news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: 'Worrying' rise in traffic as car use hits highest level since lockdown began

Traffic levels on UK roads have reached their highest level since the coronavirus lockdown was introduced , new figures have revealed .
Government data shows the number of vehicles being driven on Monday was 56 % lower than in early February , but up by 3 % compared with the same day last week .
The increase was described as `` slightly worrying '' by Public Health England medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle , who said the country had not emerged from the worst stage of the coronavirus outbreak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' There has been an uptick in motor vehicles , and the message here really is that we are still passing through this peak , `` she said .
`` This use of motor vehicles is the highest working day use since March 23 .
`` We really have to be vigilant .
Most people are making huge efforts to stay at home and save lives .
`` This is slightly worrying , so please do stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives .
Go out for the necessities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in public transport use , with travel on trains and buses still flat - at more than 95 % below the first week of February .
RAC Insurance spokesman Simon Williams said : `` Analysis of hundreds of thousands of RAC Insurance black box trips confirms the number of vehicles on the UK 's roads is rising .
`` With the lockdown still very much in force , it remains the case that none of us should be driving unless it 's for an essential trip .
`` The fact we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be used as an excuse to change our behaviour and venture out unnecessarily - our data seems to suggest some people may be finding more reasons to be on the road than earlier in April . ''

Traffic levels on UK roads have reached their highest level since the coronavirus lockdown was introduced, new figures have revealed.
Government data shows the number of vehicles being driven on Monday was 56% lower than in early February, but up by 3% compared with the same day last week.
The increase was described as "slightly worrying" by Public Health England medical director Dr Yvonne Doyle, who said the country had not emerged from the worst stage of the coronavirus outbreak.
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"There has been an uptick in motor vehicles, and the message here really is that we are still passing through this peak, " she said.
"This use of motor vehicles is the highest working day use since March 23.
"We really have to be vigilant. Most people are making huge efforts to stay at home and save lives.
"This is slightly worrying, so please do stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives. Go out for the necessities."
There has not been a similar rise in public transport use, with travel on trains and buses still flat - at more than 95% below the first week of February.
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RAC Insurance spokesman Simon Williams said: "Analysis of hundreds of thousands of RAC Insurance black box trips confirms the number of vehicles on the UK's roads is rising.
"With the lockdown still very much in force, it remains the case that none of us should be driving unless it's for an essential trip.
"The fact we are now several weeks into the lockdown must not be used as an excuse to change our behaviour and venture out unnecessarily - our data seems to suggest some people may be finding more reasons to be on the road than earlier in April."


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Person dressed as 'scary' 17th century plague doctor sought by Norfolk Police

A person going out for walks dressed as a 17th century plague doctor is being sought by police .
The figure was pictured clad in a black hat and robe and donning the famous pointed-beak mask that gave medics the nickname `` quacks '' hundreds of years ago .
They prompted fears from parents after being spotted wandering around the Norwich suburb of Hellesdon during the coronavirus lockdown .
Norfolk Police said its officers wanted to give `` words of advice '' to the person .
Jade Gosbell , 21 , took a photograph of the person walking across a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 degrees , he was wearing a full black suit , it just looked ridiculous , '' she said .
`` It 's clearly for attention or something like that , because normal people just would n't do that . ''
The furloughed gym worker continued : `` I was sitting there and I was getting angry myself as my mum has a phobia of masks .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I know that even in daylight if she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bump into him she would be so scared .
`` Kids would be frightened , my mum would be frightened , however some people really do n't think it 's that deep , they just think that he 's having a laugh , he 's just trying to find something to do with himself during isolation and lockdown . ''
She said she has not seen the person since a Facebook post drew attention to them , adding : `` I was told that if I see him again to call the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physicians who treated plague victims wore a costume that has since taken on sinister overtones .
A Norfolk Police spokesman said : `` Officers have been made aware of an individual who was seen walking around the Hellesdon area wearing a plague outfit .
`` Although no offences have been committed at this time , officers are keen to trace the individual in order to provide words of advice about the implications of his actions on the local community .
`` Should any further information come forward about any offences being committed , @ @ @ @ @ @

A person going out for walks dressed as a 17th century plague doctor is being sought by police.
The figure was pictured clad in a black hat and robe and donning the famous pointed-beak mask that gave medics the nickname "quacks" hundreds of years ago.
They prompted fears from parents after being spotted wandering around the Norwich suburb of Hellesdon during the coronavirus lockdown.
Norfolk Police said its officers wanted to give "words of advice" to the person.
Jade Gosbell, 21, took a photograph of the person walking across a recreation ground.
Image: Police say they want to give 'words of advice' to the person
"It was like 20 degrees, he was wearing a full black suit, it just looked ridiculous," she said.
"It's clearly for attention or something like that, because normal people just wouldn't do that."
The furloughed gym worker continued: "I was sitting there and I was getting angry myself as my mum has a phobia of masks.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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"I know that even in daylight if she was to go round the corner and bump into him she would be so scared.
"Kids would be frightened, my mum would be frightened, however some people really don't think it's that deep, they just think that he's having a laugh, he's just trying to find something to do with himself during isolation and lockdown."
She said she has not seen the person since a Facebook post drew attention to them, adding: "I was told that if I see him again to call the police."
Image: People are allowed out for a walk to exercise during the lockdown
In 17th century Europe, physicians who treated plague victims wore a costume that has since taken on sinister overtones.
People mistakenly believed the outfits could purify poisonous air.
A Norfolk Police spokesman said: "Officers have been made aware of an individual who was seen walking around the Hellesdon area wearing a plague outfit.
"Although no offences have been committed at this time, officers are keen to trace the individual in order to provide words of advice about the implications of his actions on the local community.
"Should any further information come forward about any offences being committed, we will act accordingly."


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Warning as major study claims most elderly victims 'would not have died otherwise'

A leading scientist has warned Britons to heed the lockdown because `` COVID-19 is as dangerous as Ebola '' - as a study found most elderly people killed by the disease would not have died otherwise .
Professor Calum Semple , who is leading the largest study of coronavirus patients in the UK , said it showed more than a third of those who had been admitted to hospital had died .
`` That 's the same for those admitted to hospital with Ebola , '' he told a virtual news conference .
`` People need to hear this and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason the government is keen for people to stay at home until the outbreak is quietening down is because this is an incredibly dangerous disease .
`` We still see isolated egregious examples of selfishness where people think it is ok to meet up in the park and share a four-pack of beer .
`` There is a particular group of younger people who are taking an ' I 'm alright Jack , this does n't bother me ' attitude .
They do n't understand they are just as likely to catch it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect the rest of society . ''
Professor Semple leads the Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium , which has published detailed clinical information on almost 17,000 patients admitted to hospitals across the UK .
The study , which has not yet been peer-reviewed , found : • Death rates were high among elderly patients , and most of those who did not survive were admitted to hospital with symptoms of COVID-19 and `` would not have died otherwise '' • Of the patients traced for 14 days or more , half ( 49 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further 17 % still being treated .
33 % have died .
• Pregnant women are not at an increased risk of death • Obesity is associated with mortality , even after adjusting for other health conditions Although the study backed up the conclusions of previous research on COVID-19 , the findings on the deaths of elderly people would appear to contradict a widely held belief that a large proportion of those older victims would have died imminently anyway .
It also confirms that severe disease is more common in older age groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obese people , who had a BMI over 30 , also had a higher risk of being admitted to intensive care and dying .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Fat cells secrete chemicals that increase the inflammatory state in the body , '' he said .
`` If you are a big person you are also more likely to have had a tough childhood and a tough life , brought up in an environment where you are exposed to multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very tough ride for these people when they catch COVID-19 . ''
The researchers hope to identify risk factors that might signal patients that will have a poor outcome .
Professor Peter Openshaw , an expert in experimental medicine at Imperial College London and part of the consortium , said the study provided `` sobering figures '' and that the virus was `` presenting quite a lot of strange twists and turns . ''
`` It 's not just behaving like a cough virus , '' he said .
`` There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cough and shortness of breath , then seeming to get better , and then returning with a more systemic ( whole body ) disease , inflammation in the blood vessels and a tendency to form blood clots in different parts of the body .
`` So it 's proving a much more complex disease than we initially thought .
It is remarkable to see a new disease unfolding in front of our eyes . ''
According to the study , published on the medRxiv website , 83 % of patients have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to critical care .
Yet 31 % of those still died .
Dr Annemarie Docherty , another of the researchers and an honorary consultant in critical care at the University of Edinburgh , said it was wrong to assume that the sickest patients will automatically be admitted to intensive care because it may not be in their best interests .
`` If you are ventilated you are unable to communicate with your family , rates of delirium are significantly higher and if there is little or no aspiration to recover , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing them to the ICU , '' she said .

A leading scientist has warned Britons to heed the lockdown because "COVID-19 is as dangerous as Ebola" - as a study found most elderly people killed by the disease would not have died otherwise.
Professor Calum Semple, who is leading the largest study of coronavirus patients in the UK, said it showed more than a third of those who had been admitted to hospital had died.
"That's the same for those admitted to hospital with Ebola," he told a virtual news conference.
"People need to hear this and get it into their heads. The reason the government is keen for people to stay at home until the outbreak is quietening down is because this is an incredibly dangerous disease.
"We still see isolated egregious examples of selfishness where people think it is ok to meet up in the park and share a four-pack of beer.
"There is a particular group of younger people who are taking an 'I'm alright Jack, this doesn't bother me' attitude. They don't understand they are just as likely to catch it and transmit it, and that will affect the rest of society."
Professor Semple leads the Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium, which has published detailed clinical information on almost 17,000 patients admitted to hospitals across the UK.
The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, found:
Death rates were high among elderly patients, and most of those who did not survive were admitted to hospital with symptoms of COVID-19 and "would not have died otherwise"
Of the patients traced for 14 days or more, half (49%) have been discharged, with a further 17% still being treated. 33% have died.
Pregnant women are not at an increased risk of death
Obesity is associated with mortality, even after adjusting for other health conditions
Although the study backed up the conclusions of previous research on COVID-19, the findings on the deaths of elderly people would appear to contradict a widely held belief that a large proportion of those older victims would have died imminently anyway.
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It also confirms that severe disease is more common in older age groups and men.
But Professor Semple said obese people, who had a BMI over 30, also had a higher risk of being admitted to intensive care and dying.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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"Fat cells secrete chemicals that increase the inflammatory state in the body," he said.
"If you are a big person you are also more likely to have had a tough childhood and a tough life, brought up in an environment where you are exposed to multiple deprivations.
"Together they make it a very tough ride for these people when they catch COVID-19."
The researchers hope to identify risk factors that might signal patients that will have a poor outcome.
Professor Peter Openshaw, an expert in experimental medicine at Imperial College London and part of the consortium, said the study provided "sobering figures" and that the virus was "presenting quite a lot of strange twists and turns."
"It's not just behaving like a cough virus," he said.
"There are anecdotal reports of people starting off with a cough and shortness of breath, then seeming to get better, and then returning with a more systemic (whole body) disease, inflammation in the blood vessels and a tendency to form blood clots in different parts of the body.
"So it's proving a much more complex disease than we initially thought. It is remarkable to see a new disease unfolding in front of our eyes."
According to the study, published on the medRxiv website, 83% of patients have been treated on hospital wards without being admitted to critical care. Yet 31% of those still died.
Dr Annemarie Docherty, another of the researchers and an honorary consultant in critical care at the University of Edinburgh, said it was wrong to assume that the sickest patients will automatically be admitted to intensive care because it may not be in their best interests.
"If you are ventilated you are unable to communicate with your family, rates of delirium are significantly higher and if there is little or no aspiration to recover, we are not doing these patients any favours by bringing them to the ICU," she said.


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Duchess of Cornwall Camilla reveals ballet practice as part of lockdown exercise regime

The Duchess of Cornwall has revealed she took up ballet to build discipline and is practising to keep fit during the coronavirus lockdown .
Camilla told how she is working on her poses and positions from home during these `` very peculiar '' times after joining Silver Swan classes 18 months ago with four friends .
She combines the training , which is aimed at improving mobility , posture and energy levels for older learners , with pilates and walking to keep up an exercise routine during the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` We 've all got to keep active , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with former Strictly judge Dame Darcey Bussell and broadcaster Angela Rippon .
`` If we do n't we 'll seize up and wo n't be able to get out of bed in the morning . ''
Camilla , who was announced as the new vice-patron of the Royal Academy of Dance ( RAD ) on Wednesday , confessed she had always loved dancing , but never tried ballet .
`` Sarah , the wonderful teacher , said to me 'would you ever consider having a lesson ? '
, so I got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four of us sort of clatter around , and when we 're in London , we do it once a week and it makes all the difference , '' the 72-year-old said recalling a visit in 2018 .
`` I thought it was going to be very funny and I was going to laugh at everybody toppling over next door to me , but I think we concentrate so hard we do n't even know what our friend next door is doing .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' When I stand there I think to myself , 'drop your shoulders , breathe deeply , do n't hunch ' .
`` It 's those sort of things which you have ingrained in your memory . ''
She joked about her future potential as a ballerina , saying : `` I 'm very , very much a beginner and probably will always remain a beginner , but I do feel after a year , or 18 months , of doing it that maybe I 've improved a tiny bit .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking to the stage .
`` I shall keep it in my own home very privately . ''
It is not known whether the duchess has been participating in online classes while in lockdown at her and the Prince of Wales ' Birkhall residence in Scotland .
But Camilla said her `` workaholic '' husband Charles , who has recovered after testing positive for coronavirus , was carrying on being busy .
`` He will work wherever he is , so he 's sitting at his desk now working away , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the RAD since 1953 .

The Duchess of Cornwall has revealed she took up ballet to build discipline and is practising to keep fit during the coronavirus lockdown.
Camilla told how she is working on her poses and positions from home during these "very peculiar" times after joining Silver Swan classes 18 months ago with four friends.
She combines the training, which is aimed at improving mobility, posture and energy levels for older learners, with pilates and walking to keep up an exercise routine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: The Duchess of Cornwall visited the Royal Academy of Dance in 2018
"We've all got to keep active," the duchess told a video call with former Strictly judge Dame Darcey Bussell and broadcaster Angela Rippon.
"If we don't we'll seize up and won't be able to get out of bed in the morning."
Image: She joked: 'I'm certainly not going to be taking to the stage'
Camilla, who was announced as the new vice-patron of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) on Wednesday, confessed she had always loved dancing, but never tried ballet.
"Sarah, the wonderful teacher, said to me 'would you ever consider having a lesson?', so I got a group of ancient friends together and the four of us sort of clatter around, and when we're in London, we do it once a week and it makes all the difference," the 72-year-old said recalling a visit in 2018.
Image: Camilla said 'we've all got to keep active' during lockdown
"I thought it was going to be very funny and I was going to laugh at everybody toppling over next door to me, but I think we concentrate so hard we don't even know what our friend next door is doing.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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"When I stand there I think to myself, 'drop your shoulders, breathe deeply, don't hunch'.
"It's those sort of things which you have ingrained in your memory."
Image: The duke and duchess have been spending time in Scotland
She joked about her future potential as a ballerina, saying: "I'm very, very much a beginner and probably will always remain a beginner, but I do feel after a year, or 18 months, of doing it that maybe I've improved a tiny bit.
"But I'm certainly not going to be taking to the stage.
"I shall keep it in my own home very privately."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 Camilla and Charles clap for our carers
It is not known whether the duchess has been participating in online classes while in lockdown at her and the Prince of Wales' Birkhall residence in Scotland.
But Camilla said her "workaholic" husband Charles, who has recovered after testing positive for coronavirus, was carrying on being busy.
"He will work wherever he is, so he's sitting at his desk now working away," she said.
The Queen has been patron of the RAD since 1953.


news--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Residents of this street show us what they've been doing with their free time - week th

Coronavirus: Residents of this street show us what they've been doing with their free time - week three

This is an ordinary street in an ordinary city in extraordinary times .
Just like millions around the UK , residents living on a road in Leeds are dealing with life in lockdown .
Several households on the street are keeping video diaries for Sky News , and are sharing their experiences for the days and weeks of lockdown .
This is week three .
Scroll down to see stories from both week two and week three .
Week one is here .
Saf , known by everyone as Faji , lives with his mother and two sisters .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses and renting them out , but that 's come to a halt during the lockdown .
Builders are n't working , suppliers are shut and one of Faji 's tenants says they ca n't pay the rent as they are out of work .
This week fasting for Ramadan begins for Faji and his family - minus their fussy cat .
Liz and Phil have lived in their four bedroom detached house for 40 years , and have seen the road become increasingly diverse over the years .
Phil has a software @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and still does a weekly yoga class with a friend online .
This week Liz talks through the difficult decision to go for a hospital scan alone .
Sadif lives in a busy home with her husband and six children .
During lockdown everyone is at home including her husband , Muddassar , who runs the fish and chip shop , which is currently closed .
Sadif is a stay-at-home mum - and loves it .
The children are out in the garden , playing board games , reading together or watching TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie night , a phone call brightens her day , and Ramadan provides an opportunity for reflection - but not for hugs .
Clare is a retired special needs teacher who lives with her dog , Rory .
Originally from Surrey , she brought up her two children on the road and has lived there for more than 30 years .
She has two grandchildren , who she video calls every day .
Clare is enjoying keeping her mind and body healthy during lockdown by doing yoga and Qi Gong classes online , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She tries to avoid going out as she is recovering from chronic fatigue , which she has suffered from for 18 years .
In week two she introduces us to the art of felting , thinks about missed time with her family , and looks forward to getting Rory back to the groomers .
Peter and Hilda are retired primary school teachers who have lived at number 92 for more than 40 years .
They are in their seventies , so are taking extra precautions during lockdown on account of their age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a short drive away , but in week two they miss the company of their grandchildren - as well as a simple trip to the shops .
Fortunately Hilda is still able to get to Mass , albeit digitally .
Hilda is spending her time doing pilates and zumba online , and Peter is practising his golf-putting in the garden and painting the skirting boards .
They are glad that the government has extended the lockdown , but have questions about what is going to happen in the future .
Alicia lives with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are first time buyers , moved to the road just a few days before the lockdown began .
She was worried that social distancing would isolate them from their new neighbours , but the community WhatsApp group has helped them settle in far better than expected .
Originally from Northumberland , Alicia went to university in Leeds and is now on a graduate scheme at an engineering firm in the city .
Like many others , she and her partner are both working from home , which she does n't mind too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although the company has furloughed some staff .
When she 's not working , Alicia is redecorating her new home and browsing Pinterest for interior design inspiration .
She also enjoys exercising and is keeping up her fitness training for the Great North Run .
Alicia has found her mental health affected by the lockdown at times and is worried about family members in the high-risk category .
However , she is doing her best to stay positive and take each day as it comes .

This is an ordinary street in an ordinary city in extraordinary times.
Just like millions around the UK, residents living on a road in Leeds are dealing with life in lockdown.
Several households on the street are keeping video diaries for Sky News, and are sharing their experiences for the days and weeks of lockdown. This is week three. Scroll down to see stories from both week two and week three. Week one is here.
Number 11
Name: Saf, aka Faji
Age: 34
Occupation: Property agent
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 Faji has had a tough week in lockdown and turned to his neighbours to help boost his morale.
Saf, known by everyone as Faji, lives with his mother and two sisters. He works in the property business doing up houses and renting them out, but that's come to a halt during the lockdown.
Builders aren't working, suppliers are shut and one of Faji's tenants says they can't pay the rent as they are out of work.
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This week fasting for Ramadan begins for Faji and his family - minus their fussy cat.
Number 25a
Name: Liz and Phil
Age: Both 67
Retired
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:00 Liz has been nervously waiting for results from the hospital after having to go in for a scan - here's what happened.
Liz and Phil have lived in their four bedroom detached house for 40 years, and have seen the road become increasingly diverse over the years.
Phil has a software background and Liz was a yoga trainer and still does a weekly yoga class with a friend online.
This week Liz talks through the difficult decision to go for a hospital scan alone.
Number 33
Name: Sadif
Age: 35
Occupation: Fish and chip shop owner
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:05 Sadif has six children to keep entertained during lockdown - and it's getting tougher and tougher as time goes on.
Sadif lives in a busy home with her husband and six children. During lockdown everyone is at home including her husband, Muddassar, who runs the fish and chip shop, which is currently closed.
Sadif is a stay-at-home mum - and loves it. The children are out in the garden, playing board games, reading together or watching TV or films.
This week it's movie night, a phone call brightens her day, and Ramadan provides an opportunity for reflection - but not for hugs.
Number 40
Name: Clare
Age: 62
Retired teacher
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:41 This week, Clare opens up about the reality of living with chronic fatigue during lockdown.
Clare is a retired special needs teacher who lives with her dog, Rory. Originally from Surrey, she brought up her two children on the road and has lived there for more than 30 years.
She has two grandchildren, who she video calls every day. Clare is enjoying keeping her mind and body healthy during lockdown by doing yoga and Qi Gong classes online, practising meditation and doing lots of singing. She tries to avoid going out as she is recovering from chronic fatigue, which she has suffered from for 18 years.
In week two she introduces us to the art of felting, thinks about missed time with her family, and looks forward to getting Rory back to the groomers.
Number 92
Name: Peter and Hilda
Age: 76, 71
Retired primary school teachers
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 Hilda and Peter have been reading their grandchildren bedtime stories via video calls.
Peter and Hilda are retired primary school teachers who have lived at number 92 for more than 40 years. They are in their seventies, so are taking extra precautions during lockdown on account of their age.
All four of their children live a short drive away, but in week two they miss the company of their grandchildren - as well as a simple trip to the shops. Fortunately Hilda is still able to get to Mass, albeit digitally.
Hilda is spending her time doing pilates and zumba online, and Peter is practising his golf-putting in the garden and painting the skirting boards. They are glad that the government has extended the lockdown, but have questions about what is going to happen in the future.
Number 130
Name: Alicia
Age: 23
Works for engineering firm
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:04 Lockdown Road resident Alicia updates us on how she's spent her third week; exercise, tidying and managing her anxiety.
Alicia lives with her partner. The couple, who are first time buyers, moved to the road just a few days before the lockdown began.
She was worried that social distancing would isolate them from their new neighbours, but the community WhatsApp group has helped them settle in far better than expected.
Originally from Northumberland, Alicia went to university in Leeds and is now on a graduate scheme at an engineering firm in the city.
Like many others, she and her partner are both working from home, which she doesn't mind too much. Fortunately, her employment is secure, although the company has furloughed some staff.
When she's not working, Alicia is redecorating her new home and browsing Pinterest for interior design inspiration.
She also enjoys exercising and is keeping up her fitness training for the Great North Run.
Alicia has found her mental health affected by the lockdown at times and is worried about family members in the high-risk category.
However, she is doing her best to stay positive and take each day as it comes.


news--2020-06-01--Coronavirus: Bootmaker Hunter marches on with rescue deal

Hunter Boot , the double-royal warrant-holder which has built a popular following among celebrity festival-goers , has secured a rescue deal after seeing its sales derailed by the coronavirus crisis .
Sky News has learnt that Hunter has struck an agreement for its existing backers to inject £16.5m into the business to keep it afloat .
The deal , which is expected to be announced this week , will see Pall Mall Legacy , a minority investor , become the company 's controlling shareholder .
Pall Mall Legacy - a fund backed by Goldman Sachs , the Wall Street banking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment in Hunter managed by Three Hills Capital Partners , the private equity group .
Searchlight Capital , which has controlled Hunter since 2012 , will retain a large minority stake and board representation following the deal , which includes a partial debt-for-equity swap , according to people close to the restructuring .
Pentland Group , the owner of Berghaus and Speedo , is also expected to remain a minority shareholder in Hunter after the recapitalisation .
Founded in 1856 as the North British Rubber Company , Hunter is one of Britain 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of only ten companies to hold two royal warrants .
The business registered record sales in 2018 , but saw its US business experience sharp sales declines in the final quarter of last year before being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The cancellation of live entertainment events and music festivals such as Glastonbury has had a particularly severe impact on Hunter , which has long-been associated with celebrities including Kate Moss , the model .
Hunter and its advisers at AlixPartners had been running an auction since March , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeover bids .
Among its suitors , insiders said , was The Hut Group , the online beauty platform which has become one of Britain 's fastest-growing consumer goods retailers .
Hunter was traditionally dominated by sales of Wellington boots , but over the last five years has diversified into a broader array of lifestyle products .
Twenty-percent of its sales are now generated by non-footwear products , while its geographical expansion means it now has a large - albeit challenged - business in North America .
The bootmaker has struck recent collaborations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Walt Disney Company to create new product ranges .
It has also reduced its exposure to physical retail outlets , and now has only three flagship stores and three more standalone shops .
Hunter has also launched an e-commerce platform that generates over 30 % of global sales , and which its investors believe is well positioned to drive future growth .
One insider said that Hunter would have struggled to survive without new investment .
With little visibility about the timing or trajectory of the global economy 's recovery from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brands they sell find themselves in a precarious position .
Since the start of the pandemic , heritage brands including Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley have collapsed into administration .
Sources said that Hunter Boot staff furloughed because of the COVID-19 lockdown are expected to remain in that position until a longer-term strategy is determined .
Hunter , Searchlight and The Hut Group declined to comment on Monday .

Hunter Boot, the double-royal warrant-holder which has built a popular following among celebrity festival-goers, has secured a rescue deal after seeing its sales derailed by the coronavirus crisis.
Sky News has learnt that Hunter has struck an agreement for its existing backers to inject £16.5m into the business to keep it afloat.
The deal, which is expected to be announced this week, will see Pall Mall Legacy, a minority investor, become the company's controlling shareholder.
Pall Mall Legacy - a fund backed by Goldman Sachs, the Wall Street banking giant - will continue to have its investment in Hunter managed by Three Hills Capital Partners, the private equity group.
Searchlight Capital, which has controlled Hunter since 2012, will retain a large minority stake and board representation following the deal, which includes a partial debt-for-equity swap, according to people close to the restructuring.
Pentland Group, the owner of Berghaus and Speedo, is also expected to remain a minority shareholder in Hunter after the recapitalisation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:11 Should Bank of England consider negative rates?
Founded in 1856 as the North British Rubber Company, Hunter is one of Britain's most prominent footwear brands, and is one of only ten companies to hold two royal warrants.
The business registered record sales in 2018, but saw its US business experience sharp sales declines in the final quarter of last year before being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cancellation of live entertainment events and music festivals such as Glastonbury has had a particularly severe impact on Hunter, which has long-been associated with celebrities including Kate Moss, the model.
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Hunter and its advisers at AlixPartners had been running an auction since March, and is said to have attracted a number of takeover bids.
Among its suitors, insiders said, was The Hut Group, the online beauty platform which has become one of Britain's fastest-growing consumer goods retailers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:27 Business Secretary: 'This is a sensitive time'
Hunter was traditionally dominated by sales of Wellington boots, but over the last five years has diversified into a broader array of lifestyle products.
Twenty-percent of its sales are now generated by non-footwear products, while its geographical expansion means it now has a large - albeit challenged - business in North America.
The bootmaker has struck recent collaborations with Stella McCartney, Peppa Pig and The Walt Disney Company to create new product ranges.
It has also reduced its exposure to physical retail outlets, and now has only three flagship stores and three more standalone shops.
Hunter has also launched an e-commerce platform that generates over 30% of global sales, and which its investors believe is well positioned to drive future growth.
One insider said that Hunter would have struggled to survive without new investment.
With little visibility about the timing or trajectory of the global economy's recovery from the coronavirus outbreak, many retailers and the brands they sell find themselves in a precarious position.
Since the start of the pandemic, heritage brands including Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley have collapsed into administration.
Sources said that Hunter Boot staff furloughed because of the COVID-19 lockdown are expected to remain in that position until a longer-term strategy is determined.
Hunter, Searchlight and The Hut Group declined to comment on Monday.


news--2020-06-01--Coronavirus: Ted Baker launches £95m share sale to fund fightback

Ted Baker has revealed plans to raise £95m through the sale of new shares to help it fund a recovery of the business following the COVID-19 pandemic .
The fashion brand confirmed a story by Sky News last Friday when it revealed the fundraising on Monday morning alongside results covering its last financial year that saw the company lurch from crisis to crisis before the coronavirus pandemic even surfaced .
They showed a pre-tax loss of almost £80m for the 12 months to 25 January compared with profits of £31m the year before as the business battled weak sales , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a string of profit warnings - hammering its market value .
The company 's founder , Ray Kelvin , left Ted Baker in March last year amid allegations of forced hugs and other inappropriate behaviour - claims he denied .
Ted Baker said Mr Kelvin , its biggest shareholder , had given his backing to the recapitalisation plan indicating he could remain the largest investor through participation in the share sale .
The chain , which operates 560 stores and concessions worldwide including 200 in the UK under his successor Rachel Osborne , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ navigate current coronavirus-linked challenges , tackle debt and support a transformation plan titled `` Ted 's Growth Formula '' .
The company told investors : `` The board recognises that last year 's performance was disappointing for all of Ted Baker 's stakeholders , reflecting a challenging external environment as well as significant internal disruption , driven by a number of senior leadership departures . ''
It reported a 36 % slump in total sales revenue for the 14 weeks to 2 May compared with the same period last year - mainly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estate to comply with COVID-linked trading restrictions .
However , it said its online sales channel saw growth of 50 % and it was gradually restarting store operations in mainland Europe .
Shares - down more than 60 % in the year to date - fell by 23 % at the open .
Ms Osborne said : `` Today we are excited to launch 'Ted 's Formula for Growth ' , a comprehensive strategy for the Ted Baker brand which is supported by a significant recapitalisation of the business , that strengthens our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that transformation , and navigate through the disruption caused by COVID-19 .
`` The Ted Baker brand is much loved , it has a unique personality and character built up over many decades , and that provides us with a remarkably strong foundation from which to continue our international growth . ''
She added : `` I am confident that our transformation plan will enable us , Ted Baker , to capitalise on our opportunities and deliver value for all of our shareholders . ''
But William Ryder , equity analyst at Hargreaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Ted 's in a difficult position at the moment , and seems to have reached the limit of its bankers ' willingness to lend money at acceptable rates .
`` This has led the group to issue new shares at a steep discount to an already badly beaten up price .
`` Management tried to strike an optimistic tone when laying out their plans for the brand 's future , but this feels like the last throw of the dice to us . ''

Ted Baker has revealed plans to raise £95m through the sale of new shares to help it fund a recovery of the business following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fashion brand confirmed a story by Sky News last Friday when it revealed the fundraising on Monday morning alongside results covering its last financial year that saw the company lurch from crisis to crisis before the coronavirus pandemic even surfaced.
They showed a pre-tax loss of almost £80m for the 12 months to 25 January compared with profits of £31m the year before as the business battled weak sales, internal governance and accounting problems and released a string of profit warnings - hammering its market value.
Image: Ted Baker said Ray Kelvin, its biggest shareholder, was supportive of the recapitalisation plan
The company's founder, Ray Kelvin, left Ted Baker in March last year amid allegations of forced hugs and other inappropriate behaviour - claims he denied.
Ted Baker said Mr Kelvin, its biggest shareholder, had given his backing to the recapitalisation plan indicating he could remain the largest investor through participation in the share sale.
The chain, which operates 560 stores and concessions worldwide including 200 in the UK under his successor Rachel Osborne, said its funding plans would help it navigate current coronavirus-linked challenges, tackle debt and support a transformation plan titled "Ted's Growth Formula".
The company told investors: "The board recognises that last year's performance was disappointing for all of Ted Baker's stakeholders, reflecting a challenging external environment as well as significant internal disruption, driven by a number of senior leadership departures."
It reported a 36% slump in total sales revenue for the 14 weeks to 2 May compared with the same period last year - mainly a result of store closures across its global estate to comply with COVID-linked trading restrictions.
However, it said its online sales channel saw growth of 50% and it was gradually restarting store operations in mainland Europe.
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Shares - down more than 60% in the year to date - fell by 23% at the open.
Ms Osborne said: "Today we are excited to launch 'Ted's Formula for Growth', a comprehensive strategy for the Ted Baker brand which is supported by a significant recapitalisation of the business, that strengthens our position and enables us to both execute that transformation, and navigate through the disruption caused by COVID-19.
"The Ted Baker brand is much loved, it has a unique personality and character built up over many decades, and that provides us with a remarkably strong foundation from which to continue our international growth."
She added: "I am confident that our transformation plan will enable us, Ted Baker, to capitalise on our opportunities and deliver value for all of our shareholders."
But William Ryder, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said of the update: "Ted's in a difficult position at the moment, and seems to have reached the limit of its bankers' willingness to lend money at acceptable rates.
"This has led the group to issue new shares at a steep discount to an already badly beaten up price.
"Management tried to strike an optimistic tone when laying out their plans for the brand's future, but this feels like the last throw of the dice to us."


news--2020-06-01--Coronavirus 'no longer clinically exists in Italy', top doctor says

COVID-19 is losing its potency and no longer clinically exists in Italy , a senior Italian doctor has claimed .
Dr Alberto Zangrillo , the head of Milan 's San Raffaele Hospital in the hard-hit Lombardy region , said the new coronavirus has become much less lethal , with newly infected patients having weaker symptoms than a couple of months ago .
The comments caused a storm in Italy , a country that is slowly emerging from one of the strictest lockdowns in the world , with the president of the scientific body that advises the government saying he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A study conducted at the San Raffaele hospital found that the number of viruses present in people who tested positive decreased significantly between March and May .
`` The swabs that were performed over the last 10 days showed a viral load in quantitative terms that was absolutely infinitesimal compared to the ones carried out a month or two months ago , '' Dr Zangrillo told RAI television .
Following the analysis of 200 patients and comparing the viral load present in samples taken with a swab , the virus has `` enormously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , director of the Microbiology and Virology Laboratory of San Raffaele .
Another Italian doctor from a hospital in Genoa has echoed these views .
Matteo Bassetti , head of the infectious diseases clinic at the San Martino hospital , said : `` The strength the virus had two months ago is not the same strength it has today '' .
Dr Zangrillo , the long-time physician of former premier Silvio Berlusconi , said some experts were too alarmist about the prospect of a second wave of coronavirus infections and suggested that politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality .
He said : `` We 've got to get back to being a normal country .
Someone has to take responsibility for terrorising the country . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Italy has the third-highest number of deaths from COVID-19 in the world , with 33,415 dying since February .
Dr Zangrillo said : `` I say this well aware of the tragedy for those patients who did n't make it , but we can not continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than actual virologists and hospital workers .
`` In a clinical sense , the virus no longer exists .
I am prepared to put my name to that statement .
We 've got to get back to being a normal country because the statistics show we have every capability of doing that . ''
He added that previous epidemics such as MERS and SARS `` petered out by themselves '' .
`` We 've got to be wary , yes , but not kill ourselves unnecessarily .
Our wards are emptying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has urged caution , saying it is far too soon to claim victory .
The undersecretary to the health ministry , Sandra Zampa , described the claim as `` the wrong message , which risks creating confusion among Italians '' .
Franco Locatelli , the president of the National Health Council which advises the government , said he could only express `` great surprise and absolute bafflement '' at the claim .
`` You just need to look at the number of new positive cases confirmed every day to see the persistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said , according to the ANSA news agency .
There are currently 435 people in intensive care , 6,387 in hospital , and 32,253 people self-isolating at home with symptoms .

COVID-19 is losing its potency and no longer clinically exists in Italy, a senior Italian doctor has claimed.
Dr Alberto Zangrillo, the head of Milan's San Raffaele Hospital in the hard-hit Lombardy region, said the new coronavirus has become much less lethal, with newly infected patients having weaker symptoms than a couple of months ago.
The comments caused a storm in Italy, a country that is slowly emerging from one of the strictest lockdowns in the world, with the president of the scientific body that advises the government saying he was "baffled" at the claim.
A study conducted at the San Raffaele hospital found that the number of viruses present in people who tested positive decreased significantly between March and May.
Image: Milan: Coffee bars have started to open
"The swabs that were performed over the last 10 days showed a viral load in quantitative terms that was absolutely infinitesimal compared to the ones carried out a month or two months ago," Dr Zangrillo told RAI television.
Following the analysis of 200 patients and comparing the viral load present in samples taken with a swab, the virus has "enormously weakened", according to Massimo Clementi, director of the Microbiology and Virology Laboratory of San Raffaele.
Another Italian doctor from a hospital in Genoa has echoed these views.
Matteo Bassetti, head of the infectious diseases clinic at the San Martino hospital, said: "The strength the virus had two months ago is not the same strength it has today".
Dr Zangrillo, the long-time physician of former premier Silvio Berlusconi, said some experts were too alarmist about the prospect of a second wave of coronavirus infections and suggested that politicians needed to take into account the new reality.
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He said: "We've got to get back to being a normal country. Someone has to take responsibility for terrorising the country."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Italy has the third-highest number of deaths from COVID-19 in the world, with 33,415 dying since February.
Dr Zangrillo said: "I say this well aware of the tragedy for those patients who didn't make it, but we cannot continue to give all the attention to self-proclaimed professors rather than actual virologists and hospital workers.
"In a clinical sense, the virus no longer exists. I am prepared to put my name to that statement. We've got to get back to being a normal country because the statistics show we have every capability of doing that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:58 March: 'It's a war, it's a disaster' - Lombardy hospital struggles to cope
He added that previous epidemics such as MERS and SARS "petered out by themselves".
"We've got to be wary, yes, but not kill ourselves unnecessarily. Our wards are emptying out," he said.
The Italian government has urged caution, saying it is far too soon to claim victory.
The undersecretary to the health ministry, Sandra Zampa, described the claim as "the wrong message, which risks creating confusion among Italians".
Franco Locatelli, the president of the National Health Council which advises the government, said he could only express "great surprise and absolute bafflement" at the claim.
"You just need to look at the number of new positive cases confirmed every day to see the persistent circulation of the virus in Italy," he said, according to the ANSA news agency.
There are currently 435 people in intensive care, 6,387 in hospital, and 32,253 people self-isolating at home with symptoms.


news--2020-05-10--Coronavirus lockdown: What you can and can't do after changes across UK

All four UK nations are continuing to loosen their lockdown measures to allow people more freedom .
However , England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland do differ slightly from each other as they make their own decisions on health - and nobody can yet move across borders .
Each government 's measures need to be reviewed every three weeks by law and are each based on scientific advice , such as keeping the ' R number ' below one .
Sky News is keeping track of the rules for all four nations .
Boris Johnson 's `` conditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England previously set out three phases .
The slogan of `` stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' was changed to `` stay alert , control the virus , save lives '' .
On 28 May , Mr Johnson gave his latest update on what restrictions will be lifted from 1 June , and added that further restrictions could be eased later in the month , such as more retail being allowed to open , as long as the R rate stays below one .
• People can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in public or private outdoor spaces , as long as social distancing is practised .
They can play sports with the people that they meet , but only if it is possible to keep a two-metre space between them , such as tennis or football .
• Reception , year one , year six and nursery age children are allowed to go back to school - despite teaching unions expressing serious doubts • More than two million vulnerable people `` shielding '' from the virus are allowed to meet loved ones • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as outdoor markets and car showrooms where social distancing can be observed • Travel to work if you can not work from home , while avoiding public transport if possible .
People using buses or trains are advised to wear a face covering • Spend time outdoors - picnicking or sunbathing , for example • Travel to an outdoor open space irrespective of distance , but not with someone from outside your household unless you can practise social distancing - for example by cycling • Take day trips to an outdoor open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one other person from a different household outdoors , while following social distancing guidelines • Exercise outdoors as often as you would like - again keeping at least two metres apart • Use a tennis or a basketball court , or a golf course with members of your household , or one other person • Students can return home if it is a permanent move • Go to property viewings in person and visit agents for both sales and rentals • Nannies and childminders can come to your house to look after your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are adhered to You still can not do the following : • Exercise in an indoor sports court , gym or leisure centre , or go swimming in a public pool • Use an outdoor gym or playground • Leave your home to stay at another home • Share a private vehicle with someone from another household • Leave your home to stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose - including visiting second homes • Invite anyone other than close family or friends , and someone from the deceased 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for breaking lockdown rules increased from £60 to £100 .
Repeat offenders will see the fine double for each subsequent breach to a maximum of £3,200 • Secondary pupils with exams next year will hopefully get some time with teachers before the summer , the PM said • More non-essential retail can open their doors , including fashion and tech shops ( 15 June ) • Adults living alone , including single parents with children under 18 , will be able to form a `` support bubble '' with one other household , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overnight ( 13 June ) • Restaurants and hotels : July is the earliest point at which `` some of the hospitality industry and other public places '' could reopen , the PM said , but only if `` they are safe and enforce social distancing '' • Hairdressers : Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News that salons and barbers will not reopen until 4 July `` at the very earliest '' Those over 70 should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household .
If they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careful to maintain distance from others and should comply with social distancing rules .
Anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP , including those 70 and over , should continue to do this until at least the end of June .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland 's lockdown would be relaxed in a four-phase `` route map '' .
Since 29 May , the new rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from two households may gather outdoors , as long as people are social distancing • People are able to sit and sunbathe outdoors • Visits inside another household are not allowed • Non-contact sports like golf , fishing , bowls , outdoor swimming , canoeing and tennis are allowed • People are able to travel - preferably walk or cycle - to carry out activities , but they should try to stay close to home • Garden centres are allowed to open - but none of their cafes • Some parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its four-phase `` route map '' , lockdown measures to be relaxed in the future in Scotland include : Phase one but not now : • Teachers to return to work in June to prepare for schools reopening in new school year in August • Support for children going into primary one or moving from primary to secondary school • More children , not just of key workers , to have access to critical childcare , particularly outdoor nurseries • Meet outside with larger groups of friends and family , with social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with social distancing • Indoor non-office-based workplaces , such as factories and labs , can resume once guidance is agreed • Small shops , outdoor markets , pubs and restaurants with outdoor space , and places of worships can open - with marriages and civil partnerships allowed with limited attendees • Scotland 's sports minister has said professional football , rugby and horse racing will return behind closed doors during phase two of the easing of lockdown restrictions , however a date has not been set • Closer to normal with different households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schools to reopen on 11 August but with a `` blended model '' of school and home learning • Childcare providers , larger shops , indoor pubs and restaurants , hairdressers , museums , cinemas , gyms and hotels can reopen • Live events with restricted numbers and funerals beyond close family • Relaxation of all restrictions `` in line with public health advice '' The Welsh government has announced a three-week cycle of further changes from 22 June .
Mark Drakeford , the first minister , has also told the tourism sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take bookings for stays beginning on the 13 July .
• All non-essential retail can open within social distancing guidelines • Private prayer can take place in places of worship • House viewings can take place and postponed property sales can be completed • Some school pupils will be able to return to school to catch up on work and prepare for September • People will be able to travel freely throughout Wales for any reason • People from two different households in the same local area can meet up outdoors , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and strict hand hygiene • They must also stay local , meaning they must n't - as a general rule - travel more than five miles from home • Exceptions will be people travelling to work , to seek care or shopping for essentials if they are n't available locally • Vulnerable people who have been `` shielding '' from the virus have been advised they can exercise at times that are not too busy • People could carry out unlimited exercise outdoors but must `` stay local '' , starting and ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their household - with a quick break to eat something The Northern Ireland Executive has a five-stage `` pathway to recovery '' plan for easing the lockdown and some rules will be relaxed on 8 June .
What you can do now : • Groups of up to six people who do not share a household are allowed to meet outdoors two metres apart • Places of worship are open for private prayer , while drive-in church services and cinemas are allowed • Non-contact outdoor activities are allowed , including fishing , golf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No restrictions on private travel , as long as it is in Northern Ireland • Use face coverings if you can not social distance • Groups of 10 people will be allowed to meet outdoors • Some non-contact team sports and indoor activities will be allowed • Non-food retail outlets and some libraries will be allowed to open • Phased return to office working but those who can should work from home • Gatherings of up to 30 people - with social distancing • Part-time schooling for priority groups , with in-school and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail such as hairdressers , gyms and salons can open after a risk assessment • All school pupils go back on a part-time basis , with in-school and remote learning • Competitive sport to resume behind closed doors , or with spectator limits • Restaurants , pubs and cafes can open after a risk assessment , initially on a limited basis • Close physical contact sport allowed and return to full spectator competitive sport and live events • People can meet in large groups subject to social distancing Next week from Monday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After The Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

All four UK nations are continuing to loosen their lockdown measures to allow people more freedom.
However, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do differ slightly from each other as they make their own decisions on health - and nobody can yet move across borders.
Each government's measures need to be reviewed every three weeks by law and are each based on scientific advice, such as keeping the 'R number' below one.
Sky News is keeping track of the rules for all four nations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 COVID-19: PM unveils new 'Stay Alert' slogan
ENGLAND
Boris Johnson's "conditional plan" for easing the coronavirus lockdown in England previously set out three phases.
The slogan of "stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives" was changed to "stay alert, control the virus, save lives".
On 28 May, Mr Johnson gave his latest update on what restrictions will be lifted from 1 June, and added that further restrictions could be eased later in the month, such as more retail being allowed to open, as long as the R rate stays below one.
From 1 June:
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People can gather in groups of up to six people in public or private outdoor spaces, as long as social distancing is practised. They can play sports with the people that they meet, but only if it is possible to keep a two-metre space between them, such as tennis or football.
in public or private outdoor spaces, as long as social distancing is practised. They can play sports with the people that they meet, but only if it is possible to keep a two-metre space between them, such as tennis or football. Reception, year one, year six and nursery age children are allowed to go back to school - despite teaching unions expressing serious doubts
More than two million vulnerable people "shielding" from the virus are allowed to meet loved ones
People can visit outdoor retail spaces - such as outdoor markets and car showrooms where social distancing can be observed
People could already:
Travel to work if you cannot work from home, while avoiding public transport if possible. People using buses or trains are advised to wear a face covering
Spend time outdoors - picnicking or sunbathing, for example
Travel to an outdoor open space irrespective of distance, but not with someone from outside your household unless you can practise social distancing - for example by cycling
Take day trips to an outdoor open space in a private vehicle
Meet one other person from a different household outdoors, while following social distancing guidelines
Exercise outdoors as often as you would like - again keeping at least two metres apart
Use a tennis or a basketball court, or a golf course with members of your household, or one other person
Go to a garden centre
Students can return home if it is a permanent move
Go to property viewings in person and visit agents for both sales and rentals
Nannies and childminders can come to your house to look after your children, provided good public health measures are adhered to
Image: Advice on the two-metre rule when out and about remains the same
You still cannot do the following:
Exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool
Use an outdoor gym or playground
Visit a private or ticketed attraction
Leave your home to stay at another home
Share a private vehicle with someone from another household
Leave your home to stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose - including visiting second homes
Invite anyone other than close family or friends, and someone from the deceased's household, to a funeral
Fines
Fines for breaking lockdown rules increased from £60 to £100. Repeat offenders will see the fine double for each subsequent breach to a maximum of £3,200
Image: Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 will be the first to go back to school
Later in June
Secondary pupils with exams next year will hopefully get some time with teachers before the summer, the PM said
More non-essential retail can open their doors, including fashion and tech shops (15 June)
Adults living alone, including single parents with children under 18, will be able to form a "support bubble" with one other household, meaning they can meet inside and stay overnight (13 June)
July
Restaurants and hotels: July is the earliest point at which "some of the hospitality industry and other public places" could reopen, the PM said, but only if "they are safe and enforce social distancing"
Hairdressers: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News that salons and barbers will not reopen until 4 July "at the very earliest"
Advice for over 70s:
Those over 70 should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household.
If they do go out, they should be careful to maintain distance from others and should comply with social distancing rules.
Anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those 70 and over, should continue to do this until at least the end of June.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
SCOTLAND
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland's lockdown would be relaxed in a four-phase "route map".
Since 29 May, the new rules are:
Up to eight people from two households may gather outdoors, as long as people are social distancing
People are able to sit and sunbathe outdoors
Visits inside another household are not allowed
Non-contact sports like golf, fishing, bowls, outdoor swimming, canoeing and tennis are allowed
People are able to travel - preferably walk or cycle - to carry out activities, but they should try to stay close to home
Recycling and waste services resume
Outdoor industries like agriculture and construction resume
Garden centres are allowed to open - but none of their cafes
Some services like social work resume
Some parts of the criminal justice system resume
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 'Don't be distracted' by England COVID measures
As part of its four-phase "route map", lockdown measures to be relaxed in the future in Scotland include:
Phase one but not now:
Teachers to return to work in June to prepare for schools reopening in new school year in August
Support for children going into primary one or moving from primary to secondary school
More children, not just of key workers, to have access to critical childcare, particularly outdoor nurseries
Housing market to reopen
Gradual reopening of takeaway and drive-thru food outlets
Phase two:
Meet outside with larger groups of friends and family, with social distancing
Meet people from another household indoors with social distancing
Increased public transport capacity with peak time travel discouraged
University lab research to restart
Indoor non-office-based workplaces, such as factories and labs, can resume once guidance is agreed
People can move house
Small shops, outdoor markets, pubs and restaurants with outdoor space, and places of worships can open - with marriages and civil partnerships allowed with limited attendees
Scotland's sports minister has said professional football, rugby and horse racing will return behind closed doors during phase two of the easing of lockdown restrictions, however a date has not been set
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Sturgeon outlines Scotland lockdown easing
Phase three:
Closer to normal with different households meeting - although with social distancing
Schools to reopen on 11 August but with a "blended model" of school and home learning
Childcare providers, larger shops, indoor pubs and restaurants, hairdressers, museums, cinemas, gyms and hotels can reopen
Live events with restricted numbers and funerals beyond close family
Dentists to fully reopen
Phase four:
Relaxation of all restrictions "in line with public health advice"
WALES
The Welsh government has announced a three-week cycle of further changes from 22 June.
Mark Drakeford, the first minister, has also told the tourism sector it can prepare to reopen, and take bookings for stays beginning on the 13 July.
From 22 June:
All non-essential retail can open within social distancing guidelines
Private prayer can take place in places of worship
Childcare facilities can begin to reopen
House viewings can take place and postponed property sales can be completed
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Wales first to ease some lockdown measures
From 29 June:
Some school pupils will be able to return to school to catch up on work and prepare for September
From 6 July:
People will be able to travel freely throughout Wales for any reason
Existing measures:
People from two different households in the same local area can meet up outdoors, but they must continue to maintain social distancing and strict hand hygiene
They must also stay local, meaning they mustn't - as a general rule - travel more than five miles from home
Exceptions will be people travelling to work, to seek care or shopping for essentials if they aren't available locally
Vulnerable people who have been "shielding" from the virus have been advised they can exercise at times that are not too busy
People could carry out unlimited exercise outdoors but must "stay local", starting and ending at home and only with people from their household - with a quick break to eat something
Garden centres can reopen
Recycling centres and libraries can open
NORTHERN IRELAND:
The Northern Ireland Executive has a five-stage "pathway to recovery" plan for easing the lockdown and some rules will be relaxed on 8 June.
What you can do now:
Groups of up to six people who do not share a household are allowed to meet outdoors two metres apart
Garden and recycling centres have reopened
Places of worship are open for private prayer, while drive-in church services and cinemas are allowed
Non-contact outdoor activities are allowed, including fishing, golf, tennis and some water sports
No restrictions on private travel, as long as it is in Northern Ireland
Use face coverings if you cannot social distance
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:00 Life in lockdown in Northern Ireland
Step two:
Groups of 10 people will be allowed to meet outdoors
Some non-contact team sports and indoor activities will be allowed
Non-food retail outlets and some libraries will be allowed to open
Step three:
Phased return to office working but those who can should work from home
Gatherings of up to 30 people - with social distancing
Part-time schooling for priority groups, with in-school and remote learning
Museums, galleries, libraries to reopen
Concert and theatre rehearsals to resume
Image: An empty Belfast during the lockdown
Step four:
All "contact" retail such as hairdressers, gyms and salons can open after a risk assessment
All school pupils go back on a part-time basis, with in-school and remote learning
Staggering demand for public transport
Wider range of gatherings allowed, including church services - subject to social distancing
Competitive sport to resume behind closed doors, or with spectator limits
Leisure centres to open
Outdoor concerts allowed on a restricted basis
Step five:
Early-year schooling goes to full-time
Restaurants, pubs and cafes can open after a risk assessment, initially on a limited basis
Close physical contact sport allowed and return to full spectator competitive sport and live events
People can meet in large groups subject to social distancing
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-06-01--Coronavirus: Belgian prince apologises after attending party during lockdown

Belgium 's Prince Joachim has apologised following news that he tested positive for coronavirus after attending a party in Spain during lockdown .
In a press release sent out by his lawyer , the royal said : `` I apologise for not respecting all quarantine measures during my trip .
In these difficult times , I did not want to offend anyone .
`` I deeply regret my actions and will accept the consequences .
Joachim from Belgium . ''
The 28-year-old prince , who is the nephew of Belgium 's King Philippe and tenth in line to the throne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Cordoba on 26 May , a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said .
He is now in quarantine with reportedly mild symptoms .
El Pais newspaper said there were 27 people at the party - although local lockdown rules only permit gatherings of up to 15 people .
Spanish police have launched an investigation and those who breached restrictions could be fined between €600 ( £540 ) and €10,000 ( £8,997 ) .
A palace spokesperson could not confirm the number of people in attendance at the party .
They said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belgium on 24 May for an internship and was still there .
All 27 people who attended the party are now in quarantine , Rafaela Valenzuela , the Spanish government 's regional envoy in Cordoba , told a press conference on Saturday .
Ms Valenzuela called the gathering `` completely irresponsible '' and said it could have caused an outbreak of infections and lead to a stricter lockdown in the country .
`` I feel surprised and angry .
An incident of this type stands out at a moment of national mourning for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Spain , one of the hardest-hit European countries from the coronavirus outbreak , had some of the strictest lockdown rules in Europe .
Only adults had been allowed to leave home to buy food , medicine and other essential goods , and to walk dogs close to home , under the lockdown imposed on 14 March .
In recent weeks , it has relaxed measures to allow children to venture outside and people to exercise outdoors .
The country has reported 27,125 deaths of people with coronavirus , according to Johns Hopkins @ @

Belgium's Prince Joachim has apologised following news that he tested positive for coronavirus after attending a party in Spain during lockdown.
In a press release sent out by his lawyer, the royal said: "I apologise for not respecting all quarantine measures during my trip. In these difficult times, I did not want to offend anyone.
"I deeply regret my actions and will accept the consequences. Joachim from Belgium."
The 28-year-old prince, who is the nephew of Belgium's King Philippe and tenth in line to the throne, attended the gathering in the city of Cordoba on 26 May, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said.
Image: Prince Joachim of Belgium with his father Prince Lorenz and sister Princess Luise Maria
He is now in quarantine with reportedly mild symptoms.
El Pais newspaper said there were 27 people at the party - although local lockdown rules only permit gatherings of up to 15 people.
Spanish police have launched an investigation and those who breached restrictions could be fined between €600 (£540) and €10,000 (£8,997).
A palace spokesperson could not confirm the number of people in attendance at the party.
They said Prince Joachim had travelled to Spain from Belgium on 24 May for an internship and was still there.
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All 27 people who attended the party are now in quarantine, Rafaela Valenzuela, the Spanish government's regional envoy in Cordoba, told a press conference on Saturday.
Ms Valenzuela called the gathering "completely irresponsible" and said it could have caused an outbreak of infections and lead to a stricter lockdown in the country.
"I feel surprised and angry. An incident of this type stands out at a moment of national mourning for so many dead," she said.
Spain, one of the hardest-hit European countries from the coronavirus outbreak, had some of the strictest lockdown rules in Europe.
Only adults had been allowed to leave home to buy food, medicine and other essential goods, and to walk dogs close to home, under the lockdown imposed on 14 March.
In recent weeks, it has relaxed measures to allow children to venture outside and people to exercise outdoors.
The country has reported 27,125 deaths of people with coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University.


news--2020-06-01--Coronavirus: Primark rules out fire sale of excess stock when UK stores reopen

The owner of Primark has ruled out a fire sale of excess stock as trading prepares to resume in the UK following the coronavirus lockdown .
Associated British Foods ( ABF ) said it was aiming to reopen all 153 stores in England on 15 June - in line with government guidance covering operations for non-essential retailers as the COVID-19 health crisis eases .
It comes as thousands of shoppers queued for hours to get into one of the 19 IKEA stores being reopened in England and Northern Ireland on Monday .
Also on Monday , Marks and Spencer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clothing departments on 15 June , having sold only food during the lockdown .
The company said it anticipated that Primark stores in Scotland , Northern Ireland and Wales would follow later in the month , but it cautioned that the go ahead was yet to be granted by the authorities in those nations .
It has reopened some sites in mainland Europe with `` reassuring and encouraging '' results .
All UK sites were shut in March as the lockdown forced high streets to effectively shut down .
ABF told investors that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online operation despite the shuttering of Primark costing it around £650m for each month of the shutdown .
It said it had limited the financial damage by cutting costs by more than 50 % and would roll unsold stock over rather than move to shift it at a loss to margins .
Shares in the company , which has wider interests including grocery and sugar divisions , were almost 8 % higher in mid-morning deals having lost more than a quarter of their value in the year to date .
Commenting on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Reuters news agency : `` What we will do , because we 've got the financial wherewithal , we 'll carry it through to next year . ''
ABF said : `` As European governments have begun to ease restrictions on clothing retailing we have been able to reopen stores .
`` Safety has been our highest priority in our detailed preparations to welcome our customers and employees back to stores .
We are following government safety advice in all markets .
`` Importantly , we will apply the valuable experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already open as we open the remainder of our estate , including stores across the UK .
`` Social distancing protocols , hand sanitiser stations , perspex screens at tills and additional cleaning of high frequency touch points in the store are among the measures we are implementing . ''

The owner of Primark has ruled out a fire sale of excess stock as trading prepares to resume in the UK following the coronavirus lockdown.
Associated British Foods (ABF) said it was aiming to reopen all 153 stores in England on 15 June - in line with government guidance covering operations for non-essential retailers as the COVID-19 health crisis eases.
It comes as thousands of shoppers queued for hours to get into one of the 19 IKEA stores being reopened in England and Northern Ireland on Monday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:27 Business Secretary: 'This is a sensitive time'
Also on Monday, Marks and Spencer said it would also reopen most of its clothing departments on 15 June, having sold only food during the lockdown.
The company said it anticipated that Primark stores in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales would follow later in the month, but it cautioned that the go ahead was yet to be granted by the authorities in those nations.
It has reopened some sites in mainland Europe with "reassuring and encouraging" results.
All UK sites were shut in March as the lockdown forced high streets to effectively shut down.
ABF told investors that it had no plans to launch an online operation despite the shuttering of Primark costing it around £650m for each month of the shutdown.
It said it had limited the financial damage by cutting costs by more than 50% and would roll unsold stock over rather than move to shift it at a loss to margins.
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Shares in the company, which has wider interests including grocery and sugar divisions, were almost 8% higher in mid-morning deals having lost more than a quarter of their value in the year to date.
Commenting on the stock mountain, finance chief John Bason told the Reuters news agency: "What we will do, because we've got the financial wherewithal, we'll carry it through to next year."
ABF said: "As European governments have begun to ease restrictions on clothing retailing we have been able to reopen stores.
"Safety has been our highest priority in our detailed preparations to welcome our customers and employees back to stores. We are following government safety advice in all markets.
"Importantly, we will apply the valuable experience gained from more than 100 stores which are already open as we open the remainder of our estate, including stores across the UK.
"Social distancing protocols, hand sanitiser stations, perspex screens at tills and additional cleaning of high frequency touch points in the store are among the measures we are implementing."


news--2020-06-01--Coronavirus: Hong Kong bans Tiananmen vigil amid rush to apply for UK passports

Hong Kong has banned an annual Tiananmen Square vigil for the first time in 30 years , as residents rushed to apply for passports that could allow them to move to the UK .
The vigil , which draws huge crowds to an outdoor space each year , marks the deadly military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing 's Tiananmen Square on 4 June 1989 .
However , police said the vigil would violate coronavirus lockdown rules that ban gatherings of more than eight people .
It comes as groups of people lined up at DHL courier outlets across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to apply for or renew what is known as a British National ( Overseas ) passport .
The surge in passport applications came after Britain said last week it may allow holders of the document to stay in the country for a year or more .
The proposal followed China 's legislature deciding it would enact a national security law for Hong Kong , aimed at clamping down on a pro-democracy movement that has at times lead to violent clashes between protesters and the police .
The BNO passport was issued to Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and allows them to visit the country for an extended period but does not offer them citizenship rights .
Currently , BNO passport holders can remain in the UK as visitors for six months without a visa .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Home Secretary Priti Patel said Britain 's plan to allow them to stay in the UK for longer could include options that offer a route to citizenship .
As of February , nearly 350,000 Hong Kong residents held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there are around 2.9 million people in the city who are eligible for the passport .
Meanwhile , organisers of the officially blocked vigil have expressed disappointment over the decision .
Lee Cheuk-yan , chair of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China , urged people to light candles individually and observe a moment of silence .
And Amnesty International said authorities should facilitate a socially distanced vigil rather than ban it altogether .
`` COVID-19 must not be used as an excuse to stifle freedom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group 's deputy director for East and Southeast Asia .
`` With this ban and a disastrous national security law looming , it is not clear if Hong Kong 's Tiananmen vigil will ever be allowed to take place again . ''

Hong Kong has banned an annual Tiananmen Square vigil for the first time in 30 years, as residents rushed to apply for passports that could allow them to move to the UK.
The vigil, which draws huge crowds to an outdoor space each year, marks the deadly military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on 4 June 1989.
However, police said the vigil would violate coronavirus lockdown rules that ban gatherings of more than eight people.
Image: The vigil attracts thousands of people every year
It comes as groups of people lined up at DHL courier outlets across the city to send documents to the UK to apply for or renew what is known as a British National (Overseas) passport.
The surge in passport applications came after Britain said last week it may allow holders of the document to stay in the country for a year or more.
The proposal followed China's legislature deciding it would enact a national security law for Hong Kong, aimed at clamping down on a pro-democracy movement that has at times lead to violent clashes between protesters and the police.
The BNO passport was issued to Hong Kongers when it was a British colony and allows them to visit the country for an extended period but does not offer them citizenship rights.
Currently, BNO passport holders can remain in the UK as visitors for six months without a visa.
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Home Secretary Priti Patel said Britain's plan to allow them to stay in the UK for longer could include options that offer a route to citizenship.
As of February, nearly 350,000 Hong Kong residents held BNO passports and the UK government estimated that there are around 2.9 million people in the city who are eligible for the passport.
Image: Protesters march during a pro-democracy rally against a proposed new security law in Hong Kong
Meanwhile, organisers of the officially blocked vigil have expressed disappointment over the decision.
Lee Cheuk-yan, chair of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, urged people to light candles individually and observe a moment of silence.
Image: Hundreds of protesters broke coronavirus lockdown restrictions to publicly condemn the new security proposals
And Amnesty International said authorities should facilitate a socially distanced vigil rather than ban it altogether.
"COVID-19 must not be used as an excuse to stifle freedom of expression," said Joshua Rosenzweig, the group's deputy director for East and Southeast Asia.
"With this ban and a disastrous national security law looming, it is not clear if Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil will ever be allowed to take place again."