news--2020-01-29--Coronavirus: Britons returning from Wuhan to be quarantined for two weeks

Britons who are due to be flown back to the UK from the Chinese city of Wuhan and province of Hubei over coronavirus fears will be quarantined for two weeks .
About 200 British nationals are expected to board a chartered flight from Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak .
The plane had been set to take off on Thursday but the Foreign Office has indicated that will now not happen as several countries ' flights have been unable to take off .
It is understood the UK passengers will have to sign up to a 14-day period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts .
It is not yet known where the flight will land or where the quarantine facility will be located .
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said : `` We are doing everything we can to get British people in Wuhan safely back to the UK .
A number of countries ' flights have been unable to take off as planned .
`` We continue working urgently to organise a flight to the UK as soon as possible .
We remain in close contact with the Chinese authorities and conversations are ongoing at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British Airways suspended all flights to mainland China as the number of coronavirus cases in the country surpassed the SARS epidemic .
The airline , which operates daily flights to Shanghai and Beijing from Heathrow , said the cancellations are in effect until 31 January following advice from the Foreign Office warning against `` all but essential travel '' .
The BA website appears to show they are not taking any bookings for direct flights to mainland China until 1 March .
A BA spokeswoman apologised but said the safety `` of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , as it directed passengers due to travel to and from China in the coming days to its website .
German airline Lufthansa also cancelled all its flights to China .
A total of 170 people have died from the coronavirus in China as a whole , with 162 of those in Hubei province .
There have been 7711 confirmed cases on the Chinese mainland .
Wuhan is the epicentre of the virus and was placed under lockdown by the Chinese government last week , prompting other countries including Britain and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city .
The Foreign Office is advising people in other parts of China to `` make decisions based on their own personal circumstances '' .
Any British nationals in Hubei province had to let the British Embassy know they wanted to leave before 11am local time on Wednesday ahead of a planned evacuation flight at 7am local time on Thursday .
Khan Lambert , a British teacher in Wuhan , told Sky News the embassy told British nationals they will have to organise their own transport to Wuhan airport and also from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 days .
However , the health secretary said evacuees will be looked after and placed in isolation with medical assistance .
A Beijing health official said the number of cases in the capital is on the rise and the risk of being infected in the city is increasing .
Beijing has confirmed one death and 102 cases so far .
Governments around the world are advising people not to travel to China as uncertainty remains over how dangerous the new virus is and how easily it spreads between humans .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cold , as well as SARS .
There have been confirmed cases in countries across Asia , North America and Europe , although there have been no fatalities outside China .
On Wednesday , four people from the same Chinese family in the UAE were confirmed as having coronavirus , state-run news agency WAM reported .
In the UK , the Department of Health said as of 2pm on Wednesday 130 tests had been carried out but all had been confirmed as negative for the virus .
People who have recently returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` self-isolate '' for two weeks .
Some nations are taking more drastic action to try to to avoid any major outbreaks , with the Philippines issuing a temporary blanket ban on tourist visas for Chinese nationals and handing out 100,000 free masks to the 130,000 Filipinos living in Hong Kong .
Hong Kong will cut all rail links to mainland China and halve the number of flights , while Beijing has agreed to halt travel permits for Chinese visitors to the city .
Japan chartered a flight carrying 206 evacuees from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tokyo .
Wuhan is one of 17 cities in Hubei province that China has cut off access to , trapping more than 50 million people in the most far-reaching disease control measures ever imposed .
The city of 11 million people is building two hospitals in a matter of days to add 2,500 beds for treatment of patients with the virus , with authorities warning it is getting stronger and they are unclear on its potential to mutate .
Researchers from The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus that could be used to develop a vaccine .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It was grown from a patient sample received last week and will be used to generate an antibody test , which allows detection of the virus in patients who have not yet displayed any symptoms .
Dr Julian Druce said : `` The virus will be used as positive control material for the Australian network of public health laboratories , and also shipped to expert laboratories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Britons who are due to be flown back to the UK from the Chinese city of Wuhan and province of Hubei over coronavirus fears will be quarantined for two weeks.
About 200 British nationals are expected to board a chartered flight from Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak.
The plane had been set to take off on Thursday but the Foreign Office has indicated that will now not happen as several countries' flights have been unable to take off.
It is understood the UK passengers will have to sign up to a 14-day period of isolation and whatever treatment is recommended by experts.
It is not yet known where the flight will land or where the quarantine facility will be located.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We are doing everything we can to get British people in Wuhan safely back to the UK. A number of countries' flights have been unable to take off as planned.
"We continue working urgently to organise a flight to the UK as soon as possible. We remain in close contact with the Chinese authorities and conversations are ongoing at all levels."
Image: Thai Airways crew disinfect the cabin of an aircraft at Bangkok Airport
Image: People across China are on high alert as the virus continues to spread
Flights suspended
Earlier on Wednesday, British Airways suspended all flights to mainland China as the number of coronavirus cases in the country surpassed the SARS epidemic.
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The airline, which operates daily flights to Shanghai and Beijing from Heathrow, said the cancellations are in effect until 31 January following advice from the Foreign Office warning against "all but essential travel".
The BA website appears to show they are not taking any bookings for direct flights to mainland China until 1 March.
Image: A worker in a protective suit disinfects Dongxinzhuang village in Shandong province
Image: Passengers take measures to protect themselves in Tokyo
A BA spokeswoman apologised but said the safety "of our customers and crew is always our priority", as it directed passengers due to travel to and from China in the coming days to its website.
German airline Lufthansa also cancelled all its flights to China.
A total of 170 people have died from the coronavirus in China as a whole, with 162 of those in Hubei province. There have been 7711 confirmed cases on the Chinese mainland.
Image: A woman who recovered after being infected receives flowerst as she leaves hospital in Bozhou
Image: Face masks are becoming a more common sight at Heathrow airport
Wuhan is the epicentre of the virus and was placed under lockdown by the Chinese government last week, prompting other countries including Britain and the US to start evacuating their nationals from the city.
The Foreign Office is advising people in other parts of China to "make decisions based on their own personal circumstances".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Race to develop coronavirus vaccine
Any British nationals in Hubei province had to let the British Embassy know they wanted to leave before 11am local time on Wednesday ahead of a planned evacuation flight at 7am local time on Thursday.
Khan Lambert, a British teacher in Wuhan, told Sky News the embassy told British nationals they will have to organise their own transport to Wuhan airport and also from Heathrow to their homes before self-isolating for 14 days.
However, the health secretary said evacuees will be looked after and placed in isolation with medical assistance.
Image: There are confirmed cases of the virus in Macau
Image: There have not been any fatalities outside China so far
Infection risk increasing
A Beijing health official said the number of cases in the capital is on the rise and the risk of being infected in the city is increasing. Beijing has confirmed one death and 102 cases so far.
Governments around the world are advising people not to travel to China as uncertainty remains over how dangerous the new virus is and how easily it spreads between humans.
It is from the same family as the common cold, as well as SARS.
There have been confirmed cases in countries across Asia, North America and Europe, although there have been no fatalities outside China.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 UK's 'ludicrous' approach to China travel
On Wednesday, four people from the same Chinese family in the UAE were confirmed as having coronavirus, state-run news agency WAM reported.
In the UK, the Department of Health said as of 2pm on Wednesday 130 tests had been carried out but all had been confirmed as negative for the virus.
People who have recently returned to the UK from Wuhan have been urged to "self-isolate" for two weeks.
Some nations are taking more drastic action to try to to avoid any major outbreaks, with the Philippines issuing a temporary blanket ban on tourist visas for Chinese nationals and handing out 100,000 free masks to the 130,000 Filipinos living in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong will cut all rail links to mainland China and halve the number of flights, while Beijing has agreed to halt travel permits for Chinese visitors to the city.
Japan chartered a flight carrying 206 evacuees from Wuhan which landed early on Wednesday in Tokyo.
Image: The first new hospital will provide around 1,000 bed when it opens
Wuhan is one of 17 cities in Hubei province that China has cut off access to, trapping more than 50 million people in the most far-reaching disease control measures ever imposed.
The city of 11 million people is building two hospitals in a matter of days to add 2,500 beds for treatment of patients with the virus, with authorities warning it is getting stronger and they are unclear on its potential to mutate.
Image: Australia has been welcoming people back from Wuhan
Image: Governments are working to evacuate their nationals from Wuhan
Researchers from The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne have said they have grown a version of the virus that could be used to develop a vaccine.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It was grown from a patient sample received last week and will be used to generate an antibody test, which allows detection of the virus in patients who have not yet displayed any symptoms.
Dr Julian Druce said: "The virus will be used as positive control material for the Australian network of public health laboratories, and also shipped to expert laboratories working closely with the WHO in Europe."


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: London taxi-maker halts supplier payments

The manufacturer of London ’ s fleet of electric taxis has warned suppliers that they face at least a month without payments , putting pressure on an already-stressed automotive supply chain .
Sky News has learnt that the London Electric Vehicle Company ( LEVC ) wrote to its production partners earlier this month to invoke a 'force majeure ' clause in contracts .
LEVC , which is owned by the Chinese carmaker Geely , told suppliers in a letter that `` despite LEVC 's implementation of measures to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic/pandemic to maintain production and keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation has now escalated beyond control '' .
`` As a result , we will be unable to meet our obligations in relation to [ your ] agreement including , without limitation , our ability to : schedule future orders ; process and receive supplies ; permit access to our site ; process payments ; or otherwise continue to provide normal supplier support services . ''
It warned that the force majeure status would remain in place until at least May 1 .
The emergence of LEVC 's warning to its supply chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt a tentative resumption of their operations .
On Wednesday , Nissan said it would reopen its Sunderland plant for safety tests , paving the way for production to restart in the coming weeks .
Coventry-based LEVC said in a statement : `` LEVC is implementing short term measures to minimise the impact caused to the business by COVID-19 .
`` The temporary suspension of manufacturing and adjustment to production schedules has resulted in a requirement to notify its production suppliers of a force majeure situation for a short period of time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ year remains unchanged and the company is committed to a long term relationship with all of its business partners , and looks forward to returning to full production of the TX electric taxi as soon as possible . ''

The manufacturer of London’s fleet of electric taxis has warned suppliers that they face at least a month without payments, putting pressure on an already-stressed automotive supply chain.
Sky News has learnt that the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) wrote to its production partners earlier this month to invoke a 'force majeure' clause in contracts.
LEVC, which is owned by the Chinese carmaker Geely, told suppliers in a letter that "despite LEVC's implementation of measures to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic/pandemic to maintain production and keep its offices and sites open, the situation has now escalated beyond control".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:07 More than 140,000 firms apply for wages help
"As a result, we will be unable to meet our obligations in relation to [your] agreement including, without limitation, our ability to: schedule future orders; process and receive supplies; permit access to our site; process payments; or otherwise continue to provide normal supplier support services."
It warned that the force majeure status would remain in place until at least May 1.
The emergence of LEVC's warning to its supply chain comes as parts of the automotive sector attempt a tentative resumption of their operations.
Image: The company's products are aimed at providing a green alternative to more the traditional diesel models
On Wednesday, Nissan said it would reopen its Sunderland plant for safety tests, paving the way for production to restart in the coming weeks.
Coventry-based LEVC said in a statement: "LEVC is implementing short term measures to minimise the impact caused to the business by COVID-19.
"The temporary suspension of manufacturing and adjustment to production schedules has resulted in a requirement to notify its production suppliers of a force majeure situation for a short period of time.
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"LEVC's business plan for this year remains unchanged and the company is committed to a long term relationship with all of its business partners, and looks forward to returning to full production of the TX electric taxi as soon as possible."


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: More tigers and lions test positive at US zoo

Another seven big cats have been confirmed as having COVID-19 at a zoo in the US .
Four tigers and three African lions have been diagnosed at the Bronx Zoo in New York , according to the Wildlife Conservation Society , which runs the zoo .
The animals were tested after a four-year-old Malayan tiger called Nadia developed a dry cough and loss of appetite in March .
Nadia tested positive on 5 April and all but one of the other cats that tested positive had symptoms at that time .
Samples were tested from Nadia 's nose , throat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anaesthesia , while the other animals were tested using faecal samples .
The zoo said the animals are all doing well , behaving normally and eating well .
Their coughs are also improving .
They added : `` We tested the tigers and lions out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about COVID-19 will contribute to the world 's continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus .
`` The testing of these cats was done in veterinary laboratories and resources used did not take from those being used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the zoo 's snow leopards , cheetahs , clouded leopard , Amur leopard , puma or serval are showing any signs of illness . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The zoo said the animals were thought to have been infected by a member of staff who showed no symptoms at the time .
Measures had been put in place to prevent further exposure to the disease , they added .
It comes after two domestic cats became the first pets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
The cats , from different parts of the state , had mild respiratory illness and were expected to fully recover .
Dr Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has said animals and pets can get the coronavirus but there was no evidence they could transmit it to humans .

Another seven big cats have been confirmed as having COVID-19 at a zoo in the US.
Four tigers and three African lions have been diagnosed at the Bronx Zoo in New York, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the zoo.
The animals were tested after a four-year-old Malayan tiger called Nadia developed a dry cough and loss of appetite in March.
Nadia tested positive on 5 April and all but one of the other cats that tested positive had symptoms at that time.
Samples were tested from Nadia's nose, throat and respiratory tract while she was under anaesthesia, while the other animals were tested using faecal samples.
The zoo said the animals are all doing well, behaving normally and eating well.
Their coughs are also improving.
They added: "We tested the tigers and lions out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about COVID-19 will contribute to the world's continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus.
"The testing of these cats was done in veterinary laboratories and resources used did not take from those being used for human testing.
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"None of the zoo's snow leopards, cheetahs, clouded leopard, Amur leopard, puma or serval are showing any signs of illness."
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The zoo said the animals were thought to have been infected by a member of staff who showed no symptoms at the time.
Measures had been put in place to prevent further exposure to the disease, they added.
It comes after two domestic cats became the first pets in New York to test positive for the virus.
The cats, from different parts of the state, had mild respiratory illness and were expected to fully recover.
Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has said animals and pets can get the coronavirus but there was no evidence they could transmit it to humans.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Remote ribbon-cutting ceremony for Norway tunnel

As social distancing continues to lay waste to the rituals of everyday life , people across the world have felt compelled to find creative means of retaining some semblance of normality .
Now Norway 's transport minister has added to a growing list , by performing a remote ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a major undersea tunnel .
A picture shows Knut Arild Hareide alone in his office - apart from a single , socially distanced photographer - to mark the inauguration of the Ryfast road project , linking the Stavanger area with Ryfylke .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A grander occasion had been planned , but was initially delayed then cancelled amid the onset of the global pandemic - leaving just the transport minister with his scissors , ribbon , some balloons in Norwegian colours and a video link to other officials .
`` What I miss most is meeting the people and project managers who have completed a fantastic project , '' Mr Hareide told state broadcaster NRK .
`` It is unique in a world context , and I would love to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is long-awaited and will make travel easier for both people and businesses in and around Stavanger . ''
As the image surfaced online , people were quick to suggest other imaginative alternatives to conventions now rendered impossible by social distancing measures .
One user of online forum Reddit joked : `` Last week they launched a new ferry , it was great .
He christened it by smashing a bottle of champagne on his desk . ''
Norway has begun relaxing its coronavirus-related restrictions in the last week , as Prime Minster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown measures meant the country now had `` managed to get the virus under control '' .

As social distancing continues to lay waste to the rituals of everyday life, people across the world have felt compelled to find creative means of retaining some semblance of normality.
Now Norway's transport minister has added to a growing list, by performing a remote ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a major undersea tunnel.
A picture shows Knut Arild Hareide alone in his office - apart from a single, socially distanced photographer - to mark the inauguration of the Ryfast road project, linking the Stavanger area with Ryfylke.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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A grander occasion had been planned, but was initially delayed then cancelled amid the onset of the global pandemic - leaving just the transport minister with his scissors, ribbon, some balloons in Norwegian colours and a video link to other officials.
"What I miss most is meeting the people and project managers who have completed a fantastic project," Mr Hareide told state broadcaster NRK.
"It is unique in a world context, and I would love to be there and thank them.
"This is long-awaited and will make travel easier for both people and businesses in and around Stavanger."
As the image surfaced online, people were quick to suggest other imaginative alternatives to conventions now rendered impossible by social distancing measures.
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One user of online forum Reddit joked: "Last week they launched a new ferry, it was great. He christened it by smashing a bottle of champagne on his desk."
Norway has begun relaxing its coronavirus-related restrictions in the last week, as Prime Minster Erna Solberg said the early implementation of lockdown measures meant the country now had "managed to get the virus under control".


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: MasterChef winner's chain Wahaca cooks up options

Wahaca , the Mexican-themed restaurant chain co-founded by MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers , has become the latest casual dining group to draft in advisers to review its finances amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Wahaca is working with PricewaterhouseCoopers ( PwC ) to advise it as it awaits government guidance on a reopening timetable for the hospitality sector .
Sources said the company , which trades from 25 restaurants and employs about 1000 people , would examine a number of financing options in the coming weeks .
A spokesman insisted that , contrary to suggestions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a form of insolvency which allows struggling businesses to reduce their debts to creditors - was not being considered .
Other alternatives are likely to involve seeking a new investor or another form of restructuring , although an outright sale is not understood to be a priority .
Last weekend , Ms Miers , who won the inaugural MasterChef in 2005 , warned that the crisis engulfing Britain 's restaurant sector could threaten two million jobs .
`` Our industry has been hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis , and it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told The Mail On Sunday .
`` If nothing is done , we are talking about 50 % of these businesses going under , and two million jobs will be lost .
`` The impact of all those millions of people losing their jobs would be catastrophic for human lives , and equally catastrophic for the economy . ''
Ms Miers co-founded loss-making Wahaca soon after winning the BBC cookery series , opening its first restaurant in London 's Covent Garden .
The chain 's other founder was Mark Selby , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic reached Britain , a number of casual dining chains have been plunged into crisis .
Carluccio 's collapsed into administration last month , putting 2000 jobs at risk .
Sources say that a deadline for final bids for the chain expired on Wednesday evening , with a decision likely about any transaction from the administrator , FRP Advisory , in the coming days .
Chiquito 's , which is owned by The Restaurant Group , has also been forced into insolvency proceedings , while burger chain Byron has hired KPMG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week that Le Pain Quotidien was on the brink of administration , with efforts to secure a buyer potentially resulting in a pre-pack sale .
On Thursday , UK Hospitality , the industry association , urged the government to commit to a phased opening of the industry .
Kate Nicholls , its chief executive , said : `` With social distancing measures still in place , reopening the hospitality sector without a plan would be catastrophic .
`` The hospitality sector was one of the first hit by the crisis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue .
It will also be one of the last to fully emerge from the lockdown .
`` An extended period of social distancing will mean that many hospitality businesses will not be able to operate fully , and many will not be able to open at all . ''

Wahaca, the Mexican-themed restaurant chain co-founded by MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers, has become the latest casual dining group to draft in advisers to review its finances amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Wahaca is working with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to advise it as it awaits government guidance on a reopening timetable for the hospitality sector.
Sources said the company, which trades from 25 restaurants and employs about 1000 people, would examine a number of financing options in the coming weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Cinemas will bounce back, says Vue boss
A spokesman insisted that, contrary to suggestions in the industry, a Company Voluntary Arrangement - a form of insolvency which allows struggling businesses to reduce their debts to creditors - was not being considered.
Other alternatives are likely to involve seeking a new investor or another form of restructuring, although an outright sale is not understood to be a priority.
Image: Businesses have been battered by the lockdown restrictions
Last weekend, Ms Miers, who won the inaugural MasterChef in 2005, warned that the crisis engulfing Britain's restaurant sector could threaten two million jobs.
"Our industry has been hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis, and it will be the last to recover," she told The Mail On Sunday.
"If nothing is done, we are talking about 50% of these businesses going under, and two million jobs will be lost.
"The impact of all those millions of people losing their jobs would be catastrophic for human lives, and equally catastrophic for the economy."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 NatWest advances £1bn to firms under govt loan scheme
Ms Miers co-founded loss-making Wahaca soon after winning the BBC cookery series, opening its first restaurant in London's Covent Garden.
The chain's other founder was Mark Selby, who continues to run the business.
Since the coronavirus pandemic reached Britain, a number of casual dining chains have been plunged into crisis.
Carluccio's collapsed into administration last month, putting 2000 jobs at risk.
Sources say that a deadline for final bids for the chain expired on Wednesday evening, with a decision likely about any transaction from the administrator, FRP Advisory, in the coming days.
Chiquito's, which is owned by The Restaurant Group, has also been forced into insolvency proceedings, while burger chain Byron has hired KPMG to advise it.
Sky News revealed earlier this week that Le Pain Quotidien was on the brink of administration, with efforts to secure a buyer potentially resulting in a pre-pack sale.
On Thursday, UK Hospitality, the industry association, urged the government to commit to a phased opening of the industry.
Kate Nicholls, its chief executive, said: "With social distancing measures still in place, reopening the hospitality sector without a plan would be catastrophic.
"The hospitality sector was one of the first hit by the crisis and the hardest hit in terms of lost revenue. It will also be one of the last to fully emerge from the lockdown.
"An extended period of social distancing will mean that many hospitality businesses will not be able to operate fully, and many will not be able to open at all."


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Why isn't the UK using its full testing capacity?

The government has promised to increase the number of daily coronavirus tests to 100,000 by the end of April - and says it is `` confident '' it can deliver .
Ministers have been under pressure to increase the number of tests after being compared to countries such as Germany and South Korea , which have been largely praised for their responses to the pandemic .
The World Health Organisation has urged countries to `` test , test , test '' - and those nations which have used aggressive testing have seen promising results .
Testing can help researchers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is needed for those who are seriously ill in hospital .
But some experts have argued the UK government 's target is `` arbitrary '' , and that it needs a change in strategy if there is going to be enough demand for more tests .
Without a clearer testing strategy , they warned , we will not be able to ease the lockdown .
Who is being tested ?
Testing is currently available to NHS staff and their families , as well as other key workers showing symptoms .
Tests had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in hospital with COVID-19 symptoms , but have since been expanded to include : • Social care staff and people providing support to frontline NHS services , such as catering staff and voluntary workers • Local authority staff , including those working with vulnerable children , adults and victims of domestic abuse , and those working with the homeless Where there is extra capacity , testing will also be expanded to other groups of workers including those delivering critical food , medical , energy , utility and transport supplies .
Anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a high temperature or new continuous cough - should speak to their employer if they would like to be tested .
The diagnostic tests - known as antigen tests - to find out if someone has coronavirus are done by taking a swab of the nose or throat , which is then sent to a laboratory .
How many tests are being carried out currently ?
Official figures show less than half of the current available COVID-19 testing capacity is being used .
In the 24 hours up to 9am on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 18,206 tests were carried out over the period in England , Wales and Scotland .
This refers to the number of tests completed , as in some cases the same person was tested more than once .
The highest number of tests completed in one day so far was 19,527 on 8 April .
On Wednesday , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab - who is deputising for the prime minister - said he was `` confident '' the UK could reach its target .
He told MPs : `` I 've set the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of this month and I 'm delighted to say that the expansion of capacity is ahead of plans , even though demand has , thus far , been lower than expected .
`` We are therefore ramping up the availability of this testing and expanding who is eligible for testing , and making it easier to access the tests . ''
Even if the government reaches the daily capacity for 100,000 tests by the end of April , it does not necessarily mean 100,000 tests would be carried out .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beth Rigby if the target is still 100,000 actual tests by the end of this month , Tory MP Andrew Bowie said : `` Yes , that 's what Matt Hancock set out a few weeks ago now , and he was very clear that was our target . ''
Why are n't more tests being carried out ?
The government says the UK appears to be lagging behind because it did not already have the infrastructure in place , unlike other countries .
There has also been huge international demand for testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemical reagents .
But some experts say the issue is less about the UK 's capacity to perform tests , and more about demand and logistics .
Allan Wilson , president of the Institute of Biomedical Science , told Sky News we currently lack a `` clear testing strategy '' - and without one , we will not be able to ease the lockdown .
This will need to include measures such as tracing those who have come into contact with patients and isolating those infected , he added .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Wilson said there are NHS teams at a local level across the country who are trained and able to perform tests .
But because the UK 's testing is aimed only at key workers and those seriously ill in hospital , there is simply not the demand .
`` I 'd argue we do n't need 100,000 tests at the moment , '' he said .
`` Unless they change the strategy . ''
Stephen Baker , a professor of molecular microbiology at the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ converted to help Addenbrooke 's Hospital , says the government has been `` slow to respond '' with testing .
He says his team have a certain capacity , but have only received a limited number of swabs to test .
`` The labs are up and running pretty well , '' he said .
`` The big question is whether the swabs are being taken to [ testing centres ] . ''
Prof Baker believes one problem is there has not been enough communication with the public about who can get tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
`` There is also a reticence to go get samples , '' he said , suggesting many do not want to travel to swabbing centres .
This was echoed by social care minister Helen Whately , who told Sky News it was `` difficult '' for some to get to these centres , as they are `` not necessarily nearby and not everybody has a car '' .
Carers have criticised the government 's roll out of COVID-19 tests after many workers were told to travel long distances to access them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers eligible have managed to access drive-in test centres across England , according to data by the National Care Forum .
Both experts made clear that the more testing we do , the better - but there need to be changes made if this is going to happen .
How will the UK ramp up testing ?
This includes Public Health England 's regional laboratory network , and NHS laboratories have been added to this since the beginning of March .
2 .
Using commercial partners , including universities and private businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three new labs in Milton Keynes , Alderley Park and Glasgow which aim to dramatically increase the number of tests that can take place each day , and are supported by pharmaceutical giants GSK and AstraZeneca .
However , a Sky News investigation found the Milton Keynes centre was only conducting 1,500 coronavirus tests a day more than two weeks after it was declared open - despite being touted as able to complete 25,000 tests .
Thermo Fisher is supplying the UK with testing kits , while Boots and other partners have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country and Amazon has been supporting plans for a home-testing service for critical key workers .
3 .
Introducing antibody blood tests to determine whether people have had COVID-19 An antibody test can detect whether someone has previously contracted coronavirus and now has some immunity due to the presence of antibodies in their blood .
Officials previously said the tests would allow people to return safely to work if they had already been infected .
Last month , Public Health England said an antibody test could be available to the public within days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of tests purchased by the government did not work well enough to be used .
Meanwhile , the World Health Organisation has warned there is no evidence that people who have COVID-19 can not be infected again , which could throw doubts on the usefulness of antibody tests in this context .
4 .
Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country Although these tests are not available to the public , a high-accuracy antibody test is being used by Public Health England at their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to work out what proportion of the population have already had the virus and help to inform decision-makers .
Some 20,000 households across England have been contacted to take part in the first wave of the study .
Life science companies have been urged to turn their resources to creating and rolling out mass testing .
How likely are we to achieve the 100,000 target ?
Mr Wilson says it is `` highly unlikely '' the UK will conduct 100,000 tests a day by the end of April .
He said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the public '' towards testing , and more focus on taking samples locally .
Meanwhile , Prof Baker said `` the capacity is there now or not far off '' for the UK to hit its target , adding that testing `` could ramp up '' .
But he called the 100,000 figure `` arbitrary '' , and said there needed to be more emphasis on screening healthcare workers .
`` There needs to be a more sustained approach to screening hospital staff , '' he said .

The government has promised to increase the number of daily coronavirus tests to 100,000 by the end of April - and says it is "confident" it can deliver.
Ministers have been under pressure to increase the number of tests after being compared to countries such as Germany and South Korea, which have been largely praised for their responses to the pandemic.
The World Health Organisation has urged countries to "test, test, test" - and those nations which have used aggressive testing have seen promising results.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Starmer tackles Raab on coronavirus testing
Testing can help researchers to better understand the spread of the virus and is needed for those who are seriously ill in hospital.
But some experts have argued the UK government's target is "arbitrary", and that it needs a change in strategy if there is going to be enough demand for more tests.
Without a clearer testing strategy, they warned, we will not be able to ease the lockdown.
Who is being tested?
Testing is currently available to NHS staff and their families, as well as other key workers showing symptoms.
Tests had previously been reserved for those who ended up in hospital with COVID-19 symptoms, but have since been expanded to include:
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Social care staff and people providing support to frontline NHS services, such as catering staff and voluntary workers
Police, fire and rescue services
Local authority staff, including those working with vulnerable children, adults and victims of domestic abuse, and those working with the homeless
Defence, prisons and probation staff, and judiciary
Frontline benefits workers
Where there is extra capacity, testing will also be expanded to other groups of workers including those delivering critical food, medical, energy, utility and transport supplies.
Image: Swabs are sent to labs to be tested
Anyone who is eligible - with coronavirus symptoms such as a high temperature or new continuous cough - should speak to their employer if they would like to be tested.
The diagnostic tests - known as antigen tests - to find out if someone has coronavirus are done by taking a swab of the nose or throat, which is then sent to a laboratory.
How many tests are being carried out currently?
Official figures show less than half of the current available COVID-19 testing capacity is being used.
In the 24 hours up to 9am on Tuesday, capacity stood at 41,398 - but only 18,206 tests were carried out over the period in England, Wales and Scotland.
This refers to the number of tests completed, as in some cases the same person was tested more than once.
The highest number of tests completed in one day so far was 19,527 on 8 April.
On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab - who is deputising for the prime minister - said he was "confident" the UK could reach its target.
He told MPs: "I've set the goal of 100,000 tests a day by the end of this month and I'm delighted to say that the expansion of capacity is ahead of plans, even though demand has, thus far, been lower than expected.
"We are therefore ramping up the availability of this testing and expanding who is eligible for testing, and making it easier to access the tests."
Even if the government reaches the daily capacity for 100,000 tests by the end of April, it does not necessarily mean 100,000 tests would be carried out.
However, asked by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby if the target is still 100,000 actual tests by the end of this month, Tory MP Andrew Bowie said: "Yes, that's what Matt Hancock set out a few weeks ago now, and he was very clear that was our target."
Why aren't more tests being carried out?
The government says the UK appears to be lagging behind because it did not already have the infrastructure in place, unlike other countries.
There has also been huge international demand for testing materials such as kits, swabs and chemical reagents.
But some experts say the issue is less about the UK's capacity to perform tests, and more about demand and logistics.
Allan Wilson, president of the Institute of Biomedical Science, told Sky News we currently lack a "clear testing strategy" - and without one, we will not be able to ease the lockdown.
This will need to include measures such as tracing those who have come into contact with patients and isolating those infected, he added.
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Mr Wilson said there are NHS teams at a local level across the country who are trained and able to perform tests.
But because the UK's testing is aimed only at key workers and those seriously ill in hospital, there is simply not the demand.
"I'd argue we don't need 100,000 tests at the moment," he said. "Unless they change the strategy."
Stephen Baker, a professor of molecular microbiology at the University of Cambridge, whose lab is being converted to help Addenbrooke's Hospital, says the government has been "slow to respond" with testing.
He says his team have a certain capacity, but have only received a limited number of swabs to test.
"The labs are up and running pretty well," he said. "The big question is whether the swabs are being taken to [testing centres]."
Prof Baker believes one problem is there has not been enough communication with the public about who can get tested, and how they can go about it.
"There is also a reticence to go get samples," he said, suggesting many do not want to travel to swabbing centres.
This was echoed by social care minister Helen Whately, who told Sky News it was "difficult" for some to get to these centres, as they are "not necessarily nearby and not everybody has a car".
Carers have criticised the government's roll out of COVID-19 tests after many workers were told to travel long distances to access them.
Only a quarter of those care workers eligible have managed to access drive-in test centres across England, according to data by the National Care Forum.
Both experts made clear that the more testing we do, the better - but there need to be changes made if this is going to happen.
How will the UK ramp up testing?
Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously unveiled a "five-pillar" plan to achieve the government's target.
1. Swab testing at Public Health England and NHS laboratories
This includes Public Health England's regional laboratory network, and NHS laboratories have been added to this since the beginning of March.
2. Using commercial partners, including universities and private businesses, to establish more swab testing
This includes three new labs in Milton Keynes, Alderley Park and Glasgow which aim to dramatically increase the number of tests that can take place each day, and are supported by pharmaceutical giants GSK and AstraZeneca.
However, a Sky News investigation found the Milton Keynes centre was only conducting 1,500 coronavirus tests a day more than two weeks after it was declared open - despite being touted as able to complete 25,000 tests.
Image: A test tube is cleaned at the COVID-19 testing lab at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow
Thermo Fisher is supplying the UK with testing kits, while Boots and other partners have been setting up regional test centres across the country and Amazon has been supporting plans for a home-testing service for critical key workers.
3. Introducing antibody blood tests to determine whether people have had COVID-19
An antibody test can detect whether someone has previously contracted coronavirus and now has some immunity due to the presence of antibodies in their blood.
Officials previously said the tests would allow people to return safely to work if they had already been infected.
Last month, Public Health England said an antibody test could be available to the public within days - but it was later found that millions of tests purchased by the government did not work well enough to be used.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has warned there is no evidence that people who have COVID-19 cannot be infected again, which could throw doubts on the usefulness of antibody tests in this context.
4. Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country
Although these tests are not available to the public, a high-accuracy antibody test is being used by Public Health England at their Porton Down lab.
This will be used to work out what proportion of the population have already had the virus and help to inform decision-makers.
Some 20,000 households across England have been contacted to take part in the first wave of the study.
5. Building an "at-scale" diagnostics industry
Life science companies have been urged to turn their resources to creating and rolling out mass testing.
How likely are we to achieve the 100,000 target?
Mr Wilson says it is "highly unlikely" the UK will conduct 100,000 tests a day by the end of April.
He said it would "take a change in attitude of the public" towards testing, and more focus on taking samples locally.
Meanwhile, Prof Baker said "the capacity is there now or not far off" for the UK to hit its target, adding that testing "could ramp up".
But he called the 100,000 figure "arbitrary", and said there needed to be more emphasis on screening healthcare workers.
"There needs to be a more sustained approach to screening hospital staff," he said.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Treasury seeks to borrow extra £180bn over three months

The government says it is aiming to borrow £180bn over the next three months alone as it moves to cover the coronavirus crisis cost burden .
In a statement , the Treasury said sales of gilts - packages of fixed-term government debt - would surge from next month based on an assessment of its financing requirements .
It adds to over £45bn already borrowed in April to take the total set to be issued over the first four months of the financial year to more than £225bn .
The Treasury said : `` The government has announced an unprecedented package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed by individuals , families and businesses , through the economic disruption caused by COVID-19 .
`` This support , and the economic impact of COVID-19 , will necessarily increase the government 's financing requirement compared to that set out at Budget 2020 .
`` The Chancellor has already outlined this will be fully funded through the government 's normal debt management operations . ''
It was forecast at the time of Rishi Sunak 's first Budget , as the coronavirus pandemic gathered pace in March , that borrowing was expected to leap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current parliament - to 2024 .
He announced £12bn worth of COVID-19 measures at that time , which were not included in that borrowing forecast , with the total package of support for the economy under lockdown since ballooning to cover things like the Job Retention Scheme for furloughed workers .
Independent forecaster , the Office for Budget Responsibility , warned last week that the budget deficit could surge to £273bn this financial year - 14 % of GDP .
That would represent the largest annual sum since World War Two .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to claw back cash at a time when it is also , currently , determined to press ahead with its election agenda of `` levelling up '' UK regions .
There was more evidence , if needed , of the scale of the task ahead shortly before the Treasury 's announcement .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) released figures showing that borrowing over the last financial year had overshot forecasts by £1.3bn .
It reported a deficit of £48.7bn for the 2019/20 period - £9.3bn more than in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's impact could be seen in the figures for March alone which showed borrowing surge to its highest level for the month since 2016 , coming in at £3.1bn .
The ONS placed a big health warning on the figures , saying that it was likely they would be revised sharply upwards when more details became available .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There has been strong demand for UK gilts , with Wednesday 's auction receiving 2.4 bids for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation think tank warned the scale of the challenge ahead could not being underestimated .
It said of the financing remit announcement : `` The government is seeking to raise £225bn over the four months from April to July through issuing gilts , highlighting the stark nature of the government 's financing needs amid the current crisis .
`` However , given huge uncertainties around both the scale and duration of the crisis , the Foundation says the government 's financing needs may be far larger .
It estimates that a six-month lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £500bn in financing this financial year .
`` In such a scenario , the Foundation suggests that the Bank of England should be ready to provide additional support if necessary through temporary monetary financing . ''

The government says it is aiming to borrow £180bn over the next three months alone as it moves to cover the coronavirus crisis cost burden.
In a statement, the Treasury said sales of gilts - packages of fixed-term government debt - would surge from next month based on an assessment of its financing requirements.
It adds to over £45bn already borrowed in April to take the total set to be issued over the first four months of the financial year to more than £225bn.
The Treasury said: "The government has announced an unprecedented package of measures to provide the critical support needed by individuals, families and businesses, through the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme launches
"This support, and the economic impact of COVID-19, will necessarily increase the government's financing requirement compared to that set out at Budget 2020.
"The Chancellor has already outlined this will be fully funded through the government's normal debt management operations."
Image: Government borrowing is set to rocket under the latest plans
It was forecast at the time of Rishi Sunak's first Budget, as the coronavirus pandemic gathered pace in March, that borrowing was expected to leap by £100bn over the lifetime of the current parliament - to 2024.
He announced £12bn worth of COVID-19 measures at that time, which were not included in that borrowing forecast, with the total package of support for the economy under lockdown since ballooning to cover things like the Job Retention Scheme for furloughed workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:54 'We're still being responsible': Chancellor defends budget
Independent forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility, warned last week that the budget deficit could surge to £273bn this financial year - 14% of GDP.
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That would represent the largest annual sum since World War Two.
It signals a massive challenge ahead for the government to claw back cash at a time when it is also, currently, determined to press ahead with its election agenda of "levelling up" UK regions.
There was more evidence, if needed, of the scale of the task ahead shortly before the Treasury's announcement.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released figures showing that borrowing over the last financial year had overshot forecasts by £1.3bn.
It reported a deficit of £48.7bn for the 2019/20 period - £9.3bn more than in the previous year.
The start of COVID-19's impact could be seen in the figures for March alone which showed borrowing surge to its highest level for the month since 2016, coming in at £3.1bn.
The ONS placed a big health warning on the figures, saying that it was likely they would be revised sharply upwards when more details became available.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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There has been strong demand for UK gilts, with Wednesday's auction receiving 2.4 bids for every seven-year gilt sold.
It raised £3bn.
But the Resolution Foundation think tank warned the scale of the challenge ahead could not being underestimated.
It said of the financing remit announcement: "The government is seeking to raise £225bn over the four months from April to July through issuing gilts, highlighting the stark nature of the government's financing needs amid the current crisis.
"However, given huge uncertainties around both the scale and duration of the crisis, the Foundation says the government's financing needs may be far larger. It estimates that a six-month lockdown would require the government to raise around £500bn in financing this financial year.
"In such a scenario, the Foundation suggests that the Bank of England should be ready to provide additional support if necessary through temporary monetary financing."


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus tracking: 20,000 UK households asked to provide throat swabs

Tens of thousands of households in England are being asked to take part in a new study to track the spread of COVID-19 .
The research is aimed at understanding the current rate of infection and how many people have developed antibodies to the coronavirus .
The first part of the study will involve around 20,000 households in England , chosen to be representative of the UK population in age and geography .
People will provide nose and throat swabs and answer questions during a home visit by a healthcare worker .
The tests will show whether the person has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take further tests each week for five weeks and then every month for a year .
There are plans to involve around 300,000 people in the study over the next 12 months .
Meanwhile , adults from around 1,000 households will also give a blood sample to help determine how many people have developed antibodies to COVID-19 .
They will be asked to give samples each month for a year .
The test is being validated by scientists at Oxford University .
Blood samples will not be taken from households where someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being shielded .
Swabs will be taken from all participating households , regardless of symptoms .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The volunteers are being selected from people who have already taken part in ONS surveys and have said they are happy to be contacted about further research .
The initial findings of the study , which is run by the Department of Health and the Office for National Statistics , will be released early in May .
The pilot phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will eventually cover all of the UK .
The study will involve the University of Oxford , data science company IQVIA UK and the National Biosample Centre in Milton Keynes .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` Understanding more about the rate of COVID-19 infection in the general population , and the longer-term prevalence of antibodies , is a vital part of our ongoing response to this virus .
`` This survey will help to track the current extent of transmission and infection in the UK , while also answering crucial questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up our understanding of this new virus .
`` Together , these results will help us better understand the spread of the virus to date , predict the future trajectory and inform future action we take , including crucially the development of ground-breaking new tests and treatments . ''

Tens of thousands of households in England are being asked to take part in a new study to track the spread of COVID-19.
The research is aimed at understanding the current rate of infection and how many people have developed antibodies to the coronavirus.
The first part of the study will involve around 20,000 households in England, chosen to be representative of the UK population in age and geography.
People will provide nose and throat swabs and answer questions during a home visit by a healthcare worker.
The tests will show whether the person has the virus and they will be asked to take further tests each week for five weeks and then every month for a year.
There are plans to involve around 300,000 people in the study over the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, adults from around 1,000 households will also give a blood sample to help determine how many people have developed antibodies to COVID-19. They will be asked to give samples each month for a year.
The test is being validated by scientists at Oxford University.
Blood samples will not be taken from households where someone has COVID-19 symptoms or is self-isolating or being shielded. Swabs will be taken from all participating households, regardless of symptoms.
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The volunteers are being selected from people who have already taken part in ONS surveys and have said they are happy to be contacted about further research.
The initial findings of the study, which is run by the Department of Health and the Office for National Statistics, will be released early in May.
The pilot phase will be in England but the study will eventually cover all of the UK.
The study will involve the University of Oxford, data science company IQVIA UK and the National Biosample Centre in Milton Keynes.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Understanding more about the rate of COVID-19 infection in the general population, and the longer-term prevalence of antibodies, is a vital part of our ongoing response to this virus.
"This survey will help to track the current extent of transmission and infection in the UK, while also answering crucial questions about immunity as we continue to build up our understanding of this new virus.
"Together, these results will help us better understand the spread of the virus to date, predict the future trajectory and inform future action we take, including crucially the development of ground-breaking new tests and treatments."


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: The towns most economically at risk from coronavirus pandemic

Coastal and ex-industrial towns are most economically at risk from the COVID-19 pandemic , according to new research .
Sky News analysis of the data for England and Wales shows that although some high-risk towns also suffer already high levels of social and economic deprivation , there is no clear correlation between deprived towns and towns hard hit by lockdown .
The research conducted by the Centre For Towns and the University of Southampton , and seen exclusively by Sky News , also indicates that Wales is worst affected , while the South East is faring best .
Which towns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coastal towns are among the top 10 % most at risk , and a third of ex-industrial towns .
The top five most at risk towns are coastal towns : Mablethorpe , Skegness , Clacton-on-Sea , Bridlington and Kinmel Bay .
And of the top 20 most at risk towns in the UK , nine were coastal and 10 were ex-industrial with only one , Peterlee in the North East , not listed as either .
By contrast commuter towns are found to be economically safe places , with a huge 65 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ section .
This is perhaps not wholly surprising as coastal towns already have comparatively higher levels of unemployment and are less likely to have diverse economies , relying heavily on sole markets , for example tourism .
How has the risk ranking been calculated ?
The risk ranking has been produced by calculating the proportion of a town 's population employed in industries that are temporarily shut down .
This includes the non-food or pharmacy retail sector , the accommodation industry , the arts and sports sector , hospitality , travel and tourism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` self care '' industry which includes things like hairdressers and launderettes .
This has then been cross referenced with other indices of deprivation including social well-being , economic well-being , isolation ( how well linked a town is ) and the proportion of the population that are elderly and dependent .
The data shows that Wales is the region at most overall risk from the pandemic .
In fact 43 % of towns in Wales are in the worst affected tenth of towns overall .
In contrast , just 3 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this group .
The graph above breaks up the regions by decile ( one of 10 equal parts that a set of things is divided into , when you are comparing a particular feature relating to them ) from the most to the least at risk .
The colours represent how prevalent towns in that region were in each decile .
Darker colours to the left show that lots of towns were at very high risk , lighter colours to the left show that the region featured less in the high risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of a town 's pre-existing deprivation .
The indices used in this study have been calculated by taking into account a range of factors including the percentage of a population with bad health , the percentage of households in fuel poverty , distance to the nearest core city , net annual income , unemployment and how the fortunes of a town have changed over the preceding decades .
The economic pain of the COVID-19 shut down , of course , compounds these existing problems .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker Worsbrough in the region of Yorkshire and the Humber , for example , is the tenth most at risk town overall , largely because it has the fourth worst social well-being and the sixth worst economic well-being .
Others such as Walton-on-the-Naze have extremely high proportions of elderly dependent residents and thus fewer workers to help the post crisis recovery .
Where is the lockdown hitting hardest ?
While this gives some indication of how hard it might be for a town to bounce back when restrictions are lifted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towns have been worst hit in the immediacy by the economic impact of lockdown .
In other words , which towns are seeing the largest portion of the local economies grind to a halt .
This `` industrial sector lockdown risk '' has been calculated based on which towns have the highest proportions of workers in industries that have shut down such as retail , hospitality and arts .
Nearly four in 10 towns in the South West are in the worst affected group in the country , as are three in 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst hit are in Cornwall and Devon such as Penzance , St Blazey , St Ives and Wells .
The region is likely being badly affected by the lockdown because so much of the local economy is based on tourism and leisure .
Small towns are , on the whole , being the worst affected .
In fact , only six of the 50 worst affected towns were larger and even then they were only listed as `` medium '' towns .
It 's perhaps no coincidence that the South West has one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any region nationally .
The research counts just 10 `` core cities '' .
Of these Liverpool was found to be most affected by the shut down with Sheffield close behind it .
The data also reveals towns in the UK that have the highest reliance on various sectors of the economy .
Whickham in the North East for example has the highest percentage of its population employed in retail - 38 % , while tourist towns such as Ilkley , Whitby and Swanage were most heavily reliant on the hospitality industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the uncertainty of lockdown .
How easy will it be for towns to recover ?
Recovery will depend not just on sections of the economy opening up again , but also on other factors which will guide how quickly a town can bounce back .
Not all towns that struggle with already high levels of deprivation have local economies that are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus shutdown .
This could be seen as fortunate as towns which have both are likely to struggle the most to recover after this crisis is over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this , Skegness , for example , which is the second most at risk town and Tredegar in Wales which comes sixth , there is little direct correlation between the two phenomena .
But sadly for towns across the country , the economic pain is likely to be deep and lasting .

Coastal and ex-industrial towns are most economically at risk from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research.
Sky News analysis of the data for England and Wales shows that although some high-risk towns also suffer already high levels of social and economic deprivation, there is no clear correlation between deprived towns and towns hard hit by lockdown.
Image: Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire is in the top five most at-risk towns
The research conducted by the Centre For Towns and the University of Southampton, and seen exclusively by Sky News, also indicates that Wales is worst affected, while the South East is faring best.
Which towns are most at risk?
Half of the coastal towns are among the top 10% most at risk, and a third of ex-industrial towns.
The top five most at risk towns are coastal towns: Mablethorpe, Skegness, Clacton-on-Sea, Bridlington and Kinmel Bay.
And of the top 20 most at risk towns in the UK, nine were coastal and 10 were ex-industrial with only one, Peterlee in the North East, not listed as either.
By contrast commuter towns are found to be economically safe places, with a huge 65% of them in the least at-risk section.
This is perhaps not wholly surprising as coastal towns already have comparatively higher levels of unemployment and are less likely to have diverse economies, relying heavily on sole markets, for example tourism.
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How has the risk ranking been calculated?
The risk ranking has been produced by calculating the proportion of a town's population employed in industries that are temporarily shut down.
This includes the non-food or pharmacy retail sector, the accommodation industry, the arts and sports sector, hospitality, travel and tourism, public transport, childcare and the "self care" industry which includes things like hairdressers and launderettes.
This has then been cross referenced with other indices of deprivation including social well-being, economic well-being, isolation (how well linked a town is) and the proportion of the population that are elderly and dependent.
Which regions are worst affected?
The data shows that Wales is the region at most overall risk from the pandemic.
In fact 43% of towns in Wales are in the worst affected tenth of towns overall. In contrast, just 3% of the towns in the South East are in this group.
The graph above breaks up the regions by decile (one of 10 equal parts that a set of things is divided into, when you are comparing a particular feature relating to them) from the most to the least at risk. The colours represent how prevalent towns in that region were in each decile. Darker colours to the left show that lots of towns were at very high risk, lighter colours to the left show that the region featured less in the high risk decile.
Much of this is a result of a town's pre-existing deprivation. The indices used in this study have been calculated by taking into account a range of factors including the percentage of a population with bad health, the percentage of households in fuel poverty, distance to the nearest core city, net annual income, unemployment and how the fortunes of a town have changed over the preceding decades.
The economic pain of the COVID-19 shut down, of course, compounds these existing problems.
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Worsbrough in the region of Yorkshire and the Humber, for example, is the tenth most at risk town overall, largely because it has the fourth worst social well-being and the sixth worst economic well-being.
Others such as Walton-on-the-Naze have extremely high proportions of elderly dependent residents and thus fewer workers to help the post crisis recovery.
Where is the lockdown hitting hardest?
While this gives some indication of how hard it might be for a town to bounce back when restrictions are lifted, it's also interesting to examine which towns have been worst hit in the immediacy by the economic impact of lockdown.
In other words, which towns are seeing the largest portion of the local economies grind to a halt.
This "industrial sector lockdown risk" has been calculated based on which towns have the highest proportions of workers in industries that have shut down such as retail, hospitality and arts.
Nearly four in 10 towns in the South West are in the worst affected group in the country, as are three in 10 Welsh towns.
Many of the 20 worst hit are in Cornwall and Devon such as Penzance, St Blazey, St Ives and Wells. The region is likely being badly affected by the lockdown because so much of the local economy is based on tourism and leisure.
Small towns are, on the whole, being the worst affected. In fact, only six of the 50 worst affected towns were larger and even then they were only listed as "medium" towns.
It's perhaps no coincidence that the South West has one of the highest proportions of small towns of any region nationally.
The research counts just 10 "core cities". Of these Liverpool was found to be most affected by the shut down with Sheffield close behind it.
Image: Penzance in Corwall may be one of the hardest-hit towns in the UK
The data also reveals towns in the UK that have the highest reliance on various sectors of the economy.
Whickham in the North East for example has the highest percentage of its population employed in retail - 38%, while tourist towns such as Ilkley, Whitby and Swanage were most heavily reliant on the hospitality industry. They are all being badly hit by the uncertainty of lockdown.
How easy will it be for towns to recover?
Recovery will depend not just on sections of the economy opening up again, but also on other factors which will guide how quickly a town can bounce back.
Not all towns that struggle with already high levels of deprivation have local economies that are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus shutdown.
Image: Skegness, Lincolnshire, is the second most at risk town
This could be seen as fortunate as towns which have both are likely to struggle the most to recover after this crisis is over.
While there are cases of towns like this, Skegness, for example, which is the second most at risk town and Tredegar in Wales which comes sixth, there is little direct correlation between the two phenomena.
But sadly for towns across the country, the economic pain is likely to be deep and lasting.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Lowest weekday rise in UK hospital deaths for three weeks

There have been a further 616 coronavirus-related deaths in UK hospitals , the Department of Health has said .
It takes the total number of COVID-19 patients to have died in UK hospitals to 18,738 .
That is the lowest weekday increase in the last three weeks - since 2 April .
It comes after Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices could offer an exit from coronavirus lockdown measures .
Ms Sturgeon warned that social distancing measures might be in place in some form beyond the end of this year , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen prior to that .
Earlier , NHS England announced a further 514 deaths of those who had tested positive for COVID-19 .
NHS England said the victims were aged between 31 and 100 years old and that 16 of the patients - aged between 37 and 92 years old - had no known underlying health condition .
Officials in Wales said a further 17 people had died , while Ms Sturgeon confirmed a further 58 people had died in Scotland after testing positive for the virus .
According to each home nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in hospitals now stands at : Health authorities in the four UK nations record their own daily figures , which may not tally with the government 's overall UK total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day .
The weekend figures are often lower due to a lag in reporting cases because the people who collect and process the data do not work .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Yesterday , Health Secretary Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the peak '' of the coronavirus outbreak .
He also thanked the British public for their `` steadfast commitment '' in following lockdown rules .

There have been a further 616 coronavirus-related deaths in UK hospitals, the Department of Health has said.
It takes the total number of COVID-19 patients to have died in UK hospitals to 18,738. That is the lowest weekday increase in the last three weeks - since 2 April.
It comes after Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices could offer an exit from coronavirus lockdown measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:22 Raab: 'We are not out of the woods yet'
Ms Sturgeon warned that social distancing measures might be in place in some form beyond the end of this year, but outlined how schools and some businesses might reopen prior to that.
Earlier, NHS England announced a further 514 deaths of those who had tested positive for COVID-19.
NHS England said the victims were aged between 31 and 100 years old and that 16 of the patients - aged between 37 and 92 years old - had no known underlying health condition.
Officials in Wales said a further 17 people had died, while Ms Sturgeon confirmed a further 58 people had died in Scotland after testing positive for the virus.
According to each home nation's health authorities, the number of deaths in hospitals now stands at:
England - 16,786
Scotland - 1,120
Wales - 641
Northern Ireland - 263
Health authorities in the four UK nations record their own daily figures, which may not tally with the government's overall UK total as they collate their numbers at different times throughout the day.
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The weekend figures are often lower due to a lag in reporting cases because the people who collect and process the data do not work.
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Yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs the UK is "at the peak" of the coronavirus outbreak.
He also thanked the British public for their "steadfast commitment" in following lockdown rules.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus stockpiling offsets China slump for Domestos-maker Unilever

The company behind a host of well known household brands including Domestos and Magnum ice creams has reported flat sales despite surge in stockpiling of its products from supermarkets .
Unilever , which also includes Ben & Jerry 's , Dove soap and CIF cleaning products in its stable of consumer goods , said the COVID-19 outbreak in China at the beginning of the year had seen depressed demand among restaurants and grocery stores alike .
The company said underlying first quarter sales across Asia were almost 4 % down on the same January-March period in 2019 - led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flat , at £10.8bn , because of boost from stockpiling by shoppers in North America and Europe .
Unilever said the UK and German markets led the way in Europe though prices declined across every global region .
Alan Jope , its chief executive , said : `` We have been able to maintain the supply of product and we are keeping our factories running through the many unpredictable challenges in local operating environments across our value chain .
`` We are also opening up new capacity where it is most needed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As the crisis hits countries around the world , we see upswings in sales of hygiene and in-home food products , combined with some household stocking , and near cessation of out-of-home consumption which is particularly affecting our food service and ice cream business . ''
Crucially , Mr Jope added : `` We are adapting to new demand patterns and are preparing for lasting changes in consumer behaviour , in each country , as we move out of the crisis and into recovery . ''
The company maintained its dividend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing uncertainty over the duration of the pandemic .
Sophie Lund-Yates , equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown , said of the update : `` Sales of hygiene and in-home food have done well because of coronavirus .
`` As people rushed to stock up on skin cleansers and threw more Domestos bleach in their baskets , Unilever and its retail customers were primed to capture that demand .
`` However , the other side of the coin is a disappointing outcome for ice creams especially , as well as the group 's food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

The company behind a host of well known household brands including Domestos and Magnum ice creams has reported flat sales despite surge in stockpiling of its products from supermarkets.
Unilever, which also includes Ben & Jerry's, Dove soap and CIF cleaning products in its stable of consumer goods, said the COVID-19 outbreak in China at the beginning of the year had seen depressed demand among restaurants and grocery stores alike.
The company said underlying first quarter sales across Asia were almost 4% down on the same January-March period in 2019 - led by China.
But overall group sales were flat, at £10.8bn, because of boost from stockpiling by shoppers in North America and Europe.
Unilever said the UK and German markets led the way in Europe though prices declined across every global region.
Alan Jope, its chief executive, said: "We have been able to maintain the supply of product and we are keeping our factories running through the many unpredictable challenges in local operating environments across our value chain.
Image: Alan Jope first joined the company in 1985. Pic: Unilever
"We are also opening up new capacity where it is most needed, such as in hand hygiene and food.
"As the crisis hits countries around the world, we see upswings in sales of hygiene and in-home food products, combined with some household stocking, and near cessation of out-of-home consumption which is particularly affecting our food service and ice cream business."
Crucially, Mr Jope added: "We are adapting to new demand patterns and are preparing for lasting changes in consumer behaviour, in each country, as we move out of the crisis and into recovery."
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The company maintained its dividend but withdrew full-year guidance because of the continuing uncertainty over the duration of the pandemic.
Shares fell 2%.
Sophie Lund-Yates, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said of the update: "Sales of hygiene and in-home food have done well because of coronavirus.
"As people rushed to stock up on skin cleansers and threw more Domestos bleach in their baskets, Unilever and its retail customers were primed to capture that demand.
"However, the other side of the coin is a disappointing outcome for ice creams especially, as well as the group's food service customers, as lockdowns took hold."


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: CBI warns of 'race against time' to save firms from collapse

The CBI has demanded that ministers beef up help for businesses in a `` race against time '' to save jobs and livelihoods .
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn , the CBI 's director-general , said government intervention had already saved millions of jobs but that a `` new wave of support '' was needed .
It came hours after figures showing £2.8bn has been advanced to struggling small and medium-sized businesses under a Treasury-backed scheme - which has been criticised for being too slow .
More than 16,000 loans have been approved under the scheme but that compares to an estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The CBI said the figures highlighted the need to `` accelerate the delivery '' of existing support at a time when many firms were facing `` unrelenting '' pressure - with the latest data painting a dire picture of the economic outlook .
It wants to see faster and simpler access for smaller firms to loans worth less than £25,000 as well as an increase in the government guarantee from 80 % to 100 % for loans up to £500,000 under the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme ( CBILS ) .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The business lobby group also wants companies to be given more time to pay back such loans and is also calling for streamlined documentation similar to that seen in Germany and Switzerland - countries seen to have performed much better than the UK in rolling out similar initiatives .
Dame Carolyn said : `` The current loan scheme is up , running and working for many .
`` Now we need another big push to get money out the door faster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the only winning strategy is scale , speed and simplicity .
`` A new wave of support is vital to local communities and our small and mid-sized businesses .
`` Helping firms that have fallen through the cracks will protect jobs and livelihoods as the crisis unfolds and ensure a solid foundation to build on .
`` It is far more cost effective to stop businesses collapsing now than create jobs in the future .
`` The greater the number of companies helped to survive , the sooner the UK economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes after latest data showing a huge slump in business activity and a warning that the UK could face its biggest economic rout for centuries .
The government has set aside hundreds of billions of pounds to help cushion the economy against the blow - including its CBILS scheme as well as assistance for companies to pay workers who have been temporarily laid off during the lockdown .
Figures on Thursday showed 435,000 firms had made claims worth £3.75bn and covering 3.2 million employees under the latter initiative .
In another measure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also set out plans to stop landlords trying to evict or wind up firms due to non-payment of rent during the crisis .

The CBI has demanded that ministers beef up help for businesses in a "race against time" to save jobs and livelihoods.
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, the CBI's director-general, said government intervention had already saved millions of jobs but that a "new wave of support" was needed.
It came hours after figures showing £2.8bn has been advanced to struggling small and medium-sized businesses under a Treasury-backed scheme - which has been criticised for being too slow.
More than 16,000 loans have been approved under the scheme but that compares to an estimated 300,000 companies that have expressed an interest.
The CBI said the figures highlighted the need to "accelerate the delivery" of existing support at a time when many firms were facing "unrelenting" pressure - with the latest data painting a dire picture of the economic outlook.
Image: Purchasing managers' index data charts UK economic activity over more than two decades
It wants to see faster and simpler access for smaller firms to loans worth less than £25,000 as well as an increase in the government guarantee from 80% to 100% for loans up to £500,000 under the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme (CBILS).
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The business lobby group also wants companies to be given more time to pay back such loans and is also calling for streamlined documentation similar to that seen in Germany and Switzerland - countries seen to have performed much better than the UK in rolling out similar initiatives.
Image: Government borrowing is set to rocket under the latest plans
Dame Carolyn said: "The current loan scheme is up, running and working for many.
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"Now we need another big push to get money out the door faster.
"This is a race against time, and the only winning strategy is scale, speed and simplicity.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:44 'Pretty shocking': COVID-19 economic impact
"A new wave of support is vital to local communities and our small and mid-sized businesses.
"Helping firms that have fallen through the cracks will protect jobs and livelihoods as the crisis unfolds and ensure a solid foundation to build on.
"It is far more cost effective to stop businesses collapsing now than create jobs in the future.
"The greater the number of companies helped to survive, the sooner the UK economy can restart and revive."
It comes after latest data showing a huge slump in business activity and a warning that the UK could face its biggest economic rout for centuries.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 'Pretty shocking': COVID-19 economic impact
The government has set aside hundreds of billions of pounds to help cushion the economy against the blow - including its CBILS scheme as well as assistance for companies to pay workers who have been temporarily laid off during the lockdown.
Figures on Thursday showed 435,000 firms had made claims worth £3.75bn and covering 3.2 million employees under the latter initiative.
In another measure to help struggling businesses, the government has also set out plans to stop landlords trying to evict or wind up firms due to non-payment of rent during the crisis.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: HMS Queen Elizabeth deployment delayed so crew can be tested

Next week 's deployment of one the Royal Navy 's two new aircraft carriers will be delayed by a few days so all onboard can be tested for coronavirus , Sky News understands .
HMS Queen Elizabeth , which is on a tight schedule to be cleared as fully operational this year , will also spend the first fortnight of a two-month training mission in self-isolation close to shore , in case any of her 700 sailors start to show symptoms , a defence source said .
The decision comes after coronavirus ravaged a French and a US aircraft carrier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half the crew - tested positive for COVID-19 on France 's flagship , the Charles de Gaulle , which was forced to return to port .
In the US , the outbreak of coronavirus on the USS Theodore Roosevelt cost the captain his job after his commanding officers disapproved of how he raised the alarm about the illness .
Nearly 700 sailors - including the captain - tested positive , and one has died .
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Wednesday he spoke directly to the captain of HMS Queen Elizabeth to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority to turn the ship around and head home if he needs to and it will not count against him .
Admiral Tony Radakin , the First Sea Lord , also had to make the case to Mr Wallace as to why sailing the ship during the pandemic was worth the risk .
The carrier must be allowed to operate with other ships and with aircraft to be fully operational by the end of December .
Skipping the training would run the risk of missing that deadline .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Britain took a pause on its ability to fly war planes from ships at sea in 2010 as part of swingeing defence cuts to save money .
It means the deadline of 2020 for a return to this capability is something that the Royal Navy does not want to miss .
HMS Queen Elizabeth was due to leave Portsmouth on 27 April .
Instead the crew will all be tested for coronavirus and the departure date slipped , the defence source said .
The source said the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle '' of next week .

Next week's deployment of one the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers will be delayed by a few days so all onboard can be tested for coronavirus, Sky News understands.
HMS Queen Elizabeth, which is on a tight schedule to be cleared as fully operational this year, will also spend the first fortnight of a two-month training mission in self-isolation close to shore, in case any of her 700 sailors start to show symptoms, a defence source said.
The decision comes after coronavirus ravaged a French and a US aircraft carrier.
Image: An outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt cost the captain hs job
More than 1,000 sailors - almost half the crew - tested positive for COVID-19 on France's flagship, the Charles de Gaulle, which was forced to return to port.
In the US, the outbreak of coronavirus on the USS Theodore Roosevelt cost the captain his job after his commanding officers disapproved of how he raised the alarm about the illness.
Nearly 700 sailors - including the captain - tested positive, and one has died.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Wednesday he spoke directly to the captain of HMS Queen Elizabeth to let him know that he has the authority to turn the ship around and head home if he needs to and it will not count against him.
Admiral Tony Radakin, the First Sea Lord, also had to make the case to Mr Wallace as to why sailing the ship during the pandemic was worth the risk.
The carrier must be allowed to operate with other ships and with aircraft to be fully operational by the end of December.
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Skipping the training would run the risk of missing that deadline.
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Britain took a pause on its ability to fly war planes from ships at sea in 2010 as part of swingeing defence cuts to save money.
It means the deadline of 2020 for a return to this capability is something that the Royal Navy does not want to miss.
HMS Queen Elizabeth was due to leave Portsmouth on 27 April.
Instead the crew will all be tested for coronavirus and the departure date slipped, the defence source said.
The source said the new departure date would be "towards the middle" of next week.