skynewspolitics--2020-04-30--Johnson likes to be the bearer of good news - but had little to offer

Back on the political frontline and centre stage once again , Boris Johnson obviously wanted to come to his first news conference after his near-death illness with some good news .
But on the lockdown , the social distancing rules of which millions of UK citizens are becoming increasingly weary and fed up , the prime minister did n't have any good news to deliver .
So with no reprieve from social distancing rules to announce , he came up with a message of optimism designed to grab headlines .
`` We are past the peak and we are on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is a prime minister who likes to be the bearer of good news , who in his address on the steps of 10 Downing Street on the day he became PM last year denounced `` the doubters , the doomsters , the gloomsters '' .
This was `` serious Boris '' , however , a script delivered with a straight face .
No jokes and barely a mention of his new baby , although surprisingly there were no questions about him becoming a father again .
Worryingly , the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and appeared slightly breathless at times .
He has a pale complexion at the best of times .
But he looked weary , as - to be fair - well he might .
There have already been plenty of hints about a coronavirus peak in recent weeks .
The statistics suggest that the peak in deaths was as far back as April 8 , in the week leading up to Easter .
Two weeks ago , England 's chief medical officer , Chris Whitty , said the outbreak was `` probably reaching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And in a Commons statement last week , Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs : `` We are at the peak of the pandemic . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker For Mr Johnson 's first coronavirus news conference for five weeks , Professor Whitty was alongside the prime minister once again , along with the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance .
`` Boris and the boffins '' as headline writers have called the trio .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gig , putting the old band back together , in reality , this was a one-man show .
After an absence of more than a month , it was what the prime minister said that mattered .
Suddenly face masks are back on the agenda , for example .
He was firm on no return to austerity , too , despite the current economic blight caused by the virus .
And significantly , on deadline day for Mr Hancock 's 100,000 tests a day by the end of April , Mr Johnson surprisingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a unexpectedly big rise from 52,000 to 81,000 .
Could the government hit the target after all ?
Not according to the justice secretary , Robert Buckland , on Sky News earlier .
Was that managing expectations or part of a clever propaganda plan ?
Tantalisingly , Mr Johnson promised the lockdown-weary public a `` comprehensive plan '' next week , on how to get the economy moving , get children back to school and make travel to work and life in the workplace safer .
These will be decisions that will define @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit .
Professor Whitty and Sir Patrick briefed the Cabinet ahead of this news conference and throughout this crisis the PM and Cabinet ministers have stressed the importance on relying on the medical and scientific advice in fighting the virus .
But as Margaret Thatcher famously declared more than 30 years ago : `` Advisers advise and ministers decide . ''
So Boris Johnson has some tough decisions to make between now and his `` comprehensive plan '' next week .
But he will be hoping he can announce some good news .

Back on the political frontline and centre stage once again, Boris Johnson obviously wanted to come to his first news conference after his near-death illness with some good news.
But on the lockdown, the social distancing rules of which millions of UK citizens are becoming increasingly weary and fed up, the prime minister didn't have any good news to deliver.
So with no reprieve from social distancing rules to announce, he came up with a message of optimism designed to grab headlines. "We are past the peak and we are on the downward slope," he declared.
This is a prime minister who likes to be the bearer of good news, who in his address on the steps of 10 Downing Street on the day he became PM last year denounced "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters".
This was "serious Boris", however, a script delivered with a straight face. No jokes and barely a mention of his new baby, although surprisingly there were no questions about him becoming a father again.
Worryingly, the prime minister doesn't look back to full fitness and appeared slightly breathless at times. He has a pale complexion at the best of times. But he looked weary, as - to be fair - well he might.
There have already been plenty of hints about a coronavirus peak in recent weeks. The statistics suggest that the peak in deaths was as far back as April 8, in the week leading up to Easter.
Two weeks ago, England's chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, said the outbreak was "probably reaching the peak overall in the UK".
And in a Commons statement last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs: "We are at the peak of the pandemic."
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For Mr Johnson's first coronavirus news conference for five weeks, Professor Whitty was alongside the prime minister once again, along with the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance. "Boris and the boffins" as headline writers have called the trio.
But while superficially this was a comeback gig, putting the old band back together, in reality, this was a one-man show.
After an absence of more than a month, it was what the prime minister said that mattered.
Suddenly face masks are back on the agenda, for example. He was firm on no return to austerity, too, despite the current economic blight caused by the virus.
And significantly, on deadline day for Mr Hancock's 100,000 tests a day by the end of April, Mr Johnson surprisingly announced that the latest figure had showing a unexpectedly big rise from 52,000 to 81,000.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'I do think that face coverings will be useful'
Could the government hit the target after all? Not according to the justice secretary, Robert Buckland, on Sky News earlier. Was that managing expectations or part of a clever propaganda plan?
Tantalisingly, Mr Johnson promised the lockdown-weary public a "comprehensive plan" next week, on how to get the economy moving, get children back to school and make travel to work and life in the workplace safer.
These will be decisions that will define his premiership, potentially even more than Brexit.
Professor Whitty and Sir Patrick briefed the Cabinet ahead of this news conference and throughout this crisis the PM and Cabinet ministers have stressed the importance on relying on the medical and scientific advice in fighting the virus.
But as Margaret Thatcher famously declared more than 30 years ago: "Advisers advise and ministers decide."
So Boris Johnson has some tough decisions to make between now and his "comprehensive plan" next week. But he will be hoping he can announce some good news.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-30--No easy answers for the PM - just hard choices and a long road ahead

It has been more than a month since the prime minister last appeared at the daily coronavirus news conference .
A lot has changed since then for him personally and for the nation he leads .
A personal journey that has taken Boris Johnson through grave illness and great joy in four short weeks .
From an intensive care unit in an NHS hospital suffering with coronavirus , to a maternity ward only yesterday to witness the birth of his new baby son .
And the nation has been on a journey too , from relatively normal life to lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic flow through our communities and take the lives of thousands of our fellow citizens .
A time of anxiety and isolation punctuated by moments of solidarity and optimism - be it the weekly applause for the NHS or Colonel Tom Moore 's phenomenal fundraising .
The prime minister 's absence felt all the more acute by his return today , as he finally gave us some hope that the end of the beginning was now on the horizon .
He told us : `` We are past the peak and on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministerial stonewalling at the House of Commons ' despatch box and the daily news briefing , the prime minister finally gave us some insight about what the end of the beginning might look like .
Mr Johnson promised he would set out a detailed plan next week .
Getting children back to schools and adults back to work are the clear priorities .
As for our social lives , a senior minister told me that would have to wait .
They said : `` Bars and restaurants , no way .
Getting schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Caution is the watchword .
The PM is not prepared to risk a second peak .
But he is at least beginning to prepare the ground for a change in direction from `` stay at home and save lives '' , to having a conversation about what we all need to do to keep the disease in abeyance , by working together to keep driving down the reproduction rate .
Keeping the ' R ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of everything the government will do in the coming weeks and months because it is the key to suppressing the disease .
`` It is going to be absolutely vital to our recovery , '' said the prime minister .
The reproduction rate is currently somewhere between 0.6-0.9 .
What we do n't know is what level the government will want to drive it down to before they begin to ease the lockdown - this is still not settled around the cabinet table either , according to one government figure .
`` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Health Secretary ) Matt Hancock want it to get down to ? ''
they said .
`` Does he want to get it down to 0.2 or below 0.5 .
Will 0.7 be ok ? ''
Mr Johnson is now waiting on data from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) before he gives us our options and outlines the trade-offs next week .
But we are only at the beginning of the end of this crisis , and Mr Johnson knows it .
The flamboyant , jovial prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sombre figure .
The clues to how acute his illness had been is still plain to see as he delivered his script .
He was a little breathless at times and lacking the trademark high energy that has become the hallmark of his political performance .
For he knows , better than most , the gravity of the situation we are in .
He has personally seen this dreadful disease up close and must now try to navigate a policy route of how we might live with it .
Ease the lockdown too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wrath of what comes with that .
Wait too long and risk not having much of an economy to return to , and a different sort of public health crisis .
He knows above all that he has to take the public with him .
It was telling that the prime minister signalled a U-turn over using face marks on Thursday - in direct contradiction to Mr Hancock .
`` As part of coming out of the lockdown , I do think face coverings will be useful , '' Mr Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also , for giving people confidence that they can go back to work . ''
Because that is what the public will need : confidence .
It was public opinion that pushed the UK into the lockdown and the government must now try to shift public opinion to ease us out .
If wearing a face mask psychologically helps people venture outside , then face coverings are the order of the day .
A poll out this week by Ipsos MORI found the UK to be the most cautious of 14 countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and returning to work before the virus is under control .
It found only one in four Britons were in favour of relaxing the lockdown before the virus is suppressed , with an overwhelming 70 % opposed .
Fresh out of a stint in intensive care , the prime minister will be able to empathise with those millions of Britons who will be feeling that their health is ultimately more important than their wealth .
But he has to govern too , not just for those who are fearful of exiting the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easing restrictions will ruin their businesses , ruin their mental health , ruin their education .
There are no easy answers ; just hard choices and a long road ahead .

It has been more than a month since the prime minister last appeared at the daily coronavirus news conference.
A lot has changed since then for him personally and for the nation he leads.
A personal journey that has taken Boris Johnson through grave illness and great joy in four short weeks.
From an intensive care unit in an NHS hospital suffering with coronavirus, to a maternity ward only yesterday to witness the birth of his new baby son.
And the nation has been on a journey too, from relatively normal life to lockdown; watching the horror of the coronavirus epidemic flow through our communities and take the lives of thousands of our fellow citizens.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM: Virus is 'on the downward slope'
A time of anxiety and isolation punctuated by moments of solidarity and optimism - be it the weekly applause for the NHS or Colonel Tom Moore's phenomenal fundraising.
The prime minister's absence felt all the more acute by his return today, as he finally gave us some hope that the end of the beginning was now on the horizon. He told us: "We are past the peak and on the downward slope."
After days of ministerial stonewalling at the House of Commons' despatch box and the daily news briefing, the prime minister finally gave us some insight about what the end of the beginning might look like.
Mr Johnson promised he would set out a detailed plan next week.
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Getting children back to schools and adults back to work are the clear priorities.
As for our social lives, a senior minister told me that would have to wait.
They said: "Bars and restaurants, no way. Getting schools back is difficult enough."
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 All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Caution is the watchword. The PM is not prepared to risk a second peak.
But he is at least beginning to prepare the ground for a change in direction from "stay at home and save lives", to having a conversation about what we all need to do to keep the disease in abeyance, by working together to keep driving down the reproduction rate.
Keeping the 'R' rate below one is the guiding principle of everything the government will do in the coming weeks and months because it is the key to suppressing the disease.
"It is going to be absolutely vital to our recovery," said the prime minister.
The reproduction rate is currently somewhere between 0.6-0.9.
What we don't know is what level the government will want to drive it down to before they begin to ease the lockdown - this is still not settled around the cabinet table either, according to one government figure.
"What isn't clear yet is what does (Health Secretary) Matt Hancock want it to get down to?" they said.
"Does he want to get it down to 0.2 or below 0.5. Will 0.7 be ok?"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 Govt video explains COVID-19 'rate of infection'
Mr Johnson is now waiting on data from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) before he gives us our options and outlines the trade-offs next week.
But we are only at the beginning of the end of this crisis, and Mr Johnson knows it.
The flamboyant, jovial prime minister was replaced today by a far more sombre figure.
The clues to how acute his illness had been is still plain to see as he delivered his script.
He was a little breathless at times and lacking the trademark high energy that has become the hallmark of his political performance.
For he knows, better than most, the gravity of the situation we are in.
He has personally seen this dreadful disease up close and must now try to navigate a policy route of how we might live with it.
Ease the lockdown too soon and risk a second peak and the wrath of what comes with that.
Wait too long and risk not having much of an economy to return to, and a different sort of public health crisis.
He knows above all that he has to take the public with him.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'I do think that face coverings will be useful'
It was telling that the prime minister signalled a U-turn over using face marks on Thursday - in direct contradiction to Mr Hancock.
"As part of coming out of the lockdown, I do think face coverings will be useful," Mr Johnson said.
"Both for epidemiological reasons but, also, for giving people confidence that they can go back to work."
Because that is what the public will need: confidence.
It was public opinion that pushed the UK into the lockdown and the government must now try to shift public opinion to ease us out.
If wearing a face mask psychologically helps people venture outside, then face coverings are the order of the day.
A poll out this week by Ipsos MORI found the UK to be the most cautious of 14 countries on the prospect of re-opening the economy and returning to work before the virus is under control.
It found only one in four Britons were in favour of relaxing the lockdown before the virus is suppressed, with an overwhelming 70% opposed.
Fresh out of a stint in intensive care, the prime minister will be able to empathise with those millions of Britons who will be feeling that their health is ultimately more important than their wealth.
But he has to govern too, not just for those who are fearful of exiting the lockdown but those who are fearful that not easing restrictions will ruin their businesses, ruin their mental health, ruin their education.
There are no easy answers; just hard choices and a long road ahead.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-30--'Probable' UK will miss its coronavirus testing target, minister admits

A minister has admitted it is `` probable '' that the government will fail to meet its target of 100,000 daily coronavirus tests by the end of this month .
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland made the admission in an interview on Sky News .
However , he did say the milestone would be hit in the `` next few days '' .
Mr Buckland told Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` We 'll have the results , I think , tomorrow .
Even if we do n't hit it , and it 's probable that we wo n't , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that target .
`` We 're up to 52,000 people being tested , the capacity is rising .
`` I think it was right to set an ambitious target .
`` Sometimes even if you do n't hit the target on the due date , the direction of travel is the most important thing . ''
The latest available figures , for Tuesday , show that capacity reached 73,400 coronavirus tests , with 52,429 of those tests being used .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week that it would not initially be clear if the testing target has been met .
The prime minister 's spokesman said : `` It 's going to take a little while longer for that to be clear . ''
He said it will be `` difficult '' to know on Friday , adding : `` For example , home testing kits can take up to 72 hours to get the results for and therefore show up in the numbers . ''
NHS Providers , which represents hospitals and NHS trusts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a `` red herring '' which distracts from shortcomings in the long-term COVID-19 strategy .
In a report , the organisation said the English health and care system `` started from a poor position '' and struggled to demonstrate a `` clear , effective and well-communicated strategy '' - with a lack of clarity on who would be tested , when , how , and with what frequency .
`` A vast amount still remains to be done to reach a testing regime that can be described as fit for purpose , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people working in the health service , chief executive Chris Hopson said as many as 120,000 tests would be needed daily for NHS workers once the UK comes out of lockdown - allowing them all to be tested once a week .
Responding to the report , a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said testing was `` absolutely critical '' and capacity had more than doubled within weeks .
He added : `` Our aim as we tackle this virus is to make it easy , fast and simple for any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a test .
`` In addition to setting up a nationwide network of drive in testing sites , we have introduced home testing kit delivery , deployed mobile testing units operated by the Armed Forces , and built three new 'mega labs ' to analyse test samples . ''
Mr Buckland 's admission comes as Boris Johnson prepares to host his first coronavirus news conference since being treated for COVID-19 .
The prime minister 's appearance will come after he chairs a cabinet meeting for the first time in five weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of major changes to lockdown rules , with any alterations likely to have to wait until the government 's scientific advisory panel , SAGE , presents evidence to ministers next week ahead of the lockdown review on 7 May .
Mr Johnson is expected to spell out why social distancing restrictions must remain largely in place for the time being , despite growing pressure from Conservative MPs and business leaders for a relaxation of the rules .
Revealing the PM 's attendance at the Downing Street news conference , a Number 10 insider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update on the country 's fight against this disease and the steps we are taking to defeat it . ''
The latest figures for the UK , which now include care homes as well as NHS hospitals , show there have been 165,221 cases and 26,097 deaths - and reveal that , on eight days this month , more than 1,000 people died from the virus .
It means the UK has the third-highest number of deaths in the world from COVID-19 , behind the US ( 60,999 ) and Italy ( 27,682 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the government 's handling of the crisis , it will be Mr Johnson 's first opportunity to speak publicly about becoming a father again , after his fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to a son .

A minister has admitted it is "probable" that the government will fail to meet its target of 100,000 daily coronavirus tests by the end of this month.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland made the admission in an interview on Sky News.
However, he did say the milestone would be hit in the "next few days".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:22 2 April: Health secretary sets testing target
Mr Buckland told Kay Burley@Breakfast: "We'll have the results, I think, tomorrow. Even if we don't hit it, and it's probable that we won't, we will in the next few days hit that target.
"We're up to 52,000 people being tested, the capacity is rising.
"I think it was right to set an ambitious target.
"Sometimes even if you don't hit the target on the due date, the direction of travel is the most important thing."
The latest available figures, for Tuesday, show that capacity reached 73,400 coronavirus tests, with 52,429 of those tests being used.
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
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Downing Street said earlier this week that it would not initially be clear if the testing target has been met.
The prime minister's spokesman said: "It's going to take a little while longer for that to be clear."
He said it will be "difficult" to know on Friday, adding: "For example, home testing kits can take up to 72 hours to get the results for and therefore show up in the numbers."
NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England, has said the target is a "red herring" which distracts from shortcomings in the long-term COVID-19 strategy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 Examining the latest data on coronavirus deaths
In a report, the organisation said the English health and care system "started from a poor position" and struggled to demonstrate a "clear, effective and well-communicated strategy" - with a lack of clarity on who would be tested, when, how, and with what frequency.
"A vast amount still remains to be done to reach a testing regime that can be described as fit for purpose," the report warned.
With 800,000 people working in the health service, chief executive Chris Hopson said as many as 120,000 tests would be needed daily for NHS workers once the UK comes out of lockdown - allowing them all to be tested once a week.
Responding to the report, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said testing was "absolutely critical" and capacity had more than doubled within weeks.
He added: "Our aim as we tackle this virus is to make it easy, fast and simple for any essential worker who needs a test to get a test.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:02 Ethnic minorities 'more at risk of COVID-19'
"In addition to setting up a nationwide network of drive in testing sites, we have introduced home testing kit delivery, deployed mobile testing units operated by the Armed Forces, and built three new 'mega labs' to analyse test samples."
Mr Buckland's admission comes as Boris Johnson prepares to host his first coronavirus news conference since being treated for COVID-19.
The prime minister's appearance will come after he chairs a cabinet meeting for the first time in five weeks.
The PM is expected to dash hopes of major changes to lockdown rules, with any alterations likely to have to wait until the government's scientific advisory panel, SAGE, presents evidence to ministers next week ahead of the lockdown review on 7 May.
Mr Johnson is expected to spell out why social distancing restrictions must remain largely in place for the time being, despite growing pressure from Conservative MPs and business leaders for a relaxation of the rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 UK coronavirus deaths third highest globally
Revealing the PM's attendance at the Downing Street news conference, a Number 10 insider said: "He will give an update on the country's fight against this disease and the steps we are taking to defeat it."
The latest figures for the UK, which now include care homes as well as NHS hospitals, show there have been 165,221 cases and 26,097 deaths - and reveal that, on eight days this month, more than 1,000 people died from the virus.
It means the UK has the third-highest number of deaths in the world from COVID-19, behind the US (60,999) and Italy (27,682).
As well as facing questions about the government's handling of the crisis, it will be Mr Johnson's first opportunity to speak publicly about becoming a father again, after his fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to a son.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-30--'Concern' as data shows number of journeys in Scotland is on the rise

It is a `` source of concern '' that the number of journeys in Scotland is on the rise , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said .
Speaking at the Scottish government 's daily coronavirus news conference , Ms Sturgeon said that while there had been `` very real '' progress in the fight against the virus , it is `` too fragile for us to let up '' .
The first minister warned that next week may be too early to lift any of the lockdown restrictions designed to halt the spread of COVID-19 .
A further 60 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in Scotland , meaning the total now stands at 1,475 .
Ms Sturgeon said the public had been `` superb '' at sticking to the lockdown restrictions , but there was evidence of people being `` a little more active '' than they had been at the start .
It comes after figures showed traffic levels on UK roads on Monday were at the highest level since the restrictions were introduced last month .
The first minister said that while the increases in people on the roads and using public transport were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were still a `` source of concern '' .
She added : `` The point I am making today is not an easy one , but it is an essential one .
`` The progress we have made is real and it is significant , but it is still very fragile .
`` The margins we have for ensuring the virus does n't take off again are really , really tight .
That means we must be very cautious at this stage . ''
Ms Sturgeon said the number of people using concessionary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week .
And she added that while the amount of traffic on the roads had been less than a third of pre-lockdown levels , it had increased this week by about 5 % .
`` In some of our town and city roads traffic has been 10 % higher than in the week before , '' the first minister said .
Ms Sturgeon said such journeys added up and cautioned against people `` easing off '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is only you making an extra journey , and it is only one trip .
And you might feel you deserve it after weeks of restraint .
Believe me , I really understand all of that , '' she said .
`` But all of it adds up .
And if everybody starts easing off , the virus will quickly take off again and it will have devastating consequences for all of us . ''
The first minister continued : `` I know people want to travel a bit more , I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I absolutely know that every grandparent watching this is desperate to see and to hug their grandchildren .
`` But , as things stand , our progress against the virus , albeit very real progress , is too fragile for us to let up . ''
Addressing the UK-wide picture , Public Health England medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle has described the rise in traffic levels as `` slightly worrying '' .
The latest data shows that the number of vehicles was 56 % lower than in early February , but up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Train and bus use remains flat , at more than 95 % below the first week of February .
`` There has been an uptick in motor vehicles , and the message here really is that we are still passing through this peak , '' Dr Doyle said .
`` This use of motor vehicles is the highest working day use since 23 March .
`` We really have to be vigilant .
Most people are making huge efforts to stay at home and save lives .
`` This is slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , protect the NHS , save lives .
Go out for the necessities . ''

It is a "source of concern" that the number of journeys in Scotland is on the rise, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Speaking at the Scottish government's daily coronavirus news conference, Ms Sturgeon said that while there had been "very real" progress in the fight against the virus, it is "too fragile for us to let up".
The first minister warned that next week may be too early to lift any of the lockdown restrictions designed to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:38 Sturgeon: 'It's too early to ease lockdown'
A further 60 people have died after testing positive for the coronavirus in Scotland, meaning the total now stands at 1,475.
Ms Sturgeon said the public had been "superb" at sticking to the lockdown restrictions, but there was evidence of people being "a little more active" than they had been at the start.
It comes after figures showed traffic levels on UK roads on Monday were at the highest level since the restrictions were introduced last month.
The first minister said that while the increases in people on the roads and using public transport were from a low starting point, they were still a "source of concern".
She added: "The point I am making today is not an easy one, but it is an essential one.
"The progress we have made is real and it is significant, but it is still very fragile.
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"The margins we have for ensuring the virus doesn't take off again are really, really tight. That means we must be very cautious at this stage."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Scotland: Face coverings recommended in 'enclosed spaces'
Ms Sturgeon said the number of people using concessionary transport went up by almost a sixth last week.
And she added that while the amount of traffic on the roads had been less than a third of pre-lockdown levels, it had increased this week by about 5%.
"In some of our town and city roads traffic has been 10% higher than in the week before," the first minister said.
Ms Sturgeon said such journeys added up and cautioned against people "easing off".
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"You might think it is only you making an extra journey, and it is only one trip. And you might feel you deserve it after weeks of restraint. Believe me, I really understand all of that," she said.
"But all of it adds up. And if everybody starts easing off, the virus will quickly take off again and it will have devastating consequences for all of us."
The first minister continued: "I know people want to travel a bit more, I know children want to spend more time outside, I absolutely know that every grandparent watching this is desperate to see and to hug their grandchildren.
"But, as things stand, our progress against the virus, albeit very real progress, is too fragile for us to let up."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 'Good idea of vaccine efficacy by June or July'
Addressing the UK-wide picture, Public Health England medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle has described the rise in traffic levels as "slightly worrying".
The latest data shows that the number of vehicles was 56% lower than in early February, but up three percentage points compared with the previous Monday.
Train and bus use remains flat, at more than 95% below the first week of February.
"There has been an uptick in motor vehicles, and the message here really is that we are still passing through this peak," Dr Doyle said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'Probable we won't hit 100k tests tomorrow'
"This use of motor vehicles is the highest working day use since 23 March.
"We really have to be vigilant. Most people are making huge efforts to stay at home and save lives.
"This is slightly worrying, so please do stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives. Go out for the necessities."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-01--UK likely to be 'very close' to meeting coronavirus testing target

The government will either meet its coronavirus testing target or be `` very close '' , a minister has told Sky News .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had pledged that the UK would be conducting 100,000 daily tests for COVID-19 by the end of April .
Speaking at the government 's daily coronavirus news conference , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said 81,611 tests had been carried out on Wednesday .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said Thursday 's figures would be released later .
`` I think we will have either met it or be very close , '' he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the target will have succeeded because it will have galvanised people across government , in the private sector and across the country to build the network that we needed to , which is the foundation of testing , tracking and tracing , which we need in the next phase of fighting the virus . ''
He added : `` This in itself is just a stepping stone .
`` We need to go beyond 100,000 , but we have now seen a very substantial increase in testing in quite a short period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's been a success .
But there 's more to be done . ''
His cabinet colleague Robert Buckland told Sky News on Thursday it was `` probable '' that the UK would not meet the target .
However , he did say the milestone would be hit in the `` next few days '' .
NHS Providers , which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England , has previously said the target is a `` red herring '' which distracts from shortcomings in the long-term COVID-19 strategy .
Mr Jenrick was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily coronavirus briefing in more than a month following his recovery from COVID-19 .
Mr Johnson said the UK was past the peak of infections and promised to set out a `` comprehensive plan '' next week for how the lockdown could be eased .
Mr Jenrick told Sky News that the UK now had to `` build some headroom '' when it comes to the R value , which measures the number of people that one infected person will pass COVID-19 on to .
The R value needs to stay under one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase at speed .
`` There is n't an exact figure as to where the R is - it 's somewhere , the chief medical officer tells us , between 0.6 and 0.9 , '' he said .
`` We want to bring R down further than it is today and that matters so that the NHS has sufficient capacity , so that when we do start to ease the lockdown , there 's some space , some room , for manoeuvre . ''
The government 's approach was a `` cautious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headroom for the NHS could be kept up , Mr Jenrick added .
When pressed for what figure the R would have to reach before the lockdown could be eased , the minister said he could not give one .
Mr Jenrick pointed out that the R could vary in different areas where transmission rates and methods of coronavirus were different .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said that people should be `` smart enough '' to realise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 're moving into a new phase now and I think people are smart enough to be able to see that there 's going to be a more nuanced message in the future , '' Mr Jenrick said .

The government will either meet its coronavirus testing target or be "very close", a minister has told Sky News.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had pledged that the UK would be conducting 100,000 daily tests for COVID-19 by the end of April.
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus news conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said 81,611 tests had been carried out on Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:22 Hancock: Aim is 100,000 daily COVID-19 tests
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said Thursday's figures would be released later.
"I think we will have either met it or be very close," he told Sky News.
"In that sense the target will have succeeded because it will have galvanised people across government, in the private sector and across the country to build the network that we needed to, which is the foundation of testing, tracking and tracing, which we need in the next phase of fighting the virus."
He added: "This in itself is just a stepping stone.
"We need to go beyond 100,000, but we have now seen a very substantial increase in testing in quite a short period of time.
"In that sense, it's been a success. But there's more to be done."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'Probable we won't hit 100k tests'
His cabinet colleague Robert Buckland told Sky News on Thursday it was "probable" that the UK would not meet the target.
However, he did say the milestone would be hit in the "next few days".
NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England, has previously said the target is a "red herring" which distracts from shortcomings in the long-term COVID-19 strategy.
Mr Jenrick was speaking after the PM led his first daily coronavirus briefing in more than a month following his recovery from COVID-19.
Mr Johnson said the UK was past the peak of infections and promised to set out a "comprehensive plan" next week for how the lockdown could be eased.
Mr Jenrick told Sky News that the UK now had to "build some headroom" when it comes to the R value, which measures the number of people that one infected person will pass COVID-19 on to.
The R value needs to stay under one in order to avoid coronavirus cases beginning to increase at speed.
"There isn't an exact figure as to where the R is - it's somewhere, the chief medical officer tells us, between 0.6 and 0.9," he said.
"We want to bring R down further than it is today and that matters so that the NHS has sufficient capacity, so that when we do start to ease the lockdown, there's some space, some room, for manoeuvre."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 PM: Virus is 'on the downward slope'
The government's approach was a "cautious easing over time" so that such headroom for the NHS could be kept up, Mr Jenrick added.
When pressed for what figure the R would have to reach before the lockdown could be eased, the minister said he could not give one.
Mr Jenrick pointed out that the R could vary in different areas where transmission rates and methods of coronavirus were different.
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He said that people should be "smart enough" to realise that guidelines should continue to be obeyed.
"We're moving into a new phase now and I think people are smart enough to be able to see that there's going to be a more nuanced message in the future," Mr Jenrick said.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-01--Councils keen to reopen tips but say police will need to manage queues

Councils are keen to reopen tips as soon as possible but police will need to manage the queues when they do , the Local Government Association has said .
The government has confirmed that some will reopen this weekend , with Housing , Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick saying he hopes more will follow in the weeks to come .
But the LGA , which represents local authorities in England , said a number of issues need to be addressed .
These include ensuring there is sufficient staffing , providing enough protective equipment for workers , and co-ordinating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage inevitable traffic queues at the sites '' .
The LGA also said ministers need to provide `` clear and explicit guidance '' that visiting tips is permissible under the coronavirus lockdown guidelines .
It comes after Mr Jenrick earlier told the BBC that it was `` perfectly legal '' for people to visit tips that are open .
`` There is no reason why you can not travel to a tip to put household waste there or do recycling , '' Mr Jenrick said .
`` Councils should have the confidence to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He said that because of high demand , many local authorities may decide to reopen their sites in a `` staged '' manner , adding this was the `` sensible '' thing to do .
`` The longer we delay it , the longer those queues are going to be when the waste sites reopen , '' Mr Jenrick added .
Under the current laws and guidance , people can take their waste to a tip that is open , but only if their journey is `` essential '' , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home poses a risk of injury or to health .
Mr Jenrick has said the government will be issuing new guidance `` shortly '' that will support councils in reopening tips and doing so `` in line with social distancing guidelines '' .
A Department for the Environment , Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson told Sky News : `` We are working closely with local authorities and the waste industry to see how we can re-open these sites in the coming weeks , to make sure waste collections are prioritised appropriately and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run as smoothly as possible .
`` Local authorities should maintain black bag collections and prevent waste from building up to protect the environment and public health . ''
Councillor David Renard , the LGA 's environment spokesman , said councils are `` keen to open them [ tips ] as soon as practicable '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But he added : `` For sites to reopen , the government needs to provide clear and explicit guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ household waste and recycling centre ] is compatible with its directive on essential travel .
`` HWRCs can only reopen when they have sufficient staffing and social distancing measures are in place to protect staff and members of the public , which remains paramount .
`` To safely manage visitor flow and pent-up demand , the police will need to manage inevitable traffic queues at the sites , with consideration needing to be given to whether supportive measures , such as a permit system and longer opening hours might be needed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , waste staff must be given personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection and to provide reassurance . ''
Cllr Renard continued : `` We are keen to work with the government on resolving these issues so that councils can reopen HWRCs safely and with confidence . ''

Councils are keen to reopen tips as soon as possible but police will need to manage the queues when they do, the Local Government Association has said.
The government has confirmed that some will reopen this weekend, with Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick saying he hopes more will follow in the weeks to come.
But the LGA, which represents local authorities in England, said a number of issues need to be addressed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 PM to set out plan to get economy moving
These include ensuring there is sufficient staffing, providing enough protective equipment for workers, and co-ordinating the presence of police officers to "manage inevitable traffic queues at the sites".
The LGA also said ministers need to provide "clear and explicit guidance" that visiting tips is permissible under the coronavirus lockdown guidelines.
It comes after Mr Jenrick earlier told the BBC that it was "perfectly legal" for people to visit tips that are open.
"There is no reason why you cannot travel to a tip to put household waste there or do recycling," Mr Jenrick said.
"Councils should have the confidence to reopen them as soon as possible."
He said that because of high demand, many local authorities may decide to reopen their sites in a "staged" manner, adding this was the "sensible" thing to do.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:42 Thousands fined for ignoring lockdown
"The longer we delay it, the longer those queues are going to be when the waste sites reopen," Mr Jenrick added.
Under the current laws and guidance, people can take their waste to a tip that is open, but only if their journey is "essential", that is if the build-up of waste in their home poses a risk of injury or to health.
Mr Jenrick has said the government will be issuing new guidance "shortly" that will support councils in reopening tips and doing so "in line with social distancing guidelines".
A Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson told Sky News: "We are working closely with local authorities and the waste industry to see how we can re-open these sites in the coming weeks, to make sure waste collections are prioritised appropriately and that all parts of the waste system continue to run as smoothly as possible.
"Local authorities should maintain black bag collections and prevent waste from building up to protect the environment and public health."
Councillor David Renard, the LGA's environment spokesman, said councils are "keen to open them [tips] as soon as practicable".
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But he added: "For sites to reopen, the government needs to provide clear and explicit guidance to residents that going to a HWRC [household waste and recycling centre] is compatible with its directive on essential travel.
"HWRCs can only reopen when they have sufficient staffing and social distancing measures are in place to protect staff and members of the public, which remains paramount.
"To safely manage visitor flow and pent-up demand, the police will need to manage inevitable traffic queues at the sites, with consideration needing to be given to whether supportive measures, such as a permit system and longer opening hours might be needed.
"Crucially, for HWRCs to reopen, waste staff must be given personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection and to provide reassurance."
Cllr Renard continued: "We are keen to work with the government on resolving these issues so that councils can reopen HWRCs safely and with confidence."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-30--PM to deliver 'a menu of options' for easing the lockdown next week

Boris Johnson says he will deliver a `` comprehensive plan '' next week on how the lockdown could be eased .
Declaring the UK is past the peak of coronavirus infections , the prime minister said he would be setting out a `` road map , a menu of options '' which could see looser restrictions .
However , he warned that any easing of the measures , which have been in place since 23 March , should not risk a second peak of infections that could overwhelm the NHS .
Speaking at his first Downing Street press conference since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson said : `` I will be setting out a comprehensive plan next week to explain how we can get our economy moving , our children back to school and into childcare , and thirdly how we can travel to work and make life in the workplace safer .
`` In short , how we can continue to suppress the disease and at the same time restart the economy . ''
The easing of individual restrictions would depend on `` where we are in the pandemic '' and what the data suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` it is vital that we do not now lose control and run slap into a second and even bigger mountain '' .
Mr Johnson said that to `` avoid the disaster '' of a second spike in infections , the government would do `` nothing '' that risks lifting the `` R '' - or reproduction rate - of the virus back above one , which would mean each infected person was passing on the disease to at least one other person .
As well as risking more deaths , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause `` lasting economic damage '' to the UK .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker England 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said there still needs to be a decrease in the number of hospital admissions across each English region .
But he added : `` The number of new cases is down , that 's turning into fewer admissions , fewer people in hospital , fewer people in intensive care and we 're beginning to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson also lauded the country 's efforts , saying : `` At no stage has our NHS been overwhelmed , no patient went without a ventilator , no patient was deprived of intensive care .
`` It is thanks to that massive collective effort to shield the NHS that we avoided an uncontrollable and catastrophic epidemic where the reasonable worst-case scenario was 500,000 deaths . ''
There have been 26,711 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK , with a further 674 deaths reported on Thursday .
This now includes those who have died outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of April , the prime minister revealed 81,611 tests had been carried out on Wednesday .
Due to a lag in reporting , it is not yet clear whether the government managed to reach its target .
The government has been criticised for having `` emaciated '' the system which would have allowed it to carry out more extensive testing .
Public health professor Gabriel Scally , referring to the Conservatives ' austerity measures , told BBC Newsnight : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system .
You can not , when a big problem like this hits , you ca n't just reinvent things and put them back the way you wish they were . ''
Other experts have dismissed the target as `` arbitrary '' and a `` PR stunt '' .
Testing is critical to a country 's pandemic response and the World Health Organisation has urged countries to take part in rigorous testing .
Meanwhile , Mr Johnson dismissed suggestions that further austerity cuts to government spending could be made in the aftermath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy will bounce back strongly , I think that this government will want to encourage that bounce back in all kinds of ways , '' he said .
`` I 've never particularly liked the term [ austerity ] ... and it 'll certainly not be part of our approach . ''

Boris Johnson says he will deliver a "comprehensive plan" next week on how the lockdown could be eased.
Declaring the UK is past the peak of coronavirus infections, the prime minister said he would be setting out a "road map, a menu of options" which could see looser restrictions.
However, he warned that any easing of the measures, which have been in place since 23 March, should not risk a second peak of infections that could overwhelm the NHS.
Image: Graffiti in support of the NHS in southeast London
Speaking at his first Downing Street press conference since being admitted to hospital with COVID-19, Mr Johnson said: "I will be setting out a comprehensive plan next week to explain how we can get our economy moving, our children back to school and into childcare, and thirdly how we can travel to work and make life in the workplace safer.
"In short, how we can continue to suppress the disease and at the same time restart the economy."
The easing of individual restrictions would depend on "where we are in the pandemic" and what the data suggests.
But, the prime minister cautioned, "it is vital that we do not now lose control and run slap into a second and even bigger mountain".
Mr Johnson said that to "avoid the disaster" of a second spike in infections, the government would do "nothing" that risks lifting the "R" - or reproduction rate - of the virus back above one, which would mean each infected person was passing on the disease to at least one other person.
As well as risking more deaths, the prime minister said a second spike would cause "lasting economic damage" to the UK.
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England's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said there still needs to be a decrease in the number of hospital admissions across each English region.
But he added: "The number of new cases is down, that's turning into fewer admissions, fewer people in hospital, fewer people in intensive care and we're beginning to see that decrease in deaths."
Mr Johnson also lauded the country's efforts, saying: "At no stage has our NHS been overwhelmed, no patient went without a ventilator, no patient was deprived of intensive care.
"It is thanks to that massive collective effort to shield the NHS that we avoided an uncontrollable and catastrophic epidemic where the reasonable worst-case scenario was 500,000 deaths."
There have been 26,711 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK, with a further 674 deaths reported on Thursday.
This now includes those who have died outside hospitals.
With the government having set a target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by the end of April, the prime minister revealed 81,611 tests had been carried out on Wednesday.
Due to a lag in reporting, it is not yet clear whether the government managed to reach its target.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 Govt video explains 'R' rate of infection
The government has been criticised for having "emaciated" the system which would have allowed it to carry out more extensive testing.
Public health professor Gabriel Scally, referring to the Conservatives' austerity measures, told BBC Newsnight: "The resilience has been stripped systematically out of the system. You cannot, when a big problem like this hits, you can't just reinvent things and put them back the way you wish they were."
Other experts have dismissed the target as "arbitrary" and a "PR stunt".
Testing is critical to a country's pandemic response and the World Health Organisation has urged countries to take part in rigorous testing.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson dismissed suggestions that further austerity cuts to government spending could be made in the aftermath of the pandemic.
"I think the economy will bounce back strongly, I think that this government will want to encourage that bounce back in all kinds of ways," he said.
"I've never particularly liked the term [austerity]... and it'll certainly not be part of our approach."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-01--Have we passed any of the five tests for easing the lockdown?

Boris Johnson has promised he will set out a `` road map '' for easing lockdown restrictions next week , after saying the UK has passed the peak of coronavirus infections .
Members of the public have called for a cautious approach to easing the lockdown , with a third of people saying it should not happen until there has been a substantial fall in daily deaths , according to a YouGov survey .
A further 37 % said it should not be eased until even tougher targets had been met , including until there were no new reported cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until a vaccine is available .
The government has its own tests for easing the lockdown - but has it met them ?
Test one : The NHS has the capacity to provide critical care right across the UK Firstly , the government will look at whether there is the capacity to care for seriously ill coronavirus patients .
This can be measured by the number of spare beds in intensive care .
The NHS has managed to roughly double its ICU capacity in its pre-existing hospitals to 1,555 .
Hospitals have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there has also been the addition of NHS Nightingale hospitals in some parts of the country , which are designed as overspill facilities .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Nightingale Hospitals have the capacity to treat thousands of COVID-19 sufferers , but so far reports suggest they have admitted few patients - something taken by many as a win .
However , there has been some criticism that the increased capacity to treat coronavirus patients has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including cancer treatments .
In spite of this , this test appears to have been met .
Test two : A sustained and consistent fall in daily deaths from coronavirus The number of daily deaths - though closely watched - is likely to be the last to show improvement .
This is because the delay between someone becoming infected and either recovering or dying can be around three to four weeks .
It is estimated that England 's daily hospital death toll peaked around 8 April and has been steadily falling since .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths with coronavirus in hospitals .
Although figures do tend to drop on Mondays because of a weekend lag , this was much lower than on previous Mondays .
The picture has become less clear now that deaths in the community are included , and there are some suggestions care homes could become the new epicentres of transmission .
It seems more data is needed to be clear whether this test has been met .
Test three : The rate of infection decreased to manageable levels across the board The infection rate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of people that each person who contracts the virus ends up infecting .
The R is currently thought to be somewhere between 0.6 and 0.9 .
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has been steadily decreasing , although it is accepted that the true number of cases is likely to be much higher than the reported amount .
This is due to the amount of testing , which is currently aimed at key workers , people over 65 and those seriously ill in hospital .
Another way of finding out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is looking at the number of hospital admissions .
England 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said : `` The number of new cases is down , that 's turning into fewer admissions , fewer people in hospital , fewer people in intensive care and we 're beginning to see that decrease in deaths . ''
It is likely the rate of infection has decreased satisfactorily , but Sir Patrick said the number of people admitted to hospital still needs to decrease .
Test four : Operational challenges including testing and PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet future demand The government is close to hitting its target of testing 100,000 people a day , which it had set for the end of April .
Figures show 81,611 tests were carried out on Wednesday , though due to a time lag in reporting it is not yet clear whether the target was met .
Work has also started on a contract tracing app which will alert people if they have come into close contact with someone with symptoms , but this is not expected to be rolled out until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker More than a billion items of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) have been distributed , but there are still concerns among health care workers about shortages .
There may be challenges in sourcing PPE for some time , as numerous countries are trying to obtain equipment .
So far , it looks like this test has not been met .
Test Five : Confident that any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has stressed that in order to `` avoid disaster '' , the fifth test means the R value should not rise above one .
Boris Johnson said he would not risk a second peak by relaxing restrictions too quickly , but did say the public will soon be told when certain lockdown measures can be relaxed , based on a series of options raised by the government 's scientific advisers .
Downing Street was forced to deny it had relaxed the fifth test , as the rule had initially stated `` confident that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not risk a second peak of infections '' .
It was later amended to add that the peak of infections should not `` overwhelm the NHS '' .
Number 10 said the wording had simply been revised to match the words of Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on 16 April .
We currently do n't know for sure what these relaxation measures will be , so it is difficult to judge whether this test has been met .

Boris Johnson has promised he will set out a "road map" for easing lockdown restrictions on Sunday, after saying the UK has passed the peak of coronavirus infections.
The government has proposed a series of five tests which, if met, would allow the UK to ease lockdown restrictions.
We look at whether any of the tests have been satisfied:
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:09 The process of getting back to work
Firstly, the government will look at whether there is the capacity to care for seriously ill coronavirus patients.
This can be measured by the number of spare beds in intensive care.
The NHS has managed to roughly double its ICU capacity in its pre-existing hospitals to 1,555, but monthly data on critical care bed capacity has been paused since February.
Figures seen by Health Service Journal showed about four times the normal number of NHS England hospital beds remained unoccupied over the weekend of 11 and 12 April, with 37,500 of the total 91,600 beds unused.
NHS England said the data, compiled on the national NHS operational dashboard, were "not complete and validated" but "confirm continuing success in ensuring we have available capacity to look after patients".
Hospitals have not been overwhelmed by patients so far, and there has also been the addition of NHS Nightingale hospitals in some parts of the country, which are designed as overspill facilities.
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The Nightingale Hospitals have the capacity to treat thousands of COVID-19 sufferers, but so far reports suggest they have admitted few patients - something taken by many as a win.
Image: The NHS Nightingale hospital in London
It has been announced the London NHS Nightingale hospital is being put "on standby" because no new admissions are expected.
However, there has been some criticism that the increased capacity to treat coronavirus patients has come at the expense of other care, including cancer treatments.
The number of daily deaths - though closely watched - is likely to be the last to show improvement.
This is because the delay between someone becoming infected and either recovering or dying can be around three to four weeks.
It is estimated that England's daily hospital death toll peaked around 8 April and has been steadily falling since.
On Monday 4 May, the UK reported 288 deaths with coronavirus in hospitals, the smallest weekday total since 27 March when it was 284 (on the new measure).
However, there is a lag in data following the weekend and midweek reports of deaths have been much higher.
There are some suggestions that deaths in care homes are rising.
Downing Street has claimed there has been a "palpable improvement" in care homes, but recent data has not yet shown this.
Figures shared by deputy chief scientific adviser Angela McLean at one of the daily press briefings, which included data up to the week ending 24 April, revealed the death rate in care homes continued to grow as hospital deaths fell.
In the week ending 24 April, deaths in care homes were about half the number of deaths in all hospitals.
It seems more recent data is needed to be clear whether this test has been met.
The infection rate, or "R" value, means the number of people that each person who contracts the virus ends up infecting.
The R is currently thought to be somewhere between 0.6 and 0.9, although officials say there is a "little bit of regional variation" in this number.
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has been steadily decreasing, although it is accepted that the true number of cases is likely to be much higher than the reported amount.
This is due to the amount of testing, which is largely aimed at key workers and their families, people over 65 and those seriously ill in hospital.
Image: The UK has been receiving PPE deliveries from other countries, including Turkey. File pic
Another way of finding out if the infection rate might be down is looking at the number of hospital admissions.
England's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said: "The number of new cases is down, that's turning into fewer admissions, fewer people in hospital, fewer people in intensive care and we're beginning to see that decrease in deaths."
It is likely the rate of infection has decreased satisfactorily, but Sir Patrick said the number of people admitted to hospital still needs to decrease.
Some scientists have warned easing the lockdown without a sufficient "test, track and trace" policy could only increase the number of cases again.
Professor Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health from Edinburgh University, wrote in a viral tweet: "Releasing lockdown without public health infrastructure in place (test, trace, isolate & surveillance) makes lockdown pointless so far.
"Everyone agrees we need to get out of lockdown ASAP, focus needs to be on how time being used to replace lockdown with package of interventions."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK managed to carry out 122,347 tests on 30 April, surpassing the government's target of 100,000 daily tests.
But it has since failed on several occasions to meet this target, with tests hovering between 69,000 to 85,000 per day.
A contact-tracing app is being trialled on the Isle of Wight and will alert people if they have come into close contact with someone with symptoms.
It is expected to be rolled out nationwide in the coming weeks.
More than a billion items of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been distributed, but there are still concerns among health care workers about shortages.
There may be challenges in sourcing PPE for some time, as numerous countries are trying to obtain equipment.
A Telegraph investigation revealed 400,000 PPE gowns imported from Turkey were found to be "useless".
So far, it looks like this test has not been met.
The prime minister has stressed that in order to "avoid disaster", the fifth test means the R value should not rise above one.
Boris Johnson said he would not risk a second peak by relaxing restrictions too quickly, but did say the public will soon be told when certain lockdown measures can be relaxed, based on a series of options raised by the government's scientific advisers.
He said lockdown changes will be "very limited", but that some could begin from Monday.
Downing Street was forced to deny it had relaxed the fifth test, as the rule had initially stated "confident that any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections".
It was later amended to add that the peak of infections should not "overwhelm the NHS".
Number 10 said the wording had simply been revised to match the words of Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on 16 April.
We currently don't know for sure what these relaxation measures will be, so it is difficult to judge whether this test has been met.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-01--Number 10: Face coverings have 'weak but positive effect' in slowing virus

There is evidence face coverings have a `` weak but positive effect '' in reducing transmission of the coronavirus , Downing Street has said .
A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said ministers are still considering what guidance to issue to the public during the COVID-19 lockdown .
Experts have argued coverings are unlikely to prevent someone contracting the coronavirus , but say it may reduce the number of infected people who are not showing symptoms from spreading the virus .
NHS England has announced 352 new deaths of people who tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England to 20,483 .
In Scotland there have been a further 40 deaths ( taking the total to 1,515 ) , while there have been 17 more deaths in Wales ( 925 ) and 18 more in Northern Ireland ( 365 total ) .
Asked about face coverings at the daily Westminster briefing for journalists , the PM 's spokesman said : `` Ministers are still considering how we move forward with face coverings in terms of the precise advice which we give to the public and once that 's ready we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have received based on the science shows a weak but positive effect in reducing transmission of coronavirus from asymptomatic members of the public where social distancing is n't possible .
`` What ministers need to consider is how best to produce advice for the public on the next steps and that work is still ongoing . ''
It comes after the PM said face coverings will be `` useful '' when lockdown restrictions are eased to `` give people confidence they can go back to work '' .
On Thursday , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SAGE [ the government 's scientific advisory group ] is saying , what I certainly agree with , is that as part of coming out of the lockdown , I do think face coverings will be useful .
`` Both for epidemiological reasons but , also , for giving people confidence that they can go back to work .
`` You 're going to be hearing more about that and that kind of thing next week . ''
It is understood that ministers are not considering recommending people use medical-quality masks , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What kind of materials are advisable to use for such coverings is one of the issues the government is considering .
On Tuesday , the Scottish government issued new advice saying that people should wear face coverings in shops and on public transport .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon did not make their use mandatory , conceding the evidence over their use is `` still limited '' .
But she said there were benefits in wearing coverings to reduce transmission from individuals who are not yet displaying symptoms .
Asked that same day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adopted across the UK , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government 's position had not changed and that there was `` weak science '' supporting the advice .
Professor Angela McLean , the deputy chief scientific adviser , said SAGE had recommended that there is `` weak evidence of a small effect '' that wearing a mask can stop an infected person spreading the disease .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She told Tuesday 's COVID-19 news conference : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is weak and the effect is small , and we have passed that on to our colleagues in government with which to make a decision . ''
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has also suggested there may be a danger that people would act in a `` cavalier '' way if told to wear masks .
`` The scientific evidence so far says face coverings can have an effect in preventing an individual from spreading the disease to others if they have it and are asymptomatic , '' he told MPs on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry that some people may think that wearing a mask protects themselves , as distinct to protecting others , and therefore they may behave in a manner that is slightly more cavalier . ''

There is evidence face coverings have a "weak but positive effect" in reducing transmission of the coronavirus, Downing Street has said.
A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said ministers are still considering what guidance to issue to the public during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Experts have argued coverings are unlikely to prevent someone contracting the coronavirus, but say it may reduce the number of infected people who are not showing symptoms from spreading the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'I do think that face coverings will be useful'
NHS England has announced 352 new deaths of people who tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 20,483.
In Scotland there have been a further 40 deaths (taking the total to 1,515), while there have been 17 more deaths in Wales (925) and 18 more in Northern Ireland (365 total).
Asked about face coverings at the daily Westminster briefing for journalists, the PM's spokesman said: "Ministers are still considering how we move forward with face coverings in terms of the precise advice which we give to the public and once that's ready we will announce it.
"The advice we have received based on the science shows a weak but positive effect in reducing transmission of coronavirus from asymptomatic members of the public where social distancing isn't possible.
"What ministers need to consider is how best to produce advice for the public on the next steps and that work is still ongoing."
It comes after the PM said face coverings will be "useful" when lockdown restrictions are eased to "give people confidence they can go back to work".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 How good are masks at stopping virus spread?
On Thursday, Mr Johnson said: "What I think SAGE [the government's scientific advisory group] is saying, what I certainly agree with, is that as part of coming out of the lockdown, I do think face coverings will be useful.
"Both for epidemiological reasons but, also, for giving people confidence that they can go back to work.
"You're going to be hearing more about that and that kind of thing next week."
It is understood that ministers are not considering recommending people use medical-quality masks, which could divert supplies away from the NHS.
What kind of materials are advisable to use for such coverings is one of the issues the government is considering.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Scotland endorses COVID-19 face coverings
On Tuesday, the Scottish government issued new advice saying that people should wear face coverings in shops and on public transport.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon did not make their use mandatory, conceding the evidence over their use is "still limited".
But she said there were benefits in wearing coverings to reduce transmission from individuals who are not yet displaying symptoms.
Asked that same day whether the recommendation was likely to be adopted across the UK, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government's position had not changed and that there was "weak science" supporting the advice.
Professor Angela McLean, the deputy chief scientific adviser, said SAGE had recommended that there is "weak evidence of a small effect" that wearing a mask can stop an infected person spreading the disease.
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She told Tuesday's COVID-19 news conference: "The answer is clear that the evidence is weak and the effect is small, and we have passed that on to our colleagues in government with which to make a decision."
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has also suggested there may be a danger that people would act in a "cavalier" way if told to wear masks.
"The scientific evidence so far says face coverings can have an effect in preventing an individual from spreading the disease to others if they have it and are asymptomatic," he told MPs on Wednesday.
"But there is also a worry that some people may think that wearing a mask protects themselves, as distinct to protecting others, and therefore they may behave in a manner that is slightly more cavalier."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-01--Tory donor: PM must lift coronavirus lockdown and extend Brexit transition

Boris Johnson 's government `` lost time '' in the first stage of fighting coronavirus and must lift the lockdown next week for many small businesses - including restaurants and construction , a Conservative Party donor has said .
The effort to tackle coronavirus is being hampered by a `` resistant '' civil service who do not want business involved at the heart of the recovery , said Alexander Temerko .
The Ukrainian-born British businessman , who has given £1.3m to the Conservatives , said that Mr Johnson should also extend the Brexit transition period for a further year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His intervention shows the pressure on the prime minister to act quickly to revive the British economy from within his own party , as he draws up plans this weekend for a roadmap out of the crisis .
In an interview with Sky News , Mr Temerko said it was `` very difficult '' for the economy to stay in lockdown and suggested that key industries should be reopened next week .
`` We need to lift the lockdown .
We definitely need to open small business , restaurants , and construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when this should happen , he said on 7 May - because it was `` on this day the government needs to make a decision on lifting lockdown '' .
He expressed frustration at the way the government had acted in parts of the first phase of the crisis , saying we `` lost time ( in ) the first stage '' and called for greater business involvement in the second stage .
Mr Temerko , who runs an energy business , offered to help with the production of ventilators but in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He suggested that the civil service is holding back the effort to sort out COVID-19 because while they want to help business , they do not want it involved .
`` Michael Gove and Boris Johnson and Alok Sharma totally agree on the need to use business to create new capacity but they 're political , and then there 's the civil service ( doing implementation ) .
We have a very short time to crack down on a resistant civil service , '' he said .
He believes that businesses should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifting the lockdown and that ministers urgently need their expertise in lifting the lockdown and repairing the economy .
He also suggested big business is given the tools to carry out tests for its staff themselves .
Mr Temerko , who supported remaining in the EU , also called on Mr Johnson to rethink his Brexit timetable , saying he must do this to support business .
`` We do n't know what kind of deal ( will emerge ) .
If we leave do n't know what rules ( we will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one year .
I think it will be better for economy .
We need additional time to prepare our economy . ''
He also called on Priti Patel , the home secretary , to rethink her immigration plans to encourage NHS workers particularly from Asia .
`` I think ( NHS workers ) are heroes… but their job would be much more effective and easy if we have more doctors and nurses , '' he said .
`` I think our immigration policy we needed a big change .
`` My message not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home secretary is that we need to think about immigration policy for doctors and nurses . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A government spokesperson said : `` We have been engaging with businesses to help shape the response to coronavirus and meets regularly with representatives from all sectors .
Not all offers for ventilators could be taken forward , for a variety of reasons .
`` The government has announced the extension of visas for NHS doctors , nurses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and care workers who are on the frontline and fighting coronavirus .
`` The transition period ends on 31 December 2020 , as enshrined in EU law , which the prime minister has made clear he has no intention of changing . ''

Boris Johnson's government "lost time" in the first stage of fighting coronavirus and must lift the lockdown next week for many small businesses - including restaurants and construction, a Conservative Party donor has said.
The effort to tackle coronavirus is being hampered by a "resistant" civil service who do not want business involved at the heart of the recovery, said Alexander Temerko.
The Ukrainian-born British businessman, who has given £1.3m to the Conservatives, said that Mr Johnson should also extend the Brexit transition period for a further year, and rethink the party's immigration policy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Tory donor wants lockdown lifted
His intervention shows the pressure on the prime minister to act quickly to revive the British economy from within his own party, as he draws up plans this weekend for a roadmap out of the crisis.
In an interview with Sky News, Mr Temerko said it was "very difficult" for the economy to stay in lockdown and suggested that key industries should be reopened next week.
"We need to lift the lockdown. We definitely need to open small business, restaurants, and construction today," he said.
Asked when this should happen, he said on 7 May - because it was "on this day the government needs to make a decision on lifting lockdown".
He expressed frustration at the way the government had acted in parts of the first phase of the crisis, saying we "lost time (in) the first stage" and called for greater business involvement in the second stage.
Mr Temerko, who runs an energy business, offered to help with the production of ventilators but in the end this was not wanted by government.
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Image: Alexander Temerko is pictured with the Prime Minister prior to lockdown
He suggested that the civil service is holding back the effort to sort out COVID-19 because while they want to help business, they do not want it involved.
"Michael Gove and Boris Johnson and Alok Sharma totally agree on the need to use business to create new capacity but they're political, and then there's the civil service (doing implementation). We have a very short time to crack down on a resistant civil service," he said.
He believes that businesses should be working with every government department on lifting the lockdown and that ministers urgently need their expertise in lifting the lockdown and repairing the economy. He also suggested big business is given the tools to carry out tests for its staff themselves.
Mr Temerko, who supported remaining in the EU, also called on Mr Johnson to rethink his Brexit timetable, saying he must do this to support business.
"We don't know what kind of deal (will emerge). If we leave don't know what rules (we will have to follow) we should extend for one year. I think it will be better for economy. We need additional time to prepare our economy."
He also called on Priti Patel, the home secretary, to rethink her immigration plans to encourage NHS workers particularly from Asia.
"I think (NHS workers) are heroes… but their job would be much more effective and easy if we have more doctors and nurses," he said.
"I think our immigration policy we needed a big change.
"My message not only to Boris Johnson but to the home secretary is that we need to think about immigration policy for doctors and nurses."
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A government spokesperson said: "We have been engaging with businesses to help shape the response to coronavirus and meets regularly with representatives from all sectors. Not all offers for ventilators could be taken forward, for a variety of reasons.
"The government has announced the extension of visas for NHS doctors, nurses and paramedics, recognising the contribution of overseas health and care workers who are on the frontline and fighting coronavirus.
"The transition period ends on 31 December 2020, as enshrined in EU law, which the prime minister has made clear he has no intention of changing."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-01--Government hits testing target as critics say numbers manipulated

Matt Hancock did n't just reach his 100,000 daily testing target , he claims he overshot it considerably with 122,347 tests carried out in the 24 hours to 9am today .
It seems a significant achievement since the health secretary 's own cabinet colleagues were publicly doubting him as recently as yesterday .
Yet the real advantage of a target , as Mr Hancock admitted this evening , is it has `` a galvanising effect on everyone involved .
It is a mission '' .
Clearly the countdown clock in the Department for Health focused the minds of civil servants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40,369 home testing kits and tests carried out at satellite centres , but not necessarily returned yet .
Some critics claim that is a manipulation of the statistics .
People will make up their own minds , but even taking into account the accusation that numbers have been massaged , the government has managed to considerably boost its testing capacity in a matter of weeks .
As a former chief of staff to George Osborne - himself a canny strategist - Mr Hancock knows that setting an achievable aim , and then achieving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With such a complex issue as the government 's response to COVID-19 , it is a simple , binary way of allowing the public to assess competence : either you meet it , or you do n't .
The health secretary has not just burnished his own reputation but helped build confidence in the work of his colleagues .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However Mr Hancock knows that testing is now most useful as part of a 'test , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would track the transmission of the virus , and trace those an infected person has had contact with .
It will be vital for reducing the ' R ' rate of reproduction , and keeping it down .
The government is now recruiting 18,000 contact tracers but the scheme is unlikely to be up and running until mid-May .
And some argue - as with much of the government 's response - all this should have happened much sooner .

Today's figure does include 40,369 home testing kits and tests carried out at satellite centres, but not necessarily returned yet.
Matt Hancock didn't just reach his 100,000 daily testing target, he claims he overshot it considerably with 122,347 tests carried out in the 24 hours to 9am on Friday.
It seems a significant achievement since the health secretary's own cabinet colleagues were publicly doubting him as recently as Thursday.
Yet the real advantage of a target, as Mr Hancock admitted this evening, is it has "a galvanising effect on everyone involved. It is a mission".
Image: The government has surpassed its testing target
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Hancock: 'We have met our goal'
Clearly the countdown clock in the Department for Health focused the minds of civil servants.
However, Friday's figure does include 40,369 home testing kits and tests carried out at satellite centres, but not necessarily returned yet.
Some critics claim that is a manipulation of the statistics. People will make up their own minds, but even taking into account the accusation that numbers have been massaged, the government has managed to considerably boost its testing capacity in a matter of weeks.
As a former chief of staff to George Osborne - himself a canny strategist - Mr Hancock knows that setting an achievable aim, and then achieving it, is a well-worn political tactic.
With such a complex issue as the government's response to COVID-19, it is a simple, binary way of allowing the public to assess competence: either you meet it, or you don't.
The health secretary has not just burnished his own reputation but helped build confidence in the work of his colleagues.
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However Mr Hancock knows that testing is now most useful as part of a 'test, track and trace' programme.
This would track the transmission of the virus, and trace those an infected person has had contact with. It will be vital for reducing the 'R' rate of reproduction, and keeping it down.
The government is now recruiting 18,000 contact tracers but the scheme is unlikely to be up and running until mid-May.
And some argue - as with much of the government's response - all this should have happened much sooner.