skynewspolitics--2020-03-23--Police to hand out fines and most shops to shut as PM locks down UK

Boris Johnson has stunned millions of Britons with a momentous and tough lockdown announcement to tackle coronavirus , warning people to stay at home or face a fine .
In a dramatic and historic TV address to the nation , the prime minister said all shops apart from food stores and chemists must close immediately , meeting friends will be banned - and just one form of exercise a day will be allowed .
The COVID-19 lockdown , which will be in force for at least three weeks , follows growing pressure in recent days from the government 's top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers not seen since wartime , Mr Johnson declared : `` From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home .
`` Because the critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households . ''
People will only be allowed to leave their home for `` very limited '' purposes : • Shopping for basic necessities , as infrequently as possible • One form of exercise a day - for example a run , walk , or cycle - alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Any medical need , to provide care or to help a vulnerable person • Travelling to and from work , but only where this is absolutely necessary and can not be done from home He added : `` That 's all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home .
`` You should not be meeting friends .
If your friends ask you to meet , you should say no .
`` You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home .
`` You should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like food and medicine - and you should do this as little as you can .
And use food delivery services where you can .
`` If you do n't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them , including through fines and dispersing gatherings . ''
Mr Johnson added that these measures will come into force immediately : • Closing all shops selling non-essential goods ,  including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries , playgrounds and outdoor gyms , and places of worship • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breakfasts , campsites , caravan parks , and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use ( excluding permanent residents and key workers ) • Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with • Stopping all social events , including weddings , baptisms and other ceremonies , but excluding funerals : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed , '' he continued .
Explaining why he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus , there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope ; because there wo n't be enough ventilators , enough intensive care beds , enough doctors and nurses .
`` And as we have seen elsewhere , in other countries that also have fantastic healthcare systems , that is the moment of real danger .
`` To put it simply , if too many people become seriously unwell at one time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it - meaning more people are likely to die , not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well .
`` So it 's vital to slow the spread of the disease .
`` Because that is the way we reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment at any one time , so we can protect the NHS 's ability to cope - and save more lives .
`` And that 's why we have been asking people to stay at home during this pandemic .
`` And though huge numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all - the time has now come for us all to do more . ''
Mr Johnson , who has previously attacked the so-called `` nanny state '' , acknowledged : `` No prime minister wants to enact measures like this .
`` I know the damage that this disruption is doing and will do to people 's lives , to their businesses and to their jobs .
`` I can assure you that we will keep these restrictions under constant review .
We will look again in three weeks , and relax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to .
`` But at present there are just no easy options .
The way ahead is hard , and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost .
`` And yet it is also true that there is a clear way through .
`` Day by day we are strengthening our amazing NHS with 7,500 former clinicians now coming back to the service .
`` With the time you buy - by simply staying at home - we are increasing our stocks of equipment , we are accelerating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pioneering work on a vaccine , and we are buying millions of testing kits that will enable us to turn the tide on this invisible killer . ''
And he concluded : `` I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus .
Everyone from the supermarket staff to the transport workers to the carers to the nurses and doctors on the frontline .
`` But in this fight we can be in no doubt that each and every one of us is directly enlisted .
Each and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join together to halt the spread of this disease and to protect our NHS and to save many many thousands of lives . ''
The PM 's dramatic announcement came as the number of coronavirus cases in the UK rose to 6,650 in the latest 24 hours , with the number of deaths from the disease up by 55 to 336 .
It also follows a sunshine-bathed weekend in which thousands of people ignored official warnings to stay at home and Mr Johnson vowed to consider tougher action within 24 hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a top level COBRA meeting of senior ministers , medical advisers and scientists - conducted via video conference to avoid risk - as he addressed TV viewers directly from inside 10 Downing Street .
Meanwhile , MPs rushed emergency legislation through the Commons in a single day , giving the government sweeping powers which could be on the statute book for two years .
The emergency legislation includes powers to shut airports and allow police to force people with virus symptoms to isolate , with the threat of £1,000 fines for those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Having completed its passage through the Commons , the Bill will be debated in the House of Lords on Tuesday and Wednesday and the Government hopes there will be no Lords amendments so it can receive royal assent and become law by Thursday .
Earlier Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab advised all British travellers to return to the UK now , before airline routes , land borders and other restrictions make it impossible .
He said : `` Around the world , more airlines are suspending flights and more airports are closing , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routes do n't exist , our staff are working round the clock to give advice and support to UK nationals .
If you are on holiday abroad the time to come home is now while you still can . ''

Boris Johnson has stunned millions of Britons with a momentous and tough lockdown announcement to tackle coronavirus, warning people to stay at home or face a fine.
In a dramatic and historic TV address to the nation, the prime minister said all shops apart from food stores and chemists must close immediately, meeting friends will be banned - and just one form of exercise a day will be allowed.
The COVID-19 lockdown, which will be in force for at least three weeks, follows growing pressure in recent days from the government's top medical advisers and senior politicians.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Social distancing puts UK to the test
Announcing powers not seen since wartime, Mr Johnson declared: "From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home.
"Because the critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households."
People will only be allowed to leave their home for "very limited" purposes:
Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
One form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household
Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home
He added: "That's all - these are the only reasons you should leave your home.
"You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say no.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
"You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.
Advertisement
"You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine - and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can.
"If you don't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Coronavirus advice aired in TV adverts
Mr Johnson added that these measures will come into force immediately:
Closing all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship
Closing hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use (excluding permanent residents and key workers)
Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with
Stopping all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals
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
"Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed," he continued.
Explaining why he has taken such strong action, Mr Johnson said: "Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus, there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope; because there won't be enough ventilators, enough intensive care beds, enough doctors and nurses.
"And as we have seen elsewhere, in other countries that also have fantastic healthcare systems, that is the moment of real danger.
"To put it simply, if too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die, not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well.
"So it's vital to slow the spread of the disease.
"Because that is the way we reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment at any one time, so we can protect the NHS's ability to cope - and save more lives.
"And that's why we have been asking people to stay at home during this pandemic.
"And though huge numbers are complying - and I thank you all - the time has now come for us all to do more."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
Mr Johnson, who has previously attacked the so-called "nanny state", acknowledged: "No prime minister wants to enact measures like this.
"I know the damage that this disruption is doing and will do to people's lives, to their businesses and to their jobs.
"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 at present there are just no easy options. The way ahead is hard, and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost.
"And yet it is also true that there is a clear way through.
"Day by day we are strengthening our amazing NHS with 7,500 former clinicians now coming back to the service.
"With the time you buy - by simply staying at home - we are increasing our stocks of equipment, we are accelerating our search for treatments, we are pioneering work on a vaccine, and we are buying millions of testing kits that will enable us to turn the tide on this invisible killer."
And he concluded: "I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus. Everyone from the supermarket staff to the transport workers to the carers to the nurses and doctors on the frontline.
"But in this fight we can be in no doubt that each and every one of us is directly enlisted. Each and every one of us is now obliged to join together to halt the spread of this disease and to protect our NHS and to save many many thousands of lives."
The PM's dramatic announcement came as the number of coronavirus cases in the UK rose to 6,650 in the latest 24 hours, with the number of deaths from the disease up by 55 to 336.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:07 'I never imagined I could have been so sick'
It also follows a sunshine-bathed weekend in which thousands of people ignored official warnings to stay at home and Mr Johnson vowed to consider tougher action within 24 hours.
He carried out his threat after chairing a top level COBRA meeting of senior ministers, medical advisers and scientists - conducted via video conference to avoid risk - as he addressed TV viewers directly from inside 10 Downing Street.
Meanwhile, MPs rushed emergency legislation through the Commons in a single day, giving the government sweeping powers which could be on the statute book for two years.
The emergency legislation includes powers to shut airports and allow police to force people with virus symptoms to isolate, with the threat of £1,000 fines for those who refuse to take a coronavirus test.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Kids in quarantine get their exercise
Having completed its passage through the Commons, the Bill will be debated in the House of Lords on Tuesday and Wednesday and the Government hopes there will be no Lords amendments so it can receive royal assent and become law by Thursday.
Earlier Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab advised all British travellers to return to the UK now, before airline routes, land borders and other restrictions make it impossible.
He said: "Around the world, more airlines are suspending flights and more airports are closing, some without any notice.
"Where commercial routes don't exist, our staff are working round the clock to give advice and support to UK nationals. If you are on holiday abroad the time to come home is now while you still can."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-23--Coronavirus lockdown: Here's a guide to what you can (and can't) do

Boris Johnson has announced a series of wide-ranging measures to tackle the UK 's coronavirus outbreak .
The headline from Mr Johnson 's address to the nation is simple .
Britons must stay at home and only leave the house under a small number of circumstances in order to help in the fight against COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
So when can I leave the house ?
Effective immediately , the government says you can go outside only for `` very limited purposes '' : • Shopping for basics necessities like food and medicine , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` as infrequently as possible '' and use food delivery services `` where you can '' • One form of exercise a day , such as a run , walk or cycle .
This can be done alone or with members of your household • Any medical need , to give care or to help a vulnerable person • Travelling to and from work , but only if this is `` absolutely necessary '' and can not be done from home '' These four reasons are exceptions , '' the government 's latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these activities , you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2m ( 6.5ft ) apart from anyone outside of your household . ''
If you work in what the government has deemed a `` critical sector '' , or your child has been identified as vulnerable , you can still take your children to school .
What about seeing friends and family ?
If your friends ask to meet you , you should say no .
You should also not be meeting members of your family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What else did the PM announce ?
All shops selling `` non-essential '' goods will be closed , as will a range of public spaces and venues .
• Hotels , hostels , bed and breakfasts , campsites , caravan parks , and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use .
This excludes permanent residents and key workers Public gatherings of more than two people are also banned .
There are two exceptions to this , according to the government 's guidance : • Where the gathering is of a group of people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means a parent can take their children to the shops if there is no option to leave them at home • Where it is essential for work purposes .
The guidance states that workers should try to minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace All social events , including weddings , baptisms and other ceremonies , are also banned - but funerals can go ahead with immediate members of family in attendance .
Parks will stay open for exercise , but gatherings there will be dispersed .
How will the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to disperse gatherings , while anyone who is found not to be following the rules could be fined .
How long will these restrictions last for ?
The PM said the restrictions will be `` kept under constant review '' and last for a minimum of three weeks .
At that point , the government will examine the evidence and see if they can be relaxed .

Boris Johnson has announced a series of wide-ranging measures to tackle the UK's coronavirus outbreak.
The headline from Mr Johnson's address to the nation is simple.
Britons must stay at home and only leave the house under a small number of circumstances in order to help in the fight against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Image: A sign urges Britons to 'respect social distancing' on a pharmacy in London
So when can I leave the house?
Effective immediately, the government says you can go outside only for "very limited purposes":
Shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine, with Downing Street saying you should do this "as infrequently as possible" and use food delivery services "where you can"
One form of exercise a day, such as a run, walk or cycle. This can be done alone or with members of your household
Any medical need, to give care or to help a vulnerable person
Travelling to and from work, but only if this is "absolutely necessary" and cannot be done from home
"These four reasons are exceptions," the government's latest guidance says.
"Even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2m (6.5ft) apart from anyone outside of your household."
If you work in what the government has deemed a "critical sector", or your child has been identified as vulnerable, you can still take your children to school.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Social distancing puts UK to the test
What about seeing friends and family?
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If your friends ask to meet you, you should say no.
You should also not be meeting members of your family who do not live in your home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:33 Health Secretary stresses 2m rule
What else did the PM announce?
All shops selling "non-essential" goods will be closed, as will a range of public spaces and venues.
This covers:
Stores selling clothing and electronics
Hair, beauty and nail salons
Libraries, community centres and youth centres
Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and sports courts
Places of worship
Outdoor and indoor markets, excluding food markets
Bowling alleys, arcades and soft play facilities
Hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use. This excludes permanent residents and key workers
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Nurse pleads for end to panic buying
Public gatherings of more than two people are also banned.
There are two exceptions to this, according to the government's guidance:
Where the gathering is of a group of people who live together. For example, this means a parent can take their children to the shops if there is no option to leave them at home
Where it is essential for work purposes. The guidance states that workers should try to minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace
All social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, are also banned - but funerals can go ahead with immediate members of family in attendance.
Parks will stay open for exercise, but gatherings there will be dispersed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:47 Has government advice on social distancing become confusing?
How will the government enforce this?
Police will have powers to disperse gatherings, while anyone who is found not to be following the rules could be fined.
How long will these restrictions last for?
The PM said the restrictions will be "kept under constant review" and last for a minimum of three weeks.
At that point, the government will examine the evidence and see if they can be relaxed.
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skynewspolitics--2020-03-23--Alex Salmond acquitted of all sexual assault charges after 'nightmare' two years

Scotland 's former First Minister Alex Salmond has been acquitted of sexual assault charges .
A jury at the High Court in Edinburgh returned verdicts of acquittal on 13 charges involving nine women .
Sources close to Mr Salmond have told Sky News he is now contemplating a political comeback .
Emerging from court , he said he had been through a `` nightmare '' and thanked his friends and family for `` standing by me over the last two years '' .
Mr Salmond cut short further comment on the case to warn : `` Whatever nightmare I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is nothing compared to the nightmare that every single one of us is currently living through .
People are dying , many more are going to do so . ''
He told reporters to `` go home - those who can - take care of your families and god help us all '' .
The 65-year-old pleaded not guilty to all charges against him , which were alleged to have taken place between June 2008 and November 2014 .
During the trial , the prosecution had described him as a powerful man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desires with impunity .
Mr Salmond said claims against him were a fabrication for a political purpose .
He has been one of the UK 's most prominent politicians over the past 30 years , and was the leader of the SNP from 1990-2000 - and then for a second period between 2004 and 2014 .
He formed a government at Holyrood by winning the 2007 Holyrood parliament elections and led Scotland to the brink of independence in the referendum of September 2014 .
He announced he was stepping down the day after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court case have widened a rift between Mr Salmond and his successor , current First Minister Nicola Sturgeon .
The pair were once close friends and political allies , but their relationship has deteriorated over time .
Sources close to Mr Salmond have told Sky News he believes she played a role in conspiring against him , something Ms Sturgeon has denied , telling the Scottish Parliament in January 2019 : `` It seems to me that I am being simultaneously accused of being involved in a conspiracy against Alex Salmond , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Nothing could be further from the truth in both of those - neither of those things are true . ''
However , an SNP party source close to Mr Salmond has told Sky News that he believes a `` conspiracy '' against him could not have happened without her blessing .
The source said : `` I think he saw it as Nicola Sturgeon having been involved in the conspiracy , if not at the heart of it , very near to the heart .
`` Alex thinks that Nicola thought he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she and her husband ( SNP chief executive Peter Murrell ) were out to stop that happening .
`` He claims , though , it was the furthest thing from his mind .
The only reason he can think that they wanted to throw him under a bus is that they feared he would want to be first minister again .
`` He 'll certainly re-join the party and will want to stand in the Holyrood elections next year .
I do n't think he 'll make a play to be first minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to complicate Nicola 's efforts to carry on . ''
The sources added : `` He 's suffered financially , this has cost him hundreds of thousands of pounds .
His reputation has suffered because of a lot of stuff that came out during the course of the trial but I do n't think it 's terminal damage . ''
Nicola Sturgeon will face questions from a Scottish Parliamentary inquiry the Salmond affair .
She has previously told the Parliament that she first knew of sexual assault allegations being submitted to the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself on 2 April 2018 .
During the court case , Mr Salmond 's former chief of staff Geoff Aberdein gave evidence that she had attended a meeting with him five days earlier , on 29 March 2018 .
The parliamentary inquiry will explore what Ms Sturgeon knew and exactly when she knew it - and how that squares with what she previously told Parliament .

Scotland's former First Minister Alex Salmond has been acquitted of sexual assault charges.
A jury at the High Court in Edinburgh returned verdicts of acquittal on 13 charges involving nine women.
Sources close to Mr Salmond have told Sky News he is now contemplating a political comeback.
Emerging from court, he said he had been through a "nightmare" and thanked his friends and family for "standing by me over the last two years".
Mr Salmond cut short further comment on the case to warn: "Whatever nightmare I've been in over the last two years it is nothing compared to the nightmare that every single one of us is currently living through. People are dying, many more are going to do so."
He told reporters to "go home - those who can - take care of your families and god help us all".
The 65-year-old pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, which were alleged to have taken place between June 2008 and November 2014.
During the trial, the prosecution had described him as a powerful man abusing his power to satisfy his sexual desires with impunity.
Mr Salmond said claims against him were a fabrication for a political purpose.
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He has been one of the UK's most prominent politicians over the past 30 years, and was the leader of the SNP from 1990-2000 - and then for a second period between 2004 and 2014.
He formed a government at Holyrood by winning the 2007 Holyrood parliament elections and led Scotland to the brink of independence in the referendum of September 2014.
He announced he was stepping down the day after the referendum defeat.
The investigations and court case have widened a rift between Mr Salmond and his successor, current First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The pair were once close friends and political allies, but their relationship has deteriorated over time.
Sources close to Mr Salmond have told Sky News he believes she played a role in conspiring against him, something Ms Sturgeon has denied, telling the Scottish Parliament in January 2019: "It seems to me that I am being simultaneously accused of being involved in a conspiracy against Alex Salmond, and also of colluding with Alex Salmond.
"Nothing could be further from the truth in both of those - neither of those things are true."
Image: Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond were once close friends and political allies
However, an SNP party source close to Mr Salmond has told Sky News that he believes a "conspiracy" against him could not have happened without her blessing.
The source said: "I think he saw it as Nicola Sturgeon having been involved in the conspiracy, if not at the heart of it, very near to the heart.
"Alex thinks that Nicola thought he was going to make a comeback and she and her husband (SNP chief executive Peter Murrell) were out to stop that happening.
"He claims, though, it was the furthest thing from his mind. The only reason he can think that they wanted to throw him under a bus is that they feared he would want to be first minister again.
"He'll certainly re-join the party and will want to stand in the Holyrood elections next year. I don't think he'll make a play to be first minister but I do think he will try to complicate Nicola's efforts to carry on."
The sources added: "He's suffered financially, this has cost him hundreds of thousands of pounds. His reputation has suffered because of a lot of stuff that came out during the course of the trial but I don't think it's terminal damage."
Nicola Sturgeon will face questions from a Scottish Parliamentary inquiry the Salmond affair.
She has previously told the Parliament that she first knew of sexual assault allegations being submitted to the Scottish government during a meeting with Mr Salmond himself on 2 April 2018.
During the court case, Mr Salmond's former chief of staff Geoff Aberdein gave evidence that she had attended a meeting with him five days earlier, on 29 March 2018.
The parliamentary inquiry will explore what Ms Sturgeon knew and exactly when she knew it - and how that squares with what she previously told Parliament.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-23--All British travellers told 'the time to come home is now'

Britons who are currently travelling abroad are being urged to return to the UK now .
A statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) said tourists and short-stay travellers should come home while commercial flights remain available .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said : `` Around the world , more airlines are suspending flights and more airports are closing , some without any notice .
`` Where commercial routes do n't exist , our staff are working round the clock to give advice and support to UK nationals .
If you are on holiday abroad the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still can . ''
The FCO statement added that international travel is increasingly becoming more difficult - with borders closing , countries stopping people from leaving , and further restrictions being introduced on a daily basis , The government has called for action to keep air routes open for a sufficient period of time to enable international travellers to return on commercial flights .
However , some British tourists abroad have already experienced difficulty returning to the UK because of restrictions .
Last week , the FCO announced `` an unprecedented change '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but essential international travel for 30 days .
In the UK , the death toll hit 336 on Monday as the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) warned the global pandemic is `` accelerating '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

Britons who are currently travelling abroad are being urged to return to the UK now.
A statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said tourists and short-stay travellers should come home while commercial flights remain available.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "Around the world, more airlines are suspending flights and more airports are closing, some without any notice.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
"Where commercial routes don't exist, our staff are working round the clock to give advice and support to UK nationals. If you are on holiday abroad the time to come home is now while you still can."
The FCO statement added that international travel is increasingly becoming more difficult - with borders closing, countries stopping people from leaving, and further restrictions being introduced on a daily basis,
The government has called for action to keep air routes open for a sufficient period of time to enable international travellers to return on commercial flights.
However, some British tourists abroad have already experienced difficulty returning to the UK because of restrictions.
Last week, the FCO announced "an unprecedented change" in travel advice - urging against all but essential international travel for 30 days.
In the UK, the death toll hit 336 on Monday as the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned the global pandemic is "accelerating".
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skynewspolitics--2020-03-23--PM sets out his back-up plan if he is diagnosed with COVID-19

Boris Johnson has lined up a senior minister to take charge of the country if he is diagnosed with COVID-19 .
The prime minister 's spokesman said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will step up in the event , as coronavirus cases and deaths continue to grow across the UK .
He confirmed Tuesday 's cabinet meeting will also go ahead mostly by video conference , with ministers dialling in instead of piling round a cramped table as part of social distancing measures .
Downing Street also confirmed the UK 's top civil servant in the EU trade negotiations , David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
But Number 10 reiterated the plan is still for talks to conclude by the end of the year , despite Brussels ' chief negotiator Michel Barnier also being in self-isolation after testing positive for the virus .
Meanwhile , Mr Johnson 's spokesman has signalled that self-employed people would get more help , after being left out of the original round of financial measures to support businesses .
`` We appreciate the difficulty they are in and officials are working round the clock , '' he told journalists at a briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers were working on measures to help the third sector .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And after speculation the Olympics due to take place this summer in Japan could be delayed , the UK 's sports minister called for the international organising committee to make a definitive decision soon and consider postponing the games .
It comes as the government prepares to rush through emergency legislation to tackle the coronavirus outbreak , hoping to pass a new law through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Hancock told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast a decision on whether to further lockdown the country to stop people flouting social distancing rules would be taken `` very soon '' .
`` We will enforce and bring in further strong measures if we need to - but I 'd much rather people follow the rules themselves , it would be much more straight forward , '' he said .
`` If we need to go further in terms of people 's interactions then we will . ''

Boris Johnson has lined up a senior minister to take charge of the country if he is diagnosed with COVID-19.
The prime minister's spokesman said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will step up in the event, as coronavirus cases and deaths continue to grow across the UK.
He confirmed Tuesday's cabinet meeting will also go ahead mostly by video conference, with ministers dialling in instead of piling round a cramped table as part of social distancing measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:33 Health Secretary stresses 2m rule
Downing Street also confirmed the UK's top civil servant in the EU trade negotiations, David Frost, is self-isolating after showing COVID-19 symptoms.
But Number 10 reiterated the plan is still for talks to conclude by the end of the year, despite Brussels' chief negotiator Michel Barnier also being in self-isolation after testing positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson's spokesman has signalled that self-employed people would get more help, after being left out of the original round of financial measures to support businesses.
"We appreciate the difficulty they are in and officials are working round the clock," he told journalists at a briefing on Monday.
Image: Dominic Raab is the foreign secretary
Charities were also assured ministers were working on measures to help the third sector.
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And after speculation the Olympics due to take place this summer in Japan could be delayed, the UK's sports minister called for the international organising committee to make a definitive decision soon and consider postponing the games.
It comes as the government prepares to rush through emergency legislation to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, hoping to pass a new law through the Commons on Monday.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast a decision on whether to further lockdown the country to stop people flouting social distancing rules would be taken "very soon".
"We will enforce and bring in further strong measures if we need to - but I'd much rather people follow the rules themselves, it would be much more straight forward," he said.
"If we need to go further in terms of people's interactions then we will."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-23--Govt hasn't run ads on coronavirus from official social media accounts

The government has not run a single advert about the coronavirus pandemic from its official Facebook or Instagram accounts , Sky News can reveal .
This is despite the fact that the UK has been offered `` millions '' in free ad credits to use on two of the world 's largest digital advertising platforms .
The government has also not run ads through other popular official accounts , despite taking a series of unprecedented steps to safeguard the public and the economy during the crisis .
Neither the official UK Prime Minister account nor Boris Johnson 's personal account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of the measures introduced to delay its spread , data released by Facebook shows .
The official NHS account has run six ads on Facebook and Instagram since the start of the pandemic , advising anyone with symptoms to stay at home for 14 days .
The messages , which were last updated on 19 March , do not mention more stringent government guidelines announced since that time , such as social distancing or self-isolation measures for vulnerable individuals .
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced earlier this month that he would give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` as many free ads as they need '' - and promised `` millions more in ad credits to other organisations '' during the coronavirus crisis .
A Facebook spokesperson confirmed to Sky News that the NHS and UK government were among these organisations .
The news follows criticism of government communications after a weekend in which many people failed to follow - or clearly understand - the UK guidelines about social distancing .
Digital ad experts have said they are puzzled by the lack of a clear government response in the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of new information the public has needed to take on board in order to stay safe during the outbreak .
`` I 'm sure everyone in government is working flat out right now , but even so I find this hard to understand , '' said Carl Miller , co-founder of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media .
`` We know that people with vulnerability to coronavirus are massively different , as are the messages that people need to hear .
`` Targeted ads should be on the front lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who Targets Me , said targeting messages at specific groups would be especially effective given the amount of time people are currently spending online .
`` You can produce simple messages quickly and you can get them online and in front of millions within hours , '' he told Sky News .
`` It 's therefore surprising that a government that was so relentless and disciplined around its Brexit messaging is currently missing the 'public ' part of this extreme public health emergency . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker A government spokesperson told Sky News : `` The government is using all available channels , including Facebook and Instagram adverts to provide the public with the information it needs to fulfil its crucial role in delaying the spread of coronavirus .
`` The response to our adverts has generated a huge amount of organic reach through our cross-government social media approach .
`` This is in addition to the NHS messaging , which has been our priority so far . ''
The ads run from the UK government account since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS and warn about the dangers of disinformation online , without specifically mentioning COVID-19 .
According to the Facebook Ad Library , which provides information on ads run on Facebook and Instagram , these ads have had £11,603 of public money spent on them in the last seven days .
The government launched a UK-wide coronavirus public information campaign in early February .
Based on the `` Catch it , Bin it , Kill it '' campaign used for flu and norovirus , it promised to `` promote important hygiene practices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sneezing into a tissue , to stem the spread of viruses '' .
In the lead-up to a potential no-deal exit from the European Union on 31 October , the government spent £46m on hundreds of digital and physical ads warning businesses and individuals to prepare themselves .
The campaign , which was described as one of the biggest advertising campaigns since World War II , was criticised by the government spending watchdog , the National Audit Office , for failing to inform the public .

The government has not run a single advert about the coronavirus pandemic from its official Facebook or Instagram accounts, Sky News can reveal.
This is despite the fact that the UK has been offered "millions" in free ad credits to use on two of the world's largest digital advertising platforms.
The government has also not run ads through other popular official accounts, despite taking a series of unprecedented steps to safeguard the public and the economy during the crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Coronavirus advice to be aired in TV adverts
Neither the official UK Prime Minister account nor Boris Johnson's personal account have run ads mentioning coronavirus, or any of the measures introduced to delay its spread, data released by Facebook shows.
The official NHS account has run six ads on Facebook and Instagram since the start of the pandemic, advising anyone with symptoms to stay at home for 14 days.
The messages, which were last updated on 19 March, do not mention more stringent government guidelines announced since that time, such as social distancing or self-isolation measures for vulnerable individuals.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced earlier this month that he would give the World Health Organisation (WHO) "as many free ads as they need" - and promised "millions more in ad credits to other organisations" during the coronavirus crisis.
A Facebook spokesperson confirmed to Sky News that the NHS and UK government were among these organisations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
The news follows criticism of government communications after a weekend in which many people failed to follow - or clearly understand - the UK guidelines about social distancing.
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Digital ad experts have said they are puzzled by the lack of a clear government response in the face of this confusion, especially given the amount of new information the public has needed to take on board in order to stay safe during the outbreak.
"I'm sure everyone in government is working flat out right now, but even so I find this hard to understand," said Carl Miller, co-founder of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media.
"We know that people with vulnerability to coronavirus are massively different, as are the messages that people need to hear.
"Targeted ads should be on the front lines."
Sam Jeffers, founder of Who Targets Me, said targeting messages at specific groups would be especially effective given the amount of time people are currently spending online.
"You can produce simple messages quickly and you can get them online and in front of millions within hours," he told Sky News.
"It's therefore surprising that a government that was so relentless and disciplined around its Brexit messaging is currently missing the 'public' part of this extreme public health emergency."
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
A government spokesperson told Sky News: "The government is using all available channels, including Facebook and Instagram adverts to provide the public with the information it needs to fulfil its crucial role in delaying the spread of coronavirus.
"The response to our adverts has generated a huge amount of organic reach through our cross-government social media approach.
"This is in addition to the NHS messaging, which has been our priority so far."
The ads run from the UK government account since the start of February promote careers in the NHS and warn about the dangers of disinformation online, without specifically mentioning COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 Russia's misinformation spread of COVID-19
According to the Facebook Ad Library, which provides information on ads run on Facebook and Instagram, these ads have had £11,603 of public money spent on them in the last seven days.
The government launched a UK-wide coronavirus public information campaign in early February.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 How to practise social distancing
Based on the "Catch it, Bin it, Kill it" campaign used for flu and norovirus, it promised to "promote important hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses".
In the lead-up to a potential no-deal exit from the European Union on 31 October, the government spent £46m on hundreds of digital and physical ads warning businesses and individuals to prepare themselves.
The campaign, which was described as one of the biggest advertising campaigns since World War II, was criticised by the government spending watchdog, the National Audit Office, for failing to inform the public.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-23--Lockdown day one: Police and armed forces deploy to enforce 'national emergency'

Boris Johnson 's `` stay at home '' lockdown has been backed by political opponents , business leaders and trade unions , despite fears of major job losses on the high street .
The prime minister has ordered all shops apart from food stores and chemists to close immediately for at least three weeks and banned more than one form of daily exercise and gatherings of more than two people .
But his dramatic announcement - in a momentous TV address - of sweeping restrictions on daily life , with fines of between £30 and £1,000 for people who flout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support .
In a move bringing the UK into line with most of Europe , Mr Johnson has declared a `` moment of national emergency '' and closed shops selling `` non-essential goods '' , along with playgrounds , libraries and churches .
And while he was reluctant to introduce such tough measures , it is claimed a mutiny threatened by senior cabinet ministers forced him to back demands from his medical and scientific advisers for a crackdown .
People will only be allowed to leave their home for `` very limited '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as infrequently as possible • One form of exercise a day - for example a run , walk , or cycle - alone or with members of your household • Any medical need , to provide care or to help a vulnerable person • Travelling to and from work , but only where this is absolutely necessary and can not be done from home Mr Johnson 's sombre broadcast came as the government 's Coronavirus Bill , the emergency legislation containing sweeping powers to impose a lockdown , completed its passage through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It now moves to the House of Lords and is on course to become law by the end of this week , enabling the government to enforce the measures announced by the PM , which go far beyond anything seen in wartime .
These measures will come into force immediately : • Closing all shops selling non-essential goods ,  including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries , playgrounds and outdoor gyms , and places of worship • Closing hotels , hostels , bed and breakfasts , campsites , caravan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use ( excluding permanent residents and key workers ) • Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with • Stopping all social events , including weddings , baptisms and other ceremonies , but excluding funerals Despite bringing down the shutters on most of the UK , the PM is allowing corner shops , petrol stations , parks , post offices , vets , pet shops , hardware stores , banks , newsagents , laundrettes and undertakers to stay open .
Explaining the government 's decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus , there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope ; because there wo n't be enough ventilators , enough intensive care beds , enough doctors and nurses .
`` And as we have seen elsewhere , in other countries that also have fantastic health care systems , that is the moment of real danger .
`` To put it simply , if too many people become seriously unwell at one time , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - meaning more people are likely to die , not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well . ''
Later , after the shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called for a lockdown , Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said : `` The prime minister is right to call for people to stay at home , protect our NHS and save lives .
`` This is the right response to the coronavirus pandemic , and one we have been calling for . ''
But Mr Corbyn added : `` There now needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about which workplaces should close - and the government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers , including the self-employed , as well as renters and mortgage holders . ''
London 's Labour mayor , Sadiq Khan , said : `` I welcome these new rules and am directly asking all Londoners to follow them at all times in order to save lives .
`` These rules are not optional .
They are instructions put in place to prevent the spread of this virus .
You must follow them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my liberal instincts , and I do not take this lightly - but these unprecedented circumstances require extraordinary measures . ''
The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats , Sir Ed Davey , said : `` Many people will be anxious about the steps the government has taken , but it is the right decision to restrict our normal way of life to tackle this crisis .
`` We must do all we can to stop the spread of this virus and I urge people to play their part by following the measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not risk their own or others ' health and wellbeing by ignoring these .
`` There are legitimate questions as to whether this step should have been taken sooner and how well the advice of experts is being communicated with the public . ''
Even the prime minister 's strongest critics in the trade unions acknowledged that the lockdown was necessary , though they demanded better protection for workers .
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said : `` The prime minister 's statement illustrates the gravity of the situation .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business and community in the country must be laser-focused , pulling together to do what needs to be done to protect public health .
`` The message to employers is clear - be responsible , help workers be part and parcel of the essential efforts to support the nation .
Keep workers and their families safe .
That means turn to the government 's job retention scheme to pay wages to keep households afloat .
Please , do not sack workers - use the mechanisms that we have persuaded this government to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I also say to the government , you are very aware that there are very many millions of people in this country with insecure employment and wages .
They need your urgent assistance .
They desperately want to heed this clear public health message but they need to know that the awful false choice between health and hardship has been removed . ''
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said : `` Now the UK has also gone into lockdown , we must all abide by the rules .
Irresponsible behaviour will spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the NHS .
`` Health workers are on the front line trying to save lives .
By staying home we can all do our bit and help keep them safe too . ''
From the business community , the CBI 's director general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said : `` Protecting the public will protect businesses in the long run .
`` These latest measures will of course present great challenges , disrupting daily lives and the normal run of business .
But we all owe it to each other to act responsibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The economic support the Government is providing and the determination of firms to support their employees mean together that the right action can be taken to protect lives and livelihoods . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Helen Dickinson , chief executive of the British Retail Consortium , said : `` Retailers understand the need for government to act quickly and decisively to protect public health and combat coronavirus .
`` The safety of customers and staff is paramount , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positively to evolving government guidance on social distancing and other hygiene matters .
Indeed , many retailers had gone further and already closed shops temporarily . ''
And the British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said : `` Businesses must play their part to help limit the spread of coronavirus .
`` As the UK goes into lockdown , ministers must be crystal-clear about which businesses can continue to operate , and those which must now shut their doors .
`` The new restrictions make it all the more important that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by ministers last week is delivered to firms and employees on the ground as quickly as possible . ''

Boris Johnson's "stay at home" lockdown has been backed by political opponents, business leaders and trade unions, despite fears of major job losses on the high street.
The prime minister has ordered all shops apart from food stores and chemists to close immediately for at least three weeks and banned more than one form of daily exercise and gatherings of more than two people.
But his dramatic announcement - in a momentous TV address - of sweeping restrictions on daily life, with fines of between £30 and £1,000 for people who flout the new rules, has won grudging support.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:14 PM's full statement to the country
In a move bringing the UK into line with most of Europe, Mr Johnson has declared a "moment of national emergency" and closed shops selling "non-essential goods", along with playgrounds, libraries and churches.
And while he was reluctant to introduce such tough measures, it is claimed a mutiny threatened by senior cabinet ministers forced him to back demands from his medical and scientific advisers for a crackdown.
People will only be allowed to leave their home for "very limited" purposes:
Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
One form of exercise a day - for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household
Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home
Mr Johnson's sombre broadcast came as the government's Coronavirus Bill, the emergency legislation containing sweeping powers to impose a lockdown, completed its passage through the Commons in a single day.
It now moves to the House of Lords and is on course to become law by the end of this week, enabling the government to enforce the measures announced by the PM, which go far beyond anything seen in wartime.
These measures will come into force immediately:
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Closing all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship
Closing hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use (excluding permanent residents and key workers)
Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with
Stopping all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals
Despite bringing down the shutters on most of the UK, the PM is allowing corner shops, petrol stations, parks, post offices, vets, pet shops, hardware stores, banks, newsagents, laundrettes and undertakers to stay open.
Explaining the government's decision, he said in his address: "Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus, there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope; because there won't be enough ventilators, enough intensive care beds, enough doctors and nurses.
"And as we have seen elsewhere, in other countries that also have fantastic health care systems, that is the moment of real danger.
"To put it simply, if too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die, not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 'Stay at home or your loved ones may die'
Later, after the shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called for a lockdown, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "The prime minister is right to call for people to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.
"This is the right response to the coronavirus pandemic, and one we have been calling for."
But Mr Corbyn added: "There now needs to be clear guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close - and the government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers, including the self-employed, as well as renters and mortgage holders."
London's Labour mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: "I welcome these new rules and am directly asking all Londoners to follow them at all times in order to save lives.
"These rules are not optional. They are instructions put in place to prevent the spread of this virus. You must follow them.
"Anyone who knows me, knows my liberal instincts, and I do not take this lightly - but these unprecedented circumstances require extraordinary measures."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Social distancing puts UK to the test
The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, said: "Many people will be anxious about the steps the government has taken, but it is the right decision to restrict our normal way of life to tackle this crisis.
"We must do all we can to stop the spread of this virus and I urge people to play their part by following the measures that have been set out, and not risk their own or others' health and wellbeing by ignoring these.
"There are legitimate questions as to whether this step should have been taken sooner and how well the advice of experts is being communicated with the public."
Even the prime minister's strongest critics in the trade unions acknowledged that the lockdown was necessary, though they demanded better protection for workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Tesco employees applaud NHS workers
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: "The prime minister's statement illustrates the gravity of the situation. This is a national health emergency and every resource, business and community in the country must be laser-focused, pulling together to do what needs to be done to protect public health.
"The message to employers is clear - be responsible, help workers be part and parcel of the essential efforts to support the nation. Keep workers and their families safe. That means turn to the government's job retention scheme to pay wages to keep households afloat. Please, do not sack workers - use the mechanisms that we have persuaded this government to bring in to avert mass hardship.
"But I also say to the government, you are very aware that there are very many millions of people in this country with insecure employment and wages. They need your urgent assistance. They desperately want to heed this clear public health message but they need to know that the awful false choice between health and hardship has been removed."
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: "Now the UK has also gone into lockdown, we must all abide by the rules. Irresponsible behaviour will spread the virus and place an intolerable burden on the NHS.
"Health workers are on the front line trying to save lives. By staying home we can all do our bit and help keep them safe too."
From the business community, the CBI's director general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: "Protecting the public will protect businesses in the long run.
"These latest measures will of course present great challenges, disrupting daily lives and the normal run of business. But we all owe it to each other to act responsibly, both people and businesses.
"The economic support the Government is providing and the determination of firms to support their employees mean together that the right action can be taken to protect lives and livelihoods."
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
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "Retailers understand the need for government to act quickly and decisively to protect public health and combat coronavirus.
"The safety of customers and staff is paramount, which is why retailers have responded swiftly and positively to evolving government guidance on social distancing and other hygiene matters. Indeed, many retailers had gone further and already closed shops temporarily."
And the British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said: "Businesses must play their part to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
"As the UK goes into lockdown, ministers must be crystal-clear about which businesses can continue to operate, and those which must now shut their doors.
"The new restrictions make it all the more important that the massive package of financial support announced by ministers last week is delivered to firms and employees on the ground as quickly as possible."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-24--Govt texts the nation with coronavirus lockdown orders

The government has hammered home its coronavirus lockdown message by texting the nation .
An SMS message has been sent out telling people to stay at home to `` protect the NHS '' and `` save lives '' .
Britons were warned new rules are `` in force now '' with a link to the latest COVID-19 advice , which says no-one should leave their house unless absolutely necessary or they will face a fine .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the historic lockdown in an address to the nation on Monday night .
He told members of the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons : work ( if they can ’ t do so from home ) , shopping for food or medicines , exercise once a day , to help someone vulnerable , or for any medical need .
A former Met Police chief superintendent , Dal Babu , said the aim was likely to make people understand there is now a “ much clearer message ” from Downing Street .
He told Sky News ’ Kay Burley @ Breakfast : “ Unfortunately the government has been a little bit behind the curve here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency services - not just in the NHS , but in the police and fire brigade - will become unwell .
“ So we need to ensure that we ’ ve got capacity and ensure people have that clear message about staying in .
“ This is about saving lives , this is about people not being selfish , not playing Russian roulette with other people 's health .
“ This is about them following the advice - the clear advice we got from the prime minister last night - and staying inside.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not help criticism that the government has been sending mixed messages when he admitted he gave the wrong advice about travel for children of separated parents .
He initially said kids should stay in the house they are currently in and not move between residences , but later apologised for not being “ clear enough ” .
“ To confirm - while children should not normally be moving between households , we recognise that this may be necessary when children who are under 18 move between separated parents , ” he tweeted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ made clear in the guidance . ''
Labour leadership hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey said the government had “ created a little bit of confusion over the last 24 hours ” with its latest coronavirus advice - particularly on which shops should stay open .
Hitting out at Sports Direct for trying to avoid closure , she told Sky News “ it should n't be up to bad bosses to decide if they bring their workforces in or not today , the government must make clear direction today for the sake of public safety ” @

The government has hammered home its coronavirus lockdown message by texting the nation.
An SMS message has been sent out to every active UK phone number telling people to stay at home to "protect the NHS" and "save lives".
Britons were warned new rules are "in force now" with a link to the latest COVID-19 advice, which says no-one should leave their house unless absolutely necessary or they will face a fine.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 PM sets out when Britons can leave home
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the historic lockdown in an address to the nation on Monday night.
He told members of the public they should only go outside for four reasons: work (if they can’t do so from home), shopping for food or medicines, exercise once a day, to help someone vulnerable, or for any medical need.
A former Met Police chief superintendent, Dal Babu, said the aim was likely to make people understand there is now a “much clearer message” from Downing Street.
He told Sky News’ Kay Burley@Breakfast: “Unfortunately the government has been a little bit behind the curve here, because it’s entirely predictable that emergency services - not just in the NHS, but in the police and fire brigade - will become unwell.
“So we need to ensure that we’ve got capacity and ensure people have that clear message about staying in.
“This is about saving lives, this is about people not being selfish, not playing Russian roulette with other people's health.
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“This is about them following the advice - the clear advice we got from the prime minister last night - and staying inside.”
Image: The UK has gone into lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove did not help criticism that the government has been sending mixed messages when he admitted he gave the wrong advice about travel for children of separated parents.
He initially said kids should stay in the house they are currently in and not move between residences, but later apologised for not being “clear enough”.
“To confirm - while children should not normally be moving between households, we recognise that this may be necessary when children who are under 18 move between separated parents,” he tweeted. “This is permissible & has been made clear in the guidance."
Image: Michael Gove rowed back on his comments on moving children between parents' homes
Labour leadership hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey said the government had “created a little bit of confusion over the last 24 hours” with its latest coronavirus advice - particularly on which shops should stay open.
Hitting out at Sports Direct for trying to avoid closure, she told Sky News “it shouldn't be up to bad bosses to decide if they bring their workforces in or not today, the government must make clear direction today for the sake of public safety”.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-24--Boris Johnson is being tested like no leader since Churchill

Normal life to lockdown in just seven short days .
The pace of the change matched only by the acceleration of this disease .
What began as an epidemic thousands of miles away in China has turned into a global pandemic that is now materially affecting all of our lives .
Tens of millions of us now in lockdown , our freedom of movement restricted in ways not seen since the Second World War .
All of us are now conscripted to fight this new enemy .
Mr Johnson is a libertarian .
Locking down the country goes against all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told the nation `` no prime minister wants to enact measures like this '' but said there were `` no easy options '' .
And there was n't really much choice either for the prime minister when you look at the trajectory of COVID-19 cases and casualties across not just the capital but the whole country .
Mr Johnson himself laid bare the enormity of our predicament only this weekend when he told the public the UK was now only a `` matter of weeks - two or three - behind Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A fortnight ago 463 Italians had lost their lives to COVID-19 .
As of Monday 6,077 people were dead .
But a glimmer of hope too that the Italian lockdown brought in two weeks ago might just be beginning to slow the disease .
The death toll slowed for the second day in a row , while the growth rate of positive COVID-19 cases in Italy fell too .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The policy decisions now in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further along the coronavirus curve than us .
For when the death toll ticks up , as it will , the public will need to feel that their government did as much as they could to save lives .
For this is an unprecedented health crisis which calls for unprecedented action .
In the past week alone , the government has partly nationalised the private sector - it is helping to pay the wages of millions of workers , it has closed our schools and boarded-up our bars .
It has drafted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And now it has ordered - not asked - us to stay at home for three weeks .
These huge economic and social shifts could take years to unwind .
All of it trying to prepare us for what is to come - a health war that no country could possibly really prepare for and no nation begin to imagine .
Packages for workers and businesses being rolled out - the government will have to offer more support for the self-employed in the coming days - and now draconian social measures .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming days will shift to the frontline of this health war - our hospitals .
Those in that daily battle are demanding the government provide the equipment they need , and quickly : the Royal College of Nursing on Monday wrote to the prime minister to ask him to `` personally intervene '' to ensure there is enough protective gear and testing for frontline staff .
Deliveries of personal protective gear are now being rushed out as the NHS gears up for a pandemic as best it can ; buying bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , re-enlisting thousands of former nurses , doctors and NHS staff to help care for patients .
Thousands more ventilators are being produced and field hospitals being prepared to care for patients as wards fill up .
This lockdown ordered as the last resort measure in trying to help the NHS to cope .
`` If too many people become seriously unwell at one time , the NHS will be unable to handle it , meaning more people are likely to die . ''
Drastic , draconian measures all designed to buy time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister taking the decision he needs to try to save lives .
These are once-in-a-century circumstances that demand day-by-day colossal decisions .
Mr Johnson is being tested like no leader since Churchill and in the coming few weeks the public will decide whether he has met the moment .

The draconian measures revealed by the prime minister go against his libertarian nature, but they are necessary.
Normal life to lockdown in just seven short days. The pace of the change matched only by the acceleration of this disease.
What began as an epidemic thousands of miles away in China has turned into a global pandemic that is now materially affecting all of our lives.
Tens of millions of us now in lockdown, our freedom of movement restricted in ways not seen since the Second World War. All of us are now conscripted to fight this new enemy.
Mr Johnson is a libertarian. Locking down the country goes against all his instincts and that torment showed when he told the nation "no prime minister wants to enact measures like this" but said there were "no easy options".
And there wasn't really much choice either for the prime minister when you look at the trajectory of COVID-19 cases and casualties across not just the capital but the whole country.
Mr Johnson himself laid bare the enormity of our predicament only this weekend when he told the public the UK was now only a "matter of weeks - two or three - behind Italy in the progression of the disease".
A fortnight ago 463 Italians had lost their lives to COVID-19. As of Monday 6,077 people were dead. But a glimmer of hope too that the Italian lockdown brought in two weeks ago might just be beginning to slow the disease. The death toll slowed for the second day in a row, while the growth rate of positive COVID-19 cases in Italy fell too.
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The policy decisions now in the UK must mirror those of nations further along the coronavirus curve than us. For when the death toll ticks up, as it will, the public will need to feel that their government did as much as they could to save lives.
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For this is an unprecedented health crisis which calls for unprecedented action. In the past week alone, the government has partly nationalised the private sector - it is helping to pay the wages of millions of workers, it has closed our schools and boarded-up our bars. It has drafted the army in to help deliver food. And now it has ordered - not asked - us to stay at home for three weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:14 PM's full statement to the country
These huge economic and social shifts could take years to unwind. All of it trying to prepare us for what is to come - a health war that no country could possibly really prepare for and no nation begin to imagine.
Packages for workers and businesses being rolled out - the government will have to offer more support for the self-employed in the coming days - and now draconian social measures. As the country hunkers down, the attention in the coming days will shift to the frontline of this health war - our hospitals.
Those in that daily battle are demanding the government provide the equipment they need, and quickly: the Royal College of Nursing on Monday wrote to the prime minister to ask him to "personally intervene" to ensure there is enough protective gear and testing for frontline staff.
Deliveries of personal protective gear are now being rushed out as the NHS gears up for a pandemic as best it can; buying bed and nursing capacity from private healthcare operators, re-enlisting thousands of former nurses, doctors and NHS staff to help care for patients. Thousands more ventilators are being produced and field hospitals being prepared to care for patients as wards fill up.
This lockdown ordered as the last resort measure in trying to help the NHS to cope. "If too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it, meaning more people are likely to die."
Drastic, draconian measures all designed to buy time for the NHS to prepare, the prime minister taking the decision he needs to try to save lives.
These are once-in-a-century circumstances that demand day-by-day colossal decisions. Mr Johnson is being tested like no leader since Churchill and in the coming few weeks the public will decide whether he has met the moment.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-24--Wanted: 250,000 NHS volunteers - as new hospital announced

The health secretary has announced plans for a 250,000-strong volunteer force to help the NHS deal with the UK 's coronavirus outbreak .
`` We are seeking a quarter of a million volunteers , people in good health to help the NHS , for shopping , for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health , '' Matt Hancock told the government 's daily news conference .
He was speaking after it was revealed that the UK 's death toll from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , had risen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that a new hospital , with capacity for 4,000 people , will open at London 's ExCel Centre next week .
The temporary Nightingale Hospital has been set up with the help of the military .
The NEC in Birmingham has also said it `` stands ready '' and is `` well equipped '' to become a temporary hospital , after reports suggested it was another location being considered by ministers .
In recent weeks the government has appealed for retired NHS staff to return to the service .
And the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have responded , including 2,660 doctors , more than 2,500 pharmacists and other staff , and 6,147 nurses .
`` I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need , '' Mr Hancock said .
Meanwhile , some 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year student nurses will `` move to the frontline '' next week .
Mr Hancock added that 7.5 million pieces of protective equipment , including facemasks , had been shipped out in the last 24 hours , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened earlier on Tuesday .
: : Listen to the Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Tuesday 's news conference is the first since Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered sweeping measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus in the UK .
People are allowed outside only for `` very limited '' purposes , which are shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine , one form of daily exercise , medical and care needs , and travelling to and from work if `` absolutely necessary '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , all shops - apart from certain categories such as food stores and chemists - are to remain closed for at least three weeks and gatherings of more than two people have been banned .
The lockdown was announced after it became clear that some people were failing to follow the government 's advice on social distancing .
Mr Hancock said the measures announced by the government `` are not requests , they are rules '' .
People who break the lockdown rules will be given an initial £30 fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do not pay .
But police chiefs warned of phone lines being inundated with calls on Monday night with questions about what movements are still permitted , while MPs have also been calling for answers .
There were pictures of packed London Tube trains on social media on Tuesday , with the government facing criticism over its policy on workers .
British Transport Police has now said 500 officers will be patrolling the rail network nationwide to remind people that only essential journeys should be made .
In particular , there has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction workers .
They can continue to go to work as long as they can remain two metres ( 6.5ft ) apart at all times .
`` The judgement we have made is that in work , in many instances , the two-metre rule can be applied , '' Mr Hancock said .
He added : `` Where possible , people should work from home and employers have a duty to ensure that people are more than two metres apart . ''
But some builders and construction workers have reported coming under pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while others have said they feel `` angry and unprotected '' about having to show up .
Dr Jennie Harries , deputy chief medical officer for England , said individuals should raise concerns `` very firmly '' with their bosses if they felt unsafe , but said the government could not individually cover every workplace and every scenario .
London mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the government to take the `` difficult decision '' and ban non-essential construction work .
One area of confusion that has arisen from the government 's guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ households should still see each other .
Dr Harries said such couples could be spreading coronavirus if they continue to meet up - and suggested they could move in together during the strict restrictions on movement .
`` If you are two individuals , two halves of the couple , living in separate households then ideally they should stay in those households , '' she said .
`` The alternative might be that , for quite a significant period going forward , they should just test the strength of their relationship and decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in another household . ''
Dr Harries added : `` What we do not want is people switching in and out of households .
`` It defeats the purpose of reductions in social interactions and will allow the transmission of disease . ''

The health secretary has announced plans for a 250,000-strong volunteer force to help the NHS deal with the UK's coronavirus outbreak.
"We are seeking a quarter of a million volunteers, people in good health to help the NHS, for shopping, for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health," Matt Hancock told the government's daily news conference.
He was speaking after it was revealed that the UK's death toll from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, had risen to 424.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
The health secretary also announced that a new hospital, with capacity for 4,000 people, will open at London's ExCel Centre next week.
The temporary Nightingale Hospital has been set up with the help of the military.
The NEC in Birmingham has also said it "stands ready" and is "well equipped" to become a temporary hospital, after reports suggested it was another location being considered by ministers.
In recent weeks the government has appealed for retired NHS staff to return to the service.
And the health secretary revealed that a total of 11,788 have responded, including 2,660 doctors, more than 2,500 pharmacists and other staff, and 6,147 nurses.
"I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need," Mr Hancock said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:08 Health Secretary: 'Police will enforce rules'
Meanwhile, some 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year student nurses will "move to the frontline" next week.
Mr Hancock added that 7.5 million pieces of protective equipment, including facemasks, had been shipped out in the last 24 hours, while a new testing facility in Milton Keynes opened earlier on Tuesday.
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Tuesday's news conference was the first since Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered sweeping measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus in the UK.
People are allowed outside only for "very limited" purposes, which are shopping for basic necessities like food and medicine, one form of daily exercise, medical and care needs, and travelling to and from work if it is "absolutely necessary" and cannot be done from home.
In addition, all shops - apart from certain categories such as food stores and chemists - are to remain closed for at least three weeks and gatherings of more than two people have been banned.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:14 Watch PM's address to the nation
The lockdown was announced after it became clear that some people were failing to follow the government's advice on social distancing.
Mr Hancock said the measures announced by the government "are not requests, they are rules".
People who break the lockdown rules will be given an initial £30 fine and could end up in court if they do not pay.
But police chiefs warned of phone lines being inundated with calls on Monday night with questions about what movements are still permitted, while MPs have also been calling for answers.
There were pictures of packed London Tube trains on social media on Tuesday, with the government facing criticism over its policy on workers.
British Transport Police has now said 500 officers will be patrolling the rail network nationwide to remind people that only essential journeys should be made.
In particular, there has been criticism of ministers' stance on construction workers.
They can continue to go to work as long as they can remain two metres (6.5ft) apart at all times.
"The judgement we have made is that in work, in many instances, the two-metre rule can be applied," Mr Hancock said.
He added: "Where possible, people should work from home and employers have a duty to ensure that people are more than two metres apart."
Image: A packed Tube train at Bethnal Green station
But some builders and construction workers have reported coming under pressure from employers to turn up for work, while others have said they feel "angry and unprotected" about having to show up.
Dr Jennie Harries, deputy chief medical officer for England, said individuals should raise concerns "very firmly" with their bosses if they felt unsafe, but said the government could not individually cover every workplace and every scenario.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the government to take the "difficult decision" and ban non-essential construction work.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Lockdown: Driving through London's empty streets
One area of confusion that has arisen from the government's guidelines is whether couples who live in separate households should still see each other.
Dr Harries said such couples could be spreading coronavirus if they continue to meet up - and suggested they could move in together during the strict restrictions on movement.
"If you are two individuals, two halves of the couple, living in separate households then ideally they should stay in those households," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 Is this the answer to NHS prayers?
"The alternative might be that, for quite a significant period going forward, they should just test the strength of their relationship and decide whether they should be permanently be resident in another household."
Dr Harries added: "What we do not want is people switching in and out of households.
"It defeats the purpose of reductions in social interactions and will allow the transmission of disease."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-24--Special flights to get Britons home as emergency travel loan offered

Special flights are being set up to bring home Britons stranded because of the coronavirus lockdown , the foreign secretary has announced .
Dominic Raab said Singapore had agreed to be the transit hub where people stuck in countries like Australia , New Zealand and Peru could fly through on their way back to the UK .
He also assured travellers unable to afford the cost of a plane ticket back they could get an emergency loan to cover the cost .
But some stranded travellers have painted a different picture , telling Sky News there is little help embassies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory backbenchers turned up the heat on the Foreign Office for its record helping Britons stuck abroad get home as countries across the world try to contain the spread of COVID-19 .
Former immigration minister Caroline Nokes complained of an `` MPs ' helpline that rings with no answer , emails acknowledged but not replied to , embassies that are closed and staff flown home days ago and doors shut to our travellers '' .
She claimed airlines are cancelling flights or charging tens of thousands of pounds for a ticket , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from getting home .
`` He knows the situation 's dire , but he knew that last week , '' was the barb aimed at the foreign secretary , as Ms Nokes added : `` The vision of British citizens sleeping rough on the streets of Caracas [ in Venezuela ] is not a good one . ''
Mr Raab tried to assuage travellers ' fears by saying a special chartered flight to take people stranded in Peru home would fly back to the UK on Tuesday , with up to 200 seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Zealand and Australia to keep some flights open and to re-open other routes despite the coronavirus pandemic , he added .
Mr Raab advised : `` If people are in need of urgent assistance they should call our embassies and high commissioners .
`` Where people are in real need , our consular teams will work with them to consider their options - as a last resort , we offer an emergency loan . ''
Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire challenged Mr Raab to explain what support is available for people who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded that the Foreign Office `` ca n't , given the scale , provide direct subsidy or grants '' to people with no cash left .
Elaine Morley , a nurse stranded in Cambodia , told Sky News it 's been `` impossible to get home '' as all flights home she 's booked have been cancelled , leaving her with no money .
`` We 're stuck in Cambodia with no help , nobody wants to know .
`` Our travel agents do n't want to know , the British embassy are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us financially , they ca n't help us with accommodation , they ca n't help with a flight .
`` We 're actually stuck here , we do n't know who to turn to or what to do next .
We just want to go home . ''
Caroline Hutchings , who 's been trying to get home from the Philippines for a week , said all three flights she booked on to have also been cancelled .
She told Sky News she was getting `` old '' and `` conflicting '' travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Everything 's just a little bit old - which just is n't helpful .
You lose trust , '' said Ms Hutchings .
Britons stuck onboard a cruise ship docked in Lisbon , Portugal , will also be flown home on Tuesday , the country 's interior minister said .
The MSC Fantasia , which sailed from Brazil , had one Portuguese traveller who tested positive for coronavirus .

Special flights are being set up to bring home Britons stranded because of the coronavirus lockdown, the foreign secretary has announced.
Dominic Raab said Singapore had agreed to be the transit hub where people stuck in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Peru could fly through on their way back to the UK.
He also assured travellers unable to afford the cost of a plane ticket back they could get an emergency loan to cover the cost.
Image: Dominic Raab said emergency loans would be available
But some stranded travellers have painted a different picture, telling Sky News there is little help embassies abroad are giving them.
MPs including Tory backbenchers turned up the heat on the Foreign Office for its record helping Britons stuck abroad get home as countries across the world try to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Grounded planes stack up on Oklahoma runway
Former immigration minister Caroline Nokes complained of an "MPs' helpline that rings with no answer, emails acknowledged but not replied to, embassies that are closed and staff flown home days ago and doors shut to our travellers".
She claimed airlines are cancelling flights or charging tens of thousands of pounds for a ticket, and countries are banning layovers, preventing Britons from getting home.
"He knows the situation's dire, but he knew that last week," was the barb aimed at the foreign secretary, as Ms Nokes added: "The vision of British citizens sleeping rough on the streets of Caracas [in Venezuela] is not a good one."
Mr Raab tried to assuage travellers' fears by saying a special chartered flight to take people stranded in Peru home would fly back to the UK on Tuesday, with up to 200 seats on board.
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The government has lobbied New Zealand and Australia to keep some flights open and to re-open other routes despite the coronavirus pandemic, he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 'Stay at home or your loved ones may die'
Mr Raab advised: "If people are in need of urgent assistance they should call our embassies and high commissioners.
"Where people are in real need, our consular teams will work with them to consider their options - as a last resort, we offer an emergency loan."
Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire challenged Mr Raab to explain what support is available for people who have run out of money abroad.
He responded that the Foreign Office "can't, given the scale, provide direct subsidy or grants" to people with no cash left.
Elaine Morley, a nurse stranded in Cambodia, told Sky News it's been "impossible to get home" as all flights home she's booked have been cancelled, leaving her with no money.
"We're stuck in Cambodia with no help, nobody wants to know.
"Our travel agents don't want to know, the British embassy aren't interested - they can't help us financially, they can't help us with accommodation, they can't help with a flight.
"We're actually stuck here, we don't know who to turn to or what to do next. We just want to go home."
Caroline Hutchings, who's been trying to get home from the Philippines for a week, said all three flights she booked on to have also been cancelled.
She told Sky News she was getting "old" and "conflicting" travel advice from the British embassy there.
"Everything's just a little bit old - which just isn't helpful. You lose trust," said Ms Hutchings.
Britons stuck onboard a cruise ship docked in Lisbon, Portugal, will also be flown home on Tuesday, the country's interior minister said.
The MSC Fantasia, which sailed from Brazil, had one Portuguese traveller who tested positive for coronavirus.