news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Merkel warns Germany COVID-19 crisis 'still at the beginning'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the coronavirus pandemic is `` still at the beginning '' and has warned her country : `` We will be living with this virus for a long time . ''
Mrs Merkel said she understood the urge to relax coronavirus restrictions as soon as possible , but moving too quickly risked setting back what had already been achieved .
In a speech to parliament on Thursday , she urged the country to be resilient , and said even though the numbers of new infections were starting to slow , more needed to be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are not living in the final phase of the pandemic , but still at the beginning , '' she said .
`` We will be living with this virus for a long time . ''
She said : `` Let us not squander what we have achieved and risk a setback .
`` It would be a shame if premature hope ultimately punishes us all .
`` Let us all stay on the path in the next phase of the pandemic : smart and careful .
It 's a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stamina and air too soon . ''
Mrs Merkel said she understood that it felt like the country had been in lockdown for a long time .
She said it would remain difficult for some time yet , but that Germany 's health system was coping with the pandemic so far .
`` We have won time , '' she said .
`` Every corona [ virus ] patient is receiving the best and most humane treatment , even in the most severe cases . ''
Germany has the fifth highest COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Italy and France , but has kept fatalities down after early and extensive testing .
It has reported more than 150,000 infections and more than 5,300 deaths , while more than 100,000 people have recovered , according to Johns Hopkins University which is tracking the outbreak .
The latest figures showed cases of people recovering outnumbering new infections .
`` It is precisely because the figures give rise to hope that I feel obliged to say that this interim result is fragile .
We are on thin ice , the thinnest ice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are still far from out of the woods . ''
Germany 's gradual easing of restrictions will see social distancing rules stay until 3 May , with schools and hairdressers starting to reopen on 4 May .
It has taken the first steps to lifting its lockdown , by allowing some smaller non-essential shops to reopen .
Premises no larger than 800 square metres were allowed to resume business on Monday , along with bookshops , car showrooms and bike stores .
Germany is also among the countries that have enforced or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks , along with mainland China , Hong Kong , South Korea , Japan , the Czech Republic and Singapore .
On Wednesday it was revealed all of Germany 's states planned to make the wearing of masks compulsory on public transport , and shoppers will be made to wear them in most states .
Turning to the economic response , Merkel said calls from some EU countries for common debt with shared liabilities was not the solution .
`` That would be a very difficult process , cost time and would n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , since we need rapid-fire instruments to tackle the crisis , '' Mrs Merkel said .
Instead , she called for a European economic package aimed at supporting an upswing in the next two years .
The country is in a severe recession , according to its central bank , the Bundesbank .

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the coronavirus pandemic is "still at the beginning" and has warned her country: "We will be living with this virus for a long time."
Mrs Merkel said she understood the urge to relax coronavirus restrictions as soon as possible, but moving too quickly risked setting back what had already been achieved.
In a speech to parliament on Thursday, she urged the country to be resilient, and said even though the numbers of new infections were starting to slow, more needed to be done in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.
Image: Some shops in Germany have reopened as the country starts to lift lockdown.
"We are not living in the final phase of the pandemic, but still at the beginning," she said.
"We will be living with this virus for a long time."
She said: "Let us not squander what we have achieved and risk a setback.
"It would be a shame if premature hope ultimately punishes us all.
"Let us all stay on the path in the next phase of the pandemic: smart and careful. It's a long journey - we can't run out of stamina and air too soon."
Mrs Merkel said she understood that it felt like the country had been in lockdown for a long time.
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She said it would remain difficult for some time yet, but that Germany's health system was coping with the pandemic so far.
"We have won time," she said.
"Every corona[virus] patient is receiving the best and most humane treatment, even in the most severe cases."
Germany has the fifth highest COVID-19 caseload behind the United States, Spain, Italy and France, but has kept fatalities down after early and extensive testing.
It has reported more than 150,000 infections and more than 5,300 deaths, while more than 100,000 people have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University which is tracking the outbreak.
The latest figures showed cases of people recovering outnumbering new infections.
Image: Extensive testing has helped lower the ratio of coronavirus deaths to cases in Germany
"It is precisely because the figures give rise to hope that I feel obliged to say that this interim result is fragile. We are on thin ice, the thinnest ice even," Merkel said.
"We are still far from out of the woods."
Germany's gradual easing of restrictions will see social distancing rules stay until 3 May, with schools and hairdressers starting to reopen on 4 May.
It has taken the first steps to lifting its lockdown, by allowing some smaller non-essential shops to reopen.
Premises no larger than 800 square metres were allowed to resume business on Monday, along with bookshops, car showrooms and bike stores.
Germany is also among the countries that have enforced or strongly recommended the public wearing of face masks, along with mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, the Czech Republic and Singapore.
On Wednesday it was revealed all of Germany's states planned to make the wearing of masks compulsory on public transport, and shoppers will be made to wear them in most states.
Turning to the economic response, Merkel said calls from some EU countries for common debt with shared liabilities was not the solution.
"That would be a very difficult process, cost time and wouldn't even help anyone in the current situation, since we need rapid-fire instruments to tackle the crisis," Mrs Merkel said.
Instead, she called for a European economic package aimed at supporting an upswing in the next two years.
The country is in a severe recession, according to its central bank, the Bundesbank.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: UK economic slump could be worst for centuries

Britain could be living through its worst slump for centuries , a top Bank of England official has warned after grim economic data showed business activity crashing at its fastest pace on record .
The closely-watched IHS Markit/CIPS Flash UK composite purchasing managers ' index ( PMI ) plunged to a reading of 12.9 for April , from a reading of 36 last month as COVID-19 started to take its toll on output .
The performance was dragged down by widespread shutdowns in manufacturing and the powerhouse service sector , the report said .
Sky 's economics editor , Ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ readings were unprecedented and `` leagues worse '' than the disruption caused to output following the crash following the financial crisis of 2008 .
A Bank of England policymaker added to the gloom in a speech which warned the UK could be living through the worst economic slump for several centuries .
Gertjan Vlieghe , who sits on the interest rate-setting committee , said the recovery from lockdown would be likely to be U-shaped rather than one resembling a ' V ' - or quick bounce back .
`` Based on the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other countries that were hit somewhat earlier than the UK , it seems that we are experiencing an economic contraction that is faster and deeper than anything we have seen in the past century , or possibly several centuries , '' Mr Vlieghe said in a speech delivered online .
The PMI report said : `` Around 81 % of UK service providers and 75 % of manufacturing companies reported a fall in business activity during April , which was overwhelmingly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` The small minority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in medical supply chains or producers of food & drink .
`` In the service economy , there were sporadic reports of growth in April among those with major clients in either online retail or the public sector .
`` Mirroring the trend for private sector output , the latest survey also signalled survey-record declines in new orders , backlogs of work and employment . ''
The scale of the damage prompted the Treasury to reveal on Thursday that it was seeking to borrow £180bn over the next three months alone to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of support packages for workers and businesses .
The vast majority of businesses were forced to either shut down or impose strict social distancing measures , including working from home , from 23 March as the UK lockdown got under way to limit the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS .
But there is evidence a growing number of firms are looking for ways to reopen , with Aston Martin among companies reporting updated plans on Thursday , The luxury carmaker said it was to restart work at its factory in South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey said it had scheduled 4 May as the date for construction to resume on its building sites .
A scenario published by the Office for Budget Responsibility earlier this month suggested the collapse in output could result in a 35 % dive in GDP in the second quarter - the three months to the end of June .
Chris Williamson , chief business economist at IHS Markit , said the PMI figures confirmed `` fears that GDP will slump to a degree previously thought unimaginable in the second quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historical comparisons of the PMI with GDP indicate that the April survey reading is consistent with GDP falling at a quarterly rate of approximately 7 % .
`` The actual decline in GDP could be even greater , in part because the PMI excludes the vast majority of the self-employed and the retail sector , which have been especially hard-hit by the COVID-19 containment measures . ''
Separate PMI readings showed a similar picture for France and Germany , with the the 19-country eurozone as a whole seeing an economic contraction that would @ @ @ @ @ @

Britain could be living through its worst slump for centuries, a top Bank of England official has warned after grim economic data showed business activity crashing at its fastest pace on record.
The closely-watched IHS Markit/CIPS Flash UK composite purchasing managers' index (PMI) plunged to a reading of 12.9 for April, from a reading of 36 last month as COVID-19 started to take its toll on output.
Anything below 50 signals a contraction.
The performance was dragged down by widespread shutdowns in manufacturing and the powerhouse service sector, the report said.
Sky's economics editor, Ed Conway, responded by saying the activity readings were unprecedented and "leagues worse" than the disruption caused to output following the crash following the financial crisis of 2008.
A Bank of England policymaker added to the gloom in a speech which warned the UK could be living through the worst economic slump for several centuries.
Image: Purchasing managers' index data charts UK economic activity over more than two decades
Gertjan Vlieghe, who sits on the interest rate-setting committee, said the recovery from lockdown would be likely to be U-shaped rather than one resembling a 'V' - or quick bounce back.
"Based on the early indicators, and based on the experience in other countries that were hit somewhat earlier than the UK, it seems that we are experiencing an economic contraction that is faster and deeper than anything we have seen in the past century, or possibly several centuries," Mr Vlieghe said in a speech delivered online.
The PMI report said: "Around 81% of UK service providers and 75% of manufacturing companies reported a fall in business activity during April, which was overwhelmingly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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"The small minority of manufacturers reporting output growth were mostly involved in medical supply chains or producers of food & drink.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'There will be more tough times to come'
"In the service economy, there were sporadic reports of growth in April among those with major clients in either online retail or the public sector.
"Mirroring the trend for private sector output, the latest survey also signalled survey-record declines in new orders, backlogs of work and employment."
The scale of the damage prompted the Treasury to reveal on Thursday that it was seeking to borrow £180bn over the next three months alone to help meet its financing requirements including the cost of support packages for workers and businesses.
The vast majority of businesses were forced to either shut down or impose strict social distancing measures, including working from home, from 23 March as the UK lockdown got under way to limit the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS.
But there is evidence a growing number of firms are looking for ways to reopen, with Aston Martin among companies reporting updated plans on Thursday,
The luxury carmaker said it was to restart work at its factory in South Wales from 5 May following safety guidance.
Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey said it had scheduled 4 May as the date for construction to resume on its building sites.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Economy faces 'unprecedented' jolt
A scenario published by the Office for Budget Responsibility earlier this month suggested the collapse in output could result in a 35% dive in GDP in the second quarter - the three months to the end of June.
Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, said the PMI figures confirmed "fears that GDP will slump to a degree previously thought unimaginable in the second quarter".
He added: "Simple historical comparisons of the PMI with GDP indicate that the April survey reading is consistent with GDP falling at a quarterly rate of approximately 7%.
"The actual decline in GDP could be even greater, in part because the PMI excludes the vast majority of the self-employed and the retail sector, which have been especially hard-hit by the COVID-19 containment measures."
Separate PMI readings showed a similar picture for France and Germany, with the the 19-country eurozone as a whole seeing an economic contraction that would outpace the UK's fall.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Essential workers and their households can book tests from today

Essential workers and their households will be able to book coronavirus tests online from today , the health secretary says .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing , Matt Hancock said the criteria for who can be tested for coronavirus would be expanded to include any essential workers and their families who need a test .
Previously , some key workers with symptoms - such as NHS workers , social care staff , and emergency services - and their families had been allowed to be tested .
The government classifies key workers as those working in jobs such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Workers will be able to book an appointment directly on the government website from Friday , while companies can book them for employees from today .
`` It 's all part of getting Britain back on her feet , '' Mr Hancock said .
The health secretary said the expansion can happen because testing capacity has increased from 40,000 to 51,000 per day overnight - and means the UK is `` ahead of our plans '' to reach 100,000 tests per day by the end of April .
Mr Hancock also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new NHS contact-tracing app .
Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms would be able to inform the NHS through the app , which would then alert other users they had significant contact with .
`` We need to be really kick-starting contact tracing , '' Mr Hancock said .
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt , who has been pressing for much higher rates of testing , praised today 's announcement .
`` I have been pressing for concrete action on contact tracing but today @ MattHancock has delivered , '' he wrote on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - alongside widespread testing - we have a clear exit route from the current lockdown & our approach comes much closer to global best practice . ''
Mr Hancock cautioned there would be `` no automatic link '' between the rolling out of a `` test , track and trace '' system and any changes to social distancing measures .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But he did say the adoption of this system , if done effectively , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that allows you then to have lesser rules '' .
The health secretary also said letters are being sent out encouraging people to take part in a survey which will establish how many people have already had coronavirus .
Initially , 25,000 people will take part , and this will be expanded to 300,000 over the next 12 months .
`` These are critical pieces of information to inform our battle against this novel virus , '' he said .
Meanwhile , chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the UK is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak '' , but is `` heading very much in the right direction '' .
Sir Patrick confirmed deaths are `` still at a plateau '' and `` coming down slightly '' .
He expects this to last `` for a couple of weeks '' before decreasing .

Essential workers and their households will be able to book coronavirus tests online from today, the health secretary says.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Matt Hancock said the criteria for who can be tested for coronavirus would be expanded to include any essential workers and their families who need a test.
Previously, some key workers with symptoms - such as NHS workers, social care staff, and emergency services - and their families had been allowed to be tested.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Tests for essential workers from Friday
The government classifies key workers as those working in jobs such as teachers, government employees and delivery drivers.
Workers will be able to book an appointment directly on the government website from Friday, while companies can book them for employees from today.
"It's all part of getting Britain back on her feet," Mr Hancock said.
The health secretary said the expansion can happen because testing capacity has increased from 40,000 to 51,000 per day overnight - and means the UK is "ahead of our plans" to reach 100,000 tests per day by the end of April.
Mr Hancock also said plans were being put in place for a new NHS contact-tracing app.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Starmer tackles Raab on coronavirus testing
Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms would be able to inform the NHS through the app, which would then alert other users they had significant contact with.
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"We need to be really kick-starting contact tracing," Mr Hancock said.
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt, who has been pressing for much higher rates of testing, praised today's announcement.
"I have been pressing for concrete action on contact tracing but today @MattHancock has delivered," he wrote on Twitter.
"With 18,000 people being recruited - alongside widespread testing - we have a clear exit route from the current lockdown & our approach comes much closer to global best practice."
Mr Hancock cautioned there would be "no automatic link" between the rolling out of a "test, track and trace" system and any changes to social distancing measures.
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But he did say the adoption of this system, if done effectively, could suppress transmission "in a way that allows you then to have lesser rules".
The health secretary also said letters are being sent out encouraging people to take part in a survey which will establish how many people have already had coronavirus.
Initially, 25,000 people will take part, and this will be expanded to 300,000 over the next 12 months.
"These are critical pieces of information to inform our battle against this novel virus," he said.
Meanwhile, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the UK is "still at that period coming through the peak", but is "heading very much in the right direction".
Sir Patrick confirmed deaths are "still at a plateau" and "coming down slightly". He expects this to last "for a couple of weeks" before decreasing.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Britons still support lockdown despite being sadder and more anxious - poll

Britons have become sadder and more anxious since the coronavirus lockdown began but still strongly support the restrictions on schools and shops staying in place , according to an exclusive new poll for Sky News .
The country has thrown itself into housework , cooking and gardening but fewer than one in three are doing more exercise than usual and fewer than one in 15 say draconian restrictions on lifestyle means having more sex .
Boris Johnson , who is still recovering from COVID-19 , is trusted by the public to handle the crisis significantly more than new Labour leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer Professor Chris Whitty is the person Britons say they trust most to handle coronavirus , with the NHS and civil service doing well overall and the media performing disastrously .
In a poll of 1,652 Britons for Sky News conducted by YouGov on Monday and Tuesday , the public were emphatic that , for now , lockdown should continue .
Over half the population would not support key parts of society and the economy being reopened in the next few weeks , including 51 % wanting primary schools to stay shut , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut , 67 % wanting to keep people working from home and 72 % wanting to keep older people indoors .
Just under half , 45 % , want to see non-essential shops staying closed .
Although those aged under 25 are a bit more likely to want schools and shops to reopen , the difference is not substantial and there is remarkable cohesion amongst the different age groups .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Only 20 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people indoors to lift , suggesting they are happy to continue to comply for now .
Britons have embraced domesticity during the lockdown period , with 49 % doing more tidying and cleaning , 46 % doing more cooking and 40 % doing more gardening .
Even young adults say they are doing more around the house , with 53 % of 18-24 year olds doing more cleaning and tidying and 62 % saying they are doing more cooking .
Despite the government 's hour-long daily exercise allowance , only 30 % say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than normal , 29 % less than normal and 38 % about the same .
Some 7 % told YouGov they were having more sex than usual while 18 % say they are having less and the rest say no change or they are n't sure .
The change in reported sexual activity is particularly acute for those under 50 .
Some 39 % of 18-24 year olds and 21 % of 25-49 year olds say they are having less sex since lockdown .
Overall , 49 % of Britons are more anxious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % worse off financially .
In general , those under 50 are finding it more difficult than those over 50 , with 58 % of 18-24s saying they are more anxious compared to 40 % of over 65s .
Financially , 37 % of 18-24 year olds and 39 % of 25-49 year olds say they are worse off , but only 17 % say this who are 65 and older .
The public are putting their faith in the government and existing institutions of state in this crisis .
Some 51 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle coronavirus , while 39 % say they do not trust him , giving him an overall net score of 12 .
Some 25 % say they trust Sir Keir Starmer , while 34 % do not trust him , giving him an overall net score of minus 9 .
Noticeably , 24 % of voters who supported Labour in the 2019 general election say they do not trust Sir Keir , while a further 36 % of this group say they do n't know whether they trust him .
The chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the highest esteem , with 42 % saying they trust him and 17 % saying they do not , giving him a higher net overall score than the prime minister , at 25 .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the chief scientific officer , is trusted by 25 % and not trusted by 17 % , giving him an overall net score of eight .
Dominic Raab , who is deputising for the prime minister , has an overall net score of minus one , while Matt Hancock , the health secretary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very badly in the poll .
Some 24 % say they trust TV journalists while 64 % say they do not , giving a net score of minus 40 .
Meanwhile , 17 % say they trust newspaper journalists , while 72 % say they do not , giving an overall net score of minus 55 .

Britons have become sadder and more anxious since the coronavirus lockdown began but still strongly support the restrictions on schools and shops staying in place, according to an exclusive new poll for Sky News.
The country has thrown itself into housework, cooking and gardening but fewer than one in three are doing more exercise than usual and fewer than one in 15 say draconian restrictions on lifestyle means having more sex.
Boris Johnson, who is still recovering from COVID-19, is trusted by the public to handle the crisis significantly more than new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
The chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty is the person Britons say they trust most to handle coronavirus, with the NHS and civil service doing well overall and the media performing disastrously.
In a poll of 1,652 Britons for Sky News conducted by YouGov on Monday and Tuesday, the public were emphatic that, for now, lockdown should continue.
Image: This graphic shows the percentage of people who are opposed to various possible future actions
Over half the population would not support key parts of society and the economy being reopened in the next few weeks, including 51% wanting primary schools to stay shut, 53% wanting secondary schools to stay shut, 67% wanting to keep people working from home and 72% wanting to keep older people indoors.
Just under half, 45%, want to see non-essential shops staying closed.
Although those aged under 25 are a bit more likely to want schools and shops to reopen, the difference is not substantial and there is remarkable cohesion amongst the different age groups.
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Only 20% of over-65s want the lockdown rules keeping older people indoors to lift, suggesting they are happy to continue to comply for now.
Britons have embraced domesticity during the lockdown period, with 49% doing more tidying and cleaning, 46% doing more cooking and 40% doing more gardening.
Even young adults say they are doing more around the house, with 53% of 18-24 year olds doing more cleaning and tidying and 62% saying they are doing more cooking.
Image: Boris Johnson is trusted by the public to handle the crisis more than new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer
Despite the government's hour-long daily exercise allowance, only 30% say they are having more of a workout than normal, 29% less than normal and 38% about the same.
Some 7% told YouGov they were having more sex than usual while 18% say they are having less and the rest say no change or they aren't sure.
The change in reported sexual activity is particularly acute for those under 50. Some 39% of 18-24 year olds and 21% of 25-49 year olds say they are having less sex since lockdown.
Overall, 49% of Britons are more anxious, 45% are sadder and 32% worse off financially. In general, those under 50 are finding it more difficult than those over 50, with 58% of 18-24s saying they are more anxious compared to 40% of over 65s.
Financially, 37% of 18-24 year olds and 39% of 25-49 year olds say they are worse off, but only 17% say this who are 65 and older.
The public are putting their faith in the government and existing institutions of state in this crisis.
Some 51% of people say they trust Mr Johnson to handle coronavirus, while 39% say they do not trust him, giving him an overall net score of 12.
Some 25% say they trust Sir Keir Starmer, while 34% do not trust him, giving him an overall net score of minus 9.
Noticeably, 24% of voters who supported Labour in the 2019 general election say they do not trust Sir Keir, while a further 36% of this group say they don't know whether they trust him.
The chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty is held in the highest esteem, with 42% saying they trust him and 17% saying they do not, giving him a higher net overall score than the prime minister, at 25.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific officer, is trusted by 25% and not trusted by 17%, giving him an overall net score of eight.
Dominic Raab, who is deputising for the prime minister, has an overall net score of minus one, while Matt Hancock, the health secretary, is net minus five.
Journalists fare very badly in the poll. Some 24% say they trust TV journalists while 64% say they do not, giving a net score of minus 40.
Meanwhile, 17% say they trust newspaper journalists, while 72% say they do not, giving an overall net score of minus 55.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Front line hospital workers at no greater risk of infection than support staff, says st

Coronavirus: Front line hospital workers at no greater risk of infection than support staff, says study

Front line healthcare workers are at no greater risk of catching COVID-19 than other NHS workers , according to research published in The Lancet .
The study compared infection rates in Newcastle hospitals between doctors and nurses who deal directly with coronavirus patients and other hospital and administrative staff .
It found that of 1,029 staff tested , the rate of infection among directly patient-facing staff was 15.4 % , while for non-patient clinical workers it was 16.3 % .
For non-clinical staff , such as finance or IT workers , the risk of becoming infected was actually higher at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , concluded that current isolation protocols and personal protective equipment ( PPE ) appear sufficient to prevent hospital transmission .
Dr Christopher Duncan , Research Fellow at Newcastle University , said his team 's study was `` reassuring '' for patient facing workers .
Dr Duncan said : `` We looked at people who work in finance or IT or in clerical support roles , so they work for the trust , but they do n't come into contact with patients , and those on the front line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspicion was that front line staff who are coming into contact with patients with COVID-19 would be at a higher risk of testing positive for coronavirus , than would staff who do n't come into contact with patients .
`` But actually we found that those groups of staff were at very similar risk of testing positive , so that is reassuring for front line staff that the PPE they are using is effective .
`` This study looked at testing happening from the second week in March , so that was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really started to develop . ''
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Front line healthcare workers are at no greater risk of catching COVID-19 than other NHS workers, according to research published in The Lancet.
The study compared infection rates in Newcastle hospitals between doctors and nurses who deal directly with coronavirus patients and other hospital and administrative staff.
It found that of 1,029 staff tested, the rate of infection among directly patient-facing staff was 15.4%, while for non-patient clinical workers it was 16.3%. For non-clinical staff, such as finance or IT workers, the risk of becoming infected was actually higher at 18.4%
The researchers at Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, concluded that current isolation protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) appear sufficient to prevent hospital transmission.
Dr Christopher Duncan, Research Fellow at Newcastle University, said his team's study was "reassuring" for patient facing workers.
Dr Duncan said: "We looked at people who work in finance or IT or in clerical support roles, so they work for the trust, but they don't come into contact with patients, and those on the front line.
"This is reassuring because our suspicion was that front line staff who are coming into contact with patients with COVID-19 would be at a higher risk of testing positive for coronavirus, than would staff who don't come into contact with patients.
"But actually we found that those groups of staff were at very similar risk of testing positive, so that is reassuring for front line staff that the PPE they are using is effective.
"This study looked at testing happening from the second week in March, so that was the period when the pandemic in the UK really started to develop."
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news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Nicotine patches to be tested on patients after study suggests smokers less likely to c

Coronavirus: Nicotine patches to be tested on patients after study suggests smokers less likely to catch COVID-19

Nicotine patches are to be tested on coronavirus patients and healthcare workers treating infected people after initial studies suggested smokers were less likely to catch the disease .
Researchers in France say early data indicates those who smoke make up a disproportionately small number of people in hospital with COVID-19 .
A study at Paris 's Pitie-Salpetriere hospital suggests a substance in tobacco , thought to be nicotine , was preventing smokers contracting coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Those leading the study stressed they did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists pointing out it kills half of those who do so regularly - claiming around 75,000 deaths each year in France .
But they say they want to learn more after questioning 480 patients who tested positive for the virus .
A total of 350 had to be treated in hospital while the rest with less serious symptoms were sent home .
Of those needing hospital treatment , whose median age was 65 , just 4.4 % were regular smokers .
Only 5.3 % of those allowed home - who had a median @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they smoked .
The researchers said that according to the latest official statistics in France , smokers make up 30 % of those aged 45-54 , and 8.8 % of women and 11.3 % of men aged 65-75 .
The authors write : `` Our cross-sectional study strongly suggests that daily smokers have a much lower probability of developing symptomatic or severe SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population .
`` The effect is significant , it divides the risk by five for ambulatory patients and by four for hospitalised patients .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eminent neurobiologist Jean-Pierre Changeux , who has reviewed the work , speculated that nicotine could protect against the virus by preventing it reaching the body 's cells .
It is also thought that nicotine could prevent the immune system going into overdrive due to the infection , as has been seen among some of the worst-affected cases .
Epidemiologist Florence Tubach , co-author of the study , cautioned : `` Based on these results , however robust they may be , we must not conclude that there is a protective effect of tobacco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Only nicotine or other modulators of the nicotinic receptor could have a protective effect and I maintain the conditional because our work remains observational . ''
The next phase of the research will go ahead after the trials have been approved by France 's ministry of health .
Figures from hospitals in Paris show that of around 11,000 patients treat in hospital for COVID-19 , 8.5 % were smokers .
Official data indicates 25.4 % of French people smoke .
It follows a study of more than 1,000 infected people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smokers was 12.6 % - compared to 28 % across the country 's adult population .

Nicotine patches are to be tested on coronavirus patients and healthcare workers treating infected people after initial studies suggested smokers were less likely to catch the disease.
Researchers in France say early data indicates those who smoke make up a disproportionately small number of people in hospital with COVID-19.
A study at Paris's Pitie-Salpetriere hospital suggests a substance in tobacco, thought to be nicotine, was preventing smokers contracting coronavirus.
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Those leading the study stressed they did not advise people to start smoking, with scientists pointing out it kills half of those who do so regularly - claiming around 75,000 deaths each year in France.
But they say they want to learn more after questioning 480 patients who tested positive for the virus. A total of 350 had to be treated in hospital while the rest with less serious symptoms were sent home.
Of those needing hospital treatment, whose median age was 65, just 4.4% were regular smokers. Only 5.3% of those allowed home - who had a median age of 44 - 5.3% reported they smoked.
The researchers said that according to the latest official statistics in France, smokers make up 30% of those aged 45-54, and 8.8% of women and 11.3% of men aged 65-75.
The authors write: "Our cross-sectional study strongly suggests that daily smokers have a much lower probability of developing symptomatic or severe SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population.
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"The effect is significant, it divides the risk by five for ambulatory patients and by four for hospitalised patients. You rarely see that in medicine."
Eminent neurobiologist Jean-Pierre Changeux, who has reviewed the work, speculated that nicotine could protect against the virus by preventing it reaching the body's cells.
It is also thought that nicotine could prevent the immune system going into overdrive due to the infection, as has been seen among some of the worst-affected cases.
Epidemiologist Florence Tubach, co-author of the study, cautioned: "Based on these results, however robust they may be, we must not conclude that there is a protective effect of tobacco smoke, which contains many toxic agents.
"Only nicotine or other modulators of the nicotinic receptor could have a protective effect and I maintain the conditional because our work remains observational."
The next phase of the research will go ahead after the trials have been approved by France's ministry of health.
Figures from hospitals in Paris show that of around 11,000 patients treat in hospital for COVID-19, 8.5% were smokers.
Official data indicates 25.4% of French people smoke.
It follows a study of more than 1,000 infected people in China, which found the proportion of smokers was 12.6% - compared to 28% across the country's adult population.


news--2020-05-05--Elon Musk and Grimes welcome baby 'X Æ A-12'

Tesla co-founder Elon Musk and Canadian singer Grimes have welcomed their first child together , with Musk saying their newborn son has been given an unusual name .
The billionaire entrepreneur shared the news in a conversation on Twitter , posting a picture of him holding their little boy and saying in a separate message : `` Mom & baby all good . ''
In response to someone asking for the baby 's name , the 48-year-old wrote : `` X Æ A-12 . ''
We 'll await confirmation on that one .
Musk recently posted a series of bizarre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tesla 's share price , however they jumped back up a few days later .
He has also made headlines for his criticism of the coronavirus lockdown in the US , despite the high number of deaths .
It is not the first time his social media posts have caused controversy .
In April 2019 , he said his Twitter account was `` pretty much complete nonsense at this point '' .
Grimes , 32 , had been keeping fans updated on social media throughout her pregnancy and in February revealed she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she was worried she was `` woefully ill-prepared '' to have a baby .
Later that month she told fans on Twitter she will allow the child to choose its own gender .
She has not yet posted about the baby 's birth .
Musk and Grimes have been in a relationship for more than two years and made their public debut as a couple at the 2018 Met Gala .
This year 's Met Gala should have taken place on Monday night , but like many events was cancelled due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the world 's most powerful and richest men , and has five children with his first wife , Canadian author Justine Wilson .

Tesla co-founder Elon Musk and Canadian singer Grimes have welcomed their first child together, with Musk saying their newborn son has been given an unusual name.
The billionaire entrepreneur shared the news in a conversation on Twitter, posting a picture of him holding their little boy and saying in a separate message: "Mom & baby all good."
Image: Musk and Grimes attended the Met Gala in 2018 together, their first red carpet appearance as a couple
In response to someone asking for the baby's name, the 48-year-old wrote: "X Æ A-12."
We'll await confirmation on that one.
Musk recently posted a series of bizarre tweets that saw $13bn wiped off Tesla's share price, however they jumped back up a few days later.
He has also made headlines for his criticism of the coronavirus lockdown in the US, despite the high number of deaths.
It is not the first time his social media posts have caused controversy. In April 2019, he said his Twitter account was "pretty much complete nonsense at this point".
Grimes, 32, had been keeping fans updated on social media throughout her pregnancy and in February revealed she had suffered "complications". She also said she was worried she was "woefully ill-prepared" to have a baby.
Later that month she told fans on Twitter she will allow the child to choose its own gender.
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She has not yet posted about the baby's birth.
Musk and Grimes have been in a relationship for more than two years and made their public debut as a couple at the 2018 Met Gala. This year's Met Gala should have taken place on Monday night, but like many events was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
South African-born Musk is one of the world's most powerful and richest men, and has five children with his first wife, Canadian author Justine Wilson.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: 693 more people with COVID-19 have died in UK

Another 693 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died in the UK , taking the total to 29,427 .
The latest figure from the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings , including hospitals , care homes and the wider community , as of 5pm on Monday .
The previous rise of 288 was the lowest daily increase since the end of March , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said .
Experts have pointed out that there can sometimes be a lag after the weekend as some administration staff who collect the figures may not be working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was announced a further 366 people with COVID-19 have died in hospital in England , bringing the total to 21,750 .
In Scotland , 44 more deaths have been reported , with the overall fatality figure there now 1,620 .
In Wales , a further 26 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus , taking the total to 1,023 .
Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest 29,710 deaths involving COVID-19 in England and Wales were registered up to 2 May .
The ONS said the numbers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anywhere on the death certificate , including in combination with other health conditions .
Together with the latest equivalent numbers for Scotland ( 2,272 deaths registered up to 26 April ) and Northern Ireland ( 393 deaths registered up to 29 April ) , it means a total of 32,375 deaths involving COVID-19 have now been registered across the UK .
Meanwhile , ministers are considering easing the coronavirus social-distancing restrictions on people meeting outdoors .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said they were looking at possible `` easements '' - as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the expected publication on Sunday of the government 's `` roadmap '' on the next phase of the COVID-19 response .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Also , Mr Hancock has dismissed warnings by civil liberties campaigners that a new coronavirus contact-tracing app could open the door to widespread `` state surveillance '' .
Ministers are urging the public to sign up to the app - which is beginning trials on the Isle of Wight - as a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
Mr Hancock has insisted it is `` completely wrong '' to say that the app represents a threat to civil liberties .

Another 693 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died in the UK, taking the total to 29,427.
The latest figure from the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community, as of 5pm on Monday.
The previous rise of 288 was the lowest daily increase since the end of March, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.
Experts have pointed out that there can sometimes be a lag after the weekend as some administration staff who collect the figures may not be working on Saturday and Sunday.
On Tuesday, it was announced a further 366 people with COVID-19 have died in hospital in England, bringing the total to 21,750.
Image: The fatality figure released on Monday was the lowest daily increase since the end of March
In Scotland, 44 more deaths have been reported, with the overall fatality figure there now 1,620.
In Wales, a further 26 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, taking the total to 1,023.
Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest 29,710 deaths involving COVID-19 in England and Wales were registered up to 2 May.
The ONS said the numbers are based on where the virus is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, including in combination with other health conditions.
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Together with the latest equivalent numbers for Scotland (2,272 deaths registered up to 26 April) and Northern Ireland (393 deaths registered up to 29 April), it means a total of 32,375 deaths involving COVID-19 have now been registered across the UK.
Meanwhile, ministers are considering easing the coronavirus social-distancing restrictions on people meeting outdoors.
The prime minister's official spokesman said they were looking at possible "easements" - as well some toughening of the rules - ahead of the expected publication on Sunday of the government's "roadmap" on the next phase of the COVID-19 response.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Also, Mr Hancock has dismissed warnings by civil liberties campaigners that a new coronavirus contact-tracing app could open the door to widespread "state surveillance".
Ministers are urging the public to sign up to the app - which is beginning trials on the Isle of Wight - as a way out of the current lockdown and re-starting the economy.
Mr Hancock has insisted it is "completely wrong" to say that the app represents a threat to civil liberties.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Lockdown sees new car sales drop by 97% in April

New car sales plunged by 97.3 % last month compared to April 2019 , revealing the effects of the coronavirus lockdown on the motor industry .
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders ( SMMT ) said just 4,321 new vehicles were registered - a record low for the market .
That compares to 161,000 in the same month last year - a number already depressed as consumer confidence was knocked by Brexit deadlines and what the car industry described as `` confusion '' over the future of diesel-powered cars .
Separate SMMT data covering commercial sales showed just 3,387 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the month - a drop of 86.2 % on April last year .
The SMMT is forecasting the worst annual performance for new cars since 1992 , a 27 % decline on 2019 , as the COVID-19 crisis takes its toll on incomes and wider demand with the economy tipped to face its deepest slump in a century .
The data for March - the new 20 plate month - highlighted the worst March performance for car sales in two decades .
The figures , while dire , come as no great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 March though some deliveries have made it through .
The SMMT said fleet sales accounted for the bulk of April 's decline , with just 871 vehicles bought by individuals .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It has been a similar story for the UK 's car manufacturers , with the SMMT reporting a collapse in factory output because of the lockdown though Aston Martin , the luxury brand , intends to reopen its St Athan manufacturing facility in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Hawes , called for the automotive sector to be included in the first wave of re-openings once the lockdown is eased , to drive manufacturing and kick-start economic recovery .
He said : `` A strong new car market supports a healthy economy and as Britain starts to plan for recovery , we need car retail to be in the vanguard .
`` Safely restarting this most critical sector and revitalising what will , inevitably , be subdued demand will be key to unlocking manufacturing and accelerating the UK 's economic regeneration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Auto Trader , said the easing of social distancing , when it comes , should be seen as an opportunity by showrooms - particularly to push growing interest in the electric vehicle market as new models come through .
`` With retailers forced to close the doors to their physical forecourts , it 'll come as no surprise to anyone to see just how dramatic an impact it 's had on the new car market , '' he wrote .
`` Some brands have been able to sell remotely , but uncertainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of the required infrastructure to operate home delivery in a safe way , has limited it to all but a handful of retailers .
`` Whilst the market is down significantly , our data does point to a market that has been paused , rather than stopped , and ready to return to health quickly once the restrictions have been lifted .
`` Whilst traffic to our platforms has fallen , we 're still seeing circa 945,000 visits every day .
What 's more , our research of over 3,000 consumers conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been put off from buying a new vehicle . ''

New car sales plunged by 97.3% last month compared to April 2019, revealing the effects of the coronavirus lockdown on the motor industry.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said just 4,321 new vehicles were registered - a record low for the market.
That compares to 161,000 in the same month last year - a number already depressed as consumer confidence was knocked by Brexit deadlines and what the car industry described as "confusion" over the future of diesel-powered cars.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 Fears the economy faces deep slump
Separate SMMT data covering commercial sales showed just 3,387 vans, pickups and 4x4s were registered in the month - a drop of 86.2% on April last year.
The SMMT is forecasting the worst annual performance for new cars since 1992, a 27% decline on 2019, as the COVID-19 crisis takes its toll on incomes and wider demand with the economy tipped to face its deepest slump in a century.
The data for March - the new 20 plate month - highlighted the worst March performance for car sales in two decades.
The figures, while dire, come as no great shock as showrooms have been shuttered since 23 March though some deliveries have made it through.
The SMMT said fleet sales accounted for the bulk of April's decline, with just 871 vehicles bought by individuals.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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It has been a similar story for the UK's car manufacturers, with the SMMT reporting a collapse in factory output because of the lockdown though Aston Martin, the luxury brand, intends to reopen its St Athan manufacturing facility in Wales on Tuesday.
SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes, called for the automotive sector to be included in the first wave of re-openings once the lockdown is eased, to drive manufacturing and kick-start economic recovery.
He said: "A strong new car market supports a healthy economy and as Britain starts to plan for recovery, we need car retail to be in the vanguard.
"Safely restarting this most critical sector and revitalising what will, inevitably, be subdued demand will be key to unlocking manufacturing and accelerating the UK's economic regeneration."
Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, said the easing of social distancing, when it comes, should be seen as an opportunity by showrooms - particularly to push growing interest in the electric vehicle market as new models come through.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 How will the UK get back to work?
"With retailers forced to close the doors to their physical forecourts, it'll come as no surprise to anyone to see just how dramatic an impact it's had on the new car market," he wrote.
"Some brands have been able to sell remotely, but uncertainty in the government's guidelines or a lack of the required infrastructure to operate home delivery in a safe way, has limited it to all but a handful of retailers.
"Whilst the market is down significantly, our data does point to a market that has been paused, rather than stopped, and ready to return to health quickly once the restrictions have been lifted.
"Whilst traffic to our platforms has fallen, we're still seeing circa 945,000 visits every day. What's more, our research of over 3,000 consumers conducted last week showed that only 2% have been put off from buying a new vehicle."


news--2020-05-05--Islamic State: RAF airstrikes kill terrorists hiding in Iraq caves

The RAF has carried out airstrikes on caves in Iraq where Islamic State ( IS ) terrorists were hiding out .
Six cave entrances were bombed on 28 April by a pair of RAF Typhoons and other coalition aircraft northeast of Bayji in northern Iraq , the Ministry of Defence ( MoD ) has revealed .
Intelligence had confirmed a group of IS fighters with weapons were operating out of the caves .
Setting out from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus , the Typhoons and other aircraft were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling tanker as they flew to Iraq .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area surrounding the caves , the aircraft used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to strike all six of the caves .
They then used surveillance to confirm all the terrorists ' weapons had been successfully destroyed .
An MoD statement said they had been successful in `` removing more Daesh ( IS ) fighters from the battlefield and further downgrading the terrorist movement '' .
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said : `` The strikes continue because the Daesh threat is relentless and so will we be . ''
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed reconnaissance missions over Iraq and eastern Syria as part of the global coalition against IS .
On 10 April , two Typhoons carried out airstrikes with other coalition aircraft on IS terrorists occupying a group of fortified buildings in an isolated area west of the northern Iraqi city of Tuz Khurma .
The terrorists and their weapons were successfully `` removed '' , the MoD said .

The RAF has carried out airstrikes on caves in Iraq where Islamic State (IS) terrorists were hiding out.
Six cave entrances were bombed on 28 April by a pair of RAF Typhoons and other coalition aircraft northeast of Bayji in northern Iraq, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed.
Intelligence had confirmed a group of IS fighters with weapons were operating out of the caves.
Image: Two RAF Typhoons bombed the caves
Setting out from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, the Typhoons and other aircraft were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling tanker as they flew to Iraq.
Following a "thorough check" of the area surrounding the caves, the aircraft used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to strike all six of the caves.
They then used surveillance to confirm all the terrorists' weapons had been successfully destroyed.
An MoD statement said they had been successful in "removing more Daesh (IS) fighters from the battlefield and further downgrading the terrorist movement".
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "The strikes continue because the Daesh threat is relentless and so will we be."
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the RAF has continued to fly daily armed reconnaissance missions over Iraq and eastern Syria as part of the global coalition against IS.
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On 10 April, two Typhoons carried out airstrikes with other coalition aircraft on IS terrorists occupying a group of fortified buildings in an isolated area west of the northern Iraqi city of Tuz Khurma.
The terrorists and their weapons were successfully "removed", the MoD said.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Economy on track for deepest decline 'in living memory'

The UK economy is heading for its biggest contraction `` in living memory '' , according to a report highlighting a slump in activity for the UK 's powerhouse services sector .
The IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers ' Index ( PMI ) for April suggested a contraction in quarterly GDP ( gross domestic product ) of at least 7 % .
But it cautioned that the number would be expected to be far worse because its survey data does not cover large parts of the services economy including retail and activity among the self-employed - among the hardest hit by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PMI reading came in at its weakest level since it first started in 1996 , dropping to 13.4 in April from 34.5 in March .
A composite reading , that included manufacturing , released almost a fortnight ago laid bare the effects of the lockdown on the UK economy - in place since 23 March - highlighting an unprecedented slump .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Tim Moore , economics director at IHS Markit , said of the latest figures : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the downturn in the UK economy during the second quarter of 2020 will be far deeper and more widespread than anything seen in living memory .
`` Historical comparisons of the PMI with GDP indicate that the April survey reading is consistent with the economy falling at a quarterly rate of approximately 7 % , but we expect the actual decline in GDP could be even greater , in part because the PMI excludes the vast majority of the self-employed and the retail sector .
`` Just one in five service providers managed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since March and those hardest hit by social distancing measures and travel restrictions often reported complete stoppages of business operations . ''
The toll on the economy is acute because of massive government borrowing to pay for the series of support schemes on offer to businesses and individuals who are currently furloughed during the lockdown .
Government figures released on Monday showed the Job Retention Scheme was paying the bulk of wages due to 6.3 million people at a cost , to date , of £8bn .
Much depends on the timing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details expected to be revealed on Sunday by the prime minister .
The Bank of England is due to give an update on its projections for the economy when it delivers its latest Monetary Policy Report this week .
A member of its rate-setting committee , Gertjan Vlieghe , has already suggested the UK could be living through the worst economic slump for several centuries with the recovery from lockdown likely to be U-shaped rather than one resembling a ' V ' - or quick bounce back .
A scenario by the Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of a 35 % second quarter contraction in GDP with a leap in unemployment of two million .
Howard Archer , chief economic adviser to the EY ITEM Club , said he did not expect any further stimulus to arise from Thursday 's meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee .
He said after the PMI reading : `` We expect the economy to contract around 13 % quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter on the assumption that there is some lifting of restrictions on activity during the quarter . ''

The UK economy is heading for its biggest contraction "in living memory", according to a report highlighting a slump in activity for the UK's powerhouse services sector.
The IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for April suggested a contraction in quarterly GDP (gross domestic product) of at least 7%.
But it cautioned that the number would be expected to be far worse because its survey data does not cover large parts of the services economy including retail and activity among the self-employed - among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 How can the economy get back to work?
The sector's PMI reading came in at its weakest level since it first started in 1996, dropping to 13.4 in April from 34.5 in March.
Any reading above 50 represents growth.
A composite reading, that included manufacturing, released almost a fortnight ago laid bare the effects of the lockdown on the UK economy - in place since 23 March - highlighting an unprecedented slump.
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Tim Moore, economics director at IHS Markit, said of the latest figures: "April's PMI data highlights that the downturn in the UK economy during the second quarter of 2020 will be far deeper and more widespread than anything seen in living memory.
"Historical comparisons of the PMI with GDP indicate that the April survey reading is consistent with the economy falling at a quarterly rate of approximately 7%, but we expect the actual decline in GDP could be even greater, in part because the PMI excludes the vast majority of the self-employed and the retail sector.
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"Just one in five service providers managed to avoid a drop in business activity since March and those hardest hit by social distancing measures and travel restrictions often reported complete stoppages of business operations."
The toll on the economy is acute because of massive government borrowing to pay for the series of support schemes on offer to businesses and individuals who are currently furloughed during the lockdown.
Image: Government borrowing is set to rocket under the latest plans
Government figures released on Monday showed the Job Retention Scheme was paying the bulk of wages due to 6.3 million people at a cost, to date, of £8bn.
Much depends on the timing of an easing in the lockdown - with details expected to be revealed on Sunday by the prime minister.
The Bank of England is due to give an update on its projections for the economy when it delivers its latest Monetary Policy Report this week.
A member of its rate-setting committee, Gertjan Vlieghe, has already suggested the UK could be living through the worst economic slump for several centuries with the recovery from lockdown likely to be U-shaped rather than one resembling a 'V' - or quick bounce 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
A scenario by the Office for Budget Responsibility has pointed to the possibility of a 35% second quarter contraction in GDP with a leap in unemployment of two million.
Howard Archer, chief economic adviser to the EY ITEM Club, said he did not expect any further stimulus to arise from Thursday's meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee.
He said after the PMI reading: "We expect the economy to contract around 13% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter on the assumption that there is some lifting of restrictions on activity during the quarter."


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Oil price rallies above $30 as lockdowns ease worldwide

Oil prices have surged as the easing of lockdown measures in some countries fuelled hopes for a return of demand - also helping to lift battered global stock markets .
The price of a barrel of Brent crude rallied by 14 % to more than $ 31 as the commodity continued its recovery from an unprecedented slump provoked by the coronavirus crisis .
UK-listed oil giants BP and Royal Dutch Shell climbed 6 % and 5 % , respectively , helping London 's FTSE 100 to end 96 points , or 1.7 % higher .
Stock markets in Europe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brent had dipped below $ 20 to a 21-year low two weeks ago while the price of US benchmark West Texas Intermediate futures contracts even turned negative - for the first time in history .
But Brent has now made gains for six days in a row with the latest sharp uptick of nearly $ 4 coming as some countries began to ease restrictions that had been put in place because of COVID-19 .
Italy , Spain , Nigeria and India , are starting to scale back lockdown measures while states in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California later this week .
Meanwhile , details have begun to emerge about how firms in the UK will begin to return to work .
The improved sentiment in oil markets came despite the latest evidence of the severe impact of the pandemic on businesses and livelihoods .
In Britain , a closely-watched survey of the UK 's dominant services sector pointed to the economy heading for its biggest contraction `` in living memory '' while in figures from the motor industry showed new car sales fell by 97 % in April .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ axe more than 3,000 jobs as it battles for survival and in the US , Airbnb said it was laying off 1,900 of its 7,500 employees .
Despite the carnage , Jasper Lawler , head of research at London Capital Group , said markets had `` settled into a period of calm '' .
He said : `` There 's a growing sense that the worst for the global economy is right now while lockdowns are in place and coronavirus treatments are unproven .
`` It follows that it only gets better from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found . ''
Oil prices have tumbled over the last few months - having been at around $ 70 a barrel in January - because of fears over a glut of supply , compounded by the collapse in demand caused by coronavirus lockdowns .
But analysts at UBS now think the easing of restrictions will help balance out supply and demand , leading to a shortfall in supply by the fourth quarter .
Lower oil prices tend to benefit consumers because of lower petrol prices though the recent collapse in the market has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Shell , hitting the value of pensions investments and dividends for savers who rely on the pay-outs .

Oil prices have surged as the easing of lockdown measures in some countries fuelled hopes for a return of demand - also helping to lift battered global stock markets.
The price of a barrel of Brent crude rallied by 14% to more than $31 as the commodity continued its recovery from an unprecedented slump provoked by the coronavirus crisis.
UK-listed oil giants BP and Royal Dutch Shell climbed 6% and 5%, respectively, helping London's FTSE 100 to end 96 points, or 1.7% higher.
Stock markets in Europe and the US also enjoyed strong gains.
Brent had dipped below $20 to a 21-year low two weeks ago while the price of US benchmark West Texas Intermediate futures contracts even turned negative - for the first time in history.
But Brent has now made gains for six days in a row with the latest sharp uptick of nearly $4 coming as some countries began to ease restrictions that had been put in place because of COVID-19.
Italy, Spain, Nigeria and India, are starting to scale back lockdown measures while states in the US are also doing so, including California later this week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 How will oil slump hit the economy?
Meanwhile, details have begun to emerge about how firms in the UK will begin to return to work.
The improved sentiment in oil markets came despite the latest evidence of the severe impact of the pandemic on businesses and livelihoods.
Advertisement
In Britain, a closely-watched survey of the UK's dominant services sector pointed to the economy heading for its biggest contraction "in living memory" while in figures from the motor industry showed new car sales fell by 97% in April.
Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic announced plans to axe more than 3,000 jobs as it battles for survival and in the US, Airbnb said it was laying off 1,900 of its 7,500 employees.
Despite the carnage, Jasper Lawler, head of research at London Capital Group, said markets had "settled into a period of calm".
He said: "There's a growing sense that the worst for the global economy is right now while lockdowns are in place and coronavirus treatments are unproven.
"It follows that it only gets better from here as lockdowns ease and treatments are found."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 A 'pitiful' 4,321 new cars sold in April
Oil prices have tumbled over the last few months - having been at around $70 a barrel in January - because of fears over a glut of supply, compounded by the collapse in demand caused by coronavirus lockdowns.
But analysts at UBS now think the easing of restrictions will help balance out supply and demand, leading to a shortfall in supply by the fourth quarter.
Lower oil prices tend to benefit consumers because of lower petrol prices though the recent collapse in the market has damaged prospects for the likes of BP and Shell, hitting the value of pensions investments and dividends for savers who rely on the pay-outs.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Face masks yes, empty middle seats no, says airlines body

Wearing masks has been recommended by the world airline industry body as one of the measures needed to resume flying .
But the idea of leaving middle seats empty was rejected by the International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) - a u-turn on its previous position .
The IATA set out its proposals as the debate intensifies over how the industry can get back up and running while maintaining precautions against COVID-19 .
Draconian restrictions on travel during the pandemic have brought the sector to its knees - with Virgin Atlantic the latest to announce thousands of job cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airways and Ryanair are also taking the axe to large parts of their workforce as the crisis wipes out revenues .
Airlines are considering how flights can operate safely and in a way that gives passengers confidence .
IATA said it was working with governments and international bodies - including the UN 's aviation agency and the World Health Organisation - on rules to apply internationally , which could be announced in June .
It said it would recommend wearing masks and face coverings on board as part of a range of measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced cleaning procedures and limited movement in the cabin .
Germany 's Lufthansa and Hungary 's Wizz Air have already made it compulsory for customers to wear face masks on the limited flights they are still operating .
The concept of social distancing in the sector has proven controversial , with easyJet 's boss recently backing the idea of leaving middle seats empty but outspoken Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary sceptical .
Mr O'Leary told Sky News last week : `` Social distancing in an aluminium tube simply is n't possible . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April that leaving middle seats empty was among likely conditions for a resumption of air travel to be discussed with governments - but that position has now changed .
For most airlines , removing a third of seats would be unaffordable and raise the prospect of more expensive fares for passengers .
At a news conference on Tuesday , IATA medical adviser David Powell said the organisation 's new position was based on scientific evidence .
`` Nobody has demonstrated that having the middle seat empty reduces the chance of transmitting COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Mr Powell also said that the recycled air on planes was not a concern because in modern aircraft it was treated by the same sort of filter used in operating theatres .

Wearing masks has been recommended by the world airline industry body as one of the measures needed to resume flying.
But the idea of leaving middle seats empty was rejected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) - a u-turn on its previous position.
The IATA set out its proposals as the debate intensifies over how the industry can get back up and running while maintaining precautions against COVID-19.
Draconian restrictions on travel during the pandemic have brought the sector to its knees - with Virgin Atlantic the latest to announce thousands of job cuts as it battles for survival.
British Airways and Ryanair are also taking the axe to large parts of their workforce as the crisis wipes out revenues.
Airlines are considering how flights can operate safely and in a way that gives passengers confidence.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Ryanair boss:'We've never faced this in airline industry'
IATA said it was working with governments and international bodies - including the UN's aviation agency and the World Health Organisation - on rules to apply internationally, which could be announced in June.
It said it would recommend wearing masks and face coverings on board as part of a range of measures including screening passengers for fever, plus enhanced cleaning procedures and limited movement in the cabin.
Germany's Lufthansa and Hungary's Wizz Air have already made it compulsory for customers to wear face masks on the limited flights they are still operating.
Advertisement
The concept of social distancing in the sector has proven controversial, with easyJet's boss recently backing the idea of leaving middle seats empty but outspoken Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary sceptical.
Mr O'Leary told Sky News last week: "Social distancing in an aluminium tube simply isn't possible."
IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac said in April that leaving middle seats empty was among likely conditions for a resumption of air travel to be discussed with governments - but that position has now changed.
For most airlines, removing a third of seats would be unaffordable and raise the prospect of more expensive fares for passengers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:09 The process of getting back to work
At a news conference on Tuesday, IATA medical adviser David Powell said the organisation's new position was based on scientific evidence.
"Nobody has demonstrated that having the middle seat empty reduces the chance of transmitting COVID-19 from one person to another," he said.
Mr Powell also said that the recycled air on planes was not a concern because in modern aircraft it was treated by the same sort of filter used in operating theatres.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: 'I had to file down my own do-it-yourself lockdown filling'

Pulling their own teeth out and creating makeshift fillings using putty are some of the desperate measures people at home are taking to treat toothache during lockdown .
Dentists have been forced to close as the government restricts movement to combat the spread of COVID-19 .
All routine dental work has been cancelled , instead only serious issues will be considered for treatment .
Before lockdown , Deb Hepplestone broke her tooth - leaving her nerves exposed .
Two temporary fillings were fitted but both failed to do the job .
The pain proved to be unbearable so Deb took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putty and pushing it into the gap left in her cracked tooth .
Misshapen and still causing discomfort , she felt she had no other choice but to then haphazardly file down the filling herself .
Speaking to Sky News , she said : `` I cleaned it out as best I could because I felt I had no other option , there was nowhere I could go to get a filling , then I had to actually file my own filling down with a metal file because I had a piece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tongue .
`` It 's just unfortunate that dental treatment is n't seen as a priority because dental pain is horrendous and I 'm sure there are people in a worse state than I 've been who are really suffering because they ca n't get seen . ''
A growing number of people are turning to DIY dentistry and there are concerns about safety .
The British Dental Association ( BDA ) said people doing dental work on themselves was `` inevitable '' .
BDA vice-chair , Eddie Crouch said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own teeth out and that certainly is not advised .
`` Some emergency DIY treatment with the guidance from a dentist is probably helpful , there are temporary filling kits that can be purchased at the pharmacy so they can actually put something on to sort out a broken tooth or a filling . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When it comes to the spread of the coronavirus , dentistry is particularly risky .
The issue with dental treatments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cloud of mist which could contain the COVID-19 virus .
With surgeries closed , some have been forced to innovate .
Many are using video and telephone consultations to safely continue to offer advice to patients .
But for infections that ca n't wait , a network of urgent dental care practices have been opened by the NHS .
East Village Dental in east London is one surgery that 's been allowed to open .
All of the dentists have been allocated the correct personal protective equipment - much needed when performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing patients back-to-back since opening as an urgent centre .
Everyone entering the premises , including patients , must sanitise their hands and wear a face mask .
The staff must regard everyone who walks in as infectious , so PPE is required to be worn at all times .
Although patients with an abscess or infection will be prescribed antibiotics or painkillers , if their condition worsens , they are being urged to call 111 and where necessary they will be directed to one of the NHS urgent centres .

Pulling their own teeth out and creating makeshift fillings using putty are some of the desperate measures people at home are taking to treat toothache during lockdown.
Dentists have been forced to close as the government restricts movement to combat the spread of COVID-19.
All routine dental work has been cancelled, instead only serious issues will be considered for treatment.
Before lockdown, Deb Hepplestone broke her tooth - leaving her nerves exposed. Two temporary fillings were fitted but both failed to do the job.
The pain proved to be unbearable so Deb took matters into her own hands by moulding putty and pushing it into the gap left in her cracked tooth.
Misshapen and still causing discomfort, she felt she had no other choice but to then haphazardly file down the filling herself.
Speaking to Sky News, she said: "I cleaned it out as best I could because I felt I had no other option, there was nowhere I could go to get a filling, then I had to actually file my own filling down with a metal file because I had a piece of jagged tooth that was digging into my tongue.
"It's just unfortunate that dental treatment isn't seen as a priority because dental pain is horrendous and I'm sure there are people in a worse state than I've been who are really suffering because they can't get seen."
Image: The do-it-yourself kit Deb Hepplestone used to fill her own cracked tooth
A growing number of people are turning to DIY dentistry and there are concerns about safety.
Advertisement
The British Dental Association (BDA) said people doing dental work on themselves was "inevitable".
BDA vice-chair, Eddie Crouch said: "I've seen media coverage of people taking their own teeth out and that certainly is not advised.
"Some emergency DIY treatment with the guidance from a dentist is probably helpful, there are temporary filling kits that can be purchased at the pharmacy so they can actually put something on to sort out a broken tooth or a filling."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
When it comes to the spread of the coronavirus, dentistry is particularly risky. The issue with dental treatments like fillings or scalings is they produce a cloud of mist which could contain the COVID-19 virus.
With surgeries closed, some have been forced to innovate. Many are using video and telephone consultations to safely continue to offer advice to patients. But for infections that can't wait, a network of urgent dental care practices have been opened by the NHS.
East Village Dental in east London is one surgery that's been allowed to open. All of the dentists have been allocated the correct personal protective equipment - much needed when performing aerosol generating procedures.
Image: Dentists require full PPE before they can operate
They've been seeing patients back-to-back since opening as an urgent centre. Everyone entering the premises, including patients, must sanitise their hands and wear a face mask.
The staff must regard everyone who walks in as infectious, so PPE is required to be worn at all times.
Although patients with an abscess or infection will be prescribed antibiotics or painkillers, if their condition worsens, they are being urged to call 111 and where necessary they will be directed to one of the NHS urgent centres.


news--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Why lockdown is making us stop and listen to the birds sing

For some people having more time to engage with nature has been an unexpected upside of lockdown .
Beccy Speight , CEO of the RSPB , tells Sky News there 's been a noticeable increase in the number of people birdwatching during the outbreak .
In a suddenly uncertain world , it 's been truly wonderful to see nature lifting the spirits of so many people as we all attempt to navigate our way through the lockdown and the COVID-19 crisis .
Temporarily , our physical worlds have been reduced to what we can see from our gardens , balconies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or cycle rides .
Being able to watch wildlife has offered many of us not just a welcome distraction , but genuine happiness in rediscovering our innate connection with nature .
The reaction to Breakfast Birdwatch , which the RSPB has been hosting on social media during lockdown , has been phenomenal and highlighted how nature is keeping us entertained !
People have joined from around the world - from as far afield as India and New Zealand - sharing photos , videos and stories about a wonderful and quite exotic collection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , from bullfinches and woodpeckers , to spectacular birds of prey and returning migrant birds such as swallows and swifts .
They 've noticed a vast array of nature up close , and we 've been asked frequently if there is more to see this year because of reduced human activity during the pandemic .
In terms of any benefits , we wo n't know for certain until we can get back out to monitor population numbers .
It 's certainly possible that less disturbance has helped nesting birds .
And of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us , particularly in our cities and towns .
But it seems mostly to be about our rediscovered connection with nature .
Our spring is always quite noisy as migrant birds return and join resident birds in busily building nests and rearing young .
Trees burst into beautiful blossom and our natural world starts to reawaken after a winter 's slumber .
This year , as we 've slowed down and really watched this happen , it has simply reawakened many of us to the wonders on our doorstep and reminded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planet is .
Sadly , one thing we already know is that as magnificent as the dawn chorus is at this time of year , it will be 40 million birds quieter than 50 years ago .
That 's how many birds we 've lost since 1970 and many iconic springtime favourites , like the cuckoo and nightingale , could soon disappear from our landscape altogether .
This is because of our human activities - whether that 's the impact of climate change , changes in agricultural policy or the ever-growing rates of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what could absolutely be the biggest benefit of all for our wildlife - for people to continue this new -found interest and relationship with nature when normal service resumes .
To help prevent this kind of pandemic happening in the future , to emerge from this using a green economic recovery plan and to recognise the urgent action needed to address the world 's pressing climate and nature emergency .
People right now are keen to help and asking what they can do .
Feeding the birds in your garden and making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great ways to get involved .
You could also write to your MP calling for stronger laws for nature protection .
It all counts .
But I 'd also ask you to reflect on and help shape our longer term future too - what kind of world do we want for our children to live in ?
We need to create one where both humans and nature can thrive in harmony to mutual benefit .
Unless we make the right decisions on a global and UK level right now , the opportunity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose will vanish .

For some people having more time to engage with nature has been an unexpected upside of lockdown.
Beccy Speight, CEO of the RSPB, tells Sky News there's been a noticeable increase in the number of people birdwatching during the outbreak.
Image: Beccy Speight became the CEO of the RSPB in 2019. Pic: Ben Andrew RSPB Images.
In a suddenly uncertain world, it's been truly wonderful to see nature lifting the spirits of so many people as we all attempt to navigate our way through the lockdown and the COVID-19 crisis.
Temporarily, our physical worlds have been reduced to what we can see from our gardens, balconies, windows or on our daily walks or cycle rides.
Being able to watch wildlife has offered many of us not just a welcome distraction, but genuine happiness in rediscovering our innate connection with nature.
Image: Blackbirds are among the birds people have spotted during lockdown.
The reaction to Breakfast Birdwatch, which the RSPB has been hosting on social media during lockdown, has been phenomenal and highlighted how nature is keeping us entertained!
People have joined from around the world - from as far afield as India and New Zealand - sharing photos, videos and stories about a wonderful and quite exotic collection of birds and animals they've spotted during lockdown, from bullfinches and woodpeckers, to spectacular birds of prey and returning migrant birds such as swallows and swifts.
They've noticed a vast array of nature up close, and we've been asked frequently if there is more to see this year because of reduced human activity during the pandemic.
In terms of any benefits, we won't know for certain until we can get back out to monitor population numbers.
Advertisement
It's certainly possible that less disturbance has helped nesting birds. And of course, cleaner air is already helping all of us, particularly in our cities and towns.
But it seems mostly to be about our rediscovered connection with nature.
Image: A Great Tit pauses with an insect in its beak in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Our spring is always quite noisy as migrant birds return and join resident birds in busily building nests and rearing young.
Trees burst into beautiful blossom and our natural world starts to reawaken after a winter's slumber.
This year, as we've slowed down and really watched this happen, it has simply reawakened many of us to the wonders on our doorstep and reminded us how precious and fragile our shared planet is.
Image: A song thrush sings whilst perched on a branch. Pic: Ben Andrew RSPB Images.
Sadly, one thing we already know is that as magnificent as the dawn chorus is at this time of year, it will be 40 million birds quieter than 50 years ago.
That's how many birds we've lost since 1970 and many iconic springtime favourites, like the cuckoo and nightingale, could soon disappear from our landscape altogether.
This is because of our human activities - whether that's the impact of climate change, changes in agricultural policy or the ever-growing rates of consumption and development.
Image: Puffins are among the UK birds globally listed as vulnerable to extinction.
Which brings me to what could absolutely be the biggest benefit of all for our wildlife - for people to continue this new -found interest and relationship with nature when normal service resumes.
To help prevent this kind of pandemic happening in the future, to emerge from this using a green economic recovery plan and to recognise the urgent action needed to address the world's pressing climate and nature emergency.
People right now are keen to help and asking what they can do.
Image: A dunnock sings in Bedfordshire. Pic: Chris Gomersall RSPB Images.
Feeding the birds in your garden and making green spaces more welcoming for wildlife are great ways to get involved.
You could also write to your MP calling for stronger laws for nature protection. It all counts.
But I'd also ask you to reflect on and help shape our longer term future too - what kind of world do we want for our children to live in?
Image: Starlings are present in the UK all year round, but their numbers double in winter when migrant birds join from northern Europe.
We need to create one where both humans and nature can thrive in harmony to mutual benefit.
Unless we make the right decisions on a global and UK level right now, the opportunity for that world to be the future we choose will vanish.