news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Does Norwich have the answer to getting ahead of COVID-19?

Scientists in Norwich want to test all 140,000 of the city 's residents for COVID-19 weekly to `` get ahead '' of the virus and ease the lockdown .
Professor Neil Hall , director of research facility the Earlham Institute in the city , said at the moment `` we 're always chasing the disease , we 're always a step behind '' .
Mass testing would be `` one way I think that we could get ahead of it '' , he added .
A pilot scheme focusing on `` a few wards of around 10,000 people '' would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
The concept has been submitted to the Department of Health and Social Care .
People would be told to self-swab on a particular day - alerted perhaps via a text message - after being sent barcoded tests in the post .
Completed kits could be picked up by Army reserves on the same day as the bin collection .
`` The bin lorries go around the city in a seven-day cycle , '' Prof Hall said .
`` Everyone knows on what day they have to put their bin out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you might need to have your test kit picked up that day . ''
Anyone who tested positive would be given advice on how to self-isolate , and their contacts would be traced .
Scaling up to cover the whole of Norwich might take a few months , Prof Hall said .
Norwich is well suited to the project because the `` number of labs and molecular biologists we have per head of population is very high because of the research park '' , he said .
Prof Hall would like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy .
He said : `` At the moment , as I understand it , the community testing approach is n't at the forefront of their strategy and I think they 're still making sure there 's capacity to deliver to high-risk environments - care workers and hospitals is their priority . ''
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said : `` We have significantly and rapidly increased our testing capability and are working to ensure everyone who needs a test can get one .
`` We continually consider options to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for city-wide testing . ''

Scientists in Norwich want to test all 140,000 of the city's residents for COVID-19 weekly to "get ahead" of the virus and ease the lockdown.
Professor Neil Hall, director of research facility the Earlham Institute in the city, said at the moment "we're always chasing the disease, we're always a step behind".
Mass testing would be "one way I think that we could get ahead of it", he added.
Image: Norwich has a research park, making it a good place to do mass testing
A pilot scheme focusing on "a few wards of around 10,000 people" would take about a fortnight to organise, he said.
The concept has been submitted to the Department of Health and Social Care.
People would be told to self-swab on a particular day - alerted perhaps via a text message - after being sent barcoded tests in the post.
Completed kits could be picked up by Army reserves on the same day as the bin collection.
"The bin lorries go around the city in a seven-day cycle," Prof Hall said.
"Everyone knows on what day they have to put their bin out and therefore it's easier to remember that you might need to have your test kit picked up that day."
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Anyone who tested positive would be given advice on how to self-isolate, and their contacts would be traced.
Scaling up to cover the whole of Norwich might take a few months, Prof Hall said.
Norwich is well suited to the project because the "number of labs and molecular biologists we have per head of population is very high because of the research park", he said.
Prof Hall would like the idea to become part of government testing strategy.
He said: "At the moment, as I understand it, the community testing approach isn't at the forefront of their strategy and I think they're still making sure there's capacity to deliver to high-risk environments - care workers and hospitals is their priority."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: "We have significantly and rapidly increased our testing capability and are working to ensure everyone who needs a test can get one.
"We continually consider options to extend testing, but have no immediate plans for city-wide testing."


news--2020-05-12--'Back to work day' in England with the first steps to reviving the economy

Boris Johnson will be hoping hundreds of thousands of workers heed the government 's call to return to work on day one of moves to ease the coronavirus lockdown .
On what is being called `` back-to-work day '' , he is urging employees who can not work from home - in industries such as manufacturing and construction - to return , but avoid public transport if possible .
And as the Prime Minister holds his breath and puts his faith in `` good , solid British common sense '' , the government has announced further economic measures , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the housing market , which has been brought to a halt since March and left 450,000 buyers and renters stuck • The self-employed can now start applying , ahead of schedule , for grants of up to £7,500 , under the Treasury 's Self-Employment Income Support Scheme It is also day one - in England , but not Scotland or Wales - of new freedoms allowing several outdoor activities for the first time in nearly two months , including : • Unlimited outdoor exercise • Meeting a relative or friend outdoors • Sunbathing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A day trip in the car • A visit to a garden centre • Sport such as golf or tennis with members of the same household But as rules are relaxed , fines for flouting them are going up , from £60 to £100 - £50 if paid within 14 days - and doubling to £200 for second and subsequent offences , to a maximum of £3,200 .
The government is also urging people to wear face coverings or masks in shops and on public transport where social distancing - staying two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moves to revive the property market have been announced by the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick , who said they would enable people to move home safely in line with social distancing advice .
Estate agents ' offices can now open , viewings are permitted , show homes can open , removal companies and other essential parts of the sales and letting process are re-started with immediate effect .
`` Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely , covering each aspect of the sales and letting process from viewings to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our step by step plan is based on the latest guidance to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved .
This critical industry can now safely move forward , and those waiting patiently to move can now do so . ''
To help the self-employed , individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been hit by coronavirus are now able to apply for a grant worth 80 % of their average monthly trading profits .
The Treasury claims millions are expected to benefit from the scheme with the payments of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank accounts by 25 May or within six working days of each claim .
`` We 're working ahead of time to deliver support to the self-employed and from today , applications open for the millions of people eligible for the scheme , '' said Chancellor Rishi Sunak .
`` With payments arriving before the end of this month , self-employed across the UK will have money in their pockets to help them through these challenging times . ''
In a bid to persuade employees to return to work , the government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persuade workers that workplaces and public transport are `` COVID-secure '' .
But trade unions and Labour MPs have accused the PM of trying to bounce people back to work without allowing time to make factories and offices and trains , buses and London 's Tube safe .
And Mr Johnson will face tough questions from MPs in the Commons for the second time this week when he is confronted by the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister 's Questions .
Responding to criticism on safety and accusations of muddled messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Alok Sharma encouraged employees who feel unsafe at work to complain .
`` Employers have a duty to keep employees safe in the work place , ' '' he said at the latest Downing Street coronavirus news conference .
`` That is absolutely enshrined in law .
`` If somebody feels their work place is not safe they have to take that up with their employer .
`` If they do n't feel they are getting any traction they absolutely should get in touch with the Health and Safety Executive or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At the same news conference , the HSE 's chief executive Sarah Albon said : `` Inspectors can require businesses to do certain things - enforcement notices , requiring them to take particular kinds of action .
`` In the most extreme circumstances if there is a risk of serious injury to an individual employee they can issue a notice which prohibits certain activities from taking place .
`` Breach of those kind of enforcement notices is essentially a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who fail to do the right thing . ''
She added : `` It 's important that employees do try to solve things with their employer if they can .
But we absolutely recognise that there will be some employers who do n't do the right thing .
`` We absolutely are there if people want to contact us and make a complaint . ''
Announcing new safety guidance for trains and the Tube , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said : `` The two-meter social distancing rule will only leave effective capacity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And he added : `` Be prepared to queue or take a different entrance or exit at stations . ''

Boris Johnson will be hoping hundreds of thousands of workers heed the government's call to return to work on day one of moves to ease the coronavirus lockdown.
On what is being called "back-to-work day", he is urging employees who cannot work from home - in industries such as manufacturing and construction - to return, but avoid public transport if possible.
And as the Prime Minister holds his breath and puts his faith in "good, solid British common sense", the government has announced further economic measures, including:
• A new plan to kick-start the housing market, which has been brought to a halt since March and left 450,000 buyers and renters stuck
• The self-employed can now start applying, ahead of schedule, for grants of up to £7,500, under the Treasury's Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 'Going back to work puts my family at risk'
It is also day one - in England, but not Scotland or Wales - of new freedoms allowing several outdoor activities for the first time in nearly two months, including:
• Unlimited outdoor exercise
• Meeting a relative or friend outdoors
• Sunbathing in the park or on a beach
• A day trip in the car
• A visit to a garden centre
• Sport such as golf or tennis with members of the same household
But as rules are relaxed, fines for flouting them are going up, from £60 to £100 - £50 if paid within 14 days - and doubling to £200 for second and subsequent offences, to a maximum of £3,200.
The government is also urging people to wear face coverings or masks in shops and on public transport where social distancing - staying two metres apart - is not always possible.
Moves to revive the property market have been announced by the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, who said they would enable people to move home safely in line with social distancing advice.
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Estate agents' offices can now open, viewings are permitted, show homes can open, removal companies and other essential parts of the sales and letting process are re-started with immediate effect.
"Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process from viewings to removals," said Mr Jenrick.
"Our step by step plan is based on the latest guidance to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved. This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Chancellor announces extension to furlough scheme
To help the self-employed, individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been hit by coronavirus are now able to apply for a grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits.
The Treasury claims millions are expected to benefit from the scheme with the payments of up to £7,500 expected to land in bank accounts by 25 May or within six working days of each claim.
"We're working ahead of time to deliver support to the self-employed and from today, applications open for the millions of people eligible for the scheme," said Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
"With payments arriving before the end of this month, self-employed across the UK will have money in their pockets to help them through these challenging times."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:19 'There will be spot checks' on workplace safety
In a bid to persuade employees to return to work, the government has launched a charm offensive, attempting to persuade workers that workplaces and public transport are "COVID-secure".
But trade unions and Labour MPs have accused the PM of trying to bounce people back to work without allowing time to make factories and offices and trains, buses and London's Tube safe.
And Mr Johnson will face tough questions from MPs in the Commons for the second time this week when he is confronted by the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.
Responding to criticism on safety and accusations of muddled messages on returning to work, the Business Secretary Alok Sharma encouraged employees who feel unsafe at work to complain.
"Employers have a duty to keep employees safe in the work place,'" he said at the latest Downing Street coronavirus news conference. "That is absolutely enshrined in law.
"If somebody feels their work place is not safe they have to take that up with their employer.
"If they don't feel they are getting any traction they absolutely should get in touch with the Health and Safety Executive or the local authority."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At the same news conference, the HSE's chief executive Sarah Albon said: "Inspectors can require businesses to do certain things - enforcement notices, requiring them to take particular kinds of action.
"In the most extreme circumstances if there is a risk of serious injury to an individual employee they can issue a notice which prohibits certain activities from taking place.
"Breach of those kind of enforcement notices is essentially a criminal offence and we can prosecute people who fail to do the right thing."
She added: "It's important that employees do try to solve things with their employer if they can. But we absolutely recognise that there will be some employers who don't do the right thing.
"We absolutely are there if people want to contact us and make a complaint."
Announcing new safety guidance for trains and the Tube, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "The two-meter social distancing rule will only leave effective capacity for 1 in 10 passengers overall." And he added: "Be prepared to queue or take a different entrance or exit at stations."


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: 1.5 million antibody tests bought by Australia 'not accurate enough'

Australia has bought 1.5 million COVID-19 antibody tests that are not accurate enough to use , scientists have discovered .
The coronavirus tests were due to be rolled out to GP clinics at the end of March .
However , a report commissioned by health minister Greg Hunt found the tests were not `` accurate enough to be useful '' .
Professor Carola Vinuesa helped produce the report on behalf of Rapid Research Information Forum - the scientific strike force set up to help the federal government navigate the COVID-19 crisis .
`` The reality is , at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper .
`` At the moment , the quality does not seem to be good enough for these tests to be deployed in large scale .
`` The sensitivity is not very good .
They are not useful in being able to say 'you were infected ' . ''
The tests are similar to a pregnancy test .
A drop of blood is placed in the device which after about 10 minutes displays a black bar if the patient has antibodies .
Prof Vinuesa said no test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detect antibodies .
`` Most individual results will be false positives , '' she said .
`` You can not have most positive results being false . ''
Antibody tests are considered crucial by epidemiologists because they will give a true estimate of the number of people who have caught the virus .
But they are extremely difficult to make 100 % accurate as antibody levels can vary significantly between people .
They can also pick up antibodies to other viruses that are similar to COVID-19 like the common cold .

Australia has bought 1.5 million COVID-19 antibody tests that are not accurate enough to use, scientists have discovered.
The coronavirus tests were due to be rolled out to GP clinics at the end of March.
However, a report commissioned by health minister Greg Hunt found the tests were not "accurate enough to be useful".
Professor Carola Vinuesa helped produce the report on behalf of Rapid Research Information Forum - the scientific strike force set up to help the federal government navigate the COVID-19 crisis.
"The reality is, at the moment, they are not useful," she told the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.
"At the moment, the quality does not seem to be good enough for these tests to be deployed in large scale.
"The sensitivity is not very good. They are not useful in being able to say 'you were infected'."
The tests are similar to a pregnancy test. A drop of blood is placed in the device which after about 10 minutes displays a black bar if the patient has antibodies.
Prof Vinuesa said no test currently developed was accurate enough to reliably detect antibodies.
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"Most individual results will be false positives," she said. "You cannot have most positive results being false."
Antibody tests are considered crucial by epidemiologists because they will give a true estimate of the number of people who have caught the virus.
But they are extremely difficult to make 100% accurate as antibody levels can vary significantly between people.
They can also pick up antibodies to other viruses that are similar to COVID-19 like the common cold.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: 76% think having nanny or cleaner in the home is 'unacceptable' - poll

Around three-quarters of Britons believe it is unacceptable to have a nanny or cleaner from another household come round during the lockdown , a poll suggests .
In a survey of 1,069 British adults taken before coronavirus restrictions were eased in England , 76 % said nannies from different households should not be allowed to provide childcare , while 9 % were in favour .
Just 12 % supported the idea of having a cleaner come round , and 73 % were against it .
From Wednesday , those doing both jobs are permitted to return to work in other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , conducted between 8 May and 11 May , asked members of the public about what behaviour was acceptable during restrictions caused by the coronavirus crisis .
Researchers found similar sentiment about seeing partners people are not living with , but with differences between the generations and according to marital status .
About 70 % of those polled said they were not happy with people seeing their girlfriend or boyfriend during lockdown if they were from a different household , while 15 % said it was okay .
Nearly a quarter ( 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 34 were fine with it , but acceptance dropped to 9 % among those aged between 55 and 75 .
One in five ( 21 % ) single people said it was acceptable , decreasing to 13 % of those married , cohabiting , separated , divorced or widowed .
Many parents are used to relying on their own parents for help with childcare in normal times , but that has largely ended since the lockdown as older people are more vulnerable .
A little under a quarter ( 22 % ) said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family under the age of 70 being for childcare , but this fell to 12 % if that friend or family member was over the age of 70 .
Some two in five ( 40 % ) said people should be allowed to exercise outdoors for longer than two hours , while 38 % disagreed .
The poll was conducted before lockdown restrictions were eased in England , allowing people to take `` unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise '' .
Research director Keiran Pedley said : `` From this week , nannies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work but our survey over the past weekend shows that few think having people in their homes to do these jobs is acceptable in the current climate .
`` Of course , this may change as new rules are better understood but given public caution at easing lockdown restrictions , we should not expect things to return to normal overnight . ''
Another 494 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK have died , taking the total to 33,186 , the Department of Health has said .
The latest daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , care homes and the community , reported in a 24-hour period up to 5pm on Tuesday .

Around three-quarters of Britons believe it is unacceptable to have a nanny or cleaner from another household come round during the lockdown, a poll suggests.
In a survey of 1,069 British adults taken before coronavirus restrictions were eased in England, 76% said nannies from different households should not be allowed to provide childcare, while 9% were in favour.
Just 12% supported the idea of having a cleaner come round, and 73% were against it.
From Wednesday, those doing both jobs are permitted to return to work in other people's homes.
An Ipsos-MORI survey, conducted between 8 May and 11 May, asked members of the public about what behaviour was acceptable during restrictions caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Researchers found similar sentiment about seeing partners people are not living with, but with differences between the generations and according to marital status.
About 70% of those polled said they were not happy with people seeing their girlfriend or boyfriend during lockdown if they were from a different household, while 15% said it was okay.
Nearly a quarter (24%) of those aged 18 to 34 were fine with it, but acceptance dropped to 9% among those aged between 55 and 75.
One in five (21%) single people said it was acceptable, decreasing to 13% of those married, cohabiting, separated, divorced or widowed.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 Lockdown Road: 'I've lost confidence'
Many parents are used to relying on their own parents for help with childcare in normal times, but that has largely ended since the lockdown as older people are more vulnerable.
A little under a quarter (22%) said it was fair to use friends and family under the age of 70 being for childcare, but this fell to 12% if that friend or family member was over the age of 70.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 PM pressed over 10,000 'unexplained deaths'
Some two in five (40%) said people should be allowed to exercise outdoors for longer than two hours, while 38% disagreed.
The poll was conducted before lockdown restrictions were eased in England, allowing people to take "unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Timelapse: Rush hour at Spaghetti Junction
Research director Keiran Pedley said: "From this week, nannies and cleaners will be allowed to return to work but our survey over the past weekend shows that few think having people in their homes to do these jobs is acceptable in the current climate.
"Of course, this may change as new rules are better understood but given public caution at easing lockdown restrictions, we should not expect things to return to normal overnight."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Riding the Tube as lockdown eases
Another 494 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK have died, taking the total to 33,186, the Department of Health has said.
The latest daily figure is for coronavirus-related fatalities in hospitals, care homes and the community, reported in a 24-hour period up to 5pm on Tuesday.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: All countries in Africa now have confirmed coronavirus after Lesotho is last with infec

Coronavirus: All countries in Africa now have confirmed coronavirus after Lesotho is last with infection

Lesotho , which is home to just two million people , has become the last African country to confirm a coronavirus case .
After conducting 81 COVID-19 tests on travellers entering the country from South Africa and Saudi Arabia , health authorities found one person who tested positive .
They did not show any signs of illness and are being isolated .
The tiny country is surrounded by South Africa , which has the highest number of confirmed cases in Africa at 11,350 .
Cases are rising across Africa , despite the virus being slow to spread to the continent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed and more than 2,400 people have died , according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
This could be an underestimate due to the limited testing capacity of many countries in Africa .
The first case in sub-Saharan Africa was not identified until the end of February .
A number of countries , including South Africa , Ghana and Nigeria , were quick to impose restrictions such as closing schools , banning gatherings and bringing in lockdowns .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has warned 10 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
This is particularly concerning as healthcare is often inadequate .
Experts fear many African countries will struggle to deal with the consequences of mass infection .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Norman Matara , secretary-general of Zimbabwe 's Association of Doctors for Human Rights , said : `` We knew [ COVID-19 ] was coming .
Our ministry of health continued telling us that they were prepared , but when the virus eventually reached here , we saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all . ''
Others say the young average age of Africa 's population could help it in a pandemic which has largely affected the elderly .
Dr Michael Tildesley , professor at Warwick University , said : `` There is still uncertainty regarding the potential death toll in Africa as a result of the pandemic .
`` The average age of the population in Africa is significantly less than in Europe and there is clear evidence , in Europe at least , that the risk of complications owing to infection is significantly greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is some concern regarding the relatively low capacity of health care systems in Africa when compared with many countries in Europe . ''

Lesotho, which is home to just two million people, has become the last African country to confirm a coronavirus case.
After conducting 81 COVID-19 tests on travellers entering the country from South Africa and Saudi Arabia, health authorities found one person who tested positive.
They did not show any signs of illness and are being isolated.
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The tiny country is surrounded by South Africa, which has the highest number of confirmed cases in Africa at 11,350.
Cases are rising across Africa, despite the virus being slow to spread to the continent.
More than 69,500 cases have been confirmed and more than 2,400 people have died, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This could be an underestimate due to the limited testing capacity of many countries in Africa.
The first case in sub-Saharan Africa was not identified until the end of February.
A number of countries, including South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria, were quick to impose restrictions such as closing schools, banning gatherings and bringing in lockdowns.
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned 10 million Africans could contract the virus within six months.
This is particularly concerning as healthcare is often inadequate.
Experts fear many African countries will struggle to deal with the consequences of mass infection.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Dr Norman Matara, secretary-general of Zimbabwe's Association of Doctors for Human Rights, said: "We knew [COVID-19] was coming. Our ministry of health continued telling us that they were prepared, but when the virus eventually reached here, we saw that the ministry was not prepared at all."
Others say the young average age of Africa's population could help it in a pandemic which has largely affected the elderly.
Dr Michael Tildesley, professor at Warwick University, said: "There is still uncertainty regarding the potential death toll in Africa as a result of the pandemic.
"The average age of the population in Africa is significantly less than in Europe and there is clear evidence, in Europe at least, that the risk of complications owing to infection is significantly greater for the elderly.
"However there is some concern regarding the relatively low capacity of health care systems in Africa when compared with many countries in Europe."


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson accused of misleading Commons on care homes advice - and urged to return

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson accused of misleading Commons on care homes advice - and urged to return to correct himself

Boris Johnson has been accused of misleading parliament about government advice that people in care homes were `` very unlikely '' to contract coronavirus .
Sir Keir Starmer wrote to the prime minister urging him to `` recognise '' that this had been official guidance until 12 March - something Mr Johnson initially denied in the commons .
The prime minister later accused the Labour leader of `` selectively and misleadingly '' quoting from the document by not explaining the `` critical context '' that it was first released on 25 February when there was `` no transmission of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Sky News included the guidance in a documentary about how the pandemic unfolded in care homes and was told how some providers were `` almost compelled '' to take people who have not been tested for coronavirus .
The row began at Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday , when Sir Keir highlighted official figures showing deaths in care homes made up more than 40 % of the overall number of recent coronavirus deaths .
The Labour leader told MPs : `` Earlier this year , and until 12 March , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I 'm quoting from it , 'it remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home will become infected ' . ''
Sir Keir urged Mr Johnson , who today announced a further £600m for infection control in care homes , to `` accept that the government was too slow to protect people in care homes '' .
The prime minister replied that it `` was n't true that the advice said that '' and added : `` We brought the lockdown in care homes ahead of the general lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ link to a government webpage , which relates to `` guidance for social or community care and residential settings on COVID-19 '' .
The guidance was published on 25 February and was `` withdrawn on 13 March '' , the webpage states .
Under a section on face masks , the guidance states : `` It remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected . ''
Sir Keir wrote to the prime minister following their PMQs exchange .
`` At this time of national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever that government ministers are accurate in the information they give , '' the Labour leader wrote .
`` Given this , I expect you to come to the House of Commons at the earliest opportunity to correct the record and to recognise that this was official government guidance regarding care homes . ''
In his letter , Sir Keir also noted how another paragraph in the guidance stated : `` It is therefore very unlikely that anyone receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected . ''
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Responding to the Labour leader in his own letter , Mr Johnson said : `` I am disappointed that in the house today you chose to quote Public Health England advice selectively and misleadingly , and I stand by my comments .
`` You neglected to provide the critical context at the start of the guidance . ''
He quoted from another section which said : `` This guidance is intended for the current position in the UK where there is currently no transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is therefore very unlikely that anyone receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected .
This is the latest information and will be updated shortly . ''
Mr Johnson added : `` I would remind you of the commitment you made , when you became leader of the opposition , to work constructively with the government in the face of this unprecedented pandemic .
The public expect us to work together . ''
Dr Jenny Harries , England 's chief medical officer , was later challenged at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice remained in place for so long .
`` At that time we did not recognise there was any sustained community transmission , '' she said .

Boris Johnson has been accused of misleading parliament about government advice that people in care homes were "very unlikely" to contract coronavirus.
Sir Keir Starmer wrote to the prime minister urging him to "recognise" that this had been official guidance until 12 March - something Mr Johnson initially denied in the commons.
The prime minister later accused the Labour leader of "selectively and misleadingly" quoting from the document by not explaining the "critical context" that it was first released on 25 February when there was "no transmission of COVID-19 in the community".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:43 Special report: The killer in our care homes
It comes after Sky News included the guidance in a documentary about how the pandemic unfolded in care homes and was told how some providers were "almost compelled" to take people who have not been tested for coronavirus.
The row began at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, when Sir Keir highlighted official figures showing deaths in care homes made up more than 40% of the overall number of recent coronavirus deaths.
The Labour leader told MPs: "Earlier this year, and until 12 March, the government's own official advice was, and I'm quoting from it, 'it remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home will become infected'."
Sir Keir urged Mr Johnson, who today announced a further £600m for infection control in care homes, to "accept that the government was too slow to protect people in care homes".
Image: Sir Keir Starmer was accused of not providing 'critical context'
The prime minister replied that it "wasn't true that the advice said that" and added: "We brought the lockdown in care homes ahead of the general lockdown."
Labour sources later circulated a link to a government webpage, which relates to "guidance for social or community care and residential settings on COVID-19".
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The guidance was published on 25 February and was "withdrawn on 13 March", the webpage states.
Under a section on face masks, the guidance states: "It remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected."
Sir Keir wrote to the prime minister following their PMQs exchange.
"At this time of national crisis, it is more important than ever that government ministers are accurate in the information they give," the Labour leader wrote.
"Given this, I expect you to come to the House of Commons at the earliest opportunity to correct the record and to recognise that this was official government guidance regarding care homes."
In his letter, Sir Keir also noted how another paragraph in the guidance stated: "It is therefore very unlikely that anyone receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected."
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Responding to the Labour leader in his own letter, Mr Johnson said: "I am disappointed that in the house today you chose to quote Public Health England advice selectively and misleadingly, and I stand by my comments.
"You neglected to provide the critical context at the start of the guidance."
He quoted from another section which said: "This guidance is intended for the current position in the UK where there is currently no transmission of COVID-19 in the community.
"It is therefore very unlikely that anyone receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected. This is the latest information and will be updated shortly."
Image: Deaths in care homes made up more than 40% of overall recent virus-related deaths
Mr Johnson added: "I would remind you of the commitment you made, when you became leader of the opposition, to work constructively with the government in the face of this unprecedented pandemic. The public expect us to work together."
Dr Jenny Harries, England's chief medical officer, was later challenged at the daily Downing Street briefing on why the advice remained in place for so long.
"At that time we did not recognise there was any sustained community transmission," she said.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: 449 more people die with COVID-19 in UK hospitals

Another 449 patients have died in hospitals in the UK after contracting coronavirus .
The Department of Health said a total of 16,509 people diagnosed with COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - have lost their lives across the four home nations .
The figure does not include deaths in the community , including in care homes .
NHS England announced another 449 deaths in hospitals in England , taking the country 's overall number of fatalities to 14,829 .
Scotland saw a further 12 deaths , Wales nine and Northern Ireland 13 .
Health authorities in England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own daily figures , which may not tally with the government 's total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day .
According to each home nation 's health authorities , the number of deaths in hospitals now stands at : The number of coronavirus-related deaths announced so far by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has reached 600 - the highest number for any trust in England .
It is the number of deaths announced by the trust as of 5pm on April 19 , according to figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have announced between 300 and 400 deaths : the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust ( 387 ) , London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust ( 382 ) , King 's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust ( 322 ) and Barts Health NHS Trust ( 309 ) .
A further 11 trusts have announced between 200 and 300 deaths .
It comes as the government 's furlough scheme opened for applications .
Through the Job Retention Scheme , employers can claim for a cash grant to cover up to 80 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £2,500 a month .
More than 140,000 firms have applied to the scheme since it launched on Monday morning , the chancellor has said .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing , Rishi Sunak announced the grants to help cover the wages of more than one million people .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government has also called claims in the Sunday Times that they `` lost a crucial five weeks '' to tackle the threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untrue '' and `` ridiculous '' .
However , former Labour prime minister Tony Blair told Sky News Boris Johnson 's government was `` probably slow '' in its early response to the crisis .
He also said he `` ca n't see any way out '' of the COVID-19 lockdown without mass testing of the public .

Another 449 patients have died in hospitals in the UK after contracting coronavirus.
The Department of Health said a total of 16,509 people diagnosed with COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - have lost their lives across the four home nations.
The figure does not include deaths in the community, including in care homes.
NHS England announced another 449 deaths in hospitals in England, taking the country's overall number of fatalities to 14,829.
Scotland saw a further 12 deaths, Wales nine and Northern Ireland 13.
Health authorities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland record their own daily figures, which may not tally with the government's total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day.
According to each home nation's health authorities, the number of deaths in hospitals now stands at:
England - 14,829
Scotland - 915
Wales - 584
Northern Ireland - 207
The number of coronavirus-related deaths announced so far by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has reached 600 - the highest number for any trust in England.
It is the number of deaths announced by the trust as of 5pm on April 19, according to figures from NHS England.
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Four other trusts have announced between 300 and 400 deaths: the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (387), London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (382), King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (322) and Barts Health NHS Trust (309).
A further 11 trusts have announced between 200 and 300 deaths.
It comes as the government's furlough scheme opened for applications.
Through the Job Retention Scheme, employers can claim for a cash grant to cover up to 80% of their staff's wages - capped at £2,500 a month.
More than 140,000 firms have applied to the scheme since it launched on Monday morning, the chancellor has said.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Rishi Sunak announced the grants to help cover the wages of more than one million people.
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The government has also called claims in the Sunday Times that they "lost a crucial five weeks" to tackle the threat posed by the coronavirus as "plainly untrue" and "ridiculous".
However, former Labour prime minister Tony Blair told Sky News Boris Johnson's government was "probably slow" in its early response to the crisis.
He also said he "can't see any way out" of the COVID-19 lockdown without mass testing of the public.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Cath Kidston deal spells shop closures and job losses

The owner of Cath Kidston , the modern vintage fashion retailer , is buying its brand through a potentially controversial insolvency process that will leave virtually its entire store estate facing permanent closure .
Sky News has learnt that Baring Private Equity Asia , which has held a stake in Cath Kidston since 2014 , has struck a deal with administrators to acquire its brand , e-commerce platform and wholesale operations .
The company 's 60 UK stores and the jobs of the majority of its 740 UK employees are not expected to be salvaged , insiders said on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kidston effectively becomes a digital-only retailer , with shops such as its flagship on London 's Piccadilly being permanently shut .
An announcement is expected to be made on Tuesday morning .
It is likely to anger landlords and other creditors which face losing significant sums of money as a result of the pre-pack process .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Insiders pointed to the coronavirus pandemic as the immediate catalyst for the failure of the business , which is known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It becomes the latest prominent high street name to fall into insolvency proceedings since the outbreak of COVID-19 , with BrightHouse , Debenhams and Laura Ashley having preceded it by calling in administrators .
People close to the company say that a turnaround strategy drawn up by Melinda Paraie , who joined as chief executive from luxury goods brand Coach in 2018 , had begun to bear fruit prior to the pandemic .
Cath Kidston was launched by its eponymous former boss in 1993 , and rapidly became an internationally recognised brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales .
It expanded from a single shop in West London selling car boot finds and vintage fabric into a business offering fashion , homewares and accessories .
The chain made a fortune for its founder when she sold a stake to private equity firm TA Associates exactly 10 years ago in a deal reportedly worth £100m .
In 2014 , Baring Private Equity Asia became a substantial shareholder , before taking full control two years later .
However , it has lost more than £27m in the last two financial years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest , tax , depreciation and amortisation in the nine months to December .

The owner of Cath Kidston, the modern vintage fashion retailer, is buying its brand through a potentially controversial insolvency process that will leave virtually its entire store estate facing permanent closure.
Sky News has learnt that Baring Private Equity Asia, which has held a stake in Cath Kidston since 2014, has struck a deal with administrators to acquire its brand, e-commerce platform and wholesale operations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 140,000 firms have applied to furlough scheme
The company's 60 UK stores and the jobs of the majority of its 740 UK employees are not expected to be salvaged, insiders said on Monday evening.
The deal will mean Cath Kidston effectively becomes a digital-only retailer, with shops such as its flagship on London's Piccadilly being permanently shut.
An announcement is expected to be made on Tuesday morning.
It is likely to anger landlords and other creditors which face losing significant sums of money as a result of the pre-pack process.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Insiders pointed to the coronavirus pandemic as the immediate catalyst for the failure of the business, which is known for its floral and polka dot designs.
It becomes the latest prominent high street name to fall into insolvency proceedings since the outbreak of COVID-19, with BrightHouse, Debenhams and Laura Ashley having preceded it by calling in administrators.
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People close to the company say that a turnaround strategy drawn up by Melinda Paraie, who joined as chief executive from luxury goods brand Coach in 2018, had begun to bear fruit prior to the pandemic.
Cath Kidston was launched by its eponymous former boss in 1993, and rapidly became an internationally recognised brand, with stores in Asia generating substantial sales.
It expanded from a single shop in West London selling car boot finds and vintage fabric into a business offering fashion, homewares and accessories.
The chain made a fortune for its founder when she sold a stake to private equity firm TA Associates exactly 10 years ago in a deal reportedly worth £100m.
In 2014, Baring Private Equity Asia became a substantial shareholder, before taking full control two years later.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 Lockdown weighs on families and businesses
However, it has lost more than £27m in the last two financial years, and made a further £11m loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation in the nine months to December.
A spokesman for Cath Kidston declined to comment.


news--2020-04-20--Cornonavirus: Chancellor hands 'innovative' firms £1.25bn in support

The Chancellor has revealed a £1.25bn scheme to protect innovative companies who can `` power our growth '' following the coronavirus pandemic .
As the previously announced Job Retention Scheme for furloughed workers opened for applications , Rishi Sunak said the government wanted to help start-ups and other smaller firms recover from the COVID-19 crisis , in sectors from tech to life sciences .
There are two elements to the latest package to help businesses through the coronavirus crisis .
The first is a new £500m loan scheme for high-growth firms , called the Future Fund , to be launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British Business Bank .
UK companies which have previously raised at least £125,000 in equity investment , but which are not listed on the stock market , are eligible .
Businesses can access between £125,000 and £5m from the government - with the sum matched by the bank - though the loan would convert to equity if not repaid .
The rest of the money available , £750m , is `` targeted support '' for small and medium sized businesses focusing on research and development .
Mr Sunak said : `` Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to innovation .
`` Our start-ups and businesses driving research and development are one of our great economic strengths , and will help power our growth out of the coronavirus crisis .
`` This new , world-leading fund will mean they can access the capital they need at this difficult time , ensuring dynamic , fast-growing firms across all sectors will be able to continue to create new ideas and spread prosperity . ''
The package was welcomed by business groups though Labour was more cautious in its response .
Shadow chancellor Anneliese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major concerns about the ability of start-ups and innovate firms to weather the current crisis , not least because many fail to benefit sufficiently from existing programmes to stay afloat .
`` While welcome , the devil will be in the detail of how firms can qualify for this funding and how long it will take to arrive .
`` Given the very low rate of acceptance of applications for the small business loan programme , and the pressing and current time pressures facing many firms , this funding must be available quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are to prevent even more firms going bust . ''

The Chancellor has revealed a £1.25bn scheme to protect innovative companies who can "power our growth" following the coronavirus pandemic.
As the previously announced Job Retention Scheme for furloughed workers opened for applications, Rishi Sunak said the government wanted to help start-ups and other smaller firms recover from the COVID-19 crisis, in sectors from tech to life sciences.
There are two elements to the latest package to help businesses through the coronavirus crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:53 'Companies have seen revenues fall off a cliff'
The first is a new £500m loan scheme for high-growth firms, called the Future Fund, to be launched in May in a 50/50 partnership with the British Business Bank.
UK companies which have previously raised at least £125,000 in equity investment, but which are not listed on the stock market, are eligible.
Businesses can access between £125,000 and £5m from the government - with the sum matched by the bank - though the loan would convert to equity if not repaid.
The rest of the money available, £750m, is "targeted support" for small and medium sized businesses focusing on research and development.
Mr Sunak said: "Britain is a global leader when it comes to innovation.
"Our start-ups and businesses driving research and development are one of our great economic strengths, and will help power our growth out of the coronavirus crisis.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Economy faces 'unprecedent' jolt
"This new, world-leading fund will mean they can access the capital they need at this difficult time, ensuring dynamic, fast-growing firms across all sectors will be able to continue to create new ideas and spread prosperity."
The package was welcomed by business groups though Labour was more cautious in its response.
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said: "We have expressed major concerns about the ability of start-ups and innovate firms to weather the current crisis, not least because many fail to benefit sufficiently from existing programmes to stay afloat.
"While welcome, the devil will be in the detail of how firms can qualify for this funding and how long it will take to arrive.
"Given the very low rate of acceptance of applications for the small business loan programme, and the pressing and current time pressures facing many firms, this funding must be available quickly and with a minimum of paperwork if we are to prevent even more firms going bust."


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Ministers in talks about credit insurance guarantee scheme

The government is in talks about a funding package to safeguard vital parts of Britain 's industry supply chains by effectively guaranteeing losses for companies that offer trade credit insurance .
Sky News has learnt that insurers are in talks with the Treasury and the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy about a new reinsurance scheme that would prevent the widespread withdrawal of cover across sectors such as manufacturing and retail .
City sources said on Monday that any agreement could involve the government 'backstopping ' large numbers of insurance contracts for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's recovery phase .
The bill for doing so could run to hundreds of millions , or even billions , of pounds , they said .
The discussions are at a detailed stage , although a deal remains complex and uncertain , the sources added .
A proposal has been submitted by the Association of British Insurers to ministers , and the industry is now waiting for feedback .
Trade credit insurers offer crucial protection to companies against the risk of default by their customers .
The big players in the trade credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coface and Euler Hermes , play a critical role in the industries which they help to finance .
Their withdrawal of cover to suppliers to a high street chain , for example , is often interpreted as a warning sign that the insurer believes that the retailer is on the brink of collapse .
Such moves then oblige suppliers to demand payment for goods up-front , exacerbating the strain on an already struggling retailer 's cash flow .
Sources said that Alok Sharma , the business secretary , held talks with insurance industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British Insurance Brokers ' Association , about the plan last Wednesday .
The Treasury , Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority are also involved in the discussions .
Whitehall sources said a reinsurance scheme , under which the government would take on the risk of default , was one of the options under consideration .
One insider referred on Monday to a note which has been circulated about the ongoing talks , which said : `` Trade credit insurance is essential to provide the confidence and financial support needed for companies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The current economic situation is making it difficult for insurers to price their risk .
`` Participants [ in Wednesday 's call ] noted that this is leading to a reduction of credit limits and warned of the potential impact on markets . ''
Governments elsewhere in Europe , including France , Germany and Italy , have already announced plans during the pandemic to help finance businesses ' continuing ability to utilise trade credit insurers .
Responding to an enquiry from Sky News , an ABI spokesperson said : '' Trade credit insurers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this worrying and uncertain time .
`` Businesses that buy trade credit insurance are protecting themselves against firms they do business with becoming insolvent and not being able to pay their bills .
`` Last year , insurers paid out £315m to help firms cope with bad debts .
`` Insurers work closely with their customers , discussing with them where credit limits can be adjusted to help avoid bad debts , but this can not happen where there is likely to be a sharp rise in insolvencies across many business sectors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant , the ABI added that the availability of trade credit insurance `` is likely to be severely reduced in the future '' .
`` We want to avoid this , so we are discussing with the government the scope for temporary state support to ensure that businesses can continue to obtain cover that meets their needs , '' the spokesman said .
`` Many European governments are discussing with trade credit insurers how to support firms and maintain the supply chain and we have proposed a reinsurance scheme .
This would see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited reduction in credit limits to customers , with the government acting as a reinsurer of last resort . ''
The Department for Business confirmed that talks were under way about a solution .

The government is in talks about a funding package to safeguard vital parts of Britain's industry supply chains by effectively guaranteeing losses for companies that offer trade credit insurance.
Sky News has learnt that insurers are in talks with the Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy about a new reinsurance scheme that would prevent the widespread withdrawal of cover across sectors such as manufacturing and retail.
City sources said on Monday that any agreement could involve the government 'backstopping' large numbers of insurance contracts for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic - and potentially months into the economy's recovery phase.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Impact of coronavirus on the film industry
The bill for doing so could run to hundreds of millions, or even billions, of pounds, they said.
The discussions are at a detailed stage, although a deal remains complex and uncertain, the sources added.
A proposal has been submitted by the Association of British Insurers to ministers, and the industry is now waiting for feedback.
Trade credit insurers offer crucial protection to companies against the risk of default by their customers.
The big players in the trade credit insurance sector, which include Atradius, Coface and Euler Hermes, play a critical role in the industries which they help to finance.
Their withdrawal of cover to suppliers to a high street chain, for example, is often interpreted as a warning sign that the insurer believes that the retailer is on the brink of collapse.
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Such moves then oblige suppliers to demand payment for goods up-front, exacerbating the strain on an already struggling retailer's cash flow.
Sources said that Alok Sharma, the business secretary, held talks with insurance industry executives, including from the ABI and British Insurance Brokers' Association, about the plan last Wednesday.
The Treasury, Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority are also involved in the discussions.
Whitehall sources said a reinsurance scheme, under which the government would take on the risk of default, was one of the options under consideration.
One insider referred on Monday to a note which has been circulated about the ongoing talks, which said: "Trade credit insurance is essential to provide the confidence and financial support needed for companies to supply existing and new partners.
"The current economic situation is making it difficult for insurers to price their risk.
"Participants [in Wednesday's call] noted that this is leading to a reduction of credit limits and warned of the potential impact on markets."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme launches
Governments elsewhere in Europe, including France, Germany and Italy, have already announced plans during the pandemic to help finance businesses' continuing ability to utilise trade credit insurers.
Responding to an enquiry from Sky News, an ABI spokesperson said:"Trade credit insurers want to help and support businesses during this worrying and uncertain time.
"Businesses that buy trade credit insurance are protecting themselves against firms they do business with becoming insolvent and not being able to pay their bills.
"Last year, insurers paid out £315m to help firms cope with bad debts.
"Insurers work closely with their customers, discussing with them where credit limits can be adjusted to help avoid bad debts, but this cannot happen where there is likely to be a sharp rise in insolvencies across many business sectors, such as from COVID-19."
This meant, the ABI added that the availability of trade credit insurance "is likely to be severely reduced in the future".
"We want to avoid this, so we are discussing with the government the scope for temporary state support to ensure that businesses can continue to obtain cover that meets their needs," the spokesman said.
"Many European governments are discussing with trade credit insurers how to support firms and maintain the supply chain and we have proposed a reinsurance scheme. This would see insurers continuing to offer cover, with limited reduction in credit limits to customers, with the government acting as a reinsurer of last resort."
The Department for Business confirmed that talks were under way about a solution.


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: New COVID-19 test 'takes just 20 minutes and is weeks away'

A test for COVID-19 which takes just 20 minutes instead of 90 could be just weeks away , according to scientists at the University of South Wales .
Originally developed to identify urinary tract infections , the test reduces the three stage temperature cycle needed by the current method to only one .
Dr Emma Hayhurst , from USW , said : `` The key things about the test is that it 's quicker , it requires less sample processing and also it does n't use the same chemical mixture .
`` That means that we can get around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for chemical reagents by using this different basis for the chemical reaction . ''
The availability of existing testing kits , and the rate at which the tests are being carried out , have become major concerns in recent weeks .
Data suggests countries that have done the most testing have had better results in halting the spread of the virus .
The government 's target for COVID-19 testing was 25,000 per day by mid-April and 100,000 per day by the end of the month .
But it has been a struggle to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS at the weekend show that 460,437 people had been tested by 9am on 18 April .
But the rate of testing is still only around 21,000 per day .
Engineers at the university have also been working on making a mobile version of the testing kit for use at point of care .
Dr Jeroen Nieuwland said : `` We have been developing our diagnostic testing platform for the last few years , so we know that it works well for other infections such as urinary tract infections .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is based on proven molecular ( LAMP ) technology .
`` It was designed to be a simple , quick and cost effective test , which is suitable for the diagnosis of a range of infections , so our work over the last few years has enabled us to quickly switch it to detect the underlying virus for COVID-19 . ''
The new test is being evaluated in collaboration with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board .
Over the past week a number of NHS staff members who reported having symptoms were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the accredited Public Health Wales test and one for the new USW test - to confirm the accuracy and performance of the underlying molecular technology .
The university says preliminary results suggest a strong correlation between the tests .
After the initial evaluation the team will be moving on to optimise their test for use at point of care .
If all goes well , they hope the test could be available `` within a few weeks . ''

A test for COVID-19 which takes just 20 minutes instead of 90 could be just weeks away, according to scientists at the University of South Wales.
Originally developed to identify urinary tract infections, the test reduces the three stage temperature cycle needed by the current method to only one.
Dr Emma Hayhurst, from USW, said: "The key things about the test is that it's quicker, it requires less sample processing and also it doesn't use the same chemical mixture.
"That means that we can get around the current global bottleneck that we're experiencing for chemical reagents by using this different basis for the chemical reaction."
The availability of existing testing kits, and the rate at which the tests are being carried out, have become major concerns in recent weeks.
Data suggests countries that have done the most testing have had better results in halting the spread of the virus.
The government's target for COVID-19 testing was 25,000 per day by mid-April and 100,000 per day by the end of the month.
But it has been a struggle to meet those targets.
Figures released by the NHS at the weekend show that 460,437 people had been tested by 9am on 18 April.
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But the rate of testing is still only around 21,000 per day.
Engineers at the university have also been working on making a mobile version of the testing kit for use at point of care.
Dr Jeroen Nieuwland said: "We have been developing our diagnostic testing platform for the last few years, so we know that it works well for other infections such as urinary tract infections. We have modified this very sensitive and precise technique which is based on proven molecular (LAMP) technology.
"It was designed to be a simple, quick and cost effective test, which is suitable for the diagnosis of a range of infections, so our work over the last few years has enabled us to quickly switch it to detect the underlying virus for COVID-19."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Health Secretary tackled over lack of care home testing
The new test is being evaluated in collaboration with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
Over the past week a number of NHS staff members who reported having symptoms were asked to provide two swabs - one for the accredited Public Health Wales test and one for the new USW test - to confirm the accuracy and performance of the underlying molecular technology.
The university says preliminary results suggest a strong correlation between the tests.
After the initial evaluation the team will be moving on to optimise their test for use at point of care.
If all goes well, they hope the test could be available "within a few weeks."


news--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: 888 more people die with COVID-19 in UK, taking total above 15,000

Another 888 patients have died in hospitals in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus .
The Department of Health announced the latest increase which takes the total death toll from COVID-19 to 15,464 , the fifth highest in the world .
The number of tests for the virus that have taken place is now 460,437 , although this includes some people being tested more than once .
There have now been 114,217 positive tests in the UK .
Health authorities in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland also record their own daily figures , which may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day .
NHS England announced a further 784 deaths , taking the country 's total to 13,918 .
The patients were aged between 26 and 100 years old and 38 of them ( aged between 44 and 96 ) had no known underlying health condition .
Scotland saw a further 56 deaths , Wales 28 and Northern Ireland 17 .
According to each home nation 's health authorities , the number of deaths in hospitals now stands at : It comes as NHS Providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some will run out of fully protective gowns within the next 24 to 48 hours .
At least 50 NHS workers have now died after contracting coronavirus .
Meanwhile , the Queen has asked that there be no gun salutes to mark her birthday as it would be `` inappropriate in the current circumstances '' .
Buckingham Palace said the Queen did not want any special measures in place to allow gun salutes when she turns 94 on Tuesday .
Gun salutes , in which blank rounds are fired from around London , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mark special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays .

Another 888 patients have died in hospitals in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus.
The Department of Health announced the latest increase which takes the total death toll from COVID-19 to 15,464, the fifth highest in the world.
Some 150,000 people have died worldwide.
The number of tests for the virus that have taken place is now 460,437, although this includes some people being tested more than once.
There have now been 114,217 positive tests in the UK.
Health authorities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also record their own daily figures, which may not tally with the government's total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day.
NHS England announced a further 784 deaths, taking the country's total to 13,918.
The patients were aged between 26 and 100 years old and 38 of them (aged between 44 and 96) had no known underlying health condition.
Scotland saw a further 56 deaths, Wales 28 and Northern Ireland 17.
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According to each home nation's health authorities, the number of deaths in hospitals now stands at:
England - 13,918
Scotland - 893
Wales - 534
Northern Ireland - 193
It comes as NHS Providers, which represents hospital trusts, warned some will run out of fully protective gowns within the next 24 to 48 hours.
At least 50 NHS workers have now died after contracting coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the Queen has asked that there be no gun salutes to mark her birthday as it would be "inappropriate in the current circumstances".
Buckingham Palace said the Queen did not want any special measures in place to allow gun salutes when she turns 94 on Tuesday.
Gun salutes, in which blank rounds are fired from around London, are typically used by the Royal Family to mark special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays.


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Auxiliary nurse who was still working at 84 dies after contracting COVID-19

An 84-year-old auxiliary nurse who was still working despite her age has died after contracting COVID-19 .
Margaret Tapley is the latest healthcare worker to fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic .
In a post on Twitter , Nursing Notes said : `` It is with great sadness we announce that Auxiliary Nurse Margaret Tapley has sadly died from COVID-19 .
`` Despite being 84 , Margaret was still working regularly up until her death . ''
Her grandaughter Hannah Tapley said she was the `` strongest woman I 've ever met in my life .
I considered her as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to do anything I have done without her '' .
She wrote on Facebook : `` I am so proud to call her my grandma .
She was the most hard-working , caring and perfect woman out there .
Devoting her life to others and working for the NHS doing night shifts as a nurse at her age !
`` So many people will have such amazing memories of her as she affected so many people 's lives in such a positive way .
`` One of my many favourites will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we saw each other and the messages she would send me before every competition to motivate/calm me down . ''
The tragic news of Margaret Tapley 's death saw the 84 year old hailed as a `` champion '' and `` heroine '' on social media .
Charlotte Chadderton tweeted : `` She was my brother-in-law 's grandma and the reason he became a nurse .
They are all absolutely heartbroken but incredibly proud . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Margaret thank you for your service and sacrifice .
Condolences to her family and friends . ''
Neetha said : `` This is what a real heroine is .
RIP Margaret . ''
Nannasview tweeted : `` Ca n't help thinking this nurse should not have still been working as she was in the most vulnerable group .
RIP Margaret . ''
Riccardo Mantio said : `` What a champion .
I somehow feel a tinge of regret the authorities allowed her to carry on her wonderful duties at that age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' But responding Debsta said : `` At her age she would be there because she wanted to . ''
Michelle Russell wrote : `` Bless you Margaret .
So many people like this in the NHS who can never quite bring themselves to leave completely .
I met plenty in my career who volunteered services long after retirement .
Rest in peace . ''

An 84-year-old auxiliary nurse who was still working despite her age has died after contracting COVID-19.
Margaret Tapley is the latest healthcare worker to fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a post on Twitter, Nursing Notes said: "It is with great sadness we announce that Auxiliary Nurse Margaret Tapley has sadly died from COVID-19.
"Despite being 84, Margaret was still working regularly up until her death."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Britain applauds its NHS heroes
Her grandaughter Hannah Tapley said she was the "strongest woman I've ever met in my life. I considered her as an additional parent and I'd never be able to do anything I have done without her".
She wrote on Facebook: "I am so proud to call her my grandma. She was the most hard-working, caring and perfect woman out there. Devoting her life to others and working for the NHS doing night shifts as a nurse at her age!
"So many people will have such amazing memories of her as she affected so many people's lives in such a positive way.
"One of my many favourites will be how excited she always got when we saw each other and the messages she would send me before every competition to motivate/calm me down."
The tragic news of Margaret Tapley's death saw the 84 year old hailed as a "champion" and "heroine" on social media.
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Charlotte Chadderton tweeted: "She was my brother-in-law's grandma and the reason he became a nurse. They are all absolutely heartbroken but incredibly proud."
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Another user, Mrs McCarthy, wrote: "Margaret thank you for your service and sacrifice. Condolences to her family and friends."
Neetha said: "This is what a real heroine is. RIP Margaret."
Nannasview tweeted: "Can't help thinking this nurse should not have still been working as she was in the most vulnerable group. RIP Margaret."
Riccardo Mantio said: "What a champion. I somehow feel a tinge of regret the authorities allowed her to carry on her wonderful duties at that age knowing what we know about covid."
But responding Debsta said: "At her age she would be there because she wanted to."
Michelle Russell wrote: "Bless you Margaret. So many people like this in the NHS who can never quite bring themselves to leave completely. I met plenty in my career who volunteered services long after retirement. Rest in peace."


news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Sir Richard Branson offers tropical island home to secure Virgin rescue

Sir Richard Branson has offered his luxury island home as security against a government bailout of his coronavirus-hit airline Virgin Atlantic .
The billionaire tycoon used an open letter to his 70,000 staff in 35 countries to reassure them he was `` working day and night '' , doing all he could to invest across his business interests despite `` no money coming in and lots going out '' .
He said he would use Necker Island in the Caribbean as collateral in order to secure financial help for his struggling business empire .
Sir Richard admitted his companies were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by the COVID-19 pandemic - travel and leisure included - and also hit out at critics who have suggested he use his personal wealth to do more .
Sir Richard , who has an estimated fortune of $ 4.4bn ( £3.5bn ) according to Forbes , wrote : `` Over the five decades I have been in business , this is the most challenging time we have ever faced .
`` It is hard to find the words to convey what a devastating impact this pandemic continues to have on so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
`` From a business perspective , the damage to many is unprecedented and the length of the disruption remains worryingly unknown . ''
He said he had already committed $ 250m ( £200m ) to help businesses and protect jobs and said a big part of the personal wealth used to date had gone to Virgin Atlantic , in which his Virgin Group has a 51 % stake .
`` Together with the team at Virgin Atlantic , we will do everything we can to keep the airline going - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in the face of the severe uncertainty surrounding travel today and not knowing how long the planes will be grounded for .
`` This would be in the form of a commercial loan - it would n't be free money and the airline would pay it back ( as easyJet will do for the £600m loan the government recently gave them ) . ''
Sky News revealed last week that UK ministers had hired US investment bank Morgan Stanley to advise on a loan package of up to £500m .
Sir Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be bad for jobs and competition and said that if Virgin Australia was to fall , then it would hand an effective monopoly to rival Qantas .
US airline Delta , which holds a 49 % stake in Virgin Atlantic , has already been bailed out by the Washington government , but comes with strict conditions attached .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As Sky News business presenter Ian King explains : `` The US government financial support being tapped by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and American has been specifically designed with the aim of preventing airline employees from losing their jobs .
`` The support has been made under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act , under which , Delta may not furlough employees or cut their wages until the end of September .
`` That is a primary condition for its accepting payroll assistance under the act .
`` So the support is being provided to keep Delta 's employees in work and to enable it to continue running minimal services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
`` It is not designed to bail out other businesses , like Virgin Atlantic , in which Delta may have shareholdings . ''
Sir Richard also moved to address criticism of his financial status .
`` There have been comments about my home , '' Sir Richard said .
`` Joan and I did not leave Britain for tax reasons but for our love of the beautiful British Virgin Islands and in particular Necker Island , which I bought when I was 29 years old , as an uninhabited island on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virgin Islands ) .
`` Over time , we built our family home here .
The rest of the island is run as a business , which employs 175 people .
`` As with other Virgin assets , our team will raise as much money against the island as possible to save as many jobs as possible around the group . ''

Sir Richard Branson has offered his luxury island home as security against a government bailout of his coronavirus-hit airline Virgin Atlantic.
The billionaire tycoon used an open letter to his 70,000 staff in 35 countries to reassure them he was "working day and night", doing all he could to invest across his business interests despite "no money coming in and lots going out".
He said he would use Necker Island in the Caribbean as collateral in order to secure financial help for his struggling business empire.
Sir Richard admitted his companies were exposed to many of the sectors worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic - travel and leisure included - and also hit out at critics who have suggested he use his personal wealth to do more.
Image: Sir Richard's Virgin Voyages cruise venture was launched just before the pandemic took hold in Europe
Sir Richard, who has an estimated fortune of $4.4bn (£3.5bn) according to Forbes, wrote: "Over the five decades I have been in business, this is the most challenging time we have ever faced.
"It is hard to find the words to convey what a devastating impact this pandemic continues to have on so many communities, businesses and people around the world.
"From a business perspective, the damage to many is unprecedented and the length of the disruption remains worryingly unknown."
He said he had already committed $250m (£200m) to help businesses and protect jobs and said a big part of the personal wealth used to date had gone to Virgin Atlantic, in which his Virgin Group has a 51% stake.
"Together with the team at Virgin Atlantic, we will do everything we can to keep the airline going - but we will need government support to achieve that in the face of the severe uncertainty surrounding travel today and not knowing how long the planes will be grounded for.
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"This would be in the form of a commercial loan - it wouldn't be free money and the airline would pay it back (as easyJet will do for the £600m loan the government recently gave them)."
Sky News revealed last week that UK ministers had hired US investment bank Morgan Stanley to advise on a loan package of up to £500m.
Sir Richard warned that a Virgin Atlantic collapse would be bad for jobs and competition and said that if Virgin Australia was to fall, then it would hand an effective monopoly to rival Qantas.
US airline Delta, which holds a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, has already been bailed out by the Washington government, but comes with strict conditions attached.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
As Sky News business presenter Ian King explains: "The US government financial support being tapped by Delta and other carriers such as United and American has been specifically designed with the aim of preventing airline employees from losing their jobs.
"The support has been made under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, under which, Delta may not furlough employees or cut their wages until the end of September.
"That is a primary condition for its accepting payroll assistance under the act.
"So the support is being provided to keep Delta's employees in work and to enable it to continue running minimal services, particularly in cargo, during the crisis.
"It is not designed to bail out other businesses, like Virgin Atlantic, in which Delta may have shareholdings."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 It's going to be bad. But just how bad?
Sir Richard also moved to address criticism of his financial status.
"There have been comments about my home," Sir Richard said.
"Joan and I did not leave Britain for tax reasons but for our love of the beautiful British Virgin Islands and in particular Necker Island, which I bought when I was 29 years old, as an uninhabited island on the edges of the BVI (British Virgin Islands).
"Over time, we built our family home here. The rest of the island is run as a business, which employs 175 people.
"As with other Virgin assets, our team will raise as much money against the island as possible to save as many jobs as possible around the group."


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: 'Protect the NHS' signs found covered with swastikas

Police have said they are `` horrified '' after discovering swastikas daubed across signs that were encouraging people to stay @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus lockdown .
The symbols were found on yellow `` car park closed @ @ @ @ @ between Seaton Sluice and Whitley Bay in North Tyneside after they were vandalised overnight .
@ @ @ @ @ affected , including a sign that said : `` Car park closed , stay at @ @ @ @ @ , save lives . ''
Teams from the local council were sent to clean off @ @ @ @ @ Police spokesperson said : `` Whilst on patrol in the Blyth Road , Whitley Bay @ @ @ @ @ special constables was horrified to come across two swastikas spray painted on to car park @ @ @ @ @ park approaching St Mary 's Lighthouse . ''
The force is urging anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ `` Report an Incident '' section of the Northumbria Police website .
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Police have said they are "horrified" after discovering swastikas daubed across signs that were encouraging people to stay home and protect the NHS during the coronavirus lockdown.
The symbols were found on yellow "car park closed" signs on the coast between Seaton Sluice and Whitley Bay in North Tyneside after they were vandalised overnight.
At least five locations were affected, including a sign that said: "Car park closed, stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives."
Image: The signs were close to the North Tyneside area
Image: Swastikas were spotted on signage telling people to protect the NHS
Teams from the local council were sent to clean off the symbols.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Whilst on patrol in the Blyth Road, Whitley Bay area, one of our special constables was horrified to come across two swastikas spray painted on to car park closure signs at the car park approaching St Mary's Lighthouse."
The force is urging anyone with information to send details to the "Report an Incident" section of the Northumbria Police website.
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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news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Banks told to agree rate on Sunak's Bounce Back Loans

Britain 's biggest banks are being ordered to agree to an industry-wide interest rate of less than 3 % on loans handed out under the government 's latest scheme to prevent the collapse of small businesses .
Sky News has learnt that the Treasury will inform lenders on Friday about the reversion rate that they will be allowed to charge on `` Bounce Back Loans '' after the first 12 months have expired .
Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , unveiled the initiative earlier this week in a bid to accelerate the flow of credit to smaller companies affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the new scheme , any company will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 , with no interest or fees charged - or capital repayments required - during the first year .
The loans will be fully guaranteed by taxpayers .
All of the UK 's major lenders will take part in the scheme , although at least one is said to be doing so only reluctantly .
Data was being modelled on Thursday by officials to settle on the reversion rate figure , according to bankers .
They said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of comfort that lending under the scheme would not breach the terms of the Consumer Credit Act .
A statutory instrument setting out those terms will then be laid in parliament , probably applying retrospectively to the date of the scheme 's launch .
Sources said those measures were necessary because banks were being asked to waive their usual affordability tests .
City watchdogs have also sought to reassure senior bankers that they will not be held accountable under the Senior Managers ' Regime for irresponsible lending decisions relating to the Bounce Back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published a little-noticed statement to that effect earlier this week , just a fortnight after its acting boss issued a warning to bank chiefs .
Christopher Woolard wrote : `` As CEO , we will expect you to take reasonable steps , along with your board , to ensure that your senior manager ( s ) with responsibility for small business lending is discharging his/her responsibilities suitably .
`` Our objective will be to ensure that there is not a repeat of the well-documented historic issues in the treatment of SMEs . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bank bosses who felt it had cast doubt on their integrity .
Bounce Back Loans , which are due to launch on Monday , will be the latest plank of Mr Sunak 's business rescue package .
Under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme , more than £4bn has now been distributed by participating lenders , UK Finance , the industry association , said on Thursday .
The Treasury declined to comment on talks about the terms of the Bounce Back Loans scheme .

Britain's biggest banks are being ordered to agree to an industry-wide interest rate of less than 3% on loans handed out under the government's latest scheme to prevent the collapse of small businesses.
Sky News has learnt that the Treasury will inform lenders on Friday about the reversion rate that they will be allowed to charge on "Bounce Back Loans" after the first 12 months have expired.
Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, unveiled the initiative earlier this week in a bid to accelerate the flow of credit to smaller companies affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:46 Sunak announces small business loan scheme
Under the terms of the new scheme, any company will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, with no interest or fees charged - or capital repayments required - during the first year.
The loans will be fully guaranteed by taxpayers.
All of the UK's major lenders will take part in the scheme, although at least one is said to be doing so only reluctantly.
Data was being modelled on Thursday by officials to settle on the reversion rate figure, according to bankers.
They said the government was likely to offer a letter of comfort that lending under the scheme would not breach the terms of the Consumer Credit Act.
A statutory instrument setting out those terms will then be laid in parliament, probably applying retrospectively to the date of the scheme's launch.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:09 The process of getting back to work
Sources said those measures were necessary because banks were being asked to waive their usual affordability tests.
City watchdogs have also sought to reassure senior bankers that they will not be held accountable under the Senior Managers' Regime for irresponsible lending decisions relating to the Bounce Back Loan scheme.
The Financial Conduct Authority published a little-noticed statement to that effect earlier this week, just a fortnight after its acting boss issued a warning to bank chiefs.
Christopher Woolard wrote: "As CEO, we will expect you to take reasonable steps, along with your board, to ensure that your senior manager(s) with responsibility for small business lending is discharging his/her responsibilities suitably.
"Our objective will be to ensure that there is not a repeat of the well-documented historic issues in the treatment of SMEs."
Mr Woolard's letter infuriated a number of bank bosses who felt it had cast doubt on their integrity.
Bounce Back Loans, which are due to launch on Monday, will be the latest plank of Mr Sunak's business rescue package.
Under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, more than £4bn has now been distributed by participating lenders, UK Finance, the industry association, said on Thursday.
The Treasury declined to comment on talks about the terms of the Bounce Back Loans scheme.