news--2020-06-18--Coronavirus: Government ditches contact-tracing app to move to Google-Apple model

The government is abandoning efforts to develop its own coronavirus contact-tracing app in order to focus on technology from Apple and Google .
In a major U-turn on Thursday , the app developed by the NHS 's digital arm will now be dropped , but some features will be incorporated into a new design with the technology giants .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock defended the decision , saying testing on the Isle of Wight had uncovered a `` technical barrier '' .
He told the daily coronavirus briefing : `` We have agreed to join forces with Google and Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems together .
`` We found that our app works well on Android devices but Apple software prevents iPhones being used effectively for contact tracing unless you are using Apple 's own technology . ''
Mr Hancock said that the NHSX app was better at measuring distance than the Google/Apple model .
`` As it stands , our app wo n't work because Apple wo n't change their system , but it can measure distance , '' he added .
`` And their app ca n't measure distance well enough to a standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hancock could not say when the contact-tracing app would be ready for roll-out , having previously said it would be available in mid-May .
`` We 're working on it , '' he told the Downing Street briefing .
`` We 're not going to put a date on it I 'm afraid because I 'm absolutely determined that , whilst this technology can help , it 's got to be working effectively . ''
Baroness Dido Harding , who is heading the government 's test and trace programme , said neither @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough .
`` This is a global challenge , '' she said .
`` What we have done in really rigorously testing both our own COVID-19 app and the Google/Apple version is demonstrating that none of them are working sufficiently well enough to actually be reliable to determine whether any of us should self-isolate for two weeks .
`` That 's true across the world . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour said the U-turn was `` yet another example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis being `` slow and badly managed '' .
Testing showed that the NHS app identified 75 % of contacts made on smartphones running the Android operating system , but only 4 % of those on iOS - compared with 99 % when using the Google and Apple framework .
Google and Apple collaborated to allow mobile devices to use Bluetooth in the background and register when they come within close proximity of another mobile phone .
But the collaboration required health authorities ' apps to utilise a decentralised model of data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on each device , rather than uploading it to a central authority - which they said would protect users ' privacy .
As the iOS and Android mobile operating systems are run on 99 % of the world 's smartphones , the companies ' technical designs have a fundamental say in how contact-tracing apps work .
Despite this , the government asserted that by holding the data on contacts in a centralised manner they would have been able to develop valuable epidemiological data about how the virus is spreading .
The centralised model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mischief with the system by giving the authorities an edge in detecting false positives .
However , issues remain with the way that the Google and Apple model uses Bluetooth to detect proximity , with some devices confusing phones in pockets one metre away with a phone in a hand three metres away .
The NHS app had managed to improve on this , according to Baroness Harding and Matthew Gould , the chief executive of NHSX , who said their innovation would be shared with the technology companies .
They said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have agreed to share our own innovative work on estimating distance between app users with Google and Apple , work that we hope will benefit others , while using their solution to address some of the specific technical challenges identified through our rigorous testing . ''
Health minister Lord Bethell said that the NHS app would not be ready before winter .
He confirmed the government still planned to introduce the contact-tracing app , describing it as `` a really important option for the future '' .
The app has been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wight , where the Department of Health says it has been downloaded by 54,000 people .
Lord Bethell said the trial had been a success , but admitted that one of its principal lessons had been that greater emphasis needed to be placed on manual contact tracing .
`` It was a reminder that you ca n't take a totally technical answer to the problem , '' he said .
Problems with manual contact tracing have been apparent in NHS statistics which on Thursday revealed that at least a quarter of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK are being missed .
Having promised a `` world-beating '' contact-tracing app by mid-May , and then by June , the announcement that the project was being abandoned was inevitably uncomfortable for the government .
It was made more uncomfortable still by the fact the health secretary was unable to provide a time frame for when a new version might be available , despite it initially being hailed as one of the key components of the test and trace process that would enable lockdown to be eased in lieu of a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashworth suggested it was part of a catalogue of examples where the government has overpromised without listening to warnings , and then been slow to manage the fallout .
But at the Downing Street press conference , the Health Secretary Matt Hancock was at pains to point out that this was neither a U-turn nor an abandonment of the pursuit of a contact tracing app - instead , he suggested testing had shown that both the NHSX app and the alternative platform on offer from Google and Apple had flaws .
Mr Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in effect , `` backed both horses '' , the UK was in a position to pull together the best aspects of both systems , and jettison the bits that did n't work - in the NHS app , that was identifying contacts , in the Google/Apple platform , the identification of distance .

The government is abandoning efforts to develop its own coronavirus contact-tracing app in order to focus on technology from Apple and Google.
In a major U-turn on Thursday, the app developed by the NHS's digital arm will now be dropped, but some features will be incorporated into a new design with the technology giants.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock defended the decision, saying testing on the Isle of Wight had uncovered a "technical barrier".
Image: The UK has made a huge U-turn on its COVID-19 app
He told the daily coronavirus briefing: "We have agreed to join forces with Google and Apple to bring the best bits of both systems together.
"We found that our app works well on Android devices but Apple software prevents iPhones being used effectively for contact tracing unless you are using Apple's own technology."
Mr Hancock said that the NHSX app was better at measuring distance than the Google/Apple model.
"As it stands, our app won't work because Apple won't change their system, but it can measure distance," he added.
"And their app can't measure distance well enough to a standard that we are satisfied with."
Mr Hancock could not say when the contact-tracing app would be ready for roll-out, having previously said it would be available in mid-May.
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"We're working on it," he told the Downing Street briefing.
"We're not going to put a date on it I'm afraid because I'm absolutely determined that, whilst this technology can help, it's got to be working effectively."
Baroness Dido Harding, who is heading the government's test and trace programme, said neither app in their current forms were reliable enough.
"This is a global challenge," she said.
"What we have done in really rigorously testing both our own COVID-19 app and the Google/Apple version is demonstrating that none of them are working sufficiently well enough to actually be reliable to determine whether any of us should self-isolate for two weeks.
"That's true across the world."
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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Labour said the U-turn was "yet another example" of the government's response to the crisis being "slow and badly managed".
Testing showed that the NHS app identified 75% of contacts made on smartphones running the Android operating system, but only 4% of those on iOS - compared with 99% when using the Google and Apple framework.
Google and Apple collaborated to allow mobile devices to use Bluetooth in the background and register when they come within close proximity of another mobile phone.
But the collaboration required health authorities' apps to utilise a decentralised model of data storage - keeping the list of contacts on each device, rather than uploading it to a central authority - which they said would protect users' privacy.
As the iOS and Android mobile operating systems are run on 99% of the world's smartphones, the companies' technical designs have a fundamental say in how contact-tracing apps work.
Despite this, the government asserted that by holding the data on contacts in a centralised manner they would have been able to develop valuable epidemiological data about how the virus is spreading.
The centralised model would also have helped prevent people causing mischief with the system by giving the authorities an edge in detecting false positives.
Image: The NHS-developed app is being reconfigured
However, issues remain with the way that the Google and Apple model uses Bluetooth to detect proximity, with some devices confusing phones in pockets one metre away with a phone in a hand three metres away.
The NHS app had managed to improve on this, according to Baroness Harding and Matthew Gould, the chief executive of NHSX, who said their innovation would be shared with the technology companies.
They said: "As part of a collaborative approach we have agreed to share our own innovative work on estimating distance between app users with Google and Apple, work that we hope will benefit others, while using their solution to address some of the specific technical challenges identified through our rigorous testing."
Health minister Lord Bethell said that the NHS app would not be ready before winter.
He confirmed the government still planned to introduce the contact-tracing app, describing it as "a really important option for the future".
Image: Contact tracing apps are designed to assist the manual process
The app has been the subject of a trial on the Isle of Wight, where the Department of Health says it has been downloaded by 54,000 people.
Lord Bethell said the trial had been a success, but admitted that one of its principal lessons had been that greater emphasis needed to be placed on manual contact tracing.
"It was a reminder that you can't take a totally technical answer to the problem," he said.
Problems with manual contact tracing have been apparent in NHS statistics which on Thursday revealed that at least a quarter of people who test positive for COVID-19 in the UK are being missed.
Analysis by Tom Rayner, political correspondent
Having promised a "world-beating" contact-tracing app by mid-May, and then by June, the announcement that the project was being abandoned was inevitably uncomfortable for the government.
It was made more uncomfortable still by the fact the health secretary was unable to provide a time frame for when a new version might be available, despite it initially being hailed as one of the key components of the test and trace process that would enable lockdown to be eased in lieu of a vaccine.
Labour's shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth suggested it was part of a catalogue of examples where the government has overpromised without listening to warnings, and then been slow to manage the fallout.
But at the Downing Street press conference, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock was at pains to point out that this was neither a U-turn nor an abandonment of the pursuit of a contact tracing app - instead, he suggested testing had shown that both the NHSX app and the alternative platform on offer from Google and Apple had flaws.
Mr Hancock claimed that because the government had, in effect, "backed both horses", the UK was in a position to pull together the best aspects of both systems, and jettison the bits that didn't work - in the NHS app, that was identifying contacts, in the Google/Apple platform, the identification of distance.


news--2020-06-18--Coronavirus: Shapps hires KPMG to review TfL finances after £1.6bn bailout

Ministers have hired one of the big four accountancy firms to oversee a review of Transport for London 's ( TfL ) finances , weeks after Whitehall provided £1.6bn of emergency financing to prevent the network 's collapse .
Sky News has learnt that the Department for Transport ( DfT ) drafted in KPMG earlier this week to examine the business plan of the capital 's transport authority .
The appointment comes amid a profound crisis at TfL triggered by the coronavirus 's impact on passenger revenues .
Last month , the body , which is chaired by the London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailout to keep Tube and bus services running until September .
Whitehall sources said on Thursday that ministers led by the transport secretary , Grant Shapps , were concerned about TfL 's ongoing external financing needs , given the impact that social distancing measures are likely to have on its revenues for many months .
The government 's guidance continues to be that people should avoid using public transport unless it is essential , in order to suppress the spread of COVID-19 .
A DfT spokesman said : `` The government has provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure services can continue to run and people can get to work .
`` As part of this , we have appointed KPMG for an independent review into TfL 's finances so we can understand its needs , now and in the future . ''
A source added that the funding provided to TfL last month `` protects vital services which carry billions of passengers every year , and comes with conditions to ensure it is a fair deal for taxpayers '' .
As part of the deal , the government has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's board .
The financial strain on TfL will present a stiff test to Andy Byford , the authority 's highly regarded new commissioner , who stepped down from the equivalent role in New York earlier this year .
Mr Byford 's appointment was announced just over a fortnight ago .
TfL is braced to record a £4bn loss this year , underlining the urgency of the capital 's efforts to access emergency funding .
The transport authority has put 7000 of its staff on furlough , in order to access government money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also halted 300 construction projects .
Board papers indicate that TfL has suffered an overall income loss of around 90 % because of the pandemic .
As a result , it has said it is raising the congestion charge by 30 % , temporarily halting free travel for children and charging the over-60s to travel at peak times .
TfL has asked commuters to `` reimagine their journeys where possible '' , including walking or cycling as alternatives to public transport .
`` Even with only 5 % of journeys currently being made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times and locations where social distancing is already very difficult , '' it has said .

Ministers have hired one of the big four accountancy firms to oversee a review of Transport for London's (TfL) finances, weeks after Whitehall provided £1.6bn of emergency financing to prevent the network's collapse.
Sky News has learnt that the Department for Transport (DfT) drafted in KPMG earlier this week to examine the business plan of the capital's transport authority.
The appointment comes amid a profound crisis at TfL triggered by the coronavirus's impact on passenger revenues.
Last month, the body, which is chaired by the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, secured a bailout to keep Tube and bus services running until September.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:10 London Mayor: 'TfL bailout is a bad deal'
Whitehall sources said on Thursday that ministers led by the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, were concerned about TfL's ongoing external financing needs, given the impact that social distancing measures are likely to have on its revenues for many months.
The government's guidance continues to be that people should avoid using public transport unless it is essential, in order to suppress the spread of COVID-19.
A DfT spokesman said: "The government has provided a £1.6bn funding package for TfL to ensure services can continue to run and people can get to work.
"As part of this, we have appointed KPMG for an independent review into TfL's finances so we can understand its needs, now and in the future."
A source added that the funding provided to TfL last month "protects vital services which carry billions of passengers every year, and comes with conditions to ensure it is a fair deal for taxpayers".
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Image: Enhanced cleaning procedures have been in place on the Underground
As part of the deal, the government has the right to appoint two directors to TfL's board.
The financial strain on TfL will present a stiff test to Andy Byford, the authority's highly regarded new commissioner, who stepped down from the equivalent role in New York earlier this year.
Mr Byford's appointment was announced just over a fortnight ago.
TfL is braced to record a £4bn loss this year, underlining the urgency of the capital's efforts to access emergency funding.
The transport authority has put 7000 of its staff on furlough, in order to access government money to subsidise their wages.
It has also halted 300 construction projects.
Image: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps
Board papers indicate that TfL has suffered an overall income loss of around 90% because of the pandemic.
As a result, it has said it is raising the congestion charge by 30%, temporarily halting free travel for children and charging the over-60s to travel at peak times.
TfL has asked commuters to "reimagine their journeys where possible", including walking or cycling as alternatives to public transport.
"Even with only 5% of journeys currently being made on the Tube, there are certain times and locations where social distancing is already very difficult," it has said.
KPMG declined to comment.


news--2020-06-18--More illegal raves planned this weekend as police promise 'stronger approach'

More illegal raves are planned in Greater Manchester this weekend , police have said .
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey said they had `` seen information that there are individuals who are planning to run unlicensed events '' .
He said `` police intelligence cells '' were gathering information to try to stop them happening and appealed to the public for help .
Last weekend , 6,000 people attended two separate raves in Greater Manchester .
Footage seen by Sky News from one event , dubbed `` The Quarantine Rave '' by organisers , shows a huge crowd tightly packed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events would be illegal at any time , '' said Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham , `` but they are particularly dangerous during a pandemic '' .
A man in his 20s died from a suspected drug overdose at one of the events , held in Oldham .
At the other event , in Carrington , police are investigating the rape of an 18-year old woman and several knife attacks .
Mr Burnham said : `` There is no excuse for parents to be dropping off young people at these events , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And to the young people , I understand how frustrating lockdown may have been for you , but if you go you are putting yourself at risk of serious harm , but also your family at risk of infection . ''
There have been reports of illegal raves being held across the UK , as pubs and clubs remain closed due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions .
Greater Manchester Police promised `` a stronger interventionist approach '' to any future raves after the force was criticised for not intervening sooner during Saturday night 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for police and crime , said : `` We will bear down with everything we 've got to try and stop any repeat of this .
`` The organisers , and attendees , of these raves are jeopardising the achievements of the previous 12 weeks of lockdown . ''

More illegal raves are planned in Greater Manchester this weekend, police have said.
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey said they had "seen information that there are individuals who are planning to run unlicensed events".
He said "police intelligence cells" were gathering information to try to stop them happening and appealed to the public for help.
Last weekend, 6,000 people attended two separate raves in Greater Manchester.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:11 'Quarantine rave' criticised by police
Footage seen by Sky News from one event, dubbed "The Quarantine Rave" by organisers, shows a huge crowd tightly packed in a small field.
"These events would be illegal at any time," said Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, "but they are particularly dangerous during a pandemic".
A man in his 20s died from a suspected drug overdose at one of the events, held in Oldham.
At the other event, in Carrington, police are investigating the rape of an 18-year old woman and several knife attacks.
Mr Burnham said: "There is no excuse for parents to be dropping off young people at these events, as we saw at the weekend.
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"And to the young people, I understand how frustrating lockdown may have been for you, but if you go you are putting yourself at risk of serious harm, but also your family at risk of infection."
Image: Snapchat maps showed where one of the raves took place
There have been reports of illegal raves being held across the UK, as pubs and clubs remain closed due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
Greater Manchester Police promised "a stronger interventionist approach" to any future raves after the force was criticised for not intervening sooner during Saturday night's events.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Anti-police chants at illegal rave
Bev Hughes, deputy mayor for police and crime, said: "We will bear down with everything we've got to try and stop any repeat of this.
"The organisers, and attendees, of these raves are jeopardising the achievements of the previous 12 weeks of lockdown."


news--2020-06-18--Jack Grealish: Aston Villa star charged with driving offences over lockdown crash

Aston Villa footballer Jack Grealish has been charged with two driving offences over a car crash during the coronavirus lockdown .
The 24-year-old is due to appear in court accused of driving without due care and attention and failing to stop at or report a collision , West Midlands Police said .
An investigation was launched after reports of a car hitting parked vehicles and the driver fleeing on foot in Solihull on 29 March , according to the force .
Grealish issued a public apology following the incident , which happened a day after he had posted a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus lockdown .
The Villa captain said he had `` stupidly agreed '' to go to a friend 's house and was `` deeply embarrassed '' by his actions .
He will appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on 25 August .
At the time of the incident , West Midlands Police said two parked cars had been left with minor damage .
Aston Villa later released a statement confirming Grealish - their star player - would be disciplined and fined , with the money going to a local charity .
`` Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our players ignored the government 's guidance on staying at home during the coronavirus crisis , '' a club statement read .
`` Club captain Jack Grealish has accepted that his decision to leave his house was wrong and entirely unnecessary .
It breached the government guidelines which are clear and should be adhered to by everybody . ''
Grealish played for Villa in the first Premier League match since before the lockdown on Wednesday evening - a 0-0 draw against Sheffield United .
Before the match , both sets of players and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in support of the Black Lives Matter movement .

Aston Villa footballer Jack Grealish has been charged with two driving offences over a car crash during the coronavirus lockdown.
The 24-year-old is due to appear in court accused of driving without due care and attention and failing to stop at or report a collision, West Midlands Police said.
An investigation was launched after reports of a car hitting parked vehicles and the driver fleeing on foot in Solihull on 29 March, according to the force.
Image: A damaged white Range Rover was pictured after reports of the crash in Solihull
Grealish issued a public apology following the incident, which happened a day after he had posted a video urging people to stay at home during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Villa captain said he had "stupidly agreed" to go to a friend's house and was "deeply embarrassed" by his actions.
He will appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on 25 August.
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At the time of the incident, West Midlands Police said two parked cars had been left with minor damage.
Aston Villa later released a statement confirming Grealish - their star player - would be disciplined and fined, with the money going to a local charity.
"Aston Villa is deeply disappointed that one of our players ignored the government's guidance on staying at home during the coronavirus crisis," a club statement read.
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"Club captain Jack Grealish has accepted that his decision to leave his house was wrong and entirely unnecessary. It breached the government guidelines which are clear and should be adhered to by everybody."
Image: Grealish (R) was in action as the Premier League returned on Wednesday
Grealish played for Villa in the first Premier League match since before the lockdown on Wednesday evening - a 0-0 draw against Sheffield United.
Before the match, both sets of players and the referee "took a knee" in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.


news--2020-06-18--Coronavirus: A third of furloughed employees asked to work while firms get government handouts

More than a third of furloughed employees have been asked to carry out work by their bosses , in direct contravention of the rules , according to a new survey .
Employers can only claim cash from the £60bn scheme if staff can not work during the pandemic .
But the study by Crossland Employment Solicitors suggests that 34 % of employees have been asked to return to work , either doing their usual job or taking on more administrative tasks .
One in five has been asked to either cover someone else 's job or to work for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furlough .
The furlough scheme is one of the biggest single up-front costs to the Treasury and breaking the rules is fraud .
The government has recently announced plans to give employers 30 days to confess any furlough fraud , following concerns the system was being abused .
Legislation is also set to be introduced giving powers to impose penalties and to pursue directors of insolvent companies personally .
Beverley Sunderland , managing director of Crossland , which carried out the survey , said : `` Like any fraud , this is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As it is fraud on the Treasury then an employer could be imposed with a hefty fine , asked to pay past payments back , have any future payments withheld or even potentially face prison . ''
The research also found the split between small and medium enterprises ( SMEs ) and larger companies breaking the rules was fairly equal , from the 2,000 employees surveyed in manufacturing , construction , accounting , IT , marketing and PR .
Ms Sunderland added : `` Since the coronavirus job retention scheme was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received an avalanche of calls to our office from worried employees , all unrelated to our own clients and many with the same story , ' I 've been furloughed but my employer has asked me to keep working . '
'' The furlough scheme was introduced to avoid wide-scale unemployment as businesses shut under the lockdown and covers 80 % of staff salaries up to £2,500 each .
Earlier this week Treasury figures revealed that £20.8 billion had been claimed covering 9.1 million jobs , and Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost £60bn .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The furlough rules change from next month , with bosses able to bring back employees on a flexible basis whilst still claiming the grants for the hours not required .
In August employers must start covering pension contributions to employees , September will see the contribution from the Treasury fall from 80 % to 70 % and in October this reduces to 60 % .
Companies must make up the shortfall and furloughed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 % level until the end of October .
A spokesman for HMRC , which is running the scheme , said it has received 3,079 reports from the public as of 14 June , and urged any employee who thinks their company is abusing the system to contact them .
They added : `` This is taxpayer 's money and fraudulent claims limit our ability to support people and deprive public services of essential funding .
`` Claims are checked and payments may be withheld or need to be repaid if the claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We wo n't hesitate to take criminal action against the most serious cases . ''

More than a third of furloughed employees have been asked to carry out work by their bosses, in direct contravention of the rules, according to a new survey.
Employers can only claim cash from the £60bn scheme if staff cannot work during the pandemic.
But the study by Crossland Employment Solicitors suggests that 34% of employees have been asked to return to work, either doing their usual job or taking on more administrative tasks.
One in five has been asked to either cover someone else's job or to work for a company linked to their employer while on furlough.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:43 Analysis: Who's used the UK furlough scheme?
The furlough scheme is one of the biggest single up-front costs to the Treasury and breaking the rules is fraud.
The government has recently announced plans to give employers 30 days to confess any furlough fraud, following concerns the system was being abused.
Legislation is also set to be introduced giving powers to impose penalties and to pursue directors of insolvent companies personally.
Beverley Sunderland, managing director of Crossland, which carried out the survey, said: "Like any fraud, this is a serious offence and an exploitation of employees.
"As it is fraud on the Treasury then an employer could be imposed with a hefty fine, asked to pay past payments back, have any future payments withheld or even potentially face prison."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:51 Chancellor sets out plan to reopen economy
The research also found the split between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger companies breaking the rules was fairly equal, from the 2,000 employees surveyed in manufacturing, construction, accounting, IT, marketing and PR.
Ms Sunderland added: "Since the coronavirus job retention scheme was launched eight weeks ago, we've received an avalanche of calls to our office from worried employees, all unrelated to our own clients and many with the same story, 'I've been furloughed but my employer has asked me to keep working.'"
The furlough scheme was introduced to avoid wide-scale unemployment as businesses shut under the lockdown and covers 80% of staff salaries up to £2,500 each.
Earlier this week Treasury figures revealed that £20.8 billion had been claimed covering 9.1 million jobs, and Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts predict the entire scheme will cost £60bn.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The furlough rules change from next month, with bosses able to bring back employees on a flexible basis whilst still claiming the grants for the hours not required.
In August employers must start covering pension contributions to employees, September will see the contribution from the Treasury fall from 80% to 70% and in October this reduces to 60%.
Companies must make up the shortfall and furloughed employees will still be entitled to the 80% level until the end of October.
A spokesman for HMRC, which is running the scheme, said it has received 3,079 reports from the public as of 14 June, and urged any employee who thinks their company is abusing the system to contact them.
They added: "This is taxpayer's money and fraudulent claims limit our ability to support people and deprive public services of essential funding.
"Claims are checked and payments may be withheld or need to be repaid if the claim is based on dishonest or inaccurate information. We won't hesitate to take criminal action against the most serious cases."


news--2020-06-16--Dexamethasone: Man says it was 'touch and go' before he got trial drug to treat COVID-19

A man who was part of the trial that discovered a steroid could treat coronavirus patients has said his survival was `` touch and go '' before getting the drug .
Pete Herring was one of thousands who took part in the trials of dexamethasone , which has been shown to reduce deaths among people seriously ill with COVID-19 .
The development has been hailed as a significant breakthrough , with the University of Oxford academic who led the trial saying `` what we saw was really quite remarkable '' .
Mr Herring , 69 , told Sky News his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Addenbrooke 's Hospital had been discussing placing him into an induced coma if the trial drug had not been effective .
He said : `` It was touch and go at one point .
I was really quite ill. '' I had various flu-like symptoms , but it was the difficulty breathing that was the worst .
`` I was admitted to hospital on 28 April and moved to intensive care within an hour .
`` I was on oxygen all the time I was there and it got to the point where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an induced coma .
`` I knew I was on the trial , but did n't know at the time if I 'd been given the drug or just the placebo .
`` My recovery was really a gradual thing .
It was n't just like someone flicked a switch and I was okay . ''
He said doctors had also given him a CPAP breathing mask , a device normally used as therapy for sleep apnea syndrome .
`` It may be that it was some combination of that and the drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not sure how much of an idea anyone really had as to how much effect each had . ''
After being discharged from hospital on 6 May , he said he only learned he had been given the trial drug weeks later .
`` I 'm 100 % grateful that I was part of the trial and it 's wonderful news that this drug seems to work , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as drugs go , meaning it will be available to developing countries too , which is also great to know . ''
Mr Herring , from Ely , Cambridgeshire , said his time in hospital had been challenging for his family , including his son , daughter , two grandchildren and a partner he lives with .
`` My partner has been a rock but it was horrendous for all my family , '' he said .
The drug was found to reduce death rates by around 35 % for patients on ventilators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those needing oxygen .
Professor Peter Horby , who led the trial of the drug , told Tuesday 's Downing Street briefing it saves `` one in 8 '' patients in intensive care with COVID-19 .

A man who was part of the trial that discovered a steroid could treat coronavirus patients has said his survival was "touch and go" before getting the drug.
Pete Herring was one of thousands who took part in the trials of dexamethasone, which has been shown to reduce deaths among people seriously ill with COVID-19.
The development has been hailed as a significant breakthrough, with the University of Oxford academic who led the trial saying "what we saw was really quite remarkable".
Image: Mr Herring is now back home after recovering from coronavirus
Mr Herring, 69, told Sky News his condition got so bad that doctors at Addenbrooke's Hospital had been discussing placing him into an induced coma if the trial drug had not been effective.
He said: "It was touch and go at one point. I was really quite ill.
"I had various flu-like symptoms, but it was the difficulty breathing that was the worst.
"I was admitted to hospital on 28 April and moved to intensive care within an hour.
"I was on oxygen all the time I was there and it got to the point where they were talking about putting me into an induced coma.
"I knew I was on the trial, but didn't know at the time if I'd been given the drug or just the placebo.
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"My recovery was really a gradual thing. It wasn't just like someone flicked a switch and I was okay."
He said doctors had also given him a CPAP breathing mask, a device normally used as therapy for sleep apnea syndrome.
"It may be that it was some combination of that and the drug," he said.
"I'm not sure how much of an idea anyone really had as to how much effect each had."
After being discharged from hospital on 6 May, he said he only learned he had been given the trial drug weeks later.
"I'm 100% grateful that I was part of the trial and it's wonderful news that this drug seems to work," he said.
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"I've since learned it's actually quite cheap as drugs go, meaning it will be available to developing countries too, which is also great to know."
Mr Herring, from Ely, Cambridgeshire, said his time in hospital had been challenging for his family, including his son, daughter, two grandchildren and a partner he lives with.
"My partner has been a rock but it was horrendous for all my family," he said.
The drug was found to reduce death rates by around 35% for patients on ventilators, and by about 20% for those needing oxygen.
Professor Peter Horby, who led the trial of the drug, told Tuesday's Downing Street briefing it saves "one in 8" patients in intensive care with COVID-19.


news--2020-06-18--'Infinite gratitude': Emmanuel Macron thanks London for helping French resistance to Hitler

Emmanuel Macron has expressed `` infinite gratitude '' for the vital role London played in giving France a voice and platform to fight Hitler and the Nazis during the Second World War .
He said the fledgling forces of Free France received their `` first weapon '' in the fightback against Nazi Germany from the UK , a BBC microphone used by General Charles de Gaulle in his historic address .
Mr Macron travelled to London to mark the 80th anniversary of de Gaulle 's speech , which rallied the French people in the aftermath of the occupation of France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Nazi rule in the years that followed , as well as the Vichy France regime that emerged following the occupation .
The D-Day landings in Normandy in June 1944 marked a turning point in the conflict , with Paris liberated by the allies in August .
Berlin , the German capital , fell the following year , bringing the war in Europe to an end after almost six years .
Mr Macron spoke in the shadow of General de Gaulle 's statue in Carlton Gardens , where the Free French had their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France , '' the French president said .
`` This is where de Gaulle was able to form the first ranks of the French army which would go on fighting .
The soldiers of London .
`` This is where de Gaulle was able to call on the French people to join the resistance .
The soldiers of the shadows .
`` Because 80 years ago today , on June 18 1940 , the United Kingdom gave Free France its first weapon , a BBC microphone .
`` So the airwaves carried de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resistance , which built a bridge across the Channel for those refusing to be enslaved or give up their freedom . ''
The framed insignia of France 's highest decoration , the Legion d'Honneur , was behind the president as he spoke .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It has been awarded to London for its support of France during the Second World War .
Mr Macron was welcomed to Britain by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were French and British dignitaries , including Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and London mayor Sadiq Khan .
Mr Macron also praised Sir Winston Churchill , who was prime minister from 1940 to 1945 .
The statue of the former PM had been uncovered for the visit , having been targeted by protesters in recent weeks .
`` Winston Churchill personified the tenacity of a nation which refused to yield and which did not yield , '' Mr Macron said .
`` He said he had nothing to offer but 'blood , toil , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he offered something so much more important : determination , faith in victory , honour and pride . ''
The French president also laid a wreath at the statues of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother .
He praised the wartime spirit of the couple and their children , saying they displayed `` calm determination '' and `` helped forge national unity '' .
Mr Macron hailed London as the `` cradle of Free France '' and added : `` I wanted to express the French Republic 's infinite gratitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , in a wholly exceptional capacity , the cross of the Legion d'Honneur . ''
It was presented to the Prince of Wales , who replied , in French and English : `` Your presence here today , Mr President , is a powerful demonstration of the bond between our two countries , and between our people , and of our shared determination that it must endure .
`` It is a bond forged through common experience , sanctified through shared sacrifice and burnished by the deep affection in which we hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our countries have stood together against tyranny and oppression , joining arms to defend the values we hold most dear . ''
With handshakes off the agenda due to coronavirus social distancing guidelines , Charles greeted Mr Macron with a namaste gesture , clasping the palms of his hands together .
The French president later met Prime Minister Boris Johnson for talks in Downing Street .
Number 10 said the pair discussed a range of subjects , including Brexit , coronavirus , Libya , Hong Kong and the Middle East .
They then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their French equivalent , La Patrouille de France .
Mr Macron 's trip to London was his first foreign trip since the coronavirus pandemic .
He was exempt from the UK 's quarantine because there is an exception for `` Representatives of a foreign country ... travelling to the UK to undertake official business with the UK '' .

Emmanuel Macron has expressed "infinite gratitude" for the vital role London played in giving France a voice and platform to fight Hitler and the Nazis during the Second World War.
He said the fledgling forces of Free France received their "first weapon" in the fightback against Nazi Germany from the UK, a BBC microphone used by General Charles de Gaulle in his historic address.
Mr Macron travelled to London to mark the 80th anniversary of de Gaulle's speech, which rallied the French people in the aftermath of the occupation of France in 1940.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 Macron presents London with Legion d'Honneur
The French Resistance fought against Nazi rule in the years that followed, as well as the Vichy France regime that emerged following the occupation.
The D-Day landings in Normandy in June 1944 marked a turning point in the conflict, with Paris liberated by the allies in August.
Berlin, the German capital, fell the following year, bringing the war in Europe to an end after almost six years.
Mr Macron spoke in the shadow of General de Gaulle's statue in Carlton Gardens, where the Free French had their headquarters.
"Britain gave shelter to France," the French president said.
"This is where de Gaulle was able to form the first ranks of the French army which would go on fighting. The soldiers of London.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 Flypast over Nelson's Column
"This is where de Gaulle was able to call on the French people to join the resistance. The soldiers of the shadows.
"Because 80 years ago today, on June 18 1940, the United Kingdom gave Free France its first weapon, a BBC microphone.
"So the airwaves carried de Gaulle's determined words and spirit of resistance, which built a bridge across the Channel for those refusing to be enslaved or give up their freedom."
The framed insignia of France's highest decoration, the Legion d'Honneur, was behind the president as he spoke.
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It has been awarded to London for its support of France during the Second World War.
Mr Macron was welcomed to Britain by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, who stood nearby.
Also listening were French and British dignitaries, including Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and London mayor Sadiq Khan.
Mr Macron also praised Sir Winston Churchill, who was prime minister from 1940 to 1945.
The statue of the former PM had been uncovered for the visit, having been targeted by protesters in recent weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 Churchill statue unboxed in London
"Winston Churchill personified the tenacity of a nation which refused to yield and which did not yield," Mr Macron said.
"He said he had nothing to offer but 'blood, toil, tears and sweat'.
"Yet he offered something so much more important: determination, faith in victory, honour and pride."
The French president also laid a wreath at the statues of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
He praised the wartime spirit of the couple and their children, saying they displayed "calm determination" and "helped forge national unity".
Mr Macron hailed London as the "cradle of Free France" and added: "I wanted to express the French Republic's infinite gratitude to the city of London by awarding it, in a wholly exceptional capacity, the cross of the Legion d'Honneur."
Image: Boris Johnson welcomed the president to Downing Street
It was presented to the Prince of Wales, who replied, in French and English: "Your presence here today, Mr President, is a powerful demonstration of the bond between our two countries, and between our people, and of our shared determination that it must endure.
"It is a bond forged through common experience, sanctified through shared sacrifice and burnished by the deep affection in which we hold each other.
"Time and again our countries have stood together against tyranny and oppression, joining arms to defend the values we hold most dear."
With handshakes off the agenda due to coronavirus social distancing guidelines, Charles greeted Mr Macron with a namaste gesture, clasping the palms of his hands together.
The French president later met Prime Minister Boris Johnson for talks in Downing Street.
Number 10 said the pair discussed a range of subjects, including Brexit, coronavirus, Libya, Hong Kong and the Middle East.
They then observed a flypast of the Red Arrows and their French equivalent, La Patrouille de France.
Mr Macron's trip to London was his first foreign trip since the coronavirus pandemic.
He was exempt from the UK's quarantine because there is an exception for "Representatives of a foreign country... travelling to the UK to undertake official business with the UK".


news--2020-06-18--Coronavirus: YouTuber jailed for bomb threat to Birmingham hospital in first week of lockdown

A YouTuber has been jailed for 12 weeks after making a bomb threat in the first week of lockdown to an NHS trust dealing with coronavirus patients .
Matthew Wain , 31 , posted video of himself phoning in the threat about Birmingham City Hospital , in which he told an emergency worker he would `` bomb the place , to be honest '' in anger at a supposed lack of treatment .
Speaking about NHS staff , he added : `` After the way they spoke to me , I hope they all die of the coronavirus because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which racked up 81,000 views and included the entire 10-minute phone call , showed him introducing himself as a YouTuber , before proceeding to say a racist comment , make allegations against the staff , and then ask to speak to the nurse in charge .
He is said to have described previously going to hospital while `` having a heart attack '' .
Wain was arrested on 1 April over the footage , but said he `` did n't mean it '' and did n't want to hurt anyone .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video on 29 March , but sat in the dock at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday and laughed as the video was played back .
Passing judgement , District Judge Briony Clarke made note of the laughter from the dock , saying the rest of the court had been `` horrified '' by the video 's contents .
She said the comment related to COVID-19 was `` truly despicable '' and warned the 31-year-old he was fortunate he was n't facing charges of something `` more serious '' .
She said of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another YouTube user .
You then decided to call the hospital and , when the rest of the country were weekly clapping for the NHS and carers , you abused them and made threats . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The unemployed former drug user , of Hatfield Road , Birmingham , had previously been given a community order for a malicious communications offence involving gay bars in Norfolk in 2017 .
District Judge Clarke commented on the `` almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told Wain the matter was `` so serious that only immediate custody is warranted '' .
Wain asked if he would be placed in a protection wing in prison before he was led away from the dock by two masked officers .
He has also been ordered to pay costs of £135 and £122 surcharge within three months of him being released .
His parents are said to be disgusted at his actions , and he no longer has a presence on any social media platform .
More than 360 people at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS Trust have died since the beginning of the outbreak .

A YouTuber has been jailed for 12 weeks after making a bomb threat in the first week of lockdown to an NHS trust dealing with coronavirus patients.
Matthew Wain, 31, posted video of himself phoning in the threat about Birmingham City Hospital, in which he told an emergency worker he would "bomb the place, to be honest" in anger at a supposed lack of treatment.
Speaking about NHS staff, he added: "After the way they spoke to me, I hope they all die of the coronavirus because they would deserve it."
The footage, which racked up 81,000 views and included the entire 10-minute phone call, showed him introducing himself as a YouTuber, before proceeding to say a racist comment, make allegations against the staff, and then ask to speak to the nurse in charge.
He is said to have described previously going to hospital while "having a heart attack".
Image: The judge noted how Wain had laughed in the dock while the video was played back
Wain was arrested on 1 April over the footage, but said he "didn't mean it" and didn't want to hurt anyone.
He pleaded guilty last week to posting the video on 29 March, but sat in the dock at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday and laughed as the video was played back.
Passing judgement, District Judge Briony Clarke made note of the laughter from the dock, saying the rest of the court had been "horrified" by the video's contents.
She said the comment related to COVID-19 was "truly despicable" and warned the 31-year-old he was fortunate he wasn't facing charges of something "more serious".
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She said of the video: "You start by abusing another YouTube user. You then decided to call the hospital and, when the rest of the country were weekly clapping for the NHS and carers, you abused them and made threats."
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The unemployed former drug user, of Hatfield Road, Birmingham, had previously been given a community order for a malicious communications offence involving gay bars in Norfolk in 2017.
District Judge Clarke commented on the "almost identical nature" of the offence as she told Wain the matter was "so serious that only immediate custody is warranted".
Wain asked if he would be placed in a protection wing in prison before he was led away from the dock by two masked officers.
He has also been ordered to pay costs of £135 and £122 surcharge within three months of him being released. His parents are said to be disgusted at his actions, and he no longer has a presence on any social media platform.
More than 360 people at hospitals run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust have died since the beginning of the outbreak.


news--2020-05-08--Dame Vera Lynn dies: Forces sweetheart urged Britons to 'do what you can to help each other' through

Dame Vera Lynn dies: Forces sweetheart urged Britons to 'do what you can to help each other' through COVID-19 crisis

Forces ' sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn has died at the age of 103 .
The singer , whose hits include We 'll Meet Again and ( There 'll Be Bluebirds Over ) The White Cliffs of Dover , is best known for her morale-boosting visits to the front line to entertain troops during the Second World War .
Last month , Dame Vera marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day by performing We 'll Meet Again while in lockdown from her home in East Sussex .
In one of her last interviews , she told Sky News that Britons should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other '' through the coronavirus crisis , and said she was touched when the Queen quoted her lyrics in her special televised address to the nation in April .
Dame Vera said in the interview by email that she `` did n't know that Her Majesty was going to use those words but I think they were perfectly chosen to give the entire nation hope , especially with the emphasis that we 'will ' meet again '' .
She said that while she realised that stage of the coronavirus crisis was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether it be professionally or personally or both '' , we as a nation needed to remember that our country has overcome crises before , and we get through them together .
`` I think we have seen a great sense of community and friendship return to our cities , towns and villages , '' she said .
`` It was very encouraging to see people volunteer in huge numbers to help the NHS , and how lovely to see all the stories on the news of people going that extra mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It was that sense of community that saw people across Britain take to the streets on 8 May 1945 when Britain and its allies formally accepted Nazi Germany 's unconditional surrender after almost six years of war .
The singer , who performed for the troops in countries including Egypt , India and Myanmar , said she felt `` an enormous sense of relief '' when Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end .
During the conflict , as well as travelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vera hosted a radio show which sent messages to British troops serving overseas .
`` After years of struggle and losing so many people to the war , it was wonderful to breathe again and to know that we would get to see our loved ones who had gone off to fight once again , '' she said .
`` There was a great sense of gratitude , and I hope people today who may be struggling in these difficult times can look to VE Day as a shining example that hope never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dame Vera said she always knew the lyrics to We 'll Meet Again were `` special and spoke to a universal feeling '' and that for her , the song served as a great reminder that bad times pass , and we will always be reunited .
`` It speaks to that sense of separation and loss we have all felt - whether it was during the war or losing a loved one or now , during these difficult times , '' she said .
Dame Vera , who found fame after her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved ones separated by battle in the 1940s , finished her email with a message of inspiration for those battling tough times in 2020 .
`` Do n't give up hope - times may be tough but they will get better , '' she wrote .
`` Try and find the joy that remains even during these challenging times , and do what you can to help each other .
`` As always , keep smiling through . ''

Forces' sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn has died at the age of 103.
The singer, whose hits include We'll Meet Again and (There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover, is best known for her morale-boosting visits to the front line to entertain troops during the Second World War.
Last month, Dame Vera marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day by performing We'll Meet Again while in lockdown from her home in East Sussex.
In one of her last interviews, she told Sky News that Britons should "do what you can to help each other" through the coronavirus crisis, and said she was touched when the Queen quoted her lyrics in her special televised address to the nation in April.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Coldstream Guards pay tribute to Vera Lynn
Dame Vera said in the interview by email that she "didn't know that Her Majesty was going to use those words but I think they were perfectly chosen to give the entire nation hope, especially with the emphasis that we 'will' meet again".
She said that while she realised that stage of the coronavirus crisis was a "very worrying time for so many, whether it be professionally or personally or both", we as a nation needed to remember that our country has overcome crises before, and we get through them together.
"I think we have seen a great sense of community and friendship return to our cities, towns and villages," she said.
Image: Dame Vera serves cups of tea to servicemen in 1942
Image: Dame Vera sang for troops across the world, including in Myanmar
"It was very encouraging to see people volunteer in huge numbers to help the NHS, and how lovely to see all the stories on the news of people going that extra mile for their neighbours and even for strangers."
It was that sense of community that saw people across Britain take to the streets on 8 May 1945 when Britain and its allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender after almost six years of war.
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The singer, who performed for the troops in countries including Egypt, India and Myanmar, said she felt "an enormous sense of relief" when Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:24 Queen: 'We'll meet again'
During the conflict, as well as travelling across the world to sing, Dame Vera hosted a radio show which sent messages to British troops serving overseas.
"After years of struggle and losing so many people to the war, it was wonderful to breathe again and to know that we would get to see our loved ones who had gone off to fight once again," she said.
"There was a great sense of gratitude, and I hope people today who may be struggling in these difficult times can look to VE Day as a shining example that hope never dies and good times prevail."
Dame Vera said she always knew the lyrics to We'll Meet Again were "special and spoke to a universal feeling" and that for her, the song served as a great reminder that bad times pass, and we will always be reunited.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 What VE Day was like for the Queen
"It speaks to that sense of separation and loss we have all felt - whether it was during the war or losing a loved one or now, during these difficult times," she said.
Dame Vera, who found fame after her song became an anthem of resilience for loved ones separated by battle in the 1940s, finished her email with a message of inspiration for those battling tough times in 2020.
"Don't give up hope - times may be tough but they will get better," she wrote.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 PM marks VE Day
"Try and find the joy that remains even during these challenging times, and do what you can to help each other.
"As always, keep smiling through."


news--2020-02-24--Ghost towns: Coronavirus closes parts of Italy

Italy is battling to contain Europe 's first major outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus with 152 cases confirmed - the largest number outside Asia , where the disease originated .
Three people have died so far , the latest on Sunday .
All three were elderly people , two of whom had serious underlying conditions but Italy 's government is not taking any chances .
Among the worst-affected is the northern Lombardy region , which includes Italy 's financial capital of Milan .
Lombardy has 110 cases , according to its governor .
Patient Zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections - has yet to be identified but , meanwhile , the region has suspended all public events until 1 March .
Major football games have been called off and cinemas and theatres were also closed , including Milan 's opera house La Scala .
On Sunday evening , Austria halted all trains from Italy due to suspicions that a train on the southern border contained two infected passengers .
The train that concerned authorities was carrying about 300 passengers from Venice to the German city of Munich along the frequently congested Brenner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night but Austria has said it will discuss border controls further on Monday .
Eleven towns - 50,000 inhabitants - have been put on lockdown by the Italian government .
This will remain for 14 days , according to media reports .
Some 500 police officers are in the Lombardy region controlling 43 access points .
Those who break the lockdown could be jailed for up to three months .
News of the restrictions sent many people rushing to supermarkets to stock up on food .
Supermarkets were among just a few types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourist hotspot of Venice should be busy with its Carnival events but , having reported three cases , the remaining days were cancelled .
It had been due to run until Tuesday .
The head of Italian civil protection , Angelo Borrelli , has announced that , if needed , the army has offered 3,412 beds and the air force a further 1,750 .
Hotel rooms could also be used if needed .

Italy is battling to contain Europe's first major outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus with 152 cases confirmed - the largest number outside Asia, where the disease originated.
Three people have died so far, the latest on Sunday.
All three were elderly people, two of whom had serious underlying conditions but Italy's government is not taking any chances.
Among the worst-affected is the northern Lombardy region, which includes Italy's financial capital of Milan. Lombardy has 110 cases, according to its governor.
Patient Zero in Lombardy - the source of the infections - has yet to be identified but, meanwhile, the region has suspended all public events until 1 March.
Major football games have been called off and cinemas and theatres were also closed, including Milan's opera house La Scala.
On Sunday evening, Austria halted all trains from Italy due to suspicions that a train on the southern border contained two infected passengers.
The train that concerned authorities was carrying about 300 passengers from Venice to the German city of Munich along the frequently congested Brenner Pass.
Trains resumed later on Sunday night but Austria has said it will discuss border controls further on Monday.
Eleven towns - 50,000 inhabitants - have been put on lockdown by the Italian government. This will remain for 14 days, according to media reports.
Some 500 police officers are in the Lombardy region controlling 43 access points. Those who break the lockdown could be jailed for up to three months.
News of the restrictions sent many people rushing to supermarkets to stock up on food.
Supermarkets were among just a few types of businesses allowed to open.
The tourist hotspot of Venice should be busy with its Carnival events but, having reported three cases, the remaining days were cancelled. It had been due to run until Tuesday.
The head of Italian civil protection, Angelo Borrelli, has announced that, if needed, the army has offered 3,412 beds and the air force a further 1,750. Hotel rooms could also be used if needed.


news--2020-02-24--Coronavirus: Anger over new UK patients who were cleared to fly

Britons rescued from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship off the coast of Japan have expressed anger after four fellow passengers tested positive for the illness , despite being cleared to travel back to the UK .
The new cases were transferred from Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral to specialist NHS infection centres , having touched down back in the UK on Saturday not knowing they were carrying the COVID-19 strain .
Two of the patients are in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield , one is in the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and a fourth was taken to the Royal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has seen several WhatsApp messages shared between frustrated evacuees still at the quarantine facility , angry that those who have tested positive had been allowed to fly .
One wrote : `` We were told no one would be on the flight unless they tested negative - that obviously is n't the case . ''
One said : `` They let them fly without the results , so they have put us in a position where we now could have it too . ''
The four were among 30 Britons and two Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having spent two weeks trapped on the quarantined cruise ship the Diamond Princess .
More than 630 cases of the coronavirus were confirmed among the passengers over the fortnight , almost a fifth of the 3,711 holidaymakers originally on board , and the new UK patients contracted the illness while on the ship .
They were tested in Japan , but - as the results did not come back until Sunday - they were cleared to travel .
Paul Hunter , professor of health protection at the University of East Anglia , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How anybody would think that you could actually take samples from people to make sure they 're not positive and then put them on a plane to tell them a few days later is indefensible , '' he told Sky News .
The Department of Health has insisted that a `` full infectious disease risk assessment '' was carried out , and no one who boarded the repatriation flight displayed any symptoms .
It previously said that all the evacuees tested negative before getting on the plane .
Those remaining at Arrowe Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with `` appropriate arrangements '' in place including strict separation of passengers from staff and from each other .
Three Diamond Princess passengers have died from the virus - the latest a Japanese man in his eighties who was among the first on board to develop symptoms .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker British couple David and Sally Abel , from Northamptonshire , who were on the cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary , are still in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pneumonia .
Relatives said the couple are both `` having a really tough time '' and feel `` very much in the dark '' in terms of treatment , adding that they are awaiting further tests .
In a more positive development , more than 100 people flown back to the UK from the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in China have been released from quarantine .
The group - including 10 children and a family of four - spent two weeks at a conference centre in Milton Keynes after being brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the city of Wuhan .
Staff on the cruise ship have also been told they can finally leave , prompting a celebratory music video .
While the total number of UK cases now stands at 13 , it pales in comparison to Europe 's biggest outbreak .
The number of people infected with COVID-19 has jumped to more than 200 in Italy , where five people have died , and at least a dozen towns are in lockdown .
On Sunday evening , Austria refused entry to a train coming from Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ train operator OBB that there were two people with fever symptoms on board .
The operator later confirmed to Sky News that all train traffic to and from Italy had been suspended - but the suspension was lifted within a few hours .
While most cases and fatalities are still being reported in China , other countries have continued to step up their precautionary measures - with about 380 foreigners having been quarantined in North Korea .
One source reported on Monday that diplomatic staff are not being allowed out of their compounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country - including the British embassy .
More than 2,470 people have been killed by the coronavirus outbreak , most of them in China .
There have been more than 79,000 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide .

Britons rescued from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship off the coast of Japan have expressed anger after four fellow passengers tested positive for the illness, despite being cleared to travel back to the UK.
The new cases were transferred from Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral to specialist NHS infection centres, having touched down back in the UK on Saturday not knowing they were carrying the COVID-19 strain.
Two of the patients are in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, one is in the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and a fourth was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
Image: The passengers were escorted to Arrowe Park Hospital
Sky News has seen several WhatsApp messages shared between frustrated evacuees still at the quarantine facility, angry that those who have tested positive had been allowed to fly.
One wrote: "We were told no one would be on the flight unless they tested negative - that obviously isn't the case."
One said: "They let them fly without the results, so they have put us in a position where we now could have it too."
Image: More than 30 people were on the flight
The four were among 30 Britons and two Irish citizens who flew into the UK, having spent two weeks trapped on the quarantined cruise ship the Diamond Princess.
More than 630 cases of the coronavirus were confirmed among the passengers over the fortnight, almost a fifth of the 3,711 holidaymakers originally on board, and the new UK patients contracted the illness while on the ship.
They were tested in Japan, but - as the results did not come back until Sunday - they were cleared to travel.
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Image: The repatriation flight landed at Boscombe Down Ministry of Defence base near Salisbury, Wiltshire
Paul Hunter, professor of health protection at the University of East Anglia, was highly critical of the decision.
"How anybody would think that you could actually take samples from people to make sure they're not positive and then put them on a plane to tell them a few days later is indefensible," he told Sky News.
The Department of Health has insisted that a "full infectious disease risk assessment" was carried out, and no one who boarded the repatriation flight displayed any symptoms.
It previously said that all the evacuees tested negative before getting on the plane.
Image: The Diamond Princess cruise ship
Those remaining at Arrowe Park will be quarantined for two weeks, with "appropriate arrangements" in place including strict separation of passengers from staff and from each other.
Three Diamond Princess passengers have died from the virus - the latest a Japanese man in his eighties who was among the first on board to develop symptoms.
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British couple David and Sally Abel, from Northamptonshire, who were on the cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary, are still in a Japanese hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and pneumonia.
Relatives said the couple are both "having a really tough time" and feel "very much in the dark" in terms of treatment, adding that they are awaiting further tests.
In a more positive development, more than 100 people flown back to the UK from the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in China have been released from quarantine.
The group - including 10 children and a family of four - spent two weeks at a conference centre in Milton Keynes after being brought back to Britain on a repatriation flight from the city of Wuhan.
Staff on the cruise ship have also been told they can finally leave, prompting a celebratory music video.
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Image: Workers in protective gear are seen near the Diamond Princess in Yokohama
While the total number of UK cases now stands at 13, it pales in comparison to Europe's biggest outbreak.
The number of people infected with COVID-19 has jumped to more than 200 in Italy, where five people have died, and at least a dozen towns are in lockdown.
On Sunday evening, Austria refused entry to a train coming from Italy after the Italian State Railways informed Austrian train operator OBB that there were two people with fever symptoms on board.
The operator later confirmed to Sky News that all train traffic to and from Italy had been suspended - but the suspension was lifted within a few hours.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Empty supermarkets as coronavirus hits Milan
While most cases and fatalities are still being reported in China, other countries have continued to step up their precautionary measures - with about 380 foreigners having been quarantined in North Korea.
One source reported on Monday that diplomatic staff are not being allowed out of their compounds in the reclusive state or to leave the country - including the British embassy.
More than 2,470 people have been killed by the coronavirus outbreak, most of them in China.
There have been more than 79,000 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide.


news--2020-02-24--Coronavirus: FTSE 100 sees biggest fall in four years on outbreak fears

The FTSE 100 has recorded its biggest one-day fall in four years as growing fears about the coronavirus prompted a global stock market sell off .
London 's leading share index closed 247 points , or 3.34 % , lower - a bigger decline than it suffered on the day after the Brexit referendum in June 2016 .
It came as investors across the globe hit the sell button , with New York 's Dow Jones Industrial Average closing more than 1,000 points , or 3.6 % , lower on Monday - its biggest fall for two years .
Trading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease caused by the coronavirus , took hold in countries beyond China over the weekend - threatening to inflict deeper damage on the world economy .
The lockdown ordered in Italy because of the virus appeared to have shaken traders who until now have been much more relaxed about its global repercussions .
Italy 's prime minister Guiseppe Conte said the economic impact `` could be very strong '' .
Russ Mould , investment director at AJ Bell , said : `` Italy 's lockdown , as the country tries to control the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has caused investors to panic about how business and society will be affected .
`` A large spike in coronavirus cases in South Korea has also added to market concerns .
`` There has been so much complacency in recent weeks from investors , despite clear signs that China 's economy is facing a large hit and that supply chains around the world were being disrupted . ''
In London , the FTSE 100 was down by as much as almost 300 points , or nearly 4 % , during the session @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the close .
Travel-related stocks led the fallers , with easyJet losing nearly 17 % and holiday operator TUI down 10 % .
British Airways-owner IAG was more than 9 % lower while hotel stocks also felt significant pain .
Mining giants such as Anglo American and Rio Tinto - whose fortunes have been closely tied to China 's rapid economic expansion in recent times - took a big hit too .
In the US , tech giants were among the big fallers with Apple down nearly 5 % , and Microsoft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 % .
Brent crude oil - a good barometer of sentiment in the global economy - was trading more than 5 % lower at just over $ 55 a barrel during the session .
Gold , a traditional safe haven for investors in times of turbulence , hit its highest level since January 2013 .
The risk-off session was blamed on several nations reporting rising COD-19 infection and death rates over the weekend .
They included South Korea , Iran and Italy - the latter a major destination for flight operators such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 % down .
Italy 's MIB index lost more than 5 % while declines in Germany and France were also sharp in wider European trading .
David Madden , analyst at CMC Markets , said : `` The fear is that we could be looking at a scenario where the virus spreads aggressively in this part of the world too , so traders have the perfect excuse to take profits and get out of stocks because it was n't that long ago that they were at fairly lofty levels . ''
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker South Korea 's KOSPI stock market shed 3 % on news of seven deaths and 700 COVID-19 infections there .
Reported death rates in China are falling - but restrictions on businesses and the movement of people , which have been in place for over a month , have left the world 's second-largest economy spluttering .
Chinese authorities are promising support to get activity back and support firms as factories slowly begin to ramp up production , but such moves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecasts for China and the wider global economy .
Oxford Economics has estimated that world economic output growth would fall to nearly zero in the first half of 2020 if the outbreak is declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation .
A growing list of businesses in the UK have reported disruption - from Jaguar Land Rover to the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca .
The latest , on Monday , was Associated British Foods - the owner of Primark .
It told shareholders that the fashion retailer had stockpiled products in anticipation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday and was `` well stocked '' for the coming months .
But it added it was `` assessing mitigating strategies '' - seeking other sources of supply - in case of a prolonged period of disruption .
Its trading statement forecast Primark sales 4.2 % ahead of last year during the first half of its financial year .
The company 's shares were 1.5 % down .

The FTSE 100 has recorded its biggest one-day fall in four years as growing fears about the coronavirus prompted a global stock market sell off.
London's leading share index closed 247 points, or 3.34%, lower - a bigger decline than it suffered on the day after the Brexit referendum in June 2016.
It came as investors across the globe hit the sell button, with New York's Dow Jones Industrial Average closing more than 1,000 points, or 3.6%, lower on Monday - its biggest fall for two years.
Trading screens turned red after COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, took hold in countries beyond China over the weekend - threatening to inflict deeper damage on the world economy.
The lockdown ordered in Italy because of the virus appeared to have shaken traders who until now have been much more relaxed about its global repercussions.
Italy's prime minister Guiseppe Conte said the economic impact "could be very strong".
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "Italy's lockdown, as the country tries to control the worst outbreak of the virus in Europe, has caused investors to panic about how business and society will be affected.
"A large spike in coronavirus cases in South Korea has also added to market concerns.
"There has been so much complacency in recent weeks from investors, despite clear signs that China's economy is facing a large hit and that supply chains around the world were being disrupted."
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Image: Medical workers spray antiseptic outside of the main gate of Shanghai Stock Exchange
In London, the FTSE 100 was down by as much as almost 300 points, or nearly 4%, during the session, before recovering some of those losses by the close.
Travel-related stocks led the fallers, with easyJet losing nearly 17% and holiday operator TUI down 10%.
British Airways-owner IAG was more than 9% lower while hotel stocks also felt significant pain.
Mining giants such as Anglo American and Rio Tinto - whose fortunes have been closely tied to China's rapid economic expansion in recent times - took a big hit too.
In the US, tech giants were among the big fallers with Apple down nearly 5%, and Microsoft and Amazon each off by more than 4%.
Brent crude oil - a good barometer of sentiment in the global economy - was trading more than 5% lower at just over $55 a barrel during the session.
Gold, a traditional safe haven for investors in times of turbulence, hit its highest level since January 2013.
Image: Gold prices hit their highest levels for seven years on Monday, trading at $1,670 an ounce
The risk-off session was blamed on several nations reporting rising COD-19 infection and death rates over the weekend.
They included South Korea, Iran and Italy - the latter a major destination for flight operators such as easyJet.
Ryanair shares were almost 14% down.
Italy's MIB index lost more than 5% while declines in Germany and France were also sharp in wider European trading.
David Madden, analyst at CMC Markets, said: "The fear is that we could be looking at a scenario where the virus spreads aggressively in this part of the world too, so traders have the perfect excuse to take profits and get out of stocks because it wasn't that long ago that they were at fairly lofty levels."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
South Korea's KOSPI stock market shed 3% on news of seven deaths and 700 COVID-19 infections there.
Reported death rates in China are falling - but restrictions on businesses and the movement of people, which have been in place for over a month, have left the world's second-largest economy spluttering.
Chinese authorities are promising support to get activity back and support firms as factories slowly begin to ramp up production, but such moves take time.
Economists have downgraded growth forecasts for China and the wider global economy.
Oxford Economics has estimated that world economic output growth would fall to nearly zero in the first half of 2020 if the outbreak is declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation.
A growing list of businesses in the UK have reported disruption - from Jaguar Land Rover to the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.
The latest, on Monday, was Associated British Foods - the owner of Primark.
It told shareholders that the fashion retailer had stockpiled products in anticipation of the long Chinese Lunar New Year holiday and was "well stocked" for the coming months.
But it added it was "assessing mitigating strategies" - seeking other sources of supply - in case of a prolonged period of disruption.
Its trading statement forecast Primark sales 4.2% ahead of last year during the first half of its financial year.
The company's shares were 1.5% down.


news--2020-02-24--Coronavirus: China uses nets in drills to tackle obstructive patients

Chinese SWAT teams have been filmed throwing nets over people 's heads as they practise how to deal with unco-operative coronavirus patients .
Footage of a staged incident at an official checkpoint in Henan province shows a team of imposing officers , wielding firearms and riot shield , intercepting a suspected COVID-19 case .
The mask-wearing driver is questioned by police as part of the practice exercise , and when he fails to cooperate is stopped and forced from his vehicle before what looks like a common fishing net is thrown over his head .
Unable to counter the dramatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by officials - with some of the police wearing uniforms with the word SWAT written on them in English .
The footage was posted on Weibo - the Chinese equivalent of Twitter - and TikTok by the local security authority .
In the video caption , the Tongbai County 's Municipal Public Security Bureau says : `` To win the epidemic defence , Tongyang police had armed exercises . ''
Henan is on particularly high alert for coronavirus cases as it borders Hubei , which is the epicentre of the outbreak .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The vast majority of the more than 79,000 cases worldwide are in mainland China - and most of those are in Hubei , specifically the city of Wuhan .
China has warned it will not be shy of taking action against those who do not take all possible measures to limit the spread of the virus .
Earlier this month , local officials in the city of Kunshan were seen forcibly removing people from their apartment following their refusal to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everyone returning to the capital Beijing must self-isolate two weeks or face punishment - although they did not specify how .
As China continues to fine tune its coronavirus containment techniques , concerns are growing about the spread of the deadly illness in the UK and Europe .
Austria is assembling a coronavirus taskforce to discuss whether to introduce border controls with Italy , where a fourth person has died amid the biggest COVID-19 outbreak on the continent .
And in the UK , Britons rescued from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after four fellow passengers tested positive for the illness , despite being cleared to travel home .

Chinese SWAT teams have been filmed throwing nets over people's heads as they practise how to deal with unco-operative coronavirus patients.
Footage of a staged incident at an official checkpoint in Henan province shows a team of imposing officers, wielding firearms and riot shield, intercepting a suspected COVID-19 case.
The mask-wearing driver is questioned by police as part of the practice exercise, and when he fails to cooperate is stopped and forced from his vehicle before what looks like a common fishing net is thrown over his head.
Image: The staged operation took place in Henan province
Unable to counter the dramatic intervention, the hapless victim is surrounded by officials - with some of the police wearing uniforms with the word SWAT written on them in English.
The footage was posted on Weibo - the Chinese equivalent of Twitter - and TikTok by the local security authority.
In the video caption, the Tongbai County's Municipal Public Security Bureau says: "To win the epidemic defence, Tongyang police had armed exercises."
Image: Officers grappled with the man after netting him
Image: Police were seem with firearms and riot shields
Henan is on particularly high alert for coronavirus cases as it borders Hubei, which is the epicentre of the outbreak.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The vast majority of the more than 79,000 cases worldwide are in mainland China - and most of those are in Hubei, specifically the city of Wuhan.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 Playground in Wuhan disinfected
China has warned it will not be shy of taking action against those who do not take all possible measures to limit the spread of the virus.
Earlier this month, local officials in the city of Kunshan were seen forcibly removing people from their apartment following their refusal to self-isolate.
Chinese state media have also warned that everyone returning to the capital Beijing must self-isolate two weeks or face punishment - although they did not specify how.
Image: Medical staff check the temperature of a patient displaying symptoms in Wuhan
Image: A patient, 83, is discharged from the newly-built makeshift hospital for COVID-19 patients in Wuhan
As China continues to fine tune its coronavirus containment techniques, concerns are growing about the spread of the deadly illness in the UK and Europe.
Austria is assembling a coronavirus taskforce to discuss whether to introduce border controls with Italy, where a fourth person has died amid the biggest COVID-19 outbreak on the continent.
And in the UK, Britons rescued from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship off the coast of Japan have expressed anger after four fellow passengers tested positive for the illness, despite being cleared to travel home.