news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Far more drug dealers arrested during COVID-19 lockdown

Police targeting drugs gangs are making far more arrests during the coronavirus lockdown because dealers `` stand out '' and are `` drawing attention '' , a senior officer has said .
Detective Superintendent Jo Banks , from Sussex Police , said the pandemic presented an unexpected opportunity to tackle county lines - where organised groups move narcotics out of urban areas and into towns and villages .
But dealers have been `` really quick to change ( their ) business model '' since the COVID-19 outbreak began , she said .
With demand for drugs unchanged , the rail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the roads '' , she told the PA news agency .
Officers are now patrolling streets in search of consignments being driven into their area .
Fewer drugs have been available since the lockdown was brought in , and the purity has gone down , Ms Banks said .
There has also been a reduction in `` cuckooing '' - which sees dealers taking over the homes of vulnerable people - again because of the measures to stop coronavirus spreading .
Discussing what had happened since the lockdown began on 23 March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's afforded us an opportunity to do more of the disruption because they do stand out .
`` When you look out at our streets their activity is drawing attention .
`` We are actually making far more arrests and working still with our partners to be able to do that . ''
She also said she wants to help those whose homes are taken over by drugs gangs .
`` One of the things I am keen on is we still get on to those vulnerable people now , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can use this time now to stop them being vulnerable once the lockdown ends . ''
Last weekend , officers found £23,000 of cannabis and several thousand pounds of cash at a flat in Bexhill , East Sussex .
Two men aged 22 and 21 , and a woman aged 21 , were arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply , and money laundering .

Police targeting drugs gangs are making far more arrests during the coronavirus lockdown because dealers "stand out" and are "drawing attention", a senior officer has said.
Detective Superintendent Jo Banks, from Sussex Police, said the pandemic presented an unexpected opportunity to tackle county lines - where organised groups move narcotics out of urban areas and into towns and villages.
But dealers have been "really quick to change (their) business model" since the COVID-19 outbreak began, she said.
Image: There are fewer drugs on the streets and the purity has gone down
With demand for drugs unchanged, the rail network has been "eschewed in favour of the roads", she told the PA news agency.
Officers are now patrolling streets in search of consignments being driven into their area.
Fewer drugs have been available since the lockdown was brought in, and the purity has gone down, Ms Banks said.
There has also been a reduction in "cuckooing" - which sees dealers taking over the homes of vulnerable people - again because of the measures to stop coronavirus spreading.
Discussing what had happened since the lockdown began on 23 March, Ms Banks said: "It's afforded us an opportunity to do more of the disruption because they do stand out.
"When you look out at our streets their activity is drawing attention.
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"We are actually making far more arrests and working still with our partners to be able to do that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'Too early to lift UK lockdown'
She also said she wants to help those whose homes are taken over by drugs gangs.
"One of the things I am keen on is we still get on to those vulnerable people now," she said.
"We need to consider how we can use this time now to stop them being vulnerable once the lockdown ends."
Last weekend, officers found £23,000 of cannabis and several thousand pounds of cash at a flat in Bexhill, East Sussex.
Two men aged 22 and 21, and a woman aged 21, were arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply, and money laundering.


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Ellie Goulding sings for NHS nurse in online wedding surprise

A bride and groom got the surprise of their lives when Ellie Goulding popped up at their online wedding .
Hayley Pitman and Harvey Skelton had been due to get married in Gloucestershire last weekend , but the ceremony was postponed due to coronavirus .
Instead , the NHS nurse and rugby coach tied the knot on the internet , watched by family and friends via video link .
Pop star Goulding , who celebrated her own wedding last year , gave a live performance of Love Me Like You Do .
The amazed newlyweds shared their first dance in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and played the guitar .
The Starry Eyed singer was fresh from her One World : Together At Home performance , where she sang for millions of people around the world in a virtual concert to celebrate healthcare workers .
Goulding told the pair , who had long ago planned the song as their first dance : `` Congratulations Harvey and Hayley , you are both heroes and we all love you . ''
Ms Pitman , who is a theatre practitioner at Bristol Hospital , told Sky News : `` Despite not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and family in person , being thrown a virtual wedding by the For Better For Worse team was such a magical experience .
`` And the appearance by one of our favourite singers Ellie Goulding was just the icing on the cake , I could n't believe it !
`` The memories of this will certainly keep us both going until we can celebrate properly later on in the year . ''
According to Mr Skelton , the couple had tried to hold off postponing until a short while before the nuptials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of it was taken out of our hands '' .
Ms Pitman added : `` We just decided it was probably best we called it off before we actually went into lockdown because we had a lot of elderly relatives that were going to attend and family members with underlying health conditions . ''
But , despite the unusual setting , the pair managed to uphold at least one tradition - as much as lockdown would allow .
`` I saw her a little bit [ the night before the wedding ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bride-to-be .
`` She disappeared for the evening - as you normally would . ''
Ms Pitman said : `` But it was a bit tricky as we were confined in the house . ''
Due to the COVID-19 lockdown , many weddings planned in March , April and May have had to be called off .
Tammy Madge , who runs the wedding directory company behind the virtual surprise , said : `` It was really difficult to see so many couples having to postpone their weddings after spending months or even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
`` To help bring a smile back to a special couple 's face , we took it upon ourselves to organise a virtual wedding .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' With such close ties to the NHS , Hayley and Harvey were the perfect choice for us , and of course Ellie Goulding surprising the couple made it so much more special and beautifully emotional even if we were all sat behind our screens ! ''
A Love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to raise money for NHS Charities Together .

A bride and groom got the surprise of their lives when Ellie Goulding popped up at their online wedding.
Hayley Pitman and Harvey Skelton had been due to get married in Gloucestershire last weekend, but the ceremony was postponed due to coronavirus.
Image: Goulding sang Love Me Like You Do from her sofa
Instead, the NHS nurse and rugby coach tied the knot on the internet, watched by family and friends via video link.
Pop star Goulding, who celebrated her own wedding last year, gave a live performance of Love Me Like You Do.
The amazed newlyweds shared their first dance in their living room, as Goulding sang and played the guitar.
The Starry Eyed singer was fresh from her One World: Together At Home performance, where she sang for millions of people around the world in a virtual concert to celebrate healthcare workers.
Image: Hayley and Harvey's first kiss as man and wife
Goulding told the pair, who had long ago planned the song as their first dance: "Congratulations Harvey and Hayley, you are both heroes and we all love you."
Ms Pitman, who is a theatre practitioner at Bristol Hospital, told Sky News: "Despite not being able to be with our friends and family in person, being thrown a virtual wedding by the For Better For Worse team was such a magical experience.
"And the appearance by one of our favourite singers Ellie Goulding was just the icing on the cake, I couldn't believe it!
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"The memories of this will certainly keep us both going until we can celebrate properly later on in the year."
According to Mr Skelton, the couple had tried to hold off postponing until a short while before the nuptials, but said the virus meant "a lot of it was taken out of our hands".
Ms Pitman added: "We just decided it was probably best we called it off before we actually went into lockdown because we had a lot of elderly relatives that were going to attend and family members with underlying health conditions."
But, despite the unusual setting, the pair managed to uphold at least one tradition - as much as lockdown would allow.
"I saw her a little bit [the night before the wedding]," Mr Skelton said of his bride-to-be. "She disappeared for the evening - as you normally would."
Ms Pitman said: "But it was a bit tricky as we were confined in the house."
Image: Friends and family got to watch the virtual ceremony online
Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, many weddings planned in March, April and May have had to be called off.
Tammy Madge, who runs the wedding directory company behind the virtual surprise, said: "It was really difficult to see so many couples having to postpone their weddings after spending months or even years saving and planning for their special day.
"To help bring a smile back to a special couple's face, we took it upon ourselves to organise a virtual wedding.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"With such close ties to the NHS, Hayley and Harvey were the perfect choice for us, and of course Ellie Goulding surprising the couple made it so much more special and beautifully emotional even if we were all sat behind our screens!"
A Love In Lockdown fundraising page has been set up to raise money for NHS Charities Together.


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Harry says he is proud of the 'wonderfully British' response to COVID-19

The Duke of Sussex has thanked NHS workers and volunteers in the battle against coronavirus and said he is `` incredibly proud '' of the British public 's response .
In an interview with the Declassified podcast , Harry said the amount of people who stepped up to help in the national effort was `` wonderfully British '' .
He also praised World War Two veteran Captain Tom Moore for his `` utterly amazing '' fundraising efforts after the 99-year-old raised more than £25m for the NHS by walking lengths of his garden .
The duke , who stepped down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now living in the US with wife Meghan and son Archie , went on the podcast to encourage veterans to volunteer and join Team Rubicon UK as they help the government in its response to the coronavirus crisis .
Harry continued : `` I want to say a huge thank you , as we all do , to all of the NHS workers and everybody that 's volunteering .
`` Because up and down the UK , whether it 's from Dorset up to Staffordshire , there are literally hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 750,000 people who volunteered to help the NHS through the pandemic , Harry said : `` It 's such a wonderfully British thing that we all come to help when we need it . ''
He paid tribute to Capt Moore , who has captured the nation with his fundraising efforts , telling the podcast : `` Congratulations to Tom , I think what he 's done is utterly amazing .
`` It 's not just what he 's done , it 's the reaction that people have had as well , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm just so incredibly proud to see what these individuals up and down the country and across the world are doing on a day-to-day basis . ''
Harry , who is now living in Los Angeles , said he hopes volunteering efforts continue once the crisis is over , and called the volunteering efforts of veterans a `` selfless act '' .
He said : `` It just makes me incredibly proud to see the Brits stepping up like this , but I really , really hope that this keeps going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has come to a close . ''
He also highlighted the efforts of young people , describing the youth engagement during the pandemic as `` exceptional , specifically in the UK '' .
Hosted by Michael Coates , the Declassified podcast is a series of conversations with members from the military community .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Queen 's grandson , who served with the Blues and Royals and the Army Air Corps , joined a humanitarian operation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 earthquake .
The charity is `` re-purposing veteran skill '' to support mortuaries and hospitals during the crisis , according to Team Rubicon 's chief executive Richard Sharp .
In response to the pandemic , the charity has launched Op RE : ACT which is calling on veterans to utilise their skills and assist in volunteering .
Mr Sharp told the podcast : `` Our main effort has been to support the incredible NHS . ''

The Duke of Sussex has thanked NHS workers and volunteers in the battle against coronavirus and said he is "incredibly proud" of the British public's response.
In an interview with the Declassified podcast, Harry said the amount of people who stepped up to help in the national effort was "wonderfully British".
He also praised World War Two veteran Captain Tom Moore for his "utterly amazing" fundraising efforts after the 99-year-old raised more than £25m for the NHS by walking lengths of his garden.
Image: Harry and Meghan are now living in Los Angeles, California
The duke, who stepped down as a working royal in March and is now living in the US with wife Meghan and son Archie, went on the podcast to encourage veterans to volunteer and join Team Rubicon UK as they help the government in its response to the coronavirus crisis.
Harry continued: "I want to say a huge thank you, as we all do, to all of the NHS workers and everybody that's volunteering.
"Because up and down the UK, whether it's from Dorset up to Staffordshire, there are literally hundreds of thousands of people volunteering."
Praising the 750,000 people who volunteered to help the NHS through the pandemic, Harry said: "It's such a wonderfully British thing that we all come to help when we need it."
He paid tribute to Capt Moore, who has captured the nation with his fundraising efforts, telling the podcast: "Congratulations to Tom, I think what he's done is utterly amazing.
"It's not just what he's done, it's the reaction that people have had as well, I think is again just wonderfully British.
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"I'm just so incredibly proud to see what these individuals up and down the country and across the world are doing on a day-to-day basis."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Harry: 'Full respect to every one of you'
Harry, who is now living in Los Angeles, said he hopes volunteering efforts continue once the crisis is over, and called the volunteering efforts of veterans a "selfless act".
He said: "It just makes me incredibly proud to see the Brits stepping up like this, but I really, really hope that this keeps going after coronavirus and after this whole pandemic has come to a close."
He also highlighted the efforts of young people, describing the youth engagement during the pandemic as "exceptional, specifically in the UK".
Hosted by Michael Coates, the Declassified podcast is a series of conversations with members from the military community.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Queen's grandson, who served with the Blues and Royals and the Army Air Corps, joined a humanitarian operation by Team Rubicon UK in Nepal following its 2015 earthquake.
The charity is "re-purposing veteran skill" to support mortuaries and hospitals during the crisis, according to Team Rubicon's chief executive Richard Sharp.
In response to the pandemic, the charity has launched Op RE:ACT which is calling on veterans to utilise their skills and assist in volunteering.
Mr Sharp told the podcast: "Our main effort has been to support the incredible NHS."


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Developing a vaccine against COVID-19 is 'not a given'

A vaccine against the coronavirus is `` not a given '' , an expert has told Sky News .
Sir Jeremy Farrar , director of the Wellcome Trust and one of the experts advising the government on its COVID-19 response , said he was `` optimistic '' that one could be found .
But he told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that there was no guarantee .
`` The truth is we do n't have a vaccine for any other human coronavirus - common cold , SARS , MERS - and so it 's not a given that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeremy said .
`` I 'm optimistic but it 's not whether it 's a vaccine or a treatment or a test or a diagnostic , the truth is we have to have all of these and we have to use them in parallel because we 're not sure which one of these will work and in the end actually we 'll need all of those . ''
Sir Jeremy added that he held out hope of a vaccine towards the end of this year , but pointed out that it will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If we did have a vaccine let 's say late in 2020 or into 2021 , we would then need to manufacture it in billions of doses and make those billions of doses available to the world , '' Sir Jeremy said .
`` So just having a vaccine that is safe and effective and proven is not enough , we have to think all the way through to the end of how we get this around the world because if there is any country vulnerable , if there is any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this virus , then every country is vulnerable .
`` I hope we will have a vaccine towards the end of this year but that 's a vaccine in a vial , a vaccine that we believe to be safe , a vaccine that we think will be effective .
That is not having a vaccine for the world . ''
Sir Jeremy was speaking as the government faced fresh questions about its handling of the COVID-19 crisis .
According to the Sunday Times , dire warnings were ignored from scientists - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of the coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic '' .
Government whistleblowers , scientists and emergency planners have alleged there was a complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have been urgently replenishing stockpiles .
Asked if ministers were too slow to respond to the virus , Sir Jeremy said `` there must be lessons learnt '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I think if you look at testing , yes , if you look at what was happening in Korea and Singapore and indeed in Germany , there was a much quicker ramping up of testing .
`` Testing is critical , testing will be critical as we come out of this epidemic , the ramping up of testing , the provision of PPE [ personal protective equipment ] in hospitals to protect healthcare workers , all of these in retrospect , yes , should have happened earlier . ''
Sir Jeremy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak of the COVID-19 outbreak , but warned further peaks could follow .
`` We should not see this as a discrete episode , '' he told Ridge .
`` I think the probability and what we must be planning for is that there will be further waves of this in the future . ''
In his role on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies , Sir Jeremy is one of a number of experts who will tell the government when is a good time to begin easing the UK 's lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , but `` I hope we will get there in three , four weeks ' time '' .
`` It is clear that the lockdown ca n't go on for much longer , '' Sir Jeremy continued .
`` The damage it 's doing to all of our health , our wellbeing , our mental health , it disproportionately of course affecting the most vulnerable and the least able to cope with it in society , that 's a really big issue of inequality . ''
A Downing Street spokesman has criticised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it , as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers .
`` The prime minister has been at the helm of the response to this , providing leadership during this hugely challenging period for the whole nation . ''

A vaccine against the coronavirus is "not a given", an expert has told Sky News.
Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and one of the experts advising the government on its COVID-19 response, said he was "optimistic" that one could be found.
But he told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that there was no guarantee.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:01 Britain joins the race to find a vaccine
"The truth is we don't have a vaccine for any other human coronavirus - common cold, SARS, MERS - and so it's not a given that we will make a vaccine," Sir Jeremy said.
"I'm optimistic but it's not whether it's a vaccine or a treatment or a test or a diagnostic, the truth is we have to have all of these and we have to use them in parallel because we're not sure which one of these will work and in the end actually we'll need all of those."
Sir Jeremy added that he held out hope of a vaccine towards the end of this year, but pointed out that it will take time for it to be widely available.
"If we did have a vaccine let's say late in 2020 or into 2021, we would then need to manufacture it in billions of doses and make those billions of doses available to the world," Sir Jeremy said.
"So just having a vaccine that is safe and effective and proven is not enough, we have to think all the way through to the end of how we get this around the world because if there is any country vulnerable, if there is any country where there is still transmission of this virus, then every country is vulnerable.
"I hope we will have a vaccine towards the end of this year but that's a vaccine in a vial, a vaccine that we believe to be safe, a vaccine that we think will be effective. That is not having a vaccine for the world."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 'We may need more than one vaccine'
Sir Jeremy was speaking as the government faced fresh questions about its handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
According to the Sunday Times, dire warnings were ignored from scientists - and the UK lost "a crucial five weeks in the fight to tackle the dangerous threat of the coronavirus despite being in a perilously poor state of preparation for a pandemic".
Government whistleblowers, scientists and emergency planners have alleged there was a complacency at the heart of government in late January and February when it should have been urgently replenishing stockpiles.
Asked if ministers were too slow to respond to the virus, Sir Jeremy said "there must be lessons learnt".
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He said: "I think if you look at testing, yes, if you look at what was happening in Korea and Singapore and indeed in Germany, there was a much quicker ramping up of testing.
"Testing is critical, testing will be critical as we come out of this epidemic, the ramping up of testing, the provision of PPE [personal protective equipment] in hospitals to protect healthcare workers, all of these in retrospect, yes, should have happened earlier."
Sir Jeremy also said the UK was past the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, but warned further peaks could follow.
"We should not see this as a discrete episode," he told Ridge.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:06 Medical scientist: It may be a year before we have vaccine
"I think the probability and what we must be planning for is that there will be further waves of this in the future."
In his role on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, Sir Jeremy is one of a number of experts who will tell the government when is a good time to begin easing the UK's lockdown.
He said now is not the right time, but "I hope we will get there in three, four weeks' time".
"It is clear that the lockdown can't go on for much longer," Sir Jeremy continued.
"The damage it's doing to all of our health, our wellbeing, our mental health, it disproportionately of course affecting the most vulnerable and the least able to cope with it in society, that's a really big issue of inequality."
A Downing Street spokesman has criticised the Sunday Times report, saying: "Our response has ensured that the NHS has been given all the support it needs to ensure everyone requiring treatment has received it, as well as providing protection to businesses and reassurance to workers.
"The prime minister has been at the helm of the response to this, providing leadership during this hugely challenging period for the whole nation."


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: 'We can't give a date' for when schools will return, minister says

No date has been set for when schools in England will reopen , the education secretary has confirmed .
Gavin Williamson , speaking at the Downing Street briefing , said : `` People are anxious to know when we 're going to relax restrictions , when schools are likely to be fully back and open again .
`` Of course , I want nothing more than to see schools back , get them back to normal , make sure the children are sat around , learning , and experiencing the joy of being at school .
`` But I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because before we do , we need to meet five tests . ''
Mr Williamson praised parents for dealing with home-schooling children during the COVID-19 lockdown .
He said : `` I recognise all the challenges that families will be facing at the moment .
`` We are determined to support parents who are helping their children learn from home .
`` I think we all know how difficult that can be . ''
Earlier Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove , appearing on Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday , denied reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start easing the coronavirus lockdown within weeks .
The Mail on Sunday reported that schools and businesses could be allowed to reopen in mid-May .
Asked if it was correct that the government was considering a `` traffic light '' strategy to come out of lockdown , Mr Gove said : `` No , it is not . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Gove said the government was `` looking at all of the evidence '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests which need to be passed before we can think of easing restrictions in this lockdown .
`` We 're looking at the data , it is the case that the rate of infection appears to be flattening , but we do not want to take steps too early because the most important thing is to make sure that the NHS and the public 's health is protected . ''

No date has been set for when schools in England will reopen, the education secretary has confirmed.
Gavin Williamson, speaking at the Downing Street briefing, said: "People are anxious to know when we're going to relax restrictions, when schools are likely to be fully back and open again.
"Of course, I want nothing more than to see schools back, get them back to normal, make sure the children are sat around, learning, and experiencing the joy of being at school.
"But I can't give you a date.
"Because before we do, we need to meet five tests."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'Too early to lift UK lockdown'
Mr Williamson praised parents for dealing with home-schooling children during the COVID-19 lockdown.
He said: "I recognise all the challenges that families will be facing at the moment.
"We are determined to support parents who are helping their children learn from home.
"I think we all know how difficult that can be."
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Earlier Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, appearing on Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday, denied reports that the government has devised a graduated plan to start easing the coronavirus lockdown within weeks.
The Mail on Sunday reported that schools and businesses could be allowed to reopen in mid-May.
Asked if it was correct that the government was considering a "traffic light" strategy to come out of lockdown, Mr Gove said: "No, it is not."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Gove said the government was "looking at all of the evidence", adding: "We've set some tests which need to be passed before we can think of easing restrictions in this lockdown.
"We're looking at the data, it is the case that the rate of infection appears to be flattening, but we do not want to take steps too early because the most important thing is to make sure that the NHS and the public's health is protected."


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Broadway actor Nick Cordero has leg amputated after COVID-19 complications

Broadway actor Nick Cordero has had his right leg amputated after suffering complications due to coronavirus , his wife has confirmed .
Since the end of March , the 41-year-old has been in hospital in Los Angeles , where he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for COVID-19 .
A Tony-nominated actor , Cordero had moved to California with his family to star in musical Rock Of Ages .
While being treated in intensive care , a drop in blood pressure led him being placed on life support and he has remained unconscious ever since .
His wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates on social media about the condition of the star who has been on a ventilator at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre .
In an Instagram story on Saturday , she said : `` He made it through the surgery which is really big , because obviously his body 's pretty weak .
`` They 're taking him back to the room to recover and rest , so hopefully he 'll just kind of relax and rest . ''
Cordero underwent initial surgery to help with `` blood flow issues coming down to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said : `` We do n't know what the damage will be .
We do n't know if he 'll be able to walk again . ''
However , on Saturday she confirmed they had received `` difficult news '' , as the blood thinners Cordero had been given to combat clotting in his leg had sparked internal bleeding in his intestines .
The decision was then taken to stop the blood thinners and amputate his leg .
In an earlier post , Kloots had asked for a miracle and expressed frustration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him .
She wrote : `` I just wish I could see him .
Hold his hand .
Touch his face .
I do believe this would help him wake up ! ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A fitness instructor , Kloots has been leading nightly dance and sing-along sessions to help `` # WakeUpNick '' .
The couple have a 10-month-old baby together , Elvis .
A month ago , the Canadian actor posted a photo of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , writing : `` These days I 'm counting my blessings… This one is top of the list '' .
Cordero had been starring in Rock Of Ages before theatres across America were closed due to coronavirus .
He has also performed in musicals Waitress and A Bronx tale , and appeared in US detective drama Blue Bloods .
A GoFundMe page has been set up by friends of the actor to raise money to help with his medical bills .
It has swiftly neared its $ 250,000 ( £200,000 ) target .

Broadway actor Nick Cordero has had his right leg amputated after suffering complications due to coronavirus, his wife has confirmed.
Since the end of March, the 41-year-old has been in hospital in Los Angeles, where he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for COVID-19.
Image: Cordero moved to Los Angeles to star in Rock Of Ages
A Tony-nominated actor, Cordero had moved to California with his family to star in musical Rock Of Ages.
While being treated in intensive care, a drop in blood pressure led him being placed on life support and he has remained unconscious ever since.
His wife Amanda Kloots has been posting regular health updates on social media about the condition of the star who has been on a ventilator at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre.
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In an Instagram story on Saturday, she said: "He made it through the surgery which is really big, because obviously his body's pretty weak.
"They're taking him back to the room to recover and rest, so hopefully he'll just kind of relax and rest."
Cordero underwent initial surgery to help with "blood flow issues coming down to his foot".
At the time, she said: "We don't know what the damage will be. We don't know if he'll be able to walk again."
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However, on Saturday she confirmed they had received "difficult news", as the blood thinners Cordero had been given to combat clotting in his leg had sparked internal bleeding in his intestines.
The decision was then taken to stop the blood thinners and amputate his leg.
In an earlier post, Kloots had asked for a miracle and expressed frustration at not being able to be close to him.
She wrote: "I just wish I could see him. Hold his hand. Touch his face. I do believe this would help him wake up!"
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A fitness instructor, Kloots has been leading nightly dance and sing-along sessions to help "#WakeUpNick".
The couple have a 10-month-old baby together, Elvis.
A month ago, the Canadian actor posted a photo of his son and wife together on her birthday, writing: "These days I'm counting my blessings… This one is top of the list".
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Cordero had been starring in Rock Of Ages before theatres across America were closed due to coronavirus.
He has also performed in musicals Waitress and A Bronx tale, and appeared in US detective drama Blue Bloods.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by friends of the actor to raise money to help with his medical bills.
It has swiftly neared its $250,000 (£200,000) target.


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Logistics company flies in tonnes of PPE as imports procedure gets tricky

A plane loaded with 68 tonnes of disposable gloves , masks and visors has arrived at Heathrow and is already on its way to the frontline .
The flight packed with personal protective equipment from China landed at the airport in west London on Saturday afternoon .
It had been chartered by global freight forwarders Far Logistics after orders were placed by multiple suppliers with manufacturers in Asia .
Managing director Louis Phillips , based in Felixstowe , said the first discussion about bringing in the cargo was only a week ago but that this would be the first flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were tens of thousands of individual pieces on this one and there are tens of millions to come behind that . ''
Many of those items will be imported by other companies like his .
He added : `` When you are working on a project like this , it 's about contributing to the national effort to the frontline , which is struggling currently . ''
From the airport , the goods head to distribution centres , and , by Sunday afternoon , Mr Phillips expected some of the items to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most .
`` The NHS is a primary concern but it 's going to care homes ; it 's going to GP surgeries and police forces ; anyone who requires PPE in the UK , '' he said .
The pandemic has made importing goods more tricky than normal , removing the ability to move them in the holds of passenger planes .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ships are also out of the question considering the necessary timeframe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Asia to the UK depart and arrive in one day by air .
With ocean freight , it takes a month to transit from port to port .
`` Usually , we would have lots of options to get planes in but because of the lack of commercial airlines operating , there are fewer options . ''
Importing is also made complicated after becoming more heavily regulated due to the coronavirus pandemic .
As part of the process , he said the company was in contact with the government `` on multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying out additional checks on each shipment , issuing commodity inspection certificates to ensure standards are met .
Mr Phillips says further flights are planned at least weekly .
He added that his company has `` been knocking on doors looking for this business , '' but ultimately `` it 's all about being able to help '' .

A plane loaded with 68 tonnes of disposable gloves, masks and visors has arrived at Heathrow and is already on its way to the frontline.
The flight packed with personal protective equipment from China landed at the airport in west London on Saturday afternoon.
It had been chartered by global freight forwarders Far Logistics after orders were placed by multiple suppliers with manufacturers in Asia.
Managing director Louis Phillips, based in Felixstowe, said the first discussion about bringing in the cargo was only a week ago but that this would be the first flight of many.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Scottish NHS takes delivery of PPE from China
He said: "There were tens of thousands of individual pieces on this one and there are tens of millions to come behind that."
Many of those items will be imported by other companies like his.
He added: "When you are working on a project like this, it's about contributing to the national effort to the frontline, which is struggling currently."
From the airport, the goods head to distribution centres, and, by Sunday afternoon, Mr Phillips expected some of the items to have already arrived where they are needed most.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:40 Delivery of 84 tonnes of PPE to UK delayed
"The NHS is a primary concern but it's going to care homes; it's going to GP surgeries and police forces; anyone who requires PPE in the UK," he said.
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The pandemic has made importing goods more tricky than normal, removing the ability to move them in the holds of passenger planes.
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Ships are also out of the question considering the necessary timeframe.
Mr Phillips added: "Goods from Asia to the UK depart and arrive in one day by air. With ocean freight, it takes a month to transit from port to port.
"Usually, we would have lots of options to get planes in but because of the lack of commercial airlines operating, there are fewer options."
Importing is also made complicated after becoming more heavily regulated due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As part of the process, he said the company was in contact with the government "on multiple levels".
And Chinese authorities are carrying out additional checks on each shipment, issuing commodity inspection certificates to ensure standards are met.
Mr Phillips says further flights are planned at least weekly.
He added that his company has "been knocking on doors looking for this business," but ultimately "it's all about being able to help".


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: No traffic light strategy to ease COVID-19 lockdown, Michael Gove says

A senior minister has denied reports that the government has devised a graduated plan to start easing the coronavirus lockdown within weeks .
According to BuzzFeed News , Downing Street is considering a three-stage plan to ease the restrictions introduced last month to halt the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
And the story appeared to gain further traction when it dominated the front pages of a number of Sunday 's newspapers .
The Mail on Sunday reported that schools and businesses could be allowed to reopen in mid-May .
Asked if it was correct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic light '' strategy to come out of lockdown , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` No , it is not . ''
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson also said `` no decision has been made on when we will reopen schools '' .
He added : `` I can reassure schools and parents that they will only reopen when the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to do so . ''
Mr Gove said the government was `` looking at all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've set some tests which need to be passed before we can think of easing restrictions in this lockdown .
`` We 're looking at the data , it is the case that the rate of infection appears to be flattening , but we do not want to take steps too early because the most important thing is to make sure that the NHS and the public 's health is protected . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown on 23 March , telling the public that it would be reviewed every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place earlier this week , with the decision taken to extend the lockdown further by at least three weeks .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is deputising for the PM as he recovers from the coronavirus , said that relaxing the measures would `` risk damage to both public health and the economy '' .
But there have been calls from some quarters for the government to lay out how it will eventually take Britain out of the lockdown and back to relative normality .
Ministers have argued that to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message that people need to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives .
Mr Gove said it was `` entirely understandable '' that there should be a `` public debate about how we approach these difficult choices '' .
`` But the most important thing to do is to make sure that we proceed in a way that is guided by science . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is among those calling for the UK to follow other countries in beginning to set out an exit plan `` when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Mail on Sunday , he said : `` This of course must be done in a careful , considered way with public health , scientific evidence and the safety of workers and families at its heart .
`` But the UK government should be doing likewise . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called on the government to be more open about its lockdown exit strategy .
`` We want to see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sophy Ridge on Sunday , adding that the lockdown was not a strategy in its own right .
`` We should n't be treating people like toddlers , people are grown-ups and they want to understand what happens next because the lockdown in itself is not a strategy , it is a tool as part of a strategy , '' he continued .
`` But given that we know that a vaccine might not be available for 18 months , we need to understand what is the government 's plan between now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We need to know whether the government has as serious plan to extend testing and contact tracing . ''

A senior minister has denied reports that the government has devised a graduated plan to start easing the coronavirus lockdown within weeks.
According to BuzzFeed News, Downing Street is considering a three-stage plan to ease the restrictions introduced last month to halt the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
And the story appeared to gain further traction when it dominated the front pages of a number of Sunday's newspapers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 UK lockdown for 'at least' three more weeks
The Mail on Sunday reported that schools and businesses could be allowed to reopen in mid-May.
Asked if it was correct that the government was considering a "traffic light" strategy to come out of lockdown, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "No, it is not."
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson also said "no decision has been made on when we will reopen schools".
He added: "I can reassure schools and parents that they will only reopen when the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to do so."
Mr Gove said the government was "looking at all of the evidence", adding: "We've set some tests which need to be passed before we can think of easing restrictions in this lockdown.
"We're looking at the data, it is the case that the rate of infection appears to be flattening, but we do not want to take steps too early because the most important thing is to make sure that the NHS and the public's health is protected."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Councils in England to get extra £1.6bn
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown on 23 March, telling the public that it would be reviewed every three weeks.
The first review took place earlier this week, with the decision taken to extend the lockdown further by at least three weeks.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for the PM as he recovers from the coronavirus, said that relaxing the measures would "risk damage to both public health and the economy".
But there have been calls from some quarters for the government to lay out how it will eventually take Britain out of the lockdown and back to relative normality.
Ministers have argued that to do so now would dilute the government's key message that people need to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Hospitals to run out of PPE this weekend
Mr Gove said it was "entirely understandable" that there should be a "public debate about how we approach these difficult choices".
"But the most important thing to do is to make sure that we proceed in a way that is guided by science."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is among those calling for the UK to follow other countries in beginning to set out an exit plan "when the time is right".
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, he said: "This of course must be done in a careful, considered way with public health, scientific evidence and the safety of workers and families at its heart.
"But the UK government should be doing likewise."
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Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called on the government to be more open about its lockdown exit strategy.
"We want to see what the government plans are," he told Sophy Ridge on Sunday, adding that the lockdown was not a strategy in its own right.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 What do the public think about masks?
"We shouldn't be treating people like toddlers, people are grown-ups and they want to understand what happens next because the lockdown in itself is not a strategy, it is a tool as part of a strategy," he continued.
"But given that we know that a vaccine might not be available for 18 months, we need to understand what is the government's plan between now and when a vaccine is available.
"We need to know whether the government has as serious plan to extend testing and contact tracing."


news--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: 'Kind, caring and fun' Marie Curie nurse Barbara Sage dies with COVID-19

A Marie Curie nurse who spent more than 40 years working in palliative care has died after contracting COVID-19 .
Barbara Sage was `` kind , caring and fun '' and `` a beautiful person '' who had `` an absolute passion '' for her work .
She is the first member of the Marie Curie nursing team to die with coronavirus .
The 68-year-old , from Bromley in south London , lost her life in intensive care .
She has been described as dedicated and caring , always putting her patients first .
Calling her death `` devastating '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Matthew Reed , said Ms Sage spent her life holding the hands of dying people but her relatives could not hug her in her final moments .
He said : `` The family could n't hold Barbara 's hand as she was dying .
They could n't hug her goodbye .
`` This pain is something that so many families are having to go through right now . ''
He also said she was a `` beautiful person '' with a real passion for her job .
Ms Sage 's daughter Donna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caring and fun .
She loved life , her family , her grandkids and she loved her job . ''
She added : `` Because Mum had been there when people had taken their last breaths and laid out so many bodies , she was n't afraid of death .
`` That 's something I take comfort from right now .
She used to say to me that life was like a light bulb , one minute it 's there , and then ping , it goes , it 's still hot but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That 's how she described being there with someone in their last moments . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Marie Curie clinical nurse manager Adebusola Olalekan-Sule , who worked closely with Ms Sage , described her dedication to her job as `` incredible '' .
She said Ms Sage would go above and beyond the call of duty , working extended hours and going without sleep to make sure her patients received the care they deserved .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was off and we needed cover for a shift , she 'd say : 'If the patients need me , I 'll be there ... ' That was Barbara all over : patients first . ''
Ms Sage began her career as an ambulance driver in London aged 18 , later going on to become a nurse .
She spent 14 years working as a Marie Curie nurse , providing vital care and support on the front line to dying patients in the community .
It 's not known whether Ms Sage contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So far around 50 doctors , nurses and NHS workers have died with COVID-19 .
More than 114,000 people in the UK have been confirmed as being infected and over 15,000 have died .
Marie Curie workers will be marking Ms Sage 's death during this week 's Clap for Carers event .
Ms Sage leaves behind her partner Gerald , her children Donna and Aaron , and five grandchildren .

A Marie Curie nurse who spent more than 40 years working in palliative care has died after contracting COVID-19.
Barbara Sage was "kind, caring and fun" and "a beautiful person" who had "an absolute passion" for her work.
She is the first member of the Marie Curie nursing team to die with coronavirus.
Image: Ms Sage spent 14 years working as a Marie Curie nurse on the front line
The 68-year-old, from Bromley in south London, lost her life in intensive care.
She has been described as dedicated and caring, always putting her patients first.
Calling her death "devastating", the chief executive of Marie Curie, Matthew Reed, said Ms Sage spent her life holding the hands of dying people but her relatives could not hug her in her final moments.
He said: "The family couldn't hold Barbara's hand as she was dying. They couldn't hug her goodbye.
"This pain is something that so many families are having to go through right now."
He also said she was a "beautiful person" with a real passion for her job.
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Ms Sage's daughter Donna said: "Mum was kind and caring and fun. She loved life, her family, her grandkids and she loved her job."
She added: "Because Mum had been there when people had taken their last breaths and laid out so many bodies, she wasn't afraid of death.
"That's something I take comfort from right now. She used to say to me that life was like a light bulb, one minute it's there, and then ping, it goes, it's still hot but the light starts to fade away.
"That's how she described being there with someone in their last moments."
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Marie Curie clinical nurse manager Adebusola Olalekan-Sule, who worked closely with Ms Sage, described her dedication to her job as "incredible".
She said Ms Sage would go above and beyond the call of duty, working extended hours and going without sleep to make sure her patients received the care they deserved.
She said: "If ever Barbara was off and we needed cover for a shift, she'd say: 'If the patients need me, I'll be there...' That was Barbara all over: patients first."
Ms Sage began her career as an ambulance driver in London aged 18, later going on to become a nurse.
She spent 14 years working as a Marie Curie nurse, providing vital care and support on the front line to dying patients in the community.
It's not known whether Ms Sage contracted COVID-19 in the course of her work.
Image: Clap for Carers takes place every Thursday at 8pm
So far around 50 doctors, nurses and NHS workers have died with COVID-19.
More than 114,000 people in the UK have been confirmed as being infected and over 15,000 have died.
Marie Curie workers will be marking Ms Sage's death during this week's Clap for Carers event.
Ms Sage leaves behind her partner Gerald, her children Donna and Aaron, and five grandchildren.


news--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: What it is like on Rome's empty streets

You 'd expect the strain to show after nearly a week confined to your home .
Each time you need to go out , you have to complete a form declaring an essential reason why .
It 's the interpretation of essential that is building tension here .
Among neighbours .
Among friends .
Among people documenting their daily walks on social media .
In theory , there are three reasons you are allowed to leave your house .
For essential work , to buy food or if you need physical activity .
But resentment is building as some appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise is allowed as long as you 're alone and it 's not used as an excuse to socialise .
But it 's clearly being loosely defined .
And loosely enforced .
`` The people not leaving the house really resent the people who have taken their dogs out for walk or even just gone for a walk because they want to , '' one mother in Florence tells me .
She 's now been at home with two young children for nearly a week .
`` The words need to be crystal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out if it 's essential , and people say 'well going for a run is essential to me ' .
It 's getting me annoyed .
I feel we 're all in this together .
If everyone went out for a short walk then what would be the point ? ''
I encountered several joggers and dog walkers in the otherwise deserted area around the Vatican City .
Absent of its usual 20,000 visitors a day .
One man who stops to stare at the empty square insists he needs to go running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' his sentence trails off .
`` The important thing is the protection measures , the separation measures , '' he concludes as an explanation .
But many insist the protection measure is that people stay in their homes .
To flout the rules now would result in a longer lockdown later .
One person whose job is considered an essential service is taxi driver Stefano Capelli .
Though work is so scarce , it 's almost not worth his while .
`` It 's unthinkable ... 15 days ago it would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we rattle through Rome 's empty streets .
I ask him how long he can survive for financially .
`` I 'm not sure I 'll still be able to buy food by the end of the month , '' he says .
Buying food is one of the few reasons people can still go out .
And the queues outside supermarkets are getting longer .
But it 's not Italy as you know it .
People stand silently .
Most wearing face masks .
Few smile .
There 's a sadness .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy what they need in silent solidarity for each other .
As the number of lives being claimed by this virus continues to climb steeply , other European countries are looking to learn from Italy and avert a similar crisis .
They too could heed the lessons of a lengthy lockdown - the rules left open to exploitation or interpretation .
But perhaps the most positive lesson so far is the Italians , so famous for their love of sharing food , have made no visible effort to panic buy .
They 've @ @ @ @ @

You'd expect the strain to show after nearly a week confined to your home.
Each time you need to go out, you have to complete a form declaring an essential reason why.
It's the interpretation of essential that is building tension here. Among neighbours. Among friends. Among people documenting their daily walks on social media.
In theory, there are three reasons you are allowed to leave your house. For essential work, to buy food or if you need physical activity.
But resentment is building as some appear to be bending the rules.
Physical exercise is allowed as long as you're alone and it's not used as an excuse to socialise. But it's clearly being loosely defined. And loosely enforced.
"The people not leaving the house really resent the people who have taken their dogs out for walk or even just gone for a walk because they want to," one mother in Florence tells me.
She's now been at home with two young children for nearly a week.
"The words need to be crystal clear. They say you can go out if it's essential, and people say 'well going for a run is essential to me'. It's getting me annoyed. I feel we're all in this together. If everyone went out for a short walk then what would be the point?"
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I encountered several joggers and dog walkers in the otherwise deserted area around the Vatican City.
Absent of its usual 20,000 visitors a day. One man who stops to stare at the empty square insists he needs to go running.
Image: Italians are not stockpiling food in silent solidarity with each other
"I always run therefore..." his sentence trails off.
"The important thing is the protection measures, the separation measures," he concludes as an explanation.
But many insist the protection measure is that people stay in their homes.
To flout the rules now would result in a longer lockdown later.
Image: Flouting the lockdown rules now would mean they would last longer
One person whose job is considered an essential service is taxi driver Stefano Capelli. Though work is so scarce, it's almost not worth his while.
"It's unthinkable...15 days ago it would have been unthinkable," he says as we rattle through Rome's empty streets.
"Everything's stopped," he continues, "I'm earning €30 to €40 a day."
I ask him how long he can survive for financially.
"I'm not sure I'll still be able to buy food by the end of the month," he says.
Image: The streets across Italy are deserted on day six of the lockdown
Buying food is one of the few reasons people can still go out. And the queues outside supermarkets are getting longer.
But it's not Italy as you know it. People stand silently. Most wearing face masks. Few smile. There's a sadness. But there's no stockpiling. People buy what they need in silent solidarity for each other.
As the number of lives being claimed by this virus continues to climb steeply, other European countries are looking to learn from Italy and avert a similar crisis.
They too could heed the lessons of a lengthy lockdown - the rules left open to exploitation or interpretation.
But perhaps the most positive lesson so far is the Italians, so famous for their love of sharing food, have made no visible effort to panic buy. They've left enough for everyone.


news--2020-03-15--BT lines up former Kingfisher chief Cheshire to join board

Sir Ian Cheshire , the former boss of DIY retailer Kingfisher , is being lined up to take a senior post on the board of BT Group , Britain ’ s biggest telecoms company .
Sky News has learnt that Sir Ian is close to being named as a non-executive director of BT , which is in talks with the government about a multibillion pound investment programme to deliver full-fibre broadband across the country .
A source close to one leading boardroom headhunter said they understood that Sir Ian 's appointment could be announced as soon as this week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replace Nick Rose as BT 's senior independent director when Mr Rose steps down from the company 's board in the coming months .
The arrival of Sir Ian will come during a period of transformation at BT under Philip Jansen , who became chief executive just over a year ago .
BT disclosed last week that Mr Jansen had become the first prominent corporate figure in the UK to contract the COVID-19 virus , although he is continuing to run the company while he is isolating himself at home .
Several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been self-isolating after attending meetings with him during the last fortnight .
The telecoms giant is wrestling with the prospect of a hefty dividend cut to fund its forthcoming investment plans , although many of its leading shareholders are supportive of its plans to do so .
Hiring Sir Ian will add to its boardroom a figure with extensive experience of government - a key BT customer - and the retail industry .
He chaired Debenhams , the department store chain , for several years , and currently chairs Barclays ' UK retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's lead independent director and sits on the board of the Cabinet Office .
His appointment will come during the latest phase of a shareholder consultation on boardroom pay at BT , which is proposing to cut Mr Jansen 's maximum remuneration package from £8.3m to £5.6m .
The new blueprint will entail scrapping BT 's long-term incentive plan ( LTIP ) - which could pay out shares worth £4.4m to Mr Jansen each year - in favour of a restricted stock scheme that would award him £2.2m in shares annually .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is designed to reflect the greater certainty of the awards being paid out , is thought to be acceptable to most of BT 's large investors following earlier discussions .
The BT chief will also see his pension allowance reduced next year from 15 % of his £1.1m salary to 10 % , bringing him in line with the average BT employee .
In addition to the restricted share plan , BT has decided to reduce Mr Jansen 's maximum annual bonus from 240 % of his salary to 200 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BT 's top executives will also see 20 % of their annual bonuses linked to metrics including progress towards a publicly stated target of reducing carbon emissions by 87 % by 2030 , and the number of BT customers connected to new 5G networks .
BT 's shares have performed poorly over the last year , reflecting concerns about its dividend and the scale of investment that will be required to deliver the government 's commitment to universal fast broadband by 2025 .
On Friday , they closed at 112.3p , giving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Sir Ian Cheshire, the former boss of DIY retailer Kingfisher, is being lined up to take a senior post on the board of BT Group, Britain’s biggest telecoms company.
Sky News has learnt that Sir Ian is close to being named as a non-executive director of BT, which is in talks with the government about a multibillion pound investment programme to deliver full-fibre broadband across the country.
A source close to one leading boardroom headhunter said they understood that Sir Ian's appointment could be announced as soon as this week.
He is likely to be a candidate to replace Nick Rose as BT's senior independent director when Mr Rose steps down from the company's board in the coming months.
The arrival of Sir Ian will come during a period of transformation at BT under Philip Jansen, who became chief executive just over a year ago.
BT disclosed last week that Mr Jansen had become the first prominent corporate figure in the UK to contract the COVID-19 virus, although he is continuing to run the company while he is isolating himself at home.
Several of his colleagues and competitors have also been self-isolating after attending meetings with him during the last fortnight.
The telecoms giant is wrestling with the prospect of a hefty dividend cut to fund its forthcoming investment plans, although many of its leading shareholders are supportive of its plans to do so.
Hiring Sir Ian will add to its boardroom a figure with extensive experience of government - a key BT customer - and the retail industry.
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He chaired Debenhams, the department store chain, for several years, and currently chairs Barclays' UK retail bank.
Sir Ian is also the government's lead independent director and sits on the board of the Cabinet Office.
His appointment will come during the latest phase of a shareholder consultation on boardroom pay at BT, which is proposing to cut Mr Jansen's maximum remuneration package from £8.3m to £5.6m.
The new blueprint will entail scrapping BT's long-term incentive plan (LTIP) - which could pay out shares worth £4.4m to Mr Jansen each year - in favour of a restricted stock scheme that would award him £2.2m in shares annually.
The 50% discount to the LTIP, which is designed to reflect the greater certainty of the awards being paid out, is thought to be acceptable to most of BT's large investors following earlier discussions.
The BT chief will also see his pension allowance reduced next year from 15% of his £1.1m salary to 10%, bringing him in line with the average BT employee.
In addition to the restricted share plan, BT has decided to reduce Mr Jansen's maximum annual bonus from 240% of his salary to 200%.
Sky News revealed this month that BT's top executives will also see 20% of their annual bonuses linked to metrics including progress towards a publicly stated target of reducing carbon emissions by 87% by 2030, and the number of BT customers connected to new 5G networks.
BT's shares have performed poorly over the last year, reflecting concerns about its dividend and the scale of investment that will be required to deliver the government's commitment to universal fast broadband by 2025.
On Friday, they closed at 112.3p, giving the company a market value of just £11.1bn.
BT declined to comment on Sunday.


news--2020-03-15--Coronavirus outbreak: How could the Premier League resume?

The Premier League has been left in limbo after the postponement of the campaign until 4 April at the earliest as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
Officials from all 20 clubs will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday to establish plans for the remainder of the season , with one senior source at a Premier League club telling Sky Sports there is a 75 % chance this season will not be completed .
• Coronavirus hits football Q & A : What you need to know so far Premier League officials have been gathering expert medical advice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 clubs , with detailed financial and sporting implications .
So , as the clubs try to plot a way forward , what might some of the options be ?
The most drastic option .
In effect , the entire season so far - approximately three-quarters of an entire campaign - would be wiped from the record books .
This would rule out a title winner , qualification for Europe , relegation and so forth - and the new 2020/21 would begin from scratch .
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has discussed this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' There is no dodging the possibility that all levels in the EFL , as well as the Premier League , will have to be cancelled and this season declared null and void because if the players ca n't play , the games ca n't go ahead .
`` So what if the league can not be finished ?
As games in both the PL and in the EFL are affected , the only fair and reasonable thing to do is declare the whole season null and void . ''
Declare the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champions The most glaring issue with the 'null and void ' option is the obvious unfairness to Liverpool , 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League and champions in almost all-but name .
• Thommo : I ca n't see season resuming in April • 'We need to be patient about coronavirus' Could the Premier League vote for Liverpool to be crowned champions ?
Would any club vote against such a motion ?
It 's fascinating to speculate on , but impossible to know .
Still , it 's worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool the title would be 'robbery ' .
But where do you draw the line ?
Making an exception just for Liverpool would incense many supporters .
Manchester City still have to host Liverpool , who have previous of allowing league titles to slip away .
If this `` inarguable '' case - as The Anfield Wrap 's Neil Atkinson put forward on Sky Sports News - was applied to further down the footballing pyramid , should West Brom , just six points clear of Fulham with nine games to play , be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Premier League will want any decision on the league 's next steps to be agreed unanimously - as was this week 's decision to suspend the season until 3 April .
But if disagreements do persist , two-thirds of clubs - 14 - are required to agree to any constitutional change .
Could the current league table be used to finalise the title , CL places and relegation ?
In theory , yes .
But while Liverpool have been considered champions in waiting for some time , nothing else in the league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even the Golden Boot - comes close to being conclusive .
To relegate Bournemouth , Aston Villa and Norwich after only 29 matchdays would undoubtedly be considered unfair .
But it would be especially harsh on Villa given they have played 28 games and are just two points off Watford in 17th .
Could a final table be extrapolated by an average number of points ?
Again , in theory yes , but the crux of any league season is that every club plays every other club twice .
Using the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to declare the final league table would be a leap too far for many .
Aston Villa supporter Dan Bardell from the 1974 Podcast told Sky Sports : `` I do n't see how they can just relegate the sides currently in the bottom three .
`` Everyone needs to be on an even keel , everyone needs to have played the same amount of games .
If we were to win that game in hand , we 'd go out of the relegation zone .
There 's still 92 games to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many left . ''
Could the new Premier League season start with 22 clubs ?
It 's an idea seemingly gaining traction with reports on Saturday morning suggesting that the new Premier League season could start with 22 clubs , promoting Leeds and West Brom to the current crop of 20 .
Such a response would require a substantial reworking of the calendar , perhaps necessitating an earlier start or even the remodelling of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup .
Allowing for the two sides currently occupying the automatic promotion places in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would rankle with those currently in the play-off zone , and indeed those clubs who still feel that given their remaining fixtures they can still gatecrash the party , as seen on so many previous occasions .
It would also have a knock-on effect on the number of sides promoted from Sky Bet League One , and so on .
How likely is it that the season will resume at the start of April ?
That 's the million-dollar question .
But by next Thursday , the clubs will know more about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including football fixtures , and there should be a clearer understanding of the direction of travel following UEFA 's emergency meeting on Tuesday about whether this summer 's European Championships will be delayed .
When could the season be extended until ?
If Euro 2020 is delayed by a year then it would open up the possibility of the current Premier League season being extended into the summer .
But the scheduled Euro 2020 final date of July 12 could be used as a marker for the end of the domestic season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say ... • Euro 2020 likely to be postponed by UEFA

The Premier League has been left in limbo after the postponement of the campaign until 4 April at the earliest as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Officials from all 20 clubs will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday to establish plans for the remainder of the season, with one senior source at a Premier League club telling Sky Sports there is a 75% chance this season will not be completed.
Premier League officials have been gathering expert medical advice and will put forward several options to all 20 clubs, with detailed financial and sporting implications.
So, as the clubs try to plot a way forward, what might some of the options be?
Declare the season null and void
The most drastic option. In effect, the entire season so far - approximately three-quarters of an entire campaign - would be wiped from the record books. This would rule out a title winner, qualification for Europe, relegation and so forth - and the new 2020/21 would begin from scratch.
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has discussed this option, writing in The Sun:
"There is no dodging the possibility that all levels in the EFL, as well as the Premier League, will have to be cancelled and this season declared null and void because if the players can't play, the games can't go ahead.
Image: Should Liverpool be declared champions given their huge lead?
"So what if the league cannot be finished? As games in both the PL and in the EFL are affected, the only fair and reasonable thing to do is declare the whole season null and void."
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Declare the season null and void - but crown Liverpool champions
The most glaring issue with the 'null and void' option is the obvious unfairness to Liverpool, 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League and champions in almost all-but name.
Could the Premier League vote for Liverpool to be crowned champions? Would any club vote against such a motion? It's fascinating to speculate on, but impossible to know. Still, it's worth noting that even Brady acknowledged that denying Liverpool the title would be 'robbery'.
But where do you draw the line? Making an exception just for Liverpool would incense many supporters. Manchester City still have to host Liverpool, who have previous of allowing league titles to slip away.
If this "inarguable" case - as The Anfield Wrap's Neil Atkinson put forward on Sky Sports News - was applied to further down the footballing pyramid, should West Brom, just six points clear of Fulham with nine games to play, be granted promotion to the top flight?
Image: If the table was finalised Villa would go down
The Premier League will want any decision on the league's next steps to be agreed unanimously - as was this week's decision to suspend the season until 3 April.
But if disagreements do persist, two-thirds of clubs - 14 - are required to agree to any constitutional change.
Could the current league table be used to finalise the title, CL places and relegation?
In theory, yes. But while Liverpool have been considered champions in waiting for some time, nothing else in the league - from relegation to qualification for Europe and even the Golden Boot - comes close to being conclusive.
To relegate Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich after only 29 matchdays would undoubtedly be considered unfair. But it would be especially harsh on Villa given they have played 28 games and are just two points off Watford in 17th.
Could a final table be extrapolated by an average number of points?
Again, in theory yes, but the crux of any league season is that every club plays every other club twice. Using the current league table from 28 or 29 games to declare the final league table would be a leap too far for many.
Aston Villa supporter Dan Bardell from the 1974 Podcast told Sky Sports: "I don't see how they can just relegate the sides currently in the bottom three.
Image: An expanded league could see West Brom and Leeds join the top flight
"Everyone needs to be on an even keel, everyone needs to have played the same amount of games. If we were to win that game in hand, we'd go out of the relegation zone. There's still 92 games to be played overall. There's still so many left."
Could the new Premier League season start with 22 clubs?
It's an idea seemingly gaining traction with reports on Saturday morning suggesting that the new Premier League season could start with 22 clubs, promoting Leeds and West Brom to the current crop of 20.
Such a response would require a substantial reworking of the calendar, perhaps necessitating an earlier start or even the remodelling of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Allowing for the two sides currently occupying the automatic promotion places in the Sky Bet Championship to go up would rankle with those currently in the play-off zone, and indeed those clubs who still feel that given their remaining fixtures they can still gatecrash the party, as seen on so many previous occasions.
It would also have a knock-on effect on the number of sides promoted from Sky Bet League One, and so on.
How likely is it that the season will resume at the start of April?
That's the million-dollar question. But by next Thursday, the clubs will know more about the government's plans to ban mass gatherings, including football fixtures, and there should be a clearer understanding of the direction of travel following UEFA's emergency meeting on Tuesday about whether this summer's European Championships will be delayed.
When could the season be extended until?
If Euro 2020 is delayed by a year then it would open up the possibility of the current Premier League season being extended into the summer. But the scheduled Euro 2020 final date of July 12 could be used as a marker for the end of the domestic season in Europe too.
Now have your say...
Coronavirus - key sporting developments


news--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Jason Manford refuses to pull out of touring musical

Jason Manford is refusing to pull out of his touring musical show , explaining that `` a lot of people '' are financially dependent on it continuing , despite the coronavirus outbreak .
The comedian , 38 , responded to criticism on Twitter as the number of people who have died after testing positive for COVID-19 in the UK continues to rise .
Thirty-five have now died , with 1,372 confirmed infections across the country .
Manford said he had been receiving `` the odd , shall we say 'forceful ' message '' about cancelling the tour of Curtains : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He explained that not just the cast but also the crew and those on zero-hours contracts working at the theatres the show was due to travel to would all be impacted if it was cancelled .
He wrote : `` Unfortunately I , like many people , irrespective of my opinion have a ) a contract and a boss who 's decision this is and b ) have a lot of people depending on the income of a tour this size .
`` At a push I could financially get through half a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem financially but if I decided to not go to Leicester on Monday say , the show would still go on as I have an understudy .
`` With cast , crew , band & the folks in the office ( not to mention the hundreds of zero-hour contract folks who work in the theatres ) there are over 100 people all working on this show .
`` If they suddenly cancelled it without the government 's say so , their insurance would be null and void putting a lot of those people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although the government is going to ask manufacturing firms to assist the NHS by producing more ventilators , it has not yet banned large gatherings .
Emergency laws may be introduced this week to ban gatherings of more than 500 people in an attempt to curb transmissions of the virus .
Manford said : `` Please do not patronise me about the seriousness of the pandemic , I 'm well aware , I get the same news channels as you ; I just have a responsibility to these people to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the strongest position to get through it . ''
The show is a musical which stars Manford as a local detective who is a musical theatre fan and centres around the murder of a performer on the opening night of the a new show .
It is next scheduled to be on at the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester on Monday .

Jason Manford is refusing to pull out of his touring musical show, explaining that "a lot of people" are financially dependent on it continuing, despite the coronavirus outbreak.
The comedian, 38, responded to criticism on Twitter as the number of people who have died after testing positive for COVID-19 in the UK continues to rise.
Thirty-five have now died, with 1,372 confirmed infections across the country.
Manford said he had been receiving "the odd, shall we say 'forceful' message" about cancelling the tour of Curtains: The Musical, a comedy whodunnit.
He explained that not just the cast but also the crew and those on zero-hours contracts working at the theatres the show was due to travel to would all be impacted if it was cancelled.
He wrote: "Unfortunately I, like many people, irrespective of my opinion have a) a contract and a boss who's decision this is and b) have a lot of people depending on the income of a tour this size.
"At a push I could financially get through half a year not working before it became a problem financially but if I decided to not go to Leicester on Monday say, the show would still go on as I have an understudy.
"With cast, crew, band & the folks in the office (not to mention the hundreds of zero-hour contract folks who work in the theatres) there are over 100 people all working on this show.
"If they suddenly cancelled it without the government's say so, their insurance would be null and void putting a lot of those people in financial ruin," he added.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 PM : 'Families will lose loved ones before their time'
Although the government is going to ask manufacturing firms to assist the NHS by producing more ventilators, it has not yet banned large gatherings.
Emergency laws may be introduced this week to ban gatherings of more than 500 people in an attempt to curb transmissions of the virus.
:: Listen to Backstage on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Manford said: "Please do not patronise me about the seriousness of the pandemic, I'm well aware, I get the same news channels as you; I just have a responsibility to these people to make sure that when the worst happens they are in the strongest position to get through it."
The show is a musical which stars Manford as a local detective who is a musical theatre fan and centres around the murder of a performer on the opening night of the a new show.
It is next scheduled to be on at the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester on Monday.


news--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Charities say COVID-19 like a 'slow motion car crash'

Charities are calling for government help after a drop in donations because of coronavirus left them struggling to pay staff .
Age UK said COVID-19 was leading to a growing demand for its services , such as home helps and transport , at a time when the number of visitors to its shops was plummeting .
It is `` desperately hoping '' to get some support from Boris Johnson .
`` We can see a sort of a slow motion car crash unfolding , '' the organisation 's director , Caroline Abrahams , told Sky News .
Health Secretary Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be asked to self-isolate - potentially for months - `` in the coming weeks '' .
With major events such as the London Marathon being cancelled , Ms Abrahams described coronavirus as a `` crisis that 's coming along fast '' .
The annual run - which raised a record breaking £66.4m last year - has been postponed until October .
Its director , Hugh Brasher , said the world was in an `` unprecedented situation '' , and public health is `` everyone 's priority '' .
Liz Witton - one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this year 's event - said she was `` pretty disappointed '' but felt it was the `` right decision '' .
She is supporting Save the Rhino International and said she would continue to raise money .
There are 167,972 charities in England and Wales , according to the Charities Aid Foundation .
Caroline Abrahams said some same of them could have to lay off staff .
`` I think for us and other charities we can see a sort of a slow motion car crash unfolding which is a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` At the same time , we can see our income line going down .
`` Charities are going to struggle to pay their staff , so that 's why I think this is a crisis that 's coming along fast and we very much hope the government will intervene . ''
She added : `` We are going to find a way to raise some money somehow but are desperately hoping we will get some support from the prime minister . ''

Charities are calling for government help after a drop in donations because of coronavirus left them struggling to pay staff.
Age UK said COVID-19 was leading to a growing demand for its services, such as home helps and transport, at a time when the number of visitors to its shops was plummeting.
It is "desperately hoping" to get some support from Boris Johnson.
"We can see a sort of a slow motion car crash unfolding," the organisation's director, Caroline Abrahams, told Sky News.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 This is what happens during lockdown
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News that over-70s will be asked to self-isolate - potentially for months - "in the coming weeks".
With major events such as the London Marathon being cancelled, Ms Abrahams described coronavirus as a "crisis that's coming along fast".
The annual run - which raised a record breaking £66.4m last year - has been postponed until October.
Its director, Hugh Brasher, said the world was in an "unprecedented situation", and public health is "everyone's priority".
Liz Witton - one of 40,000 people hoping to take part in this year's event - said she was "pretty disappointed" but felt it was the "right decision".
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She is supporting Save the Rhino International and said she would continue to raise money.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 COVID-19: The Scientific Advice
There are 167,972 charities in England and Wales, according to the Charities Aid Foundation.
Caroline Abrahams said some same of them could have to lay off staff.
"I think for us and other charities we can see a sort of a slow motion car crash unfolding which is a huge and growing demand for our services," she said.
"At the same time, we can see our income line going down.
"Charities are going to struggle to pay their staff, so that's why I think this is a crisis that's coming along fast and we very much hope the government will intervene."
She added: "We are going to find a way to raise some money somehow but are desperately hoping we will get some support from the prime minister."


news--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Community groups spring up to support people self-isolating

Hundreds of community groups have sprung up across the UK to provide support to people affected by COVID-19 .
Louise Sharp , who created a Facebook page called Newcastle upon Tyne COVID-19 Mutual Aid on Friday evening , told Sky News it had `` escalated quicker than I thought '' , with 2,000 members already .
She took action because she was becoming concerned for the elderly and disabled , and about how the outbreak is `` affecting anxiety '' .
Simple things such as getting prescriptions and walking the dog could become difficult for those who are unwell or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page is bringing its own problems , because `` people are posting things that may not be true '' , she said .
One of its members is part of the local police force , however , and others with safeguarding expertise have joined too .
In London , a councillor in Lambeth , Ed Davie , tweeted : `` Mutual aid groups show real community spirit but please wait for official guidance before making physical contact with strangers .
`` We do n't want to inadvertently spread virus or enable vulnerable people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Hancock has told Sky News that over-70s will be asked to self-isolate `` in the coming weeks '' to try to protect them from coronavirus - and it could potentially last for months .
Some 35 people have died in the UK after testing positive for COVID-19 , and 1,372 have been infected .
In Falmouth , Cornwall , university lecturer Becky Wass , 32 , has made a postcard designed to help people who are staying away from others , with the hashtag # viralkindness .
Ms Wass said that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , so let 's try to spread kindness '' .
The card has categories people might need help with , such as posting mail and a `` friendly phone call '' .
The Facebook groups are being linked nationally by Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK .
Anna Vickerstaff , one of the coordinators , said they wanted to ensure that `` no one in our communities is being left to face this crisis alone '' .
A contributor to Liverpool COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group said she was a psychologist and happy to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that `` social isolation can be awful for our system - especially in terms of fighting off infections '' .
People contributing to a Facebook group called Coronavirus Community Help Bournemouth and Poole have been debating how to help those who may be home alone - but without spreading the virus .
One member asked how volunteers who are shopping for those in self-isolation could take payment , wondering : `` What happens when an infected person orders and hands over cash ? ''
They added : `` I think thought needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be prevented to avoid a good-hearted idea putting vulnerable people at risk . ''
Someone on a Facebook page called Bristol Community Care - Covid-19 Mutual Aid suggested collecting old smart phones for people who do not have them so they can `` video call friends and family '' .
A contributor to the Wolverhampton COVID-19 Mutual Aid page said they had found a shop with lots of nappies , wipes and toilet rolls , for those who were struggling to locate such items .

Hundreds of community groups have sprung up across the UK to provide support to people affected by COVID-19.
Louise Sharp, who created a Facebook page called Newcastle upon Tyne COVID-19 Mutual Aid on Friday evening, told Sky News it had "escalated quicker than I thought", with 2,000 members already.
She took action because she was becoming concerned for the elderly and disabled, and about how the outbreak is "affecting anxiety".
Simple things such as getting prescriptions and walking the dog could become difficult for those who are unwell or self-isolating, she said.
But the page is bringing its own problems, because "people are posting things that may not be true", she said.
One of its members is part of the local police force, however, and others with safeguarding expertise have joined too.
In London, a councillor in Lambeth, Ed Davie, tweeted: "Mutual aid groups show real community spirit but please wait for official guidance before making physical contact with strangers.
"We don't want to inadvertently spread virus or enable vulnerable people to be exploited."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:33 Sky News questions Hancock on coronavirus
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News that over-70s will be asked to self-isolate "in the coming weeks" to try to protect them from coronavirus - and it could potentially last for months.
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Some 35 people have died in the UK after testing positive for COVID-19, and 1,372 have been infected.
In Falmouth, Cornwall, university lecturer Becky Wass, 32, has made a postcard designed to help people who are staying away from others, with the hashtag #viralkindness.
Ms Wass said that "fear has spread quickly (understandably!), so let's try to spread kindness".
The card has categories people might need help with, such as posting mail and a "friendly phone call".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:44 'We need answers and plans now'
The Facebook groups are being linked nationally by Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK.
Anna Vickerstaff, one of the coordinators, said they wanted to ensure that "no one in our communities is being left to face this crisis alone".
A contributor to Liverpool COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group said she was a psychologist and happy to help anyone in need of emotional support, adding that "social isolation can be awful for our system - especially in terms of fighting off infections".
People contributing to a Facebook group called Coronavirus Community Help Bournemouth and Poole have been debating how to help those who may be home alone - but without spreading the virus.
One member asked how volunteers who are shopping for those in self-isolation could take payment, wondering: "What happens when an infected person orders and hands over cash?"
They added: "I think thought needs to be put into how cross-contamination can be prevented to avoid a good-hearted idea putting vulnerable people at risk."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 This is what happens during lockdown
Someone on a Facebook page called Bristol Community Care - Covid-19 Mutual Aid suggested collecting old smart phones for people who do not have them so they can "video call friends and family".
A contributor to the Wolverhampton COVID-19 Mutual Aid page said they had found a shop with lots of nappies, wipes and toilet rolls, for those who were struggling to locate such items.