skynewsus--2020-01-20--Sentenced to death for a murder he didn't commit - the true story behind Just Mercy

In August 1988 , a black man named Walter McMillian , known as Johnny D , was sentenced to death for the murder of a white teenage girl in Monroeville , Alabama .
His trial lasted less than two days .
Mr McMillian was with his family miles away when Ronda Morrison was killed .
But it did n't matter .
He was found guilty - based on the false testimony of a criminal , and despite accounts from several black witnesses who could vouch for his whereabouts at the time of the murder - and sentenced to death by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , having already served his time on bail there after his arrest a year earlier ; guilty until proven innocent .
The story is now being played out on the big screen in Just Mercy , starring Jamie Foxx as McMillian and Michael B Jordan as Bryan Stevenson , the man who founded America 's Equal Justice Initiative ( EJI ) , and who fought for the truth to come out .
Raw and powerful , the film tells their stories : Stevenson a young black lawyer fresh out of Harvard , setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the racial prejudice he too experiences ; McMillian a condemned man who has lost hope in the system he knows is weighted against him .
Stevenson 's fight for justice for McMillian provides the heart of the narrative to Just Mercy , but the film lays bare the horrifying fact that this tragic story is no one-off .
McMillian 's case is just one example of the systemic racial bias that ran rife through America 's justice system .
More than 30 years later , Stevenson is still fighting .
At a screening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the UK 's Urban Lawyers charity , which works to improve diversity in the legal profession , he is speaking alongside Foxx and Jordan .
`` I do n't think we 've seen any change really on this presumption of dangerousness and guilt that gets assigned to black and brown people in America , '' he says .
`` If you have n't been to the States , you should know when you come to the States ; you can be a lawyer here in the UK , you can be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but in the States , you 're going to be in situations where you 're going to have to navigate a presumption of dangerousness and guilt . ''
Stevenson gives an example from his time in court .
`` I had my suit and tie on and went into this courtroom , the first time I 've ever been in this courtroom .
I sat down at the defence counsel 's table and when the judge walked out and he saw me sitting there , he got angry .
He said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you get back out there in the hallway .
I do n't want any defendants in my courtroom without their lawyer . '
`` I had to apologise .
I said , ' I 'm sorry , your honour , I did n't introduce myself .
My name is Bryan Stevenson , I am the lawyer . '
And the judge started laughing and the prosecutor started laughing , and I made myself laugh because I did n't want to disadvantage my client - a young white kid I was representing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is it when this judge saw a middle-aged black man in a suit and tie sitting at the defence counsel table [ that ] it did n't even occur to him , that 's the lawyer .
What it is is this presumption of dangerousness and guilt .
It is this narrative of racial inferiority , this ideology of white supremacy .
`` When you have to keep navigating all of that stuff , [ when ] you have to keep worrying about calming down other people because they are afraid of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's the thing that has n't changed .
`` I think there 's still a lot of work to do .
We need an era of truth and justice in America .
I think you need it in the UK , too . ''
Stevenson set up the EJI , a non-profit organisation based in Montgomery , Alabama , to provide legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted , unfairly sentenced or abused in state jails and prisons , and works to challenge the death penalty .
As well as racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of capital punishment , innocent or not ; a scene involving one of McMillian 's fellow death row inmates , Herb Richardson , is one of the film 's many heart-breaking moments .
His is also a true story .
For every nine people executed in the US , one person on death row has been exonerated , Stevenson says .
Twenty-nine states - more than half - still have the death penalty .
According to the Death Penalty Information Center , 167 people who might have been killed have been exonerated since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecuted as adults , '' says Stevenson .
`` That 's another issue we 're dealing with that 's not in this film , but we 've got 13 states in America with no minimum age for trying a child as an adult .
`` So I represent nine and 10-year-old kids who are looking at 50 and 60-year prison sentences in adult prisons .
I represent 13 and 14-year-old children who 've been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole .
I 've represented 14-year-olds sentenced to death by execution . ''
Stevenson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his story translated to the big screen , worried it might receive the Hollywood treatment to make it more entertaining .
But after meeting Jordan , Foxx and director Destin Daniel Cretton , he was satisfied they cared .
`` When you see Jamie playing my client , you see the humanity and the dignity of people I 've been representing in jails and prisons for decades , '' he says .
`` When you see Michael perform , they 're real words . ''
Foxx , who won an Oscar for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2005 , says for him , Just Mercy was personal ; he tells the story of how his own father was jailed .
`` My father , who was an educator for 25 years , they put him in jail for $ 25 worth of illegal substance , '' he says .
`` They put him in jail for seven years .
You know , this is a man who educated people in the city .
`` And so there he is in jail next to some of the kids that he actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail .
I wrote a letter to my father , I said I 'm not gon na come see you , I do n't wan na see you like that because I see you as a king . ''
Since his release , Foxx 's father has lived with his famous Oscar-winning son .
`` I could tap into this story , not necessarily easily , but it 's close to home , '' Foxx says .
`` I do n't want to oversell it , but we 're trying to knock down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you see a black man . ''
He goes on to tell what he calls his `` pheeew '' joke .
It goes like this : Jamie Foxx gets into a lift in a hotel in Chicago , hoodie on , covering part of his face .
A group of women , white , evidently scared , minimise themselves as far into one corner as they can go , until… '' Oh ! ''
he hears one of the women exclaim , the relief palpable .
`` It 's Jamie Foxx . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Pheeew . ''
`` It 's a joke , '' he says , cutting through the laughter from the audience .
`` But at the same time , [ the women ] were really frightened .
And that 's why this movie is so important . ''
Jordan , who rose to fame in films such as Creed and Black Panther , says he has been `` forever changed '' by being a part of Just Mercy .
`` I think we all have a certain perspective of what the criminal justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the media , the news , what people tell you , but to actually see it through Bryan 's eyes - what could happen to you from a traffic stop all the way to death row to the electric chair , the things that had to happen to get from point A to there - was truly incredible .
`` Once you see it , you ca n't unsee it .
So it 's forever changed me in a way that I 'm motivated and more driven to be a part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the change .
I 'm motivated to help try to tell more stories like this . ''
Issues such as racial injustice can seem insurmountable , Jordan acknowledges .
`` Sometimes this issue feels so big that individuals feel like , what can I personally do to affect change ?
`` It 's paralysing , so people do nothing and they just watch and they tolerate what 's been going on .
I do n't think that 's the right perspective to have .
I want people to walk away [ from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be a part of change . ''
While injustice still exists , what has changed since McMillian 's case , says Stevenson , is that more people are aware of it , and working to fight it , whether that be lawyers helping the EJI or filmmakers highlighting real-life stories .
`` I do n't think this kind of film would 've been made 20 years ago , '' he says .
`` I do n't think you could have got a major studio to put the kind of resources behind it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After the film opened in the US earlier in January , Stevenson says he was `` blown away '' to receive hundreds of emails `` from people whose loved ones are in jails and prisons who are now saying , ' I have some hope about what might happen to my loved one . '
'' He continues : `` We heard from a hundred lawyers who are actually going to come to Alabama , who have said [ they ] want to get involved in working on these cases .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for legal assistance on our death row , we have hundreds of people who ca n't find lawyers .
And so that 's been really inspiring and encouraging , and if this film helps to create that kind of activity it 'll be a really beautiful thing . ''
However , Stevenson says , `` we are still in this struggle '' .
`` We still have to recognise that if you have a system that treats you better if you 're rich and guilty than if you 're poor and innocent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be defended . ''
Just Mercy is available to watch on Sky Cinema and NOW TV as part of their programme of shows and films celebrating black talent , culture and history throughout Black History Month

In August 1988, a black man named Walter McMillian, known as Johnny D, was sentenced to death for the murder of a white teenage girl in Monroeville, Alabama.
His trial lasted less than two days.
Mr McMillian was with his family miles away when Ronda Morrison was killed. But it didn't matter.
He was found guilty - based on the false testimony of a criminal, and despite accounts from several black witnesses who could vouch for his whereabouts at the time of the murder - and sentenced to death by electrocution.
Image: Jamie Foxx stars as death row inmate Walter McMillian in Just Mercy. Pic: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc
He returned to death row, having already served his time on bail there after his arrest a year earlier; guilty until proven innocent.
The story is now being played out on the big screen in Just Mercy, starring Jamie Foxx as McMillian and Michael B Jordan as Bryan Stevenson, the man who founded America's Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), and who fought for the truth to come out.
Raw and powerful, the film tells their stories: Stevenson a young black lawyer fresh out of Harvard, setting out to help death-row inmates and challenge the racial prejudice he too experiences; McMillian a condemned man who has lost hope in the system he knows is weighted against him.
Stevenson's fight for justice for McMillian provides the heart of the narrative to Just Mercy, but the film lays bare the horrifying fact that this tragic story is no one-off. McMillian's case is just one example of the systemic racial bias that ran rife through America's justice system.
More than 30 years later, Stevenson is still fighting.
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At a screening of the film set up in London by the UK's Urban Lawyers charity, which works to improve diversity in the legal profession, he is speaking alongside Foxx and Jordan.
Image: McMillian and EJI founder Bryan Stevenson, and below, played by Michael B Jordan and Jamie Foxx. Pic: EJI/ Warner Bros
"I don't think we've seen any change really on this presumption of dangerousness and guilt that gets assigned to black and brown people in America," he says.
"If you haven't been to the States, you should know when you come to the States; you can be a lawyer here in the UK, you can be a doctor, you can be an educator, but in the States, you're going to be in situations where you're going to have to navigate a presumption of dangerousness and guilt."
Stevenson gives an example from his time in court. "I had my suit and tie on and went into this courtroom, the first time I've ever been in this courtroom. I sat down at the defence counsel's table and when the judge walked out and he saw me sitting there, he got angry. He said, 'Hey, hey, hey, hey, you get back out there in the hallway. I don't want any defendants in my courtroom without their lawyer.'
"I had to apologise. I said, 'I'm sorry, your honour, I didn't introduce myself. My name is Bryan Stevenson, I am the lawyer.' And the judge started laughing and the prosecutor started laughing, and I made myself laugh because I didn't want to disadvantage my client - a young white kid I was representing.
"Afterwards I was thinking, what is it when this judge saw a middle-aged black man in a suit and tie sitting at the defence counsel table [that] it didn't even occur to him, that's the lawyer. What it is is this presumption of dangerousness and guilt. It is this narrative of racial inferiority, this ideology of white supremacy.
"When you have to keep navigating all of that stuff, [when] you have to keep worrying about calming down other people because they are afraid of your blackness, it gets exhausting. That's the thing that hasn't changed.
"I think there's still a lot of work to do. We need an era of truth and justice in America. I think you need it in the UK, too."
Image: Stevenson spoke about the film in the House of Lords ahead of its UK release
Image: Death row inmate Herbert Richardson (Rob Morgan) is in some of the most heartbreaking scenes in the film. Pic: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc
Stevenson set up the EJI, a non-profit organisation based in Montgomery, Alabama, to provide legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced or abused in state jails and prisons, and works to challenge the death penalty.
As well as racial injustice, Just Mercy highlights the monstrosity of capital punishment, innocent or not; a scene involving one of McMillian's fellow death row inmates, Herb Richardson, is one of the film's many heart-breaking moments.
His is also a true story.
For every nine people executed in the US, one person on death row has been exonerated, Stevenson says. Twenty-nine states - more than half - still have the death penalty. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 167 people who might have been killed have been exonerated since 1973.
"We've represented children prosecuted as adults," says Stevenson. "That's another issue we're dealing with that's not in this film, but we've got 13 states in America with no minimum age for trying a child as an adult.
"So I represent nine and 10-year-old kids who are looking at 50 and 60-year prison sentences in adult prisons. I represent 13 and 14-year-old children who've been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. I've represented 14-year-olds sentenced to death by execution."
YouTube YouTube , 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 YouTube 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 YouTube cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow YouTube cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Stevenson says he was initially reluctant to see his story translated to the big screen, worried it might receive the Hollywood treatment to make it more entertaining. But after meeting Jordan, Foxx and director Destin Daniel Cretton, he was satisfied they cared.
"When you see Jamie playing my client, you see the humanity and the dignity of people I've been representing in jails and prisons for decades," he says. "When you see Michael perform, they're real words."
Foxx, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles in Ray in 2005, says for him, Just Mercy was personal; he tells the story of how his own father was jailed.
"My father, who was an educator for 25 years, they put him in jail for $25 worth of illegal substance," he says. "They put him in jail for seven years. You know, this is a man who educated people in the city.
"And so there he is in jail next to some of the kids that he actually mentored... I don't like visiting jail. I wrote a letter to my father, I said I'm not gonna come see you, I don't wanna see you like that because I see you as a king."
Since his release, Foxx's father has lived with his famous Oscar-winning son.
"I could tap into this story, not necessarily easily, but it's close to home," Foxx says. "I don't want to oversell it, but we're trying to knock down that perception of what you see when you see a black man."
Image: Brie Larson stars alongside Jordan as EJI co-founder Eva Ansley. Pic: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc
Image: Jordan says he wants people to see Just Mercy 'and feel like they could be a part of change'. Pic: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc
He goes on to tell what he calls his "pheeew" joke.
It goes like this: Jamie Foxx gets into a lift in a hotel in Chicago, hoodie on, covering part of his face. A group of women, white, evidently scared, minimise themselves as far into one corner as they can go, until…
"Oh!" he hears one of the women exclaim, the relief palpable. "It's Jamie Foxx." The actor mockingly wipes his brow. "Pheeew."
"It's a joke," he says, cutting through the laughter from the audience. "But at the same time, [the women] were really frightened. And that's why this movie is so important."
Jordan, who rose to fame in films such as Creed and Black Panther, says he has been "forever changed" by being a part of Just Mercy.
"I think we all have a certain perspective of what the criminal justice system is and the judicial system, based on the media, the news, what people tell you, but to actually see it through Bryan's eyes - what could happen to you from a traffic stop all the way to death row to the electric chair, the things that had to happen to get from point A to there - was truly incredible.
"Once you see it, you can't unsee it. So it's forever changed me in a way that I'm motivated and more driven to be a part of the solution, to be part of the change. I'm motivated to help try to tell more stories like this."
Issues such as racial injustice can seem insurmountable, Jordan acknowledges.
"Sometimes this issue feels so big that individuals feel like, what can I personally do to affect change?
"It's paralysing, so people do nothing and they just watch and they tolerate what's been going on. I don't think that's the right perspective to have. I want people to walk away [from seeing Just Mercy] feeling like they could be a part of change."
While injustice still exists, what has changed since McMillian's case, says Stevenson, is that more people are aware of it, and working to fight it, whether that be lawyers helping the EJI or filmmakers highlighting real-life stories.
"I don't think this kind of film would've been made 20 years ago," he says. "I don't think you could have got a major studio to put the kind of resources behind it that we've seen here."
After the film opened in the US earlier in January, Stevenson says he was "blown away" to receive hundreds of emails "from people whose loved ones are in jails and prisons who are now saying, 'I have some hope about what might happen to my loved one.'"
Image: Rafe Spall plays district attorney Tommy Chapman, the man who wants to keep McMillian locked up. Pic: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc
He continues: "We heard from a hundred lawyers who are actually going to come to Alabama, who have said [they] want to get involved in working on these cases. We have so many people who are literally dying for legal assistance on our death row, we have hundreds of people who can't find lawyers. And so that's been really inspiring and encouraging, and if this film helps to create that kind of activity it'll be a really beautiful thing."
However, Stevenson says, "we are still in this struggle".
"We still have to recognise that if you have a system that treats you better if you're rich and guilty than if you're poor and innocent, that is not a system that can be defended."
Just Mercy is available to watch on Sky Cinema and NOW TV as part of their programme of shows and films celebrating black talent, culture and history throughout Black History Month


skynewsus--2020-10-04--Orphaned and burned mountain lion cub rescued by firefighter in California wildfires

An orphaned mountain lion cub rescued by a firefighter battling the California wildfires is being treated for severe burns .
The cub , who is only four to six weeks old , was found near Redding in California earlier this week after the Zogg Fire burned through the area on 27 September , killing four people .
Weighing just 1.7kg ( 3.75lb ) , the cub was taken to Oakland Zoo where veterinarians are treating his injuries .
They have named him Captain Cal , after the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 's mascot , and said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cub was badly burned , especially his paws , and his whiskers were completely singed off by the fire and he had severe eye irritation .
After being cleaned up and given antibiotics , supportive fluids , pain medication and kitten milk formula through a syringe , things are looking up .
Vets said X-rays confirmed he has no damage to his lungs or bones .
Dr Alex Herman said the cub is eating on his own and `` acting feisty - both promising signs for his recovery '' .
She added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is too small to be released back into the wild , but we are hopeful that under the zoo 's care , it will get a second chance as an ambassador for its species .
`` We 're cautiously optimistic that this cub will now survive and thrive , our dedicated team at Oakland Zoo is fully committed to do everything we can for him and for his beautiful species . ''
In the wild , mountain lion cubs stay with their mothers until they are around two years old to learn the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own .
As Captain Cal will not be able to learn those skills , Oakland Zoo said he will be placed `` in a suitable forever home '' once he is well .
He is the 13th mountain lion to be rescued for Oakland Zoo by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife .
The lions are facing numerous threats in California , including increasing wildfires , but they are often hit by cars and illegally poached .

An orphaned mountain lion cub rescued by a firefighter battling the California wildfires is being treated for severe burns.
The cub, who is only four to six weeks old, was found near Redding in California earlier this week after the Zogg Fire burned through the area on 27 September, killing four people.
Weighing just 1.7kg (3.75lb), the cub was taken to Oakland Zoo where veterinarians are treating his injuries.
Image: The tiny mountain lion's paws were badly burned and his whiskers were singed off. Pic: Oakland Zoo
They have named him Captain Cal, after the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's mascot, and said he is reacting well to treatment.
The cub was badly burned, especially his paws, and his whiskers were completely singed off by the fire and he had severe eye irritation.
After being cleaned up and given antibiotics, supportive fluids, pain medication and kitten milk formula through a syringe, things are looking up.
Vets said X-rays confirmed he has no damage to his lungs or bones.
Image: Captain Cal weighed just 1.7kg when he was found. Pic: Oakland Zoo
Dr Alex Herman said the cub is eating on his own and "acting feisty - both promising signs for his recovery".
She added: "Unfortunately, a lion this size is too small to be released back into the wild, but we are hopeful that under the zoo's care, it will get a second chance as an ambassador for its species.
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"We're cautiously optimistic that this cub will now survive and thrive, our dedicated team at Oakland Zoo is fully committed to do everything we can for him and for his beautiful species."
Image: He is reacting well to treatment although he will never live in the wild again as he has no mother to learn from. Pic: Oakland Zoo
In the wild, mountain lion cubs stay with their mothers until they are around two years old to learn the skills they need to survive on their own.
As Captain Cal will not be able to learn those skills, Oakland Zoo said he will be placed "in a suitable forever home" once he is well.
He is the 13th mountain lion to be rescued for Oakland Zoo by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The lions are facing numerous threats in California, including increasing wildfires, but they are often hit by cars and illegally poached.


skynewsus--2020-10-04--Trump's drive-by during COVID-19 treatment was 'insanity', top doctor says

US President Donald Trump 's drive-by for supporters has been criticised as `` insanity '' by a top doctor .
Mr Trump , 74 , briefly left Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland on Sunday , where he is being treated for COVID-19 , so he could greet the crowds waiting outside the hospital .
He sat in an armoured SUV , wearing a mask , and waved to people as he was driven along the road to cheers and flag-waving .
Dr James Phillips , chief of disaster medicine at George Washington University and an attending physician at Walter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` insanity '' .
He wrote on Twitter : `` That presidential SUV is not only bulletproof , but hermetically sealed against chemical attack .
The risk of COVID-19 transmission inside is as high as it gets outside of medical procedures .
The irresponsibility is astounding .
My thoughts are with the Secret Service forced to play .
`` Every single person in the vehicle during that completely unnecessary presidential 'drive-by ' just now has to be quarantined for 14 days .
They might get sick .
They may die .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put their lives at risk for theater .
This is insanity . ''
Jonathan Reiner , professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University , tweeted : `` By taking a joy ride outside Walter Reed the president is placing his Secret Service detail at grave risk .
`` In the hospital when we go into close contact with a COVID patient we dress in full PPE : Gown , gloves , N95 , eye protection , hat .
This is the height of irresponsibility .
`` His doctors should have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for what is right .
This is wrong . ''
Sky News correspondent Sally Lockwood , who was there , said there had been a `` mini rally growing outside the front of the hospital - he can hear them if he ca n't see them from his hospital suite , I 'm sure - it has been non-stop all day '' .
She said the crowd `` went wild '' as Mr Trump was driven along the road before making a U-turn and continuing to wave at supporters and reporters as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was enjoying himself and his fans were impressed with the sight of the president , '' she said .
Mr Trump 's surprise appearance came shortly after he released another video - his third since revealing in the early hours of Friday that he had been diagnosed with the virus .
In the video , he had promised `` to pay a little surprise to some of the great patriots that we have out on the street '' .
He also described his treatment as a `` very interesting journey '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about COVID .
`` I learned it by really going to school .
This is the real school .
This is n't the 'let 's read the books ' school .
And I get it , and I understand it .
And it 's a very interesting thing . ''
It is a turnaround for a president who has spent much of the pandemic playing down the disease and even mocking those who wore masks in an effort to protect themselves and those around them .
The number of people who have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approaching 210,000 and the number of confirmed cases has passed 7.4 million .
Mr Trump 's medical team has said that , if his condition improves , he could be allowed to continue his treatment at the White House from Monday .
But the doctors have also been criticised for presenting information that has been contradicted at times by Mr Trump 's staff .
On Saturday Dr Sean Conley , who heads the medical team , had refused to admit that the president was given supplemental oxygen at the White House before being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump 's chief of staff Mark Meadows had said medics were `` very concerned '' about the president 's vital signs before he arrived at Walter Reed .
On Sunday , Dr Conley admitted Mr Trump 's oxygen levels had dropped suddenly on two occasions and he had in fact been given oxygen on Friday .
The doctor said he had been `` trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team '' and `` did n't want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBS : `` We need to have trust that what they 're telling us about the president 's condition is real . ''
Mrs Pelosi said the information doctors are telling the public `` has to be approved by the president '' , adding : `` That 's not very scientific '' .

US President Donald Trump's drive-by for supporters has been criticised as "insanity" by a top doctor.
Mr Trump, 74, briefly left Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland on Sunday, where he is being treated for COVID-19, so he could greet the crowds waiting outside the hospital.
He sat in an armoured SUV, wearing a mask, and waved to people as he was driven along the road to cheers and flag-waving.
Image: Donald Trump waves to supporters as he rides by in the presidential motorcade in front of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Dr James Phillips, chief of disaster medicine at George Washington University and an attending physician at Walter Reed Medical Center, described the drive-by as "insanity".
He wrote on Twitter: "That presidential SUV is not only bulletproof, but hermetically sealed against chemical attack. The risk of COVID-19 transmission inside is as high as it gets outside of medical procedures. The irresponsibility is astounding. My thoughts are with the Secret Service forced to play.
"Every single person in the vehicle during that completely unnecessary presidential 'drive-by' just now has to be quarantined for 14 days. They might get sick. They may die. For political theater. Commanded by Trump to put their lives at risk for theater. This is insanity."
Image: Critics say the drive-by was a bad idea which put staff at risk
Jonathan Reiner, professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University, tweeted: "By taking a joy ride outside Walter Reed the president is placing his Secret Service detail at grave risk.
"In the hospital when we go into close contact with a COVID patient we dress in full PPE: Gown, gloves, N95, eye protection, hat. This is the height of irresponsibility.
"His doctors should have said no. They need to stand up for what is right. This is wrong."
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White House spokesman Judd Deere said the drive-by "was cleared by the medical team as safe to do", adding that precautions were taken, including using personal protective equipment.
Image: President Donald Trump returned to hospital in Maryland after waving to the crowd
Sky News correspondent Sally Lockwood, who was there, said there had been a "mini rally growing outside the front of the hospital - he can hear them if he can't see them from his hospital suite, I'm sure - it has been non-stop all day".
She said the crowd "went wild" as Mr Trump was driven along the road before making a U-turn and continuing to wave at supporters and reporters as he came back.
"He looked like he was enjoying himself and his fans were impressed with the sight of the president," she said.
Mr Trump's surprise appearance came shortly after he released another video - his third since revealing in the early hours of Friday that he had been diagnosed with the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 The US president says he has a new-found appreciation for the seriousness of the coronavirus in a video message to the nation.
In the video, he had promised "to pay a little surprise to some of the great patriots that we have out on the street".
He also described his treatment as a "very interesting journey", adding: "I learned a lot about COVID.
"I learned it by really going to school. This is the real school. This isn't the 'let's read the books' school. And I get it, and I understand it. And it's a very interesting thing."
It is a turnaround for a president who has spent much of the pandemic playing down the disease and even mocking those who wore masks in an effort to protect themselves and those around them.
The number of people who have died with the virus in the US is approaching 210,000 and the number of confirmed cases has passed 7.4 million.
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Mr Trump's medical team has said that, if his condition improves, he could be allowed to continue his treatment at the White House from Monday.
But the doctors have also been criticised for presenting information that has been contradicted at times by Mr Trump's staff.
On Saturday Dr Sean Conley, who heads the medical team, had refused to admit that the president was given supplemental oxygen at the White House before being taken to hospital.
Minutes later, Mr Trump's chief of staff Mark Meadows had said medics were "very concerned" about the president's vital signs before he arrived at Walter Reed.
On Sunday, Dr Conley admitted Mr Trump's oxygen levels had dropped suddenly on two occasions and he had in fact been given oxygen on Friday.
The doctor said he had been "trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team" and "didn't want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction".
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told CBS: "We need to have trust that what they're telling us about the president's condition is real."
Mrs Pelosi said the information doctors are telling the public "has to be approved by the president", adding: "That's not very scientific".


skynewsus--2020-10-04--Trump could be discharged from hospital 'on Monday', his doctors say

US President Donald Trump could be discharged from hospital as soon as Monday as he continues to recover from coronavirus , his doctors have said .
Mr Trump , 74 , has been fever-free since Friday and is not complaining of shortness of breath , Dr Sean Conley told reporters outside the Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland on Sunday .
He is now on dose two of five of the experimental antiviral drug Remdesivir and is not experiencing any side effects .
If things continue to go well , he may be allowed to continue his treatment back at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team said .
Dr Brian Garibaldi , a pulmonary specialist , added : `` If he continues to look and feel as good as he does today , our hope is we can plan for a discharge as early as tomorrow to the White House where he can continue his treatment course . ''
Dr Conley revealed Mr Trump 's oxygen levels dropped before he was admitted to hospital on Friday , which caused concern among his team and saw him given supplemental oxygen .
He said : `` Thursday night into Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president was doing well , with only mild symptoms and his oxygen was in the high 90s .
`` Late on Friday morning when I returned to the bedside , the president had a high fever and his oxygen levels were transiently dipping below 94 % .
`` Given these two developments , I was concerned about rapid progression of the illness .
I suggested we try some supplemental oxygen , to see how he 'd respond .
`` He was fairly adamant he did n't need it .
He was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tired and he had the fever - that was about it . ''
But despite him only needing the extra oxygen for an hour , medics still asked for him to be transferred to the military hospital for observation , he added .
Dr Conley was also quizzed on why on Saturday he refused to admit the president had been given supplemental oxygen at the White House on Friday , when his chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters medics were `` very concerned '' about his vital signs before he arrived at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team '' and `` did n't want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction '' .
Dr Conley added that `` in doing so , [ it ] came off like we were trying to hide something , which was n't necessarily true '' .
Former UK US ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer today accused the White House of giving `` conflicting messages '' about Mr Trump 's health .
He told Sky News this has resulted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about his private doctors ' updates .
Yesterday the president recorded a four-minute video message that he uploaded on Twitter , saying he is `` starting to feel good '' and looking forward to `` finishing up the ( election ) campaign the way it was started '' .

US President Donald Trump could be discharged from hospital as soon as Monday as he continues to recover from coronavirus, his doctors have said.
Mr Trump, 74, has been fever-free since Friday and is not complaining of shortness of breath, Dr Sean Conley told reporters outside the Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland on Sunday.
He is now on dose two of five of the experimental antiviral drug Remdesivir and is not experiencing any side effects.
If things continue to go well, he may be allowed to continue his treatment back at the White House on Monday, his team said.
Image: Mr Trump, 74, is pictured in a conference room at the Walter Reed Medical Center on Saturday
Dr Brian Garibaldi, a pulmonary specialist, added: "If he continues to look and feel as good as he does today, our hope is we can plan for a discharge as early as tomorrow to the White House where he can continue his treatment course."
Dr Conley revealed Mr Trump's oxygen levels dropped before he was admitted to hospital on Friday, which caused concern among his team and saw him given supplemental oxygen.
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He said: "Thursday night into Friday morning when I left the bedside, the president was doing well, with only mild symptoms and his oxygen was in the high 90s.
"Late on Friday morning when I returned to the bedside, the president had a high fever and his oxygen levels were transiently dipping below 94%.
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"Given these two developments, I was concerned about rapid progression of the illness. I suggested we try some supplemental oxygen, to see how he'd respond.
"He was fairly adamant he didn't need it. He was not short of breath, he was just tired and he had the fever - that was about it."
But despite him only needing the extra oxygen for an hour, medics still asked for him to be transferred to the military hospital for observation, he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:02 'I think I will be back soon' - Trump
Dr Conley was also quizzed on why on Saturday he refused to admit the president had been given supplemental oxygen at the White House on Friday, when his chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters medics were "very concerned" about his vital signs before he arrived at Walter Reed.
He said he was "trying to reflect the upbeat attitude of the team" and "didn't want to give any information that might steer the course of illness in another direction".
Dr Conley added that "in doing so, [it] came off like we were trying to hide something, which wasn't necessarily true".
Former UK US ambassador Sir Christopher Meyer today accused the White House of giving "conflicting messages" about Mr Trump's health.
He told Sky News this has resulted in a "good deal of scepticism" about his private doctors' updates.
Yesterday the president recorded a four-minute video message that he uploaded on Twitter, saying he is "starting to feel good" and looking forward to "finishing up the (election) campaign the way it was started".


skynewsus--2020-10-04--65% of US voters think Trump would have avoided COVID if he took virus seriously - poll

A majority of Americans believe Donald Trump would have avoided contracting coronavirus if he had taken it more seriously , a poll suggests .
Of the 1,005 people who responded to an opinion poll conducted by Reuters and Ipsos , nine in 10 Democrats and five in 10 Republicans agreed with this statement .
In total , 65 % agreed .
The US president has tested positive for coronavirus and spent a second night in hospital at Walter Reed Military Hospital in Maryland .
The poll suggests his illness has not widened his support , with Democrat rival Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the presidential race .
The national opinion poll taken on 2-3 October suggested 51 % are backing Mr Biden , while 41 % said they plan to vote for Mr Trump .
Another 4 % said they are choosing a third-party candidate and a further 4 % are undecided .
Mr Biden 's 10-point lead is one to two points higher than those he has secured over the last several weeks , although the poll has a precision limit of plus or minus five percentage points .
It appears the Democratic candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but to win the presidency he must prevail in enough states to win the Electoral College .
State polls have shown that Mr Trump is nearly as popular as Mr Biden in battleground states .
The Reuters and Ipsos poll suggests 57 % of Americans disapprove of the president 's response to the pandemic , up about three points from a poll that ran late last week .
Only 34 % believe he has been telling the truth about coronavirus , while 55 % said he is not and 11 % said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Americans also seemed to be supportive of ensuring safety during the 2020 presidential race , with 67 % wanting to stop in-person campaign rallies and 59 % saying the debates should be postponed until Mr Trump recovers from the virus .
The next presidential debate is scheduled for 15 October , although it is unclear whether this will go ahead .

A majority of Americans believe Donald Trump would have avoided contracting coronavirus if he had taken it more seriously, a poll suggests.
Of the 1,005 people who responded to an opinion poll conducted by Reuters and Ipsos, nine in 10 Democrats and five in 10 Republicans agreed with this statement. In total, 65% agreed.
The US president has tested positive for coronavirus and spent a second night in hospital at Walter Reed Military Hospital in Maryland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:38 Trump: 'I think I'm doing very well'
The poll suggests his illness has not widened his support, with Democrat rival Joe Biden marking his largest lead in a month in the presidential race.
The national opinion poll taken on 2-3 October suggested 51% are backing Mr Biden, while 41% said they plan to vote for Mr Trump.
Another 4% said they are choosing a third-party candidate and a further 4% are undecided.
Mr Biden's 10-point lead is one to two points higher than those he has secured over the last several weeks, although the poll has a precision limit of plus or minus five percentage points.
It appears the Democratic candidate is leading with the popular vote, but to win the presidency he must prevail in enough states to win the Electoral College.
State polls have shown that Mr Trump is nearly as popular as Mr Biden in battleground states.
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Image: Joe Biden has taken a 10-point lead in the poll
The Reuters and Ipsos poll suggests 57% of Americans disapprove of the president's response to the pandemic, up about three points from a poll that ran late last week.
Only 34% believe he has been telling the truth about coronavirus, while 55% said he is not and 11% said they are unsure.
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Americans also seemed to be supportive of ensuring safety during the 2020 presidential race, with 67% wanting to stop in-person campaign rallies and 59% saying the debates should be postponed until Mr Trump recovers from the virus.
The next presidential debate is scheduled for 15 October, although it is unclear whether this will go ahead.


skynewsus--2020-10-04--Saturday Night Live: Baldwin and Carrey face off in presidential debate skit

Saturday Night Live opened its 46th season with a parody of Tuesday 's US presidential debate .
The NBC late-night sketch series , which returned to a studio after COVID-19 halted filming , began with an almost 14-minute sketch featuring several well-known stars .
Alec Baldwin played president Donald Trump before his COVID-19 diagnosis , Jim Carrey featured as the president 's election rival former vice president Joe Biden and Maya Rudolph made a cameo appearance as Kamala Harris .
The comedy performance satirised the first election debate - which was characterised by its name calling , insults and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Attempting to mirror Tuesday 's debate , Baldwin 's Trump appears to commandeer the debate , regularly interrupting and offending Biden with personal remarks .
Meanwhile , Carrey 's Biden tried to hold his anger - breathing into a brown paper bag and talking to himself .
At the start of the skit , Rock came onstage donning a mask , before taking it off to perform his set to the studio audience of about two dozen people - all wearing masks .
The four-time Emmy Award and three-time Grammy award winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic had ruined much of his year .
He also sarcastically displayed sympathy about the president being hospitalised after his coronavirus diagnosis .
`` President Trump is in the hospital from COVID , and I just want to say that my heart goes out to COVID , '' he joked .
The comedian also shared his thoughts on American citizens needing to `` renegotiate their plans '' with the American administration .
: : Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years no matter what ?
Just show me one job .
If you hired a cook , and he was making people vomit every day , do you sit there and say 'Oh , he 's got a 4-year deal , ' '' he said .
Rock added : `` We just got to vomit for four more years . ''

Saturday Night Live opened its 46th season with a parody of Tuesday's US presidential debate.
The NBC late-night sketch series, which returned to a studio after COVID-19 halted filming, began with an almost 14-minute sketch featuring several well-known stars.
Alec Baldwin played president Donald Trump before his COVID-19 diagnosis, Jim Carrey featured as the president's election rival former vice president Joe Biden and Maya Rudolph made a cameo appearance as Kamala Harris.
Image: Jim Carrey (right) took on the role as former vice president Joe Biden
Comedian and actor Chris Rock hosted the show.
The comedy performance satirised the first election debate - which was characterised by its name calling, insults and the two politicians consistently speaking over each other.
Attempting to mirror Tuesday's debate, Baldwin's Trump appears to commandeer the debate, regularly interrupting and offending Biden with personal remarks.
Meanwhile, Carrey's Biden tried to hold his anger - breathing into a brown paper bag and talking to himself.
At the start of the skit, Rock came onstage donning a mask, before taking it off to perform his set to the studio audience of about two dozen people - all wearing masks.
The four-time Emmy Award and three-time Grammy award winner opened his set by joking about how the pandemic had ruined much of his year.
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Image: Maya Rudolph featured as senator Kamala Harris
He also sarcastically displayed sympathy about the president being hospitalised after his coronavirus diagnosis.
"President Trump is in the hospital from COVID, and I just want to say that my heart goes out to COVID," he joked.
The comedian also shared his thoughts on American citizens needing to "renegotiate their plans" with the American administration.
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He said: "What job do you have for four years no matter what? Just show me one job. If you hired a cook, and he was making people vomit every day, do you sit there and say 'Oh, he's got a 4-year deal,'" he said.
Rock added: "We just got to vomit for four more years."


skynewsus--2020-10-05--Trump says he now 'understands' the coronavirus but his actions prove otherwise

Horns had been blaring all day as Donald Trump 's supporters drove up and down the road outside his hospital .
Whether the president could see or hear the mini rally that had grown outside , he was all too aware of their presence .
Then the horns suddenly fell silent for the first time all day .
A line of police appeared .
The road emptied .
A video message dropped on Twitter of Mr Trump announcing he was going to make a little surprise for the `` great patriots '' outside .
Within seconds , a long motorcade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drew closer the cheers grew .
The president was here to greet his adoring fans .
His supporters went wild .
Screams , cheers , `` Four more years '' .
As if to clear up any lingering doubt that this could possibly be happening , the motorcade then turned and drove back up the road past the world media .
And there he was .
Two metres from us .
Mr Trump in a vehicle with others .
Positive with COVID-19 .
While he was wearing a face mask , it did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sitting in a vehicle so close to his security team .
The virus is so contagious , patients have to isolate .
Apparently not if you 're the president .
The surprise nature of this visit shocked everyone .
As we had to quickly process what was happening around us , the questions began to arise thick and fast .
How is Mr Trump allowed to leave hospital in his condition ?
Did his medical team agree to this ?
How do the people in the vehicle feel about being so close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a say ?
Since Mr Trump 's diagnosis emerged , various conspiracy theorists have suggested his illness was a hoax .
While that has been dismissed as far fetched , this recent appearance does call into question how someone with a life-threatening illness could behave so irresponsibly .
In his latest video message from hospital , Mr Trump said he has learned a lot about COVID .
`` I get it .
And I understand it , '' he said .
Does he ?
To put the lives of his secret service agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests the opposite .
Slightly earlier Mr Trump had tweeted an article by the Sunday Express reporting a new favourable poll that showed 19 % of people were more likely to vote for him after his diagnosis compared to only 13 % of people who were now less likely .
It suggests Mr Trump is keeping a close eye on the political PR opportunity of this occasion .
A chance to reset his message on the pandemic - that he now `` gets it '' .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Spreaker If Mr Trump continues to behave so recklessly , if his vice president continues to hold rallies despite so many of the top team in the White House testing positive , it suggests this president and this administration have learned nothing at all .
This appearance has thrilled his supporters .
But you do n't need to stray far from the rally at Walter Reed to hear the horrified reaction .
`` He still does n't grasp the reality , '' a waiter , John , tells me .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in danger ?
How ignorant is that ?
It 's all about him .
It 's not about the country .
It 's all about the Donald '' .

Horns had been blaring all day as Donald Trump's supporters drove up and down the road outside his hospital.
Whether the president could see or hear the mini rally that had grown outside, he was all too aware of their presence.
Then the horns suddenly fell silent for the first time all day. A line of police appeared. The road emptied. A video message dropped on Twitter of Mr Trump announcing he was going to make a little surprise for the "great patriots" outside. Within seconds, a long motorcade appeared in the distance.
As it drew closer the cheers grew. The president was here to greet his adoring fans. His supporters went wild. Screams, cheers, "Four more years".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Trump says 'I get it' before motorcade ride
As if to clear up any lingering doubt that this could possibly be happening, the motorcade then turned and drove back up the road past the world media. And there he was. Two metres from us. Mr Trump in a vehicle with others. Positive with COVID-19.
While he was wearing a face mask, it didn't appear remotely safe for him to be sitting in a vehicle so close to his security team. The virus is so contagious, patients have to isolate. Apparently not if you're the president.
The surprise nature of this visit shocked everyone. As we had to quickly process what was happening around us, the questions began to arise thick and fast. How is Mr Trump allowed to leave hospital in his condition? Did his medical team agree to this? How do the people in the vehicle feel about being so close to him? Did anyone even have a say?
Since Mr Trump's diagnosis emerged, various conspiracy theorists have suggested his illness was a hoax. While that has been dismissed as far fetched, this recent appearance does call into question how someone with a life-threatening illness could behave so irresponsibly.
In his latest video message from hospital, Mr Trump said he has learned a lot about COVID. "I get it. And I understand it," he said. Does he? To put the lives of his secret service agents at risk to greet a MAGA rally suggests the opposite.
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Slightly earlier Mr Trump had tweeted an article by the Sunday Express reporting a new favourable poll that showed 19% of people were more likely to vote for him after his diagnosis compared to only 13% of people who were now less likely.
It suggests Mr Trump is keeping a close eye on the political PR opportunity of this occasion. A chance to reset his message on the pandemic - that he now "gets it".
:: Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
If Mr Trump continues to behave so recklessly, if his vice president continues to hold rallies despite so many of the top team in the White House testing positive, it suggests this president and this administration have learned nothing at all.
This appearance has thrilled his supporters. But you don't need to stray far from the rally at Walter Reed to hear the horrified reaction.
"He still doesn't grasp the reality," a waiter, John, tells me. "How do you put all those people in danger? How ignorant is that? It's all about him. It's not about the country. It's all about the Donald".


skynewsus--2020-10-05--Spike Lee film star Thomas Jefferson Byrd killed in shooting

Spike Lee and Viola Davis are leading the tributes following the death of actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd , who has died after being shot multiple times .
Homicide detectives in Atlanta , Georgia , are investigating after officers were called to the city 's southwest side , where Byrd lived , in the early hours of Saturday .
Police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant said the 70-year-old was found unresponsive with several wounds in his back .
Responding paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene .
Byrd was known for his work in films by Oscar-winning director and producer Lee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chi-Raq , Bamboozled and Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus .
Lee paid tribute to Byrd in several Instagram posts , sharing some of his favourite scenes of the actor and recalling how he `` did his thang '' in his films .
`` May we all wish condolences and blessings to his family , '' Lee wrote in one post .
`` Rest in peace , Brother Byrd . ''
In another , he said : `` May Brother Byrd Be Flying Through Those Heavenly Pearly Gates .
AMEN . ''
Oscar-winning actress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working '' with Byrd , and described him as `` a fine actor '' in posts on social media .
Byrd , also a stage actor , was nominated for a Tony award in 2003 for his performance in the Broadway revival of Ma Rainey 's Black Bottom , co-starring Whoopi Goldberg and Charles S Dutton .
The story has also been brought to Netflix in a film starring Chadwick Boseman , who died of cancer in August .
Images showing the star in his final role were released by the streaming service @ @ @

Spike Lee and Viola Davis are leading the tributes following the death of actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, who has died after being shot multiple times.
Homicide detectives in Atlanta, Georgia, are investigating after officers were called to the city's southwest side, where Byrd lived, in the early hours of Saturday.
Police spokesman Officer Anthony Grant said the 70-year-old was found unresponsive with several wounds in his back.
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Responding paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Byrd was known for his work in films by Oscar-winning director and producer Lee, including Clockers, He Got Game, Chi-Raq, Bamboozled and Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus.
Lee paid tribute to Byrd in several Instagram posts, sharing some of his favourite scenes of the actor and recalling how he "did his thang" in his films.
"May we all wish condolences and blessings to his family," Lee wrote in one post. "Rest in peace, Brother Byrd."
In another, he said: "May Brother Byrd Be Flying Through Those Heavenly Pearly Gates. AMEN."
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Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis said she had "loved working" with Byrd, and described him as "a fine actor" in posts on social media.
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Byrd, also a stage actor, was nominated for a Tony award in 2003 for his performance in the Broadway revival of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, co-starring Whoopi Goldberg and Charles S Dutton.
The story has also been brought to Netflix in a film starring Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer in August.
Images showing the star in his final role were released by the streaming service last week.


skynewsus--2020-10-05--Trump may be infected but he still wants us to know who's in charge

After some seriously mixed messaging on Donald Trump 's health , Sunday brought another optimistic message from his doctors - not only was he on the mend , but he might be out by as early as today .
But that rosy outlook though was also coupled with some concerning revelations that highlighted the president was sicker than first disclosed and was taking medication usually reserved for severe cases of COVID-19 .
Not only did we learn he required supplemental oxygen twice , but he was taking dexamethasone too , a drug typically not used in mild or moderate cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walter Reed hospital insisted President Trump was doing better .
And they went a lot further than the day before , pinning themselves to a possible discharge date .
What was surprising about that was they had previously said seven to 10 days would be critical .
If the president leaves today , by current accounting , that takes us only to day five or six .
It did leave some wondering what pressure the medical team might be under .
The fact Dr Sean Conley has admitted his positive words on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help keep the president 's spirits up , did n't help instil confidence or trust in his updates .
The hospital and the White House though are dealing with a patient who demands total control over how he 's portrayed and clearly wants to reassure the public he 'll back back to the campaign trail as quickly as is humanly possibly .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He 's said to be furious with his Chief of Staff , Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his vital signs were `` very concerning '' .
The 24 hours that followed felt like an overt attempt to re-write the record - the president appearing in his own video , suited and booted and working from the hospital .
The eagled-eyed on Twitter soon spotted him signing a black piece of paper .
As for the drive-by parade in the middle of a pandemic in a packed car ... well that was just vintage Trump .
It was also , according to one doctor working in the hospital , `` putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But theatrics are Trump 's modus operandi .
He may be infected , but he wants us all to know he 's still in charge .
And his team will no doubt be under a crippling workload to make sure that while he 's starved of making big bangs on the campaign trial , his followers will still be treated to some fireworks .
If this weekend is anything to go by , expect more of the president portraying himself not as a victim , but a student of COVID-19 , who 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of us the path forward .
We will have to see how voters feel about that .
It feels far too early to assume any particular impact on his political fortunes .

After some seriously mixed messaging on Donald Trump's health, Sunday brought another optimistic message from his doctors - not only was he on the mend, but he might be out by as early as today.
But that rosy outlook though was also coupled with some concerning revelations that highlighted the president was sicker than first disclosed and was taking medication usually reserved for severe cases of COVID-19.
Not only did we learn he required supplemental oxygen twice, but he was taking dexamethasone too, a drug typically not used in mild or moderate cases.
Nonetheless, the medical team at Walter Reed hospital insisted President Trump was doing better. And they went a lot further than the day before, pinning themselves to a possible discharge date.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Has COVID affected Trump's Twitter habits?
What was surprising about that was they had previously said seven to 10 days would be critical. If the president leaves today, by current accounting, that takes us only to day five or six. It did leave some wondering what pressure the medical team might be under.
The fact Dr Sean Conley has admitted his positive words on Saturday (rapidly contradicted) were in part to help keep the president's spirits up, didn't help instil confidence or trust in his updates.
The hospital and the White House though are dealing with a patient who demands total control over how he's portrayed and clearly wants to reassure the public he'll back back to the campaign trail as quickly as is humanly possibly.
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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He's said to be furious with his Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, for briefing the press that his vital signs were "very concerning".
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The 24 hours that followed felt like an overt attempt to re-write the record - the president appearing in his own video, suited and booted and working from the hospital.
The eagled-eyed on Twitter soon spotted him signing a black piece of paper.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 The US president thanks supporters outside the military hospital near Washington DC where he is being treated for COVID-19.
As for the drive-by parade in the middle of a pandemic in a packed car... well that was just vintage Trump.
It was also, according to one doctor working in the hospital, "putting lives at risk for theatre".
But theatrics are Trump's modus operandi. He may be infected, but he wants us all to know he's still in charge.
And his team will no doubt be under a crippling workload to make sure that while he's starved of making big bangs on the campaign trial, his followers will still be treated to some fireworks.
If this weekend is anything to go by, expect more of the president portraying himself not as a victim, but a student of COVID-19, who's learned a lot and can show the rest of us the path forward.
We will have to see how voters feel about that. It feels far too early to assume any particular impact on his political fortunes.


skynewsus--2020-10-03--Revealed: UK shields used in US BLM protests, despite govt claim of "no evidence"

UK-made anti-riot gear has been widely used in America during clashes with Black Lives Matter protesters , despite the government 's claim there is `` no evidence '' British equipment was used , Sky News has found .
In a joint investigation with The Guardian , Bellingcat and Lighthouse Reports , riot shields made in England were found to have been used by at least six different US law enforcement agencies across three states .
The shields , intended to protect officers , have been used by US police in confrontations with protesters , journalists and passers-by - including a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cane who had to seek medical help .
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by DMS Plastics , which manufactures the shields , which are a form of personal protection equipment , and sold them legally to a US distributor .
Despite Sky News finding a large number of examples of the distinctive shields from widely available sources , `` no evidence '' of the shields was found when the British government investigated as part of a review to find out if it remained legal to export British-made crowd-control kit to the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while being detained by police on 25 May , the British government began an internal investigation to assess whether UK kit was being used by US law enforcement during the protests that had followed .
They say they found nothing , but `` assumed that it is possible '' British kit was used .
The investigation also sought to answer whether there was a `` clear risk the items might be used for internal repression '' .
Emily Thornberry , the shadow trade secretary , says the review is not robust : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we should have stopped it . ''
She adds : `` You 're not allowed to sell riot equipment if it is being used for internal repression .
So then the question is : What is internal repression ?
`` Well , internal repression is unlawfully hitting people , let 's say , a cancer victim with a stick , it is attacking members of the press , it is using unlawful violence , it is using it in order to suppress legitimate , lawful demonstrations . ''
The Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of May have been widely peaceful .
But criticisms of both some protesters and some law enforcement have been made , with some demonstrations turning into riots , and some officers publicly criticised for using excessive force .
British shields have been widely used by police and the Secret Service in Washington DC on 31 May and 1 June , the same day Donald Trump had his photo taken with a bible outside a church where protesters had been moved away from .
The Scorpion Solo Shields , which are simple to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an image of a scorpion on them , were also found in Salt Lake City , Utah , and Atlanta , Georgia , this summer .
At least two of the forces have on-going internal investigations examining whether officers using the shields used excessive force .
Two US Park Police officers were taken off their normal duties and are being investigated following an incident with an Australian cameraman in Washington DC .
A clip showing the journalist being hit in the stomach with a British-made shield went viral .
An officer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have used `` improper force '' by an independent City Review Board review after 67-year-old James Tobin , a veteran and Leukaemia patient who uses a cane to walk , was repeatedly hit with a UK-made shield until he fell to the ground after he stepped out to witness the protests near his home .
The officer is still being investigated by Salt Lake City Police Department and the District Attorney is also looking into the matter .
Sky News reached out to all the law enforcement agencies identified in the evidence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment , Salt Lake City Police Department and Arlington County Police Department both emphasised their commitment to supporting peaceful protests and the right to free speech .
The United States Park Police said they followed `` established procedures '' , that all `` use of force complaints '' are being investigated and they stated that more than 50 of their officers were injured during the protests .
West Valley City Police Department said their officers used the shields to protect themselves .
A UK government spokesperson said : `` We consider all our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessment framework and keep all licences under careful and continual review as standard .
`` This , of course , applies to our exports to the US .
`` The UK takes its export control responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most robust and transparent export control regimes in the world .
`` We rigorously examine each export licence application on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria . ''

UK-made anti-riot gear has been widely used in America during clashes with Black Lives Matter protesters, despite the government's claim there is "no evidence" British equipment was used, Sky News has found.
In a joint investigation with The Guardian, Bellingcat and Lighthouse Reports, riot shields made in England were found to have been used by at least six different US law enforcement agencies across three states.
The shields, intended to protect officers, have been used by US police in confrontations with protesters, journalists and passers-by - including a 67-year-old cancer patient who walks with a cane who had to seek medical help.
Image: The shields have a distinctive logo which features a scorpion
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by DMS Plastics, which manufactures the shields, which are a form of personal protection equipment, and sold them legally to a US distributor.
Despite Sky News finding a large number of examples of the distinctive shields from widely available sources, "no evidence" of the shields was found when the British government investigated as part of a review to find out if it remained legal to export British-made crowd-control kit to the US.
Ten days after George Floyd died while being detained by police on 25 May, the British government began an internal investigation to assess whether UK kit was being used by US law enforcement during the protests that had followed.
They say they found nothing, but "assumed that it is possible" British kit was used.
The investigation also sought to answer whether there was a "clear risk the items might be used for internal repression".
Emily Thornberry, the shadow trade secretary, says the review is not robust: "We should have done a proper review and we should have stopped it."
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She adds: "You're not allowed to sell riot equipment if it is being used for internal repression. So then the question is: What is internal repression?
"Well, internal repression is unlawfully hitting people, let's say, a cancer victim with a stick, it is attacking members of the press, it is using unlawful violence, it is using it in order to suppress legitimate, lawful demonstrations."
Image: The shields were used during clashes in Washington DC
The Black Lives Matter protests that have taken place since the end of May have been widely peaceful.
But criticisms of both some protesters and some law enforcement have been made, with some demonstrations turning into riots, and some officers publicly criticised for using excessive force.
British shields have been widely used by police and the Secret Service in Washington DC on 31 May and 1 June, the same day Donald Trump had his photo taken with a bible outside a church where protesters had been moved away from.
Image: There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by DMS Plastics, which manufactures the shields
The Scorpion Solo Shields, which are simple to identify as they have the brand name and an image of a scorpion on them, were also found in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Atlanta, Georgia, this summer.
At least two of the forces have on-going internal investigations examining whether officers using the shields used excessive force.
Two US Park Police officers were taken off their normal duties and are being investigated following an incident with an Australian cameraman in Washington DC.
Image: Sky News filmed the shields being used in Atlanta
A clip showing the journalist being hit in the stomach with a British-made shield went viral.
An officer in Salt Lake City was found by to have used "improper force" by an independent City Review Board review after 67-year-old James Tobin, a veteran and Leukaemia patient who uses a cane to walk, was repeatedly hit with a UK-made shield until he fell to the ground after he stepped out to witness the protests near his home.
YouTube YouTube , 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 YouTube 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 YouTube cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow YouTube cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The officer is still being investigated by Salt Lake City Police Department and the District Attorney is also looking into the matter.
Sky News reached out to all the law enforcement agencies identified in the evidence.
Of those who wanted to provide a comment, Salt Lake City Police Department and Arlington County Police Department both emphasised their commitment to supporting peaceful protests and the right to free speech.
Image: The shields were used by officers during the policing of demonstrations in Salt Lake City
The United States Park Police said they followed "established procedures", that all "use of force complaints" are being investigated and they stated that more than 50 of their officers were injured during the protests.
West Valley City Police Department said their officers used the shields to protect themselves.
A UK government spokesperson said: "We consider all our export applications thoroughly against a strict risk assessment framework and keep all licences under careful and continual review as standard.
Image: Donald Trump walks near some police carrying British-made shields
"This, of course, applies to our exports to the US.
"The UK takes its export control responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most robust and transparent export control regimes in the world.
"We rigorously examine each export licence application on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria."


skynewsus--2020-10-05--'Maybe I'm immune': Trump leaves hospital after coronavirus treatment

Donald Trump has left hospital after being treated for coronavirus .
He is now back at the White House after being flown there by helicopter .
Shortly before leaving the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda , Maryland he tweeted : `` Will be back on the Campaign Trail soon !
!
!
The Fake News only shows the Fake Polls . ''
As he left the hospital , he responded to a reporter 's question about how many people were infected at the White House by saying : `` Thank you very much '' .
Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well enough to go home but `` may not entirely be out of the woods yet '' .
The president has not had a fever in more than 72 hours and his oxygen levels are normal , they added .
`` He 's back '' Dr Sean Conley , Mr Trump 's personal doctor , said of the president 's progress , adding that he had been a `` phenomenal patient '' .
The president 's medical team confirmed he had twice received extra oxygen but does n't now have any respiratory problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions on his lung scans .
COVID-19 can cause serious damage , including pneumonia , that can be visible in such scans .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Doctors also could not say when the president would no longer be contagious or when he would be able to travel again .
Mr Trump will continue treatment at the White House , including a fifth dose of remdesivir - one of two experimental drugs he has been receiving .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maryland on Friday , with officials saying it was just a precaution .
He went on to post several videos from inside the medical centre but a `` drive by '' of supporters was criticised for potentially endangering Secret Service officers .
Dr Conley said Secret Service officers in the car during Sunday 's brief journey were wearing sufficient PPE to minimise the risk .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates Mr Trump earlier on Monday sent a flurry of campaign tweets encouraging people to vote in next month 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden in the US election on 3 November .
Two more debates are scheduled between the pair but the effect of Mr Trump 's illness on those events is currently unclear .
The president has been criticised by many opponents for his handling of the crisis that has been linked to more than 210,000 US deaths .
Mr Trump , however , has insisted actions such as imposing travel restrictions early on in the pandemic saved thousands of lives .
: : You can watch the Vice Presidential Debate between Mike Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live on Sky News and Sky News online

Donald Trump has left hospital after being treated for coronavirus.
He is now back at the White House after being flown there by helicopter.
Shortly before leaving the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland he tweeted: "Will be back on the Campaign Trail soon!!! The Fake News only shows the Fake Polls."
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
As he left the hospital, he responded to a reporter's question about how many people were infected at the White House by saying: "Thank you very much".
Mr Trump's doctors had said he was doing well enough to go home but "may not entirely be out of the woods yet".
The president has not had a fever in more than 72 hours and his oxygen levels are normal, they added.
"He's back" Dr Sean Conley, Mr Trump's personal doctor, said of the president's progress, adding that he had been a "phenomenal patient".
The president's medical team confirmed he had twice received extra oxygen but doesn't now have any respiratory problems.
However, they refused to answer questions on his lung scans.
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COVID-19 can cause serious damage, including pneumonia, that can be visible in such scans.
:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Doctors also could not say when the president would no longer be contagious or when he would be able to travel again.
Mr Trump will continue treatment at the White House, including a fifth dose of remdesivir - one of two experimental drugs he has been receiving.
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
Mr Trump was admitted to the hospital in Maryland on Friday, with officials saying it was just a precaution.
He went on to post several videos from inside the medical centre but a "drive by" of supporters was criticised for potentially endangering Secret Service officers.
Dr Conley said Secret Service officers in the car during Sunday's brief journey were wearing sufficient PPE to minimise the risk.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Mr Trump earlier on Monday sent a flurry of campaign tweets encouraging people to vote in next month's election.
Image: A selection of Mr Trump's tweets earlier on Monday
He takes on Democratic candidate Joe Biden in the US election on 3 November.
Two more debates are scheduled between the pair but the effect of Mr Trump's illness on those events is currently unclear.
The president has been criticised by many opponents for his handling of the crisis that has been linked to more than 210,000 US deaths.
Mr Trump, however, has insisted actions such as imposing travel restrictions early on in the pandemic saved thousands of lives.
:: You can watch the Vice Presidential Debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris on Thursday at 2am live on Sky News and Sky News online


skynewsus--2020-10-05--Fauci calls Trump 'superspreader' gathering dangerous

The top US infectious diseases doctor has warned a White House event which did not appear to follow coronavirus restrictions was `` dangerous '' .
Questions were already being raised about whether the president caught the virus at an event on Saturday 26 September , after at least seven other attendees tested positive .
The interview came as Mr Trump prepared to leave the military hospital where he has been treated for coronavirus .
Dr Antony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , suggested there was a `` high risk of transmissibility '' at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce his new pick for the Supreme Court .
`` I have been very vocal and visible about the fundamental tenets of public health with coronavirus , '' he told Times Radio on Monday .
`` And that is universal wearing of masks , keeping distance avoiding crowds , doing things outdoor more than indoor and washing hands frequently .
`` When I see pictures like that , not only there but anywhere , people who are in bars congregating , people who are at parties congregating without masks , that is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high risk of transmissibility .
`` And unfortunately , and I say really unfortunately , that 's exactly what happened during that meeting that was had to celebrate the appointment of a Supreme Court justice . ''
Guests sat in tightly-packed chairs which did not appear to be two metres apart while some hugged and did not wear masks .
Six days later , the US president and his wife both confirmed they had COVID-19 .
The incubation period of the virus is between one to 14 days , although on average people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to six days .
When asked if it could have been a superspreader event , Dr Fauci said : `` We have n't done all of the precise epidemiology .
But I agree with you .
`` If you look at it , and some of the people that were all commonly there , it looks like that that could have been an event where there was multiple people infected . ''
Mr Trump said he would leave hospital , after doctors said he was doing well enough to go home but `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woods yet '' .
The president has not had a fever in more than 72 hours and his oxygen levels are normal , they added .
The president 's medical team confirmed he had twice received extra oxygen but does n't now have any respiratory problems .
However , they refused to answer questions on his lung scans .
COVID-19 can cause serious damage , including pneumonia , that can be visible in such scans .

The top US infectious diseases doctor has warned a White House event which did not appear to follow coronavirus restrictions was "dangerous".
Questions were already being raised about whether the president caught the virus at an event on Saturday 26 September, after at least seven other attendees tested positive.
The interview came as Mr Trump prepared to leave the military hospital where he has been treated for coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Trump's surprise drive-by greeting
Dr Antony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, suggested there was a "high risk of transmissibility" at the event called by Mr Trump to announce his new pick for the Supreme Court.
"I have been very vocal and visible about the fundamental tenets of public health with coronavirus," he told Times Radio on Monday.
"And that is universal wearing of masks, keeping distance avoiding crowds, doing things outdoor more than indoor and washing hands frequently.
"When I see pictures like that, not only there but anywhere, people who are in bars congregating, people who are at parties congregating without masks, that is a dangerous situation that can lead to a high risk of transmissibility.
"And unfortunately, and I say really unfortunately, that's exactly what happened during that meeting that was had to celebrate the appointment of a Supreme Court justice."
Image: People were seated together at the ceremony
Guests sat in tightly-packed chairs which did not appear to be two metres apart while some hugged and did not wear masks.
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Six days later, the US president and his wife both confirmed they had COVID-19.
The incubation period of the virus is between one to 14 days, although on average people will start to develop symptoms after five to six days.
When asked if it could have been a superspreader event, Dr Fauci said: "We haven't done all of the precise epidemiology. But I agree with you.
"If you look at it, and some of the people that were all commonly there, it looks like that that could have been an event where there was multiple people infected."
Image: Dr Fauci said it was likely there were 'multiple people infected'
Mr Trump said he would leave hospital, after doctors said he was doing well enough to go home but "may not entirely be out of the woods yet".
The president has not had a fever in more than 72 hours and his oxygen levels are normal, they added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 Where has Trump been?
The president's medical team confirmed he had twice received extra oxygen but doesn't now have any respiratory problems.
However, they refused to answer questions on his lung scans.
COVID-19 can cause serious damage, including pneumonia, that can be visible in such scans.


skynewsus--2020-10-05--Trump doctors must resist 'VIP syndrome', warns COVID expert

The doctor leading the world 's largest study of COVID-19 treatment says Donald Trump should not be given experimental drugs that have yet to be fully tested .
Professor Martin Landray , joint chief investigator of the UK 's NHS Recovery Trial , said the antibody cocktail given to the president was promising , but had yet to be proven as safe and effective .
In an interview with Sky News , he said : `` The same principles apply to every patient .
`` Do n't expose people to drugs unless you know they are going to be useful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial . ''
The temptation to overtreat important patients , sometimes to their detriment , is known colloquially by doctors as VIP syndrome .
The president had a large medical team dedicated to his care at the Walter Reed Medical Centre in Bethesda , Maryland - and will continue to be treated at the White House .
`` It does not matter what your job is or what your role in society is , '' said Prof Landray .
`` Your body 's response , the virus 's response to a drug is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of biology and medicine . ''
The Recovery Trial has just started the first study of Regeneron 's cocktail of antibodies , known as REGN-COV2 .
It 's the first treatment designed to target the virus .
Around 2,000 NHS patients across the UK will be given the antibodies , with their outcome compared with a similar number receiving standard medical care .
`` The early data from a few hundred patients shows the drug is effective against the virus .
It 's bad for the virus , what we do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patient , '' said Prof Landray .
`` Does it shorten the time in hospital , reduce the need for a ventilator and improve survival - we need to know that . ''
The Recovery Trial has already shown that the cheap and widely available steroid dexamethasone reduces deaths by a third in patients on ventilators .
The drug was given to President Trump over the weekend when his blood oxygen levels dipped slightly below normal , and there are questions over whether he met the criteria for treatment .
Giving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the virus .
Professor Landray said : `` We were pretty clear that if patients are in hospital but do n't require oxygen then they do n't benefit from the steroid .
`` There are side effects to all drugs and you would only give one where you expect there to be benefits . ''
Professor Landray said treatments would continue to be tested as part of the Recovery Trial .
If the death rate could be significantly reduced then normal life could be resumed , even in the absence of @ @ @

The doctor leading the world's largest study of COVID-19 treatment says Donald Trump should not be given experimental drugs that have yet to be fully tested.
Professor Martin Landray, joint chief investigator of the UK's NHS Recovery Trial, said the antibody cocktail given to the president was promising, but had yet to be proven as safe and effective.
In an interview with Sky News, he said: "The same principles apply to every patient.
"Don't expose people to drugs unless you know they are going to be useful, except in context of a clinical trial."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Trump's surprise drive-by greeting
The temptation to overtreat important patients, sometimes to their detriment, is known colloquially by doctors as VIP syndrome.
The president had a large medical team dedicated to his care at the Walter Reed Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland - and will continue to be treated at the White House.
"It does not matter what your job is or what your role in society is," said Prof Landray.
"Your body's response, the virus's response to a drug is not determined by status but by fundamentals of biology and medicine."
The Recovery Trial has just started the first study of Regeneron's cocktail of antibodies, known as REGN-COV2. It's the first treatment designed to target the virus.
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Around 2,000 NHS patients across the UK will be given the antibodies, with their outcome compared with a similar number receiving standard medical care.
"The early data from a few hundred patients shows the drug is effective against the virus. It's bad for the virus, what we don't know yet is if it's good for the patient," said Prof Landray.
Image: Prof Landray says the same principles should apply to every patient
"Does it shorten the time in hospital, reduce the need for a ventilator and improve survival - we need to know that."
The Recovery Trial has already shown that the cheap and widely available steroid dexamethasone reduces deaths by a third in patients on ventilators.
The drug was given to President Trump over the weekend when his blood oxygen levels dipped slightly below normal, and there are questions over whether he met the criteria for treatment.
Image: The trial has shown dexamethasone reduces deaths by a third in patients on ventilators
Giving the steroid too early could reduce the immune response to the virus.
Professor Landray said: "We were pretty clear that if patients are in hospital but don't require oxygen then they don't benefit from the steroid.
"There are side effects to all drugs and you would only give one where you expect there to be benefits."
Professor Landray said treatments would continue to be tested as part of the Recovery Trial.
If the death rate could be significantly reduced then normal life could be resumed, even in the absence of a vaccine.