news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus patient deaths rise by 439 across the UK

Another 439 patients have died in the UK after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 5373 .
The figures have been released by the Department of Health .
The majority of deaths were in England .
The Department of Health added that 208,837 people have so far been tested , of which 51,608 have been confirmed as positive for the virus .
Earlier today figures from Wales showed an extra 27 deaths there taking the overall number to 193 , and two further deaths in Scotland where the total now stands at 222 .
The patients who died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 106 , and 15 of them had no known underlying health condition .
London remains a hotspot , accounting for 129 deaths in the first set of figures , followed by the Midlands , which recorded 75 fatalities and the North East & Yorkshire that saw 67 .
The figures have come as Boris Johnson remains in a central London hospital for tests over persisting coronavirus symptoms , understood to include a high temperature .
Despite this , Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News that the 55-year-old prime minister `` remains very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expected him to return to Downing Street `` shortly '' .
Downing Street has said Mr Johnson is still under observation but is in `` good spirits '' and has been working from his bed .
In his absence , Dominic Raab , the foreign secretary , has taken over chairing the government 's daily crisis committee .
England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has also returned to work after recovering from his coronavirus symptoms .
Politicians from across the political divide have sent get-well messages to the PM .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his country 's best wishes saying `` all Americans are praying for him '' .
News of Mr Johnson 's admission to hospital came a short time after the Queen made a rare televised address to the nation in which she called on the country to `` remain united and resolute '' and echoed the words of Dame Vera Lynn 's wartime anthem , when she said `` we will meet again '' .
Mr Johnson has been self-isolating in 11 Downing Street since testing positive on 27 March ; he uses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as several prime ministers have in the past given it has a larger living space .
He was still noticeably unwell the last time he was seen on Friday in a video message urging people to `` stick with '' the lock down measures as the weather warmed up .
In the footage , he confirmed he still had a high temperature .
His pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds has said she is `` on the mend '' after spending a week in bed after also suffering coronavirus symptoms .
Elsewhere , the Prince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duchess of Cornwall after she came out of isolation , just days before their 15th wedding anniversary .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Camilla , 72 , had tested negative for coronavirus but went into quarantine for 14 days after the heir to the throne contracted the disease .
The couple had been staying apart from one another at their Scottish retreat in Aberdeenshire .
Prince Charles finished his isolation a week ago and spoke of the `` strange , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being without friends and family .

Another 439 patients have died in the UK after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 5373.
The figures have been released by the Department of Health.
The majority of deaths were in England.
The Department of Health added that 208,837 people have so far been tested, of which 51,608 have been confirmed as positive for the virus.
Earlier today figures from Wales showed an extra 27 deaths there taking the overall number to 193, and two further deaths in Scotland where the total now stands at 222.
The patients who died in England were aged between 35 and 106, and 15 of them had no known underlying health condition.
London remains a hotspot, accounting for 129 deaths in the first set of figures, followed by the Midlands, which recorded 75 fatalities and the North East & Yorkshire that saw 67.
The figures have come as Boris Johnson remains in a central London hospital for tests over persisting coronavirus symptoms, understood to include a high temperature.
Despite this, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News that the 55-year-old prime minister "remains very much in charge of the government" and expected him to return to Downing Street "shortly".
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Downing Street has said Mr Johnson is still under observation but is in "good spirits" and has been working from his bed.
In his absence, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, has taken over chairing the government's daily crisis committee.
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has also returned to work after recovering from his coronavirus symptoms.
Politicians from across the political divide have sent get-well messages to the PM.
US President Donald Trump has also passed on his country's best wishes saying "all Americans are praying for him".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:12 The Queen's historic address in full
News of Mr Johnson's admission to hospital came a short time after the Queen made a rare televised address to the nation in which she called on the country to "remain united and resolute" and echoed the words of Dame Vera Lynn's wartime anthem, when she said "we will meet again".
Mr Johnson has been self-isolating in 11 Downing Street since testing positive on 27 March; he uses the residence above the chancellor's office as several prime ministers have in the past given it has a larger living space.
He was still noticeably unwell the last time he was seen on Friday in a video message urging people to "stick with" the lock down measures as the weather warmed up.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:42 From Friday: PM's coronavirus message from self-isolation
In the footage, he confirmed he still had a high temperature.
His pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds has said she is "on the mend" after spending a week in bed after also suffering coronavirus symptoms.
Elsewhere, the Prince of Wales has been reunited with the Duchess of Cornwall after she came out of isolation, just days before their 15th wedding anniversary.
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Camilla, 72, had tested negative for coronavirus but went into quarantine for 14 days after the heir to the throne contracted the disease.
The couple had been staying apart from one another at their Scottish retreat in Aberdeenshire.
Prince Charles finished his isolation a week ago and spoke of the "strange, frustrating and often distressing" experience of being without friends and family.


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: How and when might the COVID-19 lockdown end?

The UK is about to enter its third week in lockdown - but what will come next ?
When will the lockdown end ?
A number of reporters have asked the question and a number of experts have given their best estimates , but at the moment they are just that - estimates .
The measures are due to be reviewed for the first time next week .
But Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said on Saturday there is `` no fixed point , no specific date in the calendar at which we can say things will change '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer , said last week that lockdown measures would need `` three weeks for review '' and `` two or three months to see if we 've really squashed it .
Three to six months , ideally . ''
However she added that there was `` lots of uncertainty '' .
She said : `` This is not to say we would be in complete lockdown for six months , but as a nation we have to be really , really responsible and keep doing what we 're all doing until we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interventions which are likely to be spaced - based on the science and our data - until we gradually come back to a normal way of living . ''
Could the restrictions get tougher instead ?
Sure - there are a few ways in which the restrictions could get tougher , something the government might decide is necessary if the numbers of new cases and deaths continue to rise .
The current measures allow people to leave their homes to exercise , for example , and this could easily be scrapped if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What needs to happen before the lockdown can end ?
That 's not clear but Business Secretary Alok Sharma said late last week that the government fears a second peak of cases if the restrictions are lifted too soon .
He said on Wednesday : `` What 's also really important is that if we stop these too quickly , there is a possibility that that massive effort people have made across the country is wasted and we could potentially see a dangerous second peak . ''
It may be that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ softening the current ones .
Martin Hibberd , professor of emerging infectious disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , said : `` A combination of some social distancing measures , extensive testing and automated contact tracing could allow both a more regular social activity and a significant control of the outbreak . ''
Professor Neil Ferguson - of Imperial College London , which is advising the government on its coronavirus response - said the UK 's epidemic was expected to plateau in the next week to 10 days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in determining what happens next .
How would the lockdown end ?
One scientist advising the government said the lockdown is only buying time and we need a clear exit strategy from the COVID-19 crisis .
Professor Graham Medley told The Times : `` This disease is so nasty that we had to suppress it completely .
Then we 've kind of painted ourselves into a corner , because then the question will be , what do we do now ?
`` We will have done three weeks of this lockdown , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 13 April .
In broad terms are we going to continue to harm children to protect vulnerable people , or not ? ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker What would happen after lockdown ?
It will take months or even years for life to return to the way it was before and there are concerns that we could be caught in a cycle of lockdowns until a vaccine and/or a cure are discovered .
Would the UK 's borders need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's little point in getting the virus under control in the UK if it can still be brought in by people travelling from countries where it is not yet under control .
Currently , there is no testing at airports - arrivals are simply told to go straight home and then to obey the same rules as the rest of the UK .
There has been a suggestion that those who survived the virus could be tested and issued with `` immunity certificates '' , allowing them to return to work .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they also raise questions .
Will people be encouraged to expose themselves to the virus so they can get back to normal life ?
What about people who are at high risk of complications or death from the virus ?
Until now , they have been told to be much more strict about isolating themselves .
Would they then face a choice between having to remain isolated indefinitely or having to risk their lives in catching the virus so they can return to work and have the ability to travel ?
Stephen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , said the illness is still being studied , adding : `` It is very likely that this virus will become established in populations throughout the world and so we need a strategy to manage this over time , not just in the next few weeks or the next few months .
`` As we learn more about it , as the scientific evidence builds , that will allow those strategies to evolve . ''
What are other countries doing ?
China is starting to return to normal .
Shopping centres are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes in Wuhan , where the virus originated late last year .
But many European countries are getting tougher .
Spain has extended its lockdown until 25 April and France until 15 April .
Italy 's will last until at least 13 April .

The UK is about to enter its third week in lockdown - but what will come next?
When will the lockdown end?
A number of reporters have asked the question and a number of experts have given their best estimates, but at the moment they are just that - estimates.
The measures are due to be reviewed for the first time next week. But Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said on Saturday there is "no fixed point, no specific date in the calendar at which we can say things will change".
Dr Jenny Harries, deputy chief medical officer, said last week that lockdown measures would need "three weeks for review" and "two or three months to see if we've really squashed it. Three to six months, ideally."
However she added that there was "lots of uncertainty".
She said: "This is not to say we would be in complete lockdown for six months, but as a nation we have to be really, really responsible and keep doing what we're all doing until we're sure we can gradually start lifting various interventions which are likely to be spaced - based on the science and our data - until we gradually come back to a normal way of living."
Could the restrictions get tougher instead?
Sure - there are a few ways in which the restrictions could get tougher, something the government might decide is necessary if the numbers of new cases and deaths continue to rise.
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The current measures allow people to leave their homes to exercise, for example, and this could easily be scrapped if the government sees a need for stricter rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Are people ignoring social distancing advice?
What needs to happen before the lockdown can end?
That's not clear but Business Secretary Alok Sharma said late last week that the government fears a second peak of cases if the restrictions are lifted too soon.
He said on Wednesday: "What's also really important is that if we stop these too quickly, there is a possibility that that massive effort people have made across the country is wasted and we could potentially see a dangerous second peak."
It may be that the government puts other measures in place while softening the current ones.
Martin Hibberd, professor of emerging infectious disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: "A combination of some social distancing measures, extensive testing and automated contact tracing could allow both a more regular social activity and a significant control of the outbreak."
Professor Neil Ferguson - of Imperial College London, which is advising the government on its coronavirus response - said the UK's epidemic was expected to plateau in the next week to 10 days, but said people's behaviour was critical in determining what happens next.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'Please don't go outside this weekend' - Gove
How would the lockdown end?
One scientist advising the government said the lockdown is only buying time and we need a clear exit strategy from the COVID-19 crisis.
Professor Graham Medley told The Times: "This disease is so nasty that we had to suppress it completely. Then we've kind of painted ourselves into a corner, because then the question will be, what do we do now?
"We will have done three weeks of this lockdown, so there's a big decision coming up on 13 April. In broad terms are we going to continue to harm children to protect vulnerable people, or not?"
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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What would happen after lockdown?
It will take months or even years for life to return to the way it was before and there are concerns that we could be caught in a cycle of lockdowns until a vaccine and/or a cure are discovered.
Would the UK's borders need to be more strictly policed? There's little point in getting the virus under control in the UK if it can still be brought in by people travelling from countries where it is not yet under control. Currently, there is no testing at airports - arrivals are simply told to go straight home and then to obey the same rules as the rest of the UK.
There has been a suggestion that those who survived the virus could be tested and issued with "immunity certificates", allowing them to return to work. These could be especially useful for healthcare workers but they also raise questions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:14 4 April: Ed Conway crunches the COVID-19 data
Will people be encouraged to expose themselves to the virus so they can get back to normal life? What about people who are at high risk of complications or death from the virus? Until now, they have been told to be much more strict about isolating themselves. Would they then face a choice between having to remain isolated indefinitely or having to risk their lives in catching the virus so they can return to work and have the ability to travel?
Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said the illness is still being studied, adding: "It is very likely that this virus will become established in populations throughout the world and so we need a strategy to manage this over time, not just in the next few weeks or the next few months.
"As we learn more about it, as the scientific evidence builds, that will allow those strategies to evolve."
What are other countries doing?
China is starting to return to normal. Shopping centres are opening again and people are leaving their homes in Wuhan, where the virus originated late last year.
But many European countries are getting tougher. Spain has extended its lockdown until 25 April and France until 15 April. Italy's will last until at least 13 April.


news--2020-04-06--Former Labour leader Ed Miliband returns to party's front bench

Ex-Labour leader Ed Miliband has returned to the party 's front bench after Sir Keir Starmer announced his new shadow cabinet .
Mr Miliband replaces Rebecca Long-Bailey , who was runner-up to Sir Keir in the recent Labour leadership contest , as shadow business secretary .
But Ms Long-Bailey keeps her position in the shadow cabinet by moving to the role of shadow education secretary .
Mr Miliband led Labour from 2010 until the 2015 general election , after which he resigned due to the party suffering a crushing defeat .
He has most recently been the host of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benches of the House of Commons on climate change issues and Brexit .
Mr Miliband 's surprise return comes as Sir Keir makes sweeping changes to the party 's top team following his resounding leadership victory .
Other notable shadow cabinet appointments announced on Monday include David Lammy , who has been outspoken over the Windrush scandal , being handed the shadow justice brief .
Emily Thornberry , who was a leadership candidate this year but failed to make it through to the final round , moves from her role of shadow foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade secretary .
The outspoken critic of US President Donald Trump takes on the role at a time when the government is negotiating a trade deal with America .
Louise Haigh has been appointed shadow Northern Ireland secretary on an interim basis as Tony Lloyd , who had held the role , is currently being treated in hospital after contracting coronavirus .
The 70-year-old was said to be stable and responding to treatment .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour front bench has seen a number of those MPs most loyal to his predecessor , Jeremy Corbyn , sacked from the shadow cabinet .
Baroness Shami Chakrabarti - who oversaw a 2016 inquiry into allegations of antisemitism in the Labour Party , which was dismissed by critics as a `` whitewash '' - leaves her role as shadow attorney general .
She is replaced by Lord Charlie Falconer , a veteran of former Labour prime minister Tony Blair 's governments .
Sir Keir , who was announced Labour 's new leader on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his top team on Sunday .
They included newly-elected deputy leader Angela Rayner being named Labour Party chair , Anneliese Dodds being appointed shadow chancellor and Lisa Nandy , who came third in the leadership contest , succeeding Ms Thornberry as shadow foreign secretary .
Sir Keir said : `` I 'm proud to have appointed a shadow cabinet that showcases the breadth , depth and talents of the Labour Party .
`` This is a new team that will be relentlessly focused on acting in the national interest to respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it can win the next election . ''
Sir Keir 's shadow cabinet currently includes 17 women and 15 men , with seven BAME members .
Further appointments are expected over the coming days .
• Angela Rayner , deputy leader and chair of the Labour Party • Rachel Reeves , shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster • Valerie Vaz , shadow leader of the House of Commons • Baroness Smith , shadow leader of the House of Lords

Ex-Labour leader Ed Miliband has returned to the party's front bench after Sir Keir Starmer announced his new shadow cabinet.
Mr Miliband replaces Rebecca Long-Bailey, who was runner-up to Sir Keir in the recent Labour leadership contest, as shadow business secretary.
But Ms Long-Bailey keeps her position in the shadow cabinet by moving to the role of shadow education secretary.
Mr Miliband led Labour from 2010 until the 2015 general election, after which he resigned due to the party suffering a crushing defeat.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Sir Keir: I will build an effective opposition
He has most recently been the host of a popular podcast and spoken from the back benches of the House of Commons on climate change issues and Brexit.
Mr Miliband's surprise return comes as Sir Keir makes sweeping changes to the party's top team following his resounding leadership victory.
Other notable shadow cabinet appointments announced on Monday include David Lammy, who has been outspoken over the Windrush scandal, being handed the shadow justice brief.
Emily Thornberry, who was a leadership candidate this year but failed to make it through to the final round, moves from her role of shadow foreign secretary to the position of shadow international trade secretary.
The outspoken critic of US President Donald Trump takes on the role at a time when the government is negotiating a trade deal with America.
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Louise Haigh has been appointed shadow Northern Ireland secretary on an interim basis as Tony Lloyd, who had held the role, is currently being treated in hospital after contracting coronavirus.
The 70-year-old was said to be stable and responding to treatment.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sir Keir's shake-up of the Labour front bench has seen a number of those MPs most loyal to his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn, sacked from the shadow cabinet.
They include Richard Burgon, Dawn Butler and Barry Gardiner.
Baroness Shami Chakrabarti - who oversaw a 2016 inquiry into allegations of antisemitism in the Labour Party, which was dismissed by critics as a "whitewash" - leaves her role as shadow attorney general.
She is replaced by Lord Charlie Falconer, a veteran of former Labour prime minister Tony Blair's governments.
Sir Keir, who was announced Labour's new leader on Saturday, had already appointed key members of his top team on Sunday.
They included newly-elected deputy leader Angela Rayner being named Labour Party chair, Anneliese Dodds being appointed shadow chancellor and Lisa Nandy, who came third in the leadership contest, succeeding Ms Thornberry as shadow foreign secretary.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:59 New Labour leader: The challenges ahead
Sir Keir said: "I'm proud to have appointed a shadow cabinet that showcases the breadth, depth and talents of the Labour Party.
"This is a new team that will be relentlessly focused on acting in the national interest to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and rebuilding Labour so that it can win the next election."
Sir Keir's shadow cabinet currently includes 17 women and 15 men, with seven BAME members.
Further appointments are expected over the coming days.
Labour's new shadow cabinet:


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Who steps in to run the country if Boris Johnson can't?

Downing Street has insisted that Boris Johnson remains `` in charge of government '' despite being admitted to hospital for coronavirus tests .
But Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is effectively the deputy prime minister , chaired the government 's daily COVID-19 meeting on Monday .
Senior Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood , who is chairman of the Commons defence select committee , told Sky News : `` The prime minister has made it clear he will continue strategically leading the battle against the coronavirus , but the day-to-day operations will be handed to Dominic Raab . ''
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since testing positive on 27 March ; he uses the residence above the chancellor 's office as several prime ministers have in the past given it has a larger living space .
Sir Craig Oliver , who was David Cameron 's director of communications when he was PM , told Sky News that Mr Johnson 's hospital admission means `` it is not really possible for him to be running the country in perhaps the way he would have been when he was in Number 11 '' .
`` The most important thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a presidential system in this country .
Sometimes we act like we do .
But the phrase that 's applied to the prime minister is primus inter pares - first among equals .
`` The system is designed so that others can step up into the breach when necessary . ''
Sir Craig added : `` What he needs to do obviously is get better .
`` The difficulty in these situations if you 're a leader is you probably want to push and push yourself and get yourself into a position perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the important thing is for him to be rested properly and get back .
And in that time be able to hand over some of the responsibilities to others . ''
If Mr Johnson 's hospital stay becomes prolonged , Mr Raab could assume more of the PM 's responsibilities .
Before Mr Johnson contracted the coronavirus , the foreign secretary was lined up as the `` designated survivor '' who could step in if the PM was left incapacitated by the virus .
Mr Johnson has been in self-isolation since testing positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant he could no longer front the government 's daily coronavirus news conferences .
But he continued to take meetings via video conference , including a gathering of his top team of ministers on Zoom .
Mr Raab is one of a number of cabinet ministers who have led the news conferences since the crisis began .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak , Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove have also fielded questions from journalists .

Downing Street has insisted that Boris Johnson remains "in charge of government" despite being admitted to hospital for coronavirus tests.
But Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is effectively the deputy prime minister, chaired the government's daily COVID-19 meeting on Monday.
Senior Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, who is chairman of the Commons defence select committee, told Sky News: "The prime minister has made it clear he will continue strategically leading the battle against the coronavirus, but the day-to-day operations will be handed to Dominic Raab."
Image: Dominic Raab is one of a number of ministers who have led the daily coronavirus news conferences
Mr Johnson has been self-isolating in 11 Downing Street since testing positive on 27 March; he uses the residence above the chancellor's office as several prime ministers have in the past given it has a larger living space.
Sir Craig Oliver, who was David Cameron's director of communications when he was PM, told Sky News that Mr Johnson's hospital admission means "it is not really possible for him to be running the country in perhaps the way he would have been when he was in Number 11".
"The most important thing to remember is we don't have a presidential system in this country. Sometimes we act like we do. But the phrase that's applied to the prime minister is primus inter pares - first among equals.
"The system is designed so that others can step up into the breach when necessary."
Sir Craig added: "What he needs to do obviously is get better.
"The difficulty in these situations if you're a leader is you probably want to push and push yourself and get yourself into a position perhaps where you're exhausted.
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"But the important thing is for him to be rested properly and get back. And in that time be able to hand over some of the responsibilities to others."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:36 PM admitted to hospital
If Mr Johnson's hospital stay becomes prolonged, Mr Raab could assume more of the PM's responsibilities.
Before Mr Johnson contracted the coronavirus, the foreign secretary was lined up as the "designated survivor" who could step in if the PM was left incapacitated by the virus.
Mr Johnson has been in self-isolation since testing positive for COVID-19 on 27 March.
This meant he could no longer front the government's daily coronavirus news conferences.
But he continued to take meetings via video conference, including a gathering of his top team of ministers on Zoom.
Mr Raab is one of a number of cabinet ministers who have led the news conferences since the crisis began.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove have also fielded questions from journalists.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Tiger at New York's Bronx Zoo tests positive for COVID-19

A tiger in a New York zoo has tested positive for coronavirus and three others are showing symptoms of the highly contagious respiratory infection .
Nadia , a four-year-old female Malayan tiger , and three African lions had developed a dry cough at the Bronx Zoo located within the Bronx Park .
All four big cats are expected to recover .
The US Department of Agriculture , which confirmed Nadia 's test result at its veterinary lab , believes it is the first known coronavirus infection in an animal in America or a tiger anywhere in the world .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are otherwise `` doing well under veterinary care and are bright , alert and interactive with their keepers '' .
`` We tested the cat [ Nadia ] out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about COVID-19 will contribute to the world 's continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus , '' the zoo said .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It said it will continue to monitor the cats closely and anticipates full recoveries , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big cats including snow leopards , cheetahs , a clouded leopard , Amur leopard and a puma were showing any signs of illness .
Coronavirus has infected more than 1.2 million people across the world and at least 69,451 have died with the disease .
It is believed the virus was first transferred to people at a food market that trades wildlife in Wuhan , China .
The zoo 's statement added : `` There is no evidence that animals play a role in the transmission of COVID-19 to people other than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and no evidence that any person has been infected with COVID-19 in the US by animals , including by pet dogs or cats . ''
The number of cases across the US climbed to at least 331,151 on Sunday with around 9,441 fatalities , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
New York , the hardest-hit state , reported that deaths had fallen slightly from the day before for the first time in a week , but there were still nearly 600 new fatalities and more than 7,300 cases .

A tiger in a New York zoo has tested positive for coronavirus and three others are showing symptoms of the highly contagious respiratory infection.
Nadia, a four-year-old female Malayan tiger, and three African lions had developed a dry cough at the Bronx Zoo located within the Bronx Park.
All four big cats are expected to recover.
The US Department of Agriculture, which confirmed Nadia's test result at its veterinary lab, believes it is the first known coronavirus infection in an animal in America or a tiger anywhere in the world.
The tigers experienced some decrease in appetite but are otherwise "doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert and interactive with their keepers".
"We tested the cat [Nadia] out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about COVID-19 will contribute to the world's continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus," the zoo said.
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::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
It said it will continue to monitor the cats closely and anticipates full recoveries, adding that none of the zoo's other big cats including snow leopards, cheetahs, a clouded leopard, Amur leopard and a puma were showing any signs of illness.
Coronavirus has infected more than 1.2 million people across the world and at least 69,451 have died with the disease.
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It is believed the virus was first transferred to people at a food market that trades wildlife in Wuhan, China.
The zoo's statement added: "There is no evidence that animals play a role in the transmission of COVID-19 to people other than the initial event in the Wuhan market, and no evidence that any person has been infected with COVID-19 in the US by animals, including by pet dogs or cats."
The number of cases across the US climbed to at least 331,151 on Sunday with around 9,441 fatalities, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
New York, the hardest-hit state, reported that deaths had fallen slightly from the day before for the first time in a week, but there were still nearly 600 new fatalities and more than 7,300 cases.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus around the world: Pubs close in Australia as Italy cases soar

Countries around the world are imposing stricter rules in an effort to slow the rapid spread of COVID-19 .
Coronavirus has infected more than 328,200 people and killed more than 14,300 worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins University , which has been tracking the pandemic .
Here are the latest updates .
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered the closure of most venues from Monday , including pubs , casinos , gyms and cinemas .
The move followed concern from authorities that people were disregarding health and government warnings to avoid large gatherings in recent days - including by flocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Along with nearby New Zealand , Australia had brought in widespread rules to limit the spread of COVID-19 - now linked to seven deaths in the country .
These measures had been weaker than parts of Europe and North America with higher infection rates , but the number of cases rose sharply in recent days to 1,315 .
The rapid spread caused Mr Morrison to restrict restaurants and cafes to takeaway-only outlets , enforce enclosed funerals and close indoor sporting venues and places of worship .
However , he said schools will stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths from coronavirus of 651 in one day , taking the death toll in the world 's hardest-hit country to almost 5,500 as confirmed cases surpassed 59,000 .
In a desperate effort to slow the pandmeic , the Italian government ordered all businesses to close until 3 April , excluding those vital to the country 's supply chain .
In the most-affected region of Lombardy , even outdoor exercise alone was forbidden , while people were no longer allowed to use vending machines .
In the UK , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the coronavirus like the Italian health system in just two weeks .
There have been 281 deaths in the UK so far , with the number of confirmed cases reaching 5,683 , - a rise of 635 in 24 hours .
Spanish media reported the government wanted to double the 15-day state of emergency , with the death toll hiking from 1,326 to 1,756 in 24 hours .
Confirmed cases in the Netherlands jumped by 573 to 4,204 - with 43 new deaths .
New Jersey became the latest US state to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe in keeping workers at home , closing schools and shutting bars , pubs and restaurants .
A quarter of Americans have been placed under lockdown .
At least 23,941 cases of COVID-19 had been reported in the United States and 306 people with the disease had died as of Saturday evening .
Cases in the state of New York rose by nearly a third in one day to more than 15,100 .
Bolivia 's interim government announced it would postpone presidential elections originally scheduled to take place on 3 May and institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Brazil 's largest state , Sao Paulo , is set to essentially shut down for two weeks to help fight the virus , its governor said on Saturday .
President Jair Bolsonaro said again that `` hysteria '' over the outbreak could cause more harm than the virus itself .
A nationwide curfew was imposed in India , as Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered hundreds of millions of people to stay indoors .
At least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far with four reported deaths , according to official data on Sunday .
China - the birthplace of the virus - reported 46 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday , the fourth straight day of a rise despite a dramatically slowing spread .
All but one of those were from people arriving from overseas , leading to further measures to intercept cases from abroad .
Members of a South Korean church scuffled with police on Sunday , media reported , as government restrictions on religious services and other gatherings took effect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 129 deaths in one day , the health ministry 's spokesman told state TV on Sunday .
Infections rates rose to 21,638 .
Oman on Sunday banned public gatherings , limited staffing at state entities and shut currency exchange bureaus .
Angola , Eritrea and Uganda confirmed their first cases of coronavirus , while Mauritius recorded its first death as the virus spreads in Africa , with several countries in the continent closing their borders .
There are concerns that the continent will not cope with a surge in cases .

Countries around the world are imposing stricter rules in an effort to slow the rapid spread of COVID-19.
Coronavirus has infected more than 328,200 people and killed more than 14,300 worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University, which has been tracking the pandemic.
Here are the latest updates.
Australia
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered the closure of most venues from Monday, including pubs, casinos, gyms and cinemas.
The move followed concern from authorities that people were disregarding health and government warnings to avoid large gatherings in recent days - including by flocking to Sydney's popular Bondi Beach.
Image: The UK has advised against non-essential travel
Along with nearby New Zealand, Australia had brought in widespread rules to limit the spread of COVID-19 - now linked to seven deaths in the country.
These measures had been weaker than parts of Europe and North America with higher infection rates, but the number of cases rose sharply in recent days to 1,315.
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The rapid spread caused Mr Morrison to restrict restaurants and cafes to takeaway-only outlets, enforce enclosed funerals and close indoor sporting venues and places of worship. However, he said schools will stay open.
Europe
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Spain moves to prevent coronavirus disaster
Italy recorded a jump in deaths from coronavirus of 651 in one day, taking the death toll in the world's hardest-hit country to almost 5,500 as confirmed cases surpassed 59,000.
In a desperate effort to slow the pandmeic, the Italian government ordered all businesses to close until 3 April, excluding those vital to the country's supply chain.
Image: Italy's hospitals are on the brink of collapse as cases continues to soar
In the most-affected region of Lombardy, even outdoor exercise alone was forbidden, while people were no longer allowed to use vending machines.
In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the NHS could be "overwhelmed" by the coronavirus like the Italian health system in just two weeks. There have been 281 deaths in the UK so far, with the number of confirmed cases reaching 5,683, - a rise of 635 in 24 hours.
Spanish media reported the government wanted to double the 15-day state of emergency, with the death toll hiking from 1,326 to 1,756 in 24 hours.
Confirmed cases in the Netherlands jumped by 573 to 4,204 - with 43 new deaths.
Americas
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:03 Americans told to stay at home
New Jersey became the latest US state to impose unprecedented restrictions and join much of Europe in keeping workers at home, closing schools and shutting bars, pubs and restaurants.
A quarter of Americans have been placed under lockdown.
Image: There are fears in the US of a widespread shortage of medical supplies.
At least 23,941 cases of COVID-19 had been reported in the United States and 306 people with the disease had died as of Saturday evening. Cases in the state of New York rose by nearly a third in one day to more than 15,100.
Bolivia's interim government announced it would postpone presidential elections originally scheduled to take place on 3 May and institute a mandatory countrywide quarantine for 14 days.
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Brazil's largest state, Sao Paulo, is set to essentially shut down for two weeks to help fight the virus, its governor said on Saturday. President Jair Bolsonaro said again that "hysteria" over the outbreak could cause more harm than the virus itself.
Asia
A nationwide curfew was imposed in India, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered hundreds of millions of people to stay indoors.
At least 341 people have contracted the disease there so far with four reported deaths, according to official data on Sunday.
Image: Residents clap and bang utensils from their balconies to cheer for medical workers in Mumbai, India
China - the birthplace of the virus - reported 46 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, the fourth straight day of a rise despite a dramatically slowing spread. All but one of those were from people arriving from overseas, leading to further measures to intercept cases from abroad.
Members of a South Korean church scuffled with police on Sunday, media reported, as government restrictions on religious services and other gatherings took effect.
Middle East and Africa
Iran's death toll reached 1,685 with 129 deaths in one day, the health ministry's spokesman told state TV on Sunday. Infections rates rose to 21,638.
Oman on Sunday banned public gatherings, limited staffing at state entities and shut currency exchange bureaus.
Image: The first cases in sub-Saharan Africa were announced weeks ago but infection rates are rising swiftly
Angola, Eritrea and Uganda confirmed their first cases of coronavirus, while Mauritius recorded its first death as the
virus spreads in Africa, with several countries in the continent closing their borders.
There are concerns that the continent will not cope with a surge in cases.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Poverty warning as 'young and low-paid worst hit' by lockdown

A union organisation has warned against rising poverty as a report suggests the young and low-paid will be worst affected by business shutdowns during the coronavirus crisis .
Researchers at the Institute for Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) noted that employees aged under 25 were about two and a half times as likely to work in a sector in effective lockdown because of COVID-19 , such as restaurants , shops and leisure , as other staff .
It said the measure , to ensure social distancing , took in almost a third of all young workers , with a disproportionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senior research economist , Xiaowei Xu , noted : `` There is a remarkable concentration of younger and lower paid workers in the sectors most affected by the current lockdown .
`` Women are also more likely to be affected than men .
`` Fortunately , in the short run , many will have the cushion of the incomes of parents or other household members .
`` But for the longer term , there must be serious worries about the effect of this crisis on the young especially and on inequality more generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of measures to support businesses , including guarantees to cover 80 % of the wages of furloughed staff .
The TUC union organisation demanded on Monday an `` emergency '' boost to Universal Credit , to help the jobless get through the coronavirus outbreak .
It was revealed last week there had been a stampede of around 950,000 applications over the past fortnight when a figure of around 100,000 claimants is more normal for such a period .
The TUC argued that without an urgent increase to lift the basic rate above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in real terms , than during the unemployment peaks of the 1980s and 1990s .
The TUC 's suggestions included ending the five-week wait period by replacing emergency Universal Credit loans with emergency grants .
Its general secretary , Frances O'Grady , said : `` Unions have worked closely with government during this crisis to protect livelihoods , but there is still more to do .
`` People who lose their jobs must get the support they need to make ends meet and to get back on their feet .
`` If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk being plunged into poverty .
`` We need a social security system that can deal with the current pandemic and beyond .
It 's time to start a national conversation about how we repair Britain 's safety net and help those who fall on hard times to bounce back . ''
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson responded : `` Universal Credit is delivering vital support to millions of people in these unprecedented times , and from today payments will rise by up to £1,040 a year .
`` This government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help those affected by Covid-19 and has announced over £6.5bn of additional measures through the welfare system .
`` .

A union organisation has warned against rising poverty as a report suggests the young and low-paid will be worst affected by business shutdowns during the coronavirus crisis.
Researchers at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) noted that employees aged under 25 were about two and a half times as likely to work in a sector in effective lockdown because of COVID-19, such as restaurants, shops and leisure, as other staff.
It said the measure, to ensure social distancing, took in almost a third of all young workers, with a disproportionate amount of women working in retail.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 Police pour water on barbecue amid lockdown
Senior research economist, Xiaowei Xu, noted: "There is a remarkable concentration of younger and lower paid workers in the sectors most affected by the current lockdown.
"Women are also more likely to be affected than men.
"Fortunately, in the short run, many will have the cushion of the incomes of parents or other household members.
"But for the longer term, there must be serious worries about the effect of this crisis on the young especially and on inequality more generally."
The chancellor has announced a series of measures to support businesses, including guarantees to cover 80% of the wages of furloughed staff.
The TUC union organisation demanded on Monday an "emergency" boost to Universal Credit, to help the jobless get through the coronavirus outbreak.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:05 Are changes needed to Universal Credit?
It was revealed last week there had been a stampede of around 950,000 applications over the past fortnight when a figure of around 100,000 claimants is more normal for such a period.
The TUC argued that without an urgent increase to lift the basic rate above £94, unemployment support would be lower in real terms, than during the unemployment peaks of the 1980s and 1990s.
The TUC's suggestions included ending the five-week wait period by replacing emergency Universal Credit loans with emergency grants.
Its general secretary, Frances O'Grady, said: "Unions have worked closely with government during this crisis to protect livelihoods, but there is still more to do.
"People who lose their jobs must get the support they need to make ends meet and to get back on their feet.
"If we don't urgently boost Universal Credit many risk being plunged into poverty.
"We need a social security system that can deal with the current pandemic and beyond. It's time to start a national conversation about how we repair Britain's safety net and help those who fall on hard times to bounce back."
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson responded: "Universal Credit is delivering vital support to millions of people in these unprecedented times, and from today payments will rise by up to £1,040 a year.
"This government is committed to doing whatever it takes to help those affected by Covid-19 and has announced over £6.5bn of additional measures through the welfare system.".


news--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Pink attacks 'travesty' of US testing after contracting COVID-19

Pink has demanded more COVID-19 testing in the US after revealing she contracted the deadly virus .
In an Instagram post , the singer described the illness as `` serious and real '' and said it affects the `` young and old , healthy and unhealthy , rich and poor '' .
She described current testing efforts as a `` travesty '' and urged people to stay at home .
She wants testing to be `` free and more widely accessible '' and has donated a million dollars to two emergency funds .
Pink and her son Jameson , three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ago , she said .
`` Fortunately , our primary care physician had access to tests and I tested positive , '' the star added .
`` My family was already sheltering at home and we continued to do so for the last two weeks following the instruction of our doctor . ''
They were re-tested a few days ago and are `` now thankfully negative '' .
Turning to testing , she said : `` It is an absolute travesty and failure of our government to not make testing more widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free and more widely accessible to protect our children , our families , our friends and our communities . ''
American magazine The Atlantic launched an initiative called the COVID Tracking Project to `` fill a major gap in publicly available testing data '' .
It added : `` No governmental or institutional source is publishing complete testing data - including not just identified cases , but how many people have been tested , and where . ''
In his latest advice to the nation , Donald Trump urged Americans to wear masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so himself because he `` does n't want to '' .
Pink said half of her donation was going to the Temple University Hospital Emergency Fund in Philadelphia `` in honour of my mother , Judy Moore , who worked there for 18 years '' .
She is also giving $ 500,000 ( £407,000 ) to the City of Los Angeles Mayor 's Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund .
The star thanked healthcare professionals who are `` working so hard to protect our loved ones '' , adding : `` You are our heroes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` next two weeks are crucial '' and `` Please .
Stay .
Home '' .

Pink has demanded more COVID-19 testing in the US after revealing she contracted the deadly virus.
In an Instagram post, the singer described the illness as "serious and real" and said it affects the "young and old, healthy and unhealthy, rich and poor".
She described current testing efforts as a "travesty" and urged people to stay at home.
Image: Pink and Jameson at an awards show in November
She wants testing to be "free and more widely accessible" and has donated a million dollars to two emergency funds.
Pink and her son Jameson, three, were showing symptoms of COVID-19 two weeks ago, she said.
"Fortunately, our primary care physician had access to tests and I tested positive," the star added.
"My family was already sheltering at home and we continued to do so for the last two weeks following the instruction of our doctor."
They were re-tested a few days ago and are "now thankfully negative".
Turning to testing, she said: "It is an absolute travesty and failure of our government to not make testing more widely accessible.
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"We must make testing free and more widely accessible to protect our children, our families, our friends and our communities."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Trump on masks: 'I don't think I'll be doing it'
American magazine The Atlantic launched an initiative called the COVID Tracking Project to "fill a major gap in publicly available testing data".
It added: "No governmental or institutional source is publishing complete testing data - including not just identified cases, but how many people have been tested, and where."
In his latest advice to the nation, Donald Trump urged Americans to wear masks while saying he will not be doing so himself because he "doesn't want to".
Pink said half of her donation was going to the Temple University Hospital Emergency Fund in Philadelphia "in honour of my mother, Judy Moore, who worked there for 18 years".
She is also giving $500,000 (£407,000) to the City of Los Angeles Mayor's Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund.
The star thanked healthcare professionals who are "working so hard to protect our loved ones", adding: "You are our heroes!"
She finished by saying the "next two weeks are crucial" and "Please. Stay. Home".


news--2020-04-05--Coronavirus: Italy posts lowest daily coronavirus death toll in over two weeks

Italy has recorded its lowest daily coronavirus death toll in over two weeks , providing more glimmers of hope for the country .
Another 525 deaths have been reported , taking the total to 15,887 .
That is the lowest 24-hour tally since the middle of last month , while the number of patients in intensive care has also dropped for the second day running .
The latest jump in confirmed cases - from 124,632 to 128,984 - is also down on the day before , which has further heightened hopes that the epidemic may have finally plateaued .
Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world and has more coronavirus fatalities than any other nation ; however , there have been signs that the lockdown enforced on 9 March may be having an impact .
Of those originally infected across the country , 21,815 were declared recovered on Sunday - up more than 1,000 .
There were 3,977 people in intensive care , a fall of 17 from 3,994 on Friday , when officials reported the first drop in intensive care numbers since COVID-19 first emerged in northern Italy back in February .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Despite room for some optimism , officials are urging people not to become complacent .
The ravaged Lombardy region is now requiring residents to wear a protective mask when they go outside after similar orders were ordered in two other northern regions .
Veneto and Alto Adige require protective masks for residents if they go shopping in stores and markets .
And while the nationwide lockdown remains in force , Lombardy has also passed particularly tight restrictions on movement and business operations .
It comes amid a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be masking the true number dying , with people dying at home without their symptoms being checked and medics unable to visit them before they pass away .
In Bergamo province , Sky News recently witnessed horrific scenes in the main hospital and its mayor told chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay he was convinced the death toll was higher than that being reported .
According to a recent study of death records in Bergamo , the true death count there could be more than double the official tally of 2,060 , which only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on hospital numbers , Sunday brought signs that the pandemic was slowing in Europe 's other most badly affected countries .
The rate of infections and deaths went down again in Spain , as it prepares to enter its fourth week of lockdown .
Fatalities rose to 12,418 , the second highest worldwide total after Italy , but the latest increase of 674 people who died during the past 24 hours was down from Saturday 's 809 and well below Thursday 's daily record of 950 .
The total number of infections rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salvador Illa said : `` The data from this week and today confirms the slowing down of infections .
`` The data confirms that confinement is working . ''
Sky News correspondent Alex Rossi , in Madrid , said there is `` muted optimism '' as a result of the figures - but the government has no plans to ease its lockdown just yet .
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told the nation on Saturday `` we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel '' ; however , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his lockdown by 15 days until 26 April .
France reported a decrease in the number of deaths of coronavirus patients in its hospitals in Sunday .
There were 441 new deaths - less than the high of 588 reported on Friday - for a total hospital death tally of 5,532 .
However , the overall number of deaths was up as the government included more previously unreported deaths from nursing homes across the country - some dating back to the start of March .
This added another 2,028 deaths to the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7,560 , an increase of 1,053 on the cumulative figure reported on Friday .
To help cope , Europe 's biggest food market in Rungis , south of Paris , is being transformed into a morgue .
France 's high-speed train network has also been transporting critically ill coronavirus patients to hospitals under less strain outside the capital .
Nearly 7,000 patients are in intensive care in France , pushing hospitals to their limit and beyond .

Italy has recorded its lowest daily coronavirus death toll in over two weeks, providing more glimmers of hope for the country.
Another 525 deaths have been reported, taking the total to 15,887.
That is the lowest 24-hour tally since the middle of last month, while the number of patients in intensive care has also dropped for the second day running.
The latest jump in confirmed cases - from 124,632 to 128,984 - is also down on the day before, which has further heightened hopes that the epidemic may have finally plateaued.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 44:03 Special report: Into the Red Zone
Italy remains one of the hardest-hit countries in the world and has more coronavirus fatalities than any other nation; however, there have been signs that the lockdown enforced on 9 March may be having an impact.
Of those originally infected across the country, 21,815 were declared recovered on Sunday - up more than 1,000.
There were 3,977 people in intensive care, a fall of 17 from 3,994 on Friday, when officials reported the first drop in intensive care numbers since COVID-19 first emerged in northern Italy back in February.
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Despite room for some optimism, officials are urging people not to become complacent.
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The ravaged Lombardy region is now requiring residents to wear a protective mask when they go outside after similar orders were ordered in two other northern regions.
Veneto and Alto Adige require protective masks for residents if they go shopping in stores and markets.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:18 The shocking centre of the COVID-19 crisis
And while the nationwide lockdown remains in force, Lombardy has also passed particularly tight restrictions on movement and business operations.
It comes amid a growing appreciation that the official death toll may be masking the true number dying, with people dying at home without their symptoms being checked and medics unable to visit them before they pass away.
In Bergamo province, Sky News recently witnessed horrific scenes in the main hospital and its mayor told chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay he was convinced the death toll was higher than that being reported.
According to a recent study of death records in Bergamo, the true death count there could be more than double the official tally of 2,060, which only tracks hospital fatalities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:58 'It's a war, it's a disaster' - Lombardy hospital struggles to cope
But purely based on hospital numbers, Sunday brought signs that the pandemic was slowing in Europe's other most badly affected countries.
The rate of infections and deaths went down again in Spain, as it prepares to enter its fourth week of lockdown.
Fatalities rose to 12,418, the second highest worldwide total after Italy, but the latest increase of 674 people who died during the past 24 hours was down from Saturday's 809 and well below Thursday's daily record of 950.
The total number of infections rose to 130,759 from 124,736.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Elation as 94-year-old beats COVID-19 in Spain
Health minster Salvador Illa said: "The data from this week and today confirms the slowing down of infections.
"The data confirms that confinement is working."
Sky News correspondent Alex Rossi, in Madrid, said there is "muted optimism" as a result of the figures - but the government has no plans to ease its lockdown just yet.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told the nation on Saturday "we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel"; however, he said he would ask parliament to extend his lockdown by 15 days until 26 April.
Image: A group of Spanish health workers send a message of hope
France reported a decrease in the number of deaths of coronavirus patients in its hospitals in Sunday.
There were 441 new deaths - less than the high of 588 reported on Friday - for a total hospital death tally of 5,532.
However, the overall number of deaths was up as the government included more previously unreported deaths from nursing homes across the country - some dating back to the start of March.
This added another 2,028 deaths to the national tally for a total death toll of 7,560, an increase of 1,053 on the cumulative figure reported on Friday.
Image: Medical staff carry a patient infected with the novel coronavirus in an emergency vehicle at the Saint-Jean train station in Bordeaux
To help cope, Europe's biggest food market in Rungis, south of Paris, is being transformed into a morgue.
France's high-speed train network has also been transporting critically ill coronavirus patients to hospitals under less strain outside the capital.
Nearly 7,000 patients are in intensive care in France, pushing hospitals to their limit and beyond.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: 10 public transport workers die after testing positive for COVID-19

Ten public transport workers have died in the capital after testing positive for coronavirus , the London mayor Sadiq Khan has said .
Mr Khan said they all died in the last few days , with eight being bus workers , one working for Transport for London and another working for London Underground .
The mayor of London said on Monday afternoon : `` They are in my thoughts and prayers , and my condolences to their families .
`` It reminds us actually , one of the heroic frontline workers are transport workers .
`` We 've got 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who work for Transport for London , doing their best to keep public transport running for those essential key workers that need public transport to get from home to work and back home again .
`` The NHS , those who work in our shops in the food sector , police officers , firefighters . ''
Mr Khan added that London public transport workers have not currently been provided with personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , such as masks and gloves , during the coronavirus outbreak .
He said the advice from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no need for transport workers to have the equipment .
The ASLEF union , which represents transport workers , has called for people working in the industry to be provided with PPE .
Mr Khan said : `` We can do the best we can with the limited facilities given by the government .
`` We are lobbying the government regularly , almost on a daily basis , for additional personal protective equipment and additional testing as well .
`` At the moment what we 're doing is using hospital-standard anti-viral disinfectant , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points - think about bus garages , the steering wheel , depots .
`` The restrooms , the key places people touch when they get onto a bus . ''
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Khan added that despite record numbers of staff being off due to showing symptoms of COVID-19 , almost 90 % of buses are still running along with more than 55 % of Tube trains .
The Mayor of London also repeated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport if they `` really really have to '' and should stay at home where possible .
A further 403 coronavirus patients in England were confirmed to have died on Monday after contracting coronavirus .
It takes the total number of fatalities in England to 4,897 .
There were an extra 27 deaths in Wales taking the overall number to 193 and two further deaths in Scotland where the total now stands at 222 .
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is in `` good spirits '' after spending a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for coronavirus .
His official spokesman said he continues to lead the government and has been working on official papers from his hospital bed .

Ten public transport workers have died in the capital after testing positive for coronavirus, the London mayor Sadiq Khan has said.
Mr Khan said they all died in the last few days, with eight being bus workers, one working for Transport for London and another working for London Underground.
Image: The 10 who died include eight London bus drivers
The mayor of London said on Monday afternoon: "They are in my thoughts and prayers, and my condolences to their families.
"It reminds us actually, one of the heroic frontline workers are transport workers.
"We've got 25,000 bus drivers, more than 25,000 people who work for Transport for London, doing their best to keep public transport running for those essential key workers that need public transport to get from home to work and back home again.
"The NHS, those who work in our shops in the food sector, police officers, firefighters."
Mr Khan added that London public transport workers have not currently been provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves, during the coronavirus outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:16 Special Report: Life in Lockdown
He said the advice from Public Health England is that there is no need for transport workers to have the equipment.
The ASLEF union, which represents transport workers, has called for people working in the industry to be provided with PPE.
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Mr Khan said: "We can do the best we can with the limited facilities given by the government.
"We are lobbying the government regularly, almost on a daily basis, for additional personal protective equipment and additional testing as well.
"At the moment what we're doing is using hospital-standard anti-viral disinfectant, we're regularly cleaning the key touch points - think about bus garages, the steering wheel, depots.
"The restrooms, the key places people touch when they get onto a bus."
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Khan added that despite record numbers of staff being off due to showing symptoms of COVID-19, almost 90% of buses are still running along with more than 55% of Tube trains.
The Mayor of London also repeated the message that people should only use public transport if they "really really have to" and should stay at home where possible.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:51 PM spends the night in hospital
A further 403 coronavirus patients in England were confirmed to have died on Monday after contracting coronavirus.
It takes the total number of fatalities in England to 4,897.
There were an extra 27 deaths in Wales taking the overall number to 193 and two further deaths in Scotland where the total now stands at 222.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is in "good spirits" after spending a "comfortable" night in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
His official spokesman said he continues to lead the government and has been working on official papers from his hospital bed.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: At-home immunity tests will take 'at least a month', professor says

It will take `` at least a month '' to develop a reliable at-home antibody test kit for COVID-19 that can be widely used , the Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford University has said .
Despite this warning , Sir John Bell believes `` the UK is now uniquely positioned to evaluate and find the optimal test for this disease '' .
He has written an open letter in which he explains the challenges around testing for detecting if a person has developed immunity against COVID-19 and explores how these antibody tests have not been accurate enough so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strategy to carry out , among others , blood tests to identify people who may have had the virus and are now protected having developed an immunity .
There has been success in developing a diagnosis test that delivers results in 90 minutes , but at-home antibody tests have proven harder .
Those who have developed an immunity could go back into society , including for work , as they do not risk getting the virus again .
He explains : `` Long-term protection to this virus comes from antibodies , small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack the virus and neutralise it so it can not be spread and can not do any more damage to the person infected . ''
`` It may be that many people get this infection without severe symptoms so many may have protection and not know it , '' he adds , commenting that large scale testing is `` crucial for getting us back to our normal lives in the coming months '' .
Acknowledging the benefits of these tests , Sir John cautions that tests that are not accurate can cause problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send tests back because they did not work .
He writes : `` There are many challenges to creating accurate tests ; hence these tests need to be validated carefully .
Other countries such as Spain have already sent tests back because they do n't work .
`` There are 100 or more such tests kits from different suppliers available for identifying COVID-19 antibodies , and it is important that each of these is checked for accuracy before making them available to the public . ''
Sir John warns that if tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are protected by immunity when they are not .
To create what Sir John describes as a `` gold standard test '' , he outlines that swabs are needed from coronavirus patients who recovered from the virus infection approximately 28 days before , as well as blood from people who donated before the epidemic in order to identify any false positive tests .
He writes that the UK is in a good position to find a reliable test , but despite looking at many options `` sadly , the tests we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well '' , but adds that `` no test has been acclaimed by health authorities as having the necessary characteristics for screening people accurately for protective immunity . ''
Sir John , who is also a government adviser on Life Sciences , concludes saying an at-home antibody test is a real possibility but will still take time .
He writes : `` That should be achievable , and the government will be working with suppliers both new and old to try and deliver this result so we can scale up antibody testing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take at least a month . ''
One of the first new-style antibody tests for the coronavirus began validation trials to prove its reliable enough for widespread use at the end of March , with scientists at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine using it against samples taken from doctors and nurses on the frontline of the pandemic .
The 10-minute test - made by Mologic - requires just a small finger-prick of blood .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , or at the patient 's bedside , with a line appearing in a window on a plastic tray , in a similar way to a pregnancy test .
The government has said it is ordering 3.5 million antibody tests from several developers .
Although healthcare workers will be the top priority , wider testing would allow the economy to start functioning as people are given the all-clear and return to work .

It will take "at least a month" to develop a reliable at-home antibody test kit for COVID-19 that can be widely used, the Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford University has said.
Despite this warning, Sir John Bell believes "the UK is now uniquely positioned to evaluate and find the optimal test for this disease".
He has written an open letter in which he explains the challenges around testing for detecting if a person has developed immunity against COVID-19 and explores how these antibody tests have not been accurate enough so far.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How does the COVID-19 antibody test work?
The UK government has been creating a strategy to carry out, among others, blood tests to identify people who may have had the virus and are now protected having developed an immunity.
There has been success in developing a diagnosis test that delivers results in 90 minutes, but at-home antibody tests have proven harder.
Image: The Samba II machines can make a diagnosis in less than 90 minutes
Those who have developed an immunity could go back into society, including for work, as they do not risk getting the virus again.
He explains: "Long-term protection to this virus comes from antibodies, small proteins produced by your immune system that attack the virus and neutralise it so it cannot be spread and cannot do any more damage to the person infected."
"It may be that many people get this infection without severe symptoms so many may have protection and not know it," he adds, commenting that large scale testing is "crucial for getting us back to our normal lives in the coming months".
Acknowledging the benefits of these tests, Sir John cautions that tests that are not accurate can cause problems, noting that Spain has been forced to send tests back because they did not work.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 Drive-thru tests for NHS workers
He writes: "There are many challenges to creating accurate tests; hence these tests need to be validated carefully. Other countries such as Spain have already sent tests back because they don't work.
"There are 100 or more such tests kits from different suppliers available for identifying COVID-19 antibodies, and it is important that each of these is checked for accuracy before making them available to the public."
Sir John warns that if tests give incorrect answers, some might believe they are protected by immunity when they are not.
To create what Sir John describes as a "gold standard test", he outlines that swabs are needed from coronavirus patients who recovered from the virus infection approximately 28 days before, as well as blood from people who donated before the epidemic in order to identify any false positive tests.
He writes that the UK is in a good position to find a reliable test, but despite looking at many options "sadly, the tests we have looked at to date have not performed well", but adds that "no test has been acclaimed by health authorities as having the necessary characteristics for screening people accurately for protective immunity."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:24 Queen: 'We'll meet again'
Sir John, who is also a government adviser on Life Sciences, concludes saying an at-home antibody test is a real possibility but will still take time.
He writes: "That should be achievable, and the government will be working with suppliers both new and old to try and deliver this result so we can scale up antibody testing for the British public.
"This will take at least a month."
One of the first new-style antibody tests for the coronavirus began validation trials to prove its reliable enough for widespread use at the end of March, with scientists at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine using it against samples taken from doctors and nurses on the frontline of the pandemic.
The 10-minute test - made by Mologic - requires just a small finger-prick of blood.
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:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It could be used at home, or at the patient's bedside, with a line appearing in a window on a plastic tray, in a similar way to a pregnancy test.
The government has said it is ordering 3.5 million antibody tests from several developers.
Although healthcare workers will be the top priority, wider testing would allow the economy to start functioning as people are given the all-clear and return to work.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Stock markets pick up despite steady flow of grim corporate updates

European stock markets have made a strong start to the week as investors eye a slowing in the rate of coronavirus infections in some worst-hit countries .
The FTSE 100 followed Asia higher in early dealings , closing more than 3 % up , while the French CAC and DAX in Germany made similar but more lengthy strides of 4.6 % and 5.4 % respectively .
Friday 's session had seen guarded declines in values because of nerves around what could happen over the weekend .
But market analysts pointed to hope ahead after the reported rate of new infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - suggesting their respective lockdowns were beginning to have an effect .
News that UK prime minister and COVID-19 sufferer Boris Johnson was in hospital for tests , was said to have weighed on the FTSE 's rebound .
The index was up 2 % in the afternoon - still around 26 % down from where it started the year .
There continued to be a steady stream of companies reporting on their exposure to coronavirus disruption .
Shares in aero engine-maker Rolls-Royce surged by more than 18 % after it said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility to help it navigate the collapse in demand for flights .
The company , which is paid by airlines based on how many hours its engines fly , said it was focused on cutting its cash expenditure , including reducing salary costs across its workforce by at least 10 % this year .
It scrapped its targets and final dividend .
Legal & General was up by 14 % after the insurer said it planned to pay its 2019 dividend , even after a EU regulator said insurers should temporarily halt payouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , WH Smith - hit hard by the decline in business at its most lucrative airport and major train station shops - said it had secured new lending facilities of £120m .
It said the money was conditional on raising new equity and it was at an advanced stage of preparation for the placing - at a maximum of 13.7 % of its issued share capital .
`` These financing arrangements , coupled with a broad range of mitigating actions to manage the cost base and cash-flow , will provide sufficient liquidity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environments , '' WH Smith said .
BT said it had no plans to impose job losses - over the next three months at least - and would increase wages for workers by 1.5 % from July though managerial and executive salaries would be frozen .
Chief executive Philip Jansen said he would donate his salary to the NHS and firms hit by the outbreak for at least the next six months .
Commenting on the wider market mood Naeem Aslam , chief market analyst at AvaTrade , said : `` US futures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investors are shrugging off the pessimism .
`` They are focused on more optimistic things : the slowing death rate caused by coronavirus .
Italy , Spain , France , and Germany have all seen declining numbers . ''

European stock markets have made a strong start to the week as investors eye a slowing in the rate of coronavirus infections in some worst-hit countries.
The FTSE 100 followed Asia higher in early dealings, closing more than 3% up, while the French CAC and DAX in Germany made similar but more lengthy strides of 4.6% and 5.4% respectively.
Friday's session had seen guarded declines in values because of nerves around what could happen over the weekend.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:36 PM admitted to hospital
But market analysts pointed to hope ahead after the reported rate of new infections and deaths slowed in Italy and Spain - suggesting their respective lockdowns were beginning to have an effect.
News that UK prime minister and COVID-19 sufferer Boris Johnson was in hospital for tests, was said to have weighed on the FTSE's rebound.
The index was up 2% in the afternoon - still around 26% down from where it started the year.
There continued to be a steady stream of companies reporting on their exposure to coronavirus disruption.
Shares in aero engine-maker Rolls-Royce surged by more than 18% after it said it had secured an additional £1.5bn revolving credit facility to help it navigate the collapse in demand for flights.
The company, which is paid by airlines based on how many hours its engines fly, said it was focused on cutting its cash expenditure, including reducing salary costs across its workforce by at least 10% this year.
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It scrapped its targets and final dividend.
Legal & General was up by 14% after the insurer said it planned to pay its 2019 dividend, even after a EU regulator said insurers should temporarily halt payouts.
Image: Newsagent to bookseller WH Smith is heavily exposed to the travel sector
Among other companies updating the market, WH Smith - hit hard by the decline in business at its most lucrative airport and major train station shops - said it had secured new lending facilities of £120m.
It said the money was conditional on raising new equity and it was at an advanced stage of preparation for the placing - at a maximum of 13.7% of its issued share capital.
"These financing arrangements, coupled with a broad range of mitigating actions to manage the cost base and cash-flow, will provide sufficient liquidity to deal with this most challenging of trading environments," WH Smith said.
BT said it had no plans to impose job losses - over the next three months at least - and would increase wages for workers by 1.5% from July though managerial and executive salaries would be frozen.
Chief executive Philip Jansen said he would donate his salary to the NHS and firms hit by the outbreak for at least the next six months.
Commenting on the wider market mood Naeem Aslam, chief market analyst at AvaTrade, said: "US futures and European markets are trading higher because investors are shrugging off the pessimism.
"They are focused on more optimistic things: the slowing death rate caused by coronavirus. Italy, Spain, France, and Germany have all seen declining numbers."


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: What hospital tests will Boris Johnson have as he battles COVID-19?

Boris Johnson will likely undergo several tests on his organs and breathing after he was admitted to hospital on Sunday night , doctors have said .
The prime minister , 55 , is receiving treatment 10 days after he tested positive for COVID-19 .
He will stay for `` as long as needed '' in the London NHS hospital where he was taken as a `` precautionary step '' on the advice of his doctor - rather than as an emergency .
His symptoms which have been described as persistent are understood to include a high temperature .
While in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister 's oxygen levels , white blood cell count , and liver and kidney function before he is released .
Dr Simon Clarke , a microbiologist from University of Reading , told Sky News : `` They will look at his general physiology and biochemistry , make sure his organs are functioning properly and that he can breathe okay .
`` I imagine these are fairly routine checks just to make sure he 's alright . ''
Dr Clarke added : `` You would normally expect him to get over it quicker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fit and healthy and not over the 70 isolation threshold who do struggle a bit - and we do n't really know why .
`` It 's a bit like why we do n't understand why some people do n't get symptoms at all or do n't get infected at all . ''
Some people may take a bit longer to recover following the typical seven-day quarantine period , Dr Clarke explained .
GP Dr Ellie Cannon told Sky News that still being ill at 10 days `` is probably a red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding : `` Until you are fully better you are not out of the woods . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who tested positive for coronavirus at the same time as Mr Johnson , has since recovered .
Dr Bharat Pankhania , senior clinical lecturer at University of Exeter Medical School , said the prime minister 's doctors would be playing it safe since pneumonia can take hold very quickly .
He said : `` If a patient is developing pneumonia , it can get progressively worse very quickly and hence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulty with breathing are very important . ''
Researchers in China found that 80 % of people who catch coronavirus will only get mild symptoms and recover .
Some 87 % of more than 80,000 infected people have recovered from COVID-19 in China and more than 3,200 have died .
In the UK , it was revealed on Sunday that another 621 hospital patients died after contracting coronavirus - taking the UK 's total to 4,934 .
The number who have tested positive across the UK now stands at 47,806. : : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson has been self-isolating in 11 Downing Street in a residence above the chancellor 's office since testing positive for the virus .
His pregnant partner , Carrie Symonds , announced on Saturday she had spent a week in bed with coronavirus symptoms but struck an optimistic tone , saying : `` I have n't needed to be tested and , after seven days of rest , I feel stronger and I 'm on the mend . ''

Boris Johnson will likely undergo several tests on his organs and breathing after he was admitted to hospital on Sunday night, doctors have said.
The prime minister, 55, is receiving treatment 10 days after he tested positive for COVID-19.
He will stay for "as long as needed" in the London NHS hospital where he was taken as a "precautionary step" on the advice of his doctor - rather than as an emergency.
His symptoms which have been described as persistent are understood to include a high temperature.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:07 How serious is the PM's condition?
While in hospital, doctors will likely check the prime minister's oxygen levels, white blood cell count, and liver and kidney function before he is released.
Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist from University of Reading, told Sky News: "They will look at his general physiology and biochemistry, make sure his organs are functioning properly and that he can breathe okay.
"I imagine these are fairly routine checks just to make sure he's alright."
Dr Clarke added: "You would normally expect him to get over it quicker but there are instances where people who are fit and healthy and not over the 70 isolation threshold who do struggle a bit - and we don't really know why.
"It's a bit like why we don't understand why some people don't get symptoms at all or don't get infected at all."
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Some people may take a bit longer to recover following the typical seven-day quarantine period, Dr Clarke explained.
GP Dr Ellie Cannon told Sky News that still being ill at 10 days "is probably a red flag if he still has symptoms", adding: "Until you are fully better you are not out of the woods."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who tested positive for coronavirus at the same time as Mr Johnson, has since recovered.
Dr Bharat Pankhania, senior clinical lecturer at University of Exeter Medical School, said the prime minister's doctors would be playing it safe since pneumonia can take hold very quickly.
He said: "If a patient is developing pneumonia, it can get progressively worse very quickly and hence early admission upon the first signs of difficulty with breathing are very important."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:42 'We need to massively ramp up the tests'
Researchers in China found that 80% of people who catch coronavirus will only get mild symptoms and recover.
Some 87% of more than 80,000 infected people have recovered from COVID-19 in China and more than 3,200 have died.
In the UK, it was revealed on Sunday that another 621 hospital patients died after contracting coronavirus - taking the UK's total to 4,934.
The number who have tested positive across the UK now stands at 47,806.
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Mr Johnson has been self-isolating in 11 Downing Street in a residence above the chancellor's office since testing positive for the virus.
His pregnant partner, Carrie Symonds, announced on Saturday she had spent a week in bed with coronavirus symptoms but struck an optimistic tone, saying: "I haven't needed to be tested and, after seven days of rest, I feel stronger and I'm on the mend."