good afternoon. the majority of coronavirus tests for essential workers were booked up through the government website within an hour of it reopening this morning, with some still available in scotland. all home testing kits were allocated in less than 15 minutes. meanwhile, the nhs is urging people to go to hospital if they think they need medical care. it follows a sharp drop in the number of patients going to accident and emergency departments since the pandemic began. our correspondent richard galpin reports.

the drive to get millions of key workers such as teachers, the police and staff working in the food industry began yesterday. but the numbers applying are overwhelming the system. just before ten o'clock this morning, we looked at the government website, which key workers used to book a test. many of the options were already unavailable. home kits were all booked out within 15 minutes. the only available option for a test was ata only available option for a test was at a site in scotland. this, for many, at a site in scotland. this, for er at a site in scotland. this, for many, very frustrating, and requiring a lot of persistence.” tried and it was not working. so i kept on trying throughout the evening. eventually i got back on. and, again, went through the system of trying to book a test. i booked it and this morning when i woke up i received a text to tell me that a test has been allocated for me at

2pm this afternoon. today, senior nhs officials have urged people to be patient. more capacity is coming on stream and i would urge people who fit in those criteria is key workers to go back onto the website as more appointments become available. also today, the nhs has announced an origin campaign: people who have fallen seriously hour with conditions other than coronavirus to go to hospitalfor conditions other than coronavirus to go to hospital for treatment. conditions other than coronavirus to go to hospitalfor treatment. since the coronavirus pandemic hit the uk, the coronavirus pandemic hit the uk, the number of people coming to a&e departments has dropped by around 50%. apparently because people fear being a burden in the midst of this crisis. we are here for non—coronavirus patients, too. so, if you are worried about chest pain, maybe you might be having a heart attack or a stroke, or you feel a lump oryou are attack or a stroke, or you feel a lump or you are worried about cancer, 01’ you are lump or you are worried about cancer, or you are repairing lump or you are worried about cancer, 01’ you are repairing concern cancer, or you are repairing concern about your child, please come

forward and use the health service in the way that you normally would. delaying coming to hospital when suffering from heart attacks or strokes, or other serious conditions, could have very serious consequences. the nhs has said it has the capacity to look after non—coronavirus patients. richard galton, bbc news. —— richard galpin. the former conservative chancellor, philip hammond, has called on ministers to set out their plans for restarting the economy. he's warned that the uk's economic survival cannot wait until a vaccine is ready. our political correspondent, nick eardley, is here. number ten is coming under increased pressure to end the current restrictions? yes, there are increasingly questions being asked about how quickly the economy needs to get moving again. philip hammond's argument is essentially that coming out of lockdown gradually would be a lot harder than going into it. figuring out how you are going to do thatis figuring out how you are going to do that is essential because the longer

you wait, the greater the economic damage is going to be. and there are many conservatives who are sympathetic to that argument, who think that ministers need to be more open with the public about the trade—offs and start to discuss them more in public, who want ministers to do what the devolved governments have done in the past few days, and begin that conversation about when restrictions might be lifted. the government is of course very aware of the huge economics told that this is taking. there is, for example, work going on to look at how workplaces around the country could ijust so workplaces around the country could i just so that they can reopen eventually with restrictions in place, to allow for things like social distancing. but ultimately, the government has stuck to its message, that refrain that we hear every day, to stay at home and protect the nhs and save lives. that is the message we will hear again from the home secretary priti patel this afternoon, for the simple reason that at the moment, the

government does not want to divert its message and it is not ready to go into those detailed conversations about what post lockdown life might look like. next, thank you. ——nick, thank you. the coronavirus pandemic is likely to be the most expensive event in history for the insurance industry, with their estimates putting the total cost at £1.2 billion. but many firms disrupted by the lockdown say they still have not received pay—outs, while others have been told that their claims are not valid. our business correspondent katie prescott reports. like so many businesses, this clinic in cheshire has seen its revenue fall to zero since the lockdown. they had bought business interruption insurance to pay out if they ever had to stop trading. but their claim for closure due to the coronavirus was rejected. it is a bit galling to realise that over the years we have spent over £10,000 in insurance which was not valid, and when we finally came to claim, we were told we can't. i think all businesses thought

they had inoculated themselves by buying this insurance, and they have found that this financial vaccine does not work. sonia's now empty clinic. she had a business interruption policy which covered closure due to human contagion. her insurer is disputing her claim as coronavirus was not directly on her premises. we paid our premium, always paid it on time, have done the right thing. there is a clause in that document, which is, in my view, really clear. i think we are going to close. without that payment, we can't continue. the bbc has been inundated with e—mails from business owners like sonia, who feel unfairly treated by their insurers. the treasury select committee of mps and the financial watchdogs are all looking at this issue. but insurers argue that to make this sort of cover widely available and affordable for people would require government subsidies, given the scale of the unprecedented disruption it has caused. most business interruption policies that most businesses have,

up and down the country, are very much designed to protect them from standard things like fire and flood. they are not designed to cover and were not priced either to cover for a global pandemic. insurance pay—outs for floods are already covered by a government—backed fund, which all insurers contribute to. and there's speculation that another such scheme could be created for pandemics, but that won't help those who are looking for pay—outs today. katie prescott, bbc news. talks have been taking place between the government and premier league football officials about allowing matches to resume. games have not been played for seven weeks, with liverpool two wins from claiming the title. but there are lots of caveats to any possible return. let's get more from katherine downes at the bbc sport centre. yes, news perhaps that sports fans have been waiting for. a quickening

of the pace, as it has been referred to. a move toward sport, notjust football, resuming within weeks. for football, resuming within weeks. for football, the talks have already begun, the season is currently suspended indefinitely, liverpool two wins away from climbing their first premier league title in 30 yea rs. first premier league title in 30 years. for the likes of leeds united, west brom, other championship clubs vying for that lucrative promotion to the premier league, this sounds like exciting news indeed. you mention the caveats, and there are plenty of them. these planned meetings with them. these planned meetings with the government, the specifics of each sport will be examined, with a view to getting that sport up and running again. some sports are likely to return sooner than others. the government accepts that sport at the moment could only take place behind closed doors. it also depends on the death rate and infection rate continuing to fall, athletes being regularly tested, social distancing being maintained and high standards of hygiene being observed. yes,

talks are taking place but we will not see a change to the sporting lockdown in the next few weeks. the government will review the current measures in place on may the 7th, but there has been a recognition that a return to sport would be a much—needed boost all of us. that a return to sport would be a much-needed boost all of us. lots of bridges to cross, thank you. zoos, like many businesses and attractions, have had to shut their doors to visitors as a result of the lockdown. keepers at edinburgh zoo say they would normally be packed with visitors at this time of the year. but while the penguin parade is on hold, the zoo's staff make sure the animals are still being cared for during the crisis. lorna gordon reports. the animals of edinburgh zoo. lion cubs joined by other additions like this koala joey, venturing out for the first time. there are over 2,500 animals here. the keepers agreeing to film for us to show how the animals are faring while the gates are closed. one of the first things we have

to do is check on all our penguins and make sure everybody is ok. the famous penguin parade is for now no longer happening but the breeding season here has started so both the penguins and their keepers have plenty to do. this is one of our breeding nests for our northern rockhoppers this year. we are currently at this moment waiting for this chick to hopefully hatch in the next couple of days. the city's zoo would usually get thousands of visitors every day. but the lockdown means pathways here are now deserted. but obviously today we are. ..empty. however, we've still got a panda who is outside and having a bite of lunch so let's go and have a look at him. the solitary creatures are among the most popular animals here. their adoring audience may have disappeared but it has made no difference to them. with everything that is going on, social—distancing isn't really a problem for pandas, because they quite like being solitary and he certainly doesn't miss having company.

a lot of people worry that if he's on his own, he's lonely. he's not. as long as yang guang has food, he is perfectly happy. the keepers are always careful around their charges, but coronavirus means they are taking even more precautions now. we wear gloves when we're handling any food or things like that, but we have started wearing facemasks all the time. one of the things that could potentially is happen is that we could pass coronavirus onto the chimps. as far as i know, there are no known cases of chimpanzees catching coronavirus but they are susceptible to things like the flu so we really don't want to take that chance. the zoo is a charity, so like other similar organisations it has worries now its income from visitors has dropped away. its priority, ensuring the animals here receive the best care possible during this crisis.

you can see the daily coronavirus special on bbc one you have got to unlock the economy as much as you can, but the same time, not allowing the virus to go back to spreading very fast. thati nvolves back to spreading very fast. thatinvolves a mixture hello. you're watching the bbc news channel with carrie gracie. for much of the world, the pandemic shows few signs of slowing, and the lockdown continues. millions of people are forced to stay at home, many businesses have had to shut their doors. but there are glimmers of hope, as some countries, particularly in europe, consider easing the restrictions. tim allman reports. this is mont—saint—michel on france's normandy coast. millions of tourists come here every year, but not this year. for now, it's like a ghost town. empty streets, empty tables,

the lockdown in full effect. translation: i would say it was done like a military campaign, because at nine o'clock, theyjust said, "sorry, sir, you're not opening." that was it, it was done in less than a minute. it was very sudden. so we closed, everyone left, we just dropped everything. it's the same all across the country. this is the place de la concorde in paris, almost completely deserted. but things may soon change, president macron suggesting travel restrictions could soon be eased as france tries to get back to normal. for belgium, that process is already tentatively under way. in a late—night news conference, the prime minister unveiled a detailed timetable to ease the lockdown. translation: wearing an item of protection that covers both the mouth and the nose will be compulsory when taking public transport starting may 11th for

travellers aged 12 and above. most shops and schools will begin reopening next month, although classrooms will be limited to ten pupils and facemasks will have to be worn on public transport. translation: if we can present you with an exit strategy, it is because of the citizens who are also leading the fight against covid—19. restaurant owners in germany have been staging a protest, laying out rows of empty chairs in dozens of towns and cities across the country. they say their industry is in a precarious situation and they don't know when they will be allowed to reopen. and there were tense scenes in austria as around 200 people took to the streets of vienna calling for an end to the lockdown there. restrictions have been eased, but for some, it is just not happening fast enough.

tim allman, bbc news. in spain, health officials say another 378 people have died of the virus. it's a slight rise, a day after the country registered its lowest number of fatalities in four weeks, the total number of deaths in spain nearing 23,000. that makes it the third worst—affected country after the united states and italy. the uk government is facing calls to be more transparent about who sits on the independent scientific committee, which has shaped the uk coronavirus strategy. this after it emerged that borisjohnson's chief aide, dominic cummings, had attended some of the meetings. downing street said mr cummings had listened to the discussions as well as occasionally asking questions and offering help, but that he hadn't influenced the expert advice. i've been speaking to the conservative mp damian green

who was the first secretary of state in theresa may's government. he told me that there's nothing surprising about dominic cummings attending the meetings. you have got to unlock the economy as much as you can, but the same time, not allowing the virus to go back to spreading very fast. that involves a mixture of scientific decision—making and political messaging, which is very difficult. but clearly that is the next big decision the government has to take. ok, let's just turn, before i let you go, to the question of scientific decision—making and the allegations, i suppose, that there is at least the perception if not the reality of political interference or political involvement in those with dominic cummings being present at, either in a member or observer status, at meetings of sage, the scientific advisory group that advises the government.

where you stand on this row? i must say, i think this story is complete rubbish. i would be much more worried if senior people from number ten, dominic cummings or anyone else, wasn't actually listening to the scientific discussions. and i think the most improbable thing is this idea that in some ways the distinguished scientists and their advice would be altered by the fact that having a number ten official in that meeting. that is a insult to them and the people sitting around a table. of course they will give the best scientific advice. of course it is sensible for somebody from number ten to be there to say, a — to ask questions, and b — to get the tone of the meeting and what will actually be distilled into the minutes of that meeting. i do think this is a storm not even in anything as big as a teacup. the nhs says its website for booking coronavirus tests

is back up and running, but all the available home testing kits have gone. the chief clinical information officer for nhs england, simon eccles, says they're developing more laboratory, supply and logistics capacity every day. let's talk to nick 0liver from plymouth. he is a support worker for dementia patients. he was unable to get an appointment for a test yesterday, but has managed to get one this afternoon both for himself and his wife, who is a matron at a local hospital. both are keen to get back to work. thatis that is correct. i had trouble yesterday getting a test, in fact, i got a text at 25 past five yesterday saying there was no slot available. soi saying there was no slot available. so i had to go through the same system again late last night to book a test and i have a text when i woke up a test and i have a text when i woke up to say that a test was available at 2pm this afternoon. and how you feeling? are you relieved that you are getting the test or are you still feeling frustrated at how difficult it has proved? a bit of both. i am difficult it has proved? a bit of both. iam relieved difficult it has proved? a bit of both. i am relieved that i am

finally getting test done. i can either get the all clear and be able to go back to full duties, i am actually working from home at the moment, and yes, a bit of apprehension and frustrated at is taking this long. your patients that i mentioned at the top, you look after some dementia patients, is that in a care home environment or in their homes? summers at the individuals' homes and some is in a group setting. they will come to a room where they are in a horseshoe shape setting. we are very close. if you have a room of 20 people, we can be quite close to each other. and you need the test, obviously, because you need to know about the risks of infecting them. absolutely, and another role i have is as a

coach here in plymouth footballs and the night before, i was actually working with a group of young people and feel guilty that i may have pass it onto my patience other young people i with. so do you believe that you have had it and that this testis that you have had it and that this test is going to demonstrate that you have other you think it is going to be negative that you haven't?” believe that i have had it. from what. .. i was believe that i have had it. from what... i was speaking to the 111 service quite regularly and for all of the symptoms that i have gone through, they say it is quite sure i have had it. i was asking for a test when i first had the symptoms to make sure and it has taken now until today to actually finally get that test. and notjust for today to actually finally get that test. and not just for you, today to actually finally get that test. and notjust for you, but today to actually finally get that test. and not just for you, but for your wife, who, i test. and not just for you, but for yourwife, who, ithink, is a test. and not just for you, but for your wife, who, ithink, is a matron ata your wife, who, ithink, is a matron at a local hospital. yes, she works for the nhs at a local hospital. yes, she works forthe nhs in

at a local hospital. yes, she works for the nhs in plymouth and she is the matron for a unit in plymouth and tower stock and kingsbridge.” am glad that you will get your tests this afternoon. we wish you both all of the best. bank you very much. more than 50,000 people have died of coronavirus in the united states. it comes as three of the less—affected states are allowing shops to reopen. president trump has now claimed he was being ‘sarcastic‘ when he suggested injecting disinfectants may be a way to fight coronavirus, and refused to take questions at the white house daily briefing. david willis reports. thank you very much. and with that, they were gone. a daily press briefing which routinely stretches beyond two hours, all over in 22 minutes. donald trump's reluctance to face further question seen as a response to the backlash he has faced over comments made to the coordinator of his coronavirus task force the day before. and then i see the

disinfectant...that knocks it out in a minute. one minute. and is there a way we can do something like that? by injection, inside or... ..almost a cleaning? because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check. that prompted a torrent of ridicule and condemnation. government officials warning of the health problems that ingesting household disinfectant could cause. and a stark reminderfrom mr trump's democratic rivaljoe biden. "don't drink bleach." president trump has since said he wasn't being serious, even though he appeared so at the time. what i was asking a sarcastic, in a very sarcastic question, to the reporters in the room, about disinfectant on the inside. but it does kill it and it would kill it on the hands. meanwhile, more than 50,000 people here have now died from the coronavirus, but in georgia and some other southern states, hairdressers,

tattoo parlours and nail salons have already started to reopen. already started to reopen, despite warnings from health officials that it's too early for them to do so safely. across the world a shortage of masks has meant people are often making do with whatever they can put together. now a china—based community enterprise normally dealing with air purification equipment is measuring how well everyday items might potentially restrict the virus. stephen mcdonell reports from beijing.

a beijing team has decided to test these materials properly. smart air isa these materials properly. smart air is a social enterprise were expense testing for air pollution. they are blowing air into a tube and testing roughly what size coronavirus particles can pass through materials. they have found that coffee filters, kitchen towels and nylon a re coffee filters, kitchen towels and nylon are great at blocking, but you cannot breathe through them. what we have found as being the best material is paper towel, canvas denim, jeans, and bed sheets were really good. they turned out really well. in many countries around the world, makeshift mass production is in full swing. monks in thailand are using their own materials. in the us, the surgeon general posted a how—to video giving some ideas. some

of what is being used is actually too porous. i see you have some scarves here. how did they go? moulded really badly. they couldn't filter out the tiny particles. so how do you get an idea of what could be more effective? you can hold up materials to the light and compare the amount of light coming through the amount of light coming through the materials. that will give you an idea ofjust how well they can filter out particles. more might means more particles can get through it. you want less light for it to be better. however he doesn't want people to overplay their research. some of the best materials can filter 30 or a0%. that is better than nothing, but definitely not the solution. we can't be happy wearing facemasks and suddenly coughing and touching people and kissing people and it is a temporary solution.

surgical mask manufacturing is ramping up globally, so access to proper masks will eventually be not such an issue. yet even some of these can be faulty. and never offer com plete these can be faulty. and never offer complete protection. you're watching bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with stav danaos. much like this week, today there is 20 of sunshine around. the scout was stubborn to burn back to the east coast. many places so the sunshine and it was a pretty warm day. we sorta see some changes as we head into tomorrow. there will be quite a bit of dry and sunny weather around, but also a cluster of heavy showers. tonight it looks like it will stay cloudy across the south—west and into wales with showers here and clear elsewhere. no pressure. you

push in to the north and there could be showers here in scotland by the end of the night. temperatures for most down to three to 6 degrees. it would be chilly in east anglia. here is the precious child. they. this is the area of low pressure i am talking about. that brings callous and coolairto talking about. that brings callous and cool air to much of scotland. particularly the northern half of scotla nd particularly the northern half of scotland through the day. the showers will move eastwards and could be on the heavy side as well. for england and wales, although there will be sunshine around, we could see some thundery showers through central areas and towards wales. cooler in the north with low teens celsius and another one day in the south and south—east. it is cool in starting to bring some air down from the arctic with a light northerly wind and there will be a north—south divide as we head on into monday. this is the divide. this band of cloud, a few showers on it, someone in the south, one or two showers, and across scotland there will be another cluster of showers

which will feel noticeably cooler here. ten to 13 degrees for it could make 19 or 20 here. ten to 13 degrees for it could make 19 or20 in here. ten to 13 degrees for it could make 19 or 20 in the south—east. into monday and into tuesday, low pressure will move off from the south and could give significant ranger in the end and wales. perhaps the most significant rainfall of the month so far. some could be heavy as it moves northwards and it could brighten up across the south into the afternoon and could spark some heavy or thundery showers. it looks like much of northern ireland and scotla nd like much of northern ireland and scotland should be dry. cooler in the north, a little bit milder in the north, a little bit milder in the south. it remains unsettled from wednesday onwards with further sunshine and showers, not feeling as one as it has of late. —— not feeling as warm as it has of late.

hello, this is bbc news with carrie gracie the headlines... coronavirus tests for uk key workers

through the government website were booked up within an hour of it reopening this morning. all home testing kits were ordered in less than 15 minutes. countries around europe pursue options to end the lockdown — belgium sets out a detailed plan to relax restrictions. meanwhile, a former chancellor in the uk calls on the government to set out how britain can ease its lockdown and restart the economy. people needing medical care are urged not to be put off by the coronavirus pandemic — as visits to uk a&e departments drop by almost half. you should not be afraid of accessing health care services. we want you to call 111, call your gp or call 999 first. but the nhs is there for you. the english premier league holds talks with ministers about how football matches could resume with televised matches played behind closed doors. three us states allow some businesses to reopen as the number