skynewspolitics--2020-04-25--Experts once said 20,000 deaths was a 'good outcome' - so where is the UK headed now?

More than 20,000 people have now died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus - a level that had previously been earmarked as a significant milestone by science and medical chiefs .
On 17 March , Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , said keeping the number of UK deaths below 20,000 would be a `` good result '' from the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` If we can get this down to 20,000 and below , that is a good outcome in terms of where we would hope to get to with this outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Professor Stephen Powis , the medical director of NHS England , later repeated the assertion that keeping below 20,000 deaths would be a `` good outcome '' at one of the first daily Downing Street briefings .
Sir Patrick and Prof Powis ' comments came either side of the UK entering its coronavirus lockdown , which was at least in part prompted by modelling from a team at London 's Imperial College .
The university 's team predicted that , without the stringent social distancing measures now in place to `` suppress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK could have been on course for around 250,000 deaths .
So , with the UK still in lockdown , but having passed the level that the government and NHS England previously considered a `` good result '' - how many deaths could there be ?
In reality , the UK probably passed the 20,000 deaths mark a long time ago .
The daily death figures released by the Department for Health and Social care only report the deaths of patients with coronavirus in UK hospitals .
By contrast , figures now released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ONS ) reveal a wider picture of the impact of COVID-19 .
The ONS figures include deaths outside hospitals , such as in care homes or at home , where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate .
According to these figures , of all deaths registered by 10 April , 10,350 mentioned coronavirus on the death certificate .
They also show that the total current number of deaths in 2020 is 184,950 , which is 10,232 more than the five-year average .
In the week up to 10 April , the ONS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was the highest weekly total since the first week of 2000 - a year when the UK suffered a major flu outbreak .
Of those deaths registered in the week to 10 April , 6,213 ( 33 % ) mentioned coronavirus , which was almost double the number from the week before .
The ONS figures also showed that , of deaths between the week starting on 9 March , when the first COVID-19 deaths were registered , and 10 April , the number of deaths in care homes has doubled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital deaths and a 51 % increase in deaths in private homes .
It has been suggested an overall rise in the number of deaths in 2020 , compared to previous years , may also reveal the UK lockdown is having an indirect impact on health .
Indeed , the government has said one of its key considerations when reviewing the lockdown measures is the impact on people 's long-term health from the socio-economic effects of the lockdown , as well as the effect of the continued postponement of other healthcare .
Others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how many deaths there might be in the UK due to coronavirus .
Professor Anthony Costello of University College London 's Institute for Global Health has previously suggested the UK `` could see 40,000 deaths '' in the current wave of coronavirus cases .
However , he also warned the country was going to face more waves of infections .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Financial Times , according to their analysis of ONS figures , have said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 41,000 deaths in the UK .
Meanwhile , the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation , based at the University of Washington in the US , once predicted deaths from COVID-19 in the UK would be the highest in Europe at 66,000 .
However , they later revised down their forecast to 37,494 deaths , based on new data .
Will the UK be the worst affected in Europe ?
According to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University in the US , the UK is the fourth worst affected country in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spain and France .
The government has previously said the UK is further behind other European countries in terms of the progress of the coronavirus outbreak .
And this means , whether the UK is ultimately the worst affected country in Europe will depend upon the RO value in the coming weeks .
This measures the reproductive value of a virus , with an RO of three meaning every individual infected will pass the disease onto three other people if no containment measures are introduced .
Professor Chris Whitty , England 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current RO value in the UK is between 0.5 and 1 .
However , the government will fear the RO value rising again should they ease lockdown measures .
Will we ever know the true impact of COVID-19 ?
Modelling the true or total impact of coronavirus in terms of UK deaths at this stage is problematic as it will continue to be based on incomplete or , perhaps , non-current data .
There is also no way of knowing how many people have actually contracted coronavirus as the vast majority of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It means the full impact of coronavirus in the UK - in terms of direct deaths and indirect deaths - is unlikely to be known until after the pandemic has passed .
At that point , the `` excess deaths '' for the period of the pandemic can be compared to previous years .

More than 20,000 people have now died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus - a level that had previously been earmarked as a significant milestone by science and medical chiefs.
A "good outcome"
On 17 March, Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said keeping the number of UK deaths below 20,000 would be a "good result" from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"If we can get this down to 20,000 and below, that is a good outcome in terms of where we would hope to get to with this outbreak," he told a committee of MPs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 '20,000 virus deaths would be good outcome'
Professor Stephen Powis, the medical director of NHS England, later repeated the assertion that keeping below 20,000 deaths would be a "good outcome" at one of the first daily Downing Street briefings.
Sir Patrick and Prof Powis' comments came either side of the UK entering its coronavirus lockdown, which was at least in part prompted by modelling from a team at London's Imperial College.
The university's team predicted that, without the stringent social distancing measures now in place to "suppress" the spread of COVID-19, the UK could have been on course for around 250,000 deaths.
So, with the UK still in lockdown, but having passed the level that the government and NHS England previously considered a "good result" - how many deaths could there be?
The UK probably passed 20,000 deaths a long time ago
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In reality, the UK probably passed the 20,000 deaths mark a long time ago.
The daily death figures released by the Department for Health and Social care only report the deaths of patients with coronavirus in UK hospitals.
By contrast, figures now released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal a wider picture of the impact of COVID-19.
The ONS figures include deaths outside hospitals, such as in care homes or at home, where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate.
According to these figures, of all deaths registered by 10 April, 10,350 mentioned coronavirus on the death certificate.
They also show that the total current number of deaths in 2020 is 184,950, which is 10,232 more than the five-year average.
In the week up to 10 April, the ONS said the number of deaths was 18,526, which was the highest weekly total since the first week of 2000 - a year when the UK suffered a major flu outbreak.
Of those deaths registered in the week to 10 April, 6,213 (33%) mentioned coronavirus, which was almost double the number from the week before.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:40 Coronavirus: The hidden health crisis
The ONS figures also showed that, of deaths between the week starting on 9 March, when the first COVID-19 deaths were registered, and 10 April, the number of deaths in care homes has doubled, with a 72% increase in hospital deaths and a 51% increase in deaths in private homes.
It has been suggested an overall rise in the number of deaths in 2020, compared to previous years, may also reveal the UK lockdown is having an indirect impact on health.
Indeed, the government has said one of its key considerations when reviewing the lockdown measures is the impact on people's long-term health from the socio-economic effects of the lockdown, as well as the effect of the continued postponement of other healthcare.
Up to 66,000 deaths?
Others have tried to make their own estimations of how many deaths there might be in the UK due to coronavirus.
Professor Anthony Costello of University College London's Institute for Global Health has previously suggested the UK "could see 40,000 deaths" in the current wave of coronavirus cases.
However, he also warned the country was going to face more waves of infections.
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The Financial Times, according to their analysis of ONS figures, have said the coronavirus pandemic has already caused as many as 41,000 deaths in the UK.
Meanwhile, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, based at the University of Washington in the US, once predicted deaths from COVID-19 in the UK would be the highest in Europe at 66,000.
However, they later revised down their forecast to 37,494 deaths, based on new data.
Will the UK be the worst affected in Europe?
According to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University in the US, the UK is the fourth worst affected country in Europe in terms of deaths, behind Italy, Spain and France.
The government has previously said the UK is further behind other European countries in terms of the progress of the coronavirus outbreak.
And this means, whether the UK is ultimately the worst affected country in Europe will depend upon the RO value in the coming weeks.
This measures the reproductive value of a virus, with an RO of three meaning every individual infected will pass the disease onto three other people if no containment measures are introduced.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, has estimated the current RO value in the UK is between 0.5 and 1.
However, the government will fear the RO value rising again should they ease lockdown measures.
Will we ever know the true impact of COVID-19?
Modelling the true or total impact of coronavirus in terms of UK deaths at this stage is problematic as it will continue to be based on incomplete or, perhaps, non-current data.
There is also no way of knowing how many people have actually contracted coronavirus as the vast majority of the UK population has not been tested.
It means the full impact of coronavirus in the UK - in terms of direct deaths and indirect deaths - is unlikely to be known until after the pandemic has passed.
At that point, the "excess deaths" for the period of the pandemic can be compared to previous years.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-26--Raab: 'Not responsible' to reveal lockdown exit plan - and vaccine unlikely this year

The UK is in a `` delicate and dangerous '' stage of the coronavirus outbreak and will not get a vaccine until at least next year , stand-in prime minister Dominic Raab has said .
On his final day filling in for Boris Johnson , the foreign secretary told Sky News it was `` not responsible '' to lay out how the lockdown could be eased .
But he hinted people arriving in the country could be forced into quarantine for two weeks - the maximum amount of time it takes before someone infected with the virus can start to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a second phase ... that is something we will be looking at , '' he told Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
The government is coming under intense pressure from senior Tory donors to relax the strict social-distancing measures , amid concern at the damage they are doing to the economy .
And Labour 's new leader Sir Keir Starmer has called on ministers to publish an exit strategy and follow other countries ' lead in `` having honest conversations with the public about what new arrangements might look like '' .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed , which is why we are proceeding very cautiously .
`` We are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time , whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for the next phase . ''
He added that when the lockdown is eventually lifted , people `` wo n't just be going back - it will be a new normal '' .
So far at least 20,319 hospital patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the true number expected to be higher including deaths in the community and care homes .
Liberal Democrats acting leader Sir Ed Davey said he suspected the real number of deaths is 40,000 and is calling for a public inquiry into the government 's response to the crisis so far , which he called a `` national calamity '' .
Mr Raab also tried to set expectations by announcing that a vaccine is `` not likely to come to fruition this year '' - after £41m was poured into two university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former England deputy chief medical officer , said the same , telling Sophy Ridge : `` We have n't got a hugely good track record with vaccines for this particular virus , coronavirus , the family of viruses ... '' I think those who are very used to the process of developing vaccines are saying they are not anticipating it being available until well into next year . ''
Coronavirus home testing kits for key workers in England have been booked up within hours through the government 's website .
As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` unavailable '' - two hours after booking slots reopened .
Mr Raab also offered an update on Mr Johnson 's health .
He said the prime minister is `` raring to go '' ahead of his expected arrival back at Downing Street after two weeks of recovery from COVID-19 at his countryside residence of Chequers .
“ He 's taken the time and taken the doctors ' advice to rebuild his strength , ” Mr Raab said .
`` I 've spoken to him every day this week - we 've made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been going on . ''
One of Mr Johnson 's first major acts will have to be getting ready to make another announcement to the country before Thursday 7 May , when the current lockdown measures are due to last until .
An exclusive poll for Sky News released on Thursday found Britons have become sadder and more anxious since the coronavirus crisis - but strongly support the lockdown remaining at least in the short term .
Over half the population would not support key parts of society and the economy being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 51 % wanting primary schools to stay shut , 53 % wanting secondary schools to stay shut , 67 % wanting to keep people working from home and 72 % wanting to keep older people indoors .

The UK is in a "delicate and dangerous" stage of the coronavirus outbreak and it is "not responsible" to lay out how the lockdown could be eased, Dominic Raab has said.
On his final day filling in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary also told Sky News that Britain will not get a vaccine until at least next year.
It comes after a further 413 people were confirmed to have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number to 20,732.
Image: A police officer speaks to people relaxing in London's Hyde Park over the weekend
The figures do not include deaths in the community, such as in care homes, and Liberal Democrats' acting leader Sir Ed Davey said he suspected the actual number of coronavirus deaths to be about 40,000.
He has now called for a public inquiry into the government's response to the crisis so far, which he branded a "national calamity".
The government is also coming under intense pressure from senior Tory donors to relax the strict social-distancing measures, amid concern at the damage they are doing to the economy.
Labour's new leader Sir Keir Starmer wants ministers to publish an exit strategy and follow other countries' lead in "having honest conversations with the public about what new arrangements might look like".
But Mr Raab dismissed the suggestion, saying: "We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed, which is why we are proceeding very cautiously.
"We are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time, whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for the next phase."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He added that when the lockdown is eventually lifted, people "won't just be going back - it will be a new normal".
NHS England's medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, said there was a "definite trend in a reduced number of people in hospitals", but this could reverse if restrictions are eased too quickly.
"My fear is that those curves won't continue to be on a downward trend, but will start to go on an upward trend," he told the daily Downing Street briefing on coronavirus.
"We are not at a point where any of us can be absolutely confident that that's not going to be the case."
Image: Mr Raab said a vaccine won't be available until at least 2021
Earlier, Mr Raab told Sky News that a COVID-19 vaccine is "not likely to come to fruition this year" - after £41m was poured into two university research trials.
Professor Gina Radford, a former deputy chief medical officer for England, said "we haven't got a hugely good track record with vaccines for this... family of viruses", adding: "I think those who are very used to the process of developing vaccines are saying they are not anticipating it being available until well into next year."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Could cloth masks reduce coronavirus spread?
Coronavirus home testing kits for key workers in England have been booked up within hours through the government's website.
As of 10am on Sunday they were listed as "unavailable" - two hours after booking slots reopened.
Image: Boris Johnson is said to be 'raring to go'
Mr Raab also offered an update on Mr Johnson's health.
He said the prime minister is "raring to go" ahead of his expected arrival back at Downing Street on Monday after two weeks of recovery from COVID-19 at his countryside residence of Chequers.
“He's taken the time and taken the doctors' advice to rebuild his strength,” Mr Raab said.
"I've spoken to him every day this week - we've made sure he's abreast of everything that's been going on."
The UK's current lockdown measures are in place until at least Thursday 7 May.
An exclusive poll for Sky News found Britons have become sadder and more anxious since the coronavirus crisis - but strongly support the lockdown remaining at least in the short term.
Over half the population would not support key parts of society and the economy being reopened in the next few weeks, including 51% wanting primary schools to stay shut, 53% wanting secondary schools to stay shut, 67% wanting to keep people working from home and 72% wanting to keep older people indoors.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-26--PM returning to work to face pressure over lifting lockdown measures

Boris Johnson will return to work on Monday under pressure from the Labour leader and Conservative donors over lifting coronavirus lockdown measures .
The prime minister , who was treated in intensive care after contracting COVID-19 , will be back in Downing Street just over a fortnight after leaving hospital .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stepped up pressure on the government to set out an `` exit strategy '' for lifting lockdown measures that were put in place on 23 March to slow the spread of coronavirus .
His intervention comes as a series of Conservative backers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party , have urged the government to begin loosening the restrictions to allow the economy to start up again .
The British retail industry 's lobby group and its main trade union has issued new guidance to retailers in preparation for an anticipated easing of measures and the reopening of more stores .
In his call for an exit strategy , Sir Keir said in a letter to Mr Johnson that it was essential ministers learned lessons from mistakes that have been made in dealing with the crisis so far .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of falling behind other countries , as well devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales , which were already engaged in `` adult '' conversations with their citizens as to how the restrictions could be eased .
Ministers have so far resisted calls for an exit strategy , arguing it risks undermining their central message that people need to stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
However , Sir Keir 's letter echoes concerns expressed by some senior Conservatives alarmed at the mounting damage to the economy being caused by the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy would only be effective if the government puts the necessary planning , investment and infrastructure in place early .
He wrote : `` Simply acting as if this discussion is not happening is not credible , especially when other governments and our own devolved administrations have been able to communicate so much more .
`` The British public have made great sacrifices to make the lockdown work .
They deserve to be part of an adult conversation about what comes next .
If we want to take people with us and secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is a national crisis and therefore needs a national response .
The coming weeks require urgent preparation and planning from the government .
We have already seen the consequences of poor planning and preparation .
That can not happen again . ''
Sir Keir said that while Labour fully supported the lockdown , the government had been too slow to put it in place .
He also said the government had been too slow to increase testing and too slow to get personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` If we are to learn from these mistakes , the government can not fall short in its preparation for what happens when the time is right for lockdown measures to be gradually lifted .
`` The UK government is behind the curve on this .
I fear we are falling behind the rest of the world .
That is why we need to see a significant step-change in the government 's response to this pandemic .
`` Decisions need to be taken quicker and communication with the public needs to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Conservative backers Michael Spencer and Peter Hargreaves , the banker Sir Henry Angest , Phones4u founder John Caudwell and restaurateur Richard Caring all told The Sunday Times they wanted to see some reopening of the economy .
Steve Morgan , the former boss of the housebuilder Redrow , told the paper : `` We 're actually in danger that the medicine - if you want to call the lockdown that - is more harmful than the cure .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country back to work .
This is not about profit ; this is about saving the country from going bankrupt , from mass unemployment , from businesses going bust , people losing their livelihoods and homes . ''
Professor John Edmunds , a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) which is advising the government on its response to the outbreak , has warned any relaxation risked an upsurge of new cases .
He told the Observer : `` The strategy behind plans to lift the lockdown is based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could then control the epidemic by testing people for infections before tracing their contacts .
`` However , if we lifted the lockdown now , the testing and tracing system would be overwhelmed .
We will have to get case numbers down a lot lower than they are now before we can think of lifting current regulations . ''
The British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) lobby group and the Usdaw retail union have offered social distancing guidance for non-food retail stores ahead of an expected easing of lockdown measures .
The guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the `` essential '' retailers that have been allowed to stay open during the lockdown , such as supermarkets and pharmacies .
It includes providing hand sanitiser for customers , encouraging shoppers to visit stores alone , limiting numbers in shops at any one time , keeping customers two metres apart , installing protective screens at tills , as well as stepping-up cleaning and encouraging cashless payments .
The government said on Friday it was too early to lift the lockdown , though economic data indicates Britain 's economy is crumbling under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the most on record in March as a surge in food buying for the lockdown was dwarfed by a plunge in sales of clothing and most other goods .
The slump is likely to be even worse in April .

Boris Johnson will return to work on Monday under pressure from the Labour leader and Conservative donors over lifting coronavirus lockdown measures.
The prime minister, who was treated in intensive care after contracting COVID-19, will be back in Downing Street just over a fortnight after leaving hospital.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stepped up pressure on the government to set out an "exit strategy" for lifting lockdown measures that were put in place on 23 March to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 PM 'has been meeting officials all week'
His intervention comes as a series of Conservative backers, who have donated millions of pounds to the party, have urged the government to begin loosening the restrictions to allow the economy to start up again.
The British retail industry's lobby group and its main trade union has issued new guidance to retailers in preparation for an anticipated easing of measures and the reopening of more stores.
In his call for an exit strategy, Sir Keir said in a letter to Mr Johnson that it was essential ministers learned lessons from mistakes that have been made in dealing with the crisis so far.
He added that the UK is in danger of falling behind other countries, as well devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, which were already engaged in "adult" conversations with their citizens as to how the restrictions could be eased.
Ministers have so far resisted calls for an exit strategy, arguing it risks undermining their central message that people need to stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
However, Sir Keir's letter echoes concerns expressed by some senior Conservatives alarmed at the mounting damage to the economy being caused by the lockdown.
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The Labour leader said any exit strategy would only be effective if the government puts the necessary planning, investment and infrastructure in place early.
He wrote: "Simply acting as if this discussion is not happening is not credible, especially when other governments and our own devolved administrations have been able to communicate so much more.
"The British public have made great sacrifices to make the lockdown work. They deserve to be part of an adult conversation about what comes next. If we want to take people with us and secure their consent, this is necessary now.
"This is a national crisis and therefore needs a national response. The coming weeks require urgent preparation and planning from the government. We have already seen the consequences of poor planning and preparation. That cannot happen again."
Sir Keir said that while Labour fully supported the lockdown, the government had been too slow to put it in place.
He also said the government had been too slow to increase testing and too slow to get personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline NHS and care staff.
He continued: "If we are to learn from these mistakes, the government cannot fall short in its preparation for what happens when the time is right for lockdown measures to be gradually lifted.
"The UK government is behind the curve on this. I fear we are falling behind the rest of the world. That is why we need to see a significant step-change in the government's response to this pandemic.
"Decisions need to be taken quicker and communication with the public needs to be clearer."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Conservative backers Michael Spencer and Peter Hargreaves, the banker Sir Henry Angest, Phones4u founder John Caudwell and restaurateur Richard Caring all told The Sunday Times they wanted to see some reopening of the economy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 20,000 UK hospital deaths 'a tragic and terrible milestone'
Steve Morgan, the former boss of the housebuilder Redrow, told the paper: "We're actually in danger that the medicine - if you want to call the lockdown that - is more harmful than the cure.
"I'm strongly in favour of getting the country back to work. This is not about profit; this is about saving the country from going bankrupt, from mass unemployment, from businesses going bust, people losing their livelihoods and homes."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 PM 'in good shape', says Hancock
Professor John Edmunds, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) which is advising the government on its response to the outbreak, has warned any relaxation risked an upsurge of new cases.
He told the Observer: "The strategy behind plans to lift the lockdown is based on the idea (that) you could then control the epidemic by testing people for infections before tracing their contacts.
"However, if we lifted the lockdown now, the testing and tracing system would be overwhelmed. We will have to get case numbers down a lot lower than they are now before we can think of lifting current regulations."
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) lobby group and the Usdaw retail union have offered social distancing guidance for non-food retail stores ahead of an expected easing of lockdown measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:54 Special Report: Life in Lockdown
The guidance draws on government advice and lessons learned by the "essential" retailers that have been allowed to stay open during the lockdown, such as supermarkets and pharmacies.
It includes providing hand sanitiser for customers, encouraging shoppers to visit stores alone, limiting numbers in shops at any one time, keeping customers two metres apart, installing protective screens at tills, as well as stepping-up cleaning and encouraging cashless payments.
The government said on Friday it was too early to lift the lockdown, though economic data indicates Britain's economy is crumbling under the strain.
British retail sales fell by the most on record in March as a surge in food buying for the lockdown was dwarfed by a plunge in sales of clothing and most other goods.
The slump is likely to be even worse in April.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-25--Boris Johnson 'raring to go' when he returns to work on Monday

Boris Johnson will be back at work in Downing Street on Monday and is `` raring to go '' in the battle against coronavirus , he has told cabinet colleagues .
Just over a fortnight after leaving hospital on Easter Sunday following treatment for COVID-19 , the prime minister will be `` back to his normal schedule '' as he grapples with the dilemma of when to ease the lockdown .
Depending on doctors ' advice , Mr Johnson , who has been recuperating at Chequers , may host Monday 's daily Downing Street news conference and possibly take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday .
`` He is 'raring to go ' and will be back Monday , '' a Downing Street source told Sky News .
`` He had a Chequers meeting with advisers on Friday and he will be meeting the Health Secretary , Matt Hancock , and getting back to his normal schedule . ''
The source added : `` Mr Johnson was updated on the progress being made in the UK 's fight against coronavirus and was given a detailed briefing on the policy work carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our fight against the disease .
`` The summit marked a tightening of grip from the prime minister , who held a series of calls and Zoom meetings with key figures throughout the week .
`` Mr Johnson hosted a daily video call with the Foreign Secretary , Dominic Raab , and his Number 10 team at 3pm each day , where he was briefed on the latest plans .
`` He also held lengthy discussions with the Chief Medical Officer , Chris Whitty , and the Chief Scientific Adviser , Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarkably swift return to his full schedule will delight cabinet ministers and Tory MPs who fear there has been a power vacuum at the heart of government during his absence battling against his illness .
There have been claims that in his absence there has been no clear strategy on when and how to ease the lockdown restrictions and suggestions that cabinet ministers are deeply split on what to do next .
But the PM 's early comeback will alarm those who have been arguing that he needs a long period of rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of running the government during a major national and international crisis .
There have been signs during the past week , however , that he was making a speedy recovery .
He spoke by telephone with President Donald Trump , who said afterwards : `` He called me a few days ago .
He sounded incredible . ''
The prime minister also held his first audience with the Queen for three weeks , suggesting he was regaining full fitness and ready to return to work full time .
Mr Johnson 's planned return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortnight after he was discharged from St Thomas 's Hospital , under a mile from Downing Street , after seven nights , three of which were spent in intensive care .
It has been a tumultuous and dramatic six weeks , even by Mr Johnson 's standards , and has seen him - in his own words - come close to death .
Last month , the prime minister seemed relaxed about the possibility of being infected with coronavirus , leading critics - and some colleagues - to warn that he was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough .
On 3 March , he said at a Downing Street news conference : `` I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were actually a few coronavirus patients and I shook hands with everybody , you 'll be pleased to know , and I continue to shake hands . ''
But on 27 March he announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Downing Street said he had noticed mild symptoms the previous afternoon and received the test results at midnight .
In a video message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm working from home and self-isolating and that 's entirely the right thing to do .
`` But , be in no doubt that I can continue thanks to the wizardry of modern technology to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fightback against coronavirus . ''
Questions were raised about why the PM had adopted a business-as-usual approach to governing after putting the rest of the UK on lockdown and Mr Johnson was accused of not following his own advice .
The following Thursday , 2 April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared on the steps of 10 Downing Street joining in with a national applause for the NHS , with the PM telling those gathered : `` I am not allowed out really , I am just standing here . ''
Then the next day , 3 April , looking seriously unwell , Mr Johnson was seen in a video urging people to stay home and not break social distancing rules as the weather warmed up , even if they were going `` a bit stir crazy '' .
Shortly after the PM 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Johnson 's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds - who lives with him in the No 11 flat - shared a photograph of herself self-isolating in Camberwell , south London , with the couple 's dog Dilyn .
Then on 4 April , Ms Symonds tweeted : `` I 've spent the past week in bed with the main symptoms of coronavirus .
I have n't needed to be tested and , after seven days of rest , I feel stronger and I 'm on the mend . ''
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It was on Sunday 5 April that Downing Street said Mr Johnson had been admitted to `` a London NHS hospital '' for tests as a `` precautionary step '' as his coronavirus symptoms persisted .
The next morning , Mr Johnson tweeted : `` Last night , on the advice of my doctor , I went into hospital for some routine tests as I 'm still experiencing coronavirus symptoms .
I 'm in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team , as we work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone safe .
`` I 'd like to say thank you to all the brilliant NHS staff taking care of me and others in this difficult time .
You are the best of Britain .
`` Stay safe everyone , and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives . ''
Then that evening , Monday April 6 , Downing Street announced the shock news that the PM 's condition had worsened and , on the advice of his medical team , he had been moved to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital .
Downing Street said the PM 's condition was stable and he was in `` good spirits '' following his first night in intensive care , but he would need to remain there for `` close monitoring '' .
At that time , concerns were raised over how many decisions his stand-in Mr Raab was allowed to make , as the foreign secretary suggested that the scheduled review of the nation 's lockdown restrictions would now not go ahead .
Downing Street later confirmed the review would take place after the three-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After a second night in intensive care , the prime minister was said to be `` responding to treatment '' and remained in a stable condition .
On 8 April , Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the daily coronavirus briefing that Mr Johnson was still in intensive care , but had been sitting up in bed and engaging with his clinical team .
And after he spent a `` good night '' in intensive care , Downing Street said the prime minister 's condition was continuing to improve .
At the daily coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , Mr Raab , who earlier chaired a meeting of the Cobra committee , prompted more concerns when he said he had not spoken to the PM since taking over his responsibilities .
`` We in the government have got this covered , '' Mr Raab said , adding : `` I 've got all the authority I need to make the relevant decisions - whether it 's through chairing cabinet updates , chairing Cobra , or indeed the morning meetings of senior ministers . ''
Later that day after three nights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson had been moved back to the ward at St Thomas 's .
On Easter Saturday , Downing Street said the PM was continuing to recover in hospital and he was now able to do `` short walks '' between rests , but did not confirm how long Mr Johnson was expected to remain in hospital .
On Easter Sunday , Downing Street said the PM was continuing `` to make very good progress '' .
Mr Johnson thanked NHS staff at St Thomas 's for saving his life , issuing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't thank them enough .
I owe them my life . ''
Later , Downing Street said he had been discharged from hospital and would continue his recovery at Chequers .
Number 10 also said the PM would be taking a break from work while he recovered .
A relieved Ms Symonds said she could not `` thank our magnificent NHS enough '' , adding there had been times in the past week that had been `` very dark indeed '' .

Boris Johnson will be back at work in Downing Street on Monday and is "raring to go" in the battle against coronavirus, he has told cabinet colleagues.
Just over a fortnight after leaving hospital on Easter Sunday following treatment for COVID-19, the prime minister will be "back to his normal schedule" as he grapples with the dilemma of when to ease the lockdown.
Depending on doctors' advice, Mr Johnson, who has been recuperating at Chequers, may host Monday's daily Downing Street news conference and possibly take on the new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
"He is 'raring to go' and will be back Monday," a Downing Street source told Sky News.
"He had a Chequers meeting with advisers on Friday and he will be meeting the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, and getting back to his normal schedule."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 PM 'in good shape', says Hancock
The source added: "Mr Johnson was updated on the progress being made in the UK's fight against coronavirus and was given a detailed briefing on the policy work carried out so far on the next phase of our fight against the disease.
"The summit marked a tightening of grip from the prime minister, who held a series of calls and Zoom meetings with key figures throughout the week.
"Mr Johnson hosted a daily video call with the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, and his Number 10 team at 3pm each day, where he was briefed on the latest plans.
"He also held lengthy discussions with the Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, and the Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:15 PM praises NHS staff in message on 12 April
Mr Johnson's remarkably swift return to his full schedule will delight cabinet ministers and Tory MPs who fear there has been a power vacuum at the heart of government during his absence battling against his illness.
There have been claims that in his absence there has been no clear strategy on when and how to ease the lockdown restrictions and suggestions that cabinet ministers are deeply split on what to do next.
But the PM's early comeback will alarm those who have been arguing that he needs a long period of rest before plunging back into the gruelling regime of running the government during a major national and international crisis.
There have been signs during the past week, however, that he was making a speedy recovery. He spoke by telephone with President Donald Trump, who said afterwards: "He called me a few days ago. He sounded incredible."
The prime minister also held his first audience with the Queen for three weeks, suggesting he was regaining full fitness and ready to return to work full time.
Mr Johnson's planned return to work was revealed less than a fortnight after he was discharged from St Thomas's Hospital, under a mile from Downing Street, after seven nights, three of which were spent in intensive care.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'A tragic and terrible milestone'
It has been a tumultuous and dramatic six weeks, even by Mr Johnson's standards, and has seen him - in his own words - come close to death.
Last month, the prime minister seemed relaxed about the possibility of being infected with coronavirus, leading critics - and some colleagues - to warn that he was not taking the threat of the disease seriously enough.
On 3 March, he said at a Downing Street news conference: "I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were actually a few coronavirus patients and I shook hands with everybody, you'll be pleased to know, and I continue to shake hands."
But on 27 March he announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Downing Street said he had noticed mild symptoms the previous afternoon and received the test results at midnight.
In a video message on Twitter, Mr Johnson said: "I'm working from home and self-isolating and that's entirely the right thing to do.
"But, be in no doubt that I can continue thanks to the wizardry of modern technology to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fightback against coronavirus."
Image: Boris Johnson was in intensive care at St Thomas's Hospital
Questions were raised about why the PM had adopted a business-as-usual approach to governing after putting the rest of the UK on lockdown and Mr Johnson was accused of not following his own advice.
The following Thursday, 2 April, Mr Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak appeared on the steps of 10 Downing Street joining in with a national applause for the NHS, with the PM telling those gathered: "I am not allowed out really, I am just standing here."
Then the next day, 3 April, looking seriously unwell, Mr Johnson was seen in a video urging people to stay home and not break social distancing rules as the weather warmed up, even if they were going "a bit stir crazy".
Shortly after the PM's announcement of his illness on 27 March, Mr Johnson's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds - who lives with him in the No 11 flat - shared a photograph of herself self-isolating in Camberwell, south London, with the couple's dog Dilyn.
Then on 4 April, Ms Symonds tweeted: "I've spent the past week in bed with the main symptoms of coronavirus. I haven't needed to be tested and, after seven days of rest, I feel stronger and I'm on the mend."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It was on Sunday 5 April that Downing Street said Mr Johnson had been admitted to "a London NHS hospital" for tests as a "precautionary step" as his coronavirus symptoms persisted.
The next morning, Mr Johnson tweeted: "Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I'm still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. I'm in good spirits and keeping in touch with my team, as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe.
"I'd like to say thank you to all the brilliant NHS staff taking care of me and others in this difficult time. You are the best of Britain.
"Stay safe everyone, and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives."
Then that evening, Monday April 6, Downing Street announced the shock news that the PM's condition had worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he had been moved to the intensive care unit at St Thomas's Hospital.
Downing Street said the PM's condition was stable and he was in "good spirits" following his first night in intensive care, but he would need to remain there for "close monitoring".
At that time, concerns were raised over how many decisions his stand-in Mr Raab was allowed to make, as the foreign secretary suggested that the scheduled review of the nation's lockdown restrictions would now not go ahead.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 PM's call made quite an impression on Trump...
Downing Street later confirmed the review would take place after the three-week mark originally committed to by the PM.
After a second night in intensive care, the prime minister was said to be "responding to treatment" and remained in a stable condition.
On 8 April, Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the daily coronavirus briefing that Mr Johnson was still in intensive care, but had been sitting up in bed and engaging with his clinical team.
And after he spent a "good night" in intensive care, Downing Street said the prime minister's condition was continuing to improve.
At the daily coronavirus press briefing the next day, 9 April, Mr Raab, who earlier chaired a meeting of the Cobra committee, prompted more concerns when he said he had not spoken to the PM since taking over his responsibilities.
"We in the government have got this covered," Mr Raab said, adding: "I've got all the authority I need to make the relevant decisions - whether it's through chairing cabinet updates, chairing Cobra, or indeed the morning meetings of senior ministers."
Later that day after three nights in intensive care, Downing Street said Mr Johnson had been moved back to the ward at St Thomas's.
On Easter Saturday, Downing Street said the PM was continuing to recover in hospital and he was now able to do "short walks" between rests, but did not confirm how long Mr Johnson was expected to remain in hospital.
On Easter Sunday, Downing Street said the PM was continuing "to make very good progress". Mr Johnson thanked NHS staff at St Thomas's for saving his life, issuing a short statement, saying: "I can't thank them enough. I owe them my life."
Later, Downing Street said he had been discharged from hospital and would continue his recovery at Chequers. Number 10 also said the PM would be taking a break from work while he recovered.
A relieved Ms Symonds said she could not "thank our magnificent NHS enough", adding there had been times in the past week that had been "very dark indeed".


skynewspolitics--2020-04-26--PM returns to work amid pressure to ease lockdown and cut COVID-19 deaths

Boris Johnson will plunge into a hectic round of back-to-back meetings on coronavirus on his first day back in Downing Street after his life-threatening illness .
The prime minister is back at his desk in No .
10 after a three-week absence and immediately faces massive decisions on the government 's next moves to stamp out the virus .
After chairing the daily COVID-19 `` war cabinet '' of senior ministers , Mr Johnson is expected to hold one-to-one talks with cabinet colleagues on the progress of their departments in his absence .
He is also expected to discuss plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown , possibly before the 7 May deadline when the government is legally obliged to announce its next review of the rules .
Mr Johnson is eager to return directly to the political frontline by chairing the Downing Street news conferences and taking part in Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday , provided his doctors give the go-ahead .
After spending the past fortnight at Chequers , Mr Johnson arrived back in Downing Street with no fanfare .
There was no motorcade , limousine or motorcycle outriders as he made a low-key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Downing Street insiders , after his two weeks convalescing in the Buckinghamshire countryside he is `` back to his normal self , excited to be back in No .
10 and ready to take personal charge of the government '' .
Allies claim he has `` got his bounce back '' , a fortnight after a stay in hospital which he claimed `` could have gone either way '' and prompted him to thank NHS doctors and nurses for saving his life in a video message .
Ministers are said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swiftly after his illness and Tory MPs will be relieved that Mr Johnson is back in control after claims of a power vacuum at the heart of government while he was away .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson faces a formidable in-tray as gets back to work , however .
His to-do list includes : • Lowering the COVID-19 death rate : The government says the UK is past the peak in deaths , but reducing the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a priority • 100,000 tests per day by Thursday : The PM has just three days to reach Health Secretary Matt Hancock 's ambitious - critics say reckless - target of 100,000 tests a day • Stem the number of cases and deaths in care homes : This week will also bring more questions about the number of cases of and deaths with COVID-19 in care homes .
• Lockdown restrictions : As the UK enters another week of lockdown , the decision of when to lift restrictions has split the cabinet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the three weeks the prime minister has been away the battle against coronavirus has greatly changed .
When he went into hospital on 5 April , the number of UK deaths was under 5,000 .
Now it is over 20,000 .
Although Mr Johnson 's return means talks on moves to ease the lockdown will now gather pace , publicly the government is still urging the public to obey the rules and stay at home .
At the latest No .
10 news conference , Professor Stephen Powis of NHS England said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital with the disease was continuing to fall , it could easily pick back up if the restrictions were relaxed .
Outlining the latest data on deaths , he said : `` My fear is that those curves wo n't continue to be on a downward trend , but will start to go on an upward trend .
We are not at a point where any of us can be absolutely confident that that 's not going to be the case .
`` We need to remind ourselves that this has been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't want to lose the benefits that have come from this .
We need to keep going . ''

Boris Johnson will plunge into a hectic round of back-to-back meetings on coronavirus on his first day back in Downing Street after his life-threatening illness.
The prime minister is back at his desk in No 10 after a three-week absence and immediately faces massive decisions on the government's next moves to stamp out the virus.
After chairing the daily COVID-19 "war cabinet" of senior ministers, Mr Johnson is expected to hold one-to-one talks with cabinet colleagues on the progress of their departments in his absence.
He is also expected to discuss plans for modifying - but not lifting - the lockdown, possibly before the 7 May deadline when the government is legally obliged to announce its next review of the rules.
Mr Johnson is eager to return directly to the political frontline by chairing the Downing Street news conferences and taking part in Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, provided his doctors give the go-ahead.
After spending the past fortnight at Chequers, Mr Johnson arrived back in Downing Street with no fanfare. There was no motorcade, limousine or motorcycle outriders as he made a low-key return in a people carrier.
But according to Downing Street insiders, after his two weeks convalescing in the Buckinghamshire countryside he is "back to his normal self, excited to be back in No 10 and ready to take personal charge of the government".
Allies claim he has "got his bounce back", a fortnight after a stay in hospital which he claimed "could have gone either way" and prompted him to thank NHS doctors and nurses for saving his life in a video message.
Ministers are said to be delighted that he has returned so swiftly after his illness and Tory MPs will be relieved that Mr Johnson is back in control after claims of a power vacuum at the heart of government while he was away.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Johnson faces a formidable in-tray as he gets back to work, however. His to-do list includes:
Lowering the COVID-19 death rate: The government says the UK is past the peak in deaths, but reducing the number of people dying with the disease remains a priority
100,000 tests per day by Thursday: The PM has just three days to reach Health Secretary Matt Hancock's ambitious - critics say reckless - target of 100,000 tests a day
Stem the number of cases and deaths in care homes: This week will also bring more questions about the number of cases and deaths with COVID-19 in care homes
Lockdown restrictions: As the UK enters another week of lockdown, the decision of when to lift restrictions has split the cabinet and divided the business and scientific communities
In the three weeks the prime minister has been away the battle against coronavirus has greatly changed. When he went into hospital on 5 April, the number of UK deaths was under 5,000. Now it is over 20,000.
Although Mr Johnson's return means talks on moves to ease the lockdown will now gather pace, the government is still urging the public to obey the rules and stay at home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 PM 'in good shape', says Hancock
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:03 Nurses talk about caring for PM in hospital
At the latest No 10 news conference, Professor Stephen Powis of NHS England said that while the number of patients in hospital with the disease was continuing to fall, it could easily pick back up if the restrictions were relaxed.
Outlining the latest data on deaths, he said: "My fear is that those curves won't continue to be on a downward trend, but will start to go on an upward trend. We are not at a point where any of us can be absolutely confident that that's not going to be the case.
"We need to remind ourselves that this has been a really tough four weeks and we don't want to lose the benefits that have come from this. We need to keep going."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-26--'Not responsible' to reveal lockdown exit plan - and no vaccine this year, says Raab

The UK is in a `` delicate and dangerous '' stage of the coronavirus outbreak and it is `` not responsible '' to lay out how the lockdown could be eased , Dominic Raab has said .
On his final day filling in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson , the foreign secretary also told Sky News that Britain will not get a vaccine until at least next year .
It comes after a further 413 people were confirmed to have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total number to 20,732 .
The figures do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as in care homes , and Liberal Democrats ' acting leader Sir Ed Davey said he suspected the actual number of coronavirus deaths to be about 40,000 .
He has now called for a public inquiry into the government 's response to the crisis so far , which he branded a `` national calamity '' .
The government is also coming under intense pressure from senior Tory donors to relax the strict social-distancing measures , amid concern at the damage they are doing to the economy .
Labour 's new leader Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exit strategy and follow other countries ' lead in `` having honest conversations with the public about what new arrangements might look like '' .
But Mr Raab dismissed the suggestion , saying : `` We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed , which is why we are proceeding very cautiously .
`` We are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time , whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for the next phase . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually lifted , people `` wo n't just be going back - it will be a new normal '' .
NHS England 's medical director , Professor Stephen Powis , said there was a `` definite trend in a reduced number of people in hospitals '' , but this could reverse if restrictions are eased too quickly .
`` My fear is that those curves wo n't continue to be on a downward trend , but will start to go on an upward trend , '' he told the daily Downing Street briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a point where any of us can be absolutely confident that that 's not going to be the case . ''
Earlier , Mr Raab told Sky News that a COVID-19 vaccine is `` not likely to come to fruition this year '' - after £41m was poured into two university research trials .
Professor Gina Radford , a former deputy chief medical officer for England , said `` we have n't got a hugely good track record with vaccines for this ... family of viruses '' , adding : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process of developing vaccines are saying they are not anticipating it being available until well into next year . ''
Coronavirus home testing kits for key workers in England have been booked up within hours through the government 's website .
As of 10am on Sunday they were listed as `` unavailable '' - two hours after booking slots reopened .
Mr Raab also offered an update on Mr Johnson 's health .
He said the prime minister is `` raring to go '' ahead of his expected arrival back at Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery from COVID-19 at his countryside residence of Chequers .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker “ He 's taken the time and taken the doctors ' advice to rebuild his strength , ” Mr Raab said .
`` I 've spoken to him every day this week - we 've made sure he 's abreast of everything that 's been going on . ''
The UK 's current lockdown measures are in place until at least Thursday 7 May .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britons have become sadder and more anxious since the coronavirus crisis - but strongly support the lockdown remaining at least in the short term .
Over half the population would not support key parts of society and the economy being reopened in the next few weeks , including 51 % wanting primary schools to stay shut , 53 % wanting secondary schools to stay shut , 67 % wanting to keep people working from home and 72 % wanting to keep older people indoors .


skynewspolitics--2020-04-26--Plans for two-week quarantine for anyone entering UK considered by govt

Anyone entering the UK could be forced to go into quarantine for two weeks under plans being discussed in government .
Dominic Raab , who has been standing in as prime minister for nearly three weeks while Boris Johnson recovers from coronavirus , confirmed the proposals are under consideration .
Appearing on Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday , Mr Raab was quizzed on reports that all travellers arriving in the country will need to fill out a landing card with details about their health , as well as the address where they will self-isolate .
A communications campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world to warn passengers of what to expect when they arrive in the UK and to dissuade them from coming in the first place , the newspaper added .
Asked whether the government is going to start limiting flights coming into the UK or quarantining people once they arrive , Mr Raab said `` any new measures that are necessary '' will be taken as ministers consider the `` second phase '' of the outbreak .
He added : `` That 's something that we will be looking at and it could include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could include social distancing measures and we 'll make sure ... that we are absolutely on top of the scientific evidence and are taking all the measures that are necessary to protect people 's health , to protect their lives but also to preserve our way of life as we go forward , economically and socially . ''
Two weeks is the maximum amount of time it takes before someone infected with coronavirus can start to show symptoms .
Mr Raab denied that the current lack of temperature checks , or telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was problematic because the virus is already spreading so much across the country .
He said : `` The advice so far is that it would make almost no impact on the spread of the virus because of the decrease in the number of people travelling and the fact that the transmission rate within the UK is high .
`` But we have continually throughout tested this with the scientists and the chief medical officer , to make sure that as the evidence changes or if we move to a second phase , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures that are necessary . ''
Environment Secretary George Eustice added later at the daily Downing Street briefing : `` We 've made a conscious decision as a country not to close our borders because we need to keep trade flowing .
`` Should there be medical advice in the future , as we move to new stages , that this is an area that should be looked at and considered , that is the time to do that . ''
It comes as the Foreign Office confirmed five charter flights from Bangladesh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK - leaving from Dhaka for London between 29 April and 7 May .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Hong Kong introduced a two week quarantine for all citizens arriving in the country , after fears a second peak of COVID-19 cases was being “ imported ” into the country by travellers .
Usually people entering the country can isolate at their residential address but some have been placed into a government-run quarantine centre .

Anyone entering the UK could be forced to go into quarantine for two weeks under plans being discussed in government.
Dominic Raab, who has been standing in as prime minister for nearly three weeks while Boris Johnson recovers from coronavirus, confirmed the proposals are under consideration.
Appearing on Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Mr Raab was quizzed on reports that all travellers arriving in the country will need to fill out a landing card with details about their health, as well as the address where they will self-isolate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Raab foresees 'new normal' after lockdown
A communications campaign would also be rolled out across the world to warn passengers of what to expect when they arrive in the UK and to dissuade them from coming in the first place, the newspaper added.
Asked whether the government is going to start limiting flights coming into the UK or quarantining people once they arrive, Mr Raab said "any new measures that are necessary" will be taken as ministers consider the "second phase" of the outbreak.
He added: "That's something that we will be looking at and it could include the testing for people coming in, it could include social distancing measures and we'll make sure... that we are absolutely on top of the scientific evidence and are taking all the measures that are necessary to protect people's health, to protect their lives but also to preserve our way of life as we go forward, economically and socially."
Two weeks is the maximum amount of time it takes before someone infected with coronavirus can start to show symptoms.
Mr Raab denied that the current lack of temperature checks, or telling people to quarantine when they arrive, was problematic because the virus is already spreading so much across the country.
He said: "The advice so far is that it would make almost no impact on the spread of the virus because of the decrease in the number of people travelling and the fact that the transmission rate within the UK is high.
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"But we have continually throughout tested this with the scientists and the chief medical officer, to make sure that as the evidence changes or if we move to a second phase, we are able to take any new measures that are necessary."
Environment Secretary George Eustice added later at the daily Downing Street briefing: "We've made a conscious decision as a country not to close our borders because we need to keep trade flowing.
"Should there be medical advice in the future, as we move to new stages, that this is an area that should be looked at and considered, that is the time to do that."
It comes as the Foreign Office confirmed five charter flights from Bangladesh will bring British travellers back to the UK - leaving from Dhaka for London between 29 April and 7 May.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Hong Kong introduced a two week quarantine for all citizens arriving in the country, after fears a second peak of COVID-19 cases was being “imported” into the country by travellers.
Usually people entering the country can isolate at their residential address but some have been placed into a government-run quarantine centre.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-27--UK 'turning the tide' on coronavirus but not the time to relax lockdown - PM

The UK is `` beginning to turn the tide '' in the fight against the coronavirus but this is not the time to relax the nationwide lockdown , Boris Johnson has said .
Speaking in Downing Street as he returned to lead the government 's fight against COVID-19 , the prime minister said easing off would be to `` throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people and to risk a second major outbreak '' of the coronavirus .
He added : `` I ask you to contain your impatience , because I believe we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first phase of this conflict and in spite of all the suffering we have so nearly succeeded .
`` If you can keep going in the way you have , if you can help protect the NHS , then I have no doubt we will together beat this . ''
Mr Johnson said the UK was `` passing through the peak '' and , comparing COVID-19 to a mugger , continued : `` This is the moment when we have begun , together , to wrestle it to the floor . ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of maximum risk because of the possibility that people would see Britain 's `` apparent success '' and `` go easy '' on social distancing measures .
Mr Johnson said easing off could lead to a `` second spike '' in the outbreak , which would mean a `` new wave of death and disease '' and an `` economic disaster '' .
More than 20,000 people have died with COVID-19 in hospitals , but the true death toll is much higher as this total does not include deaths in care homes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus as the `` biggest single challenge this country has faced since the war '' and added that `` every day I know that this virus brings new sadness and mourning to households across the land '' .
He hailed the government 's handling of the crisis , claiming the UK had `` defied so many predictions '' .
`` We did not run out of ventilators or ICU beds , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` We did not allow our NHS to collapse , and on the contrary we have so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our incredible doctors and nurses and healthcare staff have been able to shield all of us from an outbreak that would have been far worse and we collectively flattened the peak . ''
But there has been criticism of the government 's response to COVID-19 , with the PM accused of ordering a nationwide lockdown too late and being too slow to act in the early stages of the outbreak .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In addition , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of personal protective equipment for frontline staff and disquiet over attempts to increase testing for the disease .
Number 10 has insisted the UK remains on track to carry out 100,000 tests a day by the end of this month , despite time running out to meet the much-publicised target .
Responding to Mr Johnson 's Downing Street address , Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted : `` The NHS has done tremendously but the govt did n't lockdown early enough , did n't provide the PPE & did n't test & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we have one of the worst death rates worldwide .
It 's vital our government does n't make anymore mistakes & is transparent with the public . ''
The PM spent a week in hospital with persistent symptoms of the virus , including a number of days in intensive care , earlier this month .
Mr Johnson has previously said there is `` no question '' that the NHS saved his life and admitted that at one stage `` things could have gone either way '' .
After being discharged from St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , the PM spent two weeks recovering at Chequers , his country retreat .
On his first day back the PM chaired the daily COVID-19 `` war cabinet '' of senior ministers .
He was also expected to hold one-to-one talks with cabinet colleagues on the progress of their departments in his absence .
The lockdown will dominate Mr Johnson 's in-tray , with demands growing in some quarters for it to be relaxed .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been calling for an `` exit strategy '' from Number 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business leaders are `` clamouring '' to know when the restrictions will be eased as fears grow about the longer term outlook for the economy .
While Mr Johnson made clear that now was not the time to relax the lockdown , he spoke briefly about how the government would approach doing so in the future .
The restrictions designed to halt the spread of the virus have been in place for more than a month , with the next review of the measures due to be held by 7 May .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's response would see the government `` begin gradually to refine the economic and social restrictions and one-by-one to fire up the engines of this vast UK economy '' .
He added that this would involve `` difficult judgements '' , saying : `` We simply can not spell out now how fast or slow or even when those changes will be made , though clearly the government will be saying much more about this in the coming days . ''
Mr Johnson said such decisions would be taken with the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I want to share all our working and our thinking , my thinking , with you , the British people . ''
The PM added that he would try to strike a consensus about how to ease the lockdown in the days and weeks to come , by `` reaching out to build the biggest possible consensus across business , across industry , across all parts of our United Kingdom , across party lines , bringing in opposition parties as far as we possibly can '' .
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the British people would expect . ''

The UK is "beginning to turn the tide" in the fight against the coronavirus but this is not the time to relax the nationwide lockdown, Boris Johnson has said.
Speaking in Downing Street as he returned to lead the government's fight against COVID-19, the prime minister said easing off would be to "throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people and to risk a second major outbreak" of the coronavirus.
He added: "I ask you to contain your impatience, because I believe we are coming now to the end of the first phase of this conflict and in spite of all the suffering we have so nearly succeeded.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Johnson faces difficult decisions as he returns to work
"If you can keep going in the way you have, if you can help protect the NHS, then I have no doubt we will together beat this."
Mr Johnson said the UK was "passing through the peak" and, comparing COVID-19 to a mugger, continued: "This is the moment when we have begun, together, to wrestle it to the floor."
But the PM said now was the moment of maximum risk because of the possibility that people would see Britain's "apparent success" and "go easy" on social distancing measures.
Mr Johnson said easing off could lead to a "second spike" in the outbreak, which would mean a "new wave of death and disease" and an "economic disaster".
More than 20,000 people have died with COVID-19 in hospitals, but the true death toll is much higher as this total does not include deaths in care homes and the community.
The PM described the virus as the "biggest single challenge this country has faced since the war" and added that "every day I know that this virus brings new sadness and mourning to households across the land".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 Boris Johnson returns to Downing Street
He hailed the government's handling of the crisis, claiming the UK had "defied so many predictions".
"We did not run out of ventilators or ICU beds," Mr Johnson said.
"We did not allow our NHS to collapse, and on the contrary we have so far collectively shielded our NHS so that our incredible doctors and nurses and healthcare staff have been able to shield all of us from an outbreak that would have been far worse and we collectively flattened the peak."
But there has been criticism of the government's response to COVID-19, with the PM accused of ordering a nationwide lockdown too late and being too slow to act in the early stages of the outbreak.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In addition, there has been anger and criticism over a lack of personal protective equipment for frontline staff and disquiet over attempts to increase testing for the disease.
Number 10 has insisted the UK remains on track to carry out 100,000 tests a day by the end of this month, despite time running out to meet the much-publicised target.
Responding to Mr Johnson's Downing Street address, Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted: "The NHS has done tremendously but the govt didn't lockdown early enough, didn't provide the PPE & didn't test & trace.
"This cost us lives as we have one of the worst death rates worldwide. It's vital our government doesn't make anymore mistakes & is transparent with the public."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:10 Is lockdown frustration setting in?
The PM spent a week in hospital with persistent symptoms of the virus, including a number of days in intensive care, earlier this month.
Mr Johnson has previously said there is "no question" that the NHS saved his life and admitted that at one stage "things could have gone either way".
After being discharged from St Thomas' Hospital in London on Easter Sunday, the PM spent two weeks recovering at Chequers, his country retreat.
On his first day back the PM chaired the daily COVID-19 "war cabinet" of senior ministers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 17:21 Raab tight-lipped on lifting lockdown
He was also expected to hold one-to-one talks with cabinet colleagues on the progress of their departments in his absence.
The lockdown will dominate Mr Johnson's in-tray, with demands growing in some quarters for it to be relaxed.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been calling for an "exit strategy" from Number 10, while it has been claimed that business leaders are "clamouring" to know when the restrictions will be eased as fears grow about the longer term outlook for the economy.
While Mr Johnson made clear that now was not the time to relax the lockdown, he spoke briefly about how the government would approach doing so in the future.
The restrictions designed to halt the spread of the virus have been in place for more than a month, with the next review of the measures due to be held by 7 May.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:39 Labour: Government acted too slowly
The PM said the second phase of the UK's response would see the government "begin gradually to refine the economic and social restrictions and one-by-one to fire up the engines of this vast UK economy".
He added that this would involve "difficult judgements", saying: "We simply cannot spell out now how fast or slow or even when those changes will be made, though clearly the government will be saying much more about this in the coming days."
Mr Johnson said such decisions would be taken with the "maximum possible transparency", telling Britons: "I want to share all our working and our thinking, my thinking, with you, the British people."
The PM added that he would try to strike a consensus about how to ease the lockdown in the days and weeks to come, by "reaching out to build the biggest possible consensus across business, across industry, across all parts of our United Kingdom, across party lines, bringing in opposition parties as far as we possibly can".
He added: "I think that's no less than what the British people would expect."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-27--PM knows he'll have to give the public more in the coming days

Boris Johnson is back in Downing Street and his return to work is undoubtedly a moment of success in this grim coronavirus crisis .
The prime minister has survived this horrible disease , but sadly tens of thousands of others have not .
He was away for three weeks and the country he leads has changed beyond recognition .
We are passing through the peak of this COVID-19 pandemic and we are all counting the cost - some much more than others .
With the UK now into a sixth week of lockdown , political consensus - and public support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to move on , but Mr Johnson marked his return to Number 10 by managing lockdown expectations .
Likening the virus to a mugger , the prime minister said this was the moment `` we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor '' .
But he warned that easing up social restrictions now would bring `` not only a new wave of death and disease but also an economic disaster '' .
He said : `` I ask you to contain your impatience because I believe we are coming now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this conflict . ''
The big question now is what comes next ?
If the government has the answers , it is not willing to share them with the public quite yet .
The government has set out five tests for adjusting the lockdown .
These are that the NHS has capacity to provide critical care across the UK ; there is a sustained and consistent fall in daily deaths from coronavirus ; the rate of infection has decreased to manageable levels across the board ; operational issues on testing and PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not risk a second peak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Crucial to all of the five tests is controlling , detecting , and lowering transmission rates .
The prime minister said on Monday that he can not risk letting the reproduction rate of coronavirus in the UK go back over one .
The R0 rate measures the rate of transmission .
If the reproduction rate is above one , the disease will spread .
An R0 rate of three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infect three other people , and they would then each go on , combined , to each infect another nine people and so on .
Conversely if the R0 rate is 0.5 , it means two people with the disease infect one other person , or 10 people only infect five .
While hospital admissions are falling and the growth in new cases and deaths is slowing , Professor Chris Whitty , NHS England 's chief medical officer , warned on Monday that the R0 rate - which he said was at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one - gives the government `` some room for manoeuvre but does n't give a huge room for manoeuvre '' .
So when it comes to lifting restrictions , Prof Whitty said the job of the scientists sitting on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , is to tell ministers how much the R0 value will go up by with each decision they take in lifting the lockdown .
The hard choices are stacking up .
Prof Whitty suggested on Monday that the more children who return to school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules .
Which bit of lockdown will be lifted first ?
Will the government prioritise kids returning to school , workplaces , or bars and restaurants ?
Will our social lives be sacrificed in order to try to get people back to work ?
Even if the government can begin to flex the lockdown come 7 May when the next review comes around , life will not return to normal anytime soon .
Living with coronavirus will require rewiring our lives for some time yet .
Prof Whitty was also clear that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long way to run '' when I asked him about a likely overall death toll , which is already above 20,000 - and that figure does n't include deaths in care homes and the community .
`` I 'm really cautious about putting out these kind of absolute numbers , because this could go in a lot of different ways over the next many months until such time as we have a clear exit that has a vaccine or drugs or some other route that allows us to be able to say now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Another route back to a more normal way of life will be through testing .
Mr Hancock told me on Monday that the 100,000 daily tests promised by the end of this month will be enough to roll out his `` test , track and trace '' plan as part of the next stage of the coronavirus response .
This is critical given that the health secretary has also made it clear that this system could be key in allowing `` lesser '' social distancing rules .
Managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task but so too will be managing political consensus and the public mood , as the government looks towards months of hard choices and potentially unpopular measures .
The political consensus is beginning to fray with Conservative backbenchers now pressing the government publicly to give a roadmap for the release from lockdown .
`` People have to have some hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel , '' said Sir Graham Brady , chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers .
Mark Francois , the chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister is 'going to have to exercise the Judgment of Solomon '' .
He added : `` If he lifts the restrictions too quickly and there is a virulent second outbreak the country will be unforgiving .
`` But if he runs the lockdown too long there may not be much of an economy left to rescue . ''
Normal life feels a world away and the prime minister was guarded on Monday about what comes next .
But he knows he 'll have to give the public more in the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no easy answers .
Heavy is the head that wears the crown .

Boris Johnson is back in Downing Street and his return to work is undoubtedly a moment of success in this grim coronavirus crisis.
The prime minister has survived this horrible disease, but sadly tens of thousands of others have not.
He was away for three weeks and the country he leads has changed beyond recognition.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:00 'I ask you to contain your impatience'
We are passing through the peak of this COVID-19 pandemic and we are all counting the cost - some much more than others.
With the UK now into a sixth week of lockdown, political consensus - and public support - is beginning to fray.
Many want to move on, but Mr Johnson marked his return to Number 10 by managing lockdown expectations.
Likening the virus to a mugger, the prime minister said this was the moment "we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor".
But he warned that easing up social restrictions now would bring "not only a new wave of death and disease but also an economic disaster".
He said: "I ask you to contain your impatience because I believe we are coming now to the end of the first phase of this conflict."
Advertisement
The big question now is what comes next?
If the government has the answers, it is not willing to share them with the public quite yet.
The government has set out five tests for adjusting the lockdown.
These are that the NHS has capacity to provide critical care across the UK; there is a sustained and consistent fall in daily deaths from coronavirus; the rate of infection has decreased to manageable levels across the board; operational issues on testing and PPE are in hand; and any adjustments will not risk a second peak.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Crucial to all of the five tests is controlling, detecting, and lowering transmission rates.
The prime minister said on Monday that he cannot risk letting the reproduction rate of coronavirus in the UK go back over one.
The R0 rate measures the rate of transmission.
If the reproduction rate is above one, the disease will spread.
An R0 rate of three would mean that every infected person would infect three other people, and they would then each go on, combined, to each infect another nine people and so on.
Conversely if the R0 rate is 0.5, it means two people with the disease infect one other person, or 10 people only infect five.
While hospital admissions are falling and the growth in new cases and deaths is slowing, Professor Chris Whitty, NHS England's chief medical officer, warned on Monday that the R0 rate - which he said was at the "middle point" between 0.5 to one - gives the government "some room for manoeuvre but doesn't give a huge room for manoeuvre".
So when it comes to lifting restrictions, Prof Whitty said the job of the scientists sitting on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), is to tell ministers how much the R0 value will go up by with each decision they take in lifting the lockdown.
The hard choices are stacking up.
Prof Whitty suggested on Monday that the more children who return to school, the less the government can ease other rules.
Which bit of lockdown will be lifted first? Will the government prioritise kids returning to school, workplaces, or bars and restaurants?
Will our social lives be sacrificed in order to try to get people back to work?
Even if the government can begin to flex the lockdown come 7 May when the next review comes around, life will not return to normal anytime soon.
Living with coronavirus will require rewiring our lives for some time yet.
Prof Whitty was also clear that the coronavirus pandemic "has got a very long way to run" when I asked him about a likely overall death toll, which is already above 20,000 - and that figure doesn't include deaths in care homes and the community.
"I'm really cautious about putting out these kind of absolute numbers, because this could go in a lot of different ways over the next many months until such time as we have a clear exit that has a vaccine or drugs or some other route that allows us to be able to say now we can stop people dying from this," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 How lockdown fatigue is setting in
Another route back to a more normal way of life will be through testing.
Mr Hancock told me on Monday that the 100,000 daily tests promised by the end of this month will be enough to roll out his "test, track and trace" plan as part of the next stage of the coronavirus response.
This is critical given that the health secretary has also made it clear that this system could be key in allowing "lesser" social distancing rules.
Managing the disease will be an extremely difficult task but so too will be managing political consensus and the public mood, as the government looks towards months of hard choices and potentially unpopular measures.
The political consensus is beginning to fray with Conservative backbenchers now pressing the government publicly to give a roadmap for the release from lockdown.
"People have to have some hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel," said Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers.
Mark Francois, chairman of the eurosceptic European Research Group, said the prime minister is 'going to have to exercise the Judgment of Solomon".
He added: "If he lifts the restrictions too quickly and there is a virulent second outbreak the country will be unforgiving.
"But if he runs the lockdown too long there may not be much of an economy left to rescue."
Our sixth week of lockdown.
Normal life feels a world away and the prime minister was guarded on Monday about what comes next.
But he knows he'll have to give the public more in the coming days.
And he knows too there are no easy answers. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.