news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: UK health workers in trial to test effectiveness of Trump's hydroxychloroquine

Health workers in the UK will be able to be part of a clinical trial involving a drug touted by Donald Trump as a possible way to prevent the coronavirus .
The trial is the first global study to test whether chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine can prevent infection , whereas previous trials have looked at whether they can treat it .
Hospitals in Brighton and Oxford are the first of a planned 25 sites to take part in the trials .
It is part of an investigation led by the Bangkok-based Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit ( MORU ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health charity Wellcome .
More than 40,000 people who work with coronavirus patients in Europe , Africa , Asia and South America will be involved , MORU co-principal investigator Professor Sir Nicholas White said .
`` We really do not know if chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine are beneficial or harmful against COVID-19 , '' he said , adding that the trial was the best way to find out .
It comes just days after US President Donald Trump told reporters that he had been taking the unproven anti-malarial drug to ward off the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide .
Trump 's aggressive push of hydroxychloroquine peaked in April when he told reporters : `` Take it - what have you go to lose ? ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker A study in the US showed the drug had no benefit in treating coronavirus patients and was also associated with a higher risk of death .
The Food and Drug Administration has warned hydroxychloroquine can cause heart rhythm problems and Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no evidence the drug could prevent coronavirus .
The president - who has previously promoted coronavirus cures such as injecting disinfectant - cited `` calls '' and `` good stories '' as his evidence of hydroxychloroquine 's success .
There have also been concerns raised in the US that the millions of people there who rely on it for treatment of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis could face more shortages because of an inevitable surge in demand for the drugs .
The UK government has said chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are not licensed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drugs should not be used outside clinical trials .
Prof Martin Llewelyn of Brighton and Sussex School , lead UK investigator for the MORU trial , said : `` If drugs as well tolerated as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine could reduce the chances of catching COVID-19 this would be incredibly valuable . ''
He added : `` Like all drugs , chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have side effects .
But actually , used in the sort of doses that we will use them in the COPCOV trial , they 're expected to be really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who works in a UK healthcare facility and is delivering direct care to patients with proven or suspected COVID-19 can participate , as long as they have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 or an acute respiratory infection .
The team aims to deliver results by the end of 2020 .

Health workers in the UK will be able to be part of a clinical trial involving a drug touted by Donald Trump as a possible way to prevent the coronavirus.
The trial is the first global study to test whether chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine can prevent infection, whereas previous trials have looked at whether they can treat it.
Hospitals in Brighton and Oxford are the first of a planned 25 sites to take part in the trials.
It is part of an investigation led by the Bangkok-based Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), supported by the University of Oxford and health charity Wellcome.
More than 40,000 people who work with coronavirus patients in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America will be involved, MORU co-principal investigator Professor Sir Nicholas White said.
"We really do not know if chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine are beneficial or harmful against COVID-19," he said, adding that the trial was the best way to find out.
It comes just days after US President Donald Trump told reporters that he had been taking the unproven anti-malarial drug to ward off the virus, which has killed almost 330,000 people worldwide.
Trump's aggressive push of hydroxychloroquine peaked in April when he told reporters: "Take it - what have you go to lose?"
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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A study in the US showed the drug had no benefit in treating coronavirus patients and was also associated with a higher risk of death.
The Food and Drug Administration has warned hydroxychloroquine can cause heart rhythm problems and Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said there was no evidence the drug could prevent coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Trump taking unproven drug hydroxychloroquine
The president - who has previously promoted coronavirus cures such as injecting disinfectant - cited "calls" and "good stories" as his evidence of hydroxychloroquine's success.
There have also been concerns raised in the US that the millions of people there who rely on it for treatment of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis could face more shortages because of an inevitable surge in demand for the drugs.
The UK government has said chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are not licensed to treat or prevent COVID-19 and that the drugs should not be used outside clinical trials.
Prof Martin Llewelyn of Brighton and Sussex School, lead UK investigator for the MORU trial, said: "If drugs as well tolerated as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine could reduce the chances of catching COVID-19 this would be incredibly valuable."
He added: "Like all drugs, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have side effects. But actually, used in the sort of doses that we will use them in the COPCOV trial, they're expected to be really, very safe."
Any adult who works in a UK healthcare facility and is delivering direct care to patients with proven or suspected COVID-19 can participate, as long as they have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 or an acute respiratory infection.
The team aims to deliver results by the end of 2020.


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Doctors, carers and children getting COVID-19 at same rate as everyone else - ONS

Doctors , nurses , care home workers and children have been testing positive for coronavirus at the same rate as the general population in England , according to the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
It has estimated that 0.24 % of those looking after patients or residents , including doctors , nurses and carers , tested positive for coronavirus between 4 and 17 May .
The proportion of people getting a positive result who did not work in such roles was also 0.24 % .
It is a markedly different result to the one the ONS reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.33 % of people in health and care roles had tested positive , compared with 0.22 % of those in different jobs , between 27 April and 10 May .
In its latest update , the ONS also said there is no evidence for a higher level of infection in men , who are more likely to die with COVID-19 .
It reported that 0.26 % of women and 0.21 % of men are estimated to have tested positive in England between 4 and 17 May .
There is also no evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the age categories 2 to 11 , 12 to 19 , 20 to 49 , 50 to 69 and 70 years and over .
All of the figures refer to private household tests and exclude infections reported in `` hospitals , care homes or other institutional settings '' .
Data was taken from tests performed on 14,599 people in 7,054 homes .
The ONS estimated that at any given time in the latest study period , an `` average of 0.25 % of the community population had COVID-19 '' .
Again , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 137,000 people in England - down from last week 's estimate of 148,000 .
`` There were an estimated 61,000 new COVID-19 infections per week in England , '' the ONS said .
`` The incidence rate per week was 0.11 new cases per 100 people . ''
It is producing its survey in partnership with the University of Oxford , the University of Manchester , Public Health England and the Wellcome Trust .
It is also running a larger , long-term study tracking the spread of COVID-19 in the general population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That analysis will include antibody testing to see how many people have had the virus .

Doctors, nurses, care home workers and children have been testing positive for coronavirus at the same rate as the general population in England, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It has estimated that 0.24% of those looking after patients or residents, including doctors, nurses and carers, tested positive for coronavirus between 4 and 17 May.
The proportion of people getting a positive result who did not work in such roles was also 0.24%.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Coronavirus antibody test ready in two weeks
It is a markedly different result to the one the ONS reported last week, when it said that 1.33% of people in health and care roles had tested positive, compared with 0.22% of those in different jobs, between 27 April and 10 May.
In its latest update, the ONS also said there is no evidence for a higher level of infection in men, who are more likely to die with COVID-19.
It reported that 0.26% of women and 0.21% of men are estimated to have tested positive in England between 4 and 17 May.
There is also no evidence of differences in the proportions testing positive between the age categories 2 to 11, 12 to 19, 20 to 49, 50 to 69 and 70 years and over.
All of the figures refer to private household tests and exclude infections reported in "hospitals, care homes or other institutional settings".
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Data was taken from tests performed on 14,599 people in 7,054 homes.
The ONS estimated that at any given time in the latest study period, an "average of 0.25% of the community population had COVID-19". Again, that refers to private households.
It equates to 137,000 people in England - down from last week's estimate of 148,000.
"There were an estimated 61,000 new COVID-19 infections per week in England," the ONS said.
"The incidence rate per week was 0.11 new cases per 100 people."
It is producing its survey in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester, Public Health England and the Wellcome Trust.
It is also running a larger, long-term study tracking the spread of COVID-19 in the general population, including up to 300,000 people.
That analysis will include antibody testing to see how many people have had the virus.


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Confidence in government drops as under 30s admit defying lockdown rules, study finds

Confidence in the government in England has dropped since the lockdown was eased , with more than half of young adults no longer sticking strictly to the rules , according to a new survey .
Researchers questioned more than 90,000 adults and found those under 30 most dissatisfied .
They found less than 50 % of younger adults are `` completely '' complying with COVID-19 restrictions such as social distancing and staying at home .
The University College London survey looked at how adults are feeling about a range of issues during the coronavirus pandemic .
These included the 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their overall well-being and mental health .
The survey found that `` complete '' compliance to the measures has dropped in the past two weeks from an average of 70 % to under 60 % .
Lead author Dr Daisy Fancourt , of UCL 's epidemiology and health care unit , noted there had been `` generally a very high '' level of people sticking to the government 's lockdown advice .
The ongoing study also found that 95 % of all adults and 92 % of young people felt they are either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at sticking to the measures .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on 10 May that people could spend longer outdoors and meet one person from another household , providing they were always 2m apart .
However , there has been criticism of guidance , with some saying it was confusing and others concerned it would lead to an increase in the infection rate .
The hot weather this week has lead to crowded beaches and parks which has also worried some experts .
Dr Fancourt said : `` Confidence in government has fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was announced , and is lowest in those under the age of 30 . ''
Those questioned between May 11 and 17 were asked to rate the government 's handling of the pandemic from one to a top mark of seven .
The government 's performance rating dropped from five at the beginning of lockdown to around four .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The survey also showed that levels of anxiety and depression had not improved since the easing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill from COVID-19 had fallen slightly .
Fears about food , finance and work were a cause of stress for some people .
Around one in 12 people said they were worried about unemployment , while around one in eight people were worried about finances .
Stress about being able to get enough food had stabilised in the past week , with fewer than one in 20 people saying they were worried about this .
The Nuffield Foundation is funding the study , which is also being backed by Wellcome and UK Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nuffield Foundation , said : `` Interestingly , whilst life satisfaction levels have remained stable , full compliance with lockdown restrictions has fallen over the past week , especially among those under 30 . ''

Confidence in the government in England has dropped since the lockdown was eased, with more than half of young adults no longer sticking strictly to the rules, according to a new survey.
Researchers questioned more than 90,000 adults and found those under 30 most dissatisfied.
They found less than 50% of younger adults are "completely" complying with COVID-19 restrictions such as social distancing and staying at home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 The latest from Sky's Lockdown Road
The University College London survey looked at how adults are feeling about a range of issues during the coronavirus pandemic.
These included the 23 March lockdown itself, government advice, their overall well-being and mental health.
The survey found that "complete" compliance to the measures has dropped in the past two weeks from an average of 70% to under 60%.
Lead author Dr Daisy Fancourt, of UCL's epidemiology and health care unit, noted there had been "generally a very high" level of people sticking to the government's lockdown advice.
The ongoing study also found that 95% of all adults and 92% of young people felt they are either "reasonable" or "good" at sticking to the measures.
Image: People enjoy the hot weather in Greenwich Park, London
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on 10 May that people could spend longer outdoors and meet one person from another household, providing they were always 2m apart.
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However, there has been criticism of guidance, with some saying it was confusing and others concerned it would lead to an increase in the infection rate.
The hot weather this week has lead to crowded beaches and parks which has also worried some experts.
Dr Fancourt said: "Confidence in government has fallen in England since the easing of lockdown was announced, and is lowest in those under the age of 30."
Those questioned between May 11 and 17 were asked to rate the government's handling of the pandemic from one to a top mark of seven.
The government's performance rating dropped from five at the beginning of lockdown to around four.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The survey also showed that levels of anxiety and depression had not improved since the easing of lockdown, while worries about possibly getting ill from COVID-19 had fallen slightly.
Fears about food, finance and work were a cause of stress for some people.
Around one in 12 people said they were worried about unemployment, while around one in eight people were worried about finances.
Stress about being able to get enough food had stabilised in the past week, with fewer than one in 20 people saying they were worried about this.
The Nuffield Foundation is funding the study, which is also being backed by Wellcome and UK Research and Innovation.
Cheryl Lloyd, of the Nuffield Foundation, said: "Interestingly, whilst life satisfaction levels have remained stable, full compliance with lockdown restrictions has fallen over the past week, especially among those under 30."


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Thousands of laboratory tests coming back unclear, raising prospect of damaging delays

Thousands of coronavirus tests conducted at the government 's main testing laboratory do not produce a clear outcome , Sky News can reveal , forcing people to wait days while they are retested .
Sky News has learned that 4 % of swab tests conducted at the government 's main testing laboratory in Milton Keynes are declared `` unclear '' because of limitations in the chemical testing process .
Tests can also fail to produce a clear result if they are not administered correctly , if there is a delay transporting them to the laboratory , or if there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is not known how many tests in total are inconclusive , but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to increase testing capacity across the testing network to 200,000 a day by the end of the month .
This means at least 8,000 tests a day could potentially be unclear , or 56,000 a week .
Scientists said that unclear results were a normal part of the testing process , but public health experts warned that delays in getting results to people could undermine the government 's test , track and trace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched next week .
When a test does not produce a clear result , people are asked to repeat their test .
They are sent a text message which says : '' Your COVID-19 test has come back UNCLEAR .
Please seek a repeat test via the route you used previously . ''
They are then advised to self-isolate if they continue to have symptoms .
A scientist advising the government on its contact-tracing app said delays in diagnosis made contact tracing harder .
`` For contact tracing to work , it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bonsall , a researcher at Oxford 's Big Data Institute .
`` There 's no point in contact tracing if you 're tracing people and finding individuals after they have infected others , you have to catch up with the virus .
`` It 's the virus that determines how quick testing needs to be , and it does need to be very fast indeed . ''
When Sky News spoke to people who had received unclear test results , they said the system could be painfully slow .
`` I was told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days but it actually took 16 days for them to tell me the results were unclear , '' said Chris Dunne .
`` They said I should get tested again but I saw that as pretty pointless because it says the best time to get tested is within three days of showing symptoms . ''
Kelly , who did not give her full name , said it had taken `` two weeks '' for her mother to get a result for her test , which came back unclear .
`` In that time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the second time she was admitted to Whiston hospital for treatment , '' she said .
`` She was tested there , twice , but the doctor warned it would likely be negative as she was on day 12 of her symptoms . ''
Matt Waller , who works in North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust , received an unclear test result 11 days after his test , which he took because his partner had COVID symptoms .
`` It made me a little anxious because at that point I 'd worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & E departments in my trust seeing patients and working alongside staff who would be considered at risk , '' he said .
`` I was still asymptomatic but decided to contact my occupational health department .
They agreed to swab me on the basis of the inconclusive test .
I got swabbed this Monday and that came back negative on the 19th .
It 's all felt very inconsistent . ''
A spokesperson for the Department for Health and Social Care told Sky News : '' We have full confidence in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists do everything possible to make sure inconclusive results are extremely rare .
Inconclusive test results occur with tests for any virus . ''
`` More than 1.8 million people have now been tested and the vast majority have had no issues with their test results , '' they added .
Rupert Beale , a scientist at London 's Crick Institute who conducts COVID-19 tests , said it was normal for any testing process to produce unclear results .
`` It usually means there was a very low viral load or there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell the difference between them , '' he said .
`` It 's really just about the limits of the testing process . ''
Asked whether the government advice to self-isolate if symptoms continued was sensible , Dr Beale said `` it seems very reasonable '' .
`` All the laboratories are incredibly good at detecting a large amount of virus - and in a way that 's the important thing for limiting spread . ''

Thousands of coronavirus tests conducted at the government's main testing laboratory do not produce a clear outcome, Sky News can reveal, forcing people to wait days while they are retested.
Sky News has learned that 4% of swab tests conducted at the government's main testing laboratory in Milton Keynes are declared "unclear" because of limitations in the chemical testing process.
Tests can also fail to produce a clear result if they are not administered correctly, if there is a delay transporting them to the laboratory, or if there are problems with labelling, barcoding or packaging.
It is not known how many tests in total are inconclusive, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to increase testing capacity across the testing network to 200,000 a day by the end of the month.
This means at least 8,000 tests a day could potentially be unclear, or 56,000 a week.
Scientists said that unclear results were a normal part of the testing process, but public health experts warned that delays in getting results to people could undermine the government's test, track and trace system, which is expected to be launched next week.
When a test does not produce a clear result, people are asked to repeat their test. They are sent a text message which says:
"Your COVID-19 test has come back UNCLEAR. Please seek a repeat test via the route you used previously."
They are then advised to self-isolate if they continue to have symptoms.
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Image: Text messages are warning that the tests are coming back unclear
A scientist advising the government on its contact-tracing app said delays in diagnosis made contact tracing harder.
"For contact tracing to work, it has to be quick," said David Bonsall, a researcher at Oxford's Big Data Institute.
"There's no point in contact tracing if you're tracing people and finding individuals after they have infected others, you have to catch up with the virus.
"It's the virus that determines how quick testing needs to be, and it does need to be very fast indeed."
When Sky News spoke to people who had received unclear test results, they said the system could be painfully slow.
"I was told I would receive my results within five days but it actually took 16 days for them to tell me the results were unclear," said Chris Dunne.
"They said I should get tested again but I saw that as pretty pointless because it says the best time to get tested is within three days of showing symptoms."
Image: Testing is a key pillar of the government's 'track and trace' strategy
Kelly, who did not give her full name, said it had taken "two weeks" for her mother to get a result for her test, which came back unclear.
"In that time we had to call paramedics twice and on the second time she was admitted to Whiston hospital for treatment," she said.
"She was tested there, twice, but the doctor warned it would likely be negative as she was on day 12 of her symptoms."
Matt Waller, who works in North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, received an unclear test result 11 days after his test, which he took because his partner had COVID symptoms.
"It made me a little anxious because at that point I'd worked a handful of shifts at two A&E departments in my trust seeing patients and working alongside staff who would be considered at risk," he said.
"I was still asymptomatic but decided to contact my occupational health department. They agreed to swab me on the basis of the inconclusive test. I got swabbed this Monday and that came back negative on the 19th. It's all felt very inconsistent."
A spokesperson for the Department for Health and Social Care told Sky News:
"We have full confidence in the reliability of our tests and our highly-skilled scientists do everything possible to make sure inconclusive results are extremely rare. Inconclusive test results occur with tests for any virus."
"More than 1.8 million people have now been tested and the vast majority have had no issues with their test results," they added.
Image: Swabs are used to test for whether a person has COVID-19
Rupert Beale, a scientist at London's Crick Institute who conducts COVID-19 tests, said it was normal for any testing process to produce unclear results.
"It usually means there was a very low viral load or there was no viral load and you couldn't tell the difference between them," he said.
"It's really just about the limits of the testing process."
Asked whether the government advice to self-isolate if symptoms continued was sensible, Dr Beale said "it seems very reasonable".
"All the laboratories are incredibly good at detecting a large amount of virus - and in a way that's the important thing for limiting spread."


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: NHS antibody tests from next week - but uncertainty over COVID-19 immunity

Coronavirus antibody tests will be available on the NHS following agreements between the government and pharmaceutical firms Roche and Abbott .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government has signed contracts to supply 10 million antibody tests - which show if someone has had COVID-19 and potentially developed immunity to the virus .
The rollout will start with health care workers , patients and care home residents from next week .
He told the government 's daily briefing : `` The UK government has arranged supplies of these tests on behalf of the devolved administrations and each devolved nation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how testing will be prioritised and managed locally .
`` This is an important milestone and it represents further progress in our national testing programme . ''
Earlier , the prime minister 's spokesman said the tests will be `` free for people who need them , as you would expect '' .
At the briefing , Mr Hancock added that the government could not currently say if people who test positive for these antibodies are necessarily immune from COVID-19 .
But , he said the insight they provide is crucial to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus and how it is spreading across the country .
He said the government had done an `` antibody surveillance study '' which revealed about 17 % of people in London , and 5 % , or higher , in the rest of the country have tested positive for having coronavirus antibodies .
`` But , for the public at large to know whether or not they have antibodies we need antibody tests at a larger scale , '' the health secretary added .
As well as the two tests from Roche and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being assessed and he ultimately wants a `` home-grown '' antibody test which he said is `` showing some early promise '' .
Mr Hancock also announced 338 more people have died with the virus , according to the Department of Health , taking the total to 36,042 .
Across the four nations : • 37 were announced in Scotland by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon • Nine were confirmed by Public Health Wales • Seven were declared by the Northern Irish health department The discrepancy between the total UK figure and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority calculating their deaths in different ways and at different times .
The coronavirus antibody blood tests , made by Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche and US firm Abbott Laboratories , were given approval by Public Health England on 14 May after scientists at its Porton Down facility found the test was `` highly specific '' and had an accuracy of 100 % .
England 's deputy chief medical officer , Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , last week promised the tests would be rolled out `` rapidly '' .
He cautioned it could take up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the test can properly confirm if a person did have the virus .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It will `` take time '' to monitor how much people with antibodies have immunity from the virus and how long it could last for , he explained .
The tests were heralded by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as being a `` game-changer '' for lifting lockdown because someone who finds out they have antibodies can be `` safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most unlikely to get it again '' .
But John Edmunds , professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , has warned studies of other coronaviruses suggest `` potentially bad news '' for hopes humans could develop a long-term immunity .
He told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday : `` We can also see from other coronaviruses , from ones that cause coughs and colds , that individuals again do seem to not have particularly long-term immunity to many of those viruses , allowing them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not last that long against this virus . ''
A report prepared by the government 's top scientific advisers also warned if antibody tests come into widespread use some employers might start discriminating against those who have n't had the virus .
`` This might include not permitting those testing antibody negative to return to work , or only taking on new staff with antibody positive test results , '' their paper compiled in mid-April cautioned .

Coronavirus antibody tests will be available on the NHS following agreements between the government and pharmaceutical firms Roche and Abbott.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government has signed contracts to supply 10 million antibody tests - which show if someone has had COVID-19 and potentially developed immunity to the virus.
The rollout will start with health care workers, patients and care home residents from next week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How does the COVID-19 antibody test work?
He told the government's daily briefing: "The UK government has arranged supplies of these tests on behalf of the devolved administrations and each devolved nation is deciding how to use its test allocation and how testing will be prioritised and managed locally.
"This is an important milestone and it represents further progress in our national testing programme."
Earlier, the prime minister's spokesman said the tests will be "free for people who need them, as you would expect".
At the briefing, Mr Hancock added that the government could not currently say if people who test positive for these antibodies are necessarily immune from COVID-19.
But, he said the insight they provide is crucial to understanding how people's bodies react to coronavirus and how it is spreading across the country.
He said the government had done an "antibody surveillance study" which revealed about 17% of people in London, and 5%, or higher, in the rest of the country have tested positive for having coronavirus antibodies.
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"But, for the public at large to know whether or not they have antibodies we need antibody tests at a larger scale," the health secretary added.
As well as the two tests from Roche and Abbott, Mr Hancock said three more are being assessed and he ultimately wants a "home-grown" antibody test which he said is "showing some early promise".
Mr Hancock also announced 338 more people have died with the virus, according to the Department of Health, taking the total to 36,042.
Across the four nations:
187 were reported by NHS England
37 were announced in Scotland by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Nine were confirmed by Public Health Wales
Seven were declared by the Northern Irish health department
The discrepancy between the total UK figure and the individual home nations is due to each authority calculating their deaths in different ways and at different times.
Image: The number of people who died with the virus has risen to 36,042
The coronavirus antibody blood tests, made by Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche and US firm Abbott Laboratories, were given approval by Public Health England on 14 May after scientists at its Porton Down facility found the test was "highly specific" and had an accuracy of 100%.
England's deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, last week promised the tests would be rolled out "rapidly".
He cautioned it could take up to 28 days after someone is infected before the test can properly confirm if a person did have the virus.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It will "take time" to monitor how much people with antibodies have immunity from the virus and how long it could last for, he explained.
The tests were heralded by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as being a "game-changer" for lifting lockdown because someone who finds out they have antibodies can be "safe and confident in the knowledge that you are most unlikely to get it again".
But John Edmunds, professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has warned studies of other coronaviruses suggest "potentially bad news" for hopes humans could develop a long-term immunity.
Image: The tests have been hailed as a way of loosening a country-wide lockdown
He told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday: "We can also see from other coronaviruses, from ones that cause coughs and colds, that individuals again do seem to not have particularly long-term immunity to many of those viruses, allowing them to get reinfected later.
"Immunity may not last that long against this virus."
A report prepared by the government's top scientific advisers also warned if antibody tests come into widespread use some employers might start discriminating against those who haven't had the virus.
"This might include not permitting those testing antibody negative to return to work, or only taking on new staff with antibody positive test results," their paper compiled in mid-April cautioned.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Homemade masks and scarves can limit spread of COVID-19, study says, but there are down

Coronavirus: Homemade masks and scarves can limit spread of COVID-19, study says, but there are downsides

Homemade face masks can help limit the spread of coronavirus - but they do have downsides , according to a new study .
Seven types of face masks were put to the test by the University of Edinburgh , including surgical masks , respirators , lightweight and heavy-duty face shields , and handmade masks .
Aside from those with a valve , all of the face coverings were found to reduce the forward distance travelled by an exhaled breath by at least 90 % .
Measurements were taken from people wearing different face coverings from people standing or lying down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connected to a cough-simulating machine .
A special type of imaging was used that enables scientists to detect the distance and direction travelled by the air that is expelled when someone coughs or breathes heavily .
Although the surgical and handmade masks did limit the forward flow of an outward breath , they also generated `` far-reaching leakage jets to the side , behind and above and below '' - with `` intense backward jets '' generated whenever someone was coughing or breathing heavily .
Full-face shields worn without a mask enabled `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released .
Respirator masks , commonly used by workers exposed to fine dust , were also found to offer protection - but valves on these masks designed to make breathing easier `` could potentially allow infectious air to spread considerable distances in front '' .
Only masks that form a tight seal with the face were found to prevent the escape of virus-laden fluid particles , the researchers said .
When it comes to making a mask by hand , Britons are being urged to `` ensure it seals gaps around the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that obstructs the mouth and nose is always dangerous '' .
The University of Edinburgh says its findings could help steer official guidance on wearing masks to help tackle COVID-19 , which can be spread in small droplets of moisture in people 's breath .
Dr Ignazio Maria Viola , who co-ordinated the project , said he had `` generally been impressed by the effectiveness of all the face coverings we tested '' .
He told Sky News that , in principle , scarves offer similar protection in limiting the spread of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` might not be very popular in the summer '' .
`` Firstly , you need to have multiple layers to make it effective , and second it is important to seal all gaps ( hence it should be tightish ) otherwise air will be projected at high speed in directions that we are not aware of and that we can not control .
I also guess that it should be washed after every use , '' he said .
Dr Viola warned any new decisions on policy should bear in mind that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of security when wearing face coverings , meaning they fail to observe social distancing .
Another risk lies in the `` potential transmission route through touching a mask that has been infected and thus transferring the virus from the mask , to your hands , to other surfaces '' .
Dr Felicity Mehendale , a surgeon at the Centre for Global Health , added that it was `` reassuring to see the handmade mask worked just as well as the surgical mask to stop the wearer 's breath flowing directly forwards '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The strong backward jets mean you need to think twice before turning your head if you cough while wearing a mask , and be careful if you stand behind or beside someone wearing a mask . ''
On 28 April , the Scottish government advised people to wear face coverings while out of the home and in crowded places such as public transport or shops , with the UK government following suit on 11 May .
Unlike other countries , doing so is not mandatory .
The government has now offered step-by-step guides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home using old T-shirts .

Homemade face masks can help limit the spread of coronavirus - but they do have downsides, according to a new study.
Seven types of face masks were put to the test by the University of Edinburgh, including surgical masks, respirators, lightweight and heavy-duty face shields, and handmade masks.
Aside from those with a valve, all of the face coverings were found to reduce the forward distance travelled by an exhaled breath by at least 90%.
Image: Although handmade masks stop breath flowing forwards, exhaled air leaks elsewhere. Pic: University of Edinburgh
Measurements were taken from people wearing different face coverings from people standing or lying down, as well as from a manikin connected to a cough-simulating machine.
A special type of imaging was used that enables scientists to detect the distance and direction travelled by the air that is expelled when someone coughs or breathes heavily.
Although the surgical and handmade masks did limit the forward flow of an outward breath, they also generated "far-reaching leakage jets to the side, behind and above and below" - with "intense backward jets" generated whenever someone was coughing or breathing heavily.
Full-face shields worn without a mask enabled "a strong downward jet" to be released.
Respirator masks, commonly used by workers exposed to fine dust, were also found to offer protection - but valves on these masks designed to make breathing easier "could potentially allow infectious air to spread considerable distances in front".
Image: Without a mask, full-face shields generated 'a strong downward jet'. Pic: University of Edinburgh
Only masks that form a tight seal with the face were found to prevent the escape of virus-laden fluid particles, the researchers said.
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When it comes to making a mask by hand, Britons are being urged to "ensure it seals gaps around the face, but be careful because making something that obstructs the mouth and nose is always dangerous".
Image: Five of the seven face coverings that were tested during the study. Pic: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh says its findings could help steer official guidance on wearing masks to help tackle COVID-19, which can be spread in small droplets of moisture in people's breath.
Dr Ignazio Maria Viola, who co-ordinated the project, said he had "generally been impressed by the effectiveness of all the face coverings we tested".
He told Sky News that, in principle, scarves offer similar protection in limiting the spread of coronavirus - although they are not ideal and "might not be very popular in the summer".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:07 12 May: The growing industry of DIY face masks
"Firstly, you need to have multiple layers to make it effective, and second it is important to seal all gaps (hence it should be tightish) otherwise air will be projected at high speed in directions that we are not aware of and that we cannot control. I also guess that it should be washed after every use," he said.
Dr Viola warned any new decisions on policy should bear in mind that people could end up having a false sense of security when wearing face coverings, meaning they fail to observe social distancing.
Image: The research also shows the impact of heavy coughing without a mask. Pic: University of Edinburgh
Another risk lies in the "potential transmission route through touching a mask that has been infected and thus transferring the virus from the mask, to your hands, to other surfaces".
Dr Felicity Mehendale, a surgeon at the Centre for Global Health, added that it was "reassuring to see the handmade mask worked just as well as the surgical mask to stop the wearer's breath flowing directly forwards".
However, she added: "The strong backward jets mean you need to think twice before turning your head if you cough while wearing a mask, and be careful if you stand behind or beside someone wearing a mask."
Image: Wearing a face mask on public transport is advised, but not mandatory
On 28 April, the Scottish government advised people to wear face coverings while out of the home and in crowded places such as public transport or shops, with the UK government following suit on 11 May.
Unlike other countries, doing so is not mandatory.
The government has now offered step-by-step guides on how to make face coverings at home using old T-shirts.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Troubled Travelex seeks bids this week

The troubled foreign exchange provider Travelex is seeking takeover offers this week as it wrestles with the impact of an apparent fraud at its owner and a steep downturn in revenues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Sky News understands that advisers to Travelex have asked prospective bidders to table indicative bids on Friday , following a crisis at its London-listed parent company , Finablr .
Industry sources said that Cerberus Capital Management and Corsair Capital , two private equity firms with an extensive track record of buying financial services businesses , were among those which had expressed an interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either planned to lodge a formal proposal .
A range of trade bidders and other financial investors are also understood to have been exploring whether to bid .
An executive at one private equity firm said the Travelex brand `` retained substantial value '' and said he expected significant interest during the auction process .
They added that a wider recovery in the travel sector would help the business to return to profitability .
Travelex announced last month that it had asked PricewaterhouseCoopers , the accountancy firm , to field offers for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which operates in 60 countries around the world , has well over £300m in outstanding bond debt .
A source close to another prospective bidder said Travelex was `` hard to value '' , especially after the outbreak of the coronavirus , which has sent a chill through virtually the entire global travel industry .
Travelex relies on significant footfall at airports , which has been hammered by the pandemic 's impact on aviation , as well as a thriving international travel market .
This week , the health secretary , Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was effectively cancelled for British citizens , with plans for a 14-day quarantine period on travellers returning to the UK likely to act as a further deterrent to would-be holidaymakers .
Finablr , which listed in London last year , warned in March that it was at risk of becoming insolvent after the discovery of $ 100m of cheques which had been kept secret from its board .
The crisis triggered the resignation of EY as the group 's auditor , with a string of regulatory investigations now inevitable .
Finablr 's founder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also been engulfed by scandal at NMC Health , the healthcare group , which was recently forced to disclose billions of dollars of previously undeclared financial obligations .
Travelex is able to be sold separately from the rest of Finablr because it has an independent legal and financing structure .
The operator of foreign exchange services , which for decades has been a familiar fixture at British airports , was founded in 1976 by the entrepreneur and philanthropist , Sir Lloyd Dorfman .
He sold a stake in the company to Apax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2005 , before offloading the rest to Mr Shetty 's UAE Exchange several years later .
Asked at the weekend whether he was interested in helping to buy Travelex back , Sir Lloyd told The Sunday Telegraph : `` Am I actively doing anything ?
No I am not .
Let 's see how it plays out .
`` Let 's see what happens . ''
Corsair declined to comment , while Cerberus could not be reached for comment .

The troubled foreign exchange provider Travelex is seeking takeover offers this week as it wrestles with the impact of an apparent fraud at its owner and a steep downturn in revenues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sky News understands that advisers to Travelex have asked prospective bidders to table indicative bids on Friday, following a crisis at its London-listed parent company, Finablr.
Industry sources said that Cerberus Capital Management and Corsair Capital, two private equity firms with an extensive track record of buying financial services businesses, were among those which had expressed an interest in bidding.
It was unclear whether either planned to lodge a formal proposal.
A range of trade bidders and other financial investors are also understood to have been exploring whether to bid.
An executive at one private equity firm said the Travelex brand "retained substantial value" and said he expected significant interest during the auction process.
They added that a wider recovery in the travel sector would help the business to return to profitability.
Travelex announced last month that it had asked PricewaterhouseCoopers, the accountancy firm, to field offers for the business.
The retail currency dealer, which operates in 60 countries around the world, has well over £300m in outstanding bond debt.
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A source close to another prospective bidder said Travelex was "hard to value", especially after the outbreak of the coronavirus, which has sent a chill through virtually the entire global travel industry.
Travelex relies on significant footfall at airports, which has been hammered by the pandemic's impact on aviation, as well as a thriving international travel market.
This week, the health secretary, Matt Hancock, suggested that the summer holiday season was effectively cancelled for British citizens, with plans for a 14-day quarantine period on travellers returning to the UK likely to act as a further deterrent to would-be holidaymakers.
Finablr, which listed in London last year, warned in March that it was at risk of becoming insolvent after the discovery of $100m of cheques which had been kept secret from its board.
The crisis triggered the resignation of EY as the group's auditor, with a string of regulatory investigations now inevitable.
Finablr's founder, the Gulf-based billionaire BR Shetty, has also been engulfed by scandal at NMC Health, the healthcare group, which was recently forced to disclose billions of dollars of previously undeclared financial obligations.
Travelex is able to be sold separately from the rest of Finablr because it has an independent legal and financing structure.
The operator of foreign exchange services, which for decades has been a familiar fixture at British airports, was founded in 1976 by the entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Lloyd Dorfman.
He sold a stake in the company to Apax Partners, the private equity firm, in 2005, before offloading the rest to Mr Shetty's UAE Exchange several years later.
Asked at the weekend whether he was interested in helping to buy Travelex back, Sir Lloyd told The Sunday Telegraph: "Am I actively doing anything? No I am not. Let's see how it plays out.
"Let's see what happens."
Corsair declined to comment, while Cerberus could not be reached for comment.


news--2020-05-13--Lamborghini among items seized in county lines drugs raids

A bright green Lamborghini sports car was among the items seized by police officers targeting county lines drugs dealers .
Another two cars - both Mercedes - were also found as three residential addresses were raided simultaneously in south London in the early hours of Tuesday morning .
A further warrant was carried out at a commercial premises in south London .
It was a joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and Hampshire Constabulary into a `` county line '' being run between London and the southern county .
County lines is when organised gangs moving drugs out of urban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Five people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and taken to a police station in Hampshire .
Specialist entry equipment was used at one of the residential addresses - Rigby Close in Croydon - because the entrance had been secured with metal bars .
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Ant Jones , from the Specialist Crime Command , said : `` Investigating and disrupting county lines activity remains a priority for the Met .
`` Officers are continuing to carry out intelligence-led operations , even under the current public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and disrupt organised criminality and put those breaking the law behind bars . ''
Chief Inspector Mark Lynch from Hampshire Constabulary said : `` The threat from county lines drug dealing continues to present a significant risk to vulnerable children and adults living within Hampshire , despite the current COVID-19 restrictions the country finds itself in .
`` Please be reassured that despite the operational challenges the pandemic poses to us and other front line emergency services , tackling organised crime in all its various guises remains our core focus and operations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug dealing will continue .
`` Not only will we prosecute those found responsible to the full extent of the law , but we will also seek to maximise every opportunity to strip them of their illicit gains . ''

A bright green Lamborghini sports car was among the items seized by police officers targeting county lines drugs dealers.
Another two cars - both Mercedes - were also found as three residential addresses were raided simultaneously in south London in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
A further warrant was carried out at a commercial premises in south London.
It was a joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and Hampshire Constabulary into a "county line" being run between London and the southern county.
Image: Two Mercedes cars were seized alongside the Lamborghini
County lines is when organised gangs moving drugs out of urban areas to smaller towns or villages.
Five people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and taken to a police station in Hampshire.
Specialist entry equipment was used at one of the residential addresses - Rigby Close in Croydon - because the entrance had been secured with metal bars.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Ant Jones, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: "Investigating and disrupting county lines activity remains a priority for the Met.
"Officers are continuing to carry out intelligence-led operations, even under the current public health crisis, in order to dismantle and disrupt organised criminality and put those breaking the law behind bars."
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Image: Cash was found at one of the addresses raided
Chief Inspector Mark Lynch from Hampshire Constabulary said: "The threat from county lines drug dealing continues to present a significant risk to vulnerable children and adults living within Hampshire, despite the current COVID-19 restrictions the country finds itself in.
"Please be reassured that despite the operational challenges the pandemic poses to us and other front line emergency services, tackling organised crime in all its various guises remains our core focus and operations to disrupt criminals who attempt to profit from drug dealing will continue.
"Not only will we prosecute those found responsible to the full extent of the law, but we will also seek to maximise every opportunity to strip them of their illicit gains."


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Twitter to allow staff to work from home forever

Twitter is to allow staff to work from home `` forever '' as it adapts to the changes in working caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
In a blog post to users and employees , the company said that working from home to protect staff from COVID-19 had been a success .
The company will now permanently allow them to work from home , even after the coronavirus lockdown lifts , although they will have the option to return to the office if they prefer .
`` If our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to do so forever , we will make that happen , '' the company said .
`` If not , our offices will be their warm and welcoming selves , with some additional precautions , when we feel it 's safe to return . ''
The company said that it wo n't open its offices again before September , `` with very few exceptions '' , but if and when employees return that would be their decision .
`` When we do decide to open offices , it also wo n't be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was before .
It will be careful , intentional , office by office and gradual , '' the company added .
Facebook and Google have already stated their staff can work from home until the end of the year .

Twitter is to allow staff to work from home "forever" as it adapts to the changes in working caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
In a blog post to users and employees, the company said that working from home to protect staff from COVID-19 had been a success.
The company will now permanently allow them to work from home, even after the coronavirus lockdown lifts, although they will have the option to return to the office if they prefer.
"If our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen," the company said.
"If not, our offices will be their warm and welcoming selves, with some additional precautions, when we feel it's safe to return."
The company said that it won't open its offices again before September, "with very few exceptions", but if and when employees return that would be their decision.
"When we do decide to open offices, it also won't be a snap back to the way it was before. It will be careful, intentional, office by office and gradual," the company added.
Facebook and Google have already stated their staff can work from home until the end of the year.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: UK facing 'significant recession' after economy suffers worst fall since financial cris

Coronavirus: UK facing 'significant recession' after economy suffers worst fall since financial crisis

The UK faces a `` significant recession '' , the chancellor has warned , after figures showed the economy shrank by 2 % in the first three months of the year .
The figures are the first official look at the lockdown 's financial effects and show a contraction of 5.8 % in March GDP ( gross domestic product ) alone - the biggest monthly fall on record .
The UK went into lockdown near the end of the quarter in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus , so the quarterly GDP figure is only a partial representation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recession requires two consecutive negative quarters and this seems almost certain when the current quarter ends in June , as that will have been dominated by lockdown restrictions .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told Sky News : `` Technically a recession is defined as two quarters of negative GDP , we 've now had one ... so yes , it is now very likely that the UK is facing a significant recession at the moment and this year . ''
The Office for National Statistics said : `` The impacts of the coronavirus were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly all sub-sectors falling in the three months to March . ''
Sky 's economics editor , Ed Conway , said : `` It 's worth remembering that the falls we are seeing in economic activity around the world are largely a reflection of the lockdown measures imposed by governments .
`` The UK was relatively late to impose a lockdown , which helps explain why other countries which moved quicker - Italy , Spain , France and China , for instance - have seen far bigger contractions in the first quarter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the UK is expected to see a far sharper decline in the second quarter of the year - the one we 're in at the moment . ''
Growing fears of a slow global recovery took their toll on financial markets - the FTSE 100 losing 1.5 % to close at 5,904 points amid losses across Europe and the US .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average on Wall Street was 2.5 % down in late deals , also taking into account a warning from Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell about the threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more financial aid from the US government .
Included in the first-quarter GDP figure for the UK was a 1.9 % fall in the services sector - which accounts for around 80 % of the UK 's GDP .
There was also a 2.1 % fall in production and a 2.6 % fall in construction .
Suren Thiru , head of economics at the British Chambers of Commerce , said : `` The speed and scale at which coronavirus has hit the UK economy is unprecedented and means that the Q1 decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further , more historically significant contraction in economic activity in Q2 . ''
The Confederation of British Industry 's chief economist , Rain Newton-Smith , said : `` Ultimately , keeping health at the heart of a recovery plan will be key to sustaining an economic revival . ''
Trades Union Congress general secretary Frances O'Grady added : `` What 's important now is having the right plan for Britain 's economic recovery - a plan that keeps us safer than before , and that makes Britain fairer than before for the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the line . ''
Nicholas Cawley , strategist at Daily FX , said : `` A ' V-shaped ' recovery is looking less likely , despite the huge amount of monetary and fiscal stimulus recently announced .
`` It may be that we have already made the first half of a ' W-shaped ' recovery with further downside seen before the full effect of the various stimulus packages flow through the economy .
`` An ' L-shaped ' recovery or a 'lost decade ' is very unlikely as the Bank of England stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bottom-up monetary and fiscal support , forcing economic recovery , however much it takes . ''

The UK faces a "significant recession", the chancellor has warned, after figures showed the economy shrank by 2% in the first three months of the year.
The figures are the first official look at the lockdown's financial effects and show a contraction of 5.8% in March GDP (gross domestic product) alone - the biggest monthly fall on record.
The UK went into lockdown near the end of the quarter in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus, so the quarterly GDP figure is only a partial representation of the lockdown's financial impact.
Recession requires two consecutive negative quarters and this seems almost certain when the current quarter ends in June, as that will have been dominated by lockdown restrictions.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told Sky News: "Technically a recession is defined as two quarters of negative GDP, we've now had one...so yes, it is now very likely that the UK is facing a significant recession at the moment and this year."
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The Office for National Statistics said: "The impacts of the coronavirus were seen right across the economy, with nearly all sub-sectors falling in the three months to March."
Sky's economics editor, Ed Conway, said: "It's worth remembering that the falls we are seeing in economic activity around the world are largely a reflection of the lockdown measures imposed by governments.
"The UK was relatively late to impose a lockdown, which helps explain why other countries which moved quicker - Italy, Spain, France and China, for instance - have seen far bigger contractions in the first quarter.
"But in much the same way, the UK is expected to see a far sharper decline in the second quarter of the year - the one we're in at the moment."
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Growing fears of a slow global recovery took their toll on financial markets - the FTSE 100 losing 1.5% to close at 5,904 points amid losses across Europe and the US.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average on Wall Street was 2.5% down in late deals, also taking into account a warning from Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell about the threat of a prolonged recession and the need for more financial aid from the US government.
Included in the first-quarter GDP figure for the UK was a 1.9% fall in the services sector - which accounts for around 80% of the UK's GDP. There was also a 2.1% fall in production and a 2.6% fall in construction.
Suren Thiru, head of economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "The speed and scale at which coronavirus has hit the UK economy is unprecedented and means that the Q1 decline is likely to be followed by a further, more historically significant contraction in economic activity in Q2."
The Confederation of British Industry's chief economist, Rain Newton-Smith, said: "Ultimately, keeping health at the heart of a recovery plan will be key to sustaining an economic revival."
Trades Union Congress general secretary Frances O'Grady added: "What's important now is having the right plan for Britain's economic recovery - a plan that keeps us safer than before, and that makes Britain fairer than before for the key workers who have put their lives on the line."
Nicholas Cawley, strategist at Daily FX, said: "A 'V-shaped' recovery is looking less likely, despite the huge amount of monetary and fiscal stimulus recently announced.
"It may be that we have already made the first half of a 'W-shaped' recovery with further downside seen before the full effect of the various stimulus packages flow through the economy.
"An 'L-shaped' recovery or a 'lost decade' is very unlikely as the Bank of England stands ready to act further with both top-down and bottom-up monetary and fiscal support, forcing economic recovery, however much it takes."


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Baby camels born during lockdown need to wait for visitors

Two new arrivals at a wildlife park will be shocked when the gates open again , after being born into the venue during lockdown , according to rangers .
The baby Bactrian camels , namesd Marvin and Merlin , were born in April at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster , South Yorkshire , and have just been placed in the main herd in their reserve .
According to the park , they are the first camel calves to be born during the coronavirus lockdown .
A spokesman said : `` The park has had previous success with breeding camels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be born at the park who have never seen a visitor , so it will be a surprise for them when the park reopens .
`` Merlin is darker in colour than Marvin but the two are becoming firm friends as they explore the extensive camel reserve together . ''
Merlin , the darker camel , was born on 23 April , with Marvin arriving a couple of weeks earlier on the 10 April .
The team leader of Hoofstock , Ayesha Seston , said : `` Both of the new calves are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best time ever , enjoying the sun , bonding with their mothers , and getting to know the rest of the herd .
`` Bactrian camels are very family-oriented animals with strong bonds within the herd .
It is clear that they are all delighted with the new additions and so are we .
`` It is great to have new babies here at the park .
They create so much joy among the animals and the rangers , especially during such uncertain times .
`` The weather during April has been amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park would normally be booming with visitors .
The children love to see the baby animals , but it 's all strangely quiet this year due to the temporary closure of the park . ''
The gestation period for a Bactrian camel is 13 months , with the newborns staying with their mothers for a considerable length of time after they are born .

Two new arrivals at a wildlife park will be shocked when the gates open again, after being born into the venue during lockdown, according to rangers.
The baby Bactrian camels, namesd Marvin and Merlin, were born in April at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and have just been placed in the main herd in their reserve.
According to the park, they are the first camel calves to be born during the coronavirus lockdown.
Image: The calves are the first to be born in the lockdown. Pic: Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Image: The calves have joined the rest of the herd. Pic: Yorkshire Wildlife Park
A spokesman said: "The park has had previous success with breeding camels but these are the first calves to be born at the park who have never seen a visitor, so it will be a surprise for them when the park reopens.
"Merlin is darker in colour than Marvin but the two are becoming firm friends as they explore the extensive camel reserve together."
Merlin, the darker camel, was born on 23 April, with Marvin arriving a couple of weeks earlier on the 10 April.
The team leader of Hoofstock, Ayesha Seston, said: "Both of the new calves are males and seem to be having the best time ever, enjoying the sun, bonding with their mothers, and getting to know the rest of the herd.
"Bactrian camels are very family-oriented animals with strong bonds within the herd. It is clear that they are all delighted with the new additions and so are we.
"It is great to have new babies here at the park. They create so much joy among the animals and the rangers, especially during such uncertain times.
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Image: Merlin was born on 23 April. Pic: Yorkshire Wildlife Park
"The weather during April has been amazing and at this time of year the park would normally be booming with visitors. The children love to see the baby animals, but it's all strangely quiet this year due to the temporary closure of the park."
The gestation period for a Bactrian camel is 13 months, with the newborns staying with their mothers for a considerable length of time after they are born.


news--2020-05-13--Sunak slips up - how chancellor voted against his own government

Rishi Sunak has raised eyebrows after accidentally voting against his own government .
The chancellor sparked surprise when his name appeared in support of a rebel amendment to the Agriculture Bill .
It was defeated - but if passed could have tied ministers ' hands in negotiations on trade deals .
Ministers are expected to support the government in votes as part of `` cabinet responsibility '' and if they can not should resign .
A source close to Mr Sunak said it was `` not an intentional vote against the government '' .
They told Sky News the error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the online system '' set up to let MPs vote remotely during the coronavirus crisis .
The insider added he informed the chief whip - the MP in charge of keeping colleagues in line - as soon as the mistake happened .
It may further raise concerns among some politicians about the new measures brought in to let them do their job from home as part of the coronavirus lockdown .
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg signalled the special powers would be abolished in June to set an example to the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused those who want the current system to remain of trying to `` hide behind a veneer of virtual parliament so that legislation is not progressed with '' .

Rishi Sunak has raised eyebrows after accidentally voting against his own government.
The chancellor sparked surprise when his name appeared in support of a rebel amendment to the Agriculture Bill.
It was defeated - but if passed could have tied ministers' hands in negotiations on trade deals.
Image: MPs have been voting remotely during the coronavirus lockdown
Ministers are expected to support the government in votes as part of "cabinet responsibility" and if they cannot should resign.
A source close to Mr Sunak said it was "not an intentional vote against the government".
They told Sky News the error was due to "teething issues with the online system" set up to let MPs vote remotely during the coronavirus crisis.
The insider added he informed the chief whip - the MP in charge of keeping colleagues in line - as soon as the mistake happened.
It may further raise concerns among some politicians about the new measures brought in to let them do their job from home as part of the coronavirus lockdown.
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg signalled the special powers would be abolished in June to set an example to the rest of the country about returning to work.
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He accused those who want the current system to remain of trying to "hide behind a veneer of virtual parliament so that legislation is not progressed with".


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Lockdown boost for archaeology as amateurs uncover Roman remains

Lockdown has given archaeology an unexpected boost with volunteers finding previously unrecorded Roman , prehistoric and medieval sites from the comfort of their own homes .
In a project coordinated by a team at Exeter University , enthusiastic amateurs have been analysing images derived from Lidar ( light detection and ranging ) data - laser technology used during aerial surveys to produce highly detailed topographical maps .
Modern vegetation and buildings can be digitally removed , allowing archaeologists to look at the shape of the land surface to find the remains of archaeological earthworks .
The data is being systematically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ archaeology and historic maps , meaning the total of new discoveries regularly changes .
So far the team have found parts of two Roman roads , around 30 prehistoric or Roman large embanked settlement enclosures , and some 20 prehistoric burial mounds , as well as the remains of hundreds of medieval farms , field systems and quarries .
With fieldwork on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic , the scheme has allowed the study of ancient landscapes to continue .
Project leader Dr Chris Smart , from the University of Exeter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be out in the field surveying archaeological sites with groups of volunteers , or preparing for our community excavations , but this is all now on hold .
`` I knew there would be enthusiasm within our volunteer group to continue working during lockdown - one even suggested temporarily rebranding our project 'Lockdown Landscapes ' - but I do n't think they realised how many new discoveries they would make .
`` I am very grateful to our team for their efforts and am glad that we could continue to do volunteer-led research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current rate we expect them to recognise hundreds of new archaeological sites in the coming month or two . ''

Lockdown has given archaeology an unexpected boost with volunteers finding previously unrecorded Roman, prehistoric and medieval sites from the comfort of their own homes.
In a project coordinated by a team at Exeter University, enthusiastic amateurs have been analysing images derived from Lidar (light detection and ranging) data - laser technology used during aerial surveys to produce highly detailed topographical maps.
Modern vegetation and buildings can be digitally removed, allowing archaeologists to look at the shape of the land surface to find the remains of archaeological earthworks.
The data is being systematically examined and cross-referenced with records of known archaeology and historic maps, meaning the total of new discoveries regularly changes.
Image: A probable Iron Age or Roman enclosed settlement, defined by a band or ditch (indicated by red arrows)
So far the team have found parts of two Roman roads, around 30 prehistoric or Roman large embanked settlement enclosures, and some 20 prehistoric burial mounds, as well as the remains of hundreds of medieval farms, field systems and quarries.
With fieldwork on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, the scheme has allowed the study of ancient landscapes to continue.
Image: A section of probably Roman road which has been revealed by volunteers using light detection and ranging (Lidar) data
Project leader Dr Chris Smart, from the University of Exeter, said: "Ordinarily we would now be out in the field surveying archaeological sites with groups of volunteers, or preparing for our community excavations, but this is all now on hold.
"I knew there would be enthusiasm within our volunteer group to continue working during lockdown - one even suggested temporarily rebranding our project 'Lockdown Landscapes' - but I don't think they realised how many new discoveries they would make.
"I am very grateful to our team for their efforts and am glad that we could continue to do volunteer-led research in these unsettling times. At the current rate we expect them to recognise hundreds of new archaeological sites in the coming month or two."


news--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Hundreds of firms suspected of pressuring furloughed staff to work

Hundreds of companies are suspected of fraudulently claiming furlough money from the government while pressuring their employees to continue working .
HMRC has confirmed to Sky News it has received 795 reports from worried workers about the Job Retention Scheme .
Whistleblower support organisations also say they have seen a `` significant '' number of calls .
One has exclusively told Sky News that up to 20 % have been from people working in the care sector .
The furlough scheme is designed to help businesses retain their staff during the coronavirus crisis , with the government paying 80 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month .
But furloughed employees are not meant to do any work at all for their organisations .
Asking staff to work while money is being claimed amounts to committing fraud and it is taxpayers who will ultimately foot the multi-million pound bill .
But the workers are victims too with many reporting feeling pressured , threatened and facing an impossible choice between doing what is right , or potentially losing their jobs .
`` James '' works in made-to-order retail .
We have changed his name to protect his identity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ furloughed but continuously asked him to come in to deliver orders .
When James questioned it , he was told if he did not the company would have to close .
`` It felt like 'if you do n't break the rules with me , you wo n't have a job ' , '' he said .
`` I 'm happy to go into work if needed , but I want to do it legally .
`` It puts you in an awkward position because you know it 's the wrong thing ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you should n't be abusing the furlough system , but if I stand there and say what I really think , I 'm not going to get paid , you know you 'll be out of a job .
`` Any time losing a job would be difficult but at a time like this when it 's going to be difficult to get another one , it 's really worrying . ''
Workers experiencing this are being encouraged to report their employers to HMRC but many are scared .
Some may not even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Protect , a whistleblowers support group , have said they are `` surprised '' by how many calls they have had .
The majority work for small organisations with fewer than 50 employees , and many are financially vulnerable on small salaries .
`` We expect this is just the tip of the iceberg '' , said chief executive Liz Gardiner .
`` In this time of unprecedented change , when people are really worried about their jobs .
It 's a really difficult thing to stand up and say ' I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm going to report you ' . ''
Up to 20 % of the calls they have received are from people working in the care sector who have been furloughed but asked to 'volunteer ' , often on reduced pay .
`` I 'm sure employers are in a very difficult situation not knowing when an invoice might be paid , '' said founder and CEO Georgina Halford-Hall .
`` But to put their employees , who are really dedicated to those people they have got to know in the community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to choose between committing a criminal act , or not having a job , or not look after the old people they 're caring for , it really is a disgrace , a national disgrace . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She has said many are too scared to come forward and that stronger protection for whistle-blowers would help .
`` Let 's face it , if you 've got a family and a mortgage and car repayments and who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incentive to speak out under the current policy ?
There is none . ''
Seven-and-a-half million workers are being supported by the furlough scheme which has now been extended until the end of October .
But a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research ( IPPR ) think tank suggests government support is protecting landlords , banks and lenders more than families .
The report says poorer families `` bear the brunt '' of the economic costs and that inequality will widen under the lockdown measures .
The highest earners are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , while low-income families are more likely to be furloughed .
Households within the second highest income bracket could be saving an extra £189 if they are able to continue working from home , while households in the second lowest income bracket could be in debt by an extra £12 if they are furloughed .
However , experts say that given the scale of the furlough scheme , and the speed at which it was set up , it is broadly a remarkable success .
`` We have to remember that millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not otherwise be getting , the alternative for many of them would be redundancy , '' Karen Teago , employment lawyer and joint CEO of Yess Law said .
`` Certainly in employment law , many new regimes , many new pieces of legislation when they come in they have difficulties in them .
`` It would be impossible to design a perfect scheme and certainly not in just a month .
`` By in large the scheme seems to be getting money to people who would otherwise not be being paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarded as a success . ''
HMRC said it is `` committed to ensuring the tax systems we operate are used fairly and efficiently and where necessary will take action to ensure compliance with the relevant rules , regulations and legislation that govern the UK taxation systems '' .
A spokesperson added : `` We value all the information provided to us by members of the public aimed at helping us achieve that goal . ''
It said any employee reporting furlough fraud would be `` entirely anonymous '' .
18 May 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remove an inaccurate reference to WhistleblowersUK as a charity .

Hundreds of companies are suspected of fraudulently claiming furlough money from the government while pressuring their employees to continue working.
HMRC has confirmed to Sky News it has received 795 reports from worried workers about the Job Retention Scheme.
Whistleblower support organisations also say they have seen a "significant" number of calls. One has exclusively told Sky News that up to 20% have been from people working in the care sector.
The furlough scheme is designed to help businesses retain their staff during the coronavirus crisis, with the government paying 80% of workers' salaries up to £2,500 a month. But furloughed employees are not meant to do any work at all for their organisations.
Asking staff to work while money is being claimed amounts to committing fraud and it is taxpayers who will ultimately foot the multi-million pound bill.
But the workers are victims too with many reporting feeling pressured, threatened and facing an impossible choice between doing what is right, or potentially losing their jobs.
"James" works in made-to-order retail. We have changed his name to protect his identity.
His boss told him he was being furloughed but continuously asked him to come in to deliver orders.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Rishi Sunak explains the furlough extension and how the latter part will be slightly different.
When James questioned it, he was told if he did not the company would have to close.
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"It felt like 'if you don't break the rules with me, you won't have a job'," he said.
"I'm happy to go into work if needed, but I want to do it legally.
"It puts you in an awkward position because you know it's the wrong thing; you shouldn't be going in, you shouldn't be abusing the furlough system, but if I stand there and say what I really think, I'm not going to get paid, you know you'll be out of a job.
"Any time losing a job would be difficult but at a time like this when it's going to be difficult to get another one, it's really worrying."
Workers experiencing this are being encouraged to report their employers to HMRC but many are scared. Some may not even know they have been put on furlough.
Protect, a whistleblowers support group, have said they are "surprised" by how many calls they have had.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:02 Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is worried firms could issue redundancies once the furlough scheme ends.
The majority work for small organisations with fewer than 50 employees, and many are financially vulnerable on small salaries.
"We expect this is just the tip of the iceberg", said chief executive Liz Gardiner.
"In this time of unprecedented change, when people are really worried about their jobs. It's a really difficult thing to stand up and say 'I think you're committing fraud employer and I'm going to report you'."
WhistleblowersUK, another support organisation, has reported similar trends.
Up to 20% of the calls they have received are from people working in the care sector who have been furloughed but asked to 'volunteer', often on reduced pay.
"I'm sure employers are in a very difficult situation not knowing when an invoice might be paid," said founder and CEO Georgina Halford-Hall.
"But to put their employees, who are really dedicated to those people they have got to know in the community, in a position where they're having to choose between committing a criminal act, or not having a job, or not look after the old people they're caring for, it really is a disgrace, a national disgrace."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
She has said many are too scared to come forward and that stronger protection for whistle-blowers would help.
"Let's face it, if you've got a family and a mortgage and car repayments and who knows what else, what is the incentive to speak out under the current policy? There is none."
Seven-and-a-half million workers are being supported by the furlough scheme which has now been extended until the end of October.
But a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank suggests government support is protecting landlords, banks and lenders more than families.
The report says poorer families "bear the brunt" of the economic costs and that inequality will widen under the lockdown measures.
The highest earners are more likely to be able to work from home, while low-income families are more likely to be furloughed.
Households within the second highest income bracket could be saving an extra £189 if they are able to continue working from home, while households in the second lowest income bracket could be in debt by an extra £12 if they are furloughed.
However, experts say that given the scale of the furlough scheme, and the speed at which it was set up, it is broadly a remarkable success.
"We have to remember that millions of people are receiving pay which they might not otherwise be getting, the alternative for many of them would be redundancy," Karen Teago, employment lawyer and joint CEO of Yess Law said.
"Certainly in employment law, many new regimes, many new pieces of legislation when they come in they have difficulties in them.
"It would be impossible to design a perfect scheme and certainly not in just a month.
"By in large the scheme seems to be getting money to people who would otherwise not be being paid and in those terms it can be regarded as a success."
HMRC said it is "committed to ensuring the tax systems we operate are used fairly and efficiently and where necessary will take action to ensure compliance with the relevant rules, regulations and legislation that govern the UK taxation systems".
A spokesperson added: "We value all the information provided to us by members of the public aimed at helping us achieve that goal."
It said any employee reporting furlough fraud would be "entirely anonymous".
18 May 2020 - This story has been amended to remove an inaccurate reference to WhistleblowersUK as a charity.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Los Angeles beaches are reopening - but things are far from normal

Few things mean normality to the people of Los Angeles like a day at the beach .
But those who took the opportunity to return to the beach for the first time in two months found things far from normal .
Officials in Los Angeles County have reopened its 75 miles of beach from Malibu to Long Beach but with strict restrictions in place .
The threat of the coronavirus means beach-goers can walk , run , swim and surf but can not sunbathe or picnic .
They can be active , they can not linger or lounge .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breeze off the Pacific and the sand between the toes was a welcome relief for those living in lockdown .
`` It feels like a big day , '' said Maria Castro .
`` You can see people are a little scared still and that is a good thing maybe .
It is nice to be back . ''
They returned in modest numbers .
The people of Los Angeles have been generally supportive and observant of the stay-at-home message from authorities .
Even a normally bustling Rosie 's Dog Beach , newly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had just a handful of visitors on Wednesday morning .
It was certainly a contrast to the scenes witnessed at beaches in neighbouring Orange County in recent weeks when crowds and anti-lockdown protesters surged to the seafront .
In truth , anyone in Los Angeles desperate to visit the beach until now has been able to journey a few miles north or south to reach some of those that have been open .
And the real test of whether people can be trusted to abide by the restrictions will come at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker : : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker But Los Angeles residents could perhaps be forgiven for being confused by the statement from the county 's public health director that , while things are opening up , the `` safer at home '' order would remain in effect until July .
While that statement was later clarified to reflect that a slow and steady lifting of restrictions will still continue , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not return to normal for some time yet .
Even a day at the beach ca n't wash away that reality .

Few things mean normality to the people of Los Angeles like a day at the beach.
But those who took the opportunity to return to the beach for the first time in two months found things far from normal.
Officials in Los Angeles County have reopened its 75 miles of beach from Malibu to Long Beach but with strict restrictions in place.
Image: Things are still far from normal after two months in lockdown
Image: LA beach-goers can walk, run, swim and surf but cannot sunbathe or picnic
The threat of the coronavirus means beach-goers can walk, run, swim and surf but cannot sunbathe or picnic. They can be active, they cannot linger or lounge.
Even so, the chance to feel the breeze off the Pacific and the sand between the toes was a welcome relief for those living in lockdown.
"It feels like a big day," said Maria Castro. "You can see people are a little scared still and that is a good thing maybe. It is nice to be back."
They returned in modest numbers. The people of Los Angeles have been generally supportive and observant of the stay-at-home message from authorities.
Even a normally bustling Rosie's Dog Beach, newly opening up to owners and their pooches, had just a handful of visitors on Wednesday morning.
Image: Despite easing of restrictions, the 'safer at home' order will remain in effect until July
It was certainly a contrast to the scenes witnessed at beaches in neighbouring Orange County in recent weeks when crowds and anti-lockdown protesters surged to the seafront.
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In truth, anyone in Los Angeles desperate to visit the beach until now has been able to journey a few miles north or south to reach some of those that have been open.
And the real test of whether people can be trusted to abide by the restrictions will come at the weekend.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
But Los Angeles residents could perhaps be forgiven for being confused by the statement from the county's public health director that, while things are opening up, the "safer at home" order would remain in effect until July.
While that statement was later clarified to reflect that a slow and steady lifting of restrictions will still continue, it did serve as a reminder that things will not return to normal for some time yet.
Even a day at the beach can't wash away that reality.


news--2020-05-13--Liam Gallagher: Mark Lanegan extends olive branch to star after reigniting 1996 feud

Rock star Mark Lanegan has extended an olive branch to `` eccentric '' Liam Gallagher after his recently released autobiography reignited a 1996 feud between the pair .
Lanegan , former vocalist of grunge band Screaming Trees and a frequent collaborator with Queens Of The Stone Age , wrote in his memoir Sing Backwards And Weep that the Oasis star dodged a planned fight in Miami 24 years ago .
In the book , published at the end of April , the US musician describes Gallagher as `` a playground bully '' and a `` total p**** '' , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked up on social media .
He claimed the bust-up began on tour when the Manchester-born singer shouted `` Howling Branches '' at him , in an apparent attempt to make fun of the band 's Screaming Trees name .
Lanegan says Gallagher left the US leg of Oasis 's ( What 's the Story ) Morning Glory ?
tour - which was supported by the Trees - to avoid fighting with him in Miami .
Gallagher , not one to stay quiet , responded by saying he had been joking , calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` another bullsh***** trying to sell a book '' on Twitter .
Now , Lanegan has attempted to clarify the comments and said he thinks Gallagher is `` not a bad person '' .
Explaining his retelling of the events , he said : `` That 's written from the viewpoint of a guy , 24 years ago , and that does n't reflect how I actually feel about him now .
`` I see his clips on Twitter now and it makes me laugh .
He 's kind of an eccentric old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he does some good deeds in the community and he 's not a bad person . ''
Lanegan says there is no ill-feeling towards Gallagher .
`` He was anything but hard , he never has been hard , he 's a p**** , but that does n't mean I hold a grudge against the dude , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I wrote that from a standpoint of how he came up on me 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough guy trying to f****** intimidate me and that just does n't happen . ''
Of course , this is not the only Twitter spat Gallagher has got into , having been involved with an ongoing war of words with big brother and former Oasis bandmate Noel for several years , following the group 's acrimonious split in 2009 .
Liam has called for the band to reform many times - most recently for a gig to support the NHS when the coronavirus lockdown is over - but Noel has previously said a @ @ @ @ @

Rock star Mark Lanegan has extended an olive branch to "eccentric" Liam Gallagher after his recently released autobiography reignited a 1996 feud between the pair.
Lanegan, former vocalist of grunge band Screaming Trees and a frequent collaborator with Queens Of The Stone Age, wrote in his memoir Sing Backwards And Weep that the Oasis star dodged a planned fight in Miami 24 years ago.
In the book, published at the end of April, the US musician describes Gallagher as "a playground bully" and a "total p****", and a photograph of the segment was quickly picked up on social media.
Image: The feud apparently started when Oasis were on tour in the US in 1996
He claimed the bust-up began on tour when the Manchester-born singer shouted "Howling Branches" at him, in an apparent attempt to make fun of the band's Screaming Trees name.
Lanegan says Gallagher left the US leg of Oasis's (What's the Story) Morning Glory? tour - which was supported by the Trees - to avoid fighting with him in Miami.
Gallagher, not one to stay quiet, responded by saying he had been joking, calling Lanegan an "uptight junkie" and "another bullsh***** trying to sell a book" on Twitter.
Now, Lanegan has attempted to clarify the comments and said he thinks Gallagher is "not a bad person".
Explaining his retelling of the events, he said: "That's written from the viewpoint of a guy, 24 years ago, and that doesn't reflect how I actually feel about him now.
"I see his clips on Twitter now and it makes me laugh. He's kind of an eccentric old uncle. Also, I'm aware he does some good deeds in the community and he's not a bad person."
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Lanegan says there is no ill-feeling towards Gallagher.
"He was anything but hard, he never has been hard, he's a p****, but that doesn't mean I hold a grudge against the dude," he said.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I wrote that from a standpoint of how he came up on me 24 years ago, like he was some tough guy trying to f****** intimidate me and that just doesn't happen."
Of course, this is not the only Twitter spat Gallagher has got into, having been involved with an ongoing war of words with big brother and former Oasis bandmate Noel for several years, following the group's acrimonious split in 2009.
Liam has called for the band to reform many times - most recently for a gig to support the NHS when the coronavirus lockdown is over - but Noel has previously said a reunion isn't happening.