skynewspolitics--2020-03-19--'No food shortage' because of coronavirus pandemic

The government has reassured people that there `` is n't a shortage of food '' because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Environment Secretary George Eustice told MPs in the Commons that there is `` significant resilience in our food supply chain '' amid public concern over COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
He said : `` There is n't a shortage of food , the challenge that we 've had is getting food to shelves in time when people have been purchasing more . ''
Supermarkets have stepped up their efforts to stop panic buying in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of products .
Stores have moved to reassure people that enough stock is being delivered every night , urging shoppers to purchase goods as they normally would .
But long queues have been reported up and down the country , with many people turning up before supermarkets even open .
There have also been reports of people pushing two trolleys around shops .
Facing questions from MPs on Thursday , Mr Eustice outlined the steps the government is taking to help deliveries reach stores .
He said one thing ministers are looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers and haulage companies to work together .
`` We have taken steps including setting aside delivery curfews so that lorries can run around the clock , relaxing driver hours to ensure the deliveries can take place more frequently , and we are in discussions with other government colleagues in MHCLG [ the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government ] around other support that we would deliver locally to get food to those who are self-isolating . ''
Labour 's shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard said millions were `` already in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is now an immediate family emergency for many of those . ''
He asked : `` With food banks running low on food , many volunteers of food banks over the age of 70 and soon needing to self-isolate , what steps is he taking to assist those in genuine hunger today ? ''
The environment secretary replied : `` I 've been in regular , daily calls with the food supply sector that included discussions around food banks and we are in dialogue with supermarkets to ensure we can make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need . ''
Mr Eustice added that the government was working on `` specific proposals '' to help the `` most vulnerable '' .
Mr Pollard called on the government to make sure that `` every supermarket , not just the Co-Op , are still contributing to food banks '' .
He said : `` We wo n't get through this crisis unless there 's government intervention to support those people and ensure that we have those food supply chains remaining open . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker .
Mr Eustice replied : `` We must take action to set aside any obstacles to making the food supply chain operate in a way that will ensure people have food .
`` On the issue of food banks , as I said , we are in discussions with supermarkets about this .
We have also had discussions with them around competition law and will take whatever action is necessary to ensure they can jointly plan their approach to the matters .
`` For the most vulnerable , we are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MHCLG will be announcing shortly . ''

The government has reassured people that there "isn't a shortage of food" because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Environment Secretary George Eustice told MPs in the Commons that there is "significant resilience in our food supply chain" amid public concern over COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
He said: "There isn't a shortage of food, the challenge that we've had is getting food to shelves in time when people have been purchasing more."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Shops 'will not run out of products'
Supermarkets have stepped up their efforts to stop panic buying in recent days, restricting purchases across a wide range of products.
Stores have moved to reassure people that enough stock is being delivered every night, urging shoppers to purchase goods as they normally would.
But long queues have been reported up and down the country, with many people turning up before supermarkets even open.
There have also been reports of people pushing two trolleys around shops.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Facing questions from MPs on Thursday, Mr Eustice outlined the steps the government is taking to help deliveries reach stores.
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He said one thing ministers are looking at is changing competition law to allow retailers and haulage companies to work together.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 Minister: 'Food resilience is there'
"We have taken steps including setting aside delivery curfews so that lorries can run around the clock, relaxing driver hours to ensure the deliveries can take place more frequently, and we are in discussions with other government colleagues in MHCLG [the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government] around other support that we would deliver locally to get food to those who are self-isolating."
Labour's shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard said millions were "already in food poverty", adding: "This is now an immediate family emergency for many of those."
He asked: "With food banks running low on food, many volunteers of food banks over the age of 70 and soon needing to self-isolate, what steps is he taking to assist those in genuine hunger today?"
The environment secretary replied: "I've been in regular, daily calls with the food supply sector that included discussions around food banks and we are in dialogue with supermarkets to ensure we can make sure they get access to the supplies that they need."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Supermarket queues stretch through aisles
Mr Eustice added that the government was working on "specific proposals" to help the "most vulnerable".
Mr Pollard called on the government to make sure that "every supermarket, not just the Co-Op, are still contributing to food banks".
He said: "We won't get through this crisis unless there's government intervention to support those people and ensure that we have those food supply chains remaining open."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Mr Eustice replied: "We must take action to set aside any obstacles to making the food supply chain operate in a way that will ensure people have food.
"On the issue of food banks, as I said, we are in discussions with supermarkets about this. We have also had discussions with them around competition law and will take whatever action is necessary to ensure they can jointly plan their approach to the matters.
"For the most vulnerable, we are working on proposals which my colleagues in the MHCLG will be announcing shortly."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-19--EU's Brexit negotiator tests positive for coronavirus

Michel Barnier , the EU 's Brexit negotiator , has tested positive for coronavirus .
The 69-year-old confirmed that he has COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , in a message posted on his Twitter account .
He wrote : `` I would like to inform you that I have tested positive for # COVID19 .
`` I am doing well and in good spirits .
I am following all the necessary instructions , as is my team .
`` For all those affected already , and for all those currently in isolation , we will get through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of messages of goodwill , including from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel .
Ms von der Leyen will be tested for COVID-19 following Mr Barnier 's diagnosis , commission spokesman Eric Mamer said .
The pair last met two weeks ago and so far Ms von der Leyen has not displayed any symptoms .
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in negotiations between Britain and the EU about a future trade deal scheduled for this week being cancelled .
Despite this , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ texts for the future relationship between the two sides on Wednesday .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted that he will not ask for an extension to the Brexit transition period , due to come to an end in December , because of coronavirus .
`` It 's not a subject that 's being regularly discussed , I can tell you , in Downing Street at the moment , '' he said .
`` There is legislation in place that I have no intention of changing . ''
Negotiations are due to resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place in person .
The PM 's official spokesman said : `` We of course send Michel Barnier our best wishes .
`` In relation to Brexit negotiations ... we have been in close conversation with the EU about looking at ways to continue progressing the negotiations .
`` Both sides have shared their texts of potential legal agreements . ''
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the government was still committed to striking a post-Brexit free trade deal with Brussels by the end of 2020 .
`` The negotiating texts have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 21st century there is scope for this to be done through teleconferencing and remotely - at least for the period it is required , '' he said .
`` I wo n't go any further than the PM at this point .
We do n't want to extend , we want to get this done .
`` We do n't want any more uncertainty than we have already had from this process . ''

Michel Barnier, the EU's Brexit negotiator, has tested positive for coronavirus.
The 69-year-old confirmed that he has COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in a message posted on his Twitter account.
He wrote: "I would like to inform you that I have tested positive for #COVID19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Europe begins to grind to a halt as strict rules imposed
"I am doing well and in good spirits. I am following all the necessary instructions, as is my team.
"For all those affected already, and for all those currently in isolation, we will get through this together."
The news prompted a number of messages of goodwill, including from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel.
Ms von der Leyen will be tested for COVID-19 following Mr Barnier's diagnosis, commission spokesman Eric Mamer said.
The pair last met two weeks ago and so far Ms von der Leyen has not displayed any symptoms.
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in negotiations between Britain and the EU about a future trade deal scheduled for this week being cancelled.
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Despite this, the UK and EU did exchange draft legal texts for the future relationship between the two sides on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted that he will not ask for an extension to the Brexit transition period, due to come to an end in December, because of coronavirus.
"It's not a subject that's being regularly discussed, I can tell you, in Downing Street at the moment," he said.
"There is legislation in place that I have no intention of changing."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Coronavirus: Which groups are most at risk?
Negotiations are due to resume next week, but they might not take place in person.
The PM's official spokesman said: "We of course send Michel Barnier our best wishes.
"In relation to Brexit negotiations... we have been in close conversation with the EU about looking at ways to continue progressing the negotiations.
"Both sides have shared their texts of potential legal agreements."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Cities across globe empty amid virus lockdowns
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the government was still committed to striking a post-Brexit free trade deal with Brussels by the end of 2020.
"The negotiating texts have been exchanged. I would have thought in the 21st century there is scope for this to be done through teleconferencing and remotely - at least for the period it is required," he said.
"I won't go any further than the PM at this point. We don't want to extend, we want to get this done.
"We don't want any more uncertainty than we have already had from this process."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-19--'I should have smashed your face,' MP told journalist in front of police

Labour MP Kate Osamor has been ordered to apologise to the House of Commons after telling a journalist : `` I should have come down here with a f****** bat and smashed your face open '' .
The former frontbencher has been found to have twice breached parliamentary rules in relation to events surrounding her drug-dealer son , whom she employed in her office .
In 2018 , Ishmael Osamor pleaded guilty to having £2,500-worth of drugs at a music festival .
At a time when he was listed as an employee of his mother , he admitted to four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocaine , MDMA , ketamine and cannabis and was sentenced to a two-year community order .
The House of Commons ' commissioner for standards , Kathryn Stone , later began an inquiry into Ms Osamor 's actions relating to the case , after it was revealed she wrote to a judge with a character reference for her son .
The commissioner found there was `` nothing inherently wrong '' in Ms Osamor writing the character reference , but said she was wrong to write the letter on official House of Commons paper .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules on the use of Commons stationery .
The commissioner had extended her inquiry into Ms Osamor following media reports of an incident with a journalist outside the MP 's home .
According to police records , included in the commissioner 's report , Ms Osamor identified a man as a journalist in front of police who had attended her address , one of whom was wearing a body-camera .
Ms Osamor was said to have told the officers that journalists had been `` stalking '' her and , in front of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do n't knock my f****** door .
`` I should have come down here with a f****** bat and smashed your face open . ''
Police were called to Ms Osamor 's address the next day , when she was said to have admitted `` there was an incident the night before where she lost her cool , and said things she regretted and threw a cup of water at someone , '' the report added .
Ms Osamor told the commissioner that she felt she was `` the target of a witch-hunt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factors '' in the months leading up to the events .
The commissioner found the MP to have again breached parliament 's code of conduct over the incident .
But she said Ms Osamor had already `` paid a price for her behaviour in terms of her career '' after Ms Osamor resigned as Labour 's shadow international development secretary in December 2018 .
Following the commissioner 's inquiry , the Commons ' committee on standards on Thursday recommended Ms Osamor issue a written apology .

Labour MP Kate Osamor has been ordered to apologise to the House of Commons after telling a journalist: "I should have come down here with a f****** bat and smashed your face open".
The former frontbencher has been found to have twice breached parliamentary rules in relation to events surrounding her drug-dealer son, whom she employed in her office.
In 2018, Ishmael Osamor pleaded guilty to having £2,500-worth of drugs at a music festival.
At a time when he was listed as an employee of his mother, he admitted to four counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine, MDMA, ketamine and cannabis and was sentenced to a two-year community order.
Image: Ishmael Osamor pleaded guilty to having £2,500-worth of drugs at a music festival
The House of Commons' commissioner for standards, Kathryn Stone, later began an inquiry into Ms Osamor's actions relating to the case, after it was revealed she wrote to a judge with a character reference for her son.
The commissioner found there was "nothing inherently wrong" in Ms Osamor writing the character reference, but said she was wrong to write the letter on official House of Commons paper.
The Edmonton MP admitted she broke the rules on the use of Commons stationery.
The commissioner had extended her inquiry into Ms Osamor following media reports of an incident with a journalist outside the MP's home.
According to police records, included in the commissioner's report, Ms Osamor identified a man as a journalist in front of police who had attended her address, one of whom was wearing a body-camera.
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Ms Osamor was said to have told the officers that journalists had been "stalking" her and, in front of the officers, told the journalist: "Don't knock my f****** door.
"I should have come down here with a f****** bat and smashed your face open."
Image: Ms Osamor resigned from Labour's shadow cabinet in December 2018
Police were called to Ms Osamor's address the next day, when she was said to have admitted "there was an incident the night before where she lost her cool, and said things she regretted and threw a cup of water at someone," the report added.
Ms Osamor told the commissioner that she felt she was "the target of a witch-hunt, and that race and class were factors" in the months leading up to the events.
The commissioner found the MP to have again breached parliament's code of conduct over the incident.
But she said Ms Osamor had already "paid a price for her behaviour in terms of her career" after Ms Osamor resigned as Labour's shadow international development secretary in December 2018.
Following the commissioner's inquiry, the Commons' committee on standards on Thursday recommended Ms Osamor issue a written apology.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-19--Windrush scandal was 'foreseeable and avoidable' - report finds

The Windrush scandal was `` foreseeable and avoidable '' and victims were let down by the Home Office 's `` systemic operational failings '' , according to a report .
An independent review found the government department demonstrated `` institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness '' towards the issue of race and the history of the Windrush generation .
However , the report found the Home Office 's actions did not satisfy all of the features of institutional racism .
The Windrush Lessons Learned Review was commissioned after people with a right to live in the UK were wrongfully detained or deported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Home Office ministers to admit that serious harm was inflicted on people who are British and to provide an `` unqualified apology '' to those affected and the wider black African-Caribbean community .
Wendy Williams , the report 's author , said : `` Warning signs from both inside and outside the Home Office were apparent for a number of years , and even when stories began to emerge in 2017 in the media about high-profile injustices , I have concluded that the Home Office was still too slow to react .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ disbelief and carelessness when dealing with applications .
`` This was born out of a conviction that the hostile environment policy would be effective , was effective , and should be pursued at all costs .
`` I have also talked about a culture of ignorance and thoughtlessness when dealing with matters of race , the Windrush generation , their history and circumstances .
`` The Windrush generation were let down by systemic operational failings by the Home Office . ''
Recommendations in the report include commissioning a full review and evaluation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Home Office should establish an overarching strategic race advisory board .
Ms Williams said the Windrush group had been `` trapped by the hostile environment policy net '' .
She added : `` Those without documents were set , some would say , an impossible task .
`` Others would say an unreasonably high standard of proof to prove their status .
`` And when they could n't , they were subject to the most appalling injustice and that included the things we have heard ; losing jobs , losing homes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in extreme circumstances being removed , being locked up and as we heard in one case , dying . ''
The report `` carefully considered '' whether the concept of institutional racism outlined by Sir William Macpherson in the inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence was `` directly relevant to describe what occurred '' .
The inquiry found that although the case for institutional racism was supported by a number of factors , the Home Office did not satisfy the definition in full .
It said : `` I have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reviewed , that the organisational failings satisfy the Macpherson definition in full .
`` Nevertheless , although the context for the Macpherson Inquiry was different to this lessons learned review , I have serious concerns that the factors I have set out in this section demonstrate an institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the issue of race and the history of the Windrush generation . ''
More than 8,000 people have been given `` some form of documentation '' and the immigration status has been confirmed for almost 2,500 since the scandal emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent figures from the Home Office .
The department identified 164 people who had been deported or put in detention since 2002 amid the Windrush scandal , records said .
A compensation scheme with an estimated budget of at least £200m has been set up .
But campaigners last month hit out at the `` paltry '' number of people who have so far received payments and said the process was `` slow and onerous '' .
A total of £62,198 was paid out up until the end of last year and shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department receiving more than 1,000 claims so far .
Home Secretary Priti Patel has said people from the Windrush generation were subject to `` insensitive treatment by the very country they called home '' .
Making a statement to MPs on Thursday , she said : `` As this review makes clear , some members of this generation suffered terrible injustices spurred by institutional failings spanning successive governments over several decades - including ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the race and history of the Windrush generation . ''
Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given a copy of the report by the Home Secretary ahead of her statement .

The Windrush scandal was "foreseeable and avoidable" and victims were let down by the Home Office's "systemic operational failings", according to a report.
An independent review found the government department demonstrated "institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness" towards the issue of race and the history of the Windrush generation.
However, the report found the Home Office's actions did not satisfy all of the features of institutional racism.
The Windrush Lessons Learned Review was commissioned after people with a right to live in the UK were wrongfully detained or deported to the Caribbean.
The report called for Home Office ministers to admit that serious harm was inflicted on people who are British and to provide an "unqualified apology" to those affected and the wider black African-Caribbean community.
Image: The Empire Windrush brought settlers from the Caribbean over to the UK after the Second World War
Wendy Williams, the report's author, said: "Warning signs from both inside and outside the Home Office were apparent for a number of years, and even when stories began to emerge in 2017 in the media about high-profile injustices, I have concluded that the Home Office was still too slow to react.
"I talk about a culture of disbelief and carelessness when dealing with applications.
"This was born out of a conviction that the hostile environment policy would be effective, was effective, and should be pursued at all costs.
"I have also talked about a culture of ignorance and thoughtlessness when dealing with matters of race, the Windrush generation, their history and circumstances.
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"The Windrush generation were let down by systemic operational failings by the Home Office."
Recommendations in the report include commissioning a full review and evaluation of the hostile environment policy, and that the Home Office should establish an overarching strategic race advisory board.
Ms Williams said the Windrush group had been "trapped by the hostile environment policy net".
She added: "Those without documents were set, some would say, an impossible task.
"Others would say an unreasonably high standard of proof to prove their status.
"And when they couldn't, they were subject to the most appalling injustice and that included the things we have heard; losing jobs, losing homes, losing access to services like healthcare, and in extreme circumstances being removed, being locked up and as we heard in one case, dying."
The report "carefully considered" whether the concept of institutional racism outlined by Sir William Macpherson in the inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence was "directly relevant to describe what occurred".
Image: The hostile environment policy was in place when Theresa May was home secretary
The inquiry found that although the case for institutional racism was supported by a number of factors, the Home Office did not satisfy the definition in full.
It said: "I have not found, on the evidence that I have reviewed, that the organisational failings satisfy the Macpherson definition in full.
"Nevertheless, although the context for the Macpherson Inquiry was different to this lessons learned review, I have serious concerns that the factors I have set out in this section demonstrate an institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the issue of race and the history of the Windrush generation."
More than 8,000 people have been given "some form of documentation" and the immigration status has been confirmed for almost 2,500 since the scandal emerged in 2018, according to the most recent figures from the Home Office.
The department identified 164 people who had been deported or put in detention since 2002 amid the Windrush scandal, records said.
A compensation scheme with an estimated budget of at least £200m has been set up.
Image: Members of the Windrush generation were wrongfully detained
But campaigners last month hit out at the "paltry" number of people who have so far received payments and said the process was "slow and onerous".
A total of £62,198 was paid out up until the end of last year and shared between just 36 people, despite the department receiving more than 1,000 claims so far.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has said people from the Windrush generation were subject to "insensitive treatment by the very country they called home".
Making a statement to MPs on Thursday, she said: "As this review makes clear, some members of this generation suffered terrible injustices spurred by institutional failings spanning successive governments over several decades - including ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the race and history of the Windrush generation."
Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said that the opposition front bench was not given a copy of the report by the Home Secretary ahead of her statement.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-17--Coronavirus Bill: Emergency laws to contain virus spread published

The government has today outlined details of new emergency powers to contain the spread of COVID-19 by publishing the Emergency Coronavirus Bill .
It includes details for shutting down the UK 's ports and airports and giving police powers to detain people suspected of having coronavirus .
It follows significant economic measures introduced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak The government believes the new legislation is vital to tackle the public health crisis caused by COVID-19 and will be time-limited for two years and cover areas such as the NHS , social care , schools , police , Border Force , local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as enhancing powers for government , the legislation will also scrap existing regulations in some areas should public services suffer mass staff shortages .
Not all the measures will come into force immediately , while they can be `` switched off '' if they are no longer necessary .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday that the new powers `` will only be used when it is absolutely necessary and must be timed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crucially they give the government the powers it needs to protect lives , '' he added .
In order to ensure the UK 's border security , Home Secretary Priti Patel will be given the power to request ports and airports temporarily close and suspend operations if there is a shortage of Border Force staff .
Police and immigration officers will also be given the power to detain a person and quarantine them if they are , or might be , infectious .
In other measures , the legislation will allow : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered as regulated healthcare professionals , in order to boost the number of NHS staff ; • Social workers who have recently left the profession to be temporarily added to registers ; • Workers to be able to take `` emergency volunteer leave '' for up to four weeks , with a compensation fund to be established to cover their loss of earnings and expenses ; • Just one doctor 's opinion , rather than the current two , to be used to detain and treat patients for a mental health disorder ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be forced to close - or forced to stay open , as well as the relaxation of some requirements such as maximum class sizes ; • The greater use of video and audio link in courts ; • The temporary appointment of Judicial Commissioners , who authorise warrants under anti-terror laws , should there be a shortage ; • The government to have the power to restrict or ban any events or gatherings ; • The removal of some bureaucracy surrounding funerals and cremations , including expanding the list of people who can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting on behalf of the family ; • Local councils to directly take over the management of deaths , if it becomes likely the number of people who might die from coronavirus is likely to significantly exceed the capacity locally to manage the deceased ; • The food industry to be forced to provide information about food supplies .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The bill will also allow the government to bring in its planned action to temporarily suspend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not paid for the first three days of work missed , in a measure that will be backdated to 13 March .
It will also confirm the postponement of local and mayoral elections to 2021 .
In separate government action , Housing , Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced the relaxation of planning rules to allow all pubs , restaurants and cafes to be able to offer takeaway and delivery services if they wish .

The government has today outlined details of new emergency powers to contain the spread of COVID-19 by publishing the Emergency Coronavirus Bill.
It includes details for shutting down the UK's ports and airports and giving police powers to detain people suspected of having coronavirus.
It follows significant economic measures introduced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak
The government believes the new legislation is vital to tackle the public health crisis caused by COVID-19 and will be time-limited for two years and cover areas such as the NHS, social care, schools, police, Border Force, local councils, funerals and courts.
As well as enhancing powers for government, the legislation will also scrap existing regulations in some areas should public services suffer mass staff shortages.
Not all the measures will come into force immediately, while they can be "switched off" if they are no longer necessary.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday that the new powers "will only be used when it is absolutely necessary and must be timed to maximise their effectiveness".
"Crucially they give the government the powers it needs to protect lives," he added.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:47 Coronavirus: What are the new economic measures?
In order to ensure the UK's border security, Home Secretary Priti Patel will be given the power to request ports and airports temporarily close and suspend operations if there is a shortage of Border Force staff.
Police and immigration officers will also be given the power to detain a person and quarantine them if they are, or might be, infectious.
In other measures, the legislation will allow:
Recently-retired doctors or medical students to be registered as regulated healthcare professionals, in order to boost the number of NHS staff;
Social workers who have recently left the profession to be temporarily added to registers;
Workers to be able to take "emergency volunteer leave" for up to four weeks, with a compensation fund to be established to cover their loss of earnings and expenses;
Just one doctor's opinion, rather than the current two, to be used to detain and treat patients for a mental health disorder;
Schools and children's nurseries to be forced to close - or forced to stay open, as well as the relaxation of some requirements such as maximum class sizes;
The greater use of video and audio link in courts;
The temporary appointment of Judicial Commissioners, who authorise warrants under anti-terror laws, should there be a shortage;
The government to have the power to restrict or ban any events or gatherings;
The removal of some bureaucracy surrounding funerals and cremations, including expanding the list of people who can register a death to include funeral directors acting on behalf of the family;
Local councils to directly take over the management of deaths, if it becomes likely the number of people who might die from coronavirus is likely to significantly exceed the capacity locally to manage the deceased;
The food industry to be forced to provide information about food supplies.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The bill will also allow the government to bring in its planned action to temporarily suspend the rule that means statutory sick pay is not paid for the first three days of work missed, in a measure that will be backdated to 13 March.
It will also confirm the postponement of local and mayoral elections to 2021.
In separate government action, Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced the relaxation of planning rules to allow all pubs, restaurants and cafes to be able to offer takeaway and delivery services if they wish.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-19--Students to get GCSE and A-level grades with no exams

Students whose exams have been cancelled to stop the coronavirus spread will be given grades so they can still go to college or university , the education secretary has confirmed .
Gavin Williamson told Sky News the full details including who would decide those GCSE and A-level grades and what appeals process would be available would be revealed on Friday .
Pupils are going to be `` out of school for quite a considerable time '' because it has the `` best opportunity '' to stop people transmitting COVID-19 , he said .
All schools acorss the UK will close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - apart from to children of key workers and the most vulnerable .
As of 9am on Wednesday , there are 2,626 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK - a rise of 676 in the last 24 hours .
Mr Williamson said schools will only re-open when it becomes clear that `` is not going to have and impact in terms of spread of the pandemic '' .
And he explained plans to cancel exams for around 5 million young people but still grade them so they can `` have the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or going into work or on to college '' .
`` We 've already had discussions of outlines with Universities UK and the headteachers ' unions , giving a clear indication of the route we are looking at going down , '' he told Kay Burley @ Breakfast .
`` We want to make sure that we get any of the concerns from these bodies and take them on board , and make sure we give the best advice to schools and colleges when we issue that tomorrow . ''
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appeals process . ''
For trainee teachers who will not have reached the number of mandated days in schools to qualify expecting to start in September , Mr Williamson said the government would be prepared to waive this .
He added `` key workers '' whose children can still go to school includes `` all the people within the NHS and within the schools '' .
When asked if universities could be bailed out to stop them closing , Mr Williamson said he was looking at making sure they were still `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could n't open in September or October .
Damian Hinds , a former Tory education secretary , said headteachers he 's spoken to have been `` thinking ahead of time '' about how to respond to the crisis .
He told Sky News ' All Out Politics that vulnerable children - such as those at risk of abuse or who have a social worker - `` will still be able to go to school '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ofqal will also be discussing the `` best , most accurate and fairest way '' of grading students .
`` These days in schools there 's a lot of data around , there 's quite a lot of progress data , in some subjects there is assessment , there 'll be mock exams in some cases , '' he said .
`` So there are ways of doing this - but it will have to be finalised .
it will take a short while to do but I think it 's very important @ @ @ @ @ @

Students whose exams have been cancelled to stop the coronavirus spread will be given grades so they can still go to college or university, the education secretary has confirmed.
Gavin Williamson told Sky News the full details including who would decide those GCSE and A-level grades and what appeals process would be available would be revealed on Friday.
Pupils are going to be "out of school for quite a considerable time" because it has the "best opportunity" to stop people transmitting COVID-19, he said.
Image: All schools acorss the UK are closing their doors from Friday
All schools acorss the UK will close their doors from the end of Friday - apart from to children of key workers and the most vulnerable.
As of 9am on Wednesday, there are 2,626 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK - a rise of 676 in the last 24 hours.
Mr Williamson said schools will only re-open when it becomes clear that "is not going to have and impact in terms of spread of the pandemic".
And he explained plans to cancel exams for around 5 million young people but still grade them so they can "have the best opportunities in terms of progressing their education, or going into work or on to college".
"We've already had discussions of outlines with Universities UK and the headteachers' unions, giving a clear indication of the route we are looking at going down," he told Kay Burley@Breakfast.
"We want to make sure that we get any of the concerns from these bodies and take them on board, and make sure we give the best advice to schools and colleges when we issue that tomorrow."
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He added: "There will have to be an appeals process."
Image: The education secretary said he wanted universities to remain 'viable'
For trainee teachers who will not have reached the number of mandated days in schools to qualify expecting to start in September, Mr Williamson said the government would be prepared to waive this.
He added "key workers" whose children can still go to school includes "all the people within the NHS and within the schools".
When asked if universities could be bailed out to stop them closing, Mr Williamson said he was looking at making sure they were still "viable" to operate even if they couldn't open in September or October.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 PM: UK schools to close from Friday
Damian Hinds, a former Tory education secretary, said headteachers he's spoken to have been "thinking ahead of time" about how to respond to the crisis.
He told Sky News' All Out Politics that vulnerable children - such as those at risk of abuse or who have a social worker - "will still be able to go to school".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The government and the exams regulator Ofqal will also be discussing the "best, most accurate and fairest way" of grading students.
"These days in schools there's a lot of data around, there's quite a lot of progress data, in some subjects there is assessment, there'll be mock exams in some cases," he said.
"So there are ways of doing this - but it will have to be finalised. it will take a short while to do but I think it's very important to get it right."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-20--Follow advice and pandemic will be over quicker, Britons told

The health secretary has urged Britons to follow the government 's coronavirus advice - saying life will return to normal more quickly if everyone does so .
Matt Hancock said that embracing social distancing measures will help the UK avoid `` difficult situations '' like those seen in Italy , where hospitals are overwhelmed with gravely ill patients with COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
`` The more people follow the public health advice , the quicker we will be through this and the quicker we will be back to normal , '' he told Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people follow the advice , we 'll get through this quicker and we wo n't have to enforce these draconian enforcements that we 've seen in other places in Europe . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Britons on Monday to avoid pubs , clubs , restaurants and theatres , in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
But there have been reports of people not heeding the government 's advice .
Downing Street has moved to dampen down speculation that a full-scale lockdown of London could be enforced to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been speculation that Number 10 was considering such a step , but the PM 's official spokesman said there was `` zero prospect '' of any restrictions being placed on travelling in and out of London .
Around 1.4 million people classed as vulnerable will be contacted by the NHS from Monday and told to self-isolate , Mr Hancock also revealed .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' People in those categories should be shielded and should take themselves away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` We appreciate that is a really big ask and really difficult , but again it 's for people 's own protection , to protect others and protect the NHS . ''
The health secretary said the government would set out what conditions this will apply to .
Mr Hancock continued : `` Many of these people have pre-existing health conditions and so will be very worried right now , and I understand that , and they 'll need very specific sets of action - for instance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your chemo if you have cancer whilst also social-distancing ?
`` If you have cancer it 's particularly important to stay away from other people , but you also of course have got to keep going with your chemotherapy . ''
Mr Hancock added : `` These are some of the most difficult and challenging cases so we 'll be getting in contact with them , but if people think that they are on this list and do n't receive a communication from the NHS , then they also need to get in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , the money was announced for it yesterday .
A combination of money to the NHS and money to councils because they 've got a very big part to play in keeping people safe . ''
The health secretary also said the government is looking `` very , very closely '' at why there is a coronavirus hotspot in the West Midlands , with 28 deaths recorded there .
`` It 's something that we 're looking at very , very closely to find out why , frankly , '' he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of a disease like this does tend to be in areas of hotspot and then broadening out from them .
`` What we 've got to do ... is to respond as well as possible . ''
As of 1pm on Thursday , there were 3,269 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK .
The number of people who have died after contracting coronavirus in the UK currently stands at 144 .
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference on Thursday , the PM revealed the government is in talks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests to reveal if people are immune .
`` We are in negotiations today to buy a so-called antibody test , as simple as a pregnancy test , that could tell whether you have had the disease , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` It 's early days , but if it works as its proponents claim , then we will buy literally hundreds of thousands of these kits as soon as practicable because obviously it has the potential to be a total gamechanger .
`` Because once you know that you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to be less vulnerable , you 're less likely to pass it on , and you can go back to work . ''

The health secretary has urged Britons to follow the government's coronavirus advice - saying life will return to normal more quickly if everyone does so.
Matt Hancock said that embracing social distancing measures will help the UK avoid "difficult situations" like those seen in Italy, where hospitals are overwhelmed with gravely ill patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
"The more people follow the public health advice, the quicker we will be through this and the quicker we will be back to normal," he told Sky News.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:19 Inside Italy's coronavirus crisis wards
Mr Hancock added: "If people follow the advice, we'll get through this quicker and we won't have to enforce these draconian enforcements that we've seen in other places in Europe."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Britons on Monday to avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres, in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 UK can 'turn tide on virus within 12 weeks'
But there have been reports of people not heeding the government's advice.
Downing Street has moved to dampen down speculation that a full-scale lockdown of London could be enforced to combat the virus in the capital.
There had been speculation that Number 10 was considering such a step, but the PM's official spokesman said there was "zero prospect" of any restrictions being placed on travelling in and out of London.
Around 1.4 million people classed as vulnerable will be contacted by the NHS from Monday and told to self-isolate, Mr Hancock also revealed.
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:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"People in those categories should be shielded and should take themselves away from all social contact from Monday onwards," he said.
"We appreciate that is a really big ask and really difficult, but again it's for people's own protection, to protect others and protect the NHS."
The health secretary said the government would set out what conditions this will apply to.
Mr Hancock continued: "Many of these people have pre-existing health conditions and so will be very worried right now, and I understand that, and they'll need very specific sets of action - for instance, how do you go about still getting your chemo if you have cancer whilst also social-distancing?
"If you have cancer it's particularly important to stay away from other people, but you also of course have got to keep going with your chemotherapy."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:47 Could London be locked down?
Mr Hancock added: "These are some of the most difficult and challenging cases so we'll be getting in contact with them, but if people think that they are on this list and don't receive a communication from the NHS, then they also need to get in contact.
"So that is under way, the money was announced for it yesterday. A combination of money to the NHS and money to councils because they've got a very big part to play in keeping people safe."
The health secretary also said the government is looking "very, very closely" at why there is a coronavirus hotspot in the West Midlands, with 28 deaths recorded there.
"It's something that we're looking at very, very closely to find out why, frankly," he told Sky News.
"I mean, the spread of a disease like this does tend to be in areas of hotspot and then broadening out from them.
"What we've got to do ... is to respond as well as possible."
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
As of 1pm on Thursday, there were 3,269 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK.
The number of people who have died after contracting coronavirus in the UK currently stands at 144.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 'Please come back' retired NHS staff urged
Speaking at a Downing Street news conference on Thursday, the PM revealed the government is in talks to buy "hundreds of thousands" of tests to reveal if people are immune.
"We are in negotiations today to buy a so-called antibody test, as simple as a pregnancy test, that could tell whether you have had the disease," Mr Johnson said.
"It's early days, but if it works as its proponents claim, then we will buy literally hundreds of thousands of these kits as soon as practicable because obviously it has the potential to be a total gamechanger.
"Because once you know that you have had it, you know that you are likely to be less vulnerable, you're less likely to pass it on, and you can go back to work."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-20--'Your NHS needs you': 65,000 ex-doctors and nurses asked to return

More than 65,000 former doctors and nurses are being asked to return to the NHS to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic .
Letters will be sent out to medics who have retired or left their roles in the last three years , and have up-to-date skills and experience .
People vulnerable to coronavirus will not be expected to rejoin and workers will fill a variety of jobs - including person-to-person roles as well as manning the NHS 111 phone line .
Final year medical students and student nurses will also be asked to take temporary , fully paid roles to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , national medical director for the NHS , said : `` By offering to return to the NHS now , these thousands of well-qualified and compassionate people will make more of a difference than ever before - not just to patients , but to colleagues and the wider community . ''
Ruth May , chief nursing officer for England , said : `` As the health service gears up to deal with the greatest global health threat in its history , my message to former colleagues is 'your NHS needs you ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country are preparing to change the way we work so that we can provide the right care for the rising numbers of people who will need it . ''
Conservative MP Maria Caulfield has announced she will be returning to her job as a nurse alongside her political role .
She said she was returning to nursing because `` the NHS will be getting unprecedented numbers of patients needing care , but also because staff are liable to get sick themselves '' .
Ms Caulfield , who used to work at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the MP for Lewes in East Sussex .
Those who join will be given an induction and online training before they start work .
NHS medics working in non-frontline roles have also told Sky News that they could be redeployed to help fight the COVID-19 outbreak .
One said : `` I 've come to the opinion that the point of our job , simply , is to help people .
Under normal circumstances my research is the best thing I can do to help society , and that will be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` For these few months , if me working on the acute side is more likely to help people , then I 'm okay with that . ''
Meanwhile , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced around 1.4 million people classed as vulnerable will be contacted by the NHS from Monday and given advice on how to self-isolate .
This will include further information on remaining safe while continuing to receive treatment for conditions such as cancer .

More than 65,000 former doctors and nurses are being asked to return to the NHS to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Letters will be sent out to medics who have retired or left their roles in the last three years, and have up-to-date skills and experience.
People vulnerable to coronavirus will not be expected to rejoin and workers will fill a variety of jobs - including person-to-person roles as well as manning the NHS 111 phone line.
Final year medical students and student nurses will also be asked to take temporary, fully paid roles to boost frontline staffing.
Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director for the NHS, said: "By offering to return to the NHS now, these thousands of well-qualified and compassionate people will make more of a difference than ever before - not just to patients, but to colleagues and the wider community."
Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, said: "As the health service gears up to deal with the greatest global health threat in its history, my message to former colleagues is 'your NHS needs you'.
"Our wonderful nurses in every corner of the country are preparing to change the way we work so that we can provide the right care for the rising numbers of people who will need it."
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Conservative MP Maria Caulfield has announced she will be returning to her job as a nurse alongside her political role.
She said she was returning to nursing because "the NHS will be getting unprecedented numbers of patients needing care, but also because staff are liable to get sick themselves".
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:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Caulfield, who used to work at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Brompton, is the MP for Lewes in East Sussex.
Those who join will be given an induction and online training before they start work.
NHS medics working in non-frontline roles have also told Sky News that they could be redeployed to help fight the COVID-19 outbreak.
One said: "I've come to the opinion that the point of our job, simply, is to help people. Under normal circumstances my research is the best thing I can do to help society, and that will be the case for 99% of my career.
"For these few months, if me working on the acute side is more likely to help people, then I'm okay with that."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced around 1.4 million people classed as vulnerable will be contacted by the NHS from Monday and given advice on how to self-isolate.
This will include further information on remaining safe while continuing to receive treatment for conditions such as cancer.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-20--Govt faces calls to pay people's wages if firms agree to keep staff on

The chancellor is set to unveil an emergency package today to help workers whose jobs and wages could be hit by the coronavirus outbreak .
Treasury officials are working on plans to support people who find they can not work and those who have lost their jobs because of the virus .
Wage subsidies for some workers are being discussed after businesses called on Boris Johnson to pause a range of taxes , including National Insurance and income tax , to help employers and staff over the worst of the financial disruption .
The Times has reported the Treasury is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggesting the government could effectively underwrite 60 % of the average national wage for each worker .
It follows another emergency interest rate cut by the Bank of England to an historic 0.1 % .
Rishi Sunak has been under pressure from Labour , unions and senior Tory MPs to do more to protect workers .
Earlier this week , he revealed a £330bn package of government-backed loans aimed at helping businesses struggling because of the coronavirus .
But he has faced calls to offer more direct support to workers as ministers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop redundancies .
Former business secretary Greg Clark urged the government to pay wages if companies agreed to keep workers on .
Speaking in the House of Commons , he said : `` At a stroke this would save jobs , save businesses and put an immediate end to the contagion and help save the economy . ''
The prime minister has said the government will `` stand by the workers of this country '' .
`` I 'm all too aware of the difficulties and worries they face , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we come through this difficult economic phase you remember what happened in 2008 - everyone said we bailed out the banks and did n't look after the people who really suffered .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' This time we 're going to make sure that we look after the people who really suffer from the economic consequences of what we are asking them to do .
`` We are going to be directing our support to them first , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During his daily press conference , Boris Johnson also said he was confident we could `` turn the tide '' on the spread of the virus within 12 weeks .
He urged the public to follow advice on social distancing and said the UK would be ramping up COVID-19 testing .
Britons have been told to avoid unnecessary travel and stop going to bars , restaurants and other places .
Working from home has been encouraged where possible .
Schools are also closing from the end of lessons today , although the children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be allowed to attend school .

The chancellor is set to unveil an emergency package today to help workers whose jobs and wages could be hit by the coronavirus outbreak.
Treasury officials are working on plans to support people who find they cannot work and those who have lost their jobs because of the virus.
Wage subsidies for some workers are being discussed after businesses called on Boris Johnson to pause a range of taxes, including National Insurance and income tax, to help employers and staff over the worst of the financial disruption.
Image: Rishi Sunak is under pressure to protect workers further
The Times has reported the Treasury is considering these measures, with one source suggesting the government could effectively underwrite 60% of the average national wage for each worker.
It follows another emergency interest rate cut by the Bank of England to an historic 0.1%.
Rishi Sunak has been under pressure from Labour, unions and senior Tory MPs to do more to protect workers.
Earlier this week, he revealed a £330bn package of government-backed loans aimed at helping businesses struggling because of the coronavirus.
But he has faced calls to offer more direct support to workers as ministers were warned the current package was failing to stop redundancies.
Former business secretary Greg Clark urged the government to pay wages if companies agreed to keep workers on.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's new economic measures explained
Speaking in the House of Commons, he said: "At a stroke this would save jobs, save businesses and put an immediate end to the contagion and help save the economy."
The prime minister has said the government will "stand by the workers of this country".
"I'm all too aware of the difficulties and worries they face," he said.
Mr Johnson continued: "As we come through this difficult economic phase you remember what happened in 2008 - everyone said we bailed out the banks and didn't look after the people who really suffered.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"This time we're going to make sure that we look after the people who really suffer from the economic consequences of what we are asking them to do.
"We are going to be directing our support to them first, looking after the people first."
During his daily press conference, Boris Johnson also said he was confident we could "turn the tide" on the spread of the virus within 12 weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 UK can 'turn tide on virus within 12 weeks'
He urged the public to follow advice on social distancing and said the UK would be ramping up COVID-19 testing.
Britons have been told to avoid unnecessary travel and stop going to bars, restaurants and other places.
Working from home has been encouraged where possible.
Schools are also closing from the end of lessons today, although the children of key workers and vulnerable children will still be allowed to attend school.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-20--Can we really 'turn the tide' on coronavirus in 12 weeks?

It was but seven days ago that Boris Johnson delivered a news conference in Downing Street telling us all to carry on our business as normal , unless we had a fever or cough .
Now our schools are closing , the elderly and vulnerable are about to be asked to stay at home for three months , and London is all but shutting down .
People are losing their jobs , fretting about how to pay their bills .
Businesses are going under as families worry about getting in enough food .
It takes just a week to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past few days have felt bewildering , overwhelming , frightening , which is perhaps why Mr Johnson decided at his daily briefing that he needed to give us all a little bit of hope .
`` I do think looking at it all , we can turn the tide in the next 12 weeks , '' the prime minister told the nation at his weekly press conference .
`` I 'm confident we can send this virus packing in this country , but only if we all take steps we have outlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weapons in the fight against coronavirus : mass testing for the disease , and stringent adherence to the rules on social distancing from all of us .
On testing , the prime minister said he hoped to get from 25,000 tests to 250,000 quickly .
This would be a mix of COVID-19 testings and the rapid rollout of a new antibodies test to show if you 've had the disease which is `` as simple as a pregnancy test '' .
Such tests would be critical in managing the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disruption by getting key workers back to their jobs .
A genuine gamechanger .
And then for all us , a plea again to follow the advice on social distancing , working from home , avoiding pubs , clubs and restaurants .
Turning the tide appears predicated on human behaviour and the speed of scientific breakthroughs .
It 's little wonder then that the prime minister rowed back on his perhaps more bullish predictions during the course of the press conference when pressed again on our 12-week 'exit ' date .
`` At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a way that does not seem yet to be responding to our interventions , '' he said .
`` I believe that a combination of the measures asking the public to take and better testing - scientific progress - will enable us to get on top of it and turn the tide .
`` I can not stand here and tell you by the end of June we will be on a downward slope .
It 's possible , but I simply ca n't say that for certain . ''
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When it comes to the science , the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallace acknowledged at the press conference on Thursday there was still an `` if '' around whether the antibody test can be applied - and he shied away from repeating the prime minister 's quarter of a million figure .
As for the social measures , the prime minister himself admitted at the briefing that the success of such endeavours depended on `` collective resolute action '' .
He conceded that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were ignoring the government 's advice .
`` There is some evidence in some parts of the capital , that it 's very patchy , that people are not perhaps following [ the advice ] in the way we need them to do it , '' he said .
Over half of the 29 coronavirus deaths today were in the capital .
And if you look at the mortality trajectories tracker , the UK remains on a steeper mortality curve than Italy , while also remaining far from lockdown .
More measures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Londoners do n't shut themselves down .
Over this weekend , millions of Britons will have to retreat from society and human contact .
It is an incredible ask .
The prime minister has tried to sugar coat a bitter pill with the promise that the end is in sight .
But he ca n't really know that , and neither can we .

It was but seven days ago that Boris Johnson delivered a news conference in Downing Street telling us all to carry on our business as normal, unless we had a fever or cough.
Now our schools are closing, the elderly and vulnerable are about to be asked to stay at home for three months, and London is all but shutting down.
People are losing their jobs, fretting about how to pay their bills.
Businesses are going under as families worry about getting in enough food.
It takes just a week to build dystopia.
For millions of Britons, the past few days have felt bewildering, overwhelming, frightening, which is perhaps why Mr Johnson decided at his daily briefing that he needed to give us all a little bit of hope.
"I do think looking at it all, we can turn the tide in the next 12 weeks," the prime minister told the nation at his weekly press conference.
"I'm confident we can send this virus packing in this country, but only if we all take steps we have outlined - that is vital."
His two weapons in the fight against coronavirus: mass testing for the disease, and stringent adherence to the rules on social distancing from all of us.
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Image: The prime minister plans to ramp up testing
Image: A doctor poses with bacteria containing COVID-19 DNA
On testing, the prime minister said he hoped to get from 25,000 tests to 250,000 quickly.
This would be a mix of COVID-19 testings and the rapid rollout of a new antibodies test to show if you've had the disease which is "as simple as a pregnancy test".
Such tests would be critical in managing the spread of the disease and also reducing social and economic disruption by getting key workers back to their jobs. A genuine gamechanger.
And then for all us, a plea again to follow the advice on social distancing, working from home, avoiding pubs, clubs and restaurants.
Turning the tide appears predicated on human behaviour and the speed of scientific breakthroughs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 UK can 'turn tide on virus within 12 weeks'
It's little wonder then that the prime minister rowed back on his perhaps more bullish predictions during the course of the press conference when pressed again on our 12-week 'exit' date.
"At the moment, the disease is proceeding in a way that does not seem yet to be responding to our interventions," he said.
"I believe that a combination of the measures asking the public to take and better testing - scientific progress - will enable us to get on top of it and turn the tide.
"I cannot stand here and tell you by the end of June we will be on a downward slope. It's possible, but I simply can't say that for certain."
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
When it comes to the science, the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallace acknowledged at the press conference on Thursday there was still an "if" around whether the antibody test can be applied - and he shied away from repeating the prime minister's quarter of a million figure.
As for the social measures, the prime minister himself admitted at the briefing that the success of such endeavours depended on "collective resolute action".
He conceded that in pockets of the capital, some Londoners were ignoring the government's advice.
"There is some evidence in some parts of the capital, that it's very patchy, that people are not perhaps following [the advice] in the way we need them to do it," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
Over half of the 29 coronavirus deaths today were in the capital.
And if you look at the mortality trajectories tracker, the UK remains on a steeper mortality curve than Italy, while also remaining far from lockdown.
More measures are likely to come in the capital of Londoners don't shut themselves down.
Over this weekend, millions of Britons will have to retreat from society and human contact.
It is an incredible ask.
The prime minister has tried to sugar coat a bitter pill with the promise that the end is in sight.
But he can't really know that, and neither can we.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-20--Govt will cover 80% of pay for people unable to work

The government will pick up `` most of '' the wages of workers as the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate many businesses , says Chancellor Rishi Sunak .
He said government grants would cover 80 % of the salary of staff who are kept on by their employer but are unable to work .
The new coronavirus job retention scheme will cover wages up to £2,500 a month .
Mr Sunak said he would do `` whatever it takes '' and called his plans `` an unprecedented economic intervention to support the jobs and incomes of the British people '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be increased by £1,000 a year for the next 12 months , while the working tax credit basic element will be boosted by the same amount .
He also said he would defer the next quarter of VAT payments for businesses until the end of June , in a £30bn injection into the economy .
The measures to strengthen the welfare system will benefit more than four million of the most vulnerable households , he added .
`` Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working but are furloughed and kept on payroll rather than being laid off , '' he said .
Mr Sunak pledged £1bn for renters by boosting housing benefit and Universal Credit , and added that the welfare payments ' `` generosity '' would be increased to allow the local housing allowance to cover at least 30 % of market rents .
`` Our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world , '' he said .
`` To all those at home , right now anxious about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not face this alone . ''
However , he warned : `` I can not promise you that no one will face hardship in the weeks ahead . ''
The new scheme means self-employed workers will be able to access Universal Credit payments in full , at a rate equivalent to statutory sick pay eligible to employees .
The chancellor 's announcement came after criticism that his £350bn emergency support package for the economy earlier this week concentrated on businesses but did little for their staff .
Boris Johnson also used the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cafes and restaurants across the country to close .
He said it was necessary to reduce `` unnecessary '' social gatherings by 75 % in order to have an impact on the infection rate .
It comes after the total number of people who have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 rose to 177 after England saw 39 more deaths - the biggest rise in a day .
The UK also saw another 714 confirmed cases of coronavirus diagnosed in a day , bringing its total number to 3,983. : : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sky News ' economics editor Ed Conway said the economy is `` having a cardiac arrest '' .
`` We have never seen anything like this .
We never saw anything like this in wartime Britain , previous recessions and previous depressions .
`` The government is stepping in and paying people 's salaries - that is incredibly unusual . ''
He said the `` radical '' move shows how `` desperately concerned '' the government is about the state of the economy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be deferred to January 2021 in a bid to further support self-employed people .
He said the safety net would be further strengthened by extra help for renters who may struggle with payments over the next few months .

The government will pick up "most of" the wages of workers as the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate many businesses , says Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
He said government grants would cover 80% of the salary of staff who are kept on by their employer but are unable to work.
The new coronavirus job retention scheme will cover wages up to £2,500 a month.
Mr Sunak said he would do "whatever it takes" and called his plans "an unprecedented economic intervention to support the jobs and incomes of the British people".
The Universal Credit standard allowance will also be increased by £1,000 a year for the next 12 months, while the working tax credit basic element will be boosted by the same amount.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:08 How the economy will cope with coronavirus
He also said he would defer the next quarter of VAT payments for businesses until the end of June, in a £30bn injection into the economy.
The measures to strengthen the welfare system will benefit more than four million of the most vulnerable households, he added.
"Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of people who are not working but are furloughed and kept on payroll rather than being laid off," he said.
Mr Sunak pledged £1bn for renters by boosting housing benefit and Universal Credit, and added that the welfare payments' "generosity" would be increased to allow the local housing allowance to cover at least 30% of market rents.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 Business owner reacts to news of government support during the coronavirus outbreak.
"Our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world," he said.
"To all those at home, right now anxious about the days ahead, I say you will not face this alone."
However, he warned: "I cannot promise you that no one will face hardship in the weeks ahead."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 16:59 In full: PM and chancellor's update
The new scheme means self-employed workers will be able to access Universal Credit payments in full, at a rate equivalent to statutory sick pay eligible to employees.
The chancellor's announcement came after criticism that his £350bn emergency support package for the economy earlier this week concentrated on businesses but did little for their staff.
Boris Johnson also used the press conference to order pubs, gyms, cafes and restaurants across the country to close.
He said it was necessary to reduce "unnecessary" social gatherings by 75% in order to have an impact on the infection rate.
It comes after the total number of people who have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 rose to 177 after England saw 39 more deaths - the biggest rise in a day.
The UK also saw another 714 confirmed cases of coronavirus diagnosed in a day, bringing its total number to 3,983.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sky News' economics editor Ed Conway said the economy is "having a cardiac arrest".
"We have never seen anything like this. We never saw anything like this in wartime Britain, previous recessions and previous depressions.
"The government is stepping in and paying people's salaries - that is incredibly unusual."
He said the "radical" move shows how "desperately concerned" the government is about the state of the economy.
Mr Sunak said the next self-assessment payments would be deferred to January 2021 in a bid to further support self-employed people.
He said the safety net would be further strengthened by extra help for renters who may struggle with payments over the next few months.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-20--PM orders pubs, restaurants and gyms to close across the UK

Boris Johnson has ordered cafes , pubs , bars , restaurants and gyms to close from tonight in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus .
The prime minister also said nightclubs , leisure centres and theatres should close their doors too , in an effort to reduce `` unnecessary '' social gatherings by 75 % to have an impact on the infection rate .
During his daily news conference , he acknowledged that people may be tempted to go out on Friday night but urged people to stay at home .
`` Your sacrifice [ by social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country in a better and stronger position and we will be able to save thousands of lives , '' said Mr Johnson .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government would step in to pay people 's wages , with grants that will cover 80 % of the salaries of retained workers - up to £2,500 a month .
He urged businesses to look at government support before laying off workers .
Mr Sunak said : `` Today I can announce that in the first time of our history , the government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people 's wages .
`` We 're setting up a new coronavirus job retention scheme .
Any employer in the country small or large , charitable or non-profit , will be eligible for the scheme .
`` Government grants will cover 80 % of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month - that 's just above the median income . ''
He also said he would defer the next quarter of VAT payments for businesses until the end of June , in a £30bn injection into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renters by boosting housing benefit and Universal Credit , and added that the welfare payments ' `` generosity '' would be increased to allow the local housing allowance to cover at least 30 % of market rents .
`` I 'm increasing today the Universal Credit standard allowance for the next 12 months by £1,000 a year , '' he said .
`` For the next 12 months , I 'm increasing the working tax credit basic element by the same amount as well .
`` Together the measures will benefit over four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It comes after the total number of people who have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 rose to 177 after England saw 39 more deaths - the biggest rise in a day .
The UK also saw 714 confirmed cases of coronavirus diagnosed in a day , bringing its total number to 3,983 .
Reacting to the latest financial measures , shadow chancellor John McDonnell expressed his concern , saying they did not take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allowance and Carer 's Allowance .
He also said he was concerned about how long it would take for the measures to be implemented .
`` It looks as though it 's going to be weeks before it comes into action , '' he told Sky News .
`` He [ Mr Johnson ] has shifted but I think he needs to go a lot farther and a lot faster .
`` He 's said 'whatever it takes ' - this is n't whatever it takes , he has n't gone far enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay in getting these benefits to people , getting the wages in people 's pockets . ''
On the government paying 80 % of retained workers ' wages if they ca n't work due to coronavirus , Sky 's economics editor Ed Conway said : `` I 'm slightly dumbfounded .
This is an enormous deal .
`` We have never seen anything like this .
The government is stepping in and paying people 's salaries .
That is incredibly unusual .
It 's extraordinary really .
`` It shows how desperately concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
`` This is a nuclear button for the government to press because clearly they are panicking that people are firing staff at an unprecedented rate .
`` It will be really expensive .
It depends on how long is goes on for .
It is a very big move . ''
During Thursday 's press conference , Mr Johnson said the UK `` can turn the tide '' against coronavirus in the next 12 weeks - but subsequently admitted the government `` do n't know how long '' the crisis will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is in talks to buy `` hundreds of thousands '' of tests to reveal if people are immune .
Scientists have advised that social measures will need to be in place for `` most of a year '' in order to control the spread of the virus , which has infected nearly 250,000 people worldwide .
More than 10,000 people have died around the world after contracting the virus .

Cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants and gyms are closed for the foreseeable future in the latest move aimed at halting the spread of coronavirus.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that the order would "put the country in a better and stronger position and we will be able to save thousands of lives".
The prime minister said nightclubs, leisure centres and theatres must also close their doors in an effort to reduce "unnecessary" social gatherings by 75%. The closures will be reviewed on a monthly basis.
"Some people may of course be tempted to go out... But please don't," he said.
"You may think you are invincible, but there is no guarantee you will get mild symptoms, and you can still be a carrier of the disease and pass it on to others."
Earlier on Friday, figures showed that the number of people who have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 had risen to 177 after England saw 39 more deaths - the biggest rise in a day.
The UK also saw 714 confirmed cases of coronavirus diagnosed in a day, bringing its total number to 3,983.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 PM: 'Cafes, pubs and restaurants must close'
In a bid to help the economy survive the pandemic, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government would step in to pay people's wages, with grants that will cover 80% of the salaries of retained workers - up to £2,500 a month.
He urged businesses to consider government support before laying off employees.
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:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He also said he would defer the next quarter of VAT payments for businesses until the end of June, in a £30bn injection into the economy.
Mr Sunak pledged £1bn for renters by boosting housing benefit and Universal Credit, and added that the welfare payments' "generosity" would be increased to allow the local housing allowance to cover at least 30% of market rents.
Reacting to the latest financial measures, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: "It looks as though it's going to be weeks before it comes into action."
He told Sky News: "He [Mr Johnson] has shifted but I think he needs to go a lot farther and a lot faster.
"He's said 'whatever it takes' - this isn't whatever it takes, he hasn't gone far enough and I'm worried about yet another delay in getting these benefits to people, getting the wages in people's pockets."
But the chancellor's measures were largely welcomed by business and union leaders.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Chancellor: 'Look back and say we stood together'
Also commenting on the massive rescue package, Sky's economics editor Ed Conway said: "I'm slightly dumbfounded. This is an enormous deal.
"It shows how desperately concerned they are about the state of the economy.
"This is a nuclear button for the government to press because clearly they are panicking that people are firing staff at an unprecedented rate.
"It will be really expensive. It depends on how long is goes on for. It is a very big move."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Many gym chains said they would freeze membership fees and deliver workouts online to help members keep fit.
PureGym, one of the UK's largest operators with 230 premises, told more than a million members they will not have to pay while gyms are closed, adding that it would launch a workout and well-being platform through its app.
Virgin Active and Nuffield Health both told customers that membership payments would be frozen and they would deliver workouts online.
David Lloyd Clubs, The Gym Group, DW Fitness First, Better Leisure Centres and Better Gyms also confirmed a payment freeze for members.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 16:59 In full: PM and Chancellor's update
Huw Edwards, chief exceutive of not-for-profit fitness industry body ukactive, said: "Our members will continue to support their customers even though the physical facilities will be closed - adapting and finding innovative new ways to help people to maintain active lives.
"We will continue to keep our nation healthy and active in the most challenging of times.
"The fitness and leisure sector will reopen its facilities when it is safe to do so, and will do so with increased vigour and the energy that has always been its hallmark."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-20--PM will be defined by his leadership as Britain enters its darkest hour

It is 100 days since Boris Johnson won a Conservative ballot box victory on a scale not seen since the days of Margaret Thatcher .
Here he was , a prime minister with the parliamentary majority to match his ambition to build a post-Brexit utopia of better infrastructure across Britain and opportunity for all over his five-year term .
Instead he finds himself fighting an invisible enemy that is tearing apart the nation 's economy , society and its health .
The decisions he takes as prime minister on a daily basis will help determine how many of his citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested like no other leader since Sir Winston Churchill was during the Second World War .
How he carries the country through this crisis will define his leadership and determine his legacy .
`` I think it 's going to be hell , '' is how Sir Nicholas Soames , former Conservative MP and Churchill 's grandson described the prime minister 's predicament to me .
`` It must be horrific and he must be exhausted .
`` But as my grandpa used to say 'if you have a bear in your bedroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' - you 've just got to deal with what 's facing you as well as you can . ''
And so far , as economic confidence has fallen through the floor and anxiety levels ratcheted up , the country has got behind their prime minister , with 59 per cent of the public saying they believed the government was handling the crisis well , according to a YouGov/Sky News poll released on Friday .
The daily press conferences he fronts , flanked by his unflappable chief medical officer Chris Whitty and Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become the bread and butter of a nation starving for information about this epidemic .
The scale and pace of change is bewildering and the public are clamouring for information and answers .
Civil servants , health care workers , scientists , government advisers , ministers , everyone is scrambling to try to gear up for a crisis that is out-running all of us .
Mistakes will be made , information will be miscommunicated , areas that need attention will be overlooked .
And the figurehead for all of the anxiety , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is Mr Johnson ; it is a huge weight for anyone to bear .
His is a difficult line to tread .
Mr Johnson must deliver the public bad news on a daily basis while also somehow trying to rally a very scared nation .
The gravity of the situation has at times been etched into his face .
He looked positively ashen on Monday as he told the country the elderly would have to self-isolate and that we would all have to stop socialising and hunker down in our homes if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or temperature .
He knows the news is only going to get more and more difficult as this disease begins to spread more widely and claim more and more lives .
You only have to look to Italy - a few weeks along the epidemic curve from us - where there have now been 4,032 deaths and over 47,000 cases .
The severity of the situation has forced him to play the role of the sombre and straight prime minister - not his natural persona .
His instinct is to charm and cajole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who trades in bonhomie to disarm his detractors .
His optimism helped win him a massive majority and can be a devastating political tool .
But his attempts to inject some `` boosterism '' into this health battle by declaring Britain could `` send coronavirus packing '' in twelve weeks is risky .
In trying to lift his people , he is in danger of peddling false hope .
His promise to turn the tide simply does n't match up with the reality .
Official papers say clearly strict social distancing will almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order not to overwhelm the NHS .
I suspect he 's trying to give people some hope , a timeline they can handle when the reality of their changing lives feels overwhelming .
The nation will need Mr Johnson 's optimism and belief in Britain in the coming months .
But it will also need - perhaps more - a prime minister with composure and gravitas .
You only have to glance at the support measures announced on Friday to see that this is an economic and health crisis not seen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , propping up businesses and paying our wages , Mr Johnson is temporarily nationalising our economy : When he won the election he did not expect to have to do that .
Like Churchill in 1940 , he is leading the country through an unprecedented national emergency .
He won the power to change Britain through the ballot box , but now Boris Johnson is being forced to rewrite the rules of the economy and society on the back of a pandemic that is radically altering not just our own country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about to enter the sort of darkest hours we 've not had to endure for decades .
Mr Johnson will be defined on how well he leads us through .

It is 100 days since Boris Johnson won a Conservative ballot box victory on a scale not seen since the days of Margaret Thatcher.
Here he was, a prime minister with the parliamentary majority to match his ambition to build a post-Brexit utopia of better infrastructure across Britain and opportunity for all over his five-year term.
Instead he finds himself fighting an invisible enemy that is tearing apart the nation's economy, society and its health. The decisions he takes as prime minister on a daily basis will help determine how many of his citizens live or die.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 16:59 In full: PM and Chancellor's update
He will be tested like no other leader since Sir Winston Churchill was during the Second World War. How he carries the country through this crisis will define his leadership and determine his legacy.
"I think it's going to be hell," is how Sir Nicholas Soames, former Conservative MP and Churchill's grandson described the prime minister's predicament to me. "It must be horrific and he must be exhausted.
"But as my grandpa used to say 'if you have a bear in your bedroom it's not a matter of speculation' - you've just got to deal with what's facing you as well as you can."
And so far, as economic confidence has fallen through the floor and anxiety levels ratcheted up, the country has got behind their prime minister, with 59 per cent of the public saying they believed the government was handling the crisis well, according to a YouGov/Sky News poll released on Friday.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The daily press conferences he fronts, flanked by his unflappable chief medical officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, has become the bread and butter of a nation starving for information about this epidemic.
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The scale and pace of change is bewildering and the public are clamouring for information and answers. Civil servants, health care workers, scientists, government advisers, ministers, everyone is scrambling to try to gear up for a crisis that is out-running all of us.
Image: Boris Johnson won the general election 100 days ago
Mistakes will be made, information will be miscommunicated, areas that need attention will be overlooked.
And the figurehead for all of the anxiety, the suffering, the frustration, the grief, is Mr Johnson; it is a huge weight for anyone to bear.
His is a difficult line to tread. Mr Johnson must deliver the public bad news on a daily basis while also somehow trying to rally a very scared nation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 How has COVID-19 affected the mood of the UK?
The gravity of the situation has at times been etched into his face. He looked positively ashen on Monday as he told the country the elderly would have to self-isolate and that we would all have to stop socialising and hunker down in our homes if anyone in the family had a cough or temperature.
He knows the news is only going to get more and more difficult as this disease begins to spread more widely and claim more and more lives.
You only have to look to Italy - a few weeks along the epidemic curve from us - where there have now been 4,032 deaths and over 47,000 cases.
The severity of the situation has forced him to play the role of the sombre and straight prime minister - not his natural persona. His instinct is to charm and cajole his audience. This is a politician who trades in bonhomie to disarm his detractors. His optimism helped win him a massive majority and can be a devastating political tool.
But his attempts to inject some "boosterism" into this health battle by declaring Britain could "send coronavirus packing" in twelve weeks is risky. In trying to lift his people, he is in danger of peddling false hope.
His promise to turn the tide simply doesn't match up with the reality. Official papers say clearly strict social distancing will almost certainly have to continue for six months in order not to overwhelm the NHS.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
I suspect he's trying to give people some hope, a timeline they can handle when the reality of their changing lives feels overwhelming.
The nation will need Mr Johnson's optimism and belief in Britain in the coming months. But it will also need - perhaps more - a prime minister with composure and gravitas.
You only have to glance at the support measures announced on Friday to see that this is an economic and health crisis not seen in lifetimes.
The state is closing down the country, propping up businesses and paying our wages, Mr Johnson is temporarily nationalising our economy: When he won the election he did not expect to have to do that.
Like Churchill in 1940, he is leading the country through an unprecedented national emergency.
He won the power to change Britain through the ballot box, but now Boris Johnson is being forced to rewrite the rules of the economy and society on the back of a pandemic that is radically altering not just our own country but the entire world.
We are about to enter the sort of darkest hours we've not had to endure for decades. Mr Johnson will be defined on how well he leads us through.