news--2020-02-18--Apple says coronavirus will hurt iPhone production and profits

Apple has warned it will not meet its financial targets due to the impact of coronavirus on production and sales in China .
The tech firm 's second quarter ends on 30 March and it was expecting revenue for this period to be between $ 63bn and $ 67bn ( £48bn and £51bn ) .
It did not offer a new forecast in the update to the market , with shares falling almost 3 % when Wall Street opened on Tuesday .
The outbreak of COVID-19 , the medical name for the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus , has resulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple 's factories are all outside Hubei province , the centre of the outbreak .
They have reopened but production is only slowly returning to normal .
`` The health and well-being of every person who helps make these products possible is our paramount priority , and we are working in close consultation with our suppliers and public health experts as this ramp continues , '' the company said .
Sky News reported in January that Apple 's request to suppliers to produce 80 million iPhones over the first half of 2020 could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The virus has also affected iPhone sales in China , which is Apple 's third-largest retail market after the US and Europe .
Due to restrictions on movement intended to limit the spread of the virus , many of Apple 's 42 Chinese stores are closed or operating only limited hours .
Callum D'Ath , senior investment manager at Brewin Dolphin , said : `` Looking ahead for Apple , this is probably a transitory impact to numbers as global supply-chain issues will dissipate .
`` In addition , while this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still out on whether Apple is a hardware company or successful in transitioning to becoming a high-quality consumer staple company with a growing software business . ''
COVID-19 has infected more than 73,000 people , most of them in China .
Some 1,800 people have died as a result .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A number of other businesses have been affected by the virus , including InterContinental Hotels Group .
The company , which owns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had closed or partially closed 160 of its 470 hotels in China - its fastest-growing market - due to the virus .
Banking firm HSBC also said coronavirus had caused `` significant disruption '' for its business , especially in China and Hong Kong .

Apple has warned it will not meet its financial targets due to the impact of coronavirus on production and sales in China.
The tech firm's second quarter ends on 30 March and it was expecting revenue for this period to be between $63bn and $67bn (£48bn and £51bn).
It did not offer a new forecast in the update to the market, with shares falling almost 3% when Wall Street opened on Tuesday.
The outbreak of COVID-19, the medical name for the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus, has resulted in a cut in iPhone production.
Apple's factories are all outside Hubei province, the centre of the outbreak. They have reopened but production is only slowly returning to normal.
"The health and well-being of every person who helps make these products possible is our paramount priority, and we are working in close consultation with our suppliers and public health experts as this ramp continues," the company said.
Sky News reported in January that Apple's request to suppliers to produce 80 million iPhones over the first half of 2020 could be delayed due to the virus outbreak.
Image: Many of Apple's 42 Chinese stores are closed or have only limited hours
The virus has also affected iPhone sales in China, which is Apple's third-largest retail market after the US and Europe.
Due to restrictions on movement intended to limit the spread of the virus, many of Apple's 42 Chinese stores are closed or operating only limited hours.
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Callum D'Ath, senior investment manager at Brewin Dolphin, said: "Looking ahead for Apple, this is probably a transitory impact to numbers as global supply-chain issues will dissipate.
"In addition, while this is clearly a hardware issue, the jury is still out on whether Apple is a hardware company or successful in transitioning to becoming a high-quality consumer staple company with a growing software business."
COVID-19 has infected more than 73,000 people, most of them in China. Some 1,800 people have died as a result.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A number of other businesses have been affected by the virus, including InterContinental Hotels Group.
The company, which owns Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, said it had closed or partially closed 160 of its 470 hotels in China - its fastest-growing market - due to the virus.
Banking firm HSBC also said coronavirus had caused "significant disruption" for its business, especially in China and Hong Kong.


news--2020-02-18--Coronavirus crisis: Jaguar Land Rover warns of UK production hit as it runs out of parts

The boss of Jaguar Land Rover ( JLR ) has warned UK production risks being damaged from next month because of supply chain difficulties in coronavirus-hit China .
Sir Ralf Speth said the company had enough parts to complete the manufacturing processes at its UK sites this week and next but warned of shortfalls from March should delays to deliveries persist .
He added : `` We have flown parts in suitcases from China to the UK . ''
China 's efforts to combat COVID-19 - the medical name for the coronavirus strain - have resulted in factory shutdowns and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
That has hit exports of goods to customers globally with Apple among a growing number of companies to acknowledge damage this week .
Sir Ralf told Sky News : `` This is an issue for the complete car automotive industry .
`` We do n't know how long it will take before the supply chain comes on stream again in China , '' he said .
He added that JLR 's own factory in China would re-open next week following an extended Lunar New Year closure but admitted parts were only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales of the company 's vehicles in the country had ground to a halt .
Coronavirus represents a fresh headache for the company - and wider industry - at a time when it is being forced to invest heavily in electric and autonomous vehicle technology amid efforts to battle climate change .
But there is heavy pressure dragging on that investment as car sales have been falling globally .
Brexit uncertainty has also weighed on UK auto producers .
JLR has blamed several temporary production cuts on fears of Brexit disruption and falling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month that it would halt production on selected days over a four-week period from late February at its Castle Bromwich factory in the West Midlands .
It said it would also stop production on some half or full days at its nearby Solihull facility until the end of March .
A month earlier , 500 job losses were announced at its third vehicle production plant at Halewood on Merseyside .
JLR 's most recent sales figures showed a 2.3 % decline in the final three months of 2019 .
Sir Ralf issued the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new concept vehicle platform known as Project Vector - a JLR spin-off project which aims to deliver a new `` autonomy-ready '' city transport solution .
The vision is for integration with future smart city infrastructures that could eliminate congestion and accidents .
The pods will be collectively tested on the roads of Coventry in a pilot programme due to begin next year .
Dr Speth said it formed a key part of its Destination Zero commitments .
`` Project Vector shows Jaguar Land Rover as a leader in innovation to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the environment cleaner , '' he said .
`` Through this project , we are collaborating with the brightest minds in academia , supply chain and digital services , to create connected , integrated mobility systems - the fundamental building blocks for Destination Zero , '' he added .
The mobility service system attached to Project Vector was developed by the National Automotive Innovation Centre at the University of Warwick in Coventry that was formally opened by Prince Charles on Tuesday afternoon .

The boss of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has warned UK production risks being damaged from next month because of supply chain difficulties in coronavirus-hit China.
Sir Ralf Speth said the company had enough parts to complete the manufacturing processes at its UK sites this week and next but warned of shortfalls from March should delays to deliveries persist.
He added: "We have flown parts in suitcases from China to the UK."
China's efforts to combat COVID-19 - the medical name for the coronavirus strain - have resulted in factory shutdowns and movement restrictions in the world's second-largest economy.
That has hit exports of goods to customers globally with Apple among a growing number of companies to acknowledge damage this week.
Image: Jaguar Land Rover boss Ralf Speth, who was given an honorary knighthood in 2015, is due to leave the company in September
Sir Ralf told Sky News: "This is an issue for the complete car automotive industry.
"We don't know how long it will take before the supply chain comes on stream again in China," he said.
He added that JLR's own factory in China would re-open next week following an extended Lunar New Year closure but admitted parts were only secure for another week.
He admitted sales of the company's vehicles in the country had ground to a halt.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:29 Dermot Murnaghan learns about JLR's Project Vector and woes in China when he talks to its chief executive, Sir Ralf Speth.
Coronavirus represents a fresh headache for the company - and wider industry - at a time when it is being forced to invest heavily in electric and autonomous vehicle technology amid efforts to battle climate change.
But there is heavy pressure dragging on that investment as car sales have been falling globally.
Brexit uncertainty has also weighed on UK auto producers.
JLR has blamed several temporary production cuts on fears of Brexit disruption and falling demand.
The company announced earlier this month that it would halt production on selected days over a four-week period from late February at its Castle Bromwich factory in the West Midlands.
It said it would also stop production on some half or full days at its nearby Solihull facility until the end of March.
A month earlier, 500 job losses were announced at its third vehicle production plant at Halewood on Merseyside.
JLR's most recent sales figures showed a 2.3% decline in the final three months of 2019.
Sir Ralf issued the supply chain warning at the launch of a new concept vehicle platform known as Project Vector - a JLR spin-off project which aims to deliver a new "autonomy-ready" city transport solution.
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The vision is for integration with future smart city infrastructures that could eliminate congestion and accidents.
The pods will be collectively tested on the roads of Coventry in a pilot programme due to begin next year.
Dr Speth said it formed a key part of its Destination Zero commitments.
"Project Vector shows Jaguar Land Rover as a leader in innovation to make our societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner," he said.
"Through this project, we are collaborating with the brightest minds in academia, supply chain and digital services, to create connected, integrated mobility systems - the fundamental building blocks for Destination Zero," he added.
The mobility service system attached to Project Vector was developed by the National Automotive Innovation Centre at the University of Warwick in Coventry that was formally opened by Prince Charles on Tuesday afternoon.


news--2020-02-18--Coronavirus: Hope for China as report finds new COVID-19 cases falling

Chinese health authorities have been given a sliver of hope after the largest study carried out since the outbreak started found new COVID-19 cases appear to be falling .
A study by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said the number of new COVID-19 infections seemed to be falling since earlier this month , prompting guarded optimism from health authorities .
It also found more than 80 % of the 45,000 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus it studied were mild , 14 % had severe symptoms such as pneumonia and 5 % had critical symptoms .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and medical staff are at a high risk , the report found .
Men were more likely to die , with a 2.8 % mortality rate , while women had a 1.7 % chance of dying .
Mainland China reported 1,869 new cases and 98 deaths from the coronavirus on Tuesday , bringing the total deaths in the country to 1,868 since it was first detected in mid-December .
The number of deaths was down slightly from the 105 fatalities reported the day before .
However , World Health Organisation ( WHO ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was too early to know if the reported decline would continue .
`` Every scenario is still on the table , '' he said .
He added the report gives the WHO a `` clearer picture of the outbreak , how it 's developing and where it 's headed '' .
A total of 72,438 confirmed cases had been reported in mainland China as of Tuesday , an increase of 1,890 from the day before but the first time since the end of January the daily case number fell below 2,000 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attributed to Hubei province , where the virus originated , starting to count cases by doctors ' diagnoses without waiting for laboratory test results .
Hubei health authorities said the change was aimed at getting faster treatment for patients .
Outside mainland China there have been 898 confirmed cases , with five deaths - one each in Hong Kong , Japan , Taiwan , France , the Philippines .
A leading doctor in Wuhan , the city where the virus was first detected , died of COVID-19 on Tuesday morning , the Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Liu Zhiming , director of Wuhan 's Wuchang Hospital , had been working to halt the virus from the start and had made `` important contributions in the work of fighting and controlling novel coronavirus , '' the notice said .
`` Unfortunately he became infected and passed away at 10:54 Tuesday morning at the age of 51 after all-out efforts to save him failed , '' it added .
Earlier this month , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 caused public outrage after he was threatened by police for trying to warn people about the outbreak of a SARS-like illness in December .
China is considering postponing its largest political meeting of the year to avoid people having to travel to Beijing while the virus is still spreading .
The National People 's Congress ( NPC ) is due to meet on 5 March for ten days but a spokesman for its standing committee - China 's top legislative body - said the country is at a `` critical stage '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the state-run Xinhua news agency a third of about 3,000 respresentatives set to attend the NPC are `` leading officials at the provincial and municipal levels '' fighting on the front lines of the outbreak .

Chinese health authorities have been given a sliver of hope after the largest study carried out since the outbreak started found new COVID-19 cases appear to be falling.
A study by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said the number of new COVID-19 infections seemed to be falling since earlier this month, prompting guarded optimism from health authorities.
It also found more than 80% of the 45,000 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus it studied were mild, 14% had severe symptoms such as pneumonia and 5% had critical symptoms.
Image: Medical staff check the temperature of a patient displaying mild COVID-19 symptoms at an exhibition centre converted into a hospital in Wuhan
The sick and elderly were most at risk and medical staff are at a high risk, the report found.
Men were more likely to die, with a 2.8% mortality rate, while women had a 1.7% chance of dying.
Mainland China reported 1,869 new cases and 98 deaths from the coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the total deaths in the country to 1,868 since it was first detected in mid-December.
The number of deaths was down slightly from the 105 fatalities reported the day before.
However, World Health Organisation (WHO) director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was too early to know if the reported decline would continue.
"Every scenario is still on the table," he said.
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He added the report gives the WHO a "clearer picture of the outbreak, how it's developing and where it's headed".
A total of 72,438 confirmed cases had been reported in mainland China as of Tuesday, an increase of 1,890 from the day before but the first time since the end of January the daily case number fell below 2,000.
The drop follows a large spike last week attributed to Hubei province, where the virus originated, starting to count cases by doctors' diagnoses without waiting for laboratory test results.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 How dangerous is the new 'mystery' coronavirus that has killed more than a dozen people in China?
Hubei health authorities said the change was aimed at getting faster treatment for patients.
Outside mainland China there have been 898 confirmed cases, with five deaths - one each in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, France, the Philippines.
A leading doctor in Wuhan, the city where the virus was first detected, died of COVID-19 on Tuesday morning, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said in a notice.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Liu Zhiming, director of Wuhan's Wuchang Hospital, had been working to halt the virus from the start and had made "important contributions in the work of fighting and controlling novel coronavirus," the notice said.
"Unfortunately he became infected and passed away at 10:54 Tuesday morning at the age of 51 after all-out efforts to save him failed," it added.
Image: The number of daily new COVID-19 cases in mainland China dropped below 2,000 on 18 February for the first time since the end of January
Earlier this month, the death of Wuhan doctor Li Wenliang from COVID-19 caused public outrage after he was threatened by police for trying to warn people about the outbreak of a SARS-like illness in December.
China is considering postponing its largest political meeting of the year to avoid people having to travel to Beijing while the virus is still spreading.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Speaking to Sky's Alistair Bunkall, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has suggested the number of coronavirus cases in Europe has remained low because of the
The National People's Congress (NPC) is due to meet on 5 March for ten days but a spokesman for its standing committee - China's top legislative body - said the country is at a "critical stage" in containing the epidemic.
Zang Tiewei told the state-run Xinhua news agency a third of about 3,000 respresentatives set to attend the NPC are "leading officials at the provincial and municipal levels" fighting on the front lines of the outbreak.


news--2020-02-18--British couple quarantined on cruise ship diagnosed with coronavirus

A British couple who have been quarantined on a cruise ship in Japan have revealed they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
David and Sally Abel have been posting regular updates online from the Diamond Princess , which has been docked off the coast of Yokohama since 3 February .
In a Facebook post on Tuesday , Mr Abel said : `` There is going to be a time of quiet .
We have been proved positive and leaving for hospital soon .
Blessings all . ''
However Mr Abel , from Oxfordshire , later said he doubted the diagnosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken to a hostel instead of a hospital .
He wrote on Facebook : `` Frankly I think this is a setup !
We are NOT being taken to a hospital but a hostel .
That 's where partners are sent waiting out their quarantine .
`` No phone , no wi-fi and no medical facilities .
I really am smelling a very big rat here !
Waiting for the transfer now.. '' When asked if he was sure the test for COVID-19 was positive , Mr Abel replied : `` I doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we would be in hospital . ''
Business minister Kwasi Kwarteng said he understood Mr and Mrs Abel had been quarantined by Japanese authorities He told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show : `` This is a really , really serious outbreak - a serious case which people , through no fault of their own , have been exposed to this potentially lethal virus .
`` What we 're trying to do as a government is try and get people back to Britain , fly them back so that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Mr and Mrs Abel , Mr Kwarteng added : `` It will be terrifying and very frightening but I think where they are is [ with ] the Japanese authorities .
My understanding [ is they ] have essentially quarantined them and are looking after them . ''
The Foreign Office says it is `` working to organise a flight '' back to the UK for British nationals on the coronavirus-hit cruise ship - and those trapped are being `` strongly encouraged '' to take it .
Those in quarantine on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the necessary arrangements , with a spokesperson adding : `` We urge all those who have not yet responded to get in touch immediately . ''
More than 70 British nationals have faced an anxious wait to find out whether they will be evacuated from the cruise liner .
The Foreign Office had come under increasing pressure to bring them home after the US chartered two planes to repatriate 340 of its citizens - 14 of whom had been diagnosed with COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Those who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the plane in a `` specialised containment area '' to be isolated - even though they did not display any symptoms .
Approximately half of all known cases of COVID-19 outside China have been found aboard the Diamond Princess .
A total of 542 people have tested positive since the cruise liner was ordered to stay under quarantine on 3 February .
At least four Britons are among the confirmed cases .
The Japanese government has repeatedly defended the effectiveness of the quarantine but some scientists suggest that it may have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign of lax quarantine protocols , three Japanese health officials who helped in the quarantine checks on the ship were also infected .
`` I suspect people were not as isolated from other people as we would have thought , '' said Dr. Paul Hunter , a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia .
In a letter to those still stranded , the FCO said : `` We strongly encourage British nationals on board Diamond Princess , or those passengers now in separate quarantine accommodation ashore , to take this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this flight .
`` If you disembark from the ship before this British government organised evacuation , there is a risk that you may find it difficult to return by other commercial means . ''
Affected Britons are being told that they will not be charged for the flight - however , they will need to sign an agreement to complete 14 days of `` supported isolation '' in the UK .
Those on board have been given until 8pm local time ( 11am UK time ) to express an interest in taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker • The director of a hospital in the Chinese city of Wuhan , the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak , has died • There are now 73,336 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide , with 1,874 deaths • The number of new cases has fallen below 2,000 for the first time since 30 January • World Health Organisation officials say `` it 's too early to tell if this reported decline will continue '' • Apple says it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand slowed down because of the epidemic • Japan 's economy shrank at its fastest pace in more than five years at the end of 2019 - putting it on the brink of recession .
The UK government has commandeered a hotel near Heathrow Airport for possible use as a quarantine zone for any people entering the country who may have been exposed to the coronavirus .
The Department of Health has confirmed that officials have block-booked every room at the nearby Holiday Inn , and that it has been temporarily closed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a number of contingency plans now being enacted to help cope with a more serious outbreak of COVID-19 in the UK , should one occur .
Officials have confirmed the number of people being tested for possible exposure to the virus has risen to 4,501 , although the number testing positive for the virus has remained unchanged at nine .
Health officials in China have released details about 45,000 confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 that originated in the country - saying that more than 80 % were mild .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prevention , critical illness has been reported in just 5 % of cases .
Among confirmed cases , 2.8 % of males have died - considerably more than the 1.7 % fatality rate among women .
Although cases have been declining since 1 February , the report warns that this could change as people return to school and work after the Chinese holidays .

A British couple who have been quarantined on a cruise ship in Japan have revealed they have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
David and Sally Abel have been posting regular updates online from the Diamond Princess, which has been docked off the coast of Yokohama since 3 February.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Mr Abel said: "There is going to be a time of quiet. We have been proved positive and leaving for hospital soon. Blessings all."
Image: David Abel said he and his wife 'have proved positive' for COVID-19. Pic: David Abel/Facebook
However Mr Abel, from Oxfordshire, later said he doubted the diagnosis because he and his wife were being taken to a hostel instead of a hospital.
He wrote on Facebook: "Frankly I think this is a setup! We are NOT being taken to a hospital but a hostel. That's where partners are sent waiting out their quarantine.
"No phone, no wi-fi and no medical facilities. I really am smelling a very big rat here! Waiting for the transfer now.."
When asked if he was sure the test for COVID-19 was positive, Mr Abel replied: "I doubt it was positive. If it was, we would be in hospital."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Feb 18: Briton describes cruise quarantine
Business minister Kwasi Kwarteng said he understood Mr and Mrs Abel had been quarantined by Japanese authorities
He told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show: "This is a really, really serious outbreak - a serious case which people, through no fault of their own, have been exposed to this potentially lethal virus.
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"What we're trying to do as a government is try and get people back to Britain, fly them back so that they can be with their families."
On Mr and Mrs Abel, Mr Kwarteng added: "It will be terrifying and very frightening but I think where they are is [with] the Japanese authorities. My understanding [is they] have essentially quarantined them and are looking after them."
The Foreign Office says it is "working to organise a flight" back to the UK for British nationals on the coronavirus-hit cruise ship - and those trapped are being "strongly encouraged" to take it.
Those in quarantine on the Diamond Princess are being contacted to make the necessary arrangements, with a spokesperson adding: "We urge all those who have not yet responded to get in touch immediately."
More than 70 British nationals have faced an anxious wait to find out whether they will be evacuated from the cruise liner.
Image: American cruise ship passengers have been evacuated
The Foreign Office had come under increasing pressure to bring them home after the US chartered two planes to repatriate 340 of its citizens - 14 of whom had been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Those who had tested positive were moved to the back of the plane in a "specialised containment area" to be isolated - even though they did not display any symptoms.
Approximately half of all known cases of COVID-19 outside China have been found aboard the Diamond Princess.
A total of 542 people have tested positive since the cruise liner was ordered to stay under quarantine on 3 February.
At least four Britons are among the confirmed cases.
Image: A number of contingency plans have been put in place for a potential outbreak in the UK
The Japanese government has repeatedly defended the effectiveness of the quarantine but some scientists suggest that it may have been less than rigorous.
In a possible sign of lax quarantine protocols, three Japanese health officials who helped in the quarantine checks on the ship were also infected.
"I suspect people were not as isolated from other people as we would have thought," said Dr. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia.
In a letter to those still stranded, the FCO said: "We strongly encourage British nationals on board Diamond Princess, or those passengers now in separate quarantine accommodation ashore, to take this opportunity to return to the UK on this flight.
"If you disembark from the ship before this British government organised evacuation, there is a risk that you may find it difficult to return by other commercial means."
Affected Britons are being told that they will not be charged for the flight - however, they will need to sign an agreement to complete 14 days of "supported isolation" in the UK.
Those on board have been given until 8pm local time (11am UK time) to express an interest in taking the flight.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In other developments:
The director of a hospital in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, has died
There are now 73,336 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with 1,874 deaths
The number of new cases has fallen below 2,000 for the first time since 30 January
World Health Organisation officials say "it's too early to tell if this reported decline will continue"
Apple says it will miss revenue targets after iPhone production and demand slowed down because of the epidemic
Japan's economy shrank at its fastest pace in more than five years at the end of 2019 - putting it on the brink of recession.
Holiday Inn near Heathrow Airport designated quarantine centre
The UK government has commandeered a hotel near Heathrow Airport for possible use as a quarantine zone for any people entering the country who may have been exposed to the coronavirus.
The Department of Health has confirmed that officials have block-booked every room at the nearby Holiday Inn, and that it has been temporarily closed to other guests.
The move is part of a number of contingency plans now being enacted to help cope with a more serious outbreak of COVID-19 in the UK, should one occur.
Officials have confirmed the number of people being tested for possible exposure to the virus has risen to 4,501, although the number testing positive for the virus has remained unchanged at nine.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 13 Feb: Patient celebrates his release from quarantine
Report about COVID-19 cases released
Health officials in China have released details about 45,000 confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 that originated in the country - saying that more than 80% were mild.
According to the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, critical illness has been reported in just 5% of cases.
Among confirmed cases, 2.8% of males have died - considerably more than the 1.7% fatality rate among women.
Although cases have been declining since 1 February, the report warns that this could change as people return to school and work after the Chinese holidays.


news--2020-02-18--Boris Johnson tells Xi Jinping he 'loves China' and will 'work together' to fight coronavirus

Boris Johnson told the Chinese president in a telephone call on Tuesday that he `` loves China '' and wants to work with Beijing to lift bilateral relations to a new level .
The prime minister and Xi Jinping also spoke about fighting `` shoulder to shoulder '' against the deadly coronavirus , known as COVID-19 .
China 's ambassador to the UK gave Sky News exclusive details on the rare phone conversation between a British prime minister and China 's president - the first such call by Mr Johnson with President Xi .
`` They had a very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview at the Chinese embassy in London .
He said the two men discussed China 's battle against COVID-19 , and Mr Johnson `` expressed a high appreciation of the efforts made by China '' .
Mr Liu added : `` They also talked about how China and the UK can collaborate to fight shoulder to shoulder against this virus . ''
On the UK-China relationship , the leaders `` talked about the relationship , how the two countries will strengthen this relationship for the next 10 years .
`` The prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they reached broad consensus , '' he said .
Ambassador Liu said Mr Johnson told the Chinese president `` he loves China and he wants to work with China , his administration , to elevate the relationship to a new level '' .
`` President Xi also expressed our commitment to the relationship , '' he added .
The pair also discussed a global conference on climate change that the UK will host later this year .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister told the Chinese president that he believes `` there are a lot of opportunities for China and the UK to work on the global agenda to address to address the global challenges like climate change '' .
Ambassador Liu said : `` It is a very good conversation .
It not only set the tone but also set the new direction for China-UK relations at a critical moment between China and the UK . ''
Downing Street also issued a statement about the telephone call .
A spokesperson said Mr Johnson `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak of coronavirus in China '' .
`` President Xi thanked the UK for its support and in particular welcomed the donation of vital medical equipment to China , '' they added .

Boris Johnson told the Chinese president in a telephone call on Tuesday that he "loves China" and wants to work with Beijing to lift bilateral relations to a new level.
The prime minister and Xi Jinping also spoke about fighting "shoulder to shoulder" against the deadly coronavirus, known as COVID-19.
China's ambassador to the UK gave Sky News exclusive details on the rare phone conversation between a British prime minister and China's president - the first such call by Mr Johnson with President Xi.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 'China making sacrifice for global health security'
"They had a very good conversation," Ambassador Liu said in an interview at the Chinese embassy in London.
He said the two men discussed China's battle against COVID-19, and Mr Johnson "expressed a high appreciation of the efforts made by China".
Mr Liu added: "They also talked about how China and the UK can collaborate to fight shoulder to shoulder against this virus."
On the UK-China relationship, the leaders "talked about the relationship, how the two countries will strengthen this relationship for the next 10 years.
"The prime minister also mentioned about the golden era and they reached broad consensus," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'COVID-19 more severe in men over 40'
Ambassador Liu said Mr Johnson told the Chinese president "he loves China and he wants to work with China, his administration, to elevate the relationship to a new level".
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"President Xi also expressed our commitment to the relationship," he added.
The pair also discussed a global conference on climate change that the UK will host later this year.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The prime minister told the Chinese president that he believes "there are a lot of opportunities for China and the UK to work on the global agenda to address to address the global challenges like climate change".
Ambassador Liu said: "It is a very good conversation. It not only set the tone but also set the new direction for China-UK relations at a critical moment between China and the UK."
Image: Xi Jingping has had a tense relationship with Donald Trump
Downing Street also issued a statement about the telephone call.
A spokesperson said Mr Johnson "offered his sympathies for those affected by the outbreak of coronavirus in China".
"President Xi thanked the UK for its support and in particular welcomed the donation of vital medical equipment to China," they added.


news--2020-05-28--Kylie Minogue launches rose wine to mark her 52nd birthday

Kylie Minogue is celebrating her birthday in style - not just with a few ( online ) drinks with friends , but with her very own wine label .
The official launch of the star 's first offering , a rose , marks her 52nd birthday and fans can buy it in Tesco stores for £9 .
However , despite presumably being able to get her hands on a few bottles for free , Minogue says this year might be her `` quietest birthday ever '' .
And she has also been working during the coronavirus lockdown , getting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new album from her living room .
Speaking about her new drinks venture , the singer said she has spent two years developing the beverages and wants to learn more .
`` I daydreamed about it a few years ago and then I dared to say it out loud , '' she said .
`` After a couple of years of searching for the right partner , I now have my own rose but I am essentially a beginner in this field .
`` I 'm so excited to delve deeper and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' There 's a similarity in the wine-making process to music or fragrance .
It 's made of layers , sometimes of chance , and ultimately becomes a moment for the individual . ''
In collaboration with Benchmark Drinks , the Kylie Minogue rose is said to be `` fresh , crisp and easy to drink '' , an `` elegant , bespoke blend made from carignan and cabernet sauvignon grapes , sourced from the sun-drenched southern French coast '' .
Minogue said she will be spending her big day on Thursday having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and friends .
`` Two years ago I had , uncharacteristically , a massive party for my 50th , '' she said .
`` This year it might be the quietest birthday ever !
`` I 'll be at home and no doubt spend some time talking with family and friends . ''
She added : `` I 'll most definitely be having a glass ( or two ) of rose to celebrate and have so much gratitude for my birthday , my family and my friends . ''
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The star said she is riding an `` emotional wave '' as she records her next album from home .
`` I 've been really busy , setting up a home studio ( AKA , my lounge room ! )
and learning so much about remote recording , '' she said .
`` It 's been a steep learning curve for all the team as there are technical obstacles to navigate but I 'm so thankful to be able to continue work on my album in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riding the emotional wave along with the rest of the world , but creativity has been a big help . ''

Kylie Minogue is celebrating her birthday in style - not just with a few (online) drinks with friends, but with her very own wine label.
The official launch of the star's first offering, a rose, marks her 52nd birthday and fans can buy it in Tesco stores for £9.
However, despite presumably being able to get her hands on a few bottles for free, Minogue says this year might be her "quietest birthday ever".
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And she has also been working during the coronavirus lockdown, getting to grips with technology at home and recording a new album from her living room.
Speaking about her new drinks venture, the singer said she has spent two years developing the beverages and wants to learn more.
"I daydreamed about it a few years ago and then I dared to say it out loud," she said. "After a couple of years of searching for the right partner, I now have my own rose but I am essentially a beginner in this field.
"I'm so excited to delve deeper and learn more about the process....
"There's a similarity in the wine-making process to music or fragrance. It's made of layers, sometimes of chance, and ultimately becomes a moment for the individual."
In collaboration with Benchmark Drinks, the Kylie Minogue rose is said to be "fresh, crisp and easy to drink", an "elegant, bespoke blend made from carignan and cabernet sauvignon grapes, sourced from the sun-drenched southern French coast".
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Minogue said she will be spending her big day on Thursday having a glass or two and talking to family and friends.
"Two years ago I had, uncharacteristically, a massive party for my 50th," she said. "This year it might be the quietest birthday ever!
"I'll be at home and no doubt spend some time talking with family and friends."
She added: "I'll most definitely be having a glass (or two) of rose to celebrate and have so much gratitude for my birthday, my family and my friends."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The star said she is riding an "emotional wave" as she records her next album from home.
"I've been really busy, setting up a home studio (AKA, my lounge room!) and learning so much about remote recording," she said.
"It's been a steep learning curve for all the team as there are technical obstacles to navigate but I'm so thankful to be able to continue work on my album in this way.
"I've been riding the emotional wave along with the rest of the world, but creativity has been a big help."


news--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: High street chain Monsoon on brink of administration

The fashion retailer Monsoon Accessorize is on the brink of insolvency , sparking fears for up to 3,500 jobs on a high street ravaged by the coronavirus crisis .
Sky News has learnt that the group , owned by the entrepreneur Peter Simon , is planning to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators in the next few days .
One source said the move could take place as soon as Friday , with FRP Advisory lined up to handle the process .
Mr Simon has been exploring a sale of the business for the last two months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
One insider said a notice of intention to appoint administrators , was a `` logical next step '' in efforts to secure a viable future for the 50 year-old company .
The tycoon , whose wealth was estimated by this month 's Sunday Times Rich List to have slumped by £137m to £250m because of the high street crisis , is understood to remain in talks with a small number of prospective buyers .
He is said to be planning to lodge a bid to buy back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it falls into administration .
A person close to Monsoon Accessorize said that Mr Simon was also expected to write to the company 's landlords on Friday to seek a rent-free deal for several months to enable some of its stores to survive a period of deep uncertainty , and emerge from administration .
Landlords which refuse the request are likely to see those shops closed .
The prospective appointment of FRP comes less than a year since the company secured the reluctant approval of landlords for a restructuring deal called a Company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CVA , 135 of Monsoon Accessorize 's shops saw their rent bills cut , while around 40 of the 258 stores it traded from at the time have since been permanently closed .
A group of store-owners including British Land fought for a better deal , but eventually abandoned plans to appeal .
Mr Simon injected £12m of his own money into the company as part of the CVA - money which has now effectively evaporated .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrators , Monsoon Accessorize would become the latest in a string of prominent high street names to face insolvency since the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis .
Some , such as Cath Kidston , have found buyers for their intellectual property and online operations but have discarded their physical trading presence and the bulk of their workforce .
Debenhams , the department store chain , remains in administration , while Laura Ashley and the Oasis and Warehouse Group have also axed their high street presence .
Mr Simon founded Monsoon Accessorize in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in central London .
One person close to him said he remained passionate about seeing the business survive .
`` It 's his life 's work , '' the person said .
With prospects for a recovery in shoppers ' confidence highly uncertain , though , analysts expect a transformation of fashion retailers ' fortunes to be protracted and extremely perilous .
A spokesman for Monsoon Accessorize declined to comment on Thursday .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The fashion retailer Monsoon Accessorize is on the brink of insolvency, sparking fears for up to 3,500 jobs on a high street ravaged by the coronavirus crisis.
Sky News has learnt that the group, owned by the entrepreneur Peter Simon, is planning to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators in the next few days.
One source said the move could take place as soon as Friday, with FRP Advisory lined up to handle the process.
Mr Simon has been exploring a sale of the business for the last two months, with Monsoon Accessorize's 220 stores closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One insider said a notice of intention to appoint administrators, was a "logical next step" in efforts to secure a viable future for the 50 year-old company.
The tycoon, whose wealth was estimated by this month's Sunday Times Rich List to have slumped by £137m to £250m because of the high street crisis, is understood to remain in talks with a small number of prospective buyers.
He is said to be planning to lodge a bid to buy back a slimmed-down version of the business if it falls into administration.
A person close to Monsoon Accessorize said that Mr Simon was also expected to write to the company's landlords on Friday to seek a rent-free deal for several months to enable some of its stores to survive a period of deep uncertainty, and emerge from administration.
Landlords which refuse the request are likely to see those shops closed.
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The prospective appointment of FRP comes less than a year since the company secured the reluctant approval of landlords for a restructuring deal called a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA).
Under the CVA, 135 of Monsoon Accessorize's shops saw their rent bills cut, while around 40 of the 258 stores it traded from at the time have since been permanently closed.
A group of store-owners including British Land fought for a better deal, but eventually abandoned plans to appeal.
Mr Simon injected £12m of his own money into the company as part of the CVA - money which has now effectively evaporated.
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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If it does formally appoint administrators, Monsoon Accessorize would become the latest in a string of prominent high street names to face insolvency since the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis.
Some, such as Cath Kidston, have found buyers for their intellectual property and online operations but have discarded their physical trading presence and the bulk of their workforce.
Debenhams, the department store chain, remains in administration, while Laura Ashley and the Oasis and Warehouse Group have also axed their high street presence.
Mr Simon founded Monsoon Accessorize in the early 1970's at a single store in central London.
One person close to him said he remained passionate about seeing the business survive.
"It's his life's work," the person said.
With prospects for a recovery in shoppers' confidence highly uncertain, though, analysts expect a transformation of fashion retailers' fortunes to be protracted and extremely perilous.
A spokesman for Monsoon Accessorize declined to comment on Thursday.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: Groups of six can meet in gardens as Boris Johnson announces lockdown changes

Groups of six people from different households will be able to meet outside in England after the prime minister said all five tests to ease the lockdown were being met .
Speaking at the coronavirus briefing , Boris Johnson said people would be allowed to meet in gardens and other private outdoor spaces from Monday .
He also confirmed primary schools and nurseries are permitted to reopen at the start of next week , with year 10 and 12 pupils getting `` some face to face contact time '' from 15 June .
Mr Johnson said up to six people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to meet outside as long as those from different households remain two metres apart .
`` These changes mean that friends and family can start to meet their loved ones , perhaps seeing both parents at once or grandparents at once , '' Mr Johnson said .
However , he warned that people should not be making overnight stays and urged them to avoid `` seeing too many people from too many households '' in quick succession .
Mr Johnson suggested that barbecues are allowed - as long as everyone stays socially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` common sense '' .
Earlier , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said people in Scotland would also be allowed to meet outdoors - in groups of up to eight from Friday .
Mr Johnson said those who are shielding for health reasons should continue to do so - as he also revealed another 377 deaths - taking the UK 's coronavirus death toll to 37,837 .
The prime minister explained how his five tests for easing the lockdown had been met .
He said `` heroic efforts '' meant the first test of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 475 admissions for COVID-19 in England on 26 May .
He also said the second test - a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates - had been met The government is also satisfied over the third test on the rate of infection , saying it is decreasing with an average of 2,312 new cases confirmed in the last seven days .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker My Johnson said he was also confident about supplies of PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the lockdown would not risk a unmanageable second peak .
`` I can not and will not throw away all the gains we 've made together and so the changes we 're making are limited and cautious , '' said the prime minister .
`` It 's thanks to the caution you 've shown so far that all five met are being met .
`` The result is that we can move forward with adjusting the lockdown in England on Monday . ''
Mr Johnson also said that people who lose income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` will be helped '' .
However , he said he wanted to avoid too many localised restrictions , saying this is why it 's `` vital '' people follow the measures .
Answering a question from Carol , from Sunderland , about what compensation would be offered to those who ca n't go to work , he said the government would do `` all we can '' and that the furlough scheme will stay in place .
The government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , told the briefing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.7-0.9 .
Last week , it was 0.7-1 .
However , he said the crisis was far from over and that any changes must proceed cautiously .
He said : `` We are still seeing new infections every day at quite a significant rate and the R is close to one .
`` That means there is not a lot of room to do things and things need to be done cautiously , step-by-step and monitored and the test and trace system needs to be effective in order to manage that . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Groups of six people from different households will be able to meet outside in England after the prime minister said all five tests to ease the lockdown were being met.
Speaking at the coronavirus briefing, Boris Johnson said people would be allowed to meet in gardens and other private outdoor spaces from Monday.
He also confirmed primary schools and nurseries are permitted to reopen at the start of next week, with year 10 and 12 pupils getting "some face to face contact time" from 15 June.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 PM: People may meet in private gardens
Mr Johnson said up to six people, of all ages, would be able to meet outside as long as those from different households remain two metres apart.
"These changes mean that friends and family can start to meet their loved ones, perhaps seeing both parents at once or grandparents at once," Mr Johnson said.
However, he warned that people should not be making overnight stays and urged them to avoid "seeing too many people from too many households" in quick succession.
Mr Johnson suggested that barbecues are allowed - as long as everyone stays socially distanced, washes their hands and uses "common sense".
Earlier, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said people in Scotland would also be allowed to meet outdoors - in groups of up to eight from Friday .
Mr Johnson said those who are shielding for health reasons should continue to do so - as he also revealed another 377 deaths - taking the UK's coronavirus death toll to 37,837.
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The prime minister explained how his five tests for easing the lockdown had been met.
He said "heroic efforts" meant the first test of protecting the health service had been fulfilled, with 475 admissions for COVID-19 in England on 26 May.
He also said the second test - a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates - had been met
The government is also satisfied over the third test on the rate of infection, saying it is decreasing with an average of 2,312 new cases confirmed in the last seven days.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
My Johnson said he was also confident about supplies of PPE and testing, and that any adjustments to the lockdown would not risk a unmanageable second peak.
"I cannot and will not throw away all the gains we've made together and so the changes we're making are limited and cautious," said the prime minister.
"It's thanks to the caution you've shown so far that all five met are being met.
"The result is that we can move forward with adjusting the lockdown in England on Monday."
Mr Johnson also said that people who lose income as a result of potential local lockdowns "will be helped".
However, he said he wanted to avoid too many localised restrictions, saying this is why it's "vital" people follow the measures.
Answering a question from Carol, from Sunderland, about what compensation would be offered to those who can't go to work, he said the government would do "all we can" and that the furlough scheme will stay in place.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 PM hints at pubs opening before July
The government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, told the briefing that the rate of infection had fallen to 0.7-0.9. Last week, it was 0.7-1.
However, he said the crisis was far from over and that any changes must proceed cautiously.
He said: "We are still seeing new infections every day at quite a significant rate and the R is close to one.
"That means there is not a lot of room to do things and things need to be done cautiously, step-by-step and monitored and the test and trace system needs to be effective in order to manage that."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: Pret A Manger to reopen 200 more shops after lockdown

Pret A Manger will reopen more than 200 shops for takeaway and delivery from 1 June , following the coronavirus lockdown .
It means the sandwich and coffee chain will have more than 300 stores trading by next month .
A series of coronavirus safety measures have been introduced in the shops including protective transparent screens , restricted customer numbers , social distancing in kitchens and extra cleaning .
Towns and cities where the outlets will be reopening for the first time since the COVID-19 crisis include Bath , Bournemouth , Newcastle , Exeter and Liverpool .
All the stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and takeaway , with executives saying they wanted to protect staff .
With offices and commuting centres empty , many of the sites would have also been deserted .
The business is expected to look at other sources of revenue while office staff work from home .
Rivals including McDonald 's , Nando 's and Greggs have already revealed plans to welcome back customers initially through deliveries , takeaways and drive-thru services .
To ensure social distancing for staff in Pret kitchens , each site will offer a limited menu , including its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salad , the company said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Pret will also sell macaroni cheese , soups and risottos for customers to heat at home .
It follows a similar move to start selling coffee beans direct to consumers though Amazon .
Orders for delivery can be made through Deliveroo , Just Eat and UberEats depending on the shop 's location , the company added .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Pret A Manger will reopen more than 200 shops for takeaway and delivery from 1 June, following the coronavirus lockdown.
It means the sandwich and coffee chain will have more than 300 stores trading by next month.
A series of coronavirus safety measures have been introduced in the shops including protective transparent screens, restricted customer numbers, social distancing in kitchens and extra cleaning.
Image: The shops will only be open for takeaway and delivery
Towns and cities where the outlets will be reopening for the first time since the COVID-19 crisis include Bath, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Exeter and Liverpool.
All the stores were initially shut, including for delivery and takeaway, with executives saying they wanted to protect staff.
With offices and commuting centres empty, many of the sites would have also been deserted.
The business is expected to look at other sources of revenue while office staff work from home.
Rivals including McDonald's, Nando's and Greggs have already revealed plans to welcome back customers initially through deliveries, takeaways and drive-thru services.
To ensure social distancing for staff in Pret kitchens, each site will offer a limited menu, including its club sandwich, tuna baguette and chicken salad, the company said.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Pret will also sell macaroni cheese, soups and risottos for customers to heat at home.
It follows a similar move to start selling coffee beans direct to consumers though Amazon.
Orders for delivery can be made through Deliveroo, Just Eat and UberEats depending on the shop's location, the company added.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-28--Coronavirus: Travel and hotel firms demand scrapping of quarantine plan

Scores of travel and hotel businesses have called on the government to scrap its plans to force visitors to quarantine on arrival to the UK due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The usually fiercely competitive firms have joined together to demand a rethink of the `` poorly thought-out '' move , which they argue will hit tourism and likely make it harder for Britons travelling abroad .
It came as the chief executive of British Airways ' owner also criticised the quarantine measure , and argued plans to help the airline industry recover had been `` seriously set back '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel this year .
People entering the UK from 8 June face a two-week isolation , with the threat of a £1,000 fine for those who breach the rules .
The restrictions are aimed at preventing a second peak of the disease being introduced by travellers .
But the measure has been criticised in a letter to the Home Secretary Priti Patel , signed by more than 70 travel and hotel bosses .
Accusing the government of being `` woefully slow '' in its support for the travel industry , they stress the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic recovery before it is too late '' .
The letter states : `` The very last thing the travel industry needs is a mandatory quarantine imposed on all arriving passengers which will deter foreign visitors from coming here , deter UK visitors from travelling abroad and , most likely , cause other countries to impose reciprocal quarantine requirements on British visitors , as France has already announced .
`` Many people urged the government to impose quarantine regulations during the early phases of COVID-19 .
Instead , no action was taken and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land , disgorging thousands of potentially affected passengers into the wider community . ''
The letter continues : `` COVID-19 is now under control and we commend the government for its handling of what was an extraordinary and unprecedented situation .
`` However , the economic cost of the government 's action is yet to be seen , apart from the early indicators which paint a grim picture . ''
The group pointed out their companies employed `` thousands of people in the UK '' and that the tourism and travel sector accounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 % of the country 's workforce .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Signatories include the heads of firms including the Ritz , Dorchester and Hyatt Regency London hotels , as well as tourism groups including Cookson Adventures and Original Travel .
The letter went on : `` The government has done its best to suppress and control the invidious viral contagion but it should not , and must not , exceed its mandate .
`` The people of this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling .
Quite simply it is time to switch the emphasis from protection to economic recovery before it is too late . ''
George Morgan-Grenville , chief executive of tour operator Red Savannah , said : `` Signatories to this letter are more used to competing ferociously but , on this issue , we are united .
`` The quarantine plans are poorly thought-out , wholly detrimental to industry recovery and are more or less unworkable . ''
Cyril Ranque from the Expedia Group , was scathing about the quarantine plan .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme : `` I think it 's a terrible idea .
It 's the wrong way to look at the problem and to address it .
`` I would focus much more on defining the protocols that allow people to travel internationally , making it safe - temperature testing at the airport , using a passport explaining that you have had the virus and were safe to travel , mandatory mask on the flight .
`` Once we have those protocols agreed we can unlock international travel again .
`` It 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but also the whole broader economy eco-system depends on people going cross-border .
`` There 's very few companies that can live on domestic business only . ''
Criticising the government 's approach , he said : `` They have been slow since the beginning and they continue to be slow and the measures that they are taking go against their own economy 's interest . ''
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Scores of travel and hotel businesses have called on the government to scrap its plans to force visitors to quarantine on arrival to the UK due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The usually fiercely competitive firms have joined together to demand a rethink of the "poorly thought-out" move, which they argue will hit tourism and likely make it harder for Britons travelling abroad.
It came as the chief executive of British Airways' owner also criticised the quarantine measure, and argued plans to help the airline industry recover had been "seriously set back" by politicians making negative comments about overseas travel this year.
People entering the UK from 8 June face a two-week isolation, with the threat of a £1,000 fine for those who breach the rules.
The restrictions are aimed at preventing a second peak of the disease being introduced by travellers.
But the measure has been criticised in a letter to the Home Secretary Priti Patel, signed by more than 70 travel and hotel bosses.
Accusing the government of being "woefully slow" in its support for the travel industry, they stress the need to switch "from protection to economic recovery before it is too late".
The letter states: "The very last thing the travel industry needs is a mandatory quarantine imposed on all arriving passengers which will deter foreign visitors from coming here, deter UK visitors from travelling abroad and, most likely, cause other countries to impose reciprocal quarantine requirements on British visitors, as France has already announced.
"Many people urged the government to impose quarantine regulations during the early phases of COVID-19. Instead, no action was taken and flights from infected countries were allowed to land, disgorging thousands of potentially affected passengers into the wider community."
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The letter continues: "COVID-19 is now under control and we commend the government for its handling of what was an extraordinary and unprecedented situation.
"However, the economic cost of the government's action is yet to be seen, apart from the early indicators which paint a grim picture."
The group pointed out their companies employed "thousands of people in the UK" and that the tourism and travel sector accounted for almost four million jobs, or 11% of the country's workforce.
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Signatories include the heads of firms including the Ritz, Dorchester and Hyatt Regency London hotels, as well as tourism groups including Cookson Adventures and Original Travel.
The letter went on: "The government has done its best to suppress and control the invidious viral contagion but it should not, and must not, exceed its mandate.
"The people of this country do not wish to be prevented from travelling. Quite simply it is time to switch the emphasis from protection to economic recovery before it is too late."
George Morgan-Grenville, chief executive of tour operator Red Savannah, said: "Signatories to this letter are more used to competing ferociously but, on this issue, we are united.
"The quarantine plans are poorly thought-out, wholly detrimental to industry recovery and are more or less unworkable."
Cyril Ranque from the Expedia Group, was scathing about the quarantine plan.
He told Sky News' Ian King Live programme: "I think it's a terrible idea. It's the wrong way to look at the problem and to address it.
"I would focus much more on defining the protocols that allow people to travel internationally, making it safe - temperature testing at the airport, using a passport explaining that you have had the virus and were safe to travel, mandatory mask on the flight.
"Once we have those protocols agreed we can unlock international travel again.
"It's not only tourism that depends on international travel, but also the whole broader economy eco-system depends on people going cross-border.
"There's very few companies that can live on domestic business only."
Criticising the government's approach, he said: "They have been slow since the beginning and they continue to be slow and the measures that they are taking go against their own economy's interest."
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Does COVID-19 really impact your eyesight - and if so, how?

We know about fevers , persistent coughs and losing your sense of taste , but eyesight has until now not been a major consideration for those who may have contracted coronavirus .
The possibility that COVID-19 may have an affect on eyesight has been in the spotlight after Boris Johnson 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings attempted to explain to the nation why he had driven to a local beauty spot during his controversial visit to Durham - which came at the height of the coronavirus lockdown .
Mr Cummings said he was testing his eyesight when he drove from Durham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a journey back down to London , because he had been experiencing vision issues while suffering from other known symptoms of the illness .
Having backed his top aide , Mr Johnson also later suggested his vision had been affected by COVID-19 as he found himself wearing spectacles `` for the first time in years '' .
But while Mr Johnson may think it 's `` very , very plausible that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus '' , what does the science tell us ?
Ultimately , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but research suggests some patients experience mild ocular symptoms .
The World Health Organisation does include conjunctivitis - which can cause eyes to become itchy and bloodshot - alongside more common symptoms such as a fever and persistent cough , while the UK government does not .
However , it is widely agreed that not enough research has been done to know for certain whether , and to what extent , coronavirus impacts eyesight .
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has said one of its scientific papers found a few reported cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but a `` lack of evidence '' meant it was `` unable to report on the association of vision impairment , as a result of a patient contracting COVID-19 '' .
Moorfields Eye Hospital backed this view , saying it could confirm no link between COVID-19 and impaired eyesight .
But professor of ophthalmology at the University of Oxford , Professor Robert MacLaren , said he was confident some people with coronavirus would suffer some eyesight problems .
He pointed to one study of 38 coronavirus patients in the Chinese city of Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twelve patients showed symptoms of conjunctivitis , including eyes that were red , swelling , watery and sticky .
When asked about the relatively small subject size , Professor MacLaren insisted it was a `` reasonable size '' for such a study to `` make a prediction based on a larger population '' .
`` It is probably true that there is not any evidence that coronavirus gets into the eye and causes specific problems in a way that other viruses do n't , '' he said .
`` But of course there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be : does the virus cause anything different to the eye in a way that the common cold or influenza does not ?
`` Because any optometrist would tell you , if you 're coughing or sneezing , you 'll have problems with your vision .
But that 's not specifically related to the coronavirus - it 's the general effects of having a viral illness . ''
There is of course a difference between symptoms suffered during a bout of coronavirus and sustained visual impairment after recovery .
For the latter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in medical journal The Lancet .
The study showed retinal changes - notably spots and small haemorrhages - in 12 adults who had retinal scans during their recovery from COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' If you have thrombosis in the back of your eye , of course that 's going to affect your vision , '' Professor MacLaren said .
`` Of course the question is whether or not similar findings would also have occurred if patients had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but caused by another virus . ''
Professor MacLaren acknowledged the findings were incidental and not clinically significant .
He added that more studies would be needed to determine if there was any sustained visual impairment after coronavirus recovery .

We know about fevers, persistent coughs and losing your sense of taste, but eyesight has until now not been a major consideration for those who may have contracted coronavirus.
The possibility that COVID-19 may have an affect on eyesight has been in the spotlight after Boris Johnson's chief adviser Dominic Cummings attempted to explain to the nation why he had driven to a local beauty spot during his controversial visit to Durham - which came at the height of the coronavirus lockdown.
Mr Cummings said he was testing his eyesight when he drove from Durham to Barnard Castle on 12 April ahead of a journey back down to London, because he had been experiencing vision issues while suffering from other known symptoms of the illness.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:11 In full: Dominic Cummings' statement
Having backed his top aide, Mr Johnson also later suggested his vision had been affected by COVID-19 as he found himself wearing spectacles "for the first time in years".
But while Mr Johnson may think it's "very, very plausible that eyesight can be a problem associated with coronavirus", what does the science tell us?
Ultimately, there is limited evidence that coronavirus does impact eyesight - but research suggests some patients experience mild ocular symptoms.
The World Health Organisation does include conjunctivitis - which can cause eyes to become itchy and bloodshot - alongside more common symptoms such as a fever and persistent cough, while the UK government does not.
However, it is widely agreed that not enough research has been done to know for certain whether, and to what extent, coronavirus impacts eyesight.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has said one of its scientific papers found a few reported cases of viral conjunctivitis among coronavirus patients, but a "lack of evidence" meant it was "unable to report on the association of vision impairment, as a result of a patient contracting COVID-19".
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Image: Conjunctivitis can cause red and itchy eyes. File pic
Moorfields Eye Hospital backed this view, saying it could confirm no link between COVID-19 and impaired eyesight.
But professor of ophthalmology at the University of Oxford, Professor Robert MacLaren, said he was confident some people with coronavirus would suffer some eyesight problems.
He pointed to one study of 38 coronavirus patients in the Chinese city of Wuhan - where the virus originated from.
Twelve patients showed symptoms of conjunctivitis, including eyes that were red, swelling, watery and sticky.
Image: Wuhan was the original epicentre of COVID-19
When asked about the relatively small subject size, Professor MacLaren insisted it was a "reasonable size" for such a study to "make a prediction based on a larger population".
"It is probably true that there is not any evidence that coronavirus gets into the eye and causes specific problems in a way that other viruses don't," he said.
"But of course there are indirect effects. The question should be: does the virus cause anything different to the eye in a way that the common cold or influenza does not?
"Because any optometrist would tell you, if you're coughing or sneezing, you'll have problems with your vision. But that's not specifically related to the coronavirus - it's the general effects of having a viral illness."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
There is of course a difference between symptoms suffered during a bout of coronavirus and sustained visual impairment after recovery.
For the latter, Professor MacLaren highlighted a Brazilian study published in medical journal The Lancet.
The study showed retinal changes - notably spots and small haemorrhages - in 12 adults who had retinal scans during their recovery from COVID-19.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"If you have thrombosis in the back of your eye, of course that's going to affect your vision," Professor MacLaren said.
"Of course the question is whether or not similar findings would also have occurred if patients had suffered a similarly severe influenza type illness, but caused by another virus."
Professor MacLaren acknowledged the findings were incidental and not clinically significant.
He added that more studies would be needed to determine if there was any sustained visual impairment after coronavirus recovery.