news--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Screensavers are the only signs of airport life in flying's 'new normal'

The smile : that central component of human interaction - simple , powerful , comforting , rewarding - especially in these challenging `` corona-times '' .
But now it 's becoming a casualty of coronavirus ; hidden , as it so often is , behind the face mask .
How hard it must be for masked medical staff trying to interact emotionally , encouragingly , with their patients .
I suppose it means our eyes have to work a little harder to signal that under the mask there is a smile .
It 's a thought that occurs to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our two young sons through an almost deserted Heathrow Airport .
Our masks are donned ; we are preparing to leave a country where they are not , yet , de rigueur for another where they are .
In the space of just a few minutes , a number of interactions - with the check-in staff , with a police officer and with my six-year-old - need something more because the smile is hidden behind the mask .
We 're on a journey back to our home and my base as Sky 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family 's first venture out for over a month .
Lots has changed , temporarily we all hope , but there is still plenty to think about .
The hidden smile is a little thing .
An empty airport is altogether different : an unnervingly eerie sight .
Heathrow 's Terminal 4 should host 9.4 million passengers a year .
Its departures hall is a third of a mile long .
But today , like so many before and who knows how many to come , it 's almost deserted .
The check-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of life is the screensavers on the monitors .
Above me , the departures board shows just two flights - one to Rome , and the other , ours , to Tel Aviv .
Airside , all the shops are shuttered .
Little says `` global economic shutdown '' more strikingly than all this .
It 's shuddering .
We 're heading home because the Israeli lockdown , which was imposed earlier than the UK one , is now slowly being reduced .
Schools will soon reopen .
We left for the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and professional reasons .
Now 's the time to head back .
We 've secured seats on a one-off flight put on by Israel 's national carrier El Al to repatriate Israelis and residents with special permission .
In these times of coronavirus , the `` welcome on board '' is accompanied now with a temperature check .
A pistol-like device is held to each of our foreheads by the cabin crew .
As we find our seats , another corona-moment .
The man my wife is due to sit next to is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 'd quite like him to , not least because my wife is pregnant and potentially in a higher-risk category .
So , with a smile ( that 's hidden ) , I enquire .
Will he be wearing it ?
`` I was n't planning to , '' he says .
No mask .
And no smile .
Awkward indeed , but resolved by a member of the cabin crew who tells him it 's mandatory .
A new normal .
As we taxi , we pass lines of planes , furloughed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belong to .
There 's plenty of debate about how to get them flying again .
Leave the middle seat empty ?
But it seems to me that the concept of social distancing on a plane is impossible .
Even if you leave the middle seat empty , the people in front of and behind you are still right next to you .
An empty middle seat will drive up prices or send airlines bust .
From where I 'm sitting , it 's not viable .
The inflight meal arrives and makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their mask off for their meal and drink , what 's the point ?
My neighbour looks at me as I sip my drink .
He 's not eating .
His mask is still on .
I ca n't read his face but I can imagine it .
Countries globally have chosen different ways of dealing with the crisis .
Israel 's response seems to be belt and braces .
The aircraft door swings open to reveal soldiers who use the PA system to explain politely that we 'll need to comply with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check , health declaration forms and a COVID-19 swab test , all before baggage reclaim .
With a mixture of order and a little chaos , we disembark and head through the labyrinth .
We were n't expecting the test so I feel it necessary to brief my six-year-old on what he 's about to experience : a stick up the nose and in the mouth .
He 's remarkably unfazed ; distracted instead by the men in white suits .
New normals .
As we approach the temperature checkpoint , I realise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand-baggage .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker What if I fail the temperature test ?
Luckily there 's time to cool down , but in a queue of passengers where social distancing is , again , impossible .
The six-year-old and his 18-month-old brother both seem to take the whole thing , including the test , in their stride .
I 'm proud of them and smile , with the eyes working hard .
But I ca n't help wondering what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into .
Surely , this will all pass and the `` new normal '' everyone talks about will be replaced once more by the proper old normal ?
I ca n't imagine them navigating a world where socialising must be done at a distance , where grandparents are off-limits , where hands ca n't be shaken , where smiles are hidden .
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q & A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary @ sky.uk

The smile: that central component of human interaction - simple, powerful, comforting, rewarding - especially in these challenging "corona-times".
But now it's becoming a casualty of coronavirus; hidden, as it so often is, behind the face mask.
How hard it must be for masked medical staff trying to interact emotionally, encouragingly, with their patients.
Image: Stone said he was proud of his children's handling of all the coronavirus checks
I suppose it means our eyes have to work a little harder to signal that under the mask there is a smile.
It's a thought that occurs to my wife and me as we walk with our two young sons through an almost deserted Heathrow Airport.
Our masks are donned; we are preparing to leave a country where they are not, yet, de rigueur for another where they are.
In the space of just a few minutes, a number of interactions - with the check-in staff, with a police officer and with my six-year-old - need something more because the smile is hidden behind the mask.
We're on a journey back to our home and my base as Sky's Middle East correspondent.
It's the family's first venture out for over a month. Lots has changed, temporarily we all hope, but there is still plenty to think about.
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Image: Mark Stone's six-year-old son is tested for COVID-19 by an official in a hazmat suit
The hidden smile is a little thing. An empty airport is altogether different: an unnervingly eerie sight.
Heathrow's Terminal 4 should host 9.4 million passengers a year. Its departures hall is a third of a mile long.
But today, like so many before and who knows how many to come, it's almost deserted.
The check-in desks are empty; the only sign of life is the screensavers on the monitors.
Above me, the departures board shows just two flights - one to Rome, and the other, ours, to Tel Aviv.
Airside, all the shops are shuttered. Little says "global economic shutdown" more strikingly than all this. It's shuddering.
We're heading home because the Israeli lockdown, which was imposed earlier than the UK one, is now slowly being reduced. Schools will soon reopen.
We left for the UK in mid-March for a mixture of personal and professional reasons.
Now's the time to head back. We've secured seats on a one-off flight put on by Israel's national carrier El Al to repatriate Israelis and residents with special permission.
In these times of coronavirus, the "welcome on board" is accompanied now with a temperature check. A pistol-like device is held to each of our foreheads by the cabin crew.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 March: Flights virtually empty across the world
As we find our seats, another corona-moment. The man my wife is due to sit next to isn't wearing a mask. Awkward.
We'd quite like him to, not least because my wife is pregnant and potentially in a higher-risk category.
So, with a smile (that's hidden), I enquire. Will he be wearing it?
"I wasn't planning to," he says. No mask. And no smile.
Awkward indeed, but resolved by a member of the cabin crew who tells him it's mandatory. A new normal.
As we taxi, we pass lines of planes, furloughed like the staff of the airlines they belong to.
There's plenty of debate about how to get them flying again. Leave the middle seat empty?
But it seems to me that the concept of social distancing on a plane is impossible.
Even if you leave the middle seat empty, the people in front of and behind you are still right next to you.
An empty middle seat will drive up prices or send airlines bust. From where I'm sitting, it's not viable.
Image: A temperature check before Mark Stone's family board the aircraft
The inflight meal arrives and makes me think: if every passenger takes their mask off for their meal and drink, what's the point?
My neighbour looks at me as I sip my drink. He's not eating. His mask is still on. I can't read his face but I can imagine it.
On arrival, Israeli order kicks in.
Countries globally have chosen different ways of dealing with the crisis. Israel's response seems to be belt and braces.
The aircraft door swings open to reveal soldiers who use the PA system to explain politely that we'll need to comply with them.
There'll be a temperature check, health declaration forms and a COVID-19 swab test, all before baggage reclaim.
With a mixture of order and a little chaos, we disembark and head through the labyrinth.
We weren't expecting the test so I feel it necessary to brief my six-year-old on what he's about to experience: a stick up the nose and in the mouth.
He's remarkably unfazed; distracted instead by the men in white suits. New normals.
As we approach the temperature checkpoint, I realise I'm hot, lugging too much hand-baggage.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
What if I fail the temperature test? Luckily there's time to cool down, but in a queue of passengers where social distancing is, again, impossible.
The six-year-old and his 18-month-old brother both seem to take the whole thing, including the test, in their stride.
I'm proud of them and smile, with the eyes working hard. But I can't help wondering what sort of world they'll grow up into.
Surely, this will all pass and the "new normal" everyone talks about will be replaced once more by the proper old normal?
I can't imagine them navigating a world where socialising must be done at a distance, where grandparents are off-limits, where hands can't be shaken, where smiles are hidden.
Next week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: COVID-19 cases worldwide top two million

The coronavirus pandemic has reached a grim landmark , with more than two million cases confirmed worldwide .
Almost 700,000 of those cases are people diagnosed with COVID-19 in the US , according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
Spain has 170,000 and Italy has almost 160,000 , with France , Germany , the UK , and China also having a high number of cases .
On Monday evening , the UK announced more than 11,000 people have died after testing positive for the disease and that there are almost 90,000 confirmed cases .
A member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the UK could end up being the `` worst-affected country in Europe '' .
It comes as a number of European countries start to consider how best to end the restrictions placed on societies in an effort to limit the spread of the illness .
Spain allowed employees in industry and construction to return to work on Monday after a two-week shutdown closed all sectors apart from healthcare and food .
Italy , Ireland and Greece have extended their restrictions into May and the UK is expected to do the same .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions should be lifted slowly to avoid a resurgence of the virus .
WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said appropriate measures should be in place before lockdowns are lifted , including `` significant '' capacity for tracking infections and contacts of those infected .
Speaking at a press conference on Monday , Dr Ghebreyesus said : `` While COVID-19 accelerates very fast , it decelerates much more slowly .
`` In other words , the way down is much slower than the way up .
`` That means control measures must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Dr Ghebreyesus added : `` Our global connectedness means the risk of re-introduction and resurgence of the disease will continue .
`` Ultimately , the development and delivery of a safe and effective vaccine will be needed to fully interrupt transmission . ''
There is no vaccine or proven treatment for COVID-19 but there are a number of companies and countries urgently researching both .
In the UK , Foreign Secretary and acting prime minister Dominic Raab said the government does not expect to make any changes to the UK restrictions as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government has also not revealed any details of how it plans to bring the UK out of the `` lockdown '' , despite being questioned on this a number of times .

The coronavirus pandemic has reached a grim landmark, with more than two million cases confirmed worldwide.
Almost 700,000 of those cases are people diagnosed with COVID-19 in the US, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Spain has 170,000 and Italy has almost 160,000, with France, Germany, the UK, and China also having a high number of cases.
On Monday evening, the UK announced more than 11,000 people have died after testing positive for the disease and that there are almost 90,000 confirmed cases.
A member of the government's scientific advice committee has warned that the UK could end up being the "worst-affected country in Europe".
It comes as a number of European countries start to consider how best to end the restrictions placed on societies in an effort to limit the spread of the illness.
Spain allowed employees in industry and construction to return to work on Monday after a two-week shutdown closed all sectors apart from healthcare and food.
Italy, Ireland and Greece have extended their restrictions into May and the UK is expected to do the same.
The World Health Organisation has warned that restrictions should be lifted slowly to avoid a resurgence of the virus.
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WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said appropriate measures should be in place before lockdowns are lifted, including "significant" capacity for tracking infections and contacts of those infected.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Raab: 'We’ve still got a long way to go'
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Dr Ghebreyesus said: "While COVID-19 accelerates very fast, it decelerates much more slowly.
"In other words, the way down is much slower than the way up.
"That means control measures must be lifted slowly, and with control."
Dr Ghebreyesus added: "Our global connectedness means the risk of re-introduction and resurgence of the disease will continue.
"Ultimately, the development and delivery of a safe and effective vaccine will be needed to fully interrupt transmission."
There is no vaccine or proven treatment for COVID-19 but there are a number of companies and countries urgently researching both.
In the UK, Foreign Secretary and acting prime minister Dominic Raab said the government does not expect to make any changes to the UK restrictions as they move into their fourth week.
The government has also not revealed any details of how it plans to bring the UK out of the "lockdown", despite being questioned on this a number of times.


news--2020-04-14--North Korea fires suspected cruise missiles, says Seoul

North Korea has fired several suspected cruise missiles from both the ground and air off the country 's east coast , according to South Korea 's military .
South Korea 's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles flew more than 93 miles ( 150km ) at a low altitude .
Tuesday 's suspected missile tests came on the eve of a national holiday in North Korea to celebrate the 108th birthday of the country 's late founder , Kim Il Sung - the grandfather of the country 's current leader , Kim Jong Un .
South Korea said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missiles into the sea while Sukhoi jets fired air-to-surface missiles .
Seoul said Pyongyang had recently appeared to resume military drills which it had scaled back due to concerns around the coronavirus pandemic .
South Korea 's military gave no indication of how many missiles were fired , but said a detailed analysis of the launches was being conducted together with U.S. intelligence .
If confirmed , it is the third set of weapons testing by Pyongyang since the beginning of March , following a four-month hiatus .
On Sunday , North Korean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had visited an airbase and observed drills by the country 's fighter jets and attack aircraft .
: : Listen to the Behind the Headline podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The suspected launches also come as South Korea prepares to hold parliamentary elections amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Some experts say North Korea is now attempting to catch South Korea off balance before seeking help to revive its economy .
Leif-Eric Easley , associate professor at Seoul 's Ewha Womans University , said : `` The coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health capacity , so Kim Jong Un is playing a two-level game .
`` At the domestic level , his regime claims to protect the people with drastic quarantine measures and military exercises against external threats .
`` Pyongyang may be seeking international assistance , but remains obsessed with not appearing in an inferior position to Seoul . ''
Nuclear diplomacy between North Korea and the US has largely stalled since the breakdown of a second summit between the North Korean leader and President Donald Trump in February 2019 in Vietnam .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for months over the next steps in their negotiations , with North Korea refusing to disarm in return for a reprieve on its sanctions - dashing hopes of denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula .

North Korea has fired several suspected cruise missiles from both the ground and air off the country's east coast, according to South Korea's military.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles flew more than 93 miles (150km) at a low altitude.
Tuesday's suspected missile tests came on the eve of a national holiday in North Korea to celebrate the 108th birthday of the country's late founder, Kim Il Sung - the grandfather of the country's current leader, Kim Jong Un.
Image: North Korea is preparing to celebrate the 108th birthday of Kim Il Sung, its late founder
South Korea said the North had launched multiple short-range anti-ship cruise missiles into the sea while Sukhoi jets fired air-to-surface missiles.
Seoul said Pyongyang had recently appeared to resume military drills which it had scaled back due to concerns around the coronavirus pandemic.
South Korea's military gave no indication of how many missiles were fired, but said a detailed analysis of the launches was being conducted together with U.S. intelligence.
If confirmed, it is the third set of weapons testing by Pyongyang since the beginning of March, following a four-month hiatus.
On Sunday, North Korean state media reported the country's leader had visited an airbase and observed drills by the country's fighter jets and attack aircraft.
:: Listen to the Behind the Headline podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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The suspected launches also come as South Korea prepares to hold parliamentary elections amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Some experts say North Korea is now attempting to catch South Korea off balance before seeking help to revive its economy.
Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor at Seoul's Ewha Womans University, said: "The coronavirus is likely exceeding North Korea's public health capacity, so Kim Jong Un is playing a two-level game.
"At the domestic level, his regime claims to protect the people with drastic quarantine measures and military exercises against external threats.
"Pyongyang may be seeking international assistance, but remains obsessed with not appearing in an inferior position to Seoul."
Image: The missile tests come ahead of South Korea's parliamentary elections
Nuclear diplomacy between North Korea and the US has largely stalled since the breakdown of a second summit between the North Korean leader and President Donald Trump in February 2019 in Vietnam.
The two countries have been in a face-off for months over the next steps in their negotiations, with North Korea refusing to disarm in return for a reprieve on its sanctions - dashing hopes of denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Around half of COVID-19 deaths are in care homes

Around half of deaths from COVID-19 are happening in care homes , according to data from some European countries .
Figures from five European countries suggest that care home residents have accounted for between 42 % and 57 % of all deaths related to COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus .
The figures are contained in a report by academics at the London School of Economics , which focuses on Italy , Spain , France , Ireland and Belgium .
This would suggest that the daily figures announced by the UK government are vastly under-estimated , as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient had tested positive for the virus .
Almost two million people worldwide have been infected with the disease and around 120,000 have died after testing positive for it , according to data from US university Johns Hopkins .
On Monday , England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said 13.5 % of the UK 's care homes had at least one resident with a confirmed case of coronavirus , up from 9 % the previous week .
But the figures from Europe , taken between 6 and 11 April , suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
In Spain , figures from media reports showed 57 % of all COVID-19 deaths could be in care homes , while official figures in Ireland showed the rate there to be around 54 % .
In Belgium , official data showed a rate of 42 % and in France the figure was 45 % .
In Italy , extrapolation of an official survey showed around 53 % of COVID-19 deaths were in care homes .
The researchers did say that the systems for recording deaths linked to COVID-19 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions .
Professor Whitty said he would like to see testing increased at care homes .
`` One of the things we want to do is to extend the amount of testing of people in care homes as the ability to test ramps up over the next few weeks .
`` Because clearly care homes are one of the areas where there are large numbers of vulnerable people and that is an area of risk and therefore we would very much ... like to have much more extensive testing . ''
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Caroline Abrahams , charity director of Age UK , said the lack of personal protective equipment and testing had allowed COVID-19 to `` run wild '' in care homes .
`` The current figures are airbrushing older people out like they do n't matter , '' she said .

Around half of deaths from COVID-19 are happening in care homes, according to data from some European countries.
Figures from five European countries suggest that care home residents have accounted for between 42% and 57% of all deaths related to COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
The figures are contained in a report by academics at the London School of Economics, which focuses on Italy, Spain, France, Ireland and Belgium.
This would suggest that the daily figures announced by the UK government are vastly under-estimated, as they only include deaths in hospitals where a patient had tested positive for the virus.
Almost two million people worldwide have been infected with the disease and around 120,000 have died after testing positive for it, according to data from US university Johns Hopkins.
On Monday, England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said 13.5% of the UK's care homes had at least one resident with a confirmed case of coronavirus, up from 9% the previous week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:51 Care home nurse: 'We haven't even got to our worst point'
But the figures from Europe, taken between 6 and 11 April, suggest a higher rate of infection and fatality from the disease.
In Spain, figures from media reports showed 57% of all COVID-19 deaths could be in care homes, while official figures in Ireland showed the rate there to be around 54%.
In Belgium, official data showed a rate of 42% and in France the figure was 45%. In Italy, extrapolation of an official survey showed around 53% of COVID-19 deaths were in care homes.
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The researchers did say that the systems for recording deaths linked to COVID-19 in care homes varied between different countries and regions.
Professor Whitty said he would like to see testing increased at care homes.
"One of the things we want to do is to extend the amount of testing of people in care homes as the ability to test ramps up over the next few weeks.
"Because clearly care homes are one of the areas where there are large numbers of vulnerable people and that is an area of risk and therefore we would very much... like to have much more extensive testing."
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Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, said the lack of personal protective equipment and testing had allowed COVID-19 to "run wild" in care homes.
"The current figures are airbrushing older people out like they don't matter," she said.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: What COVID-19 tests are available? Can I get one?

The World Health Organisation has told countries to `` test , test , test '' as the backbone of their coronavirus response .
But what tests are available - and to whom - in the UK ?
How many people have been tested ?
As of 9am on Easter Monday , more than 365,000 coronavirus tests had been completed in the UK on more than 290,000 people .
Of those , more than 88,500 tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 11,300 have died .
Some people are tested more than once for clinical reasons .
How do the tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as antigen tests - currently being conducted in the UK are done by taking a swab of the nose or throat .
These are then sent off to a laboratory to spot signs of the virus 's genetic material .
Who can get one ?
Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK , tests have been reserved for those who end up in hospital with COVID-19 symptoms .
Testing has now also been expanded to include NHS staff - or members of their same household - who display symptoms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to get NHS staff back to work as soon as possible .
It has been suggested many NHS workers might actually be self-isolating themselves unnecessarily if they or a household member test display coronavirus-like symptoms , but do not actually have the illness .
If you have COVID-19 symptoms but are not ill enough to require hospital treatment and are not an NHS worker nor live in the same household as one , then you will not be tested .
Instead , you are advised to self-isolate for seven days or until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you live with someone who has symptoms , you 'll need to self-isolate for 14 days from the day their symptoms started .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Care home staff and prison officers are the next key workers in line to get coronavirus tests .
Where are tests available ?
As well as being conducted in hospitals , coronavirus tests are now also being done at a network of drive-through centres across the UK .
These include well-known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adventures theme park and the stadiums of football clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Cardiff City .
Can I not buy one online ?
The government has taken steps to ensure NHS staff are first in line for the ramped up testing programme .
People searching for coronavirus tests on Amazon will be met with the message that `` these tests will not be available over the counter or for purchase online from any retailers . ''
Public Health England advise against the use of home testing products and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply of such products is illegal .
How many tests are being done each day ?
According to latest figures , the most number of coronavirus tests conducted in a single day in the UK were the 19,116 completed on 9 April .
However , the government has promised to increase the number of daily tests to 100,000 by the end of this month .
Ministers had come under pressure to increase the number of tests when the UK 's amount of testing was compared to that of countries such as South Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praised for their COVID-19 response .
Are there any other types of test ?
The government is also working on the development of a coronavirus antibody test , which it hopes will help meet its 100,000 a day target .
An antibody test is a blood test that does n't diagnose whether someone is currently actively infected with coronavirus .
Instead it determines whether they previously contracted coronavirus and now hold some immunity against it due to the presence of antibodies in their blood .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously described a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game changer '' in the UK 's battle against coronavirus .
This is because , if people are found to have already been infected - and recovered - from coronavirus , they could safely be allowed to return to work .
It is thought unlikely that people can be re-infected with coronavirus once they have already contracted , at least in quick succession .
However , this has recently been challenged after South Korea reported 91 patients thought cleared of coronavirus had tested positive again .
When will those be available ?
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antibody test could be available in a matter of days .
The tests , which might look similar to pregnancy tests , could be ordered on Amazon or taken at high street branches such as Boots , they said .
However , that timeframe has now been revised after the government last week admitted none of the antibody tests it was hoping to develop currently work well enough to be used .
Ministers have ordered millions of the tests , subject to their pending approval .

The World Health Organisation has told countries to "test, test, test" as the backbone of their coronavirus response. But what tests are available - and to whom - in the UK?
How many people have been tested?
As of 9am on Easter Monday, more than 365,000 coronavirus tests had been completed in the UK on more than 290,000 people.
Of those, more than 88,500 tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 11,300 have died.
Some people are tested more than once for clinical reasons.
How do the tests work?
The diagnostic tests - known as antigen tests - currently being conducted in the UK are done by taking a swab of the nose or throat.
These are then sent off to a laboratory to spot signs of the virus's genetic material.
Who can get one?
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Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, tests have been reserved for those who end up in hospital with COVID-19 symptoms.
Testing has now also been expanded to include NHS staff - or members of their same household - who display symptoms.
This action has been taken in an attempt to get NHS staff back to work as soon as possible.
It has been suggested many NHS workers might actually be self-isolating themselves unnecessarily if they or a household member test display coronavirus-like symptoms, but do not actually have the illness.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms but are not ill enough to require hospital treatment and are not an NHS worker nor live in the same household as one, then you will not be tested.
Instead, you are advised to self-isolate for seven days or until you no longer have a high temperature.
If you live with someone who has symptoms, you'll need to self-isolate for 14 days from the day their symptoms started.
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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Care home staff and prison officers are the next key workers in line to get coronavirus tests.
Where are tests available?
As well as being conducted in hospitals, coronavirus tests are now also being done at a network of drive-through centres across the UK.
These include well-known locations such as the Chessington World of Adventures theme park and the stadiums of football clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Cardiff City.
Can I not buy one online?
The government has taken steps to ensure NHS staff are first in line for the ramped up testing programme.
People searching for coronavirus tests on Amazon will be met with the message that "these tests will not be available over the counter or for purchase online from any retailers."
Image: NHS staff are being tested at drive-through centres across the UK
Public Health England advise against the use of home testing products and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have said the supply of such products is illegal.
How many tests are being done each day?
According to latest figures, the most number of coronavirus tests conducted in a single day in the UK were the 19,116 completed on 9 April.
However, the government has promised to increase the number of daily tests to 100,000 by the end of this month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Health secretary tackled over lack of care home testing
Ministers had come under pressure to increase the number of tests when the UK's amount of testing was compared to that of countries such as South Korea and Germany, who have both been praised for their COVID-19 response.
Are there any other types of test?
The government is also working on the development of a coronavirus antibody test, which it hopes will help meet its 100,000 a day target.
An antibody test is a blood test that doesn't diagnose whether someone is currently actively infected with coronavirus.
Instead it determines whether they previously contracted coronavirus and now hold some immunity against it due to the presence of antibodies in their blood.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously described a reliable antibody test as a possible "game changer" in the UK's battle against coronavirus.
Image: Diagnostic tests are sent to laboratories for assessment
This is because, if people are found to have already been infected - and recovered - from coronavirus, they could safely be allowed to return to work.
It is thought unlikely that people can be re-infected with coronavirus once they have already contracted, at least in quick succession.
However, this has recently been challenged after South Korea reported 91 patients thought cleared of coronavirus had tested positive again.
When will those be available?
Last month, Public Health England said an antibody test could be available in a matter of days.
The tests, which might look similar to pregnancy tests, could be ordered on Amazon or taken at high street branches such as Boots, they said.
However, that timeframe has now been revised after the government last week admitted none of the antibody tests it was hoping to develop currently work well enough to be used.
Ministers have ordered millions of the tests, subject to their pending approval.


news--2020-04-14--Outrage after black people banned from McDonald's branch in China

McDonald 's has apologised after black people were banned from entering a branch of the fast food restaurant in China .
Footage posted on social media showed a man holding a sign which said black people were barred from the branch in Guangzhou , and they should notify the police for medical isolation .
The note said : `` We 've been informed that from now on black people are not allowed to enter the restaurant .
`` For the sake of your health consciously notify the local police for medical isolation .
Please understand the inconvenience caused . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ African-Americans to avoid the area until further notice and warned that people of seemingly African origin were also not being served in bars .
The consulate said local officials had launched a round of mandatory tests for coronavirus , followed by mandatory self-quarantine , for anyone with `` African contacts '' regardless of their recent travel history or previous quarantine completion .
African-Americans have also reported that some businesses and hotels refuse to do business with them , it added .
`` The US Consulate General advises African-Americans or those who believe Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with nationals of African countries to avoid the Guangzhou metropolitan area until further notice , '' it said .
`` Without advance warning , officials might require such individuals to submit to a COVID-19 test and undergo 14 days of supervised quarantine at their own expense . ''
The minister of foreign affairs in Ghana , Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey , condemned the discrimination and said she had requested a meeting with the Chinese ambassador for Ghana , Shi Ting Wang .
Chinese police are said to have eased up the targeted treatment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign affairs met a group of African ambassadors on Monday .
A statement from Ghana 's Foreign Affairs Ministry said : `` At the meeting , it was announced that the Government of the People 's Republic of China had taken note of happenings and was taking immediate steps to stop the targeting of and ill-treatment meted out to Africans , particularly our compatriots in the Guangdong Province . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A spokesman for McDonald 's Corporation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its branch in China was `` not representative of our inclusive values '' .
`` Immediately upon learning of an unauthorised communication to our guests at a restaurant in Guangzhou , we removed the communication and temporarily closed the restaurant , '' the spokesman said .
`` As part of the temporary closure of this restaurant , we will take the opportunity to further educate managers and employees on our values , which includes serving all members of the communities in which we operate . ''

McDonald's has apologised after black people were banned from entering a branch of the fast food restaurant in China.
Footage posted on social media showed a man holding a sign which said black people were barred from the branch in Guangzhou, and they should notify the police for medical isolation.
The note said: "We've been informed that from now on black people are not allowed to enter the restaurant.
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"For the sake of your health consciously notify the local police for medical isolation. Please understand the inconvenience caused."
The US consulate in China has urged African-Americans to avoid the area until further notice and warned that people of seemingly African origin were also not being served in bars.
The consulate said local officials had launched a round of mandatory tests for coronavirus, followed by mandatory self-quarantine, for anyone with "African contacts" regardless of their recent travel history or previous quarantine completion.
African-Americans have also reported that some businesses and hotels refuse to do business with them, it added.
"The US Consulate General advises African-Americans or those who believe Chinese officials may suspect them of having contact with nationals of African countries to avoid the Guangzhou metropolitan area until further notice," it said.
"Without advance warning, officials might require such individuals to submit to a COVID-19 test and undergo 14 days of supervised quarantine at their own expense."
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The minister of foreign affairs in Ghana, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, condemned the discrimination and said she had requested a meeting with the Chinese ambassador for Ghana, Shi Ting Wang.
Chinese police are said to have eased up the targeted treatment of Africans after China's vice minister for foreign affairs met a group of African ambassadors on Monday.
A statement from Ghana's Foreign Affairs Ministry said: "At the meeting, it was announced that the Government of the People's Republic of China had taken note of happenings and was taking immediate steps to stop the targeting of and ill-treatment meted out to Africans, particularly our compatriots in the Guangdong Province."
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A spokesman for McDonald's Corporation told Sky News that the incident at its branch in China was "not representative of our inclusive values".
"Immediately upon learning of an unauthorised communication to our guests at a restaurant in Guangzhou, we removed the communication and temporarily closed the restaurant," the spokesman said.
"As part of the temporary closure of this restaurant, we will take the opportunity to further educate managers and employees on our values, which includes serving all members of the communities in which we operate."


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: 'One in 10' virus deaths taking place outside hospitals - ONS

Nearly one in 10 coronavirus-related deaths in England and Wales happened outside hospitals in the week ending 3 April , according to the Office for National Statistics .
The 406 deaths were not included in the daily NHS and Department of Health coronavirus figures , which only count hospital deaths .
The number is made up of 217 deaths in care homes , 33 in hospices , 136 in private homes , three in other communal establishments , and 17 elsewhere .
Some 3,716 virus-related deaths were in hospitals - or 90.2 % of the total , said the ONS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover last week - the UK 's worst for hospital deaths - when more than 900 people died for two days in a row .
The figures suggest the total number of virus-related deaths is significantly higher than believed .
Since the outbreak began late last year until 3 April , the ONS says there were 6,235 deaths in England and Wales - around 2,100 more than Department of Health hospital figures for the same period .
Around 2,000 care homes are believed to have had outbreaks of the virus , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer .
Professor Chris Whitty said in the government 's briefing that 13.5 % care homes in England had recorded cases of COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A London School of Economics report looking at five other European countries , including Spain , Italy and France , suggests the proportion of virus deaths in care homes could be around half .
The ONS figures count any death certificate which mentions COVID-19 .
It means the virus may have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main cause of death and a positive test is not required .
Other headlines from the weekly figures include : • In London , nearly half ( 46.6 % ) of deaths registered involved COVID-19 ; in the West Midlands it was 22.1 % .
• The 16,387 deaths registered in England and Wales ( from all causes ) is up 5,246 from the week before , and the highest since the ONS started compiling the data in 2005 .
• `` Novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) '' was listed on 21.2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4.8 % the week before .

Nearly one in 10 coronavirus-related deaths in England and Wales happened outside hospitals in the week ending 3 April, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The 406 deaths were not included in the daily NHS and Department of Health coronavirus figures, which only count hospital deaths.
The number is made up of 217 deaths in care homes, 33 in hospices, 136 in private homes, three in other communal establishments, and 17 elsewhere.
Some 3,716 virus-related deaths were in hospitals - or 90.2% of the total, said the ONS.
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The period in question does not cover last week - the UK's worst for hospital deaths - when more than 900 people died for two days in a row.
The figures suggest the total number of virus-related deaths is significantly higher than believed.
Since the outbreak began late last year until 3 April, the ONS says there were 6,235 deaths in England and Wales - around 2,100 more than Department of Health hospital figures for the same period.
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Around 2,000 care homes are believed to have had outbreaks of the virus, according to remarks on Monday by the chief medical officer.
Professor Chris Whitty said in the government's briefing that 13.5% care homes in England had recorded cases of COVID-19.
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A London School of Economics report looking at five other European countries, including Spain, Italy and France, suggests the proportion of virus deaths in care homes could be around half.
The ONS figures count any death certificate which mentions COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Critical care doctor Alan Courtney tells Sky News that there
It means the virus may have been a contributory factor and not necessarily the main cause of death and a positive
test is not required.
Other headlines from the weekly figures include:


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: World facing worst recession since the Great Depression - IMF

The world is heading for the deepest economic slump since the Great Depression , with Britain set to experience the biggest recession in a century , the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) has warned .
In its latest forecasts for the world economy , the IMF said that the world economy would shrink by 3 % this year - a bigger contraction than the -0.1 % in 2009 and , according to IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath , likely the `` worst recession since the Great Depression '' .
Referring to the fight against COVID-19 as `` The Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that the recession could be even deeper than its central forecast if the coronavirus pandemic causes even lengthier shutdowns around the world in the coming months .
It added that while it expected most economies to bounce back sharply after this year 's contraction , the recession would nonetheless leave considerable scarring , with advanced economies failing to regain all the economic output lost during the contraction .
In its World Economic Outlook , the IMF 's major biannual survey of the global economy , it said : `` A partial recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend growth rates , but the level of GDP will remain below the pre-virus trend , with considerable uncertainty about the strength of the rebound .
`` Much worse growth outcomes are possible and maybe even likely .
`` This would follow if the pandemic and containment measures last longer , emerging and developing economies are even more severely hit , tight financial conditions persist , or if widespread scarring effects emerge due to firm closures and extended unemployment . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicted that the UK economy would see its economy contract by 6.5 % this year - the biggest slump since 1921 .
Other European countries would experience similar contractions , with Italy shrinking by 9.1 % and Spain by 8 % .
The Fund 's forecasts follow a scenario published by the Office for Budget Responsibility showing the UK economy contracting by 35 % in the second quarter as a consequence of the COVID-19 lockdown .

The world is heading for the deepest economic slump since the Great Depression, with Britain set to experience the biggest recession in a century, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned.
In its latest forecasts for the world economy, the IMF said that the world economy would shrink by 3% this year - a bigger contraction than the -0.1% in 2009 and, according to IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath, likely the "worst recession since the Great Depression".
Referring to the fight against COVID-19 as "The Great Lockdown", the Fund also pointed out that the recession could be even deeper than its central forecast if the coronavirus pandemic causes even lengthier shutdowns around the world in the coming months.
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It added that while it expected most economies to bounce back sharply after this year's contraction, the recession would nonetheless leave considerable scarring, with advanced economies failing to regain all the economic output lost during the contraction.
In its World Economic Outlook, the IMF's major biannual survey of the global economy, it said: "A partial recovery is projected for 2021, with above trend growth rates, but the level of GDP will remain below the pre-virus trend, with considerable uncertainty about the strength of the rebound.
"Much worse growth outcomes are possible and maybe even likely.
"This would follow if the pandemic and containment measures last longer, emerging and developing economies are even more severely hit, tight financial conditions persist, or if widespread scarring effects emerge due to firm closures and extended unemployment."
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The IMF predicted that the UK economy would see its economy contract by 6.5% this year - the biggest slump since 1921.
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Other European countries would experience similar contractions, with Italy shrinking by 9.1% and Spain by 8%.
The Fund's forecasts follow a scenario published by the Office for Budget Responsibility showing the UK economy contracting by 35% in the second quarter as a consequence of the COVID-19 lockdown.


news--2020-04-14--Dynamo: Coronavirus made my Crohn's worse - but I'm coming out the other side

Dynamo has told Sky News how contracting coronavirus exacerbated the symptoms he suffers from Crohn 's disease - but that he is `` through the worst of it '' and staying positive .
The magician also praised NHS staff and other key workers for `` all the hard work '' they are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic .
He looked well as he spoke in a Skype interview during coronavirus lockdown , less than two weeks after announcing on Twitter that he had tested positive .
The 37-year-old , real name Steven Frayne , suffers from both Crohn 's disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus .
`` The thing with Crohn 's is it is an invisible illness , so you might look great on the outside but not so good on the inside , '' he said .
`` I 'm doing pretty good right now .
Obviously , having COVID and going through all that exacerbated my existing condition and made things a little bit worse .
`` But , you know , I 'm definitely through the worst of it and coming out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things happen and you have to try and just take the positives from them and try and move forward and work through it . ''
Dynamo said the reaction from fans to his new show , Beyond Belief , which launched last week , had helped him stay positive .
`` It 's been tough at times but the show came out and the response and the energy from the fans has just really given me the boost I think I needed . ''
The star spoke about isolating from everyone , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus - and even managed to find the positives in that , joking that he had more room in bed `` to really stretch out '' .
He has also been using the time to develop more tricks .
`` I 've been using this time to try and develop new magic ideas and just keep myself busy , when I 've not been too unwell .
`` I 'm trying to fight through it like everybody else around the country and I just really appreciate all the hard work that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that they 're doing . ''
Dynamo said he was grateful to have been able to travel to film for Beyond Belief , which took place in six different countries , before the lockdown .
`` I filmed everywhere from Mexico to Japan , America , obviously here in the UK .
And just seeing the different reactions from the different nations , it 's just really kind of showed me that , especially right now , that we are all connected more than we believe .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Just because we go to a different place and see a different culture ; when they see the magic , they still react in the same way as me doing magic , let 's say , from Japan to London .
So I think that inspires me .
`` And every time I go to these new places , and especially right now , with us all being on lockdown , I 'm so grateful that I got to visit these incredible places .
`` Whilst everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can get to experience these other countries through their screens and come on that journey with me . ''
Dynamo 's new series Beyond Belief is out now on Sky One and NOW TV

Dynamo has told Sky News how contracting coronavirus exacerbated the symptoms he suffers from Crohn's disease - but that he is "through the worst of it" and staying positive.
The magician also praised NHS staff and other key workers for "all the hard work" they are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He looked well as he spoke in a Skype interview during coronavirus lockdown, less than two weeks after announcing on Twitter that he had tested positive.
Image: Dynamo travelled all over the world for his new show, Beyond Belief. Pic: © Inner Circle Films/ Sky UK
The 37-year-old, real name Steven Frayne, suffers from both Crohn's disease and arthritis, which had put him at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus.
"The thing with Crohn's is it is an invisible illness, so you might look great on the outside but not so good on the inside," he said.
"I'm doing pretty good right now. Obviously, having COVID and going through all that exacerbated my existing condition and made things a little bit worse.
"But, you know, I'm definitely through the worst of it and coming out the other side.
"And sometimes these things happen and you have to try and just take the positives from them and try and move forward and work through it."
Dynamo said the reaction from fans to his new show, Beyond Belief, which launched last week, had helped him stay positive.
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"It's been tough at times but the show came out and the response and the energy from the fans has just really given me the boost I think I needed."
The star spoke about isolating from everyone, even his wife, while he was ill with the virus - and even managed to find the positives in that, joking that he had more room in bed "to really stretch out".
He has also been using the time to develop more tricks.
"I've been using this time to try and develop new magic ideas and just keep myself busy, when I've not been too unwell.
"I'm trying to fight through it like everybody else around the country and I just really appreciate all the hard work that everyone else, all the key workers, that they're doing."
Dynamo said he was grateful to have been able to travel to film for Beyond Belief, which took place in six different countries, before the lockdown.
"I filmed everywhere from Mexico to Japan, America, obviously here in the UK. And just seeing the different reactions from the different nations, it's just really kind of showed me that, especially right now, that we are all connected more than we believe.
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"Just because we go to a different place and see a different culture; when they see the magic, they still react in the same way as me doing magic, let's say, from Japan to London. So I think that inspires me.
"And every time I go to these new places, and especially right now, with us all being on lockdown, I'm so grateful that I got to visit these incredible places.
"Whilst everyone's stuck at home, at least they can get to experience these other countries through their screens and come on that journey with me."
Dynamo's new series Beyond Belief is out now on Sky One and NOW TV


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Concerns raised over Apple and Google's contact-tracing technology

Apple and Google have attempted to explain how their contract-tracing technology will work , but experts are still questioning if it could be effective in reducing infections .
The technology will enable people to find out if they have been in close proximity with someone later diagnosed with COVID-19 based on Bluetooth signals between their smartphones .
Being able to warn people early about potential transmission of the coronavirus is crucial to tackling the pandemic because people are believed to be at their most contagious before symptoms develop .
But experts have raised concerns about the rare collaboration between companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 99 % of the world 's smartphones .
The companies say their system will use Bluetooth to ping out signals to other smartphones which are near by , and the smartphones will create a log of all of the other devices they come near to .
This log will protect the identities of these smartphones by randomising the identifiers each of them uses and changing them every 15 minutes .
If users choose to share this information with public health authorities then they can be alerted if any of those other devices belonged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the coming months the companies say the contact-tracing feature will be added to the underlying iOS and Android operating systems .
Any positive matches would prompt users to download their relevant public health app .
Accessing this data , which will only happen if users choose to share it , will be limited to public health authorities as recognised by the national governments where the companies operate .
But there are significant issues with this model .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anderson , of the University of Cambridge , warned : `` If the app is voluntary , nobody has an incentive to use it , except tinkerers and people who religiously comply with whatever the government asks . ''
And if the public health authority apps were compulsory , then `` the incentive to cheat will be extreme '' as human nature will drive people to adapt to the constraints imposed on them by the system , Prof Anderson added .
The privileges which any compulsory app could give people - for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- might also introduce dangerous incentives , such as some people trying to contract the virus on purpose .
Another significant issue would be people falsely claiming to have contracted the virus in order to send false alerts to others .
Professor Anderson wrote : `` Anyone who 's worked on abuse will instantly realise that a voluntary app operated by anonymous actors is wide open to trolling .
`` The performance art people will tie a phone to a dog and let it run around the park ; the Russians will use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread panic ; and little Johnny will self-report symptoms to get the whole school sent home . ''
Security expert Moxie Marlinspike , who created Signal Messenger , warned on Twitter that were numerous ways in which malicious actors could begin to troll the system and people whose devices were near their own .
To tackle this , the companies say they are working with public health authorities to provide the validation for any diagnoses .
But for many people getting a diagnosis simply is not possible .
Sky News has revealed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,500 tests a day - significantly short of the 100,000 the government was aiming for .
With such a limited number of cases being flagged up by official testing system , Apple and Google say that public authorities may need to use another method to identify cases .
It is not clear what that method would be .

Apple and Google have attempted to explain how their contract-tracing technology will work, but experts are still questioning if it could be effective in reducing infections.
The technology will enable people to find out if they have been in close proximity with someone later diagnosed with COVID-19 based on Bluetooth signals between their smartphones.
Being able to warn people early about potential transmission of the coronavirus is crucial to tackling the pandemic because people are believed to be at their most contagious before symptoms develop.
Image: Apple and Google are collaborating on the technology
But experts have raised concerns about the rare collaboration between companies whose mobile operating systems are run on 99% of the world's smartphones.
The companies say their system will use Bluetooth to ping out signals to other smartphones which are near by, and the smartphones will create a log of all of the other devices they come near to.
This log will protect the identities of these smartphones by randomising the identifiers each of them uses and changing them every 15 minutes.
If users choose to share this information with public health authorities then they can be alerted if any of those other devices belonged to someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Over the coming months the companies say the contact-tracing feature will be added to the underlying iOS and Android operating systems. Any positive matches would prompt users to download their relevant public health app.
Accessing this data, which will only happen if users choose to share it, will be limited to public health authorities as recognised by the national governments where the companies operate.
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But there are significant issues with this model.
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Security expert Professor Ross Anderson, of the University of Cambridge, warned: "If the app is voluntary, nobody has an incentive to use it, except tinkerers and people who religiously comply with whatever the government asks."
And if the public health authority apps were compulsory, then "the incentive to cheat will be extreme" as human nature will drive people to adapt to the constraints imposed on them by the system, Prof Anderson added.
The privileges which any compulsory app could give people - for example, if potentially it offered immunity certification -- might also introduce dangerous incentives, such as some people trying to contract the virus on purpose.
Another significant issue would be people falsely claiming to have contracted the virus in order to send false alerts to others.
Professor Anderson wrote: "Anyone who's worked on abuse will instantly realise that a voluntary app operated by anonymous actors is wide open to trolling.
"The performance art people will tie a phone to a dog and let it run around the park; the Russians will use the app to run service-denial attacks and spread panic; and little Johnny will self-report symptoms to get the whole school sent home."
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Security expert Moxie Marlinspike, who created Signal Messenger, warned on Twitter that were numerous ways in which malicious actors could begin to troll the system and people whose devices were near their own.
To tackle this, the companies say they are working with public health authorities to provide the validation for any diagnoses.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 How will the lockdown be eventually lifted?
But for many people getting a diagnosis simply is not possible.
Sky News has revealed the national coronavirus testing centre is only conducting 1,500 tests a day - significantly short of the 100,000 the government was aiming for.
With such a limited number of cases being flagged up by official testing system, Apple and Google say that public authorities may need to use another method to identify cases. It is not clear what that method would be.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: India extends lockdown as citizens urged to follow rules with 'full devotion'

India has extended its lockdown of 1.3 billion residents until 3 May , as coronavirus cases in the country passed 10,000 .
Announcing the extension in a nationwide address , Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to continue following the rules of the lockdown .
`` Till May 3 , every Indian will have to stay in lockdown .
I request all Indians that we stop the coronavirus from spreading to other areas , '' he said .
India imposed an initial 21-day lockdown on 25 March - the world 's biggest shutdown - with only essential workers allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going outside except to buy necessary items .
Mr Modi said that in areas which fare well , some restrictions could be relaxed from 20 April to help poor daily wage earners and those working in the agriculture sector .
However , if there were any examples of `` carelessness or dangers '' afterwards , the changes would be revoked .
`` I pray to the entire country to work hard to ensure that the spread of the virus should not be allowed in any new areas , '' Mr Modi said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify hotspots and act - more strictly than we have done so far . ''
The prime minister said 10,000 hospital beds have been made available and there is adequate stock of medicines and rations .
Mr Modi praised the actions of his government against the pandemic , saying it had been swift and appropriate in its response and had fared better than other developed countries .
`` If India would not have adopted a holistic approach , if an integrated approach was not initiated , India 's situation would have been different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is clear from the experiences of the past few days that the path we have chosen is right , '' he said .
India shut cinemas and shopping centres when it had about 100 cases , and imposed the lockdown when it reached 550 cases .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the country has reached 10,363 and there have been at least 339 deaths , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India 's health ministry said on Monday that no new positive cases had been reported in 25 districts in 15 states during the past 14 days .
In a tweet following his address , the prime minister asked Indians to follow the rules of lockdown with `` full devotion '' .
The nationwide shutdown has had a large impact on poorer workers and migrants , and a number of chief ministers have called for the measures to be relaxed for a number of sectors .
Last month , the government announced a relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some people criticised Mr Modi for not announcing more financial help in his latest address .
Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi wrote on Twitter : `` No financial package , no details , no concrete item .
Neither 4poor nor middle class nor industry nor businesses .
# Lockdown is good bt can not be end in itself ! ''

India has extended its lockdown of 1.3 billion residents until 3 May, as coronavirus cases in the country passed 10,000.
Announcing the extension in a nationwide address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to continue following the rules of the lockdown.
"Till May 3, every Indian will have to stay in lockdown. I request all Indians that we stop the coronavirus from spreading to other areas," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:50 How is India coping with lockdown?
India imposed an initial 21-day lockdown on 25 March - the world's biggest shutdown - with only essential workers allowed to travel to work and residents barred from going outside except to buy necessary items.
Mr Modi said that in areas which fare well, some restrictions could be relaxed from 20 April to help poor daily wage earners and those working in the agriculture sector.
However, if there were any examples of "carelessness or dangers" afterwards, the changes would be revoked.
"I pray to the entire country to work hard to ensure that the spread of the virus should not be allowed in any new areas," Mr Modi said.
"For this, we have to identify hotspots and act - more strictly than we have done so far."
The prime minister said 10,000 hospital beds have been made available and there is adequate stock of medicines and rations.
Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation
Mr Modi praised the actions of his government against the pandemic, saying it had been swift and appropriate in its response and had fared better than other developed countries.
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"If India would not have adopted a holistic approach, if an integrated approach was not initiated, India's situation would have been different [compared to many developed countries]. It is clear from the experiences of the past few days that the path we have chosen is right," he said.
India shut cinemas and shopping centres when it had about 100 cases, and imposed the lockdown when it reached 550 cases.
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The number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the country has reached 10,363 and there have been at least 339 deaths, according to the latest government data released on Tuesday.
India's health ministry said on Monday that no new positive cases had been reported in 25 districts in 15 states during the past 14 days.
In a tweet following his address, the prime minister asked Indians to follow the rules of lockdown with "full devotion".
Image: Poorer families are struggling during the lockdown
The nationwide shutdown has had a large impact on poorer workers and migrants, and a number of chief ministers have called for the measures to be relaxed for a number of sectors.
Last month, the government announced a relief package for those worst-hit by the lockdown.
Some people criticised Mr Modi for not announcing more financial help in his latest address.
Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi wrote on Twitter: "No financial package, no details, no concrete item. Neither 4poor nor middle class nor industry nor businesses. #Lockdown is good bt cannot be end in itself!"


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Fury as US police handcuff black doctor who tests homeless people for coronavirus

Police have launched an investigation after a black doctor known for testing homeless people for coronavirus in Miami was handcuffed and detained as he unloaded his van outside his home .
Video shows Armen Henderson being approached by a police officer as he takes items out , while loading what he said were tents into his vehicle .
Dr Henderson , who works at the University of Miami Health System , said he was on his way to distribute the tents - along with masks , and toiletries - to homeless people in the city he is renowned for supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officer told him he had received reports of people dumping waste and that he responded that he was simply unloading his van .
He added that he was detained after he did not produce identification .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' He said , 'You should refer to me as sir or sergeant when talking to me . '
I never said I was a doctor .
But I did n't cuss .
He just grabbed my arms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Miami Herald .
He said the officer then `` yelled in my face '' , but video shows him eventually being released after his wife is seen emerging from their home and presenting his ID .
Dr Henderson said he was wearing a mask during the confrontation but that the officer was not .
He added that he believed the incident was racially motivated and that the police officer had failed to apologise after establishing he had done nothing illegal .
Amid growing outrage as the footage was shared widely online , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context was important to the incident but vowed the matter would be `` investigated fully '' .
`` We have had a litany of complaints pertaining to illegal dumping , '' he said .
`` There is a cargo van that is parked in front of that home .
It appears to be trash that is being off-loaded .
`` That is the genesis of the stop .
What happens after that , what 's being discussed , the actions taken etc , all that needs to be investigated .
And it will @ @ @ @

Police have launched an investigation after a black doctor known for testing homeless people for coronavirus in Miami was handcuffed and detained as he unloaded his van outside his home.
Video shows Armen Henderson being approached by a police officer as he takes items out, while loading what he said were tents into his vehicle.
Dr Henderson, who works at the University of Miami Health System, said he was on his way to distribute the tents - along with masks, and toiletries - to homeless people in the city he is renowned for supporting amid the COVID-19 crisis.
He said the officer told him he had received reports of people dumping waste and that he responded that he was simply unloading his van. He added that he was detained after he did not produce identification.
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"He said, 'You should refer to me as sir or sergeant when talking to me.' I never said I was a doctor. But I didn't cuss. He just grabbed my arms and cuffed me," Dr Henderson told the Miami Herald.
He said the officer then "yelled in my face", but video shows him eventually being released after his wife is seen emerging from their home and presenting his ID.
Dr Henderson said he was wearing a mask during the confrontation but that the officer was not.
He added that he believed the incident was racially motivated and that the police officer had failed to apologise after establishing he had done nothing illegal.
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Amid growing outrage as the footage was shared widely online, Miami chief of police Jorge Colina said context was important to the incident but vowed the matter would be "investigated fully".
"We have had a litany of complaints pertaining to illegal dumping," he said.
"There is a cargo van that is parked in front of that home. It appears to be trash that is being off-loaded.
"That is the genesis of the stop. What happens after that, what's being discussed, the actions taken etc, all that needs to be investigated. And it will be investigated."


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Tottenham stadium to offer NHS services after criticism of club's COVID-19 response

Tottenham Hotspur 's stadium has begun to offer maternity and antenatal services as the Premier League club helps to free up space for a local hospital to deal with the coronavirus crisis .
From Tuesday , pregnancy scans , antenatal clinics , a maternal day unit and a range of support services will be hosted at the stadium after being transferred from the nearby North Middlesex University Hospital .
It will free up capacity at the hospital and ensure pregnant women are able to stay away from the main hospital site during the COVID-19 pandemic , if they only require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tottenham 's wider response to the coronavirus crisis had been heavily criticised , with some of the club 's players reported to be angry at actions taken by chairman Daniel Levy .
Officially known as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium , the club 's new ground was built on the site of their old White Hart Lane stadium for an estimated cost of between £850m to £1bn and opened in April last year .
The stadium , which has now had a major section repurposed to offer the NHS services , is one mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A maternal day unit has been set up in what is usually one of the changing rooms for when the stadium hosts American Football matches , while the area where players normally conduct TV interviews after matches will be used as a consultation and scanning room .
Since last week , it has already become the first Premier League stadium to be used as a site for NHS staff to be swab tested for COVID-19 .
Up to 70 healthcare workers can be tested at the stadium 's drive-through facility each day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middlesex University Hospital , said : `` We are so grateful to Tottenham Hotspur for providing their wonderful facilities for our staff , patients , and local community during these difficult times . ''
On Easter Monday , Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy announced a U-turn on his previous decision to seek taxpayers ' cash to pay non-playing staff during the coronavirus crisis .
At the beginning of this month , Mr Levy said he would cut the wages of 550 of Tottenham 's non-playing staff by 20 % and apply for the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to pay the remaining 80 % of furloughed staff 's salaries .
The action was announced on the same day it was revealed Mr Levy earned a £3m bonus last year , as part of his £7m earnings , and after Tottenham announced record revenues of £461m .
It prompted widespread anger - including from the club 's fans - and calls for Tottenham to first slash the wages of their highly-paid players before seeking taxpayers ' cash to pay other staff .
Criticism of the club deepened after Tottenham manager Jose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's coronavirus guidelines by meeting up with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele for a one-on-one training session .
Mr Levy has now reversed his decision to cut the wages of non-playing staff , with all of them - whether full-time , casual or furloughed - to now receive 100 % of their pay for April and May .
Only the club 's board will have their salaries reduced .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Levy 's initial action is reported to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former England player Gary Neville told Sky Sports News that Tottenham striker Harry Kane 's recent admission he could leave the club might have been prompted by Mr Levy 's initial action .

Tottenham Hotspur's stadium has begun to offer maternity and antenatal services as the Premier League club helps to free up space for a local hospital to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
From Tuesday, pregnancy scans, antenatal clinics, a maternal day unit and a range of support services will be hosted at the stadium after being transferred from the nearby North Middlesex University Hospital.
It will free up capacity at the hospital and ensure pregnant women are able to stay away from the main hospital site during the COVID-19 pandemic, if they only require routine antenatal care.
It comes after Tottenham's wider response to the coronavirus crisis had been heavily criticised, with some of the club's players reported to be angry at actions taken by chairman Daniel Levy.
Image: The north London club had been heavily criticised for their wider coronavirus response
Officially known as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the club's new ground was built on the site of their old White Hart Lane stadium for an estimated cost of between £850m to £1bn and opened in April last year.
The stadium, which has now had a major section repurposed to offer the NHS services, is one mile away from North Middlesex University Hospital.
A maternal day unit has been set up in what is usually one of the changing rooms for when the stadium hosts American Football matches, while the area where players normally conduct TV interviews after matches will be used as a consultation and scanning room.
Since last week, it has already become the first Premier League stadium to be used as a site for NHS staff to be swab tested for COVID-19.
Up to 70 healthcare workers can be tested at the stadium's drive-through facility each day.
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Image: How the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is being repurposed to offer NHS services. Pic: Twitter/@SpursOfficial
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Maria Kane, chief executive of North Middlesex University Hospital, said: "We are so grateful to Tottenham Hotspur for providing their wonderful facilities for our staff, patients, and local community during these difficult times."
On Easter Monday, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy announced a U-turn on his previous decision to seek taxpayers' cash to pay non-playing staff during the coronavirus crisis.
At the beginning of this month, Mr Levy said he would cut the wages of 550 of Tottenham's non-playing staff by 20% and apply for the government's job retention scheme "where appropriate" to pay the remaining 80% of furloughed staff's salaries.
The action was announced on the same day it was revealed Mr Levy earned a £3m bonus last year, as part of his £7m earnings, and after Tottenham announced record revenues of £461m.
It prompted widespread anger - including from the club's fans - and calls for Tottenham to first slash the wages of their highly-paid players before seeking taxpayers' cash to pay other staff.
Image: Daniel Levy was paid a £3m bonus for delivering the club's new stadium.
Criticism of the club deepened after Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho was later pictured flouting the government's coronavirus guidelines by meeting up with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele for a one-on-one training session.
Mr Levy has now reversed his decision to cut the wages of non-playing staff, with all of them - whether full-time, casual or furloughed - to now receive 100% of their pay for April and May.
Only the club's board will have their salaries reduced.
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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Mr Levy's initial action is reported to have upset some players at the club.
Former England player Gary Neville told Sky Sports News that Tottenham striker Harry Kane's recent admission he could leave the club might have been prompted by Mr Levy's initial action.