news--2020-02-13--Markets bet new chancellor will be a big spender

Stock markets did not show any dismay at Mr Javid 's departure You have to go back a long way – to October 1989 – for the last time that a Chancellor of the Exchequer resigned over the influence of an advisor .
On that occasion , Nigel Lawson resigned from Margaret Thatcher 's government following a clash over the interference of her chief economic adviser , Sir Alan Walters .
History does not repeat itself , but it rhymes , as Mark Twain said .
Sajid Javid 's resignation followed a refusal to sack his advisers at the behest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Lawson 's resignation end , though , with the market reaction on each occasion .
Back in 1989 investors were horrified at Mr Lawson 's resignation , with the FTSE 100 falling by 2.2 % , while the pound fell sharply against the US dollar and against the deutschemark .
Today , market reaction has been very different .
Yes , the FTSE 100 is lower , but so are equity markets everywhere due to news of a rise in new cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 in China .
The Footsie 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exaggerated , reflects the heavy weighting in the index of oil and mining stocks whose fortunes are strongly influenced by China 's economy .
There is nothing in the FTSE 100 's performance today to imply any similar dismay at Mr Javid 's departure .
The more telling reaction has been in the pound and in gilts , UK government bonds .
Although sterling fell briefly on news that Mr Javid had resigned , making him the first Chancellor since the late Iain Macleod 50 years ago not to have presented a Budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollar and the euro , rising by more than 1 % against the latter , a significant move .
The reaction suggests investors expect Mr Javid 's successor , Rishi Sunak , to be less fiscally prudent .
Mr Javid was known to have argued against turning on the spending taps as aggressively as Mr Johnson and his chief adviser , Dominic Cummings , wanted .
Mr Sunak is seen as someone more likely to do Mr Johnson 's bidding .
Adam Seagrave , Head of Global Sales Trading at Saxo Markets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been weaker sterling but we are now seeing a rally to a new high .
`` This is presumably the market interpreting the announcement as Boris wanting advisors who are more willing to back aggressive fiscal stimulus . ''
On that basis , a big increase in public spending aimed at stimulating the economy would make an interest rate cut from the Bank of England less necessary , which - all other things being equal - is supportive for the pound .
The same reasoning underpins moves in the gilt market .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bond yields rise as the price falls ) rose to its highest level for more than three weeks on today 's events .
In other words , because investors expect a big increase in public spending at the Budget , they also expect more gilt issuance - as Chancellors , unless they already have money in the kitty , either pay for extra spending with more borrowing or higher taxes .
So the market is anticipating higher gilt issuance .
The big question is the extent to which the Budget presented next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Wall Street banking giant Goldman Sachs and the hedge fund TCI , is his .
As Mr Javid and his Treasury officials had prepared a Budget to be prepared last autumn , before Mr Johnson called a general election , the chances have to be that a lot of the ground work had already been done .
Nimesh Shah , a partner at the accounting and tax advisory firm Blick Rothenberg , said : `` We would expect a lot of the Budget material will already be in place , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the election which had to be postponed .
`` However , any major changes and decisions that were to be announced would presumably need to be put on hold and assessed by the new chancellor . ''
Although markets are assuming Mr Sunak will be more profligate than Mr Javid , as Mr Johnson seeks to reward northerners who voted Conservative for the first time with extra spending in their area , there is now uncertainty about specific policy measures .
Chancellors quite often like to test the popularity of measures they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details of them to the newspapers and seeing how they play .
Some of the kites flown very publicly by Mr Javid recently included the possibility of a mansion tax and of further cuts to the tax relief enjoyed by higher earners on their pension contributions - a particularly disastrous policy of the former Chancellor , George Osborne , which has created a staffing crisis in the NHS .
Mr Shah said : `` There has been suggestion higher or additional rate relief for pension contributions could be scrapped and a wealth tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant proposals would almost certainly need to be reconsidered by the new Chancellor . ''
Savvas Savouri , the influential chief economist at the hedge fund manager Toscafund , is confident that Mr Sunak will do a good job .
He told clients this afternoon : `` No doubt the news that we now have a new chancellor to take this on , so close to the Budget , will have shocked many .
`` To my mind , Rishi Sunak is educationally and professionally suited for the role he has been rightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory chancellors [ Mr Osborne and Philip Hammond ] , and one who never actually delivered a Budget [ Mr Javid ] , I have no doubt fourth time is a charm . ''
Dr Savouri said that , far from introducing a mansion tax , he expected Mr Sunak to boost the property market by addressing the damage done to housing market activity by Mr Osborne 's increases at the top end .
He added : `` This brand new , and extremely capable , Chancellor is justified in providing our property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by announcing an immediate end to Mr Osborne 's ill-conceived stamp duty surcharge .
`` More broadly , I have full confidence that we are about to be presented with a Budget fundamentally good for the UK economy , including an environmentally and economically sensible generous car scrappage scheme . ''
Mr Shah said it was also possible that , now Mr Javid had been replaced , some of the Prime Minister 's pledges when running for Conservative party leadership - such as raising to £80,000 the threshold at which the 40p rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet be revived .
He added : `` This was expected to cost the Treasury around £8bn and it still remains difficult to see how such a tax cut could be justified given the significant spending plans .
`` However , nothing should be ruled out now , as Boris Johnson could finally get his way with this measure . ''
As George Buckley , economist at Japanese bank Nomura put it : `` I suspect [ the new Chancellor ] is likely to do whatever Boris Johnson tells him to do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fiscal policy . ''
The backdrop to all of this is that , with interest rates low across the world , markets are no longer punishing profligate government spending in the manner that they were in the years immediately after the financial crisis .
That was when Gordon Brown 's government and , later , the coalition government , were forced to take action to bring the budget deficit down or , for example , when the eurozone sovereign debt crisis forced countries like Greece , Portugal , Spain and Ireland to introduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the experience in the United States shows .
Donald Trump , having introduced big tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy , has allowed the budget deficit to let rip - and markets are perfectly relaxed about it .

Sterling has rallied on the expectation that there will now be aggressive fiscal stimulus measures to boost the economy.
Stock markets did not show any dismay at Mr Javid's departure
You have to go back a long way – to October 1989 – for the last time that a Chancellor of the Exchequer resigned over the influence of an advisor.
On that occasion, Nigel Lawson resigned from Margaret Thatcher's government following a clash over the interference of her chief economic adviser, Sir Alan Walters.
History does not repeat itself, but it rhymes, as Mark Twain said.
Sajid Javid's resignation followed a refusal to sack his advisers at the behest of Boris Johnson.
The parallels with Mr Lawson's resignation end, though, with the market reaction on each occasion.
Back in 1989 investors were horrified at Mr Lawson's resignation, with the FTSE 100 falling by 2.2%, while the pound fell sharply against the US dollar and against the deutschemark.
Today, market reaction has been very different.
Yes, the FTSE 100 is lower, but so are equity markets everywhere due to news of a rise in new cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 in China.
The Footsie's reverse, if it does seem more exaggerated, reflects the heavy weighting in the index of oil and mining stocks whose fortunes are strongly influenced by China's economy.
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There is nothing in the FTSE 100's performance today to imply any similar dismay at Mr Javid's departure.
The more telling reaction has been in the pound and in gilts, UK government bonds.
Although sterling fell briefly on news that Mr Javid had resigned, making him the first Chancellor since the late Iain Macleod 50 years ago not to have presented a Budget, it later rallied against the US dollar and the euro, rising by more than 1% against the latter, a significant move.
The reaction suggests investors expect Mr Javid's successor, Rishi Sunak, to be less fiscally prudent.
Mr Javid was known to have argued against turning on the spending taps as aggressively as Mr Johnson and his chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, wanted.
Image: The pound climbed against the US dollar
Mr Sunak is seen as someone more likely to do Mr Johnson's bidding.
Adam Seagrave, Head of Global Sales Trading at Saxo Markets, said: "The initial reaction has been weaker sterling but we are now seeing a rally to a new high.
"This is presumably the market interpreting the announcement as Boris wanting advisors who are more willing to back aggressive fiscal stimulus."
On that basis, a big increase in public spending aimed at stimulating the economy would make an interest rate cut from the Bank of England less necessary, which - all other things being equal - is supportive for the pound.
The same reasoning underpins moves in the gilt market.
The yield on 10-year UK government bonds (bond yields rise as the price falls) rose to its highest level for more than three weeks on today's events.
In other words, because investors expect a big increase in public spending at the Budget, they also expect more gilt issuance - as Chancellors, unless they already have money in the kitty, either pay for extra spending with more borrowing or higher taxes.
So the market is anticipating higher gilt issuance.
The big question is the extent to which the Budget presented next month by Mr Sunak, a former employee of the Wall Street banking giant Goldman Sachs and the hedge fund TCI, is his.
As Mr Javid and his Treasury officials had prepared a Budget to be prepared last autumn, before Mr Johnson called a general election, the chances have to be that a lot of the ground work had already been done.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:18 What does change of Chancellor mean for investors?
Nimesh Shah, a partner at the accounting and tax advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, said: "We would expect a lot of the Budget material will already be in place, more so because a Budget was already planned before the election which had to be postponed.
"However, any major changes and decisions that were to be announced would presumably need to be put on hold and assessed by the new chancellor."
Although markets are assuming Mr Sunak will be more profligate than Mr Javid, as Mr Johnson seeks to reward northerners who voted Conservative for the first time with extra spending in their area, there is now uncertainty about specific policy measures.
Chancellors quite often like to test the popularity of measures they are planning in their Budget by leaking details of them to the newspapers and seeing how they play.
Some of the kites flown very publicly by Mr Javid recently included the possibility of a mansion tax and of further cuts to the tax relief enjoyed by higher earners on their pension contributions - a particularly disastrous policy of the former Chancellor, George Osborne, which has created a staffing crisis in the NHS.
Mr Shah said: "There has been suggestion higher or additional rate relief for pension contributions could be scrapped and a wealth tax on property introduced - but surely such significant proposals would almost certainly need to be reconsidered by the new Chancellor."
Savvas Savouri, the influential chief economist at the hedge fund manager Toscafund, is confident that Mr Sunak will do a good job.
He told clients this afternoon: "No doubt the news that we now have a new chancellor to take this on, so close to the Budget, will have shocked many.
"To my mind, Rishi Sunak is educationally and professionally suited for the role he has been rightly elevated to.
"After two questionable Tory chancellors [Mr Osborne and Philip Hammond], and one who never actually delivered a Budget [Mr Javid], I have no doubt fourth time is a charm."
Image: Could a plan to raise the threshold for the 40p rate of income tax be revived?
Dr Savouri said that, far from introducing a mansion tax, he expected Mr Sunak to boost the property market by addressing the damage done to housing market activity by Mr Osborne's increases at the top end.
He added: "This brand new, and extremely capable, Chancellor is justified in providing our property market with a boost, not least by announcing an immediate end to Mr Osborne's ill-conceived stamp duty surcharge.
"More broadly, I have full confidence that we are about to be presented with a Budget fundamentally good for the UK economy, including an environmentally and economically sensible generous car scrappage scheme."
Mr Shah said it was also possible that, now Mr Javid had been replaced, some of the Prime Minister's pledges when running for Conservative party leadership - such as raising to £80,000 the threshold at which the 40p rate on income tax kicks in - could yet be revived.
He added: "This was expected to cost the Treasury around £8bn and it still remains difficult to see how such a tax cut could be justified given the significant spending plans.
"However, nothing should be ruled out now, as Boris Johnson could finally get his way with this measure."
As George Buckley, economist at Japanese bank Nomura put it: "I suspect [the new Chancellor] is likely to do whatever Boris Johnson tells him to do.
"I doubt it will mean tighter fiscal policy."
The backdrop to all of this is that, with interest rates low across the world, markets are no longer punishing profligate government spending in the manner that they were in the years immediately after the financial crisis.
That was when Gordon Brown's government and, later, the coalition government, were forced to take action to bring the budget deficit down or, for example, when the eurozone sovereign debt crisis forced countries like Greece, Portugal, Spain and Ireland to introduce austerity measures.
These are different times, as the experience in the United States shows.
Donald Trump, having introduced big tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy, has allowed the budget deficit to let rip - and markets are perfectly relaxed about it.
Messrs Johnson and Cummings have doubtless noticed.


news--2020-02-13--London Underground could be a hotbed for coronavirus, doctors say

Doctors have warned that the London Underground could be a hotbed for the coronavirus - hours after a confirmed case emerged in the capital .
A total of nine people in the UK are now being treated for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The latest patient , who is being treated at Guy 's and St Thomas ' Hospital , is believed to be a woman who flew into London from China .
There are concerns that the city 's extensive transport links could exacerbate the spread of the virus , but doctors have stressed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Robin Thompson , from Oxford University , said : `` In general , if an initial case is in a densely populated area , then the risk of sustained person-to-person transmission following is higher .
`` This is exacerbated by the fact that London is a transport hub , and the Underground could provide a network to spread the virus quickly .
`` As a result , given this case was in London , it might be expected that there is an increased risk posed by this case compared to the others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Head , from the University of Southampton , said the risk of the virus spreading will depend on the woman 's interactions before she was placed into isolation .
`` If this is low , then the risk of sustained human-to-human transmission is also low , '' he explained .
Public Health England has admitted that more cases of COVID-19 in the UK are `` highly likely '' - but Dr Nathalie MacDermott , from the National Institute for Health Research , has said commuters should go about their business as normal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease caused by the coronavirus , has been confirmed in London • In total , nine people in the UK are being treated for COVID-19 • Steve Walsh , the businessman believed to be at the centre of the UK outbreak , has been given the all-clear and discharged from hospital • In China , more than 14,800 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Hubei province • A total of 242 people died from the flu-like virus in Hubei on Wednesday , the highest number since the outbreak began : : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker More than 80 Britons who were flown back from coronavirus-hit Wuhan are going to be freed from quarantine today .
Health minister Baroness Blackwood has told Sky News that they pose absolutely no risk to the public as they have passed the incubation period and have showed no symptoms .
The group were the first to be repatriated from the Chinese city at the epicentre of the outbreak and have spent the past two weeks at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside .
A patient had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week - prompting the government to unveil new powers that would allow people to be forcibly quarantined if they pose a threat to public health .
Those in quarantine are now packing their bags and preparing to head home , with one of the Britons affected saying he `` can not wait '' to see his friends and family .
Kharn Lambert told Sky News : `` Obviously there is still a little bit of concern - albeit very minimal - that people might show negativity towards you , and might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm not too worried about that - I have a lot of good friends and family and have met good people over the past two weeks .
`` My biggest concern is for members of the Chinese community who have been receiving abuse . ''
Details have been emerging about the two GPs who are among the nine people in the UK with COVID-19 .
Officials know the pair worked at a nursing home , the A & E unit at Worthing Hospital in West Sussex , and two GP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it has traced and advised all those who have come into close contact with the two GPs , including about 12 patients .
Meanwhile , in Brighton , pupils at several schools have been told they could stay at home after reports some teachers and families feared they had come into contact with the virus .

Doctors have warned that the London Underground could be a hotbed for the coronavirus - hours after a confirmed case emerged in the capital.
A total of nine people in the UK are now being treated for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The latest patient, who is being treated at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, is believed to be a woman who flew into London from China.
Image: Face masks have become a common sight on public transport in China
There are concerns that the city's extensive transport links could exacerbate the spread of the virus, but doctors have stressed that the risk of infection remains low.
Dr Robin Thompson, from Oxford University, said: "In general, if an initial case is in a densely populated area, then the risk of sustained person-to-person transmission following is higher.
"This is exacerbated by the fact that London is a transport hub, and the Underground could provide a network to spread the virus quickly.
"As a result, given this case was in London, it might be expected that there is an increased risk posed by this case compared to the others we have seen."
Dr Michael Head, from the University of Southampton, said the risk of the virus spreading will depend on the woman's interactions before she was placed into isolation.
"If this is low, then the risk of sustained human-to-human transmission is also low," he explained.
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Public Health England has admitted that more cases of COVID-19 in the UK are "highly likely" - but Dr Nathalie MacDermott, from the National Institute for Health Research, has said commuters should go about their business as normal.
Image: St Thomas' Hospital
In other developments:
A case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has been confirmed in London
In total, nine people in the UK are being treated for COVID-19
Steve Walsh, the businessman believed to be at the centre of the UK outbreak, has been given the all-clear and discharged from hospital
In China, more than 14,800 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Hubei province
A total of 242 people died from the flu-like virus in Hubei on Wednesday, the highest number since the outbreak began
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Quarantine ends
More than 80 Britons who were flown back from coronavirus-hit Wuhan are going to be freed from quarantine today.
Health minister Baroness Blackwood has told Sky News that they pose absolutely no risk to the public as they have passed the incubation period and have showed no symptoms.
The group were the first to be repatriated from the Chinese city at the epicentre of the outbreak and have spent the past two weeks at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 What quarantine life has been like
A patient had threatened to abscond from the isolation unit earlier this week - prompting the government to unveil new powers that would allow people to be forcibly quarantined if they pose a threat to public health.
Those in quarantine are now packing their bags and preparing to head home, with one of the Britons affected saying he "cannot wait" to see his friends and family.
Image: The Britons were quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital for two weeks
Kharn Lambert told Sky News: "Obviously there is still a little bit of concern - albeit very minimal - that people might show negativity towards you, and might try and avoid you if they can.
"I'm not too worried about that - I have a lot of good friends and family and have met good people over the past two weeks.
"My biggest concern is for members of the Chinese community who have been receiving abuse."
Two GPs among UK cases
Details have been emerging about the two GPs who are among the nine people in the UK with COVID-19.
Officials know the pair worked at a nursing home, the A&E unit at Worthing Hospital in West Sussex, and two GP practices between them.
Public Health England says it has traced and advised all those who have come into close contact with the two GPs, including about 12 patients.
Meanwhile, in Brighton, pupils at several schools have been told they could stay at home after reports some teachers and families feared they had come into contact with the virus.


news--2020-02-13--Coronavirus crisis: Global stock markets spooked by surge in cases

A rally in global stock market values , on hopes of a limited impact from the coronavirus crisis , has been stopped in its tracks following a surge in the number of reported deaths in China .
Traders said that news early on Thursday of a spike in cases in the centre of the outbreak was the tipping point for positive sentiment to turn sour - the FTSE 100 among those falling sharply .
Shares recovered from initial wobbles over coronavirus earlier this month with the help of Chinese stimulus aimed at preventing any market panic following the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The cash injections and moves by regulators in Beijing to prevent volatility improved confidence at a time when investors largely saw coronavirus as being slightly more serious than the SARS outbreak in 2003 .
The policy response helped contribute to US markets reaching several fresh record highs .
But the surge in market values went into reverse on Thursday when 242 deaths were reported in a single day in Hubei province .
The region also confirmed that 48,206 cases of COVID-19 , the strain 's official name , were now being treated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ improved method of detection but , traders said , it fostered greater uncertainty about how long the crisis was likely to persist and how deep the potential damage could be for the world economy .
While losses in Asia were muted as many indices had been recovering some lost ground , sentiment in Europe was sharply negative with the German DAX and CAC in France shedding more than 1 % - though they later fought back to recover most of the ground .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The FTSE 100 was not immune - down over 1.4 % in early afternoon trade with energy and travel stocks feeling the worst pain though some of the damage was self-inflicted , with Centrica leading the fallers on news of plunging profits .
The FTSE also partially recovered but was still 1.1 % down at the close .
Oil prices were volatile too , turning more than 1 % lower - with a barrel of Brent crude slipping to $ 55 on a report by the International Energy Agency that demand would fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before recovering to turn higher .
Efforts to contain the outbreak have included factory shutdowns since the end of the extended new year holiday - delaying deliveries across the Chinese supply chain .
Another significant market move was made by the euro , which was trading at its lowest level against the dollar for almost three years .
A factor , market watchers said , was Germany 's particular exposure to China as a major exporter and the expectation there is little ammunition left for the European Central Bank to provide economic stimulus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank Citi downgraded its forecast for Chinese growth this year to 5.3 % from 5.8 % just last month despite an easing in its trade war with Donald Trump .
One economist warned that coronavirus could form part of a `` perfect storm '' for Europe at a time when it is itself facing the prospect of a deeper trade battle with the US .
AXA Investment Management 's chief economist , Gilles Moec , wrote : `` We started with the premise that this virus would be worse that SARS and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turns to who is hit the hardest and Europe is among the usual suspects and Germany in particular given China is its biggest export market .
`` So the reaction of the exchange rate is probably rational , '' he added .

A rally in global stock market values, on hopes of a limited impact from the coronavirus crisis, has been stopped in its tracks following a surge in the number of reported deaths in China.
Traders said that news early on Thursday of a spike in cases in the centre of the outbreak was the tipping point for positive sentiment to turn sour - the FTSE 100 among those falling sharply.
Shares recovered from initial wobbles over coronavirus earlier this month with the help of Chinese stimulus aimed at preventing any market panic following the end of an extended Lunar New Year holiday.
The cash injections and moves by regulators in Beijing to prevent volatility improved confidence at a time when investors largely saw coronavirus as being slightly more serious than the SARS outbreak in 2003.
Image: Traders in China have been among those working from home amid efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19
The policy response helped contribute to US markets reaching several fresh record highs.
But the surge in market values went into reverse on Thursday when 242 deaths were reported in a single day in Hubei province.
The region also confirmed that 48,206 cases of COVID-19, the strain's official name, were now being treated.
The leap was partly explained by an improved method of detection but, traders said, it fostered greater uncertainty about how long the crisis was likely to persist and how deep the potential damage could be for the world economy.
While losses in Asia were muted as many indices had been recovering some lost ground, sentiment in Europe was sharply negative with the German DAX and CAC in France shedding more than 1% - though they later fought back to recover most of the ground.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The FTSE 100 was not immune - down over 1.4% in early afternoon trade with energy and travel stocks feeling the worst pain though some of the damage was self-inflicted, with Centrica leading the fallers on news of plunging profits.
The FTSE also partially recovered but was still 1.1% down at the close.
Oil prices were volatile too, turning more than 1% lower - with a barrel of Brent crude slipping to $55 on a report by the International Energy Agency that demand would fall this year because of coronavirus-related damage - before recovering to turn higher.
Efforts to contain the outbreak have included factory shutdowns since the end of the extended new year holiday - delaying deliveries across the Chinese supply chain.
Another significant market move was made by the euro, which was trading at its lowest level against the dollar for almost three years.
Image: The euro has weakened considerably against the so-called safe haven dollar in recent weeks
A factor, market watchers said, was Germany's particular exposure to China as a major exporter and the expectation there is little ammunition left for the European Central Bank to provide economic stimulus against a slowing Chinese economy.
US bank Citi downgraded its forecast for Chinese growth this year to 5.3% from 5.8% just last month despite an easing in its trade war with Donald Trump.
One economist warned that coronavirus could form part of a "perfect storm" for Europe at a time when it is itself facing the prospect of a deeper trade battle with the US.
AXA Investment Management's chief economist, Gilles Moec, wrote: "We started with the premise that this virus would be worse that SARS and that has become consensus.
"So attention turns to who is hit the hardest and Europe is among the usual suspects and Germany in particular given China is its biggest export market.
"So the reaction of the exchange rate is probably rational," he added.


news--2020-02-13--Coronavirus: Dozens held in Merseyside coronavirus quarantine go home

The Britons quarantined for two weeks over coronavirus fears have told of their jubilation at being able to go home .
Dozens of Britons were rescued from the Chinese city of Wuhan and placed in quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus .
Some 83 people are now being allowed to return home after being held at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside .
All of the group have tested negative for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Teacher Kharn Lambert , who had been held in quarantine along with his grandmother , told Kay Burley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packing for home .
`` Everybody gets excited by packing to go on holiday but this was extra excitement .
I ca n't even describe it .
It was jubilation , it was just fanatical , '' he said .
The teacher said his grandmother is `` doing absolutely fantastic '' and is `` looking forward to getting a haircut '' .
Mr Lambert had missed his sister 's 21st birthday and his other grandmother 's 80th birthday while in quarantine - but said he would be celebrating over the weekend instead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposed to be home at this time of year so I 'm just looking forward to seeing family and friends .
`` I ca n't wait to see the back of the door but I 've made a lot of friends here .
I 've known a lot of people that were already here but I 've made a lot of good friends and I 'm going to keep in contact with them . ''
As for returning to Wuhan , Mr Lambert says he does not expect to be able to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here 's more of the latest coronavirus developments : • A total of 242 people died from COVID-19 in a single day on Wednesday , marking the steepest rise since the pathogen was identified in December .
• More than 14,800 new cases have been reported in China 's Hubei province .
The region 's health commission says 33,693 people are still being treated in hospital , with 5,647 in a critical condition .
• The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in London , bringing the total number of patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Walsh , the British businessman linked to a number of coronavirus cases , has been given the all-clear and discharged from hospital .
• A further 44 people on board the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess , which is docked in Japan , have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Matt Raw , 38 , shouted `` We 're free ... and the sun 's shining '' as he left isolation with the 82 others .
`` I would say that 99.9 % of us , if not 100 % of us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're very grateful to have been here , '' he said .
`` The last thing that any one of us would have wanted is to have passed that virus on , if we were infected , to pass it on to somebody else .
`` You have to live with that .
If somebody does get sick from it and dies we 'd have to live with that knowledge for the rest of our lives and of course that 's not who we are . ''
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Raw , from Knutsford , Cheshire , added : `` Personally , I 've cheated death quite a few times on my travels over the years and I guess this is just another one to tick off the list . ''
The 38-year-old had been in isolation with his mother , Hazel , who has dementia .
`` She 's not really totally aware of where she is and what 's happening but she 's certainly enjoying all of the attention to a degree , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interim deputy director for health protection at Public Health England North West , said he was `` delighted '' the group would now be `` able to continue with their normal lives '' .
`` All the test results from flight one have come back negative so we can be very clear that all of those leaving today do not pose risk to the wider public , '' he said .
NHS chief executive , Sir Simon Stevens , said : `` As our first group of guests leaves Arrowe Park Hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly responsible , pragmatic and stoical way they have played their part in keeping both themselves and others safe .
`` They have set an important example , recognising that over the coming weeks many more of us may need to self-isolate at home for a period to reduce this virus 's spread . ''
Sir Simon also thanked NHS staff for managing to organise the group 's care within 72 hours .

The Britons quarantined for two weeks over coronavirus fears have told of their jubilation at being able to go home.
Dozens of Britons were rescued from the Chinese city of Wuhan and placed in quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus.
Some 83 people are now being allowed to return home after being held at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside.
All of the group have tested negative for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Teacher Kharn Lambert, who had been held in quarantine along with his grandmother, told Kay Burley@Breakfast the pair were excited to be packing for home.
"Everybody gets excited by packing to go on holiday but this was extra excitement. I can't even describe it. It was jubilation, it was just fanatical," he said.
The teacher said his grandmother is "doing absolutely fantastic" and is "looking forward to getting a haircut".
Image: Kharn Lambert, a teacher who was flown back from Wuhan
Mr Lambert had missed his sister's 21st birthday and his other grandmother's 80th birthday while in quarantine - but said he would be celebrating over the weekend instead.
He continued: "I wasn't supposed to be home at this time of year so I'm just looking forward to seeing family and friends.
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"I can't wait to see the back of the door but I've made a lot of friends here. I've known a lot of people that were already here but I've made a lot of good friends and I'm going to keep in contact with them."
As for returning to Wuhan, Mr Lambert says he does not expect to be able to go back for another four to six months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 Life inside the UK's coronavirus quarantine
Here's more of the latest coronavirus developments:
A total of 242 people died from COVID-19 in a single day on Wednesday, marking the steepest rise since the pathogen was identified in December.
More than 14,800 new cases have been reported in China's Hubei province. The region's health commission says 33,693 people are still being treated in hospital, with 5,647 in a critical condition.
The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in London , bringing the total number of patients in the UK to nine.
, bringing the total number of patients in the UK to nine. Steve Walsh , the British businessman linked to a number of coronavirus cases, has been given the all-clear and discharged from hospital.
, the British businessman linked to a number of coronavirus cases, has been given the all-clear and discharged from hospital. A further 44 people on board the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess, which is docked in Japan, have tested positive for COVID-19.
Matt Raw, 38, shouted "We're free... and the sun's shining" as he left isolation with the 82 others.
Image: Matt Raw says he was 'grateful' to have been quarantined
"I would say that 99.9% of us, if not 100% of us, are really happy to have been here. We're very grateful to have been here," he said.
"The last thing that any one of us would have wanted is to have passed that virus on, if we were infected, to pass it on to somebody else.
"You have to live with that. If somebody does get sick from it and dies we'd have to live with that knowledge for the rest of our lives and of course that's not who we are."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Raw, from Knutsford, Cheshire, added: "Personally, I've cheated death quite a few times on my travels over the years and I guess this is just another one to tick off the list."
The 38-year-old had been in isolation with his mother, Hazel, who has dementia.
"She's not really totally aware of where she is and what's happening but she's certainly enjoying all of the attention to a degree," he said.
Dr William Welfare, interim deputy director for health protection at Public Health England North West, said he was "delighted" the group would now be "able to continue with their normal lives".
"All the test results from flight one have come back negative so we can be very clear that all of those leaving today do not pose risk to the wider public," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 'Coronavirus outbreak could still go in any direction'
NHS chief executive, Sir Simon Stevens, said: "As our first group of guests leaves Arrowe Park Hospital, we want to thank them for the highly responsible, pragmatic and stoical way they have played their part in keeping both themselves and others safe.
"They have set an important example, recognising that over the coming weeks many more of us may need to self-isolate at home for a period to reduce this virus's spread."
Sir Simon also thanked NHS staff for managing to organise the group's care within 72 hours.


news--2020-02-13--Coronavirus: Stormzy reschedules part of world tour over outbreak fears

Stormzy has rescheduled part of his world tour due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The grime star said he would `` regrettably '' have to move a number of Asia gigs which were scheduled for March as part of his Heavy is the Head tour .
Writing on Twitter , he said : `` I was seriously looking forward to bringing the # HITH World tour to Asia and playing some epic sold out shows but due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the coronavirus , I 'm regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the tour .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Singapore , Japan , China and South Korea .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The announcement comes as more than 1,300 people are confirmed to have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , according to the Johns Hopkins Centre for Systems Science and Engineering .
The majority of the deaths are concentrated in mainland China , although there has also been one death in the Philippines , another in Japan and one person has died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus : • The chief executive of the NHS , Sir Simon Stevens , has said that many more people in the UK may need to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus .
• Some 83 people held in quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside are being allowed to go home .
All had tested negative for the coronavirus after returning from Wuhan , China .
• The UK 's ninth case of coronavirus was confirmed in London on Wednesday evening .
• A further 44 people on quarantined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for COVID-19 .
The ship is docked at a port in Japan .

Stormzy has rescheduled part of his world tour due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The grime star said he would "regrettably" have to move a number of Asia gigs which were scheduled for March as part of his Heavy is the Head tour.
Writing on Twitter, he said: "I was seriously looking forward to bringing the #HITH World tour to Asia and playing some epic sold out shows but due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the coronavirus, I'm regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the tour."
"I promise I'll be back," he added.
The affected shows are in Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The announcement comes as more than 1,300 people are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, according to the Johns Hopkins Centre for Systems Science and Engineering.
The majority of the deaths are concentrated in mainland China, although there has also been one death in the Philippines, another in Japan and one person has died in Hong Kong.
The latest developments on the coronavirus:
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:26 How far will coronavirus spread?


news--2020-02-13--Coronavirus outbreak: Why the number of COVID-19 cases has suddenly shot up

Overnight , the number of people confirmed to have been infected with the coronavirus in China rose by a third .
More than 15,000 new cases of COVID-19 were added , bringing the total to over 60,000 , with more than 1,300 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins CSSE .
The surge was the result of adopting a new testing process , according to the Chinese authorities , using more sophisticated equipment to help spot when a suspected case was real .
But Dr Michael Ryan , from the World Health Organisation , said the large rise in cases was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now including in the tally patients with symptoms assumed to be caused by COVID-19 .
He said only 1,820 of the more than 15,000 new cases were laboratory-confirmed , with 13,332 clinically-confirmed .
`` Crucially , we understand that most of these cases relate to a period going back over days and weeks , and retrospectively reported cases since sometimes back to the beginning of the outbreak itself , '' he added , '' So this increase that you 've all seen in the last 24 hours is largely in part down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed and reported . ''
Doctors in China can now make clinical diagnoses based on chest imaging , rather than wait for laboratory confirmation , allowing for suspected cases to be reported more quickly .
It also means suspected cases from previous days and weeks , including some going right back to the end of December , are now being included in the latest updates from Hubei .
It means figures from Hubei - including those from Wednesday night - now include confirmed laboratory cases and suspected cases based on the chest imaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to be on those who showed signs of pneumonia - but now , those patients who show other symptoms of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , are also being included .
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said : `` It is our current understanding that the new case definition widens the net , and includes not only lab-confirmed cases but also clinically diagnosed cases based on symptoms and exposure . ''
He added that the Geneva-based United Nations health agency was seeking `` further clarity '' from China about recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The disease was first identified after a number of people mysteriously began to fall ill with pneumonia , in the Hubei city of Wuhan .
But , before pneumonia occurs , and in people who are symptomatic but may not develop pneumonia , COVID-19 can often cause a fever , a dry cough and other effects .
Problems with the availability of testing equipment required to identify coronavirus emerged soon after the outbreak began to mushroom .
Science publications have reported on shortages of testing kits , with manufacturers failing to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It has also been suggested that Hubei suffers from a lack of laboratory staff trained to use them .
Professor Choi Jae-wook , from the Korea Medical Association , said : `` The reason the Chinese health authorities decided to change the diagnostic procedure by including the clinical diagnosis , I assume , is because they lack diagnostic kits , delaying treatment of those with symptoms .
`` And since only a few companies are making these testing kits in such a short period of time , the authorities can not rely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't think the move was long overdue .
We are still in the early stage of the epidemic . ''
The tests kits allow technicians to look for tiny snippets of genetic material in bodily fluids taken during swabs that are the signature features of the coronavirus .
But they only work if the disease is sufficiently advanced in a patient .
So far , scientists do not know the number of infected people who display no symptoms .
China 's National Health Commission ( NHC ) said the sharp increase in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of a new , quicker diagnostic method using computerised tomography ( CT ) scans .
The NHC said it had diagnosed 13,332 of the new infections using the new equipment .
CT scanners , which are often used in the UK to check for cancer , had revealed lung infections , the Hubei health commission said , and enabled confirmation and faster isolation of new virus cases .
Hubei 's authorities had previously only allowed infections to be confirmed by the RNA tests , which can take days to process .
RNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of genetic material similar to DNA , and exists in all organisms like viruses .

Overnight, the number of people confirmed to have been infected with the coronavirus in China rose by a third.
More than 15,000 new cases of COVID-19 were added, bringing the total to over 60,000, with more than 1,300 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins CSSE.
The surge was the result of adopting a new testing process, according to the Chinese authorities, using more sophisticated equipment to help spot when a suspected case was real.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'Coronavirus severe in 40+ men across the world'
But Dr Michael Ryan, from the World Health Organisation, said the large rise in cases was largely due to the Chinese health ministry now including in the tally patients with symptoms assumed to be caused by COVID-19.
He said only 1,820 of the more than 15,000 new cases were laboratory-confirmed, with 13,332 clinically-confirmed.
"Crucially, we understand that most of these cases relate to a period going back over days and weeks, and retrospectively reported cases since sometimes back to the beginning of the outbreak itself," he added,
"So this increase that you've all seen in the last 24 hours is largely in part down to a change in how cases are being diagnosed and reported."
Doctors in China can now make clinical diagnoses based on chest imaging, rather than wait for laboratory confirmation, allowing for suspected cases to be reported more quickly.
It also means suspected cases from previous days and weeks, including some going right back to the end of December, are now being included in the latest updates from Hubei.
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It means figures from Hubei - including those from Wednesday night - now include confirmed laboratory cases and suspected cases based on the chest imaging tests.
Initially, the focus was said to be on those who showed signs of pneumonia - but now, those patients who show other symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, are also being included.
Image: A boy wears a cardboard box on his head at the Shanghai Railway station
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said: "It is our current understanding that the new case definition widens the net, and includes not only lab-confirmed cases but also clinically diagnosed cases based on symptoms and exposure."
He added that the Geneva-based United Nations health agency was seeking "further clarity" from China about recent updates to the way it defines cases.
The disease was first identified after a number of people mysteriously began to fall ill with pneumonia, in the Hubei city of Wuhan.
But, before pneumonia occurs, and in people who are symptomatic but may not develop pneumonia, COVID-19 can often cause a fever, a dry cough and other effects.
Problems with the availability of testing equipment required to identify coronavirus emerged soon after the outbreak began to mushroom.
Science publications have reported on shortages of testing kits, with manufacturers failing to keep pace with the rocketing numbers of cases. It has also been suggested that Hubei suffers from a lack of laboratory staff trained to use them.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Patient celebrates his release from quarantine
Professor Choi Jae-wook, from the Korea Medical Association, said: "The reason the Chinese health authorities decided to change the diagnostic procedure by including the clinical diagnosis, I assume, is because they lack diagnostic kits, delaying treatment of those with symptoms.
"And since only a few companies are making these testing kits in such a short period of time, the authorities cannot rely on their quality.
"I don't think the move was long overdue. We are still in the early stage of the epidemic."
The tests kits allow technicians to look for tiny snippets of genetic material in bodily fluids taken during swabs that are the signature features of the coronavirus.
But they only work if the disease is sufficiently advanced in a patient.
So far, scientists do not know the number of infected people who display no symptoms.
Image: A Chinese worker is tested for the coronavirus on an empty street in Beijing
Image: Health officials have warned that a vaccine for the coronavirus may still be months away
China's National Health Commission (NHC) said the sharp increase in the number of confirmed cases was as a result of a new, quicker diagnostic method using computerised tomography (CT) scans.
The NHC said it had diagnosed 13,332 of the new infections using the new equipment.
CT scanners, which are often used in the UK to check for cancer, had revealed lung infections, the Hubei health commission said, and enabled confirmation and faster isolation of new virus cases.
Hubei's authorities had previously only allowed infections to be confirmed by the RNA tests, which can take days to process.
RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a type of genetic material similar to DNA, and exists in all organisms like viruses.


news--2020-02-13--JCB cuts working hours for 4,000 UK employees as coronavirus hits suppliers

JCB has become the first big UK manufacturer to cut production as a result of the coronavirus outbreak hitting suppliers in China .
The decision will mean a shorter working week for around 4,000 employees at the digger maker from next Monday as well as an immediate suspension of overtime .
JCB said it was taking the decision as more than a quarter of its suppliers in China remained closed while those that had reopened were operating at reduced capacity and struggling to make shipments .
It illustrates the widening impact of the outbreak on the global economy , having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China and car factory stoppages in Japan and South Korea due to supply issues .
JCB 's measures will see the introduction of a 34-hour working week for JCB and agency shop floor employees `` until further notice '' .
Those employed directly by JCB will be paid for a 39-hour week and bank the hours to work them back later in the year .
Chief operating officer Mark Turner said : `` The disruption to the component supply chain in the UK comes at a time when demand for JCB products is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of action is very unfortunate , it is absolutely necessary to protect the business and our skill base . ''
Mr Turner said production in the UK had so far been unaffected but the situation for its Chinese suppliers meant there would be disruption in coming weeks .
`` This inevitably means we will not have the required amount of parts needed to build our forecast number of machines in the short term , '' he added .
`` These measures will ensure that , while we will produce machines in lower than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the same number of employees , whose skills we will need to fulfil customers ' orders when the situation returns to normal .
`` We are keeping the situation under review and we anticipate a surge in production levels once this supply disruption has passed . ''
JCB , controlled by the Bamford family , is one of Britain 's biggest manufacturers and the distinctive yellow construction vehicles and equipment it makes are among the most recognisable of UK exports .
Its chairman Lord Bamford is a prominent Brexit supporter and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene of an election campaign stunt last December when Boris Johnson drove a digger emblazoned with `` get Brexit done '' through a makeshift wall .
JCB employs 15,000 people worldwide including 7,500 in the UK , with factories in the Midlands and north Wales which will all be affected by the latest announcement .
Its overseas plants - which are mainly in India - are not affected .

JCB has become the first big UK manufacturer to cut production as a result of the coronavirus outbreak hitting suppliers in China.
The decision will mean a shorter working week for around 4,000 employees at the digger maker from next Monday as well as an immediate suspension of overtime.
JCB said it was taking the decision as more than a quarter of its suppliers in China remained closed while those that had reopened were operating at reduced capacity and struggling to make shipments.
It illustrates the widening impact of the outbreak on the global economy, having already resulted in widespread factory closures in China and car factory stoppages in Japan and South Korea due to supply issues.
JCB's measures will see the introduction of a 34-hour working week for JCB and agency shop floor employees "until further notice".
Those employed directly by JCB will be paid for a 39-hour week and bank the hours to work them back later in the year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:00 Dec 2019: Boris Johnson bulldozes wall with Brexit message
Chief operating officer Mark Turner said: "The disruption to the component supply chain in the UK comes at a time when demand for JCB products is very strong, so while this course of action is very unfortunate, it is absolutely necessary to protect the business and our skill base."
Mr Turner said production in the UK had so far been unaffected but the situation for its Chinese suppliers meant there would be disruption in coming weeks.
"This inevitably means we will not have the required amount of parts needed to build our forecast number of machines in the short term," he added.
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"These measures will ensure that, while we will produce machines in lower than anticipated numbers, we will do so with the same number of employees, whose skills we will need to fulfil customers' orders when the situation returns to normal.
"We are keeping the situation under review and we anticipate a surge in production levels once this supply disruption has passed."
JCB, controlled by the Bamford family, is one of Britain's biggest manufacturers and the distinctive yellow construction vehicles and equipment it makes are among the most recognisable of UK exports.
Its chairman Lord Bamford is a prominent Brexit supporter and its factory in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, was the scene of an election campaign stunt last December when Boris Johnson drove a digger emblazoned with "get Brexit done" through a makeshift wall.
JCB employs 15,000 people worldwide including 7,500 in the UK, with factories in the Midlands and north Wales which will all be affected by the latest announcement.
Its overseas plants - which are mainly in India - are not affected.


news--2020-05-30--Beachgoers forced to crowd together after three seriously injured in cliff-jumping at Durdle Door

Three people have been seriously injured jumping off cliffs on the Jurassic Coast .
Dorset Police was called to the scene at about 3:45pm after reports of safety concerns for people jumping into the sea at Durdle Door , near Lulworth .
Three people have sustained serious injuries and are being treated by paramedics after air ambulances were called .
Police are asking people to stay away from the popular tourist spot , with lifeguards helping to clear the area .
Dorset Police Chief Inspector Claire Phillips said : `` We have had to close the beach at Durdle Door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , we are evacuating the beach and the surrounding cliff area .
`` I am urging people to leave the area to enable emergency services to treat the injured people . ''
Images posted on social media by Purbeck Police show the aircraft landing on the sand and crowds leaving the beach as the area was evacuated .
Words accompanying the post read : `` Please avoid Durdle Door as the beach is now closed due to two helicopters having to land for two separate incidents .
Expect high volumes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene .
Thank you . ''
Pictures taken earlier on Saturday showed the beach busy as the public were reminded to practise social distancing in the good weather following the relaxation of coronavirus lockdown restrictions .
Videos posted to Twitter showed people jumping off the cliff , which is about 200ft high , as well as crowds of people sitting on the sand .
Durdle Door remained closed on Sunday and Dorset Police posted on social media : `` Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove remain closed today along with approach roads to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you will be turned away . ''
Dorset Council said it would review the closure on Monday .
The council tweeted : `` You will not be able to visit the beaches there and will be asked to turn around if you try and access the villages . ''

Three people have been seriously injured jumping off cliffs on the Jurassic Coast.
Dorset Police was called to the scene at about 3:45pm after reports of safety concerns for people jumping into the sea at Durdle Door, near Lulworth.
Three people have sustained serious injuries and are being treated by paramedics after air ambulances were called.
Image: Officers have asked people to avoid Durdle Door. Pic: Purbek Police
Police are asking people to stay away from the popular tourist spot, with lifeguards helping to clear the area.
Dorset Police Chief Inspector Claire Phillips said: "We have had to close the beach at Durdle Door to allow air ambulances to land. As a result, we are evacuating the beach and the surrounding cliff area.
Image: Durdle Door, near Lulworth in Dorset, was packed with beachgoers earlier on Saturday
"I am urging people to leave the area to enable emergency services to treat the injured people."
Images posted on social media by Purbeck Police show the aircraft landing on the sand and crowds leaving the beach as the area was evacuated.
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Words accompanying the post read: "Please avoid Durdle Door as the beach is now closed due to two helicopters having to land for two separate incidents. Expect high volumes of traffic as beach goers depart from the scene. Thank you."
Pictures taken earlier on Saturday showed the beach busy as the public were reminded to practise social distancing in the good weather following the relaxation of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
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Videos posted to Twitter showed people jumping off the cliff, which is about 200ft high, as well as crowds of people sitting on the sand.
Durdle Door remained closed on Sunday and Dorset Police posted on social media: "Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove remain closed today along with approach roads to the area. Please do not travel as you will be turned away."
Dorset Council said it would review the closure on Monday.
The council tweeted: "You will not be able to visit the beaches there and will be asked to turn around if you try and access the villages."


news--2020-05-30--Commonwealth Games shooter Sarah Wright dies after getting green light for cancer trial

A former England Commonwealth Games shooter given special permission to fly to the US for a cancer drug trial has died before she could start the treatment .
Sarah Wright , 33 , was diagnosed with breast cancer , which later spread to her liver and lungs , in 2018 .
She had exhausted all treatments available through the NHS and subsequently began seeking treatment options overseas .
She was accepted to take part in a drug trial last month and given permission to go to the US , despite its ban on travellers from Europe due to the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be treated with a drug called leronlimab and its manufacturer , CytoDyn , said it had offered to pay the couple 's travel expenses .
A biopsy showed she had a high chance of it being effective .
However , her husband Mark said she died before she was able to take part in the trial , after her health `` took a nosedive '' .
The couple had last year celebrated the arrival of their baby daughter , Everleigh .
Posting on Facebook , Mr Wright said : `` It is with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our beautiful Sarah passed away yesterday morning [ 26 May ] at 11am after her health took a nose dive over the weekend , she passed peacefully , pain free and with me , Lauren and her Dad at her side .
`` She fought so so hard all the way , she was the bravest most courageous , strong , loving and wonderful wife , mother , daughter and sister .
Everleigh and I miss her greatly , there is a big void in our lives now .
`` Thank you all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time was n't on our side in the end and we were so close to getting Sarah on Leronlimab .
Take care xx . ''
Hundreds of tributes have been left underneath Mr Wright 's post offering him and his family condolences .
One said : `` Oh so sorry and sad to hear this .
Your beautiful little girl will have her very own guardian angel looking after her throughout her life .
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family . ''
Mrs Wright , from Ashford , Kent , took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her maiden name of Sarah Gray .
She came fourth in the Women 's Shooting Skeet .

A former England Commonwealth Games shooter given special permission to fly to the US for a cancer drug trial has died before she could start the treatment.
Sarah Wright, 33, was diagnosed with breast cancer, which later spread to her liver and lungs, in 2018.
She had exhausted all treatments available through the NHS and subsequently began seeking treatment options overseas.
Image: Sarah Wright came fourth in the Women's Shooting Skeet at the 2014 Commonwealth Games
She was accepted to take part in a drug trial last month and given permission to go to the US, despite its ban on travellers from Europe due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mrs Wright was going to be treated with a drug called leronlimab and its manufacturer, CytoDyn, said it had offered to pay the couple's travel expenses.
A biopsy showed she had a high chance of it being effective.
However, her husband Mark said she died before she was able to take part in the trial, after her health "took a nosedive".
The couple had last year celebrated the arrival of their baby daughter, Everleigh.
Posting on Facebook, Mr Wright said: "It is with the heaviest heart that I tell you our beautiful Sarah passed away yesterday morning [26 May] at 11am after her health took a nose dive over the weekend, she passed peacefully, pain free and with me, Lauren and her Dad at her side.
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"She fought so so hard all the way, she was the bravest most courageous, strong, loving and wonderful wife, mother, daughter and sister. Everleigh and I miss her greatly, there is a big void in our lives now.
"Thank you all so much for supporting our campaign, time wasn't on our side in the end and we were so close to getting Sarah on Leronlimab. Take care xx."
Hundreds of tributes have been left underneath Mr Wright's post offering him and his family condolences.
One said: "Oh so sorry and sad to hear this. Your beautiful little girl will have her very own guardian angel looking after her throughout her life. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family."
Mrs Wright, from Ashford, Kent, took part in the 2014 Commonwealth Games under her maiden name of Sarah Gray.
She came fourth in the Women's Shooting Skeet.


news--2020-05-30--George Floyd death: Chaos and rioting overshadows peaceful protesting in Minneapolis

There was no sign that the city of Minneapolis had imposed a curfew as people took to the streets for the fourth night since footage circulated of the George Floyd 's final moments .
The images of Floyd pinned to the floor beneath the knee of police officer Derek Chauvin inspired protests across the country .
But chaos and violence overshadowed peaceful protesting in Minneapolis .
Some people displayed their anger by setting fire to buildings and furniture .
Loud bangs rang out as people set off fireworks on street corners and threw Molotov cocktails .
Looters took advantage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , loading bottles and boxes into cars pulling up outside .
Others were just standing by and watching what was happening to their community .
One man who identified himself as a peaceful protester said : `` I do n't even feel like it 's safe to be in my house so I 'm outside , it 's crazy out here . ''
Adam , a white resident in the city 's 5th precinct , said : `` I understand the protests but the looting , the rioting ... '' That place across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places to eat and I saw three or four people just take out their windows .
`` I feel the anger , I 'm angry too .
But I 'm seeing my neighbourhood go up in flames , '' he said .
The police were largely absent as anarchy ruled the streets .
A police station car park was full of patrol cars with their lights turned on , but the rioters seemed to have free rein on the streets while we were there in the early hours of the morning .
Local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plead with people to go home and obey the curfew .
Mayor Jacob Frey said : `` We as a city are more than this .
There is no honour in burning down your city .
There 's no pride in burning down local businesses that are institutions . ''
Many businesses were boarded up , a reminder not only of the chaos engulfing the city but also the closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Many boards had messages of support for the protest , including 'Black Lives Matter ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'black business ' , a plea to protesters not to loot or vandalise .
A community dealing with the aftermath of George Floyd 's death , another black man killed in police custody , will now have to deal with the physical and economic damage of riots .

There was no sign that the city of Minneapolis had imposed a curfew as people took to the streets for the fourth night since footage circulated of the George Floyd's final moments.
The images of Floyd pinned to the floor beneath the knee of police officer Derek Chauvin inspired protests across the country.
But chaos and violence overshadowed peaceful protesting in Minneapolis. Some people displayed their anger by setting fire to buildings and furniture.
Loud bangs rang out as people set off fireworks on street corners and threw Molotov cocktails.
Looters took advantage of the chaos to raid a liquor store, loading bottles and boxes into cars pulling up outside.
Image: Looters took advantage of the chaos
Others were just standing by and watching what was happening to their community.
One man who identified himself as a peaceful protester said: "I don't even feel like it's safe to be in my house so I'm outside, it's crazy out here."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Protests, scuffles and rage across US
Adam, a white resident in the city's 5th precinct, said: "I understand the protests but the looting, the rioting...
"That place across the street is one of my favourite places to eat and I saw three or four people just take out their windows.
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Image: Loud bangs rang out as people set off fireworks on street corners
"I feel the anger, I'm angry too. But I'm seeing my neighbourhood go up in flames," he said.
The police were largely absent as anarchy ruled the streets. A police station car park was full of patrol cars with their lights turned on, but the rioters seemed to have free rein on the streets while we were there in the early hours of the morning.
Local officials held a press conference at 1:30am to plead with people to go home and obey the curfew.
Image: Police officers were largely absent as anarchy ruled the streets
Mayor Jacob Frey said: "We as a city are more than this. There is no honour in burning down your city. There's no pride in burning down local businesses that are institutions."
Many businesses were boarded up, a reminder not only of the chaos engulfing the city but also the closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Many boards had messages of support for the protest, including 'Black Lives Matter'. One business advertised that it was a 'black business', a plea to protesters not to loot or vandalise.
A community dealing with the aftermath of George Floyd's death, another black man killed in police custody, will now have to deal with the physical and economic damage of riots.


news--2020-05-30--Coronavirus: More than two million vulnerable 'shielders' will be allowed to meet loved ones from Mo

Coronavirus: More than two million vulnerable 'shielders' will be allowed to meet loved ones from Monday

Boris Johnson is easing more lockdown rules , this time allowing those vulnerable to coronavirus who are shielding to leave home and go outdoors .
The change will coincide with other rules being eased on Monday and comes despite a backlash from leading scientists who claim the government is moving too soon .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused the prime minister of making difficult decisions more risky because of his mistakes over the past week .
The latest relaxation of lockdown rules will allow 2.2 million at-risk people shielding in England to go outside with members of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-metre rule .
Those who live alone can meet outside with one other person from another household , according to the new rules .
People who are shielding are classed as extremely clinically vulnerable and include some cancer patients , organ transplant recipients and those with severe respiratory conditions .
The government claims the change will provide a much-needed boost to those most at risk who have been staying inside their homes to protect themselves and the NHS .
This includes many who have not had any face-to-face contact since they were first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued similar advice .
Its Chief Medical Officer , Dr Frank Atherton , said : `` Risk can never be completely eliminated but we advise those shielding to exercise at times that are less busy , so the risk of contact with others is reduced . ''
Announcing the latest easing of the rules , Mr Johnson thanked those who have shielded and praised their `` sacrifice '' .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I do not underestimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , staying at home for the last 10 weeks , and I want to pay tribute to your resilience , '' he said .
The change comes at the same time as groups of six people will be able to meet outdoors , either in public spaces or in gardens , provided they observe the two-metre rule .
Both changes come on the day the government hopes many children will return to school , despite fierce opposition from teachers ' unions and some parents .
Urging parents to send their children back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writes in The Sun on Sunday : `` It 's only natural for people to feel nervous about sending their kids back to school .
`` That 's why this first step back is such a cautious one - and it 's not one that we make lightly . ''
England 's deputy chief medical officer , Professor Jonathan Van Tam , urged restraint ahead of the easing of lockdown rules .
`` I believe this is also a very dangerous moment .
We have to get this right , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Do n't tear the pants out of it , and do n't go further than the guidance actually says . ''
The Labour leader was critical of the government 's plans , saying its `` actions over the past 10 days have made difficult decisions more risky '' .
`` First , ministers have not yet got a fully functioning test , track and trace system in place ; and second , the government 's public health message has been undermined because the prime minister was too weak to take firm action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sir Keir said .
`` Ministers need to accept that mistakes have been made and do everything they now can to reduce the risks to public health . ''
He said the government should listen to scientists if they begin to raise the alarm and be prepared to reintroduce measures quickly if necessary .
The prime minister 's announcement to allow at-risk people to go outdoors has been welcomed by the leading cancer charity , Macmillan , however .
`` This is a step forward for people who are most vulnerable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left behind and forgotten as lockdown eases , '' said policy chief Steven McIntosh .
But he raised concerns that existing support for extremely vulnerable people is not getting through and some are not having their needs met .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Boris Johnson is easing more lockdown rules, this time allowing those vulnerable to coronavirus who are shielding to leave home and go outdoors.
The change will coincide with other rules being eased on Monday and comes despite a backlash from leading scientists who claim the government is moving too soon.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused the prime minister of making difficult decisions more risky because of his mistakes over the past week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 PM reveals lockdown changes from Monday
The latest relaxation of lockdown rules will allow 2.2 million at-risk people shielding in England to go outside with members of their household, while continuing to follow the two-metre rule.
Those who live alone can meet outside with one other person from another household, according to the new rules.
People who are shielding are classed as extremely clinically vulnerable and include some cancer patients, organ transplant recipients and those with severe respiratory conditions.
The government claims the change will provide a much-needed boost to those most at risk who have been staying inside their homes to protect themselves and the NHS.
This includes many who have not had any face-to-face contact since they were first advised to shield.
Wales has also issued similar advice. Its Chief Medical Officer , Dr Frank Atherton, said: "Risk can never be completely eliminated but we advise those shielding to exercise at times that are less busy, so the risk of contact with others is reduced."
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Announcing the latest easing of the rules, Mr Johnson thanked those who have shielded and praised their "sacrifice".
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"I do not underestimate just how difficult it has been for you, staying at home for the last 10 weeks, and I want to pay tribute to your resilience," he said.
The change comes at the same time as groups of six people will be able to meet outdoors, either in public spaces or in gardens, provided they observe the two-metre rule.
Both changes come on the day the government hopes many children will return to school, despite fierce opposition from teachers' unions and some parents.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:14 People enjoy the sunshine in the South East
Urging parents to send their children back to school, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson writes in The Sun on Sunday: "It's only natural for people to feel nervous about sending their kids back to school.
"That's why this first step back is such a cautious one - and it's not one that we make lightly."
England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van Tam, urged restraint ahead of the easing of lockdown rules.
"I believe this is also a very dangerous moment. We have to get this right," he said.
And he warned the public: "Don't tear the pants out of it, and don't go further than the guidance actually says."
The Labour leader was critical of the government's plans, saying its "actions over the past 10 days have made difficult decisions more risky".
"First, ministers have not yet got a fully functioning test, track and trace system in place; and second, the government's public health message has been undermined because the prime minister was too weak to take firm action against Dominic Cummings for breaking lockdown," Sir Keir said.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer says the government has made 'difficult decisions more risky'
"Ministers need to accept that mistakes have been made and do everything they now can to reduce the risks to public health."
He said the government should listen to scientists if they begin to raise the alarm and be prepared to reintroduce measures quickly if necessary.
The prime minister's announcement to allow at-risk people to go outdoors has been welcomed by the leading cancer charity, Macmillan, however.
"This is a step forward for people who are most vulnerable to coronavirus, a group who have felt left behind and forgotten as lockdown eases," said policy chief Steven McIntosh.
But he raised concerns that existing support for extremely vulnerable people is not getting through and some are not having their needs met.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-30--Coronavirus: Jonathan Van-Tam says lockdown rules 'apply to everybody' after Dominic Cummings row

The coronavirus rules are clear and apply to everybody , England 's deputy chief medical officer has warned .
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam was asked at the daily coronavirus briefing whether people in authority should lead and obey the rules , in reference to the Dominic Cummings row .
Professor Van-Tam said : `` In my opinion the rules are clear and they have always been clear .
`` In my opinion they are for the benefit of all .
In my opinion they apply to all . ''
In response to the question about Mr Cummings , who travelled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures were in place , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said he gave `` a very extensive explanation of his behaviour on Monday and answered all questions in relation to that '' .
`` The prime minister accepted that explanation and on that basis kept him in post and that remains the position , '' he said .
Earlier on Saturday , one scientist said the `` Cummings affair '' could impact trust in the authorities issuing the rules .
Professor Robert West , a participant in the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Trust in authority telling you to do things is very important when it comes to people adhering to those rules .
`` This is going to become even more important as we move to a situation where it 's not everybody having to do it ; it 's people who have drawn the short straw .
So they will be seeing other people out there being able to engage in activities which they ca n't do for up to 14 days . ''
Professor West said people `` will feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must , absolutely must , feel that what they are doing they are doing it because it 's the right thing to do , so anyone who was in their position would do that '' .
He added that `` when people see something like the Cummings affair ... that 's not a recipe for trust '' .
Durham Police said Mr Cummings may have committed `` a minor breach '' of lockdown rules but will face no further action .
Despite a stream of Tory MPs calling for the adviser 's resignation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for Mr Cummings .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sky.uk

The coronavirus rules are clear and apply to everybody, England's deputy chief medical officer has warned.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam was asked at the daily coronavirus briefing whether people in authority should lead and obey the rules, in reference to the Dominic Cummings row.
Professor Van-Tam said: "In my opinion the rules are clear and they have always been clear.
Image: Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the rules were clear and apply to everyone
"In my opinion they are for the benefit of all. In my opinion they apply to all."
In response to the question about Mr Cummings, who travelled to Durham from London while the harshest lockdown measures were in place, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said he gave "a very extensive explanation of his behaviour on Monday and answered all questions in relation to that".
"The prime minister accepted that explanation and on that basis kept him in post and that remains the position," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, one scientist said the "Cummings affair" could impact trust in the authorities issuing the rules.
Professor Robert West, a participant in the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) which advises SAGE, said: "Trust in authority telling you to do things is very important when it comes to people adhering to those rules.
Image: Boris Johnson has stuck by Dominic Cummings through the saga
"This is going to become even more important as we move to a situation where it's not everybody having to do it; it's people who have drawn the short straw. So they will be seeing other people out there being able to engage in activities which they can't do for up to 14 days."
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Professor West said people "will feel really cheesed off about it and they must, absolutely must, feel that what they are doing they are doing it because it's the right thing to do, so anyone who was in their position would do that".
He added that "when people see something like the Cummings affair... that's not a recipe for trust".
Durham Police said Mr Cummings may have committed "a minor breach" of lockdown rules but will face no further action.
Despite a stream of Tory MPs calling for the adviser's resignation continued, Mr Johnson has reiterated his support for Mr Cummings.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: Touching moment terminally ill mum sees her family for first time since lockdown

A woman with terminal cancer has told Sky News of her relief at a face-to-face reunion with her family after the easing of lockdown .
On the day Scotland entered the first phase of lifting its strict restrictions , Angela McLaughlin was able to meet her husband and two daughters for the first time in nine weeks .
The 46 year-old nurse has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is a patient at the Marie Curie Hospice in Edinburgh .
She told Sky News that it was `` great to spend some quality time '' with her family , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The lockdown enforced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic meant Mrs McLaughlin had to miss out on celebrating Mother 's Day , both her mum 's and daughter 's birthdays and `` getting to cuddle my bairns '' .
Recalling the happy moment she told her family they could finally see her in-person , she said : `` I spoke to [ my daughters ] last night and asked them if they would like to come and visit me and the two of them started screaming .
They were so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend more time with the girls .
`` Hopefully it wo n't be too long until I can get hugs and then just get out and about . ''
Mrs McLaughlin was eventually able to spend time with her husband Mark and daughters , Megan and Amy , in the hospice garden .
They were able to talk - but not touch - because of her compromised immunity .
This ongoing restriction saddens Mr McLaughlin , who is looking forward to being able to hug his wife again .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there to support you .
Nothing beats a good cuddle , even under normal circumstances .
`` You need that bit of reassurance - bit of 'it 's going to be fine , it 's going to be okay . '
You can do as much electronic media communications , emails , texts , it 's not the same as a cuddle . ''
Marie Curie is seeking emergency donations after coronavirus forced the cancellation of its annual daffodil appeal .
The charity operates an open door policy for friends and relatives of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Libby Milton , the lead nurse at the Marie Curie Hospice in Edinburgh , told Sky News there was `` no comparison '' to seeing loved one face-to-face , rather than communicating through a screen .
She added : `` It would be lovely if they could hug , if they could kiss -they ca n't yet .
`` But they will soon , we will get there , and , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk naturally , to be able to be with each other , to be a bit more relaxed - that means a lot . ''
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

A woman with terminal cancer has told Sky News of her relief at a face-to-face reunion with her family after the easing of lockdown.
On the day Scotland entered the first phase of lifting its strict restrictions, Angela McLaughlin was able to meet her husband and two daughters for the first time in nine weeks.
The 46 year-old nurse has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is a patient at the Marie Curie Hospice in Edinburgh.
She told Sky News that it was "great to spend some quality time" with her family, who she attributes to being "our treatment".
Image: The McLaughlin family held a socially distant meet-up at the hospice
The lockdown enforced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic meant Mrs McLaughlin had to miss out on celebrating Mother's Day, both her mum's and daughter's birthdays and "getting to cuddle my bairns".
Recalling the happy moment she told her family they could finally see her in-person, she said: "I spoke to [my daughters] last night and asked them if they would like to come and visit me and the two of them started screaming. They were so happy.
"The aim now is to spend more time with the girls.
"Hopefully it won't be too long until I can get hugs and then just get out and about."
Mrs McLaughlin was eventually able to spend time with her husband Mark and daughters, Megan and Amy, in the hospice garden.
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They were able to talk - but not touch - because of her compromised immunity.
This ongoing restriction saddens Mr McLaughlin, who is looking forward to being able to hug his wife again.
He said: "You need your family to be there to support you. Nothing beats a good cuddle, even under normal circumstances.
"You need that bit of reassurance - bit of 'it's going to be fine, it's going to be okay.' You can do as much electronic media communications, emails, texts, it's not the same as a cuddle."
Marie Curie is seeking emergency donations after coronavirus forced the cancellation of its annual daffodil appeal.
The charity operates an open door policy for friends and relatives of patients, but that was suspended following the outbreak.
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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Libby Milton, the lead nurse at the Marie Curie Hospice in Edinburgh, told Sky News there was "no comparison" to seeing loved one face-to-face, rather than communicating through a screen.
She added: "It would be lovely if they could hug, if they could kiss -they can't yet.
"But they will soon, we will get there, and, in the meantime, just to be able to talk naturally, to be able to be with each other, to be a bit more relaxed - that means a lot."
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk