news--2020-04-20--Coronavirus measures are 'paying off' in Russia as two million tests take place

COVID-19 came late to Russia but it is definitely here now .
The case numbers have spiked sharply , quadrupling over the past 10 days to propel Russia into the top 10 most infected countries worldwide with cases in every Russian region , though the epicentre is still in Moscow .
As of Monday , the regulator Rospotrebnadzor had recorded more than 47,000 cases with just 405 deaths .
Russia closed its border with China at the end of January and watched as the virus worked its way around the globe , seemingly with scant interest in the largest country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin time to absorb lessons learnt the hard way elsewhere .
Now comes the reckoning .
Will Russia go the way of Germany , with mass testing and a low mortality rate , or will it fare less well ?
Russian healthcare is not on a par with Germany 's , but if `` test , test , test '' is the key to fighting this virus , then Russia has worked hard to scale up capacity .
The regulator says it has carried out a massive two million tests , over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state and private laboratories .
The UK is aiming to reach that figure by the end of April at the earliest .
There is a wealth of testing offerings .
Online retailer Ozon is selling home tests to Moscow residents for 4.9 thousand roubles , just over £50 .
Technology giant Yandex , which has a ubiquitous taxi and delivery arm , has announced a special service to ferry laboratory staff to the homes of over-65 year olds to test them for COVID-19 .
A number of private laboratories offer drop-in tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not considered at-risk .
Those who are should call the COVID hotline and deal directly with the state healthcare system .
`` Mainly people come to us to make sure they do not pose any threat to friends , families or colleagues , '' says Ivan Kolobov , who runs one of private clinic Hemotest 's 31 Moscow branches .
He says around 80 people are coming into his clinic for testing each day , mostly sent by their employers to make sure they are still fit for work .
An all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PCR ) test is a very temporary result .
It does not preclude people from picking up the virus the moment they leave the clinic .
There is also a propensity for false negative results if the infection is still at an early stage and the viral load is too low to be identified .
The PCR system Hemotest uses is an early version developed by the Vector State Research Laboratory based in Novosibirsk , Siberia , and there have been questions over its sensitivity .
`` It 's not the best , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are more or less in the frame of foreign tests , '' said Rimma Boyko , a project manager at Hemotest .
She said Vector 's new version is more sensitive but it has n't filtered down to them yet .
Russian biotech is scrambling to come up with improvements .
Generium pharmaceutical has developed a 40-minute express test based on isothermal amplification which was registered earlier this month .
`` It 's either one or two orders of magnitude higher than the current PCR tests , or it 's more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced PCR , '' said Dimitri Poteryaev , Generium 's chief science officer .
`` Right now I think there are nine or 10 tests , two isothermal amplification , and the eight commercial PCR tests which are registered in Russia but only very few companies can scale up the production as much as we need .
`` Hopefully we can scale it up to four million tests per month . ''
Faster results will also ease the backlog in laboratories and allow for more widespread testing .
`` The diagnostic labs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poteryaev said .
Rospotrebnadzor has also registered an antibody test developed by Vector and began testing last week but there has been little fanfare around it .
That may have to do with the realisation the World Health Organisation gave voice to that there may be no immunity against COVID-19 , so a test to tell whether someone has had the disease will not help .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Like in the UK , the call now is for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see whether plasma transfusions and the antibodies they contain can help the very sick .
And for the very sick , Moscow clinics are using CT scans to look for signs of coronavirus in the lungs , an expensive but fast form of identification .
The message from officials leading Russia 's fight against the virus is that these measures are paying off .
Moscow 's mayor Sergei Sobyanin , who heads up the national coronavirus taskforce , told Russia 's president on Monday that the number of acutely ill patients in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to operate at normal capacity again .
There is always a time lag between a spike in cases and a rise in the number of deaths .
Peak morbidity , as President Putin put it , is still ahead .
Those numbers will be the true mark of whether Russia used the time it took for the virus to reach them to best effect .

COVID-19 came late to Russia but it is definitely here now.
The case numbers have spiked sharply, quadrupling over the past 10 days to propel Russia into the top 10 most infected countries worldwide with cases in every Russian region, though the epicentre is still in Moscow.
The death rate is low.
As of Monday, the regulator Rospotrebnadzor had recorded more than 47,000 cases with just 405 deaths.
Image: Russia has carried out a massive two million tests
Russia closed its border with China at the end of January and watched as the virus worked its way around the globe, seemingly with scant interest in the largest country on earth.
That should have given the Kremlin time to absorb lessons learnt the hard way elsewhere.
Now comes the reckoning. Will Russia go the way of Germany, with mass testing and a low mortality rate, or will it fare less well?
Russian healthcare is not on a par with Germany's, but if "test, test, test" is the key to fighting this virus, then Russia has worked hard to scale up capacity.
The regulator says it has carried out a massive two million tests, over 100,000 a day now across a network of state and private laboratories. The UK is aiming to reach that figure by the end of April at the earliest.
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There is a wealth of testing offerings. Online retailer Ozon is selling home tests to Moscow residents for 4.9 thousand roubles, just over £50.
Technology giant Yandex, which has a ubiquitous taxi and delivery arm, has announced a special service to ferry laboratory staff to the homes of over-65 year olds to test them for COVID-19.
A number of private laboratories offer drop-in tests for anyone not showing symptoms and who is not considered at-risk.
Those who are should call the COVID hotline and deal directly with the state healthcare system.
"Mainly people come to us to make sure they do not pose any threat to friends, families or colleagues," says Ivan Kolobov, who runs one of private clinic Hemotest's 31 Moscow branches.
He says around 80 people are coming into his clinic for testing each day, mostly sent by their employers to make sure they are still fit for work.
An all clear on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is a very temporary result. It does not preclude people from picking up the virus the moment they leave the clinic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:50 Why is Russia sending medical supplies to the US?
There is also a propensity for false negative results if the infection is still at an early stage and the viral load is too low to be identified.
The PCR system Hemotest uses is an early version developed by the Vector State Research Laboratory based in Novosibirsk, Siberia, and there have been questions over its sensitivity.
"It's not the best, but it's not the worst either. We are more or less in the frame of foreign tests," said Rimma Boyko, a project manager at Hemotest. She said Vector's new version is more sensitive but it hasn't filtered down to them yet.
Image: Restaurants are feeding Moscow’s hospital staff
Russian biotech is scrambling to come up with improvements. Generium pharmaceutical has developed a 40-minute express test based on isothermal amplification which was registered earlier this month.
"It's either one or two orders of magnitude higher than the current PCR tests, or it's more or less the same as the most advanced PCR," said Dimitri Poteryaev, Generium's chief science officer.
"Right now I think there are nine or 10 tests, two isothermal amplification, and the eight commercial PCR tests which are registered in Russia but only very few companies can scale up the production as much as we need.
"Hopefully we can scale it up to four million tests per month."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Moscow streets deserted
Faster results will also ease the backlog in laboratories and allow for more widespread testing.
"The diagnostic labs are literally choking right now," Mr Poteryaev said.
Rospotrebnadzor has also registered an antibody test developed by Vector and began testing last week but there has been little fanfare around it.
That may have to do with the realisation the World Health Organisation gave voice to that there may be no immunity against COVID-19, so a test to tell whether someone has had the disease will not help.
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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Like in the UK, the call now is for recovered coronavirus patients to donate blood plasma to see whether plasma transfusions and the antibodies they contain can help the very sick.
And for the very sick, Moscow clinics are using CT scans to look for signs of coronavirus in the lungs, an expensive but fast form of identification.
The message from officials leading Russia's fight against the virus is that these measures are paying off.
Image: Food is prepared and delivered to frontline healthcare workers
Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin, who heads up the national coronavirus taskforce, told Russia's president on Monday that the number of acutely ill patients in Moscow has stabilised and that hospitals are able to operate at normal capacity again.
There is always a time lag between a spike in cases and a rise in the number of deaths.
Peak morbidity, as President Putin put it, is still ahead. Those numbers will be the true mark of whether Russia used the time it took for the virus to reach them to best effect.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Christian group challenges changes to abortion laws during pandemic

`` Women 's lives have been put at risk '' by the government 's decision to allow women unable to access a clinic to take abortion pills at home during the coronavirus outbreak , the High Court has heard .
Christian Concern says the temporary change to UK abortion policy is unlawful and `` unsafe for pregnant women '' .
It is bringing legal action against the Department for Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) after ministers ruled women can have medical abortions at home up to 10 weeks into pregnancy , providing they have had a phone or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change in abortion rules is limited for two years or until the coronavirus crisis is over .
At a hearing in London on Tuesday , the faith group 's barrister Michael Phillips told the court that `` for the last half a century '' women have had protections under the Abortion Act 1967 and `` as a result of this amendment , those have been lost '' .
Mr Phillips also said : `` This is not just about abortion procedures to be followed in the pandemic , it is about the usurping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents filed to the court , Mr Phillips claimed the government had failed to take into account the physical and psychological risks of women having abortions at home .
He argued that women could be coerced into a termination , take abortion drugs prescribed for someone else or outside the 10-week gestation limit .
But the government 's barrister Julia Smyth claimed the Christian group 's case was `` unarguable '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She told the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision , which was based on `` ample evidence of its safety '' .
Ms Smyth said the changes were made `` in response to mounting concern about the safety of patients and health practitioners if special arrangements were not introduced '' and `` emerging evidence including about clinic closures , caused by the pandemic , with the result that significant numbers of women would have been unable to access early medical abortion if action were not taken '' .
She said : `` The decision was clearly a rational and lawful response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy in England , Scotland and Wales at a clinic or hospital .
Women ending a pregnancy in its first 10 weeks have to take two pills 24 to 48 hours apart .
In 2018 , England followed Scotland and Wales by allowing the second pill to be taken at home in some cases .
Christian Concern revealed it would be pursuing legal action last month after a double government U-turn over abortion rules during the coronavirus crisis .
Ministers originally said doctors would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but hours later said the changes had been `` published in error '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock clarified abortion policy would stay the same during the outbreak - days before it changed again to say medical abortions would be permitted at home in the circumstances .

"Women's lives have been put at risk" by the government's decision to allow women unable to access a clinic to take abortion pills at home during the coronavirus outbreak, the High Court has heard.
Christian Concern says the temporary change to UK abortion policy is unlawful and "unsafe for pregnant women".
It is bringing legal action against the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) after ministers ruled women can have medical abortions at home up to 10 weeks into pregnancy, providing they have had a phone or video consultation with a doctor.
The change in abortion rules is limited for two years or until the coronavirus crisis is over.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said there were 'no proposals' to change abortion rules
At a hearing in London on Tuesday, the faith group's barrister Michael Phillips told the court that "for the last half a century" women have had protections under the Abortion Act 1967 and "as a result of this amendment, those have been lost".
Mr Phillips also said: "This is not just about abortion procedures to be followed in the pandemic, it is about the usurping of proper parliamentary procedure."
In documents filed to the court, Mr Phillips claimed the government had failed to take into account the physical and psychological risks of women having abortions at home.
He argued that women could be coerced into a termination, take abortion drugs prescribed for someone else or outside the 10-week gestation limit.
But the government's barrister Julia Smyth claimed the Christian group's case was "unarguable".
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She told the court ministers had the powers to make the decision, which was based on "ample evidence of its safety".
Ms Smyth said the changes were made "in response to mounting concern about the safety of patients and health practitioners if special arrangements were not introduced" and "emerging evidence including about clinic closures, caused by the pandemic, with the result that significant numbers of women would have been unable to access early medical abortion if action were not taken".
She said: "The decision was clearly a rational and lawful response to unfolding events."
Abortions can take place in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy in England, Scotland and Wales at a clinic or hospital.
Women ending a pregnancy in its first 10 weeks have to take two pills 24 to 48 hours apart.
In 2018, England followed Scotland and Wales by allowing the second pill to be taken at home in some cases.
Christian Concern revealed it would be pursuing legal action last month after a double government U-turn over abortion rules during the coronavirus crisis.
Ministers originally said doctors would be allowed to prescribe abortion pills from home, but hours later said the changes had been "published in error".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock clarified abortion policy would stay the same during the outbreak - days before it changed again to say medical abortions would be permitted at home in the circumstances.
The hearing continues.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: ONS figures for COVID-19 related deaths only tell you part of the story

The good news first of all .
Britain is now comfortably beyond the peak of its mortality crisis .
Indeed , the number of people dying in hospitals in England and Wales in the week to 8 May was actually lower than its seasonal average .
The first bit is that those numbers are probably an understatement since the week in question included a bank holiday , VE Day , which meant there were fewer registrations than normal .
The second is that there are still hotspots where more people are dying than normal .
And as you will probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main epicentre for these deaths at present .
This might not be immediately obvious from the figures most often referred to in the headlines .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker According to the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) numbers , there were just over 37,000 deaths registered with COVID-19 on the death certificate between March and 8 May .
Of these , just under 25,000 happened in hospitals and just under 10,000 happened in care homes .
Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the story because more people have been dying than can be explained purely through these coronavirus diagnosed figures .
Indeed , there have been more than 22,000 excess deaths - which is to say deaths above the seasonal average , in care homes over that period .
And it is these figures on excess deaths that statisticians tend to prefer since they give a better sense of the overall mortality effect both of the disease and the lockdown .
And what those numbers show is that there have been considerably more deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versus 16,066 respectively .
On the bright side , the numbers of those dying in care homes - both official COVID-19 deaths and overall excess deaths - are dropping so it is clear that we are well past the peak for the coronavirus outbreak .
Yet as more and more data comes in , the numbers are making it very clear that the real hotspot for UK deaths was not in hospitals but in other settings - in people 's homes and , particularly , in care homes .

The good news first of all. Britain is now comfortably beyond the peak of its mortality crisis.
Indeed, the number of people dying in hospitals in England and Wales in the week to 8 May was actually lower than its seasonal average.
Now the bad news.
The first bit is that those numbers are probably an understatement since the week in question included a bank holiday, VE Day, which meant there were fewer registrations than normal.
The second is that there are still hotspots where more people are dying than normal.
And as you will probably already have guessed, care homes are the main epicentre for these deaths at present.
This might not be immediately obvious from the figures most often referred to in the headlines.
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According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) numbers, there were just over 37,000 deaths registered with COVID-19 on the death certificate between March and 8 May.
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Of these, just under 25,000 happened in hospitals and just under 10,000 happened in care homes.
Yet those statistics only tell you part of the story because more people have been dying than can be explained purely through these coronavirus diagnosed figures.
Indeed, there have been more than 22,000 excess deaths - which is to say deaths above the seasonal average, in care homes over that period.
And it is these figures on excess deaths that statisticians tend to prefer since they give a better sense of the overall mortality effect both of the disease and the lockdown.
And what those numbers show is that there have been considerably more deaths in care homes than in hospitals - 22,169 versus 16,066 respectively.
On the bright side, the numbers of those dying in care homes - both official COVID-19 deaths and overall excess deaths - are dropping so it is clear that we are well past the peak for the coronavirus outbreak.
Yet as more and more data comes in, the numbers are making it very clear that the real hotspot for UK deaths was not in hospitals but in other settings - in people's homes and, particularly, in care homes.


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Fears of humanitarian disaster as COVID-19 reaches Rohingya refugee camp

The first coronavirus case has been reported in one of the camps housing more than one million Rohingya refugees in southern Bangladesh .
A person from the Rohingya community and a local person from the Cox 's Bazar district both tested positive and have been isolated , according to Bangladesh 's refugee commissioner , Mahbub Alam Talukder .
A UN spokeswoman said teams were working to trace , quarantine and test anyone the patients may have come into contact with .
The camps are more densely populated than the most crowded cities on earth , with people living in plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is home to up to 12 people , despite measuring barely 10 square metres .
Aid workers had previously warned there could be a potential humanitarian disaster if COVID-19 reached the camps .
Manish Agrawal , Bangladesh country director at the International Rescue Committee , said : `` Here , people are living 40,000 to 70,000 people per square kilometre .
`` That 's at least 1.6 times the population density on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship , where the disease spread four times as fast than in Wuhan at the peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the camps do not have enough soap and water to protect themselves and health facilities do not have enough staff or space .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Without efforts to increase health care access , improve sanitation , isolate suspected cases and decongest the camp , the disease will devastate the refugee and local population here , where there is a much lower standard of living and a higher rate of existing illness that make refugees more susceptible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bangladesh has reported 18,863 cases of coronavirus and 283 deaths , with infections gathering pace in recent days .
Dr Shamim Jahan , Save the Children 's health director in Bangladesh , warned `` thousands '' could die from COVID-19 now the virus had entered the camps .
`` There are only an estimated 2,000 ventilators in all of Bangladesh , serving a population of 160 million people .
In the Rohingya refugee camps - home to nearly a million people - there are no intensive care beds at this moment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could set Bangladesh back by decades . ''
More than 730,000 Rohingya arrived in Bangladesh after fleeing Myanmar in 2017 , when Myanmar 's military launched a crackdown .
Security forces have been accused of mass rapes , killings and burning thousands of homes , and Myanmar is facing charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice in the Hague .
The army denies genocide and says it was fighting in response to rebel attacks .

The first coronavirus case has been reported in one of the camps housing more than one million Rohingya refugees in southern Bangladesh.
A person from the Rohingya community and a local person from the Cox's Bazar district both tested positive and have been isolated, according to Bangladesh's refugee commissioner, Mahbub Alam Talukder.
A UN spokeswoman said teams were working to trace, quarantine and test anyone the patients may have come into contact with.
Image: Refugees in Balukhali camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. File pic
The camps are more densely populated than the most crowded cities on earth, with people living in plastic shacks side by side.
Each shack is home to up to 12 people, despite measuring barely 10 square metres.
Aid workers had previously warned there could be a potential humanitarian disaster if COVID-19 reached the camps.
Manish Agrawal, Bangladesh country director at the International Rescue Committee, said: "Here, people are living 40,000 to 70,000 people per square kilometre.
"That's at least 1.6 times the population density on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where the disease spread four times as fast than in Wuhan at the peak of the outbreak."
People in the camps do not have enough soap and water to protect themselves and health facilities do not have enough staff or space.
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"Without efforts to increase health care access, improve sanitation, isolate suspected cases and decongest the camp, the disease will devastate the refugee and local population here, where there is a much lower standard of living and a higher rate of existing illness that make refugees more susceptible to the virus," Mr Agrawal said.
Bangladesh has reported 18,863 cases of coronavirus and 283 deaths, with infections gathering pace in recent days.
Dr Shamim Jahan, Save the Children's health director in Bangladesh, warned "thousands" could die from COVID-19 now the virus had entered the camps.
"There are only an estimated 2,000 ventilators in all of Bangladesh, serving a population of 160 million people. In the Rohingya refugee camps - home to nearly a million people - there are no intensive care beds at this moment," he said.
"This pandemic could set Bangladesh back by decades."
More than 730,000 Rohingya arrived in Bangladesh after fleeing Myanmar in 2017, when Myanmar's military launched a crackdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Rohingya refugee: 'I wanted to go to my grave'
Security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and burning thousands of homes, and Myanmar is facing charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice in the Hague.
The army denies genocide and says it was fighting in response to rebel attacks.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: IS could exploit COVID-19 pandemic to carry out terror attacks, EU warns

Terrorists could exploit the coronavirus pandemic to carry out attacks , a European Union official has warned .
Counter-terrorism co-ordinator Gilles de Kerchove believes right-wing extremists and Islamic militants `` could view attacks on medical personnel and facilities as highly effective , because they would generate a massive shock in society '' .
In a confidential briefing to EU member states obtained by the AP news agency , he said past experience shows `` terrorists and violent extremists , aiming to change societies and governmental systems through violence , seek to exploit major crises to achieve their objectives '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in violence so far , de Kerchove warned Islamic State has `` incited its supporters in the West to take advantage of the current crisis to stage attacks '' .
Groups such as IS are also ramping up their propaganda efforts , with the coronavirus lockdown meaning many people are spending more time online than they usually would .
`` To increase their support base , violent extremists use people 's insecurities , vulnerabilities and grievances , creating a simple narrative which 'explains ' problems by blaming outsiders , '' de Kerchove wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot and killed a white supremacist while trying to arrest him for plotting to blow up a hospital treating COVID-19 patients .
Meanwhile , Norway 's top military official in Iraq said this week that attacks by IS in the Middle East are on the rise as the region grapples with the pandemic .
Lt Col Stein Grongstad said that IS militants are hiding out in sparsely populated farmlands in Iraq and staging attacks on Iraqi forces who are trying to curb the spread of the virus across the country .
The militants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thus not particularly susceptible to the virus infection '' , he told Norway 's VG newspaper .
He said they have been targeting Iraqi forces `` that are not currently co-ordinated to the same extent as before the virus struck '' .
Lt Col Grongstad described the situation as a `` paradox '' as IS attacks are on the rise in the midst of a global pandemic .
`` The Islamic State group has been moving the fighting from Syria to Iraq ... [ and ] is strengthening , both financially and militarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported over 2,700 cases of coronavirus infections and 109 deaths .

Terrorists could exploit the coronavirus pandemic to carry out attacks, a European Union official has warned.
Counter-terrorism co-ordinator Gilles de Kerchove believes right-wing extremists and Islamic militants "could view attacks on medical personnel and facilities as highly effective, because they would generate a massive shock in society".
In a confidential briefing to EU member states obtained by the AP news agency, he said past experience shows "terrorists and violent extremists, aiming to change societies and governmental systems through violence, seek to exploit major crises to achieve their objectives".
Although there hasn't been an uptick in violence so far, de Kerchove warned Islamic State has "incited its supporters in the West to take advantage of the current crisis to stage attacks".
Groups such as IS are also ramping up their propaganda efforts, with the coronavirus lockdown meaning many people are spending more time online than they usually would.
"To increase their support base, violent extremists use people's insecurities, vulnerabilities and grievances, creating a simple narrative which 'explains' problems by blaming outsiders," de Kerchove wrote.
Back in March, the FBI shot and killed a white supremacist while trying to arrest him for plotting to blow up a hospital treating COVID-19 patients.
Meanwhile, Norway's top military official in Iraq said this week that attacks by IS in the Middle East are on the rise as the region grapples with the pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 IS caves targeted by coalition in northern Iraq
Lt Col Stein Grongstad said that IS militants are hiding out in sparsely populated farmlands in Iraq and staging attacks on Iraqi forces who are trying to curb the spread of the virus across the country.
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The militants "reside in agricultural areas and are thus not particularly susceptible to the virus infection", he told Norway's VG newspaper.
He said they have been targeting Iraqi forces "that are not currently co-ordinated to the same extent as before the virus struck".
Lt Col Grongstad described the situation as a "paradox" as IS attacks are on the rise in the midst of a global pandemic.
"The Islamic State group has been moving the fighting from Syria to Iraq... [and] is strengthening, both financially and militarily," he added.
Iraq has reported over 2,700 cases of coronavirus infections and 109 deaths.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: New rules for tourists as Europe thinks of ways to welcome people safely

Sunbathing on a packed beach is off the cards this summer , as the future of European travel is set to adapt to some changes .
Countries across Europe are trying to figure out ways to entice tourists to come back despite coronavirus remaining a threat .
Europe was at one point the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak , with more than 1.3 million cases and 156,000 recorded deaths across the continent .
But in places where tourism accounts for much of the economy , officials are considering changes to how hotels , resorts and nightclubs can operate under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here are some of the countries making new tourism rules .
The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is considering asking tourists to take a COVID-19 test prior to their arrival .
Travellers could also be asked to disinfect their luggage and reception desks may be put behind screens , while cleaning staff could be dressed in full protective gear .
The island 's deputy minister for tourism , Savvas Perdios , said the island would look to bring tourists from nearby countries that have controlled the virus well , including Greece , Israel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourist hotspot Portugal will likely award hotels a `` Clean & Safe '' seal to help tourists safely choose accommodation .
The seal will indicate that the establishment , be it a hotel , restaurant or other venue , has enacted recommended hygiene and safety procedures to protect against the virus .
Other changes being adopted include hotel guests not being able to check in to their rooms until 24 hours after the last occupant has checked out , allowing time for thorough cleaning and airing of the space .
Some hotel guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunbed and buffets are unlikely to be offered , though room service is expected to thrive .
And on the beach , sunbathers will be told to stay 1.5 metres apart with umbrellas at least three metres apart .
There will also be new signs and an app using a traffic light system of red , yellow and green indicating which beaches are full , partly full , or have few people .
Paddle boats and water slides will be completely prohibited .
The Portuguese government said hotels intend to start opening from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last places to open .
Direct flights to Greece from the UK are due to resume on 1 June , with some domestic flights and ferries operating .
Travel to Evia and Crete from the mainland will be permitted , while all other islands are restricted , and all arrivals must self-isolate for 14 days .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Tourists will be expected to wear masks in shops and on public transport and taxis will only take two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as sporting events and festivals are unlikely to return this summer .
Hard-hit Spain will likely have to wait until late June to welcome holidaymakers back , despite having a tourism-dependent economy .
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is preparing to ask parliament to extend a state of emergency until 27 June , with the strict lockdown measures so far helping to limit infections and COVID-19 related deaths , which stand at 27,709 .
Spain has made some changes , lifting a ban on direct flights and ships from Italy which have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions and a 14-day quarantine for inbound travellers remain in place .
Once the active centre of the European coronavirus outbreak , Italians are slowly regaining their freedom and have enjoyed being able to sit down at a café or restaurant , shop in all retail stores , and attend church this week .
However , travel restrictions remain firmly in place and they will not be able to travel outside their regions except for work or other strict necessities until next month as lockdown rules are slowly eased .
International travel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with EU visitors allowed in with no requirement to self-isolate .
People can also start moving freely across the country 's regions on the same day .
Emergency measures in France are currently set to be in place until at least 24 July , with the government banning non-essential trips and requiring overseas visitors to self-isolate .
Talks are ongoing to negotiate how the border crossing between the UK and France would work to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is contained .
Borders with Switzerland and Germany are due to reopen from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been announced for borders reopening to non-essential travel by UK nationals .

Sunbathing on a packed beach is off the cards this summer, as the future of European travel is set to adapt to some changes.
Countries across Europe are trying to figure out ways to entice tourists to come back despite coronavirus remaining a threat.
Europe was at one point the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak, with more than 1.3 million cases and 156,000 recorded deaths across the continent.
But in places where tourism accounts for much of the economy, officials are considering changes to how hotels, resorts and nightclubs can operate under the world's new way of life.
Here are some of the countries making new tourism rules.
Cyprus
Image: 4 May: A deserted beach is pictured in the Cypriot town of Ayia Napa
The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is considering asking tourists to take a COVID-19 test prior to their arrival.
Travellers could also be asked to disinfect their luggage and reception desks may be put behind screens, while cleaning staff could be dressed in full protective gear.
The island's deputy minister for tourism, Savvas Perdios, said the island would look to bring tourists from nearby countries that have controlled the virus well, including Greece, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
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Portugal
Image: 11 March: Some tourists wearing protective masks while walking around Lisbon, Portugal
Southern European tourist hotspot Portugal will likely award hotels a "Clean&Safe" seal to help tourists safely choose accommodation.
The seal will indicate that the establishment, be it a hotel, restaurant or other venue, has enacted recommended hygiene and safety procedures to protect against the virus.
Other changes being adopted include hotel guests not being able to check in to their rooms until 24 hours after the last occupant has checked out, allowing time for thorough cleaning and airing of the space.
Some hotel guests may get exclusive use of their own sunbed and buffets are unlikely to be offered, though room service is expected to thrive.
And on the beach, sunbathers will be told to stay 1.5 metres apart with umbrellas at least three metres apart.
There will also be new signs and an app using a traffic light system of red, yellow and green indicating which beaches are full, partly full, or have few people. Paddle boats and water slides will be completely prohibited.
The Portuguese government said hotels intend to start opening from 1 June, but discos will be the last places to open.
Greece
Image: 18 May: A tourist visits the Parthenon temple on the archeological site of the Acropolis in Athens
Direct flights to Greece from the UK are due to resume on 1 June, with some domestic flights and ferries operating.
Travel to Evia and Crete from the mainland will be permitted, while all other islands are restricted, and all arrivals must self-isolate for 14 days.
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Tourists will be expected to wear masks in shops and on public transport and taxis will only take two people at a time. Large gatherings such as sporting events and festivals are unlikely to return this summer.
Travel updates for other popular European tourist hotspots…
Spain
Image: Spain is hoping to welcome back foreign visitors by late June. File pic
Hard-hit Spain will likely have to wait until late June to welcome holidaymakers back, despite having a tourism-dependent economy.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is preparing to ask parliament to extend a state of emergency until 27 June, with the strict lockdown measures so far helping to limit infections and COVID-19 related deaths, which stand at 27,709.
Spain has made some changes, lifting a ban on direct flights and ships from Italy which have been imposed since 11 March.
However tourism restrictions and a 14-day quarantine for inbound travellers remain in place.
Italy
Image: 18 May: Restaurants are among the businesses in Italy reopening again
Once the active centre of the European coronavirus outbreak, Italians are slowly regaining their freedom and have enjoyed being able to sit down at a café or restaurant, shop in all retail stores, and attend church this week.
However, travel restrictions remain firmly in place and they will not be able to travel outside their regions except for work or other strict necessities until next month as lockdown rules are slowly eased.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 As restrictions ease a little in Italy, popular spaces have been deep-cleaned, including the interior of this church.
International travel to Italy will be possible from 3 June, with EU visitors allowed in with no requirement to self-isolate. People can also start moving freely across the country's regions on the same day.
France
Image: 11 May: Queue in front of the Cedric Grolet bakery shop on Avenue de l'Opera in Paris, France
Emergency measures in France are currently set to be in place until at least 24 July, with the government banning non-essential trips and requiring overseas visitors to self-isolate.
Talks are ongoing to negotiate how the border crossing between the UK and France would work to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is contained.
Borders with Switzerland and Germany are due to reopen from 15 June, but no date has been announced for borders reopening to non-essential travel by UK nationals.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Couple create 'hugging suit' to see grandchildren during COVID-19 lockdown

A couple say they have come up with a unique way to safely hug their grandchildren during lockdown .
Laura and Pat Fehilly , from Hythe , Southampton , had not seen their eight-month-old granddaughter Peggy for three months because of the coronavirus restrictions .
Their daughter , Nicola , in Bristol , was finding it very difficult being away from her family for that long so as soon as the government announced people could drive to other places within England , the couple started to think about how they could see their granddaughter .
Retired chemical engineer Mr Fehilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken in America of a plastic sheet with arms suspended on a washing line which allowed people to hug without physically touching .
`` I showed him the video and he said , ' I think I can do something better than that ' , '' said Mrs Fehilly , 57 , an HR director for a social care company .
`` He had some industrial bags lying around and I had some face visors and gloves .
`` He made about three prototypes until he found one that would n't let any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He went over it with a fine tooth comb checking for any escaping air .
`` We tried them on , you lie them on the floor then get in through the bottom without touching the outside then put your hands into the gloves .
Our daughter who lives with us thought it was hilarious . ''
The couple 's other daughter in Bristol drove to their home and the plan was to talk to each other on the driveway , keeping two metres apart .
But , to her surprise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house they came out in the suits .
Mrs Fehilly said : `` She just kept saying 'oh my God , I ca n't believe you 've done this ' .
She had a little cry and we hugged .
`` Then we got to hug our granddaughter Peggy , she really loved it , she was n't scared at all .
`` I could n't hug her for very long though because I literally could n't breathe .
My visor steamed up so I had to hand her over to Pat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the suit .
`` When Pat took his suit off , his hair was completely drenched - you can only hug for a few seconds before it cuts your air off .
`` Our daughter later sent us a text message saying , 'you 've made our day ' and she was still buzzing . ''
The couple decided it was such a success they would have to see their other grandchildren , so thoroughly cleaned the suits then met them on a beach .
`` Our two-year-old grandson was a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Mrs Fehilly said .
`` Our five-year-old granddaughter absolutely loved it .
She was calling it the 'hugging suit ' and said she wanted glitter on it , so we 're going to have to pimp the suits for next time ! ''
The couple warned if anybody is going to try to make a similar suit they should not use standard plastic bags as they are too thin .
They said industrial waste bags that are thick and durable , such as garden waste bags , would work , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple also bought powdered latex gloves from a food manufacturer to wear inside the outside gloves , and used different outside gloves each time .
`` The proof for us is that everything steamed up very quickly , '' said Mrs Fehilly .
`` Just make sure everything you use is fit for purpose and make sure the tape is completely sealed everywhere - you can test it using a hair dryer . ''

A couple say they have come up with a unique way to safely hug their grandchildren during lockdown.
Laura and Pat Fehilly, from Hythe, Southampton, had not seen their eight-month-old granddaughter Peggy for three months because of the coronavirus restrictions.
Their daughter, Nicola, in Bristol, was finding it very difficult being away from her family for that long so as soon as the government announced people could drive to other places within England, the couple started to think about how they could see their granddaughter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 The Fehillys were inspired by this hugging line video
Retired chemical engineer Mr Fehilly, 61, was shown a video taken in America of a plastic sheet with arms suspended on a washing line which allowed people to hug without physically touching.
"I showed him the video and he said, 'I think I can do something better than that'," said Mrs Fehilly, 57, an HR director for a social care company.
"He had some industrial bags lying around and I had some face visors and gloves.
"He made about three prototypes until he found one that wouldn't let any air in, it was completely sealed. He went over it with a fine tooth comb checking for any escaping air.
"We tried them on, you lie them on the floor then get in through the bottom without touching the outside then put your hands into the gloves. Our daughter who lives with us thought it was hilarious."
The couple's other daughter in Bristol drove to their home and the plan was to talk to each other on the driveway, keeping two metres apart.
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But, to her surprise, when she got to her parents' house they came out in the suits.
Image: Laura Fehilly was able to hug Peggy, eight months, through the suit
Mrs Fehilly said: "She just kept saying 'oh my God, I can't believe you've done this'. She had a little cry and we hugged.
"Then we got to hug our granddaughter Peggy, she really loved it, she wasn't scared at all.
"I couldn't hug her for very long though because I literally couldn't breathe. My visor steamed up so I had to hand her over to Pat and open up the air at the bottom of the suit.
"When Pat took his suit off, his hair was completely drenched - you can only hug for a few seconds before it cuts your air off.
"Our daughter later sent us a text message saying, 'you've made our day' and she was still buzzing."
The couple decided it was such a success they would have to see their other grandchildren, so thoroughly cleaned the suits then met them on a beach.
"Our two-year-old grandson was a bit sceptical but we eventually got a hug," Mrs Fehilly said.
"Our five-year-old granddaughter absolutely loved it. She was calling it the 'hugging suit' and said she wanted glitter on it, so we're going to have to pimp the suits for next time!"
The couple warned if anybody is going to try to make a similar suit they should not use standard plastic bags as they are too thin.
They said industrial waste bags that are thick and durable, such as garden waste bags, would work, with a plastic visor and gloves.
The couple also bought powdered latex gloves from a food manufacturer to wear inside the outside gloves, and used different outside gloves each time.
"The proof for us is that everything steamed up very quickly," said Mrs Fehilly.
"Just make sure everything you use is fit for purpose and make sure the tape is completely sealed everywhere - you can test it using a hair dryer."


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Donald Trump threatens to permanently cut off World Health Organisation funding

Donald Trump has threatened to permanently pull funding from the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) unless it commits to improvements within 30 days .
The US president said he would also reconsider the country 's WHO membership , previously saying the global health body did a `` very sad job '' in handling the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Trump suspended US contributions to the WHO last month , accusing it of promoting China 's `` disinformation '' about the virus outbreak .
WHO officials denied the accusation , saying at the time : `` We are still in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the time to cut back on funding . ''
In a letter to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , posted on Twitter on Monday , Mr Trump wrote : `` If the WHO does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days , I will make my temporary freeze of United States funding to the WHO permanent and reconsider our membership . ''
He said the body needs to demonstrate its independence from China , and revealed that the administration had already started reform discussions with Mr Ghebreyesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organisation is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China ...
I can not allow American taxpayer dollars to continue to finance an organisation that , in its present state , is so clearly not serving America 's interests , '' the letter said .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Last month the Trump administration accused the UN health agency of being `` China-centric '' .
The president said the body had `` failed in its basic duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its handling of the crisis .
Mr Trump argued that the virus - which has infected more than 4.8 million people worldwide - could have been contained at its source if the WHO had been better at investigating the initial reports that emerged from China .
It is not immediately clear how Mr Trump would withhold funds , much of which are appropriated by Congress .
The president does not typically have the authority to unilaterally redirect congressional funding .
Critics claim Mr Trump is attempting to use Beijing to deflect from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Prof Devi Sridhar , Professor of Global Public Health , University of Edinburgh , said : `` This letter is written for his base and to deflect blame .
China and the US are fighting it out like divorced parents while WHO is the child caught in the middle trying not to pick sides . ''
The US has by far the world 's highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases , with more than 1.5 million infections and over 90,000 deaths .

Donald Trump has threatened to permanently pull funding from the World Health Organisation (WHO) unless it commits to improvements within 30 days.
The US president said he would also reconsider the country's WHO membership, previously saying the global health body did a "very sad job" in handling the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Trump suspended US contributions to the WHO last month, accusing it of promoting China's "disinformation" about the virus outbreak.
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WHO officials denied the accusation, saying at the time: "We are still in the acute phase of a pandemic so now is not the time to cut back on funding."
In a letter to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, posted on Twitter on Monday, Mr Trump wrote: "If the WHO does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days, I will make my temporary freeze of United States funding to the WHO permanent and reconsider our membership."
He said the body needs to demonstrate its independence from China, and revealed that the administration had already started reform discussions with Mr Ghebreyesus.
"The only way forward for the World Health Organisation is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China... I cannot allow American taxpayer dollars to continue to finance an organisation that, in its present state, is so clearly not serving America's interests," the letter said.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Last month the Trump administration accused the UN health agency of being "China-centric".
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The president said the body had "failed in its basic duty and it must be held accountable" for its handling of the crisis.
Mr Trump argued that the virus - which has infected more than 4.8 million people worldwide - could have been contained at its source if the WHO had been better at investigating the initial reports that emerged from China.
It is not immediately clear how Mr Trump would withhold funds, much of which are appropriated by Congress.
The president does not typically have the authority to unilaterally redirect congressional funding.
Critics claim Mr Trump is attempting to use Beijing to deflect from shortcomings in his own response to the pandemic.
Prof Devi Sridhar, Professor of Global Public Health, University of Edinburgh, said: "This letter is written for his base and to deflect blame. China and the US are fighting it out like divorced parents while WHO is the child caught in the middle trying not to pick sides."
The US has by far the world's highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases, with more than 1.5 million infections and over 90,000 deaths.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: It isn't bats that have caused this pandemic - it's humans, says conservationist

Bats are being unfairly blamed for sparking the coronavirus outbreak , and face the potential of long-term damage to their reputation due to unproven theories on the internet , a conservationist has said .
According to Lisa Worledge , from the Bat Conservation Trust ( BCT ) , there is now `` misplaced fear '' about the role of the creatures during the coronavirus pandemic because of `` careless '' untruths online .
She is concerned about the long-term reputation of bats , with some countries sanctioning culls to help curb the spread of COVID-19 .
`` It 's been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` In some places they 've culled bats ... because of what they 've heard , what someone 's said , and in some cases these are endangered species .
`` So to see some people 's reaction - which is born out of fear , and very , very misplaced fear , because of careless things said on social media - is really heartbreaking , particularly for someone like myself .
`` But equally it is also really inspiring to see how some people have stepped up - volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumped to support bats and say how incredible these animals are and go out of their way to set the record straight .
`` Yes , there 's been some truly horrible things but equally there have been some truly amazing things as well . ''
In the UK , bats are a protected species and there are hundreds of thousands of the winged mammals across the country .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker While the virus is believed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists say it was most likely transmitted from bats to humans via an intermediary animal such as the armadillo-like pangolin .
The Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan , which was closed after being linked to the first cases of coronavirus , is widely considered to be the source of the outbreak but this has not yet been conclusively proven .
Earlier this month , informed Whitehall sources told Sky News that the UK believes it is highly likely the strain of coronavirus behind the global pandemic first passed from animals to humans naturally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19 - might have leaked accidentally from a Chinese laboratory can not be disproved , but it is considered unlikely , they said .
Mrs Worledge said : `` It is n't bats that have caused this pandemic , it 's humans - it 's the way we 've treated our environment , it 's the way we manipulate our environment , it 's the way we bring wildlife into contact with other animals that would n't happen naturally through the trade in live wildlife , through wildlife markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed - these are the conditions which provide a breeding ground .
`` This pandemic has its origins with human activity .
Scientists have shown the chances are there was one single spillover event where a virus moved from whatever the host animal was - we do n't think it was a bat - to a human .
`` Do not blame wildlife .
If anything , this is a case for us protecting our natural heritage and environment far more than we currently do . ''
People have been reaching out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said , and it is urging anyone wanting to know more about bats to do the same , rather than rely on what they hear or read elsewhere .
She said `` people have nothing to fear '' from seeing bats in their gardens because they like to keep to themselves , adding they have key roles to play in the natural world for a variety of agriculture and are also important pollinators in areas .
`` Our concern is longer term that people will just see a headline and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that bit of research to see what the facts are , '' she added .

Bats are being unfairly blamed for sparking the coronavirus outbreak, and face the potential of long-term damage to their reputation due to unproven theories on the internet, a conservationist has said.
According to Lisa Worledge, from the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT), there is now "misplaced fear" about the role of the creatures during the coronavirus pandemic because of "careless" untruths online.
She is concerned about the long-term reputation of bats, with some countries sanctioning culls to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 April: UK probes Wuhan lab coronavirus link
"It's been heartbreaking to see the reaction," she said.
"In some places they've culled bats... because of what they've heard, what someone's said, and in some cases these are endangered species.
"So to see some people's reaction - which is born out of fear, and very, very misplaced fear, because of careless things said on social media - is really heartbreaking, particularly for someone like myself.
"But equally it is also really inspiring to see how some people have stepped up - volunteers and members of the public who have jumped to support bats and say how incredible these animals are and go out of their way to set the record straight.
"Yes, there's been some truly horrible things but equally there have been some truly amazing things as well."
In the UK, bats are a protected species and there are hundreds of thousands of the winged mammals across the country.
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While the virus is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China, most scientists say it was most likely transmitted from bats to humans via an intermediary animal such as the armadillo-like pangolin.
The Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, which was closed after being linked to the first cases of coronavirus, is widely considered to be the source of the outbreak but this has not yet been conclusively proven.
Earlier this month, informed Whitehall sources told Sky News that the UK believes it is highly likely the strain of coronavirus behind the global pandemic first passed from animals to humans naturally.
The possibility that SARS-CoV-2 - the coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19 - might have leaked accidentally from a Chinese laboratory cannot be disproved, but it is considered unlikely, they said.
Mrs Worledge said: "It isn't bats that have caused this pandemic, it's humans - it's the way we've treated our environment, it's the way we manipulate our environment, it's the way we bring wildlife into contact with other animals that wouldn't happen naturally through the trade in live wildlife, through wildlife markets - animals kept together, frightened, stressed - these are the conditions which provide a breeding ground.
"Equally, destruction of natural forests for livestock production.
"This pandemic has its origins with human activity. Scientists have shown the chances are there was one single spillover event where a virus moved from whatever the host animal was - we don't think it was a bat - to a human.
"Do not blame wildlife. If anything, this is a case for us protecting our natural heritage and environment far more than we currently do."
People have been reaching out to BCT since the outbreak of the pandemic, she said, and it is urging anyone wanting to know more about bats to do the same, rather than rely on what they hear or read elsewhere.
She said "people have nothing to fear" from seeing bats in their gardens because they like to keep to themselves, adding they have key roles to play in the natural world for a variety of agriculture and are also important pollinators in areas.
"Our concern is longer term that people will just see a headline and not necessarily look at the detail or do that bit of research to see what the facts are," she added.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Discharged hospital patients may have seeded COVID-19 into care homes, minister admits

Some hospital patients with coronavirus may have been transferred into care homes , seeding it into communities , a senior minister has admitted .
Environment Secretary George Eustice said there could have been `` some instances '' where those without symptoms were moved untested into care homes , which have been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak .
Previously , ministers insisted adequate advice was given to care homes , despite them being told until as late as 12 March an outbreak of the disease in them was `` very unlikely '' and all residents and staff with symptoms were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The admission came as the head of Care England , the largest body representing private care homes in the country , said the government prioritised the NHS over the care sector .
So far around 15,000 elderly residents have died with the virus in England and Wales .
Mr Eustice denied `` the caricature that we took an approach that was wrong '' at the daily Downing Street briefing .
`` Very early on in this epidemic we had protocols in place for care homes , there was guidance as to how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed .
`` As the situation developed then more stringent policies were introduced . ''
But he accepted : `` In those early weeks there will have been some instances where people may have been discharged who were asymptomatic .
`` And there may have been some small number of instances where they may have been showing symptoms but would have been isolated - that was the guidance at the time that was in place . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being `` too slow '' to tackle the spread of coronavirus in care homes .
Shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said : `` Social care has not had the same priority as the NHS and these services have not been treated as inexplicably linked . ''
Sam Monaghan , chief executive of Methodist Homes , which runs 222 care homes and schemes , also claimed there is a `` stark disconnect between the ongoing government rhetoric on support for care homes and the lived reality on the ground '' .
He insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is still no routine testing for all residents and staff , while PPE remains in short supply , with care companies having to buy it `` on the open market '' .
Speculation has mounted about whether the ground is already being prepared for the fallout of the pandemic in an inevitable public inquiry .
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey told Sky News on Tuesday when quizzed about the care homes response that : `` If the science was wrong , the advice at the time was wrong .
I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a wrong decision . ''

Some hospital patients with coronavirus may have been transferred into care homes, seeding it into communities, a senior minister has admitted.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said there could have been "some instances" where those without symptoms were moved untested into care homes, which have been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Previously, ministers insisted adequate advice was given to care homes, despite them being told until as late as 12 March an outbreak of the disease in them was "very unlikely" and all residents and staff with symptoms were not eligible for tests until 15 April.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:43 Special report: The killer in our care homes
The admission came as the head of Care England, the largest body representing private care homes in the country, said the government prioritised the NHS over the care sector.
So far around 15,000 elderly residents have died with the virus in England and Wales.
Image: Environment Secretary George Eustice at the daily coronavirus news briefing
Mr Eustice denied "the caricature that we took an approach that was wrong" at the daily Downing Street briefing.
"Very early on in this epidemic we had protocols in place for care homes, there was guidance as to how they should approach this," he claimed.
"As the situation developed then more stringent policies were introduced."
But he accepted: "In those early weeks there will have been some instances where people may have been discharged who were asymptomatic.
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"And there may have been some small number of instances where they may have been showing symptoms but would have been isolated - that was the guidance at the time that was in place."
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Labour has accused the government of being "too slow" to tackle the spread of coronavirus in care homes.
Shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said: "Social care has not had the same priority as the NHS and these services have not been treated as inexplicably linked."
Sam Monaghan, chief executive of Methodist Homes, which runs 222 care homes and schemes, also claimed there is a "stark disconnect between the ongoing government rhetoric on support for care homes and the lived reality on the ground".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:54 Hancock on care homes: 'We will not rest'
He insisted to the Commons science select committee that there is still no routine testing for all residents and staff, while PPE remains in short supply, with care companies having to buy it "on the open market".
Speculation has mounted about whether the ground is already being prepared for the fallout of the pandemic in an inevitable public inquiry.
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey told Sky News on Tuesday when quizzed about the care homes response that: "If the science was wrong, the advice at the time was wrong. I'm not surprised if people then think we made a wrong decision."


news--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: Police speak to Neil Gaiman after 11,000-mile trip from New Zealand to Skye

Science fiction author Neil Gaiman has been spoken to by police after travelling more than 11,000 miles from New Zealand to his house on Skye in breach of Scotland 's lockdown rules .
The writer of American Gods and Good Omens was criticised for making the long-haul journey during the coronavirus pandemic , which one senior politician in Scotland branded `` gobsmacking '' .
Writing on his blog , Gaiman said he had gone to Scotland so he could `` isolate easily '' after he and his wife , the musician Amanda Palmer , agreed they `` needed to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described how he flew `` masked and gloved '' from Auckland Airport to Los Angeles ( LAX ) and then on to London before borrowing a friend 's car and driving north to Skye .
Only essential journeys are allowed under the COVID-19 restrictions in Scotland , with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stressing that the message remained `` stay at home '' .
A statement from the Scottish police force confirmed the author had been given `` suitable advice '' , with Inspector Linda Allan commenting : `` Officers have visited Neil Gaiman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He has been given suitable advice about essential travel and reminded about the current guidelines in Scotland . ''
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford , who is also the MP for Skye , said : `` Can I just remind anyone else thinking of coming to the Highlands this is against the regulations .
`` To come from the other end of the planet is gobsmacking .
We will welcome all to the Highlands when it is safe to do so .
For now stay away . ''
Gaiman was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journey .
One person wrote : `` It is still lockdown here in Scotland ... would love to be able to visit my family and friends ... but ca n't and wo n't .
Sorry but this is not on . ''
Another person said : `` Whilst I appreciate you 're going through relationships drama , I would have hoped that your common sense would n't have eluded you .
Scotland is in lockdown , no unnecessary travel . ''
But responding , Gaiman said : `` I 'm currently a UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I went home . ''
The writer gave details of his globetrotting in a blogpost , in which he wrote : `` Hullo from Scotland , where I am in rural lockdown on my own . ''
He said he was in New Zealand with his wife and son Ash until two weeks ago , when the country eased its restrictions .
Gaiman wrote : `` I flew , masked and gloved , from empty Auckland Airport to LAX , an empty international terminal with only one check-in counter open - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to London .
`` Both flights were surreal , especially the flight to London .
Empty airports , mostly empty planes .
It reminded me of flying a week after 9/11 : everything 's changed .
`` I landed in London about 10 in the morning , got a masked car service to a friend 's house .
`` He had a spare car ( bought many years ago as a birthday present for his daughter , but she had never learned to drive ) , with some groceries for me in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drive , with the key in the lock .
`` I drove north , on empty motorways and then on empty roads , and got in about midnight , and I 've been here ever since . ''
He said his family are looking forward to being together again once the world opens up and travel gets easier , and that `` Amanda and I are still very much together , even with half a world between us '' .

Science fiction author Neil Gaiman has been spoken to by police after travelling more than 11,000 miles from New Zealand to his house on Skye in breach of Scotland's lockdown rules.
The writer of American Gods and Good Omens was criticised for making the long-haul journey during the coronavirus pandemic, which one senior politician in Scotland branded "gobsmacking".
Writing on his blog, Gaiman said he had gone to Scotland so he could "isolate easily" after he and his wife, the musician Amanda Palmer, agreed they "needed to give each other some space".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 'Risk is still too great' to ease lockdown
He described how he flew "masked and gloved" from Auckland Airport to Los Angeles (LAX) and then on to London before borrowing a friend's car and driving north to Skye.
Only essential journeys are allowed under the COVID-19 restrictions in Scotland, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stressing that the message remained "stay at home".
A statement from the Scottish police force confirmed the author had been given "suitable advice", with Inspector Linda Allan commenting: "Officers have visited Neil Gaiman and spoken to him about his actions.
"He has been given suitable advice about essential travel and reminded about the current guidelines in Scotland."
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, who is also the MP for Skye, said: "Can I just remind anyone else thinking of coming to the Highlands this is against the regulations.
"To come from the other end of the planet is gobsmacking. We will welcome all to the Highlands when it is safe to do so. For now stay away."
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Gaiman was also rebuked on social media for making the journey.
One person wrote: "It is still lockdown here in Scotland... would love to be able to visit my family and friends... but can't and won't. Sorry but this is not on."
Another person said: "Whilst I appreciate you're going through relationships drama, I would have hoped that your common sense wouldn't have eluded you. Scotland is in lockdown, no unnecessary travel."
But responding, Gaiman said: "I'm currently a UK taxpayer and on the Scottish voting rolls. I went home."
The writer gave details of his globetrotting in a blogpost, in which he wrote: "Hullo from Scotland, where I am in rural lockdown on my own."
He said he was in New Zealand with his wife and son Ash until two weeks ago, when the country eased its restrictions.
Gaiman wrote: "I flew, masked and gloved, from empty Auckland Airport to LAX, an empty international terminal with only one check-in counter open - the one for the BA flight from LAX to London.
"Both flights were surreal, especially the flight to London. Empty airports, mostly empty planes. It reminded me of flying a week after 9/11: everything's changed.
"I landed in London about 10 in the morning, got a masked car service to a friend's house.
"He had a spare car (bought many years ago as a birthday present for his daughter, but she had never learned to drive), with some groceries for me in a box in the back, waiting in the drive, with the key in the lock.
"I drove north, on empty motorways and then on empty roads, and got in about midnight, and I've been here ever since."
He said his family are looking forward to being together again once the world opens up and travel gets easier, and that "Amanda and I are still very much together, even with half a world between us".


news--2020-05-19--Super cyclone Amphan: India and Bangladesh brace for 98mph winds amid coronavirus pandemic

Tens of thousands of people are being urged to move away from coastal areas in India and Bangladesh ahead of a super cyclone expected to hit the region .
Amphan , which could be as strong as a category five hurricane , is set to be one of the region 's most powerful storms in about a decade with winds up to 98mph .
There may also be tidal waves and heavy rainfall that could lead to major flooding .
Officials are scrambling to move people away from coastal areas , but are facing setbacks due to the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Indian coast late on Wednesday , so teams have to work quickly , but within social distancing guidelines , to make people safe amid fears homes could be washed away .
In the Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal , families are being moved in a race against time into more than 1,000 shelters with quarantine facilities being re-purposed into safe locations from the cyclone .
Over the border in Bangladesh , people in low-lying areas along the coast are being moved away , while being urged to wear masks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing .
Junior minister for disaster management Enamur Rahman said around 12,000 shelters had been set up , that can accommodate more than five million people .
The storm is expected to make landfall between the regions of Chittagong and Khulna - around 93 miles away from refugee camps that are housing more than a million Rohingya in flimsy shelters .
International aid workers are racing to stockpile food , water and shelters , but have warned that the tight , poor conditions leave refugees in the camps vulnerable to not only the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are really very worried , '' said Haiko Magtrayo , a Red Cross worker based in the town of Cox 's Bazar .

Tens of thousands of people are being urged to move away from coastal areas in India and Bangladesh ahead of a super cyclone expected to hit the region.
Amphan, which could be as strong as a category five hurricane, is set to be one of the region's most powerful storms in about a decade with winds up to 98mph.
There may also be tidal waves and heavy rainfall that could lead to major flooding.
Officials are scrambling to move people away from coastal areas, but are facing setbacks due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Image: The cyclone is due to hit India's coastline on Wednesday
The storm is expected to hit the Indian coast late on Wednesday, so teams have to work quickly, but within social distancing guidelines, to make people safe amid fears homes could be washed away.
In the Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal, families are being moved in a race against time into more than 1,000 shelters with quarantine facilities being re-purposed into safe locations from the cyclone.
Over the border in Bangladesh, people in low-lying areas along the coast are being moved away, while being urged to wear masks to protect against COVID-19 infection and respect social distancing.
Junior minister for disaster management Enamur Rahman said around 12,000 shelters had been set up, that can accommodate more than five million people.
Image: The storm is set to be one of the biggest in a decade in India
The storm is expected to make landfall between the regions of Chittagong and Khulna - around 93 miles away from refugee camps that are housing more than a million Rohingya in flimsy shelters.
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International aid workers are racing to stockpile food, water and shelters, but have warned that the tight, poor conditions leave refugees in the camps vulnerable to not only the storm, but also the coronavirus.
"We are really very worried," said Haiko Magtrayo, a Red Cross worker based in the town of Cox's Bazar.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Parliament told there is 'no evidence' virus came from Wuhan laboratory

There is `` no evidence '' supporting conspiracy theories that the coronavirus originated in a laboratory in Wuhan , an expert has told parliament .
Claims that COVID-19 was created in a lab were amplified by Donald Trump earlier this month , although the president refused to offer any evidence or give specific details .
The coronavirus outbreak first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year and international blame around the pandemic has incited conspiracy theories about its origin .
Rumours linking the virus to the Wuhan Institute of Virology - based on geographic proximity , and without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circulated .
But speaking to the House of Lords science and technology committee on Tuesday , Professor David Robertson dismissed the conspiracy theory as `` unlikely '' .
Following the president 's comments , the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed there was a `` significant amount of evidence '' supporting the theory but , just two days later , admitted : `` We do n't have certainty . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Scientists have discovered that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found in bats , one of the many animals sold at a Wuhan seafood market where it is suspected the virus jumped to humans .
British authorities believe it is highly likely the global pandemic is unconnected to the laboratory in Wuhan and was passed from animals to humans naturally .
`` You have a virus that you think comes from an exotic species and then you have a wildlife market - that seems the most parsimonious explanation , '' Professor Robertson said .
He was asked whether a sample of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and thought to be about 40 to 50 years old - could have been behind the initial outbreak .
Professor Robertson , who is the head of viral genomics and bioinformatics at the University of Glasgow , firmly responded : `` No , absolutely not .
`` That 's partly what has driven some of these conspiracy theories , is what is the chance they would have this virus in the labs that is close ?
And actually , even though it is close in sequence , it is not close in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no evidence for this .
We can all enjoy a conspiracy theory but you need to have evidence , '' he added .
Scientists have analysed the entirety of the novel coronavirus ' genomic sequence to assess claims that it may have been made in a laboratory or been otherwise engineered .
The value of the genomic sequence could prove vital for those developing a vaccine , but it also contains key details revealing how the virus evolved .
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in the US , UK and Australia discovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it developed a near-perfect mechanism to bind to human cells .
This mechanism is so sophisticated in its adaptions that the researchers say that it must have evolved and not been genetically engineered in their paper , titled `` COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic has a natural origin '' , published in the journal Nature Medicine .
Dr Josie Golding , the epidemics lead at the Wellcome Trust in the UK , described the paper as `` crucially important to bring an evidence-based view to the rumours that have been circulating about the origins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They conclude that the virus is the product of natural evolution , ending any speculation about deliberate genetic engineering , '' Dr Golding added .

There is "no evidence" supporting conspiracy theories that the coronavirus originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, an expert has told parliament.
Claims that COVID-19 was created in a lab were amplified by Donald Trump earlier this month, although the president refused to offer any evidence or give specific details.
The coronavirus outbreak first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year and international blame around the pandemic has incited conspiracy theories about its origin.
Rumours linking the virus to the Wuhan Institute of Virology - based on geographic proximity, and without any endorsement from qualified epidemiologists - have circulated.
But speaking to the House of Lords science and technology committee on Tuesday, Professor David Robertson dismissed the conspiracy theory as "unlikely".
Following the president's comments, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed there was a "significant amount of evidence" supporting the theory but, just two days later, admitted: "We don't have certainty."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Scientists have discovered that the coronavirus was 96% identical to coronavirus found in bats, one of the many animals sold at a Wuhan seafood market where it is suspected the virus jumped to humans.
British authorities believe it is highly likely the global pandemic is unconnected to the laboratory in Wuhan and was passed from animals to humans naturally.
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"You have a virus that you think comes from an exotic species and then you have a wildlife market - that seems the most parsimonious explanation," Professor Robertson said.
Image: The outbreak is believed to have begun in the Wuhan seafood market
He was asked whether a sample of the virus found at the Wuhan Institute of Virology - and thought to be about 40 to 50 years old - could have been behind the initial outbreak.
Professor Robertson, who is the head of viral genomics and bioinformatics at the University of Glasgow, firmly responded: "No, absolutely not.
"That's partly what has driven some of these conspiracy theories, is what is the chance they would have this virus in the labs that is close? And actually, even though it is close in sequence, it is not close in time."
"There is really no evidence for this. We can all enjoy a conspiracy theory but you need to have evidence," he added.
Scientists have analysed the entirety of the novel coronavirus' genomic sequence to assess claims that it may have been made in a laboratory or been otherwise engineered.
The value of the genomic sequence could prove vital for those developing a vaccine, but it also contains key details revealing how the virus evolved.
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in the US, UK and Australia discovered that the virus has proved so infectious because it developed a near-perfect mechanism to bind to human cells.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Wuhan resident demonstrates COVID app
This mechanism is so sophisticated in its adaptions that the researchers say that it must have evolved and not been genetically engineered in their paper, titled "COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic has a natural origin", published in the journal Nature Medicine.
Dr Josie Golding, the epidemics lead at the Wellcome Trust in the UK, described the paper as "crucially important to bring an evidence-based view to the rumours that have been circulating about the origins of the virus causing COVID-19".
"They conclude that the virus is the product of natural evolution, ending any speculation about deliberate genetic engineering," Dr Golding added.