news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: The UK's true COVID-19 hotspots revealed in new hyper-local data

As the prime minister prepares to outline a roadmap to ease the lockdown on Sunday , Sky News analysis has revealed the COVID-19 hotspots that could bring pressure to delay any changes .
This local data shows clear differences in the prevalence of the virus within the UK 's nations and regions ; and for the first time the Department of Health has released the rate of confirmed cases per 100,000 population in the hyper-local district council areas .
This identifies the communities where rates of infection are highest and where easing restrictions could have a more severe impact .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ known that Kent ( 3,968 confirmed cases ) , Lancashire ( 3,055 ) and Birmingham ( 3,011 ) lead the league table of confirmed cases .
But the inclusion of both the new incidence rate and data for much smaller local authorities allows us to see a rather different picture for how the epidemic is being experienced in England .
The government 's data suggests the highest incidence of COVID-19 is in Barrow-in-Furness , which has reported 540 cases .
Its relatively small population means this number translates into a rate of 804 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Second on the list , but a long way behind , is Lancaster ( 513 cases/100,000 population ) , while in third place is another council in the county of Cumbria , South Lakeland , which has 482 cases/100,000 .
Another Cumbrian council , Carlisle , is in 10th place ( 397 cases/100,000 ) , while Copeland is not too far behind ( 374 ) .
Data published by the Office for National Statistics and the Care Quality Commission identified Cumbria as a location with several outbreaks in care homes .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died with COVID-19 in the county , which has almost 3,500 people living in residential care .
Barrow is thought to be one of the worst affected areas , along with South Lakeland , and care homes owners have said the infection is `` running wild '' .
There is further evidence of geographic clustering of confirmed cases in England - with Sunderland ( a rate of 457/100,000 ) , Gateshead ( 453 ) and South Tyneside ( 421 ) among the authorities worst affected .
Interestingly , the two remaining boroughs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Newcastle upon Tyne and North Tyneside , fare much better than their neighbours .
Another urban authority in the North East with a high rate is Middlesbrough ( 427 cases/100,000 ) .
Although London fared particularly badly at the outset of the epidemic , its boroughs do not dominate the league table of incidence after accounting for population .
The worst authority is Brent ( 421/100,000 ) followed by Southwark and Harrow ( each on 386 ) and Lambeth ( 356 ) .
Mostly rural authorities dominate the other extreme , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a relatively large number of cases , 531 , Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has a rate of just 94 cases per 100,000 population .
Despite its relatively large population , Plymouth has an incidence of just 120 cases/100,000 , only marginally higher than the Isle of Wight ( 105 ) .
There is also an interesting cluster of low incidence around East/West Sussex with Arun ( 91 cases/100,000 ) , Rother ( 87 ) and , most surprising of all Hastings ( 48 ) , all reporting very few cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 14 health boards , so is at a slightly less local level .
However , it is still possible to compare the relative incidence of COVID 19 in different parts of the nation .
The Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board dominates .
When the lockdown began , this one area accounted for 31 % of confirmed cases in Scotland .
Since then , its share of Scotland 's cases has fallen to 25 % .
Lothian , based around Edinburgh , has moved in the opposite direction .
When lockdown started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases .
But its share of Scotland 's total has been steadily rising and it now accounts for 17 % of the nation 's cases .
Other areas have been comparatively stable - Lanarkshire consistent with 12 % of cases and Tayside moving from 9 % to 11 % .
Rural parts of the mainland , as well as the Islands , have reported relatively few cases of COVID-19 .
Orkney , Shetland and the Western Isles combined account for less than half of one percent of all Scotland 's cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boards together account for less than 7 % of the total .
In Wales , three local authorities each have more than 1,000 confirmed cases : Cardiff ( 1,789 cases ) , Rhondda Cynon Taf ( 1,195 ) and Swansea ( 1,129 ) .
However , once we take account of the different population sizes , it is Rhondda Cynon Taf which heads the list with 498 cases per 100,000 people compared with Cardiff 's rate of 491 .
Despite having a relatively large number of cases , Swansea ( 458 cases per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 480 ) and Merthyr Tydfil ( 479 ) .
As is the case in Scotland , rural areas in Wales are relatively unscathed by the virus .
Ceredigion has just 37 confirmed cases in total , giving it a ratio of just 51 cases per 100,000 population .
Next is the Isle of Anglesey , which might be considered another ideal place to begin a test , track and trace scheme , since it has only 97 cases - an incidence of 139 cases per 100,000 .
Powys , which borders the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has an incidence of 148 which is comparable to its English neighbours - Herefordshire ( 174 ) and Shropshire ( 178 ) .
What does this mean for lockdown ?
The clear difference in the prevalence of the virus in certain parts of the country suggests there could soon be people in some areas straining at the seams to get out and about again , while others , including the leaders of the devolved institutions , might well be more reticent .
The official government line is `` all parts of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions about how sustainable that will be .
The analysis in this piece is based on data up to 7 May , but visualisations are live and allow you to track the latest numbers .

As the prime minister prepares to outline a roadmap to ease the lockdown on Sunday, Sky News analysis has revealed the COVID-19 hotspots that could bring pressure to delay any changes.
This local data shows clear differences in the prevalence of the virus within the UK's nations and regions; and for the first time the Department of Health has released the rate of confirmed cases per 100,000 population in the hyper-local district council areas.
This identifies the communities where rates of infection are highest and where easing restrictions could have a more severe impact.
For some time, it has been known that Kent (3,968 confirmed cases), Lancashire (3,055) and Birmingham (3,011) lead the league table of confirmed cases.
But the inclusion of both the new incidence rate and data for much smaller local authorities allows us to see a rather different picture for how the epidemic is being experienced in England.
England
North West
The government's data suggests the highest incidence of COVID-19 is in Barrow-in-Furness, which has reported 540 cases.
Its relatively small population means this number translates into a rate of 804 cases of the virus per 100,000 population.
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Second on the list, but a long way behind, is Lancaster (513 cases/100,000 population), while in third place is another council in the county of Cumbria, South Lakeland, which has 482 cases/100,000.
Another Cumbrian council, Carlisle, is in 10th place (397 cases/100,000), while Copeland is not too far behind (374).
Data published by the Office for National Statistics and the Care Quality Commission identified Cumbria as a location with several outbreaks in care homes.
More than 100 residents are suspected to have died with COVID-19 in the county, which has almost 3,500 people living in residential care.
Barrow is thought to be one of the worst affected areas, along with South Lakeland, and care homes owners have said the infection is "running wild".
North East
There is further evidence of geographic clustering of confirmed cases in England - with Sunderland (a rate of 457/100,000), Gateshead (453) and South Tyneside (421) among the authorities worst affected.
Interestingly, the two remaining boroughs in the former Tyne & Wear metropolitan county, Newcastle upon Tyne and North Tyneside, fare much better than their neighbours.
Another urban authority in the North East with a high rate is Middlesbrough (427 cases/100,000).
London
Although London fared particularly badly at the outset of the epidemic, its boroughs do not dominate the league table of incidence after accounting for population.
The worst authority is Brent (421/100,000) followed by Southwark and Harrow (each on 386) and Lambeth (356).
South West
Mostly rural authorities dominate the other extreme, particularly in the South West.
Although it has a relatively large number of cases, 531, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has a rate of just 94 cases per 100,000 population.
Despite its relatively large population, Plymouth has an incidence of just 120 cases/100,000, only marginally higher than the Isle of Wight (105).
South East
There is also an interesting cluster of low incidence around East/West Sussex with Arun (91 cases/100,000), Rother (87) and, most surprising of all Hastings (48), all reporting very few cases of COVID-19.
Scotland
Scotland's reporting is based on 14 health boards, so is at a slightly less local level. However, it is still possible to compare the relative incidence of COVID 19 in different parts of the nation.
The Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board dominates. When the lockdown began, this one area accounted for 31% of confirmed cases in Scotland. Since then, its share of Scotland's cases has fallen to 25%.
Lothian, based around Edinburgh, has moved in the opposite direction. When lockdown started it reported one in eight of all confirmed cases. But its share of Scotland's total has been steadily rising and it now accounts for 17% of the nation's cases.
Other areas have been comparatively stable - Lanarkshire consistent with 12% of cases and Tayside moving from 9% to 11%.
Rural parts of the mainland, as well as the Islands, have reported relatively few cases of COVID-19.
Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles combined account for less than half of one percent of all Scotland's cases.
The Borders, Dumfries and the Highland Boards together account for less than 7% of the total.
Wales
In Wales, three local authorities each have more than 1,000 confirmed cases: Cardiff (1,789 cases), Rhondda Cynon Taf (1,195) and Swansea (1,129).
However, once we take account of the different population sizes, it is Rhondda Cynon Taf which heads the list with 498 cases per 100,000 people compared with Cardiff's rate of 491.
Despite having a relatively large number of cases, Swansea (458 cases per 100,000) is ranked fifth behind Newport (480) and Merthyr Tydfil (479).
As is the case in Scotland, rural areas in Wales are relatively unscathed by the virus.
Ceredigion has just 37 confirmed cases in total, giving it a ratio of just 51 cases per 100,000 population.
Next is the Isle of Anglesey, which might be considered another ideal place to begin a test, track and trace scheme, since it has only 97 cases - an incidence of 139 cases per 100,000.
Powys, which borders the English counties of Herefordshire and Shropshire, has an incidence of 148 which is comparable to its English neighbours - Herefordshire (174) and Shropshire (178).
What does this mean for lockdown?
The clear difference in the prevalence of the virus in certain parts of the country suggests there could soon be people in some areas straining at the seams to get out and about again, while others, including the leaders of the devolved institutions, might well be more reticent.
The official government line is "all parts of the UK move together" but this data raises questions about how sustainable that will be.
The analysis in this piece is based on data up to 7 May, but visualisations are live and allow you to track the latest numbers.


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Sajid Javid proposes different lockdown rules based on age to reopen economy

Britain must turn its attention to the economy now it is through the peak of the coronavirus crisis , Sajid Javid has told Sky News .
In his first exclusive television interview since stepping down as chancellor , he said the government `` rightly put public health first '' .
But he urged Boris Johnson to now focus on economic recovery after questioning the Bank of England 's prediction that the economy will bounce back from what it predicts will be the deepest recession in 300 years .
`` I think a V-shaped recovery will be challenging .
And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's possible , '' Mr Javid said .
`` It has made a whole set of assumptions around relaxing the lockdown and ending it completely in three months .
And it says itself that it 's at best uncertain .
`` I do think it 's just like the virus itself , let 's hope for the best but let 's plan for the worst , and that means you 're taking whatever action you think is necessary and possible right now to make sure we do get the fastest recovery possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praise for his protege and successor Rishi Sunak , who he said was `` absolutely right '' to `` use fiscal firepower to intervene and mitigate '' in the short term .
However , he said attention should now be paid to ensuring the health of the banking system to aid economic recovery , while urging ministers to `` run the economy hot '' in order to balance controlling the coronavirus outbreak with the wider impact of a prolonged lockdown .
When it comes to the banking system , the former chancellor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the health of our banks '' and said they might have to be forced to raise more capital to ensure they do not just absorb losses but also continue lending .
`` Because of the action that has taken place over the last 10 years since the last financial crisis , the banks are capitalised , they 've got more sort of buffers , as it were , than ever before , so they can absorb the expected losses based on the Bank of England scenario .
`` But we do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absorb losses .
We need banks that are able to lend to British businesses particularly our SMEs , over half of SMEs rely only on bank loans they 're their main source of debt .
`` So , we need to have banks that are n't taking let 's say sort of a 'safety-first crouch position ' .
We have to stand up tall , be confident and lend to British business .
That 's what I 'm concerned about . ''
Ministers might also need to provide some sort of support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The second thing is that maybe the government should dust off some of the plans that existed after the last financial crisis on what was called a sort of 'bad bank ' policy , which was never properly implemented in the end because it was n't needed , '' he said .
`` You might need something .
You have some kind of support for banks with some of the worst-performing loans and try to help the banks in that way , so that they can in turn help the economy and lend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent Conservative to also publicly call for the economy to be opened as swiftly as possible so that new cases and casualties of the virus would continue but within the capacity of the NHS to cope .
`` We 're going to have to co-exist with this virus for I think many months , if not potentially years .
But we 've got to find a way forward and that does mean you 're relaxing , as much as you can , '' he said .
`` Running the economy hot you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying to take into account , not just the sort of necessity to control the virus , but also the wider impact on society - those job losses , those opportunities foregone , particularly for younger people .
`` The rise of domestic violence , child abuse , of mental health cases .
All of that needs to be taken into account . ''
He is publicly making the argument that the current chancellor and Michael Gove , the Cabinet Office minister , have reportedly been making privately in recent weeks - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors .
Mr Javid is of the view that the government should begin lifting restrictions if the R number is below 1 - the rate where new infections are no longer rising - rather than waiting until the virus has been completely suppressed .
`` As well as listening to the scientists we also need to think carefully about the impact on the rest of society and the economy and jobs and wider social impacts and that does mean , I think , that when it comes to opening up you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can , '' the former chancellor said .
But Mr Javid also knows that reigniting the economy risks reigniting the spread of the disease .
One option might be to have different rules for different age groups in order to both try to protect the elderly and those more vulnerable to COVID-19 while also getting the economy , and the younger workforce moving once more .
`` We should n't rule out an option that focuses on protecting the most vulnerable but gives more freedom to others , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of younger people , say under the age of 45 , is a lot lower than others .
And it might be the case that in the future we can find a way that we focus our protection on those that are most vulnerable . ''
In the longer term , Mr Javid , an instinctive Thatcherite , wants Britain to find a way to return to fiscal rules and live within its means .
The Institute of Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) has estimated the UK could be sitting on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year - five times the amount predicted before the coronavirus crisis hit .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The prime minister has made it clear he is opposed to any more austerity to balance the books .
His former chancellor is clear he is opposed - and in this he speaks for many Conservative MPs - to tax rises which he warns will be `` self-defeating '' and `` strangle any economic recovery '' .
`` Many things will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one thing that should n't change is our understanding of the economic model that leads to the highest growth rate possible which is still going to be a free-enterprise , low tax , competitive economy .
`` This is the best way to make sure that we are earning enough as a country to pay for the public services we all rely on .
`` It was true then , and it 's true now .
And that 's going to be critical , that we stick with the economic model that we @ @ @ @

Britain must turn its attention to the economy now it is through the peak of the coronavirus crisis, Sajid Javid has told Sky News.
In his first exclusive television interview since stepping down as chancellor, he said the government "rightly put public health first".
But he urged Boris Johnson to now focus on economic recovery after questioning the Bank of England's prediction that the economy will bounce back from what it predicts will be the deepest recession in 300 years.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:15 'The economy will recover in 2021'
"I think a V-shaped recovery will be challenging. And I know the Bank of England has said it's possible," Mr Javid said.
"It has made a whole set of assumptions around relaxing the lockdown and ending it completely in three months. And it says itself that it's at best uncertain.
"I do think it's just like the virus itself, let's hope for the best but let's plan for the worst, and that means you're taking whatever action you think is necessary and possible right now to make sure we do get the fastest recovery possible."
Mr Javid is full of praise for his protege and successor Rishi Sunak, who he said was "absolutely right" to "use fiscal firepower to intervene and mitigate" in the short term.
However, he said attention should now be paid to ensuring the health of the banking system to aid economic recovery, while urging ministers to "run the economy hot" in order to balance controlling the coronavirus outbreak with the wider impact of a prolonged lockdown.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak
When it comes to the banking system, the former chancellor and investment banker said he is "worried about the health of our banks" and said they might have to be forced to raise more capital to ensure they do not just absorb losses but also continue lending.
Advertisement
"Because of the action that has taken place over the last 10 years since the last financial crisis, the banks are capitalised, they've got more sort of buffers, as it were, than ever before, so they can absorb the expected losses based on the Bank of England scenario.
"But we don't need banks that are just able to absorb losses. We need banks that are able to lend to British businesses particularly our SMEs, over half of SMEs rely only on bank loans they're their main source of debt.
"So, we need to have banks that aren't taking let's say sort of a 'safety-first crouch position'. We have to stand up tall, be confident and lend to British business. That's what I'm concerned about."
Ministers might also need to provide some sort of support for banks for their worst-performing loans.
"The second thing is that maybe the government should dust off some of the plans that existed after the last financial crisis on what was called a sort of 'bad bank' policy, which was never properly implemented in the end because it wasn't needed," he said.
"You might need something. You have some kind of support for banks with some of the worst-performing loans and try to help the banks in that way, so that they can in turn help the economy and lend."
Mr Javid is the most prominent Conservative to also publicly call for the economy to be opened as swiftly as possible so that new cases and casualties of the virus would continue but within the capacity of the NHS to cope.
Image: Mr Javid is full of praise for his protege Rishi Sunak
"We're going to have to co-exist with this virus for I think many months, if not potentially years. But we've got to find a way forward and that does mean you're relaxing, as much as you can," he said.
"Running the economy hot you could say, in a way that you are trying to take into account, not just the sort of necessity to control the virus, but also the wider impact on society - those job losses, those opportunities foregone, particularly for younger people.
"The rise of domestic violence, child abuse, of mental health cases. All of that needs to be taken into account."
He is publicly making the argument that the current chancellor and Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, have reportedly been making privately in recent weeks - echoing the concerns of Conservative MPs and donors.
Mr Javid is of the view that the government should begin lifting restrictions if the R number is below 1 - the rate where new infections are no longer rising - rather than waiting until the virus has been completely suppressed.
"As well as listening to the scientists we also need to think carefully about the impact on the rest of society and the economy and jobs and wider social impacts and that does mean, I think, that when it comes to opening up you want to go as far and as quick as you can," the former chancellor said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 30 April: Government video explains COVID-19 'rate of infection'
But Mr Javid also knows that reigniting the economy risks reigniting the spread of the disease.
One option might be to have different rules for different age groups in order to both try to protect the elderly and those more vulnerable to COVID-19 while also getting the economy, and the younger workforce moving once more.
"We shouldn't rule out an option that focuses on protecting the most vulnerable but gives more freedom to others," he added.
"We know now that the mortality rate of younger people, say under the age of 45, is a lot lower than others. And it might be the case that in the future we can find a way that we focus our protection on those that are most vulnerable."
In the longer term, Mr Javid, an instinctive Thatcherite, wants Britain to find a way to return to fiscal rules and live within its means.
The Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) has estimated the UK could be sitting on a debt pile of £250bn at the end of the year - five times the amount predicted before the coronavirus crisis hit.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The prime minister has made it clear he is opposed to any more austerity to balance the books.
His former chancellor is clear he is opposed - and in this he speaks for many Conservative MPs - to tax rises which he warns will be "self-defeating" and "strangle any economic recovery".
"Many things will change as a result of this crisis one thing that shouldn't change is our understanding of the economic model that leads to the highest growth rate possible which is still going to be a free-enterprise, low tax, competitive economy.
"This is the best way to make sure that we are earning enough as a country to pay for the public services we all rely on.
"It was true then, and it's true now. And that's going to be critical, that we stick with the economic model that we know works."


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus 'largely gone out' of UK population outside hospitals and care homes, professor claims

Coronavirus has `` largely gone out '' of the UK population outside hospitals and care homes , a professor of epidemiology has told Sky News .
Tim Spector , whose COVID Symptom Study app has been downloaded more than three million times , said the official number of confirmed cases - just over 211,000 - was `` very artificial '' because it is the `` only number they 've been able to test , or get to hospital '' .
`` We think the real number is in the millions , '' he said .
But numbers are falling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be that it 's largely gone out of the population , where rates are really low . ''
The apparent disparity between the general population and hospitals and care homes is `` probably due to residual infections they have n't been able to get rid of , particularly in care homes '' , Prof Spector said .
He also claimed there are 13 or 14 symptoms associated with COVID-19 .
Apart from a fever and persistent cough , other signs to look out for include acute muscle pain and , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , confusion and even hypothermia .
Children and young people have been getting skin rashes with coronavirus , Professor Spector said .
There is an `` increasing list of these rather strange conditions that we really need to collect in order to capture the real disease '' , he continued .
Failure to do so would mean `` missing it in the population when it starts to come back '' , according to Prof Spector .
If all the symptoms were collected in an algorithm , `` you can predict nearly as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not '' , he said .
Prof Spector , from King 's College London , added that the official focus on only a fever and persistent cough is `` rather rigid '' .
He said that without those two signs of the virus , `` no one takes you seriously - you do n't self-isolate , and you do n't get a test '' .
He added : `` There 's now overwhelming evidence that 's not true - many other countries have changed their definitions . ''
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Professor Spector said the government 's tracing app , being trialled on the Isle of Wight , was `` one of many things that needs to be done '' but to `` rely everything on this app would be foolhardy '' .
He continued : `` They 're trying to get it to 60 % ( of the population ) which I think is a big ask and has not been achieved in any country yet .
`` I still think it 's a useful tool but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other methods . ''
He continued : `` It needs to be with teams still going in doing random testing , with antibodies , with looking after at-risk groups .
`` It should also go hand in hand with devices like our own , where people can report a wider range of symptoms which we believe is a better predictor of whether the disease is there or not .
`` They should n't be relying just on one strategy - I think that 's extremely dangerous . ''

Coronavirus has "largely gone out" of the UK population outside hospitals and care homes, a professor of epidemiology has told Sky News.
Tim Spector, whose COVID Symptom Study app has been downloaded more than three million times, said the official number of confirmed cases - just over 211,000 - was "very artificial" because it is the "only number they've been able to test, or get to hospital".
"We think the real number is in the millions," he said.
But numbers are falling, he added, saying: "It seems to be that it's largely gone out of the population, where rates are really low."
The apparent disparity between the general population and hospitals and care homes is "probably due to residual infections they haven't been able to get rid of, particularly in care homes", Prof Spector said.
He also claimed there are 13 or 14 symptoms associated with COVID-19.
Apart from a fever and persistent cough, other signs to look out for include acute muscle pain and, in the elderly, gastric problems, diarrhoea, confusion and even hypothermia.
Children and young people have been getting skin rashes with coronavirus, Professor Spector said.
There is an "increasing list of these rather strange conditions that we really need to collect in order to capture the real disease", he continued.
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Failure to do so would mean "missing it in the population when it starts to come back", according to Prof Spector.
If all the symptoms were collected in an algorithm, "you can predict nearly as well as a test whether someone's infectious or not", he said.
Prof Spector, from King's College London, added that the official focus on only a fever and persistent cough is "rather rigid".
He said that without those two signs of the virus, "no one takes you seriously - you don't self-isolate, and you don't get a test".
He added: "There's now overwhelming evidence that's not true - many other countries have changed their definitions."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Professor Spector said the government's tracing app, being trialled on the Isle of Wight, was "one of many things that needs to be done" but to "rely everything on this app would be foolhardy".
He continued: "They're trying to get it to 60% (of the population) which I think is a big ask and has not been achieved in any country yet.
"I still think it's a useful tool but it needs to done in conjunction with other methods."
He continued: "It needs to be with teams still going in doing random testing, with antibodies, with looking after at-risk groups.
"It should also go hand in hand with devices like our own, where people can report a wider range of symptoms which we believe is a better predictor of whether the disease is there or not.
"They shouldn't be relying just on one strategy - I think that's extremely dangerous."


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Manchester City's Kyle Walker complains of 'harassment' after breaking lockdown rules a

Coronavirus: Manchester City's Kyle Walker complains of 'harassment' after breaking lockdown rules again

Manchester City footballer Kyle Walker has said he is being `` harassed '' after he admitted breaking social distancing rules again .
Walker said he visited his home city of Sheffield on Wednesday , where he hugged his sister after giving her a birthday gift , before travelling to his parents ' home to collect home-cooked meals .
The Sun also reported that he went on a cycle ride with a friend .
It comes a month after he apologised for hosting a gathering at his home during the lockdown .
In a statement on Twitter , he said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions but now felt he was `` being harassed '' .
He added : `` It is sad , but I feel as though my life is being scrutinised without any context .
`` I understand if people are upset or angry with me , but it was important for people to have a better understanding of my life .
`` This is no longer solely affecting me , but affecting the health of my family and my young children too . ''
He said : `` I am in a privileged position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athlete and can assure you from my upbringing I do not take it for granted .
But at what stage do my feelings get taken into consideration ?
`` At a time when the focus is understandably on COVID-19 , at what point does mental health get taken into consideration , an illness which affects every sufferer differently ? ''
More than 31,000 people have died in the UK with the coronavirus in the past few months .
Walker 's team has already said it will conduct an internal disciplinary procedure after his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed any punishment so far .
Walker , 29 , joined City from Tottenham in 2017 and has helped the team win two Premier League titles .

Manchester City footballer Kyle Walker has said he is being "harassed" after he admitted breaking social distancing rules again.
Walker said he visited his home city of Sheffield on Wednesday, where he hugged his sister after giving her a birthday gift, before travelling to his parents' home to collect home-cooked meals.
The Sun also reported that he went on a cycle ride with a friend.
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It comes a month after he apologised for hosting a gathering at his home during the lockdown.
In a statement on Twitter, he said he "took full responsibility" for his actions but now felt he was "being harassed".
He added: "It is sad, but I feel as though my life is being scrutinised without any context.
"I understand if people are upset or angry with me, but it was important for people to have a better understanding of my life.
"This is no longer solely affecting me, but affecting the health of my family and my young children too."
He said: "I am in a privileged position as a role model and a professional athlete and can assure you from my upbringing I do not take it for granted. But at what stage do my feelings get taken into consideration?
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"At a time when the focus is understandably on COVID-19, at what point does mental health get taken into consideration, an illness which affects every sufferer differently?"
More than 31,000 people have died in the UK with the coronavirus in the past few months.
Walker's team has already said it will conduct an internal disciplinary procedure after his apology last month, but has not revealed any punishment so far.
Walker, 29, joined City from Tottenham in 2017 and has helped the team win two Premier League titles.


news--2020-05-08--Brian May says he 'won't be able to walk or sleep for a while' after gardening injury

Queen guitarist Brian May says he ended up in hospital and was left unable to walk after `` ripping his glutes to shreds '' while gardening .
The star , 72 , shared a picture of himself wearing a surgical mask alongside a video of him being pushed in a wheelchair by a nurse .
He said he was grateful not to have come down with coronavirus but was in hospital being scanned to `` find out exactly how much I 've actually damaged myself '' .
Writing on Instagram yesterday , he said : `` Reality check !
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't get me yet - thank God . ''
He said the accident happened earlier this week and has left him unable to walk or sleep `` without a lot of assistance '' .
The rock star urged his fans not to send sympathy , asking instead for `` some healing silence '' and a `` complete break '' .
May has posted several videos of himself online this week , some of him playing guitar and others discussing the COVID-19 crisis .
In one video he slammed Prime Minister Boris Johnson for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on lockdown , but said he still believes the government can turn things around .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In another caption he said he was `` not very coherent '' and `` tired and in pain '' .
There has been a drop in regular hospital admissions during the coronavirus outbreak , with routine appointments and planned surgery cancelled and many fearful of attending over concerns they may catch the virus .
Some A & E departments have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 % , sparking concerns among doctors that patients are dying because they are too scared to seek medical help .

Queen guitarist Brian May says he ended up in hospital and was left unable to walk after "ripping his glutes to shreds" while gardening.
The star, 72, shared a picture of himself wearing a surgical mask alongside a video of him being pushed in a wheelchair by a nurse.
He said he was grateful not to have come down with coronavirus but was in hospital being scanned to "find out exactly how much I've actually damaged myself".
Writing on Instagram yesterday, he said: "Reality check ! For me. No - the Virus didn't get me yet - thank God."
He said the accident happened earlier this week and has left him unable to walk or sleep "without a lot of assistance".
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The rock star urged his fans not to send sympathy, asking instead for "some healing silence" and a "complete break".
Image: He asked fans for 'healing silence'
May has posted several videos of himself online this week, some of him playing guitar and others discussing the COVID-19 crisis.
In one video he slammed Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his delayed decision on putting the country on lockdown, but said he still believes the government can turn things around.
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In another caption he said he was "not very coherent" and "tired and in pain".
There has been a drop in regular hospital admissions during the coronavirus outbreak, with routine appointments and planned surgery cancelled and many fearful of attending over concerns they may catch the virus.
Some A&E departments have seen their attendance levels fall by more than 50%, sparking concerns among doctors that patients are dying because they are too scared to seek medical help.


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: New scare for Trump as one of his military valets diagnosed with COVID-19

A member of the military serving as one of Donald Trump 's valets has tested positive for coronavirus .
A White House spokesman said the president , and Vice President Mike Pence , have since been tested negative for COVID-19 and `` remain in good health '' .
It is the latest coronavirus scare for the president , and the first known instance where a person who has come in close proximity to him has tested positive since several people present at his private Florida club were diagnosed in early March .
The person tested positive on Wednesday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are tightening protocols to protect the nation 's political leaders .
Mr Trump , 73 , said some staffers who interact with him closely would now be tested daily .
He told reporters : `` It 's a little bit strange but it 's one of those things .
`` As I said , you know , I said yesterday , all people are warriors in this country .
Right now we 're all warriors . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the president will now be tested for the virus daily .
Several valets cater to the president and his guests at the White House , including serving meals and providing drinks .

A member of the military serving as one of Donald Trump's valets has tested positive for coronavirus.
A White House spokesman said the president, and Vice President Mike Pence, have since been tested negative for COVID-19 and "remain in good health".
It is the latest coronavirus scare for the president, and the first known instance where a person who has come in close proximity to him has tested positive since several people present at his private Florida club were diagnosed in early March.
The person tested positive on Wednesday, the White House said.
Meanwhile, officials are tightening protocols to protect the nation's political leaders.
Mr Trump, 73, said some staffers who interact with him closely would now be tested daily.
He told reporters: "It's a little bit strange but it's one of those things.
"As I said, you know, I said yesterday, all people are warriors in this country. Right now we're all warriors."
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Mr Pence added that both he and the president will now be tested for the virus daily.
Several valets cater to the president and his guests at the White House, including serving meals and providing drinks.


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus lockdown has left many Britons feeling they are 'never safe', says behaviour expert

The UK 's lockdown has resulted in many Britons feeling they are `` never safe '' , a behaviour expert has told Sky News .
Professor Frank Furedi , emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent , who specialises in fear and behaviour , said `` worst case scenarios are being applied to every situation '' even if people are following social distancing guidelines .
`` It 's paralysing people and their behaviour , which can do more harm than good because it makes us feel powerless in confronting the problems we are faced with , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's mental health through exercise and getting children back to school are being thwarted by how literally the public are interpreting the `` Stay Home .
Protect the NHS .
Save Lives '' slogan .
He added : `` This idea that walking past someone accidentally will kill you , it 's a really weird idea when we know that you have to be in close proximity to someone for quite some time for the virus to actually have an effect .
`` The most important example of that is schools .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know in their heart of hearts that their children should be going back but they 're too scared . ''
It comes after Professor Robert Dingwall , a member of the government 's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group , told the Daily Telegraph the population has been `` terrorised '' into thinking any contact with the virus is deadly .
Prof Dingwall also claimed that the two-metre social distancing rule was deliberately doubled by government scientists because they believed people would not understand how far one metre is , leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear '' .
He said most people who catch coronavirus do not require hospital treatment , but the nationwide shutdown has left people scared of getting too close to joggers in the park , picking up items at the supermarket and boarding public transport .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A & E visits dropped by nearly a third in March compared with a year ago , with NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens urging people not to avoid seeking treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fatal consequences .
This weekend the prime minister will layout his plans for easing lockdown restrictions .
Downing Street has stressed that the change in restrictions will only be small , but will try and coax people to come out of their homes and go back to work where possible .
Dr Julii Brainard , of the University of East Anglia 's medical school , said a comparison of 30 countries ' lockdown measures revealed that closing schools , gyms , pubs and restaurants has been key in keeping virus deaths down @

The UK's lockdown has resulted in many Britons feeling they are "never safe", a behaviour expert has told Sky News.
Professor Frank Furedi, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent, who specialises in fear and behaviour, said "worst case scenarios are being applied to every situation" even if people are following social distancing guidelines.
"It's paralysing people and their behaviour, which can do more harm than good because it makes us feel powerless in confronting the problems we are faced with," he said.
Image: A supermarket in Chippenham, Wiltshire during lockdown
Professor Furedi said improving people's mental health through exercise and getting children back to school are being thwarted by how literally the public are interpreting the "Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives" slogan.
He added: "This idea that walking past someone accidentally will kill you, it's a really weird idea when we know that you have to be in close proximity to someone for quite some time for the virus to actually have an effect.
"The most important example of that is schools. It's a generational own goal. Parents know in their heart of hearts that their children should be going back but they're too scared."
It comes after Professor Robert Dingwall, a member of the government's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, told the Daily Telegraph the population has been "terrorised" into thinking any contact with the virus is deadly.
Prof Dingwall also claimed that the two-metre social distancing rule was deliberately doubled by government scientists because they believed people would not understand how far one metre is, leaving people trapped in a "climate of fear".
He said most people who catch coronavirus do not require hospital treatment, but the nationwide shutdown has left people scared of getting too close to joggers in the park, picking up items at the supermarket and boarding public transport.
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A&E visits dropped by nearly a third in March compared with a year ago, with NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens urging people not to avoid seeking treatment due to virus fears as it could have fatal consequences.
This weekend the prime minister will layout his plans for easing lockdown restrictions.
Downing Street has stressed that the change in restrictions will only be small, but will try and coax people to come out of their homes and go back to work where possible.
Dr Julii Brainard, of the University of East Anglia's medical school, said a comparison of 30 countries' lockdown measures revealed that closing schools, gyms, pubs and restaurants has been key in keeping virus deaths down.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Fifteen die at Luton care home

A council leader has warned people to stay indoors to prevent coronavirus from spreading after 15 people died in one care home .
Cllr Hazel Simmons , head of Luton Council , confirmed the deaths at the town 's Castletroy Residential and Nursing Home .
While they have not been directly attributed to COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , Cllr Simmons urged locals to use the `` tragedy '' as a stark reminder to adhere to the national lockdown .
`` We are all desperately sad to hear about the tragic situation at Castletroy Residential and Nursing Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose so many residents in one care home is heartbreaking and our love , thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those who have died , as well as the staff at the home .
`` The council are supporting the staff at the home and offering support to the relatives of all those affected during this very difficult period .
`` This tragedy serves as another reminder of how important it is that we all follow the government guidance and stay at home to prevent the spread of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came after similar spikes in fatalities at other care homes , including seven at the same care home in east London and 16 at one in Glasgow .
Hawthorn Green Residential and Nursing Home , in Stepney Green , confirmed the seven deaths three weeks after its first confirmed case of coronavirus .
All of the patients who died also had multiple , chronic , underlying health conditions .
The 16 deaths at Glasgow 's Burlington Court Care Home came eight days after a suspected outbreak of the illness , with two staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The residents who died all had underlying health conditions .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There have been concerns raised about the potentially devastating impact of coronavirus in care homes , where many residents will be especially vulnerable .
Sky News has learned that care homes are being asked to take in hospital patients who have tested positive , with one care home owner in Devon accusing the government of sacrificing the elderly .
New guidelines say negative tests for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a new patient , and care homes could also be asked to take in people currently living in their own homes without any kind of testing .
Care home staff have also expressed concern about a shortage of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
Deaths in care homes are not included in the daily figures reported by the Department for Health , which only reports those who have died in hospital after testing positive .
Total UK fatalities now stand at 7,097 , but separate numbers from the Office for National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England and Wales could be happening outside hospitals .

A council leader has warned people to stay indoors to prevent coronavirus from spreading after 15 people died in one care home.
Cllr Hazel Simmons, head of Luton Council, confirmed the deaths at the town's Castletroy Residential and Nursing Home.
While they have not been directly attributed to COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, Cllr Simmons urged locals to use the "tragedy" as a stark reminder to adhere to the national lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The do's and don'ts
"We are all desperately sad to hear about the tragic situation at Castletroy Residential and Nursing Home," she said.
"To lose so many residents in one care home is heartbreaking and our love, thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those who have died, as well as the staff at the home.
"The council are supporting the staff at the home and offering support to the relatives of all those affected during this very difficult period.
"This tragedy serves as another reminder of how important it is that we all follow the government guidance and stay at home to prevent the spread of this deadly disease."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to social distance yourself
The grim news came after similar spikes in fatalities at other care homes, including seven at the same care home in east London and 16 at one in Glasgow.
Hawthorn Green Residential and Nursing Home, in Stepney Green, confirmed the seven deaths three weeks after its first confirmed case of coronavirus.
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All of the patients who died also had multiple, chronic, underlying health conditions.
The 16 deaths at Glasgow's Burlington Court Care Home came eight days after a suspected outbreak of the illness, with two staff requiring hospital treatment after testing positive.
The residents who died all had underlying health conditions.
Image: Sixteen residents died at Burlington Court Care Home in Glasgow. Pic: Google Street View
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There have been concerns raised about the potentially devastating impact of coronavirus in care homes, where many residents will be especially vulnerable.
Sky News has learned that care homes are being asked to take in hospital patients who have tested positive, with one care home owner in Devon accusing the government of sacrificing the elderly.
New guidelines say negative tests for coronavirus are not required prior to the admittance of a new patient, and care homes could also be asked to take in people currently living in their own homes without any kind of testing.
Care home staff have also expressed concern about a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Deaths in care homes are not included in the daily figures reported by the Department for Health, which only reports those who have died in hospital after testing positive.
Total UK fatalities now stand at 7,097, but separate numbers from the Office for National Statistics suggest one in 14 coronavirus-related deaths in England and Wales could be happening outside hospitals.


news--2020-04-09--COVID-19 pandemic: What can we learn from Germany?

On this edition of the Sky News Daily podcast , Dermot Munaghan asks why the UK is behind Germany when @ @ @ @ @ .
And disability activists Caroline Casey and Dr Amy Kavanagh explain why things should n't @ @ @ @ @ after the lockdown .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker .

On this edition of the Sky News Daily podcast, Dermot Munaghan asks why the UK is behind Germany when it comes to coronavirus testing.
Our Europe correspondent Adam Parsons tells how they're tackling Covid-19.
And disability activists Caroline Casey and Dr Amy Kavanagh explain why things shouldn't necessarily go back to normal after the lockdown.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: 103-year-old woman recovers from COVID-19

Having lived through the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 before surviving two world wars , Ada Zanusso tested positive for coronavirus at age 103 – and her doctors thought her fate was sealed .
As they did all they could to treat her , Ms Zanusso , from the northern Italian town of Lessona , appeared to be slipping away before their eyes .
`` We hydrated her because she was n't eating , and then we thought she was n't going to make it because she was always drowsy and not reacting , '' her family doctor of 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' One day she opened her eyes again and resumed doing what she used to before , '' Dr Furno Marchese explained .
But while she is understandably being held up as an inspiration to others in the country with the world 's largest number of recorded COVID-19 deaths , the centenarian is conspicuously undramatic about her coronavirus ordeal .
`` I had some fever , '' she said , despite drifting in and out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week with the illness .
And how is she now ?
`` I 'm well , I 'm well , '' Ms Zanusso said from the Maria Grazia Residence for the elderly in the region of Piedmont .
`` I watch TV , read the newspapers . ''
Asked what helped her beat the disease , Ms Zanusso was in little doubt .
`` Courage and strength , faith , '' she said , while advising others who fall ill to also `` give yourself courage , have faith . ''
COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of those who are infected recover , but the elderly and those with existing health problems can be at high risk for more serious illness .
The virus has killed around 18,000 people in Italy and over 88,000 worldwide .
The World Health Organisation says 95 % of those who have died in Europe were over 60 years old .
And under Italy 's five-week-long lockdown , which is aimed at containing the spread of infections that have overwhelmed hospitals , visitors are not allowed at homes for the elderly .
Asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions are eased and the home opens its doors again , Ms Zanusso was in little doubt .
`` I 'd like to take a lovely walk , '' she replied .
And your three great-grandchildren ?
`` Watch them play together . ''
Deaths , hospitalisations and new infections are levelling off in Italy , and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is expected to announce over the coming days how long the lockdown will remain in place .
While Ms Zanusso is isolated from other residents now , her life is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she receives a follow-up swab test to confirm she is negative for the virus .

Having lived through the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 before surviving two world wars, Ada Zanusso tested positive for coronavirus at age 103 – and her doctors thought her fate was sealed.
As they did all they could to treat her, Ms Zanusso, from the northern Italian town of Lessona, appeared to be slipping away before their eyes.
"We hydrated her because she wasn't eating, and then we thought she wasn't going to make it because she was always drowsy and not reacting," her family doctor of 35 years, Carla Furno Marchese, said.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Then, without warning, things suddenly improved.
"One day she opened her eyes again and resumed doing what she used to before," Dr Furno Marchese explained.
But while she is understandably being held up as an inspiration to others in the country with the world's largest number of recorded COVID-19 deaths, the centenarian is conspicuously undramatic about her coronavirus ordeal.
"I had some fever," she said, despite drifting in and out of consciousness while confined to bed for a week with the illness.
And how is she now?
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"I'm well, I'm well," Ms Zanusso said from the Maria Grazia Residence for the elderly in the region of Piedmont. "I watch TV, read the newspapers."
Asked what helped her beat the disease, Ms Zanusso was in little doubt.
"Courage and strength, faith," she said , while advising others who fall ill to also "give yourself courage, have faith."
COVID-19 can cause mild or moderate symptoms and most of those who are infected recover, but the elderly and those with existing health problems can be at high risk for more serious illness.
Image: Ada Zanusso after recovering from coronavirus
The virus has killed around 18,000 people in Italy and over 88,000 worldwide. The World Health Organisation says 95% of those who have died in Europe were over 60 years old.
And under Italy's five-week-long lockdown, which is aimed at containing the spread of infections that have overwhelmed hospitals, visitors are not allowed at homes for the elderly.
Asked what she wanted to do when the restrictions are eased and the home opens its doors again, Ms Zanusso was in little doubt.
"I'd like to take a lovely walk," she replied. And your three great-grandchildren? "Watch them play together."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 Inside Rome on lockdown
Deaths, hospitalisations and new infections are levelling off in Italy, and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is expected to announce over the coming days how long the lockdown will remain in place.
While Ms Zanusso is isolated from other residents now, her life is expected to begin its gradual return to normality soon when she receives a follow-up swab test to confirm she is negative for the virus.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Queen's grocer Fortnum furloughs 700 staff

The Queen 's favourite grocer is placing 700 of its staff onto the government 's emergency wage subsidy programme as it faces a prolonged shutdown of its famous Piccadilly store .
Sky News has learnt that Fortnum & Mason took the decision to use the coronavirus job retention scheme to cover 80 % of its workforce on Wednesday .
The move makes Fortnum the latest in a long line of retailers to utilise the 'furloughing ' initiative , which aims to secure the jobs of workers who would otherwise have been made redundant amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Sources close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay the balance of its furloughed workers ' wages , so that none of its employees are forced to take pay cuts during the lockdown period .
The 313-year-old royal warrant-holder , which has expanded internationally in recent years , is owned by the billionaire Weston family , which also own Heal 's and Selfridges .
It is continuing to sell its range of upmarket food online during the coronavirus crisis - a move that insiders pointed out was a major source of support to its overwhelmingly British-based supplier base during a period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Ewan Venters , who has become one of the most prominent figures in British retailing since he took on the challenge of turning around the underperforming West End store in the summer of 2012 .
Mr Venters has transformed the brand 's image as well as its profitability , with its most recent financial results showing a 26 % surge in profits last year to £12m .
The company is renowned around the world for its quintessentially British ranges of tea , biscuits and jam .
Fortnum also trades from a shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one in the Royal Exchange in the City , and another at Heathrow Airport 's Terminal Five - all of which are currently closed .
It also operates an outlet in Hong Kong , which opened last autumn and which remains open .
The decision to press ahead with the launch in the former British colony , despite last year 's civil unrest , underlined Mr Venters ' determination to pursue a strategy that was in the long-term interests of the business , according to insiders .
The closure of its stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been one of the busiest periods of the year for footfall and sales .
Fortnum 's decision to access the coronavirus job retention scheme comes in the wake of figures compiled by the Resolution Foundation think tank which projected that as many as 10 million workers would be furloughed .
One in five companies would use the programme for all their employees , while half of businesses plan to furlough the majority of their workers , it said , using data provided by the British Chambers of Commerce .
The higher-than-expected take-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over its initial three-month period , and well over £60bn if it is extended for a further quarter .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Some employers , such as Premier League football clubs , have attracted scrutiny for their decisions to furlough staff , with Liverpool FC deciding to abandon its participation following an outcry earlier this week .
In the retail sector , hundreds of thousands of employees will begin receiving government-subsidised wages later this month .
The owner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Green 's Arcadia Group have all confirmed that they will place significant chunks of their workforce into the scheme .
Fortnum was unavailable for comment on Thursday .

The Queen's favourite grocer is placing 700 of its staff onto the government's emergency wage subsidy programme as it faces a prolonged shutdown of its famous Piccadilly store.
Sky News has learnt that Fortnum & Mason took the decision to use the coronavirus job retention scheme to cover 80% of its workforce on Wednesday.
The move makes Fortnum the latest in a long line of retailers to utilise the 'furloughing' initiative, which aims to secure the jobs of workers who would otherwise have been made redundant amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources close to the company said that Fortnum would pay the balance of its furloughed workers' wages, so that none of its employees are forced to take pay cuts during the lockdown period.
The 313-year-old royal warrant-holder, which has expanded internationally in recent years, is owned by the billionaire Weston family, which also own Heal's and Selfridges.
It is continuing to sell its range of upmarket food online during the coronavirus crisis - a move that insiders pointed out was a major source of support to its overwhelmingly British-based supplier base during a period of economic crisis.
Fortnum is run by Ewan Venters, who has become one of the most prominent figures in British retailing since he took on the challenge of turning around the underperforming West End store in the summer of 2012.
Mr Venters has transformed the brand's image as well as its profitability, with its most recent financial results showing a 26% surge in profits last year to £12m.
The company is renowned around the world for its quintessentially British ranges of tea, biscuits and jam.
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Image: Ewan Venters, chief executive of Fortnum & Mason
Image: Fortnum also trades from a shop at London's St Pancras rail station
Fortnum also trades from a shop at London's St Pancras rail station, one in the Royal Exchange in the City, and another at Heathrow Airport's Terminal Five - all of which are currently closed.
It also operates an outlet in Hong Kong, which opened last autumn and which remains open.
The decision to press ahead with the launch in the former British colony, despite last year's civil unrest, underlined Mr Venters' determination to pursue a strategy that was in the long-term interests of the business, according to insiders.
The closure of its stores and restaurants has come at what would have been one of the busiest periods of the year for footfall and sales.
Fortnum's decision to access the coronavirus job retention scheme comes in the wake of figures compiled by the Resolution Foundation think tank which projected that as many as 10 million workers would be furloughed.
One in five companies would use the programme for all their employees, while half of businesses plan to furlough the majority of their workers, it said, using data provided by the British Chambers of Commerce.
The higher-than-expected take-up could cost the government more than £30bn over its initial three-month period, and well over £60bn if it is extended for a further quarter.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Some employers, such as Premier League football clubs, have attracted scrutiny for their decisions to furlough staff, with Liverpool FC deciding to abandon its participation following an outcry earlier this week.
In the retail sector, hundreds of thousands of employees will begin receiving government-subsidised wages later this month.
The owner of Primark, New Look and Sir Philip Green's Arcadia Group have all confirmed that they will place significant chunks of their workforce into the scheme.
Fortnum was unavailable for comment on Thursday.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: One in ten US workers lose jobs in last three weeks

One in ten US workers have lost their jobs in the last three weeks , according to latest weekly unemployment claims figures .
Government data showed just over 6.6 million people applied for jobless benefits in the week ending 4 April as the coronavirus crisis shuts down large parts of the world 's biggest economy .
It brings the total making unemployment claims to 16.8 million over the past three weeks , roughly one in ten of the workforce - the largest and fastest string of job losses on records stretching back to 1948 .
The virus outbreak is estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic activity in the current quarter .
America 's latest weekly jobless figure was lower than the record 6.87 million registered the week before , but higher than the 5.2 million average figure pencilled in by economists .
Economists now think monthly job losses could total almost 20 million with the unemployment rate hitting 15 % .
It comes at a time when 48 states have closed non-essential businesses .
Restaurants , hotels , department stores and small businesses have laid off millions as they struggle to pay bills at a time when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Figures from Morgan Stanley showed non-grocery retail business plunged by 97 % in the last week of March compared with a year earlier .
The number of airline passengers screened by the Transportation Security Administration has plunged 95 % from a year ago .
US hotel revenue has tumbled 80 % .
A forecast model created at the University of Pennsylvania projects that the US economy will shrink at a 30 % annual rate in the April-June quarter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government 's $ 2.2trn ( £1.8trn ) relief measure , by far the largest federal aid package in history by far .
That would be the largest economic contraction since the Second World War .
A key aspect of the government 's rescue package is a $ 350bn small business loan programme intended to help companies avoid laying off staff .
However , many small firms have had trouble accessing loan applications , and some economists say the scale of the programme is insufficient .
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin has said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the programme from congress .

One in ten US workers have lost their jobs in the last three weeks, according to latest weekly unemployment claims figures.
Government data showed just over 6.6 million people applied for jobless benefits in the week ending 4 April as the coronavirus crisis shuts down large parts of the world's biggest economy.
It brings the total making unemployment claims to 16.8 million over the past three weeks, roughly one in ten of the workforce - the largest and fastest string of job losses on records stretching back to 1948.
The virus outbreak is estimated to have wiped out a third of economic activity in the current quarter.
America's latest weekly jobless figure was lower than the record 6.87 million registered the week before, but higher than the 5.2 million average figure pencilled in by economists.
Economists now think monthly job losses could total almost 20 million with the unemployment rate hitting 15%.
It comes at a time when 48 states have closed non-essential businesses.
Restaurants, hotels, department stores and small businesses have laid off millions as they struggle to pay bills at a time when their revenue has vanished.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Advertisement
Figures from Morgan Stanley showed non-grocery retail business plunged by 97% in the last week of March compared with a year earlier.
The number of airline passengers screened by the Transportation Security Administration has plunged 95% from a year ago. US hotel revenue has tumbled 80%.
A forecast model created at the University of Pennsylvania projects that the US economy will shrink at a 30% annual rate in the April-June quarter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 COVID-19 death rates soar in New York
That is even after taking into account the government's $2.2trn (£1.8trn) relief measure, by far the largest federal aid package in history by far.
That would be the largest economic contraction since the Second World War.
A key aspect of the government's rescue package is a $350bn small business loan programme intended to help companies avoid laying off staff.
However, many small firms have had trouble accessing loan applications, and some economists say the scale of the programme is insufficient.
Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin has said he will seek an additional $250bn for the programme from congress.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus Easter lockdown: 10 virtual ways to celebrate this weekend

For many , Easter weekend is a time to get outside in the fresh air and spend time with friends and family .
But with the nation in lockdown due to COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , the spring bank holiday is looking very different for many this year .
But who said just because Easter entertainment is virtual , it ca n't be fun ?
Here are 10 things to get up to while staying in .
Classical singer Andrea Bocelli will mark Easter Sunday by singing live from the empty Duomo cathedral in Milan , Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Italian star will perform favourites including Ave Maria and Sancta Maria accompanied by an organist .
Describing Easter as the `` universal symbol of rebirth '' , Bocelli says he hopes the event will bring together millions of people `` to hug this wounded Earth 's pulsing heart '' .
A famous tenor singing in one of the world 's largest Catholic cathedrals looks set to be a breathtaking experience .
It will stream on Bocelli 's YouTube channel at 6pm UK time .
Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess is hosting online album @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , apart '' during coronavirus lockdown .
Every evening , Burgess and friends will guide fans through the stories and memories behind some of the greatest albums of the past few decades .
Highlights so far have included Blur drummer Dave Rowntree hosting Parklife , former Oasis guitarist Bonehead talking fans through Definitely Maybe , and The Charlatans ' own first record , Some Friendly .
Supergrass , Suede , The Libertines and Chemical Brothers are still to come .
So , if you fancy spending Easter Sunday evening listening to Pulp 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9pm , followed up with New Order 's studio album Power Corruption & Lies at 10pm , you 're in luck .
Easter at the Vatican is going virtual , as Pope Francis refuses to let COVID-19 stop him from getting stuck into one of his busiest working weeks .
The 83-year-old pontiff will preside over Holy Thursday , Good Friday , the Easter Vigil , and Easter Sunday Mass as normal , but members of the public will not be present .
All liturgies will take place at the Vatican in St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Cross procession in St Peter 's Square .
While the faithful will be able to watch at home via The Vatican 's YouTube website , eagle eyed churchgoers will notice some omissions .
The traditional washing of feet on Holy Thursday , the kissing of the Cross on Good Friday and baptisms and candle lighting during the Holy Saturday ceremony have all been removed due to COVID-19 .
You 've seen the TV series , now watch the play from the comfort of your own living room .
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a hit last year both on the West End and Broadway - to raise money for the NHS and theatre charities .
The performance , which was first broadcast to cinemas as part of National Theatre Live , is now available to stream in the UK and Ireland .
For a minimum £4 donation , fans can get access for 48-hours on Soho Theatre 's On Demand streaming site .
It comes to Amazon Prime Video on Good Friday .
Waller-Bridge told fans : `` Thank you in advance to those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Fleabag !
It 's for charity !
! ''
The shows must go on Taking the family to enjoy a night of musical theatre can be pricey - but fear not - Andrew Lloyd-Webber has got your back .
With theatres around the country closed due to the virus , the composer is making some of his hit musicals available to watch for free on YouTube .
His The Shows Must Go On channel launched last week with Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat .
For Easter , Lord Lloyd-Webber will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Good Friday at 7pm .
Recorded in 2012 , it stars ex-Spice Girl Melanie C , Australian funnyman Tim Minchin , and presenter Chris Moyles .
Behind-the-scenes footage will also be uploaded regularly to the channel .
Fans who enjoy the performances are encouraged to donate to charities Acting for Others , Broadway Cares and the Actors ' Benevolent Fund .
London Zoo may have closed its gates to visitors , but that does n't mean you ca n't still enjoy hanging out with the animals .
Zookeepers are still busy looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are regularly sharing videos of goings-on around the attraction .
Bringing the zoo to you at home , keepers are sharing fun moments with penguins , river hogs , giraffes , pelicans and some very itchy pygmy goats to name but a few .
And in honour of Easter , the meercats enjoyed their very own Easter egg hunt , with Frank , Dracula , Archie , Penelope , Timon , Aurora and Meko tucking into brightly coloured eggs as a special treat .
The Zoo , which houses 18,000 animals , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the zoo while it 's closed to the public during the pandemic .
While real Easter egg hunts are cancelled due to COVID-19 , virtual Easter egg hunts are all the rage .
After pictures of rainbows were displayed in front windows to spread hope during the outbreak , now children are being called on to share their egg drawings .
New Zealand 's prime minister Jacinda Ardern helped boost the trend when she declared the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy to be essential workers and shared an Easter egg template for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects are going on across the world , all with the aim of entertaining kids while they create their artwork , and then offer a further distraction for families out exercising over Easter .
So , grab a pen and some crayons and get colouring , then share your picture in your window and online .
Getting to sleep after spending the majority of the day in the house can be tough , especially for kids .
So why not listen to a bedtime story , read by a celebrity ?
Hollywood actresses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Save With Stories , a US charity that can both provide youngsters with entertainment and raise money for the coronavirus crisis .
Stars including Reese Witherspoon , Jake Gyllenhaal and Eddie Redmayne have all shared their favourite children 's story on Instagram .
And if you like your stories a little less LA and a little more London , every day at 11am on Instagram David Walliams is sharing an audio story from one of his own short story collections for children .
Borough Market - one of the oldest and largest markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people ca n't come to it for Easter , it will bring Easter to them via Instagram .
Its five-day food and drink `` eggs-travaganza '' kicks off on Thursday with some Easter baking and is followed by a hot cross bun masterclass on Good Friday .
`` Fishy Friday '' also has a session during which fishmongers will give their top seafood tips .
Other events include draw-alongs , cook-offs , storytelling and tips on keeping your vegetable patch in tip-top condition .
An egg workshop on Easter Monday morning looks set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crown .
If , after an action-packed virtual Easter weekend all you 're good for is collapsing on the sofa with the kids - you 're in luck .
A couple of new film releases this Easter will provide plenty of kid-friendly action , first in the form of Sonic The Hedgehog .
The rebooted little blue fella will be teaming up with Sheriff Tom Wachowski ( played by James Marsden ) in the fight to save the planet from the clutches of Dr Robotnik ( a moustachioed Jim Carrey ) .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And as if that 's not enough excitement , Dwayne 'The Rock ' Johnson is back along with Kevin Hart , Jack Black and Karen Gillan in Jumanji : The Next Level .
The fourth in the fantasy franchise , it also features cameos from singers Nick Jonas and rapper and actress Awkwafina .
Both are available digitally now .

For many, Easter weekend is a time to get outside in the fresh air and spend time with friends and family.
But with the nation in lockdown due to COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, the spring bank holiday is looking very different for many this year.
Image: Easter's normally a time to spend with friends and family
But who said just because Easter entertainment is virtual, it can't be fun? Here are 10 things to get up to while staying in.
One for opera lovers
Classical singer Andrea Bocelli will mark Easter Sunday by singing live from the empty Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Titled, Music For Hope, the Italian star will perform favourites including Ave Maria and Sancta Maria accompanied by an organist.
Describing Easter as the "universal symbol of rebirth", Bocelli says he hopes the event will bring together millions of people "to hug this wounded Earth's pulsing heart".
A famous tenor singing in one of the world's largest Catholic cathedrals looks set to be a breathtaking experience.
It will stream on Bocelli's YouTube channel at 6pm UK time.
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Spend some time with Jarvis Cocker
Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess is hosting online album parties to bring music lovers "together, apart" during coronavirus lockdown.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Every evening, Burgess and friends will guide fans through the stories and memories behind some of the greatest albums of the past few decades.
Highlights so far have included Blur drummer Dave Rowntree hosting Parklife, former Oasis guitarist Bonehead talking fans through Definitely Maybe, and The Charlatans' own first record, Some Friendly.
Supergrass, Suede, The Libertines and Chemical Brothers are still to come.
So, if you fancy spending Easter Sunday evening listening to Pulp's multi-platinum selling album A Different Class from 9pm, followed up with New Order's studio album Power Corruption & Lies at 10pm, you're in luck.
Follow @Tim_Burgess on Twitter for full details.
A word from the Pope
Easter at the Vatican is going virtual, as Pope Francis refuses to let COVID-19 stop him from getting stuck into one of his busiest working weeks.
Image: Pope Francis celebrated Palm Sunday behind closed doors
The 83-year-old pontiff will preside over Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday Mass as normal, but members of the public will not be present.
All liturgies will take place at the Vatican in St Peter's Basilica, with the Stations of the Cross procession in St Peter's Square.
While the faithful will be able to watch at home via The Vatican's YouTube website, eagle eyed churchgoers will notice some omissions.
The traditional washing of feet on Holy Thursday, the kissing of the Cross on Good Friday and baptisms and candle lighting during the Holy Saturday ceremony have all been removed due to COVID-19.
Fleabag from your sofa
You've seen the TV series, now watch the play from the comfort of your own living room.
Image: Fleabag as you've never seen her before. Pic: BBC
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is streaming her live Fleabag show - which was a hit last year both on the West End and Broadway - to raise money for the NHS and theatre charities.
The performance, which was first broadcast to cinemas as part of National Theatre Live, is now available to stream in the UK and Ireland.
For a minimum £4 donation, fans can get access for 48-hours on Soho Theatre's On Demand streaming site. It comes to Amazon Prime Video on Good Friday.
Waller-Bridge told fans: "Thank you in advance to those who donate. Now go get into bed with Fleabag! It's for charity!!"
The shows must go on
Taking the family to enjoy a night of musical theatre can be pricey - but fear not - Andrew Lloyd-Webber has got your back.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
With theatres around the country closed due to the virus, the composer is making some of his hit musicals available to watch for free on YouTube.
His The Shows Must Go On channel launched last week with Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
For Easter, Lord Lloyd-Webber will also be releasing rock musical Jesus Chris Superstar on Good Friday at 7pm.
Image: Mel C as you've never seen her before. Pic: YouTube/The Show Must Go On
Recorded in 2012, it stars ex-Spice Girl Melanie C, Australian funnyman Tim Minchin, and presenter Chris Moyles.
Behind-the-scenes footage will also be uploaded regularly to the channel.
Fans who enjoy the performances are encouraged to donate to charities Acting for Others, Broadway Cares and the Actors' Benevolent Fund.
Meercat Easter egg hunt anyone?
London Zoo may have closed its gates to visitors, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy hanging out with the animals.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:30 London Zoo's meerkats on Easter egg hunt
Zookeepers are still busy looking after all creatures large and small and are regularly sharing videos of goings-on around the attraction.
Bringing the zoo to you at home, keepers are sharing fun moments with penguins, river hogs, giraffes, pelicans and some very itchy pygmy goats to name but a few.
And in honour of Easter, the meercats enjoyed their very own Easter egg hunt, with Frank, Dracula, Archie, Penelope, Timon, Aurora and Meko tucking into brightly coloured eggs as a special treat.
The Zoo, which houses 18,000 animals, is calling on virtual visitors to help support the zoo while it's closed to the public during the pandemic.
Eggs everywhere
While real Easter egg hunts are cancelled due to COVID-19, virtual Easter egg hunts are all the rage.
Image: Real Easter egg hunts are off the to do list
After pictures of rainbows were displayed in front windows to spread hope during the outbreak, now children are being called on to share their egg drawings.
New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern helped boost the trend when she declared the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy to be essential workers and shared an Easter egg template for children to colour.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Numerous #easteregghunt projects are going on across the world, all with the aim of entertaining kids while they create their artwork, and then offer a further distraction for families out exercising over Easter.
So, grab a pen and some crayons and get colouring, then share your picture in your window and online.
Bedtime stories
Getting to sleep after spending the majority of the day in the house can be tough, especially for kids.
Image: Jake Gyllenhaal get's to grips with an uplifting mystery about a balloon
So why not listen to a bedtime story, read by a celebrity?
Hollywood actresses Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams have created Save With Stories, a US charity that can both provide youngsters with entertainment and raise money for the coronavirus crisis.
Stars including Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal and Eddie Redmayne have all shared their favourite children's story on Instagram.
And if you like your stories a little less LA and a little more London, every day at 11am on Instagram David Walliams is sharing an audio story from one of his own short story collections for children.
Borough Market Digital Extravaganza
Borough Market - one of the oldest and largest markets in London - has decided that if people can't come to it for Easter, it will bring Easter to them via Instagram.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Its five-day food and drink "eggs-travaganza" kicks off on Thursday with some Easter baking and is followed by a hot cross bun masterclass on Good Friday.
"Fishy Friday" also has a session during which fishmongers will give their top seafood tips.
Other events include draw-alongs, cook-offs, storytelling and tips on keeping your vegetable patch in tip-top condition.
An egg workshop on Easter Monday morning looks set to be the jewel in the Easter crown.
Collapse with the kids
If, after an action-packed virtual Easter weekend all you're good for is collapsing on the sofa with the kids - you're in luck.
Image: The Blue Blur could eat up a couple of hours this Easter
A couple of new film releases this Easter will provide plenty of kid-friendly action, first in the form of Sonic The Hedgehog.
The rebooted little blue fella will be teaming up with Sheriff Tom Wachowski (played by James Marsden) in the fight to save the planet from the clutches of Dr Robotnik (a moustachioed Jim Carrey).
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
And as if that's not enough excitement, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is back along with Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan in Jumanji: The Next Level.
The fourth in the fantasy franchise, it also features cameos from singers Nick Jonas and rapper and actress Awkwafina.
Both are available digitally now.