news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Stars and notable figures who have died after contracting COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has killed thousands of people across the world , several well known faces among them .
Here are some of the stars sadly lost during the COVID-19 outbreak .
Best known for his comedy double act Little and Large , Eddie Large died on 2 April after contracting coronavirus in hospital while being treated for heart failure , his agent and family said .
His comedy partner Syd Little led the tributes , saying in a statement sent to Sky News : `` I am devastated to have lost not just my comedy partner of 60 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Real name Edward McGinnis , Large achieved huge success with Little on TV throughout the 1970s and '80s , after the pair won talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1971 .
Comedians including Matt Lucas , Jason Manford , Michael Barrymore , Lenny Henry and Paul Chuckle were among those paying tribute following his death , at the age of 78 .
Magician Roy Horn ( right ) , best known as part of the Las Vegas performing duo of Siegfried & Roy , died at the age of 75 after contracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus in April and was previously said to have been `` responding well to treatment '' before his death on 8 May .
Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher , who paid tribute to his `` best friend '' , were world renowned for their Las Vegas shows involving white lions and tigers .
A fixture in British comedy , Tim Brooke-Taylor worked in radio , television , film and theatre in a career spanning more than 50 years .
He was best known for The Goodies , an anarchic TV comedy which ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garden and Bill Oddie , and also as a panellist on BBC Radio 4 's I 'm Sorry I Have n't A Clue .
He died on 12 April , aged 79 , after contracting coronavirus , his agent said , with comedy stars including Jack Dee , David Walliams and Stephen Fry paying tribute to a `` hero '' and a `` delightful man '' .
The Stranglers ' keyboard player had heart problems and contracted coronavirus after a prolonged stay in hospital .
A long-standing member of the influential punk outfit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sound and playing style , using instruments such as the harpsichord and Hammond electric organ .
He wrote the music to the band 's biggest hit , Golden Brown .
Greenfield was 71 when he died on 3 May .
The Bronx-born rapper died on 23 April after being diagnosed with coronavirus .
Real name Fredrick Thomas , the artist had been updating fans about his fight with the illness on social media , and shared a selfie from his hospital bed , saying : `` Please keep me in y'all prayers !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with artists including Mac Miller , Kendrick Lamar and Pusha T. The award-winning playwright died in Florida following complications from coronavirus .
Widely considered one of America 's great playwrights , the openly gay writer put same-sex relationships under the microscope , with his witty plays and musicals delving into how people connect - or fail to .
The 81-year-old , whose career spanned six decades , wrote shows including Kiss Of The Spider Woman , Ragtime , and Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune .
He was a lung cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease , and would have been considered to be at high risk from the virus .
The co-frontman of US band Fountains of Wayne , best known for their single Stacy 's Mom , died in hospital in New York on 1 April after testing positive for coronavirus .
Schlesinger was a prolific songwriter , who earned an Oscar nomination in 1997 for writing the title track on That Thing You Do !
, a music comedy directed by Tom Hanks .
In 2019 , he won his third Emmy for outstanding original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not A Big Deal , from TV musical drama Crazy Ex-Girlfriend .
Hanks , who was himself diagnosed with coronavirus and has since recovered , was among those paying tribute to the 52-year-old , saying : `` There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger , without his That Thing You Do !
He was a One-der .
Lost him to Covid-19 .
Terribly sad today .
Hanx . ''
Musician Alan Merrill , the co-writer and original singer of the much-covered hit I Love Rock ' n ' Roll , died on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the song famous seven years after its original 1975 release , was among those who paid tribute , saying : `` With deep gratitude and sadness , wishing him a safe journey to the other side . ''
Merill 's daughter , Laura , confirmed his death at the age of 69 on social media , saying : `` The coronavirus took my father ...
I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out . ''
Ms Merrill said her father had `` played down the 'cold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned people to take the disease seriously .
Grammy-winning country music star Joe Diffie died on 29 March , two days after revealing he had contracted coronavirus .
The 61-year-old had a string of hits in the US in the 1990s , including Honky Tonk Attitude , Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox ( If I Die ) , Bigger Than The Beatles and If The Devil Danced ( In Empty Pockets ) , and had two albums that went platinum .
Diffie 's publicist Scott Adkins said the singer , from Tulsa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the virus .
Actor Mark Blum starred alongside Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan , and Paul Hogan in Crocodile Dundee , and appeared in numerous films , TV show and plays throughout his career .
He died on 25 March after suffering complications from the virus .
The Queen of Pop led the tributes following his death , writing on social media : `` I want to acknowledge the passing of a remarkable human , fellow actor and friend Mark Blum , who succumbed to coronavirus .
`` This is really tragic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his family and his loved ones .
`` I remember him as funny warm , loving and professional when we made Desperately Seeking Susan in 1985 !
! ''
The actress and writer once starred alongside Audrey Hepburn and later wrote biographies of stars including Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift .
Her stepdaughter said pneumonia brought on by coronavirus was the cause of death .
New Orleans jazz pioneer Ellis Marsalis Jr died of pneumonia caused by COVID-19 on 1 April , aged 85 , his family said .
He was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of 2019 - teacher , and patriarch of a New Orleans musical clan , with four of his six sons also musicians .
Harry Connick Jr is one if his well known students , along with trumpeters Nicholas Payton and Terence Blanchard , saxophonists Donald Harrison and Victor Goines , and bassist Reginald Veal .
`` My dad was a giant of a musician and teacher , but an even greater father , '' one of his sons , Branford , said following his death .
`` He poured everything he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we could be . ''
Star Wars actor and dialect coach Andrew Jack died in hospital in Surrey on 31 March , as his wife was quarantined in Australia .
`` Andrew lived on one of the oldest working houseboats on the Thames , he was fiercely independent but madly in love with his wife , also a dialect coach , '' his agent , Jill McCullough , said , paying tribute .
Jack , 76 , appeared in Star Wars : Episode VIII - The Last Jedi as General Ematt , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Story and Star Wars : Episode VII - The Force Awakens .
His clients for dialect coaching included Robert Downey Jr and Chris Hemsworth .
His wife , Gabrielle Rogers , posted on social media after his death , saying : `` Andrew Jack was diagnosed with coronavirus 2 days ago .
He was in no pain , and he slipped away peacefully knowing that his family were all 'with ' him . ''
Actor Jay Benedict appeared in a range of films and TV shows , from Aliens and The Dark Knight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , throughout his career .
As well as acting , he also lent his voice to video games and TV adverts - plus lifts , theatre foyers and other public spaces .
`` The irritatingly soothing voice requesting that you take your seat and switch off your mobile phone is quite probably him , '' a tribute to him on his website said .
He died on 4 April due to complications from coronavirus , aged 68 .
Country folk singer John Prine , who wrote his early songs in his head as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 April of complications after contracting coronavirus , aged 73 .
Bruce Springsteen was among those paying tribute to the Grammy-winning singer , saying : `` Over here on E Street , we are crushed by the loss of John Prine .
`` John and I were 'New Dylans ' together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the lovliest guy in the world .
A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages .
We send our love and prayers to his family . ''
Prine had won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few months ago .

The coronavirus pandemic has killed thousands of people across the world, several well known faces among them.
Here are some of the stars sadly lost during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Eddie Large
Best known for his comedy double act Little and Large, Eddie Large died on 2 April after contracting coronavirus in hospital while being treated for heart failure, his agent and family said.
His comedy partner Syd Little led the tributes, saying in a statement sent to Sky News: "I am devastated to have lost not just my comedy partner of 60 years, but my friend of 60 years."
Real name Edward McGinnis, Large achieved huge success with Little on TV throughout the 1970s and '80s, after the pair won talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1971.
Comedians including Matt Lucas, Jason Manford, Michael Barrymore, Lenny Henry and Paul Chuckle were among those paying tribute following his death, at the age of 78.
Roy Horn
Magician Roy Horn (right), best known as part of the Las Vegas performing duo of Siegfried & Roy, died at the age of 75 after contracting coronavirus.
The entertainer tested positive for the virus in April and was previously said to have been "responding well to treatment" before his death on 8 May.
Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher, who paid tribute to his "best friend", were world renowned for their Las Vegas shows involving white lions and tigers.
Tim Brooke-Taylor
A fixture in British comedy, Tim Brooke-Taylor worked in radio, television, film and theatre in a career spanning more than 50 years.
He was best known for The Goodies, an anarchic TV comedy which ran from 1970 to 1982, alongside Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie, and also as a panellist on BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
He died on 12 April, aged 79, after contracting coronavirus, his agent said, with comedy stars including Jack Dee, David Walliams and Stephen Fry paying tribute to a "hero" and a "delightful man".
Dave Greenfield
The Stranglers' keyboard player had heart problems and contracted coronavirus after a prolonged stay in hospital.
A long-standing member of the influential punk outfit, Greenfield was known for his distinctive sound and playing style, using instruments such as the harpsichord and Hammond electric organ.
He wrote the music to the band's biggest hit, Golden Brown.
Greenfield was 71 when he died on 3 May.
Fred The Godson
The Bronx-born rapper died on 23 April after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
Real name Fredrick Thomas, the artist had been updating fans about his fight with the illness on social media, and shared a selfie from his hospital bed, saying: "Please keep me in y'all prayers!!!!"
He had worked with artists including Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar and Pusha T.
Terrence McNally
The award-winning playwright died in Florida following complications from coronavirus.
Widely considered one of America's great playwrights, the openly gay writer put same-sex relationships under the microscope, with his witty plays and musicals delving into how people connect - or fail to.
The 81-year-old, whose career spanned six decades, wrote shows including Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Ragtime, and Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune.
He was a lung cancer survivor who lived with chronic inflammatory lung disease, and would have been considered to be at high risk from the virus.
He died on 24 March, aged 81.
Adam Schlesinger
The co-frontman of US band Fountains of Wayne, best known for their single Stacy's Mom, died in hospital in New York on 1 April after testing positive for coronavirus.
Schlesinger was a prolific songwriter, who earned an Oscar nomination in 1997 for writing the title track on That Thing You Do!, a music comedy directed by Tom Hanks.
In 2019, he won his third Emmy for outstanding original music and lyrics for Antidepressants Are So Not A Big Deal, from TV musical drama Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
Hanks, who was himself diagnosed with coronavirus and has since recovered, was among those paying tribute to the 52-year-old, saying: "There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his That Thing You Do! He was a One-der. Lost him to Covid-19. Terribly sad today. Hanx."
Alan Merrill
Musician Alan Merrill, the co-writer and original singer of the much-covered hit I Love Rock 'n' Roll, died on 29 March.
Joan Jett, who made the song famous seven years after its original 1975 release, was among those who paid tribute, saying: "With deep gratitude and sadness, wishing him a safe journey to the other side."
Merill's daughter, Laura, confirmed his death at the age of 69 on social media, saying: "The coronavirus took my father... I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out."
Ms Merrill said her father had "played down the 'cold' he thought he had" and warned people to take the disease seriously.
Joe Diffie
Grammy-winning country music star Joe Diffie died on 29 March, two days after revealing he had contracted coronavirus.
The 61-year-old had a string of hits in the US in the 1990s, including Honky Tonk Attitude, Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox (If I Die), Bigger Than The Beatles and If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets), and had two albums that went platinum.
Diffie's publicist Scott Adkins said the singer, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, died due to complications from the virus.
Mark Blum
Actor Mark Blum starred alongside Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan, and Paul Hogan in Crocodile Dundee, and appeared in numerous films, TV show and plays throughout his career.
He died on 25 March after suffering complications from the virus.
The Queen of Pop led the tributes following his death, writing on social media: "I want to acknowledge the passing of a remarkable human, fellow actor and friend Mark Blum, who succumbed to coronavirus.
"This is really tragic and my heart goes out to him, his family and his loved ones.
"I remember him as funny warm, loving and professional when we made Desperately Seeking Susan in 1985!!"
Patricia Bosworth
The actress and writer once starred alongside Audrey Hepburn and later wrote biographies of stars including Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift.
Her stepdaughter said pneumonia brought on by coronavirus was the cause of death.
She died on 2 April, aged 86.
Ellis Marsalis Jr
New Orleans jazz pioneer Ellis Marsalis Jr died of pneumonia caused by COVID-19 on 1 April, aged 85, his family said.
He was a jazz pianist - performing up until the end of 2019 - teacher, and patriarch of a New Orleans musical clan, with four of his six sons also musicians.
Harry Connick Jr is one if his well known students, along with trumpeters Nicholas Payton and Terence Blanchard, saxophonists Donald Harrison and Victor Goines, and bassist Reginald Veal.
"My dad was a giant of a musician and teacher, but an even greater father," one of his sons, Branford, said following his death. "He poured everything he had into making us the best of what we could be."
Andrew Jack
Star Wars actor and dialect coach Andrew Jack died in hospital in Surrey on 31 March, as his wife was quarantined in Australia.
"Andrew lived on one of the oldest working houseboats on the Thames, he was fiercely independent but madly in love with his wife, also a dialect coach," his agent, Jill McCullough, said, paying tribute.
Jack, 76, appeared in Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi as General Ematt, as well as Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. His clients for dialect coaching included Robert Downey Jr and Chris Hemsworth.
His wife, Gabrielle Rogers, posted on social media after his death, saying: "Andrew Jack was diagnosed with coronavirus 2 days ago. He was in no pain, and he slipped away peacefully knowing that his family were all 'with' him."
Jay Benedict
Actor Jay Benedict appeared in a range of films and TV shows, from Aliens and The Dark Knight Rises to Emmerdale and Foyle's War, throughout his career.
As well as acting, he also lent his voice to video games and TV adverts - plus lifts, theatre foyers and other public spaces.
"The irritatingly soothing voice requesting that you take your seat and switch off your mobile phone is quite probably him," a tribute to him on his website said.
He died on 4 April due to complications from coronavirus, aged 68.
John Prine
Country folk singer John Prine, who wrote his early songs in his head as he was delivering post, died on 7 April of complications after contracting coronavirus, aged 73.
Bruce Springsteen was among those paying tribute to the Grammy-winning singer, saying: "Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine.
"John and I were 'New Dylans' together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the lovliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family."
Prine had won a Recording Academy lifetime achievement award just a few months ago.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Bodies 'wrapped in sheets' due to alleged body bag shortage in Surrey

Bodies are being wrapped in sheets due to an alleged shortage of body bags in Surrey , a union has claimed .
NHS staff are said to be `` distressed and anxious '' at the situation at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust , as the coronavirus pandemic causes a high number of fatalities .
GMB Union said dead bodies are being transported on sheets and left awaiting collection due to the `` overflowing '' hospital mortuary .
The trust denied there was a shortage and said it was following Public Health England ( PHE ) guidance that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practical reasons .
Public Health England figures up to Sunday say that 81 people have died at Epsom and St Helier , with COVID-19 related symptoms , but the number is less than several other London hospital trusts .
Porters at the Surrey and Sutton hospitals are also said to be concerned about a lack of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and are left with `` a flimsy plastic apron , disposable gloves and a flimsy mask '' .
It comes as social care charity Community Integrated Care said supplies of protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` woefully inadequate '' .
Meanwhile , staff in hospitals have repeatedly complained about a lack of supplies or inadequate provision .
GMB union spokeswoman Helen O'Connor said : `` We are extremely concerned about the psychological and physical wellbeing of our hospital members who are traumatised and struggling to cope with the impact of this pandemic .
`` They are on the front line doing the type of work that would distress anyone and increasingly dealing with death . ''
Ms O'Connor added that operating without body bags puts NHS workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of contracting the deadly virus '' .
The union is calling on Epsom and St Helier Trust to `` take urgent measures '' to safeguard the health and safety of their workers during the crisis .
There are similar reports of shortages in other parts of the country , including an alleged lack of clinical waste bags in at least one hospital in the Midlands , the union said .
Daniel Elkeles , chief executive of Epsom and St Helier , said : `` We can confirm that we do not have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room in our mortuaries to support deceased patients .
`` We continue to follow PHE guidance on providing protective equipment and make this available to our staff .
`` We have stocks available to support our porters and other staff and will continue to work with all of our staff to ensure they feel safe as they care for our patients . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The latest official figures showed that another 439 patients have died in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total to 5,373 .
Most of the deaths were in England .
London remains a hotspot , accounting for 129 deaths in the first set of figures , followed by the Midlands , which recorded 75 fatalities and the North East and Yorkshire that saw 67 .

Bodies are being wrapped in sheets due to an alleged shortage of body bags in Surrey, a union has claimed.
NHS staff are said to be "distressed and anxious" at the situation at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, as the coronavirus pandemic causes a high number of fatalities.
GMB Union said dead bodies are being transported on sheets and left awaiting collection due to the "overflowing" hospital mortuary.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:09 Protecting the frontline after NHS family suffers loss
The trust denied there was a shortage and said it was following Public Health England (PHE) guidance that body bags could be used for other practical reasons.
Public Health England figures up to Sunday say that 81 people have died at Epsom and St Helier, with COVID-19 related symptoms, but the number is less than several other London hospital trusts.
Porters at the Surrey and Sutton hospitals are also said to be concerned about a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and are left with "a flimsy plastic apron, disposable gloves and a flimsy mask".
It comes as social care charity Community Integrated Care said supplies of protective equipment for care workers across the country was "woefully inadequate".
Meanwhile, staff in hospitals have repeatedly complained about a lack of supplies or inadequate provision.
GMB union spokeswoman Helen O'Connor said: "We are extremely concerned about the psychological and physical wellbeing of our hospital members who are traumatised and struggling to cope with the impact of this pandemic.
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"They are on the front line doing the type of work that would distress anyone and increasingly dealing with death."
Ms O'Connor added that operating without body bags puts NHS workers and their families "at increased risk of contracting the deadly virus".
The union is calling on Epsom and St Helier Trust to "take urgent measures" to safeguard the health and safety of their workers during the crisis.
There are similar reports of shortages in other parts of the country, including an alleged lack of clinical waste bags in at least one hospital in the Midlands, the union said.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of Epsom and St Helier, said: "We can confirm that we do not have a shortage of body bags and we have room in our mortuaries to support deceased patients.
"We continue to follow PHE guidance on providing protective equipment and make this available to our staff.
"We have stocks available to support our porters and other staff and will continue to work with all of our staff to ensure they feel safe as they care for our patients."
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The latest official figures showed that another 439 patients have died in the UK after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 5,373.
Most of the deaths were in England.
London remains a hotspot, accounting for 129 deaths in the first set of figures, followed by the Midlands, which recorded 75 fatalities and the North East and Yorkshire that saw 67.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: 'Sacrificing the elderly' - Care homes asked to take COVID-19 patients

Sky News has learnt that care homes are being asked to take in hospital patients who have tested positive for coronavirus .
A care home owner in Devon has described the policy as `` importing death into care homes '' and has accused the government of sacrificing the elderly .
New government guidelines say negative tests for coronavirus are not required prior to the admittance of a new patient .
Care homes could also be asked to take in people currently living in their own homes - without any kind of testing for coronavirus .
The guidelines say : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care home from a home setting .
Some of these patients may have COVID-19 whether symptomatic or asymptomatic .
All of these patients can be safely cared for in a care home if this guidance is followed . ''
But care homes have told Sky News they can not be safely cared for because care homes are already desperately overstretched and struggling with staff and equipment shortages .
Graham Greenaway is the owner of the Warberries Nursing Home in Torquay , Devon .
He told Sky News : `` I know that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homeowners have been asked if they will take COVID-19 positive patients .
`` And I know that absolutely , everybody said no , and there would be a very good reason for that .
That would be tantamount to importing death into care homes .
`` The care homes have done all the right things against all the odds - they have locked down , have cleaned continuously and have worked around the clock .
`` The care staff in all of the care homes and domiciliary care providers have been working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wolf from the door .
`` And I think , to add insult to injury by asking us to take COVID-19 positive patients is asking us to basically make out a suicide note for people in care . ''
Care home workers are also deeply concerned about the lack of testing among patients and staff .
At Warberries , we met head of care Lucy Hall , who sat with a 91-year-old man as he passed away .
The elderly man had a high temperature and was cared for in isolation .
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not know for sure if he was COVID-19 positive , and therefore his relatives were not present .
She said : `` Without testing , we did n't know what we were dealing with .
I sat with him the day that he passed and I held his hand .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' He said he did n't want to be alone .
Because of the circumstances , his family were n't able to be with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person and try and give him some form of dignity within the last moments of his life .
And that was really hard , really hard . ''
`` If we 'd have tested him at day one and he 'd come back negative , it would have been a completely different story . ''

Sky News has learnt that care homes are being asked to take in hospital patients who have tested positive for coronavirus.
A care home owner in Devon has described the policy as "importing death into care homes" and has accused the government of sacrificing the elderly.
New government guidelines say negative tests for coronavirus are not required prior to the admittance of a new patient.
Image: The care home is struggling with lack of staff and equipment
Care homes could also be asked to take in people currently living in their own homes - without any kind of testing for coronavirus.
The guidelines say: "Residents may also be admitted to a care home from a home setting. Some of these patients may have COVID-19 whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. All of these patients can be safely cared for in a care home if this guidance is followed."
But care homes have told Sky News they cannot be safely cared for because care homes are already desperately overstretched and struggling with staff and equipment shortages.
Graham Greenaway is the owner of the Warberries Nursing Home in Torquay, Devon.
He told Sky News: "I know that in my particular area, all of the care homeowners have been asked if they will take COVID-19 positive patients.
"And I know that absolutely, everybody said no, and there would be a very good reason for that. That would be tantamount to importing death into care homes.
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"The care homes have done all the right things against all the odds - they have locked down, have cleaned continuously and have worked around the clock.
"The care staff in all of the care homes and domiciliary care providers have been working inordinately hard to try and keep the wolf from the door.
"And I think, to add insult to injury by asking us to take COVID-19 positive patients is asking us to basically make out a suicide note for people in care."
Care home workers are also deeply concerned about the lack of testing among patients and staff.
At Warberries, we met head of care Lucy Hall, who sat with a 91-year-old man as he passed away.
Image: Lucy Hall sat with an elderly man as he passed away
The elderly man had a high temperature and was cared for in isolation. Because of a lack of testing, they did not know for sure if he was COVID-19 positive, and therefore his relatives were not present.
She said: "Without testing, we didn't know what we were dealing with. I sat with him the day that he passed and I held his hand.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"He said he didn't want to be alone. Because of the circumstances, his family weren't able to be with him. So we have to be that person and try and give him some form of dignity within the last moments of his life. And that was really hard, really hard."
"If we'd have tested him at day one and he'd come back negative, it would have been a completely different story."


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: New map reveals how many people have died from COVID-19 in your area

Thousands of people have now died in the UK after contracting coronavirus and Sky News is tracking the worst affected areas .
Hertsmere , Harrow , Brent , Inverclyde and South Lakeland are the areas with the highest rates of people who have died and had COVID-19 mentioned on their death certificates , data from the national statistical offices up to mid-May shows .
The lowest death rates from coronavirus are in places as diverse as Hastings , Ceredigion , in west Wales , and the Orkney Islands .
Across the whole of the UK , the death rate - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died of COVID-19 - is 55 .
The detailed breakdown by local authority is published weekly by statistics departments in England and Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland .
NHS England , Public Health of Wales , the Department of Health and Social Care and the Scottish and Northern Irish governments publish the daily number of total COVID-19 related deaths for each region .
NHS England provides that information by NHS trust .
In general , urban areas have been worst hit , but there are some health trusts where the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected .
Search to find how many deaths have been recorded in hospitals in each health trust .
One in five people in England who are confirmed to have contracted coronavirus are dying , according to official figures .
This does not take into account the fact that figures for cases in all the home nations including England do not include tests carried out by commercial partners of the NHS .
Only those who have been tested are counted .
The true number of cases is unknown .
Further analysis of the figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than half of those dying are in the oldest age group .
Four in 10 of those losing their lives to the virus are in the 60 to 79-year-old age group .
The graph below shows the percentage breakdown for deaths by age group .
Curves showing the increase in deaths in the various regions of the UK make it appear that in all parts the peak has passed .
England and Wales passed the peak on or around the Easter weekend .
Scotland and Northern Ireland may have been later .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of collecting the information .
Deaths in England and Wales are recorded on the date they occurred .
In Scotland , the date the death was reported is what is recorded .
The amount of time it took for deaths to double in England was originally fastest in London .
The rest of the country then caught up as the doubling rate in London began to slow .
The North East and Yorkshire were the first areas outside the capital to see the rate of spread rise rapidly , followed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been consistently slower so far in the South West .
Initially , the UK saw near exponential growth in the number of cases and deaths linked to COVID-19 .
The UK daily deaths then began to flatten out .
It is clear the UK is past the peak , even though significant numbers of deaths are occurring .
What is not known is whether the UK will see a second wave some time in the future .

Thousands of people have now died in the UK after contracting coronavirus and Sky News is tracking the worst affected areas.
Hertsmere, Harrow, Brent, Inverclyde and South Lakeland are the areas with the highest rates of people who have died and had COVID-19 mentioned on their death certificates, data from the national statistical offices up to mid-May shows.
The lowest death rates from coronavirus are in places as diverse as Hastings, Ceredigion, in west Wales, and the Orkney Islands.
Across the whole of the UK, the death rate - the number of people per 100,000 who have died of COVID-19 - is 55.
The detailed breakdown by local authority is published weekly by statistics departments in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
NHS England, Public Health of Wales, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Scottish and Northern Irish governments publish the daily number of total COVID-19 related deaths for each region.
NHS England provides that information by NHS trust.
In general, urban areas have been worst hit, but there are some health trusts where the number dying has been higher than might be expected.
Search to find how many deaths have been recorded in hospitals in each health trust.
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One in five people in England who are confirmed to have contracted coronavirus are dying, according to official figures.
This does not take into account the fact that figures for cases in all the home nations including England do not include tests carried out by commercial partners of the NHS.
Only those who have been tested are counted. The true number of cases is unknown.
Further analysis of the figures shows that, for England, more than half of those dying are in the oldest age group.
Four in 10 of those losing their lives to the virus are in the 60 to 79-year-old age group.
The graph below shows the percentage breakdown for deaths by age group.
Curves showing the increase in deaths in the various regions of the UK make it appear that in all parts the peak has passed.
England and Wales passed the peak on or around the Easter weekend.
Scotland and Northern Ireland may have been later. But the statistics are affected by a different way of collecting the information. Deaths in England and Wales are recorded on the date they occurred. In Scotland, the date the death was reported is what is recorded.
The amount of time it took for deaths to double in England was originally fastest in London.
The rest of the country then caught up as the doubling rate in London began to slow.
The North East and Yorkshire were the first areas outside the capital to see the rate of spread rise rapidly, followed by the other regions. The rate of spread has been consistently slower so far in the South West.
Initially, the UK saw near exponential growth in the number of cases and deaths linked to COVID-19.
The UK daily deaths then began to flatten out. It is clear the UK is past the peak, even though significant numbers of deaths are occurring. What is not known is whether the UK will see a second wave some time in the future.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: NHS volunteers to start receiving tasks today - here's how they will help

NHS volunteers will begin receiving their first tasks today as they come to the aid of 2.5 million people at risk because of the coronavirus pandemic .
More than 750,000 people - three times the original target - signed up to join the `` volunteer army '' in the war against the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK .
The Royal Voluntary Service , the charity spearheading the effort , will have completed checks for the high volume of applications by the end of Tuesday .
Thousands of approved volunteers will be offered tasks from today via the GoodSAM app and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to get requests over the coming weeks as referrals increase .
Health professionals , pharmacists and local authorities can upload requests for help on a special portal .
Volunteers will pick up the job they want to do that day and close the task once they have completed it .
Volunteers show themselves as available when their app is switched to `` on duty '' .
What will volunteers be doing ?
• Driving patients to and from hospital appointments • Making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the NHS Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` I want to thank every single person who signed up to be an NHS volunteer responder .
`` Their incredible generosity means we can now start helping those most in need across our communities and , in turn , support our heroic NHS staff and social care staff as they continue their outstanding work .
`` Coronavirus is one of the greatest challenges our country has faced , and it is truly awe inspiring to see our whole nation coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult time . ''
The Duchess of Cornwall also thanked thousands of volunteers who have `` so kindly offered to help '' the NHS through the crisis .
Camilla , president of the Royal Voluntary Service , also said : `` Everyone working in the NHS is under unimaginable pressure day and night in this crisis .
`` I feel sure that the presence of so many wonderful volunteers will encourage , as well as support , them .
`` I salute each one of you - and thank you with all my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested negative for coronavirus , but isolated for 14 days after Prince Charles contracted the highly contagious respiratory infection .
Meanwhile , the latest official figures showed a further 439 patients have died in the UK after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 5,373 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spent the night in intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

NHS volunteers will begin receiving their first tasks today as they come to the aid of 2.5 million people at risk because of the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 750,000 people - three times the original target - signed up to join the "volunteer army" in the war against the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK.
The Royal Voluntary Service, the charity spearheading the effort, will have completed checks for the high volume of applications by the end of Tuesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Britons salute NHS heroes
When will volunteers begin tasks?
Thousands of approved volunteers will be offered tasks from today via the GoodSAM app and will start helping people.
More volunteers are expected to get requests over the coming weeks as referrals increase.
Health professionals, pharmacists and local authorities can upload requests for help on a special portal.
Volunteers will pick up the job they want to do that day and close the task once they have completed it.
Volunteers show themselves as available when their app is switched to "on duty".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 'The PM's condition worsened' - Raab
What will volunteers be doing?
Delivering medicines from pharmacies
Driving patients to and from hospital appointments
Making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home
Transporting medical supplies and equipment for the NHS
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "I want to thank every single person who signed up to be an NHS volunteer responder.
"Their incredible generosity means we can now start helping those most in need across our communities and, in turn, support our heroic NHS staff and social care staff as they continue their outstanding work.
"Coronavirus is one of the greatest challenges our country has faced, and it is truly awe inspiring to see our whole nation coming together to help each other at this difficult time."
The Duchess of Cornwall also thanked thousands of volunteers who have "so kindly offered to help" the NHS through the crisis.
Camilla, president of the Royal Voluntary Service, also said: "Everyone working in the NHS is under unimaginable pressure day and night in this crisis.
"I feel sure that the presence of so many wonderful volunteers will encourage, as well as support, them.
"I salute each one of you - and thank you with all my heart."
Camilla, 72, tested negative for coronavirus, but isolated for 14 days after Prince Charles contracted the highly contagious respiratory infection.
Meanwhile, the latest official figures showed a further 439 patients have died in the UK after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 5,373.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spent the night in intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties.
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news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Queen sends message to Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson family

The Queen has sent a message of support to Boris Johnson 's partner , Carrie Symonds , after he was moved into intensive care with worsening symptoms of COVID-19 .
The monarch is being kept informed of the Prime Minister 's condition and she was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in offering words of sympathy to the leader and his loved ones .
A statement issued by Buckingham Palace said the monarch had given the words of support to Ms Symonds and Mr Johnson 's family earlier on Tuesday .
`` Her Majesty said they were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister a full and speedy recovery , '' the statement said .
The Duke of Cambridge posted a personal message of sympathy on the Kensington Palace twitter account , signing it off with his initial `` W '' .
`` Our thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family , who like so many in the UK and around the world are affected by coronavirus , '' he said .
`` We wish him a speedy recovery at this difficult time .
W '' It came after the Queen thanked health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during `` testing times '' as the country battles coronavirus .
In a statement released on Tuesday morning , Her Majesty said : `` On the occasion of World Health Day , I want to thank all those working in the healthcare profession for your selfless commitment and diligence as you undertake vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and well-being of people across the commonwealth , and around the world .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best of human spirit comes to the fore ; the dedication to service of countless nurses , midwives and other healthcare workers , in these most challenging of circumstances , is an example to us all .
`` My family and I send our enduring appreciation and good wishes . ''
Two days ago The Queen made a historic address to the nation - her fifth since taking to the throne .
She urged the public to `` remain united and resolute '' to overcome the coronavirus crisis , which has so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of cases in the UK has passed 51,000 , the department of health said .
Her message comes as Mr Johnson is treated for COVID-19 in intensive care .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said in an interview with LBC that Mr Johnson `` has not been on a ventilator '' but has received `` oxygen support '' .
The prime minister spent the night in an ICU at St Thomas ' Hospital in central London , where he was admitted on Sunday , after his symptoms of COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he suffered breathing difficulties .
UK NHS staff will start receiving help on Tuesday - from 750,000 volunteers who signed up to assist in the care of 2.5 million people considered to be at risk during the pandemic .
The volunteers will deliver medicines from pharmacies , drive patients to and from hospital , check on people isolating at home and transport medical supplies and equipment for the NHS .
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` Their incredible generosity means we can now start helping those most in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn , support our heroic NHS staff and social care staff as they continue their outstanding work . ''

The Queen has sent a message of support to Boris Johnson's partner, Carrie Symonds, after he was moved into intensive care with worsening symptoms of COVID-19.
The monarch is being kept informed of the Prime Minister's condition and she was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in offering words of sympathy to the leader and his loved ones.
A statement issued by Buckingham Palace said the monarch had given the words of support to Ms Symonds and Mr Johnson's family earlier on Tuesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:12 From Sunday: The Queen's historic address to the nation
"Her Majesty said they were in her thoughts and that she wished the Prime Minister a full and speedy recovery," the statement said.
The Duke of Cambridge posted a personal message of sympathy on the Kensington Palace twitter account, signing it off with his initial "W".
"Our thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family, who like so many in the UK and around the world are affected by coronavirus," he said.
"We wish him a speedy recovery at this difficult time. W"
It came after the Queen thanked health workers for their "selfless dedication" during "testing times" as the country battles coronavirus.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Her Majesty said: "On the occasion of World Health Day, I want to thank all those working in the healthcare profession for your selfless commitment and diligence as you undertake vitally important roles to protect and improve the health and well-being of people across the commonwealth, and around the world.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"In testing times, we often observe that the best of human spirit comes to the fore; the dedication to service of countless nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers, in these most challenging of circumstances, is an example to us all.
"My family and I send our enduring appreciation and good wishes."
Two days ago The Queen made a historic address to the nation - her fifth since taking to the throne.
She urged the public to "remain united and resolute" to overcome the coronavirus crisis, which has so far seen 5,373 die in the UK.
The number of cases in the UK has passed 51,000, the department of health said.
Her message comes as Mr Johnson is treated for COVID-19 in intensive care.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:10 'We're really climbing towards that peak'
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said in an interview with LBC that Mr Johnson "has not been on a ventilator" but has received "oxygen support".
The prime minister spent the night in an ICU at St Thomas' Hospital in central London, where he was admitted on Sunday, after his symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
UK NHS staff will start receiving help on Tuesday - from 750,000 volunteers who signed up to assist in the care of 2.5 million people considered to be at risk during the pandemic.
The volunteers will deliver medicines from pharmacies, drive patients to and from hospital, check on people isolating at home and transport medical supplies and equipment for the NHS.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Their incredible generosity means we can now start helping those most in need across our communities and, in turn, support our heroic NHS staff and social care staff as they continue their outstanding work."


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Prince Andrew accuser Virginia Roberts-Giuffre in hospital for COVID-19 tests

A woman who claims she was trafficked to Prince Andrew for sex when she was a teenager has been taken to hospital with suspected coronavirus .
Virginia Roberts-Giuffre posted a photograph of herself on Twitter in a hospital bed wearing a mask and wrote : `` I 'm so scared right now , having trouble breathing , fever & cough , '' she explained .
`` Getting tested for COVID-19 praying it 's not positive . ''
Mrs Roberts-Giuffre thanked her followers for their prayers and added : `` I just hate hospitals , have had quite a few bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes months after her accusations about the duke , which saw him step down from royal duties .
The prince has strenuously denied he had `` any form of sexual contact or relationship '' with Mrs Roberts-Giuffre , adding `` any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation '' .
Then known as Virginia Roberts , she says she was brought to London aged 17 by Jeffrey Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell in 2001 and was introduced to Prince Andrew .
Later that evening , she claims she was instructed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking about her first alleged encounter with Prince Andrew in London , she said she was taken to Tramp Nightclub where she recalls dancing with the `` sweating '' prince when she was 17 .
In an interview he claimed that he could not have been sweating because he he had lost the ability to do so following his service in the Falklands War .

A woman who claims she was trafficked to Prince Andrew for sex when she was a teenager has been taken to hospital with suspected coronavirus.
Virginia Roberts-Giuffre posted a photograph of herself on Twitter in a hospital bed wearing a mask and wrote: "I'm so scared right now, having trouble breathing, fever & cough," she explained.
"Getting tested for COVID-19 praying it's not positive."
Mrs Roberts-Giuffre thanked her followers for their prayers and added: "I just hate hospitals, have had quite a few bad experiences in my time."
It comes months after her accusations about the duke, which saw him step down from royal duties.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The prince has strenuously denied he had "any form of sexual contact or relationship" with Mrs Roberts-Giuffre, adding "any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation".
Then known as Virginia Roberts, she says she was brought to London aged 17 by Jeffrey Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell in 2001 and was introduced to Prince Andrew.
Later that evening, she claims she was instructed to have sex with the duke.
Speaking about her first alleged encounter with Prince Andrew in London, she said she was taken to Tramp Nightclub where she recalls dancing with the "sweating" prince when she was 17.
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In an interview he claimed that he could not have been sweating because he he had lost the ability to do so following his service in the Falklands War.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: There's a power vacuum - but the cabinet is rallying around 'good choice' Raab

Coronavirus : There 's a power vacuum - but the cabinet is rallying around 'good choice ' Raab Coronavirus : There 's a power vacuum - but the cabinet is rallying around 'good choice ' Raab Boris Johnson had been handling a social , economic and political crisis - now he 's faced with a deeply personal one , too The Queen spoke for millions of people on Sunday night when she talked about the way in which the coronavirus crisis had touched the lives of each and every one of us .
Her Majesty said the disease had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to many , and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all '' .
What we did n't know , as her address was being broadcast to millions of homes , was that the nation 's other figurehead was making his way to St Thomas ' Hospital in central London .
Sadly it was to become far more serious than that .
Coronavirus now not just a health , financial , social and political crisis for this government and country .
It is also a deeply personal crisis for Boris Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday night when having difficulty breathing .
For his loved ones , his friends , his colleagues and his country , these are deeply unsettling and anxious times .
We are in an era-defining crisis that is not just reshaping our lives in real time but will reshape our country long after this pandemic has passed .
The rebuild from such a dramatic health , economic and social shock will take years .
But for now , the focus in our government , our hospitals and our own communities is to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to limit the number of fatalities as best we can .
The prime minister remains the prime minister but he has now formally passed the day-to-day running of government to Dominic Raab , his foreign secretary and first secretary of state .
That gives him the power to authorise military action through his position as chair of the National Security Council .
Mr Raab 's most pressing issue , of course , is to lead the coronavirus response .
He will do this with his cabinet , who will collectively take decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary , change the strategy .
This is unlikely to be tested in the short-term : the big political issue of deciding on the exit strategy from the UK 's lockdown seems some way off yet .
It is widely expected the lockdown measures will be rolled-over as the epidemic approaches its peak .
`` We have a cabinet system of government , '' explained former prime minister Theresa May .
`` Dominic Raab is leading that cabinet and I know - from everything I 've seen and heard - that cabinet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a first class civil service , is absolutely committed to dealing with this crisis . ''
A cabinet government , a world-class civil service and experts very much back in vogue as the government tries to navigate this crisis .
The machine grinds on , even if it is missing the most important cog - the prime minister .
This handover of power is a temporary option while we wait to see if the prime minister improves and can perhaps return to work in a matter of weeks ; or if his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only a partial handover of power .
The foreign secretary will not be having weekly audiences with the Queen nor does he have the authority to hire or fire ministers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But cabinet ministers and senior Conservatives told me the overriding sentiment is to rally around Mr Johnson - and by extension his chosen deputy Mr Raab - 100 % .
`` Dom is a good choice because he 's not divisive , '' one cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps picking the man he can most trust to lead without trying to steal his power base .
The supremely capable Michael Gove might have been another option and he certainly harbours the ambition .
The past rivalries between Mr Johnson and Mr Gove during two successive Conservative leadership contests almost surely ruled him out .
There is another reason why the cabinet must keep focus : the public do not want to see infighting , indecision or political point-scoring .
This is a sentiment the new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up acting in the national interest and talks down party politics .
Failure to lead effectively when the prime minister is so unwell will not be forgiven .
Mr Johnson might not be in Downing Street , but for the next few weeks the machine can execute what was decided before he became so ill .
The coronavirus strategy as we approach the peak of the epidemic is set , while the giant financial support packages have been signed off .
The prime minister 's health crisis is not yet a political crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work to keep it that way .
Mr Raab insisted on Tuesday the prime minister would be back running the country `` in short order '' .
Everyone will be hoping he 's right .

Senior Conservatives are ready to rally around Boris Johnson - and by extension - his chosen deputy Dominic Raab.
Coronavirus: There's a power vacuum - but the cabinet is rallying around 'good choice' Raab
Boris Johnson had been handling a social, economic and political crisis - now he's faced with a deeply personal one, too
The Queen spoke for millions of people on Sunday night when she talked about the way in which the coronavirus crisis had touched the lives of each and every one of us.
Her Majesty said the disease had "brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all".
What we didn't know, as her address was being broadcast to millions of homes, was that the nation's other figurehead was making his way to St Thomas' Hospital in central London.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 Raab: 'PM is a fighter - I'm confident he'll pull through'
Number 10 stressed the prime minister's admission was "precautionary".
Sadly it was to become far more serious than that.
Coronavirus now not just a health, financial, social and political crisis for this government and country.
It is also a deeply personal crisis for Boris Johnson, after he was moved into intensive care on Monday night when having difficulty breathing.
For his loved ones, his friends, his colleagues and his country, these are deeply unsettling and anxious times.
We are in an era-defining crisis that is not just reshaping our lives in real time but will reshape our country long after this pandemic has passed.
Advertisement
The rebuild from such a dramatic health, economic and social shock will take years.
But for now, the focus in our government, our hospitals and our own communities is to get through the peak of this outbreak and try to limit the number of fatalities as best we can.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Theresa May on PM and cabinet leadership
The prime minister remains the prime minister but he has now formally passed the day-to-day running of government to Dominic Raab, his foreign secretary and first secretary of state.
That gives him the power to authorise military action through his position as chair of the National Security Council.
Mr Raab's most pressing issue, of course, is to lead the coronavirus response.
He will do this with his cabinet, who will collectively take decisions on how to implement or, if necessary, change the strategy.
This is unlikely to be tested in the short-term: the big political issue of deciding on the exit strategy from the UK's lockdown seems some way off yet.
It is widely expected the lockdown measures will be rolled-over as the epidemic approaches its peak.
"We have a cabinet system of government," explained former prime minister Theresa May.
"Dominic Raab is leading that cabinet and I know - from everything I've seen and heard - that cabinet, which is supported by excellent scientific advice and a first class civil service, is absolutely committed to dealing with this crisis."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:12 The Queen's historic address in full
A cabinet government, a world-class civil service and experts very much back in vogue as the government tries to navigate this crisis.
The machine grinds on, even if it is missing the most important cog - the prime minister.
This handover of power is a temporary option while we wait to see if the prime minister improves and can perhaps return to work in a matter of weeks; or if his health deteriorates further.
It is also only a partial handover of power.
The foreign secretary will not be having weekly audiences with the Queen nor does he have the authority to hire or fire ministers.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The prime minister's absence inevitably creates a power vacuum.
But cabinet ministers and senior Conservatives told me the overriding sentiment is to rally around Mr Johnson - and by extension his chosen deputy Mr Raab - 100%.
"Dom is a good choice because he's not divisive," one cabinet colleague told me.
The prime minister perhaps picking the man he can most trust to lead without trying to steal his power base.
The supremely capable Michael Gove might have been another option and he certainly harbours the ambition.
The past rivalries between Mr Johnson and Mr Gove during two successive Conservative leadership contests almost surely ruled him out.
There is another reason why the cabinet must keep focus: the public do not want to see infighting, indecision or political point-scoring.
This is a sentiment the new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is reflecting with laser-sharp focus as he talks up acting in the national interest and talks down party politics.
Failure to lead effectively when the prime minister is so unwell will not be forgiven.
Mr Johnson might not be in Downing Street, but for the next few weeks the machine can execute what was decided before he became so ill.
The coronavirus strategy as we approach the peak of the epidemic is set, while the giant financial support packages have been signed off.
The prime minister's health crisis is not yet a political crisis and all of those in government must work to keep it that way.
Mr Raab insisted on Tuesday the prime minister would be back running the country "in short order".
Everyone will be hoping he's right.


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: 'Agony' of Boris Johnson's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds as couple kept apart

The world is watching as the man who should be leading the UK 's fight against coronavirus battles the disease himself from intensive care and away from loved ones .
But nothing could compare to the pain of the prime minister 's heavily pregnant and recently ill fiancee Carrie Symonds , says the prime minister 's biographer , Sonia Purnell .
`` This is a horrible , horrible situation , just ghastly , '' Ms Purnell told Sky News .
`` You ca n't even accompany your loved one in the hospital .
I can only imagine the agony of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we know is due to give birth in the early summer .
This is a nightmare all round and also a nightmare for the whole country . ''
Boris Johnson spent the night in the intensive care unit of St Thomas ' Hospital , after his coronavirus symptoms worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties .
The 55-year-old tested positive for the disease 11 days ago and was admitted to hospital on Sunday night .
But his health deteriorated yesterday , as Downing Street said he suffered from `` persistent '' symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high temperature .
He had barely been able to see Ms Symonds since he fell ill , as she is pregnant with their first child and had also been self-isolating due to fears of having caught COVID-19 .
On Saturday , 32-year-old Ms Symonds posted said on Twitter that she had spent the past week in bed with the main coronavirus symptoms .
`` I have n't needed to be tested and , after seven days of rest , I feel stronger and I 'm on the mend , '' she wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ worrying .
To other pregnant women , please do read and follow the most up to date guidance which I found to be v [ sic ] reassuring , '' she said .
Ms Symonds is believed to have left Downing Street more than a week ago to quarantine in her South London flat .
Like all friends and family of coronavirus patients , she will have to stay away from her fiance as she grows more pregnant with the couple 's first child and Mr Johnson endures his condition in hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ those `` at risk '' of severe complications from coronavirus and were therefore classed in the group of people who should avoid non-essential contact for three months .
While there is no evidence that pregnant women are more likely to contract COVID-19 or suffer more severely , doctors know that pregnancy can affect immune systems and therefore make expectant mothers more vulnerable to viruses .
Beteen Ms Symonds vulnerability and Mr Johnson 's serious state , it is unclear when the pair will be able to reunite .
Ms Purnell , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said she believed his desire to continue to lead the country contributed to the worsening of his illness .
`` He has been prime minister for eight months , that is something he has wanted all his life , '' she said .
`` And I think that desire to be the top dog , to be the PM , may have stopped him from stepping back when he was first ill , and now he may wish that he had done , and would have perhaps gotten better that way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I send him my very best wishes ... .
but this is ikely now to be a long haul and this will be a very unsettling time . ''
Ms Purnell said Mr Johnson 's inability to continue his job will be `` deeply frustrating '' .
`` Of course he never wanted to be prime minister during a global pandemic , and it is n't the sort of thing that plays with his best strength , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; there 's a bit of bravado there .
One remembers him shaking hands at a hospital a few weeks ago where there were coronavirus patients .
`` But he is n't invincible , no-one is .
This will be a deep shock for him , that he has succumbed in this way - really quite traumatic for him '' .

The world is watching as the man who should be leading the UK's fight against coronavirus battles the disease himself from intensive care and away from loved ones.
But nothing could compare to the pain of the prime minister's heavily pregnant and recently ill fiancee Carrie Symonds, says the prime minister's biographer, Sonia Purnell.
"This is a horrible, horrible situation, just ghastly," Ms Purnell told Sky News.
Image: A post by Carrie Symonds on Instagram reveals they got engaged at the end of last year
"You can't even accompany your loved one in the hospital. I can only imagine the agony of Carrie Symonds, his fiancee, who as we know is due to give birth in the early summer. This is a nightmare all round and also a nightmare for the whole country."
Boris Johnson spent the night in the intensive care unit of St Thomas' Hospital, after his coronavirus symptoms worsened and he suffered breathing difficulties.
The 55-year-old tested positive for the disease 11 days ago and was admitted to hospital on Sunday night.
But his health deteriorated yesterday, as Downing Street said he suffered from "persistent" symptoms of COVID-19 - including a cough and a high temperature.
He had barely been able to see Ms Symonds since he fell ill, as she is pregnant with their first child and had also been self-isolating due to fears of having caught COVID-19.
On Saturday, 32-year-old Ms Symonds posted said on Twitter that she had spent the past week in bed with the main coronavirus symptoms.
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"I haven't needed to be tested and, after seven days of rest, I feel stronger and I'm on the mend," she wrote.
"Being pregnant with COVID-19 is obviously worrying. To other pregnant women, please do read and follow the most up to date guidance which I found to be v [sic] reassuring," she said.
Image: The pair must continue their time apart as Mr Johnson is treated in intensive care for coronavirus
Ms Symonds is believed to have left Downing Street more than a week ago to quarantine in her South London flat.
Like all friends and family of coronavirus patients, she will have to stay away from her fiance as she grows more pregnant with the couple's first child and Mr Johnson endures his condition in hospital.
Pregnant women are on the list of those "at risk" of severe complications from coronavirus and were therefore classed in the group of people who should avoid non-essential contact for three months.
While there is no evidence that pregnant women are more likely to contract COVID-19 or suffer more severely, doctors know that pregnancy can affect immune systems and therefore make expectant mothers more vulnerable to viruses.
Beteen Ms Symonds vulnerability and Mr Johnson's serious state, it is unclear when the pair will be able to reunite.
Ms Purnell, who has known Mr Jonhson since the early 1990s, said she believed his desire to continue to lead the country contributed to the worsening of his illness.
Image: Boris Johnson was first admitted to St Thomas' Hospital on Sunday night
"He has been prime minister for eight months, that is something he has wanted all his life," she said.
"And I think that desire to be the top dog, to be the PM, may have stopped him from stepping back when he was first ill, and now he may wish that he had done, and would have perhaps gotten better that way."
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"I send him my very best wishes.... but this is ikely now to be a long haul and this will be a very unsettling time."
Ms Purnell said Mr Johnson's inability to continue his job will be "deeply frustrating".
"Of course he never wanted to be prime minister during a global pandemic, and it isn't the sort of thing that plays with his best strength," she said.
"He's naturally an optimistic person; there's a bit of bravado there. One remembers him shaking hands at a hospital a few weeks ago where there were coronavirus patients.
"But he isn't invincible, no-one is. This will be a deep shock for him, that he has succumbed in this way - really quite traumatic for him".


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: Dominic Raab and cabinet able to take military action in Boris Johnson's absence

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and fellow cabinet ministers would be able to take military action without the consent of the prime minister in Boris Johnson 's absence , Downing Street has said .
Mr Johnson is currently in intensive care at St Thomas ' Hospital in London after his condition worsened on Monday afternoon - more than a week after he tested positive for coronavirus .
The prime minister 's spokesman said Mr Johnson was `` stable '' overnight and remains in `` good spirits '' .
He is being treated with oxygen but is breathing without a ventilator and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spokesman added .
Mr Johnson has asked Mr Raab to deputise for him `` where necessary '' while he receives critical care .
It has led to questions about how the government will continue to function in the prime minister 's absence .
Downing Street said on Tuesday that Mr Raab , as First Secretary of State , would chair any meeting of the National Security Council - the body that meets to discuss the UK 's national security - should one be required .
It was also confirmed that Mr Raab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority and ability to respond '' to a military threat in Mr Johnson 's absence , including the possible use of the UK 's nuclear deterrent .
The prime minister 's spokesman said : `` In relation to national security , the First Secretary of State and cabinet have the authority and ability to respond in the prime minister 's absence . ''
However , Mr Raab will not be required to write his own so-called letters of last resort , which are written by every prime minister on entering office .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's nuclear submarine fleet should do in the event the UK has been struck by a nuclear attack and they are unable to contact the government .
Asked about the letters , Mr Johnson 's spokesman said : `` The prime minister remains the prime minister . ''
Mr Raab also does not have the power to hire and fire ministers when deputising for the prime minister , Downing Street added .
Should Mr Raab himself fall ill , then Chancellor Rishi Sunak would be next in line to take over , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The prime minister 's weekly calls with the Queen have been suspended while he remains indisposed .
But his spokesman added that Her Majesty will continue to be kept regularly updated about Mr Johnson 's condition .
On Monday night , Mr Raab said there was an `` incredibly strong team spirit '' behind Mr Johnson as he prepared to assume some of the prime minister 's duties .
`` The government 's business will continue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prime minister is in safe hands with that brilliant team at St Thomas ' Hospital .
`` The focus of the government will continue to be on making sure that the prime minister 's direction - all the plans for making sure that we can defeat coronavirus and can pull the country through this challenge - will be taken forward . ''

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and fellow cabinet ministers would be able to take military action without the consent of the prime minister in Boris Johnson's absence, Downing Street has said.
Mr Johnson is currently in intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital in London after his condition worsened on Monday afternoon - more than a week after he tested positive for coronavirus.
The prime minister's spokesman said Mr Johnson was "stable" overnight and remains in "good spirits".
He is being treated with oxygen but is breathing without a ventilator and has not been diagnosed with pneumonia, the spokesman added.
Image: Mr Raab and the cabinet have the 'authority' to respond to a threat - including the possible use of the UK's nuclear submarines
Mr Johnson has asked Mr Raab to deputise for him "where necessary" while he receives critical care.
It has led to questions about how the government will continue to function in the prime minister's absence.
Downing Street said on Tuesday that Mr Raab, as First Secretary of State, would chair any meeting of the National Security Council - the body that meets to discuss the UK's national security - should one be required.
It was also confirmed that Mr Raab and the cabinet would have the "authority and ability to respond" to a military threat in Mr Johnson's absence, including the possible use of the UK's nuclear deterrent.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 'The PM's condition worsened' - Raab
The prime minister's spokesman said: "In relation to national security, the First Secretary of State and cabinet have the authority and ability to respond in the prime minister's absence."
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However, Mr Raab will not be required to write his own so-called letters of last resort, which are written by every prime minister on entering office.
They are thought to spell out what the UK's nuclear submarine fleet should do in the event the UK has been struck by a nuclear attack and they are unable to contact the government.
Asked about the letters, Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "The prime minister remains the prime minister."
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak is next in line to take over, should Mr Raab himself fall ill
Mr Raab also does not have the power to hire and fire ministers when deputising for the prime minister, Downing Street added.
Should Mr Raab himself fall ill, then Chancellor Rishi Sunak would be next in line to take over, Mr Johnson's spokesman confirmed.
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The prime minister's weekly calls with the Queen have been suspended while he remains indisposed.
But his spokesman added that Her Majesty will continue to be kept regularly updated about Mr Johnson's condition.
Image: Boris Johnson is being treated in intensive care
On Monday night, Mr Raab said there was an "incredibly strong team spirit" behind Mr Johnson as he prepared to assume some of the prime minister's duties.
"The government's business will continue," the foreign secretary said.
"The prime minister is in safe hands with that brilliant team at St Thomas' Hospital.
"The focus of the government will continue to be on making sure that the prime minister's direction - all the plans for making sure that we can defeat coronavirus and can pull the country through this challenge - will be taken forward."


news--2020-04-07--Coronavirus: 'Heroic city' Wuhan ends lockdown with spectacular party 11 weeks after it was epicentr

Coronavirus: 'Heroic city' Wuhan ends lockdown with spectacular party 11 weeks after it was epicentre of crisis

China has ended coronavirus lockdown measures in Wuhan - 11 weeks after it became the epicentre of what has since developed into a global crisis .
Authorities have begun allowing its 11 million residents to travel in and out of the sprawling city where the pandemic began without special authorisation .
Under new rules that came into force as of midnight on Wednesday , people are allowed to enter and leave on the condition a mandatory smartphone application powered by a mix of data-tracking and government surveillance shows they are healthy and have not been in recent contact with anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of the Yangtze river marked the occasion , with skyscrapers and bridges radiating animated images of health workers healing patients .
One bears the words `` heroic city '' , a title bestowed on Wuhan by president and Communist Party leader Xi Jinping .
Along the embankments and bridges , people waved flags , chanted `` Wuhan , let 's go ! ''
and sang capella renditions of China 's national anthem .
`` I have n't been outside for more than 70 days , '' said an emotional Tong Zhengkun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridge .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said his entire apartment complex was shut down when fellow residents tested positive for COVID-19 , meaning he was not allowed to go out even to buy groceries - which neighbourhood workers brought to his door .
`` Being indoors for so long drove me crazy , '' he said .
Shortly after the new rules came into force , traffic began moving swiftly through the newly reopened bridges , tunnels and highway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first trains and flights out of the city , many hoping to return to jobs elsewhere .
Restrictions in the city where most of China 's coronavirus cases and deaths have occurred - which official figures put at more than 82,000 and 3,300 deaths respectively - have been gradually relaxed in recent weeks as the number of new infections fell .
The latest government figures listed no new cases on Tuesday .
Although doubts have been cast as to the veracity of China 's count , the unprecedented lockdown of Wuhan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful enough that they have been widely replicated in countries around the world .
`` The people in Wuhan paid out a lot and bore a lot mentally and psychologically , '' resident Zhang Xiang said .
`` Wuhan people are historically famous for their strong will . ''
Wuhan residents had been allowed out of their homes only to buy food or attend to other tasks deemed absolutely necessary during the 76-day lockdown .
Only those who had paperwork showing they were not a health risk and a letter attesting to where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to leave the city were allowed out - and even some of them were turned back by officials on technicalities .

China has ended coronavirus lockdown measures in Wuhan - 11 weeks after it became the epicentre of what has since developed into a global crisis.
Authorities have begun allowing its 11 million residents to travel in and out of the sprawling city where the pandemic began without special authorisation.
Under new rules that came into force as of midnight on Wednesday, people are allowed to enter and leave on the condition a mandatory smartphone application powered by a mix of data-tracking and government surveillance shows they are healthy and have not been in recent contact with anyone infected.
A light show on either side of the Yangtze river marked the occasion, with skyscrapers and bridges radiating animated images of health workers healing patients.
One bears the words "heroic city", a title bestowed on Wuhan by president and Communist Party leader Xi Jinping.
Along the embankments and bridges, people waved flags, chanted "Wuhan, let's go!" and sang capella renditions of China's national anthem.
"I haven't been outside for more than 70 days," said an emotional Tong Zhengkun, who was watching the display from a bridge.
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He said his entire apartment complex was shut down when fellow residents tested positive for COVID-19, meaning he was not allowed to go out even to buy groceries - which neighbourhood workers brought to his door.
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"Being indoors for so long drove me crazy," he said.
Shortly after the new rules came into force, traffic began moving swiftly through the newly reopened bridges, tunnels and highway toll booths, while hundreds waited for the first trains and flights out of the city, many hoping to return to jobs elsewhere.
Restrictions in the city where most of China's coronavirus cases and deaths have occurred - which official figures put at more than 82,000 and 3,300 deaths respectively - have been gradually relaxed in recent weeks as the number of new infections fell.
The latest government figures listed no new cases on Tuesday.
Although doubts have been cast as to the veracity of China's count, the unprecedented lockdown of Wuhan and its surrounding province of Hubei have been successful enough that they have been widely replicated in countries around the world.
"The people in Wuhan paid out a lot and bore a lot mentally and psychologically," resident Zhang Xiang said. "Wuhan people are historically famous for their strong will."
Wuhan residents had been allowed out of their homes only to buy food or attend to other tasks deemed absolutely necessary during the 76-day lockdown.
Only those who had paperwork showing they were not a health risk and a letter attesting to where they were going and why they were allowed to leave the city were allowed out - and even some of them were turned back by officials on technicalities.


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: How will GCSE and A-level grades be calculated?

GCSE and A-level students will receive grades based on teacher assessments after exams were cancelled in a bid to slow down the spread of coronavirus .
The calculated grades , which will also take into account students ' previous achievements , should be awarded to pupils in England by the end of July , the government said .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said these are `` extraordinary times '' and that exam boards would be working closely with teachers to implement the new approach .
The exam regulator , Ofqual , and exam boards will work with teachers to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled this summer .
University representatives said they expect universities to be flexible and do all they can to support students and ensure they can progress to higher education .
This year 's summer exam series , including A-levels , GCSEs and other qualifications , have been cancelled as the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate in Britain .
The government said its priority is to ensure affected students can move on as planned to the next stage of their lives - such as starting university , six form courses or employment .
Students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exam as soon as schools reopen and can appeal if they are not satisfied that their calculated grade reflects their performance .
They can also choose to sit exams in summer 2021 .
The new guidance says exam boards will be asking teachers to submit judgements about the grades they think their students would have got if exams had gone ahead .
Teachers will have to take into account `` a range of evidence and data '' such as mock exam results and other school work .
Combined with information from `` other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous attainment , the calculated grades will be `` a best assessment '' of the work that students have put in , the government said .
A-level and GCSE grades are usually published in mid-August .
Mr Williamson said : `` Cancelling exams is something no education secretary would ever want to do , however these are extraordinary times and this measure is a vital but unprecedented step in the country 's efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority now is to ensure no young person faces a barrier when it comes to moving on to the next stage of their lives - whether that 's further or higher education , an apprenticeship or a job . ''
He continued : `` I have asked exam boards to work closely with the teachers who know their pupils best to ensure their hard work and dedication is rewarded and fairly recognised . ''
The department added that the distribution of grades will follow a similar pattern to previous years so affected students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .

GCSE and A-level students will receive grades based on teacher assessments after exams were cancelled in a bid to slow down the spread of coronavirus.
The calculated grades, which will also take into account students' previous achievements, should be awarded to pupils in England by the end of July, the government said.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said these are "extraordinary times" and that exam boards would be working closely with teachers to implement the new approach.
The exam regulator, Ofqual, and exam boards will work with teachers to provide grades to students whose exams have been cancelled this summer.
University representatives said they expect universities to be flexible and do all they can to support students and ensure they can progress to higher education.
This year's summer exam series, including A-levels, GCSEs and other qualifications, have been cancelled as the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate in Britain.
The government said its priority is to ensure affected students can move on as planned to the next stage of their lives - such as starting university, six form courses or employment.
Students will have the option to sit an exam as soon as schools reopen and can appeal if they are not satisfied that their calculated grade reflects their performance.
They can also choose to sit exams in summer 2021.
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The new guidance says exam boards will be asking teachers to submit judgements about the grades they think their students would have got if exams had gone ahead.
Image: Education Secretary Gavin Williamson says cancelling exams is a 'vital' step in slowing the spread of coronavirus
Teachers will have to take into account "a range of evidence and data" such as mock exam results and other school work.
Combined with information from "other relevant data" such as pupils' previous attainment, the calculated grades will be "a best assessment" of the work that students have put in, the government said.
A-level and GCSE grades are usually published in mid-August.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:45 How long will schools remain closed?
Mr Williamson said: "Cancelling exams is something no education secretary would ever want to do, however these are extraordinary times and this measure is a vital but unprecedented step in the country's efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus.
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"My priority now is to ensure no young person faces a barrier when it comes to moving on to the next stage of their lives - whether that's further or higher education, an apprenticeship or a job."
He continued: "I have asked exam boards to work closely with the teachers who know their pupils best to ensure their hard work and dedication is rewarded and fairly recognised."
The department added that the distribution of grades will follow a similar pattern to previous years so affected students do not face a "systemic disadvantage".


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Government will cover 80% of pay for people unable to work

The government will pick up `` most of '' the wages of workers as the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate many businesses , says Chancellor Rishi Sunak .
He said government grants would cover 80 % of the salary of staff who are kept on by their employer but are unable to work .
The new coronavirus job retention scheme will cover wages up to £2,500 a month .
Mr Sunak said he would do `` whatever it takes '' and called his plans `` an unprecedented economic intervention to support the jobs and incomes of the British people '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be increased by £1,000 a year for the next 12 months , while the working tax credit basic element will be boosted by the same amount .
He also said he would defer the next quarter of VAT payments for businesses until the end of June , in a £30bn injection into the economy .
The measures to strengthen the welfare system will benefit more than four million of the most vulnerable households , he added .
`` Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working but are furloughed and kept on payroll rather than being laid off , '' he said .
Mr Sunak pledged £1bn for renters by boosting housing benefit and Universal Credit , and added that the welfare payments ' `` generosity '' would be increased to allow the local housing allowance to cover at least 30 % of market rents .
`` Our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world , '' he said .
`` To all those at home , right now anxious about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not face this alone . ''
However , he warned : `` I can not promise you that no one will face hardship in the weeks ahead . ''
The new scheme means self-employed workers will be able to access Universal Credit payments in full , at a rate equivalent to statutory sick pay eligible to employees .
The chancellor 's announcement came after criticism that his £350bn emergency support package for the economy earlier this week concentrated on businesses but did little for their staff .
Boris Johnson also used the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cafes and restaurants across the country to close .
He said it was necessary to reduce `` unnecessary '' social gatherings by 75 % in order to have an impact on the infection rate .
It comes after the total number of people who have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 rose to 177 after England saw 39 more deaths - the biggest rise in a day .
The UK also saw another 714 confirmed cases of coronavirus diagnosed in a day , bringing its total number to 3,983. : : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sky News ' economics editor Ed Conway said the economy is `` having a cardiac arrest '' .
`` We have never seen anything like this .
We never saw anything like this in wartime Britain , previous recessions and previous depressions .
`` The government is stepping in and paying people 's salaries - that is incredibly unusual . ''
He said the `` radical '' move shows how `` desperately concerned '' the government is about the state of the economy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be deferred to January 2021 in a bid to further support self-employed people .
He said the safety net would be further strengthened by extra help for renters who may struggle with payments over the next few months .

The government will pick up "most of" the wages of workers as the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate many businesses , says Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
He said government grants would cover 80% of the salary of staff who are kept on by their employer but are unable to work.
The new coronavirus job retention scheme will cover wages up to £2,500 a month.
Mr Sunak said he would do "whatever it takes" and called his plans "an unprecedented economic intervention to support the jobs and incomes of the British people".
The Universal Credit standard allowance will also be increased by £1,000 a year for the next 12 months, while the working tax credit basic element will be boosted by the same amount.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:08 How the economy will cope with coronavirus
He also said he would defer the next quarter of VAT payments for businesses until the end of June, in a £30bn injection into the economy.
The measures to strengthen the welfare system will benefit more than four million of the most vulnerable households, he added.
"Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of people who are not working but are furloughed and kept on payroll rather than being laid off," he said.
Mr Sunak pledged £1bn for renters by boosting housing benefit and Universal Credit, and added that the welfare payments' "generosity" would be increased to allow the local housing allowance to cover at least 30% of market rents.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 Business owner reacts to news of government support during the coronavirus outbreak.
"Our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world," he said.
"To all those at home, right now anxious about the days ahead, I say you will not face this alone."
However, he warned: "I cannot promise you that no one will face hardship in the weeks ahead."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 16:59 In full: PM and chancellor's update
The new scheme means self-employed workers will be able to access Universal Credit payments in full, at a rate equivalent to statutory sick pay eligible to employees.
The chancellor's announcement came after criticism that his £350bn emergency support package for the economy earlier this week concentrated on businesses but did little for their staff.
Boris Johnson also used the press conference to order pubs, gyms, cafes and restaurants across the country to close.
He said it was necessary to reduce "unnecessary" social gatherings by 75% in order to have an impact on the infection rate.
It comes after the total number of people who have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 rose to 177 after England saw 39 more deaths - the biggest rise in a day.
The UK also saw another 714 confirmed cases of coronavirus diagnosed in a day, bringing its total number to 3,983.
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Sky News' economics editor Ed Conway said the economy is "having a cardiac arrest".
"We have never seen anything like this. We never saw anything like this in wartime Britain, previous recessions and previous depressions.
"The government is stepping in and paying people's salaries - that is incredibly unusual."
He said the "radical" move shows how "desperately concerned" the government is about the state of the economy.
Mr Sunak said the next self-assessment payments would be deferred to January 2021 in a bid to further support self-employed people.
He said the safety net would be further strengthened by extra help for renters who may struggle with payments over the next few months.