news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: 'Who's next Daddy, you or me?' Family 'decimated' by COVID-19 as mum and nan die

Chris Cadby was hit by a double tragedy after his wife Julianne died with coronavirus just four days after her mother Joan 's death which was linked to the disease .
He had to tell his seven-year-old son Evan , who then asked him the heartbreaking question : `` Who 's next Daddy ?
Is it going to be you or is it going to be me ? ''
After suffering from coronavirus himself , Mr Cadby tells Sky News how he has coped with the loss of Evan 's mother and grandmother and why he has a warning for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decimated our family - and we did n't do anything wrong .
My mother-in-law Joan died on Easter Saturday .
She was 84 and was living with us after spending time on a COVID-19 ward following an operation .
Her condition had deteriorated over the Easter weekend .
She became more and more incoherent and even stopped taking her tablets .
I went to check on her at about 7.30pm and she was gone .
It was devastating .
I went upstairs to tell my wife Julianne who was suffering with symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bedroom .
I opened up the bedroom door and said : `` Ju , your mother 's gone . ''
I could n't go in and hug her .
I just had to leave her on her own .
There was nothing else I could do .
Just four days later , Julianne 's condition worsened .
It was just before midnight and she had asked me to run her a bath .
When I went back in to see her , she said : `` I think I need to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that I grabbed my phone and dialled 999 .
But by the time I pressed enter and turned to her , she had slumped back on the bed .
I knew she was gone .
I tried my best and gave CPR before the paramedics arrived but it was n't enough .
I had to find the strength to tell our son Evan what had happened .
It was heartbreaking as I had only just told him a few days earlier his nanny had died .
He had n't seen his mum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering with the virus .
He came downstairs and I said : `` Evan , mummy 's gone to be with nanny .
She 's gone with nanny , mate . ''
He gave me a hug and had a little cry and I had a little cry .
That afternoon he said to me : `` Who 's next Daddy ?
Is it going to be you or is it going to be me ? ''
I said : `` I hope it 's none of us .
We do n't want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : `` No . ''
He 's only seven .
He understands that his mummy is not coming back but I do n't think he 's taken it in really .
It 's been made more difficult because Evan has had to go and stay with my brother-in-law because I 've been in hospital with coronavirus .
Evan also tested positive for the virus but he has n't shown any symptoms and is fine .
I ca n't wait to give him a big hug .
We 're having a joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 10 people can go .
It 's not going to be what they deserve but unfortunately we all understand and we 've got to abide by the rules .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Other mums and dads at Evan 's school have raised money for the family .
It will all go to Evan for when he 's older .
He 's not going to have a mum when he 's 18 so the money is his .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ca n't thank people enough .
But all the money in the world wo n't bring Julianne and Joan back .
For anyone not sticking to the lockdown rules , I 've got one message : Just please stay in .
It 's not just for you , it 's for everyone .
Just stay in the house .
Life is too short .

Chris Cadby was hit by a double tragedy after his wife Julianne died with coronavirus just four days after her mother Joan's death which was linked to the disease.
He had to tell his seven-year-old son Evan, who then asked him the heartbreaking question: "Who's next Daddy? Is it going to be you or is it going to be me?"
After suffering from coronavirus himself, Mr Cadby tells Sky News how he has coped with the loss of Evan's mother and grandmother and why he has a warning for people flouting lockdown rules.
Coronavirus has decimated our family - and we didn't do anything wrong.
My mother-in-law Joan died on Easter Saturday. She was 84 and was living with us after spending time on a COVID-19 ward following an operation.
Image: Julianne Cadby and Joan Bartlett died just four days apart
Her condition had deteriorated over the Easter weekend. She became more and more incoherent and even stopped taking her tablets.
I went to check on her at about 7.30pm and she was gone. It was devastating.
I went upstairs to tell my wife Julianne who was suffering with symptoms of the virus so was self-isolating in our bedroom.
I opened up the bedroom door and said: "Ju, your mother's gone." I couldn't go in and hug her. I just had to leave her on her own. There was nothing else I could do.
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Just four days later, Julianne's condition worsened.
Image: Julianne Cadby with her son Evan and husband Chris
It was just before midnight and she had asked me to run her a bath. When I went back in to see her, she said: "I think I need to go to hospital."
As soon as she said that I grabbed my phone and dialled 999. But by the time I pressed enter and turned to her, she had slumped back on the bed.
I knew she was gone.
I tried my best and gave CPR before the paramedics arrived but it wasn't enough.
Image: Julianne died four days after her mother
I had to find the strength to tell our son Evan what had happened. It was heartbreaking as I had only just told him a few days earlier his nanny had died.
He hadn't seen his mum for a week because she had been suffering with the virus.
He came downstairs and I said: "Evan, mummy's gone to be with nanny. She's gone with nanny, mate."
He gave me a hug and had a little cry and I had a little cry.
That afternoon he said to me: "Who's next Daddy? Is it going to be you or is it going to be me?"
I said: "I hope it's none of us. We don't want anymore do we?", and he said: "No."
Image: Chris Cadby with his seven-year-old son Evan
He's only seven. He understands that his mummy is not coming back but I don't think he's taken it in really.
It's been made more difficult because Evan has had to go and stay with my brother-in-law because I've been in hospital with coronavirus.
Evan also tested positive for the virus but he hasn't shown any symptoms and is fine.
I can't wait to give him a big hug.
We're having a joint funeral for Julianne and her mum but only 10 people can go.
It's not going to be what they deserve but unfortunately we all understand and we've got to abide by the rules.
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Other mums and dads at Evan's school have raised money for the family. It will all go to Evan for when he's older. He's not going to have a mum when he's 18 so the money is his.
It's amazing what they have done. I can't thank people enough. But all the money in the world won't bring Julianne and Joan back.
For anyone not sticking to the lockdown rules, I've got one message: Just please stay in.
It's not just for you, it's for everyone. Just stay in the house. Life is too short.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus tests pass target - but government alters counting criteria

The government says it has surpassed its target of carrying out 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of April .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said 122,347 people were tested for COVID-19 in the 24 hours up to 9am on Friday - but until now the figures have only included tests that had reached laboratories .
The new numbers also include tests that have been sent out to homes and testing sites .
In the latest 24-hour period where statistics have been released , some 27,497 home kits were delivered while a further 12,872 tests were carried out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government had continued announcing its overall total in the same way as it had each day for the past month , the final figure in the most recent tally would have reached 81,978 tests , and it would n't have met its target .
The government had set itself the target to be met by the last day of April , but the actual outcome could not be revealed until a day later , due to a lag in reporting results .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` incredible achievement '' , and added that it would serve as help to `` unlock '' the lockdown .
He said the `` next mission '' would be to `` test , track and trace '' cases of the illness in order to work towards `` liberty '' .
`` With this next mission of test , track and trace , I 'm seeking a solution that allows us , by each of us participating , to target the measures that are needed with much more precision and so to reassert , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the liberty of us all , '' Mr Hancock said .
`` That is our next mission .
But for now the most important thing for everyone to do to keep R [ rate of transmission ] down and to get us all through is to retain the spirit and resolve that has had such an impact thus far . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In response to a question from Sky News ' deputy political editor Sam Coates about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Hancock said : `` We set out on GOV.UK how we count the different types of tests for different reasons because home tests are produced in a different way to the tests at drive-through centres .
`` In total , over the entire testing programme since the test was invented , we have done over a million tests now .
So that 's another benchmark we 've managed to reach . ''
National testing co-ordinator professor John Newton said there was `` no change '' to the way tests had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tallied up tests `` inside the programme '' - the ones in the labs , when they are carried out .
Tests `` outside the programme '' - the at-home tests and tests at satellite centres - are tallied up as they are sent out .
In the 24-hour period to 9am on Thursday , a total of 81,611 tests had been carried out against a capacity of 86,500 tests .
The latest total therefore marked a rise of 40,736 tests .
It comes after a further 739 people were confirmed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours , bringing the total number of deaths in hospitals , care homes and at home to 27,510 .
Meanwhile , a total of 6,201 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed , bringing the total number of infections to 177,454 .
Earlier on Friday , Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News he believed the government had `` succeeded '' with its aim , regardless of whether the test target had been met as it would have `` galvanised people across government '' .
He said : `` In that sense the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have galvanised people across government , in the private sector and across the country to build the network that we needed to , which is the foundation of testing , tracking and tracing , which we need in the next phase of fighting the virus .
`` This in itself is just a stepping stone . ''
But shadow health minister Justin Madders said that while he was rooting for the government 's strategy to be successful , he was critical of `` moving the goalposts '' when counting the tests .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's test , isolate and trace strategy to succeed and welcomed expanding who was eligible to get a test , but counting a test put in the post is not the same as a conducted test and getting results .
`` Ministers should focus on making sure these tests are administered effectively rather than moving the goalposts to hit their own arbitrary target . ''
Greater coronavirus testing capability is one of the five criteria the government has said must be reached before it will consider an easing of the lockdown , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
Other goals that must be reached include seeing a consistent decline in the daily number of deaths and new infections ; enough personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to cater for demand , and confidence that a second peak can be avoided .
In his first coronavirus press conference since recovering from the illness himself , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had passed the peak of the virus , and promised he would reveal a comprehensive plan for the exit strategy next week .

The government says it has surpassed its target of carrying out 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of April.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said 122,347 people were tested for COVID-19 in the 24 hours up to 9am on Friday - but until now the figures have only included tests that had reached laboratories.
The new numbers also include tests that have been sent out to homes and testing sites.
In the latest 24-hour period where statistics have been released, some 27,497 home kits were delivered while a further 12,872 tests were carried out in satellite locations.
So - if the government had continued announcing its overall total in the same way as it had each day for the past month, the final figure in the most recent tally would have reached 81,978 tests, and it wouldn't have met its target.
The government had set itself the target to be met by the last day of April, but the actual outcome could not be revealed until a day later, due to a lag in reporting results.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference on Friday, Mr Hancock said the figures marked an "incredible achievement", and added that it would serve as help to "unlock" the lockdown.
He said the "next mission" would be to "test, track and trace" cases of the illness in order to work towards "liberty".
"With this next mission of test, track and trace, I'm seeking a solution that allows us, by each of us participating, to target the measures that are needed with much more precision and so to reassert, as much as is safely possible, the liberty of us all," Mr Hancock said.
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"That is our next mission. But for now the most important thing for everyone to do to keep R [rate of transmission] down and to get us all through is to retain the spirit and resolve that has had such an impact thus far."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In response to a question from Sky News' deputy political editor Sam Coates about the tests included in the latest figure, Mr Hancock said: "We set out on GOV.UK how we count the different types of tests for different reasons because home tests are produced in a different way to the tests at drive-through centres.
"In total, over the entire testing programme since the test was invented, we have done over a million tests now. So that's another benchmark we've managed to reach."
National testing co-ordinator professor John Newton said there was "no change" to the way tests had been counted, adding that the testing programme tallied up tests "inside the programme" - the ones in the labs, when they are carried out.
Tests "outside the programme" - the at-home tests and tests at satellite centres - are tallied up as they are sent out.
In the 24-hour period to 9am on Thursday, a total of 81,611 tests had been carried out against a capacity of 86,500 tests.
The latest total therefore marked a rise of 40,736 tests.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 The UK's R is down... but what is it and how could it impact lockdown?
It comes after a further 739 people were confirmed to have died with the disease in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths in hospitals, care homes and at home to 27,510.
Meanwhile, a total of 6,201 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, bringing the total number of infections to 177,454.
Earlier on Friday, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News he believed the government had "succeeded" with its aim, regardless of whether the test target had been met as it would have "galvanised people across government".
He said: "In that sense the target will have succeeded because it will have galvanised people across government, in the private sector and across the country to build the network that we needed to, which is the foundation of testing, tracking and tracing, which we need in the next phase of fighting the virus.
"This in itself is just a stepping stone."
But shadow health minister Justin Madders said that while he was rooting for the government's strategy to be successful, he was critical of "moving the goalposts" when counting the tests.
He said: "We want the government's test, isolate and trace strategy to succeed and welcomed expanding who was eligible to get a test, but counting a test put in the post is not the same as a conducted test and getting results.
"Ministers should focus on making sure these tests are administered effectively rather than moving the goalposts to hit their own arbitrary target."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Labour looking beyond 100,000 testing target
Greater coronavirus testing capability is one of the five criteria the government has said must be reached before it will consider an easing of the lockdown, which is set to enter its seventh week on Monday.
Other goals that must be reached include seeing a consistent decline in the daily number of deaths and new infections; enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to cater for demand, and confidence that a second peak can be avoided.
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In his first coronavirus press conference since recovering from the illness himself, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had passed the peak of the virus, and promised he would reveal a comprehensive plan for the exit strategy next week.


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Premier League can only resume if it's totally safe for all

Premier League matches should only resume if the measures required to ensure players and staff are safe do not impact on the national effort to protect key workers , according to a leading club chief executive .
Paul Barber , CEO and deputy chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion , told Sky News that clubs need to weigh their desire to complete the season against the need to ensure players and staff are safe .
The 20 clubs and Premier League executives will meet virtually today to discuss plans to restart matches in the week of 8 June .
Games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety protocols that could require hundreds of tests to be carried out on staff and players .
Any decision on resuming would depend on government approval .
Mr Barber also acknowledged the perception issues of football being seen to resume in the current climate .
Facilities at the Brighton 's stadium are currently being used as a COVID-19 testing station for NHS staff and key workers .
`` With many hundreds of people dying every day it does n't seem quite right to be talking about returning to play football .
`` Having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people want something to look forward to .
They want something hopefully to lift their spirits .
`` Getting the balance right between wanting to return to play as quickly as possible , and making sure that it 's safe to do so , is absolutely critical .
`` We 've got to be mindful of the fact that many , many thousands of families , up and down the country , have lost someone in the last few weeks and that 's a very important thing to keep in our mind to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also got to be cognisant of the fact that many clubs have turned over their facilities to support the NHS at a critical time .
Our club is one of them .
`` We 've got a very active COVID-19 testing centre at the stadium at the moment where we 're seeing hundreds and hundreds of NHS frontline workers and other key workers every single day coming to get tested .
`` Against that backdrop , we 've got to make sure that if we do return to playing football , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgently have got their tests and been able to either return to their jobs or recover from the illness at home .
`` The one thing we 've all craved through this whole crisis is clarity and certainty , and that 's obviously what 's been in the shortest supply of all .
We want to try and finish our system for competition integrity reasons , but at this stage I think again that the safety of the players , the staff and the people that work around football has to be paramount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it 's safe to do so . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker If the season were to be curtailed it would pose a major financial challenge to the club .
Five of their remaining nine games are home fixtures , with four of them against Manchester United , Manchester City , Liverpool and Arsenal - games that would generate significant revenue .
Mr Barber estimates every lost home game would cost the club a seven-figure sum , and warns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club .
Brighton 's first season in the Premier League is estimated to have brought a £200m benefit to the local economy .
`` It 's a very significant impact , not just on our business , but on our catering partners , the various suppliers , the various organisations in the city that we draw on for our labour , for match days , security companies and so on .
`` The wider economy , certainly in this part of the world is being hit just as hard as the football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going ahead . ''

Premier League matches should only resume if the measures required to ensure players and staff are safe do not impact on the national effort to protect key workers, according to a leading club chief executive.
Paul Barber, CEO and deputy chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion, told Sky News that clubs need to weigh their desire to complete the season against the need to ensure players and staff are safe.
The 20 clubs and Premier League executives will meet virtually today to discuss plans to restart matches in the week of 8 June.
Image: Brighton, seen here following a 1-0 home defeat to rivals Crystal Palace in February, are currently two points from the relegation zone in the Premier League table
Games would be played behind closed doors under safety protocols that could require hundreds of tests to be carried out on staff and players. Any decision on resuming would depend on government approval.
Mr Barber also acknowledged the perception issues of football being seen to resume in the current climate.
Facilities at the Brighton's stadium are currently being used as a COVID-19 testing station for NHS staff and key workers.
"With many hundreds of people dying every day it doesn't seem quite right to be talking about returning to play football.
"Having said that, we also know that people want something to look forward to. They want something hopefully to lift their spirits.
Image: Paul Barber was handed his dual deputy chairman role at Brighton in 2018
"Getting the balance right between wanting to return to play as quickly as possible, and making sure that it's safe to do so, is absolutely critical.
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"We've got to be mindful of the fact that many, many thousands of families, up and down the country, have lost someone in the last few weeks and that's a very important thing to keep in our mind to make these decisions.
"We've also got to be cognisant of the fact that many clubs have turned over their facilities to support the NHS at a critical time. Our club is one of them.
"We've got a very active COVID-19 testing centre at the stadium at the moment where we're seeing hundreds and hundreds of NHS frontline workers and other key workers every single day coming to get tested.
"Against that backdrop, we've got to make sure that if we do return to playing football, it's only when the people that need testing urgently have got their tests and been able to either return to their jobs or recover from the illness at home.
"The one thing we've all craved through this whole crisis is clarity and certainty, and that's obviously what's been in the shortest supply of all. We want to try and finish our system for competition integrity reasons, but at this stage I think again that the safety of the players, the staff and the people that work around football has to be paramount so we can only take that decision when it's safe to do so."
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If the season were to be curtailed it would pose a major financial challenge to the club. Five of their remaining nine games are home fixtures, with four of them against Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal - games that would generate significant revenue.
Mr Barber estimates every lost home game would cost the club a seven-figure sum, and warns that the blow would be felt beyond the club.
Brighton's first season in the Premier League is estimated to have brought a £200m benefit to the local economy.
"It's a very significant impact, not just on our business, but on our catering partners, the various suppliers, the various organisations in the city that we draw on for our labour, for match days, security companies and so on.
"The wider economy, certainly in this part of the world is being hit just as hard as the football club as a consequence of the matches not going ahead."


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Cruise ship staff desperate to come home after months at sea

Crew members stranded on cruise ships and stuck in cabins without fresh air for weeks - even after passengers have been flown home - fear they have been forgotten about , Sky News has been told .
Dancer Lauren Carrick , 29 , from Norwich , is one of 900 crew members on the Celebrity Infinity ship unable to get home due to restrictions enforced by US authorities amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The cruise liner has been at sea off the Bahamas for nearly seven weeks and those on board have not touched land since then .
`` Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone wants to get home , '' Ms Carrick told Sky News .
Ms Carrick , who is on board with fiancee Joseph Harrison , 27 , said crew members were isolated in their cabins for 21 days - some of which did not have windows .
`` When you are in there for 24 hours a day , that 's hard in itself trying to find things to do - there 's only a certain amount of TV you can watch on your laptop every day .
`` We have been lucky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection 's not great . ''
The crew are now allowed to leave their cabins three times a day for meals .
The crew members are a mixture of nationalities , including British , American , Indonesian and Filipino .
They have been unable to return home since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) imposed a No Sail Order on ships within US waters , which bans crew members from using commercial transport to disembark .
Cruise companies are allowed to arrange special charter flights , but Ms Carrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organised so far - dashing the hopes of crew members .
Earlier this month , the US Coast Guard said over 100 cruise ships and 90,000 crew members were still stuck at sea in or near American ports and waters .
A crew member on board the Symphony of the Seas ship , the largest passenger ship in the world , also told Sky News that more than 1,000 staff were waiting to get home after the CDC had not approved their charter flight .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker '' It 's a rollercoaster of emotions , '' Ms Carrick said .
`` You can be happy one day because you think you might be let out of your cabin , or you think ' I might be flying home in two days ' , or then you 're upset because actually it 's not going to happen . ''
Ms Carrick said many of the staff on the Celebrity Infinity have also had their wages stopped - although they are given $ 13 ( £10.42 ) a day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who send money home to their families .
On its website , the CDC lists 23 cruises which have been affected by COVID-19 .
Of these , 13 ships had reported travellers who tested positive for the virus .
The rest , including the Celebrity Infinity , had passengers who tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of disembarking .
However , because these travellers ' symptoms began after the voyage , it is not certain they contracted the virus on the ships .
In an update on its site , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a phase of the pandemic where it is necessary to implement strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19 .
`` Just as the American public has a role to play by staying home to slow the spread , cruise lines have a role to play in properly caring for their crew , including isolating them if they are sick and quarantining them if they have been exposed . ''
Ms Carrick says there are no cases of COVID-19 on the ship and no one has symptoms .
Many of the crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to husbands , wives and children .
`` I do n't understand why we 're treated differently to paying passengers , '' Ms Carrick said .
`` We 're still people at the end of the day . ''
A spokeswoman for Celebrity Cruises said : `` We have at all times worked in close co-ordination with government and health authorities and are grateful for their guidance .
`` We are working with all appropriate authorities to ensure the safe return home of all our crew members . ''
A Foreign Office spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with the operator of the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship , as well as with many crew members and their families .
`` We will continue to support tour operators to ensure the welfare and safety of British crew . ''

Crew members stranded on cruise ships and stuck in cabins without fresh air for weeks - even after passengers have been flown home - fear they have been forgotten about, Sky News has been told.
Dancer Lauren Carrick, 29, from Norwich, is one of 900 crew members on the Celebrity Infinity ship unable to get home due to restrictions enforced by US authorities amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The cruise liner has been at sea off the Bahamas for nearly seven weeks and those on board have not touched land since then.
Image: Ms Carrick and Mr Harrison have been unable to return home since a No Sail Order was imposed on ships within US waters
"Everyone is obviously really frustrated and upset. Everyone wants to get home," Ms Carrick told Sky News.
Ms Carrick, who is on board with fiancee Joseph Harrison, 27, said crew members were isolated in their cabins for 21 days - some of which did not have windows.
"When you are in there for 24 hours a day, that's hard in itself trying to find things to do - there's only a certain amount of TV you can watch on your laptop every day.
"We have been lucky enough to get free WiFi but the connection's not great."
The crew are now allowed to leave their cabins three times a day for meals.
Image: The Celebrity Infinity has around 900 crew members on board
The crew members are a mixture of nationalities, including British, American, Indonesian and Filipino.
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They have been unable to return home since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a No Sail Order on ships within US waters, which bans crew members from using commercial transport to disembark.
Cruise companies are allowed to arrange special charter flights, but Ms Carrick says the CDC has cancelled four flights organised so far - dashing the hopes of crew members.
Earlier this month, the US Coast Guard said over 100 cruise ships and 90,000 crew members were still stuck at sea in or near American ports and waters.
A crew member on board the Symphony of the Seas ship, the largest passenger ship in the world, also told Sky News that more than 1,000 staff were waiting to get home after the CDC had not approved their charter flight.
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"It's a rollercoaster of emotions," Ms Carrick said.
"You can be happy one day because you think you might be let out of your cabin, or you think 'I might be flying home in two days', or then you're upset because actually it's not going to happen."
Ms Carrick said many of the staff on the Celebrity Infinity have also had their wages stopped - although they are given $13 (£10.42) a day. This is an especially big problem for those who send money home to their families.
On its website, the CDC lists 23 cruises which have been affected by COVID-19.
Of these, 13 ships had reported travellers who tested positive for the virus.
The rest, including the Celebrity Infinity, had passengers who tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of disembarking. However, because these travellers' symptoms began after the voyage, it is not certain they contracted the virus on the ships.
In an update on its site, the CDC said: "We are currently in a phase of the pandemic where it is necessary to implement strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19.
"Just as the American public has a role to play by staying home to slow the spread, cruise lines have a role to play in properly caring for their crew, including isolating them if they are sick and quarantining them if they have been exposed."
Image: The staff had to isolate in their cabins for 21 days
Ms Carrick says there are no cases of COVID-19 on the ship and no one has symptoms.
Many of the crew members are now desperate to get home to husbands, wives and children.
"I don't understand why we're treated differently to paying passengers," Ms Carrick said. "We're still people at the end of the day."
A spokeswoman for Celebrity Cruises said: "We have at all times worked in close co-ordination with government and health authorities and are grateful for their guidance.
"We are working with all appropriate authorities to ensure the safe return home of all our crew members."
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are in direct contact with the operator of the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship, as well as with many crew members and their families.
"We will continue to support tour operators to ensure the welfare and safety of British crew."


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Have we passed any of the five tests for easing the lockdown?

Boris Johnson has promised he will set out a `` road map '' for easing lockdown restrictions on Sunday , after saying the UK has passed the peak of coronavirus infections .
The government has proposed a series of five tests which , if met , would allow the UK to ease lockdown restrictions .
We look at whether any of the tests have been satisfied : Firstly , the government will look at whether there is the capacity to care for seriously ill coronavirus patients .
This can be measured by the number of spare beds in intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double its ICU capacity in its pre-existing hospitals to 1,555 , but monthly data on critical care bed capacity has been paused since February .
Figures seen by Health Service Journal showed about four times the normal number of NHS England hospital beds remained unoccupied over the weekend of 11 and 12 April , with 37,500 of the total 91,600 beds unused .
NHS England said the data , compiled on the national NHS operational dashboard , were `` not complete and validated '' but `` confirm continuing success in ensuring we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hospitals have not been overwhelmed by patients so far , and there has also been the addition of NHS Nightingale hospitals in some parts of the country , which are designed as overspill facilities .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Nightingale Hospitals have the capacity to treat thousands of COVID-19 sufferers , but so far reports suggest they have admitted few patients - something taken by many as a win .
It has been announced the London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on standby '' because no new admissions are expected .
However , there has been some criticism that the increased capacity to treat coronavirus patients has come at the expense of other care , including cancer treatments .
The number of daily deaths - though closely watched - is likely to be the last to show improvement .
This is because the delay between someone becoming infected and either recovering or dying can be around three to four weeks .
It is estimated that England 's daily hospital death toll peaked around 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Monday 4 May , the UK reported 288 deaths with coronavirus in hospitals , the smallest weekday total since 27 March when it was 284 ( on the new measure ) .
However , there is a lag in data following the weekend and midweek reports of deaths have been much higher .
There are some suggestions that deaths in care homes are rising .
Downing Street has claimed there has been a `` palpable improvement '' in care homes , but recent data has not yet shown this .
Figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McLean at one of the daily press briefings , which included data up to the week ending 24 April , revealed the death rate in care homes continued to grow as hospital deaths fell .
In the week ending 24 April , deaths in care homes were about half the number of deaths in all hospitals .
It seems more recent data is needed to be clear whether this test has been met .
The infection rate , or `` R '' value , means the number of people that each person who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The R is currently thought to be somewhere between 0.6 and 0.9 , although officials say there is a `` little bit of regional variation '' in this number .
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has been steadily decreasing , although it is accepted that the true number of cases is likely to be much higher than the reported amount .
This is due to the amount of testing , which is largely aimed at key workers and their families , people over 65 and those seriously ill in hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rate might be down is looking at the number of hospital admissions .
England 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said : `` The number of new cases is down , that 's turning into fewer admissions , fewer people in hospital , fewer people in intensive care and we 're beginning to see that decrease in deaths . ''
It is likely the rate of infection has decreased satisfactorily , but Sir Patrick said the number of people admitted to hospital still needs to decrease .
Some scientists have warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test , track and trace '' policy could only increase the number of cases again .
Professor Devi Sridhar , chair of global public health from Edinburgh University , wrote in a viral tweet : `` Releasing lockdown without public health infrastructure in place ( test , trace , isolate & surveillance ) makes lockdown pointless so far .
`` Everyone agrees we need to get out of lockdown ASAP , focus needs to be on how time being used to replace lockdown with package of interventions . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 122,347 tests on 30 April , surpassing the government 's target of 100,000 daily tests .
But it has since failed on several occasions to meet this target , with tests hovering between 69,000 to 85,000 per day .
A contact-tracing app is being trialled on the Isle of Wight and will alert people if they have come into close contact with someone with symptoms .
It is expected to be rolled out nationwide in the coming weeks .
More than a billion items of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among health care workers about shortages .
There may be challenges in sourcing PPE for some time , as numerous countries are trying to obtain equipment .
A Telegraph investigation revealed 400,000 PPE gowns imported from Turkey were found to be `` useless '' .
So far , it looks like this test has not been met .
The prime minister has stressed that in order to `` avoid disaster '' , the fifth test means the R value should not rise above one .
Boris Johnson said he would not risk a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but did say the public will soon be told when certain lockdown measures can be relaxed , based on a series of options raised by the government 's scientific advisers .
He said lockdown changes will be `` very limited '' , but that some could begin from Monday .
Downing Street was forced to deny it had relaxed the fifth test , as the rule had initially stated `` confident that any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections '' .
It was later amended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not `` overwhelm the NHS '' .
Number 10 said the wording had simply been revised to match the words of Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on 16 April .
We currently do n't know for sure what these relaxation measures will be , so it is difficult to judge whether this test has been met .

Boris Johnson has promised he will set out a "road map" for easing lockdown restrictions on Sunday, after saying the UK has passed the peak of coronavirus infections.
The government has proposed a series of five tests which, if met, would allow the UK to ease lockdown restrictions.
We look at whether any of the tests have been satisfied:
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:09 The process of getting back to work
Firstly, the government will look at whether there is the capacity to care for seriously ill coronavirus patients.
This can be measured by the number of spare beds in intensive care.
The NHS has managed to roughly double its ICU capacity in its pre-existing hospitals to 1,555, but monthly data on critical care bed capacity has been paused since February.
Figures seen by Health Service Journal showed about four times the normal number of NHS England hospital beds remained unoccupied over the weekend of 11 and 12 April, with 37,500 of the total 91,600 beds unused.
NHS England said the data, compiled on the national NHS operational dashboard, were "not complete and validated" but "confirm continuing success in ensuring we have available capacity to look after patients".
Hospitals have not been overwhelmed by patients so far, and there has also been the addition of NHS Nightingale hospitals in some parts of the country, which are designed as overspill facilities.
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Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Nightingale Hospitals have the capacity to treat thousands of COVID-19 sufferers, but so far reports suggest they have admitted few patients - something taken by many as a win.
Image: The NHS Nightingale hospital in London
It has been announced the London NHS Nightingale hospital is being put "on standby" because no new admissions are expected.
However, there has been some criticism that the increased capacity to treat coronavirus patients has come at the expense of other care, including cancer treatments.
The number of daily deaths - though closely watched - is likely to be the last to show improvement.
This is because the delay between someone becoming infected and either recovering or dying can be around three to four weeks.
It is estimated that England's daily hospital death toll peaked around 8 April and has been steadily falling since.
On Monday 4 May, the UK reported 288 deaths with coronavirus in hospitals, the smallest weekday total since 27 March when it was 284 (on the new measure).
However, there is a lag in data following the weekend and midweek reports of deaths have been much higher.
There are some suggestions that deaths in care homes are rising.
Downing Street has claimed there has been a "palpable improvement" in care homes, but recent data has not yet shown this.
Figures shared by deputy chief scientific adviser Angela McLean at one of the daily press briefings, which included data up to the week ending 24 April, revealed the death rate in care homes continued to grow as hospital deaths fell.
In the week ending 24 April, deaths in care homes were about half the number of deaths in all hospitals.
It seems more recent data is needed to be clear whether this test has been met.
The infection rate, or "R" value, means the number of people that each person who contracts the virus ends up infecting.
The R is currently thought to be somewhere between 0.6 and 0.9, although officials say there is a "little bit of regional variation" in this number.
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has been steadily decreasing, although it is accepted that the true number of cases is likely to be much higher than the reported amount.
This is due to the amount of testing, which is largely aimed at key workers and their families, people over 65 and those seriously ill in hospital.
Image: The UK has been receiving PPE deliveries from other countries, including Turkey. File pic
Another way of finding out if the infection rate might be down is looking at the number of hospital admissions.
England's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said: "The number of new cases is down, that's turning into fewer admissions, fewer people in hospital, fewer people in intensive care and we're beginning to see that decrease in deaths."
It is likely the rate of infection has decreased satisfactorily, but Sir Patrick said the number of people admitted to hospital still needs to decrease.
Some scientists have warned easing the lockdown without a sufficient "test, track and trace" policy could only increase the number of cases again.
Professor Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health from Edinburgh University, wrote in a viral tweet: "Releasing lockdown without public health infrastructure in place (test, trace, isolate & surveillance) makes lockdown pointless so far.
"Everyone agrees we need to get out of lockdown ASAP, focus needs to be on how time being used to replace lockdown with package of interventions."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK managed to carry out 122,347 tests on 30 April, surpassing the government's target of 100,000 daily tests.
But it has since failed on several occasions to meet this target, with tests hovering between 69,000 to 85,000 per day.
A contact-tracing app is being trialled on the Isle of Wight and will alert people if they have come into close contact with someone with symptoms.
It is expected to be rolled out nationwide in the coming weeks.
More than a billion items of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been distributed, but there are still concerns among health care workers about shortages.
There may be challenges in sourcing PPE for some time, as numerous countries are trying to obtain equipment.
A Telegraph investigation revealed 400,000 PPE gowns imported from Turkey were found to be "useless".
So far, it looks like this test has not been met.
The prime minister has stressed that in order to "avoid disaster", the fifth test means the R value should not rise above one.
Boris Johnson said he would not risk a second peak by relaxing restrictions too quickly, but did say the public will soon be told when certain lockdown measures can be relaxed, based on a series of options raised by the government's scientific advisers.
He said lockdown changes will be "very limited", but that some could begin from Monday.
Downing Street was forced to deny it had relaxed the fifth test, as the rule had initially stated "confident that any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections".
It was later amended to add that the peak of infections should not "overwhelm the NHS".
Number 10 said the wording had simply been revised to match the words of Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on 16 April.
We currently don't know for sure what these relaxation measures will be, so it is difficult to judge whether this test has been met.


news--2020-05-01--Love Island: ITV uneasy about 'people slathering over each other' in June

The summer series of Love Island could be in doubt after ITV bosses ruled out filming the show in the UK .
Kevin Lygo , director of television at ITV , said he would feel `` uneasy '' about airing a show that sees people `` slathering over each other '' while the rest of the nation is being told to socially distance during the coronavirus pandemic .
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival , which is being held online this year , Mr Lygo said : `` We 're right approaching the moment with Love Island of is it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hundreds of production people arriving ?
`` Will there have to be quarantine ?
All these things .
And so we have to factor all of that in and also , what signal might it be sending out if we 're doing a show where everybody is crammed together slathering over each other , and the rest of the world is told do n't go near anyone in the park ?
`` I 'm a little uneasy about that , so we will make a decision in a proper way quite soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , a big commercial impact for us , there 's 200 people working on that show . ''
The summer series , which sees young single people couple up in a villa in Majorca , usually airs in the UK in June .
Lygo said crew and contestants would normally be flying out to Majorca in the next six weeks , adding : `` Is that really viable , feasible ?
`` The team had looked at doing it in Cornwall somewhere , and we feel now in a rushed sense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in the UK , it would be the same show .
`` And we do n't want to not make the same show as we have made , because it 's been so successful . ''
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker The show has been a huge hit for ITV2 and the first winter series , which was filmed in South Africa , was aired earlier this year .
It was later overshadowed by the death of former host Caroline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 15 February at the age of 40 .

The summer series of Love Island could be in doubt after ITV bosses ruled out filming the show in the UK.
Kevin Lygo, director of television at ITV, said he would feel "uneasy" about airing a show that sees people "slathering over each other" while the rest of the nation is being told to socially distance during the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, which is being held online this year, Mr Lygo said: "We're right approaching the moment with Love Island of is it feasible, will Majorca open its doors to hundreds of production people arriving?
Image: Love Island winter series 2020. Pic: ITV PLC
"Will there have to be quarantine? All these things. And so we have to factor all of that in and also, what signal might it be sending out if we're doing a show where everybody is crammed together slathering over each other, and the rest of the world is told don't go near anyone in the park?
"I'm a little uneasy about that, so we will make a decision in a proper way quite soon, but it affects a lot of people, a big commercial impact for us, there's 200 people working on that show."
The summer series, which sees young single people couple up in a villa in Majorca, usually airs in the UK in June.
Lygo said crew and contestants would normally be flying out to Majorca in the next six weeks, adding: "Is that really viable, feasible?
Image: Caroline Flack previously hosted the show until 2019.
"The team had looked at doing it in Cornwall somewhere, and we feel now in a rushed sense, no, I don't think making it in the UK, it would be the same show.
"And we don't want to not make the same show as we have made, because it's been so successful."
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:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
The show has been a huge hit for ITV2 and the first winter series, which was filmed in South Africa, was aired earlier this year.
It was later overshadowed by the death of former host Caroline Flack, who took her own life on 15 February at the age of 40.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Woman took son to Greek island to 'protect him from COVID-19'

A woman who took her 11-year-old son to a Greek island to protect him from COVID-19 should not have done so , a UK judge said .
The boy 's father wants judges in Greece and London to order he is returned to England .
He says the boy was taken from London to Paros , a Greek island in the Aegean Sea , without his permission .
Mr Justice Mostyn , who oversaw a recent private hearing in London , said the man and woman are both Greek but had lived in London for more than two years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a ruling published by the judge overseeing family court litigation in London , but he said the family could not be identified in media reports .
He has adjourned the case and says a judge in Greece should hear evidence from the woman and make a decision .
The woman left London with her son on 20 March , three days before Boris Johnson announced a national lockdown , and travelled to her mother 's home in Paros , Mr Justice Mostyn said in his ruling .
`` She did so in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boy ) would be much safer from the virus there , '' he said .
`` That may well have been a valid view , it being common knowledge that by virtue of pre-emptive action , Greece has a much lower rate of infection and mortality than this country .
`` However that does not justify in the slightest what was a wrongful removal of ( the boy ) from the place of his habitual residence and , more importantly , from his father . ''
She had emailed her estranged husband 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Justice Mostyn said .
`` I do not intend to stay in Greece permanently , '' she had said .
`` The main reason that I have come to Greece is that I am very afraid of the coronavirus and I want to do whatever I can to keep ( my son and me ) safe from it .
`` The small Greek island where my mother lives , where ( we ) are now staying with her , is naturally isolated from the mainland and has its own medical facilities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ now there were zero incidents of coronavirus contamination .
`` I believe that it is a much safer place to be for us , given the numbers of people ( who are ) affected and die in London on a daily basis .
`` I do not know exactly when we will return , but that is because the whole situation is moving so quickly and no-one knows what things will be like in two weeks let alone a month .
`` When I arrived in Greece it was not in complete lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have closed the borders and travelling is banned completely and I do n't think that I could even return now to England if I wanted to - which I do not at this time as I believe staying in Greece gives ( my son ) a much better chance in this pandemic . ''
There have been 2,591 coronavirus cases confirmed in Greece , with none in Paros , while the UK had seen 177,454 cases and 27,510 deaths by Friday .

A woman who took her 11-year-old son to a Greek island to protect him from COVID-19 should not have done so, a UK judge said.
The boy's father wants judges in Greece and London to order he is returned to England.
He says the boy was taken from London to Paros, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, without his permission.
Mr Justice Mostyn, who oversaw a recent private hearing in London, said the man and woman are both Greek but had lived in London for more than two years.
Details of the dispute emerged on Friday in a ruling published by the judge overseeing family court litigation in London, but he said the family could not be identified in media reports.
He has adjourned the case and says a judge in Greece should hear evidence from the woman and make a decision.
The woman left London with her son on 20 March, three days before Boris Johnson announced a national lockdown, and travelled to her mother's home in Paros, Mr Justice Mostyn said in his ruling.
"She did so in the belief that she and (the boy) would be much safer from the virus there," he said.
"That may well have been a valid view, it being common knowledge that by virtue of pre-emptive action, Greece has a much lower rate of infection and mortality than this country.
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"However that does not justify in the slightest what was a wrongful removal of (the boy) from the place of his habitual residence and, more importantly, from his father."
Image: The boy's father wants judges to order his son is brought back to London from Paros in the Aegean Sea
She had emailed her estranged husband's lawyers to explain why she left, Mr Justice Mostyn said.
"I do not intend to stay in Greece permanently," she had said.
"The main reason that I have come to Greece is that I am very afraid of the coronavirus and I want to do whatever I can to keep (my son and me) safe from it.
"The small Greek island where my mother lives, where (we) are now staying with her, is naturally isolated from the mainland and has its own medical facilities.
"It is absolutely safe for until now there were zero incidents of coronavirus contamination.
"I believe that it is a much safer place to be for us, given the numbers of people (who are) affected and die in London on a daily basis.
"I do not know exactly when we will return, but that is because the whole situation is moving so quickly and no-one knows what things will be like in two weeks let alone a month.
"When I arrived in Greece it was not in complete lockdown.
"Since we got here they have closed the borders and travelling is banned completely and I don't think that I could even return now to England if I wanted to - which I do not at this time as I believe staying in Greece gives (my son) a much better chance in this pandemic."
There have been 2,591 coronavirus cases confirmed in Greece, with none in Paros, while the UK had seen 177,454 cases and 27,510 deaths by Friday.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: People will not be able to use home testing kits, leading GP warns

A leading GP has warned that people will not be able to use the COVID–19 home testing kits being sent out by the government , creating the risk of a second wave of infections .
Dr Gary Marlowe , London chair of the British Medical Association , told Sky News he feared that `` a significant portion of those tests will be useless '' .
This is because people performing the tests on themselves will not have `` got to the right place to take the swab properly '' .
To collect a sample of the virus in their systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swab against their tonsils and push it into their nose until it meets resistance .
`` To do it oneself is really uncomfortable and difficult , '' said Dr Marlowe , who has done that .
`` My anxiety is that a significant portion of those tests will be useless .
`` That means that there will be a significant amount of people in whom the test comes back as negative when they 're actually carrying the virus . ''
He added : `` As we come out of lockdown you 'll have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will undoubtedly lead to a second wave . ''
Dr Marlowe 's comments come as the first minister of Scotland warned that the focus on targets could put older people under pressure to take tests .
Speaking at the daily news conference , Nicola Sturgeon said : `` This should not simply be an exercise in driving up numbers .
`` Tests , particularly for frail , older people , can be invasive and unpleasant , so our decisions must be clinically driven . ''
In order to meet the 100,000 tests a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Secretary Matt Hancock , the government has been sending out home testing kits to key workers and their families , care home residents and over-65s .
Each kit comes with instructions to guide people through the process .
A short video is also available on the government website which runs through the process step by step .
A Department of Health spokesperson emphasised that a large body of peer-reviewed evidence suggests that self-swabbing is just as effective at collecting a sample of the virus as tests administered by doctors .
In March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( FDA ) updated its guidelines to allow patients to swab their own noses or throats for the virus .
A scientist leading a research project for the government said he was confident people could manage the tests themselves .
`` There is a little bit of discomfort with the throat swab and the nasal swab , but it is certainly manageable by members of the public , '' said Professor Paul Elliot , chair in epidemiology and public health medicine at Imperial College London .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker Professor Elliot 's team will send testing kits for COVID-19 to a randomly selected group of 100,000 people in England in order to understand whether the virus is at a level low enough to lift the lockdown .
The results will help scientists advising the government to assess the reproduction rate , or R , which the prime minister has said will be a crucial factor when the restrictions are reviewed on 7 May .
`` We can analyse how much virus there is left in the community and very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distributed , '' Professor Elliot told Sky News .
`` Both geographically - so we 're going out to local authority area level to get local information - but also by age and sex and ethnicity . ''
The Imperial College team will also send out a number of different antibody tests , which test whether people have had the virus in the past , to assess whether they can be used accurately and easily at home .
The tests will first be carried out on volunteers from Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as 300 public volunteers who will also be given a sample test to self-administer .

A leading GP has warned that people will not be able to use the COVID–19 home testing kits being sent out by the government, creating the risk of a second wave of infections.
Dr Gary Marlowe, London chair of the British Medical Association, told Sky News he feared that "a significant portion of those tests will be useless".
This is because people performing the tests on themselves will not have "got to the right place to take the swab properly".
Image: A test tube at the COVID-19 testing lab at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow
To collect a sample of the virus in their systems, patients need to scrape a long swab against their tonsils and push it into their nose until it meets resistance.
"To do it oneself is really uncomfortable and difficult," said Dr Marlowe, who has done that.
"My anxiety is that a significant portion of those tests will be useless.
"That means that there will be a significant amount of people in whom the test comes back as negative when they're actually carrying the virus."
He added: "As we come out of lockdown you'll have people who are spreading the virus and will undoubtedly lead to a second wave."
Dr Marlowe's comments come as the first minister of Scotland warned that the focus on targets could put older people under pressure to take tests.
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Image: A scientist tests for coronavirus at Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Speaking at the daily news conference, Nicola Sturgeon said: "This should not simply be an exercise in driving up numbers.
"Tests, particularly for frail, older people, can be invasive and unpleasant, so our decisions must be clinically driven."
In order to meet the 100,000 tests a day target set and now reached by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the government has been sending out home testing kits to key workers and their families, care home residents and over-65s.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Lifting lockdown: It's all about the 'R'
Each kit comes with instructions to guide people through the process. A short video is also available on the government website which runs through the process step by step.
A Department of Health spokesperson emphasised that a large body of peer-reviewed evidence suggests that self-swabbing is just as effective at collecting a sample of the virus as tests administered by doctors.
In March, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its guidelines to allow patients to swab their own noses or throats for the virus.
A scientist leading a research project for the government said he was confident people could manage the tests themselves.
"There is a little bit of discomfort with the throat swab and the nasal swab, but it is certainly manageable by members of the public," said Professor Paul Elliot, chair in epidemiology and public health medicine at Imperial College London.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Professor Elliot's team will send testing kits for COVID-19 to a randomly selected group of 100,000 people in England in order to understand whether the virus is at a level low enough to lift the lockdown.
The results will help scientists advising the government to assess the reproduction rate, or R, which the prime minister has said will be a crucial factor when the restrictions are reviewed on 7 May.
"We can analyse how much virus there is left in the community and very, very importantly, where it is distributed," Professor Elliot told Sky News.
"Both geographically - so we're going out to local authority area level to get local information - but also by age and sex and ethnicity."
The Imperial College team will also send out a number of different antibody tests, which test whether people have had the virus in the past, to assess whether they can be used accurately and easily at home.
The tests will first be carried out on volunteers from Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust who are known to have had the virus, as well as 300 public volunteers who will also be given a sample test to self-administer.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Premier League planning to resume in June at 'neutral' stadiums

The Premier League is continuing with plans to resume the 2019/20 season in June despite mounting health concerns from players , while clubs have been told that all matches would be held at `` neutral '' stadiums .
A teleconference call with executives from all 20 top flight clubs discussed the detail behind Project Restart , including coronavirus testing for players and staff twice a week .
After a three-and-a-half hour discussion , the league is proceeding with plans to complete the season despite others in Europe , including France , Belgium and the Netherlands already calling off professional football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK proposals , and in addition to the tests , players would be advised to wear masks or snoods at all times when training and playing , and staff wearing personal protective equipment would disinfect equipment at training grounds , such as corner flags and GPS trackers .
All tests and protective wear would be privately sourced , but figures within the game have raised questions about whether vital supplies would be diverted away from those who need it most .
Former Manchester United and England player Gary Neville says it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're a football fan with a relative who died in hospital and you could n't visit , you were n't allowed to go to their funeral and football players are getting tested but you could n't get a test , would they accept it ?
`` Would we accept it ?
Would we think it 's right ?
I 'm sure we would n't , '' he said .
Some clubs had expressed concerns about playing at neutral venues instead of their home stadiums but it was impressed upon them that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to complete the season .
There are understood to be eight to 10 potential venues under consideration , pending police approval .
There has been no Premier League football since Leicester beat Aston Villa on 9 March , three days before it was announced that Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta had tested positive for COVID-19 , effectively forcing the postponement of that weekend 's round of fixtures .
The government is understood to be keen to see football 's return for economic reasons and the perceived psychological boost it would give to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several weeks .
The Premier League is working towards a resumption date of 12 June , but that hinges on government giving the green light for players to return to training when a wider review of lockdown restrictions takes place next Thursday .
But some players believe it is too soon to be talking about returning to football .
Brighton striker Glenn Murray called some of the proposals `` farcical '' , while Manchester City striker Sergio Aguirre said he felt he would be putting his family at risk .
Troy Townsend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kick It Out , is the father of Crystal Palace footballer Andros Townsend .
He told Sky News he believes footballers are being asked to take unreasonable risks .
`` I 'm massively concerned for him with that direct contact he 'll be having with others , '' he said .
`` But also he 's got a family at home , two young children , a partner .
`` You kind of think to yourself what could he possibly be exposing them to as well . ''
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus , but there are other issues out there .
There are issues the black and ethnic minority communities have to deal with on a daily basis regardless of this pandemic .
`` Hereditary blood disorders , diabetes , sickle cell which has been in black people for many years and is unfortunately handed down .
There would be a massive concern from my point of view but obviously it 's his decision . ''
The mayor of Liverpool , Joe Anderson , said this week that the season should be ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ title without playing another match .
He fears fans would gather together to watch games , putting them at risk of spreading the virus .
Former Liverpool title winner John Barnes says fans may get together at home , if not outside stadiums .
`` I think they 'll be more responsible ( but ) because of the camaraderie amongst them they might not come outside the stadium but are they going to get around each other 's houses and have 20 in one house watching the football ? ''
.
This and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as football 's decision makers discuss how and when it might return .

The Premier League is continuing with plans to resume the 2019/20 season in June despite mounting health concerns from players, while clubs have been told that all matches would be held at "neutral" stadiums.
A teleconference call with executives from all 20 top flight clubs discussed the detail behind Project Restart, including coronavirus testing for players and staff twice a week.
After a three-and-a-half hour discussion, the league is proceeding with plans to complete the season despite others in Europe, including France, Belgium and the Netherlands already calling off professional football until at least late summer.
Image: Joggers run past Arsenal's Emirates Stadium during the lockdown
Under the UK proposals, and in addition to the tests, players would be advised to wear masks or snoods at all times when training and playing, and staff wearing personal protective equipment would disinfect equipment at training grounds, such as corner flags and GPS trackers.
All tests and protective wear would be privately sourced, but figures within the game have raised questions about whether vital supplies would be diverted away from those who need it most.
Former Manchester United and England player Gary Neville says it is prizing economics over health.
"If you're a football fan with a relative who died in hospital and you couldn't visit, you weren't allowed to go to their funeral and football players are getting tested but you couldn't get a test, would they accept it?
"Would we accept it? Would we think it's right? I'm sure we wouldn't," he said.
Some clubs had expressed concerns about playing at neutral venues instead of their home stadiums but it was impressed upon them that this is the only viable option in order to complete the season. There are understood to be eight to 10 potential venues under consideration, pending police approval.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Lifting lockdown: It's all about the 'R'
There has been no Premier League football since Leicester beat Aston Villa on 9 March, three days before it was announced that Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta had tested positive for COVID-19, effectively forcing the postponement of that weekend's round of fixtures.
The government is understood to be keen to see football's return for economic reasons and the perceived psychological boost it would give to a nation which has been under lockdown for several weeks.
The Premier League is working towards a resumption date of 12 June, but that hinges on government giving the green light for players to return to training when a wider review of lockdown restrictions takes place next Thursday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Hancock: 'We have met our goal'
But some players believe it is too soon to be talking about returning to football. Brighton striker Glenn Murray called some of the proposals "farcical", while Manchester City striker Sergio Aguirre said he felt he would be putting his family at risk.
Troy Townsend, director for the anti-discrimination in football body, Kick It Out, is the father of Crystal Palace footballer Andros Townsend. He told Sky News he believes footballers are being asked to take unreasonable risks.
"I'm massively concerned for him with that direct contact he'll be having with others," he said.
"But also he's got a family at home, two young children, a partner.
"You kind of think to yourself what could he possibly be exposing them to as well."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 Robots help COVID patients
He added: "It's great having all the tests for coronavirus, but there are other issues out there. There are issues the black and ethnic minority communities have to deal with on a daily basis regardless of this pandemic.
"Hereditary blood disorders, diabetes, sickle cell which has been in black people for many years and is unfortunately handed down. There would be a massive concern from my point of view but obviously it's his decision."
The mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said this week that the season should be ended and runaway league leaders Liverpool awarded the title without playing another match.
He fears fans would gather together to watch games, putting them at risk of spreading the virus.
Former Liverpool title winner John Barnes says fans may get together at home, if not outside stadiums.
"I think they'll be more responsible (but) because of the camaraderie amongst them they might not come outside the stadium but are they going to get around each other's houses and have 20 in one house watching the football?".
This and many other issues will be wrestled with as football's decision makers discuss how and when it might return.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: UK likely to be 'very close' to meeting COVID-19 testing target

The government will either meet its coronavirus testing target or be `` very close '' , a minister has told Sky News .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had pledged that the UK would be conducting 100,000 daily tests for COVID-19 by the end of April .
Speaking at the government 's daily coronavirus news conference , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said 81,611 tests had been carried out on Wednesday .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said Thursday 's figures would be released later .
`` I think we will have either met it or be very close , '' he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the target will have succeeded because it will have galvanised people across government , in the private sector and across the country to build the network that we needed to , which is the foundation of testing , tracking and tracing , which we need in the next phase of fighting the virus . ''
He added : `` This in itself is just a stepping stone .
`` We need to go beyond 100,000 , but we have now seen a very substantial increase in testing in quite a short period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's been a success .
But there 's more to be done . ''
His cabinet colleague Robert Buckland told Sky News on Thursday it was `` probable '' that the UK would not meet the target .
However , he did say the milestone would be hit in the `` next few days '' .
NHS Providers , which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England , has previously said the target is a `` red herring '' which distracts from shortcomings in the long-term COVID-19 strategy .
Mr Jenrick was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily coronavirus briefing in more than a month following his recovery from COVID-19 .
Mr Johnson said the UK was past the peak of infections and promised to set out a `` comprehensive plan '' next week for how the lockdown could be eased .
Mr Jenrick told Sky News that the UK now had to `` build some headroom '' when it comes to the R value , which measures the number of people that one infected person will pass COVID-19 on to .
The R value needs to stay under one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase at speed .
`` There is n't an exact figure as to where the R is - it 's somewhere , the chief medical officer tells us , between 0.6 and 0.9 , '' he said .
`` We want to bring R down further than it is today and that matters so that the NHS has sufficient capacity , so that when we do start to ease the lockdown , there 's some space , some room , for manoeuvre . ''
The government 's approach was a `` cautious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headroom for the NHS could be kept up , Mr Jenrick added .
When pressed for what figure the R would have to reach before the lockdown could be eased , the minister said he could not give one .
Mr Jenrick pointed out that the R could vary in different areas where transmission rates and methods of coronavirus were different .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said that people should be `` smart enough '' to realise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 're moving into a new phase now and I think people are smart enough to be able to see that there 's going to be a more nuanced message in the future , '' Mr Jenrick said .

The government will either meet its coronavirus testing target or be "very close", a minister has told Sky News.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had pledged that the UK would be conducting 100,000 daily tests for COVID-19 by the end of April.
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus news conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said 81,611 tests had been carried out on Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:22 Hancock: Aim is 100,000 daily COVID-19 tests
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said Thursday's figures would be released later.
"I think we will have either met it or be very close," he told Sky News.
"In that sense the target will have succeeded because it will have galvanised people across government, in the private sector and across the country to build the network that we needed to, which is the foundation of testing, tracking and tracing, which we need in the next phase of fighting the virus."
He added: "This in itself is just a stepping stone.
"We need to go beyond 100,000, but we have now seen a very substantial increase in testing in quite a short period of time.
"In that sense, it's been a success. But there's more to be done."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'Probable we won't hit 100k tests'
His cabinet colleague Robert Buckland told Sky News on Thursday it was "probable" that the UK would not meet the target.
However, he did say the milestone would be hit in the "next few days".
NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England, has previously said the target is a "red herring" which distracts from shortcomings in the long-term COVID-19 strategy.
Mr Jenrick was speaking after the PM led his first daily coronavirus briefing in more than a month following his recovery from COVID-19.
Mr Johnson said the UK was past the peak of infections and promised to set out a "comprehensive plan" next week for how the lockdown could be eased.
Mr Jenrick told Sky News that the UK now had to "build some headroom" when it comes to the R value, which measures the number of people that one infected person will pass COVID-19 on to.
The R value needs to stay under one in order to avoid coronavirus cases beginning to increase at speed.
"There isn't an exact figure as to where the R is - it's somewhere, the chief medical officer tells us, between 0.6 and 0.9," he said.
"We want to bring R down further than it is today and that matters so that the NHS has sufficient capacity, so that when we do start to ease the lockdown, there's some space, some room, for manoeuvre."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM: Virus is 'on the downward slope'
The government's approach was a "cautious easing over time" so that such headroom for the NHS could be kept up, Mr Jenrick added.
When pressed for what figure the R would have to reach before the lockdown could be eased, the minister said he could not give one.
Mr Jenrick pointed out that the R could vary in different areas where transmission rates and methods of coronavirus were different.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He said that people should be "smart enough" to realise that guidelines should continue to be obeyed.
"We're moving into a new phase now and I think people are smart enough to be able to see that there's going to be a more nuanced message in the future," Mr Jenrick said.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Government hits testing target - but critics say figures manipulated

Matt Hancock did n't just reach his 100,000 daily testing target , he claims he overshot it considerably with 122,347 tests carried out in the 24 hours to 9am on Friday .
It seems a significant achievement since the health secretary 's own cabinet colleagues were publicly doubting him as recently as Thursday .
Yet the real advantage of a target , as Mr Hancock admitted this evening , is it has `` a galvanising effect on everyone involved .
It is a mission '' .
Clearly the countdown clock in the Department for Health focused the minds of civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does include 40,369 home testing kits and tests carried out at satellite centres , but not necessarily returned yet .
Some critics claim that is a manipulation of the statistics .
People will make up their own minds , but even taking into account the accusation that numbers have been massaged , the government has managed to considerably boost its testing capacity in a matter of weeks .
As a former chief of staff to George Osborne - himself a canny strategist - Mr Hancock knows that setting an achievable aim , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political tactic .
With such a complex issue as the government 's response to COVID-19 , it is a simple , binary way of allowing the public to assess competence : either you meet it , or you do n't .
The health secretary has not just burnished his own reputation but helped build confidence in the work of his colleagues .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However Mr Hancock knows that testing is now most useful as part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This would track the transmission of the virus , and trace those an infected person has had contact with .
It will be vital for reducing the ' R ' rate of reproduction , and keeping it down .
The government is now recruiting 18,000 contact tracers but the scheme is unlikely to be up and running until mid-May .
And some argue - as with much of the government 's response - all this should have happened much sooner .

Today's figure does include 40,369 home testing kits and tests carried out at satellite centres, but not necessarily returned yet.
Matt Hancock didn't just reach his 100,000 daily testing target, he claims he overshot it considerably with 122,347 tests carried out in the 24 hours to 9am on Friday.
It seems a significant achievement since the health secretary's own cabinet colleagues were publicly doubting him as recently as Thursday.
Yet the real advantage of a target, as Mr Hancock admitted this evening, is it has "a galvanising effect on everyone involved. It is a mission".
Image: The government has surpassed its testing target
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Hancock: 'We have met our goal'
Clearly the countdown clock in the Department for Health focused the minds of civil servants.
However, Friday's figure does include 40,369 home testing kits and tests carried out at satellite centres, but not necessarily returned yet.
Some critics claim that is a manipulation of the statistics. People will make up their own minds, but even taking into account the accusation that numbers have been massaged, the government has managed to considerably boost its testing capacity in a matter of weeks.
As a former chief of staff to George Osborne - himself a canny strategist - Mr Hancock knows that setting an achievable aim, and then achieving it, is a well-worn political tactic.
With such a complex issue as the government's response to COVID-19, it is a simple, binary way of allowing the public to assess competence: either you meet it, or you don't.
The health secretary has not just burnished his own reputation but helped build confidence in the work of his colleagues.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
However Mr Hancock knows that testing is now most useful as part of a 'test, track and trace' programme.
This would track the transmission of the virus, and trace those an infected person has had contact with. It will be vital for reducing the 'R' rate of reproduction, and keeping it down.
The government is now recruiting 18,000 contact tracers but the scheme is unlikely to be up and running until mid-May.
And some argue - as with much of the government's response - all this should have happened much sooner.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Madonna claims she has antibodies and is going to 'breathe in the COVID-19 air'

Madonna has said she plans to `` breathe in the COVID-19 air '' after claiming she has coronavirus antibodies .
The 61-year-old made the statement in a video on her Instagram account on which she has been posting updates called her `` Quarantine Diaries '' .
`` I took a test the other day .
I found out I have the antibodies , so tomorrow I 'm just going to go for a long drive in the car .
I 'm going to roll down the window , I 'm going to roll down the window and breathe in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The World Health Organisation has issued warnings about antibody tests , adding there is `` no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection '' .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Madonna has been on lockdown at her home in California and has been posting videos of herself and her children on social media .
In this latest video she sits in a candlelit room and uses a typewriter to write the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being unwilling to fight with the people she is in quarantine with and the pointlessness of trying to be right or win people 's favour .
She then reveals that she believes she has immunity to coronavirus .
It is not known if the Queen of Pop has had any symptoms , but it has not yet been proven if having the antibodies in your bloodstream would give you protection against contracting the disease again .
It comes as the singer 's 1994 album Bedtime Stories hit number one in the US iTunes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her fans who launched a campaign to get it to the top spot after seeing it had been reduced to $ 4.99 .
When it was originally released the album only reached number three in the US Billboard chart .
Madonna caused controversy last month when she posted a video of herself talking about the pandemic being the `` great equaliser '' while sitting in a bath of rose petals .
She later deleted the post after receiving criticism .

Madonna has said she plans to "breathe in the COVID-19 air" after claiming she has coronavirus antibodies.
The 61-year-old made the statement in a video on her Instagram account on which she has been posting updates called her "Quarantine Diaries".
"I took a test the other day. I found out I have the antibodies, so tomorrow I'm just going to go for a long drive in the car. I'm going to roll down the window, I'm going to roll down the window and breathe in the COVID-19 air," she said.
The World Health Organisation has issued warnings about antibody tests, adding there is "no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection".
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Madonna has been on lockdown at her home in California and has been posting videos of herself and her children on social media.
In this latest video she sits in a candlelit room and uses a typewriter to write the diary entry. She talks philosophically about being unwilling to fight with the people she is in quarantine with and the pointlessness of trying to be right or win people's favour.
She then reveals that she believes she has immunity to coronavirus.
It is not known if the Queen of Pop has had any symptoms, but it has not yet been proven if having the antibodies in your bloodstream would give you protection against contracting the disease again.
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It comes as the singer's 1994 album Bedtime Stories hit number one in the US iTunes chart on Thursday.
Madonna tweeted thanks to her fans who launched a campaign to get it to the top spot after seeing it had been reduced to $4.99.
When it was originally released the album only reached number three in the US Billboard chart.
Madonna caused controversy last month when she posted a video of herself talking about the pandemic being the "great equaliser" while sitting in a bath of rose petals. She later deleted the post after receiving criticism.