news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: UK deaths rise by 43 to 465 in last 24 hours

The number of people who have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus has risen by 43 to 465 .
It represents the smallest rise in the number of deaths since 17 March - more than a week ago .
But there was the biggest increase in the number of infections across the UK - up 1,542 to 9,529 .
There were four deaths at Barts Health NHS Trust in London and four others at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust .
Those who died include a 47-year-old who did not have an underlying health condition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ person aged 93 , did have underlying health conditions .
Six more deaths in Scotland take the total there to 22 , and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said there are 51 people now in intensive care who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are suspected to have it .
Wales has announced five more coronavirus deaths , also taking its total to 22 , and Northern Ireland said its total had increased from four to seven .
The UK 's coronavirus numbers as it stands : Among those confirmed to have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was announced earlier .
The Ministry of Justice has also announced that 19 prisoners across 10 jails have been diagnosed with the infection , plus four prison staff across four jails and three prisoner escort and custody services staff .
The Department for Health and Social Care will update the UK total for deaths , confirmed cases and tests later .
The number of cases and deaths is expected to continue to keep rising as the UK waits to feel the impact of a nationwide lockdown enforced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose work on the epidemic has informed the government 's policy , has said his research team is `` moderately confident '' that demand for intensive care beds will peak in two-and-a-half to three weeks ' time if the measures have the desired effect .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The prime minister remains under pressure to further strengthen the lockdown to stop non-essential construction workers heading to building sites , so as not to overwhelm public transport .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with packed London Underground services so far this week because so many people are continuing to go to work .
The government is still working to boost the health service 's resources as the UK prepares for a surge in serious coronavirus cases , with 250,000 volunteers being sought to help vulnerable people .
The ExCel Centre in east London is also being converted into a field hospital with 4,000 beds to cope with demand .
Military personnel have been seen at the huge exhibition centre to begin work on transforming it into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Tuesday .

The number of people who have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus has risen by 43 to 465.
It represents the smallest rise in the number of deaths since 17 March - more than a week ago.
But there was the biggest increase in the number of infections across the UK - up 1,542 to 9,529.
In England, 28 people died in 24 hours.
There were four deaths at Barts Health NHS Trust in London and four others at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.
Those who died include a 47-year-old who did not have an underlying health condition.
The others who died, including one person aged 93, did have underlying health conditions.
Six more deaths in Scotland take the total there to 22, and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said there are 51 people now in intensive care who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are suspected to have it.
Wales has announced five more coronavirus deaths, also taking its total to 22, and Northern Ireland said its total had increased from four to seven.
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The UK's coronavirus numbers as it stands:
England - 414 deaths and 7,973 confirmed cases
Scotland - 22 deaths and 719 confirmed cases
Wales - 22 deaths and 628 confirmed cases
Northern Ireland - seven deaths and 209 confirmed cases
Among those confirmed to have tested positive is Prince Charles, whose diagnosis was announced earlier.
The Ministry of Justice has also announced that 19 prisoners across 10 jails have been diagnosed with the infection, plus four prison staff across four jails and three prisoner escort and custody services staff.
The Department for Health and Social Care will update the UK total for deaths, confirmed cases and tests later.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 NHS 'will be crippled without frontline testing'
The number of cases and deaths is expected to continue to keep rising as the UK waits to feel the impact of a nationwide lockdown enforced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.
Imperial College Professor Neil Ferguson, whose work on the epidemic has informed the government's policy, has said his research team is "moderately confident" that demand for intensive care beds will peak in two-and-a-half to three weeks' time if the measures have the desired effect.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The prime minister remains under pressure to further strengthen the lockdown to stop non-essential construction workers heading to building sites, so as not to overwhelm public transport.
NHS staff have complained of being met with packed London Underground services so far this week because so many people are continuing to go to work.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 Inside a packed London tube train during lockdown
The government is still working to boost the health service's resources as the UK prepares for a surge in serious coronavirus cases, with 250,000 volunteers being sought to help vulnerable people.
The ExCel Centre in east London is also being converted into a field hospital with 4,000 beds to cope with demand.
Military personnel have been seen at the huge exhibition centre to begin work on transforming it into NHS Nightingale, which was announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Tuesday.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Help for self-employed workers to be unveiled on Thursday

A package of measures to help self-employed workers during the coronavirus lockdown will be unveiled by the chancellor on Thursday .
Rishi Sunak will outline the assistance at the government 's daily COVID-19 press conference .
Measures have already been announced to help businesses , mortgage holders , renters and workers .
But a lack of a specific package for the self-employed has drawn criticism .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs in the Commons earlier that the government would do `` whatever we can '' to support the self-employed amid the coronavirus outbreak .
He said he wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could have similar levels of protection as waged workers .
`` But there are particular complexities about the self-employed which do need to be addressed , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` They are not all in the same position and all I can say is that we are working as fast as we possibly can to get the appropriate package of support for everybody in this country . ''
The PM said ministers had `` done a huge amount already to strengthen the safety net for everybody in this country '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not in all candour promise the House that we will be able to get through this crisis without any kind of hardship at all . ''
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the lack of help so far meant those who are self-employed `` are having to choose whether they go to work or stay at home or face losing their entire livelihood '' .
He called for further far-reaching action to ensure that workers can stay home and not be left out of pocket .
`` The statutory sick pay level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary admitted he could n't live on , and despite promising he would ensure workers get the support they need , we 've still not seen action on that , '' Mr Corbyn said .
`` So unless we increase statutory sick pay and give protection and access to benefits for those on zero hours contracts , then , the dangers we 're all aware of , of people going into work or trying to work when they should n't is going to continue .
`` We do need very urgent action on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first since Mr Johnson announced a UK lockdown to try and halt the spread of the coronavirus .
People are now only allowed outside for `` very limited '' purposes , which includes shopping for necessities like food and medicine and one daily form of exercise .
The PM said the country was in the midst of something `` utterly extraordinary '' .
`` We are coming together as a nation in a way that I have not seen in my lifetime to help to defeat a disease and to help save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow citizens .
`` We all understand that that would involve a sacrifice , but we are gladly making that sacrifice . ''
In his last PMQs as Labour leader , Mr Corbyn said the outbreak of COVID-19 `` shows us how deeply we depend on each other '' .
`` We will only come through this as a society through a huge collective effort , '' he added .
As well as being challenged on what the government is doing to help the self-employed , the PM also came under pressure over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Construction workers can still go in as long as they can remain two metres ( 6.5ft ) apart at all times , the government has said .
Amid reports of crowded Tube carriages in London , there have been calls for all non-emergency construction work to come to a halt in order to allow workers in that industry to stay home and avoid spreading the virus further .
London mayor Sadiq Khan has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TfL services at the busiest times work in construction '' , as he reiterated his call for a ban on non-safety construction work .
Mr Corbyn referenced a radio call from a self-employed construction worker during his questioning of the PM .
The Labour leader said the worker had contracted COVID-19 but had `` no other option but to get on the London tube and go onto a site to work '' .
He urged : `` Can the PM be absolutely clear and give unequivocal guidance now that construction work on non-emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM said in response : `` Everybody should work at home unless they must go to work '' , adding : `` If a ... construction company is continuing then clearly they should do so in accordance with the guidance of Public Health England . ''
Another feature of the crisis in recent days has been a growing row between the London mayor and the government over the scenes of crowded Tube trains .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday that there was `` no good reason '' why services have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And Mr Johnson told MPs that it should be possible to `` run a better Tube system '' and implement a fuller service .
However , Mr Khan has insisted this is not possible due to staff being off sick or self-isolating because of the coronavirus .
The London Underground is currently operating at around 50 % of its normal capacity during peak times , which has caused overcrowding as people continue to travel despite pleas for the public to refrain from taking non-essential journeys .
NHS workers have complained that packed trains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One potential solution was put forward by Conservative MP Sir Charles Walker .
He said there is an `` army '' of drivers `` itching to get involved like the Spitfires in 1940 '' and called on the PM to facilitate them ferrying around doctors and nurses .
Mr Johnson said that the government was considering utilising the `` unsung service '' to transport NHS workers across the capital .

A package of measures to help self-employed workers during the coronavirus lockdown will be unveiled by the chancellor on Thursday.
Rishi Sunak will outline the assistance at the government's daily COVID-19 press conference.
Measures have already been announced to help businesses, mortgage holders, renters and workers. But a lack of a specific package for the self-employed has drawn criticism.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 Self-employed fear for their future
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs in the Commons earlier that the government would do "whatever we can" to support the self-employed amid the coronavirus outbreak.
He said he wanted to get "parity of support" so they could have similar levels of protection as waged workers.
"But there are particular complexities about the self-employed which do need to be addressed," Mr Johnson said.
"They are not all in the same position and all I can say is that we are working as fast as we possibly can to get the appropriate package of support for everybody in this country."
The PM said ministers had "done a huge amount already to strengthen the safety net for everybody in this country".
But he cautioned: "I cannot in all candour promise the House that we will be able to get through this crisis without any kind of hardship at all."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:07 Getting used to life in lockdown
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the lack of help so far meant those who are self-employed "are having to choose whether they go to work or stay at home or face losing their entire livelihood".
He called for further far-reaching action to ensure that workers can stay home and not be left out of pocket.
"The statutory sick pay level of £94.25 a week, which the health secretary admitted he couldn't live on, and despite promising he would ensure workers get the support they need, we've still not seen action on that," Mr Corbyn said.
"So unless we increase statutory sick pay and give protection and access to benefits for those on zero hours contracts, then, the dangers we're all aware of, of people going into work or trying to work when they shouldn't is going to continue.
"We do need very urgent action on this."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Coronavirus: Govt to enforce business rules through police
Wednesday's PMQs was the first since Mr Johnson announced a UK lockdown to try and halt the spread of the coronavirus.
People are now only allowed outside for "very limited" purposes, which includes shopping for necessities like food and medicine and one daily form of exercise.
The PM said the country was in the midst of something "utterly extraordinary".
"We are coming together as a nation in a way that I have not seen in my lifetime to help to defeat a disease and to help save the lives of many thousands of our fellow citizens.
"We all understand that that would involve a sacrifice, but we are gladly making that sacrifice."
In his last PMQs as Labour leader, Mr Corbyn said the outbreak of COVID-19 "shows us how deeply we depend on each other".
"We will only come through this as a society through a huge collective effort," he added.
As well as being challenged on what the government is doing to help the self-employed, the PM also came under pressure over the official advice to the construction industry.
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Construction workers can still go in as long as they can remain two metres (6.5ft) apart at all times, the government has said.
Amid reports of crowded Tube carriages in London, there have been calls for all non-emergency construction work to come to a halt in order to allow workers in that industry to stay home and avoid spreading the virus further.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has said "too many of the people using TfL services at the busiest times work in construction", as he reiterated his call for a ban on non-safety construction work.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 Inside a packed London tube train
Mr Corbyn referenced a radio call from a self-employed construction worker during his questioning of the PM.
The Labour leader said the worker had contracted COVID-19 but had "no other option but to get on the London tube and go onto a site to work".
He urged: "Can the PM be absolutely clear and give unequivocal guidance now that construction work on non-emergency work should stop now?"
The PM said in response: "Everybody should work at home unless they must go to work", adding: "If a... construction company is continuing then clearly they should do so in accordance with the guidance of Public Health England."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Health worker: Commute is 'stressful'
Another feature of the crisis in recent days has been a growing row between the London mayor and the government over the scenes of crowded Tube trains.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday that there was "no good reason" why services have been cut to the extent they have.
And Mr Johnson told MPs that it should be possible to "run a better Tube system" and implement a fuller service.
However, Mr Khan has insisted this is not possible due to staff being off sick or self-isolating because of the coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'Should we introduce weekly tests for NHS staff?'
The London Underground is currently operating at around 50% of its normal capacity during peak times, which has caused overcrowding as people continue to travel despite pleas for the public to refrain from taking non-essential journeys.
NHS workers have complained that packed trains are putting their health at risk.
One potential solution was put forward by Conservative MP Sir Charles Walker.
He said there is an "army" of drivers "itching to get involved like the Spitfires in 1940" and called on the PM to facilitate them ferrying around doctors and nurses.
Mr Johnson said that the government was considering utilising the "unsung service" to transport NHS workers across the capital.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: NHS volunteers scheme nears 750k target

More than 700,000 people have signed up to the NHS volunteer scheme , Downing Street has confirmed .
The government 's target for volunteers currently stands at 750,000 , after an overwhelming response from the British public saw the initial target of 250,000 met in just 24 hours .
Speaking at the government 's daily COVID-19 news conference on Wednesday , Boris Johnson said he wanted to offer a `` special thank you to everyone who has now volunteered to help the NHS '' .
`` When we launched the appeal last night , we hoped to get 250,000 volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson said .
The prime minister said the volunteers would be `` absolutely crucial '' in the fight against the coronavirus .
He continued : `` That is already , in one day , as many volunteers as the population of Coventry .
`` And so to all of you , and to all the former NHS staff who are coming back now into the service , I say thank you on behalf of the entire country . ''
The NHS has said the volunteers will support the 1.5 million vulnerable people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves from COVID-19 .
It comes as the UK spends a fourth day in lockdown over the coronavirus - and as the number of deaths was confirmed to have risen to 769 .
The prime minister , who has since himself tested positive for COVID-19 , said the country was coping `` very well indeed '' amid the `` most challenging possible circumstances '' .
Mr Johnson said that `` never in our history has the government put its arms around people in the way we are doing now to help them get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said ministers would be examining legal ways of rallying against those profiteering by hiking up prices during the lockdown .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a package of measures to support self-employed workers on Thursday .
Mr Johnson told MPs in the Commons on Wednesday that the government would do `` whatever we can '' to support them .
The issue was one of a number raised during the final PMQs before the Commons breaks early for its Easter recess .
Mr Johnson also came under pressure over the official advice to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go in as long as they can remain two metres ( 6.5ft ) apart at all times , the government has said .
Amid reports of crowded Tube carriages in London , there have been calls for all non-emergency construction work to come to a halt in order to allow workers in that industry to stay home and avoid spreading the virus further .
London mayor Sadiq Khan has said `` too many of the people using TfL services at the busiest times work in construction '' , as he reiterated his call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson told MPs that it should be possible to `` run a better Tube system '' and implement a fuller service , as the row between the government and London mayor continued .
However , Mr Khan has insisted this is not possible due to staff being off sick or self-isolating because of the coronavirus .
Parliament has broken up early because of fears over the spread of COVID-19 .
Its last task before going into recess was considering and scrutinising the government 's emergency legislation to tackle the outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ become law after it cleared the House of Lords without amendment .
Meanwhile , MPs have heard that millions of new coronavirus testing kits could be ready to order on Amazon in days , rather than weeks or months .
But Professor Christopher Whitty , chief medical officer for England , told Wednesday 's news conference he did not think people would be able to order tests on the internet next week .
He stressed that the priority would be testing frontline NHS workers , to allow them to return to work if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And he added that there was no guarantee that the lockdown would ensure that the NHS would not be overwhelmed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
`` We do think that if everybody sticks to staying in your household unless absolutely essential , this gap will probably be manageable by the NHS , '' he said .
`` But we can not guarantee that and nobody that is sensible would wish to guarantee that .
`` But that is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we intend to happen . ''
Mr Johnson said the government was `` massively ramping up our testing programmes '' and wanted to be carrying out 250,000 tests a day `` very soon '' .

More than 700,000 people have signed up to the NHS volunteer scheme, Downing Street has confirmed.
The government's target for volunteers currently stands at 750,000, after an overwhelming response from the British public saw the initial target of 250,000 met in just 24 hours.
Speaking at the government's daily COVID-19 news conference on Wednesday, Boris Johnson said he wanted to offer a "special thank you to everyone who has now volunteered to help the NHS".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 Britain's volunteer army
"When we launched the appeal last night, we hoped to get 250,000 volunteers over a few days," Mr Johnson said.
The prime minister said the volunteers would be "absolutely crucial" in the fight against the coronavirus.
He continued: "That is already, in one day, as many volunteers as the population of Coventry.
"And so to all of you, and to all the former NHS staff who are coming back now into the service, I say thank you on behalf of the entire country."
The NHS has said the volunteers will support the 1.5 million vulnerable people who have been asked to "shield" themselves from COVID-19.
It comes as the UK spends a fourth day in lockdown over the coronavirus - and as the number of deaths was confirmed to have risen to 769.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:07 Getting used to life in lockdown
The prime minister, who has since himself tested positive for COVID-19, said the country was coping "very well indeed" amid the "most challenging possible circumstances".
Mr Johnson said that "never in our history has the government put its arms around people in the way we are doing now to help them get through this time".
He also said ministers would be examining legal ways of rallying against those profiteering by hiking up prices during the lockdown.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a package of measures to support self-employed workers on Thursday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Health worker: Commute is 'stressful'
Mr Johnson told MPs in the Commons on Wednesday that the government would do "whatever we can" to support them.
The issue was one of a number raised during the final PMQs before the Commons breaks early for its Easter recess.
Mr Johnson also came under pressure over the official advice to the construction industry.
Construction workers can still go in as long as they can remain two metres (6.5ft) apart at all times, the government has said.
Amid reports of crowded Tube carriages in London, there have been calls for all non-emergency construction work to come to a halt in order to allow workers in that industry to stay home and avoid spreading the virus further.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 Inside a packed London Tube train
London mayor Sadiq Khan has said "too many of the people using TfL services at the busiest times work in construction", as he reiterated his call for a ban on non-safety construction work.
Mr Johnson told MPs that it should be possible to "run a better Tube system" and implement a fuller service, as the row between the government and London mayor continued.
However, Mr Khan has insisted this is not possible due to staff being off sick or self-isolating because of the coronavirus.
Parliament has broken up early because of fears over the spread of COVID-19.
Its last task before going into recess was considering and scrutinising the government's emergency legislation to tackle the outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 Charles avoids handshake at event a fortnight ago
The bill contains sweeping powers and has become law after it cleared the House of Lords without amendment.
Meanwhile, MPs have heard that millions of new coronavirus testing kits could be ready to order on Amazon in days, rather than weeks or months.
But Professor Christopher Whitty, chief medical officer for England, told Wednesday's news conference he did not think people would be able to order tests on the internet next week.
He stressed that the priority would be testing frontline NHS workers, to allow them to return to work if they have already had the virus.
And he added that there was no guarantee that the lockdown would ensure that the NHS would not be overwhelmed.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
"We do think that if everybody sticks to staying in your household unless absolutely essential, this gap will probably be manageable by the NHS," he said.
"But we cannot guarantee that and nobody that is sensible would wish to guarantee that.
"But that is what we are planning for and that is what we intend to happen."
Mr Johnson said the government was "massively ramping up our testing programmes" and wanted to be carrying out 250,000 tests a day "very soon".


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Tesco becomes latest grocery chain to impose safety measures

Supermarkets and convenience stores are introducing measures to help keep staff and customers as safe as possible amid lockdown conditions across the UK .
With non-essential retail closed , grocery outlets and pharmacies are on the front line to keep the UK fed and watered to comply with Boris Johnson 's restrictions on movement to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
Tesco was the latest to announce what it was doing as the industry moves to protect staff and customers .
The UK 's largest retailer said its measures included : • Limiting the flow of customers being allowed into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customer and staff use The rules were in line with those previously announced by rivals including Waitrose and Lidl .
Waitrose said it was bolstering social distancing measures within its stores in a bid to keep staff , known as partners , and customers as safe as possible .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The supermarket chain is limiting customer numbers in-store , introducing `` safe distance '' floor signage and deploying what it described as `` two-metre marshals '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also being erected at checkouts where contactless shopping was to be encouraged .
Lidl said it was installing checkout protection screens across all its stores after Morrisons took the lead on Monday .
Aldi later followed suit , installing clear plastic screens and floor markers at checkouts .
Asda is taking similar measures and said where necessary it would limit the number of customers in stores .
Waitrose customer service director Bérangère Michel said : `` The health of our partners and customers has always been our number one priority and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these measures will dramatically change how people shop and interact with others in our stores for the moment - they are absolutely vital to ensure that our customers can shop safely and that our partners are protected as they go above and beyond to serve shoppers in this time of crisis . ''
In addition to supermarket restrictions , the contactless payment limit is to be raised from £30 to £45 from 1 April .
Banking industry body UK Finance said it was aimed at reducing the need for physical contact with devices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pin number , and handling cash .

Supermarkets and convenience stores are introducing measures to help keep staff and customers as safe as possible amid lockdown conditions across the UK.
With non-essential retail closed, grocery outlets and pharmacies are on the front line to keep the UK fed and watered to comply with Boris Johnson's restrictions on movement to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Tesco was the latest to announce what it was doing as the industry moves to protect staff and customers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 PM sets out when Britons can leave home
The UK's largest retailer said its measures included:
Floor markings in car parks
Limiting the flow of customers being allowed into stores when necessary
Hand sanitisers for customer and staff use
Floor markings and protective screens at checkouts
The rules were in line with those previously announced by rivals including Waitrose and Lidl.
Waitrose said it was bolstering social distancing measures within its stores in a bid to keep staff, known as partners, and customers as safe as possible.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The supermarket chain is limiting customer numbers in-store, introducing "safe distance" floor signage and deploying what it described as "two-metre marshals" to help manage queues.
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Protective screens were also being erected at checkouts where contactless shopping was to be encouraged.
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Lidl said it was installing checkout protection screens across all its stores after Morrisons took the lead on Monday.
Aldi later followed suit, installing clear plastic screens and floor markers at checkouts.
Asda is taking similar measures and said where necessary it would limit the number of customers in stores.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 How is the lockdown affecting the high street?
Waitrose customer service director Bérangère Michel said: "The health of our partners and customers has always been our number one priority and we fully support social distancing.
"While these measures will dramatically change how people shop and interact with others in our stores for the moment - they are absolutely vital to ensure that our customers can shop safely and that our partners are protected as they go above and beyond to serve shoppers in this time of crisis."
In addition to supermarket restrictions, the contactless payment limit is to be raised from £30 to £45 from 1 April.
Banking industry body UK Finance said it was aimed at reducing the need for physical contact with devices, where people need to input their pin number, and handling cash.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: 100 UK patients who have died after contracting COVID-19

As the number of people in the UK who have died after contracting coronavirus rises , we look at the @ @ @ @ @ who have lost their lives .
Most of those who have died in the UK @ @ @ @ @ of 70 , but the victims have also included young children .
Behind every number @ @ @ @ @ loved one .
Tap to read more about some of those who have died , @ @ @ @ @ said about them .

As the number of people in the UK who have died after contracting coronavirus rises, we look at the stories of some of those who have lost their lives.
Most of those who have died in the UK have been over the age of 70, but the victims have also included young children.
Behind every number is the death of a loved one.
Tap to read more about some of those who have died, and the things people have said about them.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: NHS workers priority as coronavirus testing kits could be available soon

Millions of new coronavirus testing kits could be ready in days , rather than weeks or months , according to Public Health England .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously spoken of a simple test for coronavirus as a potential `` total game changer '' in the battle against COVID-19 .
It would show whether an individual had antibodies for COVID-19 which , if they did , would mean they could return to work if they were not showing symptoms .
Professor Sharon Peacock , director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England , revealed on Wednesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered and could be used `` in the near future '' .
However , England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty was much more cautious about the tests and would not commit to a timeline for when they would become available .
`` I do not think , and I want to be clear , that this is something we 'll be ordering on the internet next week , '' he said .
Prof Whitty said the tests would first need to be evaluated , and then the main priority for testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had COVID-19 without showing symptoms , and which NHS workers are very likely to be immune .
The test will then be `` spread out '' to the general population , he said .
Evidence suggests people can not catch coronavirus twice in quick succession , if they have already been infected and recovered , the government has said .
The tests , which look similar to pregnancy tests , could be ordered on Amazon or taken at high street branches such as Boots , Prof Peacock said .
A Boots spokesperson has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with the government to explore opportunities to support COVID-19 testing '' .
`` However we do not have any type of COVID-19 tests in our stores , '' it added .
`` Customers should not make a trip to a Boots store or pharmacy for this purpose . ''
The World Health Organisation has urged countries to step up testing in the global fight against coronavirus .
Mr Johnson has vowed to increase daily testing `` from 5,000 a day , to 10,000 to 25,000 and then 250,000 '' .
Appearing before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee via video link , Prof Peacock said the new tests were `` rapidly '' being evaluated at a laboratory in Oxford with 3.5 million having already been ordered .
`` Further millions are being ordered today , '' Prof Peacock told MPs .
`` But we do need to ensure we understand how they operate , because these are brand new tests . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Prof Peacock revealed the evaluation of the tests would likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
She added : `` In the near future people will be able to order a test so they can test themselves or go to Boots or somewhere similar to have their finger-prick test done . ''
Asked if the availability of the test to the public would be a number of days rather than weeks or months , she replied : `` Absolutely . ''
But speaking during the government 's daily press briefing on Wednesday , Prof Whitty said the tests would only be rolled out if they were shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` bad tests are worse than no tests '' .
Prof Peacock told the committee there are `` two different models '' , with one possible model being a test that is ordered via Amazon and performed at home before being sent back to see whether someone tests positive or negative for coronavirus .
Another `` might require you to go somewhere like Boots because it requires a blood prick '' , she added .
Explaining further how the tests would work , she continued : `` It looks like a pregnancy test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finger with a spot of blood on there .
`` You prick your finger like a diabetic would , then get a drop of blood and put it on a filter paper and then run some liquid to make that blood run into the test zone . ''
Public Health England will be asking some people to have a second blood test , checked with a `` gold standard '' test , to make sure the kits are working properly , Prof Peacock said .
The tests `` can see if you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you had the infection '' , she added .
`` This is not just for key workers , it 's for the general population .
Over time it 's expected the proportion of the population will be positive .
`` And that will allow them to get back to work . ''
Prof Peacock said she could n't comment on whether the tests would be charged for but predicted there `` would be an absolutely minimal charge if there was a charge '' .

Millions of new coronavirus testing kits could be ready in days, rather than weeks or months, according to Public Health England.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously spoken of a simple test for coronavirus as a potential "total game changer" in the battle against COVID-19.
It would show whether an individual had antibodies for COVID-19 which, if they did, would mean they could return to work if they were not showing symptoms.
Professor Sharon Peacock, director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England, revealed on Wednesday that millions of such a test have been ordered and could be used "in the near future".
However, England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty was much more cautious about the tests and would not commit to a timeline for when they would become available.
"I do not think, and I want to be clear, that this is something we'll be ordering on the internet next week," he said.
Prof Whitty said the tests would first need to be evaluated, and then the main priority for testing will be identifying how many people have had COVID-19 without showing symptoms, and which NHS workers are very likely to be immune.
The test will then be "spread out" to the general population, he said.
Evidence suggests people cannot catch coronavirus twice in quick succession, if they have already been infected and recovered, the government has said.
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Image: A medical worker extracts viruses from swab samples at a coronavirus testing laboratory
The tests, which look similar to pregnancy tests, could be ordered on Amazon or taken at high street branches such as Boots, Prof Peacock said.
A Boots spokesperson has said the company is "keen to work with the government to explore opportunities to support COVID-19 testing".
"However we do not have any type of COVID-19 tests in our stores," it added. "Customers should not make a trip to a Boots store or pharmacy for this purpose."
The World Health Organisation has urged countries to step up testing in the global fight against coronavirus.
Mr Johnson has vowed to increase daily testing "from 5,000 a day, to 10,000 to 25,000 and then 250,000".
Appearing before the House of Commons science and technology committee via video link, Prof Peacock said the new tests were "rapidly" being evaluated at a laboratory in Oxford with 3.5 million having already been ordered.
"Further millions are being ordered today," Prof Peacock told MPs.
"But we do need to ensure we understand how they operate, because these are brand new tests."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Prof Peacock revealed the evaluation of the tests would likely be done by the end of this week.
She added: "In the near future people will be able to order a test so they can test themselves or go to Boots or somewhere similar to have their finger-prick test done."
Asked if the availability of the test to the public would be a number of days rather than weeks or months, she replied: "Absolutely."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'Should we introduce weekly tests for NHS staff?'
But speaking during the government's daily press briefing on Wednesday, Prof Whitty said the tests would only be rolled out if they were shown to be accurate.
He insisted that "bad tests are worse than no tests".
Prof Peacock told the committee there are "two different models", with one possible model being a test that is ordered via Amazon and performed at home before being sent back to see whether someone tests positive or negative for coronavirus.
Another "might require you to go somewhere like Boots because it requires a blood prick", she added.
Explaining further how the tests would work, she continued: "It looks like a pregnancy test. Except that you're putting a finger with a spot of blood on there.
"You prick your finger like a diabetic would, then get a drop of blood and put it on a filter paper and then run some liquid to make that blood run into the test zone."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Police tell sunbathers: 'It's not a holiday'
Public Health England will be asking some people to have a second blood test, checked with a "gold standard" test, to make sure the kits are working properly, Prof Peacock said.
The tests "can see if you have antibodies, in which case you know you had the infection", she added.
"This is not just for key workers, it's for the general population. Over time it's expected the proportion of the population will be positive.
"And that will allow them to get back to work."
Prof Peacock said she couldn't comment on whether the tests would be charged for but predicted there "would be an absolutely minimal charge if there was a charge".


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Steven Dick, British embassy diplomat in Budapest, dies from COVID-19

Steven Dick , the deputy head of mission at the British embassy in Budapest , passed away on Tuesday after testing positive for the COVID-19 disease .
The Foreign Office said staff were `` deeply saddened '' by the death of the 37-year-old from the coronavirus , and his parents said he had been `` very happy representing our country overseas '' .
In a statement , Steven and Carol Dick said : `` Steven was a much-loved son , grandson and nephew .
`` He was kind , funny and generous .
`` It was always his dream to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he was very happy representing our country overseas .
We are devastated by his loss and ask for privacy at this tragic time . ''
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab described Mr Dick as a `` dedicated diplomat '' , who had `` represented his country with great skill and passion '' .
`` He will be missed by all those who knew him and worked with him , '' he added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he had worked with Mr Dick since last October .
`` Steven was a dear colleague and friend who had made a tremendous impression in Hungary since his arrival last October with his personal warmth and his sheer professionalism , not least his excellent Hungarian , '' he said .
`` We will miss him so much . ''
According to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the coronavirus pandemic worldwide , there have been 226 confirmed cases in Hungary and 10 deaths .
There are more than 441,000 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .

A senior British diplomat has died after contracting coronavirus.
Steven Dick, the deputy head of mission at the British embassy in Budapest, passed away on Tuesday after testing positive for the COVID-19 disease.
The Foreign Office said staff were "deeply saddened" by the death of the 37-year-old from the coronavirus, and his parents said he had been "very happy representing our country overseas".
In a statement, Steven and Carol Dick said: "Steven was a much-loved son, grandson and nephew.
"He was kind, funny and generous.
"It was always his dream to work for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and he was very happy representing our country overseas. We are devastated by his loss and ask for privacy at this tragic time."
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab described Mr Dick as a "dedicated diplomat", who had "represented his country with great skill and passion".
"He will be missed by all those who knew him and worked with him," he added.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
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The UK's ambassador to Hungary, Iain Lindsay, said he had worked with Mr Dick since last October.
"Steven was a dear colleague and friend who had made a tremendous impression in Hungary since his arrival last October with his personal warmth and his sheer professionalism, not least his excellent Hungarian," he said.
"We will miss him so much."
According to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the coronavirus pandemic worldwide, there have been 226 confirmed cases in Hungary and 10 deaths.
There are more than 441,000 cases across the globe, with almost 20,000 deaths.


news--2020-06-04--Regulator warns big four auditors on profit-sharing after split

The big four accountancy firms face having to pay their audit and consulting partners according to the profits their divisions make on a rolling five-year basis under detailed reforms being finalised by the profession 's regulator .
Sky News has learnt that the Financial Reporting Council has written to Deloitte , EY , KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers ( PwC ) to outline further details of the measures it plans to introduce to prevent cross-subsidy between the different arms of their businesses .
According to one insider , the big four have been notified about `` a principle that profits to partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to profits over a five-year period '' .
The profit-sharing restrictions form part of a package of reforms being prepared by the FRC , with the government also expected to introduce legislation this year that will trigger far-reaching changes to the way auditors function .
One source said the FRC had set out the profit-sharing measure as part of an update on `` operational separation '' in a letter to the big four firms in the last ten days .
The regulator will also demand visibility over the accounts of the firms ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible cross-subsidy .
The FRC 's latest letter underlines the watchdog 's intention to pursue its reform agenda even as auditors face severe disruption to revenues as a result of the coronavirus crisis .
All of the quartet which dominate the profession have taken steps to conserve cash by deferring promotions , reducing partner payouts and , in some cases , withdrawing job offers during the pandemic .
The impetus behind audit reform was sparked by a series of high-profile accounting failures , including at the department store chain BHS and Carillion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regulator said : `` The FRC continues to move forward with our project to achieve operational separation of audit practices .
`` Our objectives are that audit quality should be the firms ' first priority , and that there should be no structural subsidy between the audit practice and the rest of the firm .
`` We plan to publish the principles in the next month or so and to start implementation from financial years beginning in 2021 . ''
The audit overhaul will also introduce a requirement for a substantial proportion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be carved out for challenger firms such as BDO and Mazars .
None of the big four firms contacted about the FRC letter would comment .

The big four accountancy firms face having to pay their audit and consulting partners according to the profits their divisions make on a rolling five-year basis under detailed reforms being finalised by the profession's regulator.
Sky News has learnt that the Financial Reporting Council has written to Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to outline further details of the measures it plans to introduce to prevent cross-subsidy between the different arms of their businesses.
According to one insider, the big four have been notified about "a principle that profits to partners need to be consistent with their contributions to profits over a five-year period".
The profit-sharing restrictions form part of a package of reforms being prepared by the FRC, with the government also expected to introduce legislation this year that will trigger far-reaching changes to the way auditors function.
Image: EY is among the UK's four major audit firms
One source said the FRC had set out the profit-sharing measure as part of an update on "operational separation" in a letter to the big four firms in the last ten days.
The regulator will also demand visibility over the accounts of the firms' audit operations to scrutinise them for any possible cross-subsidy.
The FRC's latest letter underlines the watchdog's intention to pursue its reform agenda even as auditors face severe disruption to revenues as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
All of the quartet which dominate the profession have taken steps to conserve cash by deferring promotions, reducing partner payouts and, in some cases, withdrawing job offers during the pandemic.
The impetus behind audit reform was sparked by a series of high-profile accounting failures, including at the department store chain BHS and Carillion, the construction giant.
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A spokesman for the regulator said: "The FRC continues to move forward with our project to achieve operational separation of audit practices.
"Our objectives are that audit quality should be the firms' first priority, and that there should be no structural subsidy between the audit practice and the rest of the firm.
"We plan to publish the principles in the next month or so and to start implementation from financial years beginning in 2021."
The audit overhaul will also introduce a requirement for a substantial proportion of big four auditors' work to be carved out for challenger firms such as BDO and Mazars.
None of the big four firms contacted about the FRC letter would comment.


news--2020-06-04--Coronavirus: Pandemic 'gripping the Amazon' as people 'die in their beds'

In Manaus , the largest city in the Amazon rainforest , people are dying in their beds .
They are trying to lift the coronavirus lockdown across Brazil - people teem the streets , the traffic noise is deafening , the markets are full , but the body count keeps growing .
The COVID-19 pandemic is gripping the Amazon and it is spreading .
Brazil has the second highest number of cases in the world , behind the US , with more than 584,000 - and 32,548 deaths , according to the Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sao Jorge , one of the worst hit neighbourhoods .
Family and friends crammed the streets as the SOS Funerals undertakers van negotiated its way through the narrow alleys of what is basically a slum .
SOS is paid by the city to pick up the poorest dead .
Nobody in Sao Jorge can afford a proper funeral .
We could see the body of Afonso de Souza through the door to his breeze block single room .
Teary eyed friends told me he was really popular in the community but had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what he died of - the point is , they never will .
Afonso 's body , like hundreds of others , will never be tested .
The undertakers are used to this now .
They have been collecting the dead in huge numbers for weeks .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sixty bodies a day has now become 40 a day , but that is over double the normal numbers in a country where poverty and disease are part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dressed in full hazmat suits , they brought a simple coffin into his home and loaded him up .
Friends and family helped carry the body to their vehicle - another victim , another family , another community hit by the pandemic .
Manaus is a remote city in the heart of the Amazon .
Nobody drives to get here .
You come by plane or more likely boat .
Despite its remoteness , despite the vastness of the Amazon , the rainforest and its river did nothing to protect its people from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually still is .
There are no funeral corteges for these poor people , no hearses .
Mini vans take the bodies to the COVID cemetery on the outskirts of the city .
We followed through in torrential rain .
The funeral van struggling through waterlogged roads , huge plumes of spray soaking our windscreen as we left the city and entered the rainforest .
The Taruma Cemetery is huge and well established , but this is where coronavirus victims come .
Outside the gates - only three members of families of victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fences of the cemetery trying to spot the funeral taking place .
They stand in small groups , often crying , often hugging each other .
If there is a backlog of burials , and there often is , the coffins are offloaded into refrigerated lorries .
The work of the SOS team is done , they have more work elsewhere .
We did not know what to expect in the cemetery .
What we saw was a vast area of newly dug graves , grave diggers in hazmat suits digging more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies of the dead .
It is exceptionally grim .
At the bottom of a hill , families wait beneath a canopy to protect themselves from the incessant rain .
When it is their turn , they take their paperwork to a man who paints the name of the family member on a simple blue wooden cross .
They wait for a tractor and trailer to pull up beside the families and the cemetery staff hoist the coffins on to a flat bed .
It is silent but for the sound of mechanical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mud .
Once loaded the tractor moves off followed by a morbid , sobbing , heartbreaking procession to the burial site .
The coffins are lowered into a newly dug pit .
It is a mass grave .
The coffins laid side by side .
Sticks pushed into the earth indicate where each coffin can be identified from six feet higher .
Wooden rectangles are later placed above the bodies so the family will forever more have somewhere to come to pay their respects and mourn .
Above the muddy pit , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , throw flowers and hug each other .
Then the work to cover the coffins begins .
A huge digger picks up mounds of mud and moves to the grave side .
It seemed horrendous and unfeeling , then we saw something quite exceptionally moving - the most stark sign of respect and the protection of dignity that I can ever remember .
The driver did not dump the earth .
He placed it by the side of the grave and gently eased it over the coffins .
Slowly , bit by bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver did .

In Manaus, the largest city in the Amazon rainforest, people are dying in their beds.
They are trying to lift the coronavirus lockdown across Brazil - people teem the streets, the traffic noise is deafening, the markets are full, but the body count keeps growing.
The COVID-19 pandemic is gripping the Amazon and it is spreading.
Image: Manaus is the largest city in the Amazon rainforest
Brazil has the second highest number of cases in the world, behind the US, with more than 584,000 - and 32,548 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus.
We joined a body collection in Sao Jorge, one of the worst hit neighbourhoods.
Family and friends crammed the streets as the SOS Funerals undertakers van negotiated its way through the narrow alleys of what is basically a slum.
SOS is paid by the city to pick up the poorest dead. Nobody in Sao Jorge can afford a proper funeral.
Image: Friends of Afonso de Souza say he was very popular in the community
We could see the body of Afonso de Souza through the door to his breeze block single room.
Teary eyed friends told me he was really popular in the community but had a drink problem. They do not know what he died of - the point is, they never will. Afonso's body, like hundreds of others, will never be tested.
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The undertakers are used to this now. They have been collecting the dead in huge numbers for weeks.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sixty bodies a day has now become 40 a day, but that is over double the normal numbers in a country where poverty and disease are part of everyday life, and death.
Dressed in full hazmat suits, they brought a simple coffin into his home and loaded him up. Friends and family helped carry the body to their vehicle - another victim, another family, another community hit by the pandemic.
Manaus is a remote city in the heart of the Amazon. Nobody drives to get here. You come by plane or more likely boat.
Image: The family of Afonso de Souza gather to pay their respects
Despite its remoteness, despite the vastness of the Amazon, the rainforest and its river did nothing to protect its people from the virus as it swept through and actually still is.
There are no funeral corteges for these poor people, no hearses. Mini vans take the bodies to the COVID cemetery on the outskirts of the city.
We followed through in torrential rain. The funeral van struggling through waterlogged roads, huge plumes of spray soaking our windscreen as we left the city and entered the rainforest.
The Taruma Cemetery is huge and well established, but this is where coronavirus victims come.
Outside the gates - only three members of families of victims are allowed inside - relatives look through the fences of the cemetery trying to spot the funeral taking place. They stand in small groups, often crying, often hugging each other.
Image: A police officer comes to mourn a colleague
If there is a backlog of burials, and there often is, the coffins are offloaded into refrigerated lorries. The work of the SOS team is done, they have more work elsewhere.
We did not know what to expect in the cemetery. What we saw was a vast area of newly dug graves, grave diggers in hazmat suits digging more graves and tending to those holding the bodies of the dead. It is exceptionally grim.
At the bottom of a hill, families wait beneath a canopy to protect themselves from the incessant rain.
When it is their turn, they take their paperwork to a man who paints the name of the family member on a simple blue wooden cross.
They wait for a tractor and trailer to pull up beside the families and the cemetery staff hoist the coffins on to a flat bed.
It is silent but for the sound of mechanical diggers gouging out more graves from the mud.
Once loaded the tractor moves off followed by a morbid, sobbing, heartbreaking procession to the burial site.
The coffins are lowered into a newly dug pit. It is a mass grave. The coffins laid side by side.
Sticks pushed into the earth indicate where each coffin can be identified from six feet higher.
Wooden rectangles are later placed above the bodies so the family will forever more have somewhere to come to pay their respects and mourn.
Above the muddy pit, the families film on their phones - cry, throw flowers and hug each other. Then the work to cover the coffins begins. A huge digger picks up mounds of mud and moves to the grave side.
It seemed horrendous and unfeeling, then we saw something quite exceptionally moving - the most stark sign of respect and the protection of dignity that I can ever remember.
The driver did not dump the earth. He placed it by the side of the grave and gently eased it over the coffins. Slowly, bit by bit.
COVID respects nobody, the digger driver did.


news--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: China tests nearly all 11 million people in Wuhan for COVID-19

China has tested nearly every one of the 11 million people in Wuhan after the city was the epicentre of the global coronavirus pandemic , authorities said on Wednesday .
The testing effort carried out in the second half of May targeted every resident not already tested and excluded only children under age six .
Officials said no new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed from the testing effort , although 300 people who tested positive for the virus without showing symptoms were placed in isolation .
China does not count asymptomatic cases as confirmed cases , but still requires people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative for the virus .
The pandemic is thought to have originated in the industrial city which went into lockdown for 76 days to try and stop the outbreak .
Wuhan still accounts for the bulk of China 's 83,021 cases and 4,634 deaths with the disease .
National Health Commission expert Li Lanjuan said : `` This is extraordinarily rare anywhere in the world .
`` It not only shows confidence and determination in the fight against the epidemic in Wuhan , but has also provided reference to other cities for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy mayor of Wuhan , said the city spent 900 million yuan ( £101m ) on the tests .
The mayor added it was a `` totally worthwhile '' expenditure as Wuhan looks to offer reassurance to its residents and people elsewhere in China , the official Xinhua News Agency quoted him as saying .
There were four new confirmed coronavirus cases in China as of Wednesday , one from abroad and three added retroactively after nucleic acid tests returned positive results .
However , the country 's overall count fell by one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea reported 49 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday , continuing a weeks-long resurgence of the virus as the government defended its decision to reopen schools despite health risks .
The figures announced by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention brought national totals to 11,590 cases and 273 deaths .

China has tested nearly every one of the 11 million people in Wuhan after the city was the epicentre of the global coronavirus pandemic, authorities said on Wednesday.
The testing effort carried out in the second half of May targeted every resident not already tested and excluded only children under age six.
Officials said no new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed from the testing effort, although 300 people who tested positive for the virus without showing symptoms were placed in isolation.
China does not count asymptomatic cases as confirmed cases, but still requires people without symptoms to isolate until they test negative for the virus.
The pandemic is thought to have originated in the industrial city which went into lockdown for 76 days to try and stop the outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Light show as Wuhan opens up after lockdown
Wuhan still accounts for the bulk of China's 83,021 cases and 4,634 deaths with the disease.
National Health Commission expert Li Lanjuan said: "This is extraordinarily rare anywhere in the world.
"It not only shows confidence and determination in the fight against the epidemic in Wuhan, but has also provided reference to other cities for their prevention."
Image: Residents wearing face masks line up for tests at a residential compound in Wuhan
Hu Yabo, executive deputy mayor of Wuhan, said the city spent 900 million yuan (£101m) on the tests.
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The mayor added it was a "totally worthwhile" expenditure as Wuhan looks to offer reassurance to its residents and people elsewhere in China, the official Xinhua News Agency quoted him as saying.
There were four new confirmed coronavirus cases in China as of Wednesday, one from abroad and three added retroactively after nucleic acid tests returned positive results.
However, the country's overall count fell by one to 83,021.
It comes as South Korea reported 49 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, continuing a weeks-long resurgence of the virus as the government defended its decision to reopen schools despite health risks.
The figures announced by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention brought national totals to 11,590 cases and 273 deaths.


news--2020-06-03--Terry Smith: Companies trampling on the rights of shareholders during virus pandemic

The manager of Britain 's biggest fund has criticised the way some companies have trampled on the rights of shareholders during the COVID-19 crisis .
Terry Smith , whose Fundsmith Equity Fund has surged in value to more than £20bn , told Sky News he was unhappy that so-called 'pre-emption rights ' - which give existing shareholders first refusal in buying new shares issued by a company - had been ignored in some cases .
Companies around the world have been raising billions of pounds by selling new shares to investors to tide them over the crisis .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between mid-March and mid-May .
However , in some cases , companies raising money have ignored the principle that existing shareholders must be given the right to invest first .
Mr Smith said : `` I 'm not very happy about it , to be honest , I think [ pre-emption rights ] are an important thing . ''
The UK 's most celebrated fund manager singled out Amadeus , the Spanish travel technology company and the sixth largest company on the country 's stock market by valuation , for particular criticism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a beef with one of our companies directly as a result of this : Amadeus raised €1.5bn equity and convertibles .
`` And they never even bothered to call us and neither did anyone acting for them .
None of their banks bothered to call us , which is disappointing , because we 're their fifth-biggest shareholder and we 've been a shareholder for seven years .
`` We would have thought we 're the sort of people that they might like to encourage , because people are always talking about trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to think that we are .
`` We are long term shareholders , given that kind of record , and they never bothered to even contact us . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Smith said it was indicative of poor corporate governance and was behaviour that might make him think of selling shares in a particular company .
He added : `` I just think it 's the wrong way to behave .
It undermines our faith in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us in those circumstances will be completely ignored .
`` And to make matters worse , frankly , in this particular case , I 've had some correspondence with the CEO about it , and he 's not replied to me for a month .
So you 're touching a bit of a raw nerve with me on that particular subject at the moment . ''
Fundsmith Equity , which was launched in 2010 , has enjoyed a strong performance this year .
After a strong performance in 2019 , when it delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund has returned 7.1 % during the first five months of 2020 .
During that period , as measured by the MSCI World Index , global equities have returned -1.6 % .
Mr Smith said the fund 's star performers during the period had included the software giant Microsoft and the payments processor , PayPal , both of which are among its top 10 holdings .
With a quarter of the portfolio made up of companies in the healthcare space , other shareholdings to have performed well included Idexx Laboratories , the veterinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world 's biggest maker of insulin .
He said that , throughout the pandemic , Fundsmith had maintained its principle approach to investing - buy shares of what it regards as quality companies , at levels it believes to be attractive , holding those shares for the long term where possible .
The firm always stresses to investors that it does not engage in so-called 'market timing ' - the practice of buying or selling shares in companies in expectation of a rise or fall in the markets .
He noted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis - consumer staples , technology and healthcare - were all sectors in which Fundsmith had invested heavily .
He went on : `` The things that we do n't own are the things , by and large , that have done very badly .
We do n't have any airline stocks , as you know .
We will never own any oil companies .
Alongside the crisis related to the virus , we 've had a collapse in the oil price .
These sort of things are being heavily effected , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will really never touch them in any event .
And so it 's been pretty easy to stick to what we do . ''
Mr Smith , who argues that most fund managers own too many stocks and who seldom adds shares of new companies to his portfolio , said he had taken advantage of the ferocious market corrections in late February and early March to add two new companies to his portfolio .
He said Fundsmith had bought shares of Nike and Starbucks after the two US consumer goods giants suffered near-40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to a valuation where , for the first time , the firm felt able to invest .
Mr Smith said he had been surprised by the strength of the subsequent rally in global stock markets : `` I would n't have bet on it .
I 'm a bit surprised by it , frankly , given the degree of uncertainty that we 've still got about the medical outcome here .
`` People talk about when there 's a vaccine , I suspect the phrase they should use is IF there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a massive stimulus , though , from governments [ and central banks ] in terms of the both the fiscal stimulus and a monetary stimulus .
`` So we 've had that quantitative easing on steroids across countries , and obviously a big fiscal stimulus as well , because they 're simply not collecting taxes from a lot of people who are not in work or not are purchasing stuff .
But there 's certainly spending still .
So I suppose those things in combination are really driven the rally during that period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments having amassed so much debt during the period , there had to be a danger that the world was set to move into a higher tax environment .
He added : `` Government debt is just deferred taxation….the numbers look pretty alarming at the moment .
Any number of measures that people have historically shied away from , I think , are quite likely to come into focus .
So , for example , Capital Gains Tax on [ primary residential ] property sales , I think is quite likely to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel that he 's got a bit of a free pass doing some very , very difficult things on the tax front , which previously would have been unacceptable . ''

The manager of Britain's biggest fund has criticised the way some companies have trampled on the rights of shareholders during the COVID-19 crisis.
Terry Smith, whose Fundsmith Equity Fund has surged in value to more than £20bn, told Sky News he was unhappy that so-called 'pre-emption rights' - which give existing shareholders first refusal in buying new shares issued by a company - had been ignored in some cases.
Companies around the world have been raising billions of pounds by selling new shares to investors to tide them over the crisis. In the UK alone, some £3bn was raised between mid-March and mid-May.
Image: Terry Smith says most of the stocks he has not bought have done very badly
However, in some cases, companies raising money have ignored the principle that existing shareholders must be given the right to invest first.
Mr Smith said: "I'm not very happy about it, to be honest, I think [pre-emption rights] are an important thing."
The UK's most celebrated fund manager singled out Amadeus, the Spanish travel technology company and the sixth largest company on the country's stock market by valuation, for particular criticism.
He went on: "We have a beef with one of our companies directly as a result of this: Amadeus raised €1.5bn equity and convertibles.
"And they never even bothered to call us and neither did anyone acting for them. None of their banks bothered to call us, which is disappointing, because we're their fifth-biggest shareholder and we've been a shareholder for seven years.
"We would have thought we're the sort of people that they might like to encourage, because people are always talking about trying to encourage long term shareholders. We'd like to think that we are.
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"We are long term shareholders, given that kind of record, and they never bothered to even contact us."
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Mr Smith said it was indicative of poor corporate governance and was behaviour that might make him think of selling shares in a particular company.
He added: "I just think it's the wrong way to behave. It undermines our faith in good governance to think that somebody like us in those circumstances will be completely ignored.
"And to make matters worse, frankly, in this particular case, I've had some correspondence with the CEO about it, and he's not replied to me for a month. So you're touching a bit of a raw nerve with me on that particular subject at the moment."
Fundsmith Equity, which was launched in 2010, has enjoyed a strong performance this year. After a strong performance in 2019, when it delivered a return of 25.6%, the fund has returned 7.1% during the first five months of 2020. During that period, as measured by the MSCI World Index, global equities have returned -1.6%.
Mr Smith said the fund's star performers during the period had included the software giant Microsoft and the payments processor, PayPal, both of which are among its top 10 holdings. With a quarter of the portfolio made up of companies in the healthcare space, other shareholdings to have performed well included Idexx Laboratories, the veterinary diagnostics company and Novo Nordisk, the world's biggest maker of insulin.
He said that, throughout the pandemic, Fundsmith had maintained its principle approach to investing - buy shares of what it regards as quality companies, at levels it believes to be attractive, holding those shares for the long term where possible. The firm always stresses to investors that it does not engage in so-called 'market timing' - the practice of buying or selling shares in companies in expectation of a rise or fall in the markets. He noted that the sectors to have performed well in the crisis - consumer staples, technology and healthcare - were all sectors in which Fundsmith had invested heavily.
Image: Fundsmith has avoided buying airline stocks
He went on: "The things that we don't own are the things, by and large, that have done very badly. We don't have any airline stocks, as you know. We will never own any oil companies. Alongside the crisis related to the virus, we've had a collapse in the oil price. These sort of things are being heavily effected, the banking system and so on. We will really never touch them in any event. And so it's been pretty easy to stick to what we do."
Mr Smith, who argues that most fund managers own too many stocks and who seldom adds shares of new companies to his portfolio, said he had taken advantage of the ferocious market corrections in late February and early March to add two new companies to his portfolio.
He said Fundsmith had bought shares of Nike and Starbucks after the two US consumer goods giants suffered near-40% declines in their shares - bringing them to a valuation where, for the first time, the firm felt able to invest.
Image: Fundsmith bought shares of Nike and Starbucks after the two companies suffered near-40% declines in their shares
Mr Smith said he had been surprised by the strength of the subsequent rally in global stock markets: "I wouldn't have bet on it. I'm a bit surprised by it, frankly, given the degree of uncertainty that we've still got about the medical outcome here.
"People talk about when there's a vaccine, I suspect the phrase they should use is IF there's a vaccine. We've obviously had a massive stimulus, though, from governments [and central banks] in terms of the both the fiscal stimulus and a monetary stimulus.
"So we've had that quantitative easing on steroids across countries, and obviously a big fiscal stimulus as well, because they're simply not collecting taxes from a lot of people who are not in work or not are purchasing stuff. But there's certainly spending still. So I suppose those things in combination are really driven the rally during that period."
He said that, with governments having amassed so much debt during the period, there had to be a danger that the world was set to move into a higher tax environment.
He added: "Government debt is just deferred taxation….the numbers look pretty alarming at the moment. Any number of measures that people have historically shied away from, I think, are quite likely to come into focus. So, for example, Capital Gains Tax on [primary residential] property sales, I think is quite likely to come into focus.
"The chancellor… may feel that he's got a bit of a free pass doing some very, very difficult things on the tax front, which previously would have been unacceptable."


news--2020-06-04--Coronavirus: Jacob Rees-Mogg faces calls to resign as he fields questions from angry MPs over return

Coronavirus: Jacob Rees-Mogg faces calls to resign as he fields questions from angry MPs over return to parliament

Jacob Rees-Mogg faced calls to resign as he fielded questions from MPs angry at the government bringing them back to Westminster during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Commons leader was challenged by opposition MPs about the `` shambolic '' long queues which some have dubbed the `` coronavirus conga '' .
Alistair Carmichael , a Liberal Democrat former minister , compared the scene to `` exercise hour in a category C prison for white collar criminals '' .
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has granted Mr Carmichael 's application for an emergency debate on Monday on how the chamber will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Rees-Mogg will face more opposition anger .
The government 's decision to end the virtual proceedings , which saw MPs contribute remotely via Zoom and vote online , has proven unpopular .
With MPs in some cases now having to travel hundreds of miles between Westminster and their constituencies , fears have been raised about potentially spreading COVID-19 further .
These worries were heightened on Wednesday when Business Secretary Alok Sharma left a Commons debate to undergo a test for coronavirus .
He was found to be negative for COVID-19 .
Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring politicians back to London .
Speaking at PMQs on Wednesday , he said MPs should consider `` what is really going on throughout the country '' , with Britons `` getting used to queuing for long periods of time to do their shopping or whatever it happens to be '' .
The PM continued : `` I do not think it 's unreasonable that we should ask parliamentarians to come back to this place and do their job for the people of this country . ''
Mr Johnson has said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be allowed to vote by proxy , a change in stance from earlier in the week .
But the concession has not quelled the anger among some MPs .
Angela Eagle , a Labour former minister , told the Commons on Thursday : `` The current leader of the House is rapidly building a strong claim to the title of the worst holder of the job in living memory .
`` He is supposed to be the voice of the government and the Commons in government as well as a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at that task .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' He illegally shut down parliament , then unilaterally abolished the perfectly fair system of electronic voting and hybrid proceedings developed to ensure at least some scrutiny of the government during the pandemic . ''
Referring to the queues as the `` coronavirus conga '' , Ms Eagle warned this had put the health of MPs and parliamentary staff at risk , adding Mr Rees-Mogg 's `` arrogance '' was to blame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundred metres on Tuesday , winding through the parliamentary estate .
The first vote ran for 46 minutes , more than three times longer than the usual 15 minutes .
Social distancing measures mean MPs have to join a queue , keep two metres apart , walk through the Commons chamber and announce their vote .
Ms Eagle added : `` Can he show some bravery and make time next week for us to debate his disastrous record and perhaps even call for his resignation ? ''
The Commons leader said in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so overcooked , exaggerated , we poor members , we could n't queue for a little time to do our public duty , how hard was it .
`` It was very amusing reading in The Times how some members were quite incapable of walking in the right direction , but I think that 's more their problem than mine . ''
Asked how adjustments would be made to help disabled MPs , Mr Rees-Mogg said : `` MPs with health concerns will need to make their own decisions about what is appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have put down motions to allow virtual participation for those who can not come to parliament for medical or health reasons and to give them the option of proxy voting .
`` I 'm always open and always have been open to listening to any suggestions that MPs have to make , '' Mr Rees-Mogg told MPs .
Shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz told the chamber : `` That image of our parliament is going to live with this parliament forever .
Time-wasting , shambolic , breaking the rules , putting people 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied : `` How can we look teachers in our constituencies in the eye when we 're asking them to go back to work and we 're saying we 're not willing to ? ''
The SNP 's Patrick Grady complained that too many MPs were being `` actively excluded '' by the government 's refusal to allow members to take part remotely .

Jacob Rees-Mogg faced calls to resign as he fielded questions from MPs angry at the government bringing them back to Westminster during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Commons leader was challenged by opposition MPs about the "shambolic" long queues which some have dubbed the "coronavirus conga".
Alistair Carmichael, a Liberal Democrat former minister, compared the scene to "exercise hour in a category C prison for white collar criminals".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 MPs form socially-distanced queue to vote
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has granted Mr Carmichael's application for an emergency debate on Monday on how the chamber will operate during the COVID-19 outbreak, meaning Mr Rees-Mogg will face more opposition anger.
The government's decision to end the virtual proceedings, which saw MPs contribute remotely via Zoom and vote online, has proven unpopular.
With MPs in some cases now having to travel hundreds of miles between Westminster and their constituencies, fears have been raised about potentially spreading COVID-19 further.
These worries were heightened on Wednesday when Business Secretary Alok Sharma left a Commons debate to undergo a test for coronavirus. He was found to be negative for COVID-19.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended the move to bring politicians back to London.
Speaking at PMQs on Wednesday, he said MPs should consider "what is really going on throughout the country", with Britons "getting used to queuing for long periods of time to do their shopping or whatever it happens to be".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 Shielding MP unhappy with voting rules
The PM continued: "I do not think it's unreasonable that we should ask parliamentarians to come back to this place and do their job for the people of this country."
Mr Johnson has said that elderly MPs or those who are shielding will be allowed to vote by proxy, a change in stance from earlier in the week.
But the concession has not quelled the anger among some MPs.
Angela Eagle, a Labour former minister, told the Commons on Thursday: "The current leader of the House is rapidly building a strong claim to the title of the worst holder of the job in living memory.
"He is supposed to be the voice of the government and the Commons in government as well as a member of the government and he's failing dismally at that task.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"He illegally shut down parliament, then unilaterally abolished the perfectly fair system of electronic voting and hybrid proceedings developed to ensure at least some scrutiny of the government during the pandemic."
Referring to the queues as the "coronavirus conga", Ms Eagle warned this had put the health of MPs and parliamentary staff at risk, adding Mr Rees-Mogg's "arrogance" was to blame.
Queues to vote stretched for several hundred metres on Tuesday, winding through the parliamentary estate.
The first vote ran for 46 minutes, more than three times longer than the usual 15 minutes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Tour a deserted House of Commons
Social distancing measures mean MPs have to join a queue, keep two metres apart, walk through the Commons chamber and announce their vote.
Ms Eagle added: "Can he show some bravery and make time next week for us to debate his disastrous record and perhaps even call for his resignation?"
The Commons leader said in response: "What she has said is so overcooked, exaggerated, we poor members, we couldn't queue for a little time to do our public duty, how hard was it.
"It was very amusing reading in The Times how some members were quite incapable of walking in the right direction, but I think that's more their problem than mine."
Asked how adjustments would be made to help disabled MPs, Mr Rees-Mogg said: "MPs with health concerns will need to make their own decisions about what is appropriate for them."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Social distancing during virtual parliament debate
He said ministers have put down motions to allow virtual participation for those who cannot come to parliament for medical or health reasons and to give them the option of proxy voting.
"I'm always open and always have been open to listening to any suggestions that MPs have to make," Mr Rees-Mogg told MPs.
Shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz told the chamber: "That image of our parliament is going to live with this parliament forever. Time-wasting, shambolic, breaking the rules, putting people's lives at risk."
Mr Rees-Mogg replied: "How can we look teachers in our constituencies in the eye when we're asking them to go back to work and we're saying we're not willing to?"
The SNP's Patrick Grady complained that too many MPs were being "actively excluded" by the government's refusal to allow members to take part remotely.