news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: UK's initial COVID-19 plan would have been 'catastrophic', says Donald Trump

Donald Trump has said the UK was facing `` catastrophic '' results before it changed strategy in the fight against coronavirus - as one of his experts revealed she remains `` worried '' about Britain 's lack of ventilators .
In a briefing at the White House , the US president claimed the British government had `` put themselves in a little bit of a problem '' over its original plan to tackle COVID-19 .
The UK initially did not follow other European countries in closing schools and banning mass gatherings but ramped up measures following predictions that the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Before the shift in strategy , the government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , told Sky News that around 60 % of the UK population would need to become infected with coronavirus in order for society to have `` herd immunity '' from future outbreaks .
Addressing US measures to tackle coronavirus , Mr Trump said : `` A lot of people were saying : 'Let 's just ride it out ' .
`` This is not to be ridden out because then you would have been looking at potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US ] or more… in a relatively short period of time .
`` If you remember , they were looking at that concept - I guess it 's a concept if you do n't mind death , a lot of death - but they were looking at that in the UK , remember .
`` All of sudden they went hard the other way because they started seeing things that were n't good .
They put themselves in a little bit of a problem . ''
The US president added : `` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we wo n't even go by the name - it would have been very catastrophic I think if that would have happened . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Trump also said he hoped Boris Johnson is `` going to be fine '' as the prime minister continues to self-isolate in Downing Street after testing positive for coronavirus .
Meanwhile during the briefing , Dr Deborah Birx , the White House 's coronavirus response coordinator , pointed out the relatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to the US .
She said : `` We are worried about groups all around the globe .
I do n't know if you heard the report this morning , there are 8,000 ventilators in the UK .
`` If you translate that to United States , that would be like the United States having less than 40,000 ventilators .
We have five times that . ''
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said on Tuesday that the first batch of British-made ventilators to treat coronavirus patients will be rolled out to the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going into production to bolster the 8,000 already deployed in hospitals and reassured the public that ventilators have been bought in from abroad to tackle the pandemic .
The Mercedes F1 team has helped develop a breathing aid to keep coronavirus patients out of intensive care , with a host of other rival teams having pitched in to provide UK hospitals with thousands of extra ventilators .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It was announced on Tuesday that another 393 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus - taking the country 's death toll to 1,808 .
The number of people who have died in the US after testing positive for the virus has risen to more than 3,800 , surpassing the 3,305 reported fatalities in China , where the outbreak began .

Donald Trump has said the UK was facing "catastrophic" results before it changed strategy in the fight against coronavirus - as one of his experts revealed she remains "worried" about Britain's lack of ventilators.
In a briefing at the White House, the US president claimed the British government had "put themselves in a little bit of a problem" over its original plan to tackle COVID-19.
The UK initially did not follow other European countries in closing schools and banning mass gatherings but ramped up measures following predictions that the country could otherwise have seen 250,000 deaths.
Image: White House coronavirus response coordinator Debbie Birx appeared at the briefing with Donald Trump
Before the shift in strategy, the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, told Sky News that around 60% of the UK population would need to become infected with coronavirus in order for society to have "herd immunity" from future outbreaks.
Addressing US measures to tackle coronavirus, Mr Trump said: "A lot of people were saying: 'Let's just ride it out'.
"This is not to be ridden out because then you would have been looking at potentially 2.2 million people [dying in the US] or more… in a relatively short period of time.
"If you remember, they were looking at that concept - I guess it's a concept if you don't mind death, a lot of death - but they were looking at that in the UK, remember.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Trump warns of 'painful' weeks ahead
"All of sudden they went hard the other way because they started seeing things that weren't good. They put themselves in a little bit of a problem."
The US president added: "They have a name for it, but we won't even go by the name - it would have been very catastrophic I think if that would have happened."
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Mr Trump also said he hoped Boris Johnson is "going to be fine" as the prime minister continues to self-isolate in Downing Street after testing positive for coronavirus.
Meanwhile during the briefing, Dr Deborah Birx, the White House's coronavirus response coordinator, pointed out the relatively low number of ventilators in the UK compared to the US.
She said: "We are worried about groups all around the globe. I don't know if you heard the report this morning, there are 8,000 ventilators in the UK.
"If you translate that to United States, that would be like the United States having less than 40,000 ventilators. We have five times that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Why doesn't the UK have enough ventilators?
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said on Tuesday that the first batch of British-made ventilators to treat coronavirus patients will be rolled out to the NHS next week.
He said thousands are going into production to bolster the 8,000 already deployed in hospitals and reassured the public that ventilators have been bought in from abroad to tackle the pandemic.
The Mercedes F1 team has helped develop a breathing aid to keep coronavirus patients out of intensive care, with a host of other rival teams having pitched in to provide UK hospitals with thousands of extra ventilators.
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It was announced on Tuesday that another 393 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - taking the country's death toll to 1,808.
The number of people who have died in the US after testing positive for the virus has risen to more than 3,800, surpassing the 3,305 reported fatalities in China, where the outbreak began.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: GP surgery apologises for sending 'do not resuscitate' form to patients

A GP practice has apologised after sending a letter to patients with serious illnesses to complete a `` do not resuscitate '' form in case their conditions deteriorated due to coronavirus .
In the note , delivered to people with life-limiting illnesses , such as incurable cancer and motor neurone disease , Llynfi Surgery in Maesteg , South Wales , also said that completing the DNACPR ( do not attempt CPR ) form had `` several benefits '' .
It claimed doctors and family and friends would know not to call 999 if a loved one 's condition worsened , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambulance resources '' , and risk transmitting COVID-19 to others .
The letter has been published on Twitter , with a quote from a patient saying : `` It made me feel worthless .
`` I 've lived with cancer for eight years and I want to live another couple of years .
`` I 'm not digging my grave yet . ''
The note started by saying : `` This is a very difficult letter for the Practice to write to you . ''
It said people with life-limiting illnesses were at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and were `` unlikely to be offered hospital admission '' , and `` certainly will not be offered a ventilator bed '' .
It ended by saying : `` We will not abandon you , but we need to be frank about what the next few months holds for us . ''
On Wednesday , Cwm Taf University Health Board said the letter was not a health board communication and that the surgery was apologising to patients for causing `` distress '' , saying that was not their intent .
A spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was recently sent out from Llynfi Surgery to a small number of patients .
`` Staff at the surgery are speaking to those patients who received the letter to apologise directly and answer any concerns they may have . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Another 563 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,352 .
The deaths happened in the 24 hours before 5pm on Tuesday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest increase so far .

A GP practice has apologised after sending a letter to patients with serious illnesses to complete a "do not resuscitate" form in case their conditions deteriorated due to coronavirus.
In the note, delivered to people with life-limiting illnesses, such as incurable cancer and motor neurone disease, Llynfi Surgery in Maesteg, South Wales, also said that completing the DNACPR (do not attempt CPR) form had "several benefits".
Image: Llynfi Surgery in Maesteg, South Wales has apologised. File pic
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It claimed doctors and family and friends would know not to call 999 if a loved one's condition worsened, and therefore not use up "scarce ambulance resources", and risk transmitting COVID-19 to others.
The letter has been published on Twitter, with a quote from a patient saying: "It made me feel worthless.
"I've lived with cancer for eight years and I want to live another couple of years.
"I'm not digging my grave yet."
The note started by saying: "This is a very difficult letter for the Practice to write to you."
It said people with life-limiting illnesses were at much higher risk of the virus, and were "unlikely to be offered hospital admission", and "certainly will not be offered a ventilator bed".
It ended by saying: "We will not abandon you, but we need to be frank about what the next few months holds for us."
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On Wednesday, Cwm Taf University Health Board said the letter was not a health board communication and that the surgery was apologising to patients for causing "distress", saying that was not their intent.
A spokesman for Cwm Taf said: "A letter was recently sent out from Llynfi Surgery to a small number of patients.
"Staff at the surgery are speaking to those patients who received the letter to apologise directly and answer any concerns they may have."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Another 563 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - bringing the total number of deaths to 2,352.
The deaths happened in the 24 hours before 5pm on Tuesday, the Department of Health said.
It is the largest increase so far.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus patients more likely to die may have ventilators taken away

Coronavirus patients may have life-saving treatment withdrawn if others with the virus are more likely to survive , according to new guidance issued to UK doctors .
Health workers could be forced to make `` grave decisions '' should hospitals become overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients , the latest advice from the British Medical Association ( BMA ) states .
The document warns that decisions around rationing scarce resources , such as ventilators , could determine whether large numbers of patients will receive life-saving treatment or not .
The deaths of another 563 coronavirus patients in the UK were announced on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase since the outbreak began .
A total of 2,352 people with COVID-19 are now confirmed to have died in the UK .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has admitted testing for the virus needs to `` massively ramp up '' after criticism of the government 's approach to it .
According to the new BMA guidance , doctors will face decisions `` which mean some patients may be denied intensive forms of treatment that they would have received outside a pandemic '' .
`` Health professionals may be obliged to withdraw treatment from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with a higher survival probability , '' the document states .
`` This may involve withdrawing treatment from an individual who is stable or even improving but whose objective assessment indicates a worse prognosis than another patient who requires the same resource . ''
The BMA 's guidance says that during the peak of the pandemic doctors may have to assess a person 's eligibility for treatment based on a `` capacity to benefit quickly '' basis .
It also states that one of the `` guiding principles '' for doctors during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and everyone matters equally , but this does not mean that everyone will be treated the same '' .
Dr John Chisholm , chairman of the BMA 's medical ethics committee , said : `` Looking ahead to the coming weeks , if hard choices are required , we know they will be contested .
There will be anger and pain .
`` People who , in normal circumstances , would receive strenuous treatment may instead be given palliation in order to favour those with greater likelihood of benefiting .
`` Nobody wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources are overwhelmed , these decisions must be made . ''
It comes as the government faces intense scrutiny over its COVID-19 testing policy for both NHS workers and the wider public .
NHS staff have expressed frustration that they are being forced to self-isolate just as they are most needed , because tests are not available to show whether they are clear of the disease .
Downing Street has said more than 2,000 NHS staff have so far been tested for coronavirus .
There are about half a million frontline NHS staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Public Health England ( PHE ) , told the Number 10 daily press briefing that 10,000 coronavirus tests per day were now being carried out and the aim was to get to 25,000 tests by mid-April .
She said the intention was to `` get from thousands to hundreds of thousands '' of tests for frontline workers in the coming weeks .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In a video posted on Twitter on Wednesday evening , Mr Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day '' and admitted the UK needs to `` massively ramp up '' testing for coronavirus .
The PM - who is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 - said : `` It 's crucial people who do have the disease are able to be tested positive and to take the necessary steps to isolate at home in the way that I am doing and many many others are doing . ''

Coronavirus patients may have life-saving treatment withdrawn if others with the virus are more likely to survive, according to new guidance issued to UK doctors.
Health workers could be forced to make "grave decisions" should hospitals become overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, the latest advice from the British Medical Association (BMA) states.
The document warns that decisions around rationing scarce resources, such as ventilators, could determine whether large numbers of patients will receive life-saving treatment or not.
Image: A giant temporary hospital for coronavirus patients has been built at London's ExCel centre
The deaths of another 563 coronavirus patients in the UK were announced on Wednesday, the country's biggest daily increase since the outbreak began.
A total of 2,352 people with COVID-19 are now confirmed to have died in the UK.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has admitted testing for the virus needs to "massively ramp up" after criticism of the government's approach to it.
According to the new BMA guidance, doctors will face decisions "which mean some patients may be denied intensive forms of treatment that they would have received outside a pandemic".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 'It's time to ramp up the tests'
"Health professionals may be obliged to withdraw treatment from some patients to enable treatment of other patients with a higher survival probability," the document states.
"This may involve withdrawing treatment from an individual who is stable or even improving but whose objective
assessment indicates a worse prognosis than another patient who requires the same resource."
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The BMA's guidance says that during the peak of the pandemic doctors may have to assess a person's eligibility for treatment based on a "capacity to benefit quickly" basis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:00 Take a look inside NHS Nightingale
It also states that one of the "guiding principles" for doctors during a pandemic is that "everyone matters and everyone matters equally, but this does not mean that everyone will be treated the same".
Dr John Chisholm, chairman of the BMA's medical ethics committee, said: "Looking ahead to the coming weeks, if hard choices are required, we know they will be contested. There will be anger and pain.
"People who, in normal circumstances, would receive strenuous treatment may instead be given palliation in order to favour those with greater likelihood of benefiting.
"Nobody wants to make these decisions, but if resources are overwhelmed, these decisions must be made."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Paramedic says PPE is 'substandard'
It comes as the government faces intense scrutiny over its COVID-19 testing policy for both NHS workers and the wider public.
NHS staff have expressed frustration that they are being forced to self-isolate just as they are most needed, because tests are not available to show whether they are clear of the disease.
Downing Street has said more than 2,000 NHS staff have so far been tested for coronavirus. There are about half a million frontline NHS staff.
Professor Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England (PHE), told the Number 10 daily press briefing that 10,000 coronavirus tests per day were now being carried out and the aim was to get to 25,000 tests by mid-April.
She said the intention was to "get from thousands to hundreds of thousands" of tests for frontline workers in the coming weeks.
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In a video posted on Twitter on Wednesday evening, Mr Johnson said it was a "sad, sad day" and admitted the UK needs to "massively ramp up" testing for coronavirus.
The PM - who is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 - said: "It's crucial people who do have the disease are able to be tested positive and to take the necessary steps to isolate at home in the way that I am doing and many many others are doing."


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus masks advice could change after new evidence emerges

Official advice on whether people should wear masks in public could be changed after new evidence emerged suggesting they could protect people from coronavirus .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has consistently said that only those who have symptoms or are caring for someone with COVID-19 should wear masks .
But a new study and evidence from Hong Kong indicates masks may have a protective benefit for the public and a panel of WHO experts is due to assess the evidence today with a view to potentially changing their guidance .
Infections disease specialist Professor David Heymann , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that recommendations on masks were fraught with problems because people often wear them incorrectly or fail to dispose of them properly .
`` There is right now a debate about the usefulness of masks because Hong Kong has provided some evidence that masks may be useful in protecting individuals from infection , '' he told a Chatham House briefing .
`` It 's not clear yet whether or not that 's true .
`` WHO , the group that I work with , is debating that with a group of experts around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence which would call for a change in what WHO is recommending now for masks - which is that they really do n't have a major role in protecting people from infection except in healthcare workers where they also wear eye protection and they also have a role from protecting others from coughs or sneezing .
`` But as the evidence becomes available , it seems there will be a debate trying to decide whether masks play a role at some point in the outbreak .
`` And believe me , if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy enough to begin producing those masks in quantities necessary . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Data collected in Hong Kong around the use of masks has been shared confidentially with WHO and is expected to be published soon .
But a separate study conducted under laboratory conditions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) in Cambridge , US , found that coughs can project liquid droplets up to 6m away and that sneezes reach up to 8m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their results indicate that wearing higher-quality masks could reduce the risks in some environments , particularly in badly ventilated rooms .
Meanwhile , Prof Heymann urged caution for people who choose to buy £39 antibody home testing kits advertised on Facebook which detect whether or not they have had COVID-19 .
`` That 's up to the person , if you are buying for your own interest in knowing if you have an antibody then why not buy it ? ''
he said .
`` But the problem is that you do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or sensitive test unless you have read the package insert or asked the company what is the sensitivity or specificity .
`` It is a free world , anybody can buy what they want to buy and use it , but you need to think twice as to whether it is a wise investment for the purposes that you want the test for .
`` If you want to just see if you have coronavirus antibody then you could check it .
`` If you want to see if you have COVID antibody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit more detailed investigation as to what that test is telling you . ''
He added that it was not yet known whether having immunity to COVID-19 is long-lasting .
`` We do n't know yet in the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 whether or not that coronavirus does cause long-lasting immunity and therefore we ca n't make too many assumptions , '' he added .
`` It would be nice to say 'if I have antibody I feel a bit safer going back out into the public ' but with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long that immunity would last .
`` Certainly , a reinsertion strategy would say yes , people who have antibody to this coronavirus could at least begin to work possibly , depending on what a country risk tolerance is , they could begin to working properly back in society and then we will know . ''
Meanwhile , he said that the UK has `` hopefully '' avoided a major surge of demand on hospitals .
`` Because Italy had been focusing on outbreak containment and was n't watching what was happening in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals became overwhelmed with patients and they were n't able to accommodate them all , '' he said .
`` They did n't have sufficient ventilators and they had a very high level of mortality occurring , so countries then adapted their strategies to a strategy that was more aimed at making sure there was not a surge of patients in the hospitals but rather there could be a more balanced arrival of patients in hospital .
`` To do that , many countries developed a delay strategy and among that was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hopefully . ''

Official advice on whether people should wear masks in public could be changed after new evidence emerged suggesting they could protect people from coronavirus.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has consistently said that only those who have symptoms or are caring for someone with COVID-19 should wear masks.
But a new study and evidence from Hong Kong indicates masks may have a protective benefit for the public and a panel of WHO experts is due to assess the evidence today with a view to potentially changing their guidance.
Infections disease specialist Professor David Heymann, who is chairing the panel, warned that recommendations on masks were fraught with problems because people often wear them incorrectly or fail to dispose of them properly.
"There is right now a debate about the usefulness of masks because Hong Kong has provided some evidence that masks may be useful in protecting individuals from infection," he told a Chatham House briefing.
"It's not clear yet whether or not that's true.
"WHO, the group that I work with, is debating that with a group of experts around the world... to understand whether there is evidence which would call for a change in what WHO is recommending now for masks - which is that they really don't have a major role in protecting people from infection except in healthcare workers where they also wear eye protection and they also have a role from protecting others from coughs or sneezing.
"But as the evidence becomes available, it seems there will be a debate trying to decide whether masks play a role at some point in the outbreak.
"And believe me, if they do, there is a private sector healthy enough to begin producing those masks in quantities necessary."
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Data collected in Hong Kong around the use of masks has been shared confidentially with WHO and is expected to be published soon.
But a separate study conducted under laboratory conditions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, US, found that coughs can project liquid droplets up to 6m away and that sneezes reach up to 8m.
Scientists involved in the research say their results indicate that wearing higher-quality masks could reduce the risks in some environments, particularly in badly ventilated rooms.
Meanwhile, Prof Heymann urged caution for people who choose to buy £39 antibody home testing kits advertised on Facebook which detect whether or not they have had COVID-19.
"That's up to the person, if you are buying for your own interest in knowing if you have an antibody then why not buy it?" he said.
"But the problem is that you don't know if this is a highly specific or sensitive test unless you have read the package insert or asked the company what is the sensitivity or specificity.
"It is a free world, anybody can buy what they want to buy and use it, but you need to think twice as to whether it is a wise investment for the purposes that you want the test for.
"If you want to just see if you have coronavirus antibody then you could check it.
"If you want to see if you have COVID antibody then you might want to do a little bit more detailed investigation as to what that test is telling you."
He added that it was not yet known whether having immunity to COVID-19 is long-lasting.
"We don't know yet in the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 whether or not that coronavirus does cause long-lasting immunity and therefore we can't make too many assumptions," he added.
"It would be nice to say 'if I have antibody I feel a bit safer going back out into the public' but with the caveat that I don't understand how long that immunity would last.
"Certainly, a reinsertion strategy would say yes, people who have antibody to this coronavirus could at least begin to work possibly, depending on what a country risk tolerance is, they could begin to working properly back in society and then we will know."
Meanwhile, he said that the UK has "hopefully" avoided a major surge of demand on hospitals.
"Because Italy had been focusing on outbreak containment and wasn't watching what was happening in its hospitals and all of a sudden hospitals became overwhelmed with patients and they weren't able to accommodate them all," he said.
"They didn't have sufficient ventilators and they had a very high level of mortality occurring, so countries then adapted their strategies to a strategy that was more aimed at making sure there was not a surge of patients in the hospitals but rather there could be a more balanced arrival of patients in hospital.
"To do that, many countries developed a delay strategy and among that was the UK which has delayed a major surge, hopefully."


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: New York governor Andrew Cuomo warns state has 'six days' of ventilators left

New York governor Andrew Cuomo has said the state has enough ventilators to last `` six days '' as he made a further appeal to manufacturers for help with personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday , Mr Cuomo said New York state had around 2,200 ventilators left in its stockpile , but around 350 more patients needed one each day .
This leaves just `` six days of ventilators '' for coronavirus patients `` at the current burn rate , '' he said , adding : `` If the apex happens within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increases , if the apex is longer , we have an issue with ventilators . ''
His comments came as he turned to the `` cruellest irony '' of the US being forced to rely on China for production of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for frontline staff .
Such equipment can include face masks , gowns , and gloves to act as a barrier to prevent contraction of COVID-19 .
Mr Cuomo said : `` Many of these products in the normal marketplace were being produced in China and now you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Making a plea to domestic manufacturers , the governor said he had a `` business opportunity '' for anyone who could make PPE , and promised to `` pay a premium '' .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' The gowns and gloves are not complicates components to manufacture , '' he said , before calling for companies to make them quickly .
He added : `` But we need it now ... We need these materials now . ''
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased by 8,669 on Thursday to reach a total of 92,381 , while 2,373 people have now lost their lives .
Meanwhile , Mr Cuomo said 21,000 healthcare workers outside of the state had volunteered to help fight the outbreak in New York , while a hospital in Staten Island for coronavirus patients only prepared to open for next week .
A field hospital in Brooklyn is also set to be constructed , making way for a further 750 beds .

New York governor Andrew Cuomo has said the state has enough ventilators to last "six days" as he made a further appeal to manufacturers for help with personal protective equipment (PPE).
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Mr Cuomo said New York state had around 2,200 ventilators left in its stockpile, but around 350 more patients needed one each day.
This leaves just "six days of ventilators" for coronavirus patients "at the current burn rate," he said, adding: "If the apex happens within that time frame, if the apex increases, if the apex is longer, we have an issue with ventilators."
His comments came as he turned to the "cruellest irony" of the US being forced to rely on China for production of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Hospital ship prepares for NYC patients
Such equipment can include face masks, gowns, and gloves to act as a barrier to prevent contraction of COVID-19.
Mr Cuomo said: "Many of these products in the normal marketplace were being produced in China and now you have everyone shopping in China."
Making a plea to domestic manufacturers, the governor said he had a "business opportunity" for anyone who could make PPE, and promised to "pay a premium".
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
"The gowns and gloves are not complicates components to manufacture," he said, before calling for companies to make them quickly.
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He added: "But we need it now...We need these materials now."
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York increased by 8,669 on Thursday to reach a total of 92,381, while 2,373 people have now lost their lives.
Meanwhile, Mr Cuomo said 21,000 healthcare workers outside of the state had volunteered to help fight the outbreak in New York, while a hospital in Staten Island for coronavirus patients only prepared to open for next week.
A field hospital in Brooklyn is also set to be constructed, making way for a further 750 beds.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: First look inside British COVID-19 ward as Wales prepares for peak

Neath Port Talbot Hospital is like a ghost town as it prepares for an influx of coronavirus patients in the coming weeks .
Walking through the doors of the south Wales facility , the main atrium and seating area were completely empty , while the cafe was closed and shops shuttered .
All patients still here are to be discharged as soon possible .
Dr Martin Bevan , the hospital 's unit medical director , said the rheumatology day unit had since been re-purposed to handle the expected increase in demand as the number of COVID-19 cases approaches its peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had at a coronavirus ward in the UK .
The patients on this ward are n't in intensive care or on ventilators , but they have been admitted to this unit either with confirmed or suspected cases of the virus .
`` I anticipate we are going to get very busy , '' Dr Bevan said , adding : `` At the moment we only have five beds out of 17 used on the admissions unit , and we have a 40-bed ward upstairs as well . ''
According to Dr Bevan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full `` in the next few weeks '' , but there was still `` plenty of capacity '' for the time being .
His role as a consultant rheumatologist , however , has already `` changed considerably '' as preparations for the COVID-19 peak are underway .
He said : `` I am now working in acute medicine and doing resident calls , so that 's a big change - but everyone is stepping up to the challenge . ''
Meanwhile , just 10 minutes up the road , rigorous work is underway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a field hospital .
Llandarcy Academy of Sport , a further education college , is undergoing a deep clean , having central heating fitted and is covering its artificial turf to turn it into a facility with around 320 beds for patients on the road to recovery from COVID-19 .
It 's an enormous space - but wo n't be officially opened until the virus reaches its absolute height .
A further 10 minutes up the road is Morriston Hospital in Cwmrhydyceirw , which is treating virus-inflicted patients and is now working to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very difficult '' situation on its staff .
Nurse director Mark Madams said staff were providing extra emotional support to patients as well as physical care due to them not being allowed visitors during this time .
He said : `` When patients unfortunately do pass away , we are n't able to allow visitors in at that point , and that can be very emotionally draining for our staff . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Madams said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wobble room '' , for staff to take a time-out from the day , and have psychologists and bereavement councillors on hand to help .
`` I think we ca n't underestimate how distressing it is to see someone pass away and not have their relatives with them or have to break bad news over the telephone instead of in person , '' he said .

Neath Port Talbot Hospital is like a ghost town as it prepares for an influx of coronavirus patients in the coming weeks.
Walking through the doors of the south Wales facility, the main atrium and seating area were completely empty, while the cafe was closed and shops shuttered.
All patients still here are to be discharged as soon possible.
Dr Martin Bevan, the hospital's unit medical director, said the rheumatology day unit had since been re-purposed to handle the expected increase in demand as the number of COVID-19 cases approaches its peak.
Image: The rheumatology day unit has been transformed into an admissions ward for those with suspected cases of the virus
Image: The unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital is currently using five of its 17 beds
It is the closest look we have had at a coronavirus ward in the UK.
The patients on this ward aren't in intensive care or on ventilators, but they have been admitted to this unit either with confirmed or suspected cases of the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
"I anticipate we are going to get very busy," Dr Bevan said, adding: "At the moment we only have five beds out of 17 used on the admissions unit, and we have a 40-bed ward upstairs as well."
According to Dr Bevan, the beds are expected to be full "in the next few weeks", but there was still "plenty of capacity" for the time being.
His role as a consultant rheumatologist, however, has already "changed considerably" as preparations for the COVID-19 peak are underway.
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He said: "I am now working in acute medicine and doing resident calls, so that's a big change - but everyone is stepping up to the challenge."
Meanwhile, just 10 minutes up the road, rigorous work is underway to transform a local sports academy into a field hospital.
Image: Special flooring is being fitted for the new field hospital
Llandarcy Academy of Sport, a further education college, is undergoing a deep clean, having central heating fitted and is covering its artificial turf to turn it into a facility with around 320 beds for patients on the road to recovery from COVID-19.
It's an enormous space - but won't be officially opened until the virus reaches its absolute height.
A further 10 minutes up the road is Morriston Hospital in Cwmrhydyceirw, which is treating virus-inflicted patients and is now working to minimise the effects of an "emotionally very difficult" situation on its staff.
Image: Bosses at Morriston Hospital are concerned about the impact on staff mental health
Nurse director Mark Madams said staff were providing extra emotional support to patients as well as physical care due to them not being allowed visitors during this time.
He said: "When patients unfortunately do pass away, we aren't able to allow visitors in at that point, and that can be very emotionally draining for our staff."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Madams said the hospital had since set up a "wobble room", for staff to take a time-out from the day, and have psychologists and bereavement councillors on hand to help.
"I think we can't underestimate how distressing it is to see someone pass away and not have their relatives with them or have to break bad news over the telephone instead of in person," he said.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: The celebrities donating millions to help during pandemic

For every bored celebrity putting out a heartfelt or , um , hilarious home-alone video during lockdown , there 's another star doing something to help .
Dozens of famous faces are donating to good causes as the coronavirus pandemic grows .
Here 's how celebrities have been supporting charities and fundraising efforts .
Beyonce and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey have donated $ 6m ( £4.9m ) to the coronavirus relief effort .
The money , which will go to frontline workers and those affected by the pandemic , will be shared out via Beyonce 's BeyGood foundation and Dorsey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small community organisations as well as mental health services in New York City , Detroit , New Orleans and Houston , Beyonce 's home city .
The pop queen recently performed from her home for the One World : Together charity concert , hosted by Lady Gaga .
During her appearance she warned of the disproportionate impact the virus was having on black Americans .
The Hollywood couple have pledged more than $ 1m ( £803,000 ) , with the money understood to be shared between six COVID-19 causes .
It is understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relief effort in the Lombardy region of Italy , as well as the Lebanese Food Bank , will also receive a share of the cash .
Amal , 42 , an internationally renowned human rights lawyer , was born in Lebanon .
George and Amal , who have a home in Berkshire , have also pledged £202,000 to both the Motion Picture and Television home , of which George is a board member , and to the US actors ' union SAG-AFTRA Fund .
According to Deadline , the same amount went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which helps provide childcare for the city 's emergency service and healthcare workers .
The Irish rock band has donated 10 million euro ( £8.7m ) to buy personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for front line staff in Ireland .
The money is part of an initiative involving Irish aircraft leasing company Avolon , which is working with public and private firms to raise funds to buy PPE equipment from China , according to RTE .
The first consignment arrived at Dublin Airport in early April .
The Hollywood actress and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) to fight child hunger during the outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
She has donated the cash to No Kid Hungry , which will provide meals for children from low-income families across the US while schools are closed .
Jolie , 44 , said : `` As of this week , over a billion children are out of school worldwide because of closures linked to coronavirus .
`` Many children depend on the care and nutrition they receive during school hours , including nearly 22 million children in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` No Kid Hungry is making resolute efforts to reach as many of those children as possible . ''
The singer 's Clara Lionel Foundation ( CLF ) has donated $ 5m ( £4.2m ) towards organisations in the US and around the world .
Funds will go towards food banks in America , protective equipment for frontline health workers , research to develop a vaccine , and work to accelerate testing and care in countries such as Haiti and Malawi .
In a statement , the foundation said : `` Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the first organisations to respond to some of the world 's most devastating natural disasters , and we 've seen firsthand the profound and unintended consequences of not being prepared .
`` That 's why Clara Lionel Foundation has provided $ 5 million to the following organisations to immediately mobilise a broad response working with on-the-ground partners that include Direct Relief , Feeding America , Partners in Health , The World Health Organization 's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund , the International Rescue Committee , and others . ''
The Hollywood couple have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for older people and low-income families .
In a post shared on Instagram , Deadpool star Reynolds said : `` COVID-19 has brutally impacted older adults and low income families .
`` Blake and I are donating $ 1 million to be split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada .
If you can give , these orgs need our help .
`` Take care of your bodies and hearts .
Leave room for joy .
Call someone who 's isolated and might need connection . ''
He then joked : `` Hugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reynolds has also said he will donate 30 % of the proceeds from his Aviation gin to bar staff until 1 May , to support those out of work .
The tennis star and his wife Mirka say they have donated 1 million Swiss francs ( £861,000 ) `` for the most vulnerable families '' in Switzerland .
Federer posted on social media to say : `` These are challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind .
`` er t The record-breaking 20-time Grand Slam winner underwent surgery on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return for grass-court tournaments in June .
However , the men 's tennis tour has since shut down due to the pandemic .
Federer says he and Mirka , also a tennis player , hope `` others might join in supporting more families in need '' .
The singer appears to have turned Fairy Godmother to fans affected by the pandemic , sending donations to those in need .
Several people have posted online to say they have received funds and private messages from Swift after posting about their struggles on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared a private message with a donation of $ 3,000 ( £2,470 ) , saying : `` Holly , you have always been there for me .
I want to be there for you right now .
I hope this helps .
Love , Taylor . ''
Swift sent $ 3,000 to another fan stressed about bills piling up during lockdown , who said : `` This beautiful magical unbelievable human .
I do n't even know where to begin . ''
The star has has also made donations to Feeding America and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as helping out Grimey 's record store in her home city of Nashville .
Co-owner Doyle Davis told Rolling Stone that Swift had paid for three months of the staff 's health insurance plan , and had also made undisclosed cash donations .
The former California governor and Hollywood actor has pledged $ 1m towards the coronavirus relief effort .
He shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign titled Frontline Responders Fund , which aims to raise $ 5m to buy medical supplies for hospitals .
`` I never believed in sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad things are , I always believed we should all do our part to make things better , '' Schwarzenegger said .
`` This is a simple way to protect our real action heroes on the front lines in our hospitals , and I 'm proud to be part of it .
I donated 1 million dollars , and I hope that all of you who can will step up to support these heroes . ''
The star has also posted a video of his donkeys , the other heroes of the Schwarzenegger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HAUS is donating a percentage of profits to support food banks .
`` In the midst of COVID-19 , it can be easy to feel powerless , '' the brand said in a statement .
`` We 've been thinking a lot about our community and responsibilities in this time of uncertainty .
Social distancing is one of the most important things we can do to control the spread of this virus and we encourage our community from across the world to participate if you can .
`` As another way to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our Los Angeles & New York City communities by donating 20 % of our profits from last week 's sales on Hauslabs.com to local food banks ( @ lafoodbank & @ foodbank4nyc ) in order to get food to those affected by the closing of schools and other places that offer this critical resource . ''
The Oscar-winner and her husband Brad Falchuk have reportedly donated $ 100,000 to help health workers .
In an Instagram post , the actress said she was supporting the Frontline Responders Fund .
`` Along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical need in the frontline fight against Covid is keeping our heroic medical teams healthy through full PPE gear which is in terribly short supply , '' Paltrow said .
`` If doctors and nurses and other hospital staff get sick they ca n't keep working to save the rest of us .
Access to the gear is available in enormous numbers .
But serious logistics are required to get it fast to US hospitals that urgently need it . ''
Paltrow starred as `` Patient 0 '' in the 2011 pandemic film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike in viewing figures during the outbreak - and referenced her role in a previous Instagram post showing herself wearing a mask .
The X-Men actor has donated £275,000 to the Masks For NHS Heroes campaign to provide protective equipment for staff , according to its founders .
As well as the donation , the Scottish star , 40 , made a video in support of the campaign .
`` NHS staff are heroes , '' he said .
`` We must do all that we can to protect them , support them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors have described a lack of personal protective equipment .
`` Caring for people with COVID-19 without access to proper masks , goggles , gowns and gloves puts themselves and others at risk .
`` That 's why I 'm supporting the efforts of four NHS doctors ... to plug this urgent gap ... .Thank you NHS . ''
In February , the pop star pledged to donate 200,000 RMB ( £23,500 ) to the Beijing Chunmiao Charity Foundation , a children 's charity in China , where the virus originated , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watching the news I could n't imagine how scary it would be if a new disease was effecting my wife and my family and friends , '' Bieber said on Instagram .
`` China we stand with you as a collective humanity and have made a donation to support .
Whether it be this or the fires of Australia we all need to be there for eachother .
Shout out to my friend @ kriswu for the conversation . ''
The fashion designer and her daughter , Allegra , have donated €200,000 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raffaele hospital in Milan .
Italy is among the countries hardest-hit by the outbreak , with thousands of deaths .
`` Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this disease and to all the doctors and medical staff who have been working heroically non-stop in the past weeks in the effort to take care of our loved ones , '' Versace wrote on Instagram .
`` This is when we , as a society , need to stand together and care for one another . ''
The Good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £125,000 ) to the No Kid Hungry charity in the US , saying her children had included their own money to top off the funds .
`` NKH has always been there for kids who need them , '' Bell posted on Instagram .
`` They work tirelessly to provide food for the hungry bellys all over this country .
`` I encourage anyone with the means to share to donate as well , any amount helps , so we can get through this together .
`` The reason the number is odd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me making the donation , they asked if they could also donate the money from thier piggy bank .
I couldnt have been prouder to add that extra , and important 7 dollars and 96 cents . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Stars including Ariana Grande , Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon have also pledged donations to a range of good causes throughout the pandemic .
And other celebrities are donating their time .
Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Enfield , north London , to prepare food parcels and other items for delivery to the more vulnerable members of the community .
`` I am here to help Age UK Enfield , Love Your DoorStep Enfield and of course you can donate food , money or be a volunteer , '' Mourinho said in a video posted by Love Your DoorStep 's Twitter account .
Stars including Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson , Idris Elba and Arsenal 's head coach Mikel Arteta , as well as Prince Charles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus around the world .

For every bored celebrity putting out a heartfelt or, um, hilarious home-alone video during lockdown, there's another star doing something to help.
Dozens of famous faces are donating to good causes as the coronavirus pandemic grows.
Here's how celebrities have been supporting charities and fundraising efforts.
Beyonce and Jack Dorsey
Beyonce and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey have donated $6m (£4.9m) to the coronavirus relief effort.
The money, which will go to frontline workers and those affected by the pandemic, will be shared out via Beyonce's BeyGood foundation and Dorsey's #StartSmall initiative.
Recipients include small community organisations as well as mental health services in New York City, Detroit, New Orleans and Houston, Beyonce's home city.
The pop queen recently performed from her home for the One World: Together charity concert, hosted by Lady Gaga.
During her appearance she warned of the disproportionate impact the virus was having on black Americans.
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George and Amal Clooney
Image: George and Amal Clooney have donated more than $1m (£803,000)
The Hollywood couple have pledged more than $1m (£803,000), with the money understood to be shared between six COVID-19 causes.
It is understood the NHS will get £242,000, and the relief effort in the Lombardy region of Italy, as well as the Lebanese Food Bank, will also receive a share of the cash.
Amal, 42, an internationally renowned human rights lawyer, was born in Lebanon.
George and Amal, who have a home in Berkshire, have also pledged £202,000 to both the Motion Picture and Television home, of which George is a board member, and to the US actors' union SAG-AFTRA Fund.
According to Deadline, the same amount went to the Los Angeles Mayor's Fund, which helps provide childcare for the city's emergency service and healthcare workers.
U2
The Irish rock band has donated 10 million euro (£8.7m) to buy personal protective equipment (PPE) for front line staff in Ireland.
The money is part of an initiative involving Irish aircraft leasing company Avolon, which is working with public and private firms to raise funds to buy PPE equipment from China, according to RTE.
The first consignment arrived at Dublin Airport in early April.
Angelina Jolie
The Hollywood actress and humanitarian has donated $1m (£843,000) to fight child hunger during the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
She has donated the cash to No Kid Hungry, which will provide meals for children from low-income families across the US while schools are closed.
Jolie, 44, said: "As of this week, over a billion children are out of school worldwide because of closures linked to coronavirus.
"Many children depend on the care and nutrition they receive during school hours, including nearly 22 million children in America who rely on food support.
"No Kid Hungry is making resolute efforts to reach as many of those children as possible."
Rihanna
The singer's Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) has donated $5m (£4.2m) towards organisations in the US and around the world.
Funds will go towards food banks in America, protective equipment for frontline health workers, research to develop a vaccine, and work to accelerate testing and care in countries such as Haiti and Malawi.
In a statement, the foundation said: "Over the past five years CLF has been one of the first organisations to respond to some of the world's most devastating natural disasters, and we've seen firsthand the profound and unintended consequences of not being prepared.
"That's why Clara Lionel Foundation has provided $5 million to the following organisations to immediately mobilise a broad response working with on-the-ground partners that include Direct Relief, Feeding America, Partners in Health, The World Health Organization's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, the International Rescue Committee, and others."
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
The Hollywood couple have donated $1m to help provide food for older people and low-income families.
In a post shared on Instagram, Deadpool star Reynolds said: "COVID-19 has brutally impacted older adults and low income families.
"Blake and I are donating $1 million to be split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. If you can give, these orgs need our help.
"Take care of your bodies and hearts. Leave room for joy. Call someone who's isolated and might need connection."
He then joked: "Hugh Jackman's # is 1-555-😥-HUGH."
Reynolds has also said he will donate 30% of the proceeds from his Aviation gin to bar staff until 1 May, to support those out of work.
Instagram Instagram , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Roger Federer
The tennis star and his wife Mirka say they have donated 1 million Swiss francs (£861,000) "for the most vulnerable families" in Switzerland.
Federer posted on social media to say: "These are challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind."er t
The record-breaking 20-time Grand Slam winner underwent surgery on his right knee five weeks ago and hoped to return for grass-court tournaments in June. However, the men's tennis tour has since shut down due to the pandemic.
Federer says he and Mirka, also a tennis player, hope "others might join in supporting more families in need".
Taylor Swift
The singer appears to have turned Fairy Godmother to fans affected by the pandemic, sending donations to those in need.
Several people have posted online to say they have received funds and private messages from Swift after posting about their struggles on social media.
Freelance music photographer Holly Turner shared a private message with a donation of $3,000 (£2,470), saying: "Holly, you have always been there for me. I want to be there for you right now. I hope this helps. Love, Taylor."
Swift sent $3,000 to another fan stressed about bills piling up during lockdown, who said: "This beautiful magical unbelievable human. I don't even know where to begin."
The star has has also made donations to Feeding America and the Solidarity Fund/World Health Organisation, as well as helping out Grimey's record store in her home city of Nashville.
Co-owner Doyle Davis told Rolling Stone that Swift had paid for three months of the staff's health insurance plan, and had also made undisclosed cash donations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Arnie and his donkeys are staying at home
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The former California governor and Hollywood actor has pledged $1m towards the coronavirus relief effort.
He shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign titled Frontline Responders Fund, which aims to raise $5m to buy medical supplies for hospitals.
"I never believed in sitting on the couch and complaining about how bad things are, I always believed we should all do our part to make things better," Schwarzenegger said.
"This is a simple way to protect our real action heroes on the front lines in our hospitals, and I'm proud to be part of it. I donated 1 million dollars, and I hope that all of you who can will step up to support these heroes."
The star has also posted a video of his donkeys, the other heroes of the Schwarzenegger household.
Lady Gaga
The singer's beauty brand HAUS is donating a percentage of profits to support food banks.
"In the midst of COVID-19, it can be easy to feel powerless," the brand said in a statement. "We've been thinking a lot about our community and responsibilities in this time of uncertainty. Social distancing is one of the most important things we can do to control the spread of this virus and we encourage our community from across the world to participate if you can.
"As another way to take action, HAUS will be giving back to our Los Angeles & New York City communities by donating 20% of our profits from last week's sales on Hauslabs.com to local food banks (@lafoodbank & @foodbank4nyc) in order to get food to those affected by the closing of schools and other places that offer this critical resource."
Gwyneth Paltrow
The Oscar-winner and her husband Brad Falchuk have reportedly donated $100,000 to help health workers.
In an Instagram post, the actress said she was supporting the Frontline Responders Fund.
"Along with ramping up testing, the single most critical need in the frontline fight against Covid is keeping our heroic medical teams healthy through full PPE gear which is in terribly short supply," Paltrow said.
"If doctors and nurses and other hospital staff get sick they can't keep working to save the rest of us. Access to the gear is available in enormous numbers. But serious logistics are required to get it fast to US hospitals that urgently need it."
Paltrow starred as "Patient 0" in the 2011 pandemic film Contagion - which has seen a huge spike in viewing figures during the outbreak - and referenced her role in a previous Instagram post showing herself wearing a mask.
Instagram Instagram , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
James McAvoy
The X-Men actor has donated £275,000 to the Masks For NHS Heroes campaign to provide protective equipment for staff, according to its founders.
As well as the donation, the Scottish star, 40, made a video in support of the campaign.
"NHS staff are heroes," he said. "We must do all that we can to protect them, support them and thank them.
"Nurses and doctors have described a lack of personal protective equipment.
"Caring for people with COVID-19 without access to proper masks, goggles, gowns and gloves puts themselves and others at risk.
"That's why I'm supporting the efforts of four NHS doctors... to plug this urgent gap....Thank you NHS."
Justin Bieber
In February, the pop star pledged to donate 200,000 RMB (£23,500) to the Beijing Chunmiao Charity Foundation, a children's charity in China, where the virus originated, to help with the relief efforts.
"Watching the news I couldn't imagine how scary it would be if a new disease was effecting my wife and my family and friends," Bieber said on Instagram.
"China we stand with you as a collective humanity and have made a donation to support. Whether it be this or the fires of Australia we all need to be there for eachother. Shout out to my friend @kriswu for the conversation."
Donatella Versace
The fashion designer and her daughter, Allegra, have donated €200,000 to the intensive care department at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan.
Italy is among the countries hardest-hit by the outbreak, with thousands of deaths.
"Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this disease and to all the doctors and medical staff who have been working heroically non-stop in the past weeks in the effort to take care of our loved ones," Versace wrote on Instagram.
"This is when we, as a society, need to stand together and care for one another."
Instagram Instagram , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Kristen Bell
The Good Place actress has donated $150,007.96 (£125,000) to the No Kid Hungry charity in the US, saying her children had included their own money to top off the funds.
"NKH has always been there for kids who need them," Bell posted on Instagram. "They work tirelessly to provide food for the hungry bellys all over this country.
"I encourage anyone with the means to share to donate as well, any amount helps, so we can get through this together.
"The reason the number is odd, is because when my kids overheard me making the donation, they asked if they could also donate the money from thier piggy bank. I couldnt have been prouder to add that extra, and important 7 dollars and 96 cents."
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Stars including Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon have also pledged donations to a range of good causes throughout the pandemic.
And other celebrities are donating their time.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho worked alongside Age UK and Love Your DoorStep in Enfield, north London, to prepare food parcels and other items for delivery to the more vulnerable members of the community.
"I am here to help Age UK Enfield, Love Your DoorStep Enfield and of course you can donate food, money or be a volunteer," Mourinho said in a video posted by Love Your DoorStep's Twitter account.
Sir Elton John organised a "living room" gig featuring stars including Billie Eilish and Mariah Carey to raise funds.
Stars including Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, Idris Elba and Arsenal's head coach Mikel Arteta, as well as Prince Charles, are among those who have tested positive for coronavirus around the world.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: 'Heartbroken' pregnant woman faces giving birth alone due to COVID-19

An expectant mother says she will have to give birth alone as social distancing measures force her to keep away from her family .
As the coronavirus continues to spread across the UK , the Royal College of Midwifery ( RCM ) is advising pregnant women to `` start thinking about alternative birth partners '' as those with symptoms will not be able to attend .
But Lauren Wildschut , who is 39 weeks pregnant , says she is facing up to the prospect of giving birth completely alone because her husband Joel , her parents and other close relatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
The 29-year-old , from Peterborough , told Sky News she was `` absolutely devastated '' by the prospect .
`` My husband is due to be my birthing partner and my parents are due to be looking after our four-year-old daughter when I go into labour , '' she said .
`` Based on the new lockdown rules , it is now looking extremely likely that I will now have to give birth alone without my husband as he will need to stay home with our daughter .
I am absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite stressful and now I have to deal with the prospect that I 'll be birthing on my own . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Pregnant women are among those being classed as vulnerable to COVID-19 , along with the elderly and people with health conditions .
The government has asked those groups to be particularly attentive to social distancing .
Mrs Wildschut and her family have been social distancing from her parents since last week because her father is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ railway industry .
`` My father is around people every day , so we are unsure if we want to take the risk of being exposed , '' she said .
`` My mother-in-law was going to be our back-up , but not only is she a key worker ( a carer ) , she also falls into the vulnerable category .
`` All of our close friends and family are either key workers or are vulnerable , and so it 's looking like I will have no other option than to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scary and heartbreaking , but obviously I have to put everybody 's health first as a priority . ''
Other countries including France have announced a nationwide ban on birthing partners during the pandemic , with the same measures currently in place in parts of New York - the centre of the US outbreak .
The RCM has said its own guidance may have to be reviewed as knowledge about the disease develops .
Birte Harlev-Lam , the executive director for professional leadership at the college , told Sky News : `` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or any symptoms , there should be no barriers to them being with you .
`` However , if they do have COVID-19 or symptoms of it , they wo n't be able to be at the birth .
`` This is for your and your baby 's safety , as well as that of the midwives and maternity staff . ''
She added : `` We know that this is a really worrying time for pregnant women and having the reassurance of their birth partner is more important than ever . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether expectant mothers are more vulnerable to the coronavirus , health and safety measures surrounding them during the COVID-19 pandemic have been based on the flu .
Women are at higher risk of complications from flu during pregnancy because they have a weaker immune system , making them less able to fight infections .
One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis - a chest infection that can develop into pneumonia .
However , guidelines published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists , Royal College of Midwives and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest COVID-19 can not be passed on during pregnancy .
Earlier this month it was reported that a newborn had become the youngest coronavirus patient in the UK , but it is thought that they contracted the disease after birth .
Pregnant women who are infected with the coronavirus are also not thought to be at increased risk of a miscarriage , according to the World Health Organisation .
But their guidance states that `` all recently pregnant women with COVID-19 or who have recovered from COVID-19 should be provided with information and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tips to prevent transmission .

An expectant mother says she will have to give birth alone as social distancing measures force her to keep away from her family.
As the coronavirus continues to spread across the UK, the Royal College of Midwifery (RCM) is advising pregnant women to "start thinking about alternative birth partners" as those with symptoms will not be able to attend.
But Lauren Wildschut, who is 39 weeks pregnant, says she is facing up to the prospect of giving birth completely alone because her husband Joel, her parents and other close relatives are all acutely impacted by the UK lockdown.
The 29-year-old, from Peterborough, told Sky News she was "absolutely devastated" by the prospect.
Image: Mrs Wildschut's husband Joel will look after their daughter Esme
"My husband is due to be my birthing partner and my parents are due to be looking after our four-year-old daughter when I go into labour," she said.
"Based on the new lockdown rules, it is now looking extremely likely that I will now have to give birth alone without my husband as he will need to stay home with our daughter. I am absolutely devastated.
"This pregnancy has been quite stressful and now I have to deal with the prospect that I'll be birthing on my own."
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Pregnant women are among those being classed as vulnerable to COVID-19, along with the elderly and people with health conditions.
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The government has asked those groups to be particularly attentive to social distancing.
Mrs Wildschut and her family have been social distancing from her parents since last week because her father is considered as a key worker in the railway industry.
"My father is around people every day, so we are unsure if we want to take the risk of being exposed," she said.
"My mother-in-law was going to be our back-up, but not only is she a key worker (a carer), she also falls into the vulnerable category.
"All of our close friends and family are either key workers or are vulnerable, and so it's looking like I will have no other option than to go it alone.
"It will be scary and heartbreaking, but obviously I have to put everybody's health first as a priority."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
Other countries including France have announced a nationwide ban on birthing partners during the pandemic, with the same measures currently in place in parts of New York - the centre of the US outbreak.
The RCM has said its own guidance may have to be reviewed as knowledge about the disease develops.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 Distressed mum-to-be issues virus warning
Birte Harlev-Lam, the executive director for professional leadership at the college, told Sky News: "If your birth partner does not have COVID-19 or any symptoms, there should be no barriers to them being with you.
"However, if they do have COVID-19 or symptoms of it, they won't be able to be at the birth.
"This is for your and your baby's safety, as well as that of the midwives and maternity staff."
She added: "We know that this is a really worrying time for pregnant women and having the reassurance of their birth partner is more important than ever."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Driving through London's empty streets
While experts are not certain as to whether expectant mothers are more vulnerable to the coronavirus, health and safety measures surrounding them during the COVID-19 pandemic have been based on the flu.
Women are at higher risk of complications from flu during pregnancy because they have a weaker immune system, making them less able to fight infections.
One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis - a chest infection that can develop into pneumonia.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Inside the UK's new coronavirus hospital
However, guidelines published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health suggest COVID-19 cannot be passed on during pregnancy.
Earlier this month it was reported that a newborn had become the youngest coronavirus patient in the UK, but it is thought that they contracted the disease after birth.
Pregnant women who are infected with the coronavirus are also not thought to be at increased risk of a miscarriage, according to the World Health Organisation.
But their guidance states that "all recently pregnant women with COVID-19 or who have recovered from COVID-19 should be provided with information and counselling on safe infant feeding", and tips to prevent transmission.


news--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: UK should have gone into lockdown 10 days ago, Italy's scientific adviser warns

The UK should have gone into lockdown 10 days ago and is now at risk of having a worse coronavirus infection rate than Italy , a World Health Organisation ( WHO ) expert has warned .
Walter Ricciardi , the Italian government 's scientific adviser , who called Italy 's lockdown , told Sky News that the UK had the benefit of seeing what happened in his home nation and should have learned lessons .
The Italian WHO representative compared recent images of packed trains on the London Underground with a football match in Milan last month , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in northern Italy .
`` When we scientists put the evidence on your table , you should take action , '' Mr Ricciardi said .
`` When you take the decision late you pay a price in sick people and in deaths . ''
Some 40,000 football fans travelled from Bergamo to San Siro stadium to watch Atalanta beat Valencia on 19 February .
That event is believed to have poured petrol on the coronavirus crisis in Bergamo in the region of Lombardy , now the epicentre of this pandemic .
Mr Ricciardi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some images of the London Tube or some mass gatherings that happened when we already had the impression that this was dangerous , this was a kind of example that could have been avoided .
`` Having had the example of Italy , the UK could have adopted its ( lockdown ) much earlier . ''
He said the delay in calling a lockdown in the UK - which was announced on Monday by Prime Minister Boris Johnson - could result in a higher infection rate than Italy .
Mr Ricciardi added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume until a COVID-19 vaccine is found and social distancing will have to be maintained .
It could be the summer before we travel again within Europe , he added .
Italy is now the worst-hit country by the coronavirus outbreak after more than 8,000 deaths .
The reasons behind the huge death rate in Italy are complex but largely thought to be down to the country 's population profile , the second oldest in the world .
The high concentration of cases in one area of northern Italy has also put pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cope with the number of dying and sick .
By delaying the decision to lockdown the UK , Mr Ricciardi said it makes it inevitable British people will have to endure these conditions for longer .
`` I think at least one month but I guess it could be even longer , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Conditions in Italy have tightened in the last week .
Exercise is more restricted and fines have increased to €3,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason and the right documents .
Mr Ricciardi says he hopes the lockdown will not follow the Wuhan model of three months , but he expects it will be weeks before there is any relief for Italians .
He is now advising the government to adopt South Korean-style tracking , using people 's mobile phones so they can monitor the movements and contact those who test positive .

The UK should have gone into lockdown 10 days ago and is now at risk of having a worse coronavirus infection rate than Italy, a World Health Organisation (WHO) expert has warned.
Walter Ricciardi, the Italian government's scientific adviser, who called Italy's lockdown, told Sky News that the UK had the benefit of seeing what happened in his home nation and should have learned lessons.
The Italian WHO representative compared recent images of packed trains on the London Underground with a football match in Milan last month, which is believed to have accelerated the COVID-19 outbreak in northern Italy.
Image: A packed train in London on Monday, when an Italian expert says the UK should have been locked down
"When we scientists put the evidence on your table, you should take action," Mr Ricciardi said.
"When you take the decision late you pay a price in sick people and in deaths."
Some 40,000 football fans travelled from Bergamo to San Siro stadium to watch Atalanta beat Valencia on 19 February.
That event is believed to have poured petrol on the coronavirus crisis in Bergamo in the region of Lombardy, now the epicentre of this pandemic.
Image: A football match between Atalanta and Valencia was blamed for helping spread the virus in Italy
Mr Ricciardi said: "When I looked at some images of the London Tube or some mass gatherings that happened when we already had the impression that this was dangerous, this was a kind of example that could have been avoided.
"Having had the example of Italy, the UK could have adopted its (lockdown) much earlier."
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He said the delay in calling a lockdown in the UK - which was announced on Monday by Prime Minister Boris Johnson - could result in a higher infection rate than Italy.
Mr Ricciardi added that normality as we know it will not resume until a COVID-19 vaccine is found and social distancing will have to be maintained.
It could be the summer before we travel again within Europe, he added.
Italy is now the worst-hit country by the coronavirus outbreak after more than 8,000 deaths.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:58 'It's a war, it's a disaster' - Lombardy hospital struggles to cope
The reasons behind the huge death rate in Italy are complex but largely thought to be down to the country's population profile, the second oldest in the world.
The high concentration of cases in one area of northern Italy has also put pressure on a healthcare system that struggled to cope with the number of dying and sick.
By delaying the decision to lockdown the UK, Mr Ricciardi said it makes it inevitable British people will have to endure these conditions for longer.
"I think at least one month but I guess it could be even longer," he said.
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Conditions in Italy have tightened in the last week. Exercise is more restricted and fines have increased to €3,000 for anyone found outside with a valid reason and the right documents.
Mr Ricciardi says he hopes the lockdown will not follow the Wuhan model of three months, but he expects it will be weeks before there is any relief for Italians.
He is now advising the government to adopt South Korean-style tracking, using people's mobile phones so they can monitor the movements and contact those who test positive.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Government unveils plan to tackle 'growing crisis' in care homes

The government has announced a package of measures to try and combat the spread of the coronavirus in care homes , amid fears of a `` growing crisis '' in social care .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said this includes increased testing of residents and staff and improved access to personal protective equipment through a supply network of `` unprecedented scale '' .
Fears are growing that hundreds of people are dying with COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , in care homes but not being included in daily government updates .
Britain 's biggest care home operator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its homes have been affected and more than 300 people have died in them .
Care England said there have been thousands of cases and deaths in the homes it represents .
Tests have now been pledged to all who need them in care homes - including staff and residents - with the Care Quality Commission charged with coordinating who will get them and when .
Currently the government 's daily deaths update only includes patients who die after testing positive for the virus in hospital .
In its latest update on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 761 patients with COVID-19 have died in UK hospitals , taking the total to 12,868 .
The health secretary also said that ministers were making `` crystal clear '' that it is unacceptable for advanced care plans - including do-not-resuscitate orders - to be applied in a blanket manner to any group of people .
In the Q & A at the briefing , the health secretary was asked by Sky 's Nick Martin about reports that care homes are getting `` pushback '' from hospitals regarding admitting residents - and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly .
Mr Hancock said Sky 's reporting had `` shined a light on an area that often does n't get enough attention '' , and added : `` The decision to admit somebody into hospital must be a clinical decision based on individual circumstances , not a blanket rule .
`` On the discharge , of course the best place for people who clinically are able to be discharged is to get them home .
`` So of course there 's a policy that when people are clinically ready for discharge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's the nature of hospitals .
`` But it 's got to be made on that individual , clinical diagnosis of what 's best for that individual patient . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker England 's deputy chief scientific adviser Dame Angela McLean said there was a `` huge question '' about how to protect care homes where there have not yet been cases of COVID-19 .
Meanwhile , Mr Hancock said that families with loved ones dying with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final goodbye to their relatives .
The heath secretary announced `` new procedures '' so that `` wherever possible '' close relatives will be given the `` chance to say goodbye '' to loved ones dying with COVID-19 .
He said `` wanting to be with someone you love at the end of their life is one of the deepest human instincts '' , adding that he wept at reports of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab , from Brixton , south London , dying without a parent at his bedside .
His funeral went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of them developed symptoms .
In a message to Sky News , Ismail 's older sister said : `` I 'm happy they are going to try and facilitate for families to say goodbye .
I think with everything happening so fast it 's hard to accept reality , especially when you do n't see them during their last moments . ''
Mr Hancock also announced a `` single brand '' with a badge for care workers , which he said may help them access similar perks to NHS staff .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honour in a very real sense , allowing social care staff proudly and publicly to identify themselves , just like NHS staff do with that famous blue and white logo , '' the health secretary said .
`` I know that many businesses will want to offer the same recognition and benefits as they do wonderfully to the NHS . ''
As he spoke the health secretary pointed to a green and white badge spelling out `` Care '' , but it appears to be a badge that was launched last year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GMB union , said : `` Our care workers need more than a badge and a pat on their head to define their precious role in society .
`` They need the protective equipment and testing on the front line now to protect their lives . ''
Labour 's shadow minister for social care , Liz Kendall , said : `` For millions of elderly and disabled people and their families , actions will speak louder than words . ''
Cllr Ian Hudspeth , chairman of the Local Government Association 's community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector was playing a `` vital role '' in the outbreak , with staff facing `` huge '' every day .
He added that current arrangements for accessing PPE were `` not fit for purpose '' and said councils will need `` access to additional resources to ensure they can continue to support care providers to deliver care and support to older and disabled people in the coming weeks '' .
One of the criticisms of government in recent weeks has been around the level of testing - but the health secretary said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS staff across the board '' as of last weekend .
He added : `` We have started also testing social care staff , 4,100 social care staff have already been referred for tests . ''
The government said testing capacity now stands at 19,000 people a day , but only 14,982 tests were carried out in the 24 hours up to 9am on Tuesday .
This falls short of a target to reach 25,000 tests a day by the middle of this month , which the health secretary was questioned about at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this deadline existed and said it was originally set for the end of the month before being superseded by the new 100,000 target - despite the 25,000 target being mentioned in one of his own department 's press releases .
Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , told the same briefing that the COVID-19 death toll may rise later this week , but he thinks the UK is `` probably '' reaching the peak of the outbreak .

The government has announced a package of measures to try and combat the spread of the coronavirus in care homes, amid fears of a "growing crisis" in social care.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said this includes increased testing of residents and staff and improved access to personal protective equipment through a supply network of "unprecedented scale".
Fears are growing that hundreds of people are dying with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in care homes but not being included in daily government updates.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 Lack of testing puts the 'vulnerable at risk'
Britain's biggest care home operator, C-One, has revealed that two-thirds of its homes have been affected and more than 300 people have died in them.
Care England said there have been thousands of cases and deaths in the homes it represents.
Tests have now been pledged to all who need them in care homes - including staff and residents - with the Care Quality Commission charged with coordinating who will get them and when.
Currently the government's daily deaths update only includes patients who die after testing positive for the virus in hospital.
In its latest update on Wednesday, the Department of Health said another 761 patients with COVID-19 have died in UK hospitals, taking the total to 12,868.
The health secretary also said that ministers were making "crystal clear" that it is unacceptable for advanced care plans - including do-not-resuscitate orders - to be applied in a blanket manner to any group of people.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:48 Care home staff too scared to work
In the Q&A at the briefing, the health secretary was asked by Sky's Nick Martin about reports that care homes are getting "pushback" from hospitals regarding admitting residents - and a subsequent eagerness to discharge them from hospital quickly.
Mr Hancock said Sky's reporting had "shined a light on an area that often doesn't get enough attention", and added: "The decision to admit somebody into hospital must be a clinical decision based on individual circumstances, not a blanket rule.
"On the discharge, of course the best place for people who clinically are able to be discharged is to get them home.
"So of course there's a policy that when people are clinically ready for discharge, that they should be discharged, that's the nature of hospitals.
"But it's got to be made on that individual, clinical diagnosis of what's best for that individual patient."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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England's deputy chief scientific adviser Dame Angela McLean said there was a "huge question" about how to protect care homes where there have not yet been cases of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Mr Hancock said that families with loved ones dying with the coronavirus should be allowed to say a final goodbye to their relatives.
The heath secretary announced "new procedures" so that "wherever possible" close relatives will be given the "chance to say goodbye" to loved ones dying with COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:07 Funeral director on handling COVID-19 crisis
He said "wanting to be with someone you love at the end of their life is one of the deepest human instincts", adding that he wept at reports of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from Brixton, south London, dying without a parent at his bedside.
His funeral went ahead without his mother and siblings after two of them developed symptoms.
In a message to Sky News, Ismail's older sister said: "I'm happy they are going to try and facilitate for families to say goodbye. I think with everything happening so fast it's hard to accept reality, especially when you don't see them during their last moments."
Mr Hancock also announced a "single brand" with a badge for care workers, which he said may help them access similar perks to NHS staff.
"This badge will be a badge of honour in a very real sense, allowing social care staff proudly and publicly to identify themselves, just like NHS staff do with that famous blue and white logo," the health secretary said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:28 What lessons can we learn from South Korea?
"I know that many businesses will want to offer the same recognition and benefits as they do wonderfully to the NHS."
As he spoke the health secretary pointed to a green and white badge spelling out "Care", but it appears to be a badge that was launched last year.
And Rehana Azam, national officer of the GMB union, said: "Our care workers need more than a badge and a pat on their head to define their precious role in society.
"They need the protective equipment and testing on the front line now to protect their lives."
Labour's shadow minister for social care, Liz Kendall, said: "For millions of elderly and disabled people and their families, actions will speak louder than words."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Only 2% of businesses getting emergency loans
Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association's community wellbeing board, said the social care sector was playing a "vital role" in the outbreak, with staff facing "huge" every day.
He added that current arrangements for accessing PPE were "not fit for purpose" and said councils will need "access to additional resources to ensure they can continue to support care providers to deliver care and support to older and disabled people in the coming weeks".
One of the criticisms of government in recent weeks has been around the level of testing - but the health secretary said the UK is now "testing regularly NHS staff across the board" as of last weekend.
He added: "We have started also testing social care staff, 4,100 social care staff have already been referred for tests."
The government said testing capacity now stands at 19,000 people a day, but only 14,982 tests were carried out in the 24 hours up to 9am on Tuesday.
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This falls short of a target to reach 25,000 tests a day by the middle of this month, which the health secretary was questioned about at the news conference.
Mr Hancock denied this deadline existed and said it was originally set for the end of the month before being superseded by the new 100,000 target - despite the 25,000 target being mentioned in one of his own department's press releases.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, told the same briefing that the COVID-19 death toll may rise later this week, but he thinks the UK is "probably" reaching the peak of the outbreak.