news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Twitter chief Jack Dorsey pledges $1bn to fight pandemic

Twitter founder and boss Jack Dorsey has set aside $ 1bn ( £812m ) in stock to help fund relief efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Mr Dorsey , who is also chief executive of the financial payments startup Square , will give the new venture shares from his Square holdings .
The 43-year-old announced the initiative called Start Small in a series of tweets , and said the contribution amounts to 28 % of his fortune .
Mr Dorsey , who for years has kept details of his charitable efforts private , said the organisation will disclose all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public Google sheets document .
Start Small will not be limited to fighting the coronavirus pandemic , Mr Dorsey wrote in a thread of six tweets .
`` After we have disarmed this pandemic , '' he wrote , the organisation will shift its focus to girls ' health and education , and research into universal basic income - the idea that governments should guarantee a minimum income for all citizens .
Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai tweeted : `` Amazing news !
Thank you , @ Jack , for your generosity and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safer and healthier for everyone . ''
Dorsey , whose net worth is estimated at $ 3.3bn ( £2.7bn ) by Forbes , also said that he was pledging his stake in Square instead of Twitter because he owns a bigger portion of the payments processor .
He said that he would pace the sale of the pledged shares over time .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Last month Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan donated $ 25m ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corps .
A Facebook spokeswoman said the donation was coming from the company and would help cover costs like temporary housing near healthcare sites , childcare costs and licensing fees .

Twitter founder and boss Jack Dorsey has set aside $1bn (£812m) in stock to help fund relief efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Dorsey, who is also chief executive of the financial payments startup Square, will give the new venture shares from his Square holdings.
The 43-year-old announced the initiative called Start Small in a series of tweets, and said the contribution amounts to 28% of his fortune.
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Mr Dorsey, who for years has kept details of his charitable efforts private, said the organisation will disclose all transfers, sales and grants on a public Google sheets document.
Start Small will not be limited to fighting the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Dorsey wrote in a thread of six tweets.
"After we have disarmed this pandemic," he wrote, the organisation will shift its focus to girls' health and education, and research into universal basic income - the idea that governments should guarantee a minimum income for all citizens.
Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai tweeted: "Amazing news! Thank you, @Jack, for your generosity and for recognising that educated girls make the world safer and healthier for everyone."
Image: A US health worker with his head in his hands as the pandemic worsens
Dorsey, whose net worth is estimated at $3.3bn (£2.7bn) by Forbes, also said that he was pledging his stake in Square
instead of Twitter because he owns a bigger portion of the payments processor.
He said that he would pace the sale of the pledged shares over time.
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::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Last month Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan donated $25m (£20m) to support the US health corps.
A Facebook spokeswoman said the donation was coming from the company and would help cover costs like temporary housing near healthcare sites, childcare costs and licensing fees.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler creates book for kids

A free children 's book about the coronavirus illustrated by the award-winning Gruffalo artist Axel Scheffler has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times .
Coronavirus : A Book for Children is aimed at five to nine-year-olds and hopes to simply answer key questions they may be asking their parents or carers about the COVID-19 outbreak .
It has been written by staff at the publishing house Nosy Crow , with expert input from Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and advice from two headteachers and a child .
The opening page reads : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might have heard .
You might hear people talking about it or you might hear it on the news .
`` This word is the reason that you 're not going to school .
It is the reason you ca n't go outside very often or visit your friends ...
But what is it and why is everyone talking about it ?
In just the first 24 hours the digital book was accessed over 100,000 times directly from the publisher 's website and hundreds of thousands of times further from other hosts Scheffler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to illustrate The Gruffalo and many other books , said : `` I asked myself what I could do as a children 's illustrator to inform , as well as entertain , my readers here and abroad .
`` So I was glad when my publisher , Nosy Crow , asked me to illustrate this question-and-answer book about the coronavirus .
`` I think it is extremely important for children and families to have access to good and reliable information in this unprecedented crisis , and I hope that the popularity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will ensure that this digital book will reach many children who are now slightly older , but might still remember our picture books . ''
Demand for the book means it has already been translated into 17 languages .
Kate Wilson , managing director of Nosy Crow , said : `` We have just been overwhelmed with the response to our book . ''
Professor Medley added : `` This pandemic is changing children 's lives across the globe and will have a lasting impact on us all .
`` Helping children understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in helping them cope and making them part of the story - this is something that we are all going through , not something being done to them .
This book puts children IN the picture rather just watching it happen , and in a way that makes the scary parts easier to cope with . ''
: : The book can be downloaded here

A free children's book about the coronavirus illustrated by the award-winning Gruffalo artist Axel Scheffler has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times.
Coronavirus: A Book for Children is aimed at five to nine-year-olds and hopes to simply answer key questions they may be asking their parents or carers about the COVID-19 outbreak.
Image: The book is aimed at five to nine-year-olds
It has been written by staff at the publishing house Nosy Crow, with expert input from Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and advice from two headteachers and a child.
The opening page reads: "There's a new word you might have heard. You might hear people talking about it or you might hear it on the news.
"This word is the reason that you're not going to school. It is the reason you can't go outside very often or visit your friends ... But what is it and why is everyone talking about it?
"The word is coronavirus."
In just the first 24 hours the digital book was accessed over 100,000 times directly from the publisher's website and hundreds of thousands of times further from other hosts
Scheffler, who worked with author Julia Donaldson to illustrate The Gruffalo and many other books, said: "I asked myself what I could do as a children's illustrator to inform, as well as entertain, my readers here and abroad.
"So I was glad when my publisher, Nosy Crow, asked me to illustrate this question-and-answer book about the coronavirus.
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Image: It answers key questions in a simple way
"I think it is extremely important for children and families to have access to good and reliable information in this unprecedented crisis, and I hope that the popularity of the books I've done with Julia Donaldson will ensure that this digital book will reach many children who are now slightly older, but might still remember our picture books."
Image: It is available for free
Demand for the book means it has already been translated into 17 languages.
Kate Wilson, managing director of Nosy Crow, said: "We have just been overwhelmed with the response to our book."
Professor Medley added: "This pandemic is changing children's lives across the globe and will have a lasting impact on us all.
"Helping children understand what is going on is an important step in helping them cope and making them part of the story - this is something that we are all going through, not something being done to them. This book puts children IN the picture rather just watching it happen, and in a way that makes the scary parts easier to cope with."
Image: Fans will recognise Scheffler's distinctive style
:: The book can be downloaded here


news--2020-06-28--Coronavirus: MPs to be ordered back to parliament to 'set an example' as lockdown gradually lifted

MPs have been told they should be working in Westminster at the start of June to `` set an example '' to the rest of the country as lockdown is eased further .
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg signalled the historic `` virtual parliament '' measures which saw MPs cast their first ever online votes on Tuesday due coronavirus will soon come to an end .
He made the announcement ahead of confirmation the rules letting politicians debate and challenge ministers via videolink will be extended for another few weeks .
The changes were brought in so MPs could stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic , which has so far killed at least 32,000 people .
But Mr Rees-Mogg signalled that as Prime Minister Boris Johnson presses for people to start going back to work where it is safe to do so in England , MPs would soon have to do so too .
`` It is clear that soon parliament must set an example of how we move back gradually to a fully-function country again - our constituents would expect nothing less , '' he told the Commons .
`` So while we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is vital that when we are asking other people to work and go to their places of work if they can not do so from home we should not be the ones who are exempt from that .
`` Indeed , we should be leading by example . ''
The announcement puts MPs from Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland in a difficult position - as their devolved governments are still enforcing the `` stay at home '' rules .
The Scottish National Party 's John Nicholson said the move would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to break guidelines north of the border and would `` expose our constituents to danger '' .
Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain added : `` The current advice is that people should work at home if the can - we have proven that MPs can .
`` As yet , the government has published no guidance as to how MPs and staff are meant to keep a two metres distance from each other whilst working in parliament .
`` Perhaps most worryingly of all , MPs and staff would be further filling up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and forth to communities all over the country . ''
A government source told Sky News that `` MPs are critical workers so nationwide and throughout they have been encouraged to go to work if they can not work from home '' .
When asked why the rules had to be changed if the guidance for critical workers such as MPs remains the same , the source said : `` The measures were only ever intended to be temporary .
`` As many members said this evening , hybridity has a damaging effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to progress its legislative agenda as it would like to - the two constitutional roles of parliament .
`` This is all provisional , subject to the medical advice . ''

MPs have been told they should be working in Westminster at the start of June to "set an example" to the rest of the country as lockdown is eased further.
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg signalled the historic "virtual parliament" measures which saw MPs cast their first ever online votes on Tuesday due coronavirus will soon come to an end.
He made the announcement ahead of confirmation the rules letting politicians debate and challenge ministers via videolink will be extended for another few weeks.
Image: Unprecedented measures include remote voting and speaking via videolink
The changes were brought in so MPs could stay at home but still scrutinise the government during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far killed at least 32,000 people.
But Mr Rees-Mogg signalled that as Prime Minister Boris Johnson presses for people to start going back to work where it is safe to do so in England, MPs would soon have to do so too.
Image: Mr Rees-Mogg said MPs 'should be leading by example'
"It is clear that soon parliament must set an example of how we move back gradually to a fully-function country again - our constituents would expect nothing less," he told the Commons.
"So while we must move in step with public health guidance, it is vital that when we are asking other people to work and go to their places of work if they cannot do so from home we should not be the ones who are exempt from that.
"Indeed, we should be leading by example."
The announcement puts MPs from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in a difficult position - as their devolved governments are still enforcing the "stay at home" rules.
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The Scottish National Party's John Nicholson said the move would only "set the wrong example" to break guidelines north of the border and would "expose our constituents to danger".
Image: The 'stay at home' message remains in force in Scotland
Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain added: "The current advice is that people should work at home if the can - we have proven that MPs can.
"As yet, the government has published no guidance as to how MPs and staff are meant to keep a two metres distance from each other whilst working in parliament.
"Perhaps most worryingly of all, MPs and staff would be further filling up public transport networks and presumably travelling back and forth to communities all over the country."
A government source told Sky News that "MPs are critical workers so nationwide and throughout they have been encouraged to go to work if they cannot work from home".
When asked why the rules had to be changed if the guidance for critical workers such as MPs remains the same, the source said: "The measures were only ever intended to be temporary.
"As many members said this evening, hybridity has a damaging effect on scrutiny and neither is the government able to progress its legislative agenda as it would like to - the two constitutional roles of parliament.
"This is all provisional, subject to the medical advice."


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Twitter to label misleading content

Twitter is introducing new labels and warning messages to tell users about tweets containing `` disputed or misleading information '' about coronavirus .
The move is intended only to provide context to the information users post , rather than remove them from the platform - which is the tactic both Facebook and YouTube have followed .
It follows the company announcing the addition of warning labels to `` significantly and deceptively altered '' images and videos which are designed to mislead people .
The company announced that similar labels will now appear on tweets containing `` potentially harmful , misleading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweets will also receive this label , the company stated .
The labels will link through to either a page curated by Twitter on the topic , or to an external trusted source with more information about claims included in the tweet .
In the case of the most seriously misleading information which could cause harm , Twitter will also display a warning on the tweet to say it conflicts with public health experts ' guidance .
Last week MPs accused Twitter , Facebook and Google of being `` unwilling '' to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false information during the pandemic .
Announcing the new labelling system , Twitter said : `` While false or misleading content can take many different forms , we will take action based on three broad categories : • Misleading information - statements or assertions that have been confirmed to be false or misleading by subject-matter experts , such as public health authorities .
• Disputed claims - statements or assertions in which the accuracy , truthfulness , or credibility of the claim is contested or unknown .
• Unverified claims - information ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is unconfirmed at the time it is shared .
The company said it `` will continue to rely on trusted partners to identify content that is likely to result in offline harm '' and that it will prioritise reviewing tweets which could lead to increased transmission of the virus .

Twitter is introducing new labels and warning messages to tell users about tweets containing "disputed or misleading information" about coronavirus.
The move is intended only to provide context to the information users post, rather than remove them from the platform - which is the tactic both Facebook and YouTube have followed.
It follows the company announcing the addition of warning labels to "significantly and deceptively altered" images and videos which are designed to mislead people.
Image: Twitter will begin to label misleading information
The company announced that similar labels will now appear on tweets containing "potentially harmful, misleading information related to COVID-19".
Historical tweets will also receive this label, the company stated.
The labels will link through to either a page curated by Twitter on the topic, or to an external trusted source with more information about claims included in the tweet.
In the case of the most seriously misleading information which could cause harm, Twitter will also display a warning on the tweet to say it conflicts with public health experts' guidance.
Last week MPs accused Twitter, Facebook and Google of being "unwilling" to give clear answers on how they are tackling false information during the pandemic.
Announcing the new labelling system, Twitter said: "While false or misleading content can take many different forms, we will take action based on three broad categories:
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Misleading information - statements or assertions that have been confirmed to be false or misleading by subject-matter experts, such as public health authorities.
Disputed claims - statements or assertions in which the accuracy, truthfulness, or credibility of the claim is contested or unknown.
Unverified claims - information (which could be true or false) that is unconfirmed at the time it is shared.
The company said it "will continue to rely on trusted partners to identify content that is likely to result in offline harm" and that it will prioritise reviewing tweets which could lead to increased transmission of the virus.


news--2020-05-11--International Nurses' Day: 'Scary and humbling - as a nurse, you don't always know what you're walki

International Nurses' Day: 'Scary and humbling - as a nurse, you don't always know what you're walking in to'

The global coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on those treating patients on the front line .
To mark International Nurses ' Day , Sky News spoke to two people on the Wirral who have witnessed the impact of COVID-19 on the public and their colleagues .
Charlotte Botes is a community and special nurse manager .
She describes what it 's like to be a nurse in 2020 .
You do n't always know what you 're walking into - sometimes it can be scary .
But the training is so good .
We 're trained to deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a special place to work .
It can be really humbling .
As district nurses , we deal with everything from end of life , to complex wound care , heart failure and MS. You need such a range of skills and depth of knowledge to keep really poorly patients at home - and I love every minute .
Since coronavirus arrived in the UK , it 's been challenging times - but rewarding times , too .
Things are different and we 're definitely using more technology .
Situations can change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets rearranged , perhaps a patient 's condition deteriorates , or a patient gets discharged home to die , or a patient due a visit may pass away .
And it 's difficult for the staff .
They 're also having to deal with their own childcare and isolating grandparents .
But they 're amazing , they 're so dedicated .
My staff and my colleagues have spent time with people who have the virus .
Some people are confirmed positive and others have the symptoms .
It can cause anxiety .
Staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the frail and elderly .
I do think they 're brave , but they know it 's their job - it 's part of our day-to-day work .
Those patients who must be seen… they need to be seen .
My staff have the PPE they need , but it 's very hot to wear and a little bit more cumbersome .
We have to be a lot more mindful… they 've always got infection control in their minds because they want protect the patient as well as themselves .
I 've wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a student .
I loved my placement in the community and that was it for me .
I 've been in this role for 11 years but I 've been in district nursing for 21 years .
It 's such a supportive environment and such a rewarding role .
I meet people who perhaps I would n't have come across in any other walk of life .
Some of the patients are such characters , and the staff are like another family .
I often spend more time with them than at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when staffing is challenging and you 're trying to recruit into vacancies when you do n't have the candidates .
Sometimes , with end-of-life patients , you feel you really connect with them .
But if they have n't got family , you want to put so much into them that it can be upsetting when there are carers going in and holding their hands , instead of family .
Time can be so pressured when you 're trying to fit so much into a shift and it can be particularly bad when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support you want to , to patients and staff .
The best of times ?
Seeing the staff flourishing and enjoying what they 're doing .
Supporting them through another qualification and seeing how much they 've progressed , making a lasting impression with a patient and their family .
A lot of focus goes on hospital staff but I 'd also like to remember the fantastic work that community nurses do every day , and the high level of knowledge and skills they have .
Paula Simpson , a director of nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a privilege .
For me , nursing has been the most amazing career .
I work with wonderful people and continue to be inspired by their selfless compassion and kindness each and every day .
From health visitors , school nurses and family nurses to district nurses , community matrons and specialist nurses we are invited into people 's homes and trusted to deliver exceptional care and support .
The relationships community nurses develop with people throughout their lives are very special .
We walk alongside people from the birth of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our main objective is to help people to thrive , to remain independent for as long as possible and to support them when things get tough .
Throughout all of this , we work independently , making complex clinical decisions and delivering care that keeps people at home .
The care we offer is always based on people 's individual needs and often supported by our valued colleagues ; GPs , therapists and social care staff .
It 's a real team effort and lives are transformed as a result .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the COVID pandemic , I have been overwhelmed by the level of energy and commitment demonstrated .
They have shown enormous courage , adapting to an ever-changing situation , embracing new technologies and always delivering the highest level of care .
It has been humbling to see our patients being as caring towards us as we are towards them as we face these difficult times together .
On international nurses day this year , I would like to pay special tribute to all of my colleagues and encourage anyone to consider nursing @ @ @ @ @

The global coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on those treating patients on the front line.
To mark International Nurses' Day, Sky News spoke to two people on the Wirral who have witnessed the impact of COVID-19 on the public and their colleagues.
Image: Charlotte Botes: 'Some of the patients are such characters, and the staff are like another family'
Charlotte Botes is a community and special nurse manager. She describes what it's like to be a nurse in 2020.
You don't always know what you're walking into - sometimes it can be scary.
But the training is so good. We're trained to deal with whatever comes our way and it's such a special place to work. It can be really humbling.
As district nurses, we deal with everything from end of life, to complex wound care, heart failure and MS. You need such a range of skills and depth of knowledge to keep really poorly patients at home - and I love every minute.
Since coronavirus arrived in the UK, it's been challenging times - but rewarding times, too. Things are different and we're definitely using more technology. Situations can change so quickly - sometimes a whole day gets rearranged, perhaps a patient's condition deteriorates, or a patient gets discharged home to die, or a patient due a visit may pass away.
And it's difficult for the staff. They're also having to deal with their own childcare and isolating grandparents. But they're amazing, they're so dedicated.
My staff and my colleagues have spent time with people who have the virus. Some people are confirmed positive and others have the symptoms. It can cause anxiety. Staff are going into care homes to help the frail and elderly.
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I do think they're brave, but they know it's their job - it's part of our day-to-day work. Those patients who must be seen… they need to be seen.
My staff have the PPE they need, but it's very hot to wear and a little bit more cumbersome. We have to be a lot more mindful… they've always got infection control in their minds because they want protect the patient as well as themselves.
Image: A projection on the side of St. Thomas Hospital marks the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale
I've wanted to be a district nurse since I was a student. I loved my placement in the community and that was it for me. I've been in this role for 11 years but I've been in district nursing for 21 years. It's such a supportive environment and such a rewarding role.
I meet people who perhaps I wouldn't have come across in any other walk of life. Some of the patients are such characters, and the staff are like another family. I often spend more time with them than at home.
The hardest of times are when staffing is challenging and you're trying to recruit into vacancies when you don't have the candidates. Sometimes, with end-of-life patients, you feel you really connect with them.
But if they haven't got family, you want to put so much into them that it can be upsetting when there are carers going in and holding their hands, instead of family. Time can be so pressured when you're trying to fit so much into a shift and it can be particularly bad when you feel you can't give the support you want to, to patients and staff.
The best of times? Seeing the staff flourishing and enjoying what they're doing. Supporting them through another qualification and seeing how much they've progressed, making a lasting impression with a patient and their family.
A lot of focus goes on hospital staff but I'd also like to remember the fantastic work that community nurses do every day, and the high level of knowledge and skills they have.
Hand on heart, I love my job.
Image: Paula Simpson: 'It's a real team effort and lives are transformed as a result'
Paula Simpson, a director of nursing on the Wirral, says her job is a privilege.
For me, nursing has been the most amazing career.
I work with wonderful people and continue to be inspired by their selfless compassion and kindness each and every day.
From health visitors, school nurses and family nurses to district nurses, community matrons and specialist nurses we are invited into people's homes and trusted to deliver exceptional care and support.
The relationships community nurses develop with people throughout their lives are very special. We walk alongside people from the birth of their babies to the end of their lives.
Our main objective is to help people to thrive, to remain independent for as long as possible and to support them when things get tough.
Throughout all of this, we work independently, making complex clinical decisions and delivering care that keeps people at home.
The care we offer is always based on people's individual needs and often supported by our valued colleagues; GPs, therapists and social care staff.
It's a real team effort and lives are transformed as a result.
In recent days when we have been responding to the COVID pandemic, I have been overwhelmed by the level of energy and commitment demonstrated. They have shown enormous courage, adapting to an ever-changing situation, embracing new technologies and always delivering the highest level of care.
It has been humbling to see our patients being as caring towards us as we are towards them as we face these difficult times together.
On international nurses day this year, I would like to pay special tribute to all of my colleagues and encourage anyone to consider nursing as a future career.


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Unofficial scientific advice to govt fails to consider easing lockdown

Scientific advice to the government has become more transparent '' This is what transparency looks like , '' said Sir David King as he launched a critical report of the government 's handling of the coronavirus epidemic .
He 's a former government chief scientist and the report was the first from a panel of experts assembled to rival the official Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) .
The 12-strong group live-streamed their two-hour meeting on YouTube last week and have just produced what they say is a constructive report which they 've sent to the government and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news briefing to launch the report was n't open to the public .
`` We were told the membership ( of SAGE ) was secret .
Why on Earth would you want to be secret ?
`` , said Sir David .
`` We are focused on what is in the best national interest and doing it openly so that people can judge whether or not the government is following the best advice . ''
In fact the membership of the official SAGE committee is now in the public domain , although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their names to be released .
And some of the advice that SAGE has considered since the beginning of February has also been opened up for scrutiny , including evidence , as we revealed last week , showing that there were warnings about the potentially catastrophic impact of the virus several weeks before the sudden lockdown .
There is , though , a lot more of the evidence that is still being withheld , most importantly the actual advice SAGE has given to ministers .
It 's right that the government and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling of the coronavirus crisis .
Other countries saw the warning signs far earlier than the UK .
We were the last major European country to lockdown , we took too long to ramp up testing and the provision of PPE for health and care workers has been hopelessly inadequate .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The independent SAGE group has added its own criticisms about the premature abandonment of contact tracing in early March , the reliability of the testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news briefing and the junking of the clear `` stay at home '' message as the lockdown is lifted .
But some of its recommendations are consistent with government policy .
They say the virus should be suppressed and not allowed to spread , even in a controlled way .
Tick .
The government says the R number must be kept below one so the epidemic shrinks .
They want a return to contact tracing .
Tick .
There 's an app being tested and 18,000 virus detectives being recruited .
And they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a more reliable picture of what the virus is doing .
Tick .
The Office of National Statistics has just published the first batch of data from viral swabs on more than 7,000 people .
Sadly , the report did n't consider the government strategy for easing the lockdown .
We still know nothing about the scientific advice that underpins it .
What is the evidence that says it 's safe to meet one of your parents outdoors , but not both at the same time , even if they live together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a public space , but not your back garden ?
How low do cases have to go to allow schools to start opening up on 1 June and perhaps restaurants in July ?
The public has a right to know .
That 's what transparency means .
A clear , contemporary assessment of the science published alongside the political strategy .
Millions of people are prisoners in their own homes and it 's right they understand on what evidence .

The report does not say what scientific evidence is behind the government's recently published guidance to the public.
Scientific advice to the government has become more transparent
"This is what transparency looks like," said Sir David King as he launched a critical report of the government's handling of the coronavirus epidemic.
He's a former government chief scientist and the report was the first from a panel of experts assembled to rival the official Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
The 12-strong group live-streamed their two-hour meeting on YouTube last week and have just produced what they say is a constructive report which they've sent to the government and parliament.
It's worth saying that the news briefing to launch the report wasn't open to the public.
"We were told the membership (of SAGE) was secret. Why on Earth would you want to be secret?", said Sir David.
"We are focused on what is in the best national interest and doing it openly so that people can judge whether or not the government is following the best advice."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:11 Hancock denies new rules are confusing
In fact the membership of the official SAGE committee is now in the public domain, although two people have still refused permission for their names to be released.
And some of the advice that SAGE has considered since the beginning of February has also been opened up for scrutiny, including evidence, as we revealed last week, showing that there were warnings about the potentially catastrophic impact of the virus several weeks before the sudden lockdown.
There is, though, a lot more of the evidence that is still being withheld, most importantly the actual advice SAGE has given to ministers.
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It's right that the government and its advisers are held to account over their handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Other countries saw the warning signs far earlier than the UK. We were the last major European country to lockdown, we took too long to ramp up testing and the provision of PPE for health and care workers has been hopelessly inadequate.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The independent SAGE group has added its own criticisms about the premature abandonment of contact tracing in early March, the reliability of the testing figures announced in the government's daily news briefing and the junking of the clear "stay at home" message as the lockdown is lifted.
But some of its recommendations are consistent with government policy.
They say the virus should be suppressed and not allowed to spread, even in a controlled way. Tick. The government says the R number must be kept below one so the epidemic shrinks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 N Ireland publish lockdown separate plan
They want a return to contact tracing. Tick. There's an app being tested and 18,000 virus detectives being recruited.
And they want more real-time, real-world data to get a more reliable picture of what the virus is doing. Tick. The Office of National Statistics has just published the first batch of data from viral swabs on more than 7,000 people.
Sadly, the report didn't consider the government strategy for easing the lockdown.
We still know nothing about the scientific advice that underpins it.
What is the evidence that says it's safe to meet one of your parents outdoors, but not both at the same time, even if they live together?
Why can you meet a friend in a public space, but not your back garden?
How low do cases have to go to allow schools to start opening up on 1 June and perhaps restaurants in July?
The public has a right to know.
That's what transparency means. A clear, contemporary assessment of the science published alongside the political strategy.
Millions of people are prisoners in their own homes and it's right they understand on what evidence.


news--2020-04-28--NHS worker stabbed to death days before funeral of father who had coronavirus

An NHS worker has been stabbed to death in a `` totally unprovoked attack '' in east London just days before his father 's funeral .
David Gomoh , 24 , was speaking to a friend on the phone when he was knifed by a group of men in masks moments after leaving his home in Newham on Sunday .
Police were called to the scene in Freemasons Road at 10.26pm and Mr Gomoh was taken to an east London hospital where he later died from his injuries .
The marketing graduate was a key worker who helped keep NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother is a nurse who also works for the NHS .
He was due to attend the funeral on Wednesday of his father , who died recently from a COVID-19-related illness .
Detectives have said Mr Gomoh was not involved in any arguments and there is nothing in his background which gives any reason for why he was singled out .
No arrests have been made .
Detective Inspector Tony Kirk , of the Metropolitan Police 's specialist crime command , said Mr Gomoh 's family were going through `` unimaginable torment '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mother has seen the death of her husband and son ; his sister has lost her brother and father , both are now heartbroken .
`` David was a young man who had worked hard to put himself through university and , like his mother , worked hard for the community in the NHS .
`` At this time we believe the only thing David did to be murdered was walk down a street .
He was apparently approached by a group of men wearing masks and stabbed multiple times in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt this was a planned attack that singled out David because he happened to be in that area .
`` David and his mother , who have done so much to help the community , now need the public to come forward and tell us what they know .
If you have any information , please think of this young man and the suffering of his family and call us .
`` If you do n't want to give your name , call Crimestoppers , but do make that call .
David 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Officers believe those involved left the scene in a stolen silver Dodge Caliber that was abandoned at about 10.30pm in Lincoln Road after driving through a no entry sign from Cumberland Road .
The car had been stolen in Dagenham on Thursday 16 April and had cloned registration plates when it was recovered .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Scotland Yard is appealing for any witnesses , anyone who may have seen the vehicle before or after the attack or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the car was dumped .
Anyone with any information can call the incident room on 0208 345 3985 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org .
You can also contact via 101 or Twitter @ MetCC quoting CAD 8371/26APR .

An NHS worker has been stabbed to death in a "totally unprovoked attack" in east London just days before his father's funeral.
David Gomoh, 24, was speaking to a friend on the phone when he was knifed by a group of men in masks moments after leaving his home in Newham on Sunday.
Police were called to the scene in Freemasons Road at 10.26pm and Mr Gomoh was taken to an east London hospital where he later died from his injuries.
The marketing graduate was a key worker who helped keep NHS staff supplied with essential equipment. His mother is a nurse who also works for the NHS.
Image: Mr Gomoh was walking along Freemasons Road when he was attacked
He was due to attend the funeral on Wednesday of his father, who died recently from a COVID-19-related illness.
Detectives have said Mr Gomoh was not involved in any arguments and there is nothing in his background which gives any reason for why he was singled out.
No arrests have been made.
Detective Inspector Tony Kirk, of the Metropolitan Police's specialist crime command, said Mr Gomoh's family were going through "unimaginable torment".
He added: "Within days his mother has seen the death of her husband and son; his sister has lost her brother and father, both are now heartbroken.
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"David was a young man who had worked hard to put himself through university and, like his mother, worked hard for the community in the NHS.
"At this time we believe the only thing David did to be murdered was walk down a street. He was apparently approached by a group of men wearing masks and stabbed multiple times in a ferocious assault.
"I have no doubt this was a planned attack that singled out David because he happened to be in that area.
"David and his mother, who have done so much to help the community, now need the public to come forward and tell us what they know. If you have any information, please think of this young man and the suffering of his family and call us.
"If you don't want to give your name, call Crimestoppers, but do make that call. David's family deserve both answers and justice."
Officers believe those involved left the scene in a stolen silver Dodge Caliber that was abandoned at about 10.30pm in Lincoln Road after driving through a no entry sign from Cumberland Road.
The car had been stolen in Dagenham on Thursday 16 April and had cloned registration plates when it was recovered.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Scotland Yard is appealing for any witnesses, anyone who may have seen the vehicle before or after the attack or may have dashcam footage or CCTV near where the car was dumped.
Anyone with any information can call the incident room on 0208 345 3985 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
You can also contact via 101 or Twitter @MetCC quoting CAD 8371/26APR.


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Secret Escapes books £40m cash injection

The online travel group Secret Escapes is finalising a £40m cash injection that will help it to weather the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that the company , which launched nearly a decade ago , is in advanced talks with its existing shareholders about a deal that could be concluded as soon as this week .
The new equity is expected to be provided by investors including Merian Chrysalis , the technology company backer which holds stakes in Starling Bank and TransferWise , and Octopus Investments , one of the most prolific shareholders in UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Singaporean sovereign wealth fund , is also an investor .
Once finalised , the additional funding will offer reassurance to Secret Escapes ' 1,000-strong international workforce about its owners ' view of its long-term potential .
The new money is also designed to help the company resume its growth trajectory once restrictions on international travel are lifted , according to one insider .
A stock market listing for Secret Escapes is likely to remain a long-term ambition , but any chance of doing so in the next couple of years looks to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry recovery will be slow and painstaking .
The global travel industry has been among the hardest-hit by the coronavirus pandemic , with airlines , tour operators , cruise companies and businesses in their supply chains all trying to cope with a sudden collapse in revenue .
Holiday companies are now in the eye of a storm over customer refunds , with some operators now providing only vouchers to affected consumers rather than the cash refunds within 14 days that they are obliged to .
Secret Escapes positions itself as a premium travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members access to exclusive discounted travel offers and services .
Late last year , it appointed Kate Swann , the former WH Smith and SSP Group chief executive , as its new chairman .
The appointment was a coup for the company , which before the crisis was expanding at a rapid rate as it benefited from the troubles of established high street competitors such as Thomas Cook .
Secret Escapes has snapped up part of the collapsed holiday group Laterooms and the travel rewards site Pigsback.com .
The company trades under brands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national brands including Travelist in Poland and Slevomat in the Czech Republic .
In the latest financial year for which results have been published , it reported a sharp rise in underlying revenue to £101.3m and turned a modest annual profit .
The company now boasts a membership base in excess of 65 million people , according to figures it released last year .
Secret Escapes declined to comment on the impending equity injection from shareholders .

The online travel group Secret Escapes is finalising a £40m cash injection that will help it to weather the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that the company, which launched nearly a decade ago, is in advanced talks with its existing shareholders about a deal that could be concluded as soon as this week.
The new equity is expected to be provided by investors including Merian Chrysalis, the technology company backer which holds stakes in Starling Bank and TransferWise, and Octopus Investments, one of the most prolific shareholders in UK growth companies.
Temasek Holdings, the Singaporean sovereign wealth fund, is also an investor.
Once finalised, the additional funding will offer reassurance to Secret Escapes' 1,000-strong international workforce about its owners' view of its long-term potential.
The new money is also designed to help the company resume its growth trajectory once restrictions on international travel are lifted, according to one insider.
A stock market listing for Secret Escapes is likely to remain a long-term ambition, but any chance of doing so in the next couple of years looks to have dissipated, with analysts forecasting that an industry recovery will be slow and painstaking.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 How can the economy get back to work?
The global travel industry has been among the hardest-hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with airlines, tour operators, cruise companies and businesses in their supply chains all trying to cope with a sudden collapse in revenue.
Holiday companies are now in the eye of a storm over customer refunds, with some operators now providing only vouchers to affected consumers rather than the cash refunds within 14 days that they are obliged to.
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Secret Escapes positions itself as a premium travel club offering its tens of millions of members access to exclusive discounted travel offers and services.
Late last year, it appointed Kate Swann, the former WH Smith and SSP Group chief executive, as its new chairman.
The appointment was a coup for the company, which before the crisis was expanding at a rapid rate as it benefited from the troubles of established high street competitors such as Thomas Cook.
Secret Escapes has snapped up part of the collapsed holiday group Laterooms and the travel rewards site Pigsback.com.
The company trades under brands including Travel Bird across Europe, with national brands including Travelist in Poland and Slevomat in the Czech Republic.
In the latest financial year for which results have been published, it reported a sharp rise in underlying revenue to £101.3m and turned a modest annual profit.
The company now boasts a membership base in excess of 65 million people, according to figures it released last year.
Secret Escapes declined to comment on the impending equity injection from shareholders.


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: British Airways set to cut 12,000 jobs as crisis grounds flights

British Airways is on course to make up to 12,000 staff , more than a quarter of its workforce , redundant following a collapse in global travel due to the coronavirus crisis .
The airline 's parent company IAG said a restructuring and redundancy programme that would primarily affect BA was being put to trade unions as it looked to the future beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and the grounding of the vast majority of its fleet .
It reflected , the company said , group operating losses of €535m during the first quarter of the year - most of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it expected the situation to deteriorate in the current second quarter .
Its statement read : `` In light of the impact of COVID-19 on current operations and the expectation that the recovery of passenger demand to 2019 levels will take several years , British Airways is formally notifying its trade unions about a proposed restructuring and redundancy programme .
`` The proposals remain subject to consultation but it is likely that they will affect most of British Airways ' employees and may result in the redundancy of up to 12,000 of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airways has availed itself of the UK 's COVID-19 job retention scheme and furloughed 22,626 employees in April . ''
The pilots ' union Balpa responded by signalling it would fight for every job while Unite said it was a `` heartless decision '' at a time of national crisis .
The airline is not alone in feeling the strain , with rivals seeking state aid to help keep them in the air beyond the freeze in flights .
Lufthansa is understood to be in talks over a €9bn loan from the German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will collapse without extra help amid loan negotiations with the British government .
In a letter to BA 's 42,000 workers , chief executive Alex Cruz said the airline had to `` take action now '' as there was `` no government bailout standing by for BA '' or loan that would resolve its long-term challenges .
He wrote : `` We do not know when countries will reopen their borders or when the lockdowns will lift , and so we have to reimagine and reshape our airline and create a new future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the destinations we serve . ''
Mr Cruz added : `` This has been a difficult message to write and one I never thought I would need to send .
`` I know how tight-knit the BA family is , and how concerned you will be , not just for yourself but for your colleagues , too .
`` We must act decisively now to ensure that British Airways has a strong future and continues connecting Britain with the world , and the world with Britain . ''
The company gave no details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to bear the brunt of the expected cuts .
It has around 4,500 pilots and 16,000 cabin crew .
Brian Strutton of the pilots ' union , Balpa , responded : `` BA pilots and all staff are devastated by the announcement of up to 12,000 possible job losses in British Airways .
`` This has come as a bolt out of the blue from an airline that said it was wealthy enough to weather the COVID storm and declined any government support .
`` Balpa does not accept that a case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we will be fighting to save every single one . ''
Unite general secretary , Len McCluskey , said : `` This devastating announcement comes on the day that BA staff joined together to lay to rest one of their own , a long-standing and much loved cabin crew member who tragically died from the coronavirus contracted while carrying out his duties bringing home loved ones from overseas to reunite concerned families . ''
He added : `` We say to BA 's boss Alex Cruz that this is a heartless decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` With the majority of BA 's workers on furlough , we would have expected him to work with both us and the government to honour the spirit of the government 's job retention scheme . ''

British Airways is on course to make up to 12,000 staff, more than a quarter of its workforce, redundant following a collapse in global travel due to the coronavirus crisis.
The airline's parent company IAG said a restructuring and redundancy programme that would primarily affect BA was being put to trade unions as it looked to the future beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and the grounding of the vast majority of its fleet.
It reflected, the company said, group operating losses of €535m during the first quarter of the year - most of which were linked to BA.
Image: BA boss Alex Cruz has told staff in a letter that the airline must be reshaped for the future
IAG said it expected the situation to deteriorate in the current second quarter.
Its statement read: "In light of the impact of COVID-19 on current operations and the expectation that the recovery of passenger demand to 2019 levels will take several years, British Airways is formally notifying its trade unions about a proposed restructuring and redundancy programme.
"The proposals remain subject to consultation but it is likely that they will affect most of British Airways' employees and may result in the redundancy of up to 12,000 of them.
"As previously announced, British Airways has availed itself of the UK's COVID-19 job retention scheme and furloughed 22,626 employees in April."
The pilots' union Balpa responded by signalling it would fight for every job while Unite said it was a "heartless decision" at a time of national crisis.
The airline is not alone in feeling the strain, with rivals seeking state aid to help keep them in the air beyond the freeze in flights.
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Lufthansa is understood to be in talks over a €9bn loan from the German taxpayer while Virgin Atlantic has admitted it will collapse without extra help amid loan negotiations with the British government.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 'Branson can bail himself out'
In a letter to BA's 42,000 workers, chief executive Alex Cruz said the airline had to "take action now" as there was "no government bailout standing by for BA" or loan that would resolve its long-term challenges.
He wrote: "We do not know when countries will reopen their borders or when the lockdowns will lift, and so we have to reimagine and reshape our airline and create a new future for our people, our customers and the destinations we serve."
Mr Cruz added: "This has been a difficult message to write and one I never thought I would need to send.
"I know how tight-knit the BA family is, and how concerned you will be, not just for yourself but for your colleagues, too.
"We must act decisively now to ensure that British Airways has a strong future and continues connecting Britain with the world, and the world with Britain."
The company gave no details on which areas of the business were likely to bear the brunt of the expected cuts.
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It has around 4,500 pilots and 16,000 cabin crew.
Brian Strutton of the pilots' union, Balpa, responded: "BA pilots and all staff are devastated by the announcement of up to 12,000 possible job losses in British Airways.
"This has come as a bolt out of the blue from an airline that said it was wealthy enough to weather the COVID storm and declined any government support.
"Balpa does not accept that a case has been made for these job losses and we will be fighting to save every single one."
Unite general secretary, Len McCluskey, said: "This devastating announcement comes on the day that BA staff joined together to lay to rest one of their own, a long-standing and much loved cabin crew member who tragically died from the coronavirus contracted while carrying out his duties bringing home loved ones from overseas to reunite concerned families."
He added: "We say to BA's boss Alex Cruz that this is a heartless decision in a time of national crisis.
"With the majority of BA's workers on furlough, we would have expected him to work with both us and the government to honour the spirit of the government's job retention scheme."


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Top New York City doctor on front line takes her own life

A top doctor who was on the front line of the fight against coronavirus in New York City has taken her own life .
Dr Lorna Breen , who had recovered from COVID-19 herself and returned to work at New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital in Manhattan , was staying with family in Virginia .
She was taken to UVA Hospital where she died of self-inflicted injuries on Sunday , Charlottesville Police Department said .
`` She tried to do her job , and it killed her , '' her father , Dr Phillip Breen , told The New York Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and took a week-and-a-half off to recover before returning to work at the hospital where she was medical director of the emergency department .
But she was sent back home by the hospital , and the family intervened , suspecting something might be wrong .
She had no history of mental illness , her father said , but seemed `` detached '' and described some of the horrors she had witnessed at the hospital while battling the virus .
He said : `` She was truly in the trenches of the front line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a hero , because she was .
`` She 's a casualty just as much as anyone else who has died . ''
New York accounts for almost a third ( 17,500 ) of America 's 56,000 coronavirus-related deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
`` Words can not convey the sense of loss we feel today , '' the hospital said in a statement to NBC News .
`` Dr Breen is a hero who brought the highest ideals of medicine to the challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our focus today is to provide support to her family , friends , and colleagues as they cope with this news during what is already an extraordinarily difficult time . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney said : `` Front line healthcare professionals and first responders are not immune to the mental or physical effects of the current pandemic .
`` On a daily basis , these professionals operate under the most stressful of circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressors .
`` Personal protective equipment ( PPE ) can reduce the likelihood of being infected , but what they can not protect heroes like Dr Lorna Breen , or our first responders against is the emotional and mental devastation caused by this disease . ''
: : Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo @ samaritans.org in the UK .
In the US , call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 ( 800 ) 273-TALK

A top doctor who was on the front line of the fight against coronavirus in New York City has taken her own life.
Dr Lorna Breen, who had recovered from COVID-19 herself and returned to work at New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital in Manhattan, was staying with family in Virginia.
She was taken to UVA Hospital where she died of self-inflicted injuries on Sunday, Charlottesville Police Department said.
Image: New York has been the worst-hit state of the US since the start of the coronavirus outbreak
"She tried to do her job, and it killed her," her father, Dr Phillip Breen, told The New York Times.
He said his daughter contracted coronavirus herself and took a week-and-a-half off to recover before returning to work at the hospital where she was medical director of the emergency department.
But she was sent back home by the hospital, and the family intervened, suspecting something might be wrong.
She had no history of mental illness, her father said, but seemed "detached" and described some of the horrors she had witnessed at the hospital while battling the virus.
He said: "She was truly in the trenches of the front line.
"Make sure she's praised as a hero, because she was.
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"She's a casualty just as much as anyone else who has died."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 New York emergency workers applaud health staff
New York accounts for almost a third (17,500) of America's 56,000 coronavirus-related deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.
"Words cannot convey the sense of loss we feel today," the hospital said in a statement to NBC News.
"Dr Breen is a hero who brought the highest ideals of medicine to the challenging front lines of the emergency department.
"Our focus today is to provide support to her family, friends, and colleagues as they cope with this news during what is already an extraordinarily difficult time."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney said: "Front line healthcare professionals and first responders are not immune to the mental or physical effects of the current pandemic.
"On a daily basis, these professionals operate under the most stressful of circumstances, and the coronavirus has introduced additional stressors.
"Personal protective equipment (PPE) can reduce the likelihood of being infected, but what they cannot protect heroes like Dr Lorna Breen, or our first responders against is the emotional and mental devastation caused by this disease."
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK


news--2020-04-28--'I watched her slip away': What it is like to lose a loved one to COVID-19

Laura Tanner is one of more than 100 NHS workers who have died from COVID-19 .
The 51-year-old passed away at home on 1 April , after both her and her husband Kevin became ill with the coronavirus .
Laura had worked for the Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group for more than 10 years , most recently as an out of hospital commissioning support officer .
Her husband Kevin , who she married in September 2014 , spoke to Sky News about his wife 's experience .
On the 18th March we both had a fever .
I felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
We both went into isolation .
Her youngest son Kian also had mild symptoms .
We did n't try and get tested and we both lost our taste and smell .
By day seven , my symptoms had gone but she had got bad .
She was burning up so we called 999 .
Her temperature was 40C and the paramedic said she was the fifth or sixth person he 'd seen that night with those symptoms .
None of them had gone to hospital because their symptoms were n't shallow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her temperature down but was going by his own protocols and she was n't ill enough to go to hospital .
We ca n't knock them for that - she did n't want to go to hospital , she did n't think she would come back .
We could n't take her temperature because we did n't have thermometers in the house .
She ordered them and they came a week after she died .
Then the aches , cough and shallow breathing started .
I continued looking after her , I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was keeping an ear out .
She could n't go to the bathroom without getting breathless .
She died on the 1st of April .
I heard her thumping down the stairs and then she was on the sofa .
It looked like she was having a massive panic attack .
I have seasonal asthma , so have brown paper bags in the house .
I tried to get her to breath into the bag .
That was for 45 minutes .
I called her sister and told her Laura was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is n't good .
She wanted me to stay next to her , because it was comforting .
I was on the phone to 999 trying to get the ambulance out .
I told them on the phone she was slipping away .
I had n't done CPR before .
They talked me through it .
I watched her slip away .
I was holding her .
The ambulance came 10 minutes later .
They took her away , still working on her .
Forty-five minutes later two of them came back and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laura 's other son Ethan had turned up by then .
He had been staying at his place , because we were isolating .
It never crossed my mind this could happen .
You never think your loved ones will get it , especially your own wife .
I have always got memories of her in her wedding dress .
I love that picture .
I had it blown up for the funeral and put it in the frame .
It arrived that day .
There is not enough awareness .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is .
Even on the weekend , so many people are going to beaches .
If they are gathering when they should n't be , they have only got themselves to blame .
This is the true life story of a family that has been torn apart .
In a statement Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group said : `` Laura , a warm and caring colleague , will be greatly missed by everyone at Basildon and Brentwood CCG and our thoughts and condolences are with her family at this devastating time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Transformation at BBCCG , said : `` Laura 's sad death will leave a massive void within the CCG .
With her warmth and sense of humour , she was a popular colleague .
We offer our most sincere condolences to Laura 's family.
``

Laura Tanner is one of more than 100 NHS workers who have died from COVID-19.
The 51-year-old passed away at home on 1 April, after both her and her husband Kevin became ill with the coronavirus.
Laura had worked for the Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group for more than 10 years, most recently as an out of hospital commissioning support officer.
Her husband Kevin, who she married in September 2014, spoke to Sky News about his wife's experience.
Image: Laura Tanner worked for the NHS at Basildon and Brentwood CCG
On the 18th March we both had a fever. I felt ill and shivery and she felt awful too. We both went into isolation.
Her youngest son Kian also had mild symptoms.
We didn't try and get tested and we both lost our taste and smell.
By day seven, my symptoms had gone but she had got bad. She was burning up so we called 999.
Her temperature was 40C and the paramedic said she was the fifth or sixth person he'd seen that night with those symptoms.
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None of them had gone to hospital because their symptoms weren't shallow breathing or unconsciousness.
The paramedic got her temperature down but was going by his own protocols and she wasn't ill enough to go to hospital.
We can't knock them for that - she didn't want to go to hospital, she didn't think she would come back.
Image: Laura had thanked Kevin on Facebook for looking after her
We couldn't take her temperature because we didn't have thermometers in the house.
She ordered them and they came a week after she died.
Then the aches, cough and shallow breathing started.
I continued looking after her, I was giving her paracetamol, food and water and was keeping an ear out.
She couldn't go to the bathroom without getting breathless.
Image: Laura said she would not wish the disease on her worst enemy
She died on the 1st of April.
I heard her thumping down the stairs and then she was on the sofa. It looked like she was having a massive panic attack.
I have seasonal asthma, so have brown paper bags in the house. I tried to get her to breath into the bag. That was for 45 minutes.
I called her sister and told her Laura wasn't calming down. I thought, this isn't good.
She wanted me to stay next to her, because it was comforting. I was on the phone to 999 trying to get the ambulance out.
I told them on the phone she was slipping away.
Image: Kevin Tanner said this was the last picture taken of him and Laura together before she died.
I hadn't done CPR before. They talked me through it. I watched her slip away. I was holding her.
The ambulance came 10 minutes later. They took her away, still working on her.
Forty-five minutes later two of them came back and saved me getting the phone call.
Laura's other son Ethan had turned up by then. He had been staying at his place, because we were isolating.
It never crossed my mind this could happen. You never think your loved ones will get it, especially your own wife.
I have always got memories of her in her wedding dress. I love that picture.
I had it blown up for the funeral and put it in the frame. It arrived that day.
Image: Laura Tanner in her wedding dress in September 2014
There is not enough awareness. There are people who don't understand how serious it is.
Even on the weekend, so many people are going to beaches.
If they are gathering when they shouldn't be, they have only got themselves to blame.
This is the true life story of a family that has been torn apart.
In a statement Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group said: "Laura, a warm and caring colleague, will be greatly missed by everyone at Basildon and Brentwood CCG and our thoughts and condolences are with her family at this devastating time.
William Guy, Director of Strategy and Transformation at BBCCG, said: "Laura's sad death will leave a massive void within the CCG. With her warmth and sense of humour, she was a popular colleague. We offer our most sincere condolences to Laura's family. "


news--2020-04-28--'The nation will not forget you': Boris Johnson leads minute's silence for key workers who have died

'The nation will not forget you': Boris Johnson leads minute's silence for key workers who have died with COVID-19

Boris Johnson has led the nation in a minute 's silence to pay tribute to the key workers who have died in the fight against the coronavirus .
The prime minister , who has returned to work after his own battle with COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , paused at 11am to mark the moment in Downing Street .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Matt Hancock also observed the silence .
Mr Johnson wrote on Twitter : `` This morning I took part in a minute 's silence to remember those workers who have tragically died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not forget you . ''
There has been criticism of the government over the provision of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for frontline workers .
Martin Mayer , secretary of the Sheffield Trade Union Council , told those who gathered in the city to mark the event that many workers `` did n't get the protection they should have had '' .
`` We stand here sombrely and with great sadness , but with anger in our hearts too , '' he said .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` Coronavirus has shown us who our key workers really are , '' he said .
`` When this pandemic is over we ca n't return to business as usual .
`` They need proper pay , good working conditions , and a vision of a better society . ''
In a video message earlier , Sir Keir said `` too many '' frontline workers had died `` and we owe them a huge debt '' .
In a video message , the Labour leader said : `` Nobody should put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't got the right protective equipment .
`` We owe it to them to make sure that we 've got the right equipment , in the right place at the right time , and we will continue to press on that . ''
Mr Hancock was urged to issue a public apology over PPE shortages by the son of a doctor who died after warning the government about a lack of PPE .
Intisar Chowdhury , the son of Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury , who died after being diagnosed with COVID-19 , challenged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The minute 's silence was held following a campaign from Unison , the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Nursing to recognise the sacrifices of doctors , nurses , carers , cleaners , porters and bus drivers .
More than 100 NHS and social care workers have died with COVID-19 , while workers in other key sectors such as transport are also among those who have died .
Healthcare staff , some in tears , bowed their heads as they remembered their colleagues , followed in some instances by applause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers were remembered .
Dame Donna Kinnair , chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing , said : `` I am heartened to hear how many people took part in the minute 's silence to honour the memory of staff who have tragically died during the pandemic .
`` We thought it was important to pay tribute publicly to those who have lost their lives to the virus , and I am proud that so many took the time to do so this morning . ''
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She added : `` An even greater task now remains - to stop more joining the tragic number of those who have died .
`` All key workers , healthcare staff among them , must be afforded the greatest protection . ''
The silence was marked across the UK in a number of ways : • Flags were flown at half-mast at several hospitals , including Chorley and Royal Preston Hospitals and Birmingham Women 's and Children 's Trust 's hospitals • Westminster Abbey fell silent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and care workers who have lost their lives in the service of others '' • At Sheffield Town Hall , trade unionists and other supporters gathered outside carrying placards - some listing the names of those who have died • Three Unison representatives laid wreaths at Newcastle 's main War Memorial in Old Eldon Square • The London Underground and the city 's buses were brought to a halt as the workforce honoured colleagues , while elsewhere some traffic stopped for the silence • There were tears as NHS staff and Unison campaigners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester for the minute 's silence , followed by applause .
• Staff at Northern Ireland 's Ulster Hospital formed a guard of honour in the emergency department `` to show solidarity with our colleagues '' • Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon marked the moment outside St Andrew 's House in Edinburgh • In Wales , First Minister Mark Drakeford and Health Minister Vaughan Gething observed the silence with other ministers at the Welsh government headquarters in Cardiff .

Boris Johnson has led the nation in a minute's silence to pay tribute to the key workers who have died in the fight against the coronavirus.
The prime minister, who has returned to work after his own battle with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, paused at 11am to mark the moment in Downing Street.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Matt Hancock also observed the silence.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:00 'I ask you to contain your impatience'
Mr Johnson wrote on Twitter: "This morning I took part in a minute's silence to remember those workers who have tragically died in the coronavirus pandemic. The nation will not forget you."
There has been criticism of the government over the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers.
Martin Mayer, secretary of the Sheffield Trade Union Council, told those who gathered in the city to mark the event that many workers "didn't get the protection they should have had".
"We stand here sombrely and with great sadness, but with anger in our hearts too," he said.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described the silence as a "really emotional moment".
"Coronavirus has shown us who our key workers really are," he said.
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"When this pandemic is over we can't return to business as usual.
"They need proper pay, good working conditions, and a vision of a better society."
In a video message earlier, Sir Keir said "too many" frontline workers had died "and we owe them a huge debt".
In a video message, the Labour leader said: "Nobody should put their lives at risk because they haven't got the right protective equipment.
"We owe it to them to make sure that we've got the right equipment, in the right place at the right time, and we will continue to press on that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 New data shows the scale of the health crisis
Mr Hancock was urged to issue a public apology over PPE shortages by the son of a doctor who died after warning the government about a lack of PPE.
Intisar Chowdhury, the son of Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, who died after being diagnosed with COVID-19, challenged Mr Hancock during an LBC phone-in.
The minute's silence was held following a campaign from Unison, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Nursing to recognise the sacrifices of doctors, nurses, carers, cleaners, porters and bus drivers.
More than 100 NHS and social care workers have died with COVID-19, while workers in other key sectors such as transport are also among those who have died.
Healthcare staff, some in tears, bowed their heads as they remembered their colleagues, followed in some instances by applause.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:38 Son of doctor who died confronts Hancock
Elsewhere, traffic stopped as key workers were remembered.
Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: "I am heartened to hear how many people took part in the minute's silence to honour the memory of staff who have tragically died during the pandemic.
"We thought it was important to pay tribute publicly to those who have lost their lives to the virus, and I am proud that so many took the time to do so this morning."
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She added: "An even greater task now remains - to stop more joining the tragic number of those who have died.
"All key workers, healthcare staff among them, must be afforded the greatest protection."
The silence was marked across the UK in a number of ways:


news--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Weather forecasting drops up to 90% due to pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the quantity and quality of weather observations and forecasts , according to the World Meteorological Organisation ( WMO ) .
According to the WMO , the coronavirus lockdown means meteorological measurements taken from aircraft have `` plummeted '' by up to 80 % in some regions , and closer to 90 % in the southern hemisphere .
Surface-based observations are also in decline , `` especially in Africa and parts of Central and South America where many stations are manual rather than automatic '' it added .
`` As we approach the Atlantic hurricane season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge , and may exacerbate multi-hazard risks at a single country level , '' warned WMO secretary general Petteri Taalas .
While large parts of the observation systems which keep a check on the weather are automated to a degree , there is a fear if the pandemic is prolonged then they will miss out on crucial repair work .
A significant part of the WMO 's data comes from commercial airlines , which use their own sensors , computers and communications systems to automatically collect and process meteorological observations to ground stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decrease in commercial flights has meant an enormous drop in these measurements , of generally around 80 % but up to 90 % in some of the most vulnerable areas , such as the tropics and in the southern hemisphere .
Fortunately , satellite-based observations are working well and proving to be stable .
The WMO currently uses 30 meteorological satellites and 200 research satellites , which provide continuous , highly-automated observations .
There are also more than 10,000 completely automated and unmanned surface weather stations on Earth .

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the quantity and quality of weather observations and forecasts, according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
According to the WMO, the coronavirus lockdown means meteorological measurements taken from aircraft have "plummeted" by up to 80% in some regions, and closer to 90% in the southern hemisphere.
Surface-based observations are also in decline, "especially in Africa and parts of Central and South America where many stations are manual rather than automatic" it added.
"As we approach the Atlantic hurricane season, the COVID-19 pandemic poses an additional challenge, and may exacerbate multi-hazard risks at a single country level," warned WMO secretary general Petteri Taalas.
Image: The loss of measurements could be dangerous in Atlantic hurricane season
While large parts of the observation systems which keep a check on the weather are automated to a degree, there is a fear if the pandemic is prolonged then they will miss out on crucial repair work.
A significant part of the WMO's data comes from commercial airlines, which use their own sensors, computers and communications systems to automatically collect and process meteorological observations to ground stations via satellite or radio links.
But the decrease in commercial flights has meant an enormous drop in these measurements, of generally around 80% but up to 90% in some of the most vulnerable areas, such as the tropics and in the southern hemisphere.
Fortunately, satellite-based observations are working well and proving to be stable.
The WMO currently uses 30 meteorological satellites and 200 research satellites, which provide continuous, highly-automated observations.
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There are also more than 10,000 completely automated and unmanned surface weather stations on Earth.


news--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: People will readjust when restrictions are eased, experts say

People have been compliant and will continue to adjust to the new normal when restrictions are eased , according to psychologists .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is widely expected to announce the easing of some of coronavirus lockdown restrictions on Sunday evening when he makes an announcement to the nation .
But after being told to stay indoors for so long and make major adjustments to the way we live , some may find it difficult to go back to work , or using the outdoors for more than just essentials , with COVID-19 still playing a big part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dr Chris Cocker , a social psychologist from the University of Brighton said the public has generally adhered to the lockdown restrictions - and moving forward , most people will be able to adjust to the new normal .
He said as long as the government gives `` clear and unambiguous information '' to the public , people will quickly readjust , adding : `` It 's about how its ( the message ) is presented .
`` People may go nuts and think 'wahey , I can go outside ' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a patronising view of the public ... that some people wo n't understand the nuances .
People can be trusted . ''
He does not think that the easing of restrictions will lead to masses of people going outside - despite the potential of having a more `` liberal relationship to social distancing '' .
He told Sky News : `` Polling data suggests two-thirds to three-quarters of the population are concerned about the virus , about their own risk and the risk to others .
`` Even though people can come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reticent and fearful that they may be exposed to the virus . ''
He also said that people have had a responsible attitude to COVID-19 , adding that it was now up to a `` broad range of stakeholders to find ways for people to socialise without increasing transmission '' .
Professor Stott was surprised at how quickly the public adapted to the lockdown measures , saying : `` We adapted quickly , and it will come again , perhaps with a few hiccups , but it 'll happen . ''
He did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tend to have bigger houses and jobs that mean they can work from home and maintain an income , will have found it easier in lockdown , and that inequality could be an issue moving forward .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker According to Dr James Davies , a psychotherapist from the University of Roehampton , people 's individual reactions to the lifting of measures will entirely depend on how they feel during the lockdown .
He said : `` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get up in the morning - lockdown was maybe a relief ... certainly if you 've been furloughed .
`` They might have time on their hands ... and been able to take some time away so going back to work may be difficult .
`` Far more difficult for those running small businesses and who are desperate to get back . ''
Dr Davies added : `` There is an anxiety of where we might be in six to 12 months , so there could be collective relief helped by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards normality , the economics may leave us in a difficult position . ''
He also said that the suffering that individuals are going through is a `` natural response to a tricky situation '' and the response to that should be rooted in policy , rather than medicine .

People have been compliant and will continue to adjust to the new normal when restrictions are eased, according to psychologists.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is widely expected to announce the easing of some of coronavirus lockdown restrictions on Sunday evening when he makes an announcement to the nation.
But after being told to stay indoors for so long and make major adjustments to the way we live, some may find it difficult to go back to work, or using the outdoors for more than just essentials, with COVID-19 still playing a big part in our lives.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:48 Ministers meet to discuss easing the lockdown
Speaking to Sky News, Dr Chris Cocker, a social psychologist from the University of Brighton said the public has generally adhered to the lockdown restrictions - and moving forward, most people will be able to adjust to the new normal.
He said as long as the government gives "clear and unambiguous information" to the public, people will quickly readjust, adding: "It's about how its (the message) is presented.
"People may go nuts and think 'wahey, I can go outside' and that is a concern, but that is a patronising view of the public... that some people won't understand the nuances. People can be trusted."
Professor Clifford Stott, a professor of social psychology at Keele University, agrees.
He does not think that the easing of restrictions will lead to masses of people going outside - despite the potential of having a more "liberal relationship to social distancing".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:15 Bank Governor: 'Economy will bounce back'
He told Sky News: "Polling data suggests two-thirds to three-quarters of the population are concerned about the virus, about their own risk and the risk to others.
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"Even though people can come out the house... they may be reticent and fearful that they may be exposed to the virus."
He also said that people have had a responsible attitude to COVID-19, adding that it was now up to a "broad range of stakeholders to find ways for people to socialise without increasing transmission".
Professor Stott was surprised at how quickly the public adapted to the lockdown measures, saying: "We adapted quickly, and it will come again, perhaps with a few hiccups, but it'll happen."
He did admit though that middle-class people, who tend to have bigger houses and jobs that mean they can work from home and maintain an income, will have found it easier in lockdown, and that inequality could be an issue moving forward.
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According to Dr James Davies, a psychotherapist from the University of Roehampton, people's individual reactions to the lifting of measures will entirely depend on how they feel during the lockdown.
He said: "If you found work boring and you struggled to get up in the morning - lockdown was maybe a relief... certainly if you've been furloughed.
"They might have time on their hands... and been able to take some time away so going back to work may be difficult.
"Far more difficult for those running small businesses and who are desperate to get back."
Dr Davies added: "There is an anxiety of where we might be in six to 12 months, so there could be collective relief helped by the realisation that unless we do get back towards normality, the economics may leave us in a difficult position."
He also said that the suffering that individuals are going through is a "natural response to a tricky situation" and the response to that should be rooted in policy, rather than medicine.