news--2020-04-22--Prince Louis 'Instagram v Reality!' William and Kate share messy painting pics to mark son's birthda

Prince Louis 'Instagram v Reality!' William and Kate share messy painting pics to mark son's birthday

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joked about `` Instagram v Reality '' after sharing new photos of Prince Louis with paint all over his face .
The young prince joined children across the UK in creating pictures of rainbows as a symbol of hope during the coronavirus lockdown .
William and Kate posted several snaps of their youngest child on social media , to mark his second birthday .
They later thanked well-wishers for their `` lovely messages '' as they tweeted another photo of their cheeky toddler smearing himself with paint as he joined in the fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been spotted in windows across the country , boosting spirits during what is a difficult time for many people .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The photos of Prince Louis were taken by Kate , a keen photographer , at the family 's Norfolk home earlier this month .
Fifth in line to the throne , the toddler is captured grinning at the camera and holding up his hands to show the colours of the rainbow .
Schools might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George and Charlotte - and perhaps Louis too - have been kept entertained and educated .
The duchess said in a recent interview that teaching the children at home was `` challenging '' , and that she felt `` very mean '' for keeping the makeshift school going over the holiday .
`` It 's just having that bit of structure , actually , '' she said .
`` It 's great , there are so many great tips online and fun activities that you can do with the children so it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children have been aware of the coronavirus outbreak , she added , saying that she has discussed it with them in `` age-appropriate '' ways .
Louis was seen with his older siblings George and Charlotte late last month clapping in support of healthcare workers who are treating patients during the virus outbreak .
His most recent major outing was his first appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping The Colour last summer , alongside his extended family .

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joked about "Instagram v Reality" after sharing new photos of Prince Louis with paint all over his face.
The young prince joined children across the UK in creating pictures of rainbows as a symbol of hope during the coronavirus lockdown.
William and Kate posted several snaps of their youngest child on social media, to mark his second birthday.
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
Image: Prince Louis is the youngest in his family. Pic: The Duchess of Cambridge
They later thanked well-wishers for their "lovely messages" as they tweeted another photo of their cheeky toddler smearing himself with paint as he joined in the fun with his own tribute poster.
Rainbows have been spotted in windows across the country, boosting spirits during what is a difficult time for many people.
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 photos of Prince Louis were taken by Kate, a keen photographer, at the family's Norfolk home earlier this month.
Fifth in line to the throne, the toddler is captured grinning at the camera and holding up his hands to show the colours of the rainbow.
Schools might be closed, but big brother and sister George and Charlotte - and perhaps Louis too - have been kept entertained and educated.
Advertisement
The duchess said in a recent interview that teaching the children at home was "challenging", and that she felt "very mean" for keeping the makeshift school going over the holiday.
Image: Louis is fifth in line to the throne. Pic: The Duchess of Cambridge
Image: The young royal has painted a rainbow of hope. Pic: The Duchess of Cambridge
"It's just having that bit of structure, actually," she said.
"It's great, there are so many great tips online and fun activities that you can do with the children so it hasn't been all hardcore."
Image: The photos were taken by Kate in Norfolk earlier this month. Pic: The Duchess of Cambridge
The children have been aware of the coronavirus outbreak, she added, saying that she has discussed it with them in "age-appropriate" ways.
Louis was seen with his older siblings George and Charlotte late last month clapping in support of healthcare workers who are treating patients during the virus outbreak.
His most recent major outing was his first appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping The Colour last summer, alongside his extended family.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Redesigned classrooms and changed offices could see end to lockdown, says Nicola Sturge

Coronavirus: Redesigned classrooms and changed offices could see end to lockdown, says Nicola Sturgeon

Redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices could offer an exit from coronavirus lockdown measures , Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said .
The Scottish government published a new document on Thursday setting out how it will approach plans to lift the COVID-19 lockdown .
Ms Sturgeon warned that social distancing measures might be in place in some form beyond the end of this year and that Christmas `` may happen slightly differently '' .
But she outlined how schools and some businesses might reopen prior to that .
`` It may be that some businesses in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can change how they work to keep employees and customers two metres distant from each other , '' she said .
`` With schools , classrooms may have to be redesigned to allow social distancing , so maybe not all children can go back to , and be at , school at the same time . ''
She added that `` some limited outdoor activity might be able to restart earlier than indoor activity '' , but `` big gatherings and events are likely to be off for some months to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Scottish government will `` consider '' whether lockdown measures could be eased further in some parts of the country than others , but Ms Sturgeon stressed her preference for `` as much consistency as possible '' .
Older people and those with other health conditions might have to continue isolating themselves `` for the foreseeable future '' , the first minister added .
It came as it was revealed the number of deaths in Scottish hospitals of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing the total to 1,120 .
Ms Sturgeon described her government 's document as a `` first cut '' , designed to begin a `` grown-up conversation '' about how to begin `` restoring a semblance of normality to our lives '' .
She stressed the possible steps discussed in the paper were just options for the time being and would be reassessed as necessary , with a `` detailed plan '' to be produced later .
The first minister also warned Scots to prepare for a `` new normal '' and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' because `` a return to normal as we knew it is not on the cards in the near future '' .
`` Talk about lifting lockdown as if it 's a 'flick of the switch ' moment is misguided , '' she added .
`` Our steps , when we take them , will need to be careful , gradual , incremental and probably quite small to start with .
`` We 'll need to assess them in advance and monitor them in action - sometimes ... we may even have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a `` real risk '' , as lockdown measures are eased in the future , that `` COVID-19 runs rampant again '' .
Ms Sturgeon 's willingness to discuss how the lockdown might be eased is in contrast to the UK government , which has so far refused to discuss how or when stringent measures might end .
Ministers at Westminster have voiced fears that discussing an end to the lockdown might dilute their key message to the public , who are being told to stay at home to slow the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's document , it states : `` Easing restrictions in particular settings is likely to see the continuation of physical distancing and other hygiene measures ( such as maintaining 2 metre distancing when premises re-open and/or limiting the number of people that can be in confined spaces at the same time ) . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier this month , Denmark became one of the first European countries to begin easing coronavirus lockdown measures .
It has reopened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children , while small businesses such as hairdressers have also been allowed to open their doors again .
However , the country is keeping its borders shut , and curbs on restaurants , bars and gyms remain in place , as does a ban on large public gatherings .

Redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices could offer an exit from coronavirus lockdown measures, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The Scottish government published a new document on Thursday setting out how it will approach plans to lift the COVID-19 lockdown.
Ms Sturgeon warned that social distancing measures might be in place in some form beyond the end of this year and that Christmas "may happen slightly differently".
But she outlined how schools and some businesses might reopen prior to that.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:04 Life in Lockdown: Scotland
"It may be that some businesses in some sectors can reopen, but only if they can change how they work to keep employees and customers two metres distant from each other," she said.
"With schools, classrooms may have to be redesigned to allow social distancing, so maybe not all children can go back to, and be at, school at the same time."
She added that "some limited outdoor activity might be able to restart earlier than indoor activity", but "big gatherings and events are likely to be off for some months to come".
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 All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Scottish government will "consider" whether lockdown measures could be eased further in some parts of the country than others, but Ms Sturgeon stressed her preference for "as much consistency as possible".
Advertisement
Older people and those with other health conditions might have to continue isolating themselves "for the foreseeable future", the first minister added.
It came as it was revealed the number of deaths in Scottish hospitals of people with coronavirus has risen by 58, bringing the total to 1,120.
Ms Sturgeon described her government's document as a "first cut", designed to begin a "grown-up conversation" about how to begin "restoring a semblance of normality to our lives".
She stressed the possible steps discussed in the paper were just options for the time being and would be reassessed as necessary, with a "detailed plan" to be produced later.
The first minister also warned Scots to prepare for a "new normal" and a "way of living alongside this virus" because "a return to normal as we knew it is not on the cards in the near future".
"Talk about lifting lockdown as if it's a 'flick of the switch' moment is misguided," she added.
"Our steps, when we take them, will need to be careful, gradual, incremental and probably quite small to start with.
"We'll need to assess them in advance and monitor them in action - sometimes... we may even have to reverse things."
She admitted there was a "real risk", as lockdown measures are eased in the future, that "COVID-19 runs rampant again".
Image: Social distancing measures in place at a business in Glasgow , which makes free scrubs for NHS nurses and doctors
Ms Sturgeon's willingness to discuss how the lockdown might be eased is in contrast to the UK government, which has so far refused to discuss how or when stringent measures might end.
Ministers at Westminster have voiced fears that discussing an end to the lockdown might dilute their key message to the public, who are being told to stay at home to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Within the Scottish government's document, it states: "Easing restrictions in particular settings is likely to see the continuation of physical distancing and other hygiene measures (such as maintaining 2 metre distancing when premises re-open and/or limiting the number of people that can be in confined spaces at the same time)."
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
Earlier this month, Denmark became one of the first European countries to begin easing coronavirus lockdown measures.
It has reopened schools and day care centres to younger children, while small businesses such as hairdressers have also been allowed to open their doors again.
However, the country is keeping its borders shut, and curbs on restaurants, bars and gyms remain in place, as does a ban on large public gatherings.


news--2020-04-23--Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo: People are turning to reading for reassurance and understan

Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo: People are turning to reading for reassurance and understanding

Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo says she believes people are turning to reading about pandemics as there is a need to `` deepen our understanding of what 's going on '' .
Sales of books about fictional epidemics have seen a huge surge during lockdown , a new survey has found , with some figures increasing by more than 1,000 % .
In fact , more people are reading in general , with one in three saying they are turning to books more while we are stuck indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic , according to the poll by The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as the 1947 novel The Plague , by Albert Camus , and virologist Nathan Wolfe 's 2011 book The Viral Storm , which are seeing the biggest increase in sales - the latter up by 1,393 % .
It 's a trend that Evaristo , the joint winner of the 2019 Booker Prize , believes shows how much people are looking to make sense of the coronavirus crisis .
The author says she is surprised to hear people want to read about pandemics , but can understand why .
People , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to navigate this moment and perhaps looking for reassurance .
`` Plagues do come and go , they 're ephemeral , they do n't last forever and we 're looking to gain more knowledge of it . ''
Evaristo says fiction is engrossing , and deepens our understanding of `` humanity and human behaviour '' through empathy with others .
`` What we can do as writers is get inside , really deep inside the human experience , '' she says .
`` Help people to understand who we are and how we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all our foibles and weaknesses and all those kinds of things - that 's one of the riches about fiction . ''
Evaristo was named the joint winner of the Booker Prize alongside Margaret Atwood last year , for her novel Girl , Woman , Other - a controversial decision , which was criticised by some .
Earlier this week , she was shortlisted for The Women 's Prize for Fiction for the same story .
Asked if she would be prepared to share a prize again , Evaristo laughs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there with it , to be honest .
`` I think there was so much furore over the breaking of the rules for the Booker that I think they 'll just give it to one person . ''
However , she says she was not at all aggrieved with being jointly awarded alongside Atwood , who shared the prize for her book The Testaments , the follow-up to her dystopian novel The Handmaid 's Tale .
`` It 's such a gift whether you get it on your own or if you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy with sharing it , '' she says .
`` And also , Margaret is such an amazing person and writer that , why would n't I ? ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The author says the children in her life now call her `` Auntie Booker '' , and she has n't really had time to get used to the enormity of her win .
`` Every so often it hits me , because I 've been so busy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had even a couple of weeks to decompress and think 'wow ' .
`` But then every so often it will hit me and I think this is such a big deal and it 's so long coming . ''
Evaristo is one of the authors supporting World Book Night , an annual celebration of reading which this year takes place online , with people invited to join a host of activities , including a reading hour from 7pm until 8pm tonight

Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo says she believes people are turning to reading about pandemics as there is a need to "deepen our understanding of what's going on".
Sales of books about fictional epidemics have seen a huge surge during lockdown, a new survey has found, with some figures increasing by more than 1,000%.
In fact, more people are reading in general, with one in three saying they are turning to books more while we are stuck indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the poll by The Reading Agency.
Image: Evaristo was named the joint winner of the Booker Prize along with Margaret Atwood last year
But it's stories such as the 1947 novel The Plague, by Albert Camus, and virologist Nathan Wolfe's 2011 book The Viral Storm, which are seeing the biggest increase in sales - the latter up by 1,393%.
It's a trend that Evaristo, the joint winner of the 2019 Booker Prize, believes shows how much people are looking to make sense of the coronavirus crisis.
The author says she is surprised to hear people want to read about pandemics, but can understand why.
People, she says, "are looking for guidelines to navigate this moment and perhaps looking for reassurance.
"Plagues do come and go, they're ephemeral, they don't last forever and we're looking to gain more knowledge of it."
Evaristo says fiction is engrossing, and deepens our understanding of "humanity and human behaviour" through empathy with others.
Advertisement
Image: Evaristo has also been shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction
"What we can do as writers is get inside, really deep inside the human experience," she says. "Help people to understand who we are and how we cope and where we're going, and all our foibles and weaknesses and all those kinds of things - that's one of the riches about fiction."
Evaristo was named the joint winner of the Booker Prize alongside Margaret Atwood last year, for her novel Girl, Woman, Other - a controversial decision, which was criticised by some.
Earlier this week, she was shortlisted for The Women's Prize for Fiction for the same story.
Asked if she would be prepared to share a prize again, Evaristo laughs. "I don't think they'd go there with it, to be honest.
"I think there was so much furore over the breaking of the rules for the Booker that I think they'll just give it to one person."
However, she says she was not at all aggrieved with being jointly awarded alongside Atwood, who shared the prize for her book The Testaments, the follow-up to her dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale.
"It's such a gift whether you get it on your own or if you have to share it and I'm very happy with sharing it," she says. "And also, Margaret is such an amazing person and writer that, why wouldn't I?"
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 author says the children in her life now call her "Auntie Booker", and she hasn't really had time to get used to the enormity of her win.
"Every so often it hits me, because I've been so busy ever since, I haven't really had even a couple of weeks to decompress and think 'wow'.
"But then every so often it will hit me and I think this is such a big deal and it's so long coming."
Evaristo is one of the authors supporting World Book Night, an annual celebration of reading which this year takes place online, with people invited to join a host of activities, including a reading hour from 7pm until 8pm tonight


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Morrisons sees sales boost from lockdown

Morrisons has reported a 5.7 % rise in group like-for-like sales in its latest quarter , saying that demand was boosted by the coronavirus lockdown .
Morrisons , Britain 's fourth largest supermarket group after Tesco , Sainsbury 's and Asda , said the first quarter to 10 May had been `` highly volatile '' .
Sales were up during the period of coronavirus panic buying in the first half of March , before being hit by the initial lockdown and weak Easter sales .
However , a `` significant improvement '' was seen in recent weeks , the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the last two weeks of the quarter , with a 9.6 % contribution from retail and 1.2 % growth in wholesale .
Retail sales were up 5.1 % across the 14 weeks to 10 May and wholesale revenue increased 0.6 % .
Frontline employees will get a 6 % `` thank you '' annual bonus - up threefold from last year , the supermarket group said .
Looking ahead , Bradford-based Morrisons said there is little certainty but its best estimate is that 2020-21 costs relating directly to COVID-19 are likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the government 's business rates holiday .
Chief executive David Potts said : `` We are facing into the unprecedented current challenges and are playing our full part to help feed the nation : working with determination , creativity and pace to serve customers as well as we possibly can . ''
Also in the results : • Fuel like-for-like sales fell by around 70 % after the UK went into lockdown in late March • The group more than doubled the number of online delivery slots through a significant increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is launching a click-and-collect service at nearly 280 stores by mid-June • Morrisons recruited 25,000 workers to boost capacity and offset staff absences during the virus pandemic Shares in Morrisons were up by 3.2 % at 11am .

Morrisons has reported a 5.7% rise in group like-for-like sales in its latest quarter, saying that demand was boosted by the coronavirus lockdown.
Morrisons, Britain's fourth largest supermarket group after Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda, said the first quarter to 10 May had been "highly volatile".
Sales were up during the period of coronavirus panic buying in the first half of March, before being hit by the initial lockdown and weak Easter sales.
However, a "significant improvement" was seen in recent weeks, the group said.
Group sales jumped 10.8% over the last two weeks of the quarter, with a 9.6% contribution from retail and 1.2% growth in wholesale.
Retail sales were up 5.1% across the 14 weeks to 10 May and wholesale revenue increased 0.6%.
Frontline employees will get a 6% "thank you" annual bonus - up threefold from last year, the supermarket group said.
Looking ahead, Bradford-based Morrisons said there is little certainty but its best estimate is that 2020-21 costs relating directly to COVID-19 are likely to be broadly offset by £228m in savings through the government's business rates holiday.
Image: Morrisons said the first quarter of its financial year had been volatile
Chief executive David Potts said: "We are facing into the unprecedented current challenges and are playing our full part to help feed the nation: working with determination, creativity and pace to serve customers as well as we possibly can."
Advertisement
Also in the results:
Fuel like-for-like sales fell by around 70% after the UK went into lockdown in late March
The group more than doubled the number of online delivery slots through a significant increase in stores available for order picking, and is launching a click-and-collect service at nearly 280 stores by mid-June
Morrisons recruited 25,000 workers to boost capacity and offset staff absences during the virus pandemic
Shares in Morrisons were up by 3.2% at 11am.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Thailand trials 15-minute COVID-19 test

A new 15-minute COVID-19 test has been launched in Thailand aimed at increasing the number of people being screened for the deadly virus and easing the burden on the health system .
Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok rolled out the rapid kit this week hoping it will help to quickly identify people with the illness .
Coronavirus cases rose sharply in Thailand in March , with panicked citizens flocking to under-pressure hospitals for coronavirus tests .
Currently doctors rely on polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) tests from nasal and throat swabs to detect COVID-19 .
The demand for the PCR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply and results can take two to four days .
The new rapid strip tests detect antibodies ( IgG & IgM ) in the blood serum or plasma which could indicate that a patient either currently or previously had COVID-19 .
It works with a drop of blood and gives a first positive or negative result in 10 to 15 minutes .
Although it does not replace the need for laboratory testing of COVID-19 , there is hope that the test kit will help reduce the large number of patients who need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We do n't want to replace the PCR test but we want to add some screening tests to help the government to decrease the amount of workload who come to have the PCR test by using our rapid test , '' Professor Narin Hiransuthikul , vice president of Chulalongkorn University told Sky News .
`` If the rapid test is accurate enough we would like to expand this kind of test to all the provinces in Thailand . ''
Patients who get positive results are sent for a follow-up PCR test , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-quarantine for 14 days .
In recent trials the test had a 5 % margin of error , so negative patients are retested after a few days to confirm the reading .
Some 50 patients can be seen each day at the facility in Bangkok where chairs are meticulously separated to enforce social distancing .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Wasu booked an appointment after developing a fever .
`` I 'm quite worried because I heard on the news that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the 30-year-old said .
When his number is called he is led behind a screen where a waiting nurse pricks his finger and adds a drop of blood to a small plastic strip test .
Slowly two pink lines appear which Dr Santhiti Dahlan , director of Chulalongkorn University Health Service Centre explains means positive .
Eight patients have been seen so far today - Wasu is one of five positives .
His elderly father has just had an operation and he does n't want to infect his family .
To confirm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PCR throat and nasal swabs .
Currently the rapid test is free but even if public hospitals charge , Professor Narin Hiransuthikul says it would cost patients roughly 300 Thai Baht ( £7.30 ) , making it around 10 times cheaper than the PCR test .
If developers get government approval the plan is to role the new test out nationwide-adding another weapon to Thailand 's armoury against the deadly virus .

A new 15-minute COVID-19 test has been launched in Thailand aimed at increasing the number of people being screened for the deadly virus and easing the burden on the health system.
Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok rolled out the rapid kit this week hoping it will help to quickly identify people with the illness.
Coronavirus cases rose sharply in Thailand in March, with panicked citizens flocking to under-pressure hospitals for coronavirus tests.
Currently doctors rely on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests from nasal and throat swabs to detect COVID-19.
The demand for the PCR test can mean kits are in short supply and results can take two to four days.
The new rapid strip tests detect antibodies (IgG & IgM) in the blood serum or plasma which could indicate that a patient either currently or previously had COVID-19.
It works with a drop of blood and gives a first positive or negative result in 10 to 15 minutes.
Although it does not replace the need for laboratory testing of COVID-19, there is hope that the test kit will help reduce the large number of patients who need to go to the hospital for examination.
"We don't want to replace the PCR test but we want to add some screening tests to help the government to decrease the amount of workload who come to have the PCR test by using our rapid test,"Professor Narin Hiransuthikul, vice president of Chulalongkorn University told Sky News.
Advertisement
"If the rapid test is accurate enough we would like to expand this kind of test to all the provinces in Thailand."
Image: If the new test is positive a PCR swab test is carried out
Patients who get positive results are sent for a follow-up PCR test, those who are negative are told to self-quarantine for 14 days.
In recent trials the test had a 5% margin of error, so negative patients are retested after a few days to confirm the reading.
Some 50 patients can be seen each day at the facility in Bangkok where chairs are meticulously separated to enforce social distancing.
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
Wasu booked an appointment after developing a fever. "I'm quite worried because I heard on the news that more patients are infected every day," the 30-year-old said.
Image: Wasu tested positive for COVID-19
When his number is called he is led behind a screen where a waiting nurse pricks his finger and adds a drop of blood to a small plastic strip test.
Slowly two pink lines appear which Dr Santhiti Dahlan, director of Chulalongkorn University Health Service Centre explains means positive.
Eight patients have been seen so far today - Wasu is one of five positives. His elderly father has just had an operation and he doesn't want to infect his family.
To confirm the result Wasu now gets the standard PCR throat and nasal swabs.
Currently the rapid test is free but even if public hospitals charge, Professor Narin Hiransuthikul says it would cost patients roughly 300 Thai Baht (£7.30), making it around 10 times cheaper than the PCR test.
If developers get government approval the plan is to role the new test out nationwide-adding another weapon to Thailand's armoury against the deadly virus.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Extra UK bank holiday for October could be considered

An October bank holiday could help Britain 's tourism industry to recover as it is set to lose billions of pounds due to coronavirus , a select committee has heard .
Patricia Yates , the acting chief executive of Visit Britain , said the industry had lost the benefit of the two May bank holidays due to the lockdown .
She added an October break could help extend the holiday season beyond the summer months .
Ms Yates said 2020 has to be the `` year of domestic tourism '' but there will be a serious challenge in convincing people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders in the sector also told of a lack of confidence among people even when it comes to travel within the UK .
Losses are being felt from the sharp decline in visitors in international and domestic markets and there is a worry that more businesses will go under in the autumn , the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport Committee heard .
Ms Yates , giving estimates of how much the industry had lost due to the missed bank holidays , told the committee : `` Every time we do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So for inbound , I mean we were looking at the beginning of this year at about £26.6bn coming from inbound tourism - we reckon a £15bn drop on that .
`` And for domestic , an industry that 's normally worth about £80bn , a £22bn drop on that . ''
She said those figures were before the impact of any quarantine measures yet to be introduced were factored in .
Ms Yates said there is a `` a real job to be done there in convincing people that it 's socially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that it 's safe to do so '' .
Her comments were echoed by Ros Pritchard , director general of the British Holiday and Home Park Association , who said there had been cases of `` vigilantes '' in some communities nervous of people visiting after weeks of tourists being told to stay away .
She said : `` When we 've got holiday parks , say with NHS workers because we 've been accommodating key workers when we could , we 've had vigilantes checking up and reporting them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are these people on your holiday park , what are they doing there ?
`` That negative , anti-feeling is going to be an issue . ''
She added government leadership is required for the message to switch from telling people to stay at home to encouraging visitors .
Samantha Richardson , director at the National Coastal Tourism Academy , said 7 % of businesses in coastal communities have closed permanently and that estimates suggest as much as 25 % of accommodation will be lost along the coast as a direct result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general of the National Trust , said the estimated impact of COVID-19 to the charity is set to be a cost of `` about £200m '' this year .
The trust closed all properties on 20 March .
While she said the parks and gardens will be first to reopen , National Trust houses are unlikely to reopen before late August .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Yates said Visit Britain was already looking at stepping up marketing in Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine measures regarding international travel .
She added that arrangements between certain countries where quarantine rules might not apply was an `` interesting '' idea , citing France , Germany , Italy and Spain as particularly important markets .

An October bank holiday could help Britain's tourism industry to recover as it is set to lose billions of pounds due to coronavirus, a select committee has heard.
Patricia Yates, the acting chief executive of Visit Britain, said the industry had lost the benefit of the two May bank holidays due to the lockdown.
She added an October break could help extend the holiday season beyond the summer months.
Ms Yates said 2020 has to be the "year of domestic tourism" but there will be a serious challenge in convincing people it is safe to travel.
Other leaders in the sector also told of a lack of confidence among people even when it comes to travel within the UK.
Losses are being felt from the sharp decline in visitors in international and domestic markets and there is a worry that more businesses will go under in the autumn, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee heard.
Ms Yates, giving estimates of how much the industry had lost due to the missed bank holidays, told the committee: "Every time we do the modelling the figures get worse.
"So for inbound, I mean we were looking at the beginning of this year at about £26.6bn coming from inbound tourism - we reckon a £15bn drop on that.
"And for domestic, an industry that's normally worth about £80bn, a £22bn drop on that."
Advertisement
She said those figures were before the impact of any quarantine measures yet to be introduced were factored in.
Image: Patricia Yates, the acting chief executive of Visit Britain, has said the tourism industry will likely lose billions
Ms Yates said there is a "a real job to be done there in convincing people that it's socially responsible to travel and enjoy a holiday, and that it's safe to do so".
Her comments were echoed by Ros Pritchard, director general of the British Holiday and Home Park Association, who said there had been cases of "vigilantes" in some communities nervous of people visiting after weeks of tourists being told to stay away.
She said: "When we've got holiday parks, say with NHS workers because we've been accommodating key workers when we could, we've had vigilantes checking up and reporting them to the council and the police - who are these people on your holiday park, what are they doing there?
"That negative, anti-feeling is going to be an issue."
She added government leadership is required for the message to switch from telling people to stay at home to encouraging visitors.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Minister explains risks of 'wrong science'
Samantha Richardson, director at the National Coastal Tourism Academy, said 7% of businesses in coastal communities have closed permanently and that estimates suggest as much as 25% of accommodation will be lost along the coast as a direct result of the pandemic.
Hilary McGrady, director general of the National Trust, said the estimated impact of COVID-19 to the charity is set to be a cost of "about £200m" this year.
The trust closed all properties on 20 March.
While she said the parks and gardens will be first to reopen, National Trust houses are unlikely to reopen before late August.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Yates said Visit Britain was already looking at stepping up marketing in Ireland, which will be exempt from the quarantine measures regarding international travel.
She added that arrangements between certain countries where quarantine rules might not apply was an "interesting" idea, citing France, Germany, Italy and Spain as particularly important markets.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Metrocentre bondholders brace for restructuring battle

Lenders to one of Britain 's biggest shopping centres are squaring up for a battle with its owners about a financial restructuring given added urgency by the retail industry ’ s coronavirus maelstrom .
Sky News understands that bondholders in Intu Metrocentre Ltd - the direct owner of a retail and leisure complex near Newcastle which draws 20 million visitors every year - are this week planning to appoint advisers to negotiate over its future .
The bondholder group is led by M & G Investments , the asset manager spun out of Prudential several months ago .
Lenders to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over an asset that was last valued at £677m , but which has almost £500m in outstanding debt attached to it .
The Gateshead site is Europe 's largest covered shopping and leisure centre .
This negotiation process is being replicated across many of Intu Properties ' flagship malls , which also include Lakeside in Essex and Manchester 's Trafford Centre .
Those assets are all held in individual subsidiaries beneath the parent company , which has seen its financial position rendered parlous by the COVID-19 pandemic .
In March , Intu said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the rent it was owed by shopping centre tenants following the imposition of the UK-wide lockdown .
It has since managed to secure some breathing space from creditors , but this week said it wanted a formal 'standstill ' agreement in place with its lenders , potentially until the end of next year .
`` This market backdrop , where the investment market is effectively closed , also creates material uncertainty for any asset disposal or additional funding process which Intu might pursue to address these covenant issues .
`` Intu believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment in which to address this situation , standstill-based agreements with relevant financial stakeholders across its structures , at both the asset and the group level , are the best course of action and its primary focus to maximise value . ''
The shopping centre group is one of the London stock market 's worst performers , with its shares down over 95 % during the last year .
Its equity is now valued at just over £50m , while it has debts of well over £4bn .
The company is an important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest regional economies , employing 2,300 people directly - but a further 102,000 people working in its 17 UK shopping centres .

Lenders to one of Britain's biggest shopping centres are squaring up for a battle with its owners about a financial restructuring given added urgency by the retail industry’s coronavirus maelstrom.
Sky News understands that bondholders in Intu Metrocentre Ltd - the direct owner of a retail and leisure complex near Newcastle which draws 20 million visitors every year - are this week planning to appoint advisers to negotiate over its future.
The bondholder group is led by M&G Investments, the asset manager spun out of Prudential several months ago.
Image: Intu's estate includes Lakeside in Essex
Lenders to Metrocentre are preparing to engage with Intu over an asset that was last valued at £677m, but which has almost £500m in outstanding debt attached to it.
The Gateshead site is Europe's largest covered shopping and leisure centre.
This negotiation process is being replicated across many of Intu Properties' flagship malls, which also include Lakeside in Essex and Manchester's Trafford Centre.
Those assets are all held in individual subsidiaries beneath the parent company, which has seen its financial position rendered parlous by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:21 Coronavirus in Newcastle: Three months on
In March, Intu said it had received less than 30% of the rent it was owed by shopping centre tenants following the imposition of the UK-wide lockdown.
It has since managed to secure some breathing space from creditors, but this week said it wanted a formal 'standstill' agreement in place with its lenders, potentially until the end of next year.
Advertisement
"This market backdrop, where the investment market is effectively closed, also creates material uncertainty for any asset disposal or additional funding process which Intu might pursue to address these covenant issues.
"Intu believes that in order to provide a stable environment in which to address this situation, standstill-based agreements with relevant financial stakeholders across its structures, at both the asset and the group level, are the best course of action and its primary focus to maximise value."
The shopping centre group is one of the London stock market's worst performers, with its shares down over 95% during the last year.
Its equity is now valued at just over £50m, while it has debts of well over £4bn.
The company is an important player in some of the UK's largest regional economies, employing 2,300 people directly - but a further 102,000 people working in its 17 UK shopping centres.
Another 30,000 work in Intu's broader supply chain.
Intu declined to comment.


news--2020-05-18--Premier League clubs resume training ahead of a possible June return

Premier League clubs resuming training in small groups from today , with a return to top-flight football edging closer , amid the coronavirus pandemic .
League officials , medical experts and representatives from all 20 sides held talks on Monday via a video conference call and agreed to stage one of the return to training protocols .
Stage one enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing but contact training is not yet permitted .
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says they expect to have the first batch of COVID-19 test results by 2pm on Tuesday and training can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also said there remains flexibility over the league resuming on June 12 , and players ' fitness levels will be taken into consideration when that decision is made .
`` I think once you know when you can start full contact training , and we 've had a proper discussion about clubs over how much is required to create the fitness levels before they can start playing , you 're then in a position to confirm when the season start date is , '' he said .
`` We have n't changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be flexible about it .
What we do n't want to do is continually to move that start date .
So , we have n't changed it but we need to be flexible and acknowledge we 're in a step-by-step process . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker In a statement , the Premier League said : `` This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players , managers , Premier League club doctors , independent experts and the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible .
`` The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League 's priority , and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process .
`` Full consultation will now continue with players , managers , clubs , the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed . ''
The Premier League also said it will support a trophy presentation whoever is crowned champions if it is safe to do so .
That is almost certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points clear at the top of the table and only need two more wins to clinch their first top-flight title in 30 years should the domestic season get back underway .

Premier League clubs resuming training in small groups from today, with a return to top-flight football edging closer, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
League officials, medical experts and representatives from all 20 sides held talks on Monday via a video conference call and agreed to stage one of the return to training protocols.
Stage one enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing but contact training is not yet permitted.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says they expect to have the first batch of COVID-19 test results by 2pm on Tuesday and training can start to begin once that happens.
He also said there remains flexibility over the league resuming on June 12, and players' fitness levels will be taken into consideration when that decision is made.
"I think once you know when you can start full contact training, and we've had a proper discussion about clubs over how much is required to create the fitness levels before they can start playing, you're then in a position to confirm when the season start date is," he said.
"We haven't changed the start date, we have to be flexible about it. What we don't want to do is continually to move that start date. So, we haven't changed it but we need to be flexible and acknowledge we're in a step-by-step process."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
In a statement, the Premier League said: "This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the government.
Advertisement
"Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.
"The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League's priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process.
"Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed."
The Premier League also said it will support a trophy presentation whoever is crowned champions if it is safe to do so.
That is almost certain to be Liverpool, who are 25 points clear at the top of the table and only need two more wins to clinch their first top-flight title in 30 years should the domestic season get back underway.


news--2020-05-19--Boy, 16, among 27 arrested over child sexual exploitation in Bradford

Twenty-seven people , including a 16-year-old boy , have been arrested in connection with online child sexual exploitation in Bradford .
West Yorkshire Police said safeguarding measures have been put in place for 26 children following reports of people suspected of being in possession of indecent material or trying to contact children .
Those arrested were all males between the ages of 16 and 57 and were from different addresses across the city .
They have since been released under investigation or bailed pending further inquiries .
More than 60 devices have been seized for further investigation .
Detective Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations like these demonstrate that we take the online sexual exploitation of children in Bradford district seriously and that we will take action against offenders and safeguard those children they have attempted to exploit . ''
He also warned parents to regularly monitor their children 's devices , especially now that many are spending more time at home .
Adrian Farley , executive member for children and families at Bradford Metropolitan District Council , added : `` It 's a good result that the police have made these arrests .
`` It sends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of committing these sorts of crimes that grooming children online will not be tolerated , particularly at this time when children are spending more time online because of the coronavirus lockdown .
`` It also shows that when partners and the public let the police know of potential offences , action can and will be taken . ''
The arrests follow an announcement by the National Crime Agency ( NCA ) that more than 120 cases of Zoom calls being hacked by strangers showing images of child abuse are being investigated .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic as more people turn to video calls to talk to friends and colleagues .

Twenty-seven people, including a 16-year-old boy, have been arrested in connection with online child sexual exploitation in Bradford.
West Yorkshire Police said safeguarding measures have been put in place for 26 children following reports of people suspected of being in possession of indecent material or trying to contact children.
Those arrested were all males between the ages of 16 and 57 and were from different addresses across the city.
They have since been released under investigation or bailed pending further inquiries.
More than 60 devices have been seized for further investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Weekes said: "Targeted operations like these demonstrate that we take the online sexual exploitation of children in Bradford district seriously and that we will take action against offenders and safeguard those children they have attempted to exploit."
He also warned parents to regularly monitor their children's devices, especially now that many are spending more time at home.
Adrian Farley, executive member for children and families at Bradford Metropolitan District Council, added: "It's a good result that the police have made these arrests.
"It sends out a strong message to anyone thinking of committing these sorts of crimes that grooming children online will not be tolerated, particularly at this time when children are spending more time online because of the coronavirus lockdown.
Advertisement
"It also shows that when partners and the public let the police know of potential offences, action can and will be taken."
The arrests follow an announcement by the National Crime Agency (NCA) that more than 120 cases of Zoom calls being hacked by strangers showing images of child abuse are being investigated.
The practice is said to have increased during the coronavirus pandemic as more people turn to video calls to talk to friends and colleagues.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Could anti-blood clot drugs help save COVID-19 patients?

A number of people with coronavirus who were admitted to hospital had blood clots in their lungs , a study has found .
Researchers found infections caused by coronavirus are associated with a high incidence of venous thromboembolism - where blood clots form in the deep veins of the groin , arm , and leg and can travel to the lungs , causing blockages .
Experts at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School ( BSMS ) looked at 274 cases of COVID-19 patients who were admitted to hospital and found 21 ( 7.7 % ) of them were diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen in 16 ( 76.2 % ) of those cases .
The study has been published in the Clinical Medical Journal and was carried out at the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust , and two more acute sites in the south of England .
The study also showed that a D-dimer blood test , which finds minuscule protein fragments from dissolved blood clots was useful in seeking those patients at the highest risk of the condition .
Lead author Dr Chi Eziefula , a senior lecturer in infection at BSMS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a risk of , and clinical evidence of , a venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 is highly important for two reasons .
`` Firstly , because venous thromboembolism is linked to a risk of death , and secondly because it is treatable with anticoagulant medications . ''
There are now calls from the team for urgent clinical trials to see if medicines that can help prevent blood clots , known as anticoagulants , could help stop COVID-19 deaths .
Dr Tim Chevassut , a reader in haematology at BSMS and one of the study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signals the importance of further research to explore the pathological mechanisms specific to COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' It also highlights the urgent need for clinical trials to evaluate the role of anticoagulation treatment for the prevention of deaths and morbidity from COVID-19 infection . ''
Another study by a team at Royal Brompton Hospital found blood-thinning drugs could be used to help save the lives of coronavirus patients , but added a blanket use of the drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to start very early for it to be effective .

A number of people with coronavirus who were admitted to hospital had blood clots in their lungs, a study has found.
Researchers found infections caused by coronavirus are associated with a high incidence of venous thromboembolism - where blood clots form in the deep veins of the groin, arm, and leg and can travel to the lungs, causing blockages.
Experts at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) looked at 274 cases of COVID-19 patients who were admitted to hospital and found 21 (7.7%) of them were diagnosed with venous thromboembolism, while blood clots were seen in 16 (76.2%) of those cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 March: This is how COVID-19 can damage your lungs
The study has been published in the Clinical Medical Journal and was carried out at the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, and two more acute sites in the south of England.
The study also showed that a D-dimer blood test, which finds minuscule protein fragments from dissolved blood clots was useful in seeking those patients at the highest risk of the condition.
Lead author Dr Chi Eziefula, a senior lecturer in infection at BSMS, said: "Identifying which patients have a risk of, and clinical evidence of, a venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 is highly important for two reasons.
"Firstly, because venous thromboembolism is linked to a risk of death, and secondly because it is treatable with anticoagulant medications."
There are now calls from the team for urgent clinical trials to see if medicines that can help prevent blood clots, known as anticoagulants, could help stop COVID-19 deaths.
Dr Tim Chevassut, a reader in haematology at BSMS and one of the study authors, said: "This study signals the importance of further research to explore the pathological mechanisms specific to COVID-19.
Advertisement
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
"It also highlights the urgent need for clinical trials to evaluate the role of anticoagulation treatment for the prevention of deaths and morbidity from COVID-19 infection."
Another study by a team at Royal Brompton Hospital found blood-thinning drugs could be used to help save the lives of coronavirus patients, but added a blanket use of the drugs would not be appropriate and treatment would have to start very early for it to be effective.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Northern Ireland care homes to test all residents and staff

COVID-19 testing is to be made available to all care home residents and staff in Northern Ireland .
Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann said the roll-out of coronavirus testing for residents should be completed next month and a rolling programme for staff put in place .
Sky News recently revealed the role testing had played in a care home in County Armagh where 25 of the 29 residents with coronavirus have made a full recovery .
Mr Swann said : `` Testing right across the care home sector is easier to demand than to deliver .
It has always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Following detailed planning and preparatory work , I can now confirm that testing will be available to all residents and staff .
`` There are some important sensitivities to be addressed .
There are human rights considerations where residents may not consent to be tested or may not be able to consent for reasons such as dementia .
`` The swab test for COVID-19 can be an unpleasant and intrusive process , so there are also issues in relation to subjecting frail older people to swabbing , particularly at homes where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I am confident a way forward will be found on these issues , in close consultation with care home staff , residents and their family members , '' he added .
At Rosemount Care Home in Portadown , where they have recorded an 86 % recovery rate , staff claimed testing had been a critical part of their success .
Home manager Patricia Purvis said : `` We found a lot of our residents were just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , generally not feeling well .
`` In the early stages , we were asking for these people to be swabbed for early detection .
I think that has helped us a lot . ''
At present , Northern Ireland care home staff and their families have access to testing if they have symptoms .
In the case of a potential outbreak - when two or more staff or residents have tested positive - all staff and residents are tested .
Under the new plan , all care home staff and residents will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure facilities remain free of COVID-19 .

COVID-19 testing is to be made available to all care home residents and staff in Northern Ireland.
Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann said the roll-out of coronavirus testing for residents should be completed next month and a rolling programme for staff put in place.
Sky News recently revealed the role testing had played in a care home in County Armagh where 25 of the 29 residents with coronavirus have made a full recovery.
Mr Swann said: "Testing right across the care home sector is easier to demand than to deliver. It has always been my intention to over-deliver rather than under-promise.
Image: Staff at the care home in County Armagh believe they are beating the virus
"Following detailed planning and preparatory work, I can now confirm that testing will be available to all residents and staff.
"There are some important sensitivities to be addressed. There are human rights considerations where residents may not consent to be tested or may not be able to consent for reasons such as dementia.
"The swab test for COVID-19 can be an unpleasant and intrusive process, so there are also issues in relation to subjecting frail older people to swabbing, particularly at homes where there are no outbreaks.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I am confident a way forward will be found on these issues, in close consultation with care home staff, residents and their family members," he added.
Advertisement
At Rosemount Care Home in Portadown, where they have recorded an 86% recovery rate, staff claimed testing had been a critical part of their success.
Home manager Patricia Purvis said: "We found a lot of our residents were just off their food for a few days, generally not feeling well.
"In the early stages, we were asking for these people to be swabbed for early detection. I think that has helped us a lot."
At present, Northern Ireland care home staff and their families have access to testing if they have symptoms.
In the case of a potential outbreak - when two or more staff or residents have tested positive - all staff and residents are tested.
Under the new plan, all care home staff and residents will be tested regardless in an attempt to ensure facilities remain free of COVID-19.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus will 'settle into human population and become normal', expert says

COVID-19 is `` so successful '' that it will never be eradicated , a virus expert has claimed , as fears of a second spike continue to grow .
Professor David Robertson , head of viral genomics and bioinformatics at the University of Glasgow , believes the highly infectious respiratory infection is `` almost uncontrollable '' .
`` It is so transmissible , it 's so successful , we 're so susceptible , that actually it 's a little bit of a red herring to worry about it getting worse , because it could n't be much worse at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , '' he told the House of Lords Science and Technology committee on Tuesday .
`` If you contrast with Ebola , which has very high virulence , kills many , many people , it makes it very controllable and you can very readily identify the infected people .
`` Whereas this virus is infecting so many people with asymptomatic to mild symptoms that it 's almost uncontrollable .
`` I think we have to be clear that we 're not going to be able to eradicate this virus . ''
Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the human population '' and will become a `` normal virus '' in several years ' time .
It comes as new The Independent Care Group ( ICG ) gave a `` cautious welcome '' to the new ONS figures , but fears there could be a second spike in coronavirus cases .
The weekly ONS update added almost 10,000 more COVID-19 fatalities to the Department of Health 's official count , which stood at 34,796 as of Monday .
Chairman Mike Padgham said : `` Today 's figures , allied to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give us some cautious optimism that we are getting past the worst of coronavirus .
`` However , we are still fearful that the relaxation of some of the lockdown measures might send figures up again and create a second spike . ''
He added : `` The government still has questions to answer because PPE and testing is still a serious issue for many providers as they cope with COVID-19 . ''
John Edmunds , professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes that humans could develop a long-term immunity to the virus after the study of other coronaviruses .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He told the House of Lords Science and Technology committee : `` You can see that antibody decline over time from survivors of SARS .
`` So after a couple of years , their antibodies have declined quite significantly . ''
He explained that as with other coronaviruses , including ones that cause the common cold , humans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term immunity '' , allowing them to get reinfected later .
`` So that 's potentially bad news for us , that immunity may not last that long against this virus '' , he added .

COVID-19 is "so successful" that it will never be eradicated, a virus expert has claimed, as fears of a second spike continue to grow.
Professor David Robertson, head of viral genomics and bioinformatics at the University of Glasgow, believes the highly infectious respiratory infection is "almost uncontrollable".
"It is so transmissible, it's so successful, we're so susceptible, that actually it's a little bit of a red herring to worry about it getting worse, because it couldn't be much worse at the moment in terms of the numbers of cases," he told the House of Lords Science and Technology committee on Tuesday.
"If you contrast with Ebola, which has very high virulence, kills many, many people, it makes it very controllable and you can very readily identify the infected people.
"Whereas this virus is infecting so many people with asymptomatic to mild symptoms that it's almost uncontrollable.
"I think we have to be clear that we're not going to be able to eradicate this virus."
Professor Robertson said the virus will "settle into the human population" and will become a "normal virus" in several years' time.
It comes as new The Independent Care Group (ICG) gave a "cautious welcome" to the new ONS figures, but fears there could be a second spike in coronavirus cases.
The weekly ONS update added almost 10,000 more COVID-19 fatalities to the Department of Health's official count, which stood at 34,796 as of Monday.
Advertisement
Chairman Mike Padgham said: "Today's figures, allied to those of the previous weeks, do give us some cautious optimism that we are getting past the worst of coronavirus.
"However, we are still fearful that the relaxation of some of the lockdown measures might send figures up again and create a second spike."
He added: "The government still has questions to answer because PPE and testing is still a serious issue for many providers as they cope with COVID-19."
John Edmunds, professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said it was "potentially bad news" for hopes that humans could develop a long-term immunity to the virus after the study of other coronaviruses.
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
He told the House of Lords Science and Technology committee: "You can see that antibody decline over time from survivors of SARS.
"So after a couple of years, their antibodies have declined quite significantly."
He explained that as with other coronaviruses, including ones that cause the common cold, humans do not seem to have particularly "long-term immunity", allowing them to get reinfected later.
"So that's potentially bad news for us, that immunity may not last that long against this virus", he added.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Online simulation shows how virus spreads through population

Scientists at the University of Exeter have created an online simulation which will help people understand how individual actions impact the spread of diseases .
Simuland : Beat the Epidemic is a browser-based COVID-19 game where users can change public behaviour to see how that behaviour impacts transmissions .
Different behaviours can correspond to different real-world actions , although the simulation 's algorithms are much more obedient than the population at large .
Users can decide how much contact people have reflecting the impact of social distancing measures , and also change the levels of personal hygiene in the population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it simply shows dots traversing a square box , but it is intended to be an educational tool to explain how different factors impact transmissions .
`` People are being told to make various behaviour changes - from social distancing to extra hand washing - and many might be struggling to understand why , '' explained Professor Dave Hodgson , of the University of Exeter .
`` Simuland is intended to show people the link between population-level behaviour and the spread of disease .
`` By adjusting the web app 's controls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the impact of human behaviour on a simulated 'SimulaVirus ' outbreak . ''
The simulation is free and available online alongside lesson plans with different resources for home-schooling , schools and universities .
`` When the COVID-19 pandemic began , we thought about what we could do , '' said Professor Hodgson , director of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter 's Penryn Campus in Cornwall .
`` Members of our research group study wildlife diseases , population biology and social networks .
`` The public are now hearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like infection rates and herd immunity .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Our simulation brings these concepts together in a simple model of a society of 500 people .
`` Using the simulation , people can learn how one public action usually wo n't be enough - they have to be used in combination . ''
The simulations collect no personal information from participants , but the researchers will be able to analyse the outcomes of various approaches on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choices people make when taking part .

Scientists at the University of Exeter have created an online simulation which will help people understand how individual actions impact the spread of diseases.
Simuland: Beat the Epidemic is a browser-based COVID-19 game where users can change public behaviour to see how that behaviour impacts transmissions.
Different behaviours can correspond to different real-world actions, although the simulation's algorithms are much more obedient than the population at large.
Users can decide how much contact people have reflecting the impact of social distancing measures, and also change the levels of personal hygiene in the population.
The simulation isn't graphically complicated, it simply shows dots traversing a square box, but it is intended to be an educational tool to explain how different factors impact transmissions.
"People are being told to make various behaviour changes - from social distancing to extra hand washing - and many might be struggling to understand why," explained Professor Dave Hodgson, of the University of Exeter.
"Simuland is intended to show people the link between population-level behaviour and the spread of disease.
"By adjusting the web app's controls and watching the results, people can see the impact of human behaviour on a simulated 'SimulaVirus' outbreak."
The simulation is free and available online alongside lesson plans with different resources for home-schooling, schools and universities.
Advertisement
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
"When the COVID-19 pandemic began, we thought about what we could do," said Professor Hodgson, director of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
"Members of our research group study wildlife diseases, population biology and social networks.
"The public are now hearing a lot on the news about scientific concepts like infection rates and herd immunity.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"Our simulation brings these concepts together in a simple model of a society of 500 people.
"Using the simulation, people can learn how one public action usually won't be enough - they have to be used in combination."
The simulations collect no personal information from participants, but the researchers will be able to analyse the outcomes of various approaches on the spread of the virus, and the choices people make when taking part.


news--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Ten key lessons the government must learn set out in new report

The UK has 10 key lessons to learn from its handling of the coronavirus pandemic so far , a cross-party group of MPs have warned .
While the government has been praised for seeking a diverse range of scientific opinion on how to respond to COVID-19 , the Science and Technology Committee has raised concerns about some of the decisions made early on in the outbreak - as well as its preparedness for the future .
In a 19-page document , committee chairman Greg Clark acknowledged that some judgements were made `` within a fog of uncertainty '' , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inform the country 's coronavirus strategy going forward .
Mr Clark 's committee found that the transparency around scientific advice offered to the public `` has not always been as clear as it should have been '' .
The report says there should be greater levels of disclosure about who attends the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , which has been advising the government on the action it should take .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Concerns are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ papers used to inform SAGE meetings have been made public , out of a total of 120 .
`` Without visibility of the scientific advice , it will be difficult to corroborate the government 's assertion that it always follows the scientific advice , '' the committee wrote .
It went on to urge the government to regularly update the list of SAGE members , promptly publish new papers after every meeting , and offer a summary of the scientific advice that has informed the government 's decisions .
2 .
Answers about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed The committee concluded that the UK 's testing capacity `` has been inadequate for most of the pandemic so far '' - and that it has n't been increased `` early enough or boldly enough '' .
Very low numbers of people were being tested well into March , the report says , with a broad range of experts from around the world telling the committee this capacity has been inadequate .
The committee heard evidence from Public Health England ( PHE ) on 25 March that the UK had chosen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as South Korea , which had engaged in mass testing early on in the pandemic .
Professor Sharon Peacock , who works for PHE , said she would offer evidence that explained why the UK rejected South Korea 's methods , but the committee claims this information was never provided .
The committee said : `` The failure of PHE to publish the evidence on which its testing policy was based is unacceptable for a decision that may have had such significant consequences .
`` The absence of disclosure may indicate that - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee - no rigorous assessment was in fact made by PHE of other countries ' approach to testing .
`` That would be of profound concern since the necessity to consider the approaches taken by others with experience of pandemics is obvious . ''
3 .
England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland must continue to work closely together According to the report , the provision of scientific advice has been `` well co-ordinated '' between all four nations of the UK .
The committee heard evidence that the four chief medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely - with Scotland 's interim chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith saying `` there was value to consistent messaging for ensuring public understanding and compliance '' .
According to the report , this close collaboration should continue , but Dr Smith warned it is possible that divergent measures may be needed if COVID-19 spreads more severely in some areas than others .
Elsewhere in the report , the Science and Technology Committee warns `` it is not clear that lessons of the delays to testing have been learned '' .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus drastically curtailed the ability to gather data that could have identified the spread of the virus among different groups and with different symptomatic severity , '' the MPs wrote .
The committee recommended that the government should `` take every opportunity to build capacity in advance of need to surge capacity explosively rather than follow a more gradual 'ramping up ' approach '' .
5 .
Deaths of BAME patients must be better recorded The report adds that there are `` significant unexplained differences in the death rates in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups compared to the population as a whole '' .
Although NHS England does publish a breakdown of COVID-19 deaths by ethnicity , the committee found that this information is unavailable for almost 10 % of cases - and it does n't cover fatalities in other settings such as care homes .
`` After adjusting for age [ … ] , men and women from all ethnic minority groups ( except females with Chinese ethnicity ) are at greater risk of dying from COVID-19 compared with those of white ethnicity , '' an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 May .
`` The government should consider how ethnicity data on those dying as a result of COVID-19 could be systematically recorded , '' the committee said .
6 .
Strategies for managing asymptomatic people must be clearer According to the Science and Technology Committee , it has seen evidence that suggests a high proportion of people with COVID-19 who could transmit it to others `` are free of all symptoms '' .
The report warns `` the possibility of significant levels of asymptomatic transmission have a profound consequence for the management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If people have no means of knowing they are infected , then they risk transmitting the infection to large numbers of people if they are not rigorously socially distanced .
`` This is a particular concern for NHS workers and care workers who may be asymptomatically infected and transmitting the disease to vulnerable people with whom they are in close contact . ''
As a result , the government is being urged to `` explicitly set out its approach to managing the risk of asymptomatic transmission '' - with the committee warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into contact with vulnerable groups may be needed , even if they are n't showing symptoms .
7 .
Contact-tracing capacity must be urgently built up Rigorous contact tracing has been used in several countries with low death rates from COVID-19 - such as South Korea , Singapore and Hong Kong - but the UK 's `` limited capacity '' to do the same was an important factor in the decision to stop full contact tracing on 12 March , the committee concluded .
MPs heard evidence that `` multiple approaches '' will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with NHSX chief executive Matthew Gould warning that it will be `` tough '' to ensure that a contact-tracing app being piloted on the Isle of Wight is used by enough people to be effective .
`` It is clear from the experiences of other countries , such as Singapore , that we can not rely on the use of a contact-trading application to fulfil our needs , '' the committee said .
It added that contact-tracing capabilities need to be built up quickly to ensure social-distancing measures can be eased , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in infections .
8 .
Isolation and quarantine must be part of the government 's `` test , track and trace '' strategy The Science and Technology Committee heard evidence from leading experts around the world who said quarantine and isolation had been a crucial part in testing , tracking and tracing the virus elsewhere .
When testing and tracing has reached a dependable level in the UK , the committee suggested that providing dedicated facilities for isolation and quarantine `` may be worthwhile set against the more hidden but vastly greater cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the population '' .
9 .
Capacity for making and deploying vaccines must increase The committee said it was `` encouraging news '' that the first human trials of a potential COVID-19 vaccine are now under way in the UK - describing it as `` testament to the UK 's expertise in this area '' .
Professor Andrew Pollard from the University of Oxford told MPs that potential vaccines need to be manufactured before their effectiveness is proven , or it could be `` years and years '' before the UK has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use .
`` To wait until all trials are completed in order to build up the capacity to manufacture and distribute vaccines could lose valuable time , '' the committee warned .
`` Therefore , even at the risk of redundancy , it is imperative to ensure that the UK has built up sufficient manufacturing and distribution capacity to roll-out a vaccine as soon as its effectiveness is proven . ''
10 .
The government should continue to draw on extensive scientific advice The Science and Technology Committee also heard plenty of evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly influential in government decisions throughout the pandemic '' .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , had told MPs there had been little disagreement between the government and SAGE `` on anything material '' .
Encouraging existing practices to continue , MPs added : `` It is clear that the government has been serious in taking scientific advice , and that British scientists on SAGE have sought to give that advice in a way designed to help decision making . ''
Responding to the report , a Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unprecedented global pandemic and we have taken the right steps at the right time to combat it , guided at all times by the best scientific advice .
`` Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it , as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers .
`` Testing is a key part of our response and we have expanded testing capacity on an unprecedented scale - from 2,000 tests a day in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Now everyone aged five and over who has symptoms and needs a test can get one - and we will continue to build this capacity . ''

The UK has 10 key lessons to learn from its handling of the coronavirus pandemic so far, a cross-party group of MPs have warned.
While the government has been praised for seeking a diverse range of scientific opinion on how to respond to COVID-19, the Science and Technology Committee has raised concerns about some of the decisions made early on in the outbreak - as well as its preparedness for the future.
In a 19-page document, committee chairman Greg Clark acknowledged that some judgements were made "within a fog of uncertainty", but said past experiences must be used to inform the country's coronavirus strategy going forward.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:39 10 May: 'The stay alert message isn't clear enough'
The committee's 10 recommendations are:
1. Greater transparency is needed about scientific advice
Mr Clark's committee found that the transparency around scientific advice offered to the public "has not always been as clear as it should have been".
The report says there should be greater levels of disclosure about who attends the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which has been advising the government on the action it should take.
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
Concerns are also raised that just 28 of the papers used to inform SAGE meetings have been made public, out of a total of 120.
Advertisement
"Without visibility of the scientific advice, it will be difficult to corroborate the government's assertion that it always follows the scientific advice," the committee wrote.
It went on to urge the government to regularly update the list of SAGE members, promptly publish new papers after every meeting, and offer a summary of the scientific advice that has informed the government's decisions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 'Anyone over five can get a test'
2. Answers about the UK's approach to testing are needed
The committee concluded that the UK's testing capacity "has been inadequate for most of the pandemic so far" - and that it hasn't been increased "early enough or boldly enough".
Very low numbers of people were being tested well into March, the report says, with a broad range of experts from around the world telling the committee this capacity has been inadequate.
The committee heard evidence from Public Health England (PHE) on 25 March that the UK had chosen to follow a different approach to countries such as South Korea, which had engaged in mass testing early on in the pandemic.
Professor Sharon Peacock, who works for PHE, said she would offer evidence that explained why the UK rejected South Korea's methods, but the committee claims this information was never provided.
The committee said: "The failure of PHE to publish the evidence on which its testing policy was based is unacceptable for a decision that may have had such significant consequences.
"The absence of disclosure may indicate that - notwithstanding the oral evidence given to the committee - no rigorous assessment was in fact made by PHE of other countries' approach to testing.
"That would be of profound concern since the necessity to consider the approaches taken by others with experience of pandemics is obvious."
3. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland must continue to work closely together
According to the report, the provision of scientific advice has been "well co-ordinated" between all four nations of the UK.
The committee heard evidence that the four chief medical officers from each nation had worked together closely - with Scotland's interim chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith saying "there was value to consistent messaging for ensuring public understanding and compliance".
According to the report, this close collaboration should continue, but Dr Smith warned it is possible that divergent measures may be needed if COVID-19 spreads more severely in some areas than others.
Image: MPs warned that testing capacity needs to be built before it is needed. File pic
4. Testing capacity must increase
Elsewhere in the report, the Science and Technology Committee warns "it is not clear that lessons of the delays to testing have been learned".
"The retreat to testing only hospital patients for the virus drastically curtailed the ability to gather data that could have identified the spread of the virus among different groups and with different symptomatic severity," the MPs wrote.
The committee recommended that the government should "take every opportunity to build capacity in advance of need to surge capacity explosively rather than follow a more gradual 'ramping up' approach".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 BAME people more likely to die from COVID-19
5. Deaths of BAME patients must be better recorded
The report adds that there are "significant unexplained differences in the death rates in the UK of black, Asian and minority ethnic groups compared to the population as a whole".
Although NHS England does publish a breakdown of COVID-19 deaths by ethnicity, the committee found that this information is unavailable for almost 10% of cases - and it doesn't cover fatalities in other settings such as care homes.
"After adjusting for age […], men and women from all ethnic minority groups (except females with Chinese ethnicity) are at greater risk of dying from COVID-19 compared with those of white ethnicity," an Office for National Statistics report found on 7 May.
"The government should consider how ethnicity data on those dying as a result of COVID-19 could be systematically recorded," the committee said.
6. Strategies for managing asymptomatic people must be clearer
According to the Science and Technology Committee, it has seen evidence that suggests a high proportion of people with COVID-19 who could transmit it to others "are free of all symptoms".
The report warns "the possibility of significant levels of asymptomatic transmission have a profound consequence for the management of the pandemic", warning: "If people have no means of knowing they are infected, then they risk transmitting the infection to large numbers of people if they are not rigorously socially distanced.
"This is a particular concern for NHS workers and care workers who may be asymptomatically infected and transmitting the disease to vulnerable people with whom they are in close contact."
As a result, the government is being urged to "explicitly set out its approach to managing the risk of asymptomatic transmission" - with the committee warning regular testing of all workers who come into contact with vulnerable groups may be needed, even if they aren't showing symptoms.
7. Contact-tracing capacity must be urgently built up
Rigorous contact tracing has been used in several countries with low death rates from COVID-19 - such as South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong - but the UK's "limited capacity" to do the same was an important factor in the decision to stop full contact tracing on 12 March, the committee concluded.
MPs heard evidence that "multiple approaches" will be needed to implement contract tracing, with NHSX chief executive Matthew Gould warning that it will be "tough" to ensure that a contact-tracing app being piloted on the Isle of Wight is used by enough people to be effective.
"It is clear from the experiences of other countries, such as Singapore, that we cannot rely on the use of a contact-trading application to fulfil our needs," the committee said.
It added that contact-tracing capabilities need to be built up quickly to ensure social-distancing measures can be eased, while minimising the risk of a second peak in infections.
8. Isolation and quarantine must be part of the government's "test, track and trace" strategy
The Science and Technology Committee heard evidence from leading experts around the world who said quarantine and isolation had been a crucial part in testing, tracking and tracing the virus elsewhere.
When testing and tracing has reached a dependable level in the UK, the committee suggested that providing dedicated facilities for isolation and quarantine "may be worthwhile set against the more hidden but vastly greater cost of maintaining tighter restrictions on the rest of the population".
9. Capacity for making and deploying vaccines must increase
The committee said it was "encouraging news" that the first human trials of a potential COVID-19 vaccine are now under way in the UK - describing it as "testament to the UK's expertise in this area".
Professor Andrew Pollard from the University of Oxford told MPs that potential vaccines need to be manufactured before their effectiveness is proven, or it could be "years and years" before the UK has a vaccine that's ready for mass use.
"To wait until all trials are completed in order to build up the capacity to manufacture and distribute vaccines could lose valuable time," the committee warned.
"Therefore, even at the risk of redundancy, it is imperative to ensure that the UK has built up sufficient manufacturing and distribution capacity to roll-out a vaccine as soon as its effectiveness is proven."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 We may live with virus 'for several years'
10. The government should continue to draw on extensive scientific advice
The Science and Technology Committee also heard plenty of evidence praising SAGE, which has been "highly influential in government decisions throughout the pandemic".
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, had told MPs there had been little disagreement between the government and SAGE "on anything material".
Encouraging existing practices to continue, MPs added: "It is clear that the government has been serious in taking scientific advice, and that British scientists on SAGE have sought to give that advice in a way designed to help decision making."
Image: Boris Johnson has led the government's response
Responding to the report, a Downing Street spokesman said: "This is an unprecedented global pandemic and we have taken the right steps at the right time to combat it, guided at all times by the best scientific advice.
"Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it, as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers.
"Testing is a key part of our response and we have expanded testing capacity on an unprecedented scale - from 2,000 tests a day in February to more than 100,000 in May.
"Now everyone aged five and over who has symptoms and needs a test can get one - and we will continue to build this capacity."