Suspended Shopping Helps Those Facing Economic Hardship During Pandemic in Itely

  In Italy, where the coronavirus has shuttered more than 2 million businesses and left 1 in every 2 workers without income, some Italians are putting a new twist on an old custom to help the needy and restart the economy.

   It's so small that social distancing forces customers to order through the window. Shop owner Michela Buccilli says suspended coffee has been replaced with suspended grocery shopping.

  

   The store usually doubles the amount donated and provides food that does not spoil fast — such as pasta and canned goods — to a local aid group, the Sant'Egidio Community, that distributes it to the needy. Buccilli says one customer wanted specifically to donate a kilo of oranges to a needy family, so Buccilli sent the aid group a crate of oranges.

Suspended shopping is an act of charity in which the donor doesn't show off and the recipient doesn't have to show gratitude.

With Italy's economy in suspension, the custom is being broadened with a view to the future.

US coronavirus outbreak could be 'largely in the past' by early June, Mike Pence says

   Mike Pence, the US vice president, has said the coronavirus outbreak in America could be “largely in the past” by early June - less than two months away. 

   Mr Pence cited the fact that Covid-19 cases are believed to have already peaked nationwide during an interview with the Wall Street Journal. 

“We truly do believe as we move forward, with responsibly beginning to reopen the economy in state after state around the country, that by early June, we could be at a place where this coronavirus epidemic is largely in the past,” Mr Pence said.

NAB freezes properties owned by Shehbaz Sharif's sons

  The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday froze immovable assets owned by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif and his sons, Hamza Shehbaz and Suleman Shehbaz, over charges of money laundering and possessing assets beyond known sources of income. (Lahore)

   These properties are located in Lahore, Chiniot, Haripur and Abbottabad and will remain under the accountability watchdog’s custody for a period of 15 days, during which the bureau would seek confirmation of its orders from an accountability court.

   A cottage, a villa, and a six marla plot in Khasra and two houses in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase V Lahore bought by the former opposition leader in the name of his second wife Tehmina Durrani. Hamza and Suleman’s immovable properties include two plots in Chiniot’s Tehsil Bhowana, nine in MA Johar Town Lahore and four in Judicial Colony Phase 1 (extension).

   The order, signed by NAB Lahore Director General Shahzad Saleem, cites an “investigation against accused Shehbaz Sharif, Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, Suleman Shehbaz and others for offence (s) of corruption and corrupt practices as defined under section 9(a) punishable under section 10 of the National Accountability Ordinance 1999 read with section 3 of Anti-Money Laundering Act 2010.” NAB also said that the according to the evidence collected against the three, there were “reasonable grounds” for believing that they were involved in corrupt practices.

   The order will remain in force for a period of 15 days within which the anti-graft watchdog will file an application in the accountability court under section 12 of the NAO 1999.

   On Monday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had dismissed a petition against step of freezing Al Arabia Sugar Mills – owned by Shehbaz’s family – by NAB.

The division bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi had heard the petition filed by Al Arabia Sugar Mills.

   A NAB prosecutor had opposed the petition and submitted written parawise comments to the petition. Subsequently, after hearing arguments of the parties, the bench had dismissed the petition.

On November 25, NAB Lahore had decided to freeze industries belonging to Shehbaz’s family members in the assets beyond means case.

   The NAB Lahore DG had directed the authorities concerned, including the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), to implement the orders with immediate effect.

Members of the Sharif family and their financial advisers were also given the copies of the directives.

In July, the anti-corruption watchdog had ordered to freeze all moveable and immoveable assets belonging to Shehbaz and his family members.

   In separate letters written to various departments, including excise and taxation, revenue and district governments, the anti-graft watchdog had banned sale, purchase and transfer of all properties belonging to the former Punjab chief minister and his family members, including Durrani.

It is worth mentioning here that the opposition leader in National Assembly (NA) is facing a number of graft cases instituted by the bureau. Among the cases are the Ashiana-e-Iqbal Housing Scheme scam, Ramzan Sugar Mills and Saaf Pani scam.

New COVID-19 cases and fatalities per day in Pakistan 20, April 2020

• 
• Stars perform in online concert for COVID-19 workers
  Some of the biggest names in the music world took part in an eight-hour online, globally televised concert to celebrate healthcare workers in the fight against coronavirus.
• Global coronavirus cases top 2.4 million
  The number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide passed 2.4 million late Sunday, according to a running tally by US-based Johns Hopkins University.
• Confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan rise to 8,418
  The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has soared to 8,418. According to National Command and Operation Centre, 3721 cases have so far been detected in Punjab, 2537 in Sindh, 1235 in …
• PM Khan urges nation to stay home as much as possible
  Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday has requested the people to stay at their homes as much as possible during the coronavirus pandemic. The premier took to social-networking website and posted that t …
• US coronavirus death toll surpasses 40,000
  The death toll in the U.S. from the novel coronavirus has surpassed the 40,000 mark, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University Sunday.
• Confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan soar to 7,993
  The total number of coronavirus infection cases in the country has reached 7,993, These include Punjab, 3694, Sindh, 2355, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 1137, Balochistan 376, Islamabad Capital Territory 171
• Coronavirus cases, deaths rise across world
  More coronavirus cases and deaths were reported in several countries on Saturday. The number of cases in Israel crossed 13,000 and the death toll has risen to 158, according to the Health Ministry.
• China reports 27 new cases of coronavirus
  Chinese mainland confirmed new cases of the coronavirus, less then 30 for the second consecutive day, health authorities said on Saturday.  According to the National Health Commission of China.

US death toll hits 40,000, New York set for aggressive antibody testing, financial help for small businesses immidiately

   

   The coronavirus death toll in the U.S. hit a new plateau, New York state will begin the nation's most aggressive antibody testing campaign this week and some states are beginning to loosen restrictions as the nationwide effort to restore the economy began to take shape Sunday.

Negotiators were also close to a deal that could provide $300 billion in additional funding to struggling small businesses.

   Overwhelmingly, restrictions remained in force. In Oklahoma City, a virtual ceremony was held to mark the 25th anniversary of the bombing that killed 168 people.

“What breaks our hearts the most is ... we know we can’t assemble the large crowds that normally come to this remembrance ceremony," organizers said in a statement. The tribute included 168 seconds of silence, and the names of 168 people killed in the bombing will be read aloud.

COVID-19 claimed the lives of almost 1,900 Americans Saturday, and the toll death in the U.S. surpassed 41,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University's data dashboard.

Governors slam Trump's call to 'liberate' states

Democratic and Republican governors pushed back Sunday on President Donald Trump's tweets to "liberate" some states where people protested social distancing measures enacted to slow the spread of the coronavirus. 

"I don't know any other way to characterize it," Gov. Jay Inslee, D-Wash. said on ABC News, expressing disbelief at seeing the "president of the United States basically encourage insubordination" against laws that are "designed to protect people's health." 

"It is dangerous because it can inspire people to ignore things that actually can save their lives," Inslee said.

Trump Stops U.S. Funding of W.H.O, U.K. Coronavirus Deaths May Be Higher Than Official Toll

Confirmed infections neared 2 million, with more than 120,000 dead, and the I.M.F. predicted the worst global downturn since the Great Depression. New York City passed 10,000 fatalities.

   Britain, with the fastest-growing outbreak in western Europe, has understated the human and economic cost of the coronavirus, according to new information released on Tuesday.

   The government’s Office of National Statistics released figures indicating that deaths could be at least 10 percent higher than the official toll — 12,107 as of Tuesday — which does not take into account many people who die in nursing homes or at home.

   More than 2,000 nursing homes, about 13 percent of the country’s total, have had coronavirus cases, said Dr. Chris Whitty, the government’s chief medical adviser. Workers in many of the homes have complained of an acute shortage of protective gear.

   Care England, a charity representing independent care agencies, has estimated that nearly 1,000 Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes have gone uncounted. Two major home operators have reported 521 deaths in recent days, many of which are not yet included in official totals.

PM Imran Khan Decision on Lockdown Until 30-4-2020

 

   Sharing the decisions taken by a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) with the media, the premier noted that the government had announced a lockdown after 26 cases were confirmed in the country and thanked the public for restricting themselves to their homes in the subsequent days. "I am glad to share that the coronavirus spread only 30 per cent of what the government had projected because of the way the people observed the lockdown in difficult times," he said.
   However, the premier cautioned the people against stopping to observe precautionary measures, saying infections from the virus could spike at any time.

   No government can fight this Pandemic alone. We need to work together as one nation. Please step up & help your fellow citizens in this hour of need, Khan later tweeted.

   Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar said that the government had "identified industries where there is a low risk of the virus spreading" and they will be allowed to operate with standard operating procedures in place. Those industries include:

• chemical and manufacturing plants
• e-commerce for export
• e-commerce for local deliveries of necessary items
• software development and programming
• paper and packaging units
• Industries whose labour is present in their premises
• Cement and fertiliser plants
• Mines and minerals
• Dry cleaners and laundry services
• Horticulture nurseries
• Units making agricultural machinery
• Glass manufacturing
• Veterinary services
• All export industries provided their orders are confirmed by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan
• Books and stationery shops

PM Imran facilitate Christian community on Easter, urges them to celebrate at home

   Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday felicitated the Christian community on Easter and urged them to celebrate at home.

   The premier took to Twitter and asked the Christian community to stay safe during the pandemic by praying and celebrating at home.

“Please stay safe and keep your families safe during the COVID-19 pandemic by praying and celebrating at home; & by observing the national safety protocols,” he wrote in his tweet,

"Wishing all our Christian citizens a happy Easter. Please stay safe and keep your families safe during the COVID19 pandemic by praying and celebrating at home; & by observing the national safety protocols"

   The annual Easter festival marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the culmination of 40 days of lent – a time of fasting, reflection and spiritual renewal for the Christian community.

   In consideration of the ban imposed on congregational gatherings amid the growing threat of COVID-19, several places of worship in the country have decided to not hold congregational prayers to help control the spread of the disease.

When to reopen the US, It is deciding

    President Trump, who two weeks ago said he wanted the country to open by Easter, said Friday he wouldn't do anything until he knew the country was healthy again.

   "I'm going to have to make a decision and I only hope to God that it's right decision," the President said Friday.

   But I would say without question it's the biggest decision I've ever had to make."

In Ohio, the number of people impacted is lower than previously projected. But before the state attempts a return to normal life, Gov. Mike DeWine said more work needs to be done and there will need to be "a lot more testing."

   "The reopening is going to have to be, you know, one step at a time, one stage at a time," he said, adding, "We don't want to be premature, but we also want to assure people that we're planning for this."

Response actions, Critical preparedness and Readiness for COVID-19

Responding to community spread of COVID-19

This document provides technical guidance for government authorities, health workers, and other key stakeholders to guide response to community spread. It will be updated as new information or technical guidance become available. For countries that are already preparing or responding, this document can also serve as a checklist to identify any remaining gaps.

Operational considerations for case management of COVID-19 in Health Facility and Community

This document is intended to guide the care of COVID-19 patients as the response capacity of health systems is challenged; to ensure that COVID-19 patients can access life-saving treatment, without compromising public health objectives and safety of health workers.

It promotes two key messages: 

1. Key public health interventions regardless of transmission scenario; and 

2. Key action steps to be taken by transmission scenario to enable timely surge of clinical operations.

Prioritized Laboratory Testing Strategy According to 4Cs Transmission Scenarios

Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is critical to tracking the virus, understanding epidemiology, informing case management, and to suppressing transmission. This document describes the strategic use of diagnostic testing in different transmission scenarios of the COVID-19 outbreak, from no cases to community transmission, including how testing might be rationalized when lack of reagents or testing capacity necessitates prioritization of certain populations or individuals for testing.”

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Public Advice

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Reason: Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Reason: When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

 

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Reason:  Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Reason:  Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Reason:  National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Reason:  National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

• Follow the guidance outlined above.

• Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.   
• Reason:  Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

• If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
• Reason:  Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

US Reports highest daily coronavirus death casses ! Wuhan City In China Started New Life

   

   The daily death toll from coronavirus in the United States surpassed 1,800 on Tuesday, marking a new global high for the number of deaths linked to the virus in one country in a single day. The grim figure emerged as Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak was first recorded late last year, reopened after nearly 11 weeks of lockdown. Outbound traffic was permitted beginning at midnight local time, although schools and many businesses remain closed.

   Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson remained in the intensive care unit of a London hospital, where he is being treated for coronavirus and is “receiving standard oxygen treatment and breathing without any assistance,” according to his official spokesman.

Here are some significant developments:

• The corona virus is infecting and killing black Americans at an alarmingly high rate, a Post analysis of early data from jurisdictions across the country shows.
• prompted a firestorm by traveling to the USS Theodore Roosevelt and assailing the character of the ship’s former captain.
• President Trump removed the chairman of the federal panel that Congress created to oversee his administration’s management of the $2 trillion stimulus package. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury is preparing to ask Congress to swiftly commit an additional $200 billion for a small-
• business relief program that is overwhelmed by demand.
• The U.S. daily death toll is increasing rapidly and on Tuesday roughly doubled record daily numbers from hotspots in Europe. Italy, which reached a peak of 919 daily deaths last month, announced Tuesday that 604 deaths had occurred the day before. Spain confirmed 743 deaths in the past day. But some officials said evidence suggests the pandemic’s devastation in the United States may not reach the direst projections. 
• Legendary American singer-songwriter John Prine, whose songs captured the struggles of lower-middle-class life, died in Nashville after contracting coronavirus. He was 73.

Wuhan travel ban Ends Now a Days, virus deaths jump in US

Wuhan began allowing people to leave on Wednesday for the first time since the central Chinese city was sealed off 76 days ago to contain the coronavirus that first emerged there late last year.

   But as China's outbreak eases, the pandemic is deepening in other parts of the world.

In the United States, the number of confirmed cases is now nearing 400,000, with the country recording its biggest daily jump in deaths since the outbreak began. 

The United Kingdom, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in intensive care with the disease, also reported its biggest daily rise in deaths.

   Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has threatened to put a "hold" on funds for the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the organization of bias towards China and performing badly in the coronavirus pandemic.

   The US is the WHO's biggest source of funds. Globally,the number of people diagnosed with the virus now exceeds 1.4 million. More than 82,000 people have died while more than 300,000 have recovered according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Lockdown in Colombia will affect the right to abortion

   Although necessary for the health protection of citizens, measures taken by the Colombian government to contain the COVID-19 infection, including the national lockdown and closing the borders, may hinder the access of Colombian and Venezuelan women to services that are essential to their sexual and reproductive health.

   “In times of pandemic, women will still require the services necessary for accessing safe abortions, emergency contraception, and protection from sexual violence and abuse,” Selene Soto, a lawyer from the Women’s Link Worldwide organization in Bogota, told Global Voices.

   In Colombia, abortion is legal on three grounds: a serious fetal malformation, a risk to the life and health of the mother, and rape. Despite past court rulings upholding this right, there is still a lack of access to information, as well as social and economic barriers, that prevent women and girls, especially in poor and remote regions, from terminating their pregnancies safely. If abortion takes place outside of those three exceptions, it is illegal and punishable with one up to three years in prison. With the lockdown, many women, especially the poorest and those in rural regions, might avoid seeking legal and healthcare guidance concerning their pregnancy and unnecessarily undergo unsafe abortions at home.

   For Soto, “if the emergency health policies and decrees are not designed within a human rights framework or from a gender perspective, many women will be at risk and unprotected.”

Colombia is in national lockdown until April 13 and this may be extended. At the time of writing this story, there were 798 confirmed COVID-19 cases and the number is rising. The government is only allowing the movement of people in exceptional circumstances, including stocking up on food and going to health facilities, among others, but the right to sexual and reproductive health is not mentioned.

   Those who fail to comply with these mandatory lockdown isolation measures could be punished with fines, or up to 8 years imprisonment.

  “These exceptions must explicitly include services that make it possible to maintain and guarantee access to sexual and reproductive health,” says Selene Soto.  “And not just access to abortion, but also to emergency contraception and access to health for women who are victims of sexual violence”.

For example, Soto says that if a woman in a remote region needs an abortion and this requires a transfer to a care center in another city, this case will need administrative procedures and safe conduct passes that may not be arranged in time. This situation has a direct impact on the possibility of terminating unwanted pregnancies on time and could force women to undergo unsafe abortions, thus worsening their risk of death. 

   Although the figures aren't clearly specified, it is estimated that each year, an average of 400,000 women in Colombia undergo unsafe abortions and 70 women die because of these procedures.

“During this time of humanitarian emergencies, the continuance of [the right to abortion under the three conditions] must be guaranteed”, says Soto.

(SAYS HUMAN RIGHTS LAYER)

RUSSIA GOES INTO LOCKDOWN, Why

   

   As coronavirus cases in Russia rise rapidly, many cities across the country have gone into lockdown. At the time of writing, all of Russia's large cities scored four to five points on Yandex's “self-isolation map“: meaning that there is “nearly nobody on the streets.”

   Home should be a refuge from the pandemic — but for many women and girls, it means being locked up with a serial abuser.

   “For a large number of women and children, home can be a place of fear and abuse,” said Dubravka Šimonović, the UN's Special Rapporteur on violence against women, in her recent believes that the coronavirus will lead to a surge in violence against women. Across the world, that already appears to be happening. In Brazil, China, Cyprus, Italy, and Spain, activists and local authorities have recently reported an “explosive increase” in desperate pleas for help from terrified women, following the tightening of restrictions on public movement.

   Will Russia follow suit? On March 30, Oksana Pushkina, deputy chairperson of the State Duma committee on women, children, and family affairs, noted that the country had around 15 crisis centres for victims of domestic violence, many of which have already closed due to quarantine regulations. On April 2, nine Russian public organisations working with victims of domestic violence appealed to the government to urgently protect and support vulnerable people in quarantine. They called for the creation of a coordination centre to help victims, the maintenance of shelters, public information campaigns against domestic violence, education for law enforcement on how to tackle the problem, and exempting victims of domestic violence from the fines and other punishments for leaving quarantine.

   The outlook in Russia is grim; for several years, human rights defenders and feminist activists have tried and failed to secure official recognition of and protection for victims of domestic violence. Since the 1990s, about 40 drafts have been proposed. A bill in 2016 was rejected. The following year, the State Duma relaxed punishments for some forms of domestic violence, amid a conservative campaign for “family values.” Last December, Pushkina and several activists submitted a draft law against domestic violence. It has not yet been adopted, and faces strong resistance.

   That's why many feminists feel that Russia simply hasn't treated domestic violence seriously. Now, vulnerable women could pay a heavy price.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic, Cases in World

Total Coronavirus Cases: 2,839,021

Deaths: 197,365

Recovered: 807,250

Active Cases : 1,828,415

Closed Cases : 1004,616

 

 

 

Spain and Italy told to USA about Hope, Coronavirus

    The situation in Italy and Spain, where infections and deaths have fallen in recent days, is "giving hope" on what the United States' "future could be", says Deborah Birx, one of President Trump's coronavirus advisers.

On Sunday, New York, the epicentre of the US outbreak, reported a drop in the number of new infections and deaths.

   "We're hopeful over the next week that we'll see a stabilisation of cases in these metropolitan areas where the outbreak began several weeks ago," Dr Birx said.

The US has reported 337,274 confirmed infections and 9,619 deaths from Covid-19, by far the highest tally in the world.

   On Sunday, Italy reported that 525 people had died in the previous 24 hours - the lowest daily figure since 19 March.Another 674 people died in Spain - the lowest daily death toll in over a week.

India fighting COVID-19 the “mass surveillance” way

   In addition to a country-wide lockdown, India is has been experimenting with technology that will help them control the spread of COVID-19. On April 2, the government launched its COVD-19 mobile tracking app, Aarogya Setu. The app, which alerts users when they are within six feet of a person infected with the coronavirus, is creating major concerns about potential digital security issues.

   It also alerts government authorities if a person's tracked details — such as recent travel to any country with high infection rate or medical symptoms — draw suspicion.

   In a series of tweets, Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan, principal scientific adviser to the Indian government, says the app will let citizens know if they accidentally come in contact with infected people around them. In one of the tweets, he also advised the users to keep the phone Bluetooth turned on and “always” share their location.

   Aarogya Setu is also only one of 11 official apps that the federal and provincial governments have launched to fight COVID-19. Another app, Corona Kavach, has also drawn criticism over privacy issues. In an article on the Hindu, journalist Suhasini Haidar wrote:

   The government’s efforts to monitor people advised quarantine for the novel coronavirus ran into privacy issues on Friday, after the database of hundreds of passengers who returned from “coronavirus affected countries” was leaked online and shared by social media groups. In addition, the government defended its newly launched pilot or beta version of a mobile phone application called “Corona Kavach” which uses the data of confirmed corona virus patients to alert subscribers when they are in close proximity.

  

   When many of the recent government approaches in India blur the line between scientific approaches to fight COVID-19 and the protection of individual rights, the rushed use of technology troubling. India is one of many countries using technology to help stymie the spread of the virus. Joseph Cannataci, United Nations special rapporteur on the right to privacy, expressed concerns on how countries are enforcing strict surveillance and other measures during the pandemic that are dangerous to individual freedom.

Can the UK do 100,000 Corona tests a day?

  

 The UK Government has promised it will dramatically increase corona virus testing to 100,000 a day by the end of the month.

   It has been criticised for not testing more people already, as countries like Germany have managed to reach 50,000 tests a day.

Daily corona virus testing passed 10,000 people a day across the UK on Thursday 2 April - so how can capacity be increased tenfold in just four weeks?

What is stopping the UK testing more people?

   You need the laboratory space as well as enough, and the right kind of, machines.

You need the right reagents - highly specific substances used to extract the virus's genetic material and to make it easier to study.

   You need staff to take the swabs from patients' noses or throats, and staff in labs to process the tests.

And you need the logistics in place to get samples from patients to labs.We're talking about diagnostic tests to find out if you have the virus here - ones that involve a nose or throat swab that has to be sent off to a lab.

   Antibody tests use blood to look for evidence you've already had the virus but these are unlikely to be available on a large enough scale in time to be part of the 100000 target.

USA pushed unproven coronavirus treatment guidance PRESSED BY TRUMP

     President Donald Trump personally pressed in March, 2020 United States federal health officials to make malaria drugs available to treat the novel corona virus, though they had been untested for Covid-19.

     While Trump, in a series of tweets and press comments, had made his opinions on the drugs, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, well known, the nature of his behind-the-scenes intervention has not been previously reported. The guidance, published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has received scant notice outside medical circles.

     The episode reveals how the president’s efforts could change the nature of drug oversight, a field long governed by strict rules of science and testing. Rarely, if ever, has a US president lobbied regulators and health officials to focus their efforts on specific unproven drugs.

“The president is short-circuiting the process with his gut feelings,” said Jeffrey Flier, a former dean of Harvard Medical School. “We are in an emergency and we need to rely on our government to ensure that all these potential therapies are tested in the most effective and objective way.”

In a statement, the White House said the president had not launched a “pressure campaign” but was taking appropriate action.

“The President’s top priority is the health and safety of the American people which is why he has brought together the federal government and private sector, including doctors, scientists, and medical researchers, for an unprecedented collaboration to expedite vaccine development,” said the statement, which did not address Reuters questions about the CDC guidance.

Administration supporters say the CDC document, highlighting options, makes sense at a time of medical calamity with no proven treatment. And, they note, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have been prescribed for years with known risks. Any potential risk to coronavirus patients, some argue, is worth taking given the health crisis.

“In a perfect situation you would never do this,” said a public health specialist who recently left government. “But if you know what the safety downside is, and the patient is ready to try it, it’s worth a try.”

It has long been known that in certain patients, and with prolonged use, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can cause an interrupted heartbeat or a cardiac arrhythmia, the medical literature shows. A new research paper says these “may pose particular risk to critically ill persons.”

Queen to urge self discipline and resolve, Corona Virus

The Queen is to stress the value of self-discipline and resolve during the corona virus pandemic in a special address to the nation on Sunday.

In a rare speech, she will acknowledge the grief, pain and financial difficulties Britons are facing during this "time of disruption".
She will also thank NHS staff and key workers, and emphasis the important role individuals can play.
Her address will be broadcast on TV, radio and social media at 20:00 BST.
The Queen is expected to say: "I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time.
"A time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all."

Trump predicts ‘a lot of corona virus death cases pass 300000'

US President Donald Trump has warned Americans to prepare for the "toughest week" of the coronavirus pandemic yet, predicting a surge in deaths.

At his daily briefing, Mr Trump said "there will be death" in a grim assessment of the days ahead.
He sought to reassure the worst-hit states, promising medical supplies and military personnel to combat the virus.

But in contrast to his warning, Mr Trump suggested easing social-distancing guidelines for Easter.
"We have to open our country again," Mr Trump told a news conference at the White House on Saturday. "We don't want to be doing this for months and months and months."

• Trump to defy 'voluntary' advice for Americans to wear masks
• How Trump's attitude toward coronavirus has shifted
• Trump knows economic meltdown brings political pain

Mr Trump's calls to relax restrictions on life came on the day confirmed corona virus infections in the US surpassed 300,000, the highest number in the world.
As of Saturday, there were almost 8,500 deaths from Covid-19 in the US, with most in New York state - the epicenter of the outbreak.
On Saturday, New York state recorded 630 more corona virus deaths, another daily record that takes its toll to 3,565. The state now has almost as many cases - over 113,000 - as the whole of Italy.
President Trump gave a candid assessment of what lies ahead for the US in the coming weeks.
"This will be probably the toughest week between this week and next week, and there will be a lot of death, unfortunately, but a lot less death than if this wasn't done but there will be death," Mr Trump said.