news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Manchester United in the red after £23m pandemic hit

Manchester United fell into the red in the first three months of the year as the coronavirus pandemic cost the club an estimated £23m in revenues - with a further hit to come .
Lost broadcasting income after the Premier League shutdown in March was the main factor , while matchday takings also slid and the closure of the club 's Old Trafford megastore took its toll , too .
The 19 % slump in overall revenue to £123.7m , added to the growing cost of servicing the club 's debt pile , helped send United to a loss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of March .
That compared to a profit of £7.7m for the same period a year ago .
Chief financial officer Cliff Baty has said COVID-19 is estimated to have had a `` negative impact of roughly £23m '' on revenues for the quarter .
United have withdrawn their financial targets for the full financial year .
Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said : `` Our third-quarter results published today reflect a partial impact that the pandemic has had on the club , while clearly the greater impact will be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Woodward acknowledged the uncertainty caused by `` one of the most extraordinary testing periods in the 142-year history of Manchester United '' .
But he said he was optimistic about the future - as England 's top clubs resume training this week with the aim of resuming matches behind closed doors in June .
Mr Woodward said the return of Germany 's Bundesliga last weekend was a sign of `` strong , pent-up demand '' for live football on television .
He added that he hoped all of United 's 2019-20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of August , and that next season could be started in time to end in May 2021 .
United were in fifth place in the Premier League when football was halted in March .
Broadcasting revenue during the third quarter was more than halved to £26m - mainly due to a £15m rebate to TV companies after action was stopped .
That sum forms part of an overall £20m rebate that the club expects to have to make .
The lower broadcasting income was also in part due to the club failing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Figures published earlier this year by Deloitte ranked United as football 's third highest revenue-earning club - and showed it remained number one in England .

Manchester United fell into the red in the first three months of the year as the coronavirus pandemic cost the club an estimated £23m in revenues - with a further hit to come.
Lost broadcasting income after the Premier League shutdown in March was the main factor, while matchday takings also slid and the closure of the club's Old Trafford megastore took its toll, too.
The 19% slump in overall revenue to £123.7m, added to the growing cost of servicing the club's debt pile, helped send United to a loss of £22.8m loss for the third quarter to the end of March.
That compared to a profit of £7.7m for the same period a year ago.
Image: Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said he was optimistic about the future
Chief financial officer Cliff Baty has said COVID-19 is estimated to have had a "negative impact of roughly £23m" on revenues for the quarter.
United have withdrawn their financial targets for the full financial year.
Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: "Our third-quarter results published today reflect a partial impact that the pandemic has had on the club, while clearly the greater impact will be in the current quarter and likely beyond."
Mr Woodward acknowledged the uncertainty caused by "one of the most extraordinary testing periods in the 142-year history of Manchester United".
But he said he was optimistic about the future - as England's top clubs resume training this week with the aim of resuming matches behind closed doors in June.
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Mr Woodward said the return of Germany's Bundesliga last weekend was a sign of "strong, pent-up demand" for live football on television.
He added that he hoped all of United's 2019-20 games could be completed by the end of August, and that next season could be started in time to end in May 2021.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Football returns to Germany
United were in fifth place in the Premier League when football was halted in March.
Broadcasting revenue during the third quarter was more than halved to £26m - mainly due to a £15m rebate to TV companies after action was stopped.
That sum forms part of an overall £20m rebate that the club expects to have to make.
The lower broadcasting income was also in part due to the club failing to qualify for this season's Champions League.
Figures published earlier this year by Deloitte ranked United as football's third highest revenue-earning club - and showed it remained number one in England.


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: EasyJet to resume flights next month with strict face mask rule

EasyJet says it plans to resume a small number of flights next month with strict safety protocols for passengers and crew alike .
Top of the measures , the no-frills carrier said , would be the wearing of face masks for all those aboard its aircraft .
The company said it would likely operate domestic flights within the UK and France from 15 June with the only international service being Gatwick to Nice initially .
The UK airports to see the limited domestic services return will be Bristol , Birmingham , Gatwick , Liverpool , Newcastle , Edinburgh , Glasgow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shares in easyJet , down 60 % in the year to date , rose 4.4 % following the announcement .
It comes as the airline faces a series of headaches away from flight operations - largely grounded by COVID-19 since March .
It revealed on Tuesday a hacking of its digital systems that exposed personal details of nine million customers .
The easyJet chief executive and chairman are also facing a fight for their futures as the airline 's founder , Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou , bids to have them removed from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
Easyjet has furloughed thousands of staff and borrowed £600m under a government-backed financing scheme as it seeks to shield itself from the effects of the coronavirus crisis that has hit the industry hard , with BA , Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic collectively planning 18,000 job losses .
It said that the cautious commencement of flights would only go ahead with a series of measures agreed with regulators and in-line with the advice of national governments .
: : Customers , cabin and ground crew will be required to wear masks EasyJet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service .
The Luton-based airline looks set to be the second operator to resume flights after Wizz Air restarted services from the town 's airport earlier this month .
Johan Lundgren , the easyJet chief executive , said of its plans : `` These are small and carefully planned steps that we are taking to gradually resume operations .
`` We will continue to closely monitor the situation across Europe so that when more restrictions are lifted the schedule will continue to build over time to match demand , while also ensuring we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our customers want . ''

EasyJet says it plans to resume a small number of flights next month with strict safety protocols for passengers and crew alike.
Top of the measures, the no-frills carrier said, would be the wearing of face masks for all those aboard its aircraft.
The company said it would likely operate domestic flights within the UK and France from 15 June with the only international service being Gatwick to Nice initially.
The UK airports to see the limited domestic services return will be Bristol, Birmingham, Gatwick, Liverpool, Newcastle,
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Belfast, easyJet added.
Shares in easyJet, down 60% in the year to date, rose 4.4% following the announcement.
It comes as the airline faces a series of headaches away from flight operations - largely grounded by COVID-19 since March.
It revealed on Tuesday a hacking of its digital systems that exposed personal details of nine million customers.
The easyJet chief executive and chairman are also facing a fight for their futures as the airline's founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, bids to have them removed from their posts in a shareholder vote due on Friday.
Image: EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is seeking to oust four members of the airline's board including the chief executive
Easyjet has furloughed thousands of staff and borrowed £600m under a government-backed financing scheme as it seeks to shield itself from the effects of the coronavirus crisis that has hit the industry hard, with BA, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic collectively planning 18,000 job losses.
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It said that the cautious commencement of flights would only go ahead with a series of measures agreed with regulators and in-line with the advice of national governments.
These steps include:
:: Customers, cabin and ground crew will be required to wear masks
:: Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of easyJet aircraft
:: Availability of disinfectant wipes and hand sanitiser onboard
EasyJet said there would be no onboard food service.
Image: Wizz Air restarted services from Luton on 1 May
The Luton-based airline looks set to be the second operator to resume flights after Wizz Air restarted services from the town's airport earlier this month.
BA and Ryanair are targeting July.
Johan Lundgren, the easyJet chief executive, said of its plans: "These are small and carefully planned steps that we are taking to gradually resume operations.
"We will continue to closely monitor the situation across Europe so that when more restrictions are lifted the schedule will continue to build over time to match demand, while also ensuring we are operating efficiently and on routes that our customers want."


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: AstraZeneca could begin supply of potential COVID-19 vaccine in September

AstraZeneca has said it has the capacity to manufacture one billion doses of the University of Oxford 's potential COVID-19 vaccine and plans to begin supplying it in September .
The drugs giant also said it has already taken orders for at least 400 million doses of the coronavirus jab it is developing with the university .
It intends to negotiate further deals on capacity to `` ensure the delivery of a globally accessible vaccine '' .
Results from an early stage clinical trial in southern England are expected shortly , it said .
If those are successful , other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
It was announced earlier this week that plans are in place to roll out a COVID-19 vaccine to 30 million people in the UK by September if trials are successful .
Pascal Soriot , chief executive of AstraZeneca , said : `` We need to defeat the virus together or it will continue to inflict huge personal suffering and leave long-lasting economic and social scars in every country around the world .
`` We are so proud to be collaborating with Oxford University to turn their ground-breaking work into a medicine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale .
`` We would like to thank the US and UK governments for their substantial support to accelerate the development and production of the vaccine .
`` We will do everything in our power to make this vaccine quickly and widely available . ''
The multinational pharmaceutical company added that it had received more than $ 1bn ( £820m ) from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for the development , production and delivery of a vaccine , starting in the autumn .
`` The development programme includes a Phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a paediatric trial , '' it said .

AstraZeneca has said it has the capacity to manufacture one billion doses of the University of Oxford's potential COVID-19 vaccine and plans to begin supplying it in September.
The drugs giant also said it has already taken orders for at least 400 million doses of the coronavirus jab it is developing with the university.
It intends to negotiate further deals on capacity to "ensure the delivery of a globally accessible vaccine".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 High hopes for the Oxford vaccine
Results from an early stage clinical trial in southern England are expected shortly, it said.
If those are successful, other trials will follow in a number of countries.
It was announced earlier this week that plans are in place to roll out a COVID-19 vaccine to 30 million people in the UK by September if trials are successful.
Pascal Soriot, chief executive of AstraZeneca, said: "We need to defeat the virus together or it will continue to inflict huge personal suffering and leave long-lasting economic and social scars in every country around the world.
"We are so proud to be collaborating with Oxford University to turn their ground-breaking work into a medicine that can be produced on a global scale.
"We would like to thank the US and UK governments for their substantial support to accelerate the development and production of the vaccine.
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"We will do everything in our power to make this vaccine quickly and widely available."
The multinational pharmaceutical company added that it had received more than $1bn (£820m) from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for the development, production and delivery of a vaccine, starting in the autumn.
"The development programme includes a Phase III clinical trial with 30,000 participants and a paediatric trial," it said.


news--2020-05-21--Donald Trump says US will 'react strongly' if China imposes new Hong Kong security law

President Trump has said the US will `` react strongly '' to China if it pushes ahead with its plans to impose a new security law on Hong Kong .
Beijing may try to gain more control over the former British colony and the move could see protests curbed after pro-democracy activists brought some areas to a standstill over several months last year .
During a tour of a factory in Detroit , Michigan , Mr Trump told reporters `` nobody knows yet '' what the details are of China 's plan .
But he said : `` If it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly '' , without elaborating .
He said he would have a full statement on the proposals at an `` appropriate time '' .
A senior Hong Kong government official said details about the move and its implementation were unclear .
But the city 's media has reported the legislation would ban foreign interference , terrorism and all seditious activities aimed at toppling the central government .
The 2019 protests , which often turned violent , were supported by President Trump , among other high-profile global leaders .
China 's National People ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokesman said the NPC will deliberate a bill for `` establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security '' .
A member of the NPC , Zhang Yesui , said the new measures are required by the `` new situation and demands '' , adding they are `` entirely necessary '' .
The coronavirus outbreak had delayed the opening of the NPC by two months .
Some 3,000 members will gather for China 's annual parliamentary meeting .
Activists took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year to protest against what they saw as an erosion of the city 's autonomy and freedom of speech , with the move in Beijing likely to add to those concerns .
Joshua Wong , a prolific Hong Kong activist in the protests , said on Twitter that the move was a sign that China wants to scrap the `` one country , two systems '' policy that has been in place since the end of British rule in 1997 , and vowed to fight the measures .
He added : `` Beijing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this unpopular law by completely ignoring the will of Hong Kongers .
`` This disputable legislation is promulgated without any legislative scrutiny , just by the direct promulgation by Beijing authority .
This new mechanism allows Beijing to impose more China 's draconian laws without any legislature scrutiny .
`` Beijing 's move is a direct retaliation on Hong Kongers ' efforts to arouse awareness over the past one year .
Beijing is attempting to silence Hong Kongers ' critical voices with force and fear . ''
President Trump has been criticising China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 was manmade in a Chinese laboratory .

President Trump has said the US will "react strongly" to China if it pushes ahead with its plans to impose a new security law on Hong Kong.
Beijing may try to gain more control over the former British colony and the move could see protests curbed after pro-democracy activists brought some areas to a standstill over several months last year.
During a tour of a factory in Detroit, Michigan, Mr Trump told reporters "nobody knows yet" what the details are of China's plan.
But he said: "If it happens we'll address that issue very strongly", without elaborating.
He said he would have a full statement on the proposals at an "appropriate time".
Image: Hong Kong activists have previously praised the actions of President Trump
A senior Hong Kong government official said details about the move and its implementation were unclear.
But the city's media has reported the legislation would ban foreign interference, terrorism and all seditious activities aimed at toppling the central government.
The 2019 protests, which often turned violent, were supported by President Trump, among other high-profile global leaders.
China's National People;s Congress will convene on Friday and a spokesman said the NPC will deliberate a bill for "establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 Nov 2019: Hong Kong police swoop on university protesters
A member of the NPC, Zhang Yesui, said the new measures are required by the "new situation and demands", adding they are "entirely necessary".
The coronavirus outbreak had delayed the opening of the NPC by two months. Some 3,000 members will gather for China's annual parliamentary meeting.
Activists took to the streets in Hong Kong last year to protest against what they saw as an erosion of the city's autonomy and freedom of speech, with the move in Beijing likely to add to those concerns.
Joshua Wong, a prolific Hong Kong activist in the protests, said on Twitter that the move was a sign that China wants to scrap the "one country, two systems" policy that has been in place since the end of British rule in 1997, and vowed to fight the measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Why are people protesting in Hong Kong?
He added: "Beijing this time deliberately chooses to ram through this unpopular law by completely ignoring the will of Hong Kongers.
"This disputable legislation is promulgated without any legislative scrutiny, just by the direct promulgation by Beijing authority. This new mechanism allows Beijing to impose more China's draconian laws without any legislature scrutiny.
"Beijing's move is a direct retaliation on Hong Kongers' efforts to arouse awareness over the past one year. Beijing is attempting to silence Hong Kongers' critical voices with force and fear."
President Trump has been criticising China over the coronavirus pandemic, and claimed COVID-19 was manmade in a Chinese laboratory.


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Why cash calls have created a stink in the City

Coronavirus : Why cash calls have created a stink in the City Coronavirus : Why cash calls have created a stink in the City More than £3bn has been raised by UK companies since the start of the crisis Andrew Bailey , the new Bank of England governor , grabbed the headlines by telling MPs this week the UK may yet face negative interest rates .
He also said many other interesting things during his evidence to the Treasury Select Committee .
Among them was a call on companies needing to raise capital during the current crisis to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than by borrowing more .
He told MPs : `` There will be companies [ that ] were over-indebted before coronavirus came around and I 'm afraid they will have to take responsibility for sorting that out .
`` There are companies for which the answer is really going to be to raise equity because , if you were over-leveraged before COVID-19 happened , the answer is not to take on more debt but to go into the equity markets . ''
On that basis , Mr Bailey could have been forgiven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , owner of the Premier Inn budget hotel chain and the Beefeater and Brewer 's Fayre pub-restaurant chains , announced it was seeking £1bn from shareholders .
Investors , though , were not smiling .
Whitbread has a relatively low level of debt for a company its size - just £323m worth of debt supported by £4.28bn worth of equity - and might ordinarily have been expected to borrow any extra money it needed before passing the hat around shareholders .
Accordingly , Whitbread shares fell by as much as 14 % at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel and leisure analyst at stockbroker Shore Capital , put it : `` We struggle with the magnitude of the equity raise…given the low starting debt position . ''
Whitbread is the fifth FTSE-100 company to raise money during this crisis after online motor retailer Auto-Trader , exhibitions group Informa , cruise line operator Carnival and catering giant Compass .
Scores of others outside the Footsie have also been raising money .
The vast majority have done so via what are known as non-pre-emptive offers .
Normally , when a company raises money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as in the case of Whitbread - are invited to buy new shares in a proportion to their existing shareholdings .
For example , if shareholder X owns 10 % of ABC plc , they will be invited to apply for 10 % of any new shares ABC plc is selling so they do not suffer 'dilution ' .
Shareholder X is said to own pre-emption rights .
In a non-pre-emptive offer , new shares are offered to whoever wants them , putting existing shareholders - especially retail investors - at risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 crisis struck , companies were only allowed to raise an extra 5 % of their existing shareholder capital without giving existing investors the right to buy the new shares .
After the crisis broke , the Pre-Emption Group , a body including brokers , fund managers and the accounting watchdog , agreed that - in order to make it easier for companies to raise money urgently - the thresholds would be raised to allow companies to raise an extra 20 % of capital without offering existing shareholders pre-emption rights .
Between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning of this week , more than £3bn was raised by UK companies , with retail shareholders mostly unable to participate - even though many would have wanted to have been able to buy shares at a discount .
Those raising money included household names like retailers Asos , Joules and WH Smith and the estate agent Foxtons .
Brokers such as AJ Bell , Hargreaves Lansdown and Fidelity complained that the arrangement put retail shareholders at a disadvantage and demanded they be included in future .
That is why the other big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Compass , was so important .
Compass , which raised £2bn in the biggest share issue by a UK company since the COVID-19 crisis erupted , found a way of including retail investors .
The latter duly signed up for 195 million new shares - only 0.28 % of the new shares being issued but , nonetheless , an important contribution .
Compass has set an important precedent for other companies raising money this year ( Whitbread is giving its retail shareholders a fair crack of the whip by raising money through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pre-emptive placing ) .
It is a fair bet that other big name companies raising money on the hurry-up this year will , like Compass , find a way of involving retail investors .
And woe betide the managements of those who do not .
Meanwhile , although Mr Bailey is likely to have approved of how Whitbread sought to strengthen its finances , it is by no means clear others will follow its example .
Ultra-low interest rates will tempt many companies in need of cash to simply borrow more .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ country still favours debt over equity , as companies can deduct interest payments from their tax liabilities .
A company needing to raise , say , £50m will find it far more advantageous from a tax perspective to borrow that money than to raise it from shareholders .
It is a key reason why so many companies have , during the last decade , deserted the stock market to go private .
Apart from swamping the corporate sector with debt , something that clearly worries Mr Bailey , this also has the malign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax take .
As shadow chancellor , as long ago as March 2009 , George Osborne promised to tackle the anomaly .
He promptly forgot about it on becoming chancellor .
If companies are to be made to borrow less , while raising more from shareholders , it may require political intervention for them to do so .

Some retail shareholders have been left at a disadvantage as companies raise billions from investors during the crisis.
Coronavirus: Why cash calls have created a stink in the City
More than £3bn has been raised by UK companies since the start of the crisis
Andrew Bailey, the new Bank of England governor, grabbed the headlines by telling MPs this week the UK may yet face negative interest rates.
He also said many other interesting things during his evidence to the Treasury Select Committee.
Among them was a call on companies needing to raise capital during the current crisis to do so by selling more shares to investors, rather than by borrowing more.
He told MPs: "There will be companies [that] were over-indebted before coronavirus came around and I'm afraid they will have to take responsibility for sorting that out.
"There are companies for which the answer is really going to be to raise equity because, if you were over-leveraged before COVID-19 happened, the answer is not to take on more debt but to go into the equity markets."
Image: Premier Inn owner Whitbread has a relatively low level of debt
On that basis, Mr Bailey could have been forgiven for smiling this morning, when Whitbread, owner of the Premier Inn budget hotel chain and the Beefeater and Brewer's Fayre pub-restaurant chains, announced it was seeking £1bn from shareholders.
Investors, though, were not smiling.
Whitbread has a relatively low level of debt for a company its size - just £323m worth of debt supported by £4.28bn worth of equity - and might ordinarily have been expected to borrow any extra money it needed before passing the hat around shareholders.
Accordingly, Whitbread shares fell by as much as 14% at one stage.
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As Greg Johnson, travel and leisure analyst at stockbroker Shore Capital, put it: "We struggle with the magnitude of the equity raise…given the low starting debt position."
Whitbread is the fifth FTSE-100 company to raise money during this crisis after online motor retailer Auto-Trader, exhibitions group Informa, cruise line operator Carnival and catering giant Compass.
Scores of others outside the Footsie have also been raising money.
Image: Catering giant Compass raised £2bn
The vast majority have done so via what are known as non-pre-emptive offers.
Normally, when a company raises money from its shareholders, existing shareholders - as in the case of Whitbread - are invited to buy new shares in a proportion to their existing shareholdings.
For example, if shareholder X owns 10% of ABC plc, they will be invited to apply for 10% of any new shares ABC plc is selling so they do not suffer 'dilution'.
Shareholder X is said to own pre-emption rights.
In a non-pre-emptive offer, new shares are offered to whoever wants them, putting existing shareholders - especially retail investors - at risk of dilution.
Under City rules, before the COVID-19 crisis struck, companies were only allowed to raise an extra 5% of their existing shareholder capital without giving existing investors the right to buy the new shares.
After the crisis broke, the Pre-Emption Group, a body including brokers, fund managers and the accounting watchdog, agreed that - in order to make it easier for companies to raise money urgently - the thresholds would be raised to allow companies to raise an extra 20% of capital without offering existing shareholders pre-emption rights.
It created a stink.
Between the crisis erupting in mid-March and the beginning of this week, more than £3bn was raised by UK companies, with retail shareholders mostly unable to participate - even though many would have wanted to have been able to buy shares at a discount.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 From 'just in time' to 'just in case'
Those raising money included household names like retailers Asos, Joules and WH Smith and the estate agent Foxtons.
Brokers such as AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown and Fidelity complained that the arrangement put retail shareholders at a disadvantage and demanded they be included in future.
That is why the other big fund-raising by a FTSE-100 company this week, Compass, was so important.
Compass, which raised £2bn in the biggest share issue by a UK company since the COVID-19 crisis erupted, found a way of including retail investors.
The latter duly signed up for 195 million new shares - only 0.28% of the new shares being issued but, nonetheless, an important contribution.
Compass has set an important precedent for other companies raising money this year (Whitbread is giving its retail shareholders a fair crack of the whip by raising money through a traditional rights issue rather than via a pre-emptive placing).
It is a fair bet that other big name companies raising money on the hurry-up this year will, like Compass, find a way of involving retail investors.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Rolls-Royce to axe 9,000 jobs
And woe betide the managements of those who do not.
Meanwhile, although Mr Bailey is likely to have approved of how Whitbread sought to strengthen its finances, it is by no means clear others will follow its example.
Ultra-low interest rates will tempt many companies in need of cash to simply borrow more.
Moreover, the tax system in this country still favours debt over equity, as companies can deduct interest payments from their tax liabilities.
A company needing to raise, say, £50m will find it far more advantageous from a tax perspective to borrow that money than to raise it from shareholders.
It is a key reason why so many companies have, during the last decade, deserted the stock market to go private.
Image: Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey gave his views to MPs on how companies should be raising extra money
Apart from swamping the corporate sector with debt, something that clearly worries Mr Bailey, this also has the malign effect of reducing the Treasury's corporation tax take.
As shadow chancellor, as long ago as March 2009, George Osborne promised to tackle the anomaly.
He promptly forgot about it on becoming chancellor.
If companies are to be made to borrow less, while raising more from shareholders, it may require political intervention for them to do so.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: 'Hell' at New York's COVID-19 ground zero

The empty streets , closed shops and grim daily tally only tell half the story .
Dr Steve Kasspidis tells it straight : `` It 's hell , biblical .
I kid you not , '' And he should know .
He 's right in the thick of it , at Mount Sinai Hospital in Queens - the most infected district in what is now the most infected city in the world , New York .
`` People come in , they get intubated , they die , the cycle repeats .
The system is overwhelmed all over the place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brooklyn , first year resident .
She starts the ICU today , I could n't sleep last night .
It 's scary . ''
Deaths from COVID-19 in the US have now topped 1,000 with almost 70,000 infections .
New York State alone accounted for more than 30,000 cases and close to 300 deaths , most of them in New York City .
New York is no stranger to disaster but you get the feeling it is on the cusp of something it 's never experienced before .
`` 9/11 was nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` We were open waiting for patients to come who never came , ok ?
Now they just keep coming . ''
In an internal email , Mount Sinai 's Chief Medical Officer told staff it was the `` humanitarian mission of their lifetimes '' .
Every hospital in New York has been ordered to increase its bed capacity by 50 % because at the moment the city is about 90,000 beds short of what they predict they might need .
Mount Sinai Queens has screened off part of its reception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every little space is used .
`` Right now it 's every day , it 's non-stop , literally , '' said Doron Goldman Barkan , a Respiratory Therapist .
`` Unfortunately it might get to a situation where you have to pick and choose what you 're going to do and how you 're going to do it .
`` A lot of people come , they expire and you put the same machine on another person and you ca n't really process the situation because it 's so hard to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker There are more people than they expected being hospitalised every day and New York is still 21 days away from the peak .
It does n't matter how modern or advanced the health care here is , if they do n't get the supplies they need , it simply wo n't cope .
It is literally a race against time .

The empty streets, closed shops and grim daily tally only tell half the story.
Dr Steve Kasspidis tells it straight: "It's hell, biblical. I kid you not,"
And he should know. He's right in the thick of it, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Queens - the most infected district in what is now the most infected city in the world, New York.
"People come in, they get intubated, they die, the cycle repeats. The system is overwhelmed all over the place.
"My daughter is an intern in Brooklyn, first year resident. She starts the ICU today, I couldn't sleep last night. It's scary."
Deaths from COVID-19 in the US have now topped 1,000 with almost 70,000 infections. New York State alone accounted for more than 30,000 cases and close to 300 deaths, most of them in New York City.
Image: Another ambulance carrying a COVID-19 victim arrives at a Mount Sinai Hospital in Queens
New York is no stranger to disaster but you get the feeling it is on the cusp of something it's never experienced before.
"9/11 was nothing compared to this," Dr Kasspidis says. "We were open waiting for patients to come who never came, ok? Now they just keep coming."
Image: Even part of Mount Sinai's waiting area has been turned into a ward
In an internal email, Mount Sinai's Chief Medical Officer told staff it was the "humanitarian mission of their lifetimes".
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Every hospital in New York has been ordered to increase its bed capacity by 50% because at the moment the city is about 90,000 beds short of what they predict they might need.
Mount Sinai Queens has screened off part of its reception area to create a makeshift ward. Every little space is used.
Image: A makeshift morgue outside a New York hospital
"Right now it's every day, it's non-stop, literally," said Doron Goldman Barkan, a Respiratory Therapist.
"Unfortunately it might get to a situation where you have to pick and choose what you're going to do and how you're going to do it.
"A lot of people come, they expire and you put the same machine on another person and you can't really process the situation because it's so hard to think about this".
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
There are more people than they expected being hospitalised every day and New York is still 21 days away from the peak.
It doesn't matter how modern or advanced the health care here is, if they don't get the supplies they need, it simply won't cope. It is literally a race against time.


news--2020-03-26--Hospitality firms beg government to speed up aid schemes

Pubs and restaurants are pleading with ministers to clarify the government ’ s emergency financial support schemes as they face having to lay off hundreds of thousands of workers across the industry .
Sky News has obtained a letter from UK Hospitality ( UKH ) , the trade association , to the chancellor , Rishi Sunak , which says companies are `` having to make decisions in the dark '' and warns that many will not survive long enough to access state funding .
In it , Kate Nicholls , UKH 's chief executive , said a lack of detail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CJRS ) would work was hampering decision-making in boardrooms about whether staff could be retained by `` furloughing '' them during the COVID-19 pandemic .
She also complained that banks appeared `` to be profiteering at the expense of distressed businesses '' .
She said that urgent questions needed addressing about the extent to which businesses were liable for payroll costs , and whether the £2500-a-month grant being offered by the government would cover wages or also include such costs .
Ms Nicholls highlighted uncertainty about determining the correct wage rate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective we feel that additional earnings , through tips and service charge should be included as these can be verified through HMRC returns , '' she wrote .
The trade body also raised the possibility of furloughed hospitality workers to work elsewhere during the coronavirus crisis .
`` In addition to unpaid work , we believe there are grounds for employees to supplement key workers in other sectors on a short-term basis , whether in social care , food and pharmaceutical retail or food production .
`` Individuals should not be penalised for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reward them for such activity .
`` There should also be the ability for staff to carry out ancillary tasks for their current employer where they amount to a very small proportion of the standard role , such as ensuring the integrity of the property , '' Ms Nicholls wrote .
Mr Sunak was also asked in the letter to help accelerate the delivery of funding to struggling hospitality companies through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CBILS ) .
`` Experience of accessing funds from banks under CBILS has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
`` The most common problem is banks telling business they are ineligible for the CBILS and instead they should take on an interest-accruing loan from the bank .
`` Reasons for this include businesses having balance sheets that are too strong .
`` The implication is that the bank wishes the businesses to run down their available assets or take a commercial loan , rather than access government-backed loans .
`` At a minimum this seems to run against the spirit of the announcements Government made last week , and at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expense of distressed businesses . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Controversy over the demands by participating banks for personal guarantees from their business customers has led Mr Sunak to intervene to find a solution , according to banking sources .

Pubs and restaurants are pleading with ministers to clarify the government’s emergency financial support schemes as they face having to lay off hundreds of thousands of workers across the industry.
Sky News has obtained a letter from UK Hospitality (UKH), the trade association, to the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, which says companies are "having to make decisions in the dark" and warns that many will not survive long enough to access state funding.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 17 March: Now time for UK to stand together - chancellor
In it, Kate Nicholls, UKH's chief executive, said a lack of detail about how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) would work was hampering decision-making in boardrooms about whether staff could be retained by "furloughing" them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also complained that banks appeared "to be profiteering at the expense of distressed businesses".
She said that urgent questions needed addressing about the extent to which businesses were liable for payroll costs, and whether the £2500-a-month grant being offered by the government would cover wages or also include such costs.
Ms Nicholls highlighted uncertainty about determining the correct wage rate for her members.
"From a hospitality perspective we feel that additional earnings, through tips and service charge should be included as these can be verified through HMRC returns," she wrote.
The trade body also raised the possibility of furloughed hospitality workers to work elsewhere during the coronavirus crisis.
"In addition to unpaid work, we believe there are grounds for employees to supplement key workers in other sectors on a short-term basis, whether in social care, food and pharmaceutical retail or food production.
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"Individuals should not be penalised for this and a mechanism should be introduced to reward them for such activity.
"There should also be the ability for staff to carry out ancillary tasks for their current employer where they amount to a very small proportion of the standard role, such as ensuring the integrity of the property," Ms Nicholls wrote.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's economic measures explained
Mr Sunak was also asked in the letter to help accelerate the delivery of funding to struggling hospitality companies through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
"Experience of accessing funds from banks under CBILS has been almost universally negative," Ms Nicholls wrote.
"The most common problem is banks telling business they are ineligible for the CBILS and instead they should take on an interest-accruing loan from the bank.
"Reasons for this include businesses having balance sheets that are too strong.
"The implication is that the bank wishes the businesses to run down their available assets or take a commercial loan, rather than access government-backed loans.
"At a minimum this seems to run against the spirit of the announcements Government made last week, and at worst appears to be profiteering at the expense of distressed businesses."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Controversy over the demands by participating banks for personal guarantees from their business customers has led Mr Sunak to intervene to find a solution, according to banking sources.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: FBI arrests man for peddling COVID-19 'cure'

The FBI has arrested a man in southern California who claimed to have invented a cure for coronavirus .
In several posts on his Instagram account which lists 2.4 million followers , Keith Middlebrook alleged he had invented a pill to prevent people contracting COVID-19 and treat those already suffering from the coronavirus .
`` Yes I have Developed the Cure for the CoronaVirus COVID-19 , '' the 53-year-old wrote in one post .
`` After 6 Weeks of Intense Focus and Development ( and very little sleep ) .
I am currently going into Mass Production . ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have designed makes anyone completely IMMUNE to the Virus COVID-19 disease coronavirus . ''
In a video that has been watched more than 450,000 times , he claimed : `` Yes I created the cure that shuts down the COVID-19 , that makes the cells from the coronavirus detach , release and die within 48 hours . ''
He was detained while delivering pills to an undercover agent , according to US media reports .
In a bid to lure investors in his company Quantum Prevention CV Inc with promises of big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earvin `` Magic '' Johnson on his board - who investigators confirmed had no involvement .
Middlebrook was arrested on Wednesday on a federal complaint of wire fraud , which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison if convicted .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker US Attorney General William Barr this warned : `` The pandemic is dangerous enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic and this sort of conduct can not be tolerated . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cures have circulated on social media , often attracting hundreds of shares .
There is currently no vaccine for the coronavirus , and medical experts worldwide have said the best way to prevent getting infected with the disease is to avoid being exposed to it .
Last week , US customs officers in Los Angeles intercepted a package containing 60 fake kits labelled `` Anti-Pathogenic treatment '' which had been sent from the UK .

The FBI has arrested a man in southern California who claimed to have invented a cure for coronavirus.
In several posts on his Instagram account which lists 2.4 million followers, Keith Middlebrook alleged he had invented a pill to prevent people contracting COVID-19 and treat those already suffering from the coronavirus.
"Yes I have Developed the Cure for the CoronaVirus COVID-19," the 53-year-old wrote in one post.
Image: Keith Middlebrook claimed to have invented a pill to make people immune to COVID-19. Pic: Instagram
"After 6 Weeks of Intense Focus and Development (and very little sleep). I am currently going into Mass Production."
In another he added: "This pill I have designed makes anyone completely IMMUNE to the Virus COVID-19 disease coronavirus."
In a video that has been watched more than 450,000 times, he claimed: "Yes I created the cure that shuts down the COVID-19, that makes the cells from the coronavirus detach, release and die within 48 hours."
He was detained while delivering pills to an undercover agent, according to US media reports.
In a bid to lure investors in his company Quantum Prevention CV Inc with promises of big profits, he also claimed to have Earvin "Magic" Johnson on his board - who investigators confirmed had no involvement.
Middlebrook was arrested on Wednesday on a federal complaint of wire fraud, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
US Attorney General William Barr this warned: "The pandemic is dangerous enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic and this sort of conduct cannot be tolerated."
False claims about the coronavirus and bogus cures have circulated on social media, often attracting hundreds of shares.
There is currently no vaccine for the coronavirus, and medical experts worldwide have said the best way to prevent getting infected with the disease is to avoid being exposed to it.
Last week, US customs officers in Los Angeles intercepted a package containing 60 fake kits labelled "Anti-Pathogenic treatment" which had been sent from the UK.


news--2020-03-26--Rapper Bugzy Malone in stable condition after quad bike road crash

Rapper Bugzy Malone is in a stable condition after being seriously injured in a road crash while riding a quad bike .
The grime star was involved in a collision with a car in Bury , Greater Manchester on Wednesday evening .
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 9.20pm .
Police did not confirm the identity of the injured man but told Sky News that the 29-year-old driver of the quad bike had been taken to hospital with serious injuries .
On Thursday night , his management team said he was being monitored and assessed in hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Bugzy Malone Team tweeted : `` I can now confirm that @ TheBugzyMalone is in a stable condition .
He remains in hospital whilst being monitored and assessed .
`` He would love privacy for him and his family while recovering so let us leave him at peace until stable enough to make a comeback on social media . ''
They later added : `` It 's been a very craaazy last 24hrs which was not obviously intended & shows how quick life can turn .
`` I just wanted to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for bugzy & anyone in general , stay safe and keep healthy , keep your loved ones close and live your life !
Thank You . ''
Videos apparently taken at the scene have been shared on social media .
The collision happened as the UK is in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Fans and other artists have been sending messages of support on social media to the rapper , whose real name is Aaron Davis .
Even fellow rapper Chip , who has had a long-standing feud with Bugzy Malone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair have been exchanging diss tracks since 2015 .
`` Prayers out to @ TheBugzyMalone from the most sincere place in my heart and soul .
Hope he pulls through , '' he wrote .
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said : `` Shortly before 9.20pm last night ( Wednesday 25 March 2020 ) , police were called to Rochdale Road , Bury to reports of a collision involving an Audi car and a quad bike .
`` Emergency services attended and the driver of the quadbike - a 29-year-old man - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for treatment .
`` His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening . ''
Police have not made any arrests and say inquiries into the crash are ongoing .
Sky News has contacted representatives for the rapper .

Rapper Bugzy Malone is in a stable condition after being seriously injured in a road crash while riding a quad bike.
The grime star was involved in a collision with a car in Bury, Greater Manchester on Wednesday evening.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 9.20pm.
Police did not confirm the identity of the injured man but told Sky News that the 29-year-old driver of the quad bike had been taken to hospital with serious injuries.
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On Thursday night, his management team said he was being monitored and assessed in hospital as he recovers from his injuries.
The Bugzy Malone Team tweeted: "I can now confirm that @TheBugzyMalone is in a stable condition. He remains in hospital whilst being monitored and assessed.
"He would love privacy for him and his family while recovering so let us leave him at peace until stable enough to make a comeback on social media."
They later added: "It's been a very craaazy last 24hrs which was not obviously intended & shows how quick life can turn.
"I just wanted to say to everyone who has wished and prayed for bugzy & anyone in general, stay safe and keep healthy, keep your loved ones close and live your life! Thank You."
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Videos apparently taken at the scene have been shared on social media.
The collision happened as the UK is in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Fans and other artists have been sending messages of support on social media to the rapper, whose real name is Aaron Davis.
Even fellow rapper Chip, who has had a long-standing feud with Bugzy Malone, sent his best wishes. The pair have been exchanging diss tracks since 2015.
"Prayers out to @TheBugzyMalone from the most sincere place in my heart and soul. Hope he pulls through," he wrote.
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Shortly before 9.20pm last night (Wednesday 25 March 2020), police were called to Rochdale Road, Bury to reports of a collision involving an Audi car and a quad bike.
"Emergency services attended and the driver of the quadbike - a 29-year-old man - was seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
"His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening."
Police have not made any arrests and say inquiries into the crash are ongoing.
Sky News has contacted representatives for the rapper.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: Courteney Cox binge-watches Friends through isolation

We 're all doing it - including , it seems , Courteney Cox , who has shared her tips for keeping entertained while isolating .
Yes , like no doubt thousands of others around the world , Cox is binge-watching Friends to make life more bearable during the coronavirus crisis .
The actress , who played Monica Geller in the hit comedy , has given her review after starting season one : `` It 's really good . ''
Despite finishing in 2004 , Friends remains one of the most popular shows on TV .
Also starring Jennifer Aniston , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perry and David Schwimmer , the show features 236 episodes - so a lot of entertainment to beat boredom during the lockdown .
Cox spoke about her binge-watching during a stripped-back version of Jimmy Kimmel 's late-night show , which is off air due to the pandemic , saying the series that made her famous is keeping her occupied through the shutdown in California .
Appearing via video link from home , the star said she had bought all 10 seasons of Friends on Amazon Prime , as the series has been taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch of the long-awaited reunion special show .
`` I decided during this time , people love the show so much , I decided to binge watch Friends , '' she said .
`` I just started season one - it 's really good ! ''
So while Aniston is sharing isolation videos with her dog , Cox is reminiscing .
However , the actress 55 , admitted her memories of being on the Friends set are a bit hazy .
`` I do n't remember even being on the show , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` I remember obviously loving everybody there and having fun and I remember certain times of my life I was there but I do n't remember episodes . ''
So Kimmel decided to put Cox to the test , making her go head-to-head with his cousin , a big Friends fan .
But to make it easy , all the questions were Monica-related .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Questions to which she did not know the answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kiss and who urinated on her leg in the season four episode The One With The Jellyfish .
Clearly , she needs to brush up on her knowledge - at the minute , she probably would n't fare to well taking our ultimate Friends quiz .
During the interview , Cox confirmed filming for the much-hyped Friends reunion had been due to take place this week , but was postponed due to the coronavirus crisis .
However , the reunion is still slated to be available at the launch of the HBO Max @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used her appearance on Kimmel 's stream to ask viewers to make a donation to the Meals On Wheels charity .

We're all doing it - including, it seems, Courteney Cox, who has shared her tips for keeping entertained while isolating.
Yes, like no doubt thousands of others around the world, Cox is binge-watching Friends to make life more bearable during the coronavirus crisis.
The actress, who played Monica Geller in the hit comedy, has given her review after starting season one: "It's really good."
Image: Spoiler alert! Look away now, Courteney: Aniston and David Schwimmer as Ross and Rachel in the last episode of Friends
Despite finishing in 2004, Friends remains one of the most popular shows on TV.
Also starring Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, the show features 236 episodes - so a lot of entertainment to beat boredom during the lockdown.
Cox spoke about her binge-watching during a stripped-back version of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show, which is off air due to the pandemic, saying the series that made her famous is keeping her occupied through the shutdown in California.
Appearing via video link from home, the star said she had bought all 10 seasons of Friends on Amazon Prime, as the series has been taken off Netflix ahead of the HBO Max launch of the long-awaited reunion special show.
"I decided during this time, people love the show so much, I decided to binge watch Friends," she said. "I just started season one - it's really good!"
So while Aniston is sharing isolation videos with her dog, Cox is reminiscing.
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However, the actress 55, admitted her memories of being on the Friends set are a bit hazy.
"I don't remember even being on the show, I have such a bad memory," she said. "I remember obviously loving everybody there and having fun and I remember certain times of my life I was there but I don't remember episodes."
So Kimmel decided to put Cox to the test, making her go head-to-head with his cousin, a big Friends fan. But to make it easy, all the questions were Monica-related.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The score? Cox was beaten 5-0.
Questions to which she did not know the answer included the identity of Monica's first kiss and who urinated on her leg in the season four episode The One With The Jellyfish.
Clearly, she needs to brush up on her knowledge - at the minute, she probably wouldn't fare to well taking our ultimate Friends quiz.
During the interview, Cox confirmed filming for the much-hyped Friends reunion had been due to take place this week, but was postponed due to the coronavirus crisis.
However, the reunion is still slated to be available at the launch of the HBO Max streaming service in May.
Cox also used her appearance on Kimmel's stream to ask viewers to make a donation to the Meals On Wheels charity.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: The chancellor's lifeline for self-employed explained

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a rescue package worth an estimated £9bn for the UK 's self-employed .
The move comes after millions faced huge drops in their income due to the coronavirus outbreak .
What are the headlines ?
Self-employed workers will be in line to receive up to £2,500 a month for at least three months .
Treasury officials believe there are 3.8 million people eligible for the scheme Payments will start to be made at the beginning of June .
Had n't the government already announced help for workers ?
The chancellor 's initial package of financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were threatened with losing their jobs as a result of the crisis .
Why did this take longer ?
The self-employed are not PAYE ( pay-as-you-earn ) and so working out a relief package was far more complicated .
So what is actually on offer ?
Self-employed workers will be able to claim support worth 80 % of their average monthly profits , up to a maximum of £2,500 a month , putting it on a par with the assistance for employees .
The income support scheme , which is being designed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover the three months to May .
Grants will be paid in a single lump sum , starting from the beginning of June .
How will the level of cash support be worked out ?
Her Majesty 's Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) will use the average trading profits from tax returns in 2016-17 , 2017-18 and 2018-19 to decide the size of the grant .
So who qualifies for help ?
The scheme will be open to those with a trading profit of less than £50,000 in 2018-19 or an average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016-17 , 2017-18 and 2018-19 .
Also , more than half of their income in these periods must come from self-employment .
To try and combat fraud , only those who are already in self-employment will be eligible to apply .
Applicants will also be required to prove they have lost income due to coronavirus via an online declaration form .
Who will miss out ?
Those who pay themselves a salary and dividends through their own company are not covered by the scheme .
But they will be covered for their wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are operating PAYE schemes .
What happens next ?
HMRC will use existing information to check eligibility and contact people directly with guidance on how to apply , using a simple online form .
No payment until June - what happens in the meantime ?
The government says the self-employed are already in line to benefit from a series of support measures announced by the chancellor while the new scheme is being rolled out .
It points to extra cash being made available for the Universal Credit benefit system , income tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and access to three-month mortgage holidays .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker How have the measures been received ?
Business groups and union leaders have welcomed the package announced by the chancellor , but has urged the government to make sure the support was available as quickly as possible .
Labour say the announcement has `` a huge sting in the tail '' and questioned what millions of people are supposed to do until the June payment .

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a rescue package worth an estimated £9bn for the UK's self-employed.
The move comes after millions faced huge drops in their income due to the coronavirus outbreak.
What are the headlines?
Self-employed workers will be in line to receive up to £2,500 a month for at least three months.
Treasury officials believe there are 3.8 million people eligible for the scheme
Payments will start to be made at the beginning of June.
Hadn't the government already announced help for workers?
The chancellor's initial package of financial support only applied to company employees who were threatened with losing their jobs as a result of the crisis.
Why did this take longer?
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The self-employed are not PAYE (pay-as-you-earn) and so working out a relief package was far more complicated.
So what is actually on offer?
Self-employed workers will be able to claim support worth 80% of their average monthly profits, up to a maximum of £2,500 a month, putting it on a par with the assistance for employees.
The income support scheme, which is being designed by the tax office from scratch, will cover the three months to May.
Grants will be paid in a single lump sum, starting from the beginning of June.
Image: Payments will start to be made at the beginning of June
How will the level of cash support be worked out?
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will use the average trading profits from tax returns in 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 to decide the size of the grant.
So who qualifies for help?
The scheme will be open to those with a trading profit of less than £50,000 in 2018-19 or an average trading profit of less than £50,000 from 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Also, more than half of their income in these periods must come from self-employment.
To try and combat fraud, only those who are already in self-employment will be eligible to apply.
Applicants will also be required to prove they have lost income due to coronavirus via an online declaration form.
Who will miss out?
Those who pay themselves a salary and dividends through their own company are not covered by the scheme.
But they will be covered for their wages by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme if they are operating PAYE schemes.
What happens next?
HMRC will use existing information to check eligibility and contact people directly with guidance on how to apply, using a simple online form.
No payment until June - what happens in the meantime?
The government says the self-employed are already in line to benefit from a series of support measures announced by the chancellor while the new scheme is being rolled out.
It points to extra cash being made available for the Universal Credit benefit system, income tax and VAT deferrals, support for renters and access to three-month mortgage holidays.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
How have the measures been received?
Business groups and union leaders have welcomed the package announced by the chancellor, but has urged the government to make sure the support was available as quickly as possible.
Labour say the announcement has "a huge sting in the tail" and questioned what millions of people are supposed to do until the June payment.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Cash handouts for self-employed expected as chancellor to reveal new COVID-19 package

A coronavirus bail-out for the self-employed is being unveiled by the chancellor after pressure from MPs , but handouts could go to only one in three of the five million who work for themselves .
Rishi Sunak will announce an emergency package at Boris Johnson 's daily Downing Street news conference , promising help for groups such as builders , taxi drivers , hairdressers and childminders .
But while he will promise to match the 80 % of earnings he promised staff employees last Friday , the monthly cap is likely to be lower than the £2,500 in that coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And it is likely only about 1.7 million , a third of the UK 's self-employed , will qualify , with those who have separate earnings as company employees and those on Universal Credit - already promised help - excluded .
MPs have been warned that the aid package for the self-employed is highly complicated .
And Treasury officials worked through the night in a race against time to complete preparations for its Downing Street launch .
In the Commons on Tuesday , Mr Sunak - poised to unveil his second massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week - told MPs : `` We will not be able to protect every single job or save every single business . ''
And at Prime Minister 's Questions , under pressure from MPs of all parties , Mr Johnson admitted : `` I can not , in all candour , promise that we will be able to get through this crisis without any kind of hardship at all . ''
Later , at his latest Downing Street news conference , the prime minister revealed : `` You 'll be hearing more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about what we 're doing to help the self-employed . ''
He added : `` I think people do understand the complexity of their working arrangements has made it harder to come up with the right tailored programme and that is coming forward tomorrow . ''
At PMQs , Mr Johnson promised MPs : `` We will do whatever we can to support the self-employed , just as we are putting our arms around every single employed person in this country . ''
Pressed by the SNP leader Ian Blackford , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the self-employed , matching the handouts announced by the Chancellor last week for those in salaried employment .
`` There are particular difficulties with those who are not on PAYE schemes , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` We are bringing forward a package to ensure that everybody gets the support that they need . ''
Attacking the delay , Jeremy Corbyn challenged the PM : `` The self-employed are having to choose whether they go to work or stay at home and face losing their entire livelihood , relying instead on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay as little as £94 per week .
`` One self-employed person said that they need to pay for baby food , rent , council tax and insurance for the car they use for work , being 'faced with a decision to feed your family and pay your bills , or stay at home and not get paid ' .
`` Why has it taken the prime minister so long to guarantee income for all self-employed workers ?
There are millions of them - our economy has changed . ''
Later , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , John McDonnell told MPs : `` If people claim fraudulently while still working , they will rightly be prosecuted .
`` But right now millions of cabbies , childminders , plumbers , electricians , painters and decorators and actors have all lost work or closed down their businesses .
`` As have builders , designated as the self-employed under the construction industry scheme and they have no income .
They need a solution , now . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes before the Commons adjourned for Easter , Labour and SNP MPs protested angrily over the Chancellor preparing to unveil his package when Parliament is no longer sitting .
But the Commons Leader , Jacob Rees-Mogg , told MPs : `` I have been informed that it is a complicated package that is not in fact ready for announcement today .
Had it been ready today , it would have been brought forward today .
`` The Government are keen to get on with this announcement , which will provide support and comfort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There is no discourtesy to the House .
It is being worked on as quickly as possible , but it is not yet ready .
The plans have not been completed .
`` What has been announced , and what was announced by the Prime Minister at his press conference , is that the plans will be announced tomorrow and they will be completed in time for tomorrow 's press conference . ''

A coronavirus bail-out for the self-employed is being unveiled by the chancellor after pressure from MPs, but handouts could go to only one in three of the five million who work for themselves.
Rishi Sunak will announce an emergency package at Boris Johnson's daily Downing Street news conference, promising help for groups such as builders, taxi drivers, hairdressers and childminders.
But while he will promise to match the 80% of earnings he promised staff employees last Friday, the monthly cap is likely to be lower than the £2,500 in that coronavirus scheme because many self-employed pay less tax.
And it is likely only about 1.7 million, a third of the UK's self-employed, will qualify, with those who have separate earnings as company employees and those on Universal Credit - already promised help - excluded.
MPs have been warned that the aid package for the self-employed is highly complicated. And Treasury officials worked through the night in a race against time to complete preparations for its Downing Street launch.
In the Commons on Tuesday, Mr Sunak - poised to unveil his second massive state bailout for workers in less than a week - told MPs: "We will not be able to protect every single job or save every single business."
And at Prime Minister's Questions, under pressure from MPs of all parties, Mr Johnson admitted: "I cannot, in all candour, promise that we will be able to get through this crisis without any kind of hardship at all."
Later, at his latest Downing Street news conference, the prime minister revealed: "You'll be hearing more from Rishi Sunak, the chancellor tomorrow, about what we're doing to help the self-employed."
He added: "I think people do understand the complexity of their working arrangements has made it harder to come up with the right tailored programme and that is coming forward tomorrow."
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At PMQs, Mr Johnson promised MPs: "We will do whatever we can to support the self-employed, just as we are putting our arms around every single employed person in this country."
Pressed by the SNP leader Ian Blackford, Mr Johnson promised "parity of support" for the self-employed, matching the handouts announced by the Chancellor last week for those in salaried employment.
"There are particular difficulties with those who are not on PAYE schemes," Mr Johnson said. "We are bringing forward a package to ensure that everybody gets the support that they need."
Attacking the delay, Jeremy Corbyn challenged the PM: "The self-employed are having to choose whether they go to work or stay at home and face losing their entire livelihood, relying instead on an overstretched welfare system, which could pay as little as £94 per week.
"One self-employed person said that they need to pay for baby food, rent, council tax and insurance for the car they use for work, being 'faced with a decision to feed your family and pay your bills, or stay at home and not get paid'.
"Why has it taken the prime minister so long to guarantee income for all self-employed workers? There are millions of them - our economy has changed."
Later, in his final Commons speech as Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell told MPs: "If people claim fraudulently while still working, they will rightly be prosecuted.
"But right now millions of cabbies, childminders, plumbers, electricians, painters and decorators and actors have all lost work or closed down their businesses.
"As have builders, designated as the self-employed under the construction industry scheme and they have no income. They need a solution, now."
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And in the final minutes before the Commons adjourned for Easter, Labour and SNP MPs protested angrily over the Chancellor preparing to unveil his package when Parliament is no longer sitting.
But the Commons Leader, Jacob Rees-Mogg, told MPs: "I have been informed that it is a complicated package that is not in fact ready for announcement today. Had it been ready today, it would have been brought forward today.
"The Government are keen to get on with this announcement, which will provide support and comfort to a large number of the self-employed.
"There is no discourtesy to the House. It is being worked on as quickly as possible, but it is not yet ready. The plans have not been completed.
"What has been announced, and what was announced by the Prime Minister at his press conference, is that the plans will be announced tomorrow and they will be completed in time for tomorrow's press conference."


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: Burger chain Byron hires advisers as dining sector teeters

The burger chain Byron has hired advisers to explore options for accessing emergency funding as Britain 's casual dining sector teeters on the brink of collapse .
Sky News has learnt that Byron , which trades from just 51 restaurants following a financial restructuring two years ago , has drafted in KPMG to examine ways of shoring up its balance sheet .
The appointment comes as thousands of companies assess their eligibility for tapping the blizzard of government aid schemes unveiled by the Treasury during the last ten days to help fight the COVID-19 crisis .
Byron , which completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shed loss-making stores and cut rents in 2018 , employs about 1200 people .
The CVA was also handled by KPMG .
The chain is understood to be keen to `` furlough '' the majority of its workforce by accessing the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , which has been set up to pay up to 80 % of employees ' wages- with a ceiling of £2500-a-month .
However , because the burger chain has a turnover of more than £45m but does not have an investment-grade credit rating , it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facility established to provide cheap loans .
Businesses have expressed alarm this week that the money they need urgently under those schemes is not materialising with sufficient speed .
Restaurant chains have been granted a 12-month business rates holiday , VAT deferral , and access to a separate grant scheme depending upon the rateable value of their properties .
Many , such as Burger King , Carluccio 's and Yo !
, the sushi chain , have withheld quarterly rent bills that were due this week .
UK Hospitality , the trade association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs are at risk without the immediate delivery of financial support to the sector .
Responding to an enquiry from Sky News , Simon Wilkinson , Byron 's chief excecutive , said : `` In common with most businesses in the sector we are actively exploring the recently announced government support initiatives and have engaged KPMG to help with this . ''
One source said further financing options , potentially including a sale or capital-raise , were also expected to be explored with KPMG 's assistance .
Byron is majority-owned by Three Hills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The burger chain Byron has hired advisers to explore options for accessing emergency funding as Britain's casual dining sector teeters on the brink of collapse.
Sky News has learnt that Byron, which trades from just 51 restaurants following a financial restructuring two years ago, has drafted in KPMG to examine ways of shoring up its balance sheet.
The appointment comes as thousands of companies assess their eligibility for tapping the blizzard of government aid schemes unveiled by the Treasury during the last ten days to help fight the COVID-19 crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:34 Cash handouts for self-employed expected
Byron, which completed a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) to shed loss-making stores and cut rents in 2018, employs about 1200 people.
The CVA was also handled by KPMG.
The chain is understood to be keen to "furlough" the majority of its workforce by accessing the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which has been set up to pay up to 80% of employees' wages- with a ceiling of £2500-a-month.
However, because the burger chain has a turnover of more than £45m but does not have an investment-grade credit rating, it is not eligible for the £330bn Covid Corporate Finance Facility established to provide cheap loans.
Businesses have expressed alarm this week that the money they need urgently under those schemes is not materialising with sufficient speed.
Restaurant chains have been granted a 12-month business rates holiday, VAT deferral, and access to a separate grant scheme depending upon the rateable value of their properties.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 'The show must go on'
Many, such as Burger King, Carluccio's and Yo!, the sushi chain, have withheld quarterly rent bills that were due this week.
UK Hospitality, the trade association, has warned that more than 1m jobs are at risk without the immediate delivery of financial support to the sector.
Responding to an enquiry from Sky News, Simon Wilkinson, Byron's chief excecutive, said: "In common with most businesses in the sector we are actively exploring the recently announced government support initiatives and have engaged KPMG to help with this."
One source said further financing options, potentially including a sale or capital-raise, were also expected to be explored with KPMG's assistance.
Byron is majority-owned by Three Hills Capital Partners, a private equity firm.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: NHS unveils 'data platform' to track beds, staff and ventilators

The NHS is preparing to unveil a `` data platform '' which tracks the movement of critical staff and materials , giving ministers the first ever comprehensive view of the entire health system , Sky News can reveal .
NHS leaders believe the platform will be transformative in the fight against coronavirus , as it will allow decision-makers to see accurate information in real time and coordinate a truly national response to the pandemic .
However , critics have raised concerns , largely because of the identity of the company brought in to build the system - controversial Silicon Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to be announced in the next 24 hours , tasks Palantir with gathering data from across the health sector into a comprehensive `` data store '' .
The data - which does not include sensitive individual health information - is then presented in a dashboard , akin to the ones used for monitoring internet traffic .
Items tracked in this way include A & E capacity , calls to NHS 111 , and the number and location of beds , ventilators and active NHS staff , according to three sources familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system can play a critical role in the NHS 's response to the pandemic , by giving government and health service decision-makers accurate information on the situation on the ground , something which has been difficult until now because of the fragmented state of NHS data .
The dashboard will help ministers see in real-time how the NHS is coping with the pandemic , according to a source with knowledge of the project , which will inform government decision-making on lifting the country 's lockdown .
: : Listen to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker It will also help civil servants with decisions such as where to send ventilators in order to make sure they meet demand , the source said .
The government has ordered 30,000 ventilators from firms including vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dyson , but there is a risk they may be sent to the wrong hospital , as the virus moves swiftly around the country .
Front line staff may also benefit .
According to the source , the dashboard tracks the availability of beds : with this data to hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sick patient to a hospital with beds , even if it 's further from their home .
The analytics system will also track the availability of NHS staff , helping officials make decisions about staffing as the virus reaches its peak .
It also draws in data from the social care system , giving the government a comprehensive view of the health system , something NHSX leaders believe is crucial to developing a coordinated national response .
The project is being led by NHSX , the NHS innovation unit set up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vision pushed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who has called for NHS data to be `` more like the back end of the internet - open , interoperable , easily upgradeable '' .
At present , although the NHS has a wealth of data , most of it exists in silos , making it hard to coordinate even simple activities , let alone national responses .
However , the speed of the developments has raised concerns among data protection advocates , who are wary of Palantir 's reputation .
The secretive big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence contracts , including work for the Pentagon and the CIA in the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq .
Lately , it has raised controversy over its work for Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) , the US agency responsible for enforcing President Donald Trump 's crackdown on undocumented immigrants in the country .
Palantir did not respond to multiple requests for comment .
Despite the speed at which it has been forced to work , NHSX says it has taken full account of both data protection legislation and privacy concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ names and addresses in order to keep the data as anonymous as possible .
NHSX has also committed to closing the data agreements and removing or destroying the data once the pandemic abates .
Although sensitive personal health data is used to inform the dashboard , it is stored by Public Health England , and only provided to Palantir in an aggregated form , a source familiar with the arrangement told Sky News .
Jeni Tennison , CEO of the Open Data Institute , said she was not concerned about the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the system could set a precedent for future data arrangements .
`` We are in an unprecedented situation , so I think the public will accept that access to data that is about us will be really helpful to NHS decision-makers and beyond , '' Dr Tennison told Sky News .
`` But it 's important that we understand that this is time limited , and really important that the NHS is open with us about the reasons why data that is about us is being shared in the way that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief adviser , Dominic Cummings , has previously praised visualisation systems , criticising their absence in government .
Writing in a blog shortly before he went into government , Mr Cummings wrote that it should be `` as easy to insert facts , data , and models in political discussion as it is to insert emoji '' .

The NHS is preparing to unveil a "data platform" which tracks the movement of critical staff and materials, giving ministers the first ever comprehensive view of the entire health system, Sky News can reveal.
NHS leaders believe the platform will be transformative in the fight against coronavirus, as it will allow decision-makers to see accurate information in real time and coordinate a truly national response to the pandemic.
However, critics have raised concerns, largely because of the identity of the company brought in to build the system - controversial Silicon Valley giant Palantir.
The deal, which is expected to be announced in the next 24 hours, tasks Palantir with gathering data from across the health sector into a comprehensive "data store".
The data - which does not include sensitive individual health information - is then presented in a dashboard, akin to the ones used for monitoring internet traffic.
Items tracked in this way include A&E capacity, calls to NHS 111, and the number and location of beds, ventilators and active NHS staff, according to three sources familiar with the project.
NHS leaders believe the system can play a critical role in the NHS's response to the pandemic, by giving government and health service decision-makers accurate information on the situation on the ground, something which has been difficult until now because of the fragmented state of NHS data.
The dashboard will help ministers see in real-time how the NHS is coping with the pandemic, according to a source with knowledge of the project, which will inform government decision-making on lifting the country's lockdown.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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It will also help civil servants with decisions such as where to send ventilators in order to make sure they meet demand, the source said.
The government has ordered 30,000 ventilators from firms including vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dyson, but there is a risk they may be sent to the wrong hospital, as the virus moves swiftly around the country.
Front line staff may also benefit. According to the source, the dashboard tracks the availability of beds: with this data to hand, an NHS 111 operator could send a sick patient to a hospital with beds, even if it's further from their home.
The analytics system will also track the availability of NHS staff, helping officials make decisions about staffing as the virus reaches its peak.
It also draws in data from the social care system, giving the government a comprehensive view of the health system, something NHSX leaders believe is crucial to developing a coordinated national response.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 UK lockdown '10 days too late'
The project is being led by NHSX, the NHS innovation unit set up in July 2019, and fulfils a long-standing vision pushed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who has called for NHS data to be "more like the back end of the internet - open, interoperable, easily upgradeable".
At present, although the NHS has a wealth of data, most of it exists in silos, making it hard to coordinate even simple activities, let alone national responses.
However, the speed of the developments has raised concerns among data protection advocates, who are wary of Palantir's reputation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:31 'Outbreak could be worse than Italy's'
The secretive big data firm is known for taking on defence contracts, including work for the Pentagon and the CIA in the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Lately, it has raised controversy over its work for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the US agency responsible for enforcing President Donald Trump's crackdown on undocumented immigrants in the country.
Palantir did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Despite the speed at which it has been forced to work, NHSX says it has taken full account of both data protection legislation and privacy concerns.
The system removes identifiers such as names and addresses in order to keep the data as anonymous as possible. NHSX has also committed to closing the data agreements and removing or destroying the data once the pandemic abates.
Although sensitive personal health data is used to inform the dashboard, it is stored by Public Health England, and only provided to Palantir in an aggregated form, a source familiar with the arrangement told Sky News.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How does the COVID-19 antibody test work?
Jeni Tennison, CEO of the Open Data Institute, said she was not concerned about the use of personal health data, but she feared that the system could set a precedent for future data arrangements.
"We are in an unprecedented situation, so I think the public will accept that access to data that is about us will be really helpful to NHS decision-makers and beyond," Dr Tennison told Sky News.
"But it's important that we understand that this is time limited, and really important that the NHS is open with us about the reasons why data that is about us is being shared in the way that it is".
The prime minister's chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, has previously praised visualisation systems, criticising their absence in government.
Writing in a blog shortly before he went into government, Mr Cummings wrote that it should be "as easy to insert facts, data, and models in political discussion as it is to insert emoji".


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: Temporary mortuary to be set up at Northern Ireland military site

A temporary mortuary is to be created at a British military site in Belfast to cope with an anticipated spike in coronavirus deaths .
The Northern Ireland Department of Justice is leasing two vehicle storage hangars at the Kinnegar Logistics Base , which is due to be decommissioned in 2022 and is no longer used as an army barracks .
Military vehicles were moved out of the hangars on Thursday to make way for civilian contractors to create what will be called the Northern Ireland Temporary Resting Place if required .
Justice minister Naomi Long said : `` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we have to plan accordingly , both in individual departments and across the executive .
`` Preparing for the future and looking at worst-case scenarios , while trying to mitigate against those worst-case scenarios , is now our focus .
`` As part of that work , we are taking precautions to prepare for the risk that the normal burial arrangements are not sufficient .
`` We will do all we can to ensure dignity for the deceased and their family .
We will work with all of those involved to enable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buried or cremated in the usual way .
`` However , we must also safeguard public health .
In the event that the virus hits Northern Ireland very hard , then we have seen elsewhere in the world that this gives rise to challenges which we are working to meet .
`` We currently have some additional space in temporary resting places for the deceased over and above the normal arrangements .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We are actively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working closely with a range of organisations to find the best solution .
`` As part of that work , a request has been submitted for the use of the soon-to-be decommissioned Kinnegar site near Belfast to be used as the NI Temporary Resting Place , in the event that it is needed .
`` The priority will always be to ensure that there is respect and dignity for the deceased and their families . ''
At present , 10 people have died in Northern Ireland with COVID-19 , the illness caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many more deaths , potentially even thousands in a worst-case scenario .
It is understood the temporary mortuary will have sufficient capacity .
The Kinnegar Logistics Base was once a thriving hub of activity , employing up to 1,000 civilian staff supporting the army at the height of the Troubles .
Situated on the shores of Belfast Lough , near Holywood , there are few other places that would allow the same level of security and privacy for the deceased .
The site is now in the process of being decommissioned and sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 and is due to conclude within the next two years .
It is no longer used as an army barracks and has civilian security in place - important factors in deciding to use the facility to store the bodies of the deceased in a country where there are historic sensitivities about the role of the British armed forces .
Part of the site is currently used by the Ministry of Defence to repair vehicles .

A temporary mortuary is to be created at a British military site in Belfast to cope with an anticipated spike in coronavirus deaths.
The Northern Ireland Department of Justice is leasing two vehicle storage hangars at the Kinnegar Logistics Base, which is due to be decommissioned in 2022 and is no longer used as an army barracks.
Military vehicles were moved out of the hangars on Thursday to make way for civilian contractors to create what will be called the Northern Ireland Temporary Resting Place if required.
Image: There is expected to be a surge in deaths
Justice minister Naomi Long said: "We are on a fast-moving and frankly troubling terrain and we have to plan accordingly, both in individual departments and across the executive.
"Preparing for the future and looking at worst-case scenarios, while trying to mitigate against those worst-case scenarios, is now our focus.
"As part of that work, we are taking precautions to prepare for the risk that the normal burial arrangements are not sufficient.
"We will do all we can to ensure dignity for the deceased and their family. We will work with all of those involved to enable as many people as possible to be buried or cremated in the usual way.
"However, we must also safeguard public health. In the event that the virus hits Northern Ireland very hard, then we have seen elsewhere in the world that this gives rise to challenges which we are working to meet.
"We currently have some additional space in temporary resting places for the deceased over and above the normal arrangements.
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"We are actively seeking to increase that capacity and are working closely with a range of organisations to find the best solution.
"As part of that work, a request has been submitted for the use of the soon-to-be decommissioned Kinnegar site near Belfast to be used as the NI Temporary Resting Place, in the event that it is needed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 Distressed mum-to-be issues virus warning
"The priority will always be to ensure that there is respect and dignity for the deceased and their families."
At present, 10 people have died in Northern Ireland with COVID-19, the illness caused by coronavirus.
But officials are preparing for many more deaths, potentially even thousands in a worst-case scenario.
It is understood the temporary mortuary will have sufficient capacity.
The Kinnegar Logistics Base was once a thriving hub of activity, employing up to 1,000 civilian staff supporting the army at the height of the Troubles.
Situated on the shores of Belfast Lough, near Holywood, there are few other places that would allow the same level of security and privacy for the deceased.
The site is now in the process of being decommissioned and sold off - a plan that was announced in 2016 and is due to conclude within the next two years.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How does the COVID-19 antibody test work?
It is no longer used as an army barracks and has civilian security in place - important factors in deciding to use the facility to store the bodies of the deceased in a country where there are historic sensitivities about the role of the British armed forces.
Part of the site is currently used by the Ministry of Defence to repair vehicles.