skynewspolitics--2020-03-29--PM reveals 20,000 ex-NHS staff return as virus restrictions may last six months

Boris Johnson has revealed 20,000 ex-staff have returned to the NHS to help fight coronavirus after Britons were warned restrictions on their lives may last for at least six months .
The prime minister , who is holed up in Number 11 after being diagnosed with COVID-19 , said in a video message that the UK will get through the crisis `` together '' , as he praised the 750,000 volunteers who have offered to assist the health service .
His remarks came after England 's deputy chief medical officer , Dr Jenny Harries , said it could be six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to normal from the pandemic .
In a two-and-a-half minute message , Mr Johnson said `` we have 20,000 NHS staff coming back to the colours - doctors and nurses - it 's a most amazing thing '' .
He also chose to contradict former Tory prime minister Margaret Thatcher 's infamous quote that `` there is no such thing as society '' .
`` We are going to do it , we are going to do it together , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` One thing I think the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really is such a thing as society . ''
The PM thanked the 750,000 civilian volunteers who have come forward to help during the crisis , and pharmacists for `` not only dispensing vital medicines but also , very often , reassurance to the customers they interact with '' .
At the daily Downing Street briefing on Sunday , Dr Harries said lockdown measures could be in place for months and would be lifted gradually before regular life resumes fully .
She said the nationwide restrictions would be reviewed every three weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of the social distancing measures and gradually get us all back to normal , '' Dr Harries said .
Dr Harries also cautioned that patience is needed before the lockdown , which has only fully been in place for a week , has an impact on the number of new infections .
`` It would be foolish of us to start something one day and assume it 's going to have an impact the next , '' she said .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus - taking the total to 1,235 .
Dr Amged El-Hawrani became the first frontline hospital worker in the UK to die after contracting coronavirus .
Housing , Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick warned additional lockdown measures could be enforced if current restrictions are deemed to be insufficient , or if Britons fail to comply with them .
He said teams are working `` around the clock '' to deliver equipment to frontline NHS staff - with 170 million masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of eye protectors delivered to 58,000 healthcare facilities so far .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky News that the length of the lockdown is not fixed but depends on the behaviour of the public .
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday , he refused to give a time limit for the restrictions - but said the period could be shortened if people follow the government 's guidelines .
`` There are different projections as to how long the lockdown might last .
But it 's not the case that the length @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely fixed , '' he added .
Mr Gove later said the public must prepare for `` a significant period '' of lockdown in a separate interview to the BBC .
The prime minister is currently self-isolating in his Westminster flat after testing positive for COVID-19 .
He is understood to be experiencing only mild symptoms and is working from home .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England 's national medical director Professor Stephen Powis has said it would be a `` good result '' if the coronavirus death toll in the UK was less than 20,000 .

Boris Johnson has revealed 20,000 ex-staff have returned to the NHS to help fight coronavirus after Britons were warned restrictions on their lives may last for at least six months.
The prime minister, who is holed up in Number 11 after being diagnosed with COVID-19, said in a video message that the UK will get through the crisis "together", as he praised the 750,000 volunteers who have offered to assist the health service.
His remarks came after England's deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, said it could be six months or more before the UK gets back to normal from the pandemic.
Image: Dr Jenny Harries was speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing
In a two-and-a-half minute message, Mr Johnson said "we have 20,000 NHS staff coming back to the colours - doctors and nurses - it's a most amazing thing".
He also chose to contradict former Tory prime minister Margaret Thatcher's infamous quote that "there is no such thing as society".
"We are going to do it, we are going to do it together," Mr Johnson said.
"One thing I think the coronavirus crisis has already proved is that there really is such a thing as society."
The PM thanked the 750,000 civilian volunteers who have come forward to help during the crisis, and pharmacists for "not only dispensing vital medicines but also, very often, reassurance to the customers they interact with".
At the daily Downing Street briefing on Sunday, Dr Harries said lockdown measures could be in place for months and would be lifted gradually before regular life resumes fully.
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She said the nationwide restrictions would be reviewed every three weeks.
Image: Police at a vehicle checkpoint in York
"We need to keep that lid on and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of the social distancing measures and gradually get us all back to normal," Dr Harries said.
Dr Harries also cautioned that patience is needed before the lockdown, which has only fully been in place for a week, has an impact on the number of new infections.
"It would be foolish of us to start something one day and assume it's going to have an impact the next," she said.
It was confirmed on Sunday that another 207 people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus - taking the total to 1,235.
Dr Amged El-Hawrani became the first frontline hospital worker in the UK to die after contracting coronavirus.
Image: Amged El-Hawrani was an ear, nose and throat specialist at Queen's Hospital Burton
Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick warned additional lockdown measures could be enforced if current restrictions are deemed to be insufficient, or if Britons fail to comply with them.
He said teams are working "around the clock" to deliver equipment to frontline NHS staff - with 170 million masks, 42.8 million gloves and 2.3 million pairs of eye protectors delivered to 58,000 healthcare facilities so far.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 COVID-19: How does coronavirus quarantine work?
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky News that the length of the lockdown is not fixed but depends on the behaviour of the public.
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, he refused to give a time limit for the restrictions - but said the period could be shortened if people follow the government's guidelines.
"There are different projections as to how long the lockdown might last. But it's not the case that the length of the lockdown is something that is absolutely fixed," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'The situation will get worse before it gets better'
Mr Gove later said the public must prepare for "a significant period" of lockdown in a separate interview to the BBC.
The prime minister is currently self-isolating in his Westminster flat after testing positive for COVID-19. He is understood to be experiencing only mild symptoms and is working from home.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack are also in self-isolation with COVID-19 symptoms.
NHS England's national medical director Professor Stephen Powis has said it would be a "good result" if the coronavirus death toll in the UK was less than 20,000.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-30--Crackdown on fake coronavirus advice - from medical 'tips' to tax refunds

The government is cracking down on fake advice spread about the coronavirus , from myths about how to treat symptoms to scam text messages warning people they face jail for leaving their homes .
Many have likely come across questionable advice about COVID-19 online , on social media and on messaging apps such as WhatsApp , and Downing Street says five to 10 incidents are being identified every day .
Among them are : • Texts claiming to be from the government warning that people were being fined for leaving the house .
• Scams purporting to be from HMRC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• False hospital advice advising people to gargle and drink water every 15 minutes to `` wash the coronavirus down into the stomach , where the acid could kill it '' .
• Another fake tip saying people could test themselves for the virus by holding their breath for 10 seconds .
• Doctored screenshots of official guidance on the government website suggesting the UK was to enter lockdown from Friday 20 March - three days before it actually happened .
Downing Street says a Rapid Response Unit has been set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No 10 , to tackle these kinds of narratives as the disease continues to spread across the UK .
The dedicated team will respond to disinformation in various ways , including issuing direct rebuttals on social media , promoting public health campaigns , and working with tech companies to remove the offending posts .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker People are also being advised to look out for telling signs that advice they see online is incorrect .
They should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check the source and the facts , look beyond the headline , and think about whether suspicious images and videos appear to be doctored .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the government would be further ramping up its public information campaign , including adverts featuring chief medical officer Chris Whitty , so long as the pandemic continues .
`` We need people to follow expert medical advice and stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives , '' he said .
`` It is vital that this message hits home and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is knocked down quickly .
`` We are working with social media companies - and I will be pressing them this week for further action to stem the spread of falsehoods and rumours which could cost lives . ''
The Rapid Response Unit is being led by Conservative MP Damian Collins .
He has partnered with the Infotagion website , which will allow people to post screenshots of suspicious coronavirus advice they have seen or received online .

The government is cracking down on fake advice spread about the coronavirus, from myths about how to treat symptoms to scam text messages warning people they face jail for leaving their homes.
Many have likely come across questionable advice about COVID-19 online, on social media and on messaging apps such as WhatsApp, and Downing Street says five to 10 incidents are being identified every day.
Among them are:
Texts claiming to be from the government warning that people were being fined for leaving the house.
Scams purporting to be from HMRC offering tax refunds because of coronavirus disruption.
disruption. False hospital advice advising people to gargle and drink water every 15 minutes to "wash the coronavirus down into the stomach, where the acid could kill it".
Another fake tip saying people could test themselves for the virus by holding their breath for 10 seconds.
Doctored screenshots of official guidance on the government website suggesting the UK was to enter lockdown from Friday 20 March - three days before it actually happened.
Image: People have received messages claiming they would receive tax refunds because of coronavirus
Image: One false text suggested people's movements were being traced
Downing Street says a Rapid Response Unit has been set up, working within the Cabinet Office and No 10, to tackle these kinds of narratives as the disease continues to spread across the UK.
The dedicated team will respond to disinformation in various ways, including issuing direct rebuttals on social media, promoting public health campaigns, and working with tech companies to remove the offending posts.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
People are also being advised to look out for telling signs that advice they see online is incorrect.
They should check for bad spelling and grammar, check the source and the facts, look beyond the headline, and think about whether suspicious images and videos appear to be doctored.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Government's coronavirus TV advert
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the government would be further ramping up its public information campaign, including adverts featuring chief medical officer Chris Whitty, so long as the pandemic continues.
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"We need people to follow expert medical advice and stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives," he said.
"It is vital that this message hits home and that this misinformation and disinformation which undermines it is knocked down quickly.
"We are working with social media companies - and I will be pressing them this week for further action to stem the spread of falsehoods and rumours which could cost lives."
The Rapid Response Unit is being led by Conservative MP Damian Collins.
He has partnered with the Infotagion website, which will allow people to post screenshots of suspicious coronavirus advice they have seen or received online.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-29--Blair: 'Virtually everybody' in UK may need coronavirus testing

Tony Blair has suggested there will be a point where a `` very large '' proportion of the whole UK population will need to be tested for coronavirus to track the disease .
It comes as Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said 10,000 people a day are now being tested and the government aims to increase that figure to 25,000 a day .
Mr Gove has refused to give a timeline for when all NHS and social care workers will be tested , despite increasing demands .
Instead , he said it is hoped to `` be able to test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible stage '' .
Raising the possibility of mass testing in the UK , former prime minister Mr Blair told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday there was a risk of the disease resurging when the country 's restrictions begin to be eased , so health authorities would need to be able to deal with this .
He said : `` Your risk , obviously , is as you start to ease the lockdown , how do you then deal with any resurgence of the disease ?
This , of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China and South Korea , and elsewhere .
`` Unless you have that testing capability that you can apply at scale , and by the way when I say mass testing I mean I actually think you will need to get to the point where you 've got the capability , and I assume we 're preparing for this now , of testing literally a very large proportion of the entire population .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or three different times because you need all the time to be able to track what 's happening with the disease , to learn where , for example , there may be a surge or a hotspot of it , and take immediate action . ''
When asked what percentage of the population may have to be tested , Mr Blair replied : `` I think you 're talking about virtually everybody . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who is in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 , tweeted the government had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule , and were `` on track to 25,000 '' .
GP Richard van Mellaerts said more widespread testing was needed .
He said : `` I think that we need to have far wider testing than we have at the moment .
When we look at those counties around the world like South Korea that have been doing vast amounts of testing .
`` They 've got a much better grasp of what 's going on .
If we can start crunching the data - find out where the hotspots are , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who can go back out into the workforce and who ca n't , then we 'll have a far better hold over this .
`` And it 's so crucial with healthcare workers that we know who 's infected , who 's not , who 's immune , who 's not .
So that we can get as many people back out into the workforce as quickly as possible . ''
Meanwhile , the chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing has said about 20 % of frontline workers have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having shown symptoms of coronavirus .
Dame Donna Kinnair told Sophy Ridge that nurses would like to be tested so that they are able to get on with their jobs .
Asked about the proportion of nurses or NHS workers who have had to take time off , Dame Kinnair said : `` Last week it was about 20 % of nurses , or frontline workers , who were doing it .
`` I do n't know the exact proportion of nurses in that , 20 % to 25 % , so there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to be tested to get on with their job if they are not positive for COVID-19 . ''
The search for a vaccine is continuing and there are at least eight `` in the pipeline '' , according to former chief scientific adviser Sir Mark Walport .
He told Sophy Ridge : `` There is enormous international scientific co-working on this .
CEPI ( the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations ) , which the UK has just committed £210m to , has been working across the world on vaccine development .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the moment , one of which is one that UK Research and Innovation and others have been funding in Oxford .
And so there is an enormous amount going on and ... science and technology and innovation is critical to both providing the advice and the management .
`` The reality is that we need to be sure that a vaccine is effective and does n't have side effects and so it will take probably a year to 18 months . ''
He added : `` The scale-up of that particular Oxford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance than any of the others , who knows .
We 'll be able to manufacture up to a million doses fairly quickly but of course that 's a long way from protecting the whole population . ''

Tony Blair has suggested there will be a point where a "very large" proportion of the whole UK population will need to be tested for coronavirus to track the disease.
It comes as Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said 10,000 people a day are now being tested and the government aims to increase that figure to 25,000 a day.
Mr Gove has refused to give a timeline for when all NHS and social care workers will be tested, despite increasing demands.
Instead, he said it is hoped to "be able to test as many frontline workers at the earliest possible stage".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:21 Gove: 'Length of lockdown is not fixed'
Raising the possibility of mass testing in the UK, former prime minister Mr Blair told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday there was a risk of the disease resurging when the country's restrictions begin to be eased, so health authorities would need to be able to deal with this.
He said: "Your risk, obviously, is as you start to ease the lockdown, how do you then deal with any resurgence of the disease? This, of course, is what they're now dealing with in China and South Korea, and elsewhere.
"Unless you have that testing capability that you can apply at scale, and by the way when I say mass testing I mean I actually think you will need to get to the point where you've got the capability, and I assume we're preparing for this now, of testing literally a very large proportion of the entire population.
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"You may have to do those tests two or three different times because you need all the time to be able to track what's happening with the disease, to learn where, for example, there may be a surge or a hotspot of it, and take immediate action."
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When asked what percentage of the population may have to be tested, Mr Blair replied: "I think you're talking about virtually everybody."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who is in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, tweeted the government had reached 10,000 tests a day ahead of schedule, and were "on track to 25,000".
GP Richard van Mellaerts said more widespread testing was needed.
He said: "I think that we need to have far wider testing than we have at the moment. When we look at those counties around the world like South Korea that have been doing vast amounts of testing.
"They've got a much better grasp of what's going on. If we can start crunching the data - find out where the hotspots are, who's at risk who's not, who can go back out into the workforce and who can't, then we'll have a far better hold over this.
"And it's so crucial with healthcare workers that we know who's infected, who's not, who's immune, who's not. So that we can get as many people back out into the workforce as quickly as possible."
Meanwhile, the chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing has said about 20% of frontline workers have had to take time off work to self-isolate having shown symptoms of coronavirus.
Dame Donna Kinnair told Sophy Ridge that nurses would like to be tested so that they are able to get on with their jobs.
Asked about the proportion of nurses or NHS workers who have had to take time off, Dame Kinnair said: "Last week it was about 20% of nurses, or frontline workers, who were doing it.
"I don't know the exact proportion of nurses in that, 20% to 25%, so there are a number of nurses who would like to be tested to get on with their job if they are not positive for COVID-19."
The search for a vaccine is continuing and there are at least eight "in the pipeline", according to former chief scientific adviser Sir Mark Walport.
He told Sophy Ridge: "There is enormous international scientific co-working on this. CEPI (the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), which the UK has just committed £210m to, has been working across the world on vaccine development.
"They have eight in their active pipeline at the moment, one of which is one that UK Research and Innovation and others have been funding in Oxford. And so there is an enormous amount going on and... science and technology and innovation is critical to both providing the advice and the management.
"The reality is that we need to be sure that a vaccine is effective and doesn't have side effects and so it will take probably a year to 18 months."
He added: "The scale-up of that particular Oxford vaccine - whether it stands a better chance than any of the others, who knows. We'll be able to manufacture up to a million doses fairly quickly but of course that's a long way from protecting the whole population."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-29--SNP calls for pause in Brexit negotiations during pandemic

The SNP has called on Boris Johnson to `` hit pause '' on Brexit negotiations and seek an extension to the transition period to focus on the coronavirus pandemic .
To continue `` hurtling '' towards the transition deadline of 31 December 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak would be irresponsible and `` an act of economic and social self-harm '' , SNP Brexit party spokeswoman Philippa Whitford said .
Talks with the EU will continue this week , with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove co-chairing discussions via video conference as the two sides look at implementing what is in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Whitford urged the government to immediately seek an extension .
She said : `` The COVID-19 outbreak has gripped us all - regardless of politics or borders - and it is vital that governments here in the UK and abroad work collaboratively to combat the pandemic .
`` Businesses , individuals and households across the UK are already under intense pressure and financial strain in dealing with the crisis - with many losing their incomes and a significant number of businesses facing an uncertain future .
`` It is impossible for businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU while coping with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis at the same time , and many might struggle to survive the second blow of a hard Brexit at the end of this year .
`` Continuing talks and hurtling towards the transition period deadline would be irresponsible and an act of economic and social self-harm .
`` It is now vital that the UK government hits pause on all Brexit negotiations and immediately seeks an extension to the transition period to remove the uncertainty and instability . ''
Scotland voted 62 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 referendum and the SNP has been trying to forge a way for the country to stay in the bloc since then .
Downing Street has insisted it will not have to ask for the trade deal deadline to be pushed back .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said : `` In terms of the timetable , there is no change from our point of view . ''
In Scotland , the SNP government has postponed planning for another independence referendum in 2020 and Dr Whitford asked Westminster to do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting our citizens and delivering financial support to everyone in society '' .
A UK government spokesman said : `` Our top priority as a government is to slow the spread of the coronavirus , protect the NHS and keep people safe - we are working around the clock to do so , with all four nations together providing unprecedented financial support for businesses , workers and the self-employed .
`` We remain fully committed to the negotiations .
Last week , the UK and EU shared draft legal texts and discussions with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition period ends on 31 December 2020 , as enshrined in UK law , which the prime minister has made clear he has no intention of changing . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson is self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus on Friday , while the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier revealed he had COVID-19 on 19 March .
Mr Barnier said he was in `` good spirits '' , while Mr Johnson has been seen chairing @ @ @ @ @

The SNP has called on Boris Johnson to "hit pause" on Brexit negotiations and seek an extension to the transition period to focus on the coronavirus pandemic.
To continue "hurtling" towards the transition deadline of 31 December 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak would be irresponsible and "an act of economic and social self-harm", SNP Brexit party spokeswoman Philippa Whitford said.
Talks with the EU will continue this week, with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove co-chairing discussions via video conference as the two sides look at implementing what is in the Withdrawal Agreement after the transition period.
Image: SNP Brexit spokeswoman Philippa Whitford urged the government to pause Brexit negotiations
Dr Whitford urged the government to immediately seek an extension.
She said: "The COVID-19 outbreak has gripped us all - regardless of politics or borders - and it is vital that governments here in the UK and abroad work collaboratively to combat the pandemic.
"Businesses, individuals and households across the UK are already under intense pressure and financial strain in dealing with the crisis - with many losing their incomes and a significant number of businesses facing an uncertain future.
"It is impossible for businesses and others to prepare for life outside the EU while coping with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis at the same time, and many might struggle to survive the second blow of a hard Brexit at the end of this year.
"Continuing talks and hurtling towards the transition period deadline would be irresponsible and an act of economic and social self-harm.
"It is now vital that the UK government hits pause on all Brexit negotiations and immediately seeks an extension to the transition period to remove the uncertainty and instability."
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Scotland voted 62% to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum and the SNP has been trying to forge a way for the country to stay in the bloc since then.
Downing Street has insisted it will not have to ask for the trade deal deadline to be pushed back.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "In terms of the timetable, there is no change from our point of view."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM: 'I can continue' with COVID-19
In Scotland, the SNP government has postponed planning for another independence referendum in 2020 and Dr Whitford asked Westminster to do the same with Brexit to "focus on protecting our citizens and delivering financial support to everyone in society".
A UK government spokesman said: "Our top priority as a government is to slow the spread of the coronavirus, protect the NHS and keep people safe - we are working around the clock to do so, with all four nations together providing unprecedented financial support for businesses, workers and the self-employed.
"We remain fully committed to the negotiations. Last week, the UK and EU shared draft legal texts and discussions with the commission are continuing.
"The transition period ends on 31 December 2020, as enshrined in UK law, which the prime minister has made clear he has no intention of changing."
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Mr Johnson is self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus on Friday, while the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier revealed he had COVID-19 on 19 March.
Mr Barnier said he was in "good spirits", while Mr Johnson has been seen chairing meetings via video call.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-28--PM raises prospect of stricter lockdown in letter to 30 million homes

Boris Johnson has raised the prospect of stricter lockdown measures in a letter that will be sent to every household in the UK .
The prime minister , who tested positive for coronavirus this week , says in the letter it is a `` moment of national emergency '' .
His plea for people to `` follow the rules '' will land on the doorsteps of 30 million households across all four UK nations from next week .
On the lockdown restrictions , he has this warning for Britons : `` We will not hesitate to go further if that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tells us we must do . ''
People are already under tight restrictions after being told to only leave their homes for essential necessities , to exercise once a day , for a medical need or to help a vulnerable person , or to go to work if it is not possible to work from home .
Mr Johnson is continuing to lead the government while self-isolating in the flat above Number 11 Downing Street .
New figures released on Saturday showed another 259 people have died in the UK after testing positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them having no underlying health problems .
A total of 1,028 people have died in the UK after contracting the virus .
In his letter , Mr Johnson says the right preparations are being made and the more closely people follow the restrictions , `` the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal '' .
Residents will also get a leaflet outlining the government 's advice - looking at symptoms , hand washing , rules on leaving the house , self-isolating with symptoms and shielding vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We know things will get worse before they get better .
`` But we are making the right preparations , and the more we all follow the rules , the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal . ''
Mr Johnson continues : `` I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus , in particular the staff in our fantastic NHS and care sector across England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
`` It has been truly inspirational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS - and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable .
`` That is why , at this moment of national emergency , I urge you , please , to stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives . ''
The leaflet also has advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .

Boris Johnson has raised the prospect of stricter lockdown measures in a letter that will be sent to every household in the UK.
The prime minister, who tested positive for coronavirus this week, says in the letter it is a "moment of national emergency".
His plea for people to "follow the rules" will land on the doorsteps of 30 million households across all four UK nations from next week.
On the lockdown restrictions, he has this warning for Britons: "We will not hesitate to go further if that is what the scientific and medical advice tells us we must do."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM: 'I can continue' with COVID-19
People are already under tight restrictions after being told to only leave their homes for essential necessities, to exercise once a day, for a medical need or to help a vulnerable person, or to go to work if it is not possible to work from home.
Mr Johnson is continuing to lead the government while self-isolating in the flat above Number 11 Downing Street.
New figures released on Saturday showed another 259 people have died in the UK after testing positive for COVID-19 - with at least 13 of them having no underlying health problems.
A total of 1,028 people have died in the UK after contracting the virus.
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In his letter, Mr Johnson says the right preparations are being made and the more closely people follow the restrictions, "the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Theme park becomes drive-thru testing centre
Residents will also get a leaflet outlining the government's advice - looking at symptoms, hand washing, rules on leaving the house, self-isolating with symptoms and shielding vulnerable people.
The prime minister writes: "We know things will get worse before they get better.
"But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal."
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Mr Johnson continues: "I want to thank everyone who is working flat out to beat the virus, in particular the staff in our fantastic NHS and care sector across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
"It has been truly inspirational to see our doctors, nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS - and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable.
"That is why, at this moment of national emergency, I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."
The leaflet also has advice on how to access online guidance specific to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-31--MPs demand 'Army-style' compensation for NHS coronavirus victims

A group of 50 MPs have written to Boris Johnson to call for compensation for the families of those who lose their lives on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus .
At the weekend , NHS consultant Amged El-Hawrani - an ear , nose and throat specialist - was confirmed as the first frontline hospital worker in the UK to die after contracting coronavirus .
Two other doctors - Dr Habib Zaidi , a GP from Essex , and Dr Adil El Tayar , an organ transplant specialist who had been volunteering in an A & E department in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have died with COVID-19 symptoms .
In their letter to the prime minister , which has also been signed by 1,150 members of the public , the cross-party group of MPs called for a compensation scheme similar to that offered to by the Armed Forces .
They said the families of those who lose their lives should be offered a lump sum , a guaranteed income , and child payments to eligible children under the age of 18 .
The government should also offer a contribution towards funeral costs , the MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be open to the families of those classified as key workers , such as NHS and social care staff as well as teachers .
Their letter states : `` Those on the frontline of this battle against coronavirus are heroes .
`` However , the risks to themselves and their families that they are taking on a daily basis are not recognised as much as they should be .
`` They are putting their lives on the line , and we believe that they deserve to be protected .
`` Just like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should know that if the worst happens , the state will help their families .
`` It is what they need , and what they deserve . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The letter has been arranged by the Liberal Democrats ' Layla Moran and its signatories include Conservative , Labour , SNP , and Plaid Cymru MPs .
At the weekend , it was reported hundreds of doctors have said they are less likely to return to the frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they fear their families will not be properly compensated if they die .

A group of 50 MPs have written to Boris Johnson to call for compensation for the families of those who lose their lives on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus.
At the weekend, NHS consultant Amged El-Hawrani - an ear, nose and throat specialist - was confirmed as the first frontline hospital worker in the UK to die after contracting coronavirus.
Two other doctors - Dr Habib Zaidi, a GP from Essex, and Dr Adil El Tayar, an organ transplant specialist who had been volunteering in an A&E department in the West Midlands - are also reported to have died with COVID-19 symptoms.
In their letter to the prime minister, which has also been signed by 1,150 members of the public, the cross-party group of MPs called for a compensation scheme similar to that offered to by the Armed Forces.
They said the families of those who lose their lives should be offered a lump sum, a guaranteed income, and child payments to eligible children under the age of 18.
The government should also offer a contribution towards funeral costs, the MPs said.
They want the compensation scheme to be open to the families of those classified as key workers, such as NHS and social care staff as well as teachers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:21 Doctor's children: 'I wonder if enough was done to protect him'
Their letter states: "Those on the frontline of this battle against coronavirus are heroes.
"However, the risks to themselves and their families that they are taking on a daily basis are not recognised as much as they should be.
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"They are putting their lives on the line, and we believe that they deserve to be protected.
"Just like members of our Armed Forces, they should know that if the worst happens, the state will help their families.
"It is what they need, and what they deserve."
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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The letter has been arranged by the Liberal Democrats' Layla Moran and its signatories include Conservative, Labour, SNP, and Plaid Cymru MPs.
At the weekend, it was reported hundreds of doctors have said they are less likely to return to the frontline or increase their hours to fight COVID-19 because they fear their families will not be properly compensated if they die.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-31--'God help us all': PM under pressure over lack of protective virus gear

Boris Johnson is facing growing pressure to get more personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to health workers after it was claimed some nurses were treating coronavirus patients `` without any protection at all '' .
The prime minister will chair a meeting of his cabinet by videolink on Tuesday as he continues to self-isolate in Downing Street after being diagnosed with COVID-19 .
It comes as the British Medical Association ( BMA ) warned many hospitals and GP practices are facing `` life-threatening shortages '' of PPE , with one NHS procurement chief tweeting `` God help us all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors are off work because they are sick or in isolation , according to the Royal College of Physicians .
Dr Rob Harwood , from the BMA , said healthcare workers needed clarity from ministers about what risks they should not have to take if they do not have adequate protective gear .
`` Doctors are placing themselves at significant risk by treating patients on the front-line and there are concerns that sometimes this is without adequate PPE , '' he said .
`` While the government has been forthcoming in letting us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are still doctors and other NHS staff who today , tomorrow and in the coming week , may face the daunting prospect of having to consider treating patients without adequate protection .
`` Having seen the tragic deaths of medics in Italy and now closer to home here in the UK , doctors and NHS staff have every right to be concerned , knowing that a lack of adequate protection is not only dangerous , it may be fatal . ''
Dr Richard Vautrey , from the BMA , said many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been provided does not offer them sufficient protection for both themselves and for patients '' .
`` This situation can not be allowed to continue , '' he added .
`` Practices need action not more promises . ''
The Royal College of Nursing said it was `` completely unacceptable '' that weeks into the coronavirus crisis some nurses are yet to be provided with the necessary PPE .
Its chief executive Dame Donna Kinnair said she had heard from nurses who are treating patients in COVID-19 wards `` without any protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not continue , '' she said .
`` They are putting themselves , their families , and their patients at risk .
`` We need action , we need equipment , we need it now . ''
It has been claimed that protective gowns for frontline NHS staff were not included in the national pandemic stockpile of PPE .
The Health Care Supply Association ( HCSA ) , which represents procurement professionals within the UK 's healthcare sector , warned of `` serious supply issues '' in hospitals .
The HCSA has asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be included in the original pandemic stockpile '' .
In a tweet about the issue , which has since been deleted , the HCSA 's chief officer Alan Hoskins said he had `` just got message back no stock ca n't help '' , before adding : `` God help us all . ''
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has said the government `` can not and should not ask people to be on the frontline without the right protective equipment '' .
He has said 170 million masks and almost 10 million items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being delivered to NHS trusts and healthcare settings .
Meanwhile , NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens has said the government is `` pulling out all the stops '' to deliver enough equipment to hospitals but cautioned it was a `` huge logistics exercise '' .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast Show that protective equipment `` should be filtering through '' .
`` Every hospital has now had gear , '' he said .
`` But there 's no denying this have been an enormous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , to have something of this size and scale .
`` Everyone in a military-style operation - literally using the military - has been working flat out to make sure everyone has exactly what they need .
`` But it is coming through and there is a hotline for NHS staff to be able to use , or hospitals to be able to use , if they are still short of anything . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were confirmed on Monday , taking the UK 's total to 1,415 .

Boris Johnson is facing growing pressure to get more personal protective equipment (PPE) to health workers after it was claimed some nurses were treating coronavirus patients "without any protection at all".
The prime minister will chair a meeting of his cabinet by videolink on Tuesday as he continues to self-isolate in Downing Street after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
It comes as the British Medical Association (BMA) warned many hospitals and GP practices are facing "life-threatening shortages" of PPE, with one NHS procurement chief tweeting "God help us all".
Image: Boris Johnson will chair a meeting of his cabinet by videolink on Tuesday
Around a quarter of NHS doctors are off work because they are sick or in isolation, according to the Royal College of Physicians.
Dr Rob Harwood, from the BMA, said healthcare workers needed clarity from ministers about what risks they should not have to take if they do not have adequate protective gear.
"Doctors are placing themselves at significant risk by treating patients on the front-line and there are concerns that sometimes this is without adequate PPE," he said.
"While the government has been forthcoming in letting us know that protection is on the way, there are still doctors and other NHS staff who today, tomorrow and in the coming week, may face the daunting prospect of having to consider treating patients without adequate protection.
"Having seen the tragic deaths of medics in Italy and now closer to home here in the UK, doctors and NHS staff have every right to be concerned, knowing that a lack of adequate protection is not only dangerous, it may be fatal."
Dr Richard Vautrey, from the BMA, said many GPs remain "seriously concerned that what has been provided does not offer them sufficient protection for both themselves and for patients".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:22 Inside the UK's first coronavirus 'hot clinic'
"This situation cannot be allowed to continue," he added.
"Practices need action not more promises."
The Royal College of Nursing said it was "completely unacceptable" that weeks into the coronavirus crisis some nurses are yet to be provided with the necessary PPE.
Its chief executive Dame Donna Kinnair said she had heard from nurses who are treating patients in COVID-19 wards "without any protection at all".
"This cannot continue," she said. "They are putting themselves, their families, and their patients at risk.
"We need action, we need equipment, we need it now."
It has been claimed that protective gowns for frontline NHS staff were not included in the national pandemic stockpile of PPE.
The Health Care Supply Association (HCSA), which represents procurement professionals within the UK's healthcare sector, warned of "serious supply issues" in hospitals.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:34 A first glimpse inside NHS Nightingale
The HCSA has asked officials "why gowns appear never to be included in the original pandemic stockpile".
In a tweet about the issue, which has since been deleted, the HCSA's chief officer Alan Hoskins said he had "just got message back no stock can't help", before adding: "God help us all."
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has said the government "cannot and should not ask people to be on the frontline without the right protective equipment".
He has said 170 million masks and almost 10 million items of cleaning equipment are among the items being delivered to NHS trusts and healthcare settings.
Meanwhile, NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens has said the government is "pulling out all the stops" to deliver enough equipment to hospitals but cautioned it was a "huge logistics exercise".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 'Over 9,000 in hospital beds with coronavirus'
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast Show that protective equipment "should be filtering through".
"Every hospital has now had gear," he said.
"But there's no denying this have been an enormous national effort, completely unprecedented, of course, to have something of this size and scale.
"Everyone in a military-style operation - literally using the military - has been working flat out to make sure everyone has exactly what they need.
"But it is coming through and there is a hotline for NHS staff to be able to use, or hospitals to be able to use, if they are still short of anything."
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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The deaths of a further 180 coronavirus patients were confirmed on Monday, taking the UK's total to 1,415.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-30--Coronavirus support loophole leaves workers without pay

Full-time workers who have recently changed jobs are being sacked or left without pay because of an apparent loophole in the government 's coronavirus support scheme , Sky News can reveal .
To be eligible for the wage subsidy of up to £2,500-a-month because of the COVID-19 outbreak affect on workers , an employee must have been on their company 's payroll on 28 February .
Job change data from the website LinkedIn suggests at least several thousand people could be affected by the clause .
Sky News has spoken to dozens of workers who started new roles in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meaning their employer can not claim the 80 % wage subsidy .
Dundee-based software engineer Kuljit Athwal has worked full time for 25 years but was laid off just weeks into a new job because he started three days after the cut-off point .
`` I have three children under ten who are no longer going to school… my wife is a healthcare assistant in a pharmacy , so she works sometimes 12 hour shifts a day , '' he said .
`` This scheme was a lifeline for me…it just so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me when it did in January and I changed jobs just at the wrong moment in time . ''
The Treasury says the measures are already protecting thousands of jobs .
It is understood the 28 February date has been used so the government can reference claims against pay data .
But Tim Roache , General Secretary of the GMB Union said : `` If you 've been working , paid your taxes , done everything you were supposed to but just happened to have changed jobs at the wrong time , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no support '' .
Labour 's shadow chancellor John McDonnell says he 's raised the issue with the government and will continue to press for action .
A Facebook group calling for change has hundreds of members while thousands of people have signed a petition against the clause .
Treasury guidance states that employers can re-hire staff that have been made redundant and still claim the subsidy .
But that does n't apply if the worker has voluntarily left their post and some employees say firms are reluctant to keep former or outgoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who did n't want to be named , is currently working a three-month notice period but says her new employer can not claim the subsidy for her when she joins them in the coming weeks .
While her existing firm could extend her contract and claim the wage subsidy , she says they wo n't do it as they have `` no obligation '' to help .
`` Why would they waste their resources even sorting it out ?
It also raises legal issues - my firm will not assist and would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
Some small businesses also say they are being forced to choose between sacking new starters or further financial pressure .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Heather Backstrom , who runs a small firm that trains welders in Chester , says she has not been able to claim the subsidy for one new starter .
`` For as long as we can we 're going to pay him but unfortunately we do n't know when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's just very confusing these guidelines over the date of the 28 February .
I just do n't understand where they 've got that date from , '' she said .
Ellen Florence from Berkshire applied for job seekers allowance after the start date of her new role at a marketing agency was pushed back to July , but says high demand means she has n't yet heard anything back .
She also said that jobs she 's applied for with other companies have been suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak .
London-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity sector job he started in mid-March but says he 's been unable to get help from Citizen 's Advice as they are already running at full capacity .
`` None of this is the fault of my employer , who had no legal alternative other than to make me redundant .
The fault lies solely with the Job Retention Scheme itself , '' he said .
Transport Secretry Grant Shapps admitted that it was `` probably the case '' that the goverment `` wo n't be able to capture every single individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show : `` The chancellor has launched unprecedented size of schemes to help the employed , to help the self-employed , to help businesses themselves .
`` There will be circumstances under which not every single last business or individual is helped .
`` This is unfortunately the nature of the scale of this thing . ''
But Mr Shapps said Chancellor Rishi Sunak had been `` very proactive '' in the economic response to the coronavirus crisis , adding : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do in the future . ''
A Treasury spokesperson said those who do not qualify for the scheme `` will be able to access a range of other support - including an increase in the Universal Credit allowance , income tax deferrals , £1bn more support for renters and access to three-month mortgage holidays '' .

Full-time workers who have recently changed jobs are being sacked or left without pay because of an apparent loophole in the government's coronavirus support scheme, Sky News can reveal.
To be eligible for the wage subsidy of up to £2,500-a-month because of the COVID-19 outbreak affect on workers, an employee must have been on their company's payroll on 28 February.
Job change data from the website LinkedIn suggests at least several thousand people could be affected by the clause.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Sunak lays out huge economic measures
Sky News spoke to dozens of workers who started new roles in the days and weeks after the cut-off point.
Dundee-based software engineer Kuljit Athwal has worked full time for 25 years but was laid off just weeks into a new job because he started three days after the cut-off point.
"I have three children under ten who are no longer going to school… my wife is a healthcare assistant in a pharmacy, so she works sometimes 12 hour shifts a day," he said.
"This scheme was a lifeline for me…it just so happened this great opportunity came up for me when it did in January and I changed jobs just at the wrong moment in time."
The Treasury says the measures are already protecting thousands of jobs.
It is understood the 28 February date has been used so the government can reference claims against pay data.
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But Tim Roache, General Secretary of the GMB Union said: "If you've been working, paid your taxes, done everything you were supposed to but just happened to have changed jobs at the wrong time, it can't be right that there's no support".
Labour's shadow chancellor John McDonnell says he's raised the issue with the government and will continue to press for action.
A Facebook group calling for change has hundreds of members while thousands of people have signed a petition against the clause.
Treasury guidance states that employers can re-hire staff that have been made redundant and still claim the subsidy.
But that doesn't apply if the worker has voluntarily left their post and some employees say firms are reluctant to keep former or outgoing staff on their books.
One person, who didn't want to be named, is currently working a three-month notice period but says her new employer cannot claim the subsidy for her when she joins them in the coming weeks.
While her existing firm could extend her contract and claim the wage subsidy, she says they won't do it as they have "no obligation" to help.
"Why would they waste their resources even sorting it out? It also raises legal issues - my firm will not assist and wouldn't touch it with a barge pole," she said.
Some small businesses also say they are being forced to choose between sacking new starters or further financial pressure.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Heather Backstrom, who runs a small firm that trains welders in Chester, says she has not been able to claim the subsidy for one new starter.
"For as long as we can we're going to pay him but unfortunately we don't know when we're going to actually re-open… it's just very confusing these guidelines over the date of the 28 February. I just don't understand where they've got that date from," she said.
Ellen Florence from Berkshire applied for job seekers allowance after the start date of her new role at a marketing agency was pushed back to July, but says high demand means she hasn't yet heard anything back.
She also said that jobs she's applied for with other companies have been suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak.
London-based Samuel Kier was made redundant from the charity sector job he started in mid-March but says he's been unable to get help from Citizen's Advice as they are already running at full capacity.
"None of this is the fault of my employer, who had no legal alternative other than to make me redundant. The fault lies solely with the Job Retention Scheme itself," he said.
Transport Secretry Grant Shapps admitted that it was "probably the case" that the government "won't be able to capture every single individual circumstance" in its economic support package.
He told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show: "The chancellor has launched unprecedented size of schemes to help the employed, to help the self-employed, to help businesses themselves.
"There will be circumstances under which not every single last business or individual is helped.
"This is unfortunately the nature of the scale of this thing."
But Mr Shapps said Chancellor Rishi Sunak had been "very proactive" in the economic response to the coronavirus crisis, adding: "I don't know what else he may do in the future."
A Treasury spokesperson said those who do not qualify for the scheme "will be able to access a range of other support - including an increase in the Universal Credit allowance, income tax deferrals, £1bn more support for renters and access to three-month mortgage holidays".


skynewspolitics--2020-03-31--Whitehall takes charge of COVID-19 tests after row between England and Wales

Ministers have been forced into a crisis rethink of the way coronavirus tests are bought after it emerged the NHS in England and Wales were competing over testing .
In Wales , the devolved government 's health minister Vaughan Gething declared he was `` very disappointed '' with a manufacturer , understood to be Roche , which had been due to supply up to 5,000 COVID-19 tests a day in Wales .
Whitehall sources said that the company appeared to want to prioritise the bigger of two orders - one requested by the NHS in England - leading the firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fury of the Cardiff administration .
This led to a crisis meeting between the health ministers of the four nations , including Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Friday .
Now all four nations have agreed to co-operate on buying coronavirus tests , with the system co-ordinated centrally .
But this has led to fears that some of the smaller nations like Wales and Northern Ireland risk losing out if England gets priority .
Devolved governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland have agreed to the scheme alongside Wales in the hope it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more sense for the UK as a whole to procure some equipment .
However there is still nervousness .
Adam Price , leader of Welsh nationalist Plyd Cymru , told Sky News : `` In this case it absolutely seems that we have been - whether gazumped - [ it is ] certainly the case that the deal has n't gone through in Wales .
`` And we 're led to believe that is because a larger deal in England has taken precedence .
`` How can we have any confidence in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent means of securing our needs in Wales if we 're just told to trust the UK government to provide us without any ability to intervene ourselves ?
`` That certainly does n't give me the confidence that Wales ' needs will be best served . ''
Earlier at a news conference Mr Gething told Sky News : `` The four cabinet health ministers had a meeting at the end of last week to talk about expectations on supply chains to work - for example on Personal Protective Equipment , consumables - to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules and equity for the four nations of the UK . ''
He explained it was `` to make sure that supply is being dealt with on a UK-wide basis and the four cabinet ministers for health were clear about our expectations '' , adding : `` That 's exactly what should happen . ''
The Department for Health and Roche did not comment .

Ministers have been forced into a crisis rethink of the way coronavirus tests are bought after it emerged the NHS in England and Wales were competing over testing.
In Wales, the devolved government's health minister Vaughan Gething declared he was "very disappointed" with a manufacturer, understood to be Roche, which had been due to supply up to 5,000 COVID-19 tests a day in Wales.
Whitehall sources said that the company appeared to want to prioritise the bigger of two orders - one requested by the NHS in England - leading the firm to cancel the order with Wales to the fury of the Cardiff administration.
This led to a crisis meeting between the health ministers of the four nations, including Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Friday.
Now all four nations have agreed to co-operate on buying coronavirus tests, with the system co-ordinated centrally.
Image: A meeting with Matt Hancock decided to centralise test orders
But this has led to fears that some of the smaller nations like Wales and Northern Ireland risk losing out if England gets priority.
Devolved governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland have agreed to the scheme alongside Wales in the hope it is more efficient, acknowledging it can make more sense for the UK as a whole to procure some equipment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
However there is still nervousness.
Adam Price, leader of Welsh nationalist Plyd Cymru, told Sky News: "In this case it absolutely seems that we have been - whether gazumped - [it is] certainly the case that the deal hasn't gone through in Wales.
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"And we're led to believe that is because a larger deal in England has taken precedence.
Image: Adam Price said it looked like Wales had been 'gazumped'
"How can we have any confidence in a system whereby we don't have any independent means of securing our needs in Wales if we're just told to trust the UK government to provide us without any ability to intervene ourselves?
"That certainly doesn't give me the confidence that Wales' needs will be best served."
Earlier at a news conference Mr Gething told Sky News: "The four cabinet health ministers had a meeting at the end of last week to talk about expectations on supply chains to work - for example on Personal Protective Equipment, consumables - to make sure we had agreement on UK-wide rules and equity for the four nations of the UK."
He explained it was "to make sure that supply is being dealt with on a UK-wide basis and the four cabinet ministers for health were clear about our expectations", adding: "That's exactly what should happen."
The Department for Health and Roche did not comment.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-31--Coronavirus cases 'plateau' in UK as ventilators near production

The first batch of British-made ventilators to treat coronavirus patients will be rolled out to the NHS next week , Michael Gove has said .
Thousands of them are going into production to bolster the 8,000 already deployed in hospitals , the Cabinet Office minister announced .
Lots of countries are trying to source the essential machines , which provide oxygen for people suffering lung failure in severe COVID-19 cases .
Mr Gove reassured the public that ventilators have been bought in from abroad to tackle the pandemic and that the first wave manufactured in the UK will roll off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this weekend .
He tried to keep pressure up on people to stay at home to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus , calling the latest daily deaths rise of 393 `` deeply shocking '' .
Asked when lockdown measures might end , Mr Gove said : `` There 's not a fixed date like Easter when you know that the peak will come , it depends on the actions of all of us .
`` We can delay that peak , we can flatten the curve through our own particular actions . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephen Powis said a `` bit of a plateau '' in coronavirus infections could be `` green shoots '' .
`` It is really important not to read too much because it is really early days , '' he cautioned at the daily Downing Street briefing .
`` We are not out of the woods , we are very much in the woods .
`` So green shoots but only green shoots and we must not be complacent and we must not take our foot off the pedal . ''
Some 10,767 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , with 3,915 of those in London and 1,918 in the Midlands , where hospital admissions are accelerating .
Prof Powis said the overall signs were that the `` Great British public '' were heeding social distancing advice and reducing contact .
England 's deputy chief medical officer also apologised at the briefing for saying the government had sorted a problem repeatedly raised by medics about a lack of Personal Protective Equipment [ PPE ] , such as masks and gloves .
Dr Jenny Harries said : `` I have to admit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago and said - very probably optimistically in the past - 'we 've solved the PPE position ' .
`` So my apologies because 48 hours later our distribution issue had popped back in again .
`` The distribution element has been a bit tricky at times . ''
Thousands of frontline NHS staff wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson pleading for the equipment after two consultants were put on ventilators after contracting coronavirus from infected patients .
Medical dramas Holby City and Casualty have even had to prepare to send real doctors @ @ @ @ @

The first batch of British-made ventilators to treat coronavirus patients will be rolled out to the NHS next week, Michael Gove has said.
Thousands of them are going into production to bolster the 8,000 already deployed in hospitals, the Cabinet Office minister announced.
Lots of countries are trying to source the essential machines, which provide oxygen for people suffering lung failure in severe COVID-19 cases.
Image: Ventilators are key to treating people with COVID-19
Mr Gove reassured the public that ventilators have been bought in from abroad to tackle the pandemic and that the first wave manufactured in the UK will roll off the production line by the end of this weekend.
He tried to keep pressure up on people to stay at home to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus, calling the latest daily deaths rise of 393 "deeply shocking".
Image: There has been a 'bit of a plateau' in coronavirus infections
Asked when lockdown measures might end, Mr Gove said: "There's not a fixed date like Easter when you know that the peak will come, it depends on the actions of all of us.
"We can delay that peak, we can flatten the curve through our own particular actions."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
But NHS England's medical director Professor Stephen Powis said a "bit of a plateau" in coronavirus infections could be "green shoots".
"It is really important not to read too much because it is really early days," he cautioned at the daily Downing Street briefing.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Why doesn't the UK have enough ventilators?
"We are not out of the woods, we are very much in the woods.
"So green shoots but only green shoots and we must not be complacent and we must not take our foot off the pedal."
Some 10,767 people are currently in hospital with coronavirus in England, with 3,915 of those in London and 1,918 in the Midlands, where hospital admissions are accelerating.
Prof Powis said the overall signs were that the "Great British public" were heeding social distancing advice and reducing contact.
Image: Prof Powis praised the public for heeding the lockdown
England's deputy chief medical officer also apologised at the briefing for saying the government had sorted a problem repeatedly raised by medics about a lack of Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], such as masks and gloves.
Dr Jenny Harries said: "I have to admit, I stood here about 10 days ago and said - very probably optimistically in the past - 'we've solved the PPE position'.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 Police seek hospital hand sanitiser thief
"So my apologies because 48 hours later our distribution issue had popped back in again.
"The distribution element has been a bit tricky at times."
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Thousands of frontline NHS staff wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson pleading for the equipment after two consultants were put on ventilators after contracting coronavirus from infected patients.
Medical dramas Holby City and Casualty have even had to prepare to send real doctors' their medical equipment.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-31--PM hosts cabinet meeting entirely on a video call

Boris Johnson has warned his top ministers the coronavirus crisis `` is going to get worse before it gets better '' at the first cabinet meeting in history to be held entirely on a video call .
The prime minister on Tuesday chaired a cabinet meeting in which ministers all appeared on a single screen via video conferencing app Zoom .
Only Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and a small number of officials were in the cabinet room in 10 Downing Street itself .
They kept two metres apart in accordance with the government 's social distancing rules , Number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is currently self-isolating at 11 Downing Street after testing positive for COVID-19 , used the meeting to tell his ministers : `` The situation is going to get worse before it gets better - but it will get better . ''
He also stressed the rising number of coronavirus deaths in recent days showed the importance of Britons sticking to social distancing rules , Number 10 added .
The cabinet discussed their work in supporting the NHS , attempting to safeguard jobs and bringing home British citizens who are stranded abroad .
Ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand the number of coronavirus tests , following criticism of the low level of testing in the UK compared to other countries such as Germany and South Korea .
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty - who is also self-isolating - and the government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , joined the meeting by video call .
Number 10 later said the prime minister was still suffering `` mild symptoms '' of coronavirus as he self-isolates .
Last week , Mr Johnson chaired a cabinet meeting from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside Health Secretary Matt Hancock , Sir Mark and Prof Whitty .
All other attendees appeared via Zoom .
Since that meeting , Mr Hancock has joined the prime minister and Prof Whitty by self-isolating after he also tested positive for coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The use of Zoom prompted concerns about how secure the app is for government meetings .
But the Cabinet Office defended its use .
A spokesperson said : `` In the current unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication are vital .
`` National Cyber Security Centre guidance shows there is no security reason for Zoom not to be used for conversations below a certain classification . ''

Boris Johnson has warned his top ministers the coronavirus crisis "is going to get worse before it gets better" at the first cabinet meeting in history to be held entirely on a video call.
The prime minister on Tuesday chaired a cabinet meeting in which ministers all appeared on a single screen via video conferencing app Zoom.
Only Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and a small number of officials were in the cabinet room in 10 Downing Street itself.
They kept two metres apart in accordance with the government's social distancing rules, Number 10 said.
Mr Johnson, who is currently self-isolating at 11 Downing Street after testing positive for COVID-19, used the meeting to tell his ministers: "The situation is going to get worse before it gets better - but it will get better."
Image: The PM chaired last week's meeting from the cabinet room - but now he's self-isolating. Pic: Andrew Parsons / No 10
He also stressed the rising number of coronavirus deaths in recent days showed the importance of Britons sticking to social distancing rules, Number 10 added.
The cabinet discussed their work in supporting the NHS, attempting to safeguard jobs and bringing home British citizens who are stranded abroad.
Ministers also discussed the government's aim to expand the number of coronavirus tests, following criticism of the low level of testing in the UK compared to other countries such as Germany and South Korea.
England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty - who is also self-isolating - and the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, joined the meeting by video call.
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Number 10 later said the prime minister was still suffering "mild symptoms" of coronavirus as he self-isolates.
Last week, Mr Johnson chaired a cabinet meeting from the cabinet room in 10 Downing Street alongside Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Sir Mark and Prof Whitty.
All other attendees appeared via Zoom.
Since that meeting, Mr Hancock has joined the prime minister and Prof Whitty by self-isolating after he also tested positive for coronavirus.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The use of Zoom prompted concerns about how secure the app is for government meetings.
But the Cabinet Office defended its use.
A spokesperson said: "In the current unprecedented circumstances the need for effective channels of communication are vital.
"National Cyber Security Centre guidance shows there is no security reason for Zoom not to be used for conversations below a certain classification."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-31--Treasury 'clarifies' support for workers in coronavirus outbreak

Full-time workers who voluntarily changed jobs in recent weeks will now be eligible for the government 's wage subsidy , if their old employer agrees to put them back on their payroll .
In what will be seen as a partial u-turn , the Treasury has agreed to let workers who resigned from a post to start a new job after 28th February be `` furloughed '' on 80 % pay by their old employer .
Previously , this only applied to workers who had been made redundant and not those who voluntarily left their post .
Treasury sources said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the policy rather than a change .
Those campaigning for the cut-off date to be scrapped altogether say the move is `` not really enough '' as it will only help some people .
`` People move jobs for a variety of reasons , '' said Kuljit Athwal from the New Starter Furlough Facebook group .
`` For some it may no longer be possible to reach out to a former employer .
`` And right now those employers are not legally obligated to take them back , though they may have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News revealed that potentially thousands of people were being sacked or left without pay because of an apparent loophole in the government 's job retention scheme .
To be eligible for the wage subsidy of up to £2,500 a month an employee must have been on their company 's payroll on 28th February .
Employers with workers who started after this point can not claim for them , leading to many being put on unpaid leave or sacked .

Full-time workers who voluntarily changed jobs in recent weeks will now be eligible for the government's wage subsidy, if their old employer agrees to put them back on their payroll.
In what will be seen as a partial u-turn, the Treasury has agreed to let workers who resigned from a post to start a new job after 28th February be "furloughed" on 80% pay by their old employer.
Previously, this only applied to workers who had been made redundant and not those who voluntarily left their post.
Treasury sources said this was a "clarification" of the policy rather than a change.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Cut-off date costs worker his pay
Those campaigning for the cut-off date to be scrapped altogether say the move is "not really enough" as it will only help some people.
"People move jobs for a variety of reasons," said Kuljit Athwal from the New Starter Furlough Facebook group.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Chancellor announces help for self-employed
"For some it may no longer be possible to reach out to a former employer.
"And right now those employers are not legally obligated to take them back, though they may have a moral responsibility."
It comes after Sky News revealed that potentially thousands of people were being sacked or left without pay because of an apparent loophole in the government's job retention scheme.
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To be eligible for the wage subsidy of up to £2,500 a month an employee must have been on their company's payroll on 28th February.
Employers with workers who started after this point cannot claim for them, leading to many being put on unpaid leave or sacked.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-01--Government ditches cap on NHS staff being tested for coronavirus

Hospitals have been told to test as many staff as possible for coronavirus after Health Secretary Matt Hancock removed a cap on the number of NHS workers who can be assessed each day .
The UK can now test more than 12,000 people per day for COVID-19 , with that capacity expected to soon rise to 15,000 tests per day .
The government aims to increase this further to 25,000 tests per day by the middle of this month .
However , concerns have been raised about the country 's current level of testing , following comparisons with nations such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now be conducting as many as 500,000 tests per week .
And questions have been asked about why the UK is n't even using its full testing capacity at laboratories .
Only 8,240 people were tested for coronavirus on Monday , despite the UK having the ability to test many more .
Mr Hancock has now acted to utilise the spare testing capacity by removing a limit on the number of NHS staff who can be tested .
Previously , 85 % of UK testing was allocated for patients with COVID-19 symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital staff .
Due to the extra testing capacity now available , the health secretary has now scrapped this limit and ordered the NHS to test as many staff as possible , as well as patients .
Any spare testing capacity will now be used to test NHS staff and their families in order to keep hospital workers on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus .
Sky News understands this will now mean thousands of NHS staff will be able to get tested every day .
More than 900 NHS staff were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began to be assessed for COVID-19 .
Niall Dickson , the chief executive of the NHS Confederation , said staffing levels are `` probably still the biggest challenge '' facing hospitals .
He explained the importance of testing in order to allow NHS staff , who might be self-isolating for fear of having caught coronavirus , to get back to work .
`` One of the reasons why we have such a lot of debate about testing is a worry that there are too many staff - who may not be displaying very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gone through it - but are living with someone who may or may not have the virus , '' he told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show .
`` That 's why testing of staff and ramping up that testing of staff - and indeed people in their households - is so important to try and get these people onto the frontline . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Chris Hopson - chief executive of NHS Providers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of testing of hospital staff at the weekend revealed the vast majority who are self-isolating could return to work .
`` We did start testing staff over the weekend and a very intriguing piece of data emerged from those very early tests , '' he told BBC Newsnight .
`` It 's a very , very small sample size but what was interesting was , of the members of staff who have been self-isolating for 14 days because they had a family member who potentially had coronavirus symptoms , only 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hopson suggested , if those results were replicated in the coming days , then 85 % of the staff who are self-isolating can go back to work .

Hospitals have been told to test as many staff as possible for coronavirus after Health Secretary Matt Hancock removed a cap on the number of NHS workers who can be assessed each day.
The UK can now test more than 12,000 people per day for COVID-19, with that capacity expected to soon rise to 15,000 tests per day.
The government aims to increase this further to 25,000 tests per day by the middle of this month.
However, concerns have been raised about the country's current level of testing, following comparisons with nations such as Germany, which is estimated to now be conducting as many as 500,000 tests per week.
And questions have been asked about why the UK isn't even using its full testing capacity at laboratories.
Only 8,630 people were tested for coronavirus on Monday, despite the UK having the ability to test many more.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock has removed a cap on testing
Mr Hancock has now acted to utilise the spare testing capacity by removing a limit on the number of NHS staff who can be tested.
Previously, 85% of UK testing was allocated for patients with COVID-19 symptoms, with the remaining 15% kept for hospital staff.
Due to the extra testing capacity now available, the health secretary has now scrapped this limit and ordered the NHS to test as many staff as possible, as well as patients.
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Any spare testing capacity will now be used to test NHS staff and their families in order to keep hospital workers on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
Sky News understands this will now mean thousands of NHS staff will be able to get tested every day.
More than 900 NHS staff were tested over the weekend as hospital workers began to be assessed for COVID-19.
Downing Street said on Wednesday that more than 2,000 NHS staff have now been tested.
Niall Dickson, the chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said staffing levels are "probably still the biggest challenge" facing hospitals.
He explained the importance of testing in order to allow NHS staff, who might be self-isolating for fear of having caught coronavirus, to get back to work.
"One of the reasons why we have such a lot of debate about testing is a worry that there are too many staff - who may not be displaying very acute symptoms or may have had symptoms and gone through it - but are living with someone who may or may not have the virus," he told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast show.
"That's why testing of staff and ramping up that testing of staff - and indeed people in their households - is so important to try and get these people onto the frontline."
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Chris Hopson - chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents all NHS trusts - suggested the start of testing of hospital staff at the weekend revealed the vast majority who are self-isolating could return to work.
"We did start testing staff over the weekend and a very intriguing piece of data emerged from those very early tests," he told BBC Newsnight.
"It's a very, very small sample size but what was interesting was, of the members of staff who have been self-isolating for 14 days because they had a family member who potentially had coronavirus symptoms, only 15% of them were positive."
Mr Hopson suggested, if those results were replicated in the coming days, then 85% of the staff who are self-isolating can go back to work.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-01--UK's initial coronavirus plan would have been 'catastrophic', says Trump

Donald Trump has said the UK was facing `` catastrophic '' results before it changed strategy in the fight against coronavirus - as one of his experts revealed she remains `` worried '' about Britain 's lack of ventilators .
In a briefing at the White House , the US president claimed the British government had `` put themselves in a little bit of a problem '' over its original plan to tackle COVID-19 .
The UK initially did not follow other European countries in closing schools and banning mass gatherings but ramped up measures following predictions that the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Before the shift in strategy , the government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , told Sky News that around 60 % of the UK population would need to become infected with coronavirus in order for society to have `` herd immunity '' from future outbreaks .
Addressing US measures to tackle coronavirus , Mr Trump said : `` A lot of people were saying : 'Let 's just ride it out ' .
`` This is not to be ridden out because then you would have been looking at potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US ] or more… in a relatively short period of time .
`` If you remember , they were looking at that concept - I guess it 's a concept if you do n't mind death , a lot of death - but they were looking at that in the UK , remember .
`` All of sudden they went hard the other way because they started seeing things that were n't good .
They put themselves in a little bit of a problem . ''
The US president added : `` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we wo n't even go by the name - it would have been very catastrophic I think if that would have happened . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Trump also said he hoped Boris Johnson is `` going to be fine '' as the prime minister continues to self-isolate in Downing Street after testing positive for coronavirus .
Meanwhile during the briefing , Dr Deborah Birx , the White House 's coronavirus response coordinator , pointed out the relatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to the US .
She said : `` We are worried about groups all around the globe .
I do n't know if you heard the report this morning , there are 8,000 ventilators in the UK .
`` If you translate that to United States , that would be like the United States having less than 40,000 ventilators .
We have five times that . ''
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said on Tuesday that the first batch of British-made ventilators to treat coronavirus patients will be rolled out to the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going into production to bolster the 8,000 already deployed in hospitals and reassured the public that ventilators have been bought in from abroad to tackle the pandemic .
The Mercedes F1 team has helped develop a breathing aid to keep coronavirus patients out of intensive care , with a host of other rival teams having pitched in to provide UK hospitals with thousands of extra ventilators .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It was announced on Tuesday that another 393 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus - taking the country 's death toll to 1,808 .
The number of people who have died in the US after testing positive for the virus has risen to more than 3,800 , surpassing the 3,305 reported fatalities in China , where the outbreak began .

Donald Trump has said the UK was facing "catastrophic" results before it changed strategy in the fight against coronavirus - as one of his experts revealed she remains "worried" about Britain's lack of ventilators.
In a briefing at the White House, the US president claimed the British government had "put themselves in a little bit of a problem" over its original plan to tackle COVID-19.
The UK initially did not follow other European countries in closing schools and banning mass gatherings but ramped up measures following predictions that the country could otherwise have seen 250,000 deaths.
Image: White House coronavirus response coordinator Debbie Birx appeared at the briefing with Donald Trump
Before the shift in strategy, the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, told Sky News that around 60% of the UK population would need to become infected with coronavirus in order for society to have "herd immunity" from future outbreaks.
Addressing US measures to tackle coronavirus, Mr Trump said: "A lot of people were saying: 'Let's just ride it out'.
"This is not to be ridden out because then you would have been looking at potentially 2.2 million people [dying in the US] or more… in a relatively short period of time.
"If you remember, they were looking at that concept - I guess it's a concept if you don't mind death, a lot of death - but they were looking at that in the UK, remember.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Trump warns of 'painful' weeks ahead
"All of sudden they went hard the other way because they started seeing things that weren't good. They put themselves in a little bit of a problem."
The US president added: "They have a name for it, but we won't even go by the name - it would have been very catastrophic I think if that would have happened."
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Trump also said he hoped Boris Johnson is "going to be fine" as the prime minister continues to self-isolate in Downing Street after testing positive for coronavirus.
Meanwhile during the briefing, Dr Deborah Birx, the White House's coronavirus response coordinator, pointed out the relatively low number of ventilators in the UK compared to the US.
She said: "We are worried about groups all around the globe. I don't know if you heard the report this morning, there are 8,000 ventilators in the UK.
"If you translate that to United States, that would be like the United States having less than 40,000 ventilators. We have five times that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Why doesn't the UK have enough ventilators?
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said on Tuesday that the first batch of British-made ventilators to treat coronavirus patients will be rolled out to the NHS next week.
He said thousands are going into production to bolster the 8,000 already deployed in hospitals and reassured the public that ventilators have been bought in from abroad to tackle the pandemic.
The Mercedes F1 team has helped develop a breathing aid to keep coronavirus patients out of intensive care, with a host of other rival teams having pitched in to provide UK hospitals with thousands of extra ventilators.
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It was announced on Tuesday that another 393 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus - taking the country's death toll to 1,808.
The number of people who have died in the US after testing positive for the virus has risen to more than 3,800, surpassing the 3,305 reported fatalities in China, where the outbreak began.