news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: What does the science tell us about face masks?

The Scottish government has recommended that people wear masks made of cloth if they are in an enclosed space to protect against coronavirus .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was advisable when `` social distancing is difficult '' , such as on public transport or in a shop .
It applies to everyone above the age of two .
Some experts have been quick to support the move , while others doubt it will stop the spread of COVID-19 .
Trish Greenhalgh , a professor at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and timely '' because face coverings are a `` common-sense way of reducing the transmission of viral illnesses by droplet infection '' .
But Keith Neal , emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham , said it was `` impossible to know why this has been suggested now given there has been no change in the evidence '' .
The UK government received advice on face masks from the scientific advisory group for emergencies ( Sage ) last week , but has not yet decided on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of London said he wanted the government to change the guidelines about face masks , saying it should be compulsory to wear one on public transport in the capital .
Sadiq Khan is n't the only one .
Dr David Nabarro , a senior British scientist with the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , recently said people would have to get accustomed to the `` new reality '' of wearing facial coverings in public .
As they gradually lift their lockdowns , governments across Europe are embracing this advice .
In Austria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obliged to wear a mask .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that masks should be worn on public transport and in shops , once her country 's lockdown is lifted .
What can the science tell us about this debate ?
Before answering that question , it is necessary to make one distinction : between respirators , surgical masks and cloth face coverings .
This distinction may not be as important as it first seems , as the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine suggests that `` standard surgical masks are as effective as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers in outbreaks of viral respiratory illnesses such as influenza '' .
But the WHO currently says that any medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers - and at a moment when personal protective equipment is in desperately short supply , no-one wants to deny them or other key workers the gear they need to do their jobs safely .
`` It is extremely important that the supplies that are available are prioritised for healthcare workers and for other frontline essential workers such as supermarket checkout staff and public transport operators who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public each day , '' says Dr Jennifer Cole , biological anthropologist at Royal Holloway , University of London .
That 's why Mr Khan and others are calling for face coverings rather than masks .
Is there a benefit to wearing something wrapped round the bottom of your face , even if it 's just an old t-shirt ?
Until recently , scientists generally agreed that there was n't , but the studies that formed the basis for this conclusion looked at influenza , rather than COVID-19 .
Lately , there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach the question .
A new consensus is forming , which says that although a mask or covering might not protect an individual from an infectious droplet borne disease , it can help protect everyone else if that individual is sick .
This is especially relevant for coronavirus , because people can be infectious in the initial period after first being infected , when it is common to have few or no symptoms .
As emerging evidence suggests that even a piece of cloth can stop the droplets through which coronavirus is transmitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopping the spread of the disease without necessitating a lockdown .
This suggests that we should all be wearing masks when we go out , but , as ever , there is disagreement on the matter , because of the one factor that is unknowable : us .
The way we respond to face masks is crucial in determining their effectiveness .
Some studies argue that wearing facemasks will encourage social distancing .
Others claim it will undermine it by encouraging a false sense of security .
But given even a small chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lockdown , many researchers believe it 's worth finding out .
As one recent study concluded : `` If you have COVID-19 and cough on someone from 8 inches away , wearing a cotton mask will reduce the amount of virus you transmit to that person by 36 times , and is even more effective than a surgical mask .
`` Oddly , the researchers who discovered this fact considered a 36-fold reduction to be 'ineffective ' .
We disagree .
`` It means you 'll transmit only 1/36th the amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decreasing the viral load , which is likely to lead to a lower probability of infection , and fewer symptoms if infected . ''
In other words : the science has n't changed very much , but our perception of it has .
We may soon get to discover whether people can maintain the kind of discipline necessary to make masks effective .

The Scottish government has recommended that people wear masks made of cloth if they are in an enclosed space to protect against coronavirus.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was advisable when "social distancing is difficult", such as on public transport or in a shop. It applies to everyone above the age of two.
Some experts have been quick to support the move, while others doubt it will stop the spread of COVID-19.
Trish Greenhalgh, a professor at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, said the decision was "important and timely" because face coverings are a "common-sense way of reducing the transmission of viral illnesses by droplet infection".
But Keith Neal, emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, said it was "impossible to know why this has been suggested now given there has been no change in the evidence".
The UK government received advice on face masks from the scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage) last week, but has not yet decided on its approach.
Image: The way the public responds to face masks will be crucial in how effective they are
Last month, the mayor of London said he wanted the government to change the guidelines about face masks, saying it should be compulsory to wear one on public transport in the capital.
Sadiq Khan isn't the only one. Dr David Nabarro, a senior British scientist with the World Health Organisation (WHO), recently said people would have to get accustomed to the "new reality" of wearing facial coverings in public.
As they gradually lift their lockdowns, governments across Europe are embracing this advice.
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In Austria, anyone going into a store is obliged to wear a mask. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that masks should be worn on public transport and in shops, once her country's lockdown is lifted.
What can the science tell us about this debate?
Before answering that question, it is necessary to make one distinction: between respirators, surgical masks and cloth face coverings.
This distinction may not be as important as it first seems, as the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine suggests that "standard surgical masks are as effective as respirator masks for preventing infection of healthcare workers in outbreaks of viral respiratory illnesses such as influenza".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Minute's silence for key workers who have died
But the WHO currently says that any medical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers - and at a moment when personal protective equipment is in desperately short supply, no-one wants to deny them or other key workers the gear they need to do their jobs safely.
"It is extremely important that the supplies that are available are prioritised for healthcare workers and for other frontline essential workers such as supermarket checkout staff and public transport operators who are having multiple physical interactions with the public each day," says Dr Jennifer Cole, biological anthropologist at Royal Holloway, University of London.
That's why Mr Khan and others are calling for face coverings rather than masks.
Is there a benefit to wearing something wrapped round the bottom of your face, even if it's just an old t-shirt?
Until recently, scientists generally agreed that there wasn't, but the studies that formed the basis for this conclusion looked at influenza, rather than COVID-19.
Lately, there's been a change in the way scientists approach the question.
A new consensus is forming, which says that although a mask or covering might not protect an individual from an infectious droplet borne disease, it can help protect everyone else if that individual is sick.
This is especially relevant for coronavirus, because people can be infectious in the initial period after first being infected, when it is common to have few or no symptoms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 David Miliband: 'We only have weeks to prepare'
As emerging evidence suggests that even a piece of cloth can stop the droplets through which coronavirus is transmitted, this could be very helpful in stopping the spread of the disease without necessitating a lockdown.
This suggests that we should all be wearing masks when we go out, but, as ever, there is disagreement on the matter, because of the one factor that is unknowable: us.
The way we respond to face masks is crucial in determining their effectiveness. Some studies argue that wearing facemasks will encourage social distancing. Others claim it will undermine it by encouraging a false sense of security.
But given even a small chance that it might help us like without a lockdown, many researchers believe it's worth finding out.
As one recent study concluded: "If you have COVID-19 and cough on someone from 8 inches away, wearing a cotton mask will reduce the amount of virus you transmit to that person by 36 times, and is even more effective than a surgical mask.
"Oddly, the researchers who discovered this fact considered a 36-fold reduction to be 'ineffective'. We disagree.
"It means you'll transmit only 1/36th the amount of virus you would otherwise have done, decreasing the viral load, which is likely to lead to a lower probability of infection, and fewer symptoms if infected."
In other words: the science hasn't changed very much, but our perception of it has. We may soon get to discover whether people can maintain the kind of discipline necessary to make masks effective.


news--2020-04-16--Trump tries to reopen America as Obama gets into the 2020 race

Across America over 30,000 people have died from coronavirus - doubling in one week - hundreds of thousands of people are sick and millions are struggling for financial survival .
Donald Trump is lashing out as his handling of the crisis comes under intense scrutiny .
But despite no real end in sight - the president is intent on opening at least part of the country in two weeks ' time .
On Divided States , Amanda Walker is in Washington and joined on the podcast by Alistair Bunkall , in New York , and Greg Milam , in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker They discuss Trump 's bizarre press conference this week , where he declared he had 'absolute power ' , and after which he was accused of having 'the biggest meltdown ever ' from a US president and of trying to 'rewrite history ' over his administration 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Greg tell us how the west coast of America is coping with the lockdown , and Ali revisits a doctor in New York who a few weeks ago described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'worse than 9/11 . '
We also discuss the 2020 race for the White House as former President Barack Obama formally endorses Joe Biden .
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have also given their endorsement , Warren going so far to say that she would accept being Biden 's pick for running mate .

Across America over 30,000 people have died from coronavirus - doubling in one week - hundreds of thousands of people are sick and millions are struggling for financial survival.
Donald Trump is lashing out as his handling of the crisis comes under intense scrutiny. But despite no real end in sight - the president is intent on opening at least part of the country in two weeks' time.
On Divided States, Amanda Walker is in Washington and joined on the podcast by Alistair Bunkall, in New York, and Greg Milam, in California.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
They discuss Trump's bizarre press conference this week, where he declared he had 'absolute power', and after which he was accused of having 'the biggest meltdown ever' from a US president and of trying to 'rewrite history' over his administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Greg tell us how the west coast of America is coping with the lockdown, and Ali revisits a doctor in New York who a few weeks ago described the situation there as 'hell' and 'worse than 9/11.'
We also discuss the 2020 race for the White House as former President Barack Obama formally endorses Joe Biden. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have also given their endorsement, Warren going so far to say that she would accept being Biden's pick for running mate.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: 'Hellish' quarantine inspires Johnny Depp to join Instagram

Johnny Depp has joined Instagram to communicate with fans in response to the `` hellish quarantine monotony '' brought on by the coronavirus pandemic .
The Hollywood actor , 56 , amassed more than 1.5 million followers on the first day of making his account - and thanked fans for their `` unwavering support '' .
His first post was a picture of himself sitting in what appeared to be the inside of a candlelit cave .
`` Hello everyone ... filming something for you now ... gim me a minute , '' the star wrote .
Depp then shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which he thanked fans and appeared to reference his bitter feud with ex-wife Amber Heard , which has led to allegations of domestic abuse on both sides .
`` Thank you all for your kindness , your unwavering support and your strength over these years , '' Depp said .
The Pirates Of The Caribbean star revealed he was prompted to join social media because of the coronavirus pandemic .
He said : `` I do n't think I 've really ever felt any particular reason to ( join social media ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to open up a dialogue , as the threat of this invisible enemy has already caused immeasurable tragedies and damage to people 's lives . ''
Depp , who is part of the band The Hollywood Vampires , also urged his followers to `` care for one another '' during the global pandemic and advised them to keep busy .
`` We can not and must not succumb to shutting down and giving in to what feels like hellish quarantine monotony , '' Depp said .
`` Create something today that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything you think could be of use to brighten someone 's day .
Draw , read , paint , think , learn , make a film on your phone , play an instrument if you play ; if you do n't , learn . ''
He also commented on his new release of the John Lennon song Isolation with Jeff Beck , describing it as `` especially fitting '' due to the current circumstances .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation , fear , and the existential risk to our world , so we wanted to give the song to you .
`` We truly both hope in our own little way , it helps you get through these unusual times that we 're experiencing , even if it just helps to pass the time as we endure isolation together . ''

Johnny Depp has joined Instagram to communicate with fans in response to the "hellish quarantine monotony" brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Hollywood actor, 56, amassed more than 1.5 million followers on the first day of making his account - and thanked fans for their "unwavering support".
His first post was a picture of himself sitting in what appeared to be the inside of a candlelit cave.
"Hello everyone... filming something for you now... gimme a minute," the star wrote.
Depp then shared an eight-minute video from the same setting in which he thanked fans and appeared to reference his bitter feud with ex-wife Amber Heard, which has led to allegations of domestic abuse on both sides.
"Thank you all for your kindness, your unwavering support and your strength over these years," Depp said.
The Pirates Of The Caribbean star revealed he was prompted to join social media because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: "I don't think I've really ever felt any particular reason to (join social media) until now.
"Now is the time to open up a dialogue, as the threat of this invisible enemy has already caused immeasurable tragedies and damage to people's lives."
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Depp, who is part of the band The Hollywood Vampires, also urged his followers to "care for one another" during the global pandemic and advised them to keep busy.
"We cannot and must not succumb to shutting down and giving in to what feels like hellish quarantine monotony," Depp said.
"Create something today that will benefit yourselves and others tomorrow. Do anything you think could be of use to brighten someone's day. Draw, read, paint, think, learn, make a film on your phone, play an instrument if you play; if you don't, learn."
He also commented on his new release of the John Lennon song Isolation with Jeff Beck, describing it as "especially fitting" due to the current circumstances.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He added: "The song's about isolation, fear, and the existential risk to our world, so we wanted to give the song to you.
"We truly both hope in our own little way, it helps you get through these unusual times that we're experiencing, even if it just helps to pass the time as we endure isolation together."


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: NHS staff advised to reuse PPE ahead of expected weekend shortage

Doctors and nurses have been advised to reuse pieces of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) ahead of expected shortages this weekend - even if they are labelled as single-use .
The Department of Health has published advice for all NHS workers in light of impending supply issues , which the government has blamed on enormous worldwide demand for items such as masks and gowns .
The document states that staff should consider the `` reuse of personal protective equipment '' where necessary , even if designated by the manufacturer as a single-use product .
It says the Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that some compromise in process is needed '' to cope with shortages and ensure workers are still using some form of protection .
Appearing to acknowledge that the new advice contradicts earlier guidelines , the document says that `` these are exceptional circumstances and do not reflect HSE 's standard approach '' .
It adds that `` further work on validating methods to safely reprocess masks and fluid repellent gowns is under way and future updates will be circulated when available '' .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma addressed the concern during Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was a `` global shortage '' affecting supply within the NHS .
Word of expected problems this weekend were reported by The Guardian just moments before the conference , specifically regarding gowns .
The Department of Health has also issued advice specific to the reuse of gowns and more modest alternatives like traditional long-sleeved lab coats , saying they `` would need to be washed in a hospital laundry and capacity for hospital laundries may need to be increased '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had not mentioned the new advice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before parliament 's Health and Social Care Committee , Mr Hancock admitted that the reuse of protective equipment may be necessary - but said nothing of the advice that has now been issued to medics .
The health secretary said : `` In some cases , the reuse of PPE is advised by clinicians , so again I come back to the point that this has to be a clinical decision . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Regarding shortages that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : `` Given that we have a global situation in which there is less PPE in the world than the world needs , obviously it 's going to be a huge pressure point . ''
Frontline NHS workers have complained of shortages throughout the COVID-19 epidemic , with some saying that they have even had to buy their own kit and others forced to use bin bags instead of gowns .
Just a few days ago , the Royal College of Nursing advised its members to refuse to treat patients `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not given adequate PPE in a bid to prevent more frontline deaths .
Several healthcare workers are among the 14,576 coronavirus patients who have died in UK hospitals .
Labour MP and A & E doctor Rosena Allin-Khan , who has returned to the NHS frontline to help , tweeted : `` My sadness is turning into anger .
`` The government promised us that the NHS would be given everything it needed to tackle coronavirus .
At least 56 healthcare staff have died of COVID-19 .
The lack of PPE will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Chair of the British Medical Association , Dr Chaand Nagpaul , said : `` This is alarming , it 's a shock .
We were n't expecting this today .
It 's worrying because the gowns that PHE recommend are for the most infectious areas .
`` No healthcare worker should be putting their lives at risk without proper protection . ''
The situation has also been acutely felt in care homes , with one carer telling Sky News that they are refusing to go to work because they have not received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
British firms not normally in the business of making medical equipment have been asked to help the cause , with the fashion retailer Burberry among those pitching in .
Upon the guidance becoming public knowledge , a Department of Health spokesperson said : `` New clinical advice has been issued today to make sure that if there are shortages in one area , frontline staff know what PPE to wear instead to minimise risk .
`` This has been reviewed by the HSE , and is in line with World Health Organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on PPE use in exceptional circumstances .
`` There is a 24-hour NHS-run helpline where NHS and social care workers can call to report shortages in supply and it is crucial the relevant guidance for protective equipment is followed closely . ''
The Welsh government has said it is `` keen to reassure everyone it has PPE stock and we currently do not anticipate any disruption to supply '' .
A spokesperson added : `` We therefore do not expect this alert to be enacted in Wales at the present time .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we are receiving huge numbers of offers from Welsh businesses willing to help with PPE supply and have several large-scale production projects under way . ''

Doctors and nurses have been advised to reuse pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) ahead of expected shortages this weekend - even if they are labelled as single-use.
The Department of Health has published advice for all NHS workers in light of impending supply issues, which the government has blamed on enormous worldwide demand for items such as masks and gowns.
The document states that staff should consider the "reuse of personal protective equipment" where necessary, even if designated by the manufacturer as a single-use product.
It says the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) "recognise that some compromise in process is needed" to cope with shortages and ensure workers are still using some form of protection.
Appearing to acknowledge that the new advice contradicts earlier guidelines, the document says that "these are exceptional circumstances and do not reflect HSE's standard approach".
It adds that "further work on validating methods to safely reprocess masks and fluid repellent gowns is under way and future updates will be circulated when available".
Image: PPE shortages have been a consistent concern for the UK
Business Secretary Alok Sharma addressed the concern during Downing Street's daily coronavirus news briefing, saying there was a "global shortage" affecting supply within the NHS.
Word of expected problems this weekend were reported by The Guardian just moments before the conference, specifically regarding gowns.
The Department of Health has also issued advice specific to the reuse of gowns and more modest alternatives like traditional long-sleeved lab coats, saying they "would need to be washed in a hospital laundry and capacity for hospital laundries may need to be increased".
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Image: The army has been deployed to help deliver equipment but there is still not enough
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had not mentioned the new advice to MPs earlier in the day.
Appearing before parliament's Health and Social Care Committee, Mr Hancock admitted that the reuse of protective equipment may be necessary - but said nothing of the advice that has now been issued to medics.
The health secretary said: "In some cases, the reuse of PPE is advised by clinicians, so again I come back to the point that this has to be a clinical decision."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Regarding shortages that medics have already had to endure, he said: "Given that we have a global situation in which there is less PPE in the world than the world needs, obviously it's going to be a huge pressure point."
Frontline NHS workers have complained of shortages throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, with some saying that they have even had to buy their own kit and others forced to use bin bags instead of gowns.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave evidence to the Commons Health Committee via video link
Just a few days ago, the Royal College of Nursing advised its members to refuse to treat patients "as a last resort" if they are not given adequate PPE in a bid to prevent more frontline deaths.
Several healthcare workers are among the 14,576 coronavirus patients who have died in UK hospitals.
Labour MP and A&E doctor Rosena Allin-Khan, who has returned to the NHS frontline to help, tweeted: "My sadness is turning into anger.
"The government promised us that the NHS would be given everything it needed to tackle coronavirus. At least 56 healthcare staff have died of COVID-19. The lack of PPE will certainly result in more avoidable deaths."
Chair of the British Medical Association, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, said: "This is alarming, it's a shock. We weren't expecting this today. It's worrying because the gowns that PHE recommend are for the most infectious areas.
"No healthcare worker should be putting their lives at risk without proper protection."
The situation has also been acutely felt in care homes, with one carer telling Sky News that they are refusing to go to work because they have not received the gear they need to feel safe.
British firms not normally in the business of making medical equipment have been asked to help the cause, with the fashion retailer Burberry among those pitching in.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'Lack of correct protective equipment inexcusable'
Upon the guidance becoming public knowledge, a Department of Health spokesperson said: "New clinical advice has been issued today to make sure that if there are shortages in one area, frontline staff know what PPE to wear instead to minimise risk.
"This has been reviewed by the HSE, and is in line with World Health Organisation and US Centers for Disease Control guidance on PPE use in exceptional circumstances.
"There is a 24-hour NHS-run helpline where NHS and social care workers can call to report shortages in supply and it is crucial the relevant guidance for protective equipment is followed closely."
The Welsh government has said it is "keen to reassure everyone it has PPE stock and we currently do not anticipate any disruption to supply".
A spokesperson added: "We therefore do not expect this alert to be enacted in Wales at the present time.
"We are working hard to procure PPE and we are receiving huge numbers of offers from Welsh businesses willing to help with PPE supply and have several large-scale production projects under way."


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: One in five Britons 'unsure' about getting COVID-19 vaccine - poll

One in five Britons are unsure whether they would get a coronavirus vaccine if it becomes available , according to research .
Of 5,000 polled by the Royal Society for Public Health ( RSPH ) , 19 % said they would either refuse to get the jab , or they were undecided on it .
Common reasons included feeling they already have immunity from COVID-19 , or wanting other people to have the vaccine before them .
Social media rumours were another factor that was frequently mentioned by those who took part .
The 81 % who said they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main reasons were to protect themselves and others .
According to the RSPH , vaccine coverage rates in the UK have been declining in recent years , while scepticism about their safety has continued to rise .
Last year , the World Health Organisation listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health .
RSPH chief executive Shirley Cramer said : `` It is concerning indeed that , despite this upheaval , a substantial minority remain unsure about the prospect of a vaccination against COVID-19 .
`` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the current situation is a vaccine , and so it 's vital that the stage is set for it to be distributed fairly and comprehensively once that time comes .
`` The public should be reassured that vaccines are a safe and exceptionally effective way of fighting infectious diseases like coronavirus , and even in a normal year save two to three million lives across the globe . ''
Facebook is now planning to show alerts to people who have previously interacted with misinformation about coronavirus .
On Thursday , foreign secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be extended for at least another three weeks to ensure the country gets over the peak of the epidemic .
Meanwhile , health minister Nadine Dorries suggested `` full lockdown '' would be required until a vaccine for COVID-19 is found .
On Twitter , she wrote : `` There is only one way we can 'exit ' full lockdown and that is when we have a vaccine .
Until then , we need to find ways we can adapt society and strike a balance between the health of the nation and @ @ @ @

One in five Britons are unsure whether they would get a coronavirus vaccine if it becomes available, according to research.
Of 5,000 polled by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), 19% said they would either refuse to get the jab, or they were undecided on it.
Common reasons included feeling they already have immunity from COVID-19, or wanting other people to have the vaccine before them.
Social media rumours were another factor that was frequently mentioned by those who took part.
The 81% who said they would opt for the coronavirus vaccine said their main reasons were to protect themselves and others.
According to the RSPH, vaccine coverage rates in the UK have been declining in recent years, while scepticism about their safety has continued to rise.
Last year, the World Health Organisation listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health.
RSPH chief executive Shirley Cramer said: "It is concerning indeed that, despite this upheaval, a substantial minority remain unsure about the prospect of a vaccination against COVID-19.
"It is clear that our only long-term exit strategy from the current situation is a vaccine, and so it's vital that the stage is set for it to be distributed fairly and comprehensively once that time comes.
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"The public should be reassured that vaccines are a safe and exceptionally effective way of fighting infectious diseases like coronavirus, and even in a normal year save two to three million lives across the globe."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 Raab announces UK lockdown extension
Facebook is now planning to show alerts to people who have previously interacted with misinformation about coronavirus.
On Thursday, foreign secretary Dominic Raab announced that the UK lockdown would be extended for at least another three weeks to ensure the country gets over the peak of the epidemic.
Meanwhile, health minister Nadine Dorries suggested "full lockdown" would be required until a vaccine for COVID-19 is found.
On Twitter, she wrote: "There is only one way we can 'exit' full lockdown and that is when we have a vaccine. Until then, we need to find ways we can adapt society and strike a balance between the health of the nation and our economy."


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Accessing pension pots now could damage your future, over-55s warned

Over-55s are being warned they risk harming their living standards in future by accessing their pension pots in the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Association of British Insurers ( ABI ) said it was concerned people could be tempted to offset immediate financial difficulties during the COVID-19 lockdown by utilising pension freedoms to access savings .
The industry body cautioned against hasty decisions given that values have been hammered by the financial market meltdown , which began in February , linked to the economic damage expected to be inflicted by the coronavirus disruption .
It saw the combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constituent companies drop by 30 % in just a month - but it should be said that funds are usually invested in a range of asset classes to mitigate risk .
The ABI also highlighted risks from poor advice or scammers .
It issued its alert less than 24 hours after the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) released the results of a survey which showed that almost a quarter of UK adults were being hit financially by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Almost a third were already using savings to cover their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pensions lifeboat , the Pension Protection Fund , also revealed this week that the black hole in defined-benefit schemes was estimated to have risen by £11bn in March alone , with the total deficit hitting just shy of £136bn .
There have been separate concerns that reduced investment income , from things such as the collapse in company dividends , could tip savers into hasty choices to access their pensions .
The pension freedoms , introduced by George Osborne in 2015 while he was chancellor , allowed savers to utilise a drawdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55 - taking the whole amount as a lump sum - despite concerns over opaque charges and a lack of sound advice .
Previously , only annuities - which offer a regular and set income over a set period of time - were available but were unpopular due to low rates .
The ABI said it was particularly concerned that people accessing their savings now would run out of cash as men were expected to live to 79 , and women to 82 .
Its director of policy , long-term savings and protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rushed financial decisions are rarely the right ones , even at this worrying and uncertain time .
`` Lockdown will not last forever , but the decisions you make today about your pension could impact on your standard of living for years to come . ''

Over-55s are being warned they risk harming their living standards in future by accessing their pension pots in the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said it was concerned people could be tempted to offset immediate financial difficulties during the COVID-19 lockdown by utilising pension freedoms to access savings.
The industry body cautioned against hasty decisions given that values have been hammered by the financial market meltdown, which began in February, linked to the economic damage expected to be inflicted by the coronavirus disruption.
Image: Values have been harmed by the financial market chaos which began in February
It saw the combined market value of the FTSE 100's constituent companies drop by 30% in just a month - but it should be said that funds are usually invested in a range of asset classes to mitigate risk.
The ABI also highlighted risks from poor advice or scammers.
It issued its alert less than 24 hours after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released the results of a survey which showed that almost a quarter of UK adults were being hit financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Almost a third were already using savings to cover their living costs, the study found.
The pensions lifeboat, the Pension Protection Fund, also revealed this week that the black hole in defined-benefit schemes was estimated to have risen by £11bn in March alone, with the total deficit hitting just shy of £136bn.
There have been separate concerns that reduced investment income, from things such as the collapse in company dividends, could tip savers into hasty choices to access their pensions.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 Lockdown weighs on families and businesses
The pension freedoms, introduced by George Osborne in 2015 while he was chancellor, allowed savers to utilise a drawdown product once they reached the age of 55 - taking the whole amount as a lump sum - despite concerns over opaque charges and a lack of sound advice.
Previously, only annuities - which offer a regular and set income over a set period of time - were available but were unpopular due to low rates.
The ABI said it was particularly concerned that people accessing their savings now would run out of cash as men were expected to live to 79, and women to 82.
Its director of policy, long-term savings and protection, Yvonne Braun, said: "Rushed financial decisions are rarely the right ones, even at this worrying and uncertain time.
"Lockdown will not last forever, but the decisions you make today about your pension could impact on your standard of living for years to come."


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Bank of England boss checks hopes of bounce-back after economic crash

The Bank of England governor says the British economy may be heading for its worst three months since comparable records began , with a 35 % plunge in GDP `` not implausible '' in this quarter .
In a conference call with reporters , Andrew Bailey said high frequency data monitored by the Bank suggested the scenario published by the Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR ) earlier this week , sketching out an unprecedented collapse in GDP in the second quarter , was `` quite within the grounds of possibility '' .
He revealed that the Bank , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of COVID-19 early next month , had been using a tool it created to monitor high frequency data on the UK economy for a potential hard Brexit to keep tabs on the immediate impact of coronavirus and the lockdown .
Referring to the OBR 's forecast for a 35 % contraction , he said : `` I do n't think there 's anything implausible about a second quarter contraction of that nature .
`` If you look at the decline in spending coming through on credit cards : that 's pretty high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in activity .
`` Housing market activity has dropped to basically nothing .
`` We are seeing numbers for Universal Credit coming through and survey evidence for household spending , for employment on firms on no of staff furloughed .
`` We have a whole range of data on the internet too - something we built in the process of preparing to monitor a hard Brexit .
`` Look at all that stuff and it 's showing a big drop in activity . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker The comments come amid growing concern about the impact on the UK economy from the lockdown measures to control the virus .
And while the OBR 's scenario assumed the economy would bounce back completely from the initial economic crash , Mr Bailey said the Bank may not be quite as optimistic .
`` That 's one of the judgements the Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC ) will have to go through , '' he said .
`` It 's what the economists call hysteresis - if the level of unemployment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be scarring effects .
The MPC will set out its view very clearly on that in [ its forthcoming forecasts ] . ''
Mr Bailey , who until becoming governor of the Bank was in charge of the Financial Conduct Authority , also acknowledged that there had been problems with the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme - the scheme set up by the Treasury which involves guaranteed loans to small businesses .
So far just over a billion pounds has been lent through the scheme , compared with seven times that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States .
Mr Bailey said the scheme had taken longer to get into full operation than expected .
`` Banks , notwithstanding the stress they are working under now , have to put their backs into it and get on with it , '' he said .
`` I agree it does have to be tackled because otherwise we are going to destroy people 's livelihoods or get scarring of the economy . ''

The Bank of England governor says the British economy may be heading for its worst three months since comparable records began, with a 35% plunge in GDP "not implausible" in this quarter.
In a conference call with reporters, Andrew Bailey said high frequency data monitored by the Bank suggested the scenario published by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) earlier this week, sketching out an unprecedented collapse in GDP in the second quarter, was "quite within the grounds of possibility".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 March: 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
He revealed that the Bank, which will produce its own forecast for the impact of COVID-19 early next month, had been using a tool it created to monitor high frequency data on the UK economy for a potential hard Brexit to keep tabs on the immediate impact of coronavirus and the lockdown.
Referring to the OBR's forecast for a 35% contraction, he said: "I don't think there's anything implausible about a second quarter contraction of that nature.
Image: Andrew Bailey says an unprecedented collapse in GDP is 'quite within the grounds of possibility'
"If you look at the decline in spending coming through on credit cards: that's pretty high frequency and there's a big drop-off in activity.
"Housing market activity has dropped to basically nothing.
"We are seeing numbers for Universal Credit coming through and survey evidence for household spending, for employment on firms on no of staff furloughed.
"We have a whole range of data on the internet too - something we built in the process of preparing to monitor a hard Brexit.
"Look at all that stuff and it's showing a big drop in activity."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The comments come amid growing concern about the impact on the UK economy from the lockdown measures to control the virus.
And while the OBR's scenario assumed the economy would bounce back completely from the initial economic crash, Mr Bailey said the Bank may not be quite as optimistic.
"That's one of the judgements the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will have to go through," he said.
"It's what the economists call hysteresis - if the level of unemployment and business failure will be such that there will be scarring effects. The MPC will set out its view very clearly on that in [its forthcoming forecasts]."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 Lockdown weighs on families and businesses
Mr Bailey, who until becoming governor of the Bank was in charge of the Financial Conduct Authority, also acknowledged that there had been problems with the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme - the scheme set up by the Treasury which involves guaranteed loans to small businesses.
So far just over a billion pounds has been lent through the scheme, compared with seven times that in Germany and many hundreds of times that in the United States.
Mr Bailey said the scheme had taken longer to get into full operation than expected.
"Banks, notwithstanding the stress they are working under now, have to put their backs into it and get on with it," he said.
"I agree it does have to be tackled because otherwise we are going to destroy people's livelihoods or get scarring of the economy."


news--2020-04-17--'El Chapo's provisions': Drug lord's daughter hands out branded COVID-19 aid packages

A daughter of jailed Mexican drug lord Joaquin `` El Chapo '' Guzman has been supplying aid packages to people struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic .
In one video posted on social media , Alejandrina Guzman - wearing a face mask bearing a stencil-style image of her father - is seen putting toilet paper and food into a cardboard box to make up the so-called `` Chapo 's provisions '' , which also have images of the former cartel chief on them .
Guzman , 63 , is in a maximum security prison after being extradited to the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host of drug trafficking charges .
Alejandrina legally markets clothing and alcohol associated with her father 's image under the `` El Chapo 701 '' brand , which gets its name from a Forbes listing in 2009 that ranked him the 701st richest person in the world - estimating his net worth to be at $ 1bn at the time .
`` We are working and contributing , '' his daughter said in a post on her company 's Facebook page .
`` A great pleasure to visit your homes and give you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 480 boxes of food and hygiene products have been distributed since 13 April in poor neighbourhoods across Mexico 's second largest city , Guadalajara , in western Jalisco state .
Some of her employees also helped to dole out the parcels , containing items such as oil , sugar and rice .
Active members of cartels have also been posting images and videos on social media , showing gang members providing help to residents .
It comes as Mexico faces its harshest recession in living memory .
: : Listen to Divided States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , and Spreaker Famed for brutality , including beheadings and dissolving victims in vats of sulphuric acid , the cartels also have a history of trying to win over hearts and minds of poor communities where they operate .
There are more than 6,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Mexico and 486 people have died , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the pandemic .

A daughter of jailed Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has been supplying aid packages to people struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic.
In one video posted on social media, Alejandrina Guzman - wearing a face mask bearing a stencil-style image of her father - is seen putting toilet paper and food into a cardboard box to make up the so-called "Chapo's provisions", which also have images of the former cartel chief on them.
Guzman, 63, is in a maximum security prison after being extradited to the US and found guilty last year on a host of drug trafficking charges.
Image: El Chapo's daughter, Alejandrina Guzman, helps make up the packages
Image: El Chapo is in a US maximum security prison
Alejandrina legally markets clothing and alcohol associated with her father's image under the "El Chapo 701" brand, which gets its name from a Forbes listing in 2009 that ranked him the 701st richest person in the world - estimating his net worth to be at $1bn at the time.
"We are working and contributing," his daughter said in a post on her company's Facebook page.
Image: Alejandrina Guzman (left) creates and delivers the parcels with the help of some of her employees
Image: Alejandrina Guzman legally markets clothing and alcohol associated with her father's image
"A great pleasure to visit your homes and give you these Chapo handouts."
At least 480 boxes of food and hygiene products have been distributed since 13 April in poor neighbourhoods across Mexico's second largest city, Guadalajara, in western Jalisco state.
Some of her employees also helped to dole out the parcels, containing items such as oil, sugar and rice.
Active members of cartels have also been posting images and videos on social media, showing gang members providing help to residents.
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It comes as Mexico faces its harshest recession in living memory.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Famed for brutality, including beheadings and dissolving victims in vats of sulphuric acid, the cartels also have a history of trying to win over hearts and minds of poor communities where they operate.
There are more than 6,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Mexico and 486 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the pandemic.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Only 9% of Britons want life to return to 'normal' once lockdown is over

Only 9 % of Britons want life to return to `` normal '' after the coronavirus outbreak is over , a survey suggests .
People have noticed significant changes during the lockdown , including cleaner air , more wildlife and stronger communities .
More than half ( 54 % ) of 4,343 people who took part in the YouGov poll hope they will make some changes in their own lives and for the country as a whole to learn from the crisis .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value food and other essentials more since the pandemic , with 38 % cooking from scratch more .
The survey found that 61 % of people are spending less money and 51 % noticed cleaner air outdoors , while 27 % think there is more wildlife .
Two-fifths said there is a stronger sense of community in their area since the outbreak began and 39 % say they are catching up with friends and family more .
The survey was commissioned by the Royal Society of Arts , alongside The Food Foundation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up an action plan for more sustainable food and farming , land use and the rural economy .
Professor Tom MacMillan from the Royal Agricultural University , and research lead for the RSA 's commission , said : `` This data shows there is a real appetite for change , and for the nation to learn from this crisis .
`` People are trying new things and noticing differences , at home , in their work and in communities . ''
Mr MacMillan said this was especially apparent when it comes to food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` Alongside the emergency response , it is important to keep track of these changes in what we 're doing and our collective mood , to help shape the kind of country we want to be , including the way we want to feed ourselves , when we recover from this pandemic . ''
Matthew Taylor , chief executive of the RSA , said that while it was right the immediate emergency was the priority , `` we must use this time to imagine a better future '' .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British people are increasingly aware that the health of people and planet are inseparable and it 's time for radical environmental , social , political and economic change . ''

Only 9% of Britons want life to return to "normal" after the coronavirus outbreak is over, a survey suggests.
People have noticed significant changes during the lockdown, including cleaner air, more wildlife and stronger communities.
More than half (54%) of 4,343 people who took part in the YouGov poll hope they will make some changes in their own lives and for the country as a whole to learn from the crisis.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
And 42% of participants said they value food and other essentials more since the pandemic, with 38% cooking from scratch more.
The survey found that 61% of people are spending less money and 51% noticed cleaner air outdoors, while 27% think there is more wildlife.
Two-fifths said there is a stronger sense of community in their area since the outbreak began and 39% say they are catching up with friends and family more.
The survey was commissioned by the Royal Society of Arts, alongside The Food Foundation, as part of its work to draw up an action plan for more sustainable food and farming, land use and the rural economy.
Professor Tom MacMillan from the Royal Agricultural University, and research lead for the RSA's commission, said: "This data shows there is a real appetite for change, and for the nation to learn from this crisis.
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"People are trying new things and noticing differences, at home, in their work and in communities."
Mr MacMillan said this was especially apparent when it comes to food, farming and the countryside.
He added: "Alongside the emergency response, it is important to keep track of these changes in what we're doing and our collective mood, to help shape the kind of country we want to be, including the way we want to feed ourselves, when we recover from this pandemic."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 Raab announces UK lockdown extension
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the RSA, said that while it was right the immediate emergency was the priority, "we must use this time to imagine a better future".
He said: "This poll shows that the British people are increasingly aware that the health of people and planet are inseparable and it's time for radical environmental, social, political and economic change."


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: UK scientists start mass producing vaccines while trials are still under way

British scientists have said they hope to have one million doses of a coronavirus vaccine ready to be deployed by September .
The team at Oxford University will start the first UK study of an experimental vaccine against COVID-19 next week .
But so great is the need , and so high their confidence that it will work , that they will start large-scale production before the trials are even complete .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Professor Adrian Hill , director of Oxford University 's Jenner Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wait for vaccines to be proven to be safe and effective in trials that would involve months of delay before production starts .
He told Sky News : `` While those trials are going on we have to start manufacturing , manufacturing at risk because if the vaccine fails nobody will want the doses .
`` But the hope is to have about a million doses by September ready for deployment .
`` It 's a big ask , but not impossible . ''
The Oxford team say there is an 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are positive hundreds of millions of doses could be ready by the end of the year .
The vaccine , called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 , is made from a harmless chimpanzee virus that has been genetically engineered to carry part of the coronavirus .
The technique has already been shown to generate strong immune responses in other diseases .
Deals have already been done with three UK manufacturers , and several more abroad , to make the vaccine .
The scientists have been awarded £2.2m to fund clinical trials by the government 's new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up their development and manufacture .
A separate team at Imperial College London has also been backed by government money .
But no deal has been done by Whitehall to secure supply of any vaccine doses .
In answer to a question by Sky News at the daily virtual government news briefing , Sir Patrick Vallance , the UK 's chief scientific adviser , said : `` Just to put some realism on vaccine development , each single project does not have a high probability of success .
`` So although everybody goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they work it 's never the case that you know you have a vaccine that is going to work .
`` The vaccine could come from anywhere - most of the big ( pharmaceutical ) companies are doing vaccines .
`` We need to back lots of horses so we are in the position to access a vaccine when it occurs . ''
More than 70 experimental vaccines are in development around the world .
Two in the United States and one in China have already begun safety studies .

British scientists have said they hope to have one million doses of a coronavirus vaccine ready to be deployed by September.
The team at Oxford University will start the first UK study of an experimental vaccine against COVID-19 next week.
But so great is the need, and so high their confidence that it will work, that they will start large-scale production before the trials are even complete.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Professor Adrian Hill, director of Oxford University's Jenner Institute, said the world could not afford to wait for vaccines to be proven to be safe and effective in trials that would involve months of delay before production starts.
He told Sky News: "While those trials are going on we have to start manufacturing, manufacturing at risk because if the vaccine fails nobody will want the doses.
"But the hope is to have about a million doses by September ready for deployment.
"It's a big ask, but not impossible."
The Oxford team say there is an 80% chance of success. If trials are positive hundreds of millions of doses could be ready by the end of the year.
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The vaccine, called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, is made from a harmless chimpanzee virus that has been genetically engineered to carry part of the coronavirus. The technique has already been shown to generate strong immune responses in other diseases.
Deals have already been done with three UK manufacturers, and several more abroad, to make the vaccine.
The scientists have been awarded £2.2m to fund clinical trials by the government's new vaccine taskforce, which aims to speed up their development and manufacture.
A separate team at Imperial College London has also been backed by government money.
But no deal has been done by Whitehall to secure supply of any vaccine doses.
In answer to a question by Sky News at the daily virtual government news briefing, Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK's chief scientific adviser, said: "Just to put some realism on vaccine development, each single project does not have a high probability of success.
"So although everybody goes out with high enthusiasm and we hope they work it's never the case that you know you have a vaccine that is going to work.
"The vaccine could come from anywhere - most of the big (pharmaceutical) companies are doing vaccines.
"We need to back lots of horses so we are in the position to access a vaccine when it occurs."
More than 70 experimental vaccines are in development around the world.
Two in the United States and one in China have already begun safety studies.


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Man forced to isolate alone in ghost town with murderous past after being snowed in

A man who bought a ghost town with a sinister past has been forced to quarantine there after a snowstorm left him trapped .
Brent Underwood says he has been resorting to melting snow for water after his week-long stay in Cerro Gordo , California , was unexpectedly and significantly prolonged by nationwide coronavirus lockdown measures .
He told Sky News he had arrived during good weather a month ago , but that four consecutive days of snow had left him stuck there in solitude ever since .
`` I think one morning I woke up and saw the snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'what have I got myself into ? '
'' he said .
`` I managed to calm myself down by the following day and decided I would just use my time here productively .
`` I 'm definitely socially isolating , at least . ''
Having bought the former silver mining town for £1.1m ( $ 1.4m ) in 2018 , he had mainly left it in the hands of full-time caretaker of 21 years , Robert Desmarais .
But as restrictions designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 began , the 32-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 400-acre space for a week while Mr Desmarais visited Arizona to check on his wife .
It is 26 miles from the nearest grocery store , but four feet of snow means travelling any further than a few hundred yards is currently impossible .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker And despite previously being a sceptic , Mr Underwood said his experiences during his time alone in the 22-building town had led him to believe rumours it is haunted .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject of an episode of the TV show Ghost Adventures , which concluded it was haunted by the ghosts of two children who died after being trapped in a closet .
He said : `` Apart from the ghosts and maybe a few bobcats , I 'm alone .
So I 've been having visitors , but not necessarily welcome ones .
`` I 've heard some strange sounds and I had a book fall off a shelf , for no apparent reason .
`` Having said that , I 've never really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so maybe we 've found a way to coexist peacefully .
`` I 'm definitely open-minded about it all now . ''
While he has no more fresh food such as bread a vegetables , Mr Underwood said he had enough rice and tinned goods to survive until conditions allowed travel in and out of the town .
`` It 's quite cold and I 'm quite hungry , but I know there are lots of people around the world in a far worse position , '' he said .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been trying to have fun with it .
`` I figured I 'm not getting out any time soon , so I 've been trying to treat each day as an adventure . ''
He said Cerro Gordo had been largely uninhabited for around 100 years , after mining operations there ceased in the early 1900s .
`` A lot of the buildings were exactly as they are now , so it 's full of history .
`` It was n't something that I planned but when I do see what 's happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make me think I may want to stay here even when the snow has cleared .
`` Being here this long was n't something that I planned , but it 's given me a great chance to learn more about the place . ''
While he had planned to begin allowing Airbnb visitors to the site in May , he said he now hoped to do so towards the end of the summer , depending on restrictions still in place .
As for entertainment during his enforced solitude , Mr Underwood said patchy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ability to stream films and TV shows to distract himself like so many others enduring quarantine .
`` I 've certainly missed out on all the Netflix phenomena , '' he said .
`` When I do make it on to social media , I keep seeing all these memes about Tiger King and I have no idea what people are talking about . ''

A man who bought a ghost town with a sinister past has been forced to quarantine there after a snowstorm left him trapped.
Brent Underwood says he has been resorting to melting snow for water after his week-long stay in Cerro Gordo, California, was unexpectedly and significantly prolonged by nationwide coronavirus lockdown measures.
He told Sky News he had arrived during good weather a month ago, but that four consecutive days of snow had left him stuck there in solitude ever since.
Image: Brent Underwood (left) with caretaker Robert Desmarais, who he was standing in for. Pic: Brent Underwood
"I think one morning I woke up and saw the snow was over my truck and I thought 'what have I got myself into?'" he said.
"I managed to calm myself down by the following day and decided I would just use my time here productively.
"I'm definitely socially isolating, at least."
Having bought the former silver mining town for £1.1m ($1.4m) in 2018, he had mainly left it in the hands of full-time caretaker of 21 years, Robert Desmarais.
But as restrictions designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 began, the 32-year-old marketer agreed to take over upkeep of the 400-acre space for a week while Mr Desmarais visited Arizona to check on his wife.
It is 26 miles from the nearest grocery store, but four feet of snow means travelling any further than a few hundred yards is currently impossible.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
And despite previously being a sceptic, Mr Underwood said his experiences during his time alone in the 22-building town had led him to believe rumours it is haunted.
He said the town had once been the subject of an episode of the TV show Ghost Adventures, which concluded it was haunted by the ghosts of two children who died after being trapped in a closet.
He said: "Apart from the ghosts and maybe a few bobcats, I'm alone. So I've been having visitors, but not necessarily welcome ones.
Image: Another building in Cerro Gordo is blasted by the snowstorm. Pic: Brent Underwood
"I've heard some strange sounds and I had a book fall off a shelf, for no apparent reason.
"Having said that, I've never really felt under threat from any spirits, so maybe we've found a way to coexist peacefully.
"I'm definitely open-minded about it all now."
While he has no more fresh food such as bread a vegetables, Mr Underwood said he had enough rice and tinned goods to survive until conditions allowed travel in and out of the town.
Image: A snowman Brent made to pass the time. Pic: Brent Underwood
"It's quite cold and I'm quite hungry, but I know there are lots of people around the world in a far worse position," he said.
"It's been very interesting, but I've been trying to have fun with it.
"I figured I'm not getting out any time soon, so I've been trying to treat each day as an adventure."
He said Cerro Gordo had been largely uninhabited for around 100 years, after mining operations there ceased in the early 1900s.
"A lot of the buildings were exactly as they are now, so it's full of history.
"It wasn't something that I planned but when I do see what's happening elsewhere in the world, it does make me think I may want to stay here even when the snow has cleared.
Image: Cerro Gordo at sunrise. Pic: Brent Underwood
"Being here this long wasn't something that I planned, but it's given me a great chance to learn more about the place."
While he had planned to begin allowing Airbnb visitors to the site in May, he said he now hoped to do so towards the end of the summer, depending on restrictions still in place.
As for entertainment during his enforced solitude, Mr Underwood said patchy internet connection meant he had been deprived of the ability to stream films and TV shows to distract himself like so many others enduring quarantine.
"I've certainly missed out on all the Netflix phenomena," he said.
"When I do make it on to social media, I keep seeing all these memes about Tiger King and I have no idea what people are talking about."


news--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: 'My only way of surviving' - food banks see massive spike in demand as job cuts bite

Kenny Duncan , 57 , steers himself into a food bank in his wheelchair looking bewildered .
Asked if he has a social worker , he answers : `` I 'm supposed to , but I have n't seen them yet . ''
Mr Duncan , from Southall in west London , has type-1 diabetes that led to a foot infection and he recently had to have his left leg amputated .
The former Tesco delivery driver told Sky News : `` The reason I came here is I was in rehabilitation after my amputation , but they needed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm in temporary housing .
`` I 'm supposed to be getting benefits for mobility but none of it 's sorted yet .
So , the food bank is my only way of getting what I need . ''
Even though he is in an at-risk group and should be isolating , he is making a two-hour round trip for supplies and is one of an increasing number of new users arriving at Fulham and Hammersmith food bank .
Its founder , Daphine Aikens , told Sky News : `` The most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We get busier year on year anyway , but for instance yesterday we gave out in one day what we would normally give out in a week .
`` We 're already London 's busiest food bank , but this is unprecedented . ''
There are no official figures yet on how lockdown has affected food bank use , but Sky News has spoken to facilities across the country reporting dramatic increases .
At Knowsley foodbank in Merseyside demand has tripled .
Sparkhill in Birmingham says its demand has also gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency food bank in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital .
There has also been a trebling in Glasgow North West and Cardiff .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Gateshead food bank said its distributions have doubled , and it 's the same for Manchester central .
Generally , charitable food donations have risen , but not enough to keep up with demand .
A lot of the users are previously self-employed or working mums whose part-time jobs have gone .
There has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who perhaps ca n't get deliveries from family members .
Many we spoke to did n't want to reveal their identities and could n't have imagined a few weeks ago they would be in this situation .
Arriving at the Fulham and Hammersmith food bank , Kim Jordan was there to collect food for a disabled friend - but having lost her job in a pie shop she might soon be collecting for herself .
`` I 'm not working because I 've lost my job through this virus , so I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jordan .
`` I would n't rule out using the food bank myself .
I hope I do n't have to - but I might have to .
`` I can get by for another month maybe because I 've had to use some savings , but it 's difficult times . ''
Manager of the Hammersmith and Fulham food bank Saba Hassan said : `` There was a lot of need before the virus , but the coronavirus means we 've seen a lot more families , parents who 've had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home - whereas previously they would have been at school , and also we are seeing people who are now out of work . ''
The food project has taken on a whole new dimension since lockdown and is running a delivery service to vulnerable families .
Using the empty space of the Olympia Exhibition Centre , it 's shipping supplies to about a hundred families a day .
In normal times , the cavernous halls would have been hosting the Ideal Home Show , now there are mounds of baked beans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boxes with volunteers on a production line spaced two metres apart .
Food bank founder Daphine Aikens told Sky News that demand for donated food was already too high , but in these circumstances it will continue to rise .
She said : `` I think people need to know that poverty is a long-term issue - it 's not just started .
`` It is the government 's responsibility to sort out poverty and help people survive .
Every person should have enough money to go into a shop and buy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crisis or not .
`` The benefit system does not currently meet that need .
That needs to be rectified .
`` For example , there is a built-in five-week wait for Universal Credit , there are thousands of people signing up to Universal Credit for the first time .
They are in a crisis situation - what is going to happen to those people ?
How are they meant to survive ? ''
If you add to this the people who are currently being furloughed , there are now millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new to Universal Credit might be shocked that it does n't appear to cover the cost of living .
But watching Kenny Duncan hauling his wheelchair back from the food bank was a humbling reminder that within this crisis there are thousands of personal crises as people adapt to survive , not knowing what comes next .

Kenny Duncan, 57, steers himself into a food bank in his wheelchair looking bewildered. Asked if he has a social worker, he answers: "I'm supposed to, but I haven't seen them yet."
Mr Duncan, from Southall in west London, has type-1 diabetes that led to a foot infection and he recently had to have his left leg amputated.
The former Tesco delivery driver told Sky News: "The reason I came here is I was in rehabilitation after my amputation, but they needed the bed for coronavirus patients, so now I'm in temporary housing.
"I'm supposed to be getting benefits for mobility but none of it's sorted yet. So, the food bank is my only way of getting what I need."
Even though he is in an at-risk group and should be isolating, he is making a two-hour round trip for supplies and is one of an increasing number of new users arriving at Fulham and Hammersmith food bank.
Its founder, Daphine Aikens, told Sky News: "The most dramatic change since lockdown is the need.
Image: Mr Duncan has to make a two-hour round trip to the food bank
"We get busier year on year anyway, but for instance yesterday we gave out in one day what we would normally give out in a week.
"We're already London's busiest food bank, but this is unprecedented."
There are no official figures yet on how lockdown has affected food bank use, but Sky News has spoken to facilities across the country reporting dramatic increases.
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At Knowsley foodbank in Merseyside demand has tripled.
Sparkhill in Birmingham says its demand has also gone up three-fold and it has opened an emergency food bank in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
There has also been a trebling in Glasgow North West and Cardiff.
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Gateshead food bank said its distributions have doubled, and it's the same for Manchester central.
Generally, charitable food donations have risen, but not enough to keep up with demand.
A lot of the users are previously self-employed or working mums whose part-time jobs have gone.
There has been an increase too in older people who perhaps can't get deliveries from family members.
Many we spoke to didn't want to reveal their identities and couldn't have imagined a few weeks ago they would be in this situation.
Arriving at the Fulham and Hammersmith food bank, Kim Jordan was there to collect food for a disabled friend - but having lost her job in a pie shop she might soon be collecting for herself.
Image: The Olympia exhibition centre is being used to send out food parcels
"I'm not working because I've lost my job through this virus, so I'm on Universal Credit," said Ms Jordan.
"I wouldn't rule out using the food bank myself. I hope I don't have to - but I might have to.
"I can get by for another month maybe because I've had to use some savings, but it's difficult times."
Manager of the Hammersmith and Fulham food bank Saba Hassan said: "There was a lot of need before the virus, but the coronavirus means we've seen a lot more families, parents who've had to feed their kids who are now at home - whereas previously they would have been at school, and also we are seeing people who are now out of work."
The food project has taken on a whole new dimension since lockdown and is running a delivery service to vulnerable families.
Using the empty space of the Olympia Exhibition Centre, it's shipping supplies to about a hundred families a day.
Image: Olympia, in west London, usually hosts events such as the Ideal Home Show
In normal times, the cavernous halls would have been hosting the Ideal Home Show, now there are mounds of baked beans, pasta and cereal packets being sorted into boxes with volunteers on a production line spaced two metres apart.
Food bank founder Daphine Aikens told Sky News that demand for donated food was already too high, but in these circumstances it will continue to rise.
She said: "I think people need to know that poverty is a long-term issue - it's not just started.
"It is the government's responsibility to sort out poverty and help people survive. Every person should have enough money to go into a shop and buy the food they need, whether there is a crisis or not.
"The benefit system does not currently meet that need. That needs to be rectified.
"For example, there is a built-in five-week wait for Universal Credit, there are thousands of people signing up to Universal Credit for the first time. They are in a crisis situation - what is going to happen to those people? How are they meant to survive?"
If you add to this the people who are currently being furloughed, there are now millions of us dependent on the state and those new to Universal Credit might be shocked that it doesn't appear to cover the cost of living.
But watching Kenny Duncan hauling his wheelchair back from the food bank was a humbling reminder that within this crisis there are thousands of personal crises as people adapt to survive, not knowing what comes next.


news--2020-04-17--Anytime You Need A Friend: NHS choir releases incredible home-recorded single backed by Mariah Carey

As well as working on the coronavirus frontline , NHS staff are also bringing hope and comfort to anyone feeling frightened or worried at home .
Workers from dozens of hospitals have posted clips of themselves and colleagues dancing and singing while on breaks , showing how they are keeping each other lifted as they carry out their life-saving work during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Now , members and friends of Breathe Harmony , the Guy 's and St Thomas ' NHS staff choir run by Breathe Arts Health Research , have recorded their version of Mariah Carey 's 1993 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with home recordings filmed on mobile phones during coronavirus lockdown , put together to create a rousing and emotional single .
In fact , the recording is so good that it has come to the attention of Carey herself , with the singer tweeting : `` This brought tears to my eyes 😢😢 Thank you so much to all the people at NHS .
We are so grateful to you 🙏🙏🙏❤❤ . ''
Featuring more than 100 musicians and singers , from doctors to porters , from all over the world - everywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spain to the US , South Africa and Australia - participants have put it together through virtual rehearsals .
The song is now being released as a single , raising funds for two NHS charities .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Fionnuala Donovan , 34 , a highly specialist neurophysiotherapist and one of the choir singers who has recorded for the track , tells Sky News she is proud to be a part of the project .
`` We could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing at first , I was just doing it in my living room or bedroom at home , so seeing how it 's turned out is phenomenal , '' she says .
`` The reaction has been really overwhelming .
The fact that it 's gone where it has and is now being released is crazy .
`` Because we could n't physically see each other to do our choir rehearsals , which usually is a really good outlet for us from a mental health perspective , it was just a way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we could do . ''
And now Carey herself is a fan .
`` I keep using the word overwhelming , but it really was , finding out she 'd seen it , '' Ms Donovan says .
`` Particularly with her being over in America , to have heard about our small little NHS choir and then all the other people that have become involved in it , it was amazing and quite a nice thing to be able to say - that Mariah 's spotted your video and it 's impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing her usual patients during lockdown , Ms Donovan is currently working on the wards - and says staff are all helping each other .
`` I think this is stressful for the whole population , really , not just us , '' she says .
`` And one thing I love about the NHS is that we have got this 'all get together and work hard together and make the best of a bad situation ' [ attitude ] .
So we try and keep morale up within our team as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things like the choir is really helpful .
The hospital is very supportive , too .
They 're setting up wellbeing sites and giving a lot of online and telephone support if anyone is really struggling .
It 's phenomenal what they 're doing .
`` I think a big part of it is this is our job , so this is what we do day in , day out .
`` Yes , there is this big pandemic so work 's changed slightly .
But still , the reason a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to help people and we care .
And so we 're still doing that .
`` In a way , for me , coming into work is a good release because I 'm there , I 'm actively doing something , rather than sitting and thinking about all the things that are going on .
We can actually get in and help people as much as we can . ''
Breathe Harmony was set up in 2017 and has about 30 regular members , who , before lockdown , rehearsed weekly at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital where Prime Minister Boris Johnson was treated for COVID-19 .
The choir is non-auditioned and open to all Guy 's and St Thomas ' staff .
Since its release on YouTube , their video has been watched more than 35,000 times - and organisers are hoping even more people will hear the song following its official release .
The track has been produced by musical director Mike King , who has worked with artists including Mark Ronson , Florence And The Machine and Boy George , and in collaboration with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal assistant for the trust 's oncology directorate management team , says it has been nice to see her friends ' faces together while they can not see each other in person .
`` It 's been a way to keep in touch with everybody , '' she says .
`` It was really nice to watch it for the first time .
`` I think everybody was sort of welling up a bit because they 're all faces that are really familiar to us , but we have n't necessarily been able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To know that we 're all in our own homes , but still together .
It 's really nice . ''
Ms Corne , 29 , says the song 's lyrics have become more meaningful during the pandemic .
`` It really well reflected how we were all feeling , '' she says .
`` When we sing in the choir , there 's a lot of the songs that we can connect with emotionally .
It 's a way of expressing ourselves and ... it 's not until you 're singing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about some of the words , singing about being miles apart .
Actually , it really does reflect the situation we 're in . ''
All proceeds from the single will be divided between Breathe Arts Health Research and MyCool Foundation to deliver arts and health projects to patients and NHS staff , and support the NHS with arts services .
The charity track is available now for download on iTunes , Spotify and Amazon .

As well as working on the coronavirus frontline, NHS staff are also bringing hope and comfort to anyone feeling frightened or worried at home.
Workers from dozens of hospitals have posted clips of themselves and colleagues dancing and singing while on breaks, showing how they are keeping each other lifted as they carry out their life-saving work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, members and friends of Breathe Harmony, the Guy's and St Thomas' NHS staff choir run by Breathe Arts Health Research, have recorded their version of Mariah Carey's 1993 hit Anytime You Need A Friend - with home recordings filmed on mobile phones during coronavirus lockdown, put together to create a rousing and emotional single.
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Image: The song is available to download on iTunes and Amazon now
In fact, the recording is so good that it has come to the attention of Carey herself, with the singer tweeting: "This brought tears to my eyes 😢😢 Thank you so much to all the people at NHS. We are so grateful to you 🙏🙏🙏❤❤."
Featuring more than 100 musicians and singers, from doctors to porters, from all over the world - everywhere from the UK, Italy, France and Spain to the US, South Africa and Australia - participants have put it together through virtual rehearsals.
The song is now being released as a single, raising funds for two NHS charities.
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Fionnuala Donovan, 34, a highly specialist neurophysiotherapist and one of the choir singers who has recorded for the track, tells Sky News she is proud to be a part of the project.
"We could only see the bits that we were doing at first, I was just doing it in my living room or bedroom at home, so seeing how it's turned out is phenomenal," she says.
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Image: Fionnuala Donovan, a highly specialist neurophysiotherapist, says the response to the cover has been 'overwhelming'
"The reaction has been really overwhelming. The fact that it's gone where it has and is now being released is crazy.
"Because we couldn't physically see each other to do our choir rehearsals, which usually is a really good outlet for us from a mental health perspective, it was just a way of us still feeling connected and seeing what we could do."
And now Carey herself is a fan.
"I keep using the word overwhelming, but it really was, finding out she'd seen it," Ms Donovan says.
"Particularly with her being over in America, to have heard about our small little NHS choir and then all the other people that have become involved in it, it was amazing and quite a nice thing to be able to say - that Mariah's spotted your video and it's impacted her."
Because she isn't seeing her usual patients during lockdown, Ms Donovan is currently working on the wards - and says staff are all helping each other.
"I think this is stressful for the whole population, really, not just us," she says. "And one thing I love about the NHS is that we have got this 'all get together and work hard together and make the best of a bad situation' [attitude]. So we try and keep morale up within our team as much as we can.
"And having things like the choir is really helpful. The hospital is very supportive, too. They're setting up wellbeing sites and giving a lot of online and telephone support if anyone is really struggling. It's phenomenal what they're doing.
"I think a big part of it is this is our job, so this is what we do day in, day out.
"Yes, there is this big pandemic so work's changed slightly. But still, the reason a lot of us go into this is because we want to help people and we care. And so we're still doing that.
"In a way, for me, coming into work is a good release because I'm there, I'm actively doing something, rather than sitting and thinking about all the things that are going on. We can actually get in and help people as much as we can."
Breathe Harmony was set up in 2017 and has about 30 regular members, who, before lockdown, rehearsed weekly at St Thomas' Hospital in London - the hospital where Prime Minister Boris Johnson was treated for COVID-19.
The choir is non-auditioned and open to all Guy's and St Thomas' staff.
Since its release on YouTube, their video has been watched more than 35,000 times - and organisers are hoping even more people will hear the song following its official release.
The track has been produced by musical director Mike King, who has worked with artists including Mark Ronson, Florence And The Machine and Boy George, and in collaboration with his MyCool Music Foundation.
Image: Meegan Corne, an oncology personal assistant, says the lyrics to the song have taken on more meaning during the pandemic
Meegan Corne, personal assistant for the trust's oncology directorate management team, says it has been nice to see her friends' faces together while they cannot see each other in person.
"It's been a way to keep in touch with everybody," she says. "It was really nice to watch it for the first time.
"I think everybody was sort of welling up a bit because they're all faces that are really familiar to us, but we haven't necessarily been able to see in a little while. To know that we're all in our own homes, but still together. It's really nice."
Ms Corne, 29, says the song's lyrics have become more meaningful during the pandemic.
"It really well reflected how we were all feeling," she says.
"When we sing in the choir, there's a lot of the songs that we can connect with emotionally. It's a way of expressing ourselves and... it's not until you're singing and you're recording it that you think about some of the words, singing about being miles apart. Actually, it really does reflect the situation we're in."
All proceeds from the single will be divided between Breathe Arts Health Research and MyCool Foundation to deliver arts and health projects to patients and NHS staff, and support the NHS with arts services.
The charity track is available now for download on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon.


news--2020-05-21--Boris Johnson U-turns as he scraps NHS fee for foreign health workers after being 'personal benefici

Boris Johnson U-turns as he scraps NHS fee for foreign health workers after being 'personal beneficiary of carers from abroad'

Boris Johnson has pledged to scrap the fee for foreign health and social care workers to access the NHS `` as soon as possible '' .
The move is a swift U-turn from Wednesday , when the prime minister defended the policy , saying it was `` the right way forward '' to boost NHS funds .
A Downing Street spokesperson said Mr Johnson changed his mind because `` he had been a personal beneficiary of carers from abroad '' when he was treated in intensive care for coronavirus .
The spokesperson explained : `` The purpose of the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help to care for the sick and save lives .
`` NHS and care workers from abroad who are granted visas are doing this already by the fantastic contribution which they make . ''
Hours earlier , Downing Street had insisted the prime minister was standing by the surcharge .
The change will apply to all NHS workers , including porters , cleaners , independent health workers and social care staff .
Originally , care workers , cleaners and porters had been left out of the scheme .
Currently the fee is £400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise to an annual sum of £624 .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , who pressed for the change at Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday , said : `` This is a victory for common decency and the right thing to do .
`` We can not clap our carers one day and then charge them to use our NHS the next . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Senior Tories had also called for change , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusing to waive the surcharge `` would rightly be perceived as mean-spirited , doctrinaire and petty '' .
Former party chairman Lord Patten had called the policy `` appalling '' and `` monstrous '' .
The U-turn came a day after the government extended a scheme offering indefinite leave to remain to families of all NHS staff who die as a result of contracting coronavirus .
The decision followed an emotional video from an NHS cleaner who said he felt `` betrayed '' and `` stabbed in the back '' after the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including nurses , biochemists and radiographers .

Boris Johnson has pledged to scrap the fee for foreign health and social care workers to access the NHS "as soon as possible".
The move is a swift U-turn from Wednesday, when the prime minister defended the policy, saying it was "the right way forward" to boost NHS funds.
A Downing Street spokesperson said Mr Johnson changed his mind because "he had been a personal beneficiary of carers from abroad" when he was treated in intensive care for coronavirus.
Image: The change will apply to all NHS workers
The spokesperson explained: "The purpose of the NHS surcharge is to benefit the NHS, help to care for the sick and save lives.
"NHS and care workers from abroad who are granted visas are doing this already by the fantastic contribution which they make."
Hours earlier, Downing Street had insisted the prime minister was standing by the surcharge.
The change will apply to all NHS workers, including porters, cleaners, independent health workers and social care staff.
Originally, care workers, cleaners and porters had been left out of the scheme.
Currently the fee is £400 a year but that is set to rise to an annual sum of £624.
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who pressed for the change at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, said: "This is a victory for common decency and the right thing to do.
"We cannot clap our carers one day and then charge them to use our NHS the next."
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Senior Tories had also called for change, with former vice-chairman Sir Roger Gale warning that refusing to waive the surcharge "would rightly be perceived as mean-spirited, doctrinaire and petty".
Former party chairman Lord Patten had called the policy "appalling" and "monstrous".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 NHS cleaner's emotional plea to PM
The U-turn came a day after the government extended a scheme offering indefinite leave to remain to families of all NHS staff who die as a result of contracting coronavirus.
The decision followed an emotional video from an NHS cleaner who said he felt "betrayed" and "stabbed in the back" after the scheme was initially offered only to certain occupations including nurses, biochemists and radiographers.