news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: Government must be 'completely honest' about COVID-19 deaths because 'we really don't k

Coronavirus: Government must be 'completely honest' about COVID-19 deaths because 'we really don't know the full picture'

The government needs to be `` completely honest '' about coronavirus deaths because `` we really do n't know the full picture '' , a former public health director has told Sky News .
Professor John Ashton says the total number of Britons who have died after testing positive for coronavirus will `` almost certainly '' pass 10,000 this weekend However , Professor Ashton said the figure will not include deaths in care homes and in the community , meaning `` we really do n't know the full picture '' about COVID-19 .
He also warned that the UK must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable from the coronavirus , with some estimates suggesting that cases have now been identified in 50 % of care homes nationwide .
`` There have been some modelling estimates in the planning guidance that suggest once you get coronavirus into a care home you might expect as many as 30 % deaths , '' the former president of the Faculty of Public Health said .
`` You 're talking about a very frail and vulnerable population - usually people in their 80s and 90s , maybe with dementia - and we ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Friday , it was confirmed that another 980 patients have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - surpassing Spain and Italy 's worst recorded daily totals .
Prof Ashton claimed the UK has often been slow to act during the pandemic - citing confusion over whether face masks are a useful deterrent against the coronavirus as an example .
He added that a lack of extensive testing has made it difficult for public health officials to know where COVID-19 was spreading fastest .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker '' The lockdown will now have to continue for quite a long time , '' Prof Ashton said .
`` I think it 's really important for the government to be completely honest about the numbers .
`` There 's a lot of worry now on social media that we 're not being given the full picture .
People need to be treated like adults . ''
Prof Ashton , who formerly served as Cumbria 's regional director of public health , described the government 's approach to informing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as though it 's been frightened to panic people '' .
He said : `` If you treat people as adults they 're more likely to behave as adults rather than as delinquents .
We 're seeing the delinquency play out in house parties in Manchester and other kinds of things because people are n't really trusting what 's going on . ''
His warning came as Downing Street gave an update on Boris Johnson 's progress as he recovers from coronavirus .
A statement said that the prime minister `` has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rest '' since he was moved back from intensive care and into a hospital ward .
But a Number 10 spokesman warned it was too early to say how long he would need to stay in St Thomas ' Hospital in central London .
A senior government scientist has warned that the coronavirus pandemic remains in a `` dangerous phase '' - with Prof Jonathan Van-Tam , the UK 's deputy chief scientific adviser , stressing that `` this is not over '' .
During the daily Downing Street news conference , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say we are at a peak and the push we are making with social distancing just has to continue . ''
Ministers have said that tests for coronavirus have now reached more than 19,000 a day - against the government 's target of 100,000 by the end of this month .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government is under intense pressure to set out an exit strategy for lifting restrictions that have closed pubs , restaurants and shops nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emergencies ( SAGE ) is continuing to study evidence .
Mr Hancock has said the health effects of the economic collapse resulting from measures to curb the outbreak will be a factor in the government 's decision on when to start easing the restrictions .
For now at least , the public are being urged to stay at home , observe lockdown rules and refrain from visiting friends and family over the Easter weekend .
A huge publicity blitz has been taking place across social media , newspapers and magazines , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` crucial moment in preventing further transmission of coronavirus '' .

The government needs to be "completely honest" about coronavirus deaths because "we really don't know the full picture", a former public health director has told Sky News.
Professor John Ashton says the total number of Britons who have died after testing positive for coronavirus will "almost certainly" pass 10,000 this weekend
However, Professor Ashton said the figure will not include deaths in care homes and in the community, meaning "we really don't know the full picture" about COVID-19.
He also warned that the UK must focus more on shielding the elderly and vulnerable from the coronavirus, with some estimates suggesting that cases have now been identified in 50% of care homes nationwide.
Image: A billboard in Manchester urges Britons to stay at home over the Easter weekend
"There have been some modelling estimates in the planning guidance that suggest once you get coronavirus into a care home you might expect as many as 30% deaths," the former president of the Faculty of Public Health said.
"You're talking about a very frail and vulnerable population - usually people in their 80s and 90s, maybe with dementia - and we can't just write them off."
Image: A police officer talks to a woman on the beach in Brighton, as the sunny bank holiday weather tests resolve
On Friday, it was confirmed that another 980 patients have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - surpassing Spain and Italy's worst recorded daily totals.
Prof Ashton claimed the UK has often been slow to act during the pandemic - citing confusion over whether face masks are a useful deterrent against the coronavirus as an example.
He added that a lack of extensive testing has made it difficult for public health officials to know where COVID-19 was spreading fastest.
Advertisement
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"The lockdown will now have to continue for quite a long time," Prof Ashton said. "I think it's really important for the government to be completely honest about the numbers.
"There's a lot of worry now on social media that we're not being given the full picture. People need to be treated like adults."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 People defy lockdown rules on Good Friday
Prof Ashton, who formerly served as Cumbria's regional director of public health, described the government's approach to informing the public about COVID-19 as "paternalistic… as though it's been frightened to panic people".
He said: "If you treat people as adults they're more likely to behave as adults rather than as delinquents. We're seeing the delinquency play out in house parties in Manchester and other kinds of things because people aren't really trusting what's going on."
Image: Boris Johnson is now out of intensive care and taking 'short walks' as he recovers in hospital
His warning came as Downing Street gave an update on Boris Johnson's progress as he recovers from coronavirus.
A statement said that the prime minister "has been able to do short walks between periods of rest" since he was moved back from intensive care and into a hospital ward.
But a Number 10 spokesman warned it was too early to say how long he would need to stay in St Thomas' Hospital in central London.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Hancock: 'Stay home however warm the weather'
A senior government scientist has warned that the coronavirus pandemic remains in a "dangerous phase" - with Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, the UK's deputy chief scientific adviser, stressing that "this is not over".
During the daily Downing Street news conference, he said: "It's premature to say we are at a peak and the push we are making with social distancing just has to continue."
Ministers have said that tests for coronavirus have now reached more than 19,000 a day - against the government's target of 100,000 by the end of this month.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government is under intense pressure to set out an exit strategy for lifting restrictions that have closed pubs, restaurants and shops nationwide, and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) is continuing to study evidence.
Mr Hancock has said the health effects of the economic collapse resulting from measures to curb the outbreak will be a factor in the government's decision on when to start easing the restrictions.
Image: Benches in Bournemouth have been cordoned off
For now at least, the public are being urged to stay at home, observe lockdown rules and refrain from visiting friends and family over the Easter weekend.
A huge publicity blitz has been taking place across social media, newspapers and magazines, with the government warning the UK is at a "crucial moment in preventing further transmission of coronavirus".


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: PM making 'very good progress' after night of playing games and watching films

Boris Johnson is making `` very good progress '' as he continues his recovery from COVID-19 , Downing Street has said .
The prime minister has been playing games and watching films in hospital .
There was no update on when he is likely to be discharged .
The movies the PM has been watching are said to include Withnail And I , starring Richard E Grant , and the Lord Of The Rings trilogy .
He has also been doing sudoku .
`` The prime minister continues to make very good progress , '' a Downing Street spokesperson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister 's fiancee Carrie Symonds has sent him letters and baby scans to lift his spirits during his time in intensive care .
Ms Symonds sent daily updates , including images of their unborn child , according to a Downing Street source .
The couple have not seen each other since he was admitted to hospital almost a week ago .
After coming out of intensive care , the prime minister recently became able to take short walks between periods of rest while being treated for coronavirus on a low-dependency ward .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' hospital in central London on Sunday night - 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19 .
Fears grew for his health when his symptoms worsened and he was transferred to intensive care the following day .
He was later said to be in `` good spirits '' and `` engaging positively '' with doctors and continues to improve .
Environmental campaigner Ms Symonds , who is due to give birth in two months , has also been ill with coronavirus-like symptoms in recent weeks , but has not been tested .
Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 had difficult decisions to make about re-involving Mr Johnson in the fight against COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The balance for the government will be taking the medical advice that the prime minister is getting at St Thomas ' Hospital - taking that seriously , and allowing him enough time to recuperate fully , but also at some point maybe looking to involve him in some of the decision making , '' he said .
After that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include the PM in its messaging , to give the public `` a sense that the prime minister is involved in some of the crucial decisions that are coming in the next few weeks and months '' .

Boris Johnson is making "very good progress" as he continues his recovery from COVID-19, Downing Street has said.
The prime minister has been playing games and watching films in hospital.
There was no update on when he is likely to be discharged.
The movies the PM has been watching are said to include Withnail And I, starring Richard E Grant, and the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.
He has also been doing sudoku.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Deaths are expected to rise this weekend as NHS staff resort to 3D printing their own PPE
"The prime minister continues to make very good progress," a Downing Street spokesperson said in a brief daily update.
The prime minister's fiancee Carrie Symonds has sent him letters and baby scans to lift his spirits during his time in intensive care.
Ms Symonds sent daily updates, including images of their unborn child, according to a Downing Street source.
Image: Ms Symonds says she has also had coronavirus symptoms
The couple have not seen each other since he was admitted to hospital almost a week ago.
Advertisement
After coming out of intensive care, the prime minister recently became able to take short walks between periods of rest while being treated for coronavirus on a low-dependency ward.
Mr Johnson was taken to St Thomas' hospital in central London on Sunday night - 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:40 Health professionals have reacted angrily to Health Secretary Matt Hancock categorising PPE as a
Fears grew for his health when his symptoms worsened and he was transferred to intensive care the following day.
He was later said to be in "good spirits" and "engaging positively" with doctors and continues to improve.
Environmental campaigner Ms Symonds, who is due to give birth in two months, has also been ill with coronavirus-like symptoms in recent weeks, but has not been tested.
Sky News political correspondent Rob Powell said Number 10 had difficult decisions to make about re-involving Mr Johnson in the fight against COVID-19.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"The balance for the government will be taking the medical advice that the prime minister is getting at St Thomas' Hospital - taking that seriously, and allowing him enough time to recuperate fully, but also at some point maybe looking to involve him in some of the decision making," he said.
Image: Dominic Raab has been leading some of the daily government briefings while the PM remains in hospital
After that, Downing Street will perhaps start to include the PM in its messaging, to give the public "a sense that the prime minister is involved in some of the crucial decisions that are coming in the next few weeks and months".


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: Number of US deaths rises to over 19,600 - higher than Italy

The United States now has more deaths in the coronavirus pandemic than any other country , with the numbers exceeding more than 19,600 on Saturday .
America , with roughly 2,000 a day reported for the last four days , has a higher overall figure than Italy , previously the worst-hit nation in the COVID-19 outbreak .
In the past week , the number of new coronavirus deaths each day has been about three times higher on average in the US than in Italy , where the total fatality figure now stands at 19,468 .
Spain , also badly affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 16,353 deaths - but recorded its lowest amount , 510 , in 19 days on Saturday , suggesting a glimmer of hope that the outbreak there may have peaked .
Authorities there are planning to roll back the strictest measures on Monday , allowing some workers to return to factories and construction sites .
America has five times the population of Italy and nearly seven times the population of Spain .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker About half the deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York metropolitan area .
However , hospital admissions are now slowing down , suggesting social distancing measures in the city are helping to `` flatten the curve '' of infections .
But authorities have warned the crisis in the area is far from over , while Chicago and other cities across the Mid West are bracing for a potential surge in victims .
Nearly 300 inmates at the Cook County Jail in Chicago have tested positive for the virus , and two have died .
The pandemic 's epicentre has long since shifted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported no new deaths for the first time during the outbreak , to Europe and the US .
Like most of the rest of the world , US residents are under unprecedented lockdown orders that have closed businesses and kept most people indoors to stop the spread of the virus .
Public health experts have warned that the country 's number of deaths could still increase massively and spike to 200,000 over the summer if orders are not kept in place for longer than 30 days .
Meanwhile , as many countries in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank holiday weekend , authorities used all sorts of measures - including roadblocks in Italy and mounted patrols on beaches and in parks in Spain - to prevent people from travelling or staying outside .
`` Do n't do silly things , '' said Domenico Arcuri , Italy 's special commissioner for the virus emergency .
`` Do n't go out , continue to behave responsibly as you have done until today , use your head and your sense of responsibility . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker However , some governments have started to take tentative steps towards relaxing the shutdowns , despite health experts warning that the virus could return if people are not careful enough .
Austria aims to reopen small shops on Tuesday , while Spanish authorities have said they will distribute 10 million face masks at major train and subway stations in a bid to prevent a jump in infections when some restrictions are lifted on Monday .
The head of the World Health Organisation , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , has warned that easing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly resurgence '' .
Globally , confirmed infections have risen above 1.7 million , with more than 100,000 deaths , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
Close to 400,000 people have recovered from the disease .

The United States now has more deaths in the coronavirus pandemic than any other country, with the numbers exceeding more than 19,600 on Saturday.
America, with roughly 2,000 a day reported for the last four days, has a higher overall figure than Italy, previously the worst-hit nation in the COVID-19 outbreak.
In the past week, the number of new coronavirus deaths each day has been about three times higher on average in the US than in Italy, where the total fatality figure now stands at 19,468.
Image: A new coronavirus testing site has opened in Brooklyn, New York
Spain, also badly affected by the crisis, has a total of 16,353 deaths - but recorded its lowest amount, 510, in 19 days on Saturday, suggesting a glimmer of hope that the outbreak there may have peaked.
Authorities there are planning to roll back the strictest measures on Monday, allowing some workers to return to factories and construction sites.
America has five times the population of Italy and nearly seven times the population of Spain.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
About half the deaths in the US have been in the New York metropolitan area. However, hospital admissions are now slowing down, suggesting social distancing measures in the city are helping to "flatten the curve" of infections.
But authorities have warned the crisis in the area is far from over, while Chicago and other cities across the Mid West are bracing for a potential surge in victims.
Advertisement
Nearly 300 inmates at the Cook County Jail in Chicago have tested positive for the virus, and two have died.
Image: Hundreds of cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed at Cook County Jail in Chicago
The pandemic's epicentre has long since shifted from China, which earlier this week reported no new deaths for the first time during the outbreak, to Europe and the US.
Like most of the rest of the world, US residents are under unprecedented lockdown orders that have closed businesses and kept most people indoors to stop the spread of the virus.
Image: Some lockdown restrictions in Spain will be lifted on Monday
Public health experts have warned that the country's number of deaths could still increase massively and spike to 200,000 over the summer if orders are not kept in place for longer than 30 days.
Meanwhile, as many countries in Europe basked in sunshine over the Easter bank holiday weekend, authorities used all sorts of measures - including roadblocks in Italy and mounted patrols on beaches and in parks in Spain - to prevent people from travelling or staying outside.
"Don't do silly things," said Domenico Arcuri, Italy's special commissioner for the virus emergency.
"Don't go out, continue to behave responsibly as you have done until today, use your head and your sense of responsibility."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
However, some governments have started to take tentative steps towards relaxing the shutdowns, despite health experts warning that the virus could return if people are not careful enough.
Austria aims to reopen small shops on Tuesday, while Spanish authorities have said they will distribute 10 million face masks at major train and subway stations in a bid to prevent a jump in infections when some restrictions are lifted on Monday.
The head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that easing restrictions prematurely could "lead to a deadly resurgence".
Globally, confirmed infections have risen above 1.7 million, with more than 100,000 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
Close to 400,000 people have recovered from the disease.


news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: Fully working ventilators from BBC hospital drama donated to NHS

Fully working ventilators from the set of Holby City have been donated to London 's makeshift coronavirus hospital .
The BBC revealed the devices have been delivered to NHS Nightingale , the temporary 4,000-bed facility treating COVID-19 patients at the capital 's ExCeL Centre .
It was not immediately clear how many ventilators had been donated , or why working medical equipment was used on set of the fictional medical drama .
Holby City executive producer Simon Harper said : `` We are only too happy to help out and do what we can for the courageous and selfless real-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month that the makers of Holby City and fellow BBC drama Casualty were in talks about donating medical kit to help the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic .
Many NHS staff have warned they do not have enough protective equipment to guard themselves as they treat patients .
Producers of the two shows - which have seen production halted due to COVID-19 - said they were in discussions with local services to work out how equipment used on set can be put to use .
The UK has faced a shortage of ventilators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove announced last week that hundreds more are being manufactured in the country each day .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker NHS Nightingale was built in just nine days at the ExCeL Centre site in the capital 's Docklands , in Newham , east London .
The BBC ventilators were donated there as Holby City is made in the South East , even though it is set in a fictional West Country city .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester , Bristol and Harrogate , with two more announced on Friday on Wearside and in Exeter .
The BBC 's gesture is the latest in a national outpouring of gratitude to NHS staff risking their lives to fight coronavirus .
On Thursday , the country once again united for a nationwide round of applause for workers on the front line .
It came as the deaths of another 980 coronavirus patients were confirmed in the UK on Friday - surpassing Spain and Italy 's worst recorded daily totals .
Health Secretary Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with COVID-19 have now died in UK hospitals .

Fully working ventilators from the set of Holby City have been donated to London's makeshift coronavirus hospital.
The BBC revealed the devices have been delivered to NHS Nightingale, the temporary 4,000-bed facility treating COVID-19 patients at the capital's ExCeL Centre.
It was not immediately clear how many ventilators had been donated, or why working medical equipment was used on set of the fictional medical drama.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Holby City executive producer Simon Harper said: "We are only too happy to help out and do what we can for the courageous and selfless real-life medics."
It was revealed last month that the makers of Holby City and fellow BBC drama Casualty were in talks about donating medical kit to help the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.
Many NHS staff have warned they do not have enough protective equipment to guard themselves as they treat patients.
Producers of the two shows - which have seen production halted due to COVID-19 - said they were in discussions with local services to work out how equipment used on set can be put to use.
The UK has faced a shortage of ventilators, with just 8,000 in NHS hospitals, but Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove announced last week that hundreds more are being manufactured in the country each day.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Advertisement
NHS Nightingale was built in just nine days at the ExCeL Centre site in the capital's Docklands, in Newham, east London.
The BBC ventilators were donated there as Holby City is made in the South East, even though it is set in a fictional West Country city.
There are also Nightingale hospitals in Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Harrogate, with two more announced on Friday on Wearside and in Exeter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Timelapse: The transformation of ExCeL centre
The BBC's gesture is the latest in a national outpouring of gratitude to NHS staff risking their lives to fight coronavirus.
On Thursday, the country once again united for a nationwide round of applause for workers on the front line.
It came as the deaths of another 980 coronavirus patients were confirmed in the UK on Friday - surpassing Spain and Italy's worst recorded daily totals.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said a total of 8,958 people with COVID-19 have now died in UK hospitals.


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: More than 1,000 fines handed out by police for lockdown breaches

Police officers from 37 forces in England and Wales have issued 1,084 fines for breaches of coronavirus regulations up until Thursday .
Despite some high-profile reports of people breaking the government 's COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in recent days , the vast majority of the population appears to have adhered to the rules this sunny Easter weekend to only go out for essential food and medicine and exercise .
Chairman of the National Police Chiefs ' Council Martin Hewitt said there had been a `` small minority of people '' who have failed to follow the guidance brought in during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 37 ) forces , that is an average of less than 84 a day , '' he added .
`` This shows that the overwhelming majority of people are abiding by the rules and are staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives .
`` In those few cases where police forces have made mistakes with those new regulations , they have quickly sought to correct them and provide clarity . ''
He said police will publish enforcement data every fortnight during the crisis .
Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've had examples of people sunbathing in the park , having barbecues in the park , we 've had large gatherings of family members .
`` To those people , I am saying 'your time is up ' . ''
Mr Hewitt also said there has been a 21 % drop in overall crime in the past four weeks compared to the same period last year .
He said officers were still working to tackle crime such as drug smuggling and fraud .
He added : `` Initial figures from all forces show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That drop , combined with the commitment of our over 200,000 officers and staff across the UK , the fantastic response from our volunteer special constables , means that we are in a strong position . ''
Mr Hewitt highlighted examples , such as seven people being arrested in London as part of an ongoing investigation into serious violent crime .
Some of those held were trying to flee the country , he added .
He echoed Home Secretary Priti Patel 's focus on domestic abuse , telling victims : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help '' , and warning offenders not to see the lockdown as `` a time when you can get away with this '' .
`` We will still arrest , we will still bring into custody and we will still prosecute , '' he stressed .

Police officers from 37 forces in England and Wales have issued 1,084 fines for breaches of coronavirus regulations up until Thursday.
Despite some high-profile reports of people breaking the government's COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in recent days, the vast majority of the population appears to have adhered to the rules this sunny Easter weekend to only go out for essential food and medicine and exercise.
Chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council Martin Hewitt said there had been a "small minority of people" who have failed to follow the guidance brought in during the pandemic.
Image: A London park on Easter Saturday
"Across all of those (37) forces, that is an average of less than 84 a day," he added.
"This shows that the overwhelming majority of people are abiding by the rules and are staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
"In those few cases where police forces have made mistakes with those new regulations, they have quickly sought to correct them and provide clarity."
He said police will publish enforcement data every fortnight during the crisis.
Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley said on Thursday: "We've had examples of people sunbathing in the park, having barbecues in the park, we've had large gatherings of family members.
"To those people, I am saying 'your time is up'."
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 The UK government is asking the country to practise
Mr Hewitt also said there has been a 21% drop in overall crime in the past four weeks compared to the same period last year.
He said officers were still working to tackle crime such as drug smuggling and fraud.
He added: "Initial figures from all forces show a 21% fall in overall crime.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 The UK is on lockdown, as part of the fight against the spread of coronavirus. Here is what that actually means for you.
"That drop, combined with the commitment of our over 200,000 officers and staff across the UK, the fantastic response from our volunteer special constables, means that we are in a strong position."
Mr Hewitt highlighted examples, such as seven people being arrested in London as part of an ongoing investigation into serious violent crime.
Some of those held were trying to flee the country, he added.
He echoed Home Secretary Priti Patel's focus on domestic abuse, telling victims: "We will come when you call for help", and warning offenders not to see the lockdown as "a time when you can get away with this".
"We will still arrest, we will still bring into custody and we will still prosecute," he stressed.


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: What's happening in UK care homes right now is a scandal our grandchildren will ask abo

Coronavirus: What's happening in UK care homes right now is a scandal our grandchildren will ask about

The scandal among scandals during this pandemic is the care home structure in Britain .
We will look back at this appalling , tragic episode in our global history , and our children and grandchildren will ask us : `` Did that really happen ?
Did you really leave the most vulnerable of our society - the elderly , the infirm , the defenceless , the muddled , sick and weak - in care homes , shut away from their closest relatives ?
Did you leave them to be ravaged by a deadly virus , and do very little to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what 's happening right now .
There are elderly people - many with Alzheimer 's , many with dementia , many frail - in thousands of residential homes up and down Britain , and they are very much at risk .
Once COVID-19 seeps into these homes , it is a monumentally difficult job to protect the residents inside .
The respiratory disease attacks the lungs , making it difficult to breathe .
We 're told by the experts that it hits those with underlying conditions worst .
That has become a catch-all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could n't possibly apply to us or anyone we know or love .
And yet it does .
It basically covers everybody .
I 've interviewed fit men in their 30s who have collapsed after they have done their training runs .
I 've spoken to the children of medical directors who 're still working beyond retirement , nurses with young children , and pensioners .
They are all susceptible to this disease .
So imagine if you are in a residential home .
A residential home is not a nursing home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're just elderly .
You just need a little bit more support - a little bit more help getting up out of bed in the morning , preparing your meals , getting bathed , going to the bathroom , being helped down the stairs .
You may have some dementia .
You may not .
But you have company every day .
There are always people around you and there are care assistants who will help you brush your hair , scoop the soup up to your mouth and read the newspaper .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are not nurses .
But if you are feeling ill , they will call the GP or community nurse to come and check on you .
There is always help at hand .
It gives you security .
It is safety in your old age .
You do n't worry about break-ins .
You do n't worry about meals .
You do n't worry about cleaning .
And then there 's a worldwide pandemic , and your care home is infected .
You ca n't go out .
Your relatives ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sweeps through the home - and one by one , the residents get sick .
But even still , after a lifetime of working and caring for others , the ones you care for most ca n't come and say goodbye to you as you get sicker and sicker and you finally breathe your last breath .
The coronavirus has changed everything - and it 's exposed the very weak lines in our social care structure .
The care assistants are low paid , and they are generally working long days on zero-hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are treated like second-class citizens .
We think the NHS staff are privileged in comparison .
`` If I ring in sick , they ask me : 'Are you too sick to work ?
Can you still come in anyway because we 're really short-staffed ? '
`` I have no idea if we 've got the right PPE ( protective personal equipment ) .
All I see is that it is very different from what I see on the news . ''
These are the people who are caring for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have spent their whole lives contributing to society .
Their devotion to the residents and duty to care is often beyond question .
We saw some inspiring sacrifice .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At Beechside Home in Liverpool , the care assistants have moved out of their family homes and moved into the care home to stop the virus getting inside .
They did n't want to run the risk of bringing COVID-19 in and infecting the residents .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They are our family in the end and we 'd want anyone to do the same for ours .
`` There are people in this home that have been in the war .
They 've been midwives and social workers… they fought for our country and this is us fighting for them… we 're paying them back for what they have done for us . ''
There are terrible statistics about the numbers dying in the country 's residential care homes .
Outbreaks of the virus in a closed community like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The environment is a highly tactile one .
At Beechside , the care assistants spent the afternoon dancing with the residents and holding their hands .
There were frequent hugs , touches , kisses on the cheek .
This is what makes them special .
This is what makes the residents smile .
But it also makes it one of the most susceptible places for the virus to replenish and multiply if it gets inside .
They have taken drastic measures by moving the care assistants inside .
Most of those we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it seemed the most natural thing in the world for them to do .
So far it has worked , but for how long ?
Halfway through the afternoon , there was a call .
A nearby home needed masks .
Could they help ?
Beechside had managed to procure a comfortable amount of PPE for their staff - masks , gloves and plastic pinnies .
These are probably not enough if there 's an outbreak , but the minimum amount and in accordance with NHS England guidelines .
The home around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oak Springs - a care home that is suffering an outbreak and has had 14 deaths in the last fortnight .
Only two who were taken to hospital have actually been tested , and both were positive .
But there are few in the home who believe it is anything other than COVID-19 that has hastened their deaths .
The home and all who work inside are distraught .
The manager herself is now ill with symptoms , but she told us before she went sick that `` they were battling on '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly enough .
`` They 're under great strain , '' she said .
One relative who wanted to be anonymous and whose grandmother is inside the home likened the outbreak to a fire .
`` It felt like my nan was at that burning building and it was difficult to get a response to it… and as I said all along , the only difference with this is that you just ca n't see the fire : the fire is a virus . ''
There is much controversy over how these outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems moving elderly people out of environments they are familiar with and into strange ones .
It can often be more detrimental than advantageous .
But the local MP believes the time has come to radically think how to deal with the most vulnerable in our society .
The elderly can not be just left to perish , insists Paula Barker , MP for Liverpool Waverley .
`` Everybody 's life should be valued equally , '' she said .
`` I do n't care whether you 're 108 or if you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are young as when you are old .
`` They 've all contributed to society… these people deserve the optimum chance of survival and we 've got to do everything in our power to ensure that they are safeguarded . ''

The scandal among scandals during this pandemic is the care home structure in Britain.
We will look back at this appalling, tragic episode in our global history, and our children and grandchildren will ask us: "Did that really happen? Did you really leave the most vulnerable of our society - the elderly, the infirm, the defenceless, the muddled, sick and weak - in care homes, shut away from their closest relatives? Did you leave them to be ravaged by a deadly virus, and do very little to help them?"
Because that is what's happening right now. There are elderly people - many with Alzheimer's, many with dementia, many frail - in thousands of residential homes up and down Britain, and they are very much at risk.
Image: The elderly and vulnerable in care homes can no longer be visited by their loved ones
Once COVID-19 seeps into these homes, it is a monumentally difficult job to protect the residents inside. The respiratory disease attacks the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
We're told by the experts that it hits those with underlying conditions worst. That has become a catch-all phrase that means most of us believe it couldn't possibly apply to us or anyone we know or love.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Care worker: 'I had days off where I'd just cry'
And yet it does. It basically covers everybody.
I've interviewed fit men in their 30s who have collapsed after they have done their training runs. I've spoken to the children of medical directors who're still working beyond retirement, nurses with young children, and pensioners. They are all susceptible to this disease.
So imagine if you are in a residential home. A residential home is not a nursing home.
You're not sick. You're just elderly. You just need a little bit more support - a little bit more help getting up out of bed in the morning, preparing your meals, getting bathed, going to the bathroom, being helped down the stairs.
Advertisement
Image: Care homes are a tactile environment with frequent hugs, touches and kisses on the cheek
You may have some dementia. You may not. But you have company every day. There are always people around you and there are care assistants who will help you brush your hair, scoop the soup up to your mouth and read the newspaper.
These care assistants are not medically trained. They are not nurses. But if you are feeling ill, they will call the GP or community nurse to come and check on you.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 'Everybody's life should be valued equally'
There is always help at hand. It gives you security. It is safety in your old age. You don't worry about break-ins. You don't worry about meals. You don't worry about cleaning.
And then there's a worldwide pandemic, and your care home is infected. You can't go out. Your relatives can't come in but the virus just sweeps through the home - and one by one, the residents get sick.
But even still, after a lifetime of working and caring for others, the ones you care for most can't come and say goodbye to you as you get sicker and sicker and you finally breathe your last breath.
Image: Once COVID-19 seeps in, it is a monumentally difficult job to protect the residents inside
The coronavirus has changed everything - and it's exposed the very weak lines in our social care structure.
The care assistants are low paid, and they are generally working long days on zero-hour contracts.
One told us: "We are treated like second-class citizens. We think the NHS staff are privileged in comparison.
"If I ring in sick, they ask me: 'Are you too sick to work? Can you still come in anyway because we're really short-staffed?'
"I have no idea if we've got the right PPE (protective personal equipment). All I see is that it is very different from what I see on the news."
These are the people who are caring for our elderly men and women - those who have spent their whole lives contributing to society.
Their devotion to the residents and duty to care is often beyond question. We saw some inspiring sacrifice.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At Beechside Home in Liverpool, the care assistants have moved out of their family homes and moved into the care home to stop the virus getting inside. They didn't want to run the risk of bringing COVID-19 in and infecting the residents.
As care assistant Chloe Williams told us: "They are our family in the end and we'd want anyone to do the same for ours.
"There are people in this home that have been in the war. They've been midwives and social workers… they fought for our country and this is us fighting for them… we're paying them back for what they have done for us."
There are terrible statistics about the numbers dying in the country's residential care homes. Outbreaks of the virus in a closed community like a care home are fantastically difficult to control.
The environment is a highly tactile one. At Beechside, the care assistants spent the afternoon dancing with the residents and holding their hands. There were frequent hugs, touches, kisses on the cheek. This is what makes them special. This is what makes the residents smile.
But it also makes it one of the most susceptible places for the virus to replenish and multiply if it gets inside.
They have taken drastic measures by moving the care assistants inside. Most of those we talked to played it down - saying it seemed the most natural thing in the world for them to do. So far it has worked, but for how long?
Halfway through the afternoon, there was a call. A nearby home needed masks. Could they help? Beechside had managed to procure a comfortable amount of PPE for their staff - masks, gloves and plastic pinnies. These are probably not enough if there's an outbreak, but the minimum amount and in accordance with NHS England guidelines.
The home around the corner that is asking for help is Oak Springs - a care home that is suffering an outbreak and has had 14 deaths in the last fortnight.
Only two who were taken to hospital have actually been tested, and both were positive. But there are few in the home who believe it is anything other than COVID-19 that has hastened their deaths.
The home and all who work inside are distraught. The manager herself is now ill with symptoms, but she told us before she went sick that "they were battling on" and she couldn't praise her staff highly enough. "They're under great strain," she said.
One relative who wanted to be anonymous and whose grandmother is inside the home likened the outbreak to a fire. "It felt like my nan was at that burning building and it was difficult to get a response to it… and as I said all along, the only difference with this is that you just can't see the fire: the fire is a virus."
There is much controversy over how these outbreaks are dealt with. There are considerable problems moving elderly people out of environments they are familiar with and into strange ones. It can often be more detrimental than advantageous.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Hancock: 'Stay home however warm the weather'
But the local MP believes the time has come to radically think how to deal with the most vulnerable in our society. The elderly cannot be just left to perish, insists Paula Barker, MP for Liverpool Waverley.
"Everybody's life should be valued equally," she said. "I don't care whether you're 108 or if you're 10… your life is as valuable when you are young as when you are old.
"They've all contributed to society… these people deserve the optimum chance of survival and we've got to do everything in our power to ensure that they are safeguarded."


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: Apple and Google phones to reveal if you've been near someone who has coronavirus

Apple and Google have announced they are working together to create contact tracing technology aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus .
In a rare collaboration , the two companies - whose operating systems power 99 % of the world 's smartphones - plan to add new software to devices to make it easier to track down people who may have been infected with COVID-19 .
To be effective , the system would require millions of people to opt into the system and trust the technology giants ' safeguards .
Under the plan , smartphones with the contact tracing technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within about 6ft can then record anonymous information about their encounters .
People who test positive for coronavirus can opt to send an encrypted list of phones they came near to Apple and Google , which will trigger alerts to potentially exposed users to seek more information .
Public health authorities would need to confirm that a person has tested positive for COVID-19 before they can send on the data .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The logs will be scrambled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even to Apple , Google and contact tracing app makers , the two companies said .
They added that their contact tracing system will not track GPS location .
Initially , Apple and Google plan to release software tools in mid-May to contact tracing apps which they and public health authorities approve .
But over the coming months , they say will release software updates to smartphones so that users do not need a separate app to log nearby devices .
Apple will distribute the technology as an update to its iPhone operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates would not be available where its services are blocked , such as in China or on unofficial Android devices .
Asked about the development , US President Donald Trump said : `` It 's very interesting , but a lot of people worry about it in terms of a person 's freedom .
We 're going to take a look at that , a very strong look at that . ''
Sky News revealed last month that the UK government is preparing to release an app which alerts people if they come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for COVID-19 .
Health experts have credited extensive testing and contact tracing with slowing the spread of the virus in nations such as South Korea .
Location data from Google revealed visits to parks in the UK increased last weekend compared with two weeks ago .
The company has started sharing activity data linked to people 's movements to show how the public is responding to the coronavirus pandemic .
In its second report for the UK , covering the period between 23 February and 5 April , the data shows that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in comparison with the period before the lockdown was introduced .
Google 's first report , which looked at activity between 16 February and 29 March , found park usage was down 52 % .
The tech giant said it is using aggregated , anonymised data from products such as Google Maps for the analysis .
The scheme protects people 's privacy and will not include any personally identifiable information at any point , Google added .

Apple and Google have announced they are working together to create contact tracing technology aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus.
In a rare collaboration, the two companies - whose operating systems power 99% of the world's smartphones - plan to add new software to devices to make it easier to track down people who may have been infected with COVID-19.
To be effective, the system would require millions of people to opt into the system and trust the technology giants' safeguards.
Image: Google and Apple's operating systems power 99% of the world's smartphones
Under the plan, smartphones with the contact tracing technology will emit unique Bluetooth signals. Phones within about 6ft can then record anonymous information about their encounters.
People who test positive for coronavirus can opt to send an encrypted list of phones they came near to Apple and Google, which will trigger alerts to potentially exposed users to seek more information.
Public health authorities would need to confirm that a person has tested positive for COVID-19 before they can send on the data.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The logs will be scrambled to keep infected individuals' data anonymous - even to Apple, Google and contact tracing app
makers, the two companies said.
They added that their contact tracing system will not track GPS location.
Advertisement
Image: Apple will distribute the technology as an update to its iPhone operating system
Initially, Apple and Google plan to release software tools in mid-May to contact tracing apps which they and public health authorities approve.
But over the coming months, they say will release software updates to smartphones so that users do not need a separate app to log nearby devices.
Apple will distribute the technology as an update to its iPhone operating system.
Google said the tools and updates would not be available where its services are blocked, such as in China or on unofficial Android devices.
Asked about the development, US President Donald Trump said: "It's very interesting, but a lot of people worry about it in terms of a person's freedom. We're going to take a look at that, a very strong look at that."
Sky News revealed last month that the UK government is preparing to release an app which alerts people if they come too close to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Health experts have credited extensive testing and contact tracing with slowing the spread of the virus in nations such as South Korea.
Location data from Google revealed visits to parks in the UK increased last weekend compared with two weeks ago.
The company has started sharing activity data linked to people's movements to show how the public is responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
In its second report for the UK, covering the period between 23 February and 5 April, the data shows that trips to the park dropped 29% in comparison with the period before the lockdown was introduced.
Google's first report, which looked at activity between 16 February and 29 March, found park usage was down 52%.
The tech giant said it is using aggregated, anonymised data from products such as Google Maps for the analysis.
The scheme protects people's privacy and will not include any personally identifiable information at any point, Google added.


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: The Duchess of Cornwall's recommended reading for COVID-19 lockdown

The Duchess of Cornwall has recommended nine books she thinks will provide comfort during the coronavirus lockdown , including one by her late brother .
Camilla said that Travels On My Elephant by Mark Shand , a book about his love of an Asian elephant named Tara , always brings a tear to her eye , as she selected him among her chosen authors during the COVID-19 outbreak .
The royal revealed her list after both she and her husband , Prince Charles , separately self-isolated after he tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland .
Mr Shand was a wildlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the age of 62 after suffering a fall in New York .
The tale of his rescue of Tara , who he saved from the eastern Indian streets before riding her 600 miles across the country formed the basis of his his best-selling book , as well as the foundation of his charity , Elephant Family .
The duchess said : `` Ernest Hemingway , famously , once said 'there is no friend as loyal as a book ' .
`` In these challenging times when we are isolated from the ones we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfort in reading , to fire up our imaginations , to take us on journeys and to make us laugh .
`` With that in mind here is a list of my dearest 'friends ' , I hope you all enjoy them as much as I have and can I wish you all a very happy Easter . ''
Other titles on the duchess ' reading list range from Philip Pullman 's fantasy novel , The Secret Commonwealth , to the historical classic A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a wonderful story of romantic and familial love set against the violence of the French Revolution .
`` It is one of my favourite books by Charles Dickens and , in my humble opinion , one of his best . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Wartime thriller Restless by William Boyd also appears in the literary line-up , as does the `` magical , colourful tale '' , The Architect 's Apprentice by Elif Shafak .
The duchess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Elizabeth Jane Howard , saying it is `` a multi-generational saga by this brilliant author , of a British family before , during and after World War II . ''
• A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens • Travels On My Elephant by Mark Shand

The Duchess of Cornwall has recommended nine books she thinks will provide comfort during the coronavirus lockdown, including one by her late brother.
Camilla said that Travels On My Elephant by Mark Shand, a book about his love of an Asian elephant named Tara, always brings a tear to her eye, as she selected him among her chosen authors during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The royal revealed her list after both she and her husband, Prince Charles, separately self-isolated after he tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland.
Image: Camilla, pictured with her brother Mark Shand in 2010, says his book 'always brings a tear to her eye'
Mr Shand was a wildlife conservationist and writer, who died at the age of 62 after suffering a fall in New York.
The tale of his rescue of Tara, who he saved from the eastern Indian streets before riding her 600 miles across the country formed the basis of his his best-selling book, as well as the foundation of his charity, Elephant Family.
The duchess said: "Ernest Hemingway, famously, once said 'there is no friend as loyal as a book'.
"In these challenging times when we are isolated from the ones we love, many of us are finding comfort in reading, to fire up our imaginations, to take us on journeys and to make us laugh.
"With that in mind here is a list of my dearest 'friends', I hope you all enjoy them as much as I have and can I wish you all a very happy Easter."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:58 Prince: Lockdown a 'distressing experience'
Other titles on the duchess' reading list range from Philip Pullman's fantasy novel, The Secret Commonwealth, to the historical classic A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.
Advertisement
On the latter, she said: "This is a wonderful story of romantic and familial love set against the violence of the French Revolution.
"It is one of my favourite books by Charles Dickens and, in my humble opinion, one of his best."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Wartime thriller Restless by William Boyd also appears in the literary line-up, as does the "magical, colourful tale", The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak.
The duchess also had praise for The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard, saying it is "a multi-generational saga by this brilliant author, of a British family before, during and after World War II."
The list in full:


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: National coronavirus testing centre only conducting 1,500 tests a day

The national coronavirus testing centre is still only conducting 1,500 tests a day , more than two weeks after it was declared open , Sky News has learned .
The figures come as leaked emails show how the government pursued a `` command and control '' testing strategy , rejecting offers of help from smaller laboratories as it scrambled to find equipment for its centralised `` megalabs '' .
The National Biosample Centre , in Milton Keynes , has been repurposed for swab testing for coronavirus on a mass scale - up to 25,000 tests a day as some estimates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country .
The centre , which will be joined by similar facilities in Glasgow and Cheshire , was designed as a testing `` factory '' to tell frontline NHS staff - and eventually the wider population - whether or not they have the disease .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the daily press briefing on 24 March that `` our new testing facility in Milton Keynes opens today and we are therefore on the ramp up of the testing numbers '' .
Yet although the centre is praised by industry insiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to test tens of thousands of swab samples a day , it is currently only performing 1500 a day , officials admitted on Friday , with crucial elements of the tests still being conducted manually , even though the centre 's equipment is expressly designed to automate parts of the complex polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) process used to analyse swabs .
A department of health spokesperson told Sky News that `` the Milton Keynes laboratory was set up from a standing start '' with `` a massive national effort '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaching 100,000 tests per day across the entire system by the end of April . ''
Yet experts questioned why the government left the effort so late , after leaked emails showed the last-minute scramble to equip the centre began in the middle of March , when the UK death toll had already reached 104 .
Late on 18 March , after a press briefing in which Boris Johnson announced that schools in England were closing for the foreseeable future , Jeremy Farrar , director of the Wellcome Institute , emailed the heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing labs with what he described as `` an extraordinary request '' .
After explaining that `` we estimate that we will potentially need to get to 200,000-300,000 tests a day at the peak of this pandemic '' , Mr Farrar told the group that it was impossible to buy any PCR machines .
He asked the testing lab heads - including David Lomas of University College London ( UCL ) and Professor Sir Robert Lechler of King 's College London - `` to work with us all at this time of great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of PCR machine to the `` dedicated diagnostic factories '' .
Mr Farrar concluded : `` In an ideal world , the army would pick these machines up in the next 24 hours - that is the sense we believe of the urgency . ''
As other institutions were added to the list over the next days , such was the rush that one industry source told Sky News that when the initial letter arrived to tell universities their testing machines were being requisitioned , some suspected it was an attempt at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson said that `` universities were given advance notice that this request was coming and we do not recognise this feedback . ''
Anthony Costello , former director of mother , child and adolescent health at the World Health Organisation , said the urgency was necessary because 18 March was too late to begin building mass testing capacity .
`` I thought this would have happened in early February , '' he said .
`` It is clear that from late January that testing was necessary to manage this .
But on 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was stopping all testing and tracing contacts across the country .
This was a strategic decision . ''
Mr Costello also criticised the decision to centralise testing , echoing the words of Paul Nurse , chief executive of London 's Francis Crick Institute , who told a committee of MPs this week that relying on three large facilities without support from smaller labs `` was n't the wisest course of action '' .
Leaked emails seen by Sky News show how the government and Public Health England rejected offers of additional testing from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it described as `` command and control '' , or `` C2 '' .
In one internal communication from late March , an advisor to the testing programme criticised the idea that other laboratories might contribute because it diverges `` the national command and control approach to testing '' , citing the risk of competition for scarce resources and the possibility of confusion over a strict `` national testing policy '' .
Asked about this , Mr Costello said : `` Public Health England like to control things because they 're used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale you need people to have thought about mass testing .
`` I was rather shocked that they 'd only allowed , even in late March , laboratories that do this exact testing to go ahead . ''
A department of health spokesperson told Sky News : `` The response to COVID-19 is a national effort and we are hugely grateful for the help we have received from across a number of sectors .
`` Central coordination of testing is vital if we are to reach the scale needed to defeat this virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected criticism about the centre , saying PCR tests were not easy to deliver at scale .
Asked why it had taken so long to become fully operational , the official replied : `` I would say : How have we managed to build so quickly ? ''
After struggling for some weeks to get a response from the government , many small labs are now conducting tests in numbers that come close to those achieved by the national centre .
A three-person lab in Oxford is running 100 tests a day for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is running 500 a day , despite having sent a number of its most advanced PCR machines to Milton Keynes at the request of Mr Farrar .
The centre in Milton Keynes was `` launched '' by Mr Hancock on 9 April under the name `` Lighthouse Lab '' .
The government described it as the first step in building `` the biggest diagnostic lab network in British history . ''
Asked why the Lighthouse Lab was still conducting tests manually , a department of health spokesperson told Sky News : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end to end testing process .
`` As with scaling up the number of tests undertaken , we need to be sure that our digital platform is clinically safe before rolling it out .
`` Whilst this happens we will also continue to use some manual processes . ''
People familiar with the centre 's operations say manual testing has also been necessary because the machines , which come from American scientific equipment manufacturer Thermo Fisher , do not have the specialised brand-specific parts needed to run automatically .
The government asked labs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7500 ABI Fast machines , which can extract RNA automatically and test 96 samples per run , a move which left them reliant on a single manufacturer at a moment when global competition for equipment was at its most intense .
On Thursday , Thermo Fisher announced that it would supply all the equipment necessary to conduct 100,000 tests a day , the number Mr Hancock has promised the government will reach by the end of April .
This guarantee reassured industry figures , especially when Thermo Fisher 's chief operating officer told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company would be able to manufacture the equipment in the UK , easing concerns about the pressure being placed on global supply chains .
`` It 's a very important deal because it guarantees supply , '' said Steve Bates , CEO of the Bioindustry Association .
`` Building a high throughput factory has been a monumental effort and I believe it will be run very fast when it 's at capacity . ''

The national coronavirus testing centre is still only conducting 1,500 tests a day, more than two weeks after it was declared open, Sky News has learned.
The figures come as leaked emails show how the government pursued a "command and control" testing strategy, rejecting offers of help from smaller laboratories as it scrambled to find equipment for its centralised "megalabs".
The National Biosample Centre, in Milton Keynes, has been repurposed for swab testing for coronavirus on a mass scale - up to 25,000 tests a day as some estimates suggested - using machines requisitioned from laboratories across the country.
Image: An NHS workers is swabbed at a drive-in test facility on the outskirts of Manchester
The centre, which will be joined by similar facilities in Glasgow and Cheshire, was designed as a testing "factory" to tell frontline NHS staff - and eventually the wider population - whether or not they have the disease.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the daily press briefing on 24 March that "our new testing facility in Milton Keynes opens today and we are therefore on the ramp up of the testing numbers".
Yet although the centre is praised by industry insiders who believe it will eventually be able to test tens of thousands of swab samples a day, it is currently only performing 1500 a day, officials admitted on Friday, with crucial elements of the tests still being conducted manually, even though the centre's equipment is expressly designed to automate parts of the complex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process used to analyse swabs.
A department of health spokesperson told Sky News that "the Milton Keynes laboratory was set up from a standing start" with "a massive national effort" and that the government was "focused on reaching 100,000 tests per day across the entire system by the end of April."
Yet experts questioned why the government left the effort so late, after leaked emails showed the last-minute scramble to equip the centre began in the middle of March, when the UK death toll had already reached 104.
Late on 18 March, after a press briefing in which Boris Johnson announced that schools in England were closing for the foreseeable future, Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Institute, emailed the heads of six of the UK's biggest testing labs with what he described as "an extraordinary request".
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Health Secretary Matt Hancock says his
After explaining that "we estimate that we will potentially need to get to 200,000-300,000 tests a day at the peak of this pandemic", Mr Farrar told the group that it was impossible to buy any PCR machines.
He asked the testing lab heads - including David Lomas of University College London (UCL) and Professor Sir Robert Lechler of King's College London - "to work with us all at this time of great national need" by supplying a particular kind of PCR machine to the "dedicated diagnostic factories".
Mr Farrar concluded: "In an ideal world, the army would pick these machines up in the next 24 hours - that is the sense we believe of the urgency."
As other institutions were added to the list over the next days, such was the rush that one industry source told Sky News that when the initial letter arrived to tell universities their testing machines were being requisitioned, some suspected it was an attempt at fraud - although a department of health spokesperson said that "universities were given advance notice that this request was coming and we do not recognise this feedback."
Anthony Costello, former director of mother, child and adolescent health at the World Health Organisation, said the urgency was necessary because 18 March was too late to begin building mass testing capacity.
"I thought this would have happened in early February," he said.
"It is clear that from late January that testing was necessary to manage this. But on 12 March, Public Health England announced it was stopping all testing and tracing contacts across the country. This was a strategic decision."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:04 Nurses and family members of patients have expressed their fears as coronavirus hits UK care homes.
Mr Costello also criticised the decision to centralise testing, echoing the words of Paul Nurse, chief executive of London's Francis Crick Institute, who told a committee of MPs this week that relying on three large facilities without support from smaller labs "wasn't the wisest course of action".
Leaked emails seen by Sky News show how the government and Public Health England rejected offers of additional testing from other laboratories in favour of a strategy it described as "command and control", or "C2".
In one internal communication from late March, an advisor to the testing programme criticised the idea that other laboratories might contribute because it diverges "the national command and control approach to testing", citing the risk of competition for scarce resources and the possibility of confusion over a strict "national testing policy".
Asked about this, Mr Costello said: "Public Health England like to control things because they're used to small outbreaks. Clearly something of this scale you need people to have thought about mass testing.
"I was rather shocked that they'd only allowed, even in late March, laboratories that do this exact testing to go ahead."
A department of health spokesperson told Sky News: "The response to COVID-19 is a national effort and we are hugely grateful for the help we have received from across a number of sectors.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Do you know the difference between social distancing and self isolation? Sky News explains how to get it right.
"Central coordination of testing is vital if we are to reach the scale needed to defeat this virus."
Speaking anonymously, one official rejected criticism about the centre, saying PCR tests were not easy to deliver at scale.
Asked why it had taken so long to become fully operational, the official replied: "I would say: How have we managed to build so quickly?"
After struggling for some weeks to get a response from the government, many small labs are now conducting tests in numbers that come close to those achieved by the national centre.
A three-person lab in Oxford is running 100 tests a day for local NHS workers. The Crick Institute is running 500 a day, despite having sent a number of its most advanced PCR machines to Milton Keynes at the request of Mr Farrar.
The centre in Milton Keynes was "launched" by Mr Hancock on 9 April under the name "Lighthouse Lab". The government described it as the first step in building "the biggest diagnostic lab network in British history."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 The UK is on lockdown, as part of the fight against the spread of coronavirus. Here is what that actually means for you.
Asked why the Lighthouse Lab was still conducting tests manually, a department of health spokesperson told Sky News: "We are building a digital platform for our end to end testing process.
"As with scaling up the number of tests undertaken, we need to be sure that our digital platform is clinically safe before rolling it out.
"Whilst this happens we will also continue to use some manual processes."
People familiar with the centre's operations say manual testing has also been necessary because the machines, which come from American scientific equipment manufacturer Thermo Fisher, do not have the specialised brand-specific parts needed to run automatically.
The government asked labs to hand over their state-of-the-art Thermo Fisher 7500 ABI Fast machines, which can extract RNA automatically and test 96 samples per run, a move which left them reliant on a single manufacturer at a moment when global competition for equipment was at its most intense.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 The UK government is asking the country to practise
On Thursday, Thermo Fisher announced that it would supply all the equipment necessary to conduct 100,000 tests a day, the number Mr Hancock has promised the government will reach by the end of April.
This guarantee reassured industry figures, especially when Thermo Fisher's chief operating officer told the BBC's Today programme that the company would be able to manufacture the equipment in the UK, easing concerns about the pressure being placed on global supply chains.
"It's a very important deal because it guarantees supply," said Steve Bates, CEO of the Bioindustry Association.
"Building a high throughput factory has been a monumental effort and I believe it will be run very fast when it's at capacity."


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus: One in five Britons with COVID-19 symptoms 'not fully self-isolating'

A fifth of Britons with at least one symptom of coronavirus in the last week did not fully self-isolate , new research suggests .
The YouGov poll found 12 % of Britons surveyed had experienced a common symptom of COVID-19 in the previous seven days .
They include a fever , dry cough , loss of taste or smell , and shortness of breath .
When asked what action they took over the following days , 21 % of those with at least one coronavirus symptom said they had only sometimes , rarely or never self-isolated .
NHS advice states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven days if they have either a high temperature or a new , continuous cough .
Anyone living with someone with those symptoms has been told to self-isolate for 14 days .
The government said earlier this month that loss of taste and smell would not be added to the list of symptoms that people should watch for when assessing if they have coronavirus .
This is despite research from King 's College London which indicated that almost 60 % of COVID-19 patients experienced a loss of taste and smell .
Health Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of taste when he was struck down by COVID-19 .
Some 1,650 Britons took part in the YouGov survey after it partnered with the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London to look at how populations across the world are adhering to public health advice to tackle coronavirus .
Thirteen countries were included in the first phase of the study and it is set to expand to 16 more parts of the world .
Reported testing in the UK was the lowest out of all the countries , with just 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been tested , and 1 % saying a member of their household had been tested .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Britons seem to be staying inside as advised , only leaving the house an average of 0.77 times a day , compared to the international average of 1.08 times , according to the study .
More than 90 % of Britons surveyed said they regularly cover their noses and mouths when they cough or sneeze and avoid social gatherings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The survey results will be available to public health bodies free of charge so they can assess what measures are working .

A fifth of Britons with at least one symptom of coronavirus in the last week did not fully self-isolate, new research suggests.
The YouGov poll found 12% of Britons surveyed had experienced a common symptom of COVID-19 in the previous seven days.
They include a fever, dry cough, loss of taste or smell, and shortness of breath.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 COVID-19 patients could show 'loss of smell'
When asked what action they took over the following days, 21% of those with at least one coronavirus symptom said they had only sometimes, rarely or never self-isolated.
NHS advice states that people should stay at home for seven days if they have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough.
Anyone living with someone with those symptoms has been told to self-isolate for 14 days.
The government said earlier this month that loss of taste and smell would not be added to the list of symptoms that people should watch for when assessing if they have coronavirus.
This is despite research from King's College London which indicated that almost 60% of COVID-19 patients experienced a loss of taste and smell.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Hancock: 'Stay home however warm the weather'
Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed he lost his sense of taste when he was struck down by COVID-19.
Advertisement
Some 1,650 Britons took part in the YouGov survey after it partnered with the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London to look at how populations across the world are adhering to public health advice to tackle coronavirus.
Thirteen countries were included in the first phase of the study and it is set to expand to 16 more parts of the world.
Reported testing in the UK was the lowest out of all the countries, with just 1% of those survey saying they had been tested, and 1% saying a member of their household had been tested.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Britons seem to be staying inside as advised, only leaving the house an average of 0.77 times a day, compared to the international average of 1.08 times, according to the study.
More than 90% of Britons surveyed said they regularly cover their noses and mouths when they cough or sneeze and avoid social gatherings, crowded areas and using public transport.
The survey results will be available to public health bodies free of charge so they can assess what measures are working.


news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: Policewoman bitten on the arm while explaining COVID-19 lockdown rules

A man has been charged by police after a female officer was bitten on the arm as she tried to explain the rules surrounding the coronavirus lockdown .
Greater Manchester Police ( GMP ) released photos of the injury suffered by the 21-year-old PC after she was called to reports of a man causing a disturbance in Rochdale .
Officers tried to explain to the man that he should not be going to other people 's homes following the government 's guidelines to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic , the force said .
While trying to engage with the man , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer was then bitten .
She attended hospital following the incident on Thursday evening before being discharged to recover at home .
Days earlier she had been delivering Easter eggs to children while out on patrol , GMP said .
Christopher Hill , 29 , of no fixed abode , has been charged with two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker and one count of criminal damage .
He is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates Court on Saturday .
GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins described the attack on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the lowest of the low '' , writing on Twitter : `` Words fail me when it comes to some people 's behaviour . ''
The message was retweeted by Home Secretary Priti Patel .
Superintendent Richard Hunt said he recognised the pictures of the officer 's bite injury were `` quite graphic '' but he hoped they helped people `` understand the vicious nature of this attack '' .
`` This is a particularly challenging time for everybody at the moment , made worse by something so mindless like this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the officer earlier this morning , she said that [ Thursday ] night 's incident was a stark contrast to the support she has felt over the past few days , whilst she has been delivering Easter eggs to local children whilst out on patrol .
`` This just goes to show that thankfully , incidents like this are not a reflection of the vast majority of the public , who are showing great support to us . ''

A man has been charged by police after a female officer was bitten on the arm as she tried to explain the rules surrounding the coronavirus lockdown.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) released photos of the injury suffered by the 21-year-old PC after she was called to reports of a man causing a disturbance in Rochdale.
Officers tried to explain to the man that he should not be going to other people's homes following the government's guidelines to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, the force said.
Image: The 21-year-old policewoman was left with a bite mark on her arm. Pic: GMP
While trying to engage with the man, two officers were punched and the 21-year-old officer was then bitten.
She attended hospital following the incident on Thursday evening before being discharged to recover at home.
Days earlier she had been delivering Easter eggs to children while out on patrol, GMP said.
Christopher Hill, 29, of no fixed abode, has been charged with two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker and one count of criminal damage.
He is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates Court on Saturday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Hancock: 'Stay home however warm the weather'
GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins described the attack on the officer during the coronavirus pandemic as "just the lowest of the low", writing on Twitter: "Words fail me when it comes to some people's behaviour."
Advertisement
The message was retweeted by Home Secretary Priti Patel.
Superintendent Richard Hunt said he recognised the pictures of the officer's bite injury were "quite graphic" but he hoped they helped people "understand the vicious nature of this attack".
"This is a particularly challenging time for everybody at the moment, made worse by something so mindless like this," he added.
"Having spoken to the officer earlier this morning, she said that [Thursday] night's incident was a stark contrast to the support she has felt over the past few days, whilst she has been delivering Easter eggs to local children whilst out on patrol.
"This just goes to show that thankfully, incidents like this are not a reflection of the vast majority of the public, who are showing great support to us."


news--2020-04-11--Coronavirus hits remote Amazon tribe in Brazil as 15-year-old boy dies with COVID-19

A 15-year-old member of a remote Amazon tribe in Brazil has died after contracting coronavirus .
Alvanei Xirixan died in intensive care in the main hospital of Boa Vista , capital of Roraima state , where he was being treated for COVID-19 , according to local indigenous health service Dsei .
The boy , a member of the Yanomami tribe , is the third indigenous person to die in the coronavirus epidemic , the Reuters news agency reports , although the first from such a remote area .
Tribespeople with symptoms of the virus living in the teenager 's village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kits are being sent to the area .
He had been in intensive care since 3 April , Brazil 's health ministry said .
However , Dario Kopenawa , vice-president of the Hutukara association , which represents the ethnic group , said the boy was initially taken to hospital in March , but had been released by doctors .
There is also uncertainty for the boy 's parents about his body .
`` They want to bring his body back to his land , where he was born , where he grew up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the other hand , there 's a bit of danger of transmitting the sickness to the community . ''
Coronavirus could have a devastating impact on Brazil 's 850,000 indigenous people , who are vulnerable to external diseases and do not have quick access to proper medical care , health experts and anthropologists have warned .
Communal living , with social distancing difficult , can also facilitate contagion .
More than 26,000 Yanomami live on Brazil 's border with Venezuela .
Four members of the Kokama tribe , close to Colombia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a doctor who worked with them tested positive for coronavirus .
Two previous deaths were of indigenous people who were living in urban areas , including an 87-year-old woman in Para state and a man in Manaus .
Brazil 's Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta said the government plans to build a field hospital for tribes that are vulnerable to contagion .
`` We are extremely concerned about the indigenous communities , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in Brazil , with close to 20,000 confirmed cases , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
However , President Jair Bolsonaro has snubbed the advice of health experts , comparing the virus to a `` little flu '' and publicly attacking state governors who have introduced quarantine measures .

A 15-year-old member of a remote Amazon tribe in Brazil has died after contracting coronavirus.
Alvanei Xirixan died in intensive care in the main hospital of Boa Vista, capital of Roraima state, where he was being treated for COVID-19, according to local indigenous health service Dsei.
Image: Brazil's right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro has ignored social distancing advice
The boy, a member of the Yanomami tribe, is the third indigenous person to die in the coronavirus epidemic, the Reuters news agency reports, although the first from such a remote area.
Tribespeople with symptoms of the virus living in the teenager's village of Rehebe are being isolated and test kits are being sent to the area.
He had been in intensive care since 3 April, Brazil's health ministry said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 The president of Brazil visibly ignored health experts and mingled with people in a bakery, without keeping a safe distance.
However, Dario Kopenawa, vice-president of the Hutukara association, which represents the ethnic group, said the boy was initially taken to hospital in March, but had been released by doctors.
There is also uncertainty for the boy's parents about his body.
"They want to bring his body back to his land, where he was born, where he grew up," Mr Kopenawa said. "On the other hand, there's a bit of danger of transmitting the sickness to the community."
Coronavirus could have a devastating impact on Brazil's 850,000 indigenous people, who are vulnerable to external diseases and do not have quick access to proper medical care, health experts and anthropologists have warned.
Advertisement
Communal living, with social distancing difficult, can also facilitate contagion.
More than 26,000 Yanomami live on Brazil's border with Venezuela.
Four members of the Kokama tribe, close to Colombia and Peru, have also been infected after a doctor who worked with them tested positive for coronavirus.
Two previous deaths were of indigenous people who were living in urban areas, including an 87-year-old woman in Para state and a man in Manaus.
Brazil's Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta said the government plans to build a field hospital for tribes that are vulnerable to contagion.
"We are extremely concerned about the indigenous communities," he said.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
More than 1,000 people have died from coronavirus in Brazil, with close to 20,000 confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.
However, President Jair Bolsonaro has snubbed the advice of health experts, comparing the virus to a "little flu" and publicly attacking state governors who have introduced quarantine measures.