skynewsus--2020-03-31--Megachurch pastor arrested for 'gathering hundreds' despite virus orders

The pastor of a megachurch in the US has been arrested after he allegedly held services for hundreds of worshippers despite government orders to combat the spread of coronavirus .
Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne has been charged with unlawful assembly and violation of a public health emergency order after handing himself in to authorities in Florida .
Lawyers representing the pastor - who had previously claimed COVID-19 was `` blown totally way out of proportion '' - insisted his church complied with rules that state people must maintain a six-foot distance in public .
They said the River at Tampa Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other business to ensure the health and safety of the people '' and claimed the actions of the local sheriffs were `` discriminatory against religion and church gatherings '' .
The governor of Florida has ordered that gatherings in the state , including those held by faith-based groups , are limited to fewer than 10 people to tackle the spread of coronavirus .
The sheriff of Hillsborough County in Florida , Chad Chronister , said his staff had warned the church 's leaders about the danger they were putting themselves in - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing , but Howard-Browne held the services anyway .
`` Shame on this pastor , their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job , '' Sheriff Chronister said .
`` That 's not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency .
We are hopeful that this will be a wake-up call . ''
In a statement , the pastor 's legal representatives , Liberty Counsel , claimed the church enforced the six-foot distance rule between family groups , made sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who entered hand sanitiser , among other measures .
In a Facebook video posted on Sunday , Howard-Browne said `` it looks like we 're going to have to go to court over this because the church is encroached from every side '' .
On March 18 , the church called its ministry an essential service , similar to police and firefighters , and said it would keep its doors open .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Howard-Browne 's church hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was named an adviser leading US President Donald Trump 's faith and opportunity initiative .
She is also an unofficial spiritual adviser to the president .
Mr Trump announced on Sunday he was extending coronavirus guidelines , including social distancing , until at least 30 April - as his top scientific adviser warned the outbreak could kill up to 200,000 Americans .
Nearly 160,000 coronavirus infections and more than 2,900 deaths have been reported in the US so far , with New York City the nation 's worst hit area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ degree of exemption for faith in their orders to stop non-essential activity during the pandemic .
Churches in Ohio , Kentucky and Louisiana have continued to invite worshippers in recent days .

The pastor of a megachurch in the US has been arrested after he allegedly held services for hundreds of worshippers despite government orders to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne has been charged with unlawful assembly and violation of a public health emergency order after handing himself in to authorities in Florida.
Lawyers representing the pastor - who had previously claimed COVID-19 was "blown totally way out of proportion" - insisted his church complied with rules that state people must maintain a six-foot distance in public.
They said the River at Tampa Bay Church "went above and beyond any other business to ensure the health and safety of the people" and claimed the actions of the local sheriffs were "discriminatory against religion and church gatherings".
The governor of Florida has ordered that gatherings in the state, including those held by faith-based groups, are limited to fewer than 10 people to tackle the spread of coronavirus.
A live stream of Sunday's three-and-a-half-hour church service showed scores of worshippers attended.
The sheriff of Hillsborough County in Florida, Chad Chronister, said his staff had warned the church's leaders about the danger they were putting themselves in - and their congregation - by not maintaining appropriate social distancing, but Howard-Browne held the services anyway.
"Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job," Sheriff Chronister said.
"That's not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency. We are hopeful that this will be a wake-up call."
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Image: The River at Tampa Bay Church hosted services on Sunday
In a statement, the pastor's legal representatives, Liberty Counsel, claimed the church enforced the six-foot distance rule between family groups, made sure staff wore gloves and gave every person who entered hand sanitiser, among other measures.
In a Facebook video posted on Sunday, Howard-Browne said "it looks like we're going to have to go to court over this because the church is encroached from every side".
On March 18, the church called its ministry an essential service, similar to police and firefighters, and said it would keep its doors open.
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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Howard-Browne's church hosted an event last year with Paula White-Cain, who was named an adviser leading US President Donald Trump's faith and opportunity initiative.
She is also an unofficial spiritual adviser to the president.
Mr Trump announced on Sunday he was extending coronavirus guidelines, including social distancing, until at least 30 April - as his top scientific adviser warned the outbreak could kill up to 200,000 Americans.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 'The peak in the US is in two weeks'
Nearly 160,000 coronavirus infections and more than 2,900 deaths have been reported in the US so far, with New York City the nation's worst hit area.
At least six states have offered some degree of exemption for faith in their orders to stop non-essential activity during the pandemic.
Churches in Ohio, Kentucky and Louisiana have continued to invite worshippers in recent days.


skynewsus--2020-03-31--Ghostbusters and Peter Rabbit sequels among latest films delayed

Several major film releases have been postponed until 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
Spider-Man spin-off Morbius , the latest instalment in the Ghostbusters franchise and Peter Rabbit 2 will launch in the US next year rather than in the summer , Sony announced on Tuesday , as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate the entertainment industry .
Big films already delayed due to coronavirus include the new James Bond outing No Time To Die , which had been due to launch in the UK this week , and Disney blockbusters Mulan and Black Widow .
Sony confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ films in total , but did not give details on new launch dates for the UK or other countries .
Ghostbusters : Afterlife , starring Paul Rudd and Bokeem Woodbine - with appearances from the originals Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd - will now arrive in US cinemas on 5 March 2021 , having originally been scheduled for July this year .
Morbius , starring Jared Leto as the titular vampire , has been moved from July to 19 March next year .
Kevin Hart 's Fatherhood has been moved from January 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Second World War film starring Tom Hanks , has been moved from June to an unspecified date .
The delay for Peter Rabbit 2 : The Runaway is the second announced for the film , after originally being moved from March to August earlier this year .
It is now set to be released on 15 January 2021 .
Video game adaption Uncharted will miss its March 2021 date and instead arrive in October 2021 .
Plus , an untitled film from Sony and Marvel has been moved from 8 October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Hollywood has been hit hard by the global pandemic , with some experts claiming the final cost to the entertainment industry could reach tens of billions of dollars .
Other major releases to be delayed include A Quiet Place II and Fast & Furious 9 .
Hanks is one of the highest profile stars known to have tested positive for COVID-19 , after falling ill while filming in Australia .
Idris Elba also said he had tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Several major film releases have been postponed until 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Spider-Man spin-off Morbius, the latest instalment in the Ghostbusters franchise and Peter Rabbit 2 will launch in the US next year rather than in the summer, Sony announced on Tuesday, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate the entertainment industry.
Image: No Time To Die has already been postponed due to the coronavirus spread
Big films already delayed due to coronavirus include the new James Bond outing No Time To Die, which had been due to launch in the UK this week, and Disney blockbusters Mulan and Black Widow.
Sony confirmed it is postponing US releases for seven films in total, but did not give details on new launch dates for the UK or other countries.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife, starring Paul Rudd and Bokeem Woodbine - with appearances from the originals Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd - will now arrive in US cinemas on 5 March 2021, having originally been scheduled for July this year.
Morbius, starring Jared Leto as the titular vampire, has been moved from July to 19 March next year. Kevin Hart's Fatherhood has been moved from January 2021 to October next year, while Greyhound, a Second World War film starring Tom Hanks, has been moved from June to an unspecified date.
The delay for Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is the second announced for the film, after originally being moved from March to August earlier this year. It is now set to be released on 15 January 2021.
Video game adaption Uncharted will miss its March 2021 date and instead arrive in October 2021. Plus, an untitled film from Sony and Marvel has been moved from 8 October 2021 to an unspecified date.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Hollywood has been hit hard by the global pandemic, with some experts claiming the final cost to the entertainment industry could reach tens of billions of dollars.
Other major releases to be delayed include A Quiet Place II and Fast & Furious 9.
Hanks is one of the highest profile stars known to have tested positive for COVID-19, after falling ill while filming in Australia.
Idris Elba also said he had tested positive for the virus earlier this month.


skynewsus--2020-03-31--Rihanna: I'll have kids in next few years - with or without a man

Rihanna has said she will have children in the next few years - with or without a man .
The 32-year-old singer , who is currently working on her long-awaited ninth album , spoke about becoming a mother in a new interview .
She is the latest female pop star to speak out about potentially pursuing alternative routes to motherhood , with Cheryl also revealing in January that she is looking for a sperm donor to have more children .
The former Girls Aloud star has a son , Bear , three , with her ex-boyfriend Liam Payne .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the only thing needed to raise a child `` is love '' .
Asked where she sees herself in 10 years , the singer said : `` I 'll have kids - three or four of them . ''
Rihanna reportedly split from her long-term boyfriend , Saudi businessman Hassan Jameel , earlier this year .
She told the magazine she plans to have children even if she never meets a suitable man , adding : `` I feel like society makes me want to feel like , 'Oh , you got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you as a mother ( if ) there 's not a dad in your kids ' lives .
But the only thing that matters is happiness , that 's the only healthy relationship between a parent and a child .
`` That 's the only thing that can raise a child truly , is love . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Barbados-born star , who is now based in London , is on the cover of British Vogue 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her next album in the interview .
It has been four years since the release of her last record , Anti , featuring songs including Work , Love On The Brain and Needed Me , and fans have been clamouring for new material for a long time .
The star assured she is working hard on music for her ninth album .
`` I ca n't say when I 'm going to drop ... but I am very aggressively working on music , '' she said .
`` I do n't want all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are no rules , there 's no format , there 's nothing .
There 's just good music and if I feel it , I 'm putting it out . ''
She also addressed whether the record , tentatively titled R9 , would be influenced by reggae .
`` Oh no , that is happening , '' she said .
`` I feel like I have no boundaries .
I 've done everything .
I 've done all the hits , I 've tried every genre .
Now I 'm just , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make anything that I want . ''
Named the richest woman in music by Forbes last year , Rihanna now also fronts a fashion empire that includes her Fenty Beauty cosmetics line and Savage X Fenty lingerie brand .
She said it is `` shocking '' that Fenty Beauty is one of the first cosmetic brands to cater to black women .
`` I 'm shocked by people saying , 'Oh my God , what made you think of making make-up for black girls ?
`` I 'm like , 'What ?
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Like I 'm a genius ? '
`` It 's shocking most of the time , then it turns into disappointment that this is groundbreaking right now .
In my mind , this was just normal . ''

Rihanna has said she will have children in the next few years - with or without a man.
The 32-year-old singer, who is currently working on her long-awaited ninth album, spoke about becoming a mother in a new interview.
Image: Mother-of-one Cheryl revealed earlier this year that she is looking for a sperm donor to have more children
She is the latest female pop star to speak out about potentially pursuing alternative routes to motherhood, with Cheryl also revealing in January that she is looking for a sperm donor to have more children.
The former Girls Aloud star has a son, Bear, three, with her ex-boyfriend Liam Payne.
In her interview with British Vogue, Rihanna said the only thing needed to raise a child "is love".
Asked where she sees herself in 10 years, the singer said: "I'll have kids - three or four of them."
Rihanna reportedly split from her long-term boyfriend, Saudi businessman Hassan Jameel, earlier this year.
She told the magazine she plans to have children even if she never meets a suitable man, adding: "I feel like society makes me want to feel like, 'Oh, you got it wrong'.
"They diminish you as a mother (if) there's not a dad in your kids' lives. But the only thing that matters is happiness, that's the only healthy relationship between a parent and a child.
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"That's the only thing that can raise a child truly, is love."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Barbados-born star, who is now based in London, is on the cover of British Vogue's May issue, and also spoke about her next album in the interview.
It has been four years since the release of her last record, Anti, featuring songs including Work, Love On The Brain and Needed Me, and fans have been clamouring for new material for a long time.
The star assured she is working hard on music for her ninth album.
"I can't say when I'm going to drop... but I am very aggressively working on music," she said.
"I don't want all my albums to feel like themes. There are no rules, there's no format, there's nothing. There's just good music and if I feel it, I'm putting it out."
She also addressed whether the record, tentatively titled R9, would be influenced by reggae.
"Oh no, that is happening," she said.
"I feel like I have no boundaries. I've done everything. I've done all the hits, I've tried every genre. Now I'm just, I'm wide open. I can make anything that I want."
Image: Rihanna also has a cosmetics line, Fenty Beauty, as well as her music
Named the richest woman in music by Forbes last year, Rihanna now also fronts a fashion empire that includes her Fenty Beauty cosmetics line and Savage X Fenty lingerie brand.
She said it is "shocking" that Fenty Beauty is one of the first cosmetic brands to cater to black women.
"I'm shocked by people saying, 'Oh my God, what made you think of making make-up for black girls?
"I'm like, 'What? You thought this was like a marketing strategy? Like I'm a genius?'
"It's shocking most of the time, then it turns into disappointment that this is groundbreaking right now. In my mind, this was just normal."


skynewsus--2020-03-29--I Love Rock 'n' Roll songwriter dies after contracting coronavirus

Alan Merrill , the co-writer and original singer of the much-covered hit I Love Rock ' n ' Roll , has died after contracting coronavirus .
Joan Jett , who made the song famous , is among those paying tribute after the US musician 's death was confirmed by daughter Laura on social media .
Merrill , 69 , is the second death in the music world due to COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , announced in the past 24 hours .
Grammy-winning country music star Joe Diffie , 61 , also died on Sunday , while folk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grammy lifetime achievement award just a few months ago , is critically ill and being treated for coronavirus symptoms , his family have said .
Posting on Facebook about her father 's death , Laura Merrill said she had woken up `` normally '' on Saturday `` with the world at my feet and now today I lay here empty '' .
She continued : `` The coronavirus took my father this morning .
I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out . ''
Ms Merrill said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'cold ' he thought he had '' and warned people to take the disease seriously .
`` If anything can come of this I beg of you to take this seriously .
Money does n't matter .
People are dying .
`` You do n't think It 'll happen to you or your strong family .
It has .
`` Stay home if not for you ... for others .
For my dad .
This thing is real . ''
Ms Merrill described her father as `` the greatest love of my life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to hug anyone `` because I 've been exposed and need to self quarantine for two weeks ... .alone '' .
Merrill was born in New York and grew up in Switzerland , Los Angeles and Japan before starting his music career in New York .
I Love Rock ' n ' Roll was written by Merrill and Jake Hooker and performed by their band , Arrows , in 1975 .
It became a global hit when it was covered by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 1982 , and went on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artists including Britney Spears , Five and `` Weird Al '' Yankovic .
A parody version for charity , I Love Sausage Rolls , by LadBaby , became Christmas number one in the UK just last year .
Paying tribute on Twitter , Jett said : `` I can still remember watching The Arrows on TV in London and being blown away by the song that screamed hit to me .
`` With deep gratitude and sadness , wishing him a safe journey to the other side . ''
Diffie 's death was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said he died due to complications from the virus .
The 61-year-old , from Tulsa , Oklahoma , had a string of hits in the US in the 1990s , including Honky Tonk Attitude , Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox ( If I Die ) , Bigger Than The Beatles and If The Devil Danced ( In Empty Pockets ) , and had two albums that went platinum .
He won a Grammy in 1999 for best country collaboration for the song Same Old Train with Merle Haggard , Marty Stuart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife , Theresa Crump , and five children from his four marriages .
The US has the most coronavirus cases in the world , with more than 136,000 suspected and confirmed infections , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
More than 2,400 people who have contracted COVID-19 have died in the US .

Alan Merrill, the co-writer and original singer of the much-covered hit I Love Rock 'n' Roll, has died after contracting coronavirus.
Joan Jett, who made the song famous, is among those paying tribute after the US musician's death was confirmed by daughter Laura on social media.
Merrill, 69, is the second death in the music world due to COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, announced in the past 24 hours.
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Grammy-winning country music star Joe Diffie, 61, also died on Sunday, while folk singer-songwriter John Prine, who received a Grammy lifetime achievement award just a few months ago, is critically ill and being treated for coronavirus symptoms, his family have said.
Posting on Facebook about her father's death, Laura Merrill said she had woken up "normally" on Saturday "with the world at my feet and now today I lay here empty".
She continued: "The coronavirus took my father this morning. I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out."
Ms Merrill said her father had "played down the 'cold' he thought he had" and warned people to take the disease seriously.
"If anything can come of this I beg of you to take this seriously. Money doesn't matter. People are dying.
"You don't think It'll happen to you or your strong family. It has.
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"Stay home if not for you...for others. For my dad. This thing is real."
Image: Singer John Prine is also critically ill with coronavirus symptoms
Ms Merrill described her father as "the greatest love of my life" and said she would not be able to hug anyone "because I've been exposed and need to self quarantine for two weeks....alone".
Merrill was born in New York and grew up in Switzerland, Los Angeles and Japan before starting his music career in New York.
I Love Rock 'n' Roll was written by Merrill and Jake Hooker and performed by their band, Arrows, in 1975. It became a global hit when it was covered by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 1982, and went on to be performed by a range of artists including Britney Spears, Five and "Weird Al" Yankovic.
A parody version for charity, I Love Sausage Rolls, by LadBaby, became Christmas number one in the UK just last year.
Paying tribute on Twitter, Jett said: "I can still remember watching The Arrows on TV in London and being blown away by the song that screamed hit to me.
"With deep gratitude and sadness, wishing him a safe journey to the other side."
Image: Joe Diffie had a string of hits in the US in the 1990s
Diffie's death was confirmed by his publicist Scott Adkins, who said he died due to complications from the virus.
The 61-year-old, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, had a string of hits in the US in the 1990s, including Honky Tonk Attitude, Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox (If I Die), Bigger Than The Beatles and If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets), and had two albums that went platinum.
He won a Grammy in 1999 for best country collaboration for the song Same Old Train with Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart and others.
Diffie is survived by his wife, Theresa Crump, and five children from his four marriages.
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
The US has the most coronavirus cases in the world, with more than 136,000 suspected and confirmed infections, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.
More than 2,400 people who have contracted COVID-19 have died in the US.


skynewsus--2020-03-31--'Matter of life and death': Trump warns Americans to expect 'painful two weeks'

Donald Trump has warned Americans to expect a `` very painful two weeks '' in the fight against coronavirus as the country 's death toll peaks .
In a briefing at the White House , the US president urged people to follow social distancing guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19 which have been enforced until the end of April .
The White House projects 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the US from the coronavirus pandemic if social distancing guidelines are maintained .
Graphs shown at Tuesday 's briefing highlighted that without the measures COVID-19 deaths in the US could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely critical for the American people to follow the guidelines for the next 30 days , '' Mr Trump said .
`` It 's a matter of life and death , frankly .
`` I want every American to be prepared for the tough days ahead .
It 's going to be a very , very painful two weeks . ''
Mr Trump has previously warned that coronavirus deaths in the US are expected to peak in two weeks ' time , with forecasts predicting 2,214 deaths on 15 April .
His warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he wanted the US economy running again by Easter .
At Tuesday 's briefing , Mr Trump branded COVID-19 an `` invisible enemy '' and `` a plague '' and said the US government was holding back 10,000 ventilators ahead of an expected `` surge '' in cases .
`` This is going to be three weeks like we have n't seen before , '' he added .
Mr Trump also claimed Americans could use scarves as face masks during the coronavirus pandemic .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spreaker '' You can use a scarf , '' he said .
`` A lot of people have scarves ... scarves would be very good .
`` My feeling is if people want to do it , there 's certainly no harm to it .
`` Use a scarf if you want , rather than going out and getting a mask .
We 're making millions and millions of masks but we want them to go to the hospitals .
`` We do n't want everybody competing with the hospitals who really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who have died in the US after testing positive for coronavirus has risen to more than 3,800 , surpassing the 3,305 reported fatalities in China , where the outbreak began .
The US death toll is now higher than the number of people who died in the September 11 terror attacks in 2001 .
New York is the centre of America 's coroanvirus outbreak , with about 1,550 deaths across the state , mostly in New York City .
The US has the most recorded coronavirus cases in the world , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the virus spread .

Donald Trump has warned Americans to expect a "painful two weeks" as coronavirus deaths in the US peak - before suggesting people wear scarves as face masks in the fight against the virus.
In a briefing at the White House, the US president branded COVID-19 "a plague" and urged people to follow social distancing guidelines which have been extended until the end of April.
The White House projects 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the US from the coronavirus pandemic if social distancing guidelines are maintained.
Image: Donald Trump gives a briefing on the coronavirus spread in the US
Graphs shown at Tuesday's briefing highlighted that without the measures COVID-19 deaths in the US could reach 2.2 million.
"It's absolutely critical for the American people to follow the guidelines for the next 30 days," Mr Trump said.
"It's a matter of life and death, frankly.
"I want every American to be prepared for the tough days ahead. It's going to be a very, very painful two weeks."
Image: Mr Trump looks at a graphic showing projected COVID-19 cases in certain US states
Mr Trump has previously warned that coronavirus deaths in the US are expected to peak in two weeks' time, with forecasts predicting 2,214 deaths on 15 April.
His warning came less than a week after he said he wanted the US economy running again by Easter.
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At Tuesday's briefing, Mr Trump called COVID-19 an "invisible enemy" and said the US government was holding back 10,000 ventilators ahead of an expected "surge" in cases.
"This is going to be three weeks like we haven't seen before," he added.
Mr Trump also claimed Americans could use scarves as face masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
"You can use a scarf," he said. "A lot of people have scarves... scarves would be very good.
"My feeling is if people want to do it, there's certainly no harm to it.
"Use a scarf if you want, rather than going out and getting a mask. We're making millions and millions of masks but we want them to go to the hospitals.
"We don't want everybody competing with the hospitals who really need them."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 1,000-bed hospital ship arrives in NYC
The number of people who have died in the US after testing positive for coronavirus has risen to more than 3,800, surpassing the 3,305 reported fatalities in China, where the outbreak began.
The US death toll is now higher than the number of people who died in the September 11 terror attacks in 2001.
New York is the centre of America's coroanvirus outbreak, with about 1,550 deaths across the state, mostly in New York City.
The US has the most recorded coronavirus cases in the world, with more than 186,000 suspected and confirmed infections, according to the Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus spread.


skynewsus--2020-03-31--US deaths linked to coronavirus now exceed China

The number of people who have died in the US after testing positive for coronavirus has risen to 3,393 , surpassing China 's 3,305 reported fatalities .
It comes after governor Andrew Cuomo announced the number of fatalities across New York state linked to COVID-19 had increased by 332 to 1,550 since Monday .
The total number of cases in the state , he said , now stands at almost 80,000 .
More than 163,000 cases have been recorded in the country overall , according to the Center for Disease Control ( CDC ) .
Johns Hopkins University , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puts the overall number at just over 175,000 .
Only Spain , with 8,189 , and Italy , with 12,428 , have recorded more deaths among countries that have the illness , according to Reuters .
Globally , more than 39,000 people have died since the pandemic began in China late last year , while there are more than 800,000 cases in all .
Mr Cuomo , whose brother , Chris , a presenter on CNN , has tested positive for the coronavirus , announced that he has ordered 17,000 ventilators from China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) each .
Two hundred and fifty more ambulances and 500 paramedics and emergency medical technicians ( EMTs ) are headed to the city to help manage record numbers of calls for help but Mr Cuomo said the city needed up to a million extra workers .
As the city , the US epicentre of the outbreak , announced its first coronavirus death of someone under 18 years old , a temporary hospital set up in a convention centre has begun accepting patients .
A Navy hospital ship is expected to start taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jacob Javits Convention Center and the USNS Comfort are designed to take pressure off New York City hospitals as coronavirus cases spike .
The company said several of its hospitals - including Long Island Jewish Medical Center , Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson and Glen Cove Hospital , are at or near capacity .
`` We 're still going up the mountain .
The main battle is at the top of the mountain , the apex of the curve , '' he said , adding that the apex is between seven and 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` unclear '' when life will return to normal , and that he did not feel comfortable laying out a timeline .
In a sign of the impact on the economy , 1.2 million calls were made to the state 's unemployment administration on Monday , compared with an average of 50,000 calls a week prior to the outbreak , an official said .
One of the New Yorkers who has died after contracting the illness was revealed to be world-renowned neurosurgeon , Dr James Goodrich .
He died on Monday after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , US President Donald Trump said coronavirus deaths in the US are expected to peak in two weeks , while his top scientific adviser , Dr Anthony Fauci , warned the outbreak could kill up to 200,000 Americans .
Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci told Sky News the coronavirus outbreak had been `` an unusual crisis for this president '' .
Mr Trump , he said , `` tries to go to a microphone in the White House or the Rose Garden and yell out fake science '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forcing him to listen , the former aide said , to senior advisers such as Dr Fauci .
`` He [ Mr Trump ] was n't able to curve the reality of the science to what he wanted it to be , '' Mr Scaramucci said .

The number of people who have died in the US after testing positive for coronavirus has risen to 3,393, surpassing China's 3,305 reported fatalities.
It comes after governor Andrew Cuomo announced the number of fatalities across New York state linked to COVID-19 had increased by 332 to 1,550 since Monday.
The total number of cases in the state, he said, now stands at almost 80,000.
Image: Mr Cuomo said the apex of the number of cases is 'seven to 21 days away'
More than 163,000 cases have been recorded in the country overall, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Johns Hopkins University, which is compiling the data on cases, puts the overall number at just over 175,000.
Only Spain, with 8,189, and Italy, with 12,428, have recorded more deaths among countries that have the illness, according to Reuters.
Globally, more than 39,000 people have died since the pandemic began in China late last year, while there are more than 800,000 cases in all.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 1,000-bed hospital ship arrives in NYC
Mr Cuomo, whose brother, Chris, a presenter on CNN, has tested positive for the coronavirus, announced that he has ordered 17,000 ventilators from China, costing around $25,000 (£20,000) each.
Two hundred and fifty more ambulances and 500 paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are headed to the city to help manage record numbers of calls for help but Mr Cuomo said the city needed up to a million extra workers.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
As the city, the US epicentre of the outbreak, announced its first coronavirus death of someone under 18 years old, a temporary hospital set up in a convention centre has begun accepting patients.
A Navy hospital ship is expected to start taking patients from today. Beds at the Jacob Javits Convention Center and the USNS Comfort are designed to take pressure off New York City hospitals as coronavirus cases spike.
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The company said several of its hospitals - including Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson and Glen Cove Hospital, are at or near capacity.
"We're still going up the mountain. The main battle is at the top of the mountain, the apex of the curve," he said, adding that the apex is between seven and 21 days away.
Mr Cuomo said it was "unclear" when life will return to normal, and that he did not feel comfortable laying out a timeline.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
In a sign of the impact on the economy, 1.2 million calls were made to the state's unemployment administration on Monday, compared with an average of 50,000 calls a week prior to the outbreak, an official said.
One of the New Yorkers who has died after contracting the illness was revealed to be world-renowned neurosurgeon, Dr James Goodrich. He died on Monday after suffering complications related to COVID-19.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump said coronavirus deaths in the US are expected to peak in two weeks, while his top scientific adviser, Dr Anthony Fauci, warned the outbreak could kill up to 200,000 Americans.
Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci told Sky News the coronavirus outbreak had been "an unusual crisis for this president".
Mr Trump, he said, "tries to go to a microphone in the White House or the Rose Garden and yell out fake science".
"But the numbers were overwhelming", forcing him to listen, the former aide said, to senior advisers such as Dr Fauci.
"He [Mr Trump] wasn't able to curve the reality of the science to what he wanted it to be," Mr Scaramucci said.


skynewsus--2020-03-31--US warship captain fears fatalities as coronavirus spreads on board

The captain of a US aircraft carrier infected with coronavirus has told naval leaders he needs to remove 4,000 sailors and isolate them on shore .
Captain Brett Crozier , commanding officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt , said in a memo that the vessel did not have enough quarantine and isolation facilities .
Sticking to the current strategy would slow the outbreak down but not eradicate it , he added .
Almost 80 people aboard the ship have tested positive for COVID-19 , the Reuters news agency said .
Captain Crozier called for `` decisive action '' , warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sailors do not need to die .
`` If we do not act now , we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset - our sailors . ''
He added that removing all but 10 % of the crew was a `` necessary risk '' .
The carrier was in the Pacific when the first case of COVID-19 was reported a week ago .
It is now in Guam , a US island territory in the western part of the ocean .
Acting US Navy Secretary Thomas Modly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that efforts had been underway for several days to get sailors off the enormous ship .
Mr Modly added that there were not enough beds on Guam , and the navy was talking to the local government about using hotels and setting up tents .
`` We do n't disagree with the ( commanding officer ) on that ship , and we 're doing it in a very methodical way because it 's not the same as a cruise ship ... that ship has armaments on it , it has aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN .
`` The key is to make sure that we can get a set of crew members that can maintain all those critical functions on the ship , '' he added .
Sailors aboard a number of ships have tested positive , naval officials have said .
The vessels include an amphibious assault ship at port in San Diego .

The captain of a US aircraft carrier infected with coronavirus has told naval leaders he needs to remove 4,000 sailors and isolate them on shore.
Captain Brett Crozier, commanding officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, said in a memo that the vessel did not have enough quarantine and isolation facilities.
Sticking to the current strategy would slow the outbreak down but not eradicate it, he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:56 Trump: Our country is the midst of a great national trial
Almost 80 people aboard the ship have tested positive for COVID-19, the Reuters news agency said.
Captain Crozier called for "decisive action", warning: "We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die.
"If we do not act now, we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset - our sailors."
He added that removing all but 10% of the crew was a "necessary risk".
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The carrier was in the Pacific when the first case of COVID-19 was reported a week ago.
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It is now in Guam, a US island territory in the western part of the ocean.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:17 US coronavirus deaths exceed China's
Acting US Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said he was aware of the letter, and that efforts had been underway for several days to get sailors off the enormous ship.
Mr Modly added that there were not enough beds on Guam, and the navy was talking to the local government about using hotels and setting up tents.
"We don't disagree with the (commanding officer) on that ship, and we're doing it in a very methodical way because it's not the same as a cruise ship ... that ship has armaments on it, it has aircraft on it," Mr Modly told CNN.
"The key is to make sure that we can get a set of crew members that can maintain all those critical functions on the ship," he added.
Sailors aboard a number of ships have tested positive, naval officials have said.
The vessels include an amphibious assault ship at port in San Diego.


skynewsus--2020-03-31--World-renowned neurosurgeon dies after being diagnosed with COVID-19

A world-renowned surgeon who separated conjoined twins four years ago has died after being diagnosed with coronavirus .
Dr James Goodrich , a paediatric neurosurgeon at New York City 's Montefiore Medical Center , died on Monday after suffering complications related to COVID-19 .
`` Dr Goodrich was a beacon of our institution and he will be truly missed , '' Montefiore Medicine CEO Dr Philip Ozuah said in a statement .
`` His expertise and ability were second only to his kind heart and manner .
`` Dr Goodrich was admired by his Montefiore Einstein colleagues and adored by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the same without his presence . ''
The 73-year-old was part of the team of 40 specialists who separated twins Jadon and Anais McDonald four years ago in a 27-hour operation .
They were joined at the crown and shared a 7cm section of brain tissue .
In a tweet the hospital said : `` The Montefiore community is mourning the loss of Dr James T Goodrich .
`` Not only was he an elite surgeon , over the years he was a generous mentor and teacher who shared his craft with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his footsteps . ''
Emad Eskandar , head of the hospital 's neurosurgery department , added : `` Jim was in many ways the heart and soul of our department .
`` A master surgeon and a world-class educator , and a beloved colleague for all . ''
The hospital said Dr Goodrich , originally from Oregon , served as a Marine during the Vietnam war .
It was during this time he decided to pursue a medical career .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @

A world-renowned surgeon who separated conjoined twins four years ago has died after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
Dr James Goodrich, a paediatric neurosurgeon at New York City's Montefiore Medical Center, died on Monday after suffering complications related to COVID-19.
"Dr Goodrich was a beacon of our institution and he will be truly missed," Montefiore Medicine CEO Dr Philip Ozuah said in a statement.
"His expertise and ability were second only to his kind heart and manner.
"Dr Goodrich was admired by his Montefiore Einstein colleagues and adored by his patients and Montefiore Einstein will not be the same without his presence."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:55 New York at crisis point - with worse to come
The 73-year-old was part of the team of 40 specialists who separated twins Jadon and Anais McDonald four years ago in a 27-hour operation.
They were joined at the crown and shared a 7cm section of brain tissue.
In a tweet the hospital said: "The Montefiore community is mourning the loss of Dr James T Goodrich.
"Not only was he an elite surgeon, over the years he was a generous mentor and teacher who shared his craft with many young surgeons who wanted to follow in his footsteps."
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Emad Eskandar, head of the hospital's neurosurgery department, added: "Jim was in many ways the heart and soul of our department.
"A master surgeon and a world-class educator, and a beloved colleague for all."
The hospital said Dr Goodrich, originally from Oregon, served as a Marine during the Vietnam war.
It was during this time he decided to pursue a medical career.
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker


skynewsus--2020-03-31--Trump says wear scarves as face masks to fight coronavirus 'plague'

Donald Trump has warned Americans to expect a `` painful two weeks '' as coronavirus deaths in the US peak - before suggesting people wear scarves as face masks in the fight against the virus .
In a briefing at the White House , the US president branded COVID-19 `` a plague '' and urged people to follow social distancing guidelines which have been extended until the end of April .
The White House projects 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the US from the coronavirus pandemic if social distancing guidelines are maintained .
Graphs shown at Tuesday 's briefing highlighted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US could reach 2.2 million .
`` It 's absolutely critical for the American people to follow the guidelines for the next 30 days , '' Mr Trump said .
`` It 's a matter of life and death , frankly .
`` I want every American to be prepared for the tough days ahead .
It 's going to be a very , very painful two weeks . ''
Mr Trump has previously warned that coronavirus deaths in the US are expected to peak in two weeks ' time , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His warning came less than a week after he said he wanted the US economy running again by Easter .
At Tuesday 's briefing , Mr Trump called COVID-19 an `` invisible enemy '' and said the US government was holding back 10,000 ventilators ahead of an expected `` surge '' in cases .
`` This is going to be three weeks like we have n't seen before , '' he added .
Mr Trump also claimed Americans could use scarves as face masks during the coronavirus pandemic .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' You can use a scarf , '' he said .
`` A lot of people have scarves ... scarves would be very good .
`` My feeling is if people want to do it , there 's certainly no harm to it .
`` Use a scarf if you want , rather than going out and getting a mask .
We 're making millions and millions of masks but we want them to go to the hospitals .
`` We do n't want everybody competing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The number of people who have died in the US after testing positive for coronavirus has risen to more than 3,800 , surpassing the 3,305 reported fatalities in China , where the outbreak began .
The US death toll is now higher than the number of people who died in the September 11 terror attacks in 2001 .
New York is the centre of America 's coroanvirus outbreak , with about 1,550 deaths across the state , mostly in New York City .
The US has the most recorded coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 186,000 suspected and confirmed infections , according to the Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the virus spread .


skynewsus--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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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.
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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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.


skynewsus--2020-04-01--PETA warns against using live animals in Tiger King adaptation

Animal rights campaigners have urged producers working on a drama adaption of Netflix documentary Tiger King not to use wild creatures in their version .
PETA ( People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ) says using real animals in a TV drama would undermine any work highlighting the `` abuse and neglect '' shown in the docu-series .
Since its launch less than two weeks ago , Tiger King : Murder , Mayhem And Madness has sparked a huge reaction from viewers , including celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow , Jared Leto and Chrissy Teigen , posting about the series online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big cat breeding in the US , with an eccentric cast of real-life characters led by gun-toting polygamist Joe Exotic , an Oklahoma zoo owner whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage .
A dramatic adaptation is already in the works from Universal Content Productions , with Saturday Night Live comedian Kate McKinnon set to play animal rights activist and Exotic 's arch enemy Carole Baskin .
PETA has sent McKinnon and producers a letter saying the use of live animals in a drama would undermine Tiger King 's work exposing private zoos .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of animals in film and television , said : `` Netflix 's Tiger King is calling critical attention to the abuse and neglect endured by big cats and other wild animals used for entertainment - progress that will be undone if real wild animals are used in Universal Content Production 's upcoming series .
`` We hope you 'll agree that using technology such as CGI or animatronics or existing footage is the only conscionable way of depicting animals for your series . ''
Baskin has also urged for the series to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US .

Animal rights campaigners have urged producers working on a drama adaption of Netflix documentary Tiger King not to use wild creatures in their version.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) says using real animals in a TV drama would undermine any work highlighting the "abuse and neglect" shown in the docu-series.
Image: The show follows the world of big cat breeding in the US. Pic: Netflix
Since its launch less than two weeks ago, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem And Madness has sparked a huge reaction from viewers, including celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Jared Leto and Chrissy Teigen, posting about the series online.
It follows the bizarre world of big cat breeding in the US, with an eccentric cast of real-life characters led by gun-toting polygamist Joe Exotic, an Oklahoma zoo owner whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage.
A dramatic adaptation is already in the works from Universal Content Productions, with Saturday Night Live comedian Kate McKinnon set to play animal rights activist and Exotic's arch enemy Carole Baskin.
PETA has sent McKinnon and producers a letter saying the use of live animals in a drama would undermine Tiger King's work exposing private zoos.
Lauren Thomasson, PETA's senior manager of animals in film and television, said: "Netflix's Tiger King is calling critical attention to the abuse and neglect endured by big cats and other wild animals used for entertainment - progress that will be undone if real wild animals are used in Universal Content Production's upcoming series.
"We hope you'll agree that using technology such as CGI or animatronics or existing footage is the only conscionable way of depicting animals for your series."
Baskin has also urged for the series to use CGI animals, according to reports in the US.
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Sky News has contacted Universal Content Productions for comment.


skynewsus--2020-04-01--Amazon investigated after firing worker who went on strike over coronavirus

New York City is investigating online retail giant Amazon after it fired a warehouse worker on the same day he participated in a strike protesting against the company 's coronavirus response .
Chris Smalls , who worked at an Amazon facility in New York , was fired after striking over the company 's health and safety policies after a colleague tested positive for COVID-19 .
New York 's mayor , Bill de Blasio , has called on the city 's human rights commissioner to investigate the case .
Mr Smalls alleges that Amazon fired him in retaliation for his part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's policies to protect workers from being exposed to the virus .
Amazon has denied Mr Smalls 's allegations , and instead the company accused him of breaching guidelines on social distancing after he came into close contact with the infected colleague .
It comes as Donald Trump said coronavirus deaths in the US are expected to peak in two weeks - as his top scientific adviser warned the outbreak could kill up to 200,000 Americans .
There are now more than 37,000 confirmed cases in New York state - the worst affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and confirmed coronavirus cases in America number above 136,000 on a national basis .
Amazon claimed Mr Smalls was asked to stay at home on paid sick leave for 14 days .
`` Despite that instruction to stay home with pay , he came on site today , 30 March , further putting the teams at risk , '' the company claimed in a statement .
`` This is unacceptable and we have terminated his employment as a result of these multiple safety issues , '' the statement added .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , described Amazon 's decision to fire Mr Smalls as `` disgraceful '' in a tweet .
Ms James also called on the US National Labour Relations Board to investigate the case .
Mayor Bill de Blasio said : `` The allegation is because he spoke up for the safety of his fellow workers , he was fired .
`` I have ordered the city 's Commission on Human Rights to investigate Amazon immediately to determine if that 's true . ''
Mr de Blasio added in a news conference on Tuesday : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a violation of our city human rights law , and we would act on it immediately . ''

New York City is investigating online retail giant Amazon after it fired a warehouse worker on the same day he participated in a strike protesting against the company's coronavirus response.
Chris Smalls, who worked at an Amazon facility in New York, was fired after striking over the company's health and safety policies after a colleague tested positive for COVID-19.
New York's mayor, Bill de Blasio, has called on the city's human rights commissioner to investigate the case.
Mr Smalls alleges that Amazon fired him in retaliation for his part in organising the demonstration about the company's policies to protect workers from being exposed to the virus.
Amazon has denied Mr Smalls's allegations, and instead the company accused him of breaching guidelines on social distancing after he came into close contact with the infected colleague.
It comes as Donald Trump said coronavirus deaths in the US are expected to peak in two weeks - as his top scientific adviser warned the outbreak could kill up to 200,000 Americans.
There are now more than 37,000 confirmed cases in New York state - the worst affected state in the country - as suspected and confirmed coronavirus cases in America number above 136,000 on a national basis.
Amazon claimed Mr Smalls was asked to stay at home on paid sick leave for 14 days.
"Despite that instruction to stay home with pay, he came on site today, 30 March, further putting the teams at risk," the company claimed in a statement.
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"This is unacceptable and we have terminated his employment as a result of these multiple safety issues," the statement added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:10 Trump warns of 'very painful' two weeks
However, the New York attorney general, Letitia James, described Amazon's decision to fire Mr Smalls as "disgraceful" in a tweet. Ms James also called on the US National Labour Relations Board to investigate the case.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said: "The allegation is because he spoke up for the safety of his fellow workers, he was fired.
"I have ordered the city's Commission on Human Rights to investigate Amazon immediately to determine if that's true."
Mr de Blasio added in a news conference on Tuesday: "If so, that would be a violation of our city human rights law, and we would act on it immediately."


skynewsus--2020-04-01--Do the nutrients in milk help protect against coronavirus?

Health experts have debunked claims that drinking cow 's milk could help ward off coronavirus .
It comes after a Facebook post titled `` Fight COVID-19 with a Glass of Milk '' by The Bullvine - an American website which describes itself as `` an independent , online community for professionals in the dairy breeding industry '' - was shared more than 1,500 times .
It claimed that milk protected from the virus because it contains `` lactoferrin , which is a protein that helps to fight off viruses , '' as well as `` Vitamin C and Zinc , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strengthening your immunity . ''
The post has now been given a `` false information '' tag by Facebook due to a lack of scientific evidence to support the claims .
Health experts in the US say it is misleading to say drinking milk will help prevent or fight off coronavirus - the highly contagious infection which attacks the respiratory system .
`` There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) .
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CDC ) said .
To protect against infection , the CDC recommends washing hands often , avoiding close contact with people who are ill , wearing a face mask when feeling ill , cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and social distancing .
The British Nutrition Foundation states that `` no food or supplement , can protect you from getting the coronavirus '' .
It adds : `` Nevertheless , having a healthy diet is important in supporting our immune function and many nutrients influence the body 's ability to fight infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play vital roles in the body 's immune system , milk does not contain a significant amount of either .
`` Cow 's milk is not a good source of vitamin C or zinc based on [ the Food and Drug Administration 's ] definition of what can be called a 'good ' source '' , the National Dairy Council ( NDC ) confirmed to Reuters .
The NDC listed other nutrients present in cow 's milk - including Vitamin A , D and protein - that can help maintain healthy immune function @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while there is some evidence vitamin C and zinc supplements may help with the common cold , it is not clear whether they would have any effect on coronavirus symptoms .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , the effects of lactoferrin - a protein found in cow 's milk and human milk - on the immune system are not widely known .
The NDC said tests with lactoferrin have been limited and with mixed results .
Dr Mark Pochapin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Langone Medical Center , said he did not think there was `` really any significant health benefit to lactoferrin . ''
He advised that people `` just be meticulous '' about washing their hands , avoid touching their face , and keep social distancing .

Health experts have debunked claims that drinking cow's milk could help ward off coronavirus.
It comes after a Facebook post titled "Fight COVID-19 with a Glass of Milk" by The Bullvine - an American website which describes itself as "an independent, online community for professionals in the dairy breeding industry" - was shared more than 1,500 times.
It claimed that milk protected from the virus because it contains "lactoferrin, which is a protein that helps to fight off viruses," as well as "Vitamin C and Zinc, which both play very important roles in strengthening your immunity."
The post has now been given a "false information" tag by Facebook due to a lack of scientific evidence to support the claims.
Health experts in the US say it is misleading to say drinking milk will help prevent or fight off coronavirus - the highly contagious infection which attacks the respiratory system.
Image: The Facebook post by The Bullvine has been given a false information tag. Pic: Facebook
"There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
To protect against infection, the CDC recommends washing hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are ill, wearing a face mask when feeling ill, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and social distancing.
The British Nutrition Foundation states that "no food or supplement, can protect you from getting the coronavirus".
It adds: "Nevertheless, having a healthy diet is important in supporting our immune function and many nutrients influence the body's ability to fight infection."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 New app can tell who has COVID-19
While vitamin C and zinc play vital roles in the body's immune system, milk does not contain a significant amount of either.
"Cow's milk is not a good source of vitamin C or zinc based on [the Food and Drug Administration's] definition of what can be called a 'good' source", the National Dairy Council (NDC) confirmed to Reuters.
The NDC listed other nutrients present in cow's milk - including Vitamin A, D and protein - that can help maintain healthy immune function.
The British Nutritional Foundation said that while there is some evidence vitamin C and zinc supplements may help with the common cold, it is not clear whether they would have any effect on coronavirus symptoms.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, the effects of lactoferrin - a protein found in cow's milk and human milk - on the immune system are not widely known.
The NDC said tests with lactoferrin have been limited and with mixed results.
Dr Mark Pochapin, a gastroenterologist at New York University's Langone Medical Center, said he did not think there was "really any significant health benefit to lactoferrin."
He advised that people "just be meticulous" about washing their hands, avoid touching their face, and keep social distancing.


skynewsus--2020-04-01--Zoom investigated after trolls bomb video chats with porn

The FBI has issued a warning about so-called `` Zoombombing '' following incidents in which video conferences were hijacked by trolls playing pornographic videos and shouting profanities .
Use of the Zoom app in particular has surged during the coronavirus lockdown , which comes as more than 37,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in New York state - the worst affected state in the country .
Suspected and confirmed coronavirus cases in America now number above 136,000 on a national basis .
Donald Trump said coronavirus deaths in the US are expected to peak in two weeks - as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could kill up to 200,000 Americans .
As citizens following social distancing guidelines are increasingly using remote-working tools to speak to colleagues , New York 's attorney general Letitia James is to investigate the Zoom app over its privacy and security practices .
It comes amid a growing number of incidents in which trolls have used Zoom 's screen-sharing feature to hijack meetings which did n't have appropriate security standards to prevent unknown users from joining the call .
Among the incidents shared with Sky News was an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from sharing her experiences by trolls playing graphic pornography .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Ms James sent a letter to the company on Monday articulating her concerns about Zoom being slow to address software flaws which `` could enable malicious third parties to , among other things , gain surreptitious access to consumer webcams '' .
In its warning to the public , the FBI described two incidents in which school classes which were being taught remotely were interrupted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teacher 's home address - while another showed an individual with swastika tattoos .
The FBI has issued the following guidance to prevent Zoom meetings from being hijacked : • Do not make meetings or classrooms public .
In Zoom , there are two options to make a meeting private : require a meeting password or use the waiting room feature and control the admittance of guests • Do not share a link to a teleconference or classroom on an unrestricted publicly available social media post .
Provide the link directly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Zoom , change screensharing to `` Host Only '' • Ensure users are using the updated version of remote access/meeting applications .
In January 2020 , Zoom updated their software .
In their security update , the teleconference software provider added passwords by default for meetings and disabled the ability to randomly scan for meetings to join .
In the UK , non-classified cabinet meetings have been taking place remotely using the Zoom software .
This has prompted concerns as the Ministry of Defence ( MoD ) has ordered all workers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while `` security implications '' were investigated .
An email sent to staff also told them to be `` cautious about cyber resilience '' in `` these exceptional times '' .
A source said after the revelation : `` It is astounding that thousands of MoD staff have been banned from using Zoom only to find a sensitive government meeting like that of the prime minister 's cabinet is being conducted over it . ''
A government spokesperson said : `` The MoD uses Zoom to conduct cross-government meetings for official level business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
`` In the current unprecedented circumstances the need for effective channels of communication is vital .
`` National Cyber Security Centre guidance shows there is no security reason for Zoom not to be used for meetings of this kind . ''
Zoom said it takes users ' security `` extremely seriously '' and that 2,000 institutions - from leading telecoms providers to government agencies and universities - have done exhaustive security reviews of the service .
A spokesperson added : `` Zoom are in close communication with the UK Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are focused on providing the documentation they need . ''

The FBI has issued a warning about so-called "Zoombombing" following incidents in which video conferences were hijacked by trolls playing pornographic videos and shouting profanities.
Use of the Zoom app in particular has surged during the coronavirus lockdown, which comes as more than 37,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in New York state - the worst affected state in the country.
Suspected and confirmed coronavirus cases in America now number above 136,000 on a national basis.
Donald Trump said coronavirus deaths in the US are expected to peak in two weeks - as his top scientific adviser warned the outbreak could kill up to 200,000 Americans.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:10 Trump warns of 'very paintful' two weeks
As citizens following social distancing guidelines are increasingly using remote-working tools to speak to colleagues, New York's attorney general Letitia James is to investigate the Zoom app over its privacy and security practices.
It comes amid a growing number of incidents in which trolls have used Zoom's screen-sharing feature to hijack meetings which didn't have appropriate security standards to prevent unknown users from joining the call.
Among the incidents shared with Sky News was an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in which an elderly woman in recovery was interrupted from sharing her experiences by trolls playing graphic pornography.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Ms James sent a letter to the company on Monday articulating her concerns about Zoom being slow to address software flaws which "could enable malicious third parties to, among other things, gain surreptitious access to consumer webcams".
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In its warning to the public, the FBI described two incidents in which school classes which were being taught remotely were interrupted by trolls - one shouting profanities and revealing the teacher's home address - while another showed an individual with swastika tattoos.
The FBI has issued the following guidance to prevent Zoom meetings from being hijacked:
Do not make meetings or classrooms public. In Zoom, there are two options to make a meeting private: require a meeting password or use the waiting room feature and control the admittance of guests
Do not share a link to a teleconference or classroom on an unrestricted publicly available social media post. Provide the link directly to specific people
Manage screensharing options. In Zoom, change screensharing to "Host Only"
Ensure users are using the updated version of remote access/meeting applications. In January 2020, Zoom updated their software. In their security update, the teleconference software provider added passwords by default for meetings and disabled the ability to randomly scan for meetings to join.
In the UK, non-classified cabinet meetings have been taking place remotely using the Zoom software.
This has prompted concerns as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has ordered all workers in the department to immediately stop using Zoom while "security implications" were investigated.
An email sent to staff also told them to be "cautious about cyber resilience" in "these exceptional times".
A source said after the revelation: "It is astounding that thousands of MoD staff have been banned from using Zoom only to find a sensitive government meeting like that of the prime minister's cabinet is being conducted over it."
A government spokesperson said: "The MoD uses Zoom to conduct cross-government meetings for official level business. There are no plans to review this.
"In the current unprecedented circumstances the need for effective channels of communication is vital.
"National Cyber Security Centre guidance shows there is no security reason for Zoom not to be used for meetings of this kind."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Penguin explores aquarium, meets whales
Zoom said it takes users' security "extremely seriously" and that 2,000 institutions - from leading telecoms providers to government agencies and universities - have done exhaustive security reviews of the service.
A spokesperson added: "Zoom are in close communication with the UK Ministry of Defence and National Cyber Security Centre and are focused on providing the documentation they need."


skynewsus--2020-04-01--Dolly Parton donates $1m to coronavirus research

Dolly Parton has announced she is donating $ 1m ( £808,000 ) to help find a cure for coronavirus .
In tweets posted on Wednesday , the American singer songwriter said she was giving the money to Vanderbilt University in Nashville , Tennessee .
There , according to her longtime friend Dr Naji Abumrad , staff are `` making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure , '' she said .
News of the contribution comes a day after the country music star said she was going to `` share some love '' and perform weekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
GoodNight With Dolly series will start on Thursday and last for 10 weeks .
She is one of several celebrities - including Amy Adams and Jennifer Garner , David Walliams and Josh Gad - reading stories to children online as schools are closed during the COVID-19 outbreak .
As cases of coronavirus continue to rise in the UK and US , Parton , 74 , said she wanted to offer a distraction and some comfort for children during difficult times .
`` This is something I have been wanting to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timing never felt quite right , '' she said .
`` I think it is pretty clear that now is the time to share a story and to share some love .
It is an honour for me to share the incredible talent of these authors and illustrators .
`` They make us smile , they make us laugh and they make us think . ''
Best known for hits including Jolene and 9 To 5 , the singer is no stranger to supporting children with reading , having released a kids album @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books .
She has also posted messages of support to healthcare workers and servicemen and women working throughout the pandemic .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Parton 's Imagination Library , a book-gifting programme set up by the star , said in a statement she now wants to offer reassurance to children shaken by the outbreak .
`` Dolly hopes these videos will provide a welcomed distraction during a time of unrest and also inspire a love of reading and books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see them , '' the statement added .
The free series kicks off with Parton reading The Little Engine That Could , which the Imagination Library said has been `` a source of inspiration '' for the singer throughout her life .
Other books include There 's A Hole In The Log On The Bottom Of The Lake by Loren Long , and Max & The Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper .
Parton 's readings will air online once a week on the Imagination Library 's Facebook page at midnight UK time .

Dolly Parton has announced she is donating $1m (£808,000) to help find a cure for coronavirus.
In tweets posted on Wednesday, the American singer songwriter said she was giving the money to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
There, according to her longtime friend Dr Naji Abumrad, staff are "making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure," she said.
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News of the contribution comes a day after the country music star said she was going to "share some love" and perform weekly online bedtime readings for children during the pandemic.
GoodNight With Dolly series will start on Thursday and last for 10 weeks.
She is one of several celebrities - including Amy Adams and Jennifer Garner, David Walliams and Josh Gad - reading stories to children online as schools are closed during the COVID-19 outbreak.
As cases of coronavirus continue to rise in the UK and US, Parton, 74, said she wanted to offer a distraction and some comfort for children during difficult times.
"This is something I have been wanting to do for quite a while, but the timing never felt quite right," she said.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"I think it is pretty clear that now is the time to share a story and to share some love. It is an honour for me to share the incredible talent of these authors and illustrators.
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"They make us smile, they make us laugh and they make us think."
Best known for hits including Jolene and 9 To 5, the singer is no stranger to supporting children with reading, having released a kids album in 2017 to raise money to buy books.
She has also posted messages of support to healthcare workers and servicemen and women working throughout the pandemic.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Parton's Imagination Library, a book-gifting programme set up by the star, said in a statement she now wants to offer reassurance to children shaken by the outbreak.
"Dolly hopes these videos will provide a welcomed distraction during a time of unrest and also inspire a love of reading and books in the hearts of the children who see them," the statement added.
The free series kicks off with Parton reading The Little Engine That Could, which the Imagination Library said has been "a source of inspiration" for the singer throughout her life.
Other books include There's A Hole In The Log On The Bottom Of The Lake by Loren Long, and Max & The Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper.
Parton's readings will air online once a week on the Imagination Library's Facebook page at midnight UK time.


skynewsus--2020-04-02--Meet Washington's 'patient zero' - as COVID-19 cases across US linked to one church conference

Reverend Timothy Cole had been at a church conference in Louisville , Kentucky , with clergy from all over the country at the end of February .
He returned home to Washington DC and started to feel like he had the flu .
`` I went to bed for three days , the fever broke , I waited another 24 hours and got up , felt fine .
I went back to work , '' he said .
What he did n't realise at the time was that he was about to become the US capital 's coronavirus `` patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reverend Cole moved to Washington three years ago to become the rector at Christ Church , Georgetown .
Following the Kentucky conference he continued to deliver sermons to his flock before he realised how sick he really was .
He eventually collapsed and was rushed to hospital where he tested positive for COVID-19 .
`` You 're just going along the highway of normality and then suddenly you get whacked and you find yourself on this really small dark path and you 've got no choice but to go down it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days in hospital , where he was given oxygen and placed in the intensive care unit .
`` The thing about this disease is the doctors really ca n't do very much .
You 're sitting round waiting for your body to get better or worse . ''
On the 7 March , Washington 's mayor announced that coronavirus had arrived in the city .
Reverend Cole was the first patient in DC .
Cases in New York , California and Texas have been linked to the same church conference he attended .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ organist and four other parishioners were infected .
`` I was thinking about the people who got the virus after me and the inconvenience people had to go through .
`` The whole congregation was quarantined for two weeks because of me . ''
Washington DC now has over 500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and the mayor has issued a stay-at-home order .
`` I was the first case in Washington so obviously it was n't something that I expected .
It was a bit of a shock , '' Reverend Cole said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are grateful for the congregation 's reaction to his diagnosis .
`` They stood beside us and prayed for us .
They have been a tremendous support and lavished us with affection and kindness . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The former British army chaplain will be delivering a virtual reading at Christ Church this Easter .
`` It 's so sad this church , which is 200 years old , will be shut for Easter Sunday for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'll stand in the pulpit again . ''

Reverend Timothy Cole had been at a church conference in Louisville, Kentucky, with clergy from all over the country at the end of February.
He returned home to Washington DC and started to feel like he had the flu.
"I went to bed for three days, the fever broke, I waited another 24 hours and got up, felt fine. I went back to work," he said.
What he didn't realise at the time was that he was about to become the US capital's coronavirus "patient zero".
Originally from Edinburgh, Reverend Cole moved to Washington three years ago to become the rector at Christ Church, Georgetown.
Following the Kentucky conference he continued to deliver sermons to his flock before he realised how sick he really was. He eventually collapsed and was rushed to hospital where he tested positive for COVID-19.
"You're just going along the highway of normality and then suddenly you get whacked and you find yourself on this really small dark path and you've got no choice but to go down it," Reverend Cole said.
Image: Reverend Cole spent 21 days in hospital Pic: Lorraine Cole
He spent 21 days in hospital, where he was given oxygen and placed in the intensive care unit.
"The thing about this disease is the doctors really can't do very much. You're sitting round waiting for your body to get better or worse."
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On the 7 March, Washington's mayor announced that coronavirus had arrived in the city. Reverend Cole was the first patient in DC. Cases in New York, California and Texas have been linked to the same church conference he attended.
Image: Reverend Cole and his wife Lorraine Pic: Lorraine Cole
The reverend also discovered that his church organist and four other parishioners were infected.
"I was thinking about the people who got the virus after me and the inconvenience people had to go through.
"The whole congregation was quarantined for two weeks because of me."
Washington DC now has over 500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and the mayor has issued a stay-at-home order.
"I was the first case in Washington so obviously it wasn't something that I expected. It was a bit of a shock," Reverend Cole said.
He and his wife, Lorraine, are grateful for the congregation's reaction to his diagnosis.
"They stood beside us and prayed for us. They have been a tremendous support and lavished us with affection and kindness."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The former British army chaplain will be delivering a virtual reading at Christ Church this Easter.
"It's so sad this church, which is 200 years old, will be shut for Easter Sunday for the first time.
"Who knows when I'll stand in the pulpit again."