news--2020-05-15--Hong Kong protest movement not licked, says man behind tear gas flavoured ice cream

The debate about the best ice cream flavour normally revolves around chocolate , vanilla or strawberry .
But an ice cream shop owner in Hong Kong has invented a type unlikely to feature in any arguments - tear gas flavour .
The new product consists mostly of roasted , ground black peppercorns , a reminder of the pungent , peppery rounds fired by police at pro-democracy protesters during months of demonstrations last year .
The flavour is a sign of support for the protest movement that has stalled during the coronavirus pandemic , the man behind it said .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former British colony , the 31-year-old spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid repercussions from the territory 's pro-Beijing government .
`` We would like to make a flavour that reminds people that they still have to persist in the protest movement and do n't lose their passion , '' he said .
The owner tried different ingredients , including wasabi and mustard , in an effort to replicate the taste of tear gas before finding black pepper , which , he said , came closest to the throat-irritating effects of the gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole black peppercorns and make them into gelato , the Italian style .
It 's a bit hot , but we emphasise its aftertaste , which is a sensation of irritation in the throat .
`` It just feels like breathing in tear gas , '' he said .
The recipe is a success , customer Anita Wong said , after trying it .
`` It tastes like tear gas .
It feels difficult to breathe at first , and it 's really pungent and irritating .
It makes me want to drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Wong , 32 , who experienced tear gas at a protest , called it `` a flashback that reminds me of how painful I felt in the movement , and that I should n't forget '' .
More than 16,000 rounds of tear gas were fired during the protests , Hong Kong authorities said , many in densely populated districts where narrow streets are filled with small restaurants and blocks of flats .
The protests began over proposed legislation that would have allowed criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdrawn , demonstrations continued over concerns Beijing is eroding the civil liberties granted to the former British colony when it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997 .

The debate about the best ice cream flavour normally revolves around chocolate, vanilla or strawberry.
But an ice cream shop owner in Hong Kong has invented a type unlikely to feature in any arguments - tear gas flavour.
The new product consists mostly of roasted, ground black peppercorns, a reminder of the pungent, peppery rounds fired by police at pro-democracy protesters during months of demonstrations last year.
Image: The ice cream is made mostly from roasted, ground black peppercorns
The flavour is a sign of support for the protest movement that has stalled during the coronavirus pandemic, the man behind it said.
In a sign of ever-present tensions in the former British colony, the 31-year-old spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid repercussions from the territory's pro-Beijing government.
"We would like to make a flavour that reminds people that they still have to persist in the protest movement and don't lose their passion," he said.
The owner tried different ingredients, including wasabi and mustard, in an effort to replicate the taste of tear gas before finding black pepper, which, he said, came closest to the throat-irritating effects of the gas.
"We roast and then grind whole black peppercorns and make them into gelato, the Italian style. It's a bit hot, but we emphasise its aftertaste, which is a sensation of irritation in the throat.
"It just feels like breathing in tear gas," he said.
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The recipe is a success, customer Anita Wong said, after trying it.
"It tastes like tear gas. It feels difficult to breathe at first, and it's really pungent and irritating. It makes me want to drink a lot of water immediately."
Ms Wong, 32, who experienced tear gas at a protest, called it "a flashback that reminds me of how painful I felt in the movement, and that I shouldn't forget".
Image: More than 16,000 rounds of tear gas were fired during the protests
More than 16,000 rounds of tear gas were fired during the protests, Hong Kong authorities said, many in densely populated districts where narrow streets are filled with small restaurants and blocks of flats.
The protests began over proposed legislation that would have allowed criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China to face charges.
While the bills were withdrawn, demonstrations continued over concerns Beijing is eroding the civil liberties granted to the former British colony when it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997.


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: London's congestion charge to rise 30% next month after huge TfL bailout

The congestion charge in London is to increase by 30 % next month and will be enforced seven days a week , as the mayor of London struggles to pay for the transport system .
The government has confirmed a £1.6bn bailout of Transport for London ( TfL ) after fares income fell by 90 % in the last two months .
Mayor Sadiq Khan has accused the Department for Transport ( DfT ) of `` making ordinary Londoners pay the cost for doing the right thing on COVID-19 '' .
City Hall said the congestion charge will rise from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June .
The hours of operation are also being extended to 7am to 10pm , seven days a week , instead of just weekdays .
The charge was waived during lockdown when the majority of people living in or around London were working from home or only travelling for essential reasons .
However , the £11.50 charge will be reintroduced on Monday 18 May , along with the ultra low emission zone which costs £12.50 for most vehicles and £100 for heavy lorries or coaches .
The mayor 's media office said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make unnecessary car journeys , and is expected to reduce journeys within the congestion charge zone by a third '' .
TfL will temporarily extend the congestion charge reimbursement scheme for NHS and care home workers .
However , it has introduced other temporary measures such as stopping free travel for children and only allowing people over 60 or with a disability to travel for free outside peak hours .
Fares on buses - scrapped to help protect drivers from COVID-19 - will also be reintroduced .
The Department for Transport said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase bus and Tube service levels `` as soon as possible to ensure people can follow social distancing guidelines while on the network '' .
Concerns have been raised about packed Tube trains and buses this week after the prime minister encouraged people in England to go to work if they can not work from home .
A London COVID-19 task force - featuring representatives from the government and TfL - has been established to oversee operational decisions during the pandemic .
Mr Khan said : `` COVID-19 poses the biggest challenge to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's history .
It will take a monumental effort from all Londoners to maintain safe social distancing on public transport as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased .
`` That means we have to keep the number of people using public transport as low as possible .
And we ca n't see journeys formerly taken on public transport replaced with car usage because our roads would immediately become unusably blocked and toxic air pollution would soar .
`` I ask that Londoners do not use public transport unless it is absolutely unavoidable - it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can work from home you should continue to do so .
We should all spend more of our leisure time in our local areas too .
`` We will need many more Londoners to walk and cycle to make this work .
That 's why these plans will transform parts of central London to create one of the largest car-free areas in any capital city in the world . ''

The congestion charge in London is to increase by 30% next month and will be enforced seven days a week, as the mayor of London struggles to pay for the transport system.
The government has confirmed a £1.6bn bailout of Transport for London (TfL) after fares income fell by 90% in the last two months.
Image: Commuters, some wearing masks, are seen on a London Underground train
Mayor Sadiq Khan has accused the Department for Transport (DfT) of "making ordinary Londoners pay the cost for doing the right thing on COVID-19".
City Hall said the congestion charge will rise from £11.50 a day to £15 from 22 June. The hours of operation are also being extended to 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, instead of just weekdays.
The charge was waived during lockdown when the majority of people living in or around London were working from home or only travelling for essential reasons.
However, the £11.50 charge will be reintroduced on Monday 18 May, along with the ultra low emission zone which costs £12.50 for most vehicles and £100 for heavy lorries or coaches.
The mayor's media office said the June increase will "encourage Londoners not to make unnecessary car journeys, and is expected to reduce journeys within the congestion charge zone by a third".
TfL will temporarily extend the congestion charge reimbursement scheme for NHS and care home workers.
However, it has introduced other temporary measures such as stopping free travel for children and only allowing people over 60 or with a disability to travel for free outside peak hours.
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Fares on buses - scrapped to help protect drivers from COVID-19 - will also be reintroduced.
The Department for Transport said the bailout means TfL will be able increase bus and Tube service levels "as soon as possible to ensure people can follow social distancing guidelines while on the network".
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Concerns have been raised about packed Tube trains and buses this week after the prime minister encouraged people in England to go to work if they cannot work from home.
A London COVID-19 task force - featuring representatives from the government and TfL - has been established to oversee operational decisions during the pandemic.
Mr Khan said: "COVID-19 poses the biggest challenge to London's public transport network in TfL's history. It will take a monumental effort from all Londoners to maintain safe social distancing on public transport as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.
"That means we have to keep the number of people using public transport as low as possible. And we can't see journeys formerly taken on public transport replaced with car usage because our roads would immediately become unusably blocked and toxic air pollution would soar.
"I ask that Londoners do not use public transport unless it is absolutely unavoidable - it must be a last resort. If you can work from home you should continue to do so. We should all spend more of our leisure time in our local areas too.
"We will need many more Londoners to walk and cycle to make this work. That's why these plans will transform parts of central London to create one of the largest car-free areas in any capital city in the world."


news--2020-05-14--Muse star Matt Bellamy says supergroup The Jaded Hearts Club is '100% available for weddings'

Muse fans getting married , take note - this could be your chance to get frontman Matt Bellamy performing on your big day .
As well as his work with Muse , the musician and singer-songwriter also performs with his `` supergroup '' The Jaded Hearts Club , which he formed with Graham Coxon ( Blur ) , Miles Kane ( The Last Shadow Puppets ) , Nic Cester ( Jet ) , Sean Payne ( The Zutons ) and guitarist Jamie Davis .
What started off as a Beatles covers band ( one which managed to get actual Beatle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within just a few gigs ) , they have now moved on to other sources of inspiration and plan to release an album later this year .
Busy during the coronavirus lockdown despite taking a break from Muse , Bellamy has also just released a new solo track , Tomorrow 's World , written during the coronavirus pandemic .
Speaking to Sky News about his new musical projects , he said The Jaded Hearts Club has moved on from the Fab Four to encompass `` mostly Northern Soul , Motown , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But obviously we wanted to know the all-important question for any good covers band : are they available for weddings ?
`` Absolutely , '' Bellamy laughs .
`` We are 100 % available for weddings .
Give us a call , we 'll be there . ''
So there you have it - Bellamy , Coxon and co could soon be performing at a nuptials near you .
When large gatherings are allowed once again , of course .
And if they 're not booked up .
Tracks released so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on The Isley Brothers ' 1962 song , and their cover of Marvin Gaye 's This Love Starved Heart Of Mine .
`` It 's basically a group of friends who like jamming together , '' says Bellamy .
`` We did a few parties and stuff and we thought , actually , if we made a record , what would it be ?
`` We 're in the process of making a record now , it 's gon na come out in October , and we 'll be putting out songs every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just doing cover songs , songs that we think either could be recorded in a way that has n't been heard before , or songs that were kind of obscure and not that known at the time .
`` Maybe [ we ] can draw a bit of attention to these great songs that were kind of lost in time . ''
Matt Bellamy 's new solo track Tomorrow 's World is out now .
Read our full interview with the Muse frontman on the Sky News website on Saturday

Muse fans getting married, take note - this could be your chance to get frontman Matt Bellamy performing on your big day.
As well as his work with Muse, the musician and singer-songwriter also performs with his "supergroup" The Jaded Hearts Club, which he formed with Graham Coxon (Blur), Miles Kane (The Last Shadow Puppets), Nic Cester (Jet), Sean Payne (The Zutons) and guitarist Jamie Davis.
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What started off as a Beatles covers band (one which managed to get actual Beatle Sir Paul McCartney on stage with them within just a few gigs), they have now moved on to other sources of inspiration and plan to release an album later this year.
Busy during the coronavirus lockdown despite taking a break from Muse, Bellamy has also just released a new solo track, Tomorrow's World, written during the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to Sky News about his new musical projects, he said The Jaded Hearts Club has moved on from the Fab Four to encompass "mostly Northern Soul, Motown, with a little bit of rock and roll".
But obviously we wanted to know the all-important question for any good covers band: are they available for weddings?
"Absolutely," Bellamy laughs. "We are 100% available for weddings. Give us a call, we'll be there."
So there you have it - Bellamy, Coxon and co could soon be performing at a nuptials near you.
When large gatherings are allowed once again, of course.
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And if they're not booked up.
Image: Bellamy is taking a break from Muse before they get back in the studio
Tracks released so far include Nobody But Me, a take on The Isley Brothers' 1962 song, and their cover of Marvin Gaye's This Love Starved Heart Of Mine.
"It's basically a group of friends who like jamming together," says Bellamy. "We did a few parties and stuff and we thought, actually, if we made a record, what would it be?
"We're in the process of making a record now, it's gonna come out in October, and we'll be putting out songs every month or so.
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"We're just doing cover songs, songs that we think either could be recorded in a way that hasn't been heard before, or songs that were kind of obscure and not that known at the time.
"Maybe [we] can draw a bit of attention to these great songs that were kind of lost in time."
Matt Bellamy's new solo track Tomorrow's World is out now. Read our full interview with the Muse frontman on the Sky News website on Saturday


news--2020-05-15--In This Together podcast: Comedian Russell Kane says government's COVID-19 policies 'don't sound saf

In This Together podcast: Comedian Russell Kane says government's COVID-19 policies 'don't sound safe'

Comedian Russell Kane has criticised the government 's approach to easing the coronavirus lockdown , saying it `` does not sound safe '' .
Speaking to Sky 's Sarah-Jane Mee on the In This Together podcast , he said the policies appear to be inconsistent .
The government has told people to go out to work if they ca n't do their roles from home , and to avoid public transport if possible , instead using cars , bikes or walking .
But for many people , their journeys to work are too far to be made on a bike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government has also said people in England can meet one person who is not in their household each day in public keeping two metres apart but they can not meet at a person 's home amid fears they may not stick to social distancing rules .
Kane asked : `` How are you supposed to get to work on a packed Central Line train ?
You will have physical contact with hundreds of people on the way to work .
`` You will then go to a workplace ( where ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing all day , so you 're going to touch 100 people .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker '' You may as well have a touching party in your front room with 1,000 people where you all touch each other 's faces ! ''
He went on : `` But , if I want to visit my mum , who 's been isolating for 10 weeks and has n't touched another human being… that 's it .
A massive fine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , what was recommended . ''
The 44-year old star has expressed his feelings on social media during the lockdown and doing what he calls `` Kaneings '' .
He said : `` I 'm going to start doing topical rants .
Get in first with all the gags and make sure I 'm just getting stuff out there .
`` I 've accidentally been practising the timing of ranting down a camera without an audience .
`` It 's halfway between live stand-up and waiting for a laugh , and sat-back-in-the-chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He continued : `` I 've just carried on doing what I 'm doing .
I 'm just doing more of these Kaneings as I call them , because I quite ca n't bring myself to call it stand-up because it looks too beggy and 'please laugh at my stuff ' .
`` But that 's basically what it is .
It 's a form of stand-up that 's learnt where the beats are when there 's no audience to punctuate it . ''
Kane believes that humour should be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Now that the dust is settling , and the R number is dropping , and thank God the death rates dropping as far as we know .
`` Now 's the time for the comedians to turn on the politicians . ''
In This Together focuses on the good news emerging from the coronavirus pandemic , community projects , uplifting moments and local heroes .

Comedian Russell Kane has criticised the government's approach to easing the coronavirus lockdown, saying it "does not sound safe".
Speaking to Sky's Sarah-Jane Mee on the In This Together podcast, he said the policies appear to be inconsistent.
The government has told people to go out to work if they can't do their roles from home, and to avoid public transport if possible, instead using cars, bikes or walking.
But for many people, their journeys to work are too far to be made on a bike and they may not have a car.
The government has also said people in England can meet one person who is not in their household each day in public keeping two metres apart but they cannot meet at a person's home amid fears they may not stick to social distancing rules.
Image: Russell Kane has attacked the government's approach surrounding the easing of the lockdown
Kane asked: "How are you supposed to get to work on a packed Central Line train? You will have physical contact with hundreds of people on the way to work.
"You will then go to a workplace (where) it won't be possible to do distancing all day, so you're going to touch 100 people.
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
"You may as well have a touching party in your front room with 1,000 people where you all touch each other's faces!"
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He went on: "But, if I want to visit my mum, who's been isolating for 10 weeks and hasn't touched another human being… that's it. A massive fine.
"That doesn't make sense. (It's) hokey cokey, in-out nonsense.
"That doesn't sound safe to me, what was recommended."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Humour as a tool to help nation during lockdown
The 44-year old star has expressed his feelings on social media during the lockdown and doing what he calls "Kaneings".
He said: "I'm going to start doing topical rants. Get in first with all the gags and make sure I'm just getting stuff out there.
"I've accidentally been practising the timing of ranting down a camera without an audience.
"It's halfway between live stand-up and waiting for a laugh, and sat-back-in-the-chair comedy blogger which is something slightly different."
Image: Kane was speaking to Sky's Sarah-Jane Mee
He continued: "I've just carried on doing what I'm doing. I'm just doing more of these Kaneings as I call them, because I quite can't bring myself to call it stand-up because it looks too beggy and 'please laugh at my stuff'.
"But that's basically what it is. It's a form of stand-up that's learnt where the beats are when there's no audience to punctuate it."
Kane believes that humour should be used to hold politicians to account.
He said: "Now that the dust is settling, and the R number is dropping, and thank God the death rates dropping as far as we know.
"Now's the time for the comedians to turn on the politicians."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'I'm so happy NHS workers are appreciated like they deserve'
In This Together focuses on the good news emerging from the coronavirus pandemic, community projects, uplifting moments and local heroes.


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Children in England more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than any other age group,

Coronavirus: Children in England more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than any other age group, study warns

Children in England are more likely than any other age group to be infected with the coronavirus , new research suggests , findings that could raise questions about allowing schools to return in June .
Almost one in five children ( 18 % ) aged between 5 and 14 years old have contracted COVID-19 , according to modelling by Public Health England and the University of Cambridge 's MRC Biostatistics Unit .
By comparison , only 6 % of people aged 65 to 74 have been infected , falling to 3 % of those over 75 .
This might suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` attack rate '' for other age groups is 8 % for infants , 11 % for one to four-year-olds , 16 % for those aged 15 to 24 , 14 % for 25 to 44-year-olds , and 9 % for people aged between 45 and 64 .
It comes as education union leaders hold talks with the chief medical officer and other experts to hear reasons for the government 's push to reopen schools .
At present , it is unclear whether children and adults develop immunity after contracting COVID-19 , nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it is proven that children do have immunity after recovering from coronavirus , the significant number of infections in England so far could mean that the risks are lower should they return to classrooms .
A separate study on Thursday had suggested children are just as likely as adults to contract coronavirus .
A survey for the Office for National Statistics of 10,075 people found `` no evidence '' of differences between age groups in those who tested positive .
Twelve people aged under 19 in England are known to have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24,160 fatalities recorded by NHS England since the start of the outbreak .
The youngest was a six-week-old baby , and most had underlying health conditions .
Very little is known about the effects of coronavirus on children , with conflicting research posing a challenge for governments across the globe .
Last month , a study by the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health found children `` do not play a significant role '' in spreading the deadly virus and are less likely to become infected than adults .
While the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research finds older people are far less likely to catch COVID-19 , it also notes that over 75s have a far higher Infection Fatality Ratio ( IFR ) .
Figures show over 75s have a 16 % IFR .
The closest other group is those aged 65 to 74 , who have an IFR of 1.8 % .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Analysis : Two key findings on age in study One concerning finding in the study , which echoes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children aged 5 to 14 are most likely to be infected .
There is still relatively little known about how the virus affects children and whether they spread it effectively .
So , this will add to worries about schools returning before the summer break .
Although , if around one in five of them have been infected , then it is possible they have also developed some immunity .
Finally , the high Infection Fatality Ratio for people aged over 75 , about 16 % , could mean the `` stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues for some time to come .
The scientists found just 3 % of that age group has been infected , possibly because they are shielding .
Greater exposure to the virus could result in many more deaths amongst that age group .

Children in England are more likely than any other age group to be infected with the coronavirus, new research suggests, findings that could raise questions about allowing schools to return in June.
Almost one in five children (18%) aged between 5 and 14 years old have contracted COVID-19, according to modelling by Public Health England and the University of Cambridge's MRC Biostatistics Unit.
By comparison, only 6% of people aged 65 to 74 have been infected, falling to 3% of those over 75. This might suggest that shielding is working.
The virus "attack rate" for other age groups is 8% for infants, 11% for one to four-year-olds, 16% for those aged 15 to 24, 14% for 25 to 44-year-olds, and 9% for people aged between 45 and 64.
It comes as education union leaders hold talks with the chief medical officer and other experts to hear reasons for the government's push to reopen schools.
At present, it is unclear whether children and adults develop immunity after contracting COVID-19, nor how long it would last.
But if it is proven that children do have immunity after recovering from coronavirus, the significant number of infections in England so far could mean that the risks are lower should they return to classrooms.
A separate study on Thursday had suggested children are just as likely as adults to contract coronavirus.
A survey for the Office for National Statistics of 10,075 people found "no evidence" of differences between age groups in those who tested positive.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Schools prepare for phased return of pupils
Twelve people aged under 19 in England are known to have died in hospital with COVID-19 out of the 24,160 fatalities recorded by NHS England since the start of the outbreak. The youngest was a six-week-old baby, and most had underlying health conditions.
Very little is known about the effects of coronavirus on children, with conflicting research posing a challenge for governments across the globe.
Last month, a study by the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health found children "do not play a significant role" in spreading the deadly virus and are less likely to become infected than adults.
While the latest research from PHE and University of Cambridge research finds older people are far less likely to catch COVID-19, it also notes that over 75s have a far higher Infection Fatality Ratio (IFR).
Figures show over 75s have a 16% IFR. The closest other group is those aged 65 to 74, who have an IFR of 1.8%.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Analysis: Two key findings on age in study
By Isla Glaister, Sky News data journalist
One concerning finding in the study, which echoes Thursday's ONS report, is that children aged 5 to 14 are most likely to be infected.
There is still relatively little known about how the virus affects children and whether they spread it effectively. So, this will add to worries about schools returning before the summer break.
Although, if around one in five of them have been infected, then it is possible they have also developed some immunity.
Finally, the high Infection Fatality Ratio for people aged over 75, about 16%, could mean the "stay at home" message for that age group continues for some time to come.
The scientists found just 3% of that age group has been infected, possibly because they are shielding.
Greater exposure to the virus could result in many more deaths amongst that age group.


news--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: How Scotland is coping with life in lockdown

They call him a schemie version of Freddie Mercury .
- tough on a guy helping us through lockdown .
Mark Nelson , of big teeth and thick skin , is the stand-up comedian who fronts a new live-streamed comedy show - The Stand , Lockdown Edition .
To be fair , he invites the abuse - hashtag # hecklemark - and it 's a feature of the Saturday night webcast that amounts to showbiz survival .
Edinburgh 's The Stand comedy club - also available in Glasgow and Newcastle - is closed due to the lockdown and has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flat on Edinburgh 's Southside .
The idea , so far , has been that viewers donate money to help keep club and comics afloat during the pandemic .
Live performance without access to a live audience is hard enough on an artist , but now Edinburgh 's summer festivals have been cancelled .
Losing the world 's biggest arts festival is no joke .
Mr Nelson told Sky News : `` It is the most important thing we have , it 's like our Superbowl .
Once one finishes you start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you start writing a show and then you 've got two months of previews before it .
`` So it is the culmination of a whole year 's worth of work .
It 's a big deal for it not to be happening . ''
As part of our Life In Lockdown series , Sky News spoke to a number of people around Scotland about the challenges they face .
Dr Catherine Brown is a GP based at Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands .
She believes in the benefits of musical therapy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home visits which , for now , are conducted only when considered necessary .
Hitting the right note on a fiddle is n't made any easier by wearing two pairs of protective gloves .
During her career , Dr Brown has worked around the world and has witnessed crisis response before .
She was in Christchurch , New Zealand , when an earthquake struck there in 2011 , and sees parallels between the human response then and now .
She told Sky News : `` The parallels I would draw between then and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , coming together at a time like this , within the healthcare profession , outwith the healthcare profession and members of the community rallying together to help out in a real time of crisis . ''
Crisis is a word laced through this year 's fund-raising effort at the Marie Curie charity .
Its annual Daffodil Appeal , which is used to raise £30m , has been rendered impossible because of social distancing .
The charity is now seeking emergency donations .
Libby Milton , lead nurse for the hospice in Edinburgh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It costs us £2.5m a week to keep our charity going and we are supported by the British public .
`` People remember us in their wills , people give us regular monthly amounts , but we also know that the big chunk of fundraising comes through mass public donations and March , when the daffodils start appearing , is when we traditionally will do our great daffodil appeal that keep us going through the year .
This March has not been normal . ''
Marie Curie , which cares for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent the experience of so many casualties of the pandemic .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Staff facilitate one final visit for patients with close family , with appropriate COVID-19 precautions .
Libby Milton said : `` We are still so mindful that if people are dying , the lasting memory of that for families is so critical that we are allowing that exceptional visit for the very last chapter , for the very end of life . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is difficult .
Symptoms are hard to manage but we really give it our best shot and , if we can give that comfort to families , then that makes a difference .
`` Because , conversely , we know that if people are n't there and ca n't see and it 's their imagination , then that 's when they start being tortured by it in the weeks and months and sometimes even years to come . ''

They call him a schemie version of Freddie Mercury. - tough on a guy helping us through lockdown.
Mark Nelson, of big teeth and thick skin, is the stand-up comedian who fronts a new live-streamed comedy show - The Stand, Lockdown Edition.
To be fair, he invites the abuse - hashtag #hecklemark - and it's a feature of the Saturday night webcast that amounts to showbiz survival.
Edinburgh's The Stand comedy club - also available in Glasgow and Newcastle - is closed due to the lockdown and has been experimenting with the Saturday night live-stream from a flat on Edinburgh's Southside.
The idea, so far, has been that viewers donate money to help keep club and comics afloat during the pandemic.
Live performance without access to a live audience is hard enough on an artist, but now Edinburgh's summer festivals have been cancelled. Losing the world's biggest arts festival is no joke.
Image: Mark Nelson is a stand-up comedian
Mr Nelson told Sky News: "It is the most important thing we have, it's like our Superbowl. Once one finishes you start thinking about the next one and then you start writing a show and then you've got two months of previews before it.
"So it is the culmination of a whole year's worth of work. It's a big deal for it not to be happening."
As part of our Life In Lockdown series, Sky News spoke to a number of people around Scotland about the challenges they face.
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Image: Dr Catherine Brown believes in the power of music therapy
Dr Catherine Brown is a GP based at Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands.
She believes in the benefits of musical therapy and regularly plays the violin for patients during home visits which, for now, are conducted only when considered necessary. Hitting the right note on a fiddle isn't made any easier by wearing two pairs of protective gloves.
During her career, Dr Brown has worked around the world and has witnessed crisis response before. She was in Christchurch, New Zealand, when an earthquake struck there in 2011, and sees parallels between the human response then and now.
She told Sky News: "The parallels I would draw between then and now are that it's mainly about people, coming together at a time like this, within the healthcare profession, outwith the healthcare profession and members of the community rallying together to help out in a real time of crisis."
Crisis is a word laced through this year's fund-raising effort at the Marie Curie charity. Its annual Daffodil Appeal, which is used to raise £30m, has been rendered impossible because of social distancing.
The charity is now seeking emergency donations.
Image: Libby Milton says keeping the Marie Curie charity going costs £2.5m a week
Libby Milton, lead nurse for the hospice in Edinburgh and West Lothian, told Sky News: "It costs us £2.5m a week to keep our charity going and we are supported by the British public.
"People remember us in their wills, people give us regular monthly amounts, but we also know that the big chunk of fundraising comes through mass public donations and March, when the daffodils start appearing, is when we traditionally will do our great daffodil appeal that keep us going through the year. This March has not been normal."
Marie Curie, which cares for terminal patients, have made a commitment to prevent the experience of so many casualties of the pandemic.
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Staff facilitate one final visit for patients with close family, with appropriate COVID-19 precautions.
Libby Milton said: "We are still so mindful that if people are dying, the lasting memory of that for families is so critical that we are allowing that exceptional visit for the very last chapter, for the very end of life."
"But getting the timing of that right is difficult. Symptoms are hard to manage but we really give it our best shot and, if we can give that comfort to families, then that makes a difference.
"Because, conversely, we know that if people aren't there and can't see and it's their imagination, then that's when they start being tortured by it in the weeks and months and sometimes even years to come."


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Where does the PPE in UK hospitals come from?

Governments around the world are locked in a struggle to secure enough personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to keep medical staff safe .
Ideally when coming into contact with somebody with COVID-19 , medical staff should wear face masks , gowns , gloves and goggles or face visors .
The use of PPE like this is not new but the coronavirus pandemic has massively increased the amount that is needed , leading to shortages .
In some cases doctors and nurses have complained the lack of PPE has left them with the choice between their patients ' safety or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were caused because normal supply chains were unable to cope with the sudden increase in demand caused by the pandemic .
A new distribution system was therefore introduced by the government , with logistical support from the army .
NHS England says PPE supplies are now being housed in centralised warehouses , with daily deliveries taking place to the 217 NHS Trusts in England .
The trusts can then distribute the equipment throughout their hospitals as needed - and similar schemes are in place in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to traditional PPE wholesalers , so that they can continue to supply clients such as GP surgeries , care homes and pharmacies as normal .
Local Resilience Forums and the National Supply Distribution Response ( NSDR ) are receiving additional supplies as well .
In theory , any organisation which ca n't get PPE by the usual supply routes can phone the NSDR to request an urgent delivery .
However , the new distribution system relies on the government being able to get enough PPE to meet the growing demand .
The UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potential influenza pandemic , which it has used to supply hospitals which needed equipment .
But the stockpile had fewer gowns and face visors - as these items are less useful for an influenza pandemic - and other PPE items will also need to be restocked at some point in the future .
It is hoped UK companies will be able to help bridge the gap between existing suppliers and the current demand , although many of those who have contacted the government say they 've been ignored .
The British Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms who are ready to manufacture PPE but who have `` yet to receive a response through official government and NHS routes '' .
Meanwhile , The Telegraph has reported that millions of pieces of PPE are being shipped to EU countries by wholesalers in the UK , because they had received no reply from the UK government .
In response , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said thousands of companies have offered to supply equipment and that some delays were unavoidable as checks were carried out .
But , he said , 159 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government as potential PPE suppliers .
There are some items , however , the government will have to buy internationally .
Only one UK company , fabric specialist Don & Low , makes the fluid-resistant material necessary to make medical gowns of the quality needed to protect staff from COVID-19 .
The UK will therefore have to procure medical gowns from overseas to keep hospitals supplied .
International supplies are currently proving difficult to come by however , as demand grows around the world and many countries adopt export bans to keep critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK government said 84 tonnes of PPE would be delivered from Turkey to the UK the next day .
Only part of the order has arrived so far , as Turkish officials say the commercial supplier did not have enough stock to fulfil the order .

Governments around the world are locked in a struggle to secure enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep medical staff safe.
Ideally when coming into contact with somebody with COVID-19, medical staff should wear face masks, gowns, gloves and goggles or face visors.
The use of PPE like this is not new but the coronavirus pandemic has massively increased the amount that is needed, leading to shortages.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Plane carrying PPE arrives from Turkey
In some cases doctors and nurses have complained the lack of PPE has left them with the choice between their patients' safety or their own.
The initial PPE shortages were caused because normal supply chains were unable to cope with the sudden increase in demand caused by the pandemic.
A new distribution system was therefore introduced by the government, with logistical support from the army.
NHS England says PPE supplies are now being housed in centralised warehouses, with daily deliveries taking place to the 217 NHS Trusts in England.
The trusts can then distribute the equipment throughout their hospitals as needed - and similar schemes are in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The government is also making additional supplies available to traditional PPE wholesalers, so that they can continue to supply clients such as GP surgeries, care homes and pharmacies as normal.
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Image: An NHS England diagram showing how the new PPE supply chain should work.
Local Resilience Forums and the National Supply Distribution Response (NSDR) are receiving additional supplies as well.
In theory, any organisation which can't get PPE by the usual supply routes can phone the NSDR to request an urgent delivery.
However, the new distribution system relies on the government being able to get enough PPE to meet the growing demand.
The UK already had a stockpile of PPE for a potential influenza pandemic, which it has used to supply hospitals which needed equipment.
Image: A protester demands more PPE outside St Thomas' Hospital in central London
But the stockpile had fewer gowns and face visors - as these items are less useful for an influenza pandemic - and other PPE items will also need to be restocked at some point in the future.
It is hoped UK companies will be able to help bridge the gap between existing suppliers and the current demand, although many of those who have contacted the government say they've been ignored.
The British Medical Association say they've spoken to 70 firms who are ready to manufacture PPE but who have "yet to receive a response through official government and NHS routes".
Image: Troops help deliver protective equipment at St Thomas' Hospital in London
Meanwhile, The Telegraph has reported that millions of pieces of PPE are being shipped to EU countries by wholesalers in the UK, because they had received no reply from the UK government.
In response, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said thousands of companies have offered to supply equipment and that some delays were unavoidable as checks were carried out.
But, he said, 159 potential manufacturers have been identified by the government as potential PPE suppliers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Scottish NHS takes delivery of PPE from China
There are some items, however, the government will have to buy internationally.
Only one UK company, fabric specialist Don & Low, makes the fluid-resistant material necessary to make medical gowns of the quality needed to protect staff from COVID-19.
The UK will therefore have to procure medical gowns from overseas to keep hospitals supplied.
International supplies are currently proving difficult to come by however, as demand grows around the world and many countries adopt export bans to keep critical supplies to themselves.
On Saturday, the UK government said 84 tonnes of PPE would be delivered from Turkey to the UK the next day.
Only part of the order has arrived so far, as Turkish officials say the commercial supplier did not have enough stock to fulfil the order.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: CO2 emissions likely to fall 6% due to outbreak

Global carbon dioxide emissions will likely drop 6 % this year , the World Meteorological Organisation chief says .
But the WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas warned the coronavirus-linked fall will not be significant enough to curb global warming .
Mr Taala said the pandemic might cause the biggest yearly fall in emissions since the Second World War , but urged governments to integrate climate action into coronavirus recovery plans .
`` COVID-19 may result in a temporary reduction in greenhouse gas emissions , but it is not a substitute for sustained climate action , '' Mr Taalas said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unity against climate change as against COVID-19 . ''
The agency found carbon dioxide levels were up 26 % since 1970 and the global temperature was an average of 0.86C higher .
Also on Wednesday , the WMO published the final version of its Global Climate report , confirming that 2015-2019 was the warmest five years on record .
Europe warmed faster than the global aveage , the European State Of The Climate report from the EU 's Copernicus Climate Change Service ( C3S ) found .
The record warmest year was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK saw several heatwaves and record temperatures .
Over the five years , Europe 's average temperature climbed to almost 2C above pre-industrial levels , outstripping the global average of 1.1C .
All but one of the 12 warmest years on record have been since 2000 .
The C3S report showed Europe has been steadily warming for four decades .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Nearly every country pledged to stay `` well below '' a 2.5C increase above pre-industrial levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change .
Reading University 's natural hazards researcher , Professor Hannah Cloke , said the C3S report was concerning .
`` In lockdown ... it would be easy for us to take our eyes off this alarming reality , '' she said .
`` For every decade I have been on this planet , it has been getting hotter and hotter and hotter . ''
The report was released on World Earth Day , when Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg 's Fridays for Future team also launched a new campaign inspired by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year : `` I want you to act as if our house is on fire .
Because it is . ''
The campaign includes a video of a family living their morning routine while their house is burning .
In early April , a major UN summit on tackling climate change due to be held in Glasgow in November was postponed for a year because of coronavirus .

Global carbon dioxide emissions will likely drop 6% this year, the World Meteorological Organisation chief says.
But the WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas warned the coronavirus-linked fall will not be significant enough to curb global warming.
Image: Activists say the pollution reduction stemming from coronavirus is not enough
Mr Taala said the pandemic might cause the biggest yearly fall in emissions since the Second World War, but urged governments to integrate climate action into coronavirus recovery plans.
"COVID-19 may result in a temporary reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but it is not a substitute for sustained climate action," Mr Taalas said.
"We need to show the same determination and unity against climate change as against COVID-19."
The agency found carbon dioxide levels were up 26% since 1970 and the global temperature was an average of 0.86C higher.
Also on Wednesday, the WMO published the final version of its Global Climate report, confirming that 2015-2019 was the warmest five years on record.
Europe warmed faster than the global aveage, the European State Of The Climate report from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) found.
The record warmest year was 2019, when extreme weather in the UK saw several heatwaves and record temperatures.
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Image: The 'Fridays for Future' video campaign created by creative agency FF Los Angeles will be released on Friday
Over the five years, Europe's average temperature climbed to almost 2C above pre-industrial levels, outstripping the global average of 1.1C.
All but one of the 12 warmest years on record have been since 2000.
The C3S report showed Europe has been steadily warming for four decades.
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Nearly every country pledged to stay "well below" a 2.5C increase above pre-industrial levels when signing the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
Reading University's natural hazards researcher, Professor Hannah Cloke, said the C3S report was concerning.
"In lockdown... it would be easy for us to take our eyes off this alarming reality," she said.
"For every decade I have been on this planet, it has been getting hotter and hotter and hotter."
The report was released on World Earth Day, when Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg's Fridays for Future team also launched a new campaign inspired by her statement to the World Economic Forum last year: "I want you to act as if our house is on fire. Because it is."
The campaign includes a video of a family living their morning routine while their house is burning.
In early April, a major UN summit on tackling climate change due to be held in Glasgow in November was postponed for a year because of coronavirus.


news--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Lockdown helps Netflix add record 16m subscribers

Netflix has reported a record surge in new subscriptions as more people seek entertainment while stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic .
The streaming service added 15.8 million customers during the first quarter , double the number expected by Wall Street - taking the total to 182.9 million at the end of March .
It was the biggest three-month gain in the company 's 13-year history and cemented its status as an in-demand consumer service during the lockdown crisis .
The figures came as Snap , the owner of Snapchat , also saw a boost from the restrictions as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by demand for series such as true-crime documentary `` Tiger King '' and reality show `` Love is Blind '' as well as Spanish-language thriller `` Money Heist '' .
Revenues rose 28 % compared to the same period last year to $ 5.77bn while profit more than doubled to $ 709m .
It said it expects to add 7.5 million more users in the current April-June period though admitted this was `` mostly guesswork '' given uncertainty about when lockdowns might be lifted .
The company said of the coronavirus effect : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're seeing temporarily higher viewing and increased membership growth . ''
Netflix has also had to suspend production of new series during the pandemic .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , its income from outside the US has been squeezed because of the rise in the dollar - seen as a safe haven - versus other currencies .
The company conceded that the pace of growth was not expected to continue after lockdown .
`` We expect viewing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home confinement ends , '' Netflix said .
Netflix has bucked the trend among pandemic-battered US stocks over the last couple of months , gaining 11 % over the period since 19 February when the S & P 500 Index has tumbled by 19 % from its record high .
However it is facing a more competitive market in the US with the debut of rivals such as Disney+ .
Snap 's results , also published after the close of Wall Street trading on Tuesday , saw its shares jump by as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It said Snapchat saw a big rise in usage at the end of March as people increasingly used the app to communicate with family and friends .
The app 's daily active user number rose 20 % to 229 million compared with a year earlier , beating analysts ' estimates of just under 225 million .
Snap 's 44 % rise in revenue to $ 462m was also better than expected though it remained firmly in the red with a loss of $ 306m as it continued to invest heavily in features such @ @ @ @ @

Netflix has reported a record surge in new subscriptions as more people seek entertainment while stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic.
The streaming service added 15.8 million customers during the first quarter, double the number expected by Wall Street - taking the total to 182.9 million at the end of March.
It was the biggest three-month gain in the company's 13-year history and cemented its status as an in-demand consumer service during the lockdown crisis.
The figures came as Snap, the owner of Snapchat, also saw a boost from the restrictions as user numbers jumped.
Netflix was helped by demand for series such as true-crime documentary "Tiger King" and reality show "Love is Blind" as well as Spanish-language thriller "Money Heist".
Image: Netflix had more than 180 million paying customers at the end of March
Revenues rose 28% compared to the same period last year to $5.77bn while profit more than doubled to $709m.
It said it expects to add 7.5 million more users in the current April-June period though admitted this was "mostly guesswork" given uncertainty about when lockdowns might be lifted.
The company said of the coronavirus effect: "Like other home entertainment services, we're seeing temporarily higher viewing and increased membership growth."
Netflix has also had to suspend production of new series during the pandemic.
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Meanwhile, its income from outside the US has been squeezed because of the rise in the dollar - seen as a safe haven - versus other currencies.
The company conceded that the pace of growth was not expected to continue after lockdown.
"We expect viewing to decline and membership growth to decelerate as home confinement ends," Netflix said.
Shares rose 1% in after-hours trading.
Netflix has bucked the trend among pandemic-battered US stocks over the last couple of months, gaining 11% over the period since 19 February when the S&P 500 Index has tumbled by 19% from its record high.
However it is facing a more competitive market in the US with the debut of rivals such as Disney+.
Image: Snapchat reported better than expected quarterly growth
Snap's results, also published after the close of Wall Street trading on Tuesday, saw its shares jump by as much as 20% in after-hours deals.
It said Snapchat saw a big rise in usage at the end of March as people increasingly used the app to communicate with family and friends.
The app's daily active user number rose 20% to 229 million compared with a year earlier, beating analysts' estimates of just under 225 million.
Snap's 44% rise in revenue to $462m was also better than expected though it remained firmly in the red with a loss of $306m as it continued to invest heavily in features such as augmented reality technology.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Retailers warn government over sector's reopening

Retailers have warned the government they will need several weeks ' notice to reactivate their operations and secure adequate personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for shop staff as they seek to avoid a chaotic reopening of the sector .
Sky News has learnt that the British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) , whose members employ 1.5m people across the UK , has written to Business Secretary Alok Sharma to highlight the logistical considerations facing the industry once lockdown COVID-19 restrictions are lifted .
In the letter , Helen Dickinson , BRC chief executive , urged Mr Sharma to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers ' return to trading in order `` to stimulate consumer demand , reassure the workforce and avoid the confusion that existed immediately after the 23 March lockdown announcement '' .
Retailers are awaiting any changes to guidance from the government about whether shopworkers will be asked to wear PPE , with the NHS already struggling to secure sufficient quantities of some equipment for frontline workers .
`` If it will be a requirement for staff to wear any sort of PPE to work in stores , it will be necessary to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advance so that orders can be placed , and sufficient stock acquired , '' Ms Dickinson wrote .
`` We recognise that it will be complex to decide what can reopen when , with location , public transport , policing , and many other matters to be considered .
`` Retailers are ready to be flexible and , in some instances , could potentially stagger , reduce or increase opening hours to support wider needs . ''
Ms Dickinson added that the reactivation of retail supply chains , many of which are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plan and implement .
Her letter to Mr Sharma highlights a major concern within the industry that 'normal ' trading conditions will be indefinitely delayed as a result of the pandemic .
It said a phased reopening for all large chains was almost inevitable because of the logistical demands .
A call is understood to have taken place on Wednesday morning between a number of retailers and George Eustice , the environment secretary , to discuss related issues .
The BRC chief warned : `` It may be a fraught period as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwilling to return to stores because they perceive it is high risk , and staff reluctant to return to work for the same reason . ''
Retailers have been among the businesses hardest-hit by the coronavirus crisis , although large supermarket chains have thrived as a result of soaring customer demand during the early stages of the pandemic .
Since the lockdown was announced in late March , Cath Kidston , Debenhams and Oasis and Warehouse Group have collapsed into administration - although all three companies had been struggling for some time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government asked for continued openness to further financial assistance for the sector , including a possible extension to the employee furloughing scheme that is currently scheduled to expire at the end of June .

Retailers have warned the government they will need several weeks' notice to reactivate their operations and secure adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for shop staff as they seek to avoid a chaotic reopening of the sector.
Sky News has learnt that the British Retail Consortium (BRC), whose members employ 1.5m people across the UK, has written to Business Secretary Alok Sharma to highlight the logistical considerations facing the industry once lockdown COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
In the letter, Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, urged Mr Sharma to ensure that ministers express public support for non-food retailers' return to trading in order "to stimulate consumer demand, reassure the workforce and avoid the confusion that existed immediately after the 23 March lockdown announcement".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Manchester shopping centre deserted
Retailers are awaiting any changes to guidance from the government about whether shopworkers will be asked to wear PPE, with the NHS already struggling to secure sufficient quantities of some equipment for frontline workers.
"If it will be a requirement for staff to wear any sort of PPE to work in stores, it will be necessary to make businesses aware of this several weeks in advance so that orders can be placed, and sufficient stock acquired," Ms Dickinson wrote.
"We recognise that it will be complex to decide what can reopen when, with location, public transport, policing, and many other matters to be considered.
"Retailers are ready to be flexible and, in some instances, could potentially stagger, reduce or increase opening hours to support wider needs."
Ms Dickinson added that the reactivation of retail supply chains, many of which are in the UK, would also take time to plan and implement.
Her letter to Mr Sharma highlights a major concern within the industry that 'normal' trading conditions will be indefinitely delayed as a result of the pandemic.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 The York high street adapting to lockdown
It said a phased reopening for all large chains was almost inevitable because of the logistical demands.
A call is understood to have taken place on Wednesday morning between a number of retailers and George Eustice, the environment secretary, to discuss related issues.
The BRC chief warned: "It may be a fraught period as restrictions start to lift with some customers unwilling to return to stores because they perceive it is high risk, and staff reluctant to return to work for the same reason."
Retailers have been among the businesses hardest-hit by the coronavirus crisis, although large supermarket chains have thrived as a result of soaring customer demand during the early stages of the pandemic.
Since the lockdown was announced in late March, Cath Kidston, Debenhams and Oasis and Warehouse Group have collapsed into administration - although all three companies had been struggling for some time.
The BRC's latest letter to the government asked for continued openness to further financial assistance for the sector, including a possible extension to the employee furloughing scheme that is currently scheduled to expire at the end of June.


news--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Residents of this street in Leeds show us what they've been doing with all their free t

Coronavirus: Residents of this street in Leeds show us what they've been doing with all their free time

This is an ordinary street in an ordinary city in extraordinary times .
Just like millions around the UK , residents living on a road in Leeds are dealing with life in lockdown .
Several households on the street are keeping video diaries for Sky News , and will be sharing their experiences in the days and weeks ahead .
Saf , known by everyone as Faji , lives with his mother and two sisters .
He works in the property business doing up houses and renting them out , but that 's come to a halt during the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are shut and one of Faji 's tenants says they ca n't pay the rent as they are out of work .
He 's navigating his way through this and letting off steam by getting fit in the outdoor gym he 's created in the garden of number 11 .
He helps out in the community going shopping for the family and other residents who need help .
Faji is n't taking any risks - he 's got gloves and wears masks when he goes out into the community .
Liz and Phil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house for 40 years , and have seen the road become increasingly diverse over the years .
Phil has a software background and Liz was a yoga trainer and still does a weekly yoga class with a friend online .
Lockdown for Liz and Phil means a combination of sewing , baking , reading and photography .
Whilst Liz 's regular running club is not on , they are both enjoying keeping fit .
They are in touch with their wider family and read about the news online .
They shop once a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up shopping for vulnerable people on the street .
Sadif lives in a busy home with her husband and six children .
During lockdown everyone is at home including her husband , Muddassar , who runs the fish and chip shop , which is currently closed .
Sadif is a stay-at-home mum - and loves it .
The children are out in the garden , playing board games , reading together or watching TV or films .
She 's enjoying having her whole family under one roof for a while - it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband has been at home so much .
Sadif goes to the shop behind her house once a week and is fully up to date on coronavirus news .
She is heavily involved in community action groups and is taking daily deliveries to vulnerable people .
Clare is a retired special needs teacher who lives with her dog , Rory .
Originally from Surrey , she brought up her two children on the road and has lived there for more than 30 years .
She has two grandchildren , who she video calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mind and body healthy during lockdown by doing yoga and Qi Gong classes online , practising meditation and doing lots of singing .
She tries to avoid going out as she is recovering from chronic fatigue , which she has suffered from for 18 years .
Fortunately , Sadif and other neighbours have been able to assist with shopping here and there , although Clare does visit the local supermarket when necessary .
Clare is optimistic about lockdown and hopes that we can learn some positive lessons from the experience .
Peter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have lived at number 92 for more than 40 years .
They are in their seventies , so are taking extra precautions during lockdown on account of their age .
Fortunately , all four of their children live a short drive away , which means that they have all of their essentials delivered to them .
They miss going to the gym and seeing their family , as well as spending time with their nine grandchildren .
Hilda is spending her time doing pilates and zumba online , and Peter is practising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the skirting boards .
They are glad that the government has extended the lockdown , but have questions about what is going to happen in the future .
Alicia lives with her partner .
The couple , who are first-time buyers , moved to the road just a few days before the lockdown began .
She was worried that social distancing would isolate them from their new neighbours , but the community WhatsApp group has helped them settle in far better than expected .
Originally from Northumberland , Alicia went to university in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme at an engineering firm in the city .
Like many others , she and her partner are both working from home , which she does n't mind too much .
Fortunately , her employment is secure , although the company has furloughed some staff .
When she 's not working , Alicia is redecorating her new home and browsing Pinterest for interior design inspiration .
She also enjoys exercising and is keeping up her fitness training for the Great North Run .
Alicia has found her mental health affected by the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members in the high-risk category .
However , she is doing her best to stay positive and take each day as it comes .
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This is an ordinary street in an ordinary city in extraordinary times.
Just like millions around the UK, residents living on a road in Leeds are dealing with life in lockdown.
Several households on the street are keeping video diaries for Sky News, and will be sharing their experiences in the days and weeks ahead.
Number 11
Name: Saf, aka Faji
Age: 34
Occupation: Property agent
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 Faji's property developments have stopped since lockdown but this week, there was some good news.
Saf, known by everyone as Faji, lives with his mother and two sisters. He works in the property business doing up houses and renting them out, but that's come to a halt during the lockdown.
Builders aren't working, suppliers are shut and one of Faji's tenants says they can't pay the rent as they are out of work. He's navigating his way through this and letting off steam by getting fit in the outdoor gym he's created in the garden of number 11.
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He helps out in the community going shopping for the family and other residents who need help. Faji isn't taking any risks - he's got gloves and wears masks when he goes out into the community.
Number 25a
Name: Liz and Phil
Age: Both 67
Retired
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 Liz was hoping for an ease of lockdown restrictions this week.
Liz and Phil have lived in their four bedroom detached house for 40 years, and have seen the road become increasingly diverse over the years.
Phil has a software background and Liz was a yoga trainer and still does a weekly yoga class with a friend online.
Lockdown for Liz and Phil means a combination of sewing, baking, reading and photography. Whilst Liz's regular running club is not on, they are both enjoying keeping fit.
They are in touch with their wider family and read about the news online. They shop once a week at the local supermarket and pick up shopping for vulnerable people on the street.
Number 33
Name: Sadif
Age: 35
Occupation: Fish and chip shop owner
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:52 Sadif is becoming increasingly frustrated at not being able to hug her dad when he drops off food.
Sadif lives in a busy home with her husband and six children. During lockdown everyone is at home including her husband, Muddassar, who runs the fish and chip shop, which is currently closed.
Sadif is a stay-at-home mum - and loves it. The children are out in the garden, playing board games, reading together or watching TV or films. She's enjoying having her whole family under one roof for a while - it's the first time in a decade her husband has been at home so much.
Sadif goes to the shop behind her house once a week and is fully up to date on coronavirus news. She is heavily involved in community action groups and is taking daily deliveries to vulnerable people.
Number 40
Name: Clare
Age: 62
Retired teacher
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 Clare felt anxious this week during lockdown so turned to her favourite form of exercise for a release.
Clare is a retired special needs teacher who lives with her dog, Rory. Originally from Surrey, she brought up her two children on the road and has lived there for more than 30 years.
She has two grandchildren, who she video calls every day. Clare is enjoying keeping her mind and body healthy during lockdown by doing yoga and Qi Gong classes online, practising meditation and doing lots of singing. She tries to avoid going out as she is recovering from chronic fatigue, which she has suffered from for 18 years.
Fortunately, Sadif and other neighbours have been able to assist with shopping here and there, although Clare does visit the local supermarket when necessary. Clare is optimistic about lockdown and hopes that we can learn some positive lessons from the experience.
Number 92
Name: Peter and Hilda
Age: 76, 71
Retired primary school teachers
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 Hilda was frustrated after the prime minister's statement this week about the lockdown.
Peter and Hilda are retired primary school teachers who have lived at number 92 for more than 40 years. They are in their seventies, so are taking extra precautions during lockdown on account of their age.
Fortunately, all four of their children live a short drive away, which means that they have all of their essentials delivered to them. They miss going to the gym and seeing their family, as well as spending time with their nine grandchildren.
Hilda is spending her time doing pilates and zumba online, and Peter is practising his golf-putting in the garden and painting the skirting boards. They are glad that the government has extended the lockdown, but have questions about what is going to happen in the future.
Number 130
Name: Alicia
Age: 23
Works for engineering firm
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:30 Alicia has been keeping herself busy in the garden - but got a rather nasty surprise trimming the hedge
Alicia lives with her partner. The couple, who are first-time buyers, moved to the road just a few days before the lockdown began.
She was worried that social distancing would isolate them from their new neighbours, but the community WhatsApp group has helped them settle in far better than expected.
Originally from Northumberland, Alicia went to university in Leeds and is now on a graduate scheme at an engineering firm in the city.
Like many others, she and her partner are both working from home, which she doesn't mind too much. Fortunately, her employment is secure, although the company has furloughed some staff.
When she's not working, Alicia is redecorating her new home and browsing Pinterest for interior design inspiration.
She also enjoys exercising and is keeping up her fitness training for the Great North Run.
Alicia has found her mental health affected by the lockdown at times and is worried about family members in the high-risk category.
However, she is doing her best to stay positive and take each day as it comes.
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news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Banks and mobile firms collaborate to block text scams

The banking and mobile phone industries are claiming progress in the face of a surge in so-called spoofing scams aimed at exploiting the coronavirus crisis .
Lobby groups say collaboration , also involving the National Cyber Security Centre , has led to 400 sender IDs being blocked from sending scam text messages mimicking trusted organisations , including government departments and lenders .
Of those , 70 sender IDs were looking to capitalise on fears surrounding COVID-19 , they said .
UK Finance , which represents banks , said 50 genuine brands had been protected from being impersonated by criminals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks after alerting the public to a leap in spoofing - in which texts from criminals are so advanced they can even land in the same text chain as those previously sent by the genuine organisation .
The cross-industry initiative has seen the Mobile Ecosystem Forum develop a 'white list '' which allows organisations to register and protect the sender IDs used when sending out legitimate text messages .
It said 172 trusted sender IDs had been registered to date .
Katy Worobec , managing director of economic crime at UK Finance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be on their guard against criminals exploiting the COVID-19 outbreak to commit fraud .
`` Always follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign and avoid clicking on links in any unsolicited text messages in case it 's a scam .
`` Remember you can report suspicious texts by forwarding the original message to 7726 , which spells SPAM on your keypad . ''
Dr Ian Levy , technical director at the National Cyber Security Centre , said of the initiative : `` The UK government 's recent mass-text @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for such industry collaboration in order to protect consumers from these kind of scams . ''

The banking and mobile phone industries are claiming progress in the face of a surge in so-called spoofing scams aimed at exploiting the coronavirus crisis.
Lobby groups say collaboration, also involving the National Cyber Security Centre, has led to 400 sender IDs being blocked from sending scam text messages mimicking trusted organisations, including government departments and lenders.
Of those, 70 sender IDs were looking to capitalise on fears surrounding COVID-19, they said.
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UK Finance, which represents banks, said 50 genuine brands had been protected from being impersonated by criminals to date.
It issued the update just weeks after alerting the public to a leap in spoofing - in which texts from criminals are so advanced they can even land in the same text chain as those previously sent by the genuine organisation.
The cross-industry initiative has seen the Mobile Ecosystem Forum develop a 'white list'' which allows organisations to register and protect the sender IDs used when sending out legitimate text messages.
Image: Fraudsters have been targeting mobile phone users
It said 172 trusted sender IDs had been registered to date.
Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, said: "We would urge consumers to be on their guard against criminals exploiting the COVID-19 outbreak to commit fraud.
"Always follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign and avoid clicking on links in any unsolicited text messages in case it's a scam.
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"Remember you can report suspicious texts by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad."
Dr Ian Levy, technical director at the National Cyber Security Centre, said of the initiative: "The UK government's recent mass-text campaign on COVID-19 has demonstrated the need for such industry collaboration in order to protect consumers from these kind of scams."


news--2020-04-22--Earth Day: UN chief warns world is facing a bigger threat than coronavirus

The world is facing a `` deeper emergency '' than coronavirus , the UN chief has warned .
The coronavirus pandemic may already be having an impact on global pollution levels but it is hoped that recovery from the crisis will put the world on track to a greener future .
Online events are being held to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with video messages from Pope Francis , Al Gore , Elizabeth Warren , Zac Efron , Roger Waters , Josh Lucas and Dave Matthews .
United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the recovery from the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do things right for the future .
While the impact of COVID-19 was both `` immediate and dreadful '' and countries must work together to save lives and lessen the consequences of the pandemic , he said there was `` another , even deeper emergency - the planet 's unfolding environmental crisis '' .
`` Biodiversity is in steep decline .
Climate disruption is approaching a point of no return .
`` We must act decisively to protect our planet from both the coronavirus and existential threat of of climate disruption .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Air pollution and smog levels appeared to have dropped in many cities worldwide due to the grounding of aeroplanes and low levels of vehicle traffic on roads .
Mr Guterres has called for the huge amounts of money that will be spent on recovery to deliver new jobs and businesses through a clean , green transition .
Where taxpayers ' money is spent rescuing businesses it should be tied to achieving green jobs and sustainable growth , he said , and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not want countries to bail out the struggling oil industry .
Fuel subsidies must end and polluters must start paying for their pollution , he warned , adding the financial system and all areas of public policy-making and infrastructure must factor in climate risks and opportunities .
A green recovery from the pandemic has been backed by the Global Climate and Health Alliance ( GCHA ) which includes the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change , whose members include major medical organisations and associations .
Jeni Miller , GCHA executive director , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another shot at this : only a global green recovery can sustain a safe and healthy future for all .
`` Our health is a truly global issue : we must choose a sustainable path for our planet , to prevent further crises and protect lives . ''
In the UK the Green Party has said that a `` green new deal '' has to be central to any post-coronavirus recovery package .
The party wants to see investment in making all homes warmer and more energy efficient , a revolution in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll out of renewable energy across the country , which it says would create hundreds of thousands of low carbon jobs .
Elsewhere on Earth Day , Surfers Against Sewage is launching a new digital 'beach clean ' campaign , # ReturnToOffender , urging the public to document branded plastic pollution during their permitted daily walks and upload them on social media to challenge companies to tackle the plastic problem .

The world is facing a "deeper emergency" than coronavirus, the UN chief has warned.
The coronavirus pandemic may already be having an impact on global pollution levels but it is hoped that recovery from the crisis will put the world on track to a greener future.
Online events are being held to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with video messages from Pope Francis, Al Gore, Elizabeth Warren, Zac Efron, Roger Waters, Josh Lucas and Dave Matthews.
Image: A plastic collector in the shape of a fish on a beach in Tijuana, Mexico
United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the recovery from the pandemic must be turned into a real opportunity to do things right for the future.
While the impact of COVID-19 was both "immediate and dreadful" and countries must work together to save lives and lessen the consequences of the pandemic, he said there was "another, even deeper emergency - the planet's unfolding environmental crisis".
"Biodiversity is in steep decline. Climate disruption is approaching a point of no return.
"We must act decisively to protect our planet from both the coronavirus and existential threat of of climate disruption."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Air pollution and smog levels appeared to have dropped in many cities worldwide due to the grounding of aeroplanes and low levels of vehicle traffic on roads.
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Mr Guterres has called for the huge amounts of money that will be spent on recovery to deliver new jobs and businesses through a clean, green transition.
Image: Staff members of the the Gujarat Science City wearing face masks stand in front of a planet earth model in Ahmedabad, India.
Where taxpayers' money is spent rescuing businesses it should be tied to achieving green jobs and sustainable growth, he said, and should flow to sustainable sectors - suggesting he does not want countries to bail out the struggling oil industry.
Fuel subsidies must end and polluters must start paying for their pollution, he warned, adding the financial system and all areas of public policy-making and infrastructure must factor in climate risks and opportunities.
A green recovery from the pandemic has been backed by the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) which includes the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, whose members include major medical organisations and associations.
Jeni Miller, GCHA executive director, said: "We won't get another shot at this: only a global green recovery can sustain a safe and healthy future for all.
"Our health is a truly global issue: we must choose a sustainable path for our planet, to prevent further crises and protect lives."
In the UK the Green Party has said that a "green new deal" has to be central to any post-coronavirus recovery package.
The party wants to see investment in making all homes warmer and more energy efficient, a revolution in the country's transport system and a rapid roll out of renewable energy across the country, which it says would create hundreds of thousands of low carbon jobs.
Elsewhere on Earth Day, Surfers Against Sewage is launching a new digital 'beach clean' campaign, #ReturnToOffender, urging the public to document branded plastic pollution during their permitted daily walks and upload them on social media to challenge companies to tackle the plastic problem.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: BAME people make up 72% of all NHS and carer deaths with COVID-19

Nearly three quarters of all NHS and social care staff who have died with coronavirus are from a BAME background , Sky News analysis has found .
Official figures show that BAME people make up 44 % of NHS medical staff .
However , Sky News found that 72 % of all health and social care staff who have died with COVID-19 are black , Asian and minority ethnic .
Recently published data on the ethnicity behind all hospital deaths linked to coronavirus showed around 19 % of patients to die in England were from ethnic minorities or mixed backgrounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated proportion of the population .
Dr Habib Naqvi , the NHS director for workforce race and equality , said : `` The fact that a high number of black and minority ethnic staff are dying from this pandemic is a worry for us .
`` It 's a challenge for us but we need to rise to that challenge and what we need to do is look at what we can put in place right now to support our staff . ''
`` What we do know is that every member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient care , '' he added .
`` But they may be part of the workforce that see working in the NHS as more of a vocation than an occupation and we really need to understand the reasons behind some of these deaths .
`` But we need to be absolutely clear as to the causes of what we see in terms of the patterns in order to put in the right interventions . ''
It comes as a group of experts from BAME backgrounds have written to the health secretary to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 17 non-executive NHS directors - part of the Seacole Group - want to address ongoing concerns over the deaths of BAME health and social carers .
The letter said : `` Our experience and knowledge , combined with our cultural intelligence and strategic insight , means that we can offer a unique perspective and intelligence into helping shape how the NHS deal with COVID-19 .
`` The pandemic is clearly highlighting the cracks in health inequalities .
`` Therefore , it is critical that we act urgently to minimise the disproportionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
A government spokesman said : `` We will be looking at engaging with a diverse group of experts as part of this and will set out further details in due course . ''

Nearly three quarters of all NHS and social care staff who have died with coronavirus are from a BAME background, Sky News analysis has found.
Official figures show that BAME people make up 44% of NHS medical staff.
However, Sky News found that 72% of all health and social care staff who have died with COVID-19 are black, Asian and minority ethnic.
Recently published data on the ethnicity behind all hospital deaths linked to coronavirus showed around 19% of patients to die in England were from ethnic minorities or mixed backgrounds.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 Are ethnic minorities worst-hit by COVID-19?
This figure is similar to their estimated proportion of the population.
Dr Habib Naqvi, the NHS director for workforce race and equality, said: "The fact that a high number of black and minority ethnic staff are dying from this pandemic is a worry for us.
"It's a challenge for us but we need to rise to that challenge and what we need to do is look at what we can put in place right now to support our staff."
He believes cultural reasons play a role.
"What we do know is that every member of our NHS workforce is absolutely committed to patient care," he added.
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"But they may be part of the workforce that see working in the NHS as more of a vocation than an occupation and we really need to understand the reasons behind some of these deaths.
Image: The letter sent by the Seacole Group offering to help as independent advisory group
"But we need to be absolutely clear as to the causes of what we see in terms of the patterns in order to put in the right interventions."
It comes as a group of experts from BAME backgrounds have written to the health secretary to offer their services as an independent advisory group.
The 17 non-executive NHS directors - part of the Seacole Group - want to address ongoing concerns over the deaths of BAME health and social carers.
The letter said: "Our experience and knowledge, combined with our cultural intelligence and strategic insight, means that we can offer a unique perspective and intelligence into helping shape how the NHS deal with COVID-19.
"The pandemic is clearly highlighting the cracks in health inequalities.
"Therefore, it is critical that we act urgently to minimise the disproportionate impact on BAME communities and frontline staff."
A government spokesman said: "We will be looking at engaging with a diverse group of experts as part of this and will set out further details in due course."


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Which 10 friends or family would you invite to a legal lockdown bash?

A relaxing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions is being discussed in Belgium which could see gatherings of up to 10 people allowed on weekends - the only catch being it would have to include the same people every week .
An expert panel has been appointed to draw up an exit strategy according to documents leaked to news website RTBF .
The memo is purely advisory and will be discussed by the country 's National Security Council on Friday .
Other coronavirus lockdown easing could include a 4 May reopening of shops and businesses , followed by a partial return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would remain in place , but some non-essential services could be allowed to return to work , such as construction , car mechanics , bike repair shops , and firms supplying material for the manufacturing of masks .
If the recommendations are adopted , nursery schools would remain closed until after the summer holidays and primary schools would return on a part time basis .
It has been suggested that parks and playgrounds should reopen , as well as outdoor sports facilities including fishing lakes , golf courses and tennis clubs .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However , sports would be allowed in groups of no more than two people .
Despite the possible easing of restrictions , social distancing must be maintained , masks must be worn in busy places and 40,000 tests will be carried out each day on people with suspected symptoms and those they have had contact with .
Cafes and restaurants would remain closed for the foreseeable future .

A relaxing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions is being discussed in Belgium which could see gatherings of up to 10 people allowed on weekends - the only catch being it would have to include the same people every week.
An expert panel has been appointed to draw up an exit strategy according to documents leaked to news website RTBF.
The memo is purely advisory and will be discussed by the country's National Security Council on Friday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:53 Millions of people have been in lockdown across the world. So what has life been like? We asked people in eight countries to tell us.
Other coronavirus lockdown easing could include a 4 May reopening of shops and businesses, followed by a partial return to school from 18 May.
Remote working would remain in place, but some non-essential services could be allowed to return to work, such as construction, car mechanics, bike repair shops, and firms supplying material for the manufacturing of masks.
If the recommendations are adopted, nursery schools would remain closed until after the summer holidays and primary schools would return on a part time basis.
It has been suggested that parks and playgrounds should reopen, as well as outdoor sports facilities including fishing lakes, golf courses and tennis clubs.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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However, sports would be allowed in groups of no more than two people.
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Despite the possible easing of restrictions, social distancing must be maintained, masks must be worn in busy places and 40,000 tests will be carried out each day on people with suspected symptoms and those they have had contact with.
Cafes and restaurants would remain closed for the foreseeable future.