skynewspolitics--2020-04-28--Up to 15 million more Britons can get tested for COVID-19 from today

Over-65s and those who need to leave home to do their job can get tested for coronavirus from today , as millions more people become eligible .
The programme is being ramped up as the government tries to meet a target of 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day by Friday .
Anyone who has symptoms and is over 65 - or has to leave home for work - is eligible .
People in their household with symptoms can also get a test .
Later today , the government will publish the combined number of coronavirus deaths in hospitals , care homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is currently an 11-day lag for data on the number of people who have died in care or in their own homes after contracting coronavirus , meaning daily totals released so far have only focused on hospitals .
As a result , pressure has grown over criticism that COVID-19 's impact on care homes is not being properly represented .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the government 's expanded testing programme at the Downing Street briefing on Tuesday .
He said : `` From construction workers to emergency plumbers , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expansion of access to testing will protect the most vulnerable and help keep people safe . ''
Mr Hancock also announced the expansion of testing to all those working on the front line in the NHS and social care , as well as hospital patients and care home residents , irrespective of whether they have symptoms .
Previously , aside from some pilot schemes , only those with COVID-19 symptoms in these groups were being tested .
A government source said an additional 15 million Britons could now be eligible for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total to 25 million .
Professor John Newton , the co-ordinator of the national testing programme , described how `` intensive studies '' of infections in care homes showed `` the presence of symptoms was not really a good marker ... both among residents and staff , for the presence of the virus '' .
He said : `` There were significant numbers who were asymptomatic who had the virus and so we have massively increased the amount of testing available . ''
Prof Newton added 25,000 residents in care homes had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary said the government was `` on track '' to meet its target of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month , despite just 43,453 tests being conducted on Monday .
Mr Hancock said there was now capacity for 73,400 COVID-19 tests on a daily basis .
Outlining how the government hopes to fulfil this capacity , the health secretary said a further 48 drive-in testing centres would open this week , adding to the 41 centres currently in place .
The number of home testing kits - which can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be expanded from 5,000 per day to 25,000 per day by the end of the week .
And there are plans for the army to run 70 mobile testing centres by the end of the week , up from the 17 currently travelling around the country .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Tuesday , Mr Hancock said 21,678 people have died in hospital with coronavirus - an increase of 586 since Monday 's figures were released .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 4,343 coronavirus-related deaths reported by care home providers in England in the fortnight to 24 April .
Labour 's shadow minister for social care , Liz Kendall , welcomed the government 's action on testing and intent to publish more comprehensive death figures .
She said : `` What 's measured is what counts , and for families and care workers struggling to cope with this awful virus , every death counts . ''
But Ms Kendall added : `` More needs to be done to ensure all care staff get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure social care is properly funded to deal with the extra costs of the pandemic .
`` The government must also introduce a strategy for intermediate care , to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by people who are discharged from hospital and help struggling care homes . ''

Over-65s and those who need to leave home to do their job can get tested for coronavirus from today, as millions more people become eligible.
The programme is being ramped up as the government tries to meet a target of 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day by Friday.
Anyone who has symptoms and is over 65 - or has to leave home for work - is eligible. People in their household with symptoms can also get a test.
Image: Construction workers are among those now eligible for tests
Later today, the government will publish the combined number of coronavirus deaths in hospitals, care homes and the community for the first time.
There is currently an 11-day lag for data on the number of people who have died in care or in their own homes after contracting coronavirus, meaning daily totals released so far have only focused on hospitals.
As a result, pressure has grown over criticism that COVID-19's impact on care homes is not being properly represented.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the government's expanded testing programme at the Downing Street briefing on Tuesday.
He said: "From construction workers to emergency plumbers, from research scientists to those in manufacturing, the expansion of access to testing will protect the most vulnerable and help keep people safe."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Hancock announces expansion of COVID-19 testing
Mr Hancock also announced the expansion of testing to all those working on the front line in the NHS and social care, as well as hospital patients and care home residents, irrespective of whether they have symptoms.
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Previously, aside from some pilot schemes, only those with COVID-19 symptoms in these groups were being tested.
A government source said an additional 15 million Britons could now be eligible for coronavirus tests under the expanded programme, bringing the total to 25 million.
Professor John Newton, the co-ordinator of the national testing programme, described how "intensive studies" of infections in care homes showed "the presence of symptoms was not really a good marker... both among residents and staff, for the presence of the virus".
He said: "There were significant numbers who were asymptomatic who had the virus and so we have massively increased the amount of testing available."
Prof Newton added 25,000 residents in care homes had been tested so far.
The health secretary said the government was "on track" to meet its target of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month, despite just 43,453 tests being conducted on Monday.
Mr Hancock said there was now capacity for 73,400 COVID-19 tests on a daily basis.
Outlining how the government hopes to fulfil this capacity, the health secretary said a further 48 drive-in testing centres would open this week, adding to the 41 centres currently in place.
The number of home testing kits - which can be booked via the gov.uk website - will also be expanded from 5,000 per day to 25,000 per day by the end of the week.
And there are plans for the army to run 70 mobile testing centres by the end of the week, up from the 17 currently travelling around the country.
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On Tuesday, Mr Hancock said 21,678 people have died in hospital with coronavirus - an increase of 586 since Monday's figures were released.
Earlier, the Care Quality Commission revealed there were 4,343 coronavirus-related deaths reported by care home providers in England in the fortnight to 24 April.
Labour's shadow minister for social care, Liz Kendall, welcomed the government's action on testing and intent to publish more comprehensive death figures.
She said: "What's measured is what counts, and for families and care workers struggling to cope with this awful virus, every death counts."
But Ms Kendall added: "More needs to be done to ensure all care staff get the personal protective equipment they need and to ensure social care is properly funded to deal with the extra costs of the pandemic.
"The government must also introduce a strategy for intermediate care, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by people who are discharged from hospital and help struggling care homes."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-29--Coronavirus school closures will worsen north/south education divide, say MPs

The schools shutdown will widen the education gap between north and south , MPs will warn the education secretary today .
In an open letter to Gavin Williamson , more than 50 MPs and peers have said urgent action is needed to prevent the poorest pupils falling behind long-term .
Two thirds of secondary schools teaching the most disadvantaged communities are in the north of England , new figures show .
The parliamentarians , including Tories in northern constituencies , are demanding that funding for one-on-one tuition be provided to these pupils when they return to school .
They say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disadvantaged children fall behind their peers over a long summer holiday , and the shutdown will widen the north 's disadvantage gap and with it the north-south education divide .
`` We need to deal with the consequences of this crisis for the most vulnerable in our society , and that must include children from low-income households . ''
They say a `` catch-up premium '' of at least £300m - equating to £700 for every pupil on free school meals - would fund 30 minutes of tuition three times a week for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say when schools may start to re-open , but sources say the earliest date being discussed is the beginning of June .
Mr Williamson has said there are no current plans for schools to stay open during the summer holidays to help pupils catch up on the lesson time they have missed , and suggested that enforcing social distancing in schools would be challenging .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker While some schools have remained open to teach the children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most vulnerable , officials figures show turnout last week was below 2 % of all pupils .
Sky News has highlighted the difficulties for large numbers of families in accessing online lessons since schools closed a month ago .
In some schools , headteachers say up to 40 % of their pupils live in a home with no computer , while many more children have to share one device with parents and siblings .
Mr Williamson announced a week ago that the government would provide laptops and internet access to some children - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a social worker , or disadvantaged pupils taking their GCSEs next year - but there is no timescale for the scheme .
Signatories to today 's open letter include Lord Jim O'Neill , who served as a Treasury minister under David Cameron , and some newly elected Tories in former Labour seats .
They cite research from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership showing pupils in the north are most likely to be from the economic and ethnic groups who make the slowest progress at secondary school including white working class boys and girls .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We will do everything possible to make sure no child , whatever their background , falls behind as a result of coronavirus .
`` The government has already committed over £100m to support remote education , including providing devices and internet access to those children who need it most .
`` Schools are also continuing to receive additional funding in the form of the pupil premium - worth around £2.4bn annually - to help them support their disadvantaged pupils .
`` The department is considering , with a range of partner organisations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make up for time out of school . ''

The schools shutdown will widen the education gap between north and south, MPs will warn the education secretary today.
In an open letter to Gavin Williamson, more than 50 MPs and peers have said urgent action is needed to prevent the poorest pupils falling behind long-term.
Two thirds of secondary schools teaching the most disadvantaged communities are in the north of England, new figures show.
The parliamentarians, including Tories in northern constituencies, are demanding that funding for one-on-one tuition be provided to these pupils when they return to school.
They say in the letter: "The most disadvantaged children fall behind their peers over a long summer holiday, and the shutdown will widen the north's disadvantage gap and with it the north-south education divide.
"We need to deal with the consequences of this crisis for the most vulnerable in our society, and that must include children from low-income households."
They say a "catch-up premium" of at least £300m - equating to £700 for every pupil on free school meals - would fund 30 minutes of tuition three times a week for 12 weeks.
The government has refused to say when schools may start to re-open, but sources say the earliest date being discussed is the beginning of June.
Mr Williamson has said there are no current plans for schools to stay open during the summer holidays to help pupils catch up on the lesson time they have missed, and suggested that enforcing social distancing in schools would be challenging.
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While some schools have remained open to teach the children of key workers and those who are most vulnerable, officials figures show turnout last week was below 2% of all pupils.
Sky News has highlighted the difficulties for large numbers of families in accessing online lessons since schools closed a month ago.
In some schools, headteachers say up to 40% of their pupils live in a home with no computer, while many more children have to share one device with parents and siblings.
Mr Williamson announced a week ago that the government would provide laptops and internet access to some children - those identified by their school as having a social worker, or disadvantaged pupils taking their GCSEs next year - but there is no timescale for the scheme.
Signatories to today's open letter include Lord Jim O'Neill, who served as a Treasury minister under David Cameron, and some newly elected Tories in former Labour seats.
They cite research from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership showing pupils in the north are most likely to be from the economic and ethnic groups who make the slowest progress at secondary school including white working class boys and girls.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "We will do everything possible to make sure no child, whatever their background, falls behind as a result of coronavirus.
"The government has already committed over £100m to support remote education, including providing devices and internet access to those children who need it most.
"Schools are also continuing to receive additional funding in the form of the pupil premium - worth around £2.4bn annually - to help them support their disadvantaged pupils.
"The department is considering, with a range of partner organisations, how best to support all pupils to make up for time out of school."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-29--Beaming PM is a dad again: Carrie Symonds and baby son 'doing very well'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have announced the birth of a `` healthy baby boy '' .
The couple are `` thrilled '' and both mother and baby are `` doing very well '' following the birth at a London hospital on Wednesday morning , their spokeswoman said .
It is understood Mr Johnson was present throughout the birth .
A photograph of him beaming on his return to Number 10 following the arrival of his son has been released by Downing Street .
`` The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Mr Johnson only returned to work on Monday after spending time in intensive care with coronavirus .
Ms Symonds also suffered symptoms of the disease .
The couple announced at the end of February that they were expecting a baby in `` early summer '' and they became engaged at the end of last year .
A Downing Street spokesman said the PM will take a short period of paternity leave later this year .
Mr Johnson returned to work in Number 10 following the birth , and spoke to Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the UK 's COVID-19 response .
The prime minister and his family are planning to live in their Downing Street flat along with their dog Dilyn , the Downing Street spokesman said .
The spokesman declined to say whether the baby was born prematurely , and did not provide details of the weight , timing , nature or location of the birth .
The PM 's father Stanley Johnson said he was `` absolutely delighted '' by the arrival of his grandson , while Buckingham Palace said the Queen sent a private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to congratulate them .
Messages of support also poured in from across the political spectrum following the news .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Health Secretary Matt Hancock posted on Twitter : `` So thrilled for Boris and Carrie .
Wonderful to have a moment of unalloyed joy ! ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted : `` Great to hear Downing Street is getting a new resident .
Congratulations to @ BorisJohnson and @ carriesymonds on the birth of their son .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Wonderful news .
Many congratulations to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds . ''
And Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote : `` Some good news - sending congratulations to Carrie and the PM .
And wishing health and happiness to the wee one . ''
Ms Symonds announced she was pregnant in February in a post on her Instagram account .
`` I would n't normally post this kind of thing on here , but I wanted my friends to find out from me , '' she wrote .
`` Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my friends that still do n't , we got engaged at the end of last year , and we 've got a baby hatching early summer .
Feel incredibly blessed . ''
Earlier this month Ms Symonds told how life got `` very dark '' at times while her husband-to-be spent a week in St Thomas ' Hospital with coronavirus , including three nights in intensive care .
Mr Johnson , 55 , and 32-year-old Ms Symonds made history as the first unmarried couple to officially live together in Downing Street when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Ms Symonds ' first child , while Mr Johnson already has four grown-up children with his second wife Marina Wheeler ; Lara , Milo , Cassie and Theodore .
The PM also has a daughter with art consultant Helen Macintyre .
There has been speculation that Mr Johnson has fathered another extra-marital child .
Asked how many children he had during the general election in November , he told LBC : `` I love my children very much but they are not standing at this election .
I 'm therefore not going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new arrival is the third baby born to a serving prime minister in recent history .
Tony Blair 's wife Cherie gave birth to son Leo in May 2000 , three years after her husband 's first election victory , and David Cameron and wife Samantha welcomed daughter Florence in 2010 .
The last babies born to prime ministers before Leo and Florence arrived more than 150 years ago .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have announced the birth of a "healthy baby boy".
The couple are "thrilled" and both mother and baby are "doing very well" following the birth at a London hospital on Wednesday morning, their spokeswoman said.
It is understood Mr Johnson was present throughout the birth. A photograph of him beaming on his return to Number 10 following the arrival of his son has been released by Downing Street.
Image: Carrie Symonds announced she was pregnant in February in a post on her Instagram account
Image: Boris Johnson after the birth of his son with Carrie Symonds. Pic: Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing St
"The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team," their spokeswoman said.
Mr Johnson only returned to work on Monday after spending time in intensive care with coronavirus.
Ms Symonds also suffered symptoms of the disease.
The couple announced at the end of February that they were expecting a baby in "early summer" and they became engaged at the end of last year.
Image: The couple had said they were expecting a baby in 'early summer'. Pic:Javier Garcia/BPI/Shutterstock
A Downing Street spokesman said the PM will take a short period of paternity leave later this year.
Mr Johnson returned to work in Number 10 following the birth, and spoke to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday afternoon about the UK's COVID-19 response.
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The prime minister and his family are planning to live in their Downing Street flat along with their dog Dilyn, the Downing Street spokesman said.
The spokesman declined to say whether the baby was born prematurely, and did not provide details of the weight, timing, nature or location of the birth.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 March 3: Johnson 'almost certainly' will take paternity leave
The PM's father Stanley Johnson said he was "absolutely delighted" by the arrival of his grandson, while Buckingham Palace said the Queen sent a private message of good wishes to the couple to congratulate them.
Messages of support also poured in from across the political spectrum following the news.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock posted on Twitter: "So thrilled for Boris and Carrie. Wonderful to have a moment of unalloyed joy!"
Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: "Great to hear Downing Street is getting a new resident. Congratulations to @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds on the birth of their son."
Image: Mr Johnson only returned to work on Monday after contracting coronavirus
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Wonderful news. Many congratulations to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds."
And Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote: "Some good news - sending congratulations to Carrie and the PM. And wishing health and happiness to the wee one."
Ms Symonds announced she was pregnant in February in a post on her Instagram account.
"I wouldn't normally post this kind of thing on here, but I wanted my friends to find out from me," she wrote.
Image: Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds adopted a dog called Dilyn
"Many of you already know, but for my friends that still don't, we got engaged at the end of last year, and we've got a baby hatching early summer. Feel incredibly blessed."
Earlier this month Ms Symonds told how life got "very dark" at times while her husband-to-be spent a week in St Thomas' Hospital with coronavirus, including three nights in intensive care.
Mr Johnson, 55, and 32-year-old Ms Symonds made history as the first unmarried couple to officially live together in Downing Street when they moved in last July.
The baby is Ms Symonds' first child, while Mr Johnson already has four grown-up children with his second wife Marina Wheeler; Lara, Milo, Cassie and Theodore.
The PM also has a daughter with art consultant Helen Macintyre.
There has been speculation that Mr Johnson has fathered another extra-marital child.
Image: The couple's baby is Ms Symonds' first child
Asked how many children he had during the general election in November, he told LBC: "I love my children very much but they are not standing at this election. I'm therefore not going to comment on them."
The new arrival is the third baby born to a serving prime minister in recent history.
Tony Blair's wife Cherie gave birth to son Leo in May 2000, three years after her husband's first election victory, and David Cameron and wife Samantha welcomed daughter Florence in 2010.
The last babies born to prime ministers before Leo and Florence arrived more than 150 years ago.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-29--PM to take paternity leave later this year after birth of son

Boris Johnson will take a `` short period '' of paternity leave later this year following the birth of his son with fiancee Carrie Symonds , Downing Street has confirmed .
Sky News understands the prime minister wants to focus on leading the government 's response to the coronavirus outbreak for now .
`` I do expect the prime minister to take a short period of paternity leave later in the year , rather than now , '' his spokesman told a Westminster briefing for journalists .
More than 20,000 people have died in hospital with COVID-19 since the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown imposed on 23 March set to be reviewed early next month .
Mr Johnson only returned to Downing Street on Monday after spending time in hospital with the coronavirus , including a number of days in intensive care .
Ms Symonds also suffered from some symptoms of the virus , although she did not require hospital treatment .
After a difficult few weeks , the news of the family 's new arrival was announced on Wednesday morning , with Ms Symonds giving birth at a London hospital .
It is understood that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news that he would miss Prime Minister 's Questions revealed shortly before the birth announcement .
The couple are `` thrilled '' and both mother and baby are `` doing very well '' , their spokeswoman said .
Number 10 declined to say whether the baby was born prematurely , with Mr Johnson 's spokesman unable to provide details of the weight , timing , nature or location of the birth .
The PM returned to work in Downing Street following the birth .
His spokesman confirmed the new family are planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with their dog Dilyn .
Mr Raab deputised for the PM while he was in hospital , although it is not known whether he will resume that position when Mr Johnson takes paternity leave .
New fathers are entitled to up to two weeks of statutory paternity leave .
This is paid at £151.20 per week , or 90 % of average weekly earnings , depending on which is lower .
Expectant fathers have to give their employer at least 15 weeks ' notice that they intend to take their leave entitlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of shared parental leave in the first year following a birth or adoption , although the eligibility criteria for this are narrower .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson is not the first PM in recent history to welcome a new addition while in Downing Street , following in the footsteps of David Cameron ( 2010-16 ) and Tony Blair ( 1997-2007 ) .
Mr Blair did not to take full paternity leave when his son Leo was born in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a serving PM in 152 years .
However he did say he would temporarily take things easy .
Mr Cameron and his wife Samantha welcomed Florence Rose Endellion into their family in August 2010 , with the then-PM taking paternity leave .

Boris Johnson will take a "short period" of paternity leave later this year following the birth of his son with fiancee Carrie Symonds, Downing Street has confirmed.
Sky News understands the prime minister wants to focus on leading the government's response to the coronavirus outbreak for now.
"I do expect the prime minister to take a short period of paternity leave later in the year, rather than now," his spokesman told a Westminster briefing for journalists.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 3 March: PM asked if he will take paternity leave
More than 20,000 people have died in hospital with COVID-19 since the UK's outbreak began, with the nationwide lockdown imposed on 23 March set to be reviewed early next month.
Mr Johnson only returned to Downing Street on Monday after spending time in hospital with the coronavirus, including a number of days in intensive care.
Ms Symonds also suffered from some symptoms of the virus, although she did not require hospital treatment.
After a difficult few weeks, the news of the family's new arrival was announced on Wednesday morning, with Ms Symonds giving birth at a London hospital.
It is understood that Mr Johnson was present throughout, with the news that he would miss Prime Minister's Questions revealed shortly before the birth announcement.
The couple are "thrilled" and both mother and baby are "doing very well", their spokeswoman said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:29 Archive: Johnson and Symonds in public
Number 10 declined to say whether the baby was born prematurely, with Mr Johnson's spokesman unable to provide details of the weight, timing, nature or location of the birth.
The PM returned to work in Downing Street following the birth.
His spokesman confirmed the new family are planning to live in their Downing Street flat along with their dog Dilyn.
Mr Raab deputised for the PM while he was in hospital, although it is not known whether he will resume that position when Mr Johnson takes paternity leave.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 Feburary: Symonds and Johnson expecting first child together
New fathers are entitled to up to two weeks of statutory paternity leave.
This is paid at £151.20 per week, or 90% of average weekly earnings, depending on which is lower.
Expectant fathers have to give their employer at least 15 weeks' notice that they intend to take their leave entitlement.
Some couples can take 50 weeks of shared parental leave in the first year following a birth or adoption, although the eligibility criteria for this are narrower.
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Mr Johnson is not the first PM in recent history to welcome a new addition while in Downing Street, following in the footsteps of David Cameron (2010-16) and Tony Blair (1997-2007).
Mr Blair did not to take full paternity leave when his son Leo was born in 2000, the first baby born to a serving PM in 152 years.
However he did say he would temporarily take things easy.
Mr Cameron and his wife Samantha welcomed Florence Rose Endellion into their family in August 2010, with the then-PM taking paternity leave.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-29--UK's islands could exit lockdown first as part of 'trial', says Gove

The UK 's islands could see coronavirus lockdown measures lifted first as part of a trial run for the rest of the country , a senior cabinet minister has suggested .
Michael Gove , the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , told a committee of MPs on Wednesday that `` pilot '' schemes for easing COVID-19 restrictions could take place within island communities .
Appearing via video link before the House of Commons public administration and constitutional affairs committee , Mr Gove said he favoured the UK staying in and then leaving the coronavirus lockdown as `` one '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variations in the lifting of lockdown measures within some other European countries .
For example , France has classified each of its 101 departments as red , orange or green depending on their infection level .
But Mr Gove added there was a `` specific scientific justification '' for the UK 's islands being used to bring in changes to social distancing rules .
He said : `` My own personal view is that it 's preferable that we do it as one United Kingdom .
`` But there is a specific scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be areas where you can pilot some measures - contact-tracing in particular - in order to combine that with relaxing measures at a progressively greater rate .
`` And that can help you judge what is right for the country overall .
`` Different European countries are adopting regional variation - my belief is , overall , it 's better if we do it as one United Kingdom but there are specific opportunities in island communities to conduct trials . ''
Mr Gove highlighted how fellow Conservative Bob Seely , the Isle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact-tracing - the identification of anyone who has recently been in close contact with an infected individual - in his constituency before it is rolled-out on a large scale across the rest of the UK .
`` If we do that , we might be able to use the Isle of Wight as an opportunity to see how we can relax those measures , '' Mr Gove added .
`` I think similar suggestions have been made by some of the island communities in Scotland but , obviously , that 's a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Gove also spoke of how , before the UK entered its lockdown on 23 March , it was proposed that only London be subject to stringent measures .
`` The point was made it would be difficult to police , '' Mr Gove said .
`` If you say that someone has to observe social distancing rules and ca n't go to the pub in Kingston , what happens if they go over the River Thames @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
`` It becomes difficult to manage and it was felt it was appropriate to do it on a nationwide basis .
`` I think it has been effective because we have seen the virus spread and there have been flashpoints and outbreaks across the UK , which have been worrying and concerning . ''

The UK's islands could see coronavirus lockdown measures lifted first as part of a trial run for the rest of the country, a senior cabinet minister has suggested.
Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, told a committee of MPs on Wednesday that "pilot" schemes for easing COVID-19 restrictions could take place within island communities.
Appearing via video link before the House of Commons public administration and constitutional affairs committee, Mr Gove said he favoured the UK staying in and then leaving the coronavirus lockdown as "one".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Life on Lockdown Road
This is in contrast to regional variations in the lifting of lockdown measures within some other European countries.
For example, France has classified each of its 101 departments as red, orange or green depending on their infection level.
But Mr Gove added there was a "specific scientific justification" for the UK's islands being used to bring in changes to social distancing rules.
He said: "My own personal view is that it's preferable that we do it as one United Kingdom.
"But there is a specific scientific justification for saying that island communities can be areas where you can pilot some measures - contact-tracing in particular - in order to combine that with relaxing measures at a progressively greater rate.
"And that can help you judge what is right for the country overall.
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"Different European countries are adopting regional variation - my belief is, overall, it's better if we do it as one United Kingdom but there are specific opportunities in island communities to conduct trials."
Mr Gove highlighted how fellow Conservative Bob Seely, the Isle of Wight MP, had suggested carrying out contact-tracing - the identification of anyone who has recently been in close contact with an infected individual - in his constituency before it is rolled-out on a large scale across the rest of the UK.
"If we do that, we might be able to use the Isle of Wight as an opportunity to see how we can relax those measures," Mr Gove added.
"I think similar suggestions have been made by some of the island communities in Scotland but, obviously, that's a matter for the Scottish government."
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Mr Gove also spoke of how, before the UK entered its lockdown on 23 March, it was proposed that only London be subject to stringent measures.
"The point was made it would be difficult to police," Mr Gove said.
"If you say that someone has to observe social distancing rules and can't go to the pub in Kingston, what happens if they go over the River Thames and go to the pub in Surrey?
"It becomes difficult to manage and it was felt it was appropriate to do it on a nationwide basis.
"I think it has been effective because we have seen the virus spread and there have been flashpoints and outbreaks across the UK, which have been worrying and concerning."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-29--Reopening garden centres 'under review' as Raab faces lockdown pressure

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has warned of `` falling behind other countries '' if the government does not soon publish an exit strategy from the coronavirus lockdown .
Increasing the pressure on ministers to spell out how they might ease stringent social distancing measures introduced more than five weeks ago , Sir Keir said a continuing delay also risks splitting the four-nation approach of the UK as a whole to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab downplayed any immediate prospect of the government setting out `` concrete proposals '' this week , although he revealed the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` under very close review '' .
Highlighting how many other nations have published `` exit plans of one sort or another '' - including Wales and Scotland in the UK - Sir Keir told MPs during Wednesday 's Prime Minister 's Questions : `` Delay risks not only falling behind other countries , but also the successful four-nation approach so far . ''
He added that plans announced by countries such as France , Germany , Spain , Belgium , New Zealand and Australia had revealed `` common issues '' over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sir Keir urged the government to be `` open '' with the British public about how the lockdown might be eased .
But he stressed he was not calling for the lockdown to be lifted now , or for ministers to set out a timeframe for easing social distancing measures .
`` I said I would n't ask the impossible and I wo n't , what I 'm asking for is for the government to be open with the British people about what comes next , '' Sir Keir said .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Boris Johnson following the birth of the prime minister 's son with fiancee Carrie Symonds on Wednesday morning - said it would be `` wrong '' for the government to set out `` concrete proposals '' on easing the lockdown until it had received the latest advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) .
He said this advice was due in the `` next week or so '' .
Mr Raab also noted how Germany is `` now having to think twice about easing up on the measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike '' in COVID-19 infections .
He urged Sir Keir not to `` abandon '' his `` rigour '' in being guided by the evidence , while also dismissing the suggestion that the Scottish government had set out its own `` exit strategy '' .
Mr Raab said the document set out by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week was `` grounded '' in the government 's five tests for easing the lockdown .
A spokesperson for Sir Keir later revealed the Labour leader had a `` constructive conversation '' with Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks planned for next week .
As well as the calls from Labour , the government is also facing pressure from its own Conservative MPs to shed light on how the UK 's lockdown might be lifted .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Tory backbencher Sir Desmond Swayne asked Mr Raab if garden centres and nurseries would be allowed to reopen `` in short order '' .
The foreign secretary reiterated the current advice from SAGE is that `` relaxing any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he refers to - would risk damage to the public health , our economy , and frankly the progress we 've made , the sacrifices so many have made , the lives that have been lost '' .
But he added : `` They looked specifically at garden centres and we will continue , as I 've indicated earlier , to keep the evidence on each individual measure under very close review . ''
Fellow Conservative backbencher Mark Pritchard also urged the government to include garden centres in `` phase one '' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It 's certainly very firmly registered that this is an important area for us to look at for the future . ''

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has warned of "falling behind other countries" if the government does not soon publish an exit strategy from the coronavirus lockdown.
Increasing the pressure on ministers to spell out how they might ease stringent social distancing measures introduced more than five weeks ago, Sir Keir said a continuing delay also risks splitting the four-nation approach of the UK as a whole to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab downplayed any immediate prospect of the government setting out "concrete proposals" this week, although he revealed the government would keep the reopening of garden centres "under very close review".
Image: The closed gates of Squire's garden centre in Farnham, Surrey
Highlighting how many other nations have published "exit plans of one sort or another" - including Wales and Scotland in the UK - Sir Keir told MPs during Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions: "Delay risks not only falling behind other countries, but also the successful four-nation approach so far."
He added that plans announced by countries such as France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, New Zealand and Australia had revealed "common issues" over the reopening of schools and some business sectors.
Sir Keir urged the government to be "open" with the British public about how the lockdown might be eased.
But he stressed he was not calling for the lockdown to be lifted now, or for ministers to set out a timeframe for easing social distancing measures.
"I said I wouldn't ask the impossible and I won't, what I'm asking for is for the government to be open with the British people about what comes next," Sir Keir said.
In response, Mr Raab - who deputised for Boris Johnson following the birth of the prime minister's son with fiancee Carrie Symonds on Wednesday morning - said it would be "wrong" for the government to set out "concrete proposals" on easing the lockdown until it had received the latest advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
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He said this advice was due in the "next week or so".
Mr Raab also noted how Germany is "now having to think twice about easing up on the measures because of the risk of a second spike" in COVID-19 infections.
He urged Sir Keir not to "abandon" his "rigour" in being guided by the evidence, while also dismissing the suggestion that the Scottish government had set out its own "exit strategy".
Mr Raab said the document set out by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week was "grounded" in the government's five tests for easing the lockdown.
A spokesperson for Sir Keir later revealed the Labour leader had a "constructive conversation" with Mr Johnson about the COVID-19 crisis, with further talks planned for next week.
As well as the calls from Labour, the government is also facing pressure from its own Conservative MPs to shed light on how the UK's lockdown might be lifted.
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Tory backbencher Sir Desmond Swayne asked Mr Raab if garden centres and nurseries would be allowed to reopen "in short order".
The foreign secretary reiterated the current advice from SAGE is that "relaxing any of those measures - including the ones he refers to - would risk damage to the public health, our economy, and frankly the progress we've made, the sacrifices so many have made, the lives that have been lost".
But he added: "They looked specifically at garden centres and we will continue, as I've indicated earlier, to keep the evidence on each individual measure under very close review."
Fellow Conservative backbencher Mark Pritchard also urged the government to include garden centres in "phase one" of easing the lockdown.
Mr Raab replied: "It's certainly very firmly registered that this is an important area for us to look at for the future."


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

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

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


skynewspolitics--2020-04-29--Deadline for 100,000 tests a day piles pressure on Johnson

Boris Johnson is dramatically returning to the heart of government after his Downing Street comeback , hosting his first coronavirus news conference since his near-death illness .
As well as facing questions about the government 's handling of the crisis , it will be his first opportunity to speak publicly about becoming a father again , after his fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to a son .
His appearance will come after he chairs a Cabinet meeting for the first time in five weeks and on the deadline day for Health Secretary Matt Hancock 's target of 100,000 tests a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to dash hopes of major changes to lockdown rules , after shock figures revealed the UK could have one of the world 's worst coronavirus death rates .
Any changes are likely to have to wait until the government 's scientific advisory panel , Sage , presents evidence to ministers next week ahead of the next lockdown review on 7 May .
Revealing the PM 's attendance at the Downing Street news conference , a Number 10 insider said : `` He will give an update on the country 's fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking to defeat it . ''
The latest figures for the UK , which now include care homes as well as NHS hospitals , show 165,221 cases and 26,097 deaths and reveal that on eight days this month more than 1,000 people died from the virus .
Mr Johnson returned to work in Downing Street on Monday after a week in hospital which included three nights in intensive care , followed by a fortnight convalescing at Chequers with the heavily pregnant Ms Symonds .
At the start of the week , Number 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` normal schedule '' , which would have almost certainly have included appearing at Prime Minister 's Questions had his fiancee not given birth .
But apart from being present for the birth of his son at a London hospital , the prime minister has spent most of the week in meetings with senior ministers , advisers and close aides ahead of the crucial Cabinet meeting .
After the Cabinet meeting , the prime minister will be accompanied at his news conference by the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical officer .
It will be Mr Johnson 's first appearance at the Downing Street coronavirus news conference since 25 March , the day before he announced he was suffering from the virus and the day after he last chaired a Cabinet meeting .
Mr Johnson is expected to spell out why social distancing restrictions must remain largely in place for the time being , despite growing pressure from Tory MPs and business leaders for a relaxation of the rules .
His tough stance follows the disclosure that only the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 28,000 , have a higher death toll than the UK and only Spain and Belgium have a worse per-head death rate in Europe .
But he is expected to face tough questions not only on the lockdown but also on the government 's record on personal protection equipment for NHS staff and Mr Hancock 's pledge of 100,000 tests a day by 30 April .
Announcing his pledge back on 2 April , Mr Hancock said : `` I 'm now setting the goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal and I 'm determined we 'll get there . ''
But critics , including some inside government , claim Mr Hancock is still a long way off his testing target .
So far , capacity has reached 73,400 tests and only 52,429 of those tests are being used .
To help plug that gap , Mr Hancock has widened eligibility , including offering a test for anyone living or working at a care home whether they have symptoms or not and all 65-year-olds with symptoms .
But the ambitious testing target is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bosses , who claim it distracts from shortcomings in the government 's long-term coronavirus strategy .
`` The recent public focus on whether 100,000 tests will be performed on April 30 is a red herring , '' said NHS Providers , the body that represents NHS managers .
The report claims the English health and care system `` started from a poor position '' and struggled to demonstrate a `` clear , effective and well-communicated strategy '' , with a lack of clarity on who would be tested , when , how , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adds : `` A vast amount still remains to be done to reach a testing regime that can be described as fit for purpose . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Chris Hopson , NHS Providers chief executive , said : `` Testing is one area where , despite all the work delivered by trusts and the NHS , the health and care system as a whole has struggled to develop an effective , co-ordinated approach .
`` As we consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust leaders need now is clarity on the testing regime from here on .
`` Setting a target for a number of tests for April 30 may have had a galvanising effect .
But what matters most is an updated strategy to take us through the exit from lockdown . ''
Responding to the report , a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said testing was `` absolutely critical '' and capacity had more than doubled within weeks .
He added : `` Our aim as we tackle this virus is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any essential worker who needs a test to get a test .
`` In addition to setting up a nationwide network of drive in testing sites , we have introduced home testing kit delivery , deployed mobile testing units operated by the Armed Forces , and built three new 'mega labs ' to analyse test samples . ''

Boris Johnson is dramatically returning to the heart of government after his Downing Street comeback, hosting his first coronavirus news conference since his near-death illness.
As well as facing questions about the government's handling of the crisis, it will be his first opportunity to speak publicly about becoming a father again, after his fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to a son.
His appearance will come after he chairs a Cabinet meeting for the first time in five weeks and on the deadline day for Health Secretary Matt Hancock's target of 100,000 tests a day.
But the prime minister is expected to dash hopes of major changes to lockdown rules, after shock figures revealed the UK could have one of the world's worst coronavirus death rates.
Any changes are likely to have to wait until the government's scientific advisory panel, Sage, presents evidence to ministers next week ahead of the next lockdown review on 7 May.
Revealing the PM's attendance at the Downing Street news conference, a Number 10 insider said: "He will give an update on the country's fight against this disease and the steps we are taking to defeat it."
The latest figures for the UK, which now include care homes as well as NHS hospitals, show 165,221 cases and 26,097 deaths and reveal that on eight days this month more than 1,000 people died from the virus.
Mr Johnson returned to work in Downing Street on Monday after a week in hospital which included three nights in intensive care, followed by a fortnight convalescing at Chequers with the heavily pregnant Ms Symonds.
At the start of the week, Number 10 said the PM would return to a "normal schedule", which would have almost certainly have included appearing at Prime Minister's Questions had his fiancee not given birth.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 March 3: Johnson 'almost certainly' will take paternity leave
But apart from being present for the birth of his son at a London hospital, the prime minister has spent most of the week in meetings with senior ministers, advisers and close aides ahead of the crucial Cabinet meeting.
After the Cabinet meeting, the prime minister will be accompanied at his news conference by the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer.
It will be Mr Johnson's first appearance at the Downing Street coronavirus news conference since 25 March, the day before he announced he was suffering from the virus and the day after he last chaired a Cabinet meeting.
Mr Johnson is expected to spell out why social distancing restrictions must remain largely in place for the time being, despite growing pressure from Tory MPs and business leaders for a relaxation of the rules.
His tough stance follows the disclosure that only the United States, with 60,000 deaths, and Italy, with 28,000, have a higher death toll than the UK and only Spain and Belgium have a worse per-head death rate in Europe.
But he is expected to face tough questions not only on the lockdown but also on the government's record on personal protection equipment for NHS staff and Mr Hancock's pledge of 100,000 tests a day by 30 April.
Announcing his pledge back on 2 April, Mr Hancock said: "I'm now setting the goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month. That is the goal and I'm determined we'll get there."
But critics, including some inside government, claim Mr Hancock is still a long way off his testing target. So far, capacity has reached 73,400 tests and only 52,429 of those tests are being used.
Image: The couple had said they were expecting a baby in 'early summer'. Pic:Javier Garcia/BPI/Shutterstock
To help plug that gap, Mr Hancock has widened eligibility, including offering a test for anyone living or working at a care home whether they have symptoms or not and all 65-year-olds with symptoms.
But the ambitious testing target is being attacked by NHS and hospital trust bosses, who claim it distracts from shortcomings in the government's long-term coronavirus strategy.
"The recent public focus on whether 100,000 tests will be performed on April 30 is a red herring," said NHS Providers, the body that represents NHS managers.
The report claims the English health and care system "started from a poor position" and struggled to demonstrate a "clear, effective and well-communicated strategy", with a lack of clarity on who would be tested, when, how, and with what frequency.
The report adds: "A vast amount still remains to be done to reach a testing regime that can be described as fit for purpose."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Chris Hopson, NHS Providers chief executive, said: "Testing is one area where, despite all the work delivered by trusts and the NHS, the health and care system as a whole has struggled to develop an effective, co-ordinated approach.
"As we consider the route out of lockdown, what trust leaders need now is clarity on the testing regime from here on.
"Setting a target for a number of tests for April 30 may have had a galvanising effect. But what matters most is an updated strategy to take us through the exit from lockdown."
Responding to the report, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said testing was "absolutely critical" and capacity had more than doubled within weeks.
He added: "Our aim as we tackle this virus is to make it easy, fast and simple for any essential worker who needs a test to get a test.
"In addition to setting up a nationwide network of drive in testing sites, we have introduced home testing kit delivery, deployed mobile testing units operated by the Armed Forces, and built three new 'mega labs' to analyse test samples."


skynewspolitics--2020-04-29--What Johnson does next will define his coronavirus legacy

From the intensive care unit to the maternity ward , the prime minister 's colourful personal life has helped create the impression that the UK has handled `` phase one '' of the coronavirus crisis chaotically .
In truth after the horrific shock of the unforeseen pandemic , events in this country have been almost predictable .
I doubt they would have been much different whoever was in charge or whichever political party they belonged to .
Irrepressible components of the national DNA have determined what has happened to us so far .
What happens next though will test Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wisely taking his time before the deadline of 7 May , a week today , when , by law , he will have to explain how he plans to lift the country out of lockdown .
First let 's look back at 'phase one ' which is now entering its seventh week and is not yet over .
We have learnt again that the NHS is a world class public health service when it comes to responding to an emergency , populated by dedicated , skilled and compassionate staff prepared to risk themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also seen that a UK government of any colour will find the cash to support it when a crisis hits .
Normal times are different .
The NHS has never been able to invest comprehensively either in preventative medicine or in building up spare stocks for when calamity strikes - hence the shortage of PPE and ventilators in this case .
Conversely , high mortality of residents and staff , and what can at best be termed confusion about access to tests , PPE and hospitals has confirmed that the care sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the NHS , the hotchpotch of public and privately supported care homes are underfunded and often overlooked .
This was known before COVID and it can only be hoped that it will be addressed qualitatively after the outbreak .
The UK was also slow to impose a lockdown .
Perhaps a week late , with hindsight .
It seems clear that this delay cost thousands of lives .
But this was doomed to happen .
Like the mayor in Jaws , who Boris Johnson has often cited as his political hero , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down economic activity until they really have to .
What Mr Johnson jokingly referred to as `` the inalienable right of an Englishman to go to the pub '' also comes into play .
In free societies governments are naturally reluctant to curb their voters ' liberties .
They also worry , as they did this year , about the extent to which the public will obey and make such measures effective .
It should be noted that neither the scientists advising the government nor opposition leaders were calling for a lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
To do so would have taken an exceptionally courageous and convincing leader and they are usually in short supply .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker That 's how the UK got here - with a relatively high death rate though not a catastrophic one compared to previous pandemics .
It is also not so very different from the toll in comparable countries such as the US , Italy and France .
It appears that countries with large metropolitan conurbations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves are up to the government and especially the prime minister .
These hard choices are certainly not what Boris Johnson could have been expecting to face when he won the general election in December .
Whatever may have happened in phase one , he will be held accountable for phase two .
There have already been significant indications of the measures the government plans to take , even before a convalescing prime minister stood in Downing Street to declare that `` now is not the time '' to return to life as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rishi Sunak , the Chancellor of the Exchequer , made it clear that he was putting emergency measures , such as job furloughs , into force initially for three months .
That takes us to mid June .
The economic impact may be dire , and more people have been put in the scheme than expected , but the Treasury has already `` priced in '' a slowdown of this length .
Those pressing for the country to get back to work as soon as possible also want the government to reopen schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the second half of term after the late May , or Whitsun , bank holiday is their target .
But ministers led by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson have repeatedly brushed this aside .
The take-up of places for the children of key workers has been patchy , and it 's already clear that many parents , grandparents and guardians are reluctant to start frequenting school gates early this summer .
The leaders of the Scottish , Welsh and Northern Irish governments as well as England 's big city mayors have already made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go it alone .
Reopening of `` COVID-free '' regions seems unlikely - even if it could be identified where they are .
One of the greatest posers is what to do about public transport and trains and buses that are often crowded in normal times .
Nicola Sturgeon and Sadiq Khan favour the wearing of face coverings to prevent transmission .
Central government argues that the surest way to stop passing the virus on is for infected people to stay at home .
Until the chances and rate of infection are much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to urge a return to mass movement .
Mr Johnson simply ca n't afford another `` spike '' in phase two - economically or politically .
But people are getting fed up , businesses are getting worried that they wo n't survive , and the pressure is mounting on the government .
Mr Johnson will have to come up with something next week .
Most likely he 'll promise more significant changes at the end of next month and modest experiments , so-called `` baby steps '' , for now .
Some non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , providing that they can maintain social distancing .
Outdoor garden centres may get the thumbs up .
There will probably be a little more flexibility governing social contacts between households that have been in isolation .
But do n't expect pubs , cinemas , or stadiums to open up any time soon .
The prime minister 's announcement next week will be followed by a special Bank Holiday on Friday .
It wo n't feel like one .
The government has already redrawn plans so that Britons will celebrate the 75th Anniversary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in what Jonson calls simply `` the war '' - virtually at home , protecting the NHS and saving lives .

From the intensive care unit to the maternity ward, the prime minister's colourful personal life has helped create the impression that the UK has handled "phase one" of the coronavirus crisis chaotically.
In truth after the horrific shock of the unforeseen pandemic, events in this country have been almost predictable.
I doubt they would have been much different whoever was in charge or whichever political party they belonged to.
Irrepressible components of the national DNA have determined what has happened to us so far.
What happens next though will test Boris Johnson's judgement profoundly. He is wisely taking his time before the deadline of 7 May, a week today, when, by law, he will have to explain how he plans to lift the country out of lockdown.
First let's look back at 'phase one' which is now entering its seventh week and is not yet over. We have learnt again that the NHS is a world class public health service when it comes to responding to an emergency, populated by dedicated, skilled and compassionate staff prepared to risk themselves for the benefit of others.
Image: An artist's tribute to NHS workers in Pontefract, West Yorkshire
We have also seen that a UK government of any colour will find the cash to support it when a crisis hits. Normal times are different. The NHS has never been able to invest comprehensively either in preventative medicine or in building up spare stocks for when calamity strikes - hence the shortage of PPE and ventilators in this case.
Conversely, high mortality of residents and staff, and what can at best be termed confusion about access to tests, PPE and hospitals has confirmed that the care sector is indeed a Cinderella service.
Compared to the NHS, the hotchpotch of public and privately supported care homes are underfunded and often overlooked. This was known before COVID and it can only be hoped that it will be addressed qualitatively after the outbreak.
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The UK was also slow to impose a lockdown. Perhaps a week late, with hindsight. It seems clear that this delay cost thousands of lives. But this was doomed to happen. Like the mayor in Jaws, who Boris Johnson has often cited as his political hero, politicians will nearly always be reluctant to shut down economic activity until they really have to.
What Mr Johnson jokingly referred to as "the inalienable right of an Englishman to go to the pub" also comes into play. In free societies governments are naturally reluctant to curb their voters' liberties. They also worry, as they did this year, about the extent to which the public will obey and make such measures effective.
It should be noted that neither the scientists advising the government nor opposition leaders were calling for a lockdown until the government actually put it in place. To do so would have taken an exceptionally courageous and convincing leader and they are usually in short supply.
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That's how the UK got here - with a relatively high death rate though not a catastrophic one compared to previous pandemics. It is also not so very different from the toll in comparable countries such as the US, Italy and France. It appears that countries with large metropolitan conurbations have been hit hardest.
The next moves are up to the government and especially the prime minister. These hard choices are certainly not what Boris Johnson could have been expecting to face when he won the general election in December. Whatever may have happened in phase one, he will be held accountable for phase two.
There have already been significant indications of the measures the government plans to take, even before a convalescing prime minister stood in Downing Street to declare that "now is not the time" to return to life as normal.
In his economic rescue package Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, made it clear that he was putting emergency measures, such as job furloughs, into force initially for three months. That takes us to mid June.
The economic impact may be dire, and more people have been put in the scheme than expected, but the Treasury has already "priced in" a slowdown of this length.
Image: Nobody knows how long the public will put up with lockdown
Those pressing for the country to get back to work as soon as possible also want the government to reopen schools as soon as possible - a return for the second half of term after the late May, or Whitsun, bank holiday is their target.
But ministers led by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson have repeatedly brushed this aside. The take-up of places for the children of key workers has been patchy, and it's already clear that many parents, grandparents and guardians are reluctant to start frequenting school gates early this summer.
The leaders of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments as well as England's big city mayors have already made it clear that they are reluctant to go it alone. Reopening of "COVID-free" regions seems unlikely - even if it could be identified where they are.
One of the greatest posers is what to do about public transport and trains and buses that are often crowded in normal times.
Nicola Sturgeon and Sadiq Khan favour the wearing of face coverings to prevent transmission. Central government argues that the surest way to stop passing the virus on is for infected people to stay at home.
Until the chances and rate of infection are much lower, the government is not going to urge a return to mass movement. Mr Johnson simply can't afford another "spike" in phase two - economically or politically.
Image: The wearing of masks on public transport could be compulsory once lockdown measures are relaxed
But people are getting fed up, businesses are getting worried that they won't survive, and the pressure is mounting on the government. Mr Johnson will have to come up with something next week.
Most likely he'll promise more significant changes at the end of next month and modest experiments, so-called "baby steps", for now.
Some non-essential shops and businesses are already opening up, providing that they can maintain social distancing. Outdoor garden centres may get the thumbs up. There will probably be a little more flexibility governing social contacts between households that have been in isolation.
But don't expect pubs, cinemas, or stadiums to open up any time soon. The prime minister's announcement next week will be followed by a special Bank Holiday on Friday. It won't feel like one.
The government has already redrawn plans so that Britons will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day - victory in Europe in what Jonson calls simply "the war" - virtually at home, protecting the NHS and saving lives.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-30--'We are past the peak':  PM to set out lockdown exit plan next week

Boris Johnson has declared the UK is `` past the peak and on the downward slope '' of the coronavirus outbreak .
The prime minister , speaking at the daily Downing Street COVID-19 briefing , also revealed he will next week set out the government 's exit plan - which could include Britons being told to wear face masks - for easing lockdown measures .
Mr Johnson thanked the public for their `` massive collective effort '' in protecting the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak .
`` At no stage has our NHS been overwhelmed , no patient went without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of intensive care , '' he said .
`` It is thanks to that massive collective effort to shield the NHS that we avoided an uncontrollable and catastrophic epidemic where the reasonable worst-case scenario was 500,000 deaths .
`` I can confirm today that for the first time we are past the peak of this disease .
`` We are past the peak and on the downward slope . ''
But Mr Johnson warned of the risk of a `` second spike '' in coronavirus infections in the UK , the avoidance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five tests for lifting lockdown measures .
`` We have come through the peak - or rather we 've come under what could have been a vast peak , as though we 've been going through some huge alpine tunnel and we can now see the sunlight and pasture ahead of us , '' he said .
`` And so it is vital that we do not now lose control and run slap into a second and even bigger mountain . ''
The prime minister said , to avoid the `` disaster '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government would do `` nothing '' that risks lifting the `` R '' - or reproduction rate - of the virus back above one ; which would mean each infected person was passing on the disease to at least one other person .
He warned a second spike in infections would cause `` lasting economic damage '' to the UK .
Announcing the latest death figures , which now include those who have died outside hospitals , Mr Johnson said there had now been 26,711 confirmed coronavirus deaths - an increase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having set a target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by Friday , the prime minister revealed 81,611 tests had been carried out on Wednesday .
The government has recently faced increasing pressure to set out how lockdown measures - which have been in place since 23 March - might be eased , and Mr Johnson said he would unveil a `` comprehensive plan '' next week .
He said this would `` explain how we can get our economy moving , our children back to school and into childcare , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and make life in the workplace safer '' .
`` In short , how we can continue to suppress the disease and at the same time restart the economy , '' he added .
The prime minister said the plan would represent a `` road map '' and will provide a `` menu of options '' for lifting some lockdown measures .
`` The dates and times of each individual measure will be very much driven by where we are in the epidemic , what the data is really saying and we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day now and in the course of the next few days , '' he said .
The prime minister suggested the use of face masks could form a key part of the government 's strategy for relieving the stringent social distancing rules .
`` As part of coming out of the lockdown , I do think face coverings will be useful , '' he said .
`` Both for epidemiological reasons but , also , for giving people confidence that they can go back to work . ''
Mr Johnson dismissed suggestions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made in the aftermath of the pandemic .
`` I think the economy will bounce back strongly , I think that this government will want to encourage that bounce back in all kinds of ways , '' he said .
`` I 've never particularly liked the term ( austerity ) ... and it 'll certainly not be part of our approach . ''
The prime minister delivered the daily briefing from Downing Street for the first time since 25 March .
In the five weeks since he last appeared at the daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been into - and discharged from - intensive care with COVID-19 , and then also been at the birth of his baby son with fiancee Carrie Symonds .
The prime minister described Wednesday 's visit to an NHS maternity ward as a `` very much happier hospital visit '' .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier on Thursday , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told Sky News that the UK could end up with `` one of Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry into the government 's handling of the crisis was `` inevitable '' .
He said : `` I think the government was slow into lockdown , I think they were slow on testing and ramping up testing , they were slow on getting protective equipment to the right place at the right time and they 're still not where they need to be . ''

Boris Johnson has declared the UK is "past the peak and on the downward slope" of the coronavirus outbreak.
The prime minister, speaking at the daily Downing Street COVID-19 briefing, also revealed he will next week set out the government's exit plan - which could include Britons being told to wear face masks - for easing lockdown measures.
Mr Johnson thanked the public for their "massive collective effort" in protecting the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak.
Image: Graffiti in support of the NHS in southeast London
"At no stage has our NHS been overwhelmed, no patient went without a ventilator, no patient was deprived of intensive care," he said.
"It is thanks to that massive collective effort to shield the NHS that we avoided an uncontrollable and catastrophic epidemic where the reasonable worst-case scenario was 500,000 deaths.
"I can confirm today that for the first time we are past the peak of this disease.
"We are past the peak and on the downward slope."
But Mr Johnson warned of the risk of a "second spike" in coronavirus infections in the UK, the avoidance of which is part of the government's five tests for lifting lockdown measures.
"We have come through the peak - or rather we've come under what could have been a vast peak, as though we've been going through some huge alpine tunnel and we can now see the sunlight and pasture ahead of us," he said.
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"And so it is vital that we do not now lose control and run slap into a second and even bigger mountain."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 Govt video explains 'R' rate of infection
The prime minister said, to avoid the "disaster" of a second spike in infections, the government would do "nothing" that risks lifting the "R" - or reproduction rate - of the virus back above one; which would mean each infected person was passing on the disease to at least one other person.
He warned a second spike in infections would cause "lasting economic damage" to the UK.
Announcing the latest death figures, which now include those who have died outside hospitals, Mr Johnson said there had now been 26,711 confirmed coronavirus deaths - an increase of 674 since Wednesday.
With the government having set a target of conducting 100,000 coronavirus tests per day by Friday, the prime minister revealed 81,611 tests had been carried out on Wednesday.
The government has recently faced increasing pressure to set out how lockdown measures - which have been in place since 23 March - might be eased, and Mr Johnson said he would unveil a "comprehensive plan" next week.
He said this would "explain how we can get our economy moving, our children back to school and into childcare, and thirdly how we can travel to work and make life in the workplace safer".
"In short, how we can continue to suppress the disease and at the same time restart the economy," he added.
The prime minister said the plan would represent a "road map" and will provide a "menu of options" for lifting some lockdown measures.
"The dates and times of each individual measure will be very much driven by where we are in the epidemic, what the data is really saying and we are getting in a lot more data every day now and in the course of the next few days," he said.
The prime minister suggested the use of face masks could form a key part of the government's strategy for relieving the stringent social distancing rules.
"As part of coming out of the lockdown, I do think face coverings will be useful," he said.
"Both for epidemiological reasons but, also, for giving people confidence that they can go back to work."
Mr Johnson dismissed suggestions that austerity cuts to government spending could be made in the aftermath of the pandemic.
"I think the economy will bounce back strongly, I think that this government will want to encourage that bounce back in all kinds of ways," he said.
"I've never particularly liked the term (austerity)... and it'll certainly not be part of our approach."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'I do think that face coverings will be useful'
The prime minister delivered the daily briefing from Downing Street for the first time since 25 March.
In the five weeks since he last appeared at the daily Number 10 news conference, Mr Johnson has been into - and discharged from - intensive care with COVID-19, and then also been at the birth of his baby son with fiancee Carrie Symonds.
The prime minister described Wednesday's visit to an NHS maternity ward as a "very much happier hospital visit".
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Earlier on Thursday, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told Sky News that the UK could end up with "one of Europe's worst death rates" and an inquiry into the government's handling of the crisis was "inevitable".
He said: "I think the government was slow into lockdown, I think they were slow on testing and ramping up testing, they were slow on getting protective equipment to the right place at the right time and they're still not where they need to be."