news--2020-02-29--Briton reveals life on quarantined ship: 'At 3.30am there was a knock at our door'

Two Britons who were on lockdown on a ship after hundreds of people got coronavirus - and are now in isolation in the UK - reveal how their dream holiday ended up with them being quarantined twice .
Alan Sandford , 64 , and his wife Vanessa , 62 , from Nottinghamshire , told Sky News their story : I liked the look of the Princess Diamond cruise because its route would take me to lots of places I had n't been before and on board we were really enjoying ourselves .
The first I heard of the coronavirus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the cruise .
The Chinese New Year celebrations had all been cancelled because of `` this virus from China '' that was sweeping the country .
It did n't affect us so we were n't worried .
It was only when we got to Okinawa , in southern Japan , that everything seemed more serious .
It took us four or five hours to get off the ship , go through immigration and have a temperature check .
A couple of days later we docked near Tokyo earlier than planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a passenger on the ship had tested positive for the coronavirus .
This was the first time I began to get a little concerned , and at 3.30am there was a knock at our door .
I drowsily went to the door , not thinking about what I was wearing , which was very little .
I opened it to see two Japanese medics in protective clothing - masks , gloves , goggles and carrying clipboards .
Before I knew what was happening one of them stuck what I hoped was a thermometer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one noted the result .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The other medic asked us questions but I did n't follow what he was saying , so I can only describe what followed as a game of semi-naked charades .
The first question was easy : `` Have you got a cough ? ''
he mimed .
We both said no .
`` Sore throat ? ''
- he mimed by rubbing his neck .
We both said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lower your temperature ? ''
To this day I have no idea how my wife understood his movements to guess that one .
She said no for both of us .
With that , they made some notes , stood up - so did I - and we both gave a little bow , they said sorry and were gone .
The next morning it was clear we would not be going home but it was still quite lighthearted , chatting with our friends about what might happen next .
Later the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their cabins and that 10 people had tested positive for the virus and would be taken to hospitals in Japan .
And then he gave us the knockout punch : we would be in quarantine for 14 days .
When breakfast was next delivered to the door it was by some , as always , very cheerful crew - the only difference was they had masks on .
I could see my wife looking at me and I was imagining she was thinking `` oh no , 14 days alone with Alan '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ship facing the sun and we had a great view of Yokohama , a balcony to sit on and regular meals .
Helicopters started to fly over me and alongside the ship , time and again .
The news was out .
I counted five helicopters at once .
Dead cool , I thought .
Police boats , coastguard boats and media boats were all hanging around .
I am ashamed to say I was enjoying the first day of quarantine .
But after a couple of days I found it a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those in inside cabins with no windows and no fresh air .
When the meals came I saw the door opposite open and an Asian couple inside .
They do n't speak English and I do n't speak their language but we still waved .
After a couple of days we are all saying hello like we are long-lost friends .
After a while I think we must try to exercise , and Vanessa gets into trying tai chi from videos on the room 's TV .
I try to join in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is n't quite big enough .
When I stretch up , my hands hit the ceiling and when I reach out I hit my arms on the cupboards .
Once , while on the balcony , I hear cheering ; I look to the side and some passengers 75 metres further along on their balcony start waving , trying to get a Mexican wave going .
I join in and after five minutes there must be 100 people on balconies on six different decks doing a Mexican wave down one side and back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Princess wave .
So what did I do all day ?
When not on the balcony my lifesaver was the room phone , WhatsApp and email .
Eventually , journalists get in touch .
A really friendly and understanding Sky News correspondent called Siobhan Robbins chats with me and persuades us to do a Skype chat , which leads to me doing some daft videos .
I tell Siobhan that Kay Burley is my favourite , and next thing I know I am being interviewed live by Kay , who also sends me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is all this ?
Halfway through , the captain turned the ship around so we no longer had the great view and would be in shade all day .
It was fair of course because we had the sunny side for seven days , but I am still ashamed to say I was grumpy about it .
I was grumpy about a lot of things : the news channels on the TV kept freezing and the internet kept crashing or running slow .
More positive cases were announced and I had the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better off the ship .
Even the captain sounded less positive in his announcements .
The view now was of rows of ambulances taking people to hospital , of medics and civil defence staff all in full protective clothing constantly entering and leaving the ship .
With the quarantine almost over we were looking forward to going home .
Then we received an email from the Foreign Office telling us there would be a free evacuation flight and that we would have to spend another 14 days quarantine in the UK .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we arrived at the airport around 1.30am .
We waited and waited and waited and waited .
We started to get anxious , it was now 3am and we were not permitted to go to the toilet .
It turned out there was an issue with the baggage check .
We complained , but were told we would just have to put up with it .
The security checks took almost seven hours without being permitted to use the toilet .
We finally boarded the plane and departed at around 8.30am .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it really was n't funny and a most unpleasant experience .
After a journey of 22 hours , we landed at Boscombe airfield and boarded the coach to be greeted by two jovial , wisecracking coach drivers .
The first four rows were taped off because the drivers explained that we had to always be more than two metres from them to prevent infection from us .
We set off in convoy with a police car in front , an ambulance and police car behind and a string of police motorcycle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lights flashing .
This was a teenage boy 's dream !
When we got off the coaches after six hours , a medical person took charge and made us change our masks , wash our hands and we entered the facility .
We had to stay two metres from the desk as we gave our names to check in .
We were then accompanied to our accommodation by two doctors in protective clothing , gloves , masks and visors .
They were really pleasant and helpful and we immediately felt comfortable .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had left the ship in Japan !
We went to bed and slept very , very well .
The next morning we explored our accommodation and we started to let all our friends know we had arrived safely , are fit and well and being very well looked after .

Two Britons who were on lockdown on a ship after hundreds of people got coronavirus - and are now in isolation in the UK - reveal how their dream holiday ended up with them being quarantined twice.
Alan Sandford, 64, and his wife Vanessa, 62, from Nottinghamshire, told Sky News their story:
I liked the look of the Princess Diamond cruise because its route would take me to lots of places I hadn't been before and on board we were really enjoying ourselves.
Image: The couple went from confinement in a cabin to confinement at a UK hospital
The first I heard of the coronavirus was when we went to Hong Kong towards the end of the cruise.
The Chinese New Year celebrations had all been cancelled because of "this virus from China" that was sweeping the country. It didn't affect us so we weren't worried.
It was only when we got to Okinawa, in southern Japan, that everything seemed more serious. It took us four or five hours to get off the ship, go through immigration and have a temperature check.
A couple of days later we docked near Tokyo earlier than planned and after that the captain announced that a passenger on the ship had tested positive for the coronavirus.
Image: At least 600 people on the ship were diagnosed with the virus
This was the first time I began to get a little concerned, and at 3.30am there was a knock at our door.
I drowsily went to the door, not thinking about what I was wearing, which was very little. I opened it to see two Japanese medics in protective clothing - masks, gloves, goggles and carrying clipboards.
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Before I knew what was happening one of them stuck what I hoped was a thermometer in my ear as the the other one noted the result.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The other medic asked us questions but I didn't follow what he was saying, so I can only describe what followed as a game of semi-naked charades.
The first question was easy: "Have you got a cough?" he mimed. We both said no.
"Sore throat?" - he mimed by rubbing his neck. We both said no.
"Have you taken anything to lower your temperature?" To this day I have no idea how my wife understood his movements to guess that one. She said no for both of us.
With that, they made some notes, stood up - so did I - and we both gave a little bow, they said sorry and were gone.
The next morning it was clear we would not be going home but it was still quite lighthearted, chatting with our friends about what might happen next.
Later the captain told everyone to go back to their cabins and that 10 people had tested positive for the virus and would be taken to hospitals in Japan.
And then he gave us the knockout punch: we would be in quarantine for 14 days.
When breakfast was next delivered to the door it was by some, as always, very cheerful crew - the only difference was they had masks on.
I could see my wife looking at me and I was imagining she was thinking "oh no, 14 days alone with Alan".
We were on the side of the ship facing the sun and we had a great view of Yokohama, a balcony to sit on and regular meals.
Image: The couple were one of the lucky ones and had good views of Yokohama and Mount Fuji
Helicopters started to fly over me and alongside the ship, time and again.
The news was out. I counted five helicopters at once. Dead cool, I thought. Police boats, coastguard boats and media boats were all hanging around. I am ashamed to say I was enjoying the first day of quarantine.
But after a couple of days I found it a bit lonely and I felt so sorry for those in inside cabins with no windows and no fresh air.
When the meals came I saw the door opposite open and an Asian couple inside. They don't speak English and I don't speak their language but we still waved.
After a couple of days we are all saying hello like we are long-lost friends.
After a while I think we must try to exercise, and Vanessa gets into trying tai chi from videos on the room's TV.
I try to join in, but being 6ft 4in the room isn't quite big enough. When I stretch up, my hands hit the ceiling and when I reach out I hit my arms on the cupboards.
Once, while on the balcony, I hear cheering; I look to the side and some passengers 75 metres further along on their balcony start waving, trying to get a Mexican wave going.
Image: Mr Sandford says the locked-down passengers did an impromptu Mexican wave one day
I join in and after five minutes there must be 100 people on balconies on six different decks doing a Mexican wave down one side and back again. We named it the Diamond Princess wave.
So what did I do all day? When not on the balcony my lifesaver was the room phone, WhatsApp and email.
Eventually, journalists get in touch. A really friendly and understanding Sky News correspondent called Siobhan Robbins chats with me and persuades us to do a Skype chat, which leads to me doing some daft videos.
I tell Siobhan that Kay Burley is my favourite, and next thing I know I am being interviewed live by Kay, who also sends me a good luck message. How surreal is all this?
Halfway through, the captain turned the ship around so we no longer had the great view and would be in shade all day.
It was fair of course because we had the sunny side for seven days, but I am still ashamed to say I was grumpy about it.
Image: Medical staff were constantly entering and leaving the ship, says Mr Sandford
Image: The Diamond Princess was carrying more than 3,700 passengers
I was grumpy about a lot of things: the news channels on the TV kept freezing and the internet kept crashing or running slow.
More positive cases were announced and I had the first serious thoughts about if we would be better off the ship. Even the captain sounded less positive in his announcements.
The view now was of rows of ambulances taking people to hospital, of medics and civil defence staff all in full protective clothing constantly entering and leaving the ship.
With the quarantine almost over we were looking forward to going home.
Then we received an email from the Foreign Office telling us there would be a free evacuation flight and that we would have to spend another 14 days quarantine in the UK.
After 17 days in quarantine on board, we arrived at the airport around 1.30am.
We waited and waited and waited and waited. We started to get anxious, it was now 3am and we were not permitted to go to the toilet. It turned out there was an issue with the baggage check.
We complained, but were told we would just have to put up with it.
The security checks took almost seven hours without being permitted to use the toilet. We finally boarded the plane and departed at around 8.30am.
I was very impressed with my bladder control, but it really wasn't funny and a most unpleasant experience.
After a journey of 22 hours, we landed at Boscombe airfield and boarded the coach to be greeted by two jovial, wisecracking coach drivers.
The first four rows were taped off because the drivers explained that we had to always be more than two metres from them to prevent infection from us.
We set off in convoy with a police car in front, an ambulance and police car behind and a string of police motorcycle outriders escorting us - all with blue lights flashing. This was a teenage boy's dream!
When we got off the coaches after six hours, a medical person took charge and made us change our masks, wash our hands and we entered the facility.
We had to stay two metres from the desk as we gave our names to check in.
We were then accompanied to our accommodation by two doctors in protective clothing, gloves, masks and visors. They were really pleasant and helpful and we immediately felt comfortable.
We were tired - 29 hours since we had left the ship in Japan! We went to bed and slept very, very well.
The next morning we explored our accommodation and we started to let all our friends know we had arrived safely, are fit and well and being very well looked after.


news--2020-03-01--Coronavirus plan: City lockdowns, ban on big gatherings and cancelled ops possible

Large gatherings could be banned , cities put on lockdown and operations cancelled if coronavirus continues to spread in the UK , it has been warned .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News he could not rule out banning big events where thousands of people would gather , if the situation gets worse .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UK is now 36 , including one each in Wales , Northern Ireland and Scotland - after a sudden jump on Sunday .
He later said that despite a `` huge economic and social downside '' closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the table at this stage because you have to make sure you have all the tools available if that is what is necessary '' .
Cautioning against panic , Mr Hancock told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show : `` At this stage people should go about their ordinary business . ''
However , emergency planning is under way in case the number of virus cases in the UK rises significantly or if the virus is found to be spreading here , rather than just being brought in from abroad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first COBRA meeting tomorrow , has said the virus is likely to `` spread a bit more '' in the UK .
Speaking at a visit to a health centre in north London , he said the government will be `` setting out the various measure , as the disease progresses , if it progresses in the way we think it may '' .
Mr Hancock said hospitals will face a `` very , very significant challenge '' should the number of cases rapidly accelerate .
He stressed the government has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , as well as plans to delay and mitigate a widespread outbreak , and said the government is maintaining a `` balancing act '' between implementing measures in the face of the virus , while trying to limit the disruption it causes .
Global stock markets - including the FTSE 100 - have this week suffered their worst falls since the 2008 financial crisis on fears of a rapid spread .
Cemeteries and crematoriums are also reported to be drawing up plans to deal with a rise in bodies , with families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homes , schools , pubs or hotels if churches and chapels become overwhelmed .
`` I want to minimise the risk to the public but we also want to minimise the social and economic disruption that will inevitably be caused - and we 've already seen it this week - by a virus like this . ''
The health secretary did n't rule out the UK taking similar action to France , where all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people have been banned .
Speaking to the BBC later , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as China did with Wuhan where the coronavirus outbreak began - was not `` off the table at this stage because you have to make sure you have all the tools available if that is what is necessary '' .
Mr Hancock said the `` best thing people can do '' at the moment is to wash their hands with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds , especially at airports .
He recommended Britons sing `` Happy Birthday '' while they wash their hands , to make sure they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chaand Nagpaul , chairman of the British Medical Association , agreed that seeking to contain the virus at this stage was `` the right procedure '' due to the low numbers of patients in the UK .
But he warned of the impact on the NHS should the number of coronavirus cases increase significantly .
`` If we were to have an epidemic in this country then we would need to move beyond the containment phase and actually mitigating and managing that crisis , '' he told Sky News .
`` That could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce or cancel planned care in hospitals for non-emergency operations so you prioritise the availability of care for critical ill patients . ''
Dr Nagpaul described the NHS as being `` already under severe pressure and strain '' prior to the coronavirus outbreak .
`` We 've been saying for a long time ... that we have n't an NHS that has sufficient numbers of bed and staff compared to many other European countries , '' he said .
Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell called for `` more direct '' political leadership from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the coronavirus outbreak , as he warned of the pressures on the NHS where some departments are already running at 80 % capacity .
`` We 've lost 17,000 hospital beds in the NHS as a result of austerity cuts , that 's a worry , '' he said .
`` We are suffering from 10 years of austerity but I 'm sure the clinicians , the NHS staff will rise to the challenge - they always do .
`` But we 're putting them under a lot of pressure because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS because of the cuts . ''
The UK has ploughed £40m into finding a vaccine for coronavirus , but Mr Hancock admitted this could yet be `` many months off '' .
Scientists are `` more optimistic '' about the development of treatments for COVID-19 , the disease that develops from coronavirus , that `` make the virus less of a problem if you 've got it '' , he added .
The health secretary revealed there were plans to scale up the number of `` high acute critical care beds '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Large gatherings could be banned, cities put on lockdown and operations cancelled if coronavirus continues to spread in the UK, it has been warned.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News he could not rule out banning big events where thousands of people would gather, if the situation gets worse.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UK is now 36, including one each in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland - after a sudden jump on Sunday.
He later said that despite a "huge economic and social downside" closing down cities could not be taken "off the table at this stage because you have to make sure you have all the tools available if that is what is necessary".
Cautioning against panic, Mr Hancock told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show: "At this stage people should go about their ordinary business."
However, emergency planning is under way in case the number of virus cases in the UK rises significantly or if the virus is found to be spreading here, rather than just being brought in from abroad.
Boris Johnson, who will chair his first COBRA meeting tomorrow, has said the virus is likely to "spread a bit more" in the UK.
Speaking at a visit to a health centre in north London, he said the government will be "setting out the various measure, as the disease progresses, if it progresses in the way we think it may".
Mr Hancock said hospitals will face a "very, very significant challenge" should the number of cases rapidly accelerate.
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He stressed the government has a "clear strategy" for containing the virus, as well as plans to delay and mitigate a widespread outbreak, and said the government is maintaining a "balancing act" between implementing measures in the face of the virus, while trying to limit the disruption it causes.
Global stock markets - including the FTSE 100 - have this week suffered their worst falls since the 2008 financial crisis on fears of a rapid spread.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:29 Doctor explains how to help stop COVID-19 spreading
Cemeteries and crematoriums are also reported to be drawing up plans to deal with a rise in bodies, with families possibly being allowed to hold funerals in their homes, schools, pubs or hotels if churches and chapels become overwhelmed.
"I want to minimise the risk to the public but we also want to minimise the social and economic disruption that will inevitably be caused - and we've already seen it this week - by a virus like this."
The health secretary didn't rule out the UK taking similar action to France, where all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people have been banned.
Speaking to the BBC later, Mr Hancock also said isolating entire cities - as China did with Wuhan where the coronavirus outbreak began - was not "off the table at this stage because you have to make sure you have all the tools available if that is what is necessary".
Mr Hancock said the "best thing people can do" at the moment is to wash their hands with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds, especially at airports.
He recommended Britons sing "Happy Birthday" while they wash their hands, to make sure they are doing so for long enough.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 57:16 In full: Sophy Ridge On Sunday
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association, agreed that seeking to contain the virus at this stage was "the right procedure" due to the low numbers of patients in the UK.
But he warned of the impact on the NHS should the number of coronavirus cases increase significantly.
"If we were to have an epidemic in this country then we would need to move beyond the containment phase and actually mitigating and managing that crisis," he told Sky News.
"That could involve, for example, having to reduce or cancel planned care in hospitals for non-emergency operations so you prioritise the availability of care for critical ill patients."
Dr Nagpaul described the NHS as being "already under severe pressure and strain" prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
"We've been saying for a long time... that we haven't an NHS that has sufficient numbers of bed and staff compared to many other European countries," he said.
Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell called for "more direct" political leadership from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the government over the coronavirus outbreak, as he warned of the pressures on the NHS where some departments are already running at 80% capacity.
"We've lost 17,000 hospital beds in the NHS as a result of austerity cuts, that's a worry," he said.
"We are suffering from 10 years of austerity but I'm sure the clinicians, the NHS staff will rise to the challenge - they always do.
"But we're putting them under a lot of pressure because we've taken such capacity out of the NHS because of the cuts."
The UK has ploughed £40m into finding a vaccine for coronavirus, but Mr Hancock admitted this could yet be "many months off".
Scientists are "more optimistic" about the development of treatments for COVID-19, the disease that develops from coronavirus, that "make the virus less of a problem if you've got it", he added.
The health secretary revealed there were plans to scale up the number of "high acute critical care beds" to 5,000 "if necessary".


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Could a llama hold the key to treating COVID-19?

A llama called Winter could hold the key to creating a treatment for COVID-19 , according to US and Belgian scientists .
Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin , the National Institutes of Health , and Ghent University in Belgium said they used the llama to create an antibody which they claim protects human cells from COVID-19 .
The team began looking four years ago into antibodies that could counter the SARS or MERS viruses , which are related to the new coronavirus .
Winter , who is four years old and living on a farm in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versions of the SARS and MERS viruses in 2016 .
The scientists then isolated antibodies in Winter 's blood , which are produced in response to an antigen and can help prevent future infection .
This was used to create a new antibody that the scientists say can block the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 from infecting cells .
The findings have been published in the journal Cell and are currently under peer review .
The work was initially a side project but became `` more crucial '' when the novel coronavirus emerged , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Belgian part of the collaboration .
`` This is one of the first antibodies known to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 , '' said Jason McLellan , associate professor of molecular biosciences at UT Austin and co-senior author , referring to the virus that causes COVID-19 .
The goal is to develop a treatment that could help people soon after they become infected with the virus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The team will next conduct studies in animals such as primates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humans afterwards .
They hope human trials can begin by the end of the year .
Mr McLellan says the potential treatment would be able to protect people quickly from the virus .
`` Vaccines have to be given a month or two before infection to provide protection , '' he said .
`` With antibody therapies , you 're directly giving somebody the protective antibodies and so , immediately after treatment , they should be protected .
`` The antibodies could also be used to treat somebody who is already sick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' This could particularly benefit healthcare workers who are at increased risk of exposure to the virus .

A llama called Winter could hold the key to creating a treatment for COVID-19, according to US and Belgian scientists.
Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin, the National Institutes of Health, and Ghent University in Belgium said they used the llama to create an antibody which they claim protects human cells from COVID-19.
The team began looking four years ago into antibodies that could counter the SARS or MERS viruses, which are related to the new coronavirus.
Image: Winter is being kept on a farm in the Belgian countryside. Pic: Tim Coppens
Winter, who is four years old and living on a farm in the Belgian countryside, was injected with safe versions of the SARS and MERS viruses in 2016.
The scientists then isolated antibodies in Winter's blood, which are produced in response to an antigen and can help prevent future infection.
This was used to create a new antibody that the scientists say can block the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 from infecting cells.
The findings have been published in the journal Cell and are currently under peer review.
The work was initially a side project but became "more crucial" when the novel coronavirus emerged, said Xavier Saelens, joint leader of the Belgian part of the collaboration.
"This is one of the first antibodies known to neutralize SARS-CoV-2," said Jason McLellan, associate professor of molecular biosciences at UT Austin and co-senior author, referring to the virus that causes COVID-19.
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The goal is to develop a treatment that could help people soon after they become infected with the virus.
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The team will next conduct studies in animals such as primates, with the hopes of testing in humans afterwards.
They hope human trials can begin by the end of the year.
Mr McLellan says the potential treatment would be able to protect people quickly from the virus.
"Vaccines have to be given a month or two before infection to provide protection," he said.
"With antibody therapies, you're directly giving somebody the protective antibodies and so, immediately after treatment, they should be protected.
"The antibodies could also be used to treat somebody who is already sick to lessen the severity of the disease."
This could particularly benefit healthcare workers who are at increased risk of exposure to the virus.


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Debenhams to axe five stores with loss of 1,000 jobs

Debenhams is to shut five stores after failing to reach agreement with its landlords over rent , resulting in 1,000 job losses .
It means the sites at shopping centres in Reading , Croydon , Birmingham , Leicester and Glasgow Silverburn owned by property giant Hammerson will not reopen after the lockdown .
The beleaguered chain was already in administration but has been seeking to renegotiate terms with the owners of its 142 UK sites as the coronavirus resulted in stores being forced to shut their doors .
Last month , it agreed a deal with some landlords to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five Hammerson locations were not included .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Of the remainder , 10 more shops - employing a total of 600 - have also now been earmarked for closure , while the future of seven still hangs in the balance .
Debenhams said in a statement : `` We can confirm that despite our best efforts , we have been unable to agree terms with Hammerson on our five stores in its shopping centres , and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We continue to engage in constructive talks with our landlords and have agreed terms on the vast majority of our stores , which we look forward to reopening when government restrictions allow '' .
Debenhams , which currently employs just over 20,000 people , has weathered a succession of crises in recent years .
An attempt by the Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley to take control of the business last year ended when it entered an insolvency process before being taken over by a consortium of lenders .
Last month it formally entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year and announced that its Irish business , with 11 stores , would permanently cease trading .
The latest administration was designed to protect the business from creditors at a time when stores were shuttered because of the lockdown - though Debenhams continued to trade online .
Chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste said at the time that it aimed to be `` in a position to resume trading from our stores when government restrictions are lifted '' .
But since then it has been confirmed that a total of 15 stores , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks , will not reopen .
The 10 - other than those announced as a result of the impasse with Hammerson - that face closure are : Truro , Stratford-upon-Avon , Salisbury , Westfield , Leamington Spa , South Shields , Swindon , Kidderminster , Borehamwood , Southampton .
Britain 's retail sector has been shattered by the coronavirus lockdown , with figures last week showing a `` historic '' fall in sales .
Last week saw the confirmation that 1,800 jobs were to go at the group behind Oasis and Warehouse after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online concerns but will see all of its stores close .

Debenhams is to shut five stores after failing to reach agreement with its landlords over rent, resulting in 1,000 job losses.
It means the sites at shopping centres in Reading, Croydon, Birmingham, Leicester and Glasgow Silverburn owned by property giant Hammerson will not reopen after the lockdown.
The beleaguered chain was already in administration but has been seeking to renegotiate terms with the owners of its 142 UK sites as the coronavirus resulted in stores being forced to shut their doors.
Last month, it agreed a deal with some landlords to secure the future of 120 sites but the five Hammerson locations were not included.
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Of the remainder, 10 more shops - employing a total of 600 - have also now been earmarked for closure, while the future of seven still hangs in the balance.
Debenhams said in a statement: "We can confirm that despite our best efforts, we have been unable to agree terms with Hammerson on our five stores in its shopping centres, and so they will not be reopening.
"We continue to engage in constructive talks with our landlords and have agreed terms on the vast majority of our stores, which we look forward to reopening when government restrictions allow".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Workers laid off despite furlough scheme
Debenhams, which currently employs just over 20,000 people, has weathered a succession of crises in recent years.
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An attempt by the Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley to take control of the business last year ended when it entered an insolvency process before being taken over by a consortium of lenders.
Last month it formally entered into administration for the second time in a year and announced that its Irish business, with 11 stores, would permanently cease trading.
The latest administration was designed to protect the business from creditors at a time when stores were shuttered because of the lockdown - though Debenhams continued to trade online.
Chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste said at the time that it aimed to be "in a position to resume trading from our stores when government restrictions are lifted".
But since then it has been confirmed that a total of 15 stores, including those that were part of the latest talks, will not reopen.
The 10 - other than those announced as a result of the impasse with Hammerson - that face closure are: Truro, Stratford-upon-Avon, Salisbury, Westfield, Leamington Spa, South Shields, Swindon, Kidderminster, Borehamwood, Southampton.
Britain's retail sector has been shattered by the coronavirus lockdown, with figures last week showing a "historic" fall in sales.
Last week saw the confirmation that 1,800 jobs were to go at the group behind Oasis and Warehouse after a deal that saved the brands as online concerns but will see all of its stores close.


news--2020-05-06--Grimes explains why she and Elon Musk called their baby X Æ A-12

Grimes has attempted to explain the meaning behind the unusual name given to her newborn son , X Æ A-12 Musk .
The Canadian singer and Tesla co-founder Elon Musk prompted almost universal bemusement when they revealed the moniker they had chosen for their first child .
But breaking down the elements , the 32-year-old said `` X '' represents the `` unknown variable '' , while `` Æ '' has several interpretations as it is the `` elven spelling '' of `` Ai '' - which means love in Chinese , and is also an acronym for artificial intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is `` our favourite aircraft '' , she said , referring to her partner and son 's father .
She pointed out the aircraft was developed from the SR-71 , which had `` no weapons , no defenses , just speed . ''
`` Great in battle , but non-violent , '' she added .
Finally , the `` A '' also refers to the singer 's favourite song , `` Archangel '' .
She then completed her tweet by writing `` metal rat '' , which is believed to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Musk and Grimes - whose real name is Claire Elise Boucher - have been in a relationship for more than two years and made their public debut as a couple at the 2018 Met Gala .
This year 's Met Gala should have taken place on Monday night , but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
South African-born Musk confirmed the birth of X Æ A-12 on Tuesday , although the couple have yet to explain how the name should be pronounced .
In his tweet , the 48-year-old said `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although Grimes tweeted later on Wednesday to say she was recovering from surgery and was `` barely alive '' .
She gave no further details .
Musk , who is one of the world 's richest men , also has five children with his first wife , Canadian author Justine Wilson .
The 48-year-old recently made headlines after posting a series of tweets that saw $ 13bn wiped off Tesla 's share price , although they jumped back up a few days later .
His criticism of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - was also the subject of widespread coverage .
However on Wednesday , Musk appeared to be fully focused on fatherhood , tweeting that he felt it was `` a time for dad jokes . ''

Grimes has attempted to explain the meaning behind the unusual name given to her newborn son, X Æ A-12 Musk.
The Canadian singer and Tesla co-founder Elon Musk prompted almost universal bemusement when they revealed the moniker they had chosen for their first child.
But breaking down the elements, the 32-year-old said "X" represents the "unknown variable", while "Æ" has several interpretations as it is the "elven spelling" of "Ai" - which means love in Chinese, and is also an acronym for artificial intelligence.
The "A-12", meanwhile, is "our favourite aircraft", she said, referring to her partner and son's father.
She pointed out the aircraft was developed from the SR-71, which had "no weapons, no defenses, just speed."
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"Great in battle, but non-violent," she added.
Finally, the "A" also refers to the singer's favourite song, "Archangel".
She then completed her tweet by writing "metal rat", which is believed to be a reference to the Chinese zodiac year.
Musk and Grimes - whose real name is Claire Elise Boucher - have been in a relationship for more than two years and made their public debut as a couple at the 2018 Met Gala.
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This year's Met Gala should have taken place on Monday night, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
South African-born Musk confirmed the birth of X Æ A-12 on Tuesday, although the couple have yet to explain how the name should be pronounced.
In his tweet, the 48-year-old said "Mom & baby all good", although Grimes tweeted later on Wednesday to say she was recovering from surgery and was "barely alive".
She gave no further details.
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Musk, who is one of the world's richest men, also has five children with his first wife, Canadian author Justine Wilson.
The 48-year-old recently made headlines after posting a series of tweets that saw $13bn wiped off Tesla's share price, although they jumped back up a few days later.
His criticism of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in the US - despite the high number of deaths - was also the subject of widespread coverage.
However on Wednesday, Musk appeared to be fully focused on fatherhood, tweeting that he felt it was "a time for dad jokes."


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Carbon emissions fall by more than a third in lockdown

The UK 's daily carbon emissions have fallen by more than a third during lockdown , according to data shared with Sky News .
But the committee that is advising the government on how the UK can become carbon neutral by 2050 has warned that the reductions are short term and the country 's economic recovery should be green .
It is no surprise that , with travel restrictions brought in to limit the spread of the coronavirus , there has been a significant impact on emissions .
But it was not known by how much .
Analysis of energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's daily CO2 emissions have gone down by 36 % since those restrictions started .
In 2018 , road transport was the biggest source of carbon emissions in the UK but the use of passenger vehicles has gone down by 60 % during the lockdown .
However , with lockdown regulations and more people working from home , there has been a 20 % increase in residential emissions .
Chris Stark , chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change said : `` We ca n't forget about climate change - the sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's still there as a priority , but naturally we have to think about how we tackle climate change now when we 're not yet fully understanding the impacts of the global and economic shut down . ''
In a letter to the UK and devolved governments , the Committee on Climate Change has suggested six steps for the post-coronavirus recovery package and what might be needed to make the recovery green and resilient .
Those included making green investments to support economic recovery , limiting financial support for sectors which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and the low carbon lifestyles that we 've learned under lockdown .
Mr Stark told Sky News : `` Right now everyone in government is focusing on the recovery , and that 's quite right , but next year in this country we will be hosting the next major climate summit , which hopefully will have the whole world attending it in Glasgow .
`` It 's been postponed from this year , and that will be such a big moment , not just for climate change but also for global collaboration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world 's big issues .
`` And what a big moment for the UK to be in the presidency as we come out of this COVID crisis .
That means domestically in the UK we will have to stay focused on climate change , we 're going to have to make sure this recovery is a climate positive recovery . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

The UK's daily carbon emissions have fallen by more than a third during lockdown, according to data shared with Sky News.
But the committee that is advising the government on how the UK can become carbon neutral by 2050 has warned that the reductions are short term and the country's economic recovery should be green.
It is no surprise that, with travel restrictions brought in to limit the spread of the coronavirus, there has been a significant impact on emissions. But it was not known by how much.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 How global lockdown has affected pollution
Analysis of energy usage by Sia Partners says the UK's daily CO2 emissions have gone down by 36% since those restrictions started.
In 2018, road transport was the biggest source of carbon emissions in the UK but the use of passenger vehicles has gone down by 60% during the lockdown.
However, with lockdown regulations and more people working from home, there has been a 20% increase in residential emissions.
Chris Stark, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change said: "We can't forget about climate change - the sense I get from the government is that it's still there as a priority, but naturally we have to think about how we tackle climate change now when we're not yet fully understanding the impacts of the global and economic shut down."
In a letter to the UK and devolved governments, the Committee on Climate Change has suggested six steps for the post-coronavirus recovery package and what might be needed to make the recovery green and resilient.
Those included making green investments to support economic recovery, limiting financial support for sectors which are carbon intensive, and supporting working from home and the low carbon lifestyles that we've learned under lockdown.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 March: Air pollution over China and Italy plummets due to the coronavirus lockdowns
Mr Stark told Sky News: "Right now everyone in government is focusing on the recovery, and that's quite right, but next year in this country we will be hosting the next major climate summit, which hopefully will have the whole world attending it in Glasgow.
"It's been postponed from this year, and that will be such a big moment, not just for climate change but also for global collaboration for that international focus on tackling the world's big issues.
"And what a big moment for the UK to be in the presidency as we come out of this COVID crisis. That means domestically in the UK we will have to stay focused on climate change, we're going to have to make sure this recovery is a climate positive recovery."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Towerbrook eyes bid for Irish tech champion CarTrawler

A former owner of Jimmy Choo is in advanced talks to take control of CarTrawler , the Irish technology champion forced into an emergency financial restructuring by the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Towerbrook Capital Partners , the buyout firm , is close to securing a deal that will see it becoming the controlling shareholder in the travel software firm .
Sources said on Wednesday that Towerbrook was likely to inject more than €100m into CarTrawler , with some of the company 's lenders converting part of their debt into equity .
If completed , it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restructurings triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The deal would leave BC Partners , the current controlling shareholder , without an ongoing stake in CarTrawler , according to insiders .
CarTrawler was founded by Irish brothers Niall and Greg Turley in 2004 and expanded its operations into 150 countries .
It is regarded as one of Ireland 's most prominent technology companies .
It describes itself as `` the world 's leading [ business-to-business ] travel technology platform providing multimodal transport solutions to almost 1bn passengers annually '' .
The company counts easyJet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chaired by Patrick Kennedy , the Bank of Ireland chairman , and run by chief executive Cormac Barry , a former executive at the Australian arm of Paddy Power Betfair , the gambling group .
The business last changed hands in 2014 in a €450m deal .
People close to CarTrawler said that management and Towerbrook were confident of a steep climb in revenues once the global travel industry begins its recovery .
The coronavirus pandemic has wiped out years of value created at companies across the travel industry , ranging from airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and airport baggage-handlers .
CarTrawler is said to have been close to concluding a refinancing prior to the COVID-19 outbreak .
The company 's lenders were reported this week to have rejected a proposal tabled by BC for a capital injection that would have seen it remaining as a big shareholder .
BC Partners , CarTrawler and Towerbrook all declined to comment on Wednesday .

A former owner of Jimmy Choo is in advanced talks to take control of CarTrawler, the Irish technology champion forced into an emergency financial restructuring by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Towerbrook Capital Partners, the buyout firm, is close to securing a deal that will see it becoming the controlling shareholder in the travel software firm.
Sources said on Wednesday that Towerbrook was likely to inject more than €100m into CarTrawler, with some of the company's lenders converting part of their debt into equity.
If completed, it will be one of the first major financial restructurings triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The deal would leave BC Partners, the current controlling shareholder, without an ongoing stake in CarTrawler, according to insiders.
CarTrawler was founded by Irish brothers Niall and Greg Turley in 2004 and expanded its operations into 150 countries. It is regarded as one of Ireland's most prominent technology companies.
It describes itself as "the world's leading [business-to-business] travel technology platform providing multimodal transport solutions to almost 1bn passengers annually".
The company counts easyJet among its corporate partners.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Varadkar's plan to ease Ireland lockdown
It is chaired by Patrick Kennedy, the Bank of Ireland chairman, and run by chief executive Cormac Barry, a former executive at the Australian arm of Paddy Power Betfair, the gambling group.
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The business last changed hands in 2014 in a €450m deal.
People close to CarTrawler said that management and Towerbrook were confident of a steep climb in revenues once the global travel industry begins its recovery.
The coronavirus pandemic has wiped out years of value created at companies across the travel industry, ranging from airlines and cruise operators to travel software groups and airport baggage-handlers.
CarTrawler is said to have been close to concluding a refinancing prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The company's lenders were reported this week to have rejected a proposal tabled by BC for a capital injection that would have seen it remaining as a big shareholder.
BC Partners, CarTrawler and Towerbrook all declined to comment on Wednesday.


news--2020-05-06--Adele thanks essential worker 'angels' as she celebrates 32nd birthday

Adele has thanked health and essential worker `` angels '' in an Instagram message marking her birthday .
The chart-topping singer , who is n't a prolific social media user , shared a photo as she turned 32 and thanked fans for their birthday wishes .
Adele also paid tribute to the essential workers `` keeping us safe while risking their lives '' during the coronavirus lockdown .
`` Thank you for the birthday love , '' she wrote in the caption for her 33.6 million followers .
`` I hope you 're all staying safe and sane during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to thank all of our first responders and essential workers who are keeping us safe while risking their lives !
You are truly our angels . ''
Adele last posted on Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas in December .
In February , she appeared to confirm she had a new album on the way later this year .
After performing at the wedding party of her friend author Laura Dockrill and Maccabees guitarist Hugo White , in videos uploaded by guests she said : `` Expect my album in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chart-topping 25 , featuring hits Hello , When We Were Young and Send My Love ( To Your New Lover ) , in 2015. : : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Tottenham-born Adele released her debut album , 19 , which contained hit songs Chasing Pavements and Hometown Glory , in 2008 .
The much anticipated follow-up , 21 , brought even more success in 2011 thanks to the singles Someone Like You , Rolling In The Deep and Rumour Has It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 countries , including the US and UK , and cemented her status as one of the world 's best-loved artists .
The multi Grammy and Brit award-winning star announced in April last year that she and husband Simon Konecki had split and she filed for divorce in September , citing `` irreconcilable differences '' .

Adele has thanked health and essential worker "angels" in an Instagram message marking her birthday.
The chart-topping singer, who isn't a prolific social media user, shared a photo as she turned 32 and thanked fans for their birthday wishes.
Adele also paid tribute to the essential workers "keeping us safe while risking their lives" during the coronavirus lockdown.
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"Thank you for the birthday love," she wrote in the caption for her 33.6 million followers. "I hope you're all staying safe and sane during this crazy time."
"I'd like to thank all of our first responders and essential workers who are keeping us safe while risking their lives! You are truly our angels."
Adele last posted on Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas in December.
In February, she appeared to confirm she had a new album on the way later this year.
After performing at the wedding party of her friend author Laura Dockrill and Maccabees guitarist Hugo White, in videos uploaded by guests she said: "Expect my album in September."
Her most recent album was the chart-topping 25, featuring hits Hello, When We Were Young and Send My Love (To Your New Lover), in 2015.
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Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Tottenham-born Adele released her debut album, 19, which contained hit songs Chasing Pavements and Hometown Glory, in 2008.
The much anticipated follow-up, 21, brought even more success in 2011 thanks to the singles Someone Like You, Rolling In The Deep and Rumour Has It.
The record topped the charts in 30 countries, including the US and UK, and cemented her status as one of the world's best-loved artists.
The multi Grammy and Brit award-winning star announced in April last year that she and husband Simon Konecki had split and she filed for divorce in September, citing "irreconcilable differences".
The couple have a son, seven-year-old Angelo.


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: How social 'bubbles' could work when UK lockdown is eased

Britons could be allowed to reunite with loved ones using `` bubble '' arrangements under proposals to further ease the lockdown .
Ministers are looking at different ways of letting people meet up with more than just one person from outside their household .
Under the arrangements , people will be able choose a small number of friends and family to mix with and will be under strict orders not to mix with anybody else .
People could also be allowed to leave their homes more often and for longer periods of time under proposals being considered by the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the way Britain operates socially .
Here 's what we know so far about the plans .
When will social bubbles be introduced ?
Currently , people are allowed to meet with one other person from outside their household outside as long as they keep two metres apart .
But a relaxation of those measures is not expected to take place just yet as the government continues to adhere to scientific advice to keep the number of COVID-19 cases down .
Social bubbles were first mentioned in the government 's 50-page `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May .
Reports this week claimed that outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people could be allowed by the end of June , but this has not been confirmed .
Government scientists are also looking at how households could create a `` bubble '' with one other home , but there is no timeline for this yet .
In Italy and Spain , where the trajectory of coronavirus cases and deaths has been similar to the UK 's , families and friends have been able to reunite since 4 May .
Scottish First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in UK-wide decision-making through the COBRA system , unveiled a document explaining the potential new rules .
She suggested they would include people `` meeting up with a small defined group '' in a `` sort of bubble arrangement '' .
The number of people they can mix with has not been decided yet , but the government strategy says it `` could be based on the New Zealand model '' .
This would mean groups of up to 10 people could mix outdoors in a park or in someone 's garden - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be accessed through the home , and providing they keep two metres apart .
Scientists are also considering allowing households to form a bubble with one other household , which means couples who live apart could be reunited and people could visit their parents .
But with only one extra household allowed , people face tough choices on which bubble they want to be a part of .
The government says it wants to `` limit the risk of inter-household transmissions '' and stresses that evidence shows `` there is less likelihood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoors '' .
This means larger outdoor gatherings are likely to come before bubbles with another household .
Yes , for now the two-metre rule still applies when spending time with people in your bubble .
If anyone in the group experiences symptoms of coronavirus , they will be ordered to self-isolate for two weeks under England 's new test and trace system .
And those who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and have been `` shielding '' will not be permitted to take part in social bubbles .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as advice changes for other people , '' the government document adds .
`` We are committed to an honest conversation with our citizens who are shielding and with their families about the support they need . ''
The proposals to allow households to extend their bubble to one other would mean they could come closer than two metres and stay at the other property .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The idea of the UK edging towards life after lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have died after testing positive for the virus nationwide .
The first phase of easing the lockdown came on 13 May , when workers who can not do their jobs from home were urged to return .
Since then several restaurant chains have reopened for takeaways , with outdoor markets and car showrooms allowed to open their doors again on 1 June .
All non-essential shops are allowed to reopen from 15 June , providing they are `` COVID secure '' and have social distancing measures in place .
Pubs , restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be among the last to reopen , according to the government plan , with 4 July the earliest possible date .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Britons could be allowed to reunite with loved ones using "bubble" arrangements under proposals to further ease the lockdown.
Ministers are looking at different ways of letting people meet up with more than just one person from outside their household.
Under the arrangements, people will be able choose a small number of friends and family to mix with and will be under strict orders not to mix with anybody else.
People could also be allowed to leave their homes more often and for longer periods of time under proposals being considered by the government to introduce a "new normal" to the way Britain operates socially.
Here's what we know so far about the plans.
Image: Britons could be allowed to see loved ones in social 'bubbles'
When will social bubbles be introduced?
Currently, people are allowed to meet with one other person from outside their household outside as long as they keep two metres apart.
But a relaxation of those measures is not expected to take place just yet as the government continues to adhere to scientific advice to keep the number of COVID-19 cases down.
Social bubbles were first mentioned in the government's 50-page "roadmap out of lockdown" on 11 May.
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Reports this week claimed that outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people could be allowed by the end of June, but this has not been confirmed.
Government scientists are also looking at how households could create a "bubble" with one other home, but there is no timeline for this yet.
In Italy and Spain, where the trajectory of coronavirus cases and deaths has been similar to the UK's, families and friends have been able to reunite since 4 May.
Image: Domenico di Massa plays with his granddaughter Cecilia for the first time in two months in Italy
How will social bubbles work?
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is involved in UK-wide decision-making through the COBRA system, unveiled a document explaining the potential new rules.
She suggested they would include people "meeting up with a small defined group" in a "sort of bubble arrangement".
The number of people they can mix with has not been decided yet, but the government strategy says it "could be based on the New Zealand model".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Italy: At last... a hug from grandad!
This would mean groups of up to 10 people could mix outdoors in a park or in someone's garden - as long as it does not have to be accessed through the home, and providing they keep two metres apart.
Scientists are also considering allowing households to form a bubble with one other household, which means couples who live apart could be reunited and people could visit their parents.
But with only one extra household allowed, people face tough choices on which bubble they want to be a part of.
The government says it wants to "limit the risk of inter-household transmissions" and stresses that evidence shows "there is less likelihood of transmission of this disease outdoors than indoors".
This means larger outdoor gatherings are likely to come before bubbles with another household.
Image: People will be allowed to leave the house more often under the new measures
Do social distancing rules apply in social bubbles?
Yes, for now the two-metre rule still applies when spending time with people in your bubble.
If anyone in the group experiences symptoms of coronavirus, they will be ordered to self-isolate for two weeks under England's new test and trace system.
And those who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and have been "shielding" will not be permitted to take part in social bubbles.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 Documents reveal lockdown concerns
"We recognise that this will become increasingly challenging as advice changes for other people," the government document adds.
"We are committed to an honest conversation with our citizens who are shielding and with their families about the support they need."
The proposals to allow households to extend their bubble to one other would mean they could come closer than two metres and stay at the other property.
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
The idea of the UK edging towards life after lockdown comes as figures show more than 37,500 people have died after testing positive for the virus nationwide.
The first phase of easing the lockdown came on 13 May, when workers who cannot do their jobs from home were urged to return.
Since then several restaurant chains have reopened for takeaways, with outdoor markets and car showrooms allowed to open their doors again on 1 June.
All non-essential shops are allowed to reopen from 15 June, providing they are "COVID secure" and have social distancing measures in place.
Pubs, restaurants, hotels, leisure centres and hairdressers will be among the last to reopen, according to the government plan, with 4 July the earliest possible date.
Image: Police patrols by the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London
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--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Uber axes 3,700 jobs as pandemic hits ride-hailing numbers

Uber has announced it is to cut 3,700 jobs as the coronavirus takes its toll on the number of trips taken using the ride-hailing business .
Uber also said in a stock market filing that chief executive officer Dara Khosrowshahi will waive his base salary for the remainder of the year .
It is the latest big US business to announce sweeping job cuts blamed on the pandemic , with Airbnb revealing that it was to lay off 1,900 workers and General Electric saying as many as 13,000 could go at its aviation unit .
Meanwhile , a closely-watched report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US businesses cut an unprecedented 20.2 million jobs in April .
Uber said in a stock market filing that it planned `` to reduce its operating expenses in response to the economic challenges and uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the company 's business '' .
`` Due to lower trip volumes in its rides segment and the company 's current hiring freeze , the company is reducing its customer support and recruiting teams by approximately 3,700 full-time employee roles , '' the firm said .
Uber said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` severance and other termination benefits '' paid out to those who lose their jobs .
A company spokesperson said : `` With people taking fewer trips , the unfortunate reality is that there is n't enough work for many of our front-line customer support employees .
`` Since we do n't know how long a recovery will take , we are taking steps to bring our costs in line with the size of our business today .
`` This was a tough decision , but it is the right one to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure we come out of this crisis stronger . ''
The company , as well as rival Lyft , have already withdrawn financial guidance for 2020 as demand for their services drops sharply around the world thanks to lockdowns imposed to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus .
Lyft last week laid off just under 1,000 employees .
However , Uber could recover some lost revenues through its Uber Eats food delivery business .
The company is due to report first quarter financial results on Thursday .
Uber has 27,000 employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK - not including the 3.9 million on its platform globally who can be hired as contractors to work as drivers for the company .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It did not disclose how many in the UK would be affected by the announcement .
Weekly unemployment claims data shows the US is going through its worst jobs crisis on record , with one in six of the workforce registering as jobless in a six-week period .
Official figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to further underline the stark economic reality facing the world 's biggest economy as it slides into what is generally accepted will be a severe recession .

Uber has announced it is to cut 3,700 jobs as the coronavirus takes its toll on the number of trips taken using the ride-hailing business.
Uber also said in a stock market filing that chief executive officer Dara Khosrowshahi will waive his base salary for the remainder of the year.
It is the latest big US business to announce sweeping job cuts blamed on the pandemic, with Airbnb revealing that it was to lay off 1,900 workers and General Electric saying as many as 13,000 could go at its aviation unit.
Meanwhile, a closely-watched report from payroll company ADP on Wednesday said US businesses cut an unprecedented 20.2 million jobs in April.
Uber said in a stock market filing that it planned "to reduce its operating expenses in response to the economic challenges and uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the company's business".
"Due to lower trip volumes in its rides segment and the company's current hiring freeze, the company is reducing its customer support and recruiting teams by approximately 3,700 full-time employee roles," the firm said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 COVID-19: New York hit by unemployment
Uber said the measures would cost it $20m in "severance and other termination benefits" paid out to those who lose their jobs.
A company spokesperson said: "With people taking fewer trips, the unfortunate reality is that there isn't enough work for many of our front-line customer support employees.
"Since we don't know how long a recovery will take, we are taking steps to bring our costs in line with the size of our business today.
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"This was a tough decision, but it is the right one to help protect the company's long-term health and ensure we come out of this crisis stronger."
The company, as well as rival Lyft, have already withdrawn financial guidance for 2020 as demand for their services drops sharply around the world thanks to lockdowns imposed to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Lyft last week laid off just under 1,000 employees.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 COVID-19: New York hit by unemployment
However, Uber could recover some lost revenues through its Uber Eats food delivery business.
The company is due to report first quarter financial results on Thursday.
Uber has 27,000 employees around the world, including 200 in the UK - not including the 3.9 million on its platform globally who can be hired as contractors to work as drivers for the company.
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It did not disclose how many in the UK would be affected by the announcement.
Weekly unemployment claims data shows the US is going through its worst jobs crisis on record, with one in six of the workforce registering as jobless in a six-week period.
Official figures on the employment situation due this Friday are likely to further underline the stark economic reality facing the world's biggest economy as it slides into what is generally accepted will be a severe recession.


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus lockdown roadmap: PM says some measures may be eased from Monday

The UK could `` get going '' with easing some lockdown measures from Monday , Boris Johnson has signalled .
The prime minister suggested a `` phase two '' plan for tackling coronavirus now infection numbers have peaked might come into force the day after he gives an update on the lockdown on Sunday .
`` We 'll want if we possibly can to get going with some of these measures on Monday , '' he told MPs at his first clash with new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in parliament on Wednesday .
`` I think it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of what 's coming the following day . ''
He did not spell out exactly how or which strict distancing measures will be tweaked .
The UK has been in lockdown for seven weeks with recorded deaths at more than 29,000 making it the highest figure in Europe .
Ministers and scientific advisers have stressed the country has passed the initial peak and that a new strategy of `` test , track and trace '' will be rolled out to stop further spikes overwhelming the NHS .
That will see Britons encouraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have been near a person with COVID-19 symptoms and told to self-isolate on a household-by-household basis .
Mr Johnson set a new target of 200,000 tests a day by the end of May , following the 100,000 goal Health Secretary Matt Hancock set himself by the end of April .
But he was accused of being slow on increasing test capacity , going into lockdown in the first place and on ensuring health and social care staff have adequate supplies of protective equipment by Sir Keir .
The Labour leader 's spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a statement to the Commons '' about the plans when they are officially announced so MPs can question them .
At PMQs , Sir Keir raised the size of the death toll that has well exceeded the 20,000 estimate the government 's chief scientific adviser previously said would be a `` good outcome '' .
`` That 's not success or apparent success , so can the prime minister tell us how on earth did it come to this ? ''
he asked .
Mr Johnson said the statistic was `` appalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tragedy '' but warned : `` At this stage I do n't think international comparisons and the data is yet there to draw all the conclusions that we want . ''
Sir Keir hit back by claiming the argument `` does n't hold water '' since the government publishes the number of total deaths each day as part of its slides release at the Downing Street news conferences .
Earlier on Twitter the prime minister said he recognised the `` hardship '' people were going through by adhering to the lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

The UK could "get going" with easing some lockdown measures from Monday, Boris Johnson has signalled.
The prime minister suggested a "phase two" plan for tackling coronavirus now infection numbers have peaked might come into force the day after he gives an update on the lockdown on Sunday.
"We'll want if we possibly can to get going with some of these measures on Monday," he told MPs at his first clash with new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in parliament on Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 'How on earth did it come to this?'
"I think it would be a good thing if people had an idea of what's coming the following day."
He did not spell out exactly how or which strict distancing measures will be tweaked.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:13 Three ways of interpreting coronavirus deaths figures
The UK has been in lockdown for seven weeks with recorded deaths at more than 29,000 making it the highest figure in Europe.
Ministers and scientific advisers have stressed the country has passed the initial peak and that a new strategy of "test, track and trace" will be rolled out to stop further spikes overwhelming the NHS.
That will see Britons encouraged to download an app that monitors if they have been near a person with COVID-19 symptoms and told to self-isolate on a household-by-household basis.
Mr Johnson set a new target of 200,000 tests a day by the end of May, following the 100,000 goal Health Secretary Matt Hancock set himself by the end of April.
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But he was accused of being slow on increasing test capacity, going into lockdown in the first place and on ensuring health and social care staff have adequate supplies of protective equipment by Sir Keir.
The Labour leader's spokesman also said Mr Johnson "should be making a statement to the Commons" about the plans when they are officially announced so MPs can question them.
At PMQs, Sir Keir raised the size of the death toll that has well exceeded the 20,000 estimate the government's chief scientific adviser previously said would be a "good outcome".
"That's not success or apparent success, so can the prime minister tell us how on earth did it come to this?" he asked.
Image: The lockdown has been in place for seven weeks
Mr Johnson said the statistic was "appalling" and that "every death is a tragedy" but warned: "At this stage I don't think international comparisons and the data is yet there to draw all the conclusions that we want."
Sir Keir hit back by claiming the argument "doesn't hold water" since the government publishes the number of total deaths each day as part of its slides release at the Downing Street news conferences.
Earlier on Twitter the prime minister said he recognised the "hardship" people were going through by adhering to the lockdown, urging: "Please keep going."


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus deaths in UK pass 30,000 after 649 more people die

A further 649 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died in the UK , taking the overall total to 30,076 .
The figure released by the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings , including hospitals , care homes and the community , as of 5pm on Tuesday .
There have been 331 new deaths in hospitals in England , bringing the total to 22,049 .
In Wales , 21 more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus , taking the total number to 1,044 .
In Northern Ireland , 14 further coronavirus deaths have been reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 418 .
In Scotland , there have been 83 further deaths , with the total now 1,703 .
Meanwhile , the weekly number of coronavirus deaths in Scotland has fallen for the first time .
There were 523 deaths relating to COVID-19 registered between 27 April and 3 May , a decrease of 135 from the previous week of 20-26 April , according to the National Records of Scotland .
It comes a day after the UK became the European country with the highest number of deaths , passing Italy .
Experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries record COVID-19 deaths differently .
In the Commons on Wednesday , Boris Johnson was challenged by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer over accusations the government had been slow to respond to the outbreak .
The prime minister set a new 200,000 daily testing target and said he `` bitterly '' regretted the COVID-19 crisis in care homes .
He also expressed frustration about problems supplying personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to health workers .
Mr Johnson said the route out of lockdown will rely on a 'test , track and trace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and prevent the further spread of the infection .
The UK could `` get going '' with the easing of some lockdown measures from Monday , he signalled .
The prime minister suggested a `` phase two '' plan for tackling coronavirus now that infection numbers have peaked might come into force the day after he gives an update on the lockdown on Sunday .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Deaths in hospitals are falling , but the government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis in care homes - where some of the most vulnerable people risk contracting the disease .
Mr Johnson said : `` There is an epidemic going on in care homes which is something I bitterly regret and we have been working very hard for weeks to get it down . ''
He added that `` a huge amount of effort has been gone into by literally tens of thousands of people to get the right PPE into care homes , to encourage workers in care homes to understand what is needed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` palpable improvement '' in the situation in care homes in recent days .
Sir Keir said `` clearly there are ongoing problems '' with PPE and `` it is obvious that this problem is going to get even more acute if and when the government ask people to return to work '' as more people will need it to do their jobs .
The Department of Health 's fatality figures only include people who have tested positive for COVID-19 .
An alternative measure is from the Office for National Statistics , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a death certificate , including suspected COVID-19 .
The ONS has said 29,710 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in England and Wales up to 2 May .
Together with the latest equivalent numbers for Scotland ( 2,795 deaths registered up to 3 May ) and Northern Ireland ( 393 deaths registered up to 29 April ) , it means a total of 32,898 deaths involving COVID-19 have now been registered across the UK .

A further 649 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died in the UK, taking the overall total to 30,076.
The figure released by the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related fatalities in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the community, as of 5pm on Tuesday.
There have been 331 new deaths in hospitals in England, bringing the total to 22,049.
In Wales, 21 more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus, taking the total number to 1,044.
In Northern Ireland, 14 further coronavirus deaths have been reported, bringing the total number of fatalities to 418.
In Scotland, there have been 83 further deaths, with the total now 1,703.
Meanwhile, the weekly number of coronavirus deaths in Scotland has fallen for the first time.
There were 523 deaths relating to COVID-19 registered between 27 April and 3 May, a decrease of 135 from the previous week of 20-26 April, according to the National Records of Scotland.
Image: The UK has the second highest number of deaths after the US
It comes a day after the UK became the European country with the highest number of deaths, passing Italy.
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Experts have urged caution over international comparisons as countries record COVID-19 deaths differently.
In the Commons on Wednesday, Boris Johnson was challenged by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer over accusations the government had been slow to respond to the outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Sir Keir Starmer: 'How on earth did it come to this?'
The prime minister set a new 200,000 daily testing target and said he "bitterly" regretted the COVID-19 crisis in care homes.
He also expressed frustration about problems supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) to health workers.
Mr Johnson said the route out of lockdown will rely on a 'test, track and trace' programme to quickly identify new coronavirus cases and prevent the further spread of the infection.
The UK could "get going" with the easing of some lockdown measures from Monday, he signalled.
The prime minister suggested a "phase two" plan for tackling coronavirus now that infection numbers have peaked might come into force the day after he gives an update on the lockdown on Sunday.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Deaths in hospitals are falling, but the government has struggled to get a grip on the crisis in care homes - where some of the most vulnerable people risk contracting the disease.
Mr Johnson said: "There is an epidemic going on in care homes which is something I bitterly regret and we have been working very hard for weeks to get it down."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:46 Robert Jenrick says more than 30,000 people have now died with COVID-19
He added that "a huge amount of effort has been gone into by literally tens of thousands of people to get the right PPE into care homes, to encourage workers in care homes to understand what is needed."
He said there had been a "palpable improvement" in the situation in care homes in recent days.
Sir Keir said "clearly there are ongoing problems" with PPE and "it is obvious that this problem is going to get even more acute if and when the government ask people to return to work" as more people will need it to do their jobs.
The Department of Health's fatality figures only include people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
An alternative measure is from the Office for National Statistics, which is based on all mentions of COVID-19 on a death certificate, including suspected COVID-19.
The ONS has said 29,710 deaths involving COVID-19 were registered in England and Wales up to 2 May.
Together with the latest equivalent numbers for Scotland (2,795 deaths registered up to 3 May) and Northern Ireland (393 deaths registered up to 29 April), it means a total of 32,898 deaths involving COVID-19 have now been registered across the UK.


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Firms need up to three weeks to exit lockdown, government warned

The government is being warned that businesses will need up to three weeks to resume activity once the coronavirus lockdown is eased .
The British Chambers of Commerce ( BCC ) urged ministers to maintain financial support and deliver clear instructions in the coming days , to give firms time to prepare themselves as supply chains remain limp and staff away from the workplace .
It issued the plea as the prime minister prepares to update the nation on the state of play this weekend as the UK continues to make progress in bringing down infection and death rates from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ease the strict restrictions on movement that were implemented on 23 March amid predictions , in some quarters , that the economy may be heading for the worst slump in decades if not centuries .
The construction sector pleaded its case for the `` green light '' on Wednesday after closely-watched activity figures for the sector suggested a record collapse in output last month .
The Federation of Master Builders said it was imperative sites could be opened safely - with financial support from the taxpayer `` crucial '' to the sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ builders unable to operate currently .
Business as usual would be welcome at the Treasury as the cost of the Job Retention Scheme alone , to date , has topped £8bn with 6.3 million furloughed workers at more than 800,000 companies netting wage support .
The BCC 's latest Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker - a survey of its members - found that the speed of business resumption varied by business size and sector .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' notice if they were to resume operations - most likely with forms of safety measures in place to protect health .
The survey found that 68 % of business-to-business service firms would need less than one week or no notice to restart operations , compared to 50 % of business-to-consumer service firms .
Smaller businesses may be able to restart operations more quickly , the BCC said , with 64 % of respondents employing fewer than 10 people requiring less than one week .
The study showed 3 % would need more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall said : `` Over the coming days , business communities will require clear forward guidance from government on plans to re-open parts of the economy , transport networks , schools and local services .
`` Our results show that businesses ' ability to restart quickly varies by company size , and by sector .
`` For these reasons and more , it will be crucial for the government to maintain and evolve support for businesses , to give as many firms as possible the chance to navigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The government is being warned that businesses will need up to three weeks to resume activity once the coronavirus lockdown is eased.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) urged ministers to maintain financial support and deliver clear instructions in the coming days, to give firms time to prepare themselves as supply chains remain limp and staff away from the workplace.
It issued the plea as the prime minister prepares to update the nation on the state of play this weekend as the UK continues to make progress in bringing down infection and death rates from COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 'There must be a national safety standard at work'
Boris Johnson is under pressure to ease the strict restrictions on movement that were implemented on 23 March amid predictions, in some quarters, that the economy may be heading for the worst slump in decades if not centuries.
The construction sector pleaded its case for the "green light" on Wednesday after closely-watched activity figures for the sector suggested a record collapse in output last month.
The Federation of Master Builders said it was imperative sites could be opened safely - with financial support from the taxpayer "crucial" to the sector's hopes with 96% of local builders unable to operate currently.
Business as usual would be welcome at the Treasury as the cost of the Job Retention Scheme alone, to date, has topped £8bn with 6.3 million furloughed workers at more than 800,000 companies netting wage support.
The BCC's latest Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker - a survey of its members - found that the speed of business resumption varied by business size and sector.
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But it suggested some firms would need three weeks' notice if they were to resume operations - most likely with forms of safety measures in place to protect health.
The survey found that 68% of business-to-business service firms would need less than one week or no notice to restart operations, compared to 50% of business-to-consumer service firms.
Smaller businesses may be able to restart operations more quickly, the BCC said, with 64% of respondents employing fewer than 10 people requiring less than one week.
The study showed 3% would need more than three weeks to operate properly.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 A 'pitiful' 4,321 new cars sold in April
BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall said: "Over the coming days, business communities will require clear forward guidance from government on plans to re-open parts of the economy, transport networks, schools and local services.
"Our results show that businesses' ability to restart quickly varies by company size, and by sector.
"For these reasons and more, it will be crucial for the government to maintain and evolve support for businesses, to give as many firms as possible the chance to navigate a phased return to work."