skynewspolitics--2020-05-06--Hancock 'speechless' and police 'disappointed' at scientist's lockdown breach

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News he was `` speechless '' after it emerged one of the government 's key scientific advisers had broken the UK 's lockdown rules .
Mr Hancock described the actions of Professor Neil Ferguson as `` extraordinary '' , after it emerged he allowed Antonia Staats , who is reported to be his lover , to visit him at home - in breach of official social distancing rules .
The Metropolitan Police , who have powers to act against those breaching lockdown restrictions , described Prof Ferguson 's behaviour as `` plainly disappointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Professor Ferguson has accepted that he made an error of judgement and has taken responsibility for that , '' a spokeswoman said .
`` We therefore do not intend to take any further action . ''
Prof Ferguson , an academic at London 's Imperial College , has now quit the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , which plays a central role in the UK 's coronavirus response , following what he described as an `` error of judgement '' .
`` Professor Ferguson is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science that he has done has been an important part of what we 've listened to , '' Mr Hancock said .
`` I think he took the right decision to resign . ''
Asked if he thought Prof Ferguson should have been prosecuted for his apparent breach of lockdown rules , the health secretary added : `` It 's a matter for the police , as a government minister I 'm not allowed to get involved in the operational decisions of police matters .
`` But I think the social distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them . ''
He added : `` They 'll take their decisions independently from ministers - that 's quite right , it 's always been like that .
`` And that 's why , even though I 've got a clear answer to what I think , as a minister , the way we run the police is that they make decisions like this .
`` So I give them their space to make that decision , but I think he took the right decision to resign . ''
Mr Hancock appeared on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary '' event with Kay Burley , to answer some of the thousands of questions submitted by members of the public .
Asked if he had fought to keep Prof Ferguson on SAGE , the health secretary replied : `` That 's just not possible in these circumstances . ''
Last month , Dr Catherine Calderwood quit as Scotland 's chief medical officer after making two trips to her second home .
She was issued with a warning by police about the UK 's social distancing rules .
Prof Ferguson explained he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was immune from COVID-19 , having previously tested positive for coronavirus and isolated himself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms .
Ms Staats was reported by the Daily Telegraph to live with her husband and their children in another house .
But Mr Hancock told Sky News that social distancing rules should be followed by everyone , even if they have already had coronavirus .
The health secretary revealed he himself had asked a similar question about immunity of England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty , when he contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Normally there 's immunity and you 're at much lower risk of coronavirus , if you 've had it recently , but we do n't know that for sure , '' Mr Hancock said .
`` There 's so many new things about this coronavirus that we do n't know that that 's the case .
`` So I asked exactly that question of the chief medical officer - 'can I behave differently because I 've now had it ?
Do I still have to do the social distancing ? '
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 'yes , we all have to abide by social distancing ' . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In mid-March , Prof Ferguson was the lead author of an Imperial College report which warned , without stringent social distancing measures , the UK could see 250,000 deaths .
Days later , the government announced the UK 's lockdown .
Analysis : Did the government fight to keep eminent scientist ?
The clear message is no By Tamara Cohen , political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headlines for the government as UK death rates surpassed the rest of Europe ; the government lost an eminent adviser to an embarrassing scandal - which the health secretary described as an `` extraordinary '' development which had left him `` speechless '' - and the chief scientist admitted ramping up testing earlier may have been `` beneficial '' .
Mr Hancock did not play down how influential a role Prof Ferguson 's modelling in March - predicting a surge in death rates to 250,000 without radical action - had played in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the government had fought for their eminent scientist to stay on , he does n't appear to have been consulted but stressed that the guidance must be obeyed , and the question of whether having already had COVID-19 gives you immunity is far from settled .
Mr Hancock is seen as one of the cabinet 's lockdown hawks - insistent it must be kept going as long as necessary .


skynewspolitics--2020-05-06--Your questions answered: Health secretary quizzed on coronavirus response

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has answered questions from Sky News viewers and readers in a Q & A hosted by Kay Burley .
Here are his full responses to your coronavirus questions .
Doug McLaren : Has Prof Neil Ferguson been fined by the police for breaking lockdown rules ?
And if not , why not ?
Hancock : `` I do n't know .
The first I heard about this was when I read it in the newspapers ...
But clearly the social distancing rules are there for everyone - they 're incredibly important and they 're deadly serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're the means by which we 've been able to get control of this virus . ''
Burley : Should he be prosecuted ?
`` You could imagine what my views are ...
It 's a matter for the police , as a government minister I 'm not allowed to get involved in the operational decisions of police matters but I think the social distancing rules are very important and people should follow them . ''
Burley : You said you read it in the papers , what did you think when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your head on the desk ?
`` I am [ speechless ] - that does n't often happen to me Kay , but I am .
`` Professor Ferguson is a very eminent and impressive scientist and the science he has done has been an important part of what we 've listened to and I think he took the right decision to resign . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Burley : One of his defences was that he 'd already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was okay not to social distance ?
`` I asked exactly the same question of England 's chief medical officer after I 'd had coronavirus , and normally there is immunity and your much lower risk from the coronavirus if you 've had it recently but we do n't know that for sure .
`` We all have to abide by social distancing .
`` We do have a scientific survey in the field , right now , to find out if people who 've definitely had it because they 've tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get it again .
`` And if they do n't then we 'll know scientifically that people who 've had it and have been tested to have the antibodies that they can go about in a much more low risk way .
`` If that science comes through , as we do expect it to , then we will be able to say people are lower risk if they 've had that positive antibody test , but we do n't know that yet and that 's why everyone has to follow the social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm in the shielding category .
Will I have to wait for a vaccine before I hug my children and grandchildren again ?
Hancock : `` Those who are shielded , are those who have specifically received a letter from the NHS saying they are clinically extremely vulnerable to the disease .
`` This is not the rule for all over 70s , who are in a different category , so the answer I 'm going to give relates to the shielded who have specifically received a letter from the NHS .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shielding to avoid as much human contact as possible , for 12 weeks , we may have to extend those 12 weeks but we hope not to .
`` We may well be able to release some of those measures before a vaccine is available , if we can get the level of new cases right down .
`` So in some countries they 've managed to now get the number of new cases right down and , if we get there , if we succeed in doing that , then we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether it 's safe for those who are shielded to hug their grandchildren .
`` I understand the emotional impact this is having and there are many people who have n't left their homes for six weeks or so , that is a long time especially if you do n't have a garden , so that 's right at the front of my mind .
`` Making sure we get the rules around those who are shielded right is really important and we will take into account not just the impact of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical and mental health from being stuck at home for such a long time . ''
Brian McCarvel : What if a vaccine can not be found for COVID-19 ?
Hancock : `` If a vaccine ca n't be found then we have to learn to find a way to live with this virus - which means getting the numbers right down and then holding them down through , for instance , mass scale testing and chasing the virus through a combination of technology and human virus tracers .
`` And of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to say drugs that can make sure if you do get ill with coronavirus it is n't life-threatening in the way it is now .
`` It is not a guarantee that we will find a vaccine , we 're doing everything we possibly can , we 're putting as many resources as we can into the scientists who are leading this .
`` We 've got three potential vaccines , two of which are world leaders , but we 're working with countries around the world so that whoever makes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get it . ''
Café owner Ryan Enever asks about the two-metre rule , which he says will never work in his premises because it is too small .
Hancock : `` The business secretary is working on the rules for safe working so that , when we get the rate of new infections down we can work on how people can get people back to work as safely as possible .
`` We 're going to say more about that very shortly .
`` The two-metre rule is based on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the more you reduce it the more easily the virus spreads , and it is n't linear so if you half it you do n't just double the likelihood of the virus spreading you increase it exponentially .
`` So we 're very careful to follow the clinical advice on the two-metre rule , but there 's also very strong evidence that outdoors the spread is much , much lower so there may be workarounds that some businesses , for instance cafes especially over the summer , might be able to put into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a young cancer patient in London and all of my appointments have been cancelled .
Why is the Excel centre in east London not being used as the epicentre of COVID-19 freeing up hospital space and making it safe for other serious illness treatment ?
Hancock : `` We 're taking this principle , which is a very sensible principle , and putting it into place within existing hospitals , within the mainstream hospitals .
`` The reason for that is because many people with coronavirus also have other conditions , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only have coronavirus and do n't have other underlying health conditions .
`` Within hospitals we are separating them into COVID and non-COVID areas and that means that if people have more seriously complications they 're actually safer in a full blown hospital that has the full blown intensive care capabilities .
`` It 's safer if you 've got coronavirus to be treated in a mainstream hospital . ''
Burley : Cancer patients are still going to have to wait longer than normal are n't they ?
Hancock : We are restarting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with some cancer treatments when it takes your immune system right down to zero that that is not a wise thing to do when there is an epidemic going on .
`` That 's irrespective of what 's available in the NHS , but a lot of cancer treatment has carried on through the crisis because it 's time critical and those parts that we stopped for less time critical cancers , no cancer is not time critical , we 're now beginning to restart and doing that in a safe way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if you are advised by your clinician to go to a hospital appointment you should go because they will have taken into account the risk from COVID-19 as well . ''
Dr Uchenna Okoye : Patients are in pain and primary dental care is in danger of collapse - what are you going to do about it ?
Hancock : `` Dentistry is another really important area we want to get started again as soon as it is safe to do so .
`` There have been arrangements put in place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have got something urgent , there are almost 200 centres around England for emergency dental care .
`` But we have advised people not to take up routine dental check-ups , in fact I 've had to delay mine , and that is obviously an important precaution because by its nature your dentist is close to you when they 're looking at your teeth .
`` I 'm working with the British Dental Association , I understand the impact because many people pay privately to go to the dentist and that of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dentists alongside the lack of NHS work because we 're not recommending people go for routine check-ups .
`` So it is really important we support our dentists through this period . ''
Burley : When do you think the practices will be open again ?
Hancock : `` As part of the restart of the NHS that 's something we 're working on , hopefully within weeks or months . ''
Carla Tombs : Can there be some guidance on when cancelled operations due to COVID-19 would be rebooked ?
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is absolutely soul-destroying knowing each day I am waiting my chances of becoming a mother are just slipping by Hancock : `` It is heartbreaking and I 've seen the wonders of IVF within my own family , not me personally but close family , so I know how important it is for you Carla and other people in your circumstances .
`` I 'm really pleased we have been able to restart fertility treatment , of course it was paused for over a month and there will be a backlog to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to get that restart going and I very much hope Carla , that you get your appointment sooner rather than later . ''
John Allan : Did you sacrifice elderly people in care homes so you could ensure the NHS was n't overwhelmed ?
Hancock : `` We did n't do this .
From the start , we 've worked very hard to protect people in care homes .
`` Until this crisis there has n't been as much discussion in the public debate about the support that is given to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really glad that actually one of the things that has happened as we 've gone through this crisis is that there has been much more discussion of that .
`` We put in place the first guidance to care homes in February , and when large number of people left hospital to make space for people with COVID-19 that was before there were many cases of coronavirus and then since then we 've put in place the rules that are in place , in England at least , for testing everybody as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Burley : Should you have done that to start with ?
`` The problem was that the testing did n't exist in this country and we 've had to build that throughout the crisis .
`` I feel like we put a lot of effort and resources into supporting care homes from the start , maybe we should have explained that more clearly .
`` The challenge with care homes in this crisis is that many of the most vulnerable people to coronavirus , because it hits older people much harder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by their nature they are some of the most vulnerable areas .
`` There will be a time for going over the history of this , but now the most important thing is that we protect people in care homes as much as possible including using the new testing to make sure we protect people in care homes .
`` It would have been wonderful if we 'd gone into the crisis with a global scale diagnostics industry , in the way Germany did , but we went in more like countries like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capability almost from scratch .
`` Now we 're able to have those tests , those asymptomatic tests , not be a lack of effort from the people on my team who 've been absolutely amazing on this but because we just did n't have that capacity as a country . ''
James : When will I be allowed to go back to college ?
Hancock : We did n't want to shut schools and colleges but we had to because although children do n't suffer the consequences of COVID-19 as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That means that colleges and schools are a place where lots of people from different households come and mix so it is a real spreader environment .
`` Colleges and schools were perfectly safe for children but they could help spread the disease .
`` We 're considering now how we can get that restarted in a safe way when it is right to do so .
`` It 's too soon . ''
`` I have three children who are currently home schooling and I 'm not able to help with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - she has to put a huge amount of effort into it as well .
`` We know it is imperfect , but at least thanks to technology it 's better than it might have been in the past .
`` I totally understand the frustration of those who want to get back to school , in fact I admire children who want to go back to school because they want their social lives as well .
Burley : It wo n't be until September will it ?
`` It 's just so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussing that we get the rate of new transmissions down and if there is something we can do before then then we will - but I ca n't make any promises '' .
`` It 's tempting to give concrete answers and I 'm not dodging the question , I 'm answering really directly .
`` We do n't know because we 've got to see the progress of the disease and we do n't know how people are going to behave in terms of the lockdown measures .
`` I understand the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June , will it be September , what age groups will it be because of course other countries have taken different decisions for different age groups .
`` I 'm tempted to prejudge those decisions but we do n't yet have the data but we are coming to a position where relatively soon we might be able to say so . ''
Burley : In the next two weeks ?
John Fletcher : Can it really be just a coincidence that the virus originated in a city where there are two laboratories researching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked into this and we do n't have any evidence that this is a manmade coronavirus .
`` I understand what John is getting at , but we have n't seen any evidence of that link . ''
Burley : Have the Americans shared any evidence with us at all ?
Because we heard from the US president and he said that there is a link ?
`` The president phrased his comments very carefully .
We have n't seen any evidence of a link , so there 's nothing I 've seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referring to that I know is something people are talking about .
`` The evidence appears to be that at some point the disease jumped from an animal to a human , and trying to make sure that does n't happen again that is in the global interest , it 's not just a matter for one country . ''
Stewart Deeks : Donald Trump rated his performance during the pandemic as 10/10 .
How would you rate your own performance ?
Hancock : I 'd say I 'm constantly trying to learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what can be improved , and there are some things we 've had to change because they did n't work first time around .
`` I think I 'd give you a more humble response than the president - I 'm not going to put a figure on it , obviously .
`` I 'll give you one example of something we learnt and changed ... we put in place guidance around funerals and that guidance was interpreted in a different way to what we expected and then I saw that some funerals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby and that was terrible , so we changed the guidance .
`` We should have put the updated guidance in in the first place and said to everyone it is okay to have a small number of members of your family at a funeral - of course you can socially distance at a funeral as long as there are n't too many people there . ''
Burley : What other mistakes have you made ?
`` I do n't know - there 'll be a time for reviews . ''
Burley : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down ?
`` I do n't feel that , because I feel highly motivated to get it right .
`` That includes listening to the accusations you get and the criticism and saying 'Well where have they got a point and what can we learn from it ? '
.
`` I get up in the morning and think 'What can I do today to try to get this country the best possible response ? '
and then I work on that all day and then I go to bed and I get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Occasionally I get a few hours off - this weekend I was able to play frisbee in the park with the kids and so take some exercise .
`` So I do try to take a couple of hours off at the weekend , so you 've just got to do everything you can do to get the response right . ''
Burley : Are you fully better now ?
`` Yes .
Fortunately it was only mild , other people have had it much worse than me .
Burley : What was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours it was really tough , I had a really sore throat and I could n't eat or drink and I had the aching in my muscles that lots of people talk about .
`` Fortunately it did n't seem to get on to my lungs so breathing was n't particularly a problem and I was tired .
`` It was quite short and then fortunately I bounced out of it relatively fast . ''
Burley : Where you surprised at how badly affected the prime minister was ?
`` Yeah , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time ...
I talked to him all the way through it and in the first few days we seemed to be very much on a par and then I just got better and he did n't .
`` That was strange ...
It does seem to hit people sometimes a second time because then it came and suddenly he went downhill and it was quite sudden how he went downhill the second time .
`` We 've all seen the videos in the public domain and him coming out to Clap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a ghost , and it hit him very hard . ''
Burley : We 've got the highest number of deaths in Europe , how can that be ?
Were we not prepared ?
`` We 've got to be very cautious with this data , we 've got to be very careful how we describe it .
`` We 're one of the biggest countries in Europe and that matters , so there are smaller countries that naturally will have smaller number of deaths .
`` Spain and Italy do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we did n't used to as it is harder to count deaths in the community and care homes and we now do so you 'll have seen early last week there was a rise in the number of published deaths here and that 's because we include all deaths from coronavirus not just those in hospital .
`` So Spain and Italy are smaller countries and they do n't include all deaths in their figures so you 've got to be very careful about essentially comparing like with like .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it 's only afterwards and looking back on the total number of people who have died during the peak compared to the normal number ... that you can make those comparisons . ''
David Lipscombe : What if the trials for the new app on the Isle of Wight are not successful , do you have a plan B ?
Hancock : `` Yes we do , we 'll look at doing it in a different way and increase the number of human tracers , because the app is only part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing , human contact tracing and then technology .
It 's all about tracing the virus and following the virus as it spreads .
`` We would n't know where people are all the time , I 've seen those concerns and they are wrong , they are not based on what 's happening in the app .
`` The point of the app is that the data is shared on your own phone until you choose to go to the NHS because you get a test if you 've got positive symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this and questions about this but they are based on a misunderstanding of what the app does and to prove the point we 've published the source code of the app so anyone can go and have a look at how it works and how it protects your privacy while also being so important for the health of the nation .
`` It protects you , it protects the people you are close to and it protects the community .
`` We have taken concerns into account , we have an ethics advisory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data impact assessment and all of the information around this but we 've published the source code so you can see what the app does .
`` And if you download the app the data of who you are in contact with stays on your phone , it does n't go to us until you come to us and say I 've got the symptoms I need a positive test . ''
Burley : A final thought , what are you most looking forward to when lockdown ends ?
Hancock : `` Going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London , I have n't been to Suffolk to my constituency for probably two months now .
`` I can still do my job as a local MP through emails and phones , but just getting out to the countryside , getting lungfuls of fresh air . ''

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has answered questions from Sky News viewers and readers in a Q&A hosted by Kay Burley.
Here are his full responses to your coronavirus questions.
Doug McLaren: Has Prof Neil Ferguson been fined by the police for breaking lockdown rules? And if not, why not?
Hancock: "I don't know. The first I heard about this was when I read it in the newspapers... But clearly the social distancing rules are there for everyone - they're incredibly important and they're deadly serious.
"And the reason is because they're the means by which we've been able to get control of this virus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Hancock 'speechless' over Prof Ferguson scandal
Burley: Should he be prosecuted?
"You could imagine what my views are... It's a matter for the police, as a government minister I'm not allowed to get involved in the operational decisions of police matters but I think the social distancing rules are very important and people should follow them."
Burley: You said you read it in the papers, what did you think when you read it? Did you bang your head on the desk?
"It's extraordinary - I don't understand it.
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"I am [speechless] - that doesn't often happen to me Kay, but I am.
"Professor Ferguson is a very eminent and impressive scientist and the science he has done has been an important part of what we've listened to and I think he took the right decision to resign."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Burley: One of his defences was that he'd already had COVID-19, so as a result it was okay not to social distance?
"I asked exactly the same question of England's chief medical officer after I'd had coronavirus, and normally there is immunity and your much lower risk from the coronavirus if you've had it recently but we don't know that for sure.
"We all have to abide by social distancing.
"We do have a scientific survey in the field, right now, to find out if people who've definitely had it because they've tested positive and have the antibodies do they get it again.
"And if they don't then we'll know scientifically that people who've had it and have been tested to have the antibodies that they can go about in a much more low risk way.
"If that science comes through, as we do expect it to, then we will be able to say people are lower risk if they've had that positive antibody test, but we don't know that yet and that's why everyone has to follow the social distancing rules."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'How long will I have to go on shielding?'
Linda Hurst: I'm in the shielding category. Will I have to wait for a vaccine before I hug my children and grandchildren again?
Hancock: "Those who are shielded, are those who have specifically received a letter from the NHS saying they are clinically extremely vulnerable to the disease.
"This is not the rule for all over 70s, who are in a different category, so the answer I'm going to give relates to the shielded who have specifically received a letter from the NHS.
"We asked those who are being shielding to avoid as much human contact as possible, for 12 weeks, we may have to extend those 12 weeks but we hope not to.
"We may well be able to release some of those measures before a vaccine is available, if we can get the level of new cases right down.
"So in some countries they've managed to now get the number of new cases right down and, if we get there, if we succeed in doing that, then we will be able to take clinical advice on whether it's safe for those who are shielded to hug their grandchildren.
"I understand the emotional impact this is having and there are many people who haven't left their homes for six weeks or so, that is a long time especially if you don't have a garden, so that's right at the front of my mind.
"Making sure we get the rules around those who are shielded right is really important and we will take into account not just the impact of coronavirus but the wider impact on people's physical and mental health from being stuck at home for such a long time."
Brian McCarvel: What if a vaccine cannot be found for COVID-19?
Hancock: "If a vaccine can't be found then we have to learn to find a way to live with this virus - which means getting the numbers right down and then holding them down through, for instance, mass scale testing and chasing the virus through a combination of technology and human virus tracers.
"And of course we're working on treatments, that is to say drugs that can make sure if you do get ill with coronavirus it isn't life-threatening in the way it is now.
"It is not a guarantee that we will find a vaccine, we're doing everything we possibly can, we're putting as many resources as we can into the scientists who are leading this.
"We've got three potential vaccines, two of which are world leaders, but we're working with countries around the world so that whoever makes the first successful vaccine we'll be able to get it."
Café owner Ryan Enever asks about the two-metre rule, which he says will never work in his premises because it is too small.
Hancock: "The business secretary is working on the rules for safe working so that, when we get the rate of new infections down we can work on how people can get people back to work as safely as possible.
"We're going to say more about that very shortly.
"The two-metre rule is based on the best scientific advice and the problem is the more you reduce it the more easily the virus spreads, and it isn't linear so if you half it you don't just double the likelihood of the virus spreading you increase it exponentially.
"So we're very careful to follow the clinical advice on the two-metre rule, but there's also very strong evidence that outdoors the spread is much, much lower so there may be workarounds that some businesses, for instance cafes especially over the summer, might be able to put into place."
Joe: I'm a young cancer patient in London and all of my appointments have been cancelled. Why is the Excel centre in east London not being used as the epicentre of COVID-19 freeing up hospital space and making it safe for other serious illness treatment?
Hancock: "We're taking this principle, which is a very sensible principle, and putting it into place within existing hospitals, within the mainstream hospitals.
"The reason for that is because many people with coronavirus also have other conditions, and the Excel centre is designed for people who only have coronavirus and don't have other underlying health conditions.
"Within hospitals we are separating them into COVID and non-COVID areas and that means that if people have more seriously complications they're actually safer in a full blown hospital that has the full blown intensive care capabilities.
"It's safer if you've got coronavirus to be treated in a mainstream hospital."
Burley: Cancer patients are still going to have to wait longer than normal aren't they?
Hancock: We are restarting cancer treatment but there is a challenge with some cancer treatments when it takes your immune system right down to zero that that is not a wise thing to do when there is an epidemic going on.
"That's irrespective of what's available in the NHS, but a lot of cancer treatment has carried on through the crisis because it's time critical and those parts that we stopped for less time critical cancers, no cancer is not time critical, we're now beginning to restart and doing that in a safe way.
"The critical message for viewers is that if you are advised by your clinician to go to a hospital appointment you should go because they will have taken into account the risk from COVID-19 as well."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 'What will the govt do to help struggling dentists?'
Dr Uchenna Okoye: Patients are in pain and primary dental care is in danger of collapse - what are you going to do about it?
Hancock: "Dentistry is another really important area we want to get started again as soon as it is safe to do so.
"There have been arrangements put in place for emergency dental care, so for patients who have got something urgent, there are almost 200 centres around England for emergency dental care.
"But we have advised people not to take up routine dental check-ups, in fact I've had to delay mine, and that is obviously an important precaution because by its nature your dentist is close to you when they're looking at your teeth.
"I'm working with the British Dental Association, I understand the impact because many people pay privately to go to the dentist and that of course is having a business impact on dentists alongside the lack of NHS work because we're not recommending people go for routine check-ups.
"So it is really important we support our dentists through this period."
Burley: When do you think the practices will be open again?
Hancock: "As part of the restart of the NHS that's something we're working on, hopefully within weeks or months."
Carla Tombs: Can there be some guidance on when cancelled operations due to COVID-19 would be rebooked? As a woman of 34 with serve fertility issues it is absolutely soul-destroying knowing each day I am waiting my chances of becoming a mother are just slipping by
Hancock: "It is heartbreaking and I've seen the wonders of IVF within my own family, not me personally but close family, so I know how important it is for you Carla and other people in your circumstances.
"I'm really pleased we have been able to restart fertility treatment, of course it was paused for over a month and there will be a backlog to get through - but we've been able to get that restart going and I very much hope Carla, that you get your appointment sooner rather than later."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 'Did you sacrifice care home residents to help the NHS?'
John Allan: Did you sacrifice elderly people in care homes so you could ensure the NHS wasn't overwhelmed?
Hancock: "We didn't do this. From the start, we've worked very hard to protect people in care homes.
"Until this crisis there hasn't been as much discussion in the public debate about the support that is given to people in care homes, and I'm really glad that actually one of the things that has happened as we've gone through this crisis is that there has been much more discussion of that.
"We put in place the first guidance to care homes in February, and when large number of people left hospital to make space for people with COVID-19 that was before there were many cases of coronavirus and then since then we've put in place the rules that are in place, in England at least, for testing everybody as they leave hospital to go into care homes."
Burley: Should you have done that to start with?
"The problem was that the testing didn't exist in this country and we've had to build that throughout the crisis.
"I feel like we put a lot of effort and resources into supporting care homes from the start, maybe we should have explained that more clearly.
"The challenge with care homes in this crisis is that many of the most vulnerable people to coronavirus, because it hits older people much harder, are in care homes, so by their nature they are some of the most vulnerable areas.
"There will be a time for going over the history of this, but now the most important thing is that we protect people in care homes as much as possible including using the new testing to make sure we protect people in care homes.
"It would have been wonderful if we'd gone into the crisis with a global scale diagnostics industry, in the way Germany did, but we went in more like countries like France who've had to build testing capability almost from scratch.
"Now we're able to have those tests, those asymptomatic tests, not be a lack of effort from the people on my team who've been absolutely amazing on this but because we just didn't have that capacity as a country."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'When will I be able to go back to college?'
James: When will I be allowed to go back to college?
Hancock: We didn't want to shut schools and colleges but we had to because although children don't suffer the consequences of COVID-19 as much as adults... they still spread it.
"That means that colleges and schools are a place where lots of people from different households come and mix so it is a real spreader environment.
"Colleges and schools were perfectly safe for children but they could help spread the disease.
"We're considering now how we can get that restarted in a safe way when it is right to do so.
"It's too soon."
"I have three children who are currently home schooling and I'm not able to help with that very much but my wife is - she has to put a huge amount of effort into it as well.
"We know it is imperfect, but at least thanks to technology it's better than it might have been in the past.
"I totally understand the frustration of those who want to get back to school, in fact I admire children who want to go back to school because they want their social lives as well.
Burley: It won't be until September will it?
"It's just so important for all the reasons we're discussing that we get the rate of new transmissions down and if there is something we can do before then then we will - but I can't make any promises".
"It's tempting to give concrete answers and I'm not dodging the question, I'm answering really directly.
"We don't know because we've got to see the progress of the disease and we don't know how people are going to behave in terms of the lockdown measures.
"I understand the frustration of people over will it be June, will it be September, what age groups will it be because of course other countries have taken different decisions for different age groups.
"I'm tempted to prejudge those decisions but we don't yet have the data but we are coming to a position where relatively soon we might be able to say so."
Burley: In the next two weeks?
"I hope so."
John Fletcher: Can it really be just a coincidence that the virus originated in a city where there are two laboratories researching coronavirus?
Hancock: "We have looked into this and we don't have any evidence that this is a manmade coronavirus.
"I understand what John is getting at, but we haven't seen any evidence of that link."
Burley: Have the Americans shared any evidence with us at all? Because we heard from the US president and he said that there is a link?
"The president phrased his comments very carefully. We haven't seen any evidence of a link, so there's nothing I've seen that confirms the allegation that John is referring to that I know is something people are talking about.
"The evidence appears to be that at some point the disease jumped from an animal to a human, and trying to make sure that doesn't happen again that is in the global interest, it's not just a matter for one country."
Stewart Deeks: Donald Trump rated his performance during the pandemic as 10/10. How would you rate your own performance?
Hancock: I'd say I'm constantly trying to learn and understand what's gone well and what can be improved, and there are some things we've had to change because they didn't work first time around.
"I think I'd give you a more humble response than the president - I'm not going to put a figure on it, obviously.
"I'll give you one example of something we learnt and changed... we put in place guidance around funerals and that guidance was interpreted in a different way to what we expected and then I saw that some funerals were taking place with no loved ones nearby and that was terrible, so we changed the guidance.
"We should have put the updated guidance in in the first place and said to everyone it is okay to have a small number of members of your family at a funeral - of course you can socially distance at a funeral as long as there aren't too many people there."
Burley: What other mistakes have you made?
"I don't know - there'll be a time for reviews."
Burley: Does the burden of responsibility weigh you down?
"I don't feel that, because I feel highly motivated to get it right.
"That includes listening to the accusations you get and the criticism and saying 'Well where have they got a point and what can we learn from it?'.
"I get up in the morning and think 'What can I do today to try to get this country the best possible response?' and then I work on that all day and then I go to bed and I get up and do the same.
"Occasionally I get a few hours off - this weekend I was able to play frisbee in the park with the kids and so take some exercise.
"So I do try to take a couple of hours off at the weekend, so you've just got to do everything you can do to get the response right."
Burley: Are you fully better now?
"Yes. Fortunately it was only mild, other people have had it much worse than me.
Burley: What was it like?
"For about 48 hours it was really tough, I had a really sore throat and I couldn't eat or drink and I had the aching in my muscles that lots of people talk about.
"Fortunately it didn't seem to get on to my lungs so breathing wasn't particularly a problem and I was tired.
"It was quite short and then fortunately I bounced out of it relatively fast."
Burley: Where you surprised at how badly affected the prime minister was?
"Yeah, because both of us got it at around the same time... I talked to him all the way through it and in the first few days we seemed to be very much on a par and then I just got better and he didn't.
"That was strange... It does seem to hit people sometimes a second time because then it came and suddenly he went downhill and it was quite sudden how he went downhill the second time.
"We've all seen the videos in the public domain and him coming out to Clap for Carers on Thursday night, looking like a ghost, and it hit him very hard."
Burley: We've got the highest number of deaths in Europe, how can that be? Were we not prepared?
"We've got to be very cautious with this data, we've got to be very careful how we describe it.
"We're one of the biggest countries in Europe and that matters, so there are smaller countries that naturally will have smaller number of deaths.
"Spain and Italy don't include deaths outside hospitals in their figures, we didn't used to as it is harder to count deaths in the community and care homes and we now do so you'll have seen early last week there was a rise in the number of published deaths here and that's because we include all deaths from coronavirus not just those in hospital.
"So Spain and Italy are smaller countries and they don't include all deaths in their figures so you've got to be very careful about essentially comparing like with like.
"If you speak to the statisticians they say that it's only afterwards and looking back on the total number of people who have died during the peak compared to the normal number... that you can make those comparisons."
David Lipscombe: What if the trials for the new app on the Isle of Wight are not successful, do you have a plan B?
Hancock: "Yes we do, we'll look at doing it in a different way and increase the number of human tracers, because the app is only part of a whole programme.
"There's testing, human contact tracing and then technology. It's all about tracing the virus and following the virus as it spreads.
"We wouldn't know where people are all the time, I've seen those concerns and they are wrong, they are not based on what's happening in the app.
"The point of the app is that the data is shared on your own phone until you choose to go to the NHS because you get a test if you've got positive symptoms.
"I've seen articles about this and questions about this but they are based on a misunderstanding of what the app does and to prove the point we've published the source code of the app so anyone can go and have a look at how it works and how it protects your privacy while also being so important for the health of the nation.
"It protects you, it protects the people you are close to and it protects the community.
"We have taken concerns into account, we have an ethics advisory board, we'll be publishing the data impact assessment and all of the information around this but we've published the source code so you can see what the app does.
"And if you download the app the data of who you are in contact with stays on your phone, it doesn't go to us until you come to us and say I've got the symptoms I need a positive test."
Burley: A final thought, what are you most looking forward to when lockdown ends?
Hancock: "Going to Suffolk. I've been stuck in London, I haven't been to Suffolk to my constituency for probably two months now.
"I can still do my job as a local MP through emails and phones, but just getting out to the countryside, getting lungfuls of fresh air."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-06--NHS frontline messages 'difficult for Hancock to hear'

Health Secretary Matt Hancock found messages from the NHS frontline `` difficult to hear '' when challenged over the government 's testing strategy , a Labour MP and serving A & E doctor has claimed .
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said many lives had been lost because `` not everything was right '' about how the government responded at the start of the coronavirus outbreak .
She was speaking to Sky News a day after clashing in the Commons with Mr Hancock , who told her to watch her `` tone '' during their exchange .
Dr Allin-Khan said frontline NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` could have been avoided '' if there had been more testing .
Speaking to Kay Burley about Mr Hancock 's reaction , she said : `` Obviously , he 's been having a difficult time .
He found the content of what I said at the despatch box , where I was merely bringing messages forward from the frontline , difficult to hear .
`` I think we are starting to see an admission of the fact that not everything was right throughout the start of this process .
We missed an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , I think we have paid the price for that dearly with many lives being lost . ''
She added : `` At the despatch box , I said that many frontline NHS and care workers feel that when they are having to break families ' hearts into pieces , much of it could have been avoided if we got on top of the testing sooner . ''
Dr Allin-Khan , the shadow minister for mental health , said the government needs to put into place a `` fair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll out of any future vaccine .
She said : `` We need to see real transparency over every single decision taken and if there is going to be a vaccine , we need to make sure it is rolled out properly . ''
During their exchange in the Commons , Dr Allin-Khan called on Mr Hancock to commit to a `` minimum of 100,000 tests each day going forward '' .
Mr Hancock said she `` might do well to take a leaf out of the shadow secretary of state 's book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allin-Khan later tweeted she would `` not watch my tone when dozens of NHS and care staff are dying unnecessarily '' .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock found messages from the NHS frontline "difficult to hear" when challenged over the government's testing strategy, a Labour MP and serving A&E doctor has claimed.
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said many lives had been lost because "not everything was right" about how the government responded at the start of the coronavirus outbreak.
She was speaking to Sky News a day after clashing in the Commons with Mr Hancock, who told her to watch her "tone" during their exchange.
Dr Allin-Khan said frontline NHS staff feel that many of the deaths "could have been avoided" if there had been more testing.
Image: Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said the government's testing strategy had 'missed an opportunity'
Speaking to Kay Burley about Mr Hancock's reaction, she said: "Obviously, he's been having a difficult time. He found the content of what I said at the despatch box, where I was merely bringing messages forward from the frontline, difficult to hear.
"I think we are starting to see an admission of the fact that not everything was right throughout the start of this process. We missed an opportunity to scale up testing.
"As a result, I think we have paid the price for that dearly with many lives being lost."
She added: "At the despatch box, I said that many frontline NHS and care workers feel that when they are having to break families' hearts into pieces, much of it could have been avoided if we got on top of the testing sooner."
Dr Allin-Khan, the shadow minister for mental health, said the government needs to put into place a "fair, robust and transparent programme" for the roll out of any future vaccine.
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She said: "We need to see real transparency over every single decision taken and if there is going to be a vaccine, we need to make sure it is rolled out properly."
During their exchange in the Commons, Dr Allin-Khan called on Mr Hancock to commit to a "minimum of 100,000 tests each day going forward".
Mr Hancock said she "might do well to take a leaf out of the shadow secretary of state's book in terms of tone".
Dr Allin-Khan later tweeted she would "not watch my tone when dozens of NHS and care staff are dying unnecessarily".


skynewspolitics--2020-05-07--'Technical issues' in labs blamed for testing failures

The government has blamed `` technical issues '' in labs for its failure to reach its coronavirus test target for four consecutive days .
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said the problems were `` not hugely surprising '' given how fast testing has been scaled up .
He did not spell out exactly what the issues were but admitted `` there has been a bit of a drop off in the tests in the last couple of days '' .
COVID-19 test numbers stood at 69,463 in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday - well short of the 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease the UK 's lockdown .
The only two days the government claimed to have met its target were 1 and 2 May - the days immediately after the deadline imposed by the health secretary .
But critics point out these figures included tests posted out rather than actually used , and those with return delivery errors people have been advised to bin .
When the stark fall in the number of tests was revealed at the Downing Street daily news conference on Wednesday , Public Health England 's medical director Yvonne Doyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent a matter of seconds discussing the slide showing the latest figures before moving swiftly on .
`` This is a whole new venture - a massive expansion in what we can do in terms of diagnostic tests in this country , '' Mr Lewis told Sky News ’ Kay Burley @ Breakfast .
`` I think all the organisations and people involved in doing that have done a phenomenal job with a new virus and a new test going from scratch to where we are . ''
The Independent reported widespread testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at hospitals and GP surgeries because of a shortage of vital chemicals .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to increase the number of coronavirus tests available to 200,000 a day by the end of May .
More and more people are also now eligible to ask for the tests - after those reserved just for NHS staff were not all taken up .

The government has blamed "technical issues" in labs for its failure to reach its coronavirus test target for four consecutive days.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said the problems were "not hugely surprising" given how fast testing has been scaled up.
He did not spell out exactly what the issues were but admitted "there has been a bit of a drop off in the tests in the last couple of days".
Image: Brandon Lewis said the testing issue was 'not hugely surprising'
COVID-19 test numbers stood at 69,463 in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday - well short of the 100,000 a day ministers say are necessary to ease the UK's lockdown.
Downing Street said technical issues in one of the testing labs had contributed to this low number of tests.
The prime minister's spokesman said: "Yesterday's figures reflect some particular technical issues which affected the number of samples which were processed over the proceeding 24 hours.
"These were issues which arose in a single lab. We've worked to resolve them and capacity is being rapidly restored."
Speaking later at the daily COVID-19 briefing, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab revealed some 86,583 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 9am on Thursday.
The only two days the government claimed to have met its target were 1 and 2 May - the days immediately after the deadline imposed by the health secretary.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Drop in COVID-19 tests skimmed over in govt briefing
But critics point out these figures included tests posted out rather than actually used, and those with return delivery errors people have been advised to bin.
When the stark fall in the number of tests was revealed at the Downing Street daily news conference on Wednesday, Public Health England's medical director Yvonne Doyle skirted quickly over the issue.
She spent a matter of seconds discussing the slide showing the latest figures before moving swiftly on.
"This is a whole new venture - a massive expansion in what we can do in terms of diagnostic tests in this country," Mr Lewis told Sky News’ Kay Burley@Breakfast.
"I think all the organisations and people involved in doing that have done a phenomenal job with a new virus and a new test going from scratch to where we are."
The Independent reported widespread testing has been suspended for staff and patients at hospitals and GP surgeries because of a shortage of vital chemicals.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to increase the number of coronavirus tests available to 200,000 a day by the end of May.
More and more people are also now eligible to ask for the tests - after those reserved just for NHS staff were not all taken up.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-07--What might change when lockdown restrictions are eased?

Boris Johnson will on Sunday set out the government 's plan for lifting the UK 's coronavirus lockdown measures .
The prime minister has promised some COVID-19 restrictions could be eased as soon as Monday .
However , cabinet minister Brandon Lewis warned Britons `` it would be wrong to get too carried away '' at the prospect of lockdown measures lifting .
He told Sky News that the government would be `` very cautious '' due to the risk of a second spike in coronavirus infections .
So , what might - if anything - change from next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction , manufacturing and farming , have been able to continue working during the UK 's lockdown .
And essential retailers , largely supermarkets and food shops , have also been allowed to remain open .
However , with more than six million Britons furloughed from their jobs , the prime minister has told MPs he wants to `` enable people safely and securely to go back to work and earn their pay packets '' .
Business groups , major employers and trade unions have received draft government guidelines setting out how companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are eased .
The guidance includes requirements to maintain social distancing of two metres , demarcating office space with tape on floors and desks , and restricting access to lifts .
To reduce congestion in offices , shifts are likely to be staggered and many staff who can work from home will be required to continue to do so for many months to come .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Where maintaining a two-metre gap is not possible however , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment should be considered , along with extra cleaning measures , and the use of screens as is the case in supermarkets .
However , it is still unclear how many workers might be encouraged to return to their workplaces as early as next week .
Outdoor retail and some offices may be among the first to be allowed to reopen , with customer-facing businesses such as pubs , entertainment venues and restaurants likely to face a longer wait .
The government has come under pressure from Conservative MPs to allow garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hinted at such action when he promised ministers would keep the issue `` under very close review '' .
As the government prepares to encourage more people to go back to their workplaces , the prime minister has spoken of running a `` bigger and more expansive '' London Underground service so that `` people can observe social distancing '' .
He also promised , on Sunday , to set out `` mitigations to help people who , for reasons of social distancing , can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a huge amount of planning going into helping people to get to work other than by mass transit , '' Mr Johnson added .
He suggested one means could be encouraging more people to use bicycles to get to work in a `` new golden age for cycling '' .
Britons could be encouraged to wear face coverings , especially on public transport , when lockdown measures are eased .
The prime minister has previously said face coverings will be `` useful '' to `` give people confidence they can go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has promised to say more about face coverings when he announces the next stage of coronavirus measures this weekend .
In Germany , which has begun lifting its lockdown , some states will initially allow restaurants to serve customers outside as they reopen .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock hinted at cafes in the UK being allowed to do the same , telling Sky News : `` We 're very careful to follow the clinical advice on the two-metre rule .
`` But there 's also very strong evidence that outdoors the spread is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be workarounds that some businesses , for instance cafes - especially over the summer - might be able to put into place . ''
Mr Johnson is expected to announce that people can do as much exercise outdoors as they like from Monday .
Currently , Britons should only be exercising outdoors - alone or with a member of their household - once a day .
However , despite the possible easing of that restriction , gyms and playgrounds are expected to remain closed .
The prime minister might also give the go-ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and outings in the countryside .
But beaches are still likely to be out of bounds , it has been reported .
Ministers have previously hinted that golf , fishing and bowls - sports in which social distancing is easier to maintain - might be among the first to be permitted to resume .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has suggested the easing of the UK 's lockdown could include the possibility of Britons joining a social `` bubble '' containing small groups of friends and family from different households for gatherings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An immediate first step might be allowing two households to join up together as one such `` bubble '' .
Schools in the UK have been closed - except for the attendance of children of key workers - since 20 March , but Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has told MPs the government is planning the `` phased '' reopening of English schools .
Ofsted 's chief inspector has told Sky News there is a `` great deal of logic '' in allowing younger children to return to school first .
And Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the things we want to do as fast as we can is get certainly primary schools back . ''
However , the government has been coy on when that might actually happen .
Mr Hancock told Sky News : `` I understand the frustration of people over will it be June , will it be September , what age groups will it be because of course other countries have taken different decisions for different age groups .
`` I 'm tempted to prejudge those decisions but we do n't yet have the data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where relatively soon we might be able to say so . ''
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has set out how courts could soon employ social distancing measures .
`` We 'll have to use , for example , two courts where we would have used one in the past , so that jurors can retire into a safe space and also be spaced out and distanced within the court , '' he told ITV .
`` We 'll start to see that happening in the next few weeks , but it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's lockdown , all criminal trials expected to last more than three days were postponed in England and Wales .
Up until now , the government has been urging Britons to `` stay home , protect the NHS , save lives '' .
However , in a hint of how the government 's messaging might alter from Monday , the prime minister recently tweeted : `` Stay home , slow the spread , keep going . ''

Boris Johnson will set out the government's plan this evening for lifting coronavirus lockdown measures.
The prime minister has promised some COVID-19 restrictions in England could be eased as soon as Monday.
However, cabinet minister Brandon Lewis warned people "it would be wrong to get too carried away" at the prospect of lockdown measures being lifted.
He told Sky News the government would be "very cautious" due to the risk of a second spike in coronavirus infections.
So, what (if anything) might change from next week?
Workplaces
Companies in some sectors, including construction, manufacturing and farming, have been able to continue working during the UK's lockdown.
And essential retailers, largely supermarkets and food shops, have also been allowed to remain open.
However, with more than six million Britons furloughed from their jobs, the prime minister has told MPs he wants to "enable people safely and securely to go back to work and earn their pay packets".
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Watch Sky News at 7pm tonight for the prime minister's pre-recorded address to the nation over ending the lockdown.
Image: Britons might be allowed to exercise outside as much as they like
Business groups, major employers and trade unions have received draft government guidelines setting out how companies can resume working safely.
The guidance includes requirements to maintain social distancing of two metres, demarcating office space with tape on floors and desks, and restricting access to lifts.
To reduce congestion, shifts are likely to be staggered and many staff who can work from home will be required to do so for many months to come.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Where maintaining a two-metre gap is not possible however, the guidelines say that the use of personal protective equipment should be considered, along with extra cleaning measures, and the use of screens as in supermarkets.
However, it is still unclear how many workers might be encouraged to return to their workplaces as early as next week.
Garden centres
Outdoor retail and some offices may be among the first to be allowed to reopen, with customer-facing businesses such as pubs, entertainment venues and restaurants likely to face a longer wait.
The government has come under pressure from Conservative MPs to allow garden centres to be among the first businesses to reopen.
They will be able to reopen on Wednesday.
Transport
As the government prepares to encourage more people to go back to their workplaces, the prime minister has spoken of running a "bigger and more expansive" London Underground service so that "people can observe social distancing".
He also promised to set out "mitigations to help people who, for reasons of social distancing, cannot use mass transit".
Image: The PM has spoken of a 'new golden age of cycling'
"There will be a huge amount of planning going into helping people to get to work other than by mass transit," Mr Johnson added.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced a £250m package to boost cycling and walking, after warning that on some forms of public transport only one in 10 passengers will be able to travel to ensure social distancing.
Face masks
Britons could be encouraged to wear face coverings, especially on public transport, when lockdown measures are eased.
The prime minister has previously said face coverings will be "useful" to "give people confidence they can go back to work".
Mr Johnson has promised to say more about face coverings when he announces the next stage of coronavirus measures this weekend.
Cafes
In Germany, which has begun lifting its lockdown, some states will initially allow restaurants to serve customers outside as they reopen.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock hinted at cafes in the UK being allowed to do the same, telling Sky News: "We're very careful to follow the clinical advice on the two-metre rule.
"But there's also very strong evidence that outdoors the spread is much, much lower so there may be workarounds that some businesses, for instance cafes - especially over the summer - might be able to put into place."
Image: Britons could be encouraged to wear face masks when they return to work
Exercise
Mr Johnson is expected to announce that people can do as much exercise outdoors as they like from Monday.
Currently, Britons should only be exercising outdoors - alone or with a member of their household - once a day.
However, despite the possible easing of that restriction, gyms and playgrounds are expected to remain closed.
The prime minister might also give the go-ahead to picnics, trips to the park and outings in the countryside.
But beaches are still likely to be out of bounds, it has been reported.
Ministers have previously hinted that golf, fishing and bowls - sports in which social distancing is easier to maintain - might be among the first to be permitted to resume.
Social bubbles
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has suggested the easing of the UK's lockdown could include the possibility of Britons joining a social "bubble" containing small groups of friends and family from different households for gatherings, even if that was only possible outdoors.
A first step might be allowing two households to join up together as one such "bubble".
One thing the government will be watching very closely in this decision will be the R number - the reproduction number of the virus, a measure of how fast it's spreading.
At the start of the epidemic, R was 3 - meaning every infected person was passing the virus to around three other people. Now it is somewhere between 0.5 and 0.9.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 45:41 Ask the Health Secretary: Watch in full
Schools
Schools in the UK have been closed - except for the attendance of children of key workers - since 20 March, but Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has told MPs the government is planning the "phased" reopening of English schools.
Ofsted's chief inspector has told Sky News there is a "great deal of logic" in allowing younger children to return to school first.
And Mr Johnson has said: "One of the things we want to do as fast as we can is get certainly primary schools back."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 'Normality' of school important for children
However, the government has been coy on when that might actually happen.
Mr Hancock told Sky News: "I understand the frustration of people over will it be June, will it be September, what age groups will it be because of course other countries have taken different decisions for different age groups.
"I'm tempted to prejudge those decisions but we don't yet have the data but we are coming to a position where relatively soon we might be able to say so."
The Welsh government has said schools will not reopen for the majority of pupils until at least 1 June.
On Saturday, teaching unions wrote to the government with a list of key measures that must be met before pupils in England can safely return to their desks.
Courts
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has set out how courts could soon employ social distancing measures.
"We'll have to use, for example, two courts where we would have used one in the past, so that jurors can retire into a safe space and also be spaced out and distanced within the court," he told ITV.
"We'll start to see that happening in the next few weeks, but it will be a slow build-up."
Ahead of the UK's lockdown, all criminal trials expected to last more than three days were postponed in England and Wales.
A new government slogan?
Up until now, the government has been urging Britons to "stay home, protect the NHS, save lives".
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The prime minister recently tweeted: "Stay home, slow the spread, keep going", although on Saturday evening it appeared the decision was made for "Stay alert, control the virus, save lives".


skynewspolitics--2020-05-07--Picnics, park trips and days out considered as Johnson mulls easing lockdown

Boris Johnson is preparing important changes to the coronavirus lockdown rules , including amending the `` stay at home '' slogan and relaxing the one-exercise-a day limit .
On the day the second three-week period of restrictions comes to an end , the prime minister is chairing a crucial meeting of his cabinet and talk to the leaders of opposition parties .
He announced to MPs in the Commons that he plans to outline changes to the lockdown rules in England in a TV address on Sunday , with the first of the new guidelines coming into force on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as relaxing the `` stay at home '' rule and allowing unlimited exercise , the PM may give the go-ahead to picnics , trips to the park and outings in the countryside .
And he gave a hint of his proposed change to the government 's coronavirus slogan from `` Stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' when he tweeted : `` We have come so far .
Let 's keep going . ''
But primary schools are unlikely to re-open until the end of May , secondary schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could be the end of August before pubs and restaurants open their doors again .
The devolved governments in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland are in charge of lockdown measures in those respective nations but the prime minister has said he wants the whole UK to move together as one .
Mr Johnson announced the initial lockdown measures in a sombre TV broadcast on 23 March , only a few days before he tested positive for COVID-19 and began self-isolating .
`` I must give the British people a very simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he declared .
`` If you do n't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them , including through fines and dispersing gatherings . ''
But he added : `` I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review .
We will look again in three weeks , and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to . ''
But three weeks later Mr Johnson was recovering at Chequers after spending a week in hospital , including three nights in intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In his absence , his stand-in , Dominic Raab , announced that based on scientific advice the government had determined that the measures had to remain in place for at least another three weeks .
Now those three weeks are up , although there will still be no major changes , senior ministers have signalled that there will be adjustments to the rules on outdoor activities and moves to help people return to work .
Speaking to Kay Burley on Sky News , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` There is strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , much lower , so there may be workarounds that some businesses , for instance cafes , especially over the summer , may be able to put into place . ''
And the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced at the latest daily Downing Street coronavirus news conference that moves were underway to get the economy moving again .
Mr Jenrick said his department was drawing up plans on how workplaces could be adapted to make them safer and how parks , high streets , markets and transport could be managed with social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everything we can do is done to help people get back to work safely and to reintroduce the things that make life worth living , in a safe way when it is safe to do so , '' he said .
But with the government struggling to meet its targets on coronavirus testing , minsters face a tough task persuading a sceptical and fearful British public that it is safe to return to work .
In Prime Minister 's Questions , Mr Johnson declared that his ambition was to reach 200,000 tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month `` and then to go even higher '' .
But later , at the news conference , Mr Jenrick was forced to admit that the latest daily testing number was under 70,000 and Mr Hancock 's 100,000-a-day target by the end of April had been missed for the fourth day running .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour 's Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth challenged the government : `` Far from delivering on the promise of 100,000 completed tests a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four days in a row .
`` A test , trace and isolate strategy is crucial to tackling this virus .
Ministers need to explain why the number of tests being completed daily is falling rather than rising . ''

Boris Johnson is preparing important changes to the coronavirus lockdown rules, including amending the "stay at home" slogan and relaxing the one-exercise-a day limit.
On the day the second three-week period of restrictions comes to an end, the prime minister is chairing a crucial meeting of his cabinet and talk to the leaders of opposition parties.
He announced to MPs in the Commons that he plans to outline changes to the lockdown rules in England in a TV address on Sunday, with the first of the new guidelines coming into force on Monday.
With summer approaching, as well as relaxing the "stay at home" rule and allowing unlimited exercise, the PM may give the go-ahead to picnics, trips to the park and outings in the countryside.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
And he gave a hint of his proposed change to the government's coronavirus slogan from "Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives" when he tweeted: "We have come so far. Let's keep going."
But primary schools are unlikely to re-open until the end of May, secondary schools not before the end of June and it could be the end of August before pubs and restaurants open their doors again.
The devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are in charge of lockdown measures in those respective nations but the prime minister has said he wants the whole UK to move together as one.
Mr Johnson announced the initial lockdown measures in a sombre TV broadcast on 23 March, only a few days before he tested positive for COVID-19 and began self-isolating.
"I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home," he declared. "If you don't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings."
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But he added: "I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review. We will look again in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 29 March: PM's video message from his virus isolation
But three weeks later Mr Johnson was recovering at Chequers after spending a week in hospital, including three nights in intensive care, battling to overcome coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:13 12 April:'The NHS saved my life, no question'
In his absence, his stand-in, Dominic Raab, announced that based on scientific advice the government had determined that the measures had to remain in place for at least another three weeks.
Now those three weeks are up, although there will still be no major changes, senior ministers have signalled that there will be adjustments to the rules on outdoor activities and moves to help people return to work.
Speaking to Kay Burley on Sky News, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "There is strong evidence that outdoors the spread is much, much lower, so there may be workarounds that some businesses, for instance cafes, especially over the summer, may be able to put into place."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Matt Hancock questioned on COVID- 19 response
And the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced at the latest daily Downing Street coronavirus news conference that moves were underway to get the economy moving again.
Mr Jenrick said his department was drawing up plans on how workplaces could be adapted to make them safer and how parks, high streets, markets and transport could be managed with social distancing.
"Our mission is to ensure that everything we can do is done to help people get back to work safely and to reintroduce the things that make life worth living, in a safe way when it is safe to do so," he said.
But with the government struggling to meet its targets on coronavirus testing, minsters face a tough task persuading a sceptical and fearful British public that it is safe to return to work.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:46 UK COVID-19 deaths up 649 as testing falls
In Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Johnson declared that his ambition was to reach 200,000 tests a day by the end of this month "and then to go even higher".
But later, at the news conference, Mr Jenrick was forced to admit that the latest daily testing number was under 70,000 and Mr Hancock's 100,000-a-day target by the end of April had been missed for the fourth day running.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour's Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth challenged the government: "Far from delivering on the promise of 100,000 completed tests a day, testing numbers have now fallen four days in a row.
"A test, trace and isolate strategy is crucial to tackling this virus. Ministers need to explain why the number of tests being completed daily is falling rather than rising."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-07--Marking VE Day, PM tells veterans: 'You will always be remembered'

Boris Johnson has declared that the UK 's response to the coronavirus demands the same effort and courage as the armed forces showed in the Second World War .
In a letter to veterans on the 75th anniversary of VE Day , the prime minister laments that the country will not be able to celebrate with parades and street parties because of the virus .
Mr Johnson has already visited Westminster Abbey to light a candle of remembrance , and he will observe a nationwide two-minute silence on the steps of 10 Downing Street at 11am .
In his emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On this anniversary , we are engaged in a new struggle against the coronavirus which demands the same spirit of national endeavour that you exemplified 75 years ago .
`` We can not pay our tribute with the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past ; your loved ones may be unable to visit in person .
`` But please allow us , your proud compatriots , to be the first to offer our gratitude , our heartfelt thanks and our solemn pledge : you will always be remembered . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes as he prepares for a TV address about COVID-19 in which he will announce changes to lockdown rules - some of which will come into force on Monday .
In an attempt to downplay expectations raised by the PM in the Commons on Wednesday , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said changes to the lockdown restrictions will relatively minor .
`` Any changes in the short term will be modest , small , incremental and very carefully monitored , '' Mr Raab said at the latest daily coronavirus news conference in Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future the R level goes back up or that people are n't following the rules , we must have the ability then to put back measures in place .
`` For the moment it is really important , particularly as people look towards a warm bank holiday weekend , that we continue to follow the guidance in place at this time . ''
In a VE Day video message , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer praises the creation of the NHS and welfare state by Clement Atlee 's post-war Labour government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ times we would be paying tribute to their achievements in street parties , in gatherings and events at the Cenotaph .
This year we ca n't do that , this year we ca n't be together .
`` We commemorate those who stood together for a better future .
We remember their service , and also their sacrifice . ''
The new Leader of the Opposition has also written for The Daily Telegraph , and said : `` We owe so much to the generation of VE Day .
We must do everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the current crisis .
`` We have all heard the harrowing stories of the virus spreading through care homes , with families unable to say their last goodbyes .
`` The crisis in our care homes has gone on for too long , and we must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable , many of whom protected our country in its darkest hour . ''
In his letter to veterans , Mr Johnson pays tribute to Sir Winston Churchill , his political hero , of whom he wrote a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One Man Made History - while he was London mayor in 2014 .
No doubt mindful of the life-or-death choices he now faces , the PM says Sir Winston took `` agonising decisions '' and declares : `` His leadership was magnificent , yet he was the first to say that it was you , the Britons of that generation , who possessed the lion 's heart ; his task was to give the roar . ''
Addressing veterans directly , the 55-year-old writes : `` Those of us born after 1945 are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Without your trial and sacrifice , many of us would not be here at all ; if we were , we would surely not be free .
To us , you are quite simply the greatest generation of Britons who ever lived .
`` Our celebration of the anniversary of the victory might give the impression that Hitler 's downfall was somehow inevitable .
You know better .
`` You will remember moments of crisis , even desperation , as our country endured setback , defeat and grievous loss .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fortitude and quiet yet invincible courage . ''
The 75th anniversary of VE Day had been expected to be one of the most memorable events of 2020 , with the government moving the May Bank Holiday from Monday to Friday to allow celebrations to take place .
But social distancing requirements have meant the cancellation of a veterans ' procession , street parties , the creation of Victory Park featuring examples of Second World War life in London 's St James ' Park , and broadcasts from public spaces of Churchill 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a TV address from Windsor , her second televised message during the coronavirus outbreak , following her 5 April broadcast which concluded with the words of Vera Lynn 's classic wartime anthem : `` We will meet again . ''
In parliament , VE Day will be marked with tributes by the Speakers of the Commons and the Lords , followed by a wreath laying service in Westminster Hall , to coincide with the two-minute silence at 11am .
A trumpeter from the Band of the Scots Guard will sound the Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will read extracts from a speech given by Churchill in the Commons on May 8 1945 , in which he announced the surrender of Germany , bringing the Second World War to an end in Europe .

Boris Johnson has declared that the UK's response to the coronavirus demands the same effort and courage as the armed forces showed in the Second World War.
In a letter to veterans on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the prime minister laments that the country will not be able to celebrate with parades and street parties because of the virus.
Mr Johnson has already visited Westminster Abbey to light a candle of remembrance, and he will observe a nationwide two-minute silence on the steps of 10 Downing Street at 11am.
Image: Boris Johnson lights a candle at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior
In his emotional letter, the PM writes: "On this anniversary, we are engaged in a new struggle against the coronavirus which demands the same spirit of national endeavour that you exemplified 75 years ago.
"We cannot pay our tribute with the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past; your loved ones may be unable to visit in person.
"But please allow us, your proud compatriots, to be the first to offer our gratitude, our heartfelt thanks and our solemn pledge: you will always be remembered."
Mr Johnson's tribute to war heroes comes as he prepares for a TV address about COVID-19 in which he will announce changes to lockdown rules - some of which will come into force on Monday.
In an attempt to downplay expectations raised by the PM in the Commons on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said changes to the lockdown restrictions will be relatively minor.
Image: Britons across the country have been putting up bunting to mark VE Day Local resident Clarrie Jackson prepares the flag bunting on May 07, 2020 in Northampton, United Kingdom.
"Any changes in the short term will be modest, small, incremental and very carefully monitored," Mr Raab said at the latest daily coronavirus news conference in Downing Street.
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"If we find in the future the R level goes back up or that people aren't following the rules, we must have the ability then to put back measures in place.
"For the moment it is really important, particularly as people look towards a warm bank holiday weekend, that we continue to follow the guidance in place at this time."
Image: Children at a primary school in Derby held a VE Day lunch party
In a VE Day video message, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer praises the creation of the NHS and welfare state by Clement Atlee's post-war Labour government.
Sir Keir said: "In normal times we would be paying tribute to their achievements in street parties, in gatherings and events at the Cenotaph. This year we can't do that, this year we can't be together.
"We commemorate those who stood together for a better future. We remember their service, and also their sacrifice."
Image: Huge crowds in Trafalgar Square celebrate VE Day on 8 May 1945
The new Leader of the Opposition has also written for The Daily Telegraph, and said: "We owe so much to the generation of VE Day. We must do everything we can to care and support them through the current crisis.
"We have all heard the harrowing stories of the virus spreading through care homes, with families unable to say their last goodbyes.
"The crisis in our care homes has gone on for too long, and we must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable, many of whom protected our country in its darkest hour."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 What VE Day was like for the Queen
In his letter to veterans, Mr Johnson pays tribute to Sir Winston Churchill, his political hero, of whom he wrote a biography - The Churchill Factor, How One Man Made History - while he was London mayor in 2014.
No doubt mindful of the life-or-death choices he now faces, the PM says Sir Winston took "agonising decisions" and declares: "His leadership was magnificent, yet he was the first to say that it was you, the Britons of that generation, who possessed the lion's heart; his task was to give the roar."
Image: In a letter to veterans, Mr Johnson wrote: 'Without your trial and sacrifice, many of us would not be here at all'
Addressing veterans directly, the 55-year-old writes: "Those of us born after 1945 are acutely aware of the debt we owe.
"Without your trial and sacrifice, many of us would not be here at all; if we were, we would surely not be free. To us, you are quite simply the greatest generation of Britons who ever lived.
"Our celebration of the anniversary of the victory might give the impression that Hitler's downfall was somehow inevitable. You know better.
"You will remember moments of crisis, even desperation, as our country endured setback, defeat and grievous loss.
"What made the difference was your valour, fortitude and quiet yet invincible courage."
Image: The prime minister described WWII veterans as 'the greatest generation of Britons who ever lived'
The 75th anniversary of VE Day had been expected to be one of the most memorable events of 2020, with the government moving the May Bank Holiday from Monday to Friday to allow celebrations to take place.
But social distancing requirements have meant the cancellation of a veterans' procession, street parties, the creation of Victory Park featuring examples of Second World War life in London's St James' Park, and broadcasts from public spaces of Churchill's famous victory speech.
The Queen will make a TV address from Windsor, her second televised message during the coronavirus outbreak, following her 5 April broadcast which concluded with a nod to the words of Vera Lynn's classic wartime anthem: "We will meet again."
Image: The Dean of Westminster and prime minister Boris Johnson process towards the RAF Chapel within Westminster Abbey
In parliament, VE Day will be marked with tributes by the Speakers of the Commons and the Lords, followed by a wreath laying service in Westminster Hall, to coincide with the two-minute silence at 11am.
A trumpeter from the Band of the Scots Guard will sound the Last Post and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will read extracts from a speech given by Churchill in the Commons on May 8 1945, in which he announced the surrender of Germany, bringing the Second World War to an end in Europe.