news--2020-04-02--Trump tweet sparks oil price rally which is good news for FTSE 100

Everyone knows how one of Donald Trump 's tweets can move markets .
But the US president excelled himself today by sparking an astonishing 33 % jump in the oil price at one point .
The tweet was this : `` Just spoke to my friend MBS ( Crown Prince ) of Saudi Arabia , who spoke with President Putin of Russia , & I expect & hope that they will be cutting back approximately 10 Million Barrels , and maybe substantially more which , if it happens , will be GREAT for the oil & gas industry ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ damaging oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia - which has sent the price of crude to an 18-year low and contributed to the fall in global stock indices such as the FTSE-100 - may be coming to an end .
The price war has been one of the key contributory factors in the rout seen on global stock markets during the last month .
The rot set in when , on Friday 6 March , Russia walked out of talks with Opec , the cartel of oil producing nations , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to an emerging fall in demand due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Russia , which is not an Opec member , had refused to push through the cuts that Saudi Arabia , the most powerful member of Opec , had desired from it as part of a so-called 'Opec+ ' arrangement .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The Kingdom 's response was to try and teach Russia a lesson .
It announced that , not only would it increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its crude at a discount .
When the market re-opened , the following Sunday evening , crude prices fell by 30 % .
From $ 50.45 a barrel , on that Friday morning , Brent crude slid to as little as $ 31.02 .
It continued to slide before hitting just $ 21.65 a barrel , a level not seen since March 2002 , on 30 March .
Since then , however , crude prices have staged something of a rally .
A couple of factors are behind this .
The first is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the damage that a protracted supply glut would do to America 's burgeoning shale industry , got involved .
The US President said for the first time on Wednesday that he had spoken to the two protagonists - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia 's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman - in recent days and urged them to settle their differences .
He told reporters at the White House : `` It 's very bad for Russia , it 's very bad for Saudi Arabia .
I mean , it 's very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going to make a deal .
I have confidence in both that they 'll be able to work it out .
`` I think that they will work it out over the next few days .
Both know what they have to do . ''
While Russian media organisations have reported that talks are yet to take place , other news from the country has also been encouraging , most notably confirmation today from Alexander Novak , Russia 's energy minister , that the country currently had no plans to raise oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet this afternoon - which gave hopes of a breakthrough further impetus and which sent the price of a barrel of Brent crude to $ 36.29 at one point - its highest level for three weeks .
The second development supporting the market in recent days has been news that China , which is a major importer of oil , has been taking advantage of weakness in the crude price to top up its strategic reserves .
There have even been suggestions that China , which consumes around 13.5 million barrels per day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 million barrels .
This would go some way towards replenishing stocks - which were depleted when , in February , China suffered a severe downturn in economic activity due to COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , and exported some of its reserves to make up for a sharp drop in domestic sales .
There are still a great many questions that require answering .
Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker For a start , it is not clear how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about might break down - whether , for example , it would be just carried out by Saudi Arabia and Russia , or whether it might include other Opec members other than the Kingdom , or whether it might even include the US shale industry as well .
A 10 million barrel per day cut would , however , be significant .
To put it in context , prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 the world was expected to consume 99 million barrels per day .
Russia 's oil production in March was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , this week the Saudis produced 18.8 million barrels .
Secondly , it is not at all clear how much production will need to be cut to counter the collapse in demand wrought by the spread of COVID-19 .
It is perfectly possible that some kind of deal between Russia and the Kingdom might provide a short-term prop for the oil price but , longer term , they could look rather irrelevant if supply continues to exceed demand .
As Edward Moya , of the brokerage OANDA , put it : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be up in the air so President Trump 's tweet might have been premature .
Oil is a tangible asset and with global storage tanks nearing capacity , production cuts were going to happen regardless of an agreement being reached by the top three energy oil producers .
`` An oil production cut agreement is likely to be reached quickly , but that might only provide a limited rally as demand devastation will not see any signs of relief for at least a couple more months . ''
In the meantime , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good news for equity markets like the FTSE 100 , which is strongly influenced by moves in index heavyweights like BP and Royal Dutch Shell .

Everyone knows how one of Donald Trump's tweets can move markets.
But the US president excelled himself today by sparking an astonishing 33% jump in the oil price at one point.
The tweet was this: "Just spoke to my friend MBS (Crown Prince) of Saudi Arabia, who spoke with President Putin of Russia, & I expect & hope that they will be cutting back approximately 10 Million Barrels, and maybe substantially more which, if it happens, will be GREAT for the oil & gas industry!"
His words have sparked hopes that the damaging oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia - which has sent the price of crude to an 18-year low and contributed to the fall in global stock indices such as the FTSE-100 - may be coming to an end.
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The price war has been one of the key contributory factors in the rout seen on global stock markets during the last month.
The rot set in when, on Friday 6 March, Russia walked out of talks with Opec, the cartel of oil producing nations, which had hoped to push through production cuts in response to an emerging fall in demand due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Russia, which is not an Opec member, had refused to push through the cuts that Saudi Arabia, the most powerful member of Opec, had desired from it as part of a so-called 'Opec+' arrangement.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The Kingdom's response was to try and teach Russia a lesson. It announced that, not only would it increase production, it would also start offering its crude at a discount.
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When the market re-opened, the following Sunday evening, crude prices fell by 30%.
From $50.45 a barrel, on that Friday morning, Brent crude slid to as little as $31.02. It continued to slide before hitting just $21.65 a barrel, a level not seen since March 2002, on 30 March.
Since then, however, crude prices have staged something of a rally.
A couple of factors are behind this.
Image: The price of Brent crude oil soared on 2 April after President Trump tweeted. Photograph: Refinitiv
The first is that Mr Trump, acutely aware of the damage that a protracted supply glut would do to America's burgeoning shale industry, got involved. The US President said for the first time on Wednesday that he had spoken to the two protagonists - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman - in recent days and urged them to settle their differences.
He told reporters at the White House: "It's very bad for Russia, it's very bad for Saudi Arabia. I mean, it's very bad for both. I think they're going to make a deal. I have confidence in both that they'll be able to work it out.
"I think that they will work it out over the next few days. Both know what they have to do."
While Russian media organisations have reported that talks are yet to take place, other news from the country has also been encouraging, most notably confirmation today from Alexander Novak, Russia's energy minister, that the country currently had no plans to raise oil output.
Then came Mr Trump's tweet this afternoon - which gave hopes of a breakthrough further impetus and which sent the price of a barrel of Brent crude to $36.29 at one point - its highest level for three weeks.
The second development supporting the market in recent days has been news that China, which is a major importer of oil, has been taking advantage of weakness in the crude price to top up its strategic reserves.
Image: Brent crude oil prices shot up significantly to $36 a barrel
There have even been suggestions that China, which consumes around 13.5 million barrels per day, could buy in as much as 100 million barrels.
This would go some way towards replenishing stocks - which were depleted when, in February, China suffered a severe downturn in economic activity due to COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, and exported some of its reserves to make up for a sharp drop in domestic sales.
There are still a great many questions that require answering.
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Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
For a start, it is not clear how the production cut Mr Trump was talking about might break down - whether, for example, it would be just carried out by Saudi Arabia and Russia, or whether it might include other Opec members other than the Kingdom, or whether it might even include the US shale industry as well. A 10 million barrel per day cut would, however, be significant.
To put it in context, prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 the world was expected to consume 99 million barrels per day. Russia's oil production in March was 11.29 million barrels per day while, on Wednesday, this week the Saudis produced 18.8 million barrels.
Secondly, it is not at all clear how much production will need to be cut to counter the collapse in demand wrought by the spread of COVID-19. It is perfectly possible that some kind of deal between Russia and the Kingdom might provide a short-term prop for the oil price but, longer term, they could look rather irrelevant if supply continues to exceed demand.
Image: US President Donald Trump
As Edward Moya, of the brokerage OANDA, put it: "All the fine details seem to still be up in the air so President Trump's tweet might have been premature. Oil is a tangible asset and with global storage tanks nearing capacity, production cuts were going to happen regardless of an agreement being reached by the top three energy oil producers.
"An oil production cut agreement is likely to be reached quickly, but that might only provide a limited rally as demand devastation will not see any signs of relief for at least a couple more months."
In the meantime, a rally in crude prices would be good news for equity markets like the FTSE 100, which is strongly influenced by moves in index heavyweights like BP and Royal Dutch Shell.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: GP surgery appeals to patients for personal protective equipment

An NHS doctor has told Sky News his GP surgery has been forced to appeal to its own patients for personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
Amar Ahmed claimed the resources given to Wilmslow Health Centre in Cheshire by the government were `` not appropriate '' for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic .
On its website , the centre said across East Cheshire they were `` short of PPE required to handle suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients '' - and that it was `` essential that we protect our healthcare workers so that they remain safe and fit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have promised that more PPE is on its way to NHS workers nationwide fighting the pandemic .
But Dr Ahmed , from the facility - which has 10 doctors for its 13,000 patients - said : `` We know of GPs in Manchester , who 've been admitted to hospital with coronavirus .
`` So we 're very concerned that we have the appropriate protective equipment , especially when we 're going out to visit sick patients in their homes . ''
He added that obtaining disposable face masks was their top priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or surgical gowns and disposable raincoats .
`` What has been delivered to us is not appropriate for the level of risks we 're taking , so we had to make an appeal '' , he said .
`` We are not getting enough equipment , and what we are getting is n't up to scratch , but we will carry on , as we normally do . ''
`` But we just have to get on with it , without putting our staff and colleagues at risk - but I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the future as to how we got to this position . ''
Dr Ahmed said since they launched their appeal last Friday , they have received 120 masks - and that they are the exact ones they asked for - FFP3 or N95 rated .
The items are being dropped off safely at the GP surgery 's `` hot hub '' in their car park , where patients who are not sick enough to be admitted to hospital , are being treated .
These are being set up right across the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're really grateful .
Most people are donating these items for free , because they want to help .
`` We seem to have a very well connected community , as we have patients giving us masks , visors and disposable ponchos .
He continued : `` They have links to people who produce these things , so they are also putting us in touch with suppliers in China , in the UAE , so the suppliers are out there . ''
`` We 're now more confident we will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excess equipment we receive , to local hospitals and out of hour 's surgeries if they need it . ''
On Thursday , it was reported official advice on whether people should wear masks in public could be changed after new evidence emerged suggesting they could help protect people from coronavirus .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has consistently said that only those who have symptoms or are caring for someone with COVID-19 should wear them .
Tonight , people across the UK will again take part in a national applause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fight against coronavirus .
Dr Ahmed told Sky News that `` all healthcare workers are very appreciative '' of the `` kind hearted '' gesture .
And he added that nursing staff , care workers and all the other healthcare professionals in the community are `` going above and beyond '' to help patients during this `` very testing time for the nation '' .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He also said that `` morale is generally good '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this together , we are united .
`` People who use the NHS already realise how important it is , not just in a crisis , but every day .
`` But perhaps it has taken a crisis on this scale to perhaps raise awareness that the NHS is an essential part of British society , and that it needs to be preserved at all costs , with appropriate funding and resources .
`` We all strongly feel that now is not the time for recriminations or blame .
`` Now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can for our healthcare workers . ''

An NHS doctor has told Sky News his GP surgery has been forced to appeal to its own patients for personal protective equipment (PPE).
Amar Ahmed claimed the resources given to Wilmslow Health Centre in Cheshire by the government were "not appropriate" for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
On its website, the centre said across East Cheshire they were "short of PPE required to handle suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients" - and that it was "essential that we protect our healthcare workers so that they remain safe and fit to continue providing care".
Health officials have promised that more PPE is on its way to NHS workers nationwide fighting the pandemic.
Image: Dr Amar Ahmed claimed the equipment from the government was 'not appropriate' for the level of risk
But Dr Ahmed, from the facility - which has 10 doctors for its 13,000 patients - said: "We know of GPs in Manchester, who've been admitted to hospital with coronavirus.
"So we're very concerned that we have the appropriate protective equipment, especially when we're going out to visit sick patients in their homes."
He added that obtaining disposable face masks was their top priority, but they also needed body suits, or surgical gowns and disposable raincoats.
Image: Bodysuits or boiler-suits are needed. Pic: Wilmslow Health Centre
Image: Ponchos are among the items required. Pic: Wilmslow Health Centre
"What has been delivered to us is not appropriate for the level of risks we're taking, so we had to make an appeal", he said.
"We are not getting enough equipment, and what we are getting isn't up to scratch, but we will carry on, as we normally do."
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"But we just have to get on with it, without putting our staff and colleagues at risk - but I do think this needs to be looked at in the future as to how we got to this position."
Dr Ahmed said since they launched their appeal last Friday, they have received 120 masks - and that they are the exact ones they asked for - FFP3 or N95 rated.
The items are being dropped off safely at the GP surgery's "hot hub" in their car park, where patients who are not sick enough to be admitted to hospital, are being treated. These are being set up right across the UK.
Image: The surgery is also appealing for visors and face shields. Pic: Wilmslow Health Centre.
Image: The surgery has also asked for visors. Pic: Wilmslow Health Centre
Dr Ahmed told Sky News: "We're really grateful. Most people are donating these items for free, because they want to help.
"We seem to have a very well connected community, as we have patients giving us masks, visors and disposable ponchos.
He continued: "They have links to people who produce these things, so they are also putting us in touch with suppliers in China, in the UAE, so the suppliers are out there."
"We're now more confident we will have enough, so we will offer any excess equipment we receive, to local hospitals and out of hour's surgeries if they need it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 Boris Johnson has admitted that the UK needs to
On Thursday, it was reported official advice on whether people should wear masks in public could be changed after new evidence emerged suggesting they could help protect people from coronavirus.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has consistently said that only those who have symptoms or are caring for someone with COVID-19 should wear them.
Tonight, people across the UK will again take part in a national applause of thanks for health workers helping in the fight against coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 Nation applauds coronavirus health workers
Dr Ahmed told Sky News that "all healthcare workers are very appreciative" of the "kind hearted" gesture.
And he added that nursing staff, care workers and all the other healthcare professionals in the community are "going above and beyond" to help patients during this "very testing time for the nation".
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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He also said that "morale is generally good".
"Everyone knows we are all in this together, we are united.
"People who use the NHS already realise how important it is, not just in a crisis, but every day.
"But perhaps it has taken a crisis on this scale to perhaps raise awareness that the NHS is an essential part of British society, and that it needs to be preserved at all costs, with appropriate funding and resources.
"We all strongly feel that now is not the time for recriminations or blame.
"Now is the time to get the best protection we can for our healthcare workers."


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Mother who gave birth alone praises NHS for 'positive experience'

A mother who gave birth alone during the coronavirus pandemic has praised NHS staff for taking `` excellent '' care of her under challenging circumstances .
Rebecca Campbell , a nurse from Chester , gave birth to a baby girl on Tuesday morning at the Countess of Chester Hospital without a birthing partner .
She was also not allowed any visits from family or friends .
She told Sky News : `` I did the birth alone because my husband has a health condition which would make him high risk if he contracted coronavirus , so he can not safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I did n't have another suitable birthing partner as my closest friends and family are key workers . ''
Ms Campbell , who is already a mum to twin boys , said while giving birth alone was not what she had envisioned , she had `` such a positive experience '' .
She said : `` I had my own room and staff wore full PPE [ Personal Protective Equipment ] whenever I received any face-to-face contact .
`` The NHS staff are dealing with an unprecedented health threat and working under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay they provided excellent care , treatment , emotional and physical support.. Offering some words of support for other pregnant women during the coronavirus crisis , she said : `` If you are anxious about the prospect of having to birth alone this is completely rational emotion .
`` I myself felt overwhelmed with anxiety… nevertheless you will find the strength to preserve and endure these overwhelming circumstances , and this heart-wrenching situation will make you realise that you are braver and stronger than you think . ''
She continued : `` Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors during my inpatient stay I have a positive birthing story and I am very grateful for the support and care I received from NHS staff . ''
Last week , the Royal College of Midwives ( RCM ) warned that a shortage of midwives has worsened since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak and is likely to increase as it continues .
Gill Walton , RCM chief executive , said : `` While other areas of the health service can postpone and cancel procedures , there is still an ongoing need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnant , still having babies , and they need the care and support of properly resourced maternity services . ''
Meanwhile , a petition to protect the right for women to have a birthing partner during the coronavirus pandemic has gained nearly 400,000 signatures at time of writing .

A mother who gave birth alone during the coronavirus pandemic has praised NHS staff for taking "excellent" care of her under challenging circumstances.
Rebecca Campbell, a nurse from Chester, gave birth to a baby girl on Tuesday morning at the Countess of Chester Hospital without a birthing partner.
She was also not allowed any visits from family or friends.
She told Sky News: "I did the birth alone because my husband has a health condition which would make him high risk if he contracted coronavirus, so he cannot safely enter a hospital at this time.
Image: The mum from Chester, Chesire, has praised NHS staff who cared for her
"I didn't have another suitable birthing partner as my closest friends and family are key workers."
Ms Campbell, who is already a mum to twin boys, said while giving birth alone was not what she had envisioned, she had "such a positive experience".
She said: "I had my own room and staff wore full PPE [Personal Protective Equipment] whenever I received any face-to-face contact.
"The NHS staff are dealing with an unprecedented health threat and working under challenging circumstances.
"During my inpatient stay they provided excellent care, treatment, emotional and physical support..
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Offering some words of support for other pregnant women during the coronavirus crisis, she said: "If you are anxious about the prospect of having to birth alone this is completely rational emotion.
"I myself felt overwhelmed with anxiety… nevertheless you will find the strength to preserve and endure these overwhelming circumstances, and this heart-wrenching situation will make you realise that you are braver and stronger than you think."
She continued: "Despite not having a birthing partner and no visitors during my inpatient stay I have a positive birthing story and I am very grateful for the support and care I received from NHS staff."
Last week, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) warned that a shortage of midwives has worsened since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak and is likely to increase as it continues.
Gill Walton, RCM chief executive, said: "While other areas of the health service can postpone and cancel procedures, there is still an ongoing need for maternity services.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 17:45 Pregnant women: how to stay well in lockdown
"Women are still pregnant, still having babies, and they need the care and support of properly resourced maternity services."
Meanwhile, a petition to protect the right for women to have a birthing partner during the coronavirus pandemic has gained nearly 400,000 signatures at time of writing.


news--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Trump reveals plans to repatriate Britons trapped on COVID-19-infected ship

Donald Trump has revealed plans to allow British passengers trapped on a coronavirus-infected cruise ship where four people have died to return home .
More than 200 UK nationals have been left stranded after an outbreak of COVID-19 on the Zaandam cruise ship , which has been refused permission to dock in the US .
Four passengers have died on the cruise ship , including 75-year-old British man John Carter whose widow has been isolated and on her own since his death .
Mr Carter 's family have since pleaded with the US president and Florida authorities to allow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House briefing on Wednesday , Mr Trump confirmed plans to repatriate British passengers onboard the Zaandam and its sister ship the Rotterdam , which is carrying those without coronavirus-symptoms .
`` We 're looking at the two ships , '' he said .
`` We have Canada notified .
A lot of Canadians , a lot of British on the ship .
`` They 're coming to take the people that are on the ship back to their homeland .
Canada is coming .
The UK is coming .
`` We have some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're taking care of that .
I 'm speaking to the governor about that a lot .
It 's a tough situation . ''
Mr Trump added : `` You can understand you have people that are sick on those ships and states - they have enough problems right now - do n't want to take them .
We have to from a humane standpoint .
`` We do n't have a choice .
I do n't want to do that but we have to .
People are dying . ''
Asked if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , Mr Trump replied : `` We 're going to do something .
`` At a minimum we 're sending medical teams on board the ships .
We 're taking the Canadians off and giving them to Canadian authorities .
They 're going to take them back home .
The same thing with the UK .
`` We have to help the people .
They 're in big trouble , no matter where they 're from . ''
Almost 200 people have fallen ill on board the Zaandam and there are nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the four people who died were confirmed to have the virus .
In a plea to Mr Trump , the family of Mr Carter said they have only had minimal contact with his widow as her mobile phone is no longer working .
`` She is struggling to eat the limited meals and is feeling unwell , '' they said .
`` She is obviously distressed and extremely frightened .
The family added that it was `` imperative '' that the docking is authorised so that the passengers and crew can receive `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need '' .
Florida governor Ron DeSantis had said the state 's health care system is stretched too thin to take on the ships ' coronavirus cases , but he would accept the Florida residents on board .
`` My concern is simply that we have worked so hard to make sure we have adequate hospital beds , '' he said .
The Zaandam and the Rotterdam , which are owned by cruise operator Holland America , passed through the Panama Canal on Monday and were seeking to dock in Florida later this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The Zaandam originally departed from Buenos Aires in Argentina on 7 March , a day before the US State Department advised against cruise travel and before any substantial restrictions were in place in Florida .
The ship had been scheduled to stop in San Antonio , Chile , then complete another 20-day cruise to arrive in Fort Lauderdale , Florida , on 7 April .
But since 15 March , the Zaandam has assumed pariah-like status , having been denied entry @ @ @ @ @ @

Donald Trump has revealed plans to allow British passengers trapped on a coronavirus-infected cruise ship where four people have died to return home.
More than 200 UK nationals have been left stranded after an outbreak of COVID-19 on the Zaandam cruise ship, which has been refused permission to dock in the US.
Four passengers have died on the cruise ship, including 75-year-old British man John Carter whose widow has been isolated and on her own since his death.
Image: John Carter died on board the Zaandam cruise ship
Mr Carter's family have since pleaded with the US president and Florida authorities to allow the ship to dock.
In a White House briefing on Wednesday, Mr Trump confirmed plans to repatriate British passengers onboard the Zaandam and its sister ship the Rotterdam, which is carrying those without coronavirus-symptoms.
"We're looking at the two ships," he said.
"We have Canada notified. A lot of Canadians, a lot of British on the ship.
"They're coming to take the people that are on the ship back to their homeland. Canada is coming. The UK is coming.
"We have some people who are quite sick and we're taking care of that. I'm speaking to the governor about that a lot. It's a tough situation."
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Image: Donald Trump said the cruise passengers and crew were in a 'tough situation'
Mr Trump added: "You can understand you have people that are sick on those ships and states - they have enough problems right now - don't want to take them. We have to from a humane standpoint.
"We don't have a choice. I don't want to do that but we have to. People are dying."
Asked if the passengers would be allowed into the US, Mr Trump replied: "We're going to do something.
"At a minimum we're sending medical teams on board the ships. We're taking the Canadians off and giving them to Canadian authorities. They're going to take them back home. The same thing with the UK.
"We have to help the people. They're in big trouble, no matter where they're from."
Image: Passengers are stranded on the Zaandam cruise ship
Almost 200 people have fallen ill on board the Zaandam and there are nine confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Two of the four people who died were confirmed to have the virus.
In a plea to Mr Trump, the family of Mr Carter said they have only had minimal contact with his widow as her mobile phone is no longer working.
"She is struggling to eat the limited meals and is feeling unwell," they said.
"She is obviously distressed and extremely frightened.
The family added that it was "imperative" that the docking is authorised so that the passengers and crew can receive "the urgent assistance that they so desperately need".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Elderly couple locked down on cruise
Florida governor Ron DeSantis had said the state's health care system is stretched too thin to take on the ships' coronavirus cases, but he would accept the Florida residents on board.
"My concern is simply that we have worked so hard to make sure we have adequate hospital beds," he said.
The Zaandam and the Rotterdam, which are owned by cruise operator Holland America, passed through the Panama Canal on Monday and were seeking to dock in Florida later this week.
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The Zaandam originally departed from Buenos Aires in Argentina on 7 March, a day before the US State Department advised against cruise travel and before any substantial restrictions were in place in Florida.
The ship had been scheduled to stop in San Antonio, Chile, then complete another 20-day cruise to arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 7 April.
But since 15 March, the Zaandam has assumed pariah-like status, having been denied entry at a succession of ports.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: World Health Organisation to review whether masks help prevent COVID-19 spread

A virus expert has told Sky News it is `` suspicious '' that countries where mask-wearing is commonplace have got coronavirus `` under control '' .
Professor Peter Openshaw , who researches viral lung diseases at Imperial College London , suggested there is still a debate about whether wearing masks is effective in the battle against coronavirus .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) currently advises people to only wear masks if they are ill with COVID-19 symptoms or caring for someone who may be infected .
They warn that wearing a mask if you are not ill or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a waste of a mask , at a time when there is a worldwide shortage .
If masks become moist , then virus particles can pass through and they become an ideal environment for bugs to breed in .
However , the WHO is debating with worldwide experts on Thursday whether there is evidence to support a change in its stance on masks .
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has offered two masks to each of the more than 50 million households in his country , as he warned Japan is `` barely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against coronavirus .
However , Mr Abe was criticised by some who branded his action a waste of money .
Prof Openshaw told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show he could `` appreciate '' the expert advice that - without fitting masks properly - they do n't really work and there is a risk of contamination as people take masks on and off .
`` I 've listened carefully to the evidence on masks , I 've read the papers , I 've talked to the people who are real mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert , '' he said .
`` And I can appreciate what they mean when they say that the way we use masks is normally not very effective . ''
However , Prof Openshaw added : `` If you look at the graphs of the way that the epidemic has gone in different countries , you can see that it 's the countries that have a lot of mask-wearing that have really got it under control .
`` So I think that 's suspicious .
`` We do n't know whether the dose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes a difference to the severity of the disease .
`` But I think we could all assume that if you 're wearing a mask , you 're at least less likely to be putting your finger up your nose and in your mouth inadvertently after you might have contaminated it - even if the mask is n't well fitting .
`` But , on the other hand , there 's no point recommending something if there are no more masks readily available . ''
Professor Matthew Freeman , from the Sir William @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also told Sky News that he thought `` masks are part of a solution '' .
`` They do not make you invincible , I think one of the worries is that if people put on masks they think ' I am now invincible , I can go back out and mix with people ' , '' he said .
`` That 's clearly not right .
But masks definitely provide a level of protection and I 've been very interested to see in some countries recently they 've been beginning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks have not been part of the solution in this country so far . ''
Prof Freeman added he would `` probably '' wear a mask - if he had one - the next time he went to the supermarket .
On Wednesday , infectious disease expert Professor David Heymann revealed the WHO was to review evidence on mask-wearing .
He told a Chatham House briefing : `` There is right now a debate about the usefulness of masks because Hong Kong has provided some evidence that masks may be useful in protecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not clear yet whether or not that 's true .
`` WHO , the group that I work with , is debating that with a group of experts around the world… to understand whether there is evidence which would call for a change in what WHO is recommending now for masks - which is that they really do n't have a major role in protecting people from infection except in healthcare workers where they also wear eye protection and they also have a role from protecting others from coughs or sneezing . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence becomes available , it seems there will be a debate trying to decide whether masks play a role at some point in the outbreak .
`` And believe me , if they do , there is a private sector healthy enough to begin producing those masks in quantities necessary . ''
The WHO panel will reportedly discuss a study in the US that suggests coughs can reach six metres and sneezes up to eight metres .
In the UK , current advice on social distancing is to remain two metres away from @ @

A virus expert has told Sky News it is "suspicious" that countries where mask-wearing is commonplace have got coronavirus "under control".
Professor Peter Openshaw, who researches viral lung diseases at Imperial College London, suggested there is still a debate about whether wearing masks is effective in the battle against coronavirus.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) currently advises people to only wear masks if they are ill with COVID-19 symptoms or caring for someone who may be infected.
They warn that wearing a mask if you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill is a waste of a mask, at a time when there is a worldwide shortage.
If masks become moist, then virus particles can pass through and they become an ideal environment for bugs to breed in.
However, the WHO is debating with worldwide experts on Thursday whether there is evidence to support a change in its stance on masks.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has offered two masks to each of the more than 50 million households in his country, as he warned Japan is "barely holding the line" in its battle against coronavirus.
However, Mr Abe was criticised by some who branded his action a waste of money.
Prof Openshaw told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show he could "appreciate" the expert advice that - without fitting masks properly - they don't really work and there is a risk of contamination as people take masks on and off.
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"I've listened carefully to the evidence on masks, I've read the papers, I've talked to the people who are real mask experts - I'm not a mask expert," he said.
"And I can appreciate what they mean when they say that the way we use masks is normally not very effective."
However, Prof Openshaw added: "If you look at the graphs of the way that the epidemic has gone in different countries, you can see that it's the countries that have a lot of mask-wearing that have really got it under control.
"So I think that's suspicious.
"We don't know whether the dose of virus that you are infected with makes a difference to the severity of the disease.
"But I think we could all assume that if you're wearing a mask, you're at least less likely to be putting your finger up your nose and in your mouth inadvertently after you might have contaminated it - even if the mask isn't well fitting.
"But, on the other hand, there's no point recommending something if there are no more masks readily available."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Used face masks wash up on Hong Kong beaches
Professor Matthew Freeman, from the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology at Oxford University, also told Sky News that he thought "masks are part of a solution".
"They do not make you invincible, I think one of the worries is that if people put on masks they think 'I am now invincible, I can go back out and mix with people'," he said.
"That's clearly not right. But masks definitely provide a level of protection and I've been very interested to see in some countries recently they've been beginning to mandate the wearing of masks, whereas masks have not been part of the solution in this country so far."
Prof Freeman added he would "probably" wear a mask - if he had one - the next time he went to the supermarket.
On Wednesday, infectious disease expert Professor David Heymann revealed the WHO was to review evidence on mask-wearing.
He told a Chatham House briefing: "There is right now a debate about the usefulness of masks because Hong Kong has provided some evidence that masks may be useful in protecting individuals from infection.
"It's not clear yet whether or not that's true.
"WHO, the group that I work with, is debating that with a group of experts around the world… to understand whether there is evidence which would call for a change in what WHO is recommending now for masks - which is that they really don't have a major role in protecting people from infection except in healthcare workers where they also wear eye protection and they also have a role from protecting others from coughs or sneezing."
He added: "But as the evidence becomes available, it seems there will be a debate trying to decide whether masks play a role at some point in the outbreak.
"And believe me, if they do, there is a private sector healthy enough to begin producing those masks in quantities necessary."
The WHO panel will reportedly discuss a study in the US that suggests coughs can reach six metres and sneezes up to eight metres.
In the UK, current advice on social distancing is to remain two metres away from others.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte says he will bury people who break quarantine laws

The president of the Philippines says people who violate coronavirus lockdown rules could be shot dead , saying `` I will bury you '' .
Amnsesty International condemned the remarks as `` deeply alarming '' and said they follow reports of inhumane punishments for lawbreakers of the coronavirus lockdown , such as being detained in dog cages and sitting for hours in the sun .
In a televised address , President Rodrigo Duterte said everyone must follow home quarantine measures to ensure the country 's poor health system is not overwhelmed .
`` It is getting worse .
So once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the problem and that you must listen , '' Duterte said .
`` My orders to the police and military ... if there is trouble and there 's an occasion that they fight back and your lives are in danger , shoot them dead .
`` Is that understood ?
Dead .
Instead of causing trouble , I will bury you . ''
Responding to Mr Duterte 's comments , the national police chief on Thursday said no-one would be shot , and that officers understood the president was demonstrating his seriousness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded 107 coronavirus deaths and 2,633 confirmed cases , according to Johns Hopkins University .
All but three cases have been recorded in the past three weeks and the rate is growing by hundreds every day .
Hours before Mr Duterte 's conference , there were media reports of several arrests of residents in a poor area of Manila who were protesting about sufficient government food aid .
Amnesty International UK said residents told the activist group that police violently dispersed the demonstrators with wooden sticks , including a man and his baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olano said the president 's `` policy of shoot to kill '' was `` a devastating hallmark of his presidency . ''
`` Deadly , unchecked force should never be referred to as a method to respond to an emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic , '' he said .
Amnesty International claimed that more than 17,000 people had been arrested for violations related to coronavirus lockdown and curfew orders .
Last week , Human Rights Watch alleged police and local officials had forced people arrested for breaking quarantine rules into dog cages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sun as punishment .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It said officials in Santa Cruz town , just south of Manila , admitted locking up five young people inside a dog cage on March 20 , justifying their action by saying those they arrested had violated curfew and been verbally abusive .
It also claimed officials forced curfew violators in Parañaque , a city within Metro Manila , to sit in the intense sun after their arrest because they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police killed a man north of Manila after he allegedly avoided a checkpoint .
Police claim the man was shot because he was pursuing police officers .
The national Commission on Human Rights expressed concern at the strict powers Philippines authorities have to arrest people even if they `` do not seriously resist '' police action to abide by the curfew and other restrictions .
The national police force says their actions have been lawful .

The president of the Philippines says people who violate coronavirus lockdown rules could be shot dead, saying "I will bury you".
Amnsesty International condemned the remarks as "deeply alarming" and said they follow reports of inhumane punishments for lawbreakers of the coronavirus lockdown, such as being detained in dog cages and sitting for hours in the sun.
In a televised address, President Rodrigo Duterte said everyone must follow home quarantine measures to ensure the country's poor health system is not overwhelmed.
Image: A Facebook screenshot of what activists say is an officer with five youths locked inside a dog cage after breaking curfew in Laguna province, the Philippines. Pic: Human Rights Watch
"It is getting worse. So once again I'm telling you the seriousness of the problem and that you must listen," Duterte said.
"My orders to the police and military... if there is trouble and there's an occasion that they fight back and your lives are in danger, shoot them dead.
"Is that understood? Dead. Instead of causing trouble, I will bury you."
Responding to Mr Duterte's comments, the national police chief on Thursday said no-one would be shot, and that officers understood the president was demonstrating his seriousness about public order.
The Philippines has recorded 107 coronavirus deaths and 2,633 confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins University.
All but three cases have been recorded in the past three weeks and the rate is growing by hundreds every day.
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Image: Gymnasiums have been made into homeless shelters for those unable to work due to lockdown measures in Manila
Hours before Mr Duterte's conference, there were media reports of several arrests of residents in a poor area of Manila who were protesting about sufficient government food aid.
Amnesty International UK said residents told the activist group that police violently dispersed the demonstrators with wooden sticks, including a man and his baby.
Amnesty International's Philippines Director Butch Olano said the president's "policy of shoot to kill" was "a devastating hallmark of his presidency."
"Deadly, unchecked force should never be referred to as a method to respond to an emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
Image: Protests have been staged against Duterte in the past over various issues, including women's rights
Amnesty International claimed that more than 17,000 people had been arrested for violations related to coronavirus lockdown and curfew orders.
Last week, Human Rights Watch alleged police and local officials had forced people arrested for breaking quarantine rules into dog cages and made them sit for hours in the sun as punishment.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It said officials in Santa Cruz town, just south of Manila, admitted locking up five young people inside a dog cage on March 20, justifying their action by saying those they arrested had violated curfew and been verbally abusive.
It also claimed officials forced curfew violators in Parañaque, a city within Metro Manila, to sit in the intense sun after their arrest because they had nowhere to put them, and that police killed a man north of Manila after he allegedly avoided a checkpoint.
Police claim the man was shot because he was pursuing police officers.
The national Commission on Human Rights expressed concern at the strict powers Philippines authorities have to arrest people even if they "do not seriously resist" police action to abide by the curfew and other restrictions.
The national police force says their actions have been lawful.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Physical health 'crucial' to chances of coronavirus recovery, says WHO in new lockdown

Coronavirus: Physical health 'crucial' to chances of coronavirus recovery, says WHO in new lockdown advice

Global health leaders have said the state of a person 's health before they become infected with COVID-19 appears to play a `` crucial role '' in determining their fate , while issuing fresh lockdown advice .
The European branch of the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) said older people with high blood pressure , diabetes or heart disease were at a significantly increased risk of death from coronavirus .
And officials urged people to exercise , maintain a healthy diet and stop drinking and smoking .
They also said people should get up for at least three minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use household chores to stay active .
Everyone should aim for a daily goal such as 30 minutes of activity , and online classes , strolls in the park and dancing to music could also help , the WHO said .
It said older people in general were at `` significant risk of disease '' , but that it posed less danger to those who had aged healthily - pointing out some people older than 100 had recovered from COVID-19 .
And Hans Henri Kluge , the WHO 's regional director for Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not `` invincible '' from the virus .
`` Older adults are at significantly increased risk of severer disease following infection from COVID-19 , '' he said .
`` We know that over 95 % of deaths occurred in people older than 60 years old .
We also know from reports that eight out of 10 deaths occur in individuals with at least one underlying co-morbidity , particularly those with cardiovascular diseases , hypertension and diabetes , but also a range of underlying chronic conditions .
`` All older people should be treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Remember we leave no one behind . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But he added that age was not the only risk factor , saying : `` The very notion that COVID-19 only affects older people is factually wrong .
`` On a positive note , there are reports of people over the age of 100 who were admitted to hospital for COVID-19 and have now since made a complete recovery .
`` It is becoming clear that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crucial role .
People who age healthily are less at risk .
`` For those in self quarantine or working from home , it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition , physical activity and staying away from tobacco and alcohol . ''
Charity We Are With You - formerly Addaction - warned that increased social isolation could lead to a surge in harmful drinking .
Laura Bunt , acting chief executive at the charity , said : `` These are really difficult times for everyone .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amount of alcohol they drink shows that social isolation is a big factor in why people may drink more heavily .
`` Coupled with the huge anxiety of living through a pandemic , this means we could see a big rise in people drinking more alcohol at home .

Global health leaders have said the state of a person's health before they become infected with COVID-19 appears to play a "crucial role" in determining their fate, while issuing fresh lockdown advice.
The European branch of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said older people with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease were at a significantly increased risk of death from coronavirus.
And officials urged people to exercise, maintain a healthy diet and stop drinking and smoking.
They also said people should get up for at least three minutes every hour to avoid sitting time and use household chores to stay active.
Everyone should aim for a daily goal such as 30 minutes of activity, and online classes, strolls in the park and dancing to music could also help, the WHO said.
It said older people in general were at "significant risk of disease", but that it posed less danger to those who had aged healthily - pointing out some people older than 100 had recovered from COVID-19.
And Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO's regional director for Europe, also warned that young people were not "invincible" from the virus.
"Older adults are at significantly increased risk of severer disease following infection from COVID-19," he said.
"We know that over 95% of deaths occurred in people older than 60 years old. We also know from reports that eight out of 10 deaths occur in individuals with at least one underlying co-morbidity, particularly those with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and diabetes, but also a range of underlying chronic conditions.
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"All older people should be treated with respect and dignity during these times. Remember we leave no one behind."
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But he added that age was not the only risk factor, saying: "The very notion that COVID-19 only affects older people is factually wrong.
"On a positive note, there are reports of people over the age of 100 who were admitted to hospital for COVID-19 and have now since made a complete recovery.
"It is becoming clear that the healthier you were before the pandemic plays a crucial role. People who age healthily are less at risk.
"For those in self quarantine or working from home, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, physical activity and staying away from tobacco and alcohol."
Charity We Are With You - formerly Addaction - warned that increased social isolation could lead to a surge in harmful drinking.
Laura Bunt, acting chief executive at the charity, said: "These are really difficult times for everyone.
"Our experience of working with people to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink shows that social isolation is a big factor in why people may drink more heavily.
"Coupled with the huge anxiety of living through a pandemic, this means we could see a big rise in people drinking more alcohol at home.
"Harmful drinking can impact people's physical and mental health."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson 'on very good form' but no decision yet on Number 10 return

Boris Johnson is `` on very good form '' but his return to work after contracting coronavirus will be decided by his doctors , the health secretary has said .
Matt Hancock confirmed the prime minister , who spent three days in intensive care with COVID-19 , has already been in touch with US president Donald Trump and the Queen .
But when asked to confirm reports that Mr Johnson would be returning to No 10 on Monday , he said nothing had been decided .
`` That decision is for the prime minister in consultation with his doctors… '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's in good shape and he 'll come back as soon as his doctors recommend it .
`` He 's on very good form and is clearly recovering . ''
There are indications that Mr Johnson is close to returning to work after he held calls with the Queen and Mr Trump .
The US president , at a White House briefing on Thursday , said he was `` actually surprised '' at how `` incredible '' the PM sounded in their call two days earlier .
`` He was ready to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you this .
He 's like the old Boris - tremendous energy , tremendous drive . ''
Mr Hancock said the prime minister was taking calls from his team and was in regular contact with his cabinet .

Boris Johnson is "on very good form" but his return to work after contracting coronavirus will be decided by his doctors, the health secretary has said.
Matt Hancock confirmed the prime minister, who spent three days in intensive care with COVID-19, has already been in touch with US president Donald Trump and the Queen.
But when asked to confirm reports that Mr Johnson would be returning to No 10 on Monday, he said nothing had been decided.
Image: Matt Hancock says he has spoken to the prime minister following his discharge from hospital
"That decision is for the prime minister in consultation with his doctors…
"I spoke to him yesterday and he's in good shape and he'll come back as soon as his doctors recommend it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 'He's like the old Boris - tremendous energy, tremendous drive'
"He's on very good form and is clearly recovering."
There are indications that Mr Johnson is close to returning to work after he held calls with the Queen and Mr Trump.
The US president, at a White House briefing on Thursday, said he was "actually surprised" at how "incredible" the PM sounded in their call two days earlier.
"He was ready to go. I'm very surprised to tell you this. He's like the old Boris - tremendous energy, tremendous drive."
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Mr Hancock said the prime minister was taking calls from his team and was in regular contact with his cabinet.


news--2020-06-28--Donald Trump cuts daily briefing short after day of mockery over disinfectant comments

Donald Trump cut off his daily coronavirus briefing without taking questions after a day of mockery over his suggestion disinfectant could cure coronavirus .
The US president was angry on Friday after a day of punishing headlines in relation to his remarks .
The briefings often stretch well beyond an hour and feature combative exchanges between Mr Trump and reporters .
Mr Trump did answer questions from reporters earlier on Friday and claimed that his suggestion about disinfectant had been `` sarcastic '' .
His words came just hours after he was widely criticised for holding up disinfectant and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as possible solutions to the coronavirus crisis .
He had said about disinfectant : `` It knocks it out in a minute , one minute , and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning ... '' Among the critics were doctors , who said the idea was `` irresponsible '' and `` dangerous '' , and companies that produce disinfectant , such as Dettol maker Reckitt Benckiser , which said that `` under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingestion or any other route ) '' .
But speaking on Friday , Mr Trump said to reporters : `` I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen .
`` Now , disinfectant when doing this ( making a hand-washing gesture ) , maybe on the hands , would work and I was asking the question of the gentleman who was there yesterday - Bill ( Bill Bryan , head of science and tech directorate at US Department of Homeland Security 's bio-defence laboratories ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will last three or four hours or six hours but if the sun is out or if they use disinfectant it goes away in less than a minute - did you hear about this yesterday ?
`` I was asking a very sarcastic question to the reporters in the room about disinfectant on the inside but it does kill it and it would kill it on the hands and that would make things much better .
That was done in a form of a sarcastic question to the reporters . ''
Many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not have been amused by his sense of humour , as the death toll from the virus topped 50,000 in the US , having doubled in 10 days , according to a tally by news agency Reuters .
The number of confirmed cases in the US has passed 880,000. : : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The White House had earlier said Mr Trump 's initial disinfectant comments had been taken `` out of context and run with negative headlines '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement that the president had `` repeatedly said that Americans should consult with medical doctors regarding coronavirus treatment '' .
The president was already facing criticism for championing the old anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a possible cure for COVID-19 , which has been shown to provide no benefit and possibly a higher risk of death .
The Food and Drug Administration in the US on Friday also warned people against the drug because of possible heart complications .

Donald Trump cut off his daily coronavirus briefing without taking questions after a day of mockery over his suggestion disinfectant could cure coronavirus.
The US president was angry on Friday after a day of punishing headlines in relation to his remarks.
The briefings often stretch well beyond an hour and feature combative exchanges between Mr Trump and reporters.
Mr Trump did answer questions from reporters earlier on Friday and claimed that his suggestion about disinfectant had been "sarcastic".
His words came just hours after he was widely criticised for holding up disinfectant and "(ultraviolet) light inside the body" as possible solutions to the coronavirus crisis.
He had said about disinfectant: "It knocks it out in a minute, one minute, and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning..."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Light and disinfectant: Trump's cure suggestions
Among the critics were doctors, who said the idea was "irresponsible" and "dangerous", and companies that produce disinfectant, such as Dettol maker Reckitt Benckiser, which said that "under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route)".
But speaking on Friday, Mr Trump said to reporters: "I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen.
"Now, disinfectant when doing this (making a hand-washing gesture), maybe on the hands, would work and I was asking the question of the gentleman who was there yesterday - Bill (Bill Bryan, head of science and tech directorate at US Department of Homeland Security's bio-defence laboratories) - because when they say that something will last three or four hours or six hours but if the sun is out or if they use disinfectant it goes away in less than a minute - did you hear about this yesterday?
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"I was asking a very sarcastic question to the reporters in the room about disinfectant on the inside but it does kill it and it would kill it on the hands and that would make things much better. That was done in a form of a sarcastic question to the reporters."
Many of his country's citizens, however, might not have been amused by his sense of humour, as the death toll from the virus topped 50,000 in the US, having doubled in 10 days, according to a tally by news agency Reuters.
The number of confirmed cases in the US has passed 880,000.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The White House had earlier said Mr Trump's initial disinfectant comments had been taken "out of context and run with negative headlines".
Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement that the president had "repeatedly said that Americans should consult with medical doctors regarding coronavirus treatment".
The president was already facing criticism for championing the old anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a possible cure for COVID-19, which has been shown to provide no benefit and possibly a higher risk of death.
The Food and Drug Administration in the US on Friday also warned people against the drug because of possible heart complications.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Ryanair boss O'Leary accuses Branson of trying to 'fleece the taxpayer' over loan

Ryanair 's boss has accused Sir Richard Branson of trying to `` fleece '' the British taxpayer as Virgin Atlantic bids for a government loan to stop it collapsing .
Michael O'Leary criticised rival airlines for seeking COVID-19 state aid beyond help to pay furloughed staff - mechanisms used by Ryanair itself as it continues to ground most flights .
Speaking to Sky News , he claimed Sir Richard Branson had more than enough money to cover Virgin Atlantic 's needs beyond wages .
It comes after Delta - which owns 49 % of Virgin - refused a bailout as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented collapse in business .
Sir Richard revealed in a letter to staff this week that he had offered his luxury island home Necker as security against a government loan - believed to be up to £500m - and that he was also seeking help from the Australian government to save Virgin Australia .
He told employees the company would do `` everything we can to keep the airline going '' .
Just hours later , it was confirmed that Virgin Australia had entered voluntary administration .
Mr O'Leary told Sky 's Ian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virgin Atlantic owned by Delta and a Caribbean island-based , non-resident billionaire .
`` Frankly if he 's worried about Virgin he should write the cheque himself .
It 's not like he 's short of money . ''
He also compared Lufthansa to a `` crack cocaine junkie '' after it requested €10bn ( £8.7bn ) from the German government .
Mr O'Leary said he expected his airline to be flying around 40 % of its services by late June or early July .
But he warned any condition that middle aisle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing , a move that will be adopted by rival easyJet , must be paid for by governments .
He also apologised for delays to refund payments amid frustration over how long it is taking customers to get their money back .
He urged people to choose flight vouchers because it is an automated system , insisting Ryanair was doing its best but that it could take months for a cash refund to be processed .
`` In a normal month , we process about 10,000 refunds for occasional flight cancellations - things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 're staffed up for that .
At the moment , we 're working with about a quarter of the normal refund staff because of social distancing and bans on people travelling to work .
`` But we 're dealing ... just in the month of April with 10 million refunds because all the fights have been cancelled .
`` So , we have 25 % of the staff , dealing with about 10,000 times the normal level of refunds . ''

Ryanair's boss has accused Sir Richard Branson of trying to "fleece" the British taxpayer as Virgin Atlantic bids for a government loan to stop it collapsing.
Michael O'Leary criticised rival airlines for seeking COVID-19 state aid beyond help to pay furloughed staff - mechanisms used by Ryanair itself as it continues to ground most flights.
Speaking to Sky News, he claimed Sir Richard Branson had more than enough money to cover Virgin Atlantic's needs beyond wages.
Image: Sir Richard has said he will do 'everything we can' to keep Virgin Atlantic going
It comes after Delta - which owns 49% of Virgin - refused a bailout as airlines around the world struggle with an unprecedented collapse in business.
Sir Richard revealed in a letter to staff this week that he had offered his luxury island home Necker as security against a government loan - believed to be up to £500m - and that he was also seeking help from the Australian government to save Virgin Australia.
He told employees the company would do "everything we can to keep the airline going".
Just hours later, it was confirmed that Virgin Australia had entered voluntary administration.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:19 'We're dealing with 10 million refunds' - O'Leary
Mr O'Leary told Sky's Ian King show: "Now you have Virgin Atlantic owned by Delta and a Caribbean island-based, non-resident billionaire.
"Frankly if he's worried about Virgin he should write the cheque himself. It's not like he's short of money."
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He also compared Lufthansa to a "crack cocaine junkie" after it requested €10bn (£8.7bn) from the German government.
Mr O'Leary said he expected his airline to be flying around 40% of its services by late June or early July.
But he warned any condition that middle aisle seats be left empty to maintain social distancing, a move that will be adopted by rival easyJet, must be paid for by governments.
He also apologised for delays to refund payments amid frustration over how long it is taking customers to get their money back.
He urged people to choose flight vouchers because it is an automated system, insisting Ryanair was doing its best but that it could take months for a cash refund to be processed.
Image: Ryanair's boss says the government must pay for any plan to keep the middle aisle free
"In a normal month, we process about 10,000 refunds for occasional flight cancellations - things like that," said Mr O'Leary.
"We're staffed up for that. At the moment, we're working with about a quarter of the normal refund staff because of social distancing and bans on people travelling to work.
"But we're dealing... just in the month of April with 10 million refunds because all the fights have been cancelled.
"So, we have 25% of the staff, dealing with about 10,000 times the normal level of refunds."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Donald Trump surprised by how 'incredible' Boris Johnson sounded on phone

Donald Trump says Boris Johnson `` sounded incredible '' during a phone call earlier this week .
The prime minister scheduled calls with both the US president and the Queen this week as part of a gradual return to work following his coronavirus fight .
`` He called me a few days ago , I will tell you he sounded incredible , '' the US president told reporters .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' I was actually surprised… he was ready to go .
I 'm very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's like the old Boris , tremendous energy , tremendous drive . ''
He added : `` Because he called me almost pretty close to when he got out of the hospital , I think he 's doing great .
`` He was so sharp and energetic , pretty incredible .
He 's an incredible guy .
He 's a friend of ours and a friend of mine , he loves our country , he loves his country a lot… and they 're lucky to have him over there . ''
The Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raab has been standing in for Mr Johnson for the last few weeks .
The PM will return to a cabinet divided over how and when to lift the UK 's lockdown .
In analysis for the Sky News website and app , political editor Beth Rigby wrote : `` The cabinet is not united on how quickly and extensively the lockdown should be lifted .
`` The health secretary is laser-focused on trying to drive down the death rate and protect the NHS and wants to push down the transmission rate as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Others , including those in the Treasury , have a different set of priorities as they look at the economic cost of shutting down the economy .
The longer the lockdown , the worse the damage . ''

Donald Trump says Boris Johnson "sounded incredible" during a phone call earlier this week.
The prime minister scheduled calls with both the US president and the Queen this week as part of a gradual return to work following his coronavirus fight.
"He called me a few days ago, I will tell you he sounded incredible," the US president told reporters.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
"I was actually surprised… he was ready to go. I'm very surprised to tell you this. It's like the old Boris, tremendous energy, tremendous drive."
He added: "Because he called me almost pretty close to when he got out of the hospital, I think he's doing great.
"He was so sharp and energetic, pretty incredible. He's an incredible guy. He's a friend of ours and a friend of mine, he loves our country, he loves his country a lot… and they're lucky to have him over there."
The Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab has been standing in for Mr Johnson for the last few weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:03 Nurses talk about caring for PM in hospital
The PM will return to a cabinet divided over how and when to lift the UK's lockdown.
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In analysis for the Sky News website and app, political editor Beth Rigby wrote: "The cabinet is not united on how quickly and extensively the lockdown should be lifted.
"The health secretary is laser-focused on trying to drive down the death rate and protect the NHS and wants to push down the transmission rate as low as possible before easing the lockdown.
"Others, including those in the Treasury, have a different set of priorities as they look at the economic cost of shutting down the economy. The longer the lockdown, the worse the damage."


news--2020-04-24--Canada's worst ever mass shooting triggered by row between gunman and girlfriend, police say

Canada 's worst mass shooting in history was triggered by a domestic dispute between the gunman and his girlfriend , a police official has said .
Gabriel Wortman killed at least 22 people across northern and central Nova Scotia on Saturday and Sunday , but his partner survived the attack .
Speaking ahead of a news conference in which more details were expected to emerge , a police source told the Associated Press that the killings began after a domestic dispute between the pair .
The shootings happened across 16 crime scenes in five rural communities .
Wortman , 51 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , around 13 hours after the attack started .
Police said several bodies were found inside and outside one home in the rural town of Portapique .
Authorities believe the gunman targeted his first victims before launching a series of random attacks as he drove around disguised as a police officer , in a vehicle marked to appear like a patrol car .
Officials say he shot people in and around their homes and set fire to homes in Portapique .
The owner of a denture practice in the city of Dartmouth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Portapique , residents say .
His practice , Atlantic Denture Clinic , had been closed for a month due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Authorities said Wortman did not have a police record , but it later emerged he had had at least one run-in with the law .
Court records show he was ordered to receive counselling for anger management after pleading guilty to assaulting a man in the Halifax area in 2001 .
Canada has had relatively few mass shootings , having overhauled its gun control laws after Marc Lepine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Ecole Polytechnique college in 1989 .

Canada's worst mass shooting in history was triggered by a domestic dispute between the gunman and his girlfriend, a police official has said.
Gabriel Wortman killed at least 22 people across northern and central Nova Scotia on Saturday and Sunday, but his partner survived the attack.
Speaking ahead of a news conference in which more details were expected to emerge, a police source told the Associated Press that the killings began after a domestic dispute between the pair.
Image: Police say Wortman drove a car marked to appear like a patrol vehicle and wore a police uniform
The shootings happened across 16 crime scenes in five rural communities.
Wortman, 51, was shot dead on Sunday morning, around 13 hours after the attack started.
Police said several bodies were found inside and outside one home in the rural town of Portapique.
Authorities believe the gunman targeted his first victims before launching a series of random attacks as he drove around disguised as a police officer, in a vehicle marked to appear like a patrol car.
Officials say he shot people in and around their homes and set fire to homes in Portapique.
The owner of a denture practice in the city of Dartmouth, near Halifax, Wortman lived part time in Portapique, residents say.
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His practice, Atlantic Denture Clinic, had been closed for a month due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members pack up after searching for Gabriel Wortman
Authorities said Wortman did not have a police record, but it later emerged he had had at least one run-in with the law.
Court records show he was ordered to receive counselling for anger management after pleading guilty to assaulting a man in the Halifax area in 2001.
Canada has had relatively few mass shootings, having overhauled its gun control laws after Marc Lepine killed 14 women and himself at Montreal's Ecole Polytechnique college in 1989.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: England's 'excess deaths' among the highest in Europe

Sky News analysis has found that England is among the European countries with the highest number of `` excess deaths '' during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Excess deaths are calculated by subtracting the expected number of deaths in a given period ( based on past mortality rates ) from the total number actually recorded .
The figure helps give a truer picture of the impact of the virus than government death tolls .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This is because some people will have died from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so their death will be missing from official coronavirus figures .
Deaths indirectly caused by COVID-19 will also be missing .
For example , someone who dies of a heart attack because the ambulance service is overstretched and can ’ t get to them in time .
However , both these types of deaths are included in excess death figures .
Excess deaths in Europe are tracked by EuroMOMO , which receives weekly official mortality figures from 24 countries .
The chart above shows how mortality across Europe has varied over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of excess deaths rising annually during the flu season .
The 2020 flu season was less severe than previous years , but a clear spike in the number of excess deaths can be seen in March , as the flu season ended and COVID-19 started to spread across Europe .
Sky News analysis of EuroMOMO figures suggests that 117,461 more people than expected died across the countries monitored , between the beginning of March and the middle of April .
In total 488,764 people died over those six weeks , up 32 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these additional deaths are not necessarily all caused by the pandemic the majority are likely to be related .
Across Europe , week 14 was the worst for excess deaths according to data available , with 64 % more deaths than normal in both weeks .
To compare how many more people have died than expected in each country , EuroMOMO uses an algorithm to standardise each country 's data and take into account factors such as population size and mortality patterns .
This produces a measure called a z-score , which tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deaths in each country is from the mean value of all countries .
The larger a country 's z-score the higher the number of excess deaths .
Further analysis of the EuroMOMO figures shows that the three countries with the biggest peaks in excess deaths are Spain , Belgium , Italy and England .
England recorded the highest number of excess deaths anywhere in Europe for three consecutive weeks ( week 14 , 15 and 16 ) .
Since week 13 , the excess deaths in England has been well over 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the level at which EuroMOMO says there has been an extreme high excess of mortality .
England has recorded more than 40 points above the average for the last two weeks .
Although Spain , Italy and Belgium have also recorded considerably high excess of mortality , none of them have scored more than 40 points .
England has also had more excess deaths than expected compared with Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
The Netherlands , France and Switzerland are among the other countries in Europe who have seen a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
In contrast , the number of deaths in Denmark and Norway has so far remained roughly the same as would have been expected in a normal year .
This does not mean that these countries have had no coronavirus deaths .
But in these countries the deaths caused by the disease have either come from groups of people who were already likely to die in that period , or have been offset by fewer deaths from other causes .
So how do the excess death figures compare to the official COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of excess deaths according to each country 's statistical office alongside the official COVID-19 death count announced by the country 's government .
Although this data is not directly comparable among countries , it shows that the difference between official COVID-19 records and excess of mortality is particularly big in countries most affected by the outbreak .
Perhaps unsurprisingly , the chart shows that the UK , Spain and Italy are the three countries with the biggest discrepency between the two figures .
This suggests that in these countries thousands more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic than are shown in official government COVID-19 death counts .

Sky News analysis has found that England is among the European countries with the highest number of "excess deaths" during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Excess deaths are calculated by subtracting the expected number of deaths in a given period (based on past mortality rates) from the total number actually recorded.
The figure helps give a truer picture of the impact of the virus than government death tolls.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
This is because some people will have died from the disease without anyone knowing they were infected, so their death will be missing from official coronavirus figures.
Deaths indirectly caused by COVID-19 will also be missing. For example, someone who dies of a heart attack because the ambulance service is overstretched and can’t get to them in time.
However, both these types of deaths are included in excess death figures.
Excess deaths in Europe are tracked by EuroMOMO, which receives weekly official mortality figures from 24 countries.
The chart above shows how mortality across Europe has varied over the last three years, with the number of excess deaths rising annually during the flu season.
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The 2020 flu season was less severe than previous years, but a clear spike in the number of excess deaths can be seen in March, as the flu season ended and COVID-19 started to spread across Europe.
Sky News analysis of EuroMOMO figures suggests that 117,461 more people than expected died across the countries monitored, between the beginning of March and the middle of April.
In total 488,764 people died over those six weeks, up 32% from the 371,302 deaths expected.
While these additional deaths are not necessarily all caused by the pandemic the majority are likely to be related.
Image: Hospitals across Europe have been dealing with a surge in COVID-19 patients.
Across Europe, week 14 was the worst for excess deaths according to data available, with 64% more deaths than normal in both weeks.
To compare how many more people have died than expected in each country, EuroMOMO uses an algorithm to standardise each country's data and take into account factors such as population size and mortality patterns.
This produces a measure called a z-score, which tells us how many standard deviations the amount of deaths in each country is from the mean value of all countries.
The larger a country's z-score the higher the number of excess deaths.
Further analysis of the EuroMOMO figures shows that the three countries with the biggest peaks in excess deaths are Spain, Belgium, Italy and England.
England recorded the highest number of excess deaths anywhere in Europe for three consecutive weeks (week 14, 15 and 16).
Since week 13, the excess deaths in England has been well over 15 points above the normal average - which is the level at which EuroMOMO says there has been an extreme high excess of mortality.
England has recorded more than 40 points above the average for the last two weeks.
Although Spain, Italy and Belgium have also recorded considerably high excess of mortality, none of them have scored more than 40 points.
England has also had more excess deaths than expected compared with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Netherlands, France and Switzerland are among the other countries in Europe who have seen a rise in excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In contrast, the number of deaths in Denmark and Norway has so far remained roughly the same as would have been expected in a normal year.
This does not mean that these countries have had no coronavirus deaths.
But in these countries the deaths caused by the disease have either come from groups of people who were already likely to die in that period, or have been offset by fewer deaths from other causes.
So how do the excess death figures compare to the official COVID-19 death counts?
The chart below shows the number of excess deaths according to each country's statistical office alongside the official COVID-19 death count announced by the country's government.
Although this data is not directly comparable among countries, it shows that the difference between official COVID-19 records and excess of mortality is particularly big in countries most affected by the outbreak.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the chart shows that the UK, Spain and Italy are the three countries with the biggest discrepency between the two figures.
This suggests that in these countries thousands more people may have died as a result of the pandemic than are shown in official government COVID-19 death counts.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Payment freeze to help credit customers with car finance and payday loans

The City watchdog has announced help for households struggling to meet payments for a string of credit products , including car finance and payday loans .
The Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) said it was to press ahead with plans that will allow customers struggling financially because of the COVID-19 crisis to request a freeze in payments from Monday .
The temporary measure covers motor finance , buy-now pay-later , rent-to-own and pawnbroking agreements for up to three months .
High-cost short-term credit - including payday loans - is covered for one month only but the FCA said no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provider if the borrower took up the payment holiday .
The regulator urged firms to be fair in their approach but said some had already gone beyond their obligations to help struggling customers .
Car finance and leasing operators were warned that they should not be taking steps to repossess vehicles if they are needed by the customer during the crisis .
Christopher Woolard , the FCA 's interim chief executive , said : `` We have worked at pace to introduce temporary financial relief tailored for a range of specific credit products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their customers , but these measures ensure all consumers affected by the coronavirus emergency can apply for a temporary freeze on their payments . ''
The industry was yet to give a response to the measures .

The City watchdog has announced help for households struggling to meet payments for a string of credit products, including car finance and payday loans.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it was to press ahead with plans that will allow customers struggling financially because of the COVID-19 crisis to request a freeze in payments from Monday.
The temporary measure covers motor finance, buy-now pay-later, rent-to-own and pawnbroking agreements for up to three months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 Fears the economy faces deep slump
High-cost short-term credit - including payday loans - is covered for one month only but the FCA said no additional interest could be charged by the provider if the borrower took up the payment holiday.
The regulator urged firms to be fair in their approach but said some had already gone beyond their obligations to help struggling customers.
Car finance and leasing operators were warned that they should not be taking steps to repossess vehicles if they are needed by the customer during the crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:10 New COVID-19 testing website is launched
Christopher Woolard, the FCA's interim chief executive, said: "We have worked at pace to introduce temporary financial relief tailored for a range of specific credit products.
"Many firms are already working with their customers, but these measures ensure all consumers affected by the coronavirus emergency can apply for a temporary freeze on their payments."
The industry was yet to give a response to the measures.