skynewspolitics--2020-04-19--'We can't give a date' for when schools will return, minister says

No date has been set for when schools in England will reopen , the education secretary has confirmed .
Gavin Williamson , speaking at the Downing Street briefing , said : `` People are anxious to know when we 're going to relax restrictions , when schools are likely to be fully back and open again .
`` Of course , I want nothing more than to see schools back , get them back to normal , make sure the children are sat around , learning , and experiencing the joy of being at school .
`` But I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because before we do , we need to meet five tests . ''
Mr Williamson praised parents for dealing with home-schooling children during the COVID-19 lockdown .
He said : `` I recognise all the challenges that families will be facing at the moment .
`` We are determined to support parents who are helping their children learn from home .
`` I think we all know how difficult that can be . ''
Earlier Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove , appearing on Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday , denied reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start easing the coronavirus lockdown within weeks .
The Mail on Sunday reported that schools and businesses could be allowed to reopen in mid-May .
Asked if it was correct that the government was considering a `` traffic light '' strategy to come out of lockdown , Mr Gove said : `` No , it is not . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Gove said the government was `` looking at all of the evidence '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests which need to be passed before we can think of easing restrictions in this lockdown .
`` We 're looking at the data , it is the case that the rate of infection appears to be flattening , but we do not want to take steps too early because the most important thing is to make sure that the NHS and the public 's health is protected . ''

No date has been set for when schools in England will reopen, the education secretary has confirmed.
Gavin Williamson, speaking at the Downing Street briefing, said: "People are anxious to know when we're going to relax restrictions, when schools are likely to be fully back and open again.
"Of course, I want nothing more than to see schools back, get them back to normal, make sure the children are sat around, learning, and experiencing the joy of being at school.
"But I can't give you a date.
"Because before we do, we need to meet five tests."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'Too early to lift UK lockdown'
Mr Williamson praised parents for dealing with home-schooling children during the COVID-19 lockdown.
He said: "I recognise all the challenges that families will be facing at the moment.
"We are determined to support parents who are helping their children learn from home.
"I think we all know how difficult that can be."
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Earlier Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, appearing on Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday, denied reports that the government has devised a graduated plan to start easing the coronavirus lockdown within weeks.
The Mail on Sunday reported that schools and businesses could be allowed to reopen in mid-May.
Asked if it was correct that the government was considering a "traffic light" strategy to come out of lockdown, Mr Gove said: "No, it is not."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Gove said the government was "looking at all of the evidence", adding: "We've set some tests which need to be passed before we can think of easing restrictions in this lockdown.
"We're looking at the data, it is the case that the rate of infection appears to be flattening, but we do not want to take steps too early because the most important thing is to make sure that the NHS and the public's health is protected."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-19--Developing a coronavirus vaccine is 'not a given'

A vaccine against the coronavirus is `` not a given '' , an expert has told Sky News .
Sir Jeremy Farrar , director of the Wellcome Trust and one of the experts advising the government on its COVID-19 response , said he was `` optimistic '' that one could be found .
But he told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that there was no guarantee .
`` The truth is we do n't have a vaccine for any other human coronavirus - common cold , SARS , MERS - and so it 's not a given that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeremy said .
`` I 'm optimistic but it 's not whether it 's a vaccine or a treatment or a test or a diagnostic , the truth is we have to have all of these and we have to use them in parallel because we 're not sure which one of these will work and in the end actually we 'll need all of those . ''
Sir Jeremy added that he held out hope of a vaccine towards the end of this year , but pointed out that it will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If we did have a vaccine let 's say late in 2020 or into 2021 , we would then need to manufacture it in billions of doses and make those billions of doses available to the world , '' Sir Jeremy said .
`` So just having a vaccine that is safe and effective and proven is not enough , we have to think all the way through to the end of how we get this around the world because if there is any country vulnerable , if there is any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this virus , then every country is vulnerable .
`` I hope we will have a vaccine towards the end of this year but that 's a vaccine in a vial , a vaccine that we believe to be safe , a vaccine that we think will be effective .
That is not having a vaccine for the world . ''
Sir Jeremy was speaking as the government faced fresh questions about its handling of the COVID-19 crisis .
According to the Sunday Times , dire warnings were ignored from scientists - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of the coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic '' .
Government whistleblowers , scientists and emergency planners have alleged there was a complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have been urgently replenishing stockpiles .
Asked if ministers were too slow to respond to the virus , Sir Jeremy said `` there must be lessons learnt '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I think if you look at testing , yes , if you look at what was happening in Korea and Singapore and indeed in Germany , there was a much quicker ramping up of testing .
`` Testing is critical , testing will be critical as we come out of this epidemic , the ramping up of testing , the provision of PPE [ personal protective equipment ] in hospitals to protect healthcare workers , all of these in retrospect , yes , should have happened earlier . ''
Sir Jeremy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak of the COVID-19 outbreak , but warned further peaks could follow .
`` We should not see this as a discrete episode , '' he told Ridge .
`` I think the probability and what we must be planning for is that there will be further waves of this in the future . ''
In his role on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies , Sir Jeremy is one of a number of experts who will tell the government when is a good time to begin easing the UK 's lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , but `` I hope we will get there in three , four weeks ' time '' .
`` It is clear that the lockdown ca n't go on for much longer , '' Sir Jeremy continued .
`` The damage it 's doing to all of our health , our wellbeing , our mental health , it disproportionately of course affecting the most vulnerable and the least able to cope with it in society , that 's a really big issue of inequality . ''
A Downing Street spokesman has criticised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it , as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers .
`` The prime minister has been at the helm of the response to this , providing leadership during this hugely challenging period for the whole nation . ''

A vaccine against the coronavirus is "not a given", an expert has told Sky News.
Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and one of the experts advising the government on its COVID-19 response, said he was "optimistic" that one could be found.
But he told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that there was no guarantee.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:01 Britain joins the race to find a vaccine
"The truth is we don't have a vaccine for any other human coronavirus - common cold, SARS, MERS - and so it's not a given that we will make a vaccine," Sir Jeremy said.
"I'm optimistic but it's not whether it's a vaccine or a treatment or a test or a diagnostic, the truth is we have to have all of these and we have to use them in parallel because we're not sure which one of these will work and in the end actually we'll need all of those."
Sir Jeremy added that he held out hope of a vaccine towards the end of this year, but pointed out that it will take time for it to be widely available.
"If we did have a vaccine let's say late in 2020 or into 2021, we would then need to manufacture it in billions of doses and make those billions of doses available to the world," Sir Jeremy said.
"So just having a vaccine that is safe and effective and proven is not enough, we have to think all the way through to the end of how we get this around the world because if there is any country vulnerable, if there is any country where there is still transmission of this virus, then every country is vulnerable.
"I hope we will have a vaccine towards the end of this year but that's a vaccine in a vial, a vaccine that we believe to be safe, a vaccine that we think will be effective. That is not having a vaccine for the world."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 'We may need more than one vaccine'
Sir Jeremy was speaking as the government faced fresh questions about its handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
According to the Sunday Times, dire warnings were ignored from scientists - and the UK lost "a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of the coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic".
Government whistleblowers, scientists and emergency planners have alleged there was a complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have been urgently replenishing stockpiles.
Asked if ministers were too slow to respond to the virus, Sir Jeremy said "there must be lessons learnt".
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He said: "I think if you look at testing, yes, if you look at what was happening in Korea and Singapore and indeed in Germany, there was a much quicker ramping up of testing.
"Testing is critical, testing will be critical as we come out of this epidemic, the ramping up of testing, the provision of PPE [personal protective equipment] in hospitals to protect healthcare workers, all of these in retrospect, yes, should have happened earlier."
Sir Jeremy also said the UK was past the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, but warned further peaks could follow.
"We should not see this as a discrete episode," he told Ridge.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:06 Medical scientist: It may be a year before we have vaccine
"I think the probability and what we must be planning for is that there will be further waves of this in the future."
In his role on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, Sir Jeremy is one of a number of experts who will tell the government when is a good time to begin easing the UK's lockdown.
He said now is not the right time, but "I hope we will get there in three, four weeks' time".
"It is clear that the lockdown can't go on for much longer," Sir Jeremy continued.
"The damage it's doing to all of our health, our wellbeing, our mental health, it disproportionately of course affecting the most vulnerable and the least able to cope with it in society, that's a really big issue of inequality."
A Downing Street spokesman has criticised the Sunday Times report, saying: "Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it, as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers.
"The prime minister has been at the helm of the response to this, providing leadership during this hugely challenging period for the whole nation."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-19--Govt 'lost a crucial five weeks' to tackle threat of coronavirus

The government missed a series of opportunities to lessen the impact of the coronavirus in February and March , it is being claimed .
According to an investigation by The Sunday Times , dire warnings were ignored from scientists - and the UK lost `` a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic '' .
Government whistleblowers , scientists and emergency planners have alleged there was a complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Boris Johnson missed five of the government 's key COBRA meetings as the COVID-19 crisis gathered pace .
• `` Little progress '' was made in obtaining emergency supplies of masks and gowns in February , with the UK actually sending 279,000 PPE items to China • The country 's last rehearsal for a pandemic was in 2016 , and recommendations from that exercise to address a lack of PPE and intensive care ventilators were never implemented • Preparations for a no-deal Brexit `` sucked all the blood out of pandemic planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was ready to help supply PPE in February , but its offer of help was only accepted on 1 April A Downing Street spokesman hit back at The Sunday Times report , saying : `` Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it , as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers .
`` The prime minister has been at the helm of the response to this , providing leadership during this hugely challenging period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The report comes as a delivery of 84 tonnes of desperately needed PPE for front line NHS staff was delayed .
The source of the delay is not yet known , but it is understood the RAF were ready to transport the equipment .
On Saturday , it was confirmed that another 888 patients have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus .
This takes the total number of fatalities to 15,464 , the fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson himself recovers from COVID-19 at Chequers , his government is coming under mounting pressure over the crisis .
Sir Keir Starmer , the new leader of the opposition , has shattered the fragile truce between Labour and the Conservatives .
In a hard-hitting article for The Mail on Sunday , Sir Keir wrote : `` The government was too slow to enter the lockdown .
It has been too slow to increase the number of people being tested .
`` It has been too slow in getting NHS staff the critical equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to make sure these mistakes are not repeated .
`` And this week has exposed how the government has been too slow to respond to the growing emergency in our social care services . ''
Sir Keir also called for the UK to follow other countries in beginning to set out a roadmap on how and when restrictions in certain sectors of the economy will be lifted `` when the time is right '' .
He added : `` This of course must be done in a careful , considered way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety of workers and families at its heart . ''
In fact , The Sunday Telegraph is reporting that Mr Johnson has already resumed giving directions to ministers in a series of phone calls , as well as a three-hour meeting with his stand-in Dominic Raab and key staff on Friday .

The government missed a series of opportunities to lessen the impact of the coronavirus in February and March, it is being claimed.
According to an investigation by The Sunday Times, dire warnings were ignored from scientists - and the UK lost "a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic".
Government whistleblowers, scientists and emergency planners have alleged there was a complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have been urgently replenishing stockpiles.
Image: A pandemic simulation in 2016 concluded the UK had a lack of PPE, it is claimed
The newspaper says Boris Johnson missed five of the government's key COBRA meetings as the COVID-19 crisis gathered pace.
It also claims:
"Little progress" was made in obtaining emergency supplies of masks and gowns in February, with the UK actually sending 279,000 PPE items to China
The country's last rehearsal for a pandemic was in 2016, and recommendations from that exercise to address a lack of PPE and intensive care ventilators were never implemented
Preparations for a no-deal Brexit "sucked all the blood out of pandemic planning"
The British Healthcare Trades Association was ready to help supply PPE in February, but its offer of help was only accepted on 1 April
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Crowds ignore 2m rule during Clap for Carers
A Downing Street spokesman hit back at The Sunday Times report, saying: "Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it, as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers.
"The prime minister has been at the helm of the response to this, providing leadership during this hugely challenging period for the whole nation."
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The report comes as a delivery of 84 tonnes of desperately needed PPE for front line NHS staff was delayed.
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The source of the delay is not yet known, but it is understood the RAF were ready to transport the equipment.
Image: Medical supplies and PPE have been delivered to the UK from Turkey before. File pic
On Saturday, it was confirmed that another 888 patients have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus.
This takes the total number of fatalities to 15,464, the fifth highest in the world.
As Mr Johnson himself recovers from COVID-19 at Chequers, his government is coming under mounting pressure over the crisis.
Sir Keir Starmer, the new leader of the opposition, has shattered the fragile truce between Labour and the Conservatives.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:04 10 April: Inside care homes struggling with COVID-19
In a hard-hitting article for The Mail on Sunday, Sir Keir wrote: "The government was too slow to enter the lockdown. It has been too slow to increase the number of people being tested.
"It has been too slow in getting NHS staff the critical equipment they need to keep them safe. We need to make sure these mistakes are not repeated.
"And this week has exposed how the government has been too slow to respond to the growing emergency in our social care services."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:32 12 April: Starmer - 'Exit strategy needed'
Sir Keir also called for the UK to follow other countries in beginning to set out a roadmap on how and when restrictions in certain sectors of the economy will be lifted "when the time is right".
He added: "This of course must be done in a careful, considered way with public health, scientific evidence and the safety of workers and families at its heart."
In fact, The Sunday Telegraph is reporting that Mr Johnson has already resumed giving directions to ministers in a series of phone calls, as well as a three-hour meeting with his stand-in Dominic Raab and key staff on Friday.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--Easing lockdown too quickly could lead to second coronavirus peak - No 10

Easing the coronavirus lockdown too quickly could lead to a second peak in the outbreak , Downing Street has said @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Boris Johnson favours a cautious approach to lifting restrictions , his spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ is a second peak .
`` That is what ultimately will do the most damage @ @ @ @ @ damage to the economy .
`` If you move too quickly then the virus could @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The public will expect us to do everything we can to stop the @ @ @ @ @ protect lives . ''

Easing the coronavirus lockdown too quickly could lead to a second peak in the outbreak, Downing Street has said.
Asked about reports that Boris Johnson favours a cautious approach to lifting restrictions introduced to halt the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, his spokesman said: "The big concern is a second peak."
A further 429 people who tested positive for coronavirus in England have died, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in hospitals to 14,829.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 'I have sympathy for those making decisions'
Nine deaths have been reported in Wales, bringing the total there to 584, and another 12 deaths have been reported in Scotland, bringing its total to 915.
The PM's spokesman said easing restrictions too fast "ultimately will do the most damage to health and the most damage to the economy".
"If you move too quickly then the virus could begin to spread exponentially again.
"The public will expect us to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus and protect lives."
According to a report in Monday's The Times newspaper, Mr Johnson has told colleagues he is "very cautious" about easing the lockdown and that his "overriding concern" is avoiding a second wave.
The PM's spokesman said Mr Johnson was getting daily written updates on the government's COVID-19 response as he continues to recover at Chequers.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 Coronavirus: Lockdown in Europe gently lifts
But he said the PM was not doing any government work.
Mr Johnson spent a week in hospital with persistent coronavirus symptoms, including a number of days in intensive care.
The spokesman would not be drawn on when the PM would return to Downing Street, but said Mr Johnson would be "guided by the advice of his medical team".
Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, continues to deputise for the PM, Number 10 added.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The lockdown was introduced by the PM on 23 March and was extended for another 21 days last week.
Number 10 said that decisions on when to ease the terms of the lockdown will be based on advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), a group of experts advising the government about the outbreak.
Asked whether the lockdown could be modified rather than lifted entirely, the PM's spokesman said: "If you move too quickly, lifting the social distancing measures wholesale, then that could lead to the virus spreading exponentially again."
He pointed to Mr Raab's suggestion that the next steps could involve relaxing measures in some areas while strengthening them in others.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 'I can't give a date for schools to reopen'
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is continuing to call on the government to set out its strategy for coming out of the lockdown.
Sir Keir joined other opposition leaders - understood to include SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford and Liberal Democrat acting co-leader Sir Ed Davey - in what was described as a "constructive" telephone briefing from Mr Raab.
"Keir Starmer reiterated his support for the government's decision to extend the lockdown, but asked what planning was being put in place for when the restrictions are lifted," a spokesman for the Labour leader added.
Sir Keir was also said to have questioned Mr Raab about the shortage of protective personal equipment and whether the government would hit its target of 100,000 daily coronavirus tests by the end of the month.
The PM's spokesman told reporters that the government believes it remains on "course" to meet that target.
This is despite some 21,626 people in England, Wales and Scotland being tested in the 24 hours up to 9am on Sunday.
The PM's spokesman said testing capacity for that period was 36,000 - down from 38,000 last week - but said this was because of commercial laboratories implementing new processes.
"That's not a permanent dip," he insisted.
The spokesman added that more than 88,000 NHS and social care staff and their relatives have now been tested.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 'We're working hard to get PPE to front line'
On the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), he said more than 12 million items were delivered on Sunday but acknowledged there was a "particular issue" with gowns.
There was criticism after a shipment of 84 tonnes of PPE due to arrive from Turkey on Sunday was delayed.
Downing Street said the government was "working to ensure that that shipment is delivered as soon as possible".
The PM's spokesman continued: "The RAF is on stand-by to take off as soon as the shipment is ready.
"But, to be clear, we are not reliant solely on Turkey for the delivery of gowns and plenty more orders are lined up and expected."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--Blair sees no end to lockdown without mass testing - as he calls UK response 'slow'

Boris Johnson 's government was `` probably slow '' in its early response to the coronavirus , Tony Blair has said .
The former prime minister also told Sky News that he `` ca n't see any way out '' of the COVID-19 lockdown without mass testing of the public .
It comes as his Tony Blair Foundation for Global Change laid out a possible exit plan for easing the coronavirus restrictions brought in last month .
Mr Blair , who was in office from 1997 to 2007 , said the outbreak was the `` most complicated and difficult challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And he said his intention in publishing a possible exit strategy was done in the spirit of offering `` constructive advice '' to Mr Johnson .
• Mass testing of the public , `` including the development of the community force '' to help with the process • Ensuring there is `` mask acquisition and production on a vast scale '' for front-line staff • On the development of a vaccine , the report calls for `` utilisation of every means nationally and globally to identify those treatments which can reduce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases fall substantially , the UK could consider easing restrictions by opening schools first • Age segmentation could be implemented , with younger people at much lower risk being allowed to go back to work sooner • In his Sky interview , the former PM suggested tasking a senior minister with specific elements of the COVID-19 response , such as provision of personal protective equipment and mass testing Mr Blair 's contribution comes as the government faces questions over its early response to COVID-19 .
An investigation by The Sunday Times claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessen the impact of the virus in the weeks leading up to the lockdown being introduced .
The paper highlighted the fact that Mr Johnson did not attend the first five emergency meetings in the run-up to the coronavirus outbreak in the UK - something that was confirmed to Sky News at the start of March .
Its investigation claimed that ministers ignored dire warnings from scientists - and the UK lost `` a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Government whistleblowers , scientists and emergency planners alleged there was complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have been urgently replenishing stockpiles .
This prompted a furious response from Downing Street , with ministers taking to the airwaves and using Twitter to defend Mr Johnson 's response .
And in an unusual move , Number 10 published a 2,000-word rebuttal attempting to pick apart the claims one by one .
It described elements of the Sunday Times ' reporting as `` plainly untrue '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Asked about the criticism of the PM and his top team and whether it was fair , Mr Blair responded : `` This is a hellishly difficult challenge , there 's never been anything like it .
`` It will be very easy to come along in hindsight and say , 'Well you could have done this and you could have done that . '
That will happen , by the way , whether I think it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just think it 's important ... right now it should n't be the focus of our attention .
`` The focus of our attention should be to make sure that the next phase of this , which is the controlled , managed revival of the economy , happens in the best way possible . ''

Boris Johnson's government was "probably slow" in its early response to the coronavirus, Tony Blair has said.
The former prime minister also told Sky News that he "can't see any way out" of the COVID-19 lockdown without mass testing of the public.
It comes as his Tony Blair Foundation for Global Change laid out a possible exit plan for easing the coronavirus restrictions brought in last month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 Was the lockdown introduced too late?
Mr Blair, who was in office from 1997 to 2007, said the outbreak was the "most complicated and difficult challenge I have ever seen in politics".
And he said his intention in publishing a possible exit strategy was done in the spirit of offering "constructive advice" to Mr Johnson.
Mr Blair's plan includes:
Mass testing of the public, "including the development of the community force" to help with the process
Ensuring there is "mask acquisition and production on a vast scale" for front-line staff
On the development of a vaccine, the report calls for "utilisation of every means nationally and globally to identify those treatments which can reduce the severity of the disease"
Once new cases fall substantially, the UK could consider easing restrictions by opening schools first
Age segmentation could be implemented, with younger people at much lower risk being allowed to go back to work sooner
In his Sky interview, the former PM suggested tasking a senior minister with specific elements of the COVID-19 response, such as provision of personal protective equipment and mass testing
Mr Blair's contribution comes as the government faces questions over its early response to COVID-19.
An investigation by The Sunday Times claimed ministers missed a series of opportunities to lessen the impact of the virus in the weeks leading up to the lockdown being introduced.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:10 Minister 'can't put date on schools opening'
The paper highlighted the fact that Mr Johnson did not attend the first five emergency meetings in the run-up to the coronavirus outbreak in the UK - something that was confirmed to Sky News at the start of March.
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Its investigation claimed that ministers ignored dire warnings from scientists - and the UK lost "a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic".
Government whistleblowers, scientists and emergency planners alleged there was complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have been urgently replenishing stockpiles.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:59 'It is normal for a PM not to be at COBRA'
This prompted a furious response from Downing Street, with ministers taking to the airwaves and using Twitter to defend Mr Johnson's response.
And in an unusual move, Number 10 published a 2,000-word rebuttal attempting to pick apart the claims one by one.
It described elements of the Sunday Times' reporting as "plainly untrue" and "ridiculous".
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Asked about the criticism of the PM and his top team and whether it was fair, Mr Blair responded: "This is a hellishly difficult challenge, there's never been anything like it.
"It will be very easy to come along in hindsight and say, 'Well you could have done this and you could have done that.' That will happen, by the way, whether I think it should happen or not.
"But I just think it's important...right now it shouldn't be the focus of our attention.
"The focus of our attention should be to make sure that the next phase of this, which is the controlled, managed revival of the economy, happens in the best way possible."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--Minister denies 'grotesquely' underestimating front line coronavirus deaths

Claims the government is `` grotesquely underestimating '' the number of coronavirus-related deaths among front line NHS staff and carers , have been denied .
According to official figures , 43 people who work in care homes or in the NHS have died as result of the COVID-19 pandemic .
However , during an interview , ITV 's Piers Morgan showed culture secretary Oliver Dowden a newspaper report that suggested the real figure was 80 .
The minister insisted he was using the most `` up to date '' numbers available to him .
Mr Dowden was also accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died with coronavirus that were in care homes - which is believed to be in the region of 7,500 - much higher than official data .
He said : `` We have figures from the ONS ( Office for National Statistics ) which is 217 but of course the figure is much larger than that because there 's a time lag with those .
`` I 'm using the most up-to-date figures I have been given , and the figure I was given this morning is the one I quoted to you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently have .
Of course there is a time lag with non-hospital figures .
`` With hospitals , we get those figures out very rapidly and that gives you a snapshot , and that is comparable with other countries around the world . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The culture secretary was also criticised for his decision to personally encourage people to travel to the Cheltenham Festival in March , despite Italy going into lockdown over its own pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the risk at mass gatherings was no greater or less than it would have been in pubs or restaurants , and the advice at that point was that we did not need to ban mass gatherings '' .
Earlier Mr Dowden told Sky News he was `` confident '' a flight carrying 84 tonnes of personal protective equipment for the NHS will depart from Turkey `` later on this afternoon '' , after it was held up on Sunday .

Claims the government is "grotesquely underestimating" the number of coronavirus-related deaths among front line NHS staff and carers, have been denied.
According to official figures, 43 people who work in care homes or in the NHS have died as result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, during an interview, ITV's Piers Morgan showed culture secretary Oliver Dowden a newspaper report that suggested the real figure was 80.
The minister insisted he was using the most "up to date" numbers available to him.
Mr Dowden was also accused of downplaying the number of people who had died with coronavirus that were in care homes - which is believed to be in the region of 7,500 - much higher than official data.
He said: "We have figures from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) which is 217 but of course the figure is much larger than that because there's a time lag with those.
"I'm using the most up-to-date figures I have been given, and the figure I was given this morning is the one I quoted to you. I have told you the figures we currently have. Of course there is a time lag with non-hospital figures.
"With hospitals, we get those figures out very rapidly and that gives you a snapshot, and that is comparable with other countries around the world."
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The culture secretary was also criticised for his decision to personally encourage people to travel to the Cheltenham Festival in March, despite Italy going into lockdown over its own pandemic.
He argued that at the time "the risk at mass gatherings was no greater or less than it would have been in pubs or restaurants, and the advice at that point was that we did not need to ban mass gatherings".
Earlier Mr Dowden told Sky News he was "confident" a flight carrying 84 tonnes of personal protective equipment for the NHS will depart from Turkey "later on this afternoon", after it was held up on Sunday.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--Minister 'confident' delayed shipment of PPE will arrive today

A minister has said he is `` confident '' a flight carrying 84 tonnes of personal protective equipment for the NHS will depart from Turkey `` later on this afternoon '' .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden provided the update to Sky News as questions continue to be raised about the provision of PPE to workers on the front line of the fight against COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The shipment , which includes 400,000 surgical gowns , was due to arrive on Sunday but was held up .
Mr Dowden said the delay was due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end .
Cabinet colleague Robert Jenrick , the housing secretary , said on Saturday the 84 tonnes of PPE was `` a very significant additional shipment '' , but it is understood it would only be enough to last the NHS for three days .
For critics of the government , the delay was seen as emblematic of a failure to ensure adequate supplies .
Ministers have blamed enormous worldwide demand for items such as masks and gowns for shortages , but have pledged to do all they can to replenish supplies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) ahead of expected shortages at the weekend - even if they are labelled as single-use .
Dr Chaand Nagpaul , chairman of the British Medical Association , said the organisation had `` made it clear weeks ago '' to the government that something needed to be done about the `` likelihood of a lack of protective equipment '' .
Chris Hopson , chief executive of NHS Providers , suggested the existence of the shipment from Turkey should only have been revealed once it had landed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current uncertainties over gown manufacture and supply due to global shortages , we suggest that any future announcements on what gowns might be available for delivery , when , just focus on what we can be certain of , '' he said .
`` Bitter experience in recent weeks has shown that promised consignments of gowns can not be relied on until they come , are checked and found to contain the right kit .
`` For example , a consignment of 200,000 gowns that arrived from China last week actually contained only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instances of consignments of gowns being mislabelled and failing safety tests . ''
Dr Claudia Paoloni , president of the doctors ' union HCSA , said NHS workers were going `` above and beyond '' on a daily basis .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' They should expect at the very least adequate protection to keep them fit and well to engage in this fight , '' she said .
`` Yet instead they are being asked to sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The culture secretary said the government is `` working round the clock '' to ensure adequate PPE supplies are delivered to the front line .
`` We 've delivered over a billion pieces of protective equipment .
But of course there is more to do , '' he said .
`` Of course there are logistical challenges getting this out .
`` The government is 100 % committed to dealing with this . ''
Former London Olympics chief executive and Treasury minister Paul Deighton has been appointed to lead a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministers are comparing his appointment to that of Daily Express proprietor Lord Beaverbrook as minister of aircraft production by Winston Churchill on the eve of the Battle of Britain in May 1940 to galvanise the output of fighter planes .
The delayed delivery from Turkey is a short-term emergency measure - and Lord Deighton 's task will be to spearhead moves to accelerate the manufacture of PPE in the UK in the longer term .

A minister has said he is "confident" a flight carrying 84 tonnes of personal protective equipment for the NHS will depart from Turkey "later on this afternoon".
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden provided the update to Sky News as questions continue to be raised about the provision of PPE to workers on the front line of the fight against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The shipment, which includes 400,000 surgical gowns, was due to arrive on Sunday but was held up.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:09 Coronavirus: The scramble to get PPE
Mr Dowden said the delay was due to "logistical challenges" at the Turkish end.
Cabinet colleague Robert Jenrick, the housing secretary, said on Saturday the 84 tonnes of PPE was "a very significant additional shipment", but it is understood it would only be enough to last the NHS for three days.
For critics of the government, the delay was seen as emblematic of a failure to ensure adequate supplies.
Ministers have blamed enormous worldwide demand for items such as masks and gowns for shortages, but have pledged to do all they can to replenish supplies.
Doctors and nurses were advised to reuse pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) ahead of expected shortages at the weekend - even if they are labelled as single-use.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association, said the organisation had "made it clear weeks ago" to the government that something needed to be done about the "likelihood of a lack of protective equipment".
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Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, suggested the existence of the shipment from Turkey should only have been revealed once it had landed in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:25 BMA doctor says govt were warned about PPE
"Given the current uncertainties over gown manufacture and supply due to global shortages, we suggest that any future announcements on what gowns might be available for delivery, when, just focus on what we can be certain of," he said.
"Bitter experience in recent weeks has shown that promised consignments of gowns cannot be relied on until they come, are checked and found to contain the right kit.
"For example, a consignment of 200,000 gowns that arrived from China last week actually contained only 20,000 gowns.
"This follows previous instances of consignments of gowns being mislabelled and failing safety tests."
Dr Claudia Paoloni, president of the doctors' union HCSA, said NHS workers were going "above and beyond" on a daily basis.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"They should expect at the very least adequate protection to keep them fit and well to engage in this fight," she said.
"Yet instead they are being asked to sacrifice themselves due to the failings of others."
The culture secretary said the government is "working round the clock" to ensure adequate PPE supplies are delivered to the front line.
"We've delivered over a billion pieces of protective equipment. But of course there is more to do," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:18 Why are hospitals running out of PPE?
"Of course there are logistical challenges getting this out.
"The government is 100% committed to dealing with this."
Former London Olympics chief executive and Treasury minister Paul Deighton has been appointed to lead a national effort to produce more essential PPE.
Ministers are comparing his appointment to that of Daily Express proprietor Lord Beaverbrook as minister of aircraft production by Winston Churchill on the eve of the Battle of Britain in May 1940 to galvanise the output of fighter planes.
The delayed delivery from Turkey is a short-term emergency measure - and Lord Deighton's task will be to spearhead moves to accelerate the manufacture of PPE in the UK in the longer term.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--UK's furlough scheme opens - with claims for 67,000 workers in first 30 minutes

The government 's furlough scheme has opened for applications , with business groups warning that delays in payments could be catastrophic for British companies .
Through the Job Retention Scheme , employers can claim for a cash grant to cover up to 80 % of their staff 's wages - capped at £2,500 a month .
HMRC has set up a new online portal which opened at 7am and saw claims covering 67,000 workers ' wages in the first half hour .
The Treasury says funds to pay workers will land in a company 's bank account within six working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praise for its plans to mitigate the economic fallout of the coronavirus , it is being warned that firms need support quickly .
Adam Marshall , director general of the British Chambers of Commerce , said : `` Our research indicates that two-thirds of firms have furloughed some portion of their workforce .
`` With April 's payday approaching , it is essential that the application process is smooth and that payments are made as soon as possible .
`` Any delay would exacerbate the cash crisis many companies are facing and could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newton-Smith , the Confederation of British Industry 's chief economist , echoed these remarks - adding : `` Ensuring support gets to where it 's needed most - fast - is of the utmost importance . ''
The government has said the HMRC portal is easy to use and offers a step-by-step application process , and it claims up to 5,000 staff will be manning call centres and an online live chat service to ensure any questions can be answered .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : `` Our unprecedented Job Retention Scheme will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is now up and running .
`` It 's vital that our economy gets up and running again as soon as it 's safe - and this scheme will allow that to happen . ''
In light of lockdown restrictions in the UK being extended for another three weeks , Mr Sunak recently announced that these direct cash grants will now be active until the end of June .
A report released today by an independent think tank suggests that as many as 11.7 million people could be furloughed or unemployed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Resolution Foundation says those working in the lowest-paying hospitality and retail sectors are 50 % more likely to be affected than the rest of the labour market .
Only 4 % of those working in the highest-paid sector , finance and insurance , are likely to be furloughed .
The report warned : `` Unemployment could still rise sharply to 3.4 million ( 10 % ) in the second quarter of 2020 , but because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not reach catastrophic levels . ''
In other developments , the chancellor has announced that a £1.25bn package is being launched to help protect the UK 's innovation sector during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Mr Sunak said this initiative will include a £500m investment fund for high-growth companies hit by the crisis .
He added : `` Our start-ups and businesses driving research and development are one of our great economic strengths , and will help power our growth out of the coronavirus crisis .
`` This new , world-leading fund will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need at this difficult time , ensuring dynamic , fast-growing firms across all sectors will be able to continue to create new ideas and spread prosperity . ''

The government's furlough scheme has opened for applications, with business groups warning that delays in payments could be catastrophic for British companies.
Through the Job Retention Scheme, employers can claim for a cash grant to cover up to 80% of their staff's wages - capped at £2,500 a month.
HMRC has set up a new online portal which opened at 7am and saw claims covering 67,000 workers' wages in the first half hour.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 It's going to be bad. But just how bad?
The Treasury says funds to pay workers will land in a company's bank account within six working days.
Although the government has received praise for its plans to mitigate the economic fallout of the coronavirus, it is being warned that firms need support quickly.
Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "Our research indicates that two-thirds of firms have furloughed some portion of their workforce.
"With April's payday approaching, it is essential that the application process is smooth and that payments are made as soon as possible.
"Any delay would exacerbate the cash crisis many companies are facing and could threaten jobs and businesses."
Rain Newton-Smith, the Confederation of British Industry's chief economist, echoed these remarks - adding: "Ensuring support gets to where it's needed most - fast - is of the utmost importance."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 Lockdown weighs on families and businesses
The government has said the HMRC portal is easy to use and offers a step-by-step application process, and it claims up to 5,000 staff will be manning call centres and an online live chat service to ensure any questions can be answered.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "Our unprecedented Job Retention Scheme will protect millions of jobs across the country and is now up and running.
"It's vital that our economy gets up and running again as soon as it's safe - and this scheme will allow that to happen."
In light of lockdown restrictions in the UK being extended for another three weeks, Mr Sunak recently announced that these direct cash grants will now be active until the end of June.
A report released today by an independent think tank suggests that as many as 11.7 million people could be furloughed or made unemployed over the next three months.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Resolution Foundation says those working in the lowest-paying hospitality and retail sectors are 50% more likely to be affected than the rest of the labour market.
Only 4% of those working in the highest-paid sector, finance and insurance, are likely to be furloughed.
The report warned: "Unemployment could still rise sharply to 3.4 million (10%) in the second quarter of 2020, but because of the Job Retention Scheme, it will not reach catastrophic levels."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:47 Coronavirus: Lockdown in Europe gently lifts
In other developments, the chancellor has announced that a £1.25bn package is being launched to help protect the UK's innovation sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Sunak said this initiative will include a £500m investment fund for high-growth companies hit by the crisis.
He added: "Our start-ups and businesses driving research and development are one of our great economic strengths, and will help power our growth out of the coronavirus crisis.
"This new, world-leading fund will mean they can access the capital they need at this difficult time, ensuring dynamic, fast-growing firms across all sectors will be able to continue to create new ideas and spread prosperity."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--UK creating 30,000 extra mortuary spaces for coronavirus victims

The UK is creating another 30,000 extra mortuary spaces to store the bodies of people who die with coronavirus .
Officials have expressed hope in recent days that the number of deaths related to COVID-19 are flattening , but the emergence of details around the latest contingency planning reflects ongoing fears of a more pessimistic scenario .
The government insists the decision is precautionary and not an indication of how many people it believes will die during the pandemic .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Simon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government minister said : `` We all hope these contingencies will not be needed and that requires everyone to play their part in the national effort .
`` We 're trying to strike an appropriate balance . ''
As of Monday , more than 16,000 coronavirus patients have died in UK hospitals , meaning the country is on track to exceed the 20,000 deaths officials had hoped to limit the toll to .
Regional officials had already begun planning for additional storage for the bodies of coronavirus victims , with a temporary facililty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Government adviser and infectious diseases expert Sir Jeremy Farrar admitted last week that the UK could end up being the `` worst affected country in Europe '' .
But while the government has faced growing criticism over its delay in imposing lockdown measures when compared with most European countries , Mr Clarke said the restrictions it did introduce were now showing their effectiveness .
`` We have started to see a flattening of the curve because people are following the measures , '' he said .
`` We have started to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are following the measures , and by staying at home people are protecting the NHS and saving lives .
`` We need to make sure that we have the right resources in place for a range of outcomes but we all hope these contingencies wo n't be needed .
`` But we do want to make certain that we are not caught without enough capacity , and that is why we are taking all necessary precautions . ''
'' Among the most prominent critics of the government 's approach in the early stages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Professor John Ashton .
And responding to news of the extra mortuary places , he told Sky News : `` I think it 's quite interesting that they 're telling us that the situation is levelling off but at the same time they 're creating 30,000 extra mortuary spaces .
`` Given the large numbers of people who could die , this is undoubtedly a sensible decision .
`` However , it would be ironic if this was one of the only things the government had got right . ''

The UK is creating another 30,000 extra mortuary spaces to store the bodies of people who die with coronavirus.
Officials have expressed hope in recent days that the number of deaths related to COVID-19 are flattening, but the emergence of details around the latest contingency planning reflects ongoing fears of a more pessimistic scenario.
The government insists the decision is precautionary and not an indication of how many people it believes will die during the pandemic.
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Simon Clarke, housing, communities and local government minister said: "We all hope these contingencies will not be needed and that requires everyone to play their part in the national effort.
"We're trying to strike an appropriate balance."
As of Monday, more than 16,000 coronavirus patients have died in UK hospitals, meaning the country is on track to exceed the 20,000 deaths officials had hoped to limit the toll to.
Regional officials had already begun planning for additional storage for the bodies of coronavirus victims, with a temporary facililty at Birmingham Airport becoming operational this month.
Government adviser and infectious diseases expert Sir Jeremy Farrar admitted last week that the UK could end up being the "worst affected country in Europe".
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But while the government has faced growing criticism over its delay in imposing lockdown measures when compared with most European countries, Mr Clarke said the restrictions it did introduce were now showing their effectiveness.
"We have started to see a flattening of the curve because people are following the measures," he said.
"We have started to see a flattening of the curve because people are following the measures, and by staying at home people are protecting the NHS and saving lives.
"We need to make sure that we have the right resources in place for a range of outcomes but we all hope these contingencies won't be needed.
"But we do want to make certain that we are not caught without enough capacity, and that is why we are taking all necessary precautions.""
Among the most prominent critics of the government's approach in the early stages of the pandemic was former regional health director Professor John Ashton.
And responding to news of the extra mortuary places, he told Sky News: "I think it's quite interesting that they're telling us that the situation is levelling off but at the same time they're creating 30,000 extra mortuary spaces.
"Given the large numbers of people who could die, this is undoubtedly a sensible decision.
"However, it would be ironic if this was one of the only things the government had got right."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--Government rejects Sunday Times claims in unusual 2,000-word rebuttal

The government has published a lengthy rebuttal to a damning newspaper article that claimed the UK `` lost a crucial five weeks '' to tackle the threat posed by the coronavirus .
In an unusual move , the Department of Health picked apart allegations made in The Sunday Times one by one - describing elements of its investigation as `` plainly untrue '' and `` ridiculous '' .
The article had claimed that Boris Johnson missed five key COBRA meetings as the COVID-19 crisis gathered pace , with government whistleblowers and scientists alleging there was complacency at the heart of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These claims have been fiercely rejected , with Downing Street insisting the UK `` was taking action and working to improve its preparedness from early January '' .
Officials said it is `` entirely normal and proper '' for COBRA meetings to be chaired by someone other than the prime minister - rather than `` unusual '' as The Sunday Times suggested .
And allegations that Number 10 displayed an `` almost nonchalant attitude '' towards coronavirus were dismissed as `` wrong '' .
The government also took issue with an excerpt of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus had sneaked into our airports , our trains , our workplaces and our homes '' by the time Mr Johnson chaired a COBRA meeting on 2 March .
`` This virus has hit countries around the world , '' the Department of Health said .
`` It is ridiculous to suggest that coronavirus only reached the UK because the health secretary and not the PM chaired a COBRA meeting . ''
Elsewhere in the rebuttal - which is over 2,000 words long - the government defended sending 279,000 items of personal protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not from the pandemic stockpile , '' it said .
`` We provided this equipment at the height of their need and China has since reciprocated our donation many times over .
`` Between 2 April and 15 April , we have received over 12 million pieces of PPE in the UK from China . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And the newspaper 's claim that lessons were not learned from a pandemic rehearsal in 2016 were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which said it had been `` extremely proactive '' in implementing recommendations .
The emphatic denials came hours after Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said it was `` grotesque '' to suggest that the prime minister had skipped meetings `` that were vital to our response to the coronavirus '' .
He told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` I think that anyone who considered what happened to the prime minister not long ago , nobody can say the prime minister is n't throwing heart and soul into fighting this virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of The Sunday Times report , shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the investigation `` suggests that early on he was missing in action '' .
He told Ridge : `` There are serious questions as to why the Prime Minister skipped five COBRA meetings throughout February , when the whole world could see how serious this was becoming .
`` And we know that serious mistakes have been made , we know that our frontline NHS staff do n't have the PPE , that they 've been told this weekend that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are vital to keep them safe .
We know that our testing capacity is not at the level that is needed .
`` We know that the ventilators that many hospitals have received are the wrong types of ventilators and there are big questions as to whether we went into this lockdown too slowly , and now we hear the Prime Minister missed five meetings at the start of this outbreak . ''

The government has published a lengthy rebuttal to a damning newspaper article that claimed the UK "lost a crucial five weeks" to tackle the threat posed by the coronavirus.
In an unusual move, the Department of Health picked apart allegations made in The Sunday Times one by one - describing elements of its investigation as "plainly untrue" and "ridiculous".
The article had claimed that Boris Johnson missed five key COBRA meetings as the COVID-19 crisis gathered pace, with government whistleblowers and scientists alleging there was complacency at the heart of government in late January and February.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
These claims have been fiercely rejected, with Downing Street insisting the UK "was taking action and working to improve its preparedness from early January".
Officials said it is "entirely normal and proper" for COBRA meetings to be chaired by someone other than the prime minister - rather than "unusual" as The Sunday Times suggested.
And allegations that Number 10 displayed an "almost nonchalant attitude" towards coronavirus were dismissed as "wrong".
The government also took issue with an excerpt of the newspaper report that said "the virus had sneaked into our airports, our trains, our workplaces and our homes" by the time Mr Johnson chaired a COBRA meeting on 2 March.
"This virus has hit countries around the world," the Department of Health said. "It is ridiculous to suggest that coronavirus only reached the UK because the health secretary and not the PM chaired a COBRA meeting."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:15 PM praises NHS staff who cared for him
Elsewhere in the rebuttal - which is over 2,000 words long - the government defended sending 279,000 items of personal protective equipment to China.
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"The equipment was not from the pandemic stockpile," it said. "We provided this equipment at the height of their need and China has since reciprocated our donation many times over.
"Between 2 April and 15 April, we have received over 12 million pieces of PPE in the UK from China."
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
And the newspaper's claim that lessons were not learned from a pandemic rehearsal in 2016 were also dismissed by the Department of Health, which said it had been "extremely proactive" in implementing recommendations.
The emphatic denials came hours after Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said it was "grotesque" to suggest that the prime minister had skipped meetings "that were vital to our response to the coronavirus".
He told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "I think that anyone who considered what happened to the prime minister not long ago, nobody can say the prime minister isn't throwing heart and soul into fighting this virus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'Too early to lift UK lockdown'
Despite Mr Gove's dismissal of The Sunday Times report, shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the investigation "suggests that early on he was missing in action".
He told Ridge: "There are serious questions as to why the Prime Minister skipped five COBRA meetings throughout February, when the whole world could see how serious this was becoming.
"And we know that serious mistakes have been made, we know that our frontline NHS staff don't have the PPE, that they've been told this weekend that they won't necessarily have the gowns which are vital to keep them safe. We know that our testing capacity is not at the level that is needed.
"We know that the ventilators that many hospitals have received are the wrong types of ventilators and there are big questions as to whether we went into this lockdown too slowly, and now we hear the Prime Minister missed five meetings at the start of this outbreak."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--First glimpse of historic 'virtual parliament' for coronavirus crisis

A `` virtual parliament '' is being set up for MPs this week to protect them while they work during the coronavirus crisis .
Unprecedented changes to the main House of Commons chamber designed more than 300 years ago will be rolled out to let politicians tune into statements and question sessions via videolink .
Up to 120 MPs will be able to quiz ministers on Zoom , while a maximum of 50 will be allowed into the main debating room itself .
Measures to be introduced include large screens lining the chamber walls , hazard tape marking safe social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filled with ticks and no entry signs telling politicians where they can and can not sit .
Only about two hours of proceedings will be held this way , with the rest happening with the slimmed down number of MPs permitted to attend in person .
Sitting days are also being scaled back so business will only happen on Mondays , Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The plans were cooked up by Commons authorities to help MPs continue to press the government on behalf of their constituents while still encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They will have to be confirmed when parliament reconvenes on Tuesday afternoon and will likely come into effect on Wednesday - in time for Prime Minister 's Questions fronted by Dominic Raab .
The foreign secretary is standing in for Boris Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus at the countryside retreat of Chequers .
Commons votes will still take place in the usual way for now - meaning MPs have to walk through one of two halls to register if they are supporting or opposing a motion .
But officials say they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could see remote voting introduced - something some modernisers who think MPs who are ill or on parent leave should be able to use .
The ceremonial mace - which is carried into the Commons chamber every day and dates from the reign of Charles II symbolising the monarch 's authority for MPs to pass laws , will remain present .
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will oversee business and tell MPs to let him know in advance if they want to speak , with their names drawn at random .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that MPs are playing the fullest part in the national effort to stay home , protect the NHS and save lives . ''
MPs joining remotely have been told to wear `` appropriate '' clothing and be `` careful '' about what is in the background of their screens , prompting sports minister Tracey Crouch to joke : `` I 'm totally going to sit in my football shorts with a nice suit jacket combo .
They 'll never know ! ''
Photos of a trial run attended by MPs including Commons Leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official photographer and released on Monday .

A "virtual parliament" is being set up for MPs this week to protect them while they work during the coronavirus crisis.
Unprecedented changes to the main House of Commons chamber parts of which were designed more than 300 years ago will be rolled out to let politicians tune into statements and question sessions via videolink.
Up to 120 MPs will be able to quiz ministers on Zoom, while a maximum of 50 will be allowed into the main debating room itself.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Social distancing during virtual parliament debate
Image: Up to 120 MPs will be able to dial in via videolink
Measures to be introduced include large screens lining the chamber walls, hazard tape marking safe social distances and the usual prayer card holders filled with ticks and no entry signs telling politicians where they can and cannot sit.
Only about two hours of proceedings will be held this way, with the rest happening with the slimmed down number of MPs permitted to attend in person.
Image: The moves will be welcomed by parliamentary modernisers
Sitting days are also being scaled back so business will only happen on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The plans were cooked up by Commons authorities to help MPs continue to press the government on behalf of their constituents while still encouraging the public to stay at home.
Image: Hazard tape has been laid down to make sure MPs social distance
They will have to be confirmed when parliament reconvenes on Tuesday afternoon and will likely come into effect on Wednesday - in time for Prime Minister's Questions fronted by Dominic Raab.
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The foreign secretary is standing in for Boris Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus at the countryside retreat of Chequers.
Commons votes will still take place in the usual way for now - meaning MPs have to walk through one of two halls to register if they are supporting or opposing a motion.
But officials say they are working on a "secure system" that could see remote voting introduced - something some modernisers who think MPs who are ill or on parent leave should be able to use.
Image: Stickers of ticks and no entry signs show where MPs can sit
The ceremonial mace - which is carried into the Commons chamber every day and dates from the reign of Charles II symbolising the monarch's authority for MPs to pass laws, will remain present.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will oversee business and tell MPs to let him know in advance if they want to speak, with their names drawn at random.
Image: From December: The chamber is normally packed
He said: "Our new virtual parliament means that MPs are playing the fullest part in the national effort to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives."
MPs joining remotely have been told to wear "appropriate" clothing and be "careful" about what is in the background of their screens, prompting sports minister Tracey Crouch to joke: "I'm totally going to sit in my football shorts with a nice suit jacket combo. They'll never know!"
Photos of a trial run attended by MPs including Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg were taken by parliament's official photographer and released on Monday.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--140,000 firms apply for furlough scheme help to pay a million workers

More than 140,000 firms have applied for the government 's job retention scheme since it launched on Monday morning , the chancellor has said .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing , Rishi Sunak announced the grants to help cover the wages of more than one million people during the COVID-19 crisis .
Mr Sunak said : `` HMRC opened the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme at eight o'clock this morning .
`` As of 4pm , over 140,000 firms have applied and the grants they will receive will help pay the wages of more than a million people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had n't been furloughed , would have been at risk of losing their job .
`` Firms applying today should receive their cash in six working days .
HMRC will continue to provide updates on the number of people furloughed . ''
Mr Sunak refused to be drawn on the cost of the furlough scheme or whether it would be extended again .
He told the press conference : `` We do n't have an estimate of take up yet - it 's just the first day the scheme is open and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase over the coming days . ''
The Bank of England has said the approval of coronavirus business interruption loans would be sped up if the government agreed to guarantee 100 % of the loans - instead of the current 80 % limit .
Mr Sunak said 12,000 loans had been approved , but added : `` I am not persuaded that moving to a 100 % guarantee is the right thing to do .
`` Some people have made some comparisons with what is going on in other countries .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we are doing it is more significant in scope and scale . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But former chancellor Philip Hammond said that while the Treasury support schemes were `` perfectly sustainable and manageable '' in the short-term , the economy will not survive an endless lockdown .
`` The government will have to be prepared to tell people that the high levels of support that are currently being provided can not be provided forever , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chatham House think-tank on Monday .
`` And they can not prevent an essential restructuring as businesses that have become non-viable have to fail and jobs that have become non-viable have to go .
That point will come . ''
His advice to the government on an exit strategy was : `` I think we 've got to start re-opening the economy and I think the sensible compromise is to re-open around a set of conditions which assume that at least for the time being we are coexisting with this virus rather than @ @ @ @

More than 140,000 firms have applied for the government's job retention scheme since it launched on Monday morning, the chancellor has said.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Rishi Sunak announced the grants to help cover the wages of more than one million people during the COVID-19 crisis.
Mr Sunak said: "HMRC opened the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme at eight o'clock this morning.
"As of 4pm, over 140,000 firms have applied and the grants they will receive will help pay the wages of more than a million people.
"A million people who, if they hadn't been furloughed, would have been at risk of losing their job.
"Firms applying today should receive their cash in six working days. HMRC will continue to provide updates on the number of people furloughed."
Mr Sunak refused to be drawn on the cost of the furlough scheme or whether it would be extended again.
He told the press conference: "We don't have an estimate of take up yet - it's just the first day the scheme is open and I expect those numbers to continue to increase over the coming days."
The Bank of England has said the approval of coronavirus business interruption loans would be sped up if the government agreed to guarantee 100% of the loans - instead of the current 80% limit.
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Mr Sunak said 12,000 loans had been approved, but added: "I am not persuaded that moving to a 100% guarantee is the right thing to do.
"Some people have made some comparisons with what is going on in other countries. I think when you look at the totality of what we are doing it is more significant in scope and scale."
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But former chancellor Philip Hammond said that while the Treasury support schemes were "perfectly sustainable and manageable" in the short-term, the economy will not survive an endless lockdown.
"The government will have to be prepared to tell people that the high levels of support that are currently being provided cannot be provided forever," he told an online forum hosted by the Chatham House think-tank on Monday.
"And they cannot prevent an essential restructuring as businesses that have become non-viable have to fail and jobs that have become non-viable have to go. That point will come."
His advice to the government on an exit strategy was: "I think we've got to start re-opening the economy and I think the sensible compromise is to re-open around a set of conditions which assume that at least for the time being we are coexisting with this virus rather than conquering it."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--Easing lockdown too quickly could lead to second coronavirus peak - Number 10

Easing the coronavirus lockdown too quickly could lead to a second peak in the outbreak , Downing Street has said .
Asked about reports that Boris Johnson favours a cautious approach to lifting restrictions introduced to halt the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , his spokesman said : `` The big concern is a second peak . ''
A further 429 people who tested positive for coronavirus in England have died , bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in hospitals to 14,829 .
Nine deaths have been reported in Wales , bringing the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths have been reported in Scotland , bringing its total to 915 .
The PM 's spokesman said easing restrictions too fast `` ultimately will do the most damage to health and the most damage to the economy '' .
`` If you move too quickly then the virus could begin to spread exponentially again .
`` The public will expect us to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus and protect lives . ''
According to a report in Monday 's The Times newspaper , Mr Johnson has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' about easing the lockdown and that his `` overriding concern '' is avoiding a second wave .
The PM 's spokesman said Mr Johnson was getting daily written updates on the government 's COVID-19 response as he continues to recover at Chequers .
But he said the PM was not doing any government work .
Mr Johnson spent a week in hospital with persistent coronavirus symptoms , including a number of days in intensive care .
The spokesman would not be drawn on when the PM would return to Downing Street , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guided by the advice of his medical team '' .
Dominic Raab , the foreign secretary , continues to deputise for the PM , Number 10 added .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The lockdown was introduced by the PM on 23 March and was extended for another 21 days last week .
Number 10 said that decisions on when to ease the terms of the lockdown will be based on advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advising the government about the outbreak .
Asked whether the lockdown could be modified rather than lifted entirely , the PM 's spokesman said : `` If you move too quickly , lifting the social distancing measures wholesale , then that could lead to the virus spreading exponentially again . ''
He pointed to Mr Raab 's suggestion that the next steps could involve relaxing measures in some areas while strengthening them in others .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is continuing to call on the government to set out its strategy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir joined other opposition leaders - understood to include SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford and Liberal Democrat acting co-leader Sir Ed Davey - in what was described as a `` constructive '' telephone briefing from Mr Raab .
`` Keir Starmer reiterated his support for the government 's decision to extend the lockdown , but asked what planning was being put in place for when the restrictions are lifted , '' a spokesman for the Labour leader added .
Sir Keir was also said to have questioned Mr Raab about the shortage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would hit its target of 100,000 daily coronavirus tests by the end of the month .
The PM 's spokesman told reporters that the government believes it remains on `` course '' to meet that target .
This is despite some 21,626 people in England , Wales and Scotland being tested in the 24 hours up to 9am on Sunday .
The PM 's spokesman said testing capacity for that period was 36,000 - down from 38,000 last week - but said this was because of commercial laboratories implementing new processes .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he insisted .
The spokesman added that more than 88,000 NHS and social care staff and their relatives have now been tested .
On the provision of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , he said more than 12 million items were delivered on Sunday but acknowledged there was a `` particular issue '' with gowns .
There was criticism after a shipment of 84 tonnes of PPE due to arrive from Turkey on Sunday was delayed .
Downing Street said the government was `` working to ensure that that shipment is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The PM 's spokesman continued : `` The RAF is on stand-by to take off as soon as the shipment is ready .
`` But , to be clear , we are not reliant solely on Turkey for the delivery of gowns and plenty more orders are lined up and expected . ''


skynewspolitics--2020-04-20--Nervy mood at centre of government as media attacks pile up

Governments in a crisis often face media coverage they believe is unfair or hostile .
If they think they have a strong case , a minister may be fielded onto the airwaves to defend a policy ; or officials may hit the phones to offer counter-briefings to put their side forward .
What political journalists have n't seen before - I 've covered politics for eight years , but colleagues who have done so for 20 years say the same - is a 2,100-word detailed rebuttal of a newspaper article of the sort produced last night .
Published on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by departments and Conservative MPs , is a blistering response to the highly critical investigation by the Sunday Times into the `` lost '' first five weeks of the coronavirus crisis .
In it , a government spokesman attacks `` a series of falsehoods and errors '' which they say `` actively misrepresents the enormous amount of work which was going on in government at the earliest stages '' and describing some of the claims as `` sloppy and unscientific '' .
Several officials are understood to have been involved in drafting it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not allow `` falsehoods like that to go unanswered '' .
It is the second one of these rebuttals within just two days , after 2,900 words were issued on Saturday in response to a Financial Times article describing procurement of ventilators based on `` muddled thinking and political egotism '' .
The article was not even on the newspaper 's front page , and the rebuttal did not just respond to the article itself , but what the government claimed were `` inaccurate claims and assertions '' in an accompanying Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a far cry from Donald Trump 's tweets about the fake news media , but seems to betray a nervy mood at the centre , against what those inside government see as hatchet jobs by sections of the media .
The government response to the Sunday Times article does not resolve the truth or otherwise of some of the claims the journalists make , including that the scientific establishment treated COVID-19 as a flu pandemic - hence the early discussion of `` herd immunity '' - until modelling based on death rates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Much of the anger is focused at the accusation that the prime minister personally was guilty of dereliction of duty by missing five Cobra meetings in the early stages of the crisis .
This is a fact which was known weeks ago ; but the article quotes an `` adviser to Downing Street '' - which the government 's rebuttal makes clear is not the same as a Downing Street special adviser - saying his absence was unusual , and putting it down to the prime minister enjoying a break in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point is a furious denial and references the fact that Labour 's Alan Johnson chaired Cobra as health secretary during the bird flu pandemic in 2009 which was feared could be deadly in the UK .
Is this a new strategy ?
Number 10 under Boris Johnson had its early run-ins with the media , with senior political journalists boycotting a briefing in early February because not all colleagues were invited to attend .
Mr Johnson 's early media appearances on traditional outlets were relatively infrequent .
But the coronavirus crisis - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists from a wide range of outlets question and scrutinise cabinet ministers - has changed all that .
Officials and ministers know the stakes could not be higher - thrust into an economy-destroying pandemic they could never have predicted just weeks after an election victory based on delivering Brexit and levelling up the country .
Boris Johnson , still convalescing from the virus , is enjoying high public approval ratings and the lockdown is widely supported in polls as a necessary measure .
Nonetheless , the mood can turn quickly , and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware that their handling of this crisis - no doubt to be picked over in future inquiries - is likely to define his premiership .
Early comments from ministers and scientists are already being picked over .
There is a clear reason to get their version of history out straightaway .

Governments in a crisis often face media coverage they believe is unfair or hostile.
If they think they have a strong case, a minister may be fielded onto the airwaves to defend a policy; or officials may hit the phones to offer counter-briefings to put their side forward.
What political journalists haven't seen before - I've covered politics for eight years, but colleagues who have done so for 20 years say the same - is a 2,100-word detailed rebuttal of a newspaper article of the sort produced last night.
Published on the government website, and duly tweeted out by departments and Conservative MPs, is a blistering response to the highly critical investigation by the Sunday Times into the "lost" first five weeks of the coronavirus crisis.
In it, a government spokesman attacks "a series of falsehoods and errors" which they say "actively misrepresents the enormous amount of work which was going on in government at the earliest stages" and describing some of the claims as "sloppy and unscientific".
Several officials are understood to have been involved in drafting it, one insider telling me the government could not allow "falsehoods like that to go unanswered".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:59 'It is normal for a PM not to be at COBRA'
It is the second one of these rebuttals within just two days, after 2,900 words were issued on Saturday in response to a Financial Times article describing procurement of ventilators based on "muddled thinking and political egotism".
The article was not even on the newspaper's front page, and the rebuttal did not just respond to the article itself, but what the government claimed were "inaccurate claims and assertions" in an accompanying Twitter thread by the journalist.
It's a far cry from Donald Trump's tweets about the fake news media, but seems to betray a nervy mood at the centre, against what those inside government see as hatchet jobs by sections of the media.
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The government response to the Sunday Times article does not resolve the truth or otherwise of some of the claims the journalists make, including that the scientific establishment treated COVID-19 as a flu pandemic - hence the early discussion of "herd immunity" - until modelling based on death rates in Italy swung the balance towards a lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:23 Tony Blair: Government was 'slow'
Much of the anger is focused at the accusation that the prime minister personally was guilty of dereliction of duty by missing five Cobra meetings in the early stages of the crisis.
This is a fact which was known weeks ago; but the article quotes an "adviser to Downing Street" - which the government's rebuttal makes clear is not the same as a Downing Street special adviser - saying his absence was unusual, and putting it down to the prime minister enjoying a break in the countryside.
The government's response on this point is a furious denial and references the fact that Labour's Alan Johnson chaired Cobra as health secretary during the bird flu pandemic in 2009 which was feared could be deadly in the UK.
Is this a new strategy? Number 10 under Boris Johnson had its early run-ins with the media, with senior political journalists boycotting a briefing in early February because not all colleagues were invited to attend.
Mr Johnson's early media appearances on traditional outlets were relatively infrequent.
But the coronavirus crisis - with daily televised press conferences in which journalists from a wide range of outlets question and scrutinise cabinet ministers - has changed all that.
Officials and ministers know the stakes could not be higher - thrust into an economy-destroying pandemic they could never have predicted just weeks after an election victory based on delivering Brexit and levelling up the country.
Boris Johnson, still convalescing from the virus, is enjoying high public approval ratings and the lockdown is widely supported in polls as a necessary measure.
Nonetheless, the mood can turn quickly, and those at the top of government are painfully aware that their handling of this crisis - no doubt to be picked over in future inquiries - is likely to define his premiership.
Early comments from ministers and scientists are already being picked over. There is a clear reason to get their version of history out straightaway.