news--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Trump 'very concerned' after having photo with man who got COVID-19

Donald Trump is `` very concerned '' about coming into contact with people who have contracted the coronavirus , according to a US media report .
According to CNN , the US president is worried about having exposure to anyone later diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Last weekend , Mr Trump was pictured standing shoulder to shoulder with Fábio Wajngarten , who serves as communications chief for Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro .
Days later , Mr Wajngarten confirmed he had tested positive for the coronavirus - prompting Mr Trump to insist that he was not concerned .
Speaking to reporters at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had said : `` We had dinner in Florida at Mar-a-Lago with the entire delegation , but we did nothing very unusual .
`` We sat next to each other for a period of time .
I am not concerned . ''
Contradicting Mr Trump 's public remarks , a source told CNN : `` He is very concerned about all the people he met who have it , including the Brazilian . ''
This is the first time that someone known to have the virus was in close proximity to the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 73-year-old president does not plan to self-isolate or be tested .
Several other US politicians who were at the dinner - including Senator Rick Scott - have said they will be self-isolating as a precaution .
In a statement , the White House said : `` Exposures from the case are being assessed , which will dictate next steps .
Both the president and vice president had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time .
`` As stated before , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States Secret Service has been working closely with various agencies to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the first and second families and all White House staff healthy . ''
Mr Bolsonaro has been tested for coronavirus following his colleague 's positive result - and on Thursday night , he spoke to the Brazilian people in a Facebook live video while wearing a face mask .
Elsewhere , Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will stay in isolation for two weeks after his wife Sophie tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trudeau said she was `` experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus '' but will be `` back on my feet soon '' .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she is close to reaching an agreement with the Trump administration on a coronavirus aid package designed to reassure anxious Americans and calm the markets .
Sick pay and free testing are among the measures proposed in the package .

Donald Trump is "very concerned" about coming into contact with people who have contracted the coronavirus, according to a US media report.
According to CNN, the US president is worried about having exposure to anyone later diagnosed with COVID-19.
Last weekend, Mr Trump was pictured standing shoulder to shoulder with Fábio Wajngarten, who serves as communications chief for Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Days later, Mr Wajngarten confirmed he had tested positive for the coronavirus - prompting Mr Trump to insist that he was not concerned.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, the US president had said: "We had dinner in Florida at Mar-a-Lago with the entire delegation, but we did nothing very unusual.
"We sat next to each other for a period of time. I am not concerned."
Contradicting Mr Trump's public remarks, a source told CNN: "He is very concerned about all the people he met who have it, including the Brazilian."
This is the first time that someone known to have the virus was in close proximity to the US president, and the White House says the 73-year-old president does not plan to self-isolate or be tested.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Trump's new anti-coronavirus measures
Several other US politicians who were at the dinner - including Senator Rick Scott - have said they will be self-isolating as a precaution.
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In a statement, the White House said: "Exposures from the case are being assessed, which will dictate next steps. Both the president and vice president had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time.
"As stated before, the White House Medical Unit and the United States Secret Service has been working closely with various agencies to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the first and second families and all White House staff healthy."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 COVID-19 'much, much worse than Ebola'
Mr Bolsonaro has been tested for coronavirus following his colleague's positive result - and on Thursday night, he spoke to the Brazilian people in a Facebook live video while wearing a face mask.
Elsewhere, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will stay in isolation for two weeks after his wife Sophie tested positive for the coronavirus.
In a statement, Mrs Trudeau said she was "experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus" but will be "back on my feet soon".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she is close to reaching an agreement with the Trump administration on a coronavirus aid package designed to reassure anxious Americans and calm the markets.
Sick pay and free testing are among the measures proposed in the package.


news--2020-03-13--Coronavirus short-selling ban: Trading curbs after European market meltdown

Britain 's markets watchdog has imposed curbs on UK traders as the worsening coronavirus outbreak saw European stock exchanges suffer record losses .
The Financial Conduct Authority has temporarily banned the short-selling of stocks in scores of Spanish and Italian-listed companies , in response to the market meltdown , driven by the spread of COVID-19 - the disease caused by the virus .
The step was taken after both Spain and Italy moved to crackdown on the practice , where traders bet a share price will fall .
Madrid 's benchmark index fell by 14 % on Thursday , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as alarm grew over the spread of COVID-19 and measures unveiled by the European Central Bank failed to calm jitters .
Companies to which the ban applies include Airbus , Fiat Chrysler , Ferrari , and Juventus and Lazio football clubs .
However , Germany said it was not planning a ban .
Short-sellers borrow shares and immediately sell them , betting the price will drop before they buy back the shares and return them , pocketing the difference .
However , when the number of investors seeking to shed stocks outstrips those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid panic-selling over coronavirus , this can further drive down the price of shares .
Many countries outlawed the technique during and in the immediate aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis .
But while such bans can soften the impact of a financial shock , market experts say they only work for a limited time .
Neil Wilson , chief market analyst for Markets.com , said : `` When trouble strikes , policymakers like to fall back on old playbooks , like banning short selling of shares . ''
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when markets spasm and the recent rout fits the bill .
US regulators banned short selling of bank stocks during the great financial crisis of 2008-09 , while similar steps were taken during the height of the 2010-11 European sovereign debt crisis . ''

Britain's markets watchdog has imposed curbs on UK traders as the worsening coronavirus outbreak saw European stock exchanges suffer record losses.
The Financial Conduct Authority has temporarily banned the short-selling of stocks in scores of Spanish and Italian-listed companies, in response to the market meltdown, driven by the spread of COVID-19 - the disease caused by the virus.
Image: The Financial Conduct Authority took action after both Spain and Italy clamped down on the practice
The step was taken after both Spain and Italy moved to crackdown on the practice, where traders bet a share price will fall.
Madrid's benchmark index fell by 14% on Thursday, while the Milan stock market plunged 17% as alarm grew over the spread of COVID-19 and measures unveiled by the European Central Bank failed to calm jitters.
Companies to which the ban applies include Airbus, Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari, and Juventus and Lazio football clubs.
However, Germany said it was not planning a ban.
Short-sellers borrow shares and immediately sell them, betting the price will drop before they buy back the shares and return them, pocketing the difference.
However, when the number of investors seeking to shed stocks outstrips those wanting to buy, as can happen amid panic-selling over coronavirus, this can further drive down the price of shares.
Many countries outlawed the technique during and in the immediate aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
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But while such bans can soften the impact of a financial shock, market experts say they only work for a limited time.
Neil Wilson, chief market analyst for Markets.com, said: "When trouble strikes, policymakers like to fall back on old playbooks, like banning short selling of shares."
He added: "We see this kind of action occasionally when markets spasm and the recent rout fits the bill. US regulators banned short selling of bank stocks during the great financial crisis of 2008-09, while similar steps were taken during the height of the 2010-11 European sovereign debt crisis."


news--2020-03-13--Jobs threat as Harveys and Bensons for Beds owner plots quickfire sale

The new backer of the Harveys and Bensons for Beds furniture chains has put them up for sale , triggering doubt about the future ownership of a company employing 2,700 people .
Sky News has learnt that Alteri Investors has appointed the accountancy firm BDO to handle an accelerated auction process of the chains , with funded takeover proposals required by the end of next week .
Industry sources said that Alteri , which was set up to invest in troubled retailers , was interested in retaining ownership of the Bensons for Beds business itself .
That could involve leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process , they added .
One insider suggested that PricewaterhouseCoopers was being lined up to oversee any insolvency process that arises .
The timing of the sale process is unexpected given the growing impact of the coronavirus crisis on high streets and consumer behaviour .
In total , the Harveys and Bensons for Beds chains trade from 269 stores across the UK .
Bensons for Beds , which was founded in the 1950s , is the largest bed retailer in the UK by store number and the third-largest by revenue , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was founded in 1966 and directly employs nearly 700 people , is the largest furniture specialist in the UK by store number .
They were acquired by Alteri only four months ago , with the investor 's chief executive , Gavin George , saying that it was `` excited to support Mark [ Jackson , the chief executive ] and the team on a successful turnaround of the business '' .
Mr Jackson added that Alteri 's expertise would `` help turbo-charge our plans to drive the performance of the group '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent company , had been owned by Steinhoff International , the troubled South African retail holding company , since 2005 .
It also comprises a substantial manufacturing arm that supplies other high street retailers .
In total , the group recorded sales last year of more than £500m .
The decision to put it up for sale comes amid expectations that a protracted economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak will have a particularly damaging impact on sectors dependent upon consumer confidence .
A spokesman for Alteri declined to comment on Friday .

The new backer of the Harveys and Bensons for Beds furniture chains has put them up for sale, triggering doubt about the future ownership of a company employing 2,700 people.
Sky News has learnt that Alteri Investors has appointed the accountancy firm BDO to handle an accelerated auction process of the chains, with funded takeover proposals required by the end of next week.
Industry sources said that Alteri, which was set up to invest in troubled retailers, was interested in retaining ownership of the Bensons for Beds business itself.
That could involve leaving the Harveys chain behind through an administration process, they added.
One insider suggested that PricewaterhouseCoopers was being lined up to oversee any insolvency process that arises.
The timing of the sale process is unexpected given the growing impact of the coronavirus crisis on high streets and consumer behaviour.
In total, the Harveys and Bensons for Beds chains trade from 269 stores across the UK.
Bensons for Beds, which was founded in the 1950s, is the largest bed retailer in the UK by store number and the third-largest by revenue, according to an earlier corporate statement.
Harveys, which was founded in 1966 and directly employs nearly 700 people, is the largest furniture specialist in the UK by store number.
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They were acquired by Alteri only four months ago, with the investor's chief executive, Gavin George, saying that it was "excited to support Mark [Jackson, the chief executive] and the team on a successful turnaround of the business".
Mr Jackson added that Alteri's expertise would "help turbo-charge our plans to drive the performance of the group".
Blue Group, the chains' parent company, had been owned by Steinhoff International, the troubled South African retail holding company, since 2005.
It also comprises a substantial manufacturing arm that supplies other high street retailers.
In total, the group recorded sales last year of more than £500m.
The decision to put it up for sale comes amid expectations that a protracted economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak will have a particularly damaging impact on sectors dependent upon consumer confidence.
A spokesman for Alteri declined to comment on Friday.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus vaccine taskforce launched by government

The government has launched a taskforce to accelerate the search for a coronavirus vaccine in the UK .
Downing Street 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , and deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam have been tasked with leading the operation .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced the taskforce at Number 10 's daily coronavirus news briefing on Friday , adding that the goal was to `` make sure a vaccine is made available to the public as quickly as possible '' .
`` It comprises representatives from government , industry , academia and regulators , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward , so , when we do make a breakthrough we are ready to manufacture by the millions .
`` One tool in this fight will be the UK 's first vaccines manufacturing innovation centre based in Harwell .
`` The government will be accelerating the building of this facility . ''
But Sir Patrick said developing a vaccine for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , would be a `` complicated and difficult process '' , which will take `` many months '' at least .
Projects are already ongoing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , and Mr Sharma said the government had green-lit another 21 with £14m of state funding .
Professor Sarah Gilbert is leading the Oxford project and is so confident that their work will prove successful she suggested last week that there could be a vaccine ready and manufactured by September .
Most projections estimate that a vaccine will be available by the spring of 2021 at the earliest .
Asked about the project by Sky 's science correspondent Thomas Moore , Mr Sharma said : `` We are supportive of the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also at Imperial , and are stepping up as required to support those efforts .
`` It 's not just about getting a vaccine , it 's about manufacturing it at some scale . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker While Sir Patrick said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of those behind the projects , he admitted : `` Each single project does not have a high probability of success . ''
He added : `` It 's never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a vaccine that 's going to work .
`` The second thing is the safety and it 's incredibly important that these vaccines are tested properly , that 's why it takes some time to get to the clinical trials and understand the potential unwanted effects of a vaccine . ''
Another large increase in deaths across UK hospitals was announced just hours before the daily briefing began , with the spike exceeding 800 for the second consecutive day .
The Department of Health recorded 847 new COVID-19 fatalities , taking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Friday 's briefing that deaths would continue at a large scale for some time , before they `` begin to come down slowly '' once the curve plateaus .
He added : `` We 're headed in the right direction , the measures that are being taken are making a difference . ''
Government figures still do not include coronavirus deaths in care homes , hospices and other settings outside hospital , masking the true number of people who have passed away after contracting the disease .
Announcing an extension to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Raab acknowledged that there were still `` issues with the virus spreading '' in places like care homes .
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics , released on Thursday , suggested there were around 75 % more coronavirus-related fatalities in England and Wales last month than reported by the government .
Following widespread criticism of its testing regime , the government has repeatedly promised to ramp up testing for social care staff to match the ambition shown regarding those working in the NHS .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , including the police , prison workers and fire service personnel , can also now be tested .
The expansion has been rolled out amid fears supplies are going to waste , with the government still not close to matching its target of carrying out 100,000 tests per day by the end of April .
The latest count came in at 21,328 , taking the total number of tests carried out in the UK so far to 438,991 .
Mr Hancock revealed the government 's latest plans to increase testing figures while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the preparedness of the UK to deal with such a coronavirus outbreak .
During the same meeting , Professor Anthony Costello warned the Health and Social Care Committee that the government was `` too slow '' to prepare for the current epidemic and that further waves were on the way .
The leading physician , from University College London 's Institute for Global Health , told MPs including former health secretary Jeremy Hunt that the UK would probably end up with the highest coronavirus death rate in Europe .
In order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country begins to ease its lockdown measures , he said the government must up community testing capacity and embrace South Korea-style contact tracing .

The government has launched a taskforce to accelerate the search for a coronavirus vaccine in the UK.
Downing Street's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, and deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam have been tasked with leading the operation.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced the taskforce at Number 10's daily coronavirus news briefing on Friday, adding that the goal was to "make sure a vaccine is made available to the public as quickly as possible".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 'We may need more than one vaccine'
"It comprises representatives from government, industry, academia and regulators," he said.
"We are looking forward, so, when we do make a breakthrough we are ready to manufacture by the millions.
"One tool in this fight will be the UK's first vaccines manufacturing innovation centre based in Harwell.
"The government will be accelerating the building of this facility."
But Sir Patrick said developing a vaccine for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, would be a "complicated and difficult process", which will take "many months" at least.
Image: Alok Sharma announced the taskforce
Projects are already ongoing at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, and Mr Sharma said the government had green-lit another 21 with £14m of state funding.
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Professor Sarah Gilbert is leading the Oxford project and is so confident that their work will prove successful she suggested last week that there could be a vaccine ready and manufactured by September.
Most projections estimate that a vaccine will be available by the spring of 2021 at the earliest.
Asked about the project by Sky's science correspondent Thomas Moore, Mr Sharma said: "We are supportive of the vaccine work that is going on at Oxford, also at Imperial, and are stepping up as required to support those efforts.
"It's not just about getting a vaccine, it's about manufacturing it at some scale."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
While Sir Patrick said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of those behind the projects, he admitted: "Each single project does not have a high probability of success."
He added: "It's never the case that you know you've got a vaccine that's going to work.
"The second thing is the safety and it's incredibly important that these vaccines are tested properly, that's why it takes some time to get to the clinical trials and understand the potential unwanted effects of a vaccine."
Image: Sir Patrick Vallance is leading the taskforce with deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam
Another large increase in deaths across UK hospitals was announced just hours before the daily briefing began, with the spike exceeding 800 for the second consecutive day.
The Department of Health recorded 847 new COVID-19 fatalities, taking the nationwide total to 14,576.
Sir Patrick told Friday's briefing that deaths would continue at a large scale for some time, before they "begin to come down slowly" once the curve plateaus.
He added: "We're headed in the right direction, the measures that are being taken are making a difference."
Government figures still do not include coronavirus deaths in care homes, hospices and other settings outside hospital, masking the true number of people who have passed away after contracting the disease.
Announcing an extension to the UK lockdown on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab acknowledged that there were still "issues with the virus spreading" in places like care homes.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, released on Thursday, suggested there were around 75% more coronavirus-related fatalities in England and Wales last month than reported by the government.
Image: The UK is approaching the end of its fourth week of lockdown
Following widespread criticism of its testing regime, the government has repeatedly promised to ramp up testing for social care staff to match the ambition shown regarding those working in the NHS.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also announced that more frontline public service workers, including the police, prison workers and fire service personnel, can also now be tested.
The expansion has been rolled out amid fears supplies are going to waste, with the government still not close to matching its target of carrying out 100,000 tests per day by the end of April.
The latest count came in at 21,328, taking the total number of tests carried out in the UK so far to 438,991.
Image: Lockdown measures will remain in place until at least 7 May
Mr Hancock revealed the government's latest plans to increase testing figures while giving evidence to an ongoing parliamentary inquiry into the preparedness of the UK to deal with such a coronavirus outbreak.
During the same meeting, Professor Anthony Costello warned the Health and Social Care Committee that the government was "too slow" to prepare for the current epidemic and that further waves were on the way.
The leading physician, from University College London's Institute for Global Health, told MPs including former health secretary Jeremy Hunt that the UK would probably end up with the highest coronavirus death rate in Europe.
In order to avoid another large spike in fatalities once the country begins to ease its lockdown measures, he said the government must up community testing capacity and embrace South Korea-style contact tracing.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Naked Cowboy refuses to leave Times Square over COVID-19

The Naked Cowboy , famous for performing with his guitar in New York 's Times Square , is refusing to leave despite the coronavirus outbreak .
Although now adding a face mask to his outfit of hat , boots and white pants , Robert Burck , 49 , insists it will take more than a global pandemic to stop him from entertaining crowds , even if they are smaller in lockdown .
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine , he said : `` I have n't missed one day in 20 years , six months and 28 days - unless I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in another city where the opportunity was bigger .
`` My decision to stay in Times Square during corona is no different than going out there every single day when it 's 19 degrees or there 's a blizzard or a rainstorm or a heatwave - does n't matter . ''
New York has become the epicentre of the outbreak in the US , with almost 11,500 people dying with the virus - 40 % of all deaths in the country .
On Thursday , New York 's governor , Andrew Cuomo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beast '' , after reporting a drop in the daily number of deaths state-wide , and the overall count of people in hospital .
However , on Friday , he said deaths in the state had risen by 630 - a small increase from the previous 24-hour figure of 606. : : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He also told his daily news briefing that he needed federal help to ramp up testing for the virus and to reopen his economy , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's administration .
He said : `` Is there any funding so I can do these things that you want us to do ?
`` No .
That is passing the buck , without passing the bucks . ''
On Friday night , new rules requiring New Yorkers to wear face masks in public come into force , as the state prepares to remain in lockdown until at least 15 May to stop the spread of the disease .
President Trump told his daily news conference on Thursday that restrictions could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next several weeks , in places that have extensive testing and a marked decrease in cases .
`` We are not opening all at once , but one careful step at a time , '' he said .
The Naked Cowboy , an avid Trump supporter , claims it used to take him more than an hour to travel to Times Square from his home in Queens .
In lockdown it takes 13 minutes .
He says he still sees thousands of people each day , and that having come into contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he believes that he `` could n't get sick if I tried '' .
`` Good timber does n't grow with ease , the stronger the wind , the stronger the trees , '' he told Rolling Stone .
`` What does n't kill me , makes me stronger .
`` Life is strongest on the coral reef , where it 's most dangerous .
Nietzsche said , 'Build your cities on the slopes of the Vesuvius . '
'' Although he hopes New York City reopens soon , he says he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've never seen the city so clean , it looks like Texas , '' he said .
`` I feel like the world got a spring cleaning . ''

The Naked Cowboy, famous for performing with his guitar in New York's Times Square, is refusing to leave despite the coronavirus outbreak.
Although now adding a face mask to his outfit of hat, boots and white pants, Robert Burck, 49, insists it will take more than a global pandemic to stop him from entertaining crowds, even if they are smaller in lockdown.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, he said: "I haven't missed one day in 20 years, six months and 28 days - unless I was travelling to be the Naked Cowboy in another city where the opportunity was bigger.
Image: Robert Burck is still performing in Times Square despite the lockdown
"My decision to stay in Times Square during corona is no different than going out there every single day when it's 19 degrees or there's a blizzard or a rainstorm or a heatwave - doesn't matter."
New York has become the epicentre of the outbreak in the US, with almost 11,500 people dying with the virus - 40% of all deaths in the country.
On Thursday, New York's governor, Andrew Cuomo, claimed they had now "controlled the beast", after reporting a drop in the daily number of deaths state-wide, and the overall count of people in hospital.
However, on Friday, he said deaths in the state had risen by 630 - a small increase from the previous 24-hour figure of 606.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He also told his daily news briefing that he needed federal help to ramp up testing for the virus and to reopen his economy, and appeared to take a swipe at Donald Trump's administration.
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He said: "Is there any funding so I can do these things that you want us to do?
"No. That is passing the buck, without passing the bucks."
On Friday night, new rules requiring New Yorkers to wear face masks in public come into force, as the state prepares to remain in lockdown until at least 15 May to stop the spread of the disease.
President Trump told his daily news conference on Thursday that restrictions could be eased to allow businesses to reopen over the next several weeks, in places that have extensive testing and a marked decrease in cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:53 This is what life on Earth looks like, April 2020
"We are not opening all at once, but one careful step at a time," he said.
The Naked Cowboy, an avid Trump supporter, claims it used to take him more than an hour to travel to Times Square from his home in Queens. In lockdown it takes 13 minutes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 'We're past the peak and starting life again'
He says he still sees thousands of people each day, and that having come into contact with so many people over the years, he believes that he "couldn't get sick if I tried".
"Good timber doesn't grow with ease, the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees," he told Rolling Stone.
"What doesn't kill me, makes me stronger.
"Life is strongest on the coral reef, where it's most dangerous. Nietzsche said, 'Build your cities on the slopes of the Vesuvius.'"
Although he hopes New York City reopens soon, he says he has noticed some positive changes.
"I've never seen the city so clean, it looks like Texas," he said.
"I feel like the world got a spring cleaning."


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Free travel and middle door only boarding on London buses

Bus passengers in London will not have to pay to travel and will board by the middle door under new measures to protect drivers from coronavirus .
Transport for London ( TfL ) announced customers `` will not be required to touch in '' with their payment card or device from Monday .
This is to avoid passengers approaching the driver 's cab , where all buses have a card reader .
Bus travel in the capital normally costs £1.50 for unlimited journeys within an hour , up to a maximum of £4.50 per day .
TfL introduced the changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died after testing positive for COVID-19 .
Middle door only boarding has been trialled on 140 buses across nine routes , with the operator saying it was `` confident '' that the low number of people using public transport means passengers can keep a safe distance from each other .
Key workers are the main group using public transport at the moment after everyone was told to stay at home during the pandemic .
The Government announced on Thursday that the lockdown will continue for at least another three weeks .
TfL 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Bus drivers are pivotal in ensuring critical workers like NHS staff and grocery workers can perform the vital roles they do during this national emergency .
`` Their efforts are nothing short of heroic , and it is essential that we leave no stone unturned when looking to protect them . ''
Existing measures to protect drivers and passengers include signage directing people away from seats near drivers , improved protective screens around the cab and regular announcements reminding those on board of the need to maintain social distancing .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker TfL said it is also considering creating a `` completely sealed partition '' between drivers and passengers .
A trade union official has called for drivers to be issued with personal protective equipment .
Speaking on Sky News on Friday morning , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the number of cars on the roads has dropped down to levels seen in 1955 .
`` I must be the first transport secretary in history who celebrates the idea that there are fewer cars on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transport than ever before . ''
TfL said the number of people travelling on London 's buses has plummeted by 85 % .

Bus passengers in London will not have to pay to travel and will board by the middle door under new measures to protect drivers from coronavirus.
Transport for London (TfL) announced customers "will not be required to touch in" with their payment card or device from Monday.
This is to avoid passengers approaching the driver's cab, where all buses have a card reader.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 UK lockdown for 'at least' three more weeks
Bus travel in the capital normally costs £1.50 for unlimited journeys within an hour, up to a maximum of £4.50 per day.
TfL introduced the changes after 15 bus workers in the capital died after testing positive for COVID-19.
Middle door only boarding has been trialled on 140 buses across nine routes, with the operator saying it was "confident" that the low number of people using public transport means passengers can keep a safe distance from each other.
Key workers are the main group using public transport at the moment after everyone was told to stay at home during the pandemic. The Government announced on Thursday that the lockdown will continue for at least another three weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Britain applauds its NHS heroes
TfL's director of bus operations Claire Mann said: "Bus drivers are pivotal in ensuring critical workers like NHS staff and grocery workers can perform the vital roles they do during this national emergency.
"Their efforts are nothing short of heroic, and it is essential that we leave no stone unturned when looking to protect them."
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Existing measures to protect drivers and passengers include signage directing people away from seats near drivers, improved protective screens around the cab and regular announcements reminding those on board of the need to maintain social distancing.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
TfL said it is also considering creating a "completely sealed partition" between drivers and passengers.
A trade union official has called for drivers to be issued with personal protective equipment.
Speaking on Sky News on Friday morning, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the number of cars on the roads has dropped down to levels seen in 1955.
"I must be the first transport secretary in history who celebrates the idea that there are fewer cars on the road and there are fewer people using public transport than ever before."
TfL said the number of people travelling on London's buses has plummeted by 85%.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: 'Rapid' test for COVID-19 'can show results in 45 minutes'

Researchers say they have developed a coronavirus test that can take 45 minutes to show whether someone is infected .
The `` rapid and easy-to-implement '' test was made by a team scientists at the University of California , using clinical samples from 36 patients with confirmed COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus .
Their research , which has been detailed in the scientific journal Nature Biotechnology , also used samples from 42 patients with other viral respiratory infections .
The team says the end result is a reliable test that can provide results in around 45 minutes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those of a home pregnancy test .
Results are provided faster than existing antigen tests approved by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
Screening and diagnosing patients with suspected COVID-19 tends to take several hours , while some have waited an entire day or more for results .
In a bid to make testing for the disease quicker and more efficient , the US Food and Drug Administration permitted individual clinically licensed laboratories to report results of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in California is a CRISPR-Cas12-based test , and - like existing methods - patients are required to have swabs collect samples from deep in the back of their throat and nose .
The name of the test refers to genome-editing technology called CRISPR , and a type of protein called Cas , which are used by bacteria in the body to destroy viral DNA .
Once the samples on the swabs are placed in a test tube and amplified with a liquid solution , CRISPR uses Cas-12 proteins and bits of viral genetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs of COVID-19 .
While the CDC test looks for the so-called coronavirus N gene and the WHO test goes after the coronavirus E gene , both can be hunted down by CRISPR .
Much like how it is typically used to edit genomes , CRISPR then gets to work cutting the coronavirus genes to try to prompt a reaction that displays whether COVID-19 is present .
The California team say the test has proved to be 95 % accurate , although it requires higher concentrations of the disease to detect its presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO .
It makes the CRISPR test more likely to miss people with lower levels of the virus - most likely those right at the beginning or the end of their infection .
The test will also not show whether someone has already had the virus - those antibody tests are a priority for the UK government but have so far not proved reliable enough to be used .

Researchers say they have developed a coronavirus test that can take 45 minutes to show whether someone is infected.
The "rapid and easy-to-implement" test was made by a team scientists at the University of California, using clinical samples from 36 patients with confirmed COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus.
Their research, which has been detailed in the scientific journal Nature Biotechnology, also used samples from 42 patients with other viral respiratory infections.
The team says the end result is a reliable test that can provide results in around 45 minutes, shown on a visual readout strip similar to those of a home pregnancy test.
Image: The test requires patients to have swabs put down their throat
Results are provided faster than existing antigen tests approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Screening and diagnosing patients with suspected COVID-19 tends to take several hours, while some have waited an entire day or more for results.
In a bid to make testing for the disease quicker and more efficient, the US Food and Drug Administration permitted individual clinically licensed laboratories to report results of their own in-house testing.
The test developed in California is a CRISPR-Cas12-based test, and - like existing methods - patients are required to have swabs collect samples from deep in the back of their throat and nose.
The name of the test refers to genome-editing technology called CRISPR, and a type of protein called Cas, which are used by bacteria in the body to destroy viral DNA.
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Once the samples on the swabs are placed in a test tube and amplified with a liquid solution, CRISPR uses Cas-12 proteins and bits of viral genetic material designed to help guide it towards signs of COVID-19.
Image: The World Health Organisation says countries must test to combat the disease
While the CDC test looks for the so-called coronavirus N gene and the WHO test goes after the coronavirus E gene, both can be hunted down by CRISPR.
Much like how it is typically used to edit genomes, CRISPR then gets to work cutting the coronavirus genes to try to prompt a reaction that displays whether COVID-19 is present.
The California team say the test has proved to be 95% accurate, although it requires higher concentrations of the disease to detect its presence than tests developed by the CDC and the WHO.
It makes the CRISPR test more likely to miss people with lower levels of the virus - most likely those right at the beginning or the end of their infection.
The test will also not show whether someone has already had the virus - those antibody tests are a priority for the UK government but have so far not proved reliable enough to be used.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: UK hospital deaths reach 14,576 after 847 more patients die

Another 847 people have died with coronavirus in UK hospitals , taking the nationwide total beyond 14,000 .
The Department of Health announced the latest increase , with 14,576 people with COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - now confirmed to have died in hospital across the four home nations .
The number of tests for the illness has also risen by 21,328 to 438,991 , although this includes some people being tested more than once .
There have now been 108,692 positive tests in the UK .
Health authorities in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which may not tally with the government 's total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day .
NHS England announced another 738 deaths in hospitals in England , taking the country 's total to 13,134 .
Of the new deaths , 138 occurred on 16 April , 320 on 15 April , and 109 on 14 April .
Some 154 of them happened between 1 April and 13 April , and 16 were last month - dating back to 21 March .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded another 11 deaths , and there were 18 more confirmed in Northern Ireland for the second consecutive day .
According to each home nation 's health authorities , the number of deaths in hospitals now stands at : Figures from the Department of Health and each home nation do not include deaths in care homes , hospices and other settings outside hospital , masking the UK 's true coronavirus death toll .
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics , released on Thursday , suggested there were around 75 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month than reported by the government .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Wednesday , the National Records of Scotland revealed that - as of 12 April - almost 25 % of 962 registered deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned in the death certificate in Scotland had occurred in care homes .
Announcing an extension to the UK lockdown on Thursday , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab acknowledged that there were still `` issues with the virus spreading in some hospitals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Chris Whitty has warned the UK will endure thousands more COVID-19 deaths before the lockdown is eased , even though the number of new cases suggests the peak of the epidemic is in sight .
Fatalities will be the last statistic to begin slowing down due to the time it takes for someone to fall ill , be admitted to hospital and then sadly succumb to the disease .

Another 847 people have died with coronavirus in UK hospitals, taking the nationwide total beyond 14,000.
The Department of Health announced the latest increase, with 14,576 people with COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - now confirmed to have died in hospital across the four home nations.
The number of tests for the illness has also risen by 21,328 to 438,991, although this includes some people being tested more than once.
There have now been 108,692 positive tests in the UK.
Health authorities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also record their own daily figures, which may not tally with the government's total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day.
NHS England announced another 738 deaths in hospitals in England, taking the country's total to 13,134.
Of the new deaths, 138 occurred on 16 April, 320 on 15 April, and 109 on 14 April.
Some 154 of them happened between 1 April and 13 April, and 16 were last month - dating back to 21 March.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced another 58 deaths in Scotland, Wales has recorded another 11 deaths, and there were 18 more confirmed in Northern Ireland for the second consecutive day.
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According to each home nation's health authorities, the number of deaths in hospitals now stands at:
England - 13,134
Scotland - 837
Wales - 506
Northern Ireland - 176
Figures from the Department of Health and each home nation do not include deaths in care homes, hospices and other settings outside hospital, masking the UK's true coronavirus death toll.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, released on Thursday, suggested there were around 75% more coronavirus-related fatalities in England and Wales last month than reported by the government.
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On Wednesday, the National Records of Scotland revealed that - as of 12 April - almost 25% of 962 registered deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned in the death certificate in Scotland had occurred in care homes.
Announcing an extension to the UK lockdown on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab acknowledged that there were still "issues with the virus spreading in some hospitals and care homes".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Relaxing UK lockdown would risk lives - Raab
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has warned the UK will endure thousands more COVID-19 deaths before the lockdown is eased, even though the number of new cases suggests the peak of the epidemic is in sight.
Fatalities will be the last statistic to begin slowing down due to the time it takes for someone to fall ill, be admitted to hospital and then sadly succumb to the disease.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: COVID-19 hopes and signs of US restart buoys UK stock market

Britain 's stock market has rallied as investor confidence grew with plans to kickstart the US economy and encouraging signs of a possible treatment for COVID-19 .
The FTSE 100 joined other leading share indexes in seeing gains - some 3 % in London - following another volatile week caused by the devastating impact of the global coronavirus pandemic on business .
Financial markets rose as the US joined other countries in outlining plans to exit from lockdowns - aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 - which have wrought havoc for world economies .
The optimism was further bolstered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Gilead Sciences ' experimental drug , remdesivir , in severe COVID-19 patients .
The upbeat mood enabled traders to see past data showing China 's economy shrank in the quarter to March for the first time in decades .
Jasper Lawler , head of research at London Capital Group said : `` Stocks look to be finishing the week with a flourish .
`` News of a breakthrough with Gilead 's drug Remdesivir to treat the coronavirus has been the latest catalyst .
`` China reported a big quarterly growth contraction but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European shares are reacting to the improved prospect for coronavirus treatment .
`` If there 's a drug that can help people quickly recover from the virus then healthcare systems wo n't be under strain so economies can be reopened quicker .
`` It would then be a matter of supporting the elderly and those with underlying health conditions who would likely still need to remain isolated .
`` The dynamic is still bullish in markets because bad news is being cast away as priced in and good news is justification for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The report that set off the gains said that early data on Gilead 's coronavirus medicine Remdesivir is 'very encouraging ' .
`` The early data referred to is a clinical trial of 125 patients at the University of Chicago with coronavirus who were all given Remdesivir and have nearly all survived with a speedy recovery within a week . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But sounding a note of caution , he said : `` If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bullish reaction - an important word here 'is 'early ' .
It was a small trial and there was no control group so there 's plenty of room for error . ''
Despite making gains , the FTSE blue-chip index is still on course to post modest weekly losses after the UK extended its lockdown for at least another three weeks .
A series of government measures aimed at propping up the UK 's ailing economy has helped the FTSE 100 recover about 18 % from its March lows , but it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its January high .
Shares in Primark owner Associated British Foods rose by 3.4 % after saying it was eligible to access funding under a Bank of England support scheme .
Estate agent Foxtons also saw its shares rise by 11.7 % after it proposed to raise £22m by selling a 20 % stake in the business and furloughed about 750 of its employees to shore up its finances .

Britain's stock market has rallied as investor confidence grew with plans to kickstart the US economy and encouraging signs of a possible treatment for COVID-19.
The FTSE 100 joined other leading share indexes in seeing gains - some 3% in London - following another volatile week caused by the devastating impact of the global coronavirus pandemic on business.
Financial markets rose as the US joined other countries in outlining plans to exit from lockdowns - aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 - which have wrought havoc for world economies.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 'We're past the peak and starting life again'
The optimism was further bolstered with positive partial data from medical trials of Gilead Sciences' experimental drug, remdesivir, in severe COVID-19 patients.
The upbeat mood enabled traders to see past data showing China's economy shrank in the quarter to March for the first time in decades.
Jasper Lawler, head of research at London Capital Group said: "Stocks look to be finishing the week with a flourish.
"News of a breakthrough with Gilead's drug Remdesivir to treat the coronavirus has been the latest catalyst.
"China reported a big quarterly growth contraction but it only narrowly missed expectations.
"European shares are reacting to the improved prospect for coronavirus treatment.
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"If there's a drug that can help people quickly recover from the virus then healthcare systems won't be under strain so economies can be reopened quicker.
"It would then be a matter of supporting the elderly and those with underlying health conditions who would likely still need to remain isolated.
"The dynamic is still bullish in markets because bad news is being cast away as priced in and good news is justification for further recovery."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 Lockdown weighs on families and businesses
He added: "The report that set off the gains said that early data on Gilead's coronavirus medicine Remdesivir is 'very encouraging'.
"The early data referred to is a clinical trial of 125 patients at the University of Chicago with coronavirus who were all given Remdesivir and have nearly all survived with a speedy recovery within a week."
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But sounding a note of caution, he said: "If we're playing devil's advocate to the bullish reaction - an important word here 'is 'early'. It was a small trial and there was no control group so there's plenty of room for error."
Despite making gains, the FTSE blue-chip index is still on course to post modest weekly losses after the UK extended its lockdown for at least another three weeks.
A series of government measures aimed at propping up the UK's ailing economy has helped the FTSE 100 recover about 18% from its March lows, but it is still down by nearly 25% from its January high.
Shares in Primark owner Associated British Foods rose by 3.4% after saying it was eligible to access funding under a Bank of England support scheme.
Estate agent Foxtons also saw its shares rise by 11.7% after it proposed to raise £22m by selling a 20% stake in the business and furloughed about 750 of its employees to shore up its finances.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Leeds United great Norman Hunter dies after testing positive

Leeds United great Norman Hunter has died at the age of 76 after testing positive for coronavirus , the club has announced .
The former England defender , who was part of Sir Alf Ramsey 's 1966 World Cup-winning squad , was admitted to hospital last week after contracting COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus .
In a statement released on Friday morning , his old team said : `` Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of club legend Norman Hunter at the age of 76 . ''
`` Norman was taken to hospital last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS staff , he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning , '' it added .
`` He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family , his legacy will never be forgotten , and our thoughts are with Norman 's family and friends at this very difficult time . ''
The Elland Road club had previously thanked supporters for their `` amazing messages and well wishes '' for Hunter , having become a fan favourite for his part of Don Revie 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also won the FA Cup , League Cup and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups , and in 1974 was the inaugural winner of the Professional Footballers ' Association 's player of the year award .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Hunter made more than 500 appearances for Leeds during his illustrious 20-year playing career , which also included shorter stints at Bristol City and Barnsley .
He would go on to manage Barnsley after he stopped playing , and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before retiring from football completely in 1990 .
Hunter made 28 appearances for England between 1965 and 1974 , although the centre back did not initially receive a winner 's medal for his role in the country 's historic World Cup campaign .
Back then , only those who featured in the final itself were eligible - and Hunter had not managed to break up the formidable partnership of Leeds teammate Jack Charlton and West Ham legend Bobby Moore .
Hunter also sometimes featured in defensive midfield , with his tough-tackling style seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bites Yer Legs '' Hunter , but did not force his way into that position for the World Cup final either .
Hunter was finally presented with a winner 's medal in 2009 after an FA-led campaign to persuade FIFA to honour the entire squad , alongside other former teammates who missed out on a medal - including Jimmy Greaves .
They were given their medals at a Downing Street reception by the then prime minister Gordon Brown .
Tributes have poured in for Hunter , including from former Sunderland and Leeds manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Sad news : Norman Hunter has passed away .
Grew up watching that great @ LUFC side of which he was a huge part .
`` This awful virus was one crunching tackle too far but he 'll be biting yer legs somewhere .
RIP Norman . ''
And the official Twitter account of the England national team said : `` We 're extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Norman Hunter at the age of 76 .
`` Norman was part of our @ FIFAWorldCup-winning squad and won 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our thoughts are with his family , friends and supporters at this time . ''
Hunter is one of several well known faces who have passed away after contracting COVID-19 .
Among them are comedy star Eddie Large , actor Mark Blum , and Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne fame .
More than 146,000 people worldwide have died after testing positive for the disease , according to figures tracked by Johns Hopkins University , including nearly 14,000 in the UK .
More than 2.1 million people have been infected globally .

Leeds United great Norman Hunter has died at the age of 76 after testing positive for coronavirus, the club has announced.
The former England defender, who was part of Sir Alf Ramsey's 1966 World Cup-winning squad, was admitted to hospital last week after contracting COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 Tributes left for Leeds Utd legend
In a statement released on Friday morning, his old team said: "Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of club legend Norman Hunter at the age of 76."
"Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and, despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning," it added.
"He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family, his legacy will never be forgotten, and our thoughts are with Norman's family and friends at this very difficult time."
Image: Hunter (centre) playing for Leeds against Chelsea in November 1965
The Elland Road club had previously thanked supporters for their "amazing messages and well wishes" for Hunter, having become a fan favourite for his part of Don Revie's famous title-winning teams in 1969 and 1974.
He also won the FA Cup, League Cup and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups, and in 1974 was the inaugural winner of the Professional Footballers' Association's player of the year award.
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Hunter made more than 500 appearances for Leeds during his illustrious 20-year playing career, which also included shorter stints at Bristol City and Barnsley.
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He would go on to manage Barnsley after he stopped playing, and also took the reigns at Rotherham and Bradford before retiring from football completely in 1990.
Image: Hunter challenges for the ball against Arsenal at Highbury in August 1969
Hunter made 28 appearances for England between 1965 and 1974, although the centre back did not initially receive a winner's medal for his role in the country's historic World Cup campaign.
Back then, only those who featured in the final itself were eligible - and Hunter had not managed to break up the formidable partnership of Leeds teammate Jack Charlton and West Ham legend Bobby Moore.
Hunter also sometimes featured in defensive midfield, with his tough-tackling style seeing Leeds fans anoint him as Norman "Bites Yer Legs" Hunter, but did not force his way into that position for the World Cup final either.
Image: Hunter in action for England away at Malta in 1971
Hunter was finally presented with a winner's medal in 2009 after an FA-led campaign to persuade FIFA to honour the entire squad, alongside other former teammates who missed out on a medal - including Jimmy Greaves.
They were given their medals at a Downing Street reception by the then prime minister Gordon Brown.
Image: Hunter received a 1966 World Cup winner's medal in 2009
Tributes have poured in for Hunter, including from former Sunderland and Leeds manager Peter Reid.
"RIP Norman Hunter, a giant of a man," he tweeted.
Gary Lineker also tweeted: "Sad news: Norman Hunter has passed away. Grew up watching that great @LUFC side of which he was a huge part.
"This awful virus was one crunching tackle too far but he'll be biting yer legs somewhere. RIP Norman."
And the official Twitter account of the England national team said: "We're extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Norman Hunter at the age of 76.
"Norman was part of our @FIFAWorldCup-winning squad and won 28 caps for the #ThreeLions. All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and supporters at this time."
Image: Jimmy Greaves and Norman Hunter at the Downing Street reception where they received their World Cup medals
Hunter is one of several well known faces who have passed away after contracting COVID-19.
Among them are comedy star Eddie Large, actor Mark Blum, and Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne fame.
More than 146,000 people worldwide have died after testing positive for the disease, according to figures tracked by Johns Hopkins University, including nearly 14,000 in the UK.
More than 2.1 million people have been infected globally.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: More professions to be tested amid fears supplies going to waste

More frontline public service workers are now able to get tested for COVID-19 , amid fears supplies are going to waste .
Matt Hancock said the list of professions eligible will be expanded to include the police , fire service , prisons , the judiciary , Department for Work and Pensions and critical local authority staff .
Previously only NHS and social care staff as well as hospital patients were able to get a test to check if they have the disease caused by coronavirus .
Ministers have faced repeated questions about why more people are not being tested .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35,000 tests a day are possible - despite just under 16,000 having actually been carried out two days before .
One tester said their shifts were `` meant to be excruciating 12-hour marathons '' but in reality are `` rather more like laid-back morning jogs '' .
They wrote in The Guardian : `` Dozens of academics and laboratory personnel from all over the UK languish in a hotel with nothing to do .
`` Millions of pounds of equipment borrowed from universities and companies rests silently in the evening hours , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be deafening . ''
Mr Hancock explained he was dramatically increasing the amount of people who can be tested because `` frankly , the number of NHS staff coming forward was n't as high as expected '' .
`` I want to be able to get back to the position that we can test everybody with symptoms and I anticipate being able to do that relatively soon because we 're increasing capacity , '' he told a Commons committee on Friday .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker But the Fire Brigades ' Union said there is clearly an `` issue of accessibility '' , adding : `` If this is a barrier to nursing staff , it will also be a barrier to other key workers . ''
Rachel Dryden , the chief executive of a care home company with 400 staff across three sites in Bournemouth , Poole and Christchurch , also told Sky News their workers had been told to travel 120 miles to the nearest testing site in Gatwick .
She said she was `` staggered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` nonsense '' set up .
In his first grilling by senior MPs in several weeks , the health secretary suggested there may be shortages of one specific type of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) - gowns .
He said they were `` the pressure point at the moment '' and did not pledge everyone who needs one will get one , instead saying : `` That is exactly what we are aiming to do . ''
`` I would love to be able to wave a magic wand and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quantities , '' he admitted , adding : `` We have a global situation in which there is less PPE in the world than the world needs . ''
On the welfare of staff , Mr Hancock also said he did not know how many people working for the NHS have COVID-19 , but added 8 % are not working either because they are ill or someone in their household is and 50,000 have been tested .
He was also quizzed on social care , after fears that hundreds of care home resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's daily figures .
The health secretary said he had a `` high degree of confidence '' that the number of deaths is higher than the 2 % figure reported so far .
He revealed ministers initially considered only locking down London , where the number of infections and deaths was much bigger , but they decided to keep the UK `` acting in lockstep '' .
And Mr Hancock admitted being `` really concerned '' there has been a `` drop-off '' in people coming into hospital and reporting cancer symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are coming forward and this worries me because we 'd spent an awful lot of time over several years ... driving up those coming forward for cancer treatment , '' he said .

More frontline public service workers are now able to get tested for COVID-19, amid fears supplies are going to waste.
Matt Hancock said the list of professions eligible will be expanded to include the police, fire service, prisons, the judiciary, Department for Work and Pensions and critical local authority staff.
Previously only NHS and social care staff as well as hospital patients were able to get a test to check if they have the disease caused by coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:53 Hancock: Our goal is 100,000 tests a day
Ministers have faced repeated questions about why more people are not being tested.
Downing Street said on Thursday up to 35,000 tests a day are possible - despite just under 16,000 having actually been carried out two days before.
Image: There were around 19,000 unused tests earlier this week
One tester said their shifts were "meant to be excruciating 12-hour marathons" but in reality are "rather more like laid-back morning jogs".
They wrote in The Guardian: "Dozens of academics and laboratory personnel from all over the UK languish in a hotel with nothing to do.
"Millions of pounds of equipment borrowed from universities and companies rests silently in the evening hours, when the noise of our collective toil should be deafening."
Image: Around 8% of NHS staff are off work
Mr Hancock explained he was dramatically increasing the amount of people who can be tested because "frankly, the number of NHS staff coming forward wasn't as high as expected".
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"I want to be able to get back to the position that we can test everybody with symptoms and I anticipate being able to do that relatively soon because we're increasing capacity," he told a Commons committee on Friday.
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But the Fire Brigades' Union said there is clearly an "issue of accessibility", adding: "If this is a barrier to nursing staff, it will also be a barrier to other key workers."
Rachel Dryden, the chief executive of a care home company with 400 staff across three sites in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, also told Sky News their workers had been told to travel 120 miles to the nearest testing site in Gatwick.
She said she was "staggered" and "very disappointed" at the "nonsense" set up.
Image: According to official records, 19 NHS staff have died with COVID-19
In his first grilling by senior MPs in several weeks, the health secretary suggested there may be shortages of one specific type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - gowns.
He said they were "the pressure point at the moment" and did not pledge everyone who needs one will get one, instead saying: "That is exactly what we are aiming to do."
"I would love to be able to wave a magic wand and have PPE fall from the sky in large quantities," he admitted, adding: "We have a global situation in which there is less PPE in the world than the world needs."
On the welfare of staff, Mr Hancock also said he did not know how many people working for the NHS have COVID-19, but added 8% are not working either because they are ill or someone in their household is and 50,000 have been tested.
He was also quizzed on social care, after fears that hundreds of care home resident deaths are not being counted in the government's daily figures.
The health secretary said he had a "high degree of confidence" that the number of deaths is higher than the 2% figure reported so far.
He revealed ministers initially considered only locking down London, where the number of infections and deaths was much bigger, but they decided to keep the UK "acting in lockstep".
Image: The health secretary said care home deaths were probably higher than the reported 2%
And Mr Hancock admitted being "really concerned" there has been a "drop-off" in people coming into hospital and reporting cancer symptoms.
"Far, far fewer people are coming forward and this worries me because we'd spent an awful lot of time over several years... driving up those coming forward for cancer treatment," he said.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Airport handlers warn ministers of 10,000 jobs axe 'within hours'

The companies which dominate ground handling services at UK airports have warned that they will begin axing 10,000 employees within hours unless ministers extend the government 's emergency wage subsidy scheme .
Sky News has learnt that the quartet - Dnata , Menzies Aviation , Swissport and Worldwide Flight Services - have written to Steve Barclay , chief secretary to the Treasury , to say they will instigate a formal programme this weekend to permanently lay off 40 % of their combined workforce .
The letter , sent on Friday , underlines the sense of panic and uncertainty among large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding for workers ' salaries beyond the provisional end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on 31 May .
In their letter , a copy of which has been passed to Sky News , the four companies said : `` If the Job Retention Scheme ends as planned at the end of May , we will be forced to make upwards of 10,000 staff redundant .
`` This , as you know , is because businesses making over 100 people redundant are mandated to inform all affected personnel with at least 45 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by tomorrow , 18 April 2020 , we will be forced to commence a wholesale widespread sector redundancy process that dovetails the exit of our people from our business the moment the JRS is scheduled to end ; notionally 31 May 2020 . ''
The letter is the latest in a series of pleas from the quartet of companies to ministers in recent weeks , which have included a request for a 12-month business rates holiday for their sector .
Sources say the airport services groups have been disappointed with the level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential role they play in the aviation supply chain .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Having witnessed a 95 % revenue drop leading to the laying off of thousands of our 25,000-strong workforce , absent of any flexibility on these dates , our businesses edge closer to complete collapse , '' they told Mr Barclay .
`` What 's more , the more staff we lay off , the greater the challenge we will face in servicing any UK recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 crisis is over . ''
Sky News reported earlier this week that business groups were pressing for urgent clarification about the expiry of the job retention scheme .
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn , the CBI director-general , said she was `` very concerned that businesses will be forced into a position potentially of having to make people permanently redundant '' .
The Treasury has not ruled out an extension to the programme , saying the chancellor , Rishi Sunak , would review whether it needed to remain open for longer than the initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , however , whether such an extension would be signalled ahead of the Saturday deadline flagged by the airport ground handling groups .
In their letter to Mr Barclay , the companies said their request had been made more urgent by the government 's decision to extend the UK lockdown for a further three weeks .
`` Should we place all of our personnel on redundancy notice ahead of the weekend , notwithstanding the government extends the private and commercial lockdown period , there will be confusion as to why we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of lockdown , '' they wrote .
`` Hence , it is imperative that the Treasury is decisive on this matter .
`` To do so will avert the unsightly and unnecessary mass redundancy of tens of thousands of skilled personnel leading to the collapse of the UK aviation system - regardless of promises of help to airports and airlines . ''
The warning from the four companies comes as talks continue between the government and a number of airlines , including Virgin Atlantic Airways , about financial support from taxpayers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` bespoke '' support would be considered `` only as a last resort '' .

The companies which dominate ground handling services at UK airports have warned that they will begin axing 10,000 employees within hours unless ministers extend the government's emergency wage subsidy scheme.
Sky News has learnt that the quartet - Dnata, Menzies Aviation, Swissport and Worldwide Flight Services - have written to Steve Barclay, chief secretary to the Treasury, to say they will instigate a formal programme this weekend to permanently lay off 40% of their combined workforce.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'There will be more tough times to come'
The letter, sent on Friday, underlines the sense of panic and uncertainty among large employers about the prospects for securing taxpayer funding for workers' salaries beyond the provisional end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on 31 May.
In their letter, a copy of which has been passed to Sky News, the four companies said: "If the Job Retention Scheme ends as planned at the end of May, we will be forced to make upwards of 10,000 staff redundant.
"This, as you know, is because businesses making over 100 people redundant are mandated to inform all affected personnel with at least 45 days' notice.
"This means that by tomorrow, 18 April 2020, we will be forced to commence a wholesale widespread sector redundancy process that dovetails the exit of our people from our business the moment the JRS is scheduled to end; notionally 31 May 2020."
The letter is the latest in a series of pleas from the quartet of companies to ministers in recent weeks, which have included a request for a 12-month business rates holiday for their sector.
Sources say the airport services groups have been disappointed with the level of government engagement with them, given the essential role they play in the aviation supply chain.
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"Having witnessed a 95% revenue drop leading to the laying off of thousands of our 25,000-strong workforce, absent of any flexibility on these dates, our businesses edge closer to complete collapse," they told Mr Barclay.
"What's more, the more staff we lay off, the greater the challenge we will face in servicing any UK recovery and corresponding national economic uptick once the COVID-19 crisis is over."
Sky News reported earlier this week that business groups were pressing for urgent clarification about the expiry of the job retention scheme.
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, the CBI director-general, said she was "very concerned that businesses will be forced into a position potentially of having to make people permanently redundant".
The Treasury has not ruled out an extension to the programme, saying the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, would review whether it needed to remain open for longer than the initial three-month period.
It was unclear on Friday, however, whether such an extension would be signalled ahead of the Saturday deadline flagged by the airport ground handling groups.
In their letter to Mr Barclay, the companies said their request had been made more urgent by the government's decision to extend the UK lockdown for a further three weeks.
"Should we place all of our personnel on redundancy notice ahead of the weekend, notwithstanding the government extends the private and commercial lockdown period, there will be confusion as to why we are forcing redundancies when we are still not out of lockdown," they wrote.
"Hence, it is imperative that the Treasury is decisive on this matter.
"To do so will avert the unsightly and unnecessary mass redundancy of tens of thousands of skilled personnel leading to the collapse of the UK aviation system - regardless of promises of help to airports and airlines."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 Lockdown weighs on families and businesses
The warning from the four companies comes as talks continue between the government and a number of airlines, including Virgin Atlantic Airways, about financial support from taxpayers.
Mr Sunak has told the aviation industry that "bespoke" support would be considered "only as a last resort".


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: China's Wuhan city revises up death toll by 1,290 - a 50% increase

The total number of coronavirus deaths in Wuhan has been revised up by 1,290 - a 50 % increase .
According to the latest figures , 3,869 people are known to have died from COVID-19 in the Chinese city - the epicentre of the outbreak .
Earlier this month , Wuhan lifted a lockdown that had paralysed the city of 11 million for more than two months in a drastic effort to contain the virus .
However , over two million cases of the disease have now been reported across the world and dozens of countries are in lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
Wuhan 's revised death toll of 3,869 is the most in China .
Numbers of total cases in the city were also raised by 325 to 50,333 , accounting for about two-thirds of China 's total 82,367 announced cases .
The official Xinhua News Agency quoted an unidentified official with Wuhan 's epidemic and prevention and control headquarters as saying that during the early stages of the outbreak , `` due to the insufficiency in admission and treatment capability , a few medical institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and control system in time , while hospitals were overloaded and medics were overwhelmed with patients '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' As a result , belated , missed and mistaken reporting occurred , '' the official was quoted as saying .
China has strongly denied claims it delayed reporting on the virus outbreak in Wuhan late last year and underreported case numbers , worsening the impact on the US and other countries .
It comes as figures show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since at least the 1970s in the first quarter as it fought the coronavirus .
Weak consumer spending and factory activity also suggest the country faces a longer , harder recovery than initially expected .
The world 's second-largest economy shrank 6.8 % from a year ago in the three months ending in March after factories , shops and travel were shut down to contain the infection , official data showed .
That was stronger than some forecasts that predicted a contraction of up to 16 % but was still China 's worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1979 .
The ruling Communist Party declared victory over the virus in early March and started reopening factories and offices even as the United States and Europe tightened controls .
But cinemas , hair salons and other businesses deemed non-essential but employ millions of people are still closed .
Tourism is struggling to recover .

The total number of coronavirus deaths in Wuhan has been revised up by 1,290 - a 50% increase.
According to the latest figures, 3,869 people are known to have died from COVID-19 in the Chinese city - the epicentre of the outbreak.
Image: An illustration of the coronavirus structure
Earlier this month, Wuhan lifted a lockdown that had paralysed the city of 11 million for more than two months in a drastic effort to contain the virus.
However, over two million cases of the disease have now been reported across the world and dozens of countries are in lockdown.
More than 137,000 people have died, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 Timelapse shows busy Wuhan as lockdown lifts
Wuhan's revised death toll of 3,869 is the most in China. Numbers of total cases in the city were also raised by 325 to 50,333, accounting for about two-thirds of China's total 82,367 announced cases.
The official Xinhua News Agency quoted an unidentified official with Wuhan's epidemic and prevention and control headquarters as saying that during the early stages of the outbreak, "due to the insufficiency in admission and treatment capability, a few medical institutions failed to connect with the disease prevention and control system in time, while hospitals were overloaded and medics were overwhelmed with patients".
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"As a result, belated, missed and mistaken reporting occurred," the official was quoted as saying.
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China has strongly denied claims it delayed reporting on the virus outbreak in Wuhan late last year and underreported case numbers, worsening the impact on the US and other countries.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:36 Inside Wuhan: 'People are terrified'
It comes as figures show China suffered its worst economic contraction since since at least the 1970s in the first quarter as it fought the coronavirus.
Weak consumer spending and factory activity also suggest the country faces a longer, harder recovery than initially expected.
The world's second-largest economy shrank 6.8% from a year ago in the three months ending in March after factories, shops and travel were shut down to contain the infection, official data showed.
Image: Motorcyclists ride in an almost empty street in Wuhan in February
That was stronger than some forecasts that predicted a contraction of up to 16% but was still China's worst performance since before market-style economic reforms started in 1979.
Image: A celebration was held earlier this month as Wuhan city reopened
The ruling Communist Party declared victory over the virus in early March and started reopening factories and offices even as the United States and Europe tightened controls.
But cinemas, hair salons and other businesses deemed non-essential but employ millions of people are still closed. Tourism is struggling to recover.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Charter flights arranged for thousands of Britons stranded in India

Charter flights have been arranged for thousands of British people stranded in India during the coronavirus crisis .
The government announced another 17 flights had been scheduled for UK citizens over the next 10 days , with planes departing to London from Ahmedabad , Amritsar , Bangalore , Delhi , Goa and Mumbai .
A statement said people who were most vulnerable would be prioritised for seats on the flights , which will bring the total number chartered by the UK government from India during the COVID-19 pandemic to 38. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It said the number of people already registered for a flight meant the majority of the roughly 4,000 seats available on the latest series were likely to be allocated to people already on waiting lists .
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon , minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth , said : `` We know this is a difficult time for British travellers and there is great demand for these flights .
`` This is a huge and logistically complex operation , and we are working tirelessly with the Indian government and state authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Jan Thompson , acting high commissioner to India , said : `` There will be 17 more charter flights next week to take British travellers back to the UK - on top of the 21 flights announced previously .
`` We are working around the clock to arrange additional flights from locations where we know large numbers are still stranded and are extremely grateful for the support we are receiving from the government of India and local authorities .
Officials said people already registered for the flights did not need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacted if they had been given a seat .
Those who wish to register for a flight but who have not already done so were instructed to visit the India travel advice page on government 's website .
The government said the flights were expected to cost between £537 and £591 .

Charter flights have been arranged for thousands of British people stranded in India during the coronavirus crisis.
The government announced another 17 flights had been scheduled for UK citizens over the next 10 days, with planes departing to London from Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Delhi, Goa and Mumbai.
A statement said people who were most vulnerable would be prioritised for seats on the flights, which will bring the total number chartered by the UK government from India during the COVID-19 pandemic to 38.
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It said the number of people already registered for a flight meant the majority of the roughly 4,000 seats available on the latest series were likely to be allocated to people already on waiting lists.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth, said: "We know this is a difficult time for British travellers and there is great demand for these flights.
"This is a huge and logistically complex operation, and we are working tirelessly with the Indian government and state authorities to help more British travellers get home."
Jan Thompson, acting high commissioner to India, said: "There will be 17 more charter flights next week to take British travellers back to the UK - on top of the 21 flights announced previously.
"We are working around the clock to arrange additional flights from locations where we know large numbers are still stranded and are extremely grateful for the support we are receiving from the government of India and local authorities.
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Officials said people already registered for the flights did not need to take any further action and would be contacted if they had been given a seat.
Those who wish to register for a flight but who have not already done so were instructed to visit the India travel advice page on government's website.
The government said the flights were expected to cost between £537 and £591.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Trump clashes with New York rival as anger rises over stay-at-home orders

Donald Trump has called on his supporters to `` liberate '' Minnesota , Michigan and Virginia - all of whom have Democratic governors - as he tries to get the crippled US economy reopened .
Strict stay-at-home orders have been imposed by politicians in 42 states to tackle the coronavirus pandemic , with businesses closed and millions of Americans out of work .
Some people have started taking to the streets to urge governors to reconsider the COVID-19 restrictions , including a demonstration outside the home of governor Tim Walz in Minnesota .
There have also been protests in Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas , North Carolina and Kentucky .
Jay Inslee , the Democratic governor for Washington , accused Mr Trump of encouraging `` illegal and dangerous acts '' .
The president also criticised New York governor Andrew Cuomo , another Democrat , for his comments over the federal response .
Mr Trump claimed Mr Cuomo should spend more time `` doing '' and less time `` complaining '' .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Cuomo had earlier said the president was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bucks '' , accusing the government of underfunding the response .
He warned : `` The federal government can not wipe its hands of this and say , 'Oh , the states are responsible for testing ' .
We can not do it .
We can not do it without federal help . ''
The issue has become a personal one between the two high-profile politicians , with the president tweeting : `` Cuomo ridiculously wanted `` 40 thousand Ventilators '' .
We gave him a small fraction of that number , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had them in stockpile ! ''
On Thursday , the president unveiled a three-step set of guidelines for easing restrictions over several weeks in places that have widespread testing and are seeing a fall in COVID-19 cases .
And he assured the nation 's governors `` you 're going to call your own shots '' , after previously claiming he had the power to reopen the economy .
But governors from both sides of the political divide are calling for more help from Washington to ramp up testing - as the president put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The States have to step up their testing ! ''
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer , a Democrat who has been critical of the government 's response to the crisis , admitted people were very anxious about their livelihoods and worried about paying the rent when they were out of work .
`` But the last thing I want to do is to have a second wave here , so we 've got to be really smart , '' she said .
However , she also said she was hopeful the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy beginning on 1 May .
Ohio 's Mike DeWine has already said his state would start to reopen on the same day .
Both governors along with those in Wisconsin , Minnesota , Illinois , Indiana and Kentucky have formed a partnership to work together on restarting their economies , which make up about 16 % of total US economic output .

Donald Trump has called on his supporters to "liberate" Minnesota, Michigan and Virginia - all of whom have Democratic governors - as he tries to get the crippled US economy reopened.
Strict stay-at-home orders have been imposed by politicians in 42 states to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, with businesses closed and millions of Americans out of work.
Some people have started taking to the streets to urge governors to reconsider the COVID-19 restrictions, including a demonstration outside the home of governor Tim Walz in Minnesota.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Hundreds of people gathered outside the governor's residence in Minnesota
There have also been protests in Virginia and Michigan as well as Ohio, Texas, North Carolina and Kentucky.
Jay Inslee, the Democratic governor for Washington, accused Mr Trump of encouraging "illegal and dangerous acts".
The president also criticised New York governor Andrew Cuomo, another Democrat, for his comments over the federal response.
Mr Trump claimed Mr Cuomo should spend more time "doing" and less time "complaining".
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Mr Cuomo had earlier said the president was "passing the buck without passing the bucks", accusing the government of underfunding the response.
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He warned: "The federal government cannot wipe its hands of this and say, 'Oh, the states are responsible for testing'. We cannot do it. We cannot do it without federal help."
The issue has become a personal one between the two high-profile politicians, with the president tweeting: "Cuomo ridiculously wanted "40 thousand Ventilators". We gave him a small fraction of that number, and it was plenty. State should have had them in stockpile!"
On Thursday, the president unveiled a three-step set of guidelines for easing restrictions over several weeks in places that have widespread testing and are seeing a fall in COVID-19 cases.
And he assured the nation's governors "you're going to call your own shots", after previously claiming he had the power to reopen the economy.
But governors from both sides of the political divide are calling for more help from Washington to ramp up testing - as the president put the focus back on them, tweeting: "The States have to step up their testing!"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Andrew Cuomo accused Donald Trump of 'passing the buck without bucks'
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who has been critical of the government's response to the crisis, admitted people were very anxious about their livelihoods and worried about paying the rent when they were out of work.
"But the last thing I want to do is to have a second wave here, so we've got to be really smart," she said.
However, she also said she was hopeful the state could begin to reopen parts of its economy beginning on 1 May.
Ohio's Mike DeWine has already said his state would start to reopen on the same day.
Both governors along with those in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky have formed a partnership to work together on restarting their economies, which make up about 16% of total US economic output.