skynewspolitics--2020-04-23--Wales is changing its lockdown rules to make people go home quicker

Coronavirus lockdown measures are being tightened in Wales from Saturday .
The Welsh government is tweaking its rules to make it clear that people who go out for essential reasons must return straight home afterwards .
One target is to stop people venturing to a second property , with Welsh ministers asking four police forces to investigate whether the rules here need tightening .
Other rules are being relaxed slightly to help vulnerable people .
Businesses that offer a `` click and collect '' service will be allowed to open from the weekend - so long as they ensure all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the definition of `` vulnerable people '' is being expanded to include people who could benefit from more support - such as those with dementia .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker From Saturday , those with health conditions or disabilities will be allowed to leave home to exercise more than once a day .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said : `` The changes we are introducing supplement the rules already in force but they respond to some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country and by families throughout Wales .
`` Our message has not changed - anyone can get coronavirus , anyone can spread it .
So please , stay home , protect the NHS , and save lives . ''
On Friday , Mr Drakeford will reveal the seven tests that must be passed before any parts of the lockdown in Wales can be lifted .
Sky News understands they will include making sure that any move has a positive impact on the economy , wellbeing and equality .
The UK government - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has revealed its own five tests for lifting lockdown measures .
And in Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon laid out plans for redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices to help slowly ease restrictions .
Britons are facing lockdown until at least Thursday 7 May - when the four governments will again review and decide whether to strengthen , extend or loosen the stay-at-home rules .
So far more than 18,000 hospital patients have died across the UK with COVID-19 .
Once those who have died in care homes and the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantially higher .
As questions turn to how parts of society and the economy can re-open , Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed plans to adopt contact tracing - which involves tracking people who have been near or in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 .
He added that from Friday all those deemed `` key workers '' and their households will be able to get coronavirus tests on the gov.uk website .


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--Cummings has listened in on scientific advisory group meetings - Downing Street

Downing Street has confirmed Dominic Cummings has listened in on meetings with senior scientists advising the government on the coronavirus outbreak - but has denied claims he is part of the secretive group .
Opposition parties have said political advisers have no business attending the meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) and have called for its deliberations to be opened up to wider scrutiny .
Mr Cummings , the prime minster 's chief adviser , was among 23 attendees at a key SAGE meeting when a nationwide lockdown was announced on 23 March , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data scientist who worked with Mr Cummings on the Vote Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum , was also said to have been present at the meeting .
SAGE , which provides scientific and technical advice to support decision makers during emergencies , has been advising the government on the coronavirus outbreak .
Sir David King , a former government chief scientific adviser , said he was `` shocked '' to find that there were political figures involved in SAGE meetings .
He told The Guardian : `` If you are giving science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any political bias .
`` That is just so critically important . ''
A Number 10 spokesman confirmed in a strongly-worded statement that Mr Cummings and Dr Warner had attended or listened in to SAGE meetings , but denied they had in any way affected the group 's advice .
The spokesman said : `` It is not true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are 'on ' or members of SAGE .
`` Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some SAGE meetings and listen to some meetings now they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to understand better the scientific debates concerning this emergency and also to understand better the limits of how science and data can help government decisions .
`` Occasionally they ask questions or offer help when scientists mention problems in Whitehall . ''
: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government has never released a list of SAGE members or attendees , but individual members can disclose they are part of the group .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the current chief scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter to parliament earlier this month that the decision not to disclose its membership was based on advice from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure ( CPNI ) .
He said that it helped safeguard the personal security of members while protecting them from `` lobbying and other forms of unwanted influence which may hinder their ability to give impartial advice '' .
Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England and a member of SAGE , told MPs on Friday that neither he nor Sir Patrick had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details of the membership being released .
He told the Commons Science and Technology Committee the CPNI advice was based on the fact that SAGE was a sub-committee of Cobra - the government 's civil contingencies committee - and sometimes dealt with security-related issues .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the disclosure that Mr Cummings had been attending SAGE raised `` significant questions '' about the credibility of government decision-making .
He said : `` Dominic Cummings has no place on the government 's scientific advisory group on the coronavirus .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a medical or scientific expert .
If the public are to have confidence in the Sage , the government must make clear Dominic Cummings can no longer participate or attend . ''
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the disclosure underlined the need for a public inquiry into the government 's handling of the pandemic .
He said : `` The public needs to have confidence that it is expert advice that is guiding government decisions , not dubious political advisers .
The lack of transparency is an absolute outrage .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give Boris Johnson the opportunity to answer some serious questions , it is clear that there will need to be an independent inquiry to officially review the government 's response to the pandemic . ''
Richard Horton , the editor of The Lancet medical journal , tweeted : `` If it is true that Dominic Cummings attended meetings of SAGE , then the government led by Boris Johnson has utterly corrupted independent scientific advice . ''

Boris Johnson's chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, has attended meetings with senior scientists advising the government on the coronavirus outbreak, Downing Street has said.
However, it denied a newspaper report that he is part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which has helped to shape the British response to the pandemic.
The Guardian reported that Mr Cummings and Ben Warner, a data scientist who worked with him on the Vote Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum, were among 23 attendees at a key SAGE meeting when a nationwide lockdown was announced on 23 March, the report said.
Opposition parties have said political advisers have no business attending SAGE meetings and have called for its deliberations to be opened up to wider scrutiny.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Cummings 'should not be' at SAGE meetings - Davis
Members of the group, which provides scientific and technical advice to support decision makers during emergencies, have not been made public.
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News: "We need to understand if Mr Cummings was contributing to the debate or influencing the debate."
He pointed to questions about the timing of the decisions taken by the government in response to the pandemic, including calling the lockdown and controversially allowing major events to be held, such as the Cheltenham Festival.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Labour call for transparency over SAGE meetings
Mr Ashworth said: "The best way to clear all of this up is for the government to be completely transparent with us.
"They need to publish the minutes of the SAGE committee so we can all understand the advice the government has had and then fully understand the judgements the government has made based on that advice.
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"So let's have clarity, let's have transparency. I think that is the best way this issue can be cleared up."
Sir David King, a former government chief scientific adviser, said he was "shocked" to find that there were political figures involved in SAGE meetings.
He told The Guardian: "If you are giving science advice, your advice should be free of any political bias.
"That is just so critically important."
A Number 10 spokesman confirmed in a strongly-worded statement that Mr Cummings and Dr Warner had attended or listened in to SAGE meetings, but denied they had in any way affected the group's advice.
The spokesman said: "It is not true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are 'on' or members of SAGE.
"Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some SAGE meetings and listen to some meetings now they are all virtual.
"They do this in order to understand better the scientific debates concerning this emergency and also to understand better the limits of how science and data can help government decisions.
"Occasionally they ask questions or offer help when scientists mention problems in Whitehall."
: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government has not released a list of SAGE members or attendees, but individual members can disclose they are part of the group.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the current chief scientific adviser who chairs SAGE, said in a letter to parliament earlier this month that the decision not to disclose its membership was based on advice from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI).
He said that it helped safeguard the personal security of members while protecting them from "lobbying and other forms of unwanted influence which may hinder their ability to give impartial advice".
Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England and a member of SAGE, told MPs on Friday that neither he nor Sir Patrick had any objection "in principle" to details of the membership being released.
He told the Commons Science and Technology Committee the CPNI advice was based on the fact that SAGE was a sub-committee of Cobra - the government's civil contingencies committee - and sometimes dealt with security-related issues.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:42 'I miss my wife but I have to be in hospital'
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the disclosure underlined the need for a public inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic.
He said: "The public needs to have confidence that it is expert advice that is guiding government decisions, not dubious political advisers. The lack of transparency is an absolute outrage.
"To get to the truth and to give Boris Johnson the opportunity to answer some serious questions, it is clear that there will need to be an independent inquiry to officially review the government's response to the pandemic."
Richard Horton, the editor of The Lancet medical journal, tweeted: "If it is true that Dominic Cummings attended meetings of SAGE, then the government led by Boris Johnson has utterly corrupted independent scientific advice."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--No COVID-19 screening of passengers arriving in the UK - for now

The idea of screening arrivals at UK airports for coronavirus will be kept `` under review '' , the transport secretary has said .
Grant Shapps was responding to concerns raised that , despite strict rules on the movement of people within the UK , there are no limitations on passengers arriving from outside .
Speaking at the government 's daily coronavirus briefing , Grant Shapps said : `` As we come out of any of this and into the next phase at a future point , we will continue to keep the excellent medical and scientific advice we receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at airports should change . ''
However , he said countries that had closed to arrivals earlier in the outbreak `` have not necessarily weathered the storm of the coronavirus any better '' .
`` Although it must be part of the plan going forward , I think it is probably more useful during the phase of test , track and trace that the health secretary was talking about yesterday , '' he added .
England 's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries added that quarantining people returning from abroad becomes `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease balances across the world .
She said : `` What may well become an opportunity is when our rates are very tightly controlled and individuals are coming into the country .
`` Even then it may not be quite as simple . ''
Earlier it was reported that Heathrow 's chief executive John Holland Kaye had called on ministers to introduce mass screening at airports .
In a letter sent to Health Secretary Matt Hancock , Mr Holland Kaye called for an internationally-agreed standard of measures which could include temperature checks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers carry health passports to prove they are medically fit .
The government has previously said that temperature checks would be ineffective against a virus that has an incubation period of up to 14 days but Heathrow has called for evidence on this to be made public .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker While the number of flights arriving at UK airports is a fraction of what was seen before the COVID-19 shutdown , the ones still operating include those from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - all countries seeing major outbreaks of the virus .
Despite this , the only instructions given to passengers arriving in the UK is that they should go `` straight home '' , avoiding public transport `` where possible '' .
The policy is very different to those in other countries , many of which are closed to all but citizens , have screening on arrival , or enforce mandatory quarantine for all arrivals - or all three .
Australia and New Zealand , for example , are all closed to foreign travellers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens are required to do 14 days in quarantine before continuing their journey within the country .
Both countries have been described as having had some success in keeping the number of cases low .

The idea of screening arrivals at UK airports for coronavirus will be kept "under review", the transport secretary has said.
Grant Shapps was responding to concerns raised that, despite strict rules on the movement of people within the UK, there are no limitations on passengers arriving from outside.
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, Grant Shapps said: "As we come out of any of this and into the next phase at a future point, we will continue to keep the excellent medical and scientific advice we receive under review to say whether those procedures at airports should change."
Image: Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 departure area is almost empty due to travel restrictions
However, he said countries that had closed to arrivals earlier in the outbreak "have not necessarily weathered the storm of the coronavirus any better".
"Although it must be part of the plan going forward, I think it is probably more useful during the phase of test, track and trace that the health secretary was talking about yesterday," he added.
England's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries added that quarantining people returning from abroad becomes "less effective" once the prevalence of the disease balances across the world.
She said: "What may well become an opportunity is when our rates are very tightly controlled and individuals are coming into the country.
"Even then it may not be quite as simple."
Earlier it was reported that Heathrow's chief executive John Holland Kaye had called on ministers to introduce mass screening at airports.
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Image: John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport
In a letter sent to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Mr Holland Kaye called for an internationally-agreed standard of measures which could include temperature checks, antibody tests and a requirement that passengers carry health passports to prove they are medically fit.
The government has previously said that temperature checks would be ineffective against a virus that has an incubation period of up to 14 days but Heathrow has called for evidence on this to be made public.
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
While the number of flights arriving at UK airports is a fraction of what was seen before the COVID-19 shutdown, the ones still operating include those from Spain, the US, and France - all countries seeing major outbreaks of the virus.
Despite this, the only instructions given to passengers arriving in the UK is that they should go "straight home", avoiding public transport "where possible".
The policy is very different to those in other countries, many of which are closed to all but citizens, have screening on arrival, or enforce mandatory quarantine for all arrivals - or all three.
Australia and New Zealand, for example, are all closed to foreign travellers, and in most cases even returning citizens are required to do 14 days in quarantine before continuing their journey within the country.
Both countries have been described as having had some success in keeping the number of cases low.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--EU negotiator blasts UK for refusing to 'budge' ahead of 'short' Brexit deadline

EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has lambasted the UK for imposing a `` short '' deadline for trade talks and then refusing to `` budge '' on key issues - but the UK has accused the EU of not treating it as an `` independent state '' .
Speaking at a Brussels news conference following the conclusion of the second round of negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship , Mr Barnier listed areas where there had been `` disappointing '' progress .
Without an extenstion to the Brexit transition period , during which the UK is continuing with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides have until the end of this year to strike a trade deal .
If an agreement is not reached , tariffs and quotas could be imposed on goods travelling between the EU and UK .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has so far resisted pressure to extend the transition period beyond the end of December , despite calls for him to do so amid the coronavirus pandemic .
After outlining those areas where little progress had been achieved in the latest round of talks , which were conducted by video conference , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , never in the history for such important negotiations with any third country , have we been under such time pressure .
`` The UK , therefore , can not impose this short , brief timeline and at the same time not budge , make progress , on some topics that are of importance to the EU . ''
The next negotiating rounds are scheduled for 11 May and 1 June .
The terms of the UK 's withdrawal agreement from the EU , which was ratified in January , allow an extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition period .
However , this has to be agreed before 1 July .
A UK government spokesperson described the latest negotiating round as `` full and constructive '' but admitted `` limited progress was made in bridging the gaps between us and the EU '' .
They added there was `` regret '' that the `` EU 's offer on goods trade falls well short of recent precedent in free trade agreements it has agreed with other sovereign countries '' .
There are also `` significant differences of principle in other areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
They continued : `` For example we will not make progress on the so-called 'level playing field ' and the governance provisions until the EU drops its insistence on imposing conditions on the UK which are not found in the EU 's other trade agreements and which do not take account of the fact that we have left the EU as an independent state . ''
Mr Barnier warned that `` genuine progress '' would need to be made by June if , by the end of the year , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the level of our economic interdependence and geographical proximity '' .
He accused the UK - whose negotiating team is led by Mr Johnson 's EU adviser David Frost - of not committing `` seriously '' on a `` number of fundamental points '' from the political declaration on a future UK-EU relationship , which was previously agreed by both sides .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Barnier said the political declaration needs to be implemented in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way '' , adding : `` This is not the case now yet in a number of areas .
`` I regret that and it worries me . ''
He listed four areas - including justice , fisheries and the so-called `` level playing field '' on rules and standards - where progress had been `` disappointing '' .
`` This week , the UK failed to engage substantially on these topics , '' Mr Barnier said .
`` It argued that our positions are too far apart to reach agreement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic inter-connectedness and geographic proximity require robust guarantees .
`` Yet again this is what we agreed with Boris Johnson in our joint political declaration . ''
Mr Barnier also reiterated that the UK would have to pay a `` lump-sum '' contribution to the EU budget if the transition period is extended beyond 31 December .

EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has lambasted the UK for imposing a "short" deadline for trade talks and then refusing to "budge" on key issues - but the UK has accused the EU of not treating it as an "independent state".
Speaking at a Brussels news conference following the conclusion of the second round of negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship, Mr Barnier listed areas where there had been "disappointing" progress.
Without an extenstion to the Brexit transition period, during which the UK is continuing with the status quo of EU membership, both sides have until the end of this year to strike a trade deal.
If an agreement is not reached, tariffs and quotas could be imposed on goods travelling between the EU and UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has so far resisted pressure to extend the transition period beyond the end of December, despite calls for him to do so amid the coronavirus pandemic.
After outlining those areas where little progress had been achieved in the latest round of talks, which were conducted by video conference, Mr Barnier said: "It's exceptional, never in the history for such important negotiations with any third country, have we been under such time pressure.
"The UK, therefore, cannot impose this short, brief timeline and at the same time not budge, make progress, on some topics that are of importance to the EU."
The next negotiating rounds are scheduled for 11 May and 1 June.
The terms of the UK's withdrawal agreement from the EU, which was ratified in January, allow an extension of up to two years to the transition period.
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However, this has to be agreed before 1 July.
A UK government spokesperson described the latest negotiating round as "full and constructive" but admitted "limited progress was made in bridging the gaps between us and the EU".
They added there was "regret" that the "EU's offer on goods trade falls well short of recent precedent in free trade agreements it has agreed with other sovereign countries".
There are also "significant differences of principle in other areas", including fisheries, the spokesperson said.
They continued: "For example we will not make progress on the so-called 'level playing field' and the governance provisions until the EU drops its insistence on imposing conditions on the UK which are not found in the EU's other trade agreements and which do not take account of the fact that we have left the EU as an independent state."
Mr Barnier warned that "genuine progress" would need to be made by June if, by the end of the year, a deal is to be struck "commensurate to the level of our economic interdependence and geographical proximity".
He accused the UK - whose negotiating team is led by Mr Johnson's EU adviser David Frost - of not committing "seriously" on a "number of fundamental points" from the political declaration on a future UK-EU relationship, which was previously agreed by both sides.
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
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Mr Barnier said the political declaration needs to be implemented in a "serious, objective, legal way", adding: "This is not the case now yet in a number of areas.
"I regret that and it worries me."
He listed four areas - including justice, fisheries and the so-called "level playing field" on rules and standards - where progress had been "disappointing".
"This week, the UK failed to engage substantially on these topics," Mr Barnier said.
"It argued that our positions are too far apart to reach agreement.
"It also denounced the basic premise that economic inter-connectedness and geographic proximity require robust guarantees.
"Yet again this is what we agreed with Boris Johnson in our joint political declaration."
Mr Barnier also reiterated that the UK would have to pay a "lump-sum" contribution to the EU budget if the transition period is extended beyond 31 December.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Government facing court over early prisoner release

The government is facing court action next week to force it to release thousands of prisoners to help ease a growing coronavirus crisis in the country 's prisons .
Two of the UK 's leading prison reform charities have given the Ministry of Justice ( MoJ ) until Monday to begin implementing a faster prisoner release system , after moves to free up to 4,000 inmates stalled .
Frances Crook , chief executive of the Howard League , one of the charities leading the action , said : `` The rate of infection is accelerating , and the window of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Ministers must rise to this challenge and act immediately to avert a public health catastrophe . ''
It comes as an international study warned of a `` ticking time bomb '' within prisons around the world struggling to cope with coronavirus .
Because of chronic overcrowding , many prisons have been left unable to implement social distancing and personal hygiene control measures .
The report by Prison Reform International warned the prison system globally is set to be `` devastated by the virus because of overcrowding and underfunding '' in more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been confirmed in the majority of UK prisons .
Latest figures from the MoJ have revealed 300 inmates across 69 prisons have tested positive for the virus .
However , the number of suspected cases is far higher , with almost every prison in the country reporting inmates and staff with coronavirus-type symptoms .
The Prison Officers Association ( POA ) , which represents the vast majority of UK prison staff , told Sky News up to 6,000 members were absent , either with coronavirus symptoms , or because they were self-isolating .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their families in several prisons , who paint a picture of fear and growing anger on the inside , with prisoners forced into lockdown and having little opportunity to keep themselves or their cells clean .
One inmate at a jail in Northumbria , who we have agreed not to name , said there were many suspected cases of coronavirus on his prison wing .
He said : `` I 'm really scared I 'm going to get this disease .
We all are .
`` Lots in here have already got it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time now .
I ca n't eat , ca n't sleep .
My head 's all over the place . ''
The prisoner said prison officers had little in the way of personal protective equipment .
`` It 's even more frightening , as no one took control and officers have n't got a clue and ca n't or wo n't answer any of our questions .
`` The place is filthy and we 're locked in our cells all the time now .
It feels like a f***ing coffin in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing unrest within prisons if the situation continues .
`` People are freaking out , they 're hurting themselves and others to get put into solitary , because even solitary is safer than sharing a cell .
It 's mental man . ''
On social media , prisoners families are sharing videos of staff carrying body bags from several prisons .
The MoJ has said the deaths are not coronavirus-related , but that has done little to ease anxieties among inmates and loved ones who believe they are not being told about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison system .
Across the country , prisoners are only allowed out of their cells for 30 minutes a day to shower , exercise , collect food and phone family .
Other videos show prisoners complaining at the lack of social distancing among those who are allowed outside for brief periods of exercise .
On 4 April Justice Secretary Robert Buckland promised to reduce the prison population in England and Wales by up to 4,000 , through a scheme to release prisoners with less than two months left to run on their sentences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and posed no danger to the public .
However , the programme was halted , with fewer than a 100 inmates freed , after it was revealed six offenders were released by mistake .
The scheme , which has now restarted , has been criticised for being too bureaucratic and restrictive , with measures including the electronic tagging of all those released , which is adding to the delays .
Regan-Pia-Carra Dyce , whose partner is serving a prison term at HMP Manchester , said she was desperately worried for him .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When I did n't hear from him for over a week , I thought the worst had happened . ''
She said she realised that there may not be a lot of public sympathy for prisoners , but that for their families , it is incredibly difficult .
`` It feels like we 've been given a brand new sentence , but now it 's a death sentence .
`` Right across Europe , they 're releasing prisoners to help save lives , why are n't we ? ''
The Prison Governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 - 15,000 inmates would need to be released to allow authorities to implement an effective social distancing policy and stop prisoners from having to share cells .
Steve Gillan , general secretary of the POA warned that coronavirus was yet to peak within the UK prison system and called on the justice secretary to speed up the release of inmates .
`` It needs to move a lot quicker to free up those spaces , because we already know that prisons are grossly overcrowded and when you 've got two or three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's a recipe for disaster . ''
Mr Gillan said many prison staff felt they were the forgotten front line service .
He said he knew of prison officers so concerned about spreading the disease to loved ones , that they had now taken to sleeping in tents or garden sheds , so as not to put them at risk .

The government is facing court action next week to force it to release thousands of prisoners to help ease a growing coronavirus crisis in the country's prisons.
Two of the UK's leading prison reform charities have given the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) until Monday to begin implementing a faster prisoner release system, after moves to free up to 4,000 inmates stalled.
Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League, one of the charities leading the action, said: "The rate of infection is accelerating, and the window of opportunity to protect people is vanishing.
"Ministers must rise to this challenge and act immediately to avert a public health catastrophe."
It comes as an international study warned of a "ticking time bomb" within prisons around the world struggling to cope with coronavirus.
Because of chronic overcrowding, many prisons have been left unable to implement social distancing and personal hygiene control measures.
The report by Prison Reform International warned the prison system globally is set to be "devastated by the virus because of overcrowding and underfunding" in more than a 100 countries.
COVID-19 has now been confirmed in the majority of UK prisons.
Latest figures from the MoJ have revealed 300 inmates across 69 prisons have tested positive for the virus.
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However, the number of suspected cases is far higher, with almost every prison in the country reporting inmates and staff with coronavirus-type symptoms.
The Prison Officers Association (POA), which represents the vast majority of UK prison staff, told Sky News up to 6,000 members were absent, either with coronavirus symptoms, or because they were self-isolating.
Sky News has spoken to inmates and their families in several prisons, who paint a picture of fear and growing anger on the inside, with prisoners forced into lockdown and having little opportunity to keep themselves or their cells clean.
One inmate at a jail in Northumbria, who we have agreed not to name, said there were many suspected cases of coronavirus on his prison wing.
He said: "I'm really scared I'm going to get this disease. We all are.
Image: Video was posted on social media claiming to show staff carrying body bags
"Lots in here have already got it. I'm locked in my cell all the time now. I can't eat, can't sleep. My head's all over the place."
The prisoner said prison officers had little in the way of personal protective equipment.
"It's even more frightening, as no one took control and officers haven't got a clue and can't or won't answer any of our questions.
"The place is filthy and we're locked in our cells all the time now. It feels like a f***ing coffin in here."
And he warned of growing unrest within prisons if the situation continues.
"People are freaking out, they're hurting themselves and others to get put into solitary, because even solitary is safer than sharing a cell. It's mental man."
On social media, prisoners families are sharing videos of staff carrying body bags from several prisons.
The MoJ has said the deaths are not coronavirus-related, but that has done little to ease anxieties among inmates and loved ones who believe they are not being told about the true extent of the outbreak within the prison system.
Across the country, prisoners are only allowed out of their cells for 30 minutes a day to shower, exercise, collect food and phone family.
Other videos show prisoners complaining at the lack of social distancing among those who are allowed outside for brief periods of exercise.
On 4 April Justice Secretary Robert Buckland promised to reduce the prison population in England and Wales by up to 4,000, through a scheme to release prisoners with less than two months left to run on their sentences, providing they had been risk assessed and posed no danger to the public.
However, the programme was halted, with fewer than a 100 inmates freed, after it was revealed six offenders were released by mistake.
The scheme, which has now restarted, has been criticised for being too bureaucratic and restrictive, with measures including the electronic tagging of all those released, which is adding to the delays.
Image: Regan-Pia-Carra Dyce
Regan-Pia-Carra Dyce, whose partner is serving a prison term at HMP Manchester, said she was desperately worried for him.
"Of course I'm scared, I'm petrified. Absolutely petrified.
"I've cried, I feel helpless. When I didn't hear from him for over a week, I thought the worst had happened."
She said she realised that there may not be a lot of public sympathy for prisoners, but that for their families, it is incredibly difficult.
"It feels like we've been given a brand new sentence, but now it's a death sentence.
"Right across Europe, they're releasing prisoners to help save lives, why aren't we?"
The Prison Governors Association and the POA have said between 10,000 - 15,000 inmates would need to be released to allow authorities to implement an effective social distancing policy and stop prisoners from having to share cells.
Steve Gillan, general secretary of the POA warned that coronavirus was yet to peak within the UK prison system and called on the justice secretary to speed up the release of inmates.
"It needs to move a lot quicker to free up those spaces, because we already know that prisons are grossly overcrowded and when you've got two or three people sharing a cell designed for one, it's a recipe for disaster."
Mr Gillan said many prison staff felt they were the forgotten front line service.
He said he knew of prison officers so concerned about spreading the disease to loved ones, that they had now taken to sleeping in tents or garden sheds, so as not to put them at risk.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--Coronavirus test applications closed after 5,000 home kits ordered in two minutes

The online application system for essential workers to book coronavirus tests temporarily closed following huge demand .
The new government website will reopen tomorrow following a large number of applications .
Within hours of the new website going live this morning , those looking to book a coronavirus test online were met with the message to `` check back later '' , after being told : `` You ca n't currently register for a COVID-19 test . ''
Earlier , the website had also displayed the message that Friday 's allocation of home-testing kits had already been reached .
Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the total available capacity for the day , had been ordered within two minutes of the online portal opening .
These are posted out for next-day delivery , with results expected within 72 hours .
The number of home-testing kits available each day will increase to 18,000 by the end of next week , Number 10 added .
They also said 15,000 drive-through tests were expected to be carried out today .
Sharon Tyrrell , a teacher from Poole , has been self-isolating at home after developing COVID-19 symptoms last week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ round trip , so this morning she initially tried to apply for a home-test .
When that did n't work , she applied for a drive-through test but received a message saying that applications had closed .
`` It 's just infuriating really , '' she told Sky News .
`` I 'm due to go into work on Monday and there is a lot of vulnerable people there , let alone my own family .
`` While I appreciate that there 's got to be priority for NHS workers , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing to work during this crisis and that are putting themselves - and their families - at risk .
`` And it would really good to be able to just know for sure that we 're not doing that . ''
The prime minister 's official spokesman confirmed that those applying for tests are being trusted to be key workers , with no eligibility checks in place for online bookings .
He said : `` As with many other aspects of the coronavirus response , we would expect the public to respond in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have done with other aspects of the scheme , I think we 'd expect it to be the same here . ''
Soon after 11am , the Department of Health and Social Care had posted on Twitter : `` There has been significant demand for booking tests today .
`` We apologise for any inconvenience .
We are continuing to rapidly increase availability .
`` More tests will be available tomorrow . ''
A government source said the website had n't crashed and the temporary closure was `` a positive '' as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 tests .
It is understood online applications were closed to make sure the volumes are manageable and those tests already booked in can be fulfilled .
The source added it showed why increasing capacity for testing was so important .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday announced the expansion of coronavirus testing to all essential workers - and members of their households - who show COVID-19 symptoms .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government is aiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests per day by the end of this month .
On Wednesday , 23,560 coronavirus tests were carried out despite there being capacity for more than double that number of tests .
At that point , a more limited number of essential workers had been eligible for tests .
The Department of Health and Social Care is also launching a network of mobile testing units to travel where there is significant demand , including care homes , police stations and prisons .

The online application system for essential workers to book coronavirus tests temporarily closed following huge demand.
The new government website will reopen tomorrow following a large number of applications.
Within hours of the new website going live this morning, those looking to book a coronavirus test online were met with the message to "check back later", after being told: "You can't currently register for a COVID-19 test."
Earlier, the website had also displayed the message that Friday's allocation of home-testing kits had already been reached.
Image: Essential workers were met with this message on Friday morning
Downing Street later revealed that 5,000 home-testing kits, the total available capacity for the day, had been ordered within two minutes of the online portal opening.
These are posted out for next-day delivery, with results expected within 72 hours.
The number of home-testing kits available each day will increase to 18,000 by the end of next week, Number 10 added.
They also said 15,000 drive-through tests were expected to be carried out today.
Image: Sharon Tyrrell has been self-isolating at home after developing COVID-19 symptoms
Sharon Tyrrell, a teacher from Poole, has been self-isolating at home after developing COVID-19 symptoms last week.
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Her nearest testing centre is a five-hour round trip, so this morning she initially tried to apply for a home-test.
When that didn't work, she applied for a drive-through test but received a message saying that applications had closed.
"It's just infuriating really," she told Sky News. "I'm due to go into work on Monday and there is a lot of vulnerable people there, let alone my own family.
"While I appreciate that there's got to be priority for NHS workers, there are a lot of other people who are continuing to work during this crisis and that are putting themselves - and their families - at risk.
"And it would really good to be able to just know for sure that we're not doing that."
The prime minister's official spokesman confirmed that those applying for tests are being trusted to be key workers, with no eligibility checks in place for online bookings.
He said: "As with many other aspects of the coronavirus response, we would expect the public to respond in good faith.
"That is what they have done with other aspects of the scheme, I think we'd expect it to be the same here."
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Soon after 11am, the Department of Health and Social Care had posted on Twitter: "There has been significant demand for booking tests today.
"We apologise for any inconvenience. We are continuing to rapidly increase availability.
"More tests will be available tomorrow."
A government source said the website hadn't crashed and the temporary closure was "a positive" as it showed that there was huge demand for COVID-19 tests.
It is understood online applications were closed to make sure the volumes are manageable and those tests already booked in can be fulfilled.
The source added it showed why increasing capacity for testing was so important.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday announced the expansion of coronavirus testing to all essential workers - and members of their households - who show COVID-19 symptoms.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government is aiming to meet a target of conducting 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month.
On Wednesday, 23,560 coronavirus tests were carried out despite there being capacity for more than double that number of tests.
At that point, a more limited number of essential workers had been eligible for tests.
The Department of Health and Social Care is also launching a network of mobile testing units to travel where there is significant demand, including care homes, police stations and prisons.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-24--Cummings attended meetings of scientific advisory group

Boris Johnson 's chief adviser , Dominic Cummings , has attended meetings with senior scientists advising the government on the coronavirus outbreak , Downing Street has said .
However , it denied a newspaper report that he is part of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , which has helped to shape the British response to the pandemic .
The Guardian reported that Mr Cummings and Ben Warner , a data scientist who worked with him on the Vote Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum , were among 23 attendees at a key SAGE meeting when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the report said .
Opposition parties have said political advisers have no business attending SAGE meetings and have called for its deliberations to be opened up to wider scrutiny .
Members of the group , which provides scientific and technical advice to support decision makers during emergencies , have not been made public .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News : `` We need to understand if Mr Cummings was contributing to the debate or influencing the debate . ''
He pointed to questions about the timing of the decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , including calling the lockdown and controversially allowing major events to be held , such as the Cheltenham Festival .
Mr Ashworth said : `` The best way to clear all of this up is for the government to be completely transparent with us .
`` They need to publish the minutes of the SAGE committee so we can all understand the advice the government has had and then fully understand the judgements the government has made based on that advice .
`` So let 's have clarity , let 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best way this issue can be cleared up . ''
Sir David King , a former government chief scientific adviser , said he was `` shocked '' to find that there were political figures involved in SAGE meetings .
He told The Guardian : `` If you are giving science advice , your advice should be free of any political bias .
`` That is just so critically important . ''
A Number 10 spokesman confirmed in a strongly-worded statement that Mr Cummings and Dr Warner had attended or listened in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any way affected the group 's advice .
The spokesman said : `` It is not true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are 'on ' or members of SAGE .
`` Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some SAGE meetings and listen to some meetings now they are all virtual .
`` They do this in order to understand better the scientific debates concerning this emergency and also to understand better the limits of how science and data can help government decisions .
`` Occasionally they ask questions or offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government has not released a list of SAGE members or attendees , but individual members can disclose they are part of the group .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the current chief scientific adviser who chairs SAGE , said in a letter to parliament earlier this month that the decision not to disclose its membership was based on advice from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure ( CPNI ) .
He said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members while protecting them from `` lobbying and other forms of unwanted influence which may hinder their ability to give impartial advice '' .
Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England and a member of SAGE , told MPs on Friday that neither he nor Sir Patrick had any objection `` in principle '' to details of the membership being released .
He told the Commons Science and Technology Committee the CPNI advice was based on the fact that SAGE was a sub-committee of Cobra - the government 's civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security-related issues .
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the disclosure underlined the need for a public inquiry into the government 's handling of the pandemic .
He said : `` The public needs to have confidence that it is expert advice that is guiding government decisions , not dubious political advisers .
The lack of transparency is an absolute outrage .
`` To get to the truth and to give Boris Johnson the opportunity to answer some serious questions , it is clear that there will need to be an independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the pandemic . ''
Richard Horton , the editor of The Lancet medical journal , tweeted : `` If it is true that Dominic Cummings attended meetings of SAGE , then the government led by Boris Johnson has utterly corrupted independent scientific advice . ''


skynewspolitics--2020-04-25--Spring weather fuels fears of coronavirus lockdown busting

Warm , sunny weather has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the coronavirus lockdown as the restrictions remain in force for the fifth weekend running .
With temperatures set to reach up to 22C ( 71F ) in many parts of the country , concerns are mounting that the public could ignore social distancing rules imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and head for the parks and beaches .
Long queues have already been seen after B & Q reopened about half of its UK stores this week , with safety measures in place .
Home Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stick to the coronavirus lockdown following signs that travel has increased in recent days .
Speaking ahead of the cabinet minister leading the daily Downing Street press briefing , a Home Office source said : `` The vast majority of the public are still doing the right thing .
`` However , transport use has ticked up in a way that suggests something more is going on and that has set off alarm bells .
`` We know it has been hard but everyone needs to stick with it .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we get the spread of this virus down , the sooner we can think about easing some of the social distancing rules . ''
But experts say there is a difference between people using transport and breaking the rules and have criticised government messaging .
Susan Michie , professor of health psychology at University College London and a Whitehall adviser , said : `` What we have seen this last week is many employers are opening up for business again and asking workers to come back to work and workers travel on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are responding to what they are being asked to do , they are not flouting the rules .
`` I think it very , very difficult when we are getting mixed messages from the government .
`` On the one hand stay at home , on the other hand go into non-essential work .
`` I think this urgently needs to be dealt with . ''
To ensure continued adherence to the rules , Prof Michie stressed the need to provide people with clear messaging , financial security and psychological support .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people could be allowed to meet up with 10 of their closest family or friends under a future easing of the lockdown - similar to an idea already being discussed in Belgium .
As the UK eyes an exit plan , it has also emerged that talks have been taking place between ministers and the Premier League on re-starting the football season once the government decides the conditions for relaxing the restrictions have been met .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spell out how it start lifting the lockdown and re-start the devastated economy .
Adding his voice to the mounting chorus , former chancellor Philip Hammond said the country could not afford to wait until a vaccine becomes available .
With Boris Johnson expected to return to Downing Street next week after recovering from the virus , Mr Hammond said he hoped it would mark a `` clear step change '' in the government 's response to the crisis .
He told the BBC : `` We ca n't wait until a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quantity and rolled out across the population .
The economy wo n't survive that long .
`` But we are going to have to do it alongside the measures that are in place to protect the population from COVID .
`` That 's going to be a much more complex phase of this crisis than the initial acute phase . ''

Frustration and desperation to return to normal life are not good enough reasons to lift the coronavirus lockdown and the UK is not out of danger yet, the public has been warned.
As the country enjoyed sunny weather above 20C in many regions, the home secretary said data shows the number of journeys continues to rise but that people must respect the rules - and she insisted the government's message is clear.
"We understand the frustration," Priti Patel said, adding: "Staying at home and enforcing social distancing is absolutely vital."
Image: Members of the public pictured in Victoria Park, east London, on Saturday
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus news conference, Ms Patel said "we all want to return to living our lives as soon as possible" but that five tests need to be met before lifting restrictions can be considered.
She said it would be "irresponsible" to offer a date when rules could be relaxed, saying: "The fact of the matter is, we want to prevent a second wave of this horrendous virus."
Image: People sit in the warm weather in Castlefield, central Manchester
Image: Penarth Pier promenade in South Wales
Echoing the message, director of NHS England Stephen Powis said: "The sun is out around the country, the days are getting longer, and I'm sure it's tempting for people to feel that they should go out."
But he added: "I can't emphasis enough that we are far from there yet...it won't take much for this virus to start increasing its transmission again and spread more widely."
He went on: "It would be foolish and not right if we lost the benefits that we have gained over the last four weeks, which I know have been hard for everybody, so it's really important that despite the weather, we stay at home, we keep to the guidelines that we've been issued with."
NHS England has reported another 711 COVID-19-related deaths, Wales a further 23 and Scotland 47 more. Northern Ireland has reported another 16 fatalities. The Department of Health says the overall number of deaths in hospitals has now reached 20,319.
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The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules, while there have been long queues outside B&Q stores this week, with safety measures in place.
This, coupled with data showing more people are on the move, has forced the government to deny mixed messaging.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:18 B&... queue? Long lines as hardware chain reopens
Image: Queues outside the B&Q Warehouse in south west London, which has reopened after more than a month's closure
One of the government's own advisers has said that while there is a difference between people using transport and breaking the rules, the messaging "urgently needs to be dealt with".
Susan Michie, professor of health psychology at University College London and a Whitehall adviser, told Sky News: "What we have seen this last week is many employers are opening up for business again and asking workers to come back to work and workers travel on transport.
"We must realise some people are responding to what they are being asked to do, they are not flouting the rules.
"I think it's very, very difficult when we are getting mixed messages from the government.
"On the one hand stay at home, on the other hand go into non-essential work."
Ms Patel said the government message "has been clear and consistent from day one".
"There are no mixed messages," she insisted, adding that people must follow the rules or face law enforcement.
To ensure continued adherence to the rules, Prof Michie stressed the need to provide people not just with clear messaging, but also with financial security and psychological support.
Image: Daily exercise in Greenwich Park, south east London
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Meanwhile, it has been reported that people could be allowed to meet up with 10 of their closest family or friends under a future easing of the lockdown - similar to an idea already being discussed in Belgium.
It has also emerged that talks have been taking place between ministers and the Premier League on re-starting the football season once the government decides the conditions for relaxing the restrictions have been met.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Pressure has been growing on the government to spell out how it plans to start lifting the lockdown and re-energise the devastated economy.
Adding his voice to the mounting chorus, former chancellor Philip Hammond said the country cannot afford to wait until a vaccine becomes available.
With Boris Johnson expected to return to Downing Street next week after recovering from the virus, Mr Hammond said he hoped it would mark a "clear step change" in the government's response to the crisis.
He told the BBC: "We can't wait until a vaccine is developed, produced in sufficient quantity and rolled out across the population. The economy won't survive that long.
"But we are going to have to do it alongside the measures that are in place to protect the population from COVID.
"That's going to be a much more complex phase of this crisis than the initial acute phase."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-25--PM back at work in Downing Street on Monday and 'raring to go'

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

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


skynewspolitics--2020-04-25--Met Police Federation: Government giving out mixed messages over lockdown

The Metropolitan Police Federation , which represents officers in London , has accused the government of giving out mixed messages to the public over the coronavirus lockdown .
The association has called for `` clear and unambiguous laws , guidance and communication '' from ministers around what people `` can and ca n't do '' .
It comes just hours after the home secretary claimed the government 's message `` has been clear and consistent from day one '' as she led the daily Downing Street coronavirus news briefing on tackling the pandemic .
Priti Patel insisted `` there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people must follow the rules or face law enforcement as data shows more people are on the move .
The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules , while there have been long queues outside B & Q stores this week , with safety measures in place .
Ken Marsh , chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation , said : `` Contrary to the view we heard today from Downing Street , the Metropolitan Police Federation does believe there are mixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown for the public .
`` This makes our already difficult job of policing this unprecedented crisis harder .
`` We have to ask whether DIY stores - for instance - are essential stores for the public to attend ?
Their opening creates increased footfall and vehicles on our roads which surely goes against what we have been told around people staying home to protect the NHS and save lives . ''
Mr Marsh added : `` Police officers are on the front line of combating the coronavirus crisis - we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication from government around what the public can and ca n't do .
What is essential and what is n't .
`` If officers are confused about all this then so will the public be . ''
Ms Patel earlier warned the public that frustration and desperation to return to normal life are not good enough reasons to lift the lockdown and the UK is not out of danger yet .
As the country enjoyed sunny weather above 20C in many regions , the home secretary said data shows the number of journeys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect the rules - and she insisted the government 's message is clear .
`` We understand the frustration , '' she said , adding : `` Staying at home and enforcing social distancing is absolutely vital . ''
Ms Patel said `` we all want to return to living our lives as soon as possible '' but that five tests need to be met before lifting restrictions can be considered .
She said it would be `` irresponsible '' to offer a date when rules could be relaxed , saying : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want to prevent a second wave of this horrendous virus . ''
Echoing the message , director of NHS England Stephen Powis said : `` The sun is out around the country , the days are getting longer , and I 'm sure it 's tempting for people to feel that they should go out . ''
But he added : `` I ca n't emphasis enough that we are far from there yet ... it wo n't take much for this virus to start increasing its transmission again and spread more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It would be foolish and not right if we lost the benefits that we have gained over the last four weeks , which I know have been hard for everybody , so it 's really important that despite the weather , we stay at home , we keep to the guidelines that we 've been issued with . ''
NHS England has reported another 711 COVID-19-related deaths , Wales a further 23 and Scotland 47 more .
Northern Ireland has reported another 16 fatalities .
The Department of Health says the overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached 20,319 .
The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules , while there have been long queues outside B & Q stores this week , with safety measures in place .
This , coupled with data showing more people are on the move , has forced the government to deny mixed messaging .
One of the government 's own advisers has said that while there is a difference between people using transport and breaking the rules , the messaging `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Susan Michie , professor of health psychology at University College London and a Whitehall adviser , told Sky News : `` What we have seen this last week is many employers are opening up for business again and asking workers to come back to work and workers travel on transport .
`` We must realise some people are responding to what they are being asked to do , they are not flouting the rules .
`` I think it 's very , very difficult when we are getting mixed messages from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay at home , on the other hand go into non-essential work . ''
To ensure continued adherence to the rules , Prof Michie stressed the need to provide people not just with clear messaging , but also with financial security and psychological support .
Meanwhile , it has been reported that people could be allowed to meet up with 10 of their closest family or friends under a future easing of the lockdown - similar to an idea already being discussed in Belgium .
It has also emerged that talks have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League on re-starting the football season once the government decides the conditions for relaxing the restrictions have been met .
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The Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents officers in London, has accused the government of giving out mixed messages to the public over the coronavirus lockdown.
The association has called for "clear and unambiguous laws, guidance and communication" from ministers around what people "can and can't do".
It comes just hours after the home secretary claimed the government's message "has been clear and consistent from day one" as she led the daily Downing Street coronavirus news briefing on tackling the pandemic.
Image: Members of the public pictured in Victoria Park, east London, on Saturday
Priti Patel insisted "there are no mixed messages", adding that people must follow the rules or face law enforcement as data shows more people are on the move.
The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules, while there have been long queues outside B&Q stores this week, with safety measures in place.
Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: "Contrary to the view we heard today from Downing Street, the Metropolitan Police Federation does believe there are mixed messages coming out from the government around the lockdown for the public.
"This makes our already difficult job of policing this unprecedented crisis harder.
"We have to ask whether DIY stores - for instance - are essential stores for the public to attend? Their opening creates increased footfall and vehicles on our roads which surely goes against what we have been told around people staying home to protect the NHS and save lives."
Mr Marsh added: "Police officers are on the front line of combating the coronavirus crisis - we need clear and unambiguous laws, guidance and communication from government around what the public can and can't do. What is essential and what isn't.
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"If officers are confused about all this then so will the public be."
Image: People sit in the warm weather in Castlefield, central Manchester
Image: Penarth Pier promenade in South Wales
Ms Patel earlier warned the public that frustration and desperation to return to normal life are not good enough reasons to lift the lockdown and the UK is not out of danger yet.
As the country enjoyed sunny weather above 20C in many regions, the home secretary said data shows the number of journeys continues to rise but that people must respect the rules - and she insisted the government's message is clear.
"We understand the frustration," she said, adding: "Staying at home and enforcing social distancing is absolutely vital."
Ms Patel said "we all want to return to living our lives as soon as possible" but that five tests need to be met before lifting restrictions can be considered.
She said it would be "irresponsible" to offer a date when rules could be relaxed, saying: "The fact of the matter is, we want to prevent a second wave of this horrendous virus."
Echoing the message, director of NHS England Stephen Powis said: "The sun is out around the country, the days are getting longer, and I'm sure it's tempting for people to feel that they should go out."
But he added: "I can't emphasis enough that we are far from there yet...it won't take much for this virus to start increasing its transmission again and spread more widely."
He went on: "It would be foolish and not right if we lost the benefits that we have gained over the last four weeks, which I know have been hard for everybody, so it's really important that despite the weather, we stay at home, we keep to the guidelines that we've been issued with."
NHS England has reported another 711 COVID-19-related deaths, Wales a further 23 and Scotland 47 more. Northern Ireland has reported another 16 fatalities. The Department of Health says the overall number of deaths in hospitals has now reached 20,319.
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The warm weather on the fifth weekend of lockdown has fuelled fears people will venture out and flout the rules, while there have been long queues outside B&Q stores this week, with safety measures in place.
This, coupled with data showing more people are on the move, has forced the government to deny mixed messaging.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:18 B&... queue? Long lines as hardware chain reopens
Image: Queues outside the B&Q Warehouse in south west London, which has reopened after more than a month's closure
One of the government's own advisers has said that while there is a difference between people using transport and breaking the rules, the messaging "urgently needs to be dealt with".
Susan Michie, professor of health psychology at University College London and a Whitehall adviser, told Sky News: "What we have seen this last week is many employers are opening up for business again and asking workers to come back to work and workers travel on transport.
"We must realise some people are responding to what they are being asked to do, they are not flouting the rules.
"I think it's very, very difficult when we are getting mixed messages from the government.
"On the one hand stay at home, on the other hand go into non-essential work."
To ensure continued adherence to the rules, Prof Michie stressed the need to provide people not just with clear messaging, but also with financial security and psychological support.
Image: Daily exercise in Greenwich Park, south east London
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Meanwhile, it has been reported that people could be allowed to meet up with 10 of their closest family or friends under a future easing of the lockdown - similar to an idea already being discussed in Belgium.
It has also emerged that talks have been taking place between ministers and the Premier League on re-starting the football season once the government decides the conditions for relaxing the restrictions have been met.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker