news--2020-03-30--Coronavirus: Elderly couple stuck on virus-hit cruise ship 'just want fresh air'

An elderly couple from Northamptonshire has issued a plea `` just to get some fresh air '' after spending the past nine days stuck in a cramped cabin on a coronavirus-infected cruise ship .
Jenni and Tony Wills , aged 74 and 80 , have run out of toothpaste , are running low on toilet paper and only received a change of bed sheets on Sunday after a 10-day wait .
`` It has been pretty tough so far , '' Mrs Wills said in a video message shared with Sky News from aboard the Zaandam cruise liner off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only half an hour 's fresh air in 10 days , that is the thing that is killing us all , just to get some fresh air . ''
She is among more than 1,200 passengers , including around 225 Britons , split between the Zaandam and its sister ship the Rotterdam after four patients on the Zaandam died .
The cause of death has not been made public , but two others tested positive for COVID-19 .
Both vessels have spent the past few days in limbo , with their final destination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did not want the Zaandam `` docking in my community '' .
Over the weekend , hundreds of guests were transferred from the Zaandam to the Rotterdam after passing temperature checks .
Mr and Mrs Wills , who live in the village of Earls Barton , say they had been made to believe they would be among those moved .
The couple had already packed their bags , but Mrs Wills ' mention she had suffered a mild cold over a week ago appears to be the reason they have remained on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers and crew have flu-like symptoms .
In a positive step , Holland America Line - which operates the ships - announced on Sunday night the Panamanian government had finally granted permission to both ships to pass through the Panama Canal towards Florida , where they hope to dock .
Permission had initially been denied because of health concerns .
`` We know this has been a bumpy road and a bumpy ride but you guys have been great in terms of being supportive of the crew , being supportive of one another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the company , in a video posted on its Facebook page .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He said the vessels `` can make our way through the canal and work our way towards the next part of our journey , which is getting you to a place where you can make your way home '' .
Mr Ashford did not specify where on the US coast the Zaandam and the Rotterdam would be allowed to come alongside .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head to Fort Lauderdale but its mayor , Dean Trantalis , said over the weekend he found this to be `` deeply troubling '' and suggested the vessel should instead go to a Navy base elsewhere on the eastern seaboard .
`` Until I am fully briefed by the Trump administration and am comfortable with their plans , I can not support the Zaandam docking in my community , '' he said .
The elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Wills has been closely tracking her parents ' plight .
They have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they caught the cruise ship from Argentina .
`` My father has regular medication , '' said Beccie Atkinson , 49 , from Wandsworth , London .
`` They did manage to send him some generic tablets . ''
However , she said her parents feel as though they are not receiving clear information from the captain of the ship .
Unable to leave the cabin , the couple 's meals are left outside their door , though the food is not particularly appetising , the daughter said .
There is also little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditioning has made their eyes dry , which makes reading difficult .
They have run out of paper to do puzzles on and only one of their two pens work .
`` They have dice and try to play Yahtzee , '' Mrs Atkinson said .
Also , friends they had made in nearby cabins have transferred to the Rotterdam so they no longer have anyone to speak to - other than the odd phone call home .
`` It is like they are on a desert island , '' Mrs Atkinson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very stiff-upper-lip people generally and morale has been good .
Of course they have not laughed it off , but they have been very accepting , '' she said .
`` I think suddenly the realisation that [ they ] have been a week without any fresh air and without any sign of getting fresh air… Repatriation and everything else , that seems the least of their worries .
`` In terms of the here and the now , [ they ] want to be able to speak to people , [ they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want air . ''

An elderly couple from Northamptonshire has issued a plea "just to get some fresh air" after spending the past nine days stuck in a cramped cabin on a coronavirus-infected cruise ship.
Jenni and Tony Wills, aged 74 and 80, have run out of toothpaste, are running low on toilet paper and only received a change of bed sheets on Sunday after a 10-day wait.
"It has been pretty tough so far," Mrs Wills said in a video message shared with Sky News from aboard the Zaandam cruise liner off the coast of Panama.
Image: The couple inside their cabin
"To have only half an hour's fresh air in 10 days, that is the thing that is killing us all, just to get some fresh air."
She is among more than 1,200 passengers, including around 225 Britons, split between the Zaandam and its sister ship the Rotterdam after four patients on the Zaandam died.
The cause of death has not been made public, but two others tested positive for COVID-19.
Both vessels have spent the past few days in limbo, with their final destination in doubt after a Florida mayor suggested he did not want the Zaandam "docking in my community".
Over the weekend, hundreds of guests were transferred from the Zaandam to the Rotterdam after passing temperature checks.
Mr and Mrs Wills, who live in the village of Earls Barton, say they had been made to believe they would be among those moved.
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Image: Jenni and Tony Wills aboard the Zaandam
The couple had already packed their bags, but Mrs Wills' mention she had suffered a mild cold over a week ago appears to be the reason they have remained on the Zaandam, where at least 130 passengers and crew have flu-like symptoms.
In a positive step, Holland America Line - which operates the ships - announced on Sunday night the Panamanian government had finally granted permission to both ships to pass through the Panama Canal towards Florida, where they hope to dock.
Permission had initially been denied because of health concerns.
"We know this has been a bumpy road and a bumpy ride but you guys have been great in terms of being supportive of the crew, being supportive of one another," said Orlando Ashford, president of the company, in a video posted on its Facebook page.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He said the vessels "can make our way through the canal and work our way towards the next part of our journey, which is getting you to a place where you can make your way home".
Mr Ashford did not specify where on the US coast the Zaandam and the Rotterdam would be allowed to come alongside.
The plan had been for the Zaandam to head to Fort Lauderdale but its mayor, Dean Trantalis, said over the weekend he found this to be "deeply troubling" and suggested the vessel should instead go to a Navy base elsewhere on the eastern seaboard.
"Until I am fully briefed by the Trump administration and am comfortable with their plans, I cannot support the Zaandam docking in my community," he said.
Image: The couple say they have barely had any fresh air in a week
The elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Wills has been closely tracking her parents' plight.
They have been at sea since 7 March, where they caught the cruise ship from Argentina.
"My father has regular medication," said Beccie Atkinson, 49, from Wandsworth, London. "They did manage to send him some generic tablets."
However, she said her parents feel as though they are not receiving clear information from the captain of the ship.
Unable to leave the cabin, the couple's meals are left outside their door, though the food is not particularly appetising, the daughter said.
Image: One of the meals provided to Jenni and Tony Wills
There is also little to keep them occupied. The air conditioning has made their eyes dry, which makes reading difficult. They have run out of paper to do puzzles on and only one of their two pens work.
"They have dice and try to play Yahtzee," Mrs Atkinson said.
Also, friends they had made in nearby cabins have transferred to the Rotterdam so they no longer have anyone to speak to - other than the odd phone call home.
"It is like they are on a desert island," Mrs Atkinson said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:09 Will the lockdown really save more lives?
"They are very stoic, very stiff-upper-lip people generally and morale has been good. Of course they have not laughed it off, but they have been very accepting," she said.
"I think suddenly the realisation that [they] have been a week without any fresh air and without any sign of getting fresh air… Repatriation and everything else, that seems the least of their worries.
"In terms of the here and the now, [they] want to be able to speak to people, [they] want information and [they] want air."


news--2020-03-29--Coronavirus: Grammy-winning country music star Joe Diffie dies after contracting COVID-19

Grammy-winning country music star Joe Diffie has died two days after revealing he had contracted coronavirus .
The 61-year-old had a string of hits in the US in the 1990s and had two albums that went platinum .
On Friday , he announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 - the first country music star to go public with such a diagnosis .
Diffie 's publicist Scott Adkins said the singer , from Tulsa , Oklahoma , died on Sunday due to complications from the virus .
The US has the most coronavirus cases in the world , with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
More than 2,400 people who have contracted COVID-19 have died in the US .
Diffe 's hits included Honky Tonk Attitude , Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox ( If I Die ) , Bigger Than The Beatles and If The Devil Danced ( In Empty Pockets ) .
His mid-90s albums Honky Tonk Attitude and Third Rock From The Sun went platinum .
A total of 18 of Diffie 's singles landed in the top 10 in the US country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one .
Diffie won a Grammy Award in 1999 for best country collaboration for the song Same Old Train with Merle Haggard , Marty Stuart and others .
His last solo album was 2010 's The Bluegrass Album : Homecoming .
Diffie is survived by his wife , Theresa Crump , and five children from his four marriages .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

Grammy-winning country music star Joe Diffie has died two days after revealing he had contracted coronavirus.
The 61-year-old had a string of hits in the US in the 1990s and had two albums that went platinum.
On Friday, he announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 - the first country music star to go public with such a diagnosis.
Image: Diffie pictured attending the 2019 Country Music Awards
Diffie's publicist Scott Adkins said the singer, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, died on Sunday due to complications from the virus.
The US has the most coronavirus cases in the world, with more than 136,000 suspected and confirmed infections, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.
More than 2,400 people who have contracted COVID-19 have died in the US.
Diffe's hits included Honky Tonk Attitude, Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox (If I Die), Bigger Than The Beatles and If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets).
Image: Diffie won a Grammy Award in 1999
His mid-90s albums Honky Tonk Attitude and Third Rock From The Sun went platinum.
A total of 18 of Diffie's singles landed in the top 10 in the US country charts, with five going to number one.
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Diffie won a Grammy Award in 1999 for best country collaboration for the song Same Old Train with Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart and others.
His last solo album was 2010's The Bluegrass Album: Homecoming.
Diffie is survived by his wife, Theresa Crump, and five children from his four marriages.
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news--2020-03-29--Coronavirus: I Love Rock 'n' Roll songwriter Alan Merrill dies after contracting COVID-19

Alan Merrill , the co-writer and original singer of the much-covered hit I Love Rock ' n ' Roll , has died after contracting coronavirus .
Joan Jett , who made the song famous , is among those paying tribute after the US musician 's death was confirmed by daughter Laura on social media .
Merrill , 69 , is the second death in the music world due to COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , announced in the past 24 hours .
Grammy-winning country music star Joe Diffie , 61 , also died on Sunday , while folk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grammy lifetime achievement award just a few months ago , is critically ill and being treated for coronavirus symptoms , his family have said .
Posting on Facebook about her father 's death , Laura Merrill said she had woken up `` normally '' on Saturday `` with the world at my feet and now today I lay here empty '' .
She continued : `` The coronavirus took my father this morning .
I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out . ''
Ms Merrill said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'cold ' he thought he had '' and warned people to take the disease seriously .
`` If anything can come of this I beg of you to take this seriously .
Money does n't matter .
People are dying .
`` You do n't think It 'll happen to you or your strong family .
It has .
`` Stay home if not for you ... for others .
For my dad .
This thing is real . ''
Ms Merrill described her father as `` the greatest love of my life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to hug anyone `` because I 've been exposed and need to self quarantine for two weeks ... .alone '' .
Merrill was born in New York and grew up in Switzerland , Los Angeles and Japan before starting his music career in New York .
I Love Rock ' n ' Roll was written by Merrill and Jake Hooker and performed by their band , Arrows , in 1975 .
It became a global hit when it was covered by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 1982 , and went on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artists including Britney Spears , Five and `` Weird Al '' Yankovic .
A parody version for charity , I Love Sausage Rolls , by LadBaby , became Christmas number one in the UK just last year .
Paying tribute on Twitter , Jett said : `` I can still remember watching The Arrows on TV in London and being blown away by the song that screamed hit to me .
`` With deep gratitude and sadness , wishing him a safe journey to the other side . ''
Diffie 's death was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said he died due to complications from the virus .
The 61-year-old , from Tulsa , Oklahoma , had a string of hits in the US in the 1990s , including Honky Tonk Attitude , Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox ( If I Die ) , Bigger Than The Beatles and If The Devil Danced ( In Empty Pockets ) , and had two albums that went platinum .
He won a Grammy in 1999 for best country collaboration for the song Same Old Train with Merle Haggard , Marty Stuart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife , Theresa Crump , and five children from his four marriages .
The US has the most coronavirus cases in the world , with more than 136,000 suspected and confirmed infections , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
More than 2,400 people who have contracted COVID-19 have died in the US .

Alan Merrill, the co-writer and original singer of the much-covered hit I Love Rock 'n' Roll, has died after contracting coronavirus.
Joan Jett, who made the song famous, is among those paying tribute after the US musician's death was confirmed by daughter Laura on social media.
Merrill, 69, is the second death in the music world due to COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, announced in the past 24 hours.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Grammy-winning country music star Joe Diffie, 61, also died on Sunday, while folk singer-songwriter John Prine, who received a Grammy lifetime achievement award just a few months ago, is critically ill and being treated for coronavirus symptoms, his family have said.
Posting on Facebook about her father's death, Laura Merrill said she had woken up "normally" on Saturday "with the world at my feet and now today I lay here empty".
She continued: "The coronavirus took my father this morning. I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out."
Ms Merrill said her father had "played down the 'cold' he thought he had" and warned people to take the disease seriously.
"If anything can come of this I beg of you to take this seriously. Money doesn't matter. People are dying.
"You don't think It'll happen to you or your strong family. It has.
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"Stay home if not for you...for others. For my dad. This thing is real."
Image: Singer John Prine is also critically ill with coronavirus symptoms
Ms Merrill described her father as "the greatest love of my life" and said she would not be able to hug anyone "because I've been exposed and need to self quarantine for two weeks....alone".
Merrill was born in New York and grew up in Switzerland, Los Angeles and Japan before starting his music career in New York.
I Love Rock 'n' Roll was written by Merrill and Jake Hooker and performed by their band, Arrows, in 1975. It became a global hit when it was covered by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 1982, and went on to be performed by a range of artists including Britney Spears, Five and "Weird Al" Yankovic.
A parody version for charity, I Love Sausage Rolls, by LadBaby, became Christmas number one in the UK just last year.
Paying tribute on Twitter, Jett said: "I can still remember watching The Arrows on TV in London and being blown away by the song that screamed hit to me.
"With deep gratitude and sadness, wishing him a safe journey to the other side."
Image: Joe Diffie had a string of hits in the US in the 1990s
Diffie's death was confirmed by his publicist Scott Adkins, who said he died due to complications from the virus.
The 61-year-old, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, had a string of hits in the US in the 1990s, including Honky Tonk Attitude, Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox (If I Die), Bigger Than The Beatles and If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets), and had two albums that went platinum.
He won a Grammy in 1999 for best country collaboration for the song Same Old Train with Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart and others.
Diffie is survived by his wife, Theresa Crump, and five children from his four marriages.
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
The US has the most coronavirus cases in the world, with more than 136,000 suspected and confirmed infections, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.
More than 2,400 people who have contracted COVID-19 have died in the US.


news--2020-03-29--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson reveals 20,000 ex-NHS staff have returned to help fight COVID-19

Boris Johnson has revealed 20,000 ex-staff have returned to the NHS to help fight coronavirus after Britons were warned restrictions on their lives may last for at least six months .
The prime minister , who is holed up in Number 11 after being diagnosed with COVID-19 , said in a video message that the UK will get through the crisis `` together '' , as he praised the 750,000 volunteers who have offered to assist the health service .
His remarks came after England 's deputy chief medical officer , Dr Jenny Harries , said it could be six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to normal from the pandemic .
In a two-and-a-half minute message , Mr Johnson said `` we have 20,000 NHS staff coming back to the colours - doctors and nurses - it 's a most amazing thing '' .
He also chose to contradict former Tory prime minister Margaret Thatcher 's infamous quote that `` there is no such thing as society '' .
`` We are going to do it , we are going to do it together , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` One thing I think the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really is such a thing as society . ''
The PM thanked the 750,000 civilian volunteers who have come forward to help during the crisis , and pharmacists for `` not only dispensing vital medicines but also , very often , reassurance to the customers they interact with '' .
At the daily Downing Street briefing on Sunday , Dr Harries said lockdown measures could be in place for months and would be lifted gradually before regular life resumes fully .
She said the nationwide restrictions would be reviewed every three weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of the social distancing measures and gradually get us all back to normal , '' Dr Harries said .
Dr Harries also cautioned that patience is needed before the lockdown , which has only fully been in place for a week , has an impact on the number of new infections .
`` It would be foolish of us to start something one day and assume it 's going to have an impact the next , '' she said .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus - taking the total to 1,235 .
Dr Amged El-Hawrani became the first frontline hospital worker in the UK to die after contracting coronavirus .
Housing , Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick warned additional lockdown measures could be enforced if current restrictions are deemed to be insufficient , or if Britons fail to comply with them .
He said teams are working `` around the clock '' to deliver equipment to frontline NHS staff - with 170 million masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of eye protectors delivered to 58,000 healthcare facilities so far .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky News that the length of the lockdown is not fixed but depends on the behaviour of the public .
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday , he refused to give a time limit for the restrictions - but said the period could be shortened if people follow the government 's guidelines .
`` There are different projections as to how long the lockdown might last .
But it 's not the case that the length @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely fixed , '' he added .
Mr Gove later said the public must prepare for `` a significant period '' of lockdown in a separate interview to the BBC .
The prime minister is currently self-isolating in his Westminster flat after testing positive for COVID-19 .
He is understood to be experiencing only mild symptoms and is working from home .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England 's national medical director Professor Stephen Powis has said it would be a `` good result '' if the coronavirus death toll in the UK was less than 20,000 .

Boris Johnson has revealed 20,000 ex-staff have returned to the NHS to help fight coronavirus after Britons were warned restrictions on their lives may last for at least six months.
The prime minister, who is holed up in Number 11 after being diagnosed with COVID-19, said in a video message that the UK will get through the crisis "together", as he praised the 750,000 volunteers who have offered to assist the health service.
His remarks came after England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, said it could be six months or more before the UK gets back to normal from the pandemic.
Image: Dr Jenny Harries was speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing
In a two-and-a-half minute message, Mr Johnson said "we have 20,000 NHS staff coming back to the colours - doctors and nurses - it's a most amazing thing".
He also chose to contradict former Tory prime minister Margaret Thatcher's infamous quote that "there is no such thing as society".
"We are going to do it, we are going to do it together," Mr Johnson said.
"One thing I think the coronavirus crisis has already proved is that there really is such a thing as society."
The PM thanked the 750,000 civilian volunteers who have come forward to help during the crisis, and pharmacists for "not only dispensing vital medicines but also, very often, reassurance to the customers they interact with".
At the daily Downing Street briefing on Sunday, Dr Harries said lockdown measures could be in place for months and would be lifted gradually before regular life resumes fully.
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She said the nationwide restrictions would be reviewed every three weeks.
Image: Police at a vehicle checkpoint in York
"We need to keep that lid on and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of the social distancing measures and gradually get us all back to normal," Dr Harries said.
Dr Harries also cautioned that patience is needed before the lockdown, which has only fully been in place for a week, has an impact on the number of new infections.
"It would be foolish of us to start something one day and assume it's going to have an impact the next," she said.
It was confirmed on Sunday that another 207 people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus - taking the total to 1,235.
Dr Amged El-Hawrani became the first frontline hospital worker in the UK to die after contracting coronavirus.
Image: Amged El-Hawrani was an ear, nose and throat specialist at Queen's Hospital Burton
Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick warned additional lockdown measures could be enforced if current restrictions are deemed to be insufficient, or if Britons fail to comply with them.
He said teams are working "around the clock" to deliver equipment to frontline NHS staff - with 170 million masks, 42.8 million gloves and 2.3 million pairs of eye protectors delivered to 58,000 healthcare facilities so far.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 COVID-19: How does coronavirus quarantine work?
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky News that the length of the lockdown is not fixed but depends on the behaviour of the public.
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, he refused to give a time limit for the restrictions - but said the period could be shortened if people follow the government's guidelines.
"There are different projections as to how long the lockdown might last. But it's not the case that the length of the lockdown is something that is absolutely fixed," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'The situation will get worse before it gets better'
Mr Gove later said the public must prepare for "a significant period" of lockdown in a separate interview to the BBC.
The prime minister is currently self-isolating in his Westminster flat after testing positive for COVID-19. He is understood to be experiencing only mild symptoms and is working from home.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack are also in self-isolation with COVID-19 symptoms.
NHS England's national medical director Professor Stephen Powis has said it would be a "good result" if the coronavirus death toll in the UK was less than 20,000.


news--2020-03-30--Coronavirus: NHS England boss says over 9,000 people with COVID-19 being treated in hospital

More than 9,000 people who have coronavirus are now being treated in hospitals across England .
NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens admitted the number is `` only going to increase '' in his latest update that confirmed a rise of at least 2,800 patients since Friday .
On a visit to the temporary NHS Nightingale Hospital being set up in London 's ExCel centre , he tried to reassure the public that `` mass mobilisation '' to create more such buildings will increase the number of patients with coronavirus that can be treated .
`` This has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of nurses and doctors and therapists and pharmacists across London , but also volunteers and paramedics and people returning to help , '' he said on Monday .
`` And when these services are needed , they will be available beginning later this week , and because this is a global health emergency we 're actually seeing similar types of hospitals being established in Berlin and Madrid and New York . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker So far , 1,415 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had coronavirus - a rise of 180 in the 24 hours up to 5pm on Sunday .
The country is entering its second week of lockdown , as the government urges people to stay at home to stop the virus spreading .
Sir Simon used his hospital visit to promise the number of COVID-19 tests for NHS staff will be doubled by the end of this week .
Around 800 samples were processed over the weekend .
The tests are being offered first to critical care nurses , A & E staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being rolled out to `` a much wider group of NHS staff over the coming days and weeks '' .
Sir Simon tried to assuage medics ' concerns about a reported lack of personal protective equipment - such as masks and gloves to stop them getting ill when treating patients with coronavirus .
He said the government is `` pulling out all the stops '' to deliver enough equipment to hospitals but cautioned it was a `` huge logistics exercise '' .
`` The army have been brilliant in helping , '' he @ @

More than 9,000 people who have coronavirus are now being treated in hospitals across England.
NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens admitted the number is "only going to increase" in his latest update that confirmed a rise of at least 2,800 patients since Friday.
On a visit to the temporary NHS Nightingale Hospital being set up in London's ExCel centre, he tried to reassure the public that "mass mobilisation" to create more such buildings will increase the number of patients with coronavirus that can be treated.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 A first glimpse inside NHS Nightingale
"This has been an extraordinary team effort on the part of nurses and doctors and therapists and pharmacists across London, but also volunteers and paramedics and people returning to help," he said on Monday.
"And when these services are needed, they will be available beginning later this week, and because this is a global health emergency we're actually seeing similar types of hospitals being established in Berlin and Madrid and New York."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
So far, 1,415 people in the UK have died who had coronavirus - a rise of 180 in the 24 hours up to 5pm on Sunday.
The country is entering its second week of lockdown, as the government urges people to stay at home to stop the virus spreading.
Image: Sir Simon said delivering PPE to hospitals was a 'huge logistics exercise'
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'The situation will get worse before it gets better'
Sir Simon used his hospital visit to promise the number of COVID-19 tests for NHS staff will be doubled by the end of this week.
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Around 800 samples were processed over the weekend.
The tests are being offered first to critical care nurses, A&E staff and ambulance personnel, he said, before being rolled out to "a much wider group of NHS staff over the coming days and weeks".
Sir Simon tried to assuage medics' concerns about a reported lack of personal protective equipment - such as masks and gloves to stop them getting ill when treating patients with coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Police seek hospital hand sanitiser thief
He said the government is "pulling out all the stops" to deliver enough equipment to hospitals but cautioned it was a "huge logistics exercise".
"The army have been brilliant in helping," he added.


news--2020-03-30--Coronavirus: 'I can do whatever I want' - man fined for flouting lockdown rules outside Tesco

A man has been fined £500 after refusing to obey strict coronavirus lockdown measures , telling police `` I can do whatever I want '' .
Officers were called to reports of a man acting in an antisocial manner and approaching people queuing outside a Tesco in Stalybridge , Greater Manchester , on Saturday afternoon .
• You should only go outside for food , health reasons or work ( if you can not work from home ) • If you go out , stay 2 metres ( 6ft ) away from other people at all times • Wash your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Do not meet others , even friends or family After offering no reasonable explanation as to why he was out in public during the COVID-19 lockdown , Steven Mackie , 53 - who is unemployed - was driven to his home in Stamford Street in a police van , Stockport Magistrates ' Court heard .
Prosecutors said he began kicking and punching the inside of the vehicle , telling officers he was going to return to Tesco `` no matter what they said '' , adding `` I 'll see you there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept his promise and went back to the supermarket within 15 minutes of the first incident , where he once again refused to stick to the rule to keep two metres away from people in public , telling police `` I can do what I want '' .
Mackie was taken to a police station , where he said : `` I was six feet away , according to Boris Johnson 's guidelines '' .
`` What a waste of money and time this is .
Six officers attending , have you got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appearing in court on Monday , wearing a blue protective face mask - the only person in the courtroom to do so - he pleaded guilty to failing to maintain public health , and causing public disorder and nuisance .
The court heard the maximum penalty for the new offence , brought in during the coronavirus pandemic , was an unlimited fine .
Defending Mackie , Kirsten Collins pleaded with magistrates to impose a fine he could pay , arguing that a large penalty would `` leave him with even less money and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There is nothing that the defendant disputes .
`` It was a stupid decision and he regrets his actions .
He is embarrassed by his own behaviour . ''
She said Mackie had a history of mental health issues and that he intended to visit his GP for help .
He apologised from the dock to chair of the bench , Neill Brettell , who replied that it was `` a little bit late '' for that .
He said : `` What happens if you have infected someone ?
`` No-one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
But the majority of people know it 's going to help save lives .
`` Do you want to kill people ? ''
he asked Mackie .
`` No '' , was the defendant 's reply .
Mr Brettell then asked him : `` Are you going to do it again ? ''
`` No , '' he said .
Mr Brettell went on : `` I am not allowed to send you to prison , the law does not allow it , but I hope this fine really hurts you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mackie was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £50 victim surcharge .
He was warned he would be sent to jail if he did not pay weekly instalments of £5 .
As he walked free from court , Mackie gave a thumbs-up to the magistrate .

A man has been fined £500 after refusing to obey strict coronavirus lockdown measures, telling police "I can do whatever I want".
Officers were called to reports of a man acting in an antisocial manner and approaching people queuing outside a Tesco in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, on Saturday afternoon.
Image: Steven Mackie, 53, has been fined £500
Government rules say:
You should only go outside for food, health reasons or work (if you cannot work from home)
If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
Wash your hands as soon as you get home
Do not meet others, even friends or family
After offering no reasonable explanation as to why he was out in public during the COVID-19 lockdown, Steven Mackie, 53 - who is unemployed - was driven to his home in Stamford Street in a police van, Stockport Magistrates' Court heard.
Prosecutors said he began kicking and punching the inside of the vehicle, telling officers he was going to return to Tesco "no matter what they said", adding "I'll see you there".
He was arrested after he kept his promise and went back to the supermarket within 15 minutes of the first incident, where he once again refused to stick to the rule to keep two metres away from people in public, telling police "I can do what I want".
Mackie was taken to a police station, where he said: "I was six feet away, according to Boris Johnson's guidelines".
"What a waste of money and time this is. Six officers attending, have you got nothing else better to do?"
Appearing in court on Monday, wearing a blue protective face mask - the only person in the courtroom to do so - he pleaded guilty to failing to maintain public health, and causing public disorder and nuisance.
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The court heard the maximum penalty for the new offence, brought in during the coronavirus pandemic, was an unlimited fine.
Defending Mackie, Kirsten Collins pleaded with magistrates to impose a fine he could pay, arguing that a large penalty would "leave him with even less money and less options".
She continued: "There is nothing that the defendant disputes.
"It was a stupid decision and he regrets his actions. He is embarrassed by his own behaviour."
She said Mackie had a history of mental health issues and that he intended to visit his GP for help.
He apologised from the dock to chair of the bench, Neill Brettell, who replied that it was "a little bit late" for that.
He said: "What happens if you have infected someone?
"No-one likes to self-isolate. No-one likes the lockdown. But the majority of people know it's going to help save lives.
"Do you want to kill people?" he asked Mackie.
"No", was the defendant's reply.
Mr Brettell then asked him: "Are you going to do it again?"
"No," he said.
Mr Brettell went on: "I am not allowed to send you to prison, the law does not allow it, but I hope this fine really hurts you."
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Mackie was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £50 victim surcharge.
He was warned he would be sent to jail if he did not pay weekly instalments of £5.
As he walked free from court, Mackie gave a thumbs-up to the magistrate.


news--2020-03-30--Coronavirus: Infected woman accused of fleeing lockdown in Italy defends herself after protests

Protesters have gathered outside the home of a woman accused of fleeing northern Italy 's lockdown and later testing positive for coronavirus .
The claims about the woman 's travel came from Raffaele Lettieri , the mayor of her home town Acerra , near Naples .
In a video posted on social media , he said : `` This person came down here from Lombardy on 9 March - today it 's the 29th and only now have we discovered they have tested positive .
`` If for 20 days this person has n't rigorously respected quarantine , for 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people etc then enough .
`` One person who does n't respect the quarantine is enough for the virus to spread . ''
The young woman hit back at the mayor 's criticism on social media after her home was targeted by protesters .
She said in an emotional video message : `` I never let myself leave my room , leave my house , like has been said .
`` The mayor will have to give me an explanation because from the beginning I explained what happened .
`` I explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this I find truly shameful . ''
Italy has recorded the most coronavirus deaths in the world , with more than 11,500 people now dead .
The lockdown in the northern region of Lombardy , the worst hit region for COVID-19 , came two days before the rest of Italy .
The south has a much higher level of unemployment and deprivation than the north and many travel to Lombardy for work .
The government has been criticised for giving advance warning of the lockdown in Lombardy , allowing the virus to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fled the region to their homes in the south of the country .
While the growth of the virus is slowing across the country , it is still rising at a faster rate in southern areas .
Meanwhile , signs of unrest are growing .
Police are now patrolling supermarkets after the threat of raids and theft .
There have been emotional pleas to authorities from people who are struggling to put food on the table after the economic pain of three weeks in lockdown .
The government made an urgent €400m ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help people struggling to buy food .
But mayors in the south of Italy say this is not nearly enough .
As social and economic tensions build , scientists and politicians have been holding separate talks in Rome on the next steps in this crisis .
Details of the plans have not yet been released but the head of the emergency response in Italy told Sky News they hope the crisis has peaked there .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably April will be the month this will happen , '' said Luigi d'Angelo from the Italian Civil Protection .
Asked how long it would be before life returned to some semblance of normality , he replied : `` Hopefully by May or June . ''
He said schools could possibly return during August when it would normally be the holiday period .

Protesters have gathered outside the home of a woman accused of fleeing northern Italy's lockdown and later testing positive for coronavirus.
The claims about the woman's travel came from Raffaele Lettieri, the mayor of her home town Acerra, near Naples.
In a video posted on social media, he said: "This person came down here from Lombardy on 9 March - today it's the 29th and only now have we discovered they have tested positive.
Image: Mayor Raffaele Lettieri accused the woman of fleeing Lombardy's lockdown
"If for 20 days this person hasn't rigorously respected quarantine, for 20 days they have met people who met other people etc then enough.
"One person who doesn't respect the quarantine is enough for the virus to spread."
The young woman hit back at the mayor's criticism on social media after her home was targeted by protesters.
She said in an emotional video message: "I never let myself leave my room, leave my house, like has been said.
"The mayor will have to give me an explanation because from the beginning I explained what happened.
"I explained immediately. Therefore, to be defamed like this I find truly shameful."
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Image: The woman defended herself in a video posted online
Italy has recorded the most coronavirus deaths in the world, with more than 11,500 people now dead.
The lockdown in the northern region of Lombardy, the worst hit region for COVID-19, came two days before the rest of Italy.
The south has a much higher level of unemployment and deprivation than the north and many travel to Lombardy for work.
The government has been criticised for giving advance warning of the lockdown in Lombardy, allowing the virus to spread as people jumped on trains and fled the region to their homes in the south of the country.
While the growth of the virus is slowing across the country, it is still rising at a faster rate in southern areas. Meanwhile, signs of unrest are growing.
Police are now patrolling supermarkets after the threat of raids and theft.
There have been emotional pleas to authorities from people who are struggling to put food on the table after the economic pain of three weeks in lockdown.
Image: Police are now patrolling supermarkets after the threat of raids and theft
The government made an urgent €400m (£355m) fund available on Saturday night to help people struggling to buy food. But mayors in the south of Italy say this is not nearly enough.
As social and economic tensions build, scientists and politicians have been holding separate talks in Rome on the next steps in this crisis.
Details of the plans have not yet been released but the head of the emergency response in Italy told Sky News they hope the crisis has peaked there.
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"The lockdown can be opened and probably April will be the month this will happen," said Luigi d'Angelo from the Italian Civil Protection.
Asked how long it would be before life returned to some semblance of normality, he replied: "Hopefully by May or June."
He said schools could possibly return during August when it would normally be the holiday period.


news--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Americans likely to be barred when Europe reopens its borders

The EU will open its borders to some visitors from around the world next month , but it is likely that travellers from the US will not be allowed in .
The country is still considered to be a significant risk due to its high number of COVID-19 cases , with Donald Trump 's leading infectious diseases expert having warned on Tuesday of a `` disturbing surge '' in some states .
Brazil , Mexico , Russia and India also face the prospect that their citizens will remain barred from European countries .
The ban on non-essential travel to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the EU , along with Norway , Iceland and Liechtenstein ) was introduced in mid-March , shortly after Mr Trump had imposed a restriction on Europeans travelling to the US .
Restrictions were then brought in across Europe , stopping people moving between countries without good reason .
The UK has , for the purposes of this , been treated as a member of the EU .
Many of those internal borders have been reopened in recent weeks , paving the way for Europe to relax its ban on visitors from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement is expected shortly , and is likely to take effect on 1 July .
However , a final decision has not yet been taken on which countries will be on that list .
One official told Sky News that it would be `` hard to make a case '' for including the US , bearing in mind that it has suffered such a high number of casualties .
The New York Times has reported that it has seen a draft list of `` acceptable '' countries drawn up by European officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News understands European officials have not just scrutinised the number of infections in `` third party '' nations , but have also monitored which stage a nation is at in the coronavirus curve - and scrutinised the reliability of data .
There are some nations that have reported relatively low numbers of deaths but may not be added to the `` acceptable '' list because officials in Brussels have doubts over the information they have been given .
Sky News understands that around 50 countries are likely to be told that their nationals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rates lower than the EU average are the most likely to be allowed in .
New Zealand and Australia , for instance , are very likely to be given access - however one significant decision will be whether to allow China to restart travel with Europe while Americans are denied access .
Officials in Brussels believe that such a move would be seen as `` incendiary '' by Washington , but they also see value in extending relations with Beijing .
Senior officials from the EU and China held talks last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been questioned repeatedly during the pandemic .
Some have criticising European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a slow response in the early days .
But pan-European co-operation has clearly grown since , with many countries loosening regulations in concert over the past couple of weeks .
An announcement on changes to the travel ban is expected next week , although it is likely that the commission will emphasise that it is subject to constant review .

The EU will open its borders to some visitors from around the world next month, but it is likely that travellers from the US will not be allowed in.
The country is still considered to be a significant risk due to its high number of COVID-19 cases, with Donald Trump's leading infectious diseases expert having warned on Tuesday of a "disturbing surge" in some states.
Brazil, Mexico, Russia and India also face the prospect that their citizens will remain barred from European countries.
Image: German police officers at a tram station in Kehl last week when the border with France reopened
The ban on non-essential travel to the European bloc (made up of the members of the EU, along with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) was introduced in mid-March, shortly after Mr Trump had imposed a restriction on Europeans travelling to the US.
Restrictions were then brought in across Europe, stopping people moving between countries without good reason.
The UK has, for the purposes of this, been treated as a member of the EU.
Many of those internal borders have been reopened in recent weeks, paving the way for Europe to relax its ban on visitors from the rest of the world.
An announcement is expected shortly, and is likely to take effect on 1 July.
However, a final decision has not yet been taken on which countries will be on that list.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 'Coronavirus is still accelerating globally'
One official told Sky News that it would be "hard to make a case" for including the US, bearing in mind that it has suffered such a high number of casualties.
The New York Times has reported that it has seen a draft list of "acceptable" countries drawn up by European officials, which does not include America.
Sky News understands European officials have not just scrutinised the number of infections in "third party" nations, but have also monitored which stage a nation is at in the coronavirus curve - and scrutinised the reliability of data.
There are some nations that have reported relatively low numbers of deaths but may not be added to the "acceptable" list because officials in Brussels have doubts over the information they have been given.
Image: Life has returned to some normality in Italy...
Sky News understands that around 50 countries are likely to be told that their nationals will be admitted.
Those nations with infection rates lower than the EU average are the most likely to be allowed in.
New Zealand and Australia, for instance, are very likely to be given access - however one significant decision will be whether to allow China to restart travel with Europe while Americans are denied access.
Officials in Brussels believe that such a move would be seen as "incendiary" by Washington, but they also see value in extending relations with Beijing.
Senior officials from the EU and China held talks last week.
Image: ...and in Spain, where German tourists have already visited
The sanctity of European borders has been questioned repeatedly during the pandemic.
Some have criticising European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a slow response in the early days.
But pan-European co-operation has clearly grown since, with many countries loosening regulations in concert over the past couple of weeks.
An announcement on changes to the travel ban is expected next week, although it is likely that the commission will emphasise that it is subject to constant review.


news--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: How different countries have dealt with local outbreaks of COVID-19

Boris Johnson has told MPs that `` cluster-busting techniques '' will be used to tackle local outbreaks of coronavirus .
As countries around the world deal with regional flare-ups of COVID-19 , the prime minister said he was unsure why meat processing plants appear to be prone to such outbreaks .
Two such clusters have been found in the UK , while in Germany a county has been put back in lockdown after a coronavirus outbreak at a slaughterhouse .
The prime minister said the cold environment in such places may be helping the illness , while another theory is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way as to spread the virus '' .
In order to help contain local outbreaks , pubs and restaurants in England will have to take customers ' contact details when they reopen on 4 July to enable tracing in the event of a flare-up .
But how have other countries been dealing with rising regional cases of COVID-19 ?
There have been sporadic coronavirus outbreaks around China which have resulted in full lockdowns in cities .
Beijing handled its recent outbreak differently , however .
Schools were shut and travel out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banned .
Testing capacity was doubled in a short time and over two weeks , more than two million people were tested .
That was combined with a huge track and trace operation that used mobile phone location data provided by networks to the authorities .
They then deployed armies of volunteers to contact hundreds of thousands of people to make them get a test .
Germans had been warned that restrictions could be reimposed if COVID-19 started to spread again and Guetersloh is the first area to be affected after 1,500 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
Authorities are desperate to prevent the disease reaching a wider area and are putting a population of around 360,000 into lockdown .
Bars , gyms and pools will be closed until the end of the month .
The R number rose dramatically at the weekend but public health officials were keen to stress that because the number of cases was relatively low in Germany , a localised outbreak like the one at the factory could impact the overall R significantly .
They will be carefully monitoring things to ensure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victoria has recorded double digit rises in new infections , accounting for almost 90 % of 126 new cases found nationwide in the course of a week .
People in the state capital , Melbourne , have been told not to travel outside their suburbs .
Australia 's chief medical officer , Brendan Murphy , said the recommendation was `` simply an advisory - a strong advisory '' .
Talking to ABC radio , he said : `` If you are coming from interstate and you have family in one of those areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come and visit that area and potentially take the virus back . ''
The state government said the rise in cases had been caused by family get-togethers attended by people with mild symptoms , and by people going shopping while awaiting test results .
Bars , schools , cinemas and sport venues shut down in mid-March after two clusters of COVID-19 cases were identified in Bangkok .
Within days , the Thai capital 's glittering shopping malls also closed their doors .
The Thai government was so determined to stop the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled the most important holiday of the year , Songkran , to limit travel .
The `` soft '' lockdown was supposed to be for 14 days but further restrictions were brought in .
Thailand started easing its lockdown at the beginning of May in phases .
It has now been almost a month since the country reported a local case of COVID-19 .
One part of the UK where there could be a local lockdown is Anglesey in north Wales .
Some 175 workers at the 2 Sisters chicken plant in Llangefni @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for COVID-19 .
Work was halted at the site last week and every one of the 560 employees has been asked to get tested for coronavirus and go into self-isolation .
The island is connected to the mainland by just two bridges across the Menai Strait .
Leader of Isle of Anglesey County Council , councillor Llinos Medi , told Sky News : `` We wo n't be pushed to make wrong decisions , we will make them on evidence . ''

Boris Johnson has told MPs that "cluster-busting techniques" will be used to tackle local outbreaks of coronavirus.
As countries around the world deal with regional flare-ups of COVID-19, the prime minister said he was unsure why meat processing plants appear to be prone to such outbreaks.
Two such clusters have been found in the UK, while in Germany a county has been put back in lockdown after a coronavirus outbreak at a slaughterhouse.
Image: Boris Johnson says 'cluster-busting techniques' will be used to tackle local outbreaks
The prime minister said the cold environment in such places may be helping the illness, while another theory is that staff are "congregating in such a way as to spread the virus".
In order to help contain local outbreaks, pubs and restaurants in England will have to take customers' contact details when they reopen on 4 July to enable tracing in the event of a flare-up.
But how have other countries been dealing with rising regional cases of COVID-19?
China
Tom Cheshire, Asia correspondent
There have been sporadic coronavirus outbreaks around China which have resulted in full lockdowns in cities.
Beijing handled its recent outbreak differently, however. Schools were shut and travel out of the city was curbed - but not banned.
Advertisement
Image: A girl being tested in Beijing
Testing capacity was doubled in a short time and over two weeks, more than two million people were tested.
That was combined with a huge track and trace operation that used mobile phone location data provided by networks to the authorities.
They then deployed armies of volunteers to contact hundreds of thousands of people to make them get a test.
Germany
Michelle Clifford, Europe correspondent
Germans had been warned that restrictions could be reimposed if COVID-19 started to spread again and Guetersloh is the first area to be affected after 1,500 people at a meatpacking factory tested positive for the virus.
Authorities are desperate to prevent the disease reaching a wider area and are putting a population of around 360,000 into lockdown.
Bars, gyms and pools will be closed until the end of the month.
Image: A pack of nappies is handed to a woman in quarantine in Verl, western Germany
The R number rose dramatically at the weekend but public health officials were keen to stress that because the number of cases was relatively low in Germany, a localised outbreak like the one at the factory could impact the overall R significantly.
They will be carefully monitoring things to ensure the virus is contained.
Australia
The state of Victoria has recorded double digit rises in new infections, accounting for almost 90% of 126 new cases found nationwide in the course of a week.
People in the state capital, Melbourne, have been told not to travel outside their suburbs.
Image: A queue of cars at a drive-through COVID-19 testing site in Melbourne
Australia's chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, said the recommendation was "simply an advisory - a
strong advisory".
Talking to ABC radio, he said: "If you are coming from interstate and you have family in one of those areas, we would prefer you not to come and visit that area and potentially take the virus back."
The state government said the rise in cases had been caused by family get-togethers attended by people with mild symptoms, and by people going shopping while awaiting test results.
Thailand
Rachel Thompson, SE Asia producer
Bars, schools, cinemas and sport venues shut down in mid-March after two clusters of COVID-19 cases were identified in Bangkok.
Within days, the Thai capital's glittering shopping malls also closed their doors.
Image: A man wears a mask at Khlong Toei Market in Bangkok
The Thai government was so determined to stop the spread of coronavirus from the capital that it even cancelled the most important holiday of the year, Songkran, to limit travel.
The "soft" lockdown was supposed to be for 14 days but further restrictions were brought in.
Thailand started easing its lockdown at the beginning of May in phases. It has now been almost a month since the country reported a local case of COVID-19.
UK - Anglesey
One part of the UK where there could be a local lockdown is Anglesey in north Wales.
Some 175 workers at the 2 Sisters chicken plant in Llangefni on Anglesey in North Wales have now tested positive for COVID-19.
Image: A local lockdown could be introduced on Anglesey
Work was halted at the site last week and every one of the 560 employees has been asked to get tested for coronavirus and go into self-isolation.
The island is connected to the mainland by just two bridges across the Menai Strait.
Leader of Isle of Anglesey County Council, councillor Llinos Medi, told Sky News: "We won't be pushed to make wrong decisions, we will make them on evidence."


news--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: US seeing 'disturbing surge' in COVID-19 cases, warns top White House expert

The White House 's top expert on infectious diseases has warned the US is experiencing a `` disturbing surge '' in coronavirus cases .
Dr Anthony Fauci , whose comments on COVID-19 have often contradicted those of President Donald Trump since the pandemic began , offered the worrying assessment of America 's outbreak during a House committee session .
Giving evidence on Tuesday , Dr Fauci highlighted recent spikes in Republican-led states such as Florida and Texas , which are pressing ahead with the reopening of business despite reporting thousands of cases per day .
Dr Fauci told the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in community transmission was partly to blame for the increase in coronavirus cases , which have begun to come down sharply in other states .
As part of his testimony , Dr Fauci heaped praise on New York , which has managed to bring down the number of coronavirus infections after being among the worst-hit states back in March and April .
But the national picture remains concerning , Dr Fauci said , with figures tracked by Johns Hopkins University showing that more than 2.3 million cases have now been recorded - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The US has also recorded more deaths of people with COVID-19 than anywhere else at least 120,000 , which is now comfortably more than half of the total Dr Fauci predicted back in March .
Dr Fauci also appeared to break rank with Mr Trump again on Tuesday when he said more testing would be key to tackling the virus moving forward .
Asked if he had been asked to slow down testing , which Mr Trump appeared to suggest as a potential solution to reducing the number of cases during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` It 's the opposite , we 're going to be doing more testing , not less . ''
Dr Fauci - who is director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and head of the White House 's coronavirus taskforce - was more positive on the prospect of a vaccine for COVID-19 .
He said he was `` cautiously optimistic '' and that it was a case of `` when and not if '' a solution would emerge .
His comments on Tuesday formed part of an evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were the heads of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration , and a top official at the Department of Health and Human Services .
Dr Fauci has previously appeared to be at odds with Mr Trump on the issue of reopening America 's economy and whether the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine could be an effective treatment for coronavirus .

The White House's top expert on infectious diseases has warned the US is experiencing a "disturbing surge" in coronavirus cases.
Dr Anthony Fauci, whose comments on COVID-19 have often contradicted those of President Donald Trump since the pandemic began, offered the worrying assessment of America's outbreak during a House committee session.
Giving evidence on Tuesday, Dr Fauci highlighted recent spikes in Republican-led states such as Florida and Texas, which are pressing ahead with the reopening of business despite reporting thousands of cases per day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:47 White House defends Trump's 'Kung Flu' comment
Dr Fauci told the House Energy & Commerce Committee that an increase in community transmission was partly to blame for the increase in coronavirus cases, which have begun to come down sharply in other states.
As part of his testimony, Dr Fauci heaped praise on New York, which has managed to bring down the number of coronavirus infections after being among the worst-hit states back in March and April.
But the national picture remains concerning, Dr Fauci said, with figures tracked by Johns Hopkins University showing that more than 2.3 million cases have now been recorded - the most of any country in the world.
The US has also recorded more deaths of people with COVID-19 than anywhere else at least 120,000, which is now comfortably more than half of the total Dr Fauci predicted back in March.
Dr Fauci also appeared to break rank with Mr Trump again on Tuesday when he said more testing would be key to tackling the virus moving forward.
Asked if he had been asked to slow down testing, which Mr Trump appeared to suggest as a potential solution to reducing the number of cases during a campaign rally on Saturday, Dr Fauci said: "It's the opposite, we're going to be doing more testing, not less."
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Dr Fauci - who is director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and head of the White House's coronavirus taskforce - was more positive on the prospect of a vaccine for COVID-19.
He said he was "cautiously optimistic" and that it was a case of "when and not if" a solution would emerge.
His comments on Tuesday formed part of an evidence session on Capitol Hill.
Also present were the heads of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, and a top official at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Dr Fauci has previously appeared to be at odds with Mr Trump on the issue of reopening America's economy and whether the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine could be an effective treatment for coronavirus.


news--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Number of COVID-19 deaths may have fallen for eighth week running - but the crisis isn'

Coronavirus : Number of COVID-19 deaths may have fallen for eighth week running - but the crisis is n't over yet Coronavirus : Number of COVID-19 deaths may have fallen for eighth week running - but the crisis is n't over yet Coronavirus-related deaths are down week-on-week - but are yet to stop completely The number of people who have died with COVID-19 on their death certificate has fallen for the eighth week in a row .
But the total number of people in England and Wales who died of all causes in the week to 12 June ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still higher than the five-year rolling average .
In other words , the death toll from COVID-19 is still rising and more people are dying than would usually be expected for this time of year .
The number of people who died of all causes in the week to 12 June was 9,976 - that 's 733 lower than the week before , but still 5.9 % ( 559 deaths ) higher than the five-year rolling average .
In better news , this is the first week since the coronavirus pandemic began where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in any age group .
And there have also now been four consecutive weeks without higher than average excess deaths not attributed to COVID-19 .
This was the case for seven weeks in March and April , raising concerns that people were avoiding seeking treatment for other medical emergencies .
Deaths in care homes , the so-called epicentre of the COVID-19 , fell a little on the week before - but they are still nearly 200 higher than the five-year rolling average .
This suggests that the crisis is beginning to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Notably , the number of excess deaths happening in people 's homes remains the highest of any setting , while deaths in hospitals are below the five-year average - this suggests that people may still be reluctant to go to hospital .
It means that the total number of excess deaths across the UK this year is now at roughly 65,000 .
We 're sadly not at the end of this crisis yet .
The COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than it was , but it is still rising .

The death toll from COVID-19 is still rising and more people are dying than would usually be expected for this time of year.
Coronavirus: Number of COVID-19 deaths may have fallen for eighth week running - but the crisis isn't over yet
Coronavirus-related deaths are down week-on-week - but are yet to stop completely
The number of people who have died with COVID-19 on their death certificate has fallen for the eighth week in a row.
But the total number of people in England and Wales who died of all causes in the week to 12 June (the 24th week of the year) is still higher than the five-year rolling average.
In other words, the death toll from COVID-19 is still rising and more people are dying than would usually be expected for this time of year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Flareups of coronavirus in meat factories
The number of people who died of all causes in the week to 12 June was 9,976 - that's 733 lower than the week before, but still 5.9% (559 deaths) higher than the five-year rolling average.
In better news, this is the first week since the coronavirus pandemic began where the number of COVID-19 deaths did not increase in any age group.
And there have also now been four consecutive weeks without higher than average excess deaths not attributed to COVID-19.
This was the case for seven weeks in March and April, raising concerns that people were avoiding seeking treatment for other medical emergencies.
Deaths in care homes, the so-called epicentre of the COVID-19, fell a little on the week before - but they are still nearly 200 higher than the five-year rolling average.
This suggests that the crisis is beginning to be brought under control in these settings.
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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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Notably, the number of excess deaths happening in people's homes remains the highest of any setting, while deaths in hospitals are below the five-year average - this suggests that people may still be reluctant to go to hospital.
It means that the total number of excess deaths across the UK this year is now at roughly 65,000.
We're sadly not at the end of this crisis yet.
The COVID-19 death toll is now rising much slower than it was, but it is still rising.


news--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: World's most powerful supercomputer to search for COVID-19 cure

Japan 's new Fugaku supercomputer , which has this week been declared the most powerful in the world , is to be used to search for a potential cure for the coronavirus .
Based at the Japanese government 's RIKEN Center for Computational Science in Kobe , Fugaku is the country 's first machine to lead the biannual TOP500 supercomputer list since 2011 .
It is potentially capable of performing up to 513 quadrillion mathematical operations every second , crunching through complicated simulations regarding the coronavirus and potential treatments .
Although it wo n't be fully operational until next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already used it to run simulations on how respiratory droplets spread through office spaces and public transport .
`` I hope that the cutting-edge IT developed for Fugaku will contribute to major advances on difficult social challenges such as COVID-19 , '' said Satoshi Matsuoka , the head of the RIKEN Center for Computational Science .
The TOP500 list is compiled by academics in the US and Germany - and includes machines whose owners have decided to submit them for appraisal , although some supercomputers may be withheld from the list for secrecy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything outside an immensely secretive military installation could surpass the supercomputers on the top of the list due to the power costs of running these machines .
Fugaku requires 28 megawatts to run - more than two Eurostar trains , or the maximum output capacity of Taylors Lane Power Station in Willesden , northwest London .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Although it has the top spot , Japan is well short of China in terms of the number of supercomputers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 machines .
China has 226 supercomputers on the list , while American follows with 114 .
The UK - whose most powerful computer belongs to the Met Office , which is one of the most powerful computers in the world dedicated to weather and climate modelling - sits in eighth with 11 , just behind Ireland with 14 .

Japan's new Fugaku supercomputer, which has this week been declared the most powerful in the world, is to be used to search for a potential cure for the coronavirus.
Based at the Japanese government's RIKEN Center for Computational Science in Kobe, Fugaku is the country's first machine to lead the biannual TOP500 supercomputer list since 2011.
It is potentially capable of performing up to 513 quadrillion mathematical operations every second, crunching through complicated simulations regarding the coronavirus and potential treatments.
Image: Japan's Fugaku supercomputer will help study COVID-19 treatments
Although it won't be fully operational until next year, the team leading the project have already used it to run simulations on how respiratory droplets spread through office spaces and public transport.
"I hope that the cutting-edge IT developed for Fugaku will contribute to major advances on difficult social challenges such as COVID-19," said Satoshi Matsuoka, the head of the RIKEN Center for Computational Science.
The TOP500 list is compiled by academics in the US and Germany - and includes machines whose owners have decided to submit them for appraisal, although some supercomputers may be withheld from the list for secrecy.
However, it is unlikely that anything outside an immensely secretive military installation could surpass the supercomputers on the top of the list due to the power costs of running these machines.
Fugaku requires 28 megawatts to run - more than two Eurostar trains, or the maximum output capacity of Taylors Lane Power Station in Willesden, northwest London.
Image: Taylor's Lane Power Station generates 28 MW. Pic: R Sones
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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Although it has the top spot, Japan is well short of China in terms of the number of supercomputers on the TOP500 list, with only 30 machines.
China has 226 supercomputers on the list, while American follows with 114.
The UK - whose most powerful computer belongs to the Met Office, which is one of the most powerful computers in the world dedicated to weather and climate modelling - sits in eighth with 11, just behind Ireland with 14.


news--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Two-metre rule reduced as pubs and restaurants in England given green light to reopen f

Coronavirus: Two-metre rule reduced as pubs and restaurants in England given green light to reopen from 4 July

The prime minister has announced a reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule , as he gave the green light for pubs , restaurants , hotels , hairdressers and barbers in England to reopen from 4 July .
Setting out the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown , Boris Johnson said `` our long , national hibernation is coming to an end '' and `` life is returning to our streets '' .
The PM said people will from next month be required to keep `` one-metre plus '' apart from others , while also taking measures to mitigate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is possible to keep two metres apart , people should , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` But where it is not , we will advise people to keep a social distance of one-metre plus , meaning they should remain one metre apart while taking mitigating measures to reduce the risk of transmission . ''
These include wearing a face mask on public transport , handwashing , screens , being outside and limiting time spent with others .
Another change to the guidelines from 4 July will allow gatherings of two different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintained .
This will mean families can be reunited and dinner parties will be allowed , but people will still be unable to hug their loved ones .
But the public have been warned life will not return to normal for a long time .
`` I would be surprised and delighted if we were n't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring , '' England 's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty warned at the final daily Downing Street briefing .
`` I expect there to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into that time and I think it is going to be quite optimistic that for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe . ''
Changes that will take effect from 4 July include : • Theatres and concert halls can operate once again , but can not stage live performances • In a boost for domestic tourism , most leisure facilities and tourist attractions can reopen , while people will be allowed to stay overnight in hotels , bed and breakfasts and campsites • Wedding services of up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided social distancing is maintained , with places of worship permitted to reopen • Outdoor gyms and playgrounds can be used once more • Community centres and bingo halls will be permitted to reopen Although a raft of businesses will reopen in the weeks to come , Mr Johnson said nightclubs , indoor gyms and beauty salons must remain closed `` for now '' .
Spas , casinos , nail bars , tattoo parlours , massage parlours , soft play areas , swimming pools , bowling alleys and water parks will also not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Oliver Dowden said it was the government 's `` aspiration '' to reopen gyms and leisure facilities in `` mid-July '' .
As with non-essential shops , which began operating again earlier this month , premises that reopen will have to introduce a range of safety measures to ensure they are `` COVID secure '' .
Sector-by-sector guidance is due to be published for businesses , advising them what action they need to take to reopen safely .
Pubs and restaurants will have to take the names and contact details of customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacted as part of the government 's test and trace programme to contain the spread of the virus .
The announcement comes three months to the day since Mr Johnson took England into lockdown .
A total of 42,647 people have so far died in the UK after testing positive for the virus , according to government figures .
After telling people to remain indoors - with a few exceptions - for more than six weeks , the PM set out a roadmap out of lockdown in May .
Since then , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the economy have been given the go-head to restart .
The PM said the progress made in the fight against the coronavirus meant steps could be taken to `` safely ease the lockdown '' .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But he added that `` caution will remain our watchword '' with every step of relaxing the lockdown `` scrupulously weighed '' .
Mr Johnson said the government 's approach was to `` trust the British public to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the risks , remembering that the more we open up , the more vigilant we will need to be '' .
Although there was an optimistic tone to Mr Johnson 's message , he said the virus has not gone away and the government `` will not hesitate to apply the brakes and re-introduce restrictions - even at national level - if required '' .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said : `` There are obviously a number of questions that need to be answered , but overall I welcome this statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to do the right thing and in that , we will support them . ''
Prof Whitty cautioned that `` the biggest thing I worry about '' is people not self-isolating if they are told to by the trace and test team , who will try to track down anyone who may have been infected by someone with coronavirus .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the UK government 's chief scientific adviser , added the news parts of society can reopen were `` reasonable '' - but risks are attached .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be risk free .
Every time you take a step to open up there is some associated risk with that , '' he told the Number 10 news conference .
`` You need to be prepared where there is local outbreaks to deal with them locally and if they become beyond local then you need to deal with them at regional and national levels which would mean reversal of some of the measures .
`` That is the only way you can keep on top of this . ''
Today marked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , essentially reopening the economy ( in England at least ) , in earnest .
Going further than expected even a few days ago , a huge range of non-essential hospitality and community venues can throw open their doors next week , provided they are `` COVID secure '' .
The PM 's tone was strikingly sober and cautious , rather than triumphant .
He stressed that the reduction in infections which make this possible right now , must be balanced with the real risk of future outbreaks - which will mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excitement some will feel at returning to something more closely resembling normal - one MP shouted `` hallelujah '' at the reopening of pubs - will come with anxiety and trepidation for others that it may be too soon .
A lot will clearly hinge on how workplaces enforce the new guidelines on distancing , to be published later .
The government has had a scare as to the scale of the recession looming this year ; and has been facing siren calls from Conservatives and businesses to open up as a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country from lockdown will be harder than getting into it , which enjoyed widespread public support helped by a generous furlough scheme .
After weeks of vowing to be `` following the science '' - although the science was never quite as prescriptive as it sounded - these are now undeniably political judgements about the pace and scale of reopening .
As MPs pointed out , there is no virus or treatment ready , and big questions about the testing strategy .
For Boris Johnson , who has had a difficult few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and series of U-turns , this is not a decision he can fudge or reverse .

The prime minister has announced a reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule, as he gave the green light for pubs, restaurants, hotels, hairdressers and barbers in England to reopen from 4 July.
Setting out the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, Boris Johnson said "our long, national hibernation is coming to an end" and "life is returning to our streets".
The PM said people will from next month be required to keep "one-metre plus" apart from others, while also taking measures to mitigate the risk of transmitting COVID-19.
"Where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should," Mr Johnson said.
"But where it is not, we will advise people to keep a social distance of one-metre plus, meaning they should remain one metre apart while taking mitigating measures to reduce the risk of transmission."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 Rules around 'shielding' to be relaxed
These include wearing a face mask on public transport, handwashing, screens, being outside and limiting time spent with others.
Another change to the guidelines from 4 July will allow gatherings of two different households indoors, provided social distancing is maintained.
This will mean families can be reunited and dinner parties will be allowed, but people will still be unable to hug their loved ones.
But the public have been warned life will not return to normal for a long time.
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"I would be surprised and delighted if we weren't in this current situation through the winter and into next spring," England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty warned at the final daily Downing Street briefing.
"I expect there to be a significant amount of coronavirus circulating at least into that time and I think it is going to be quite optimistic that for science to come fully to the rescue over that kind of timeframe."
Changes that will take effect from 4 July include:
Theatres and concert halls can operate once again, but cannot stage live performances
In a boost for domestic tourism, most leisure facilities and tourist attractions can reopen, while people will be allowed to stay overnight in hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites
Wedding services of up to 30 people will be allowed, provided social distancing is maintained, with places of worship permitted to reopen
Outdoor gyms and playgrounds can be used once more
Community centres and bingo halls will be permitted to reopen
Although a raft of businesses will reopen in the weeks to come, Mr Johnson said nightclubs, indoor gyms and beauty salons must remain closed "for now".
Spas, casinos, nail bars, tattoo parlours, massage parlours, soft play areas, swimming pools, bowling alleys and water parks will also not reopen at this next stage.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said it was the government's "aspiration" to reopen gyms and leisure facilities in "mid-July".
As with non-essential shops, which began operating again earlier this month, premises that reopen will have to introduce a range of safety measures to ensure they are "COVID secure".
Sector-by-sector guidance is due to be published for businesses, advising them what action they need to take to reopen safely.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 'Coronavirus is still accelerating globally'
Pubs and restaurants will have to take the names and contact details of customers, in case they have to be contacted as part of the government's test and trace programme to contain the spread of the virus.
The announcement comes three months to the day since Mr Johnson took England into lockdown.
A total of 42,647 people have so far died in the UK after testing positive for the virus, according to government figures.
After telling people to remain indoors - with a few exceptions - for more than six weeks, the PM set out a roadmap out of lockdown in May.
Since then, the restrictions have been eased as more parts of the economy have been given the go-head to restart.
The PM said the progress made in the fight against the coronavirus meant steps could be taken to "safely ease the lockdown".
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But he added that "caution will remain our watchword" with every step of relaxing the lockdown "scrupulously weighed".
Mr Johnson said the government's approach was to "trust the British public to use their common sense in the full knowledge of the risks, remembering that the more we open up, the more vigilant we will need to be".
Although there was an optimistic tone to Mr Johnson's message, he said the virus has not gone away and the government "will not hesitate to apply the brakes and re-introduce restrictions - even at national level - if required".
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "There are obviously a number of questions that need to be answered, but overall I welcome this statement.
"I believe the government is trying to do the right thing and in that, we will support them."
Prof Whitty cautioned that "the biggest thing I worry about" is people not self-isolating if they are told to by the trace and test team, who will try to track down anyone who may have been infected by someone with coronavirus.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK government's chief scientific adviser, added the news parts of society can reopen were "reasonable" - but risks are attached.
"It is not risk free. It cannot be risk free. Every time you take a step to open up there is some associated risk with that," he told the Number 10 news conference.
"You need to be prepared where there is local outbreaks to deal with them locally and if they become beyond local then you need to deal with them at regional and national levels which would mean reversal of some of the measures.
"That is the only way you can keep on top of this."
ANALYSIS: PM's tone was strikingly sober and cautious
By Tamara Cohen, political correspondent
Today marked the most significant decision of the lockdown so far, essentially reopening the economy (in England at least), in earnest.
Going further than expected even a few days ago, a huge range of non-essential hospitality and community venues can throw open their doors next week, provided they are "COVID secure".
The PM's tone was strikingly sober and cautious, rather than triumphant.
He stressed that the reduction in infections which make this possible right now, must be balanced with the real risk of future outbreaks - which will mean slamming the brakes on again.
The excitement some will feel at returning to something more closely resembling normal - one MP shouted "hallelujah" at the reopening of pubs - will come with anxiety and trepidation for others that it may be too soon.
Image: Ministers know extricating the country from lockdown will be harder than getting into it
A lot will clearly hinge on how workplaces enforce the new guidelines on distancing, to be published later.
The government has had a scare as to the scale of the recession looming this year; and has been facing siren calls from Conservatives and businesses to open up as a matter of urgency.
But ministers know extricating the country from lockdown will be harder than getting into it, which enjoyed widespread public support helped by a generous furlough scheme.
After weeks of vowing to be "following the science" - although the science was never quite as prescriptive as it sounded - these are now undeniably political judgements about the pace and scale of reopening.
As MPs pointed out, there is no virus or treatment ready, and big questions about the testing strategy.
For Boris Johnson, who has had a difficult few weeks of mutterings about his decision-making, and series of U-turns, this is not a decision he can fudge or reverse.