came back to the family home the day before my mum died. We weren't able speak to her as she struggled to speak without oxygen. The last thing I told her was to get better.
"I expected her to get through this but she was in so much pain. We are so scared. We weren't able to hold her and to tell her goodbye. No one can give us a hug and a hug is all me and my family need right now."
Mrs Padilla Gatinao, a clinical nurse assessor who moved to the UK in 2002, first felt symptoms of the respiratory disease on 22 March. She was intubated and put in an induced coma on 30 March.
She is the fifth Filipino nurse and 44th NHS worker to die after contracting the illness, according to Nursing Notes, a medical site which tracks staff fatalities.
A London ambulance spokesman told Sky News: "We sent an ambulance crew to the scene and treated a patient but did not take them to hospital. We are unaware of any further contact from that address.
"We would like to express our sympathy to the family at this very difficult time."
Chemotherapy nurse Donald Suelto, 51, is another Filipino nurse who died after treating a patient who had tested positive for COVID-19.
His niece, Emelyne Suelto Robertson, a nurse in Scotland, said her uncle had dedicated his life to the UK's health service after moving to the UK 18 years ago.
Image: Donald Suelto is pictured with his niece, Emelyne Suelto Robertson
"He died all alone in his flat and I'm so sad we weren't there for him," she said. "His friends never heard from him, so they asked the police to go and check on him."
According to Ms Robertson, her uncle's body was later discovered by police after they searched his flat.
She echoed Mr Padilla Gatinao's thoughts, saying that a failure to protect frontline staff may have had an impact on her uncle's ability to respond to the crisis.
"There are a lot of Filipinos here working in the NHS who are single and have no family," she said. "A lot of these people are dying alone with no one. We need to do more to help these people who have given their lives in this war.
"My uncle was lucky to have me as his next of kin but there are so many others who are dying with no one to support them. This needs to change. The government must protect other Filipino nurses from dying."
Mr Suelto, who worked on a cancer ward in Hammersmith Hospital, west London, developed a sore throat, fever and cough within days of going into isolation.
"The patient who he came into contact with at the hospital had tested positive for the virus and he was told by his manager to go into isolation," said Ms Robertson.
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Mr Suelto, who was asthmatic, video-called his niece just days before he died. He told his family he wanted to fight the virus.
"The last conversation he had with his mum, who is in the Philippines, was a week ago," she said. "He told us the way he felt he knew he wouldn't survive. He told his mum, 'This is not a virus. This is like a weapon that is attacking my body. It's stabbing all the parts of my body'.
"He said he couldn't fight it anymore. Some of his colleagues who he worked with have tested positive for the virus and they kept in touch with him towards the end."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Gorillas and chimpanzees 'at risk of catching COVID-19 from humans'

Gorillas , chimpanzees and other great apes are at serious risk of catching coronavirus from humans , a leading conservationist has warned .
Following news that a four-year-old tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York had tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , Ian Redmond harbours concerns about other endangered species .
He said all species of great ape - gorillas , bonobos , chimpanzees and orangutans - could be especially at risk as they share between 97 % and 99 % of their DNA with humans .
`` There is abundant scientific evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human respiratory pathogens , '' said the celebrated tropical field biologist .
`` Therefore the great apes are highly likely to be susceptible to [ the COVID-19 ] infection , and possibly with a higher mortality rate than among humans . ''
While many infectious diseases from Ebola to HIV are known to have been transmitted to humans from animals , research has long examined how such illnesses might jump the other way .
Back in 2012 , an Emory University study found that 58 % of chimpanzees at sanctuaries in Uganda and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which can cause painful lumps , sores and blisters on human skin .
Researchers said the infections were likely acquired from vets who worked with the chimpanzees .
In the final report , the university 's primate disease ecologist Thomas Gillespie concluded that novel pathogens from humans were `` one of the biggest threats '' great apes faced .
Mr Redmond , who has become renowned for his work with gorillas during a 35-year career in conservation , said introducing new human diseases to great apes has the potential to be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new virus so nothing is known about the mortality rate in non-human apes , '' he said .
`` We do know that some diseases cause a higher mortality in closely related species , and that risks are greater for gorillas and chimpanzees and bonobos because they love in social groups . ''
As chairman of the Ape Alliance , a worldwide coalition of more than 100 conservation organisations , Mr Redmond is suggesting that great ape tourism should be suspended and field research reduced .
Many ape tourism and research sites have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 infection , with visitor opportunities across the likes of Indonesia and Uganda having been halted .
Those working with apes are also adhering to an increase in the minimum distance they need to keep .
But so far , there have not been any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in apes .

Gorillas, chimpanzees and other great apes are at serious risk of catching coronavirus from humans, a leading conservationist has warned.
Following news that a four-year-old tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, Ian Redmond harbours concerns about other endangered species.
He said all species of great ape - gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees and orangutans - could be especially at risk as they share between 97% and 99% of their DNA with humans.
Image: Chimpanzees also fall into the great ape family
"There is abundant scientific evidence that great apes are susceptible to infection with human respiratory pathogens," said the celebrated tropical field biologist.
"Therefore the great apes are highly likely to be susceptible to [the COVID-19] infection, and possibly with a higher mortality rate than among humans."
While many infectious diseases from Ebola to HIV are known to have been transmitted to humans from animals, research has long examined how such illnesses might jump the other way.
Back in 2012, an Emory University study found that 58% of chimpanzees at sanctuaries in Uganda and Zambia were carrying drug-resistant strains of staph, which can cause painful lumps, sores and blisters on human skin.
Researchers said the infections were likely acquired from vets who worked with the chimpanzees.
In the final report, the university's primate disease ecologist Thomas Gillespie concluded that novel pathogens from humans were "one of the biggest threats" great apes faced.
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Image: Orangutans could potentially catch the disease from humans
Mr Redmond, who has become renowned for his work with gorillas during a 35-year career in conservation, said introducing new human diseases to great apes has the potential to be "catastrophic".
"COVID-19 is a new virus so nothing is known about the mortality rate in non-human apes," he said.
"We do know that some diseases cause a higher mortality in closely related species, and that risks are greater for gorillas and chimpanzees and bonobos because they love in social groups."
As chairman of the Ape Alliance, a worldwide coalition of more than 100 conservation organisations, Mr Redmond is suggesting that great ape tourism should be suspended and field research reduced.
Many ape tourism and research sites have already taken steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, with visitor opportunities across the likes of Indonesia and Uganda having been halted.
Those working with apes are also adhering to an increase in the minimum distance they need to keep.
But so far, there have not been any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in apes.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: South Korea holds parliamentary elections despite COVID-19 pandemic

Millions of South Koreans are heading to polling stations as the country holds parliamentary elections despite the global coronavirus pandemic .
South Korea 's mass testing , tracing and quarantine measures meant authorities believed it was safe for the ballot to go ahead .
About 44 million people are eligible to vote .
The country has recorded 10,591 COVID-19 cases and only 225 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
Voters have been required to observe various protective measures .
They must wear face masks and have their temperatures checked , disinfect their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the booth .
People are also required to keep one metre apart .
Early voting , held on Friday and Saturday to avoid bigger crowds on the official election day , attracted record numbers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government also allowed 50,000 people who are self-isolating to vote : provided they have no symptoms , they will be allowed to cast ballots once voting ends at 6pm .
`` We believe that personal hygiene and keeping personal distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places frequently is very effective - the only effective way to control the person-to-person transmission particularly in closed , small areas , '' Professor Jeon Jae-hyun , a specialist in infectious disease at Ehwa University Hospital , told Sky News .
South Korea has so far avoided the sort of lockdown currently in effect in the UK .
`` Korean strategies are established based on the purpose of slowing down and delaying the peak incidence to avoid social and medical collapse , '' Prof Jeon said .
There are three main strategies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation of vulnerable people and influx control .
`` I can say that we are in the right direction based on the current Korean situation , although there were some unexpected outbreaks by careless citizen groups .
That is three main factors we could succeed to get through this situation so far , '' the professor said .
The elections , which are held every four years , decide the make-up of South Korea 's National Assembly , where the Democratic Party ( DP ) currently has a majority .
The liberal DP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition , the United Future Party , but South Korea 's robust response to the coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in approval for the DP .
The government is led by President Moon Jae-in , whose five-year term as president ends in 2022 .

Millions of South Koreans are heading to polling stations as the country holds parliamentary elections despite the global coronavirus pandemic.
South Korea's mass testing, tracing and quarantine measures meant authorities believed it was safe for the ballot to go ahead. About 44 million people are eligible to vote.
The country has recorded 10,591 COVID-19 cases and only 225 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 March: 'Cult' church leader apologises over COVID-19
Voters have been required to observe various protective measures.
They must wear face masks and have their temperatures checked, disinfect their hands and put on gloves to enter the booth. People are also required to keep one metre apart.
Early voting, held on Friday and Saturday to avoid bigger crowds on the official election day, attracted record numbers.
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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The government also allowed 50,000 people who are self-isolating to vote: provided they have no symptoms, they will be allowed to cast ballots once voting ends at 6pm.
"We believe that personal hygiene and keeping personal distance and hand washing and sanitising the poll places frequently is very effective - the only effective way to control the person-to-person transmission particularly in closed, small areas," Professor Jeon Jae-hyun, a specialist in infectious disease at Ehwa University Hospital, told Sky News.
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Image: Voters are required to observe protective measures
South Korea has so far avoided the sort of lockdown currently in effect in the UK.
"Korean strategies are established based on the purpose of slowing down and delaying the peak incidence to avoid social and medical collapse," Prof Jeon said.
Image: A woman wearing a mask and plastic gloves casts her vote at a polling station in Seoul
There are three main strategies, composed of searching and destroy, reverse isolation of vulnerable people and influx control.
"I can say that we are in the right direction based on the current Korean situation, although there were some unexpected outbreaks by careless citizen groups. That is three main factors we could succeed to get through this situation so far," the professor said.
The elections, which are held every four years, decide the make-up of South Korea's National Assembly, where the Democratic Party (DP) currently has a majority.
The liberal DP had been losing ground to the conservative opposition, the United Future Party, but South Korea's robust response to the coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in approval for the DP.
The government is led by President Moon Jae-in, whose five-year term as president ends in 2022.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Pregnant nurse, 28, dies after contracting COVID-19 - but baby survives

Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong , who worked at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital for five years , died on Sunday after testing positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
Her baby was delivered successfully via emergency caesarean and is doing well , according to the hospital .
Rhoda Asiedu and Gloria Gyan , thought to be two friends of Ms Agyapong , have since set up a fundraiser in her name for her husband and daughter , which has so far raised more than £20,000 .
Its original target was £2,000 .
They added her daughter has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the duo said : `` Mary was a blessing to everyone she came across and her love , care and sincerity will be irreplaceable .
`` You will forever be in our hearts Mary .
Your memories are still with us and we will cherish them forever until we meet again .
We will forever miss you . ''
The Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said that Ms Agyapong tested positive for COVID-19 on 5 April and was admitted to the hospital she worked at on 7 April .
She died five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if her newborn has tested positive for the disease .
Ms Agyapong 's husband is currently self-isolating and has also been tested for COVID-19 .
Ms Agyapong had been working at the hospital until at least 12 March , well into her third trimester , Channel 4 News reported .
But the hospital said it did not have any coronavirus patients before she took maternity leave .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker David Carter , chief executive of the trust , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sadness that I can confirm the death of one of our nurses , Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong , who passed away on Sunday .
`` Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team , a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this trust .
`` Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary 's family and friends at this sad time .
`` We ask that the family 's privacy is respected at this time . ''

A 28-year-old pregnant nurse has died after contracting coronavirus.
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who worked at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital for five years, died on Sunday after testing positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
Her baby was delivered successfully via emergency caesarean and is doing well, according to the hospital.
Image: Ms Agyapong worked at Luton and Dunstable Hospital for five years. Pic: Google Street View
Rhoda Asiedu and Gloria Gyan, thought to be two friends of Ms Agyapong, have since set up a fundraiser in her name for her husband and daughter, which has so far raised more than £20,000. Its original target was £2,000.
They added her daughter has been named Mary.
On the fundraising page, the duo said: "Mary was a blessing to everyone she came across and her love, care and sincerity will be irreplaceable.
"You will forever be in our hearts Mary. Your memories are still with us and we will cherish them forever until we meet again. We will forever miss you."
The Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said that Ms Agyapong tested positive for COVID-19 on 5 April and was admitted to the hospital she worked at on 7 April.
She died five days later.
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It is not clear if her newborn has tested positive for the disease. Ms Agyapong's husband is currently self-isolating and has also been tested for COVID-19.
Ms Agyapong had been working at the hospital until at least 12 March, well into her third trimester, Channel 4 News reported.
But the hospital said it did not have any coronavirus patients before she took maternity leave.
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David Carter, chief executive of the trust, said: "It is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of one of our nurses, Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who passed away on Sunday.
"Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this trust.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary's family and friends at this sad time.
"We ask that the family's privacy is respected at this time."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Rita Wilson describes 'extreme side effects' of drug touted as treatment

Actress Rita Wilson has warned of the `` extreme '' side effects she suffered from a medicine being used to treat coronavirus .
The actress and her husband Tom Hanks were in Australia last month when they were confirmed as having COVID-19 .
They announced the news in an Instagram post on 12 March .
In her first interview since then , Wilson , 63 , told The Talk with Gayle King : `` I felt extremely achy , uncomfortable , did n't want to be touched , and then the fever started . ''
She added that she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before '' .
Her fever reached its highest temperature - `` close to 39C '' - about nine days after her positive test result .
Wilson also said she had been given the drug chloroquine , which is usually used for malaria .
The similar hydroxychloroquine has been promoted by US president Donald Trump as a possible treatment for COVID-19 patients .
Both drugs are being studied but there is so far no scientific evidence that they work against the virus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she was not sure how the drug affected her illness , adding : `` I can only tell you that I do n't know if the drug worked or if it was just time for my fever to break , but my fever did break . ''
She also warned the drug had `` extreme side effects '' , leaving her `` completely nauseous '' and unable to walk .
`` My muscles felt very weak , '' she said .
`` I think people have to be very considerate about that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know if it 's helpful in this case . ''
Hanks , who had been working on an Elvis Presley biopic in Australia , had milder symptoms , Wilson said .
The couple have both recovered and are back home in Los Angeles .
When they confirmed they had the virus , Hanks had posted on social media : `` We felt a bit tired , like we had colds , and some body aches .
`` Rita had some chills that came and went .
Slight fevers too .
To play things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world right now , we were tested for the coronavirus , and were found to be positive . ''

Actress Rita Wilson has warned of the "extreme" side effects she suffered from a medicine being used to treat coronavirus.
The actress and her husband Tom Hanks were in Australia last month when they were confirmed as having COVID-19.
They announced the news in an Instagram post on 12 March.
Image: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson pictured in January
In her first interview since then, Wilson, 63, told The Talk with Gayle King: "I felt extremely achy, uncomfortable, didn't want to be touched, and then the fever started."
She added that she had suffered "chills like I never had before".
Her fever reached its highest temperature - "close to 39C" - about nine days after her positive test result.
Wilson also said she had been given the drug chloroquine, which is usually used for malaria.
The similar hydroxychloroquine has been promoted by US president Donald Trump as a possible treatment for COVID-19 patients.
Both drugs are being studied but there is so far no scientific evidence that they work against the virus.
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Wilson said she was not sure how the drug affected her illness, adding: "I can only tell you that I don't know if the drug worked or if it was just time for my fever to break, but my fever did break."
She also warned the drug had "extreme side effects", leaving her "completely nauseous" and unable to walk.
"My muscles felt very weak," she said.
"I think people have to be very considerate about that drug.
"We don't really know if it's helpful in this case."
Hanks, who had been working on an Elvis Presley biopic in Australia, had milder symptoms, Wilson said.
The couple have both recovered and are back home in Los Angeles.
When they confirmed they had the virus, Hanks had posted on social media: "We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches.
"Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the coronavirus, and were found to be positive."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: 'Thousands' of cases and deaths in care homes unreported in daily updates

Fears are growing that hundreds of people are dying with coronavirus in care homes but not being included in daily government updates .
Britain 's biggest care home operator , C-One , revealed two-thirds of its homes have been affected and more than 300 people have died in them .
Meanwhile , Care England said there have been thousands of cases and deaths in the homes it represents .
Care minister Helen Whately explained on Sky News that counting care home deaths quickly is `` much harder than in hospitals '' because the care sector is `` far more fragmented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted outbreaks in care homes were `` almost unavoidable '' - despite government advice issued at the end of February and withdrawn in mid-March that said : `` It remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected . ''
Tests have now been pledged to all who need them in care homes - including staff and residents - with the Care Quality Commission charged with coordinating who will get them and when .
Currently the government 's daily deaths update only includes patients who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital .
But stories are emerging every day of care homes announcing residents are dying with COVID-19 symptoms - with not enough tests rolled out to confirm the diagnosis .
The latest deaths occurred at Green Heys Care Home in Waterloo , Merseyside , where eight residents passed away .
Chief executive Mark Adams said it was a `` devastating number '' that `` may have been higher had it not been for the dedicated and selfless response of our team '' .
Sky News has counted at least 134 confirmed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed on Wednesday that 433 care homes have so far experienced outbreaks of coronavirus .
`` The residents of care homes matter every bit as much to us as people in the community or in hospital , '' she said at a news conference .
`` In fact , I would say it is more important - given their vulnerability and susceptibility to infections spreading - that we do all we can to prevent infection and also to control it when there is an infection in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Office for National Statistics revealed nearly one in 10 coronavirus-related deaths in England and Wales happened outside hospitals in the week ending 3 April , and that those 406 deaths were not included in the daily NHS and Department of Health figures .

Fears are growing that hundreds of people are dying with coronavirus in care homes but not being included in daily government updates.
Britain's biggest care home operator, C-One, revealed two-thirds of its homes have been affected and more than 300 people have died in them.
Meanwhile, Care England said there have been thousands of cases and deaths in the homes it represents.
Image: The Department of Health says so far 12,107 people have died so far
Care minister Helen Whately explained on Sky News that counting care home deaths quickly is "much harder than in hospitals" because the care sector is "far more fragmented" with many different providers.
She insisted outbreaks in care homes were "almost unavoidable" - despite government advice issued at the end of February and withdrawn in mid-March that said: "It remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected."
Image: Minister Helen Whately said outbreaks in care homes were 'almost unavoidable'
Tests have now been pledged to all who need them in care homes - including staff and residents - with the Care Quality Commission charged with coordinating who will get them and when.
Currently the government's daily deaths update only includes patients who die after testing positive for the virus in hospital.
Image: The government has promised to 'ramp up' testing in care settings
But stories are emerging every day of care homes announcing residents are dying with COVID-19 symptoms - with not enough tests rolled out to confirm the diagnosis.
The latest deaths occurred at Green Heys Care Home in Waterloo, Merseyside, where eight residents passed away.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:31 Care home staff show 'heroism coming to work'
Chief executive Mark Adams said it was a "devastating number" that "may have been higher had it not been for the dedicated and selfless response of our team".
Sky News has counted at least 134 confirmed and reported deaths in care homes so far.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed on Wednesday that 433 care homes have so far experienced outbreaks of coronavirus.
"The residents of care homes matter every bit as much to us as people in the community or in hospital," she said at a news conference.
"In fact, I would say it is more important - given their vulnerability and susceptibility to infections spreading - that we do all we can to prevent infection and also to control it when there is an infection in a care home."
Yesterday, the Office for National Statistics revealed nearly one in 10 coronavirus-related deaths in England and Wales happened outside hospitals in the week ending 3 April, and that those 406 deaths were not included in the daily NHS and Department of Health figures.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: First Dates waitress Laura Tott contracts COVID-19 after working as paramedic

First Dates waitress Laura Tott has tested positive for COVID-19 after working as an NHS paramedic .
Aside from her role on the Channel 4 reality show , the 25-year-old has been tackling the coronavirus outbreak on the frontline .
Tott , who became a fully registered paramedic 12 months ago , said she wanted to let fans know why she had been out of action for a while .
She wrote on Instagram : `` Today 's been a weird one , kinda knew I had contracted it but actually hearing the word 'positive ' threw me a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quieter on social media recently but I 've felt like absolute rubbish .
Never had any form of flu before so I 'm not handling it well .
Never slept so much !
`` Just wan na thank every single person who is staying in their house and doing their bit still , let 's all beat this Rona b**** .
Just wan na say that I am ok , just feels like a really bad cold . ''
Tott , who used to be a member of the Royal Navy , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about her symptoms , which did not fit in with the much-publicised fever and cough .
She wrote : `` So I 'm one of the lucky ones .
Wan na spread awareness , My first symptoms were complete loss of taste and smell , and then felt like I had sinusitis , I think these symptoms need to be taken way more seriously .
`` I had no cough or fever at first , and still have no cough now .
Stay safe and well everyone !
Netflix recommendations welcome , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me . ''
Presenter Cherry Healy responded to the post , saying : `` Oh sweetheart sending you so so much love get well too for more shenanigans '' .
Other TV stars to have tested positive for COVID-19 include Byker Grove actress Donna Air , former Page 3 model Linda Lusardi and TV magician Dynamo .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Last month Tott shared a photo with a fellow paramedic , responding to the Clap for our Carers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers every Thursday at 8pm .
She wrote : `` That applause last night was unbelievable .
Something I 'll never forget .
Even brought a tear to my eye !
Thank you , and you to every member of the NHS .
`` Thank you to the delivery drivers , the other emergency services , the carers , the shop workers , the PT 's offering home workouts , and every other key worker out there .
Never known kindness like the last couple of weeks . ''

First Dates waitress Laura Tott has tested positive for COVID-19 after working as an NHS paramedic.
Aside from her role on the Channel 4 reality show, the 25-year-old has been tackling the coronavirus outbreak on the frontline.
Tott, who became a fully registered paramedic 12 months ago, said she wanted to let fans know why she had been out of action for a while.
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She wrote on Instagram: "Today's been a weird one, kinda knew I had contracted it but actually hearing the word 'positive' threw me a little.
"I know I've been quieter on social media recently but I've felt like absolute rubbish. Never had any form of flu before so I'm not handling it well. Never slept so much!
"Just wanna thank every single person who is staying in their house and doing their bit still, let's all beat this Rona b****. Just wanna say that I am ok, just feels like a really bad cold."
Tott, who used to be a member of the Royal Navy, said she also wanted to let people know about her symptoms, which did not fit in with the much-publicised fever and cough.
Image: Tott qualified last April, but still appears on the dating show. Pic: Channel 4
She wrote: "So I'm one of the lucky ones. Wanna spread awareness, My first symptoms were complete loss of taste and smell, and then felt like I had sinusitis, I think these symptoms need to be taken way more seriously.
"I had no cough or fever at first, and still have no cough now. Stay safe and well everyone! Netflix recommendations welcome, it's gonna be a long week for me."
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Presenter Cherry Healy responded to the post, saying: "Oh sweetheart sending you so so much love get well too for more shenanigans".
Other TV stars to have tested positive for COVID-19 include Byker Grove actress Donna Air, former Page 3 model Linda Lusardi and TV magician Dynamo.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Last month Tott shared a photo with a fellow paramedic, responding to the Clap for our Carers initiative, which shows appreciation to key workers every Thursday at 8pm.
She wrote: "That applause last night was unbelievable. Something I'll never forget. Even brought a tear to my eye! Thank you, and you to every member of the NHS.
"Thank you to the delivery drivers, the other emergency services, the carers, the shop workers, the PT's offering home workouts, and every other key worker out there. Never known kindness like the last couple of weeks."


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Italy and Spain deaths surge by more than 800 each in 24 hours

The number of people to have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Italy has gone up another 889 , taking the death toll there to 10,023 .
The man leading the battle against COVID-19 in Italy , Angelo Borrelli , said more than 70,000 patients have been recorded as having the disease .
He said that more than 12,000 people have recovered .
The latest figures were released just a few hours after Spain said its toll had surged by 832 to 5,690 .
A further 8,189 cases were detected in the country in the last 24 hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julio Mayol , medical director at the Clinico San Carlos Hospital in Madrid , has told Sky News he fears more and more healthcare professionals fighting the illness will become infected .
He said : `` It is a bad situation , it is really bad and it is getting worse day by day , because the number of positive COVID-19 patients is increasing .
`` We have a large number of patients , and the problem is we ca n't increase the room available .
`` We can provide them with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment ( PPE ) , and there is a global shortage , and this is makes it very difficult for us to send healthcare workers to battle on the frontline without the adequate equipment . ''
Prof Mayol continued : `` Secondly , healthcare professionals are getting infected .
I estimate it could be as many as 25 % in the near future if we do n't do something .
`` Right now two of my closest collaborators are COVID-19 positive , so it is becoming a nightmare .
`` Many of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting the virus .
`` Nurses are also a major problem for us , especially those in the intensive care units .
`` If we do n't get the right personnel to handle these ICU patients , its going to be almost impossible to increase the number of ICU beds , because we wo n't have trained personnel to take care of our patients . ''
The rise in Spain came as German Chancellor Angela Merkel thanked people in her country for being largely compliant during the lockdown there .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase , with Ms Merkel 's chief of staff saying the shutdown would not be eased before 20 April .
The German chancellor said in her weekly podcast : `` When I see today how almost everyone has completely changed their behaviour , how the vast majority of you really do avoid any unnecessary contact , precisely because it can also contain a risk of infection , then I would simply like to say : thank you , thank you from the bottom of my heart . ''
Northern Cyprus reported its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 67-year old German tourist died in hospital in Nicosia , according to Turkey 's state-run Anadolu news agency .
The German man also suffered from the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and high blood pressure , Anadolu said .
The agency , citing a government statement on Saturday , said the total number of cases in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ( TRNC ) had risen to 61 .
In Italy , which has the highest number of deaths in the world , Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte urged the European Union to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help fund the response to the coronavirus outbreak , saying failure to tackle the emergency would be a `` tragic mistake '' for the bloc .
In an interview with Italian daily Il Sole 24 Ore on Saturday , Mr Conte said a common debt instrument was needed to spearhead a European recovery and reinvestment plan to support the economy of the whole area .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , in Finland police and assisting military forces and border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blockade of a key southern region that includes the Nordic nation 's capital , Helsinki .
The exceptional order by Prime Minister Sanna Marin 's government to block the movement of citizens into and out of Uusimaa entered into force on Saturday .
The region is home to some 1.7 million people , including Helsinki 's 650,000 residents .
Albania 's government has announced that people will have to apply for a permit to go out for necessities in the country .
Prime Minister Edi Rama said people can apply online or with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per family may go out .
Albania has reported 186 cases of coronavirus , with 10 deaths .
The coronavirus pandemic has affected more than half a million people worldwide , with more than 24,000 deaths recorded .

The number of people to have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Italy has gone up another 889, taking the death toll there to 10,023.
The man leading the battle against COVID-19 in Italy, Angelo Borrelli, said more than 70,000 patients have been recorded as having the disease. He said that more than 12,000 people have recovered.
The latest figures were released just a few hours after Spain said its toll had surged by 832 to 5,690.
A further 8,189 cases were detected in the country in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 72,248.
Image: Members of the Military Emergency Unit leave an elderly home in Madrid after carrying out disinfection procedures
Professor Julio Mayol, medical director at the Clinico San Carlos Hospital in Madrid, has told Sky News he fears more and more healthcare professionals fighting the illness will become infected.
He said: "It is a bad situation, it is really bad and it is getting worse day by day, because the number of positive COVID-19 patients is increasing.
"We have a large number of patients, and the problem is we can't increase the room available.
"We can provide them with more beds, but we need personal protection equipment (PPE), and there is a global shortage, and this is makes it very difficult for us to send healthcare workers to battle on the frontline without the adequate equipment."
Image: Professor Julio Mayol fears a large number of healthcare workers in Spain are going to become infected
Image: Images from Spain appear to show patients lined-up in hospital corridors
Prof Mayol continued: "Secondly, healthcare professionals are getting infected. I estimate it could be as many as 25% in the near future if we don't do something.
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"Right now two of my closest collaborators are COVID-19 positive, so it is becoming a nightmare.
"Many of our doctors have been admitted, even those fighting the virus.
"Nurses are also a major problem for us, especially those in the intensive care units.
"If we don't get the right personnel to handle these ICU patients, its going to be almost impossible to increase the number of ICU beds, because we won't have trained personnel to take care of our patients."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:10 COVID-19: How do virus deaths compare to a normal year?
The rise in Spain came as German Chancellor Angela Merkel thanked people in her country for being largely compliant during the lockdown there.
The number of confirmed cases in Germany has continued to increase, with Ms Merkel's chief of staff saying the shutdown would not be eased before 20 April.
The German chancellor said in her weekly podcast: "When I see today how almost everyone has completely changed their behaviour, how the vast majority of you really do avoid any unnecessary contact, precisely because it can also contain a risk of infection, then I would simply like to say: thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Northern Cyprus reported its first death from the coronavirus on Saturday after a 67-year old German tourist died in hospital in Nicosia, according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency.
The German man also suffered from the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and high blood pressure, Anadolu said.
The agency, citing a government statement on Saturday, said the total number of cases in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) had risen to 61.
In Italy, which has the highest number of deaths in the world, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte urged the European Union to launch a "recovery bond" to help fund the response to the coronavirus outbreak, saying failure to tackle the emergency would be a "tragic mistake" for the bloc.
In an interview with Italian daily Il Sole 24 Ore on Saturday, Mr Conte said a common debt instrument was needed to spearhead a European recovery and reinvestment plan to support the economy of the whole area.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, in Finland police and assisting military forces and border guard officials have started to enforce a blockade of a key southern region that includes the Nordic nation's capital, Helsinki.
The exceptional order by Prime Minister Sanna Marin's government to block the movement of citizens into and out of Uusimaa entered into force on Saturday.
The region is home to some 1.7 million people, including Helsinki's 650,000 residents.
Albania's government has announced that people will have to apply for a permit to go out for necessities in the country.
Prime Minister Edi Rama said people can apply online or with a text message.
Only one person per family may go out.
Albania has reported 186 cases of coronavirus, with 10 deaths.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected more than half a million people worldwide, with more than 24,000 deaths recorded.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Falkland Islands brace for first COVID-19 case

Concern is growing on the Falkland Islands that their first cases of coronavirus could be confirmed this week .
A child is critically ill with suspected COVID-19 and is being treated at a small hospital in Stanley , the capital of the British overseas territory in the South Atlantic .
A number of other islanders are self-isolating with symptoms .
Complicating the situation , the Falkland Islands authorities do not have any coronavirus testing kit .
It means all samples have to be flown to the UK , some 8,000 miles away .
`` At the moment we are blind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the Legislative Assembly .
`` We do n't know whether we have the virus here .
There is a very strong suspicion that we do .
We have a child who was hospitalised with suspected coronavirus . ''
Even the limited ability to fly samples to the UK for testing ran into trouble earlier this month .
A Royal Air Force airbridge that links the Falklands to the UK had to be temporarily suspended because Cape Verde - a cluster of 10 islands in the mid-Atlantic off the west coast of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Voyager aircraft to transit back and forth through its territory to refuel amid coronavirus fears .
Efforts by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence to find an alternative transit point eventually secured a route via Senegal .
It means the twice-weekly airbridge between RAF Brize Norton air base in Oxfordshire , England , and RAF Mount Pleasant , the military airfield in the Falklands , has restarted , with the first flight landing in the Falklands on Friday afternoon .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker But the sudden pause added to the sense of anxiety gripping the archipelago .
Ms Roberts said people had been particularly alarmed that the first patient to be hospitalised because of suspected coronavirus is a child .
`` It is very difficult at this stage without having the test results .
It is very worrying , '' she told Sky News .
`` The UK government has expressed a commitment to support the islands , they are trying to expedite some testing kit for us and medication as well .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended , a number of charter flights did land in the Falklands to repatriate hundreds of cruise ship passengers from around the world who had been forced to abandon ship and seek refuge on the territory because of the coronavirus crisis .
Some possible coronavirus samples were sent on to the UK on at least one of these charter flights to be tested , with the results expected by the middle of this coming week .
Even without confirmation , the authorities have imposed strict new measures on islanders to try to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case worst fears are realised .
All schools and nurseries closed on Friday until at least the start of the new term in May and everyone has been told to stay at home except for doing essential activities and those deemed as critical workers .
Barry Rowland , chief executive of the Falkland Islands , said anyone who has been asked to self-isolate because they have flu-like symptoms and a fever , must do so with everyone in their household for 14 days .
`` These actions are essential to protect everyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the demand on the health service is limited , '' he said .
`` The situation will be kept under constant review .
It could change , and , when test results are known , we may step up , or scale back some restrictions . ''
For a community of little over 3,000 people surrounded by the South Atlantic , the Falkland Islanders are used to isolation , but these will be particularly worrying times .
About a sixth of the population is classed as high-risk , mainly those over 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilian hospital - the King Edward Memorial Hospital - has limited bed capacity and ventilators .
The authorities will likely draw on support from a large British military presence - a by-product of the Falklands War in 1982 when Argentina invaded and had to be fought back .
Today , some 1,300 British military personnel are stationed at the Mount Pleasant base , supported by hundreds of civilian contractors .
Argentina has also offered support , telling Britain 's ambassador to Buenos Aires that it was ready to send shipments of food , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Falklands .
Foreign Minister Felipe Sola even said his country could provide medical care for infected patients .

Concern is growing on the Falkland Islands that their first cases of coronavirus could be confirmed this week.
A child is critically ill with suspected COVID-19 and is being treated at a small hospital in Stanley, the capital of the British overseas territory in the South Atlantic.
Image: The remote archipelago does not have any coronavirus testing kits
A number of other islanders are self-isolating with symptoms.
Complicating the situation, the Falkland Islands authorities do not have any coronavirus testing kit. It means all samples have to be flown to the UK, some 8,000 miles away.
"At the moment we are blind," said Leona Roberts, a member of the Legislative Assembly.
"We don't know whether we have the virus here. There is a very strong suspicion that we do. We have a child who was hospitalised with suspected coronavirus."
Even the limited ability to fly samples to the UK for testing ran into trouble earlier this month.
A Royal Air Force airbridge that links the Falklands to the UK had to be temporarily suspended because Cape Verde - a cluster of 10 islands in the mid-Atlantic off the west coast of Africa - decided to stop allowing the Voyager aircraft to transit back and forth through its territory to refuel amid coronavirus fears.
Efforts by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence to find an alternative transit point eventually secured a route via Senegal.
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It means the twice-weekly airbridge between RAF Brize Norton air base in Oxfordshire, England, and RAF Mount Pleasant, the military airfield in the Falklands, has restarted, with the first flight landing in the Falklands on Friday afternoon.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But the sudden pause added to the sense of anxiety gripping the archipelago.
Ms Roberts said people had been particularly alarmed that the first patient to be hospitalised because of suspected coronavirus is a child.
"It is very difficult at this stage without having the test results. It is very worrying," she told Sky News.
"The UK government has expressed a commitment to support the islands, they are trying to expedite some testing kit for us and medication as well. We are hopeful."
While the airbridge was suspended, a number of charter flights did land in the Falklands to repatriate hundreds of cruise ship passengers from around the world who had been forced to abandon ship and seek refuge on the territory because of the coronavirus crisis.
Some possible coronavirus samples were sent on to the UK on at least one of these charter flights to be tested, with the results expected by the middle of this coming week.
Even without confirmation, the authorities have imposed strict new measures on islanders to try to stop any further spread of the disease in case worst fears are realised.
Image: The Islands have just one civilian hospital - the King Edward Memorial Hospital
All schools and nurseries closed on Friday until at least the start of the new term in May and everyone has been told to stay at home except for doing essential activities and those deemed as critical workers.
Barry Rowland, chief executive of the Falkland Islands, said anyone who has been asked to self-isolate because they have flu-like symptoms and a fever, must do so with everyone in their household for 14 days.
"These actions are essential to protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable, and ensure that the demand on the health service is limited," he said.
"The situation will be kept under constant review. It could change, and, when test results are known, we may step up, or scale back some restrictions."
For a community of little over 3,000 people surrounded by the South Atlantic, the Falkland Islanders are used to isolation, but these will be particularly worrying times.
About a sixth of the population is classed as high-risk, mainly those over 70 with underlying health conditions.
The only civilian hospital - the King Edward Memorial Hospital - has limited bed capacity and ventilators.
The authorities will likely draw on support from a large British military presence - a by-product of the Falklands War in 1982 when Argentina invaded and had to be fought back.
Today, some 1,300 British military personnel are stationed at the Mount Pleasant base, supported by hundreds of civilian contractors.
Argentina has also offered support, telling Britain's ambassador to Buenos Aires that it was ready to send shipments of food, medical supplies and coronavirus test kits to the Falklands.
Foreign Minister Felipe Sola even said his country could provide medical care for infected patients.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: Green's TopShop empire to halt pension payments

Sir Philip Green 's TopShop empire is to halt payments to its pension scheme for months as retailers and other stricken companies conserve cash during the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Arcadia Group , the parent company of high street brands including Burton , Dorothy Perkins and TopShop , is to defer a series of deficit recovery contributions agreed with pension watchdogs last year .
The move , which is understood to have secured the agreement of Arcadia 's pension trustees , comes amid an unprecedented maelstrom in British retailing , with liabilities including rent payments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put on ice .
Under the agreement that kept Arcadia alive last June , the company is due to pay £25 million annually into its pension scheme for the next three years - equating to monthly payments of just over £2m .
Those contributions are now said to have been postponed for at least three months - and possibly longer , depending upon the length of the COVID-19 shutdown .
While Arcadia is far from alone in seeking to bolster cashflows by reducing pension payments , Sir Philip 's history with the retirement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to attract attention .
All `` non-essential '' retailers , largely comprising fashion and other non-food products , were ordered to close their doors immediately by the government this week .
Many chains have complained that the instruction will leave them on the brink of insolvency , even with the aid of a range of emergency government support schemes .
The Pensions Regulator , which rubber-stamped last year 's Company Voluntary Arrangement proposals , is aware of Arcadia 's deferral plan , according to insiders .
Sources insisted that this year 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philip 's wife , under the terms of last June 's agreement would arrive on schedule .
In guidance published late on Friday evening , regulators said defined benefit pension trustees should be open to considering requests from companies to reduce or suspend contributions during the current crisis .
`` The significant measures and clear guidance we are announcing reflect the unprecedented and challenging situation trustees and employers find themselves in , '' said David Fairs , director of policy at TPR .
`` The current scheme funding regime is flexible enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic downturn . ''
City sources said myriad companies would seek to agree reduced contributions in the coming days .
They warned , however , of the risks of companies which have been allowed to defer pension contributions not making it through the coronavirus pandemic .
That would leave schemes in an inferior position if their sponsor ultimately collapses .
Insiders also pointed out the hammering that equity prices have taken , as well as the sharp cuts to interest rates announced by central banks in order to stimulate major economies , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trustees .
Like many of its rivals , Arcadia has seen catastrophic falls in sales across its brands in recent weeks , even before the enforced closure of their stores .
Sky News revealed this month that the company was suspending rent payments to landlords , joining the likes of Burger King , New Look and Body Shop .
Sir Philip 's businesses employ about 18,000 people , making his operations one of the UK 's largest privately owned employers .
Arcadia , which made billions of pounds for Sir Philip and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .
He narrowly secured creditors ' support for a rescue of Arcadia last June , with landlords agreeing to back a CVA at the second attempt .
As well as the £175m cash contributions into Arcadia 's pension scheme it was also granted security over a further £210m of property and other assets .
In return , Arcadia signalled its intention to close dozens of stores and reduce rents at hundreds more .
As part of the reorganisation of his companies , Sir Philip paid $ 1 to buy back his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in TopShop and Topman .
Like its rivals , Arcadia 's brands have been hit by shifting habits among shoppers and growing consumer caution .
It has been a tumultuous period for Sir Philip , who for years was feted as the king of the high street by politicians and the media but who struggled to recover his poise after the collapse in 2016 of BHS .
His sale of the department store chain a year earlier to Dominic Chappell , a former bankrupt , culminated in Sir Philip having to contribute more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after its collapse .
The tycoon 's miserable period has not only been restricted to the performance of his business .
Sir Philip also became embroiled in a storm over his behaviour towards Arcadia employees and his use of non-disclosure agreements to prevent former workers discussing their severance packages .

Sir Philip Green's TopShop empire is to halt payments to its pension scheme for months as retailers and other stricken companies conserve cash during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Arcadia Group, the parent company of high street brands including Burton, Dorothy Perkins and TopShop, is to defer a series of deficit recovery contributions agreed with pension watchdogs last year.
The move, which is understood to have secured the agreement of Arcadia's pension trustees, comes amid an unprecedented maelstrom in British retailing, with liabilities including rent payments, business rates and tax contributions all being put on ice.
Image: Sir Philip Green has struggled to recover after the collapse of BHS
Under the agreement that kept Arcadia alive last June, the company is due to pay £25 million annually into its pension scheme for the next three years - equating to monthly payments of just over £2m.
Those contributions are now said to have been postponed for at least three months - and possibly longer, depending upon the length of the COVID-19 shutdown.
While Arcadia is far from alone in seeking to bolster cashflows by reducing pension payments, Sir Philip's history with the retirement schemes of his companies means it is likely to attract attention.
All "non-essential" retailers, largely comprising fashion and other non-food products, were ordered to close their doors immediately by the government this week.
Many chains have complained that the instruction will leave them on the brink of insolvency, even with the aid of a range of emergency government support schemes.
The Pensions Regulator, which rubber-stamped last year's Company Voluntary Arrangement proposals, is aware of Arcadia's deferral plan, according to insiders.
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Sources insisted that this year's £25m contribution from Lady Green, Sir Philip's wife, under the terms of last June's agreement would arrive on schedule.
In guidance published late on Friday evening, regulators said defined benefit pension trustees should be open to considering requests from companies to reduce or suspend contributions during the current crisis.
"The significant measures and clear guidance we are announcing reflect the unprecedented and challenging situation trustees and employers find themselves in," said David Fairs, director of policy at TPR.
"The current scheme funding regime is flexible enough to cope with the impact of a severe economic downturn."
City sources said myriad companies would seek to agree reduced contributions in the coming days.
They warned, however, of the risks of companies which have been allowed to defer pension contributions not making it through the coronavirus pandemic.
That would leave schemes in an inferior position if their sponsor ultimately collapses.
Insiders also pointed out the hammering that equity prices have taken, as well as the sharp cuts to interest rates announced by central banks in order to stimulate major economies, would also be of profound concern to pension trustees.
Like many of its rivals, Arcadia has seen catastrophic falls in sales across its brands in recent weeks, even before the enforced closure of their stores.
Sky News revealed this month that the company was suspending rent payments to landlords, joining the likes of Burger King, New Look and Body Shop.
Sir Philip's businesses employ about 18,000 people, making his operations one of the UK's largest privately owned employers.
Arcadia, which made billions of pounds for Sir Philip and his family, was already struggling before the coronavirus outbreak.
He narrowly secured creditors' support for a rescue of Arcadia last June, with landlords agreeing to back a CVA at the second attempt.
As well as the £175m cash contributions into Arcadia's pension scheme it was also granted security over a further £210m of property and other assets.
In return, Arcadia signalled its intention to close dozens of stores and reduce rents at hundreds more.
As part of the reorganisation of his companies, Sir Philip paid $1 to buy back his private equity partner's 25% stake in TopShop and Topman.
Like its rivals, Arcadia's brands have been hit by shifting habits among shoppers and growing consumer caution.
It has been a tumultuous period for Sir Philip, who for years was feted as the king of the high street by politicians and the media but who struggled to recover his poise after the collapse in 2016 of BHS.
His sale of the department store chain a year earlier to Dominic Chappell, a former bankrupt, culminated in Sir Philip having to contribute more than £360m to fund its pension deficit after its collapse.
The tycoon's miserable period has not only been restricted to the performance of his business.
Sir Philip also became embroiled in a storm over his behaviour towards Arcadia employees and his use of non-disclosure agreements to prevent former workers discussing their severance packages.
Arcadia and TPR declined to comment.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus: UK COVID-19 deaths rise by 259 - at least 13 were healthy adults

Another 259 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - with at least 13 of them having no underlying health problems .
The latest figures mean a total of 1,028 people have died in the UK after contracting the virus .
The vast majority of those were in England , where a further 246 deaths means a total of 935 people have died .
NHS England said the victims there were aged between 33 and 100 , and all but 13 of them had underlying health conditions .
Those without underlying health conditions were aged between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven more deaths , bringing the total to 40 .
There have been four more fatalities in Wales , bringing the total to 38 .
Northern Ireland has had 15 deaths after two more people who tested positive for the disease died .
It is not clear how many of those who died in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland had underlying health conditions .
The highest number of deaths in one area was at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in England where 16 people died .
Fifteen of the deaths were at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trust .
Out of the 259 coronavirus-linked deaths announced on Saturday , more than 75 were in London .
There were 17,089 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Saturday .
Some 120,776 people had been tested .
The figures have been released by the government as new pictures emerged from inside the NHS Nightingale Hospital in London 's Excel building .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Once work is completed this week , the facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time .
Two more of these temporary mega-hospitals are to be built - one in Birmingham and one in Manchester .
Yesterday it was announced that a mortuary for up to 12,000 bodies is being worked on at Birmingham 's airport .
Meanwhile , Hundreds of frontline NHS staff will be tested this weekend to find out if they have the coronavirus .
Cabins have been set up at the Chessington World of Adventures theme park on the outskirts of southwest London .
NHS staff will drive up to them and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurses to be sent off for testing .
Conservative MP Alister Jack became the latest cabinet member to announce he is self-isolating after experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus on Saturday .
The prime minister and his health secretary , Matt Hancock , have both tested positive for COVID-19 .
Boris Johnson sought to show he 's still leading the government 's response by chairing the daily cross-Whitehall crisis response meeting via videolink on Saturday .

Another 259 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - with at least 13 of them having no underlying health problems.
The latest figures mean a total of 1,028 people have died in the UK after contracting the virus.
The vast majority of those were in England, where a further 246 deaths means a total of 935 people have died.
NHS England said the victims there were aged between 33 and 100, and all but 13 of them had underlying health conditions. Those without underlying health conditions were aged between 63 and 99.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Nightingale Hospital in London begins to take shape
Scotland has had seven more deaths, bringing the total to 40. There have been four more fatalities in Wales, bringing the total to 38. Northern Ireland has had 15 deaths after two more people who tested positive for the disease died.
It is not clear how many of those who died in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland had underlying health conditions.
The highest number of deaths in one area was at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in England where 16 people died. Fifteen of the deaths were at the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals Trust.
Out of the 259 coronavirus-linked deaths announced on Saturday, more than 75 were in London.
There were 17,089 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Saturday.
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Some 120,776 people had been tested.
The figures have been released by the government as new pictures emerged from inside the NHS Nightingale Hospital in London's Excel building.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Once work is completed this week, the facility will be able to hold 4,000 patients at a time.
Two more of these temporary mega-hospitals are to be built - one in Birmingham and one in Manchester.
Yesterday it was announced that a mortuary for up to 12,000 bodies is being worked on at Birmingham's airport.
Meanwhile, Hundreds of frontline NHS staff will be tested this weekend to find out if they have the coronavirus.
Cabins have been set up at the Chessington World of Adventures theme park on the outskirts of southwest London.
NHS staff will drive up to them and get their nose and mouths swabbed by nurses to be sent off for testing.
Image: PM Boris Johnson chaired the coronavirus crisis meeting from self-isolation
Conservative MP Alister Jack became the latest cabinet member to announce he is self-isolating after experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus on Saturday.
The prime minister and his health secretary, Matt Hancock, have both tested positive for COVID-19.
Boris Johnson sought to show he's still leading the government's response by chairing the daily cross-Whitehall crisis response meeting via videolink on Saturday.


news--2020-03-28--Coronavirus lockdown: The streets may be silent but the fun isn't over

The weekend has arrived and the country is in lockdown .
It 's midnight in London .
The bright lights at Piccadilly Circus still shine , but there is not a single person in sight .
Just a few empty , red double-decker buses pass through .
Roads are silent .
Streets usually filled with tourists , party goers and giggling couples on first dates , are now desolate .
There is no smell of delicious Asian food as you walk through China Town , no laughter as people gather for post-work drinks in Soho and no runners , frantically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic .
So when city streets fall silent across the country and you ca n't leave the house , what exactly do you get up to at the weekend ?
Well , the party inevitably has to come to your own front room .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
In recent days , people have found innovative ways to entertain themselves and connect with friends and family through modern technology .
Never have there been so many virtual tutorials : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , workout classes .
You name it .
You can find it happening live and online .
Hannah Saunders puts on raves for children across the country .
But given mass gatherings are now banned , she decided to stream a rave instead .
More than 5,000 families joined her live .
The performance , which was filmed in her kitchen , featured her children , pets , plenty of glitter , bubbles and confetti .
In fact , it was so successful that she is doing it all again this weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was absolutely glorious .
It really did bring about that sense of community you get on a dance floor .
It was just in gardens , kitchens , living rooms .
It was brilliant . ''
While raving might not be for everyone , there are plenty of quizzes to take part in online .
Some are small , private gatherings , others are for charity and have attracted thousands of participants .
They can be themed - to focus on your favourite television show , or you might even want to don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Amy Cavanaugh , who is visually impaired , has started a virtual pub , where her friends can drink with her , albeit in an online setting .
She hosts online film nights and language lessons too .
Dr Cavanaugh told Sky News that virtual socialising is often second nature to those with disabilities .
She said : `` Disabled people ca n't get in the pub a lot of the time .
Most pubs are inaccessible .
They do n't have accessible toilets , so actually we are pretty good .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ person . ''
Across the country real pubs , bars and restaurants are closed and boarded up .
This is having a massive impact on businesses , including Time Out magazine , which recommends fun places for people to go out .
However , the publication has now changed its name to Time In , offering advice on the best virtual happenings instead .
The world is being forced to adapt to a new way of living .
It might not afford us physical contact , but for now it seems most things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch of a button .

The weekend has arrived and the country is in lockdown.
It's midnight in London. The bright lights at Piccadilly Circus still shine, but there is not a single person in sight.
Just a few empty, red double-decker buses pass through.
Roads are silent. Streets usually filled with tourists, party goers and giggling couples on first dates, are now desolate.
There is no smell of delicious Asian food as you walk through China Town, no laughter as people gather for post-work drinks in Soho and no runners, frantically weaving their way through pedestrians and gridlocked traffic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 The prime minister confirms he has tested positive for COVID-19
So when city streets fall silent across the country and you can't leave the house, what exactly do you get up to at the weekend? Well, the party inevitably has to come to your own front room.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
In recent days, people have found innovative ways to entertain themselves and connect with friends and family through modern technology.
Never have there been so many virtual tutorials: language lessons, cookery classes, bingo, workout classes. You name it. You can find it happening live and online.
Advertisement
Hannah Saunders puts on raves for children across the country. But given mass gatherings are now banned, she decided to stream a rave instead.
More than 5,000 families joined her live. The performance, which was filmed in her kitchen, featured her children, pets, plenty of glitter, bubbles and confetti. In fact, it was so successful that she is doing it all again this weekend.
Image: Time Out has become dominated by how to spend your Time In
She told Sky News: "It was absolutely glorious. It really did bring about that sense of community you get on a dance floor. It was just in gardens, kitchens, living rooms. It was brilliant."
While raving might not be for everyone, there are plenty of quizzes to take part in online. Some are small, private gatherings, others are for charity and have attracted thousands of participants. They can be themed - to focus on your favourite television show, or you might even want to don a silly hat or fancy dress.
Dr Amy Cavanaugh, who is visually impaired, has started a virtual pub, where her friends can drink with her, albeit in an online setting. She hosts online film nights and language lessons too.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 With the UK in lockdown many people are getting creative
Dr Cavanaugh told Sky News that virtual socialising is often second nature to those with disabilities.
She said: "Disabled people can't get in the pub a lot of the time. Most pubs are inaccessible. They don't have accessible toilets, so actually we are pretty good. We are veterans of socialising not in person."
Across the country real pubs, bars and restaurants are closed and boarded up. This is having a massive impact on businesses, including Time Out magazine, which recommends fun places for people to go out. However, the publication has now changed its name to Time In, offering advice on the best virtual happenings instead.
The world is being forced to adapt to a new way of living. It might not afford us physical contact, but for now it seems most things worth doing this weekend are at the touch of a button.