news--2020-05-16--Grief in lockdown: How losing a loved one feels during a pandemic

Emily Mee lost her father in January , before coronavirus had reached the UK and before goodbyes involved social distancing , video calls and the added worries of a global pandemic .
She writes that anyone who has lost someone close to them will know that dealing with bereavement is quite possibly the hardest thing you will ever have to overcome .
We spent his last few days around his bedside , hugging him and telling him how much we loved him .
I realise now how lucky we were to have had that time .
Grief is an unpredictable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the world also feels so unpredictable .
I 've often thought about how other people are dealing with bereavement at this time , especially those who have lost loved ones in the midst of the pandemic .
As part of Dying Matters Week , I decided to speak to Alison Robinson , who is Macmillan Cancer Support 's lead on bereavement services during COVID-19 .
I wanted to find out how things have changed for people coping with grief during this time and what coping mechanisms can help .
Ms Robinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently is that many people are unable to visit their loved ones in hospital - and even if they are , there are still restrictions in place .
`` During the outbreak of COVID , we 've seen complete restrictions on our hospitals and nursing homes where they 've been closed to visitors and there 's been some visiting of patients that are at end of life , '' she said .
`` But that even has been very restricted as well , with everyone having to wear PPE ( personal protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very short period of time , as in 15 minutes .
`` That PPE almost acts as a barrier - we 've got face masks on , we 've got visors in some cases .
`` When you talk to a family , or you talk to a patient about choices and wishes at end of life , your own body language helps with communication . ''
The restrictions mean more conversations between families and nurses are having to be had over the phone - and it 's hard to hold difficult conversations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Social distancing rules also mean that funerals have had to change drastically , with only a few people allowed to attend and extremely vulnerable shielded people having to miss out .
`` The support that you would ordinarily get from family and friends at a funeral , when it 's a celebration of someone 's life , that is n't there although the services are still going ahead , '' Ms Robinson said .
`` Then family members are often having to go straight home and , in some cases , sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out this could mean some people have a delayed reaction to a death , because they did not have the chance to say goodbye in the way they wanted to .
But even without these circumstances , everyone will have a different reaction to loss .
It took me a while to realise that my own grief was n't the `` wrong '' way to grieve just because it was different to other people 's .
`` I do n't think there is a right or a wrong way to react and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right for them at the time , '' Ms Robinson said .
`` I think some people find it really helpful to reach out and talk to someone about their feelings , whether that 's family members or a friend or a stranger through a counselling website .
`` But other people wish to deal with their loss in private - and that 's the same whether we 're in the midst of a global pandemic or not . ''
Emotions during this time can range from sadness to anger , guilt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they can change all the time .
At one point , I found I was getting dates and times mixed up and forgetting things I normally would n't .
It was n't until a family member pointed it out that I realised it must have been down to my grief .
But some people might only experience a few of these feelings , and for others it might take days , weeks , months or even years after their loss .
So how can we help others dealing with grief - whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend , or even a colleague ?
Ms Robinson says it 's important not to assume that people will want advice from you .
In some cases , she said , `` they just want you to listen to their story , their memories , their tales , their important moments '' .
You might not need to say anything , but you do need to be patient .
`` Your friend might be behaving in a completely different way to how you 're used to seeing them , but grief can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Robinson said .
Still , there 's something different about dealing with loss during a pandemic .
At the time I lost my dad , it felt like everything had imploded in my world while the rest of the world carried on as normal .
But now ...
It can be hard to say goodbye in the way you want to at this time , but we are having to find ways to adapt .
I 've thought a lot about how families are missing out on the funerals they may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that often involves memories , tears and possibly even some laughter with loved ones .
Ms Robinson told me that a friend of hers who lost her mother had held a service just with her sister , brother and the chaplain .
They had sat and talked together and shared memories and somehow - despite everything - it had actually felt `` right '' .
`` I appreciate that wo n't be the same for everyone , '' Ms Robinson added .
And of course it wo n't feel right for many .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been organising video calls with families so they can see their loved ones in intensive care units .
And how they have given out knitted hearts to both family members and patients so they can still feel connected .
It 's not the same - but it 's something .
Ms Robinson mused : `` Perhaps that 's what it is about - finding that connection that is still there . ''

Emily Mee lost her father in January, before coronavirus had reached the UK and before goodbyes involved social distancing, video calls and the added worries of a global pandemic.
She writes that anyone who has lost someone close to them will know that dealing with bereavement is quite possibly the hardest thing you will ever have to overcome.
We spent his last few days around his bedside, hugging him and telling him how much we loved him. I realise now how lucky we were to have had that time.
Grief is an unpredictable thing and even more so when the rest of the world also feels so unpredictable.
I've often thought about how other people are dealing with bereavement at this time, especially those who have lost loved ones in the midst of the pandemic.
As part of Dying Matters Week, I decided to speak to Alison Robinson, who is Macmillan Cancer Support's lead on bereavement services during COVID-19.
I wanted to find out how things have changed for people coping with grief during this time and what coping mechanisms can help.
Ms Robinson explained that one of the biggest barriers currently is that many people are unable to visit their loved ones in hospital - and even if they are, there are still restrictions in place.
"During the outbreak of COVID, we've seen complete restrictions on our hospitals and nursing homes where they've been closed to visitors and there's been some visiting of patients that are at end of life," she said.
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"But that even has been very restricted as well, with everyone having to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) and also only staying for a very short period of time, as in 15 minutes.
"That PPE almost acts as a barrier - we've got face masks on, we've got visors in some cases.
"When you talk to a family, or you talk to a patient about choices and wishes at end of life, your own body language helps with communication."
The restrictions mean more conversations between families and nurses are having to be had over the phone - and it's hard to hold difficult conversations without being able to see anyone face-to-face.
Social distancing rules also mean that funerals have had to change drastically, with only a few people allowed to attend and extremely vulnerable shielded people having to miss out.
"The support that you would ordinarily get from family and friends at a funeral, when it's a celebration of someone's life, that isn't there although the services are still going ahead," Ms Robinson said.
"Then family members are often having to go straight home and, in some cases, sit on their own."
Ms Robinson pointed out this could mean some people have a delayed reaction to a death, because they did not have the chance to say goodbye in the way they wanted to.
But even without these circumstances, everyone will have a different reaction to loss.
It took me a while to realise that my own grief wasn't the "wrong" way to grieve just because it was different to other people's.
Image: Emily with her father Steve
"I don't think there is a right or a wrong way to react and people just need to do what's right for them at the time," Ms Robinson said.
"I think some people find it really helpful to reach out and talk to someone about their feelings, whether that's family members or a friend or a stranger through a counselling website.
"But other people wish to deal with their loss in private - and that's the same whether we're in the midst of a global pandemic or not."
Emotions during this time can range from sadness to anger, guilt, and loss of concentration or motivation, but they can change all the time.
At one point, I found I was getting dates and times mixed up and forgetting things I normally wouldn't. It wasn't until a family member pointed it out that I realised it must have been down to my grief.
But some people might only experience a few of these feelings, and for others it might take days, weeks, months or even years after their loss.
So how can we help others dealing with grief - whether it is a partner, or a friend, or even a colleague?
Ms Robinson says it's important not to assume that people will want advice from you.
In some cases, she said, "they just want you to listen to their story, their memories, their tales, their important moments".
You might not need to say anything, but you do need to be patient.
"Your friend might be behaving in a completely different way to how you're used to seeing them, but grief can do different things to different people," Ms Robinson said.
Still, there's something different about dealing with loss during a pandemic.
At the time I lost my dad, it felt like everything had imploded in my world while the rest of the world carried on as normal. But now...
It can be hard to say goodbye in the way you want to at this time, but we are having to find ways to adapt.
Image: Steve Mee passed away in January
I've thought a lot about how families are missing out on the funerals they may have wanted, and the celebration of life that often involves memories, tears and possibly even some laughter with loved ones.
Ms Robinson told me that a friend of hers who lost her mother had held a service just with her sister, brother and the chaplain.
They had sat and talked together and shared memories and somehow - despite everything - it had actually felt "right".
"I appreciate that won't be the same for everyone," Ms Robinson added. And of course it won't feel right for many.
She told me about how Macmillan nurses have been organising video calls with families so they can see their loved ones in intensive care units.
And how they have given out knitted hearts to both family members and patients so they can still feel connected.
It's not the same - but it's something.
Ms Robinson mused: "Perhaps that's what it is about - finding that connection that is still there."
I couldn't help but agree.


news--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: Donald Trump hits back at 'grossly incompetent' Barack Obama after criticism

Donald Trump described Barack Obama as `` grossly incompetent '' after his predecessor criticised the US response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Asked about Mr Obama 's comments as he entered the White House on Sunday , Mr Trump said : `` Look , he was an incompetent president , that 's all I can say .
Grossly incompetent . ''
On Saturday , Mr Obama criticised the US response to the virus without naming Mr Trump or any other officials .
In a livestreamed event featuring a number of political comments , the former president told college graduates that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are n't even pretending to be in charge '' .
`` More than anything , this pandemic has fully , finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they 're doing , '' Mr Obama said .
`` A lot them are n't even pretending to be in charge . ''
The US has become the global epicentre of the pandemic , with more than 1.5 million confirmed cases and more than 89,000 deaths .
Mr Trump said on Sunday : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We did a lot of terrific meetings . ''
He added : `` Tremendous progress is being made on many fronts , including coming up with a cure for this horrible plague that has beset our country .
`` It was a working weekend , it was a good weekend .
A lot of very good things have happened , '' he told journalists .

Donald Trump described Barack Obama as "grossly incompetent" after his predecessor criticised the US response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Asked about Mr Obama's comments as he entered the White House on Sunday, Mr Trump said: "Look, he was an incompetent president, that's all I can say. Grossly incompetent."
On Saturday, Mr Obama criticised the US response to the virus without naming Mr Trump or any other officials.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Obama renews attack on Trump over COVID-19
In a livestreamed event featuring a number of political comments, the former president told college graduates that the COVID-19 outbreak showed many officials "aren't even pretending to be in charge".
"More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they're doing," Mr Obama said.
"A lot them aren't even pretending to be in charge."
The US has become the global epicentre of the pandemic, with more than 1.5 million confirmed cases and more than 89,000 deaths.
Mr Trump said on Sunday: "I think we had a great weekend. We did a lot of terrific meetings."
He added: "Tremendous progress is being made on many fronts, including coming up with a cure for this horrible plague that has beset our country.
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"It was a working weekend, it was a good weekend. A lot of very good things have happened," he told journalists.


news--2020-05-17--Third man charged with murder of NHS worker David Gomoh

A third person has been charged with murdering an NHS worker , who was allegedly chased and stabbed eight times after leaving his home to go shopping .
Vagnei Colubali , 22 , was arrested on Friday in Cambridge and charged on Saturday over the death of 24-year-old David Gomoh .
Mr Gomoh , a graduate from Southbank University , was attacked outside his home in Newham , east London , on 26 April while on his way to phone his girlfriend .
He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries .
Colubali has also been charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with intent against another unidentified man whom he also allegedly threatened with a knife , Scotland Yard said .
He has been remanded in custody to appear before Thames Magistrates ' Court on Monday .
Mr Gomoh was killed just days before he was due to attend the funeral of his father , who died after contracting COVID-19 .
Mr Gomoh worked for the NHS supplying staff with equipment .
His mother , Miran , is a nurse who also works for the NHS .
The cause of his death was given as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following a post-mortem .
Muhammad Jalloh , 18 , of Stratford , Newham , and a 16-year-old boy , of Telford , Shropshire , who can not be named for legal reasons , appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink charged with his murder on 6 May .
The pair are also accused of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with another alleged incident shortly before Mr Gomoh was found with knife wounds .
Judge Anthony Leonard QC set a plea hearing for 22 July and remanded them both @ @ @

A third person has been charged with murdering an NHS worker, who was allegedly chased and stabbed eight times after leaving his home to go shopping.
Vagnei Colubali, 22, was arrested on Friday in Cambridge and charged on Saturday over the death of 24-year-old David Gomoh.
Mr Gomoh, a graduate from Southbank University, was attacked outside his home in Newham, east London, on 26 April while on his way to phone his girlfriend.
He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
Colubali has also been charged with conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent against another unidentified man whom he also allegedly threatened with a knife, Scotland Yard said.
He has been remanded in custody to appear before Thames Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Mr Gomoh was killed just days before he was due to attend the funeral of his father, who died after contracting COVID-19.
Mr Gomoh worked for the NHS supplying staff with equipment. His mother, Miran, is a nurse who also works for the NHS.
The cause of his death was given as stab wounds to the chest and abdomen following a post-mortem.
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Muhammad Jalloh, 18, of Stratford, Newham, and a 16-year-old boy, of Telford, Shropshire, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink charged with his murder on 6 May.
The pair are also accused of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with another alleged incident shortly before Mr Gomoh was found with knife wounds.
Judge Anthony Leonard QC set a plea hearing for 22 July and remanded them both in custody.


news--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: Is this the pub of the future for enjoying a post-lockdown pint?

A pub boss has created a prototype aimed at enabling punters to safely enjoy a post-lockdown pint .
Guided by the coronavirus 2m social distancing rule , the revamped layout at the Betsey Wynne in Swanbourne , Buckinghamshire , sees the return of the `` snug '' , albeit reinvented with tables separated by glazed screens .
Customers will use disposable menus and place their order using a phone app .
They will also be reminded to keep their hands clean with gel dispensers throughout the premises , while a one-way system with a separate entrance and exit has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , founder and chief executive of Oakman Inns which owns the pub told Sky News he hopes the measures could be used as a blueprint for when bars and restaurants are given the green light to reopen as COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed .
Based on the current government roadmap for easing the lockdown , this would be 4 July at the earliest .
The industry has been hard-hit by the coronavirus restrictions , with hospitality chiefs warning that thousands of pubs and restaurants may not survive if they are forced to remain shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose group has 28 pubs , told Sky News : `` There 's two key priorities .
Number one to protect employees and number two to protect customers .
`` We have studied all the advice from the government and we have worked really hard to comply with it . ''
However , given the current guidance , he believed it could only work in big pubs with large beer gardens .
While there had previously been seating for 204 at the Betsey Wynne , this had been reduced to 146 with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Borg-Neal said : `` Beyond the spacing , you are talking about advice to the customers , lots of opportunities to sanitise their hands , things like disposable menus .
`` It 's going to be table service only , no standing at the bar .
There 's going to be an order app . ''
He is now to submit the scheme for approval to the Cabinet Office through the trade body UK Hospitality .
In a message to the government , Mr Borg-Neal said : `` We have to meet standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fire .
Just tell us to meet the COVID standards and leave it to us .
`` As far as we are concerned we have a number of pubs that can be safely opened now . ''
He added : `` I think the general mood I am getting is people want to come back .
People ca n't make sense of why you ca n't sit in a pub garden with a beer but you can go on the London Underground .
`` It does't seem to make a blind bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News , Dermot King , the head of Oakman Inns , said : `` I think one of the features you will see in pubs going forward is a reinvention of the snug .
`` That 's the kind of feel we are trying to recreate and reinvent .
`` What we are not trying to do is lose the sense of hospitality .
In the end we are a hospitality business . ''

A pub boss has created a prototype aimed at enabling punters to safely enjoy a post-lockdown pint.
Guided by the coronavirus 2m social distancing rule, the revamped layout at the Betsey Wynne in Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire, sees the return of the "snug", albeit reinvented with tables separated by glazed screens.
Image: Tables in the pub are separated by glazed screens
Customers will use disposable menus and place their order using a phone app.
They will also be reminded to keep their hands clean with gel dispensers throughout the premises, while a one-way system with a separate entrance and exit has been designed to curb contact.
Image: People will be reminded to keep their hands clean and keep their distance
Peter Borg-Neal, founder and chief executive of Oakman Inns which owns the pub told Sky News he hopes the measures could be used as a blueprint for when bars and restaurants are given the green light to reopen as COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed.
Based on the current government roadmap for easing the lockdown, this would be 4 July at the earliest.
The industry has been hard-hit by the coronavirus restrictions, with hospitality chiefs warning that thousands of pubs and restaurants may not survive if they are forced to remain shut for much longer.
Image: The chief executive says protecting staff and customers is the top priority
Mr Borg-Neal, whose group has 28 pubs, told Sky News: "There's two key priorities. Number one to protect employees and number two to protect customers.
"We have studied all the advice from the government and we have worked really hard to comply with it."
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However, given the current guidance, he believed it could only work in big pubs with large beer gardens.
While there had previously been seating for 204 at the Betsey Wynne, this had been reduced to 146 with the social distancing measures in place.
Image: The layout of the Betsey Wynne in Swanbourne, has been redesigned
Mr Borg-Neal said: "Beyond the spacing, you are talking about advice to the customers, lots of opportunities to sanitise their hands, things like disposable menus.
"It's going to be table service only, no standing at the bar. There's going to be an order app."
He is now to submit the scheme for approval to the Cabinet Office through the trade body UK Hospitality.
In a message to the government, Mr Borg-Neal said: "We have to meet standards for food hygiene, health and safety and fire. Just tell us to meet the COVID standards and leave it to us.
"As far as we are concerned we have a number of pubs that can be safely opened now."
He added: "I think the general mood I am getting is people want to come back. People can't make sense of why you can't sit in a pub garden with a beer but you can go on the London Underground.
"It does't seem to make a blind bit of sense."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:24 Dermot King discusses how his pubs are tackling the issue of social distancing.
Also speaking to Sky News, Dermot King, the head of Oakman Inns, said: "I think one of the features you will see in pubs going forward is a reinvention of the snug.
"That's the kind of feel we are trying to recreate and reinvent.
"What we are not trying to do is lose the sense of hospitality. In the end we are a hospitality business."


news--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: Man's ingenious solution to cuddle his grandma again goes viral

As the old saying goes , necessity is the mother of invention - and the coronavirus pandemic is no exception .
Humans have a canny habit of being at their most ingenious during times of crisis , and what we all would n't give for a solution that allowed us to safely meet our vulnerable loved ones again .
Enter Antony Cauvin - a 29-year-old plasterer-turned-inventor from Stratford-upon-Avon , who dreamed up a scheme befitting of Back To The Future 's Emmett Brown so that he could hug his grandma for the first time in months .
The `` Cuddle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see-through shower curtain , fitted with pairs of lengthy safety sleeves on either side so that two people can move effortlessly into place opposite one another .
`` Last weekend was when I decided to buy all the materials , and I planned it out myself , '' explained Mr Cauvin to Sky News .
`` Really it 's bizarre that you can buy a clear shower curtain , I do n't know why they sell them given you would think you would want privacy , however they do sell them so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some shoulder-length sleeves , which I could fix by putting the holes through the plastic , tape them up and then put your arms through and wrap your arms round somebody . ''
As unlikely as it may sound , even to Mr Cauvin himself , the invention has so far worked a treat .
`` Before we took it to my grandparents ' house , I tested it with my wife and it worked , '' he said .
`` We giggled about it but thought , 'this could actually work ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my grandparents and put it up in the garden while they were in the conservatory . ''
The results speak for themselves - a delighted 'Grannan ' who was able to hug her grandson again , with zero skin or breath contact necessary .
And to ensure the Cuddle Curtain can be used again , the sleeves and the curtain itself are disinfected after each hug so that someone else can have a go .
Anyone who uses it also has to wear their own pair of disposable gloves for extra safety .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandparents ' garden so that their seven other grandchildren and three great-grandchildren can come along for their own cuddles .
`` When you 've known someone all your life , to be able to hug that person again ... it brought a tear to everybody 's eye , '' said Mr Cauvin .
`` But we were also giggling that much , just because it seemed such a far-fetched and bonkers idea .
We never touched any part of Grannan at all - I 'm a believer in social distancing and do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Cauvin 's wife Miriam posted a video of the first hug with Grannan on social media , and since Friday afternoon it has amassed more than 100,000 shares and 3.2 million views .
The couple have been inundated with messages of amazement , but Mr Cauvin hopes the Cuddle Curtain will have a pretty short shelf life .
`` I 've always been very close to my grandparents .
I see them as second parents , '' he said .
`` Not being able to see them has been tough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us even because Grannan is a very affectionate person .
You feel you have n't seen them because you have n't had that cuddle .
`` I 've never invented anything ... but hopefully if we find a vaccine for this horrible disease , it wo n't have to last . ''

As the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention - and the coronavirus pandemic is no exception.
Humans have a canny habit of being at their most ingenious during times of crisis, and what we all wouldn't give for a solution that allowed us to safely meet our vulnerable loved ones again.
Enter Antony Cauvin - a 29-year-old plasterer-turned-inventor from Stratford-upon-Avon, who dreamed up a scheme befitting of Back To The Future's Emmett Brown so that he could hug his grandma for the first time in months.
The "Cuddle Curtain" is made up of a see-through shower curtain, fitted with pairs of lengthy safety sleeves on either side so that two people can move effortlessly into place opposite one another.
Image: Mr Cauvin's grandmother initially seemed confused...
"Last weekend was when I decided to buy all the materials, and I planned it out myself," explained Mr Cauvin to Sky News.
"Really it's bizarre that you can buy a clear shower curtain, I don't know why they sell them given you would think you would want privacy, however they do sell them so I bought one.
"Then I bought some shoulder-length sleeves, which I could fix by putting the holes through the plastic, tape them up and then put your arms through and wrap your arms round somebody."
As unlikely as it may sound, even to Mr Cauvin himself, the invention has so far worked a treat.
Image: ...but her bemusement soon turned to joy...
"Before we took it to my grandparents' house, I tested it with my wife and it worked," he said.
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"We giggled about it but thought, 'this could actually work', so we took it up to my grandparents and put it up in the garden while they were in the conservatory."
The results speak for themselves - a delighted 'Grannan' who was able to hug her grandson again, with zero skin or breath contact necessary.
And to ensure the Cuddle Curtain can be used again, the sleeves and the curtain itself are disinfected after each hug so that someone else can have a go.
Anyone who uses it also has to wear their own pair of disposable gloves for extra safety.
Mr Cauvin has left it in his grandparents' garden so that their seven other grandchildren and three great-grandchildren can come along for their own cuddles.
Image: ...as she enjoyed a hug with her grandson
"When you've known someone all your life, to be able to hug that person again... it brought a tear to everybody's eye," said Mr Cauvin.
"But we were also giggling that much, just because it seemed such a far-fetched and bonkers idea. We never touched any part of Grannan at all - I'm a believer in social distancing and don't want to put anyone at risk."
Mr Cauvin's wife Miriam posted a video of the first hug with Grannan on social media, and since Friday afternoon it has amassed more than 100,000 shares and 3.2 million views.
The couple have been inundated with messages of amazement, but Mr Cauvin hopes the Cuddle Curtain will have a pretty short shelf life.
Image: The Cuddle Curtain is cleaned with disinfectant after each use and both people must wear gloves
"I've always been very close to my grandparents. I see them as second parents," he said.
"Not being able to see them has been tough, tougher for them than it is for us even because Grannan is a very affectionate person. You feel you haven't seen them because you haven't had that cuddle.
"I've never invented anything... but hopefully if we find a vaccine for this horrible disease, it won't have to last."


news--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: Belgian medics turn their backs on PM over COVID-19 decree

Doctors and nurses have shown their anger at the Belgian government 's coronavirus response by turning their backs on the prime minister 's visit to their hospital .
Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes made unofficial visits to two hospitals in the Belgian capital of Brussels on Saturday , and was met at one with a particularly frosty reception .
Footage of her car arriving at Saint-Pierre Hospital in the Marollen neighbourhood showed dozens of staff members lining the route to the entrance of the facility - but with their backs turned to the motorcade .
It comes in response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that allows for unqualified staff to undertake nursing duties amid the COVID-19 pandemic , according to local media .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier this month , the General Union of Nurses in Belgium said the decree amounted to `` a real slap in the face '' for health professions , adding that it undermined the work taken on during the crisis .
It further said the decree came at a time when the Belgian health sector was `` collapsing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , recognised and valued '' .
Ms Wilmes said on Saturday that she wanted to bring a `` message of appeasement '' to hospital staff , according to Belgian broadcaster RTBF , adding that she did not want to see a post-coronavirus period where the nursing sector was `` reduced to what it was before '' .
Belgium is one of Europe 's hardest hit nations by COVID-19 , having recorded 54,989 infections to its population of 11.5 million .
A total of 9,005 people in Belgium have died with the disease .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last two months to bring the virus under control , but is due to partially open schools , markets , museums and zoos from Monday .

Doctors and nurses have shown their anger at the Belgian government's coronavirus response by turning their backs on the prime minister's visit to their hospital.
Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes made unofficial visits to two hospitals in the Belgian capital of Brussels on Saturday, and was met at one with a particularly frosty reception.
Footage of her car arriving at Saint-Pierre Hospital in the Marollen neighbourhood showed dozens of staff members lining the route to the entrance of the facility - but with their backs turned to the motorcade.
It comes in response to the signing into law of a royal decree that allows for unqualified staff to undertake nursing duties amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to local media.
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Earlier this month, the General Union of Nurses in Belgium said the decree amounted to "a real slap in the face" for health professions, adding that it undermined the work taken on during the crisis.
It further said the decree came at a time when the Belgian health sector was "collapsing" and did "not feel heard, recognised and valued".
Ms Wilmes said on Saturday that she wanted to bring a "message of appeasement" to hospital staff, according to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, adding that she did not want to see a post-coronavirus period where the nursing sector was "reduced to what it was before".
Belgium is one of Europe's hardest hit nations by COVID-19, having recorded 54,989 infections to its population of 11.5 million.
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A total of 9,005 people in Belgium have died with the disease.
The country has been under lockdown for the last two months to bring the virus under control, but is due to partially open schools, markets, museums and zoos from Monday.


news--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: Police shut down '70-person rave' as revellers say they are 'bored of lockdown'

A `` rave '' in a park , attended by dozens of people said to be `` sick of self-isolation '' , has been shut down by police .
The West Mercia force said it broke up a `` mass gathering '' of around 70 people at Granville Country Park in Telford , Shropshire on Saturday during the coronavirus lockdown .
In a series of tweets , using the hashtag # hangYourHeadsInShame , one post said : `` We have worked so hard and sacrificed so much and this group decide it does n't apply .
`` I 'm shocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Police said there was a DJ playing and claimed the event `` appeared to be pre-planned '' .
Another post explained that officers had asked them why they had come to the event , to which one of them replied : `` I 'm sick of self-isolation . ''
Replying to users on Twitter asking if the group had been fined , West Mercia Police said it does not fine people `` unless there is no other action open '' .
They said : `` We engage and explain .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did .
`` We would ask anyone who is thinking of organising one of these events to think of the bigger picture .
Please refer to the government guidelines . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker New guidelines say people can now meet one other person from outside their household if they are outdoors , but they must stay two metres apart at all times .
Public gatherings of more than two people from different households are not allowed , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a park with members of your own household .

A "rave" in a park, attended by dozens of people said to be "sick of self-isolation", has been shut down by police.
The West Mercia force said it broke up a "mass gathering" of around 70 people at Granville Country Park in Telford, Shropshire on Saturday during the coronavirus lockdown.
In a series of tweets, using the hashtag #hangYourHeadsInShame, one post said: "We have worked so hard and sacrificed so much and this group decide it doesn't apply.
"I'm shocked that people would care so little."
Police said there was a DJ playing and claimed the event "appeared to be pre-planned".
Another post explained that officers had asked them why they had come to the event, to which one of them replied: "I'm sick of self-isolation."
Replying to users on Twitter asking if the group had been fined, West Mercia Police said it does not fine people "unless there is no other action open".
They said: "We engage and explain.
"We asked the group to disperse and they did.
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"We would ask anyone who is thinking of organising one of these events to think of the bigger picture. Please refer to the government guidelines."
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New guidelines say people can now meet one other person from outside their household if they are outdoors, but they must stay two metres apart at all times.
Public gatherings of more than two people from different households are not allowed, but there are no limits on gatherings in a park with members of your own household.


news--2020-05-17--Chinese ambassador to Israel found dead at home, says Israeli foreign ministry

The Chinese ambassador to Israel has been found dead at his home north of Tel Aviv , the Israeli foreign @ @ @ @ @ Wei , 58 , was appointed envoy in February in the midst of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ as China 's envoy to Ukraine .
A police spokesperson said : `` As part @ @ @ @ @ police units are at the scene . ''
The ambassador 's death comes just two @ @ @ @ @ by visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , who denounced Chinese investments in Israel @ @ @ @ @ information about the COVID-19 outbreak .
The country 's foreign ministry has given no cause @ @ @ @ @ said on Sunday a police investigation had been launched .
Israel 's Channel 12 TV @ @ @ @ @ officials , said initial indications were that the ambassador died in his sleep of natural @ @ @ @ @ by a wife and son , neither of whom are in Israel .

The Chinese ambassador to Israel has been found dead at his home north of Tel Aviv, the Israeli foreign ministry has said.
Du Wei, 58, was appointed envoy in February in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
He previously served as China's envoy to Ukraine.
Image: Police cordon off an area near the house of Du Wei in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv
A police spokesperson said: "As part of the regular procedure, police units are at the scene."
The ambassador's death comes just two days after he condemned comments by visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who denounced Chinese investments in Israel and accused China of hiding information about the COVID-19 outbreak.
Image: Israeli police and forensic experts are seen at the door of the ambassador's home
Israel enjoys good relations with China.
The country's foreign ministry has given no cause for his death, but said on Sunday a police investigation had been launched.
Israel's Channel 12 TV, quoting unidentified emergency medical officials, said initial indications were that the ambassador died in his sleep of natural causes.
He is survived by a wife and son, neither of whom are in Israel.


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Matt Damon congratulates Dublin pupils on last day of school

Matt Damon has sent a heartwarming message to secondary school students in south Dublin , where he has been residing during the coronavirus lockdown .
The Hollywood actor recorded a clip of himself congratulating the sixth year pupils on what should have been their last day in school .
He said : `` Hey this is Matt Damon .
I just want to say congratulations to the Loreto Abbey graduating class of 2020 .
`` You guys are awesome and I am sorry you have to do this from quarantine .
Congratulations , what an achievement .
Good for you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Oscar-winning star appears to be enjoying his time in quarantine with his family in the leafy suburb Dalkey , describing it as a `` fairytale '' .
The 49-year-old created a buzz after he was spotted around the picturesque seaside resort and photographed carrying a a SuperValu shopping bag .
He flew into Dublin with his wife , Luciana Barrosa , and their children , Isabella , Gia and Stella , in early March to film Ridley Scott 's new movie The Last Duel .
However filming was almost immediately shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low profile , Damon gave an interview about his experience in Ireland to Spin 103.8 's Fully Charged breakfast show on Wednesday .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said : `` It 's been incredible .
This is one of the most beautiful places we 've ever been .
Obviously what 's going on in the world is horrible but I 've got my whole family ; I 'm with my kids and we have teachers with us because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight weeks . ''
`` We 've got what nobody else has , which is live human beings teaching our kids so we feel guilty .
We 've got this set-up in this incredible place .
It 's absolutely gorgeous .
`` Even in the 2km lockdown , we 've got trees , and woods and ocean .
I ca n't think of any place you 'd rather be in a 2km radius of . ''

Matt Damon has sent a heartwarming message to secondary school students in south Dublin, where he has been residing during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Hollywood actor recorded a clip of himself congratulating the sixth year pupils on what should have been their last day in school.
He said: "Hey this is Matt Damon. I just want to say congratulations to the Loreto Abbey graduating class of 2020.
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"You guys are awesome and I am sorry you have to do this from quarantine. Congratulations, what an achievement. Good for you guys. Thinking about you."
The Oscar-winning star appears to be enjoying his time in quarantine with his family in the leafy suburb Dalkey, describing it as a "fairytale".
The 49-year-old created a buzz after he was spotted around the picturesque seaside resort and photographed carrying a a SuperValu shopping bag.
He flew into Dublin with his wife, Luciana Barrosa, and their children, Isabella, Gia and Stella, in early March to film Ridley Scott's new movie The Last Duel.
However filming was almost immediately shut down under lockdown restrictions.
Despite keeping a low profile, Damon gave an interview about his experience in Ireland to Spin 103.8's Fully Charged breakfast show on Wednesday.
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He said: "It's been incredible. This is one of the most beautiful places we've ever been. Obviously what's going on in the world is horrible but I've got my whole family; I'm with my kids and we have teachers with us because we were planning on missing school for about eight weeks."
"We've got what nobody else has, which is live human beings teaching our kids so we feel guilty. We've got this set-up in this incredible place. It's absolutely gorgeous.
"Even in the 2km lockdown, we've got trees, and woods and ocean. I can't think of any place you'd rather be in a 2km radius of."


news--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: Spain's daily death toll dips below 100 for first time in months

Spain 's daily coronavirus death toll has dropped below a hundred for the first time in two months .
Authorities on Sunday said another 87 people had died with COVID-19 in the last 24 hours , which is a huge drop from the more than 900 deaths a day during the disease 's peak .
It is also the lowest daily number of deaths since 16 March - recorded several days after the country first declared a state of emergency .
Fernando Simon , head of health emergency coordination in Spain , warned the latest figures could be affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` weekend effect '' , but assured a downward trend was still in progress .
He said Sunday 's drop in numbers to under 100 was `` good news '' .
Spain is one of the hardest hit countries in the world by the coronavirus , with 277,719 infections recorded among its population of 47 million .
A total of 27,650 people have died with the disease .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another extension to the national emergency - which he hopes will be the last of its kind in place until the end of June .
He has also highlighted the need to open the country 's vital tourism sector that accounts for 12 % of GDP , and which is expected to be severely hampered over the summer season .
`` Spain needs tourism , '' Mr Sanchez said , adding : `` But tourism needs security .
It needs health guarantees . ''

Spain's daily coronavirus death toll has dropped below a hundred for the first time in two months.
Authorities on Sunday said another 87 people had died with COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, which is a huge drop from the more than 900 deaths a day during the disease's peak.
It is also the lowest daily number of deaths since 16 March - recorded several days after the country first declared a state of emergency.
Fernando Simon, head of health emergency coordination in Spain, warned the latest figures could be affected by a delay in recording deaths due to the "weekend effect", but assured a downward trend was still in progress.
He said Sunday's drop in numbers to under 100 was "good news".
Spain is one of the hardest hit countries in the world by the coronavirus, with 277,719 infections recorded among its population of 47 million.
A total of 27,650 people have died with the disease.
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Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has also revealed his plans to ask parliament for another extension to the national emergency - which he hopes will be the last of its kind in place until the end of June.
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He has also highlighted the need to open the country's vital tourism sector that accounts for 12% of GDP, and which is expected to be severely hampered over the summer season.
"Spain needs tourism," Mr Sanchez said, adding: "But tourism needs security. It needs health guarantees."


news--2020-05-17--Coronavirus lockdown rules to be tested with UK set to enjoy hottest day of year so far

The hottest day of the year so far is expected next week , with forecasts predicting a sizzling 27C ( 78.8F ) on Wednesday Across the country the temperature will be climbing into the 20s as we head into mid-May , It will peak on Wednesday when London and the South East of England could bask in heat higher than the 26C ( 78.8F ) recorded in Cornwall on Good Friday .
The coronavirus pandemic has put a dampener on European travel , but parts of the UK are set to be warmer than both Marbella and Ibiza .
Good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging the government 's instructions for people to stay at home when possible .
Unfortunately for the north-western parts of the UK , Monday and Tuesday will be cloudy with spells of rain while southern areas will enjoy highs of 24C ( 75.2F ) .
But by midweek it will be clearer as the warm Mediterranean winds move further north .
Come Wednesday , parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will get a chance to bask in highs of 22C ( 71.6F ) while Wales could see 23C ( 73.4F ) in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach a maximum temperature of 26C ( 78.8F ) .
Met Office meteorologist Matthew Box said : `` It 's going to be very hot for large parts of England for most of the week , reaching highs of 27C ( 80.6F ) on Wednesday , which would make it the hottest day of the year so far .
`` This will occur due to large areas of high pressure , combined with southerly winds from the continent , bringing with it , pleasant sunshine , dry skies and warmer air . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rain and thunder across the south and east of England and Wales on Thursday , however .
Friday could be windy , especially in western areas , with heavy downpours .

The hottest day of the year so far is expected next week, with forecasts predicting a sizzling 27C (78.8F) on Wednesday
Across the country the temperature will be climbing into the 20s as we head into mid-May,
It will peak on Wednesday when London and the South East of England could bask in heat higher than the 26C (78.8F) recorded in Cornwall on Good Friday.
The coronavirus pandemic has put a dampener on European travel, but parts of the UK are set to be warmer than both Marbella and Ibiza.
Good weather will continue into Friday, potentially challenging the government's instructions for people to stay at home when possible.
Unfortunately for the north-western parts of the UK, Monday and Tuesday will be cloudy with spells of rain while southern areas will enjoy highs of 24C (75.2F).
But by midweek it will be clearer as the warm Mediterranean winds move further north.
Come Wednesday, parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will get a chance to bask in highs of 22C (71.6F) while Wales could see 23C (73.4F) in the afternoon.
The North of England will reach a maximum temperature of 26C (78.8F).
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Image: Police have previously had to remind people of the lockdown rules
Met Office meteorologist Matthew Box said: "It's going to be very hot for large parts of England for most of the week, reaching highs of 27C (80.6F) on Wednesday, which would make it the hottest day of the year so far.
"This will occur due to large areas of high pressure, combined with southerly winds from the continent, bringing with it, pleasant sunshine, dry skies and warmer air."
This warm weather could mean bands of rain and thunder across the south and east of England and Wales on Thursday, however.
Friday could be windy, especially in western areas, with heavy downpours.


news--2020-05-17--Coronavirus vaccine: How is Oxford vaccine being trialled and when will we know if it works?

According to the government , 30 million vaccine doses could be available across the UK in September - if a vaccine being developed at the University of Oxford works .
Researchers there are developing a vaccine for COVID-19 based on genetic manipulation of a common cold virus which normally infects chimpanzees .
In Sunday 's daily briefing , Business Secretary Alok Sharma said the first clinical trials were `` progressing well '' with all of the volunteers for phase one of the trials receiving their dose earlier this week .
The trials of the vaccine - officially known as ChAdOx1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began on 24 April to see whether it can effectively protect healthy people from the virus .
How is the trial working ?
The researchers have recruited up to 1,102 participants across multiple laboratories in Oxford , Southampton , London and Bristol .
These volunteers have been randomly allocated either a real dose of the trial vaccine or a meningitis vaccine .
An even smaller group of 10 volunteers are going to receive two doses of the candidate vaccine four weeks apart .
The volunteers are aged between 18 and 55 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They need to be in good health , neither pregnant nor breastfeeding , and ca n't have previously taken part in a trial with an adenoviral vaccine ( based on the common cold virus ) or received any other coronavirus vaccines .
How does the vaccine work ?
Dosages used in the trial are measured based on the scientists ' experiences with other vaccines .
The volunteers wo n't know until the end of the trial whether they had received the real vaccine or the meningitis jab .
The dose used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiences with other ChAdOx1 based vaccines .
What will the volunteers do ?
The participants have been given an electronic diary in which they need to record any symptoms they are experiencing in the seven days after they receive the vaccine and for the following three weeks .
Researchers will take bloom samples during follow-up visits to assess their immune response to the vaccine and to check the symptoms the patients are recording .
Crucially , if the volunteers develop COVID-19 symptoms during the study , they can contact a member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have become infected .
If they become seriously unwell then they can be admitted to hospital for further checks .
When will we know if it works ?
The researchers will need to compare the number of COVID-19 infections in the meningitis group with the number in the vaccinated group .
So it is necessary for some of the volunteers to catch the coronavirus .
But how quickly the number required is reached depends on the levels of the virus in society at large .
Across the country more than 243,300 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday - with 3,142 new cases reported as of 9am .
If transmission remains high then the researchers believe enough data may be available in a couple of months , but it could take up to six months .
What is in the vaccine ?
ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 is made from ChAdOx1 , a weakened version of the common cold virus ( adenovirus ) which causes infections in chimpanzees .
The virus has been manipulated so that it ca n't harm humans , but also contains part of the coronavirus so that it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 's spike proteins which it uses to enter human cells and multiply .
At the same time as the Oxford study , researchers at Imperial College London are working on their vaccine candidate and will enter clinical trials by mid-June

According to the government, 30 million vaccine doses could be available across the UK in September - if a vaccine being developed at the University of Oxford works.
Researchers there are developing a vaccine for COVID-19 based on genetic manipulation of a common cold virus which normally infects chimpanzees.
In Sunday's daily briefing, Business Secretary Alok Sharma said the first clinical trials were "progressing well" with all of the volunteers for phase one of the trials receiving their dose earlier this week.
The trials of the vaccine - officially known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (pronounced Chaddox One) - began on 24 April to see whether it can effectively protect healthy people from the virus.
How is the trial working?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 Potentially 30 million doses in September
The researchers have recruited up to 1,102 participants across multiple laboratories in Oxford, Southampton, London and Bristol.
These volunteers have been randomly allocated either a real dose of the trial vaccine or a meningitis vaccine.
An even smaller group of 10 volunteers are going to receive two doses of the candidate vaccine four weeks apart.
Who is participating?
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Image: The volunteers can't receive any other coronavirus vaccines
The volunteers are aged between 18 and 55, and must not have tested positive for COVID-19.
They need to be in good health, neither pregnant nor breastfeeding, and can't have previously taken part in a trial with an adenoviral vaccine (based on the common cold virus) or received any other coronavirus vaccines.
How does the vaccine work?
Dosages used in the trial are measured based on the scientists' experiences with other vaccines.
The volunteers won't know until the end of the trial whether they had received the real vaccine or the meningitis jab.
The dose used in the trial was chosen based on previous experiences with other ChAdOx1 based vaccines.
What will the volunteers do?
The participants have been given an electronic diary in which they need to record any symptoms they are experiencing in the seven days after they receive the vaccine and for the following three weeks.
Researchers will take bloom samples during follow-up visits to assess their immune response to the vaccine and to check the symptoms the patients are recording.
Crucially, if the volunteers develop COVID-19 symptoms during the study, they can contact a member of the clinical team who can assess if they have become infected.
If they become seriously unwell then they can be admitted to hospital for further checks.
When will we know if it works?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 High hopes for the Oxford vaccine
The researchers will need to compare the number of COVID-19 infections in the meningitis group with the number in the vaccinated group.
So it is necessary for some of the volunteers to catch the coronavirus.
But how quickly the number required is reached depends on the levels of the virus in society at large.
Across the country more than 243,300 people have tested positive for the virus as of Sunday - with 3,142 new cases reported as of 9am.
If transmission remains high then the researchers believe enough data may be available in a couple of months, but it could take up to six months.
What is in the vaccine?
Image: The vaccine uses a common cold virus which normally infects chimpanzees
ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 is made from ChAdOx1, a weakened version of the common cold virus (adenovirus) which causes infections in chimpanzees.
The virus has been manipulated so that it can't harm humans, but also contains part of the coronavirus so that it would trigger the body's immune response to COVID-19's spike proteins which it uses to enter human cells and multiply.
At the same time as the Oxford study, researchers at Imperial College London are working on their vaccine candidate and will enter clinical trials by mid-June


news--2020-05-13--What is your risk of dying from coronavirus? New calculator claims to tell you

Scientists say they have developed a way of showing people their personal risk of dying from coronavirus .
The University College London 's coronavirus calculator factors in a person 's age , sex and underlying health conditions , as well as the risk of infection and the strain on the NHS .
The tool was made public in a report in The Lancet , which says the team has used data from around 3.8 million health records and based its conclusions on England having a 10 % infection rate and 20 % of people having a high-risk condition .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning their could be up to 73,000 excess deaths as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK , depending on how the lockdown measures are lifted .
Talking about the calculator , lead author Dr Amitava Banerjee said : `` For example , we show how a 66-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has a 6 % risk of dying over the next year and there are 25,000 'patients like me ' ( ie men of the same age with the same condition ) in England .
`` The calculator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the expected 1,639 deaths over a year in patients in a similar situation . ''
He added : `` Our findings show the mortality risk for these vulnerable groups increases significantly and could lead to thousands of avoidable deaths . ''
One of the authors , Professor Harry Hemmingway , said that to keep vulnerable people safe during the pandemic , the infection rate must be kept down .
He added that doctors also `` need to continue to deliver high-quality medical care to vulnerable people to prevent excess deaths in those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials believe the that R rate of COVID-19 , the rate at which the illness is transmitted , is somewhere between 0.5 and 0.9 in the UK - meaning the spread of the disease is slowing .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker However , there is a risk that could rise now that lockdown measures have been eased in England .
Professor Hemmingway added : `` Our findings emphasise the importance of delivering consistent preventive interventions to people with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cared for by a wide range of clinical specialities .
`` This policy is only possible because we have an NHS able to use system-wide data for patient benefit . ''
Try the new calculator here .

Scientists say they have developed a way of showing people their personal risk of dying from coronavirus.
The University College London's coronavirus calculator factors in a person's age, sex and underlying health conditions, as well as the risk of infection and the strain on the NHS.
The tool was made public in a report in The Lancet, which says the team has used data from around 3.8 million health records and based its conclusions on England having a 10% infection rate and 20% of people having a high-risk condition.
At the same time, the team is warning their could be up to 73,000 excess deaths as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK, depending on how the lockdown measures are lifted.
Talking about the calculator, lead author Dr Amitava Banerjee said: "For example, we show how a 66-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has a 6% risk of dying over the next year and there are 25,000 'patients like me' (ie men of the same age with the same condition) in England.
"The calculator estimates 164 excess COVID-19-related deaths on top of the expected 1,639 deaths over a year in patients in a similar situation."
He added: "Our findings show the mortality risk for these vulnerable groups increases significantly and could lead to thousands of avoidable deaths."
One of the authors, Professor Harry Hemmingway, said that to keep vulnerable people safe during the pandemic, the infection rate must be kept down.
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He added that doctors also "need to continue to deliver high-quality medical care to vulnerable people to prevent excess deaths in those who are not infected with coronavirus".
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Officials believe the that R rate of COVID-19, the rate at which the illness is transmitted, is somewhere between 0.5 and 0.9 in the UK - meaning the spread of the disease is slowing.
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However, there is a risk that could rise now that lockdown measures have been eased in England.
Professor Hemmingway added: "Our findings emphasise the importance of delivering consistent preventive interventions to people with a wide range of diseases, who are cared for by a wide range of clinical specialities.
"This policy is only possible because we have an NHS able to use system-wide data for patient benefit."
Try the new calculator here.


news--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: Fear, frustration and calling the police - new lockdown rules create tensions in North

Coronavirus: Fear, frustration and calling the police - new lockdown rules create tensions in North Yorkshire

The relaxed lockdown rules in England , allowing people to travel anywhere for leisure purposes , have exposed conflicting views on personal freedoms and social responsibility .
In North Yorkshire , the police said they were called `` half a dozen times '' by residents in Helmsley , on the edge of the North York Moors National Park , with complaints about too many visitors .
`` They should be kept in Stockton and Middlesbrough , '' one elderly man told me as he leant on his bicycle handlebars and surveyed several dozen leather-clad bikers parked up outside the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus , '' he added , in case there should be any doubt .
When I explained the government had given them permission to leave Teesside , his only response was a look of contempt .
The police and staff from Ryedale District Council acted on the complaints with a compromise - by half-heartedly closing the car park , which involved moving just some of the bikers on and putting up tape round a few parking places .
The official position of both North Yorkshire Police and the neighbouring Cleveland force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contemptuous cyclist thinks coronavirus will come from , is to act responsibly by avoiding large gatherings or by continuing to use open spaces close to home .
Higher up on the moors at Cod Beck Reservoir above Osmotherley , most people seemed to be following that advice .
The small car park was full by mid-morning , but walkers in family groups were spread out and most stood back respectfully at pinch points on the circular walk around the reservoir .
But at a nearby walkers ' cafe and bed and breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration .
Strapped for cash , they are entitled to open their cafe doors for takeaways , but feel trapped because they do n't want to fall out with their neighbours .
`` Reputational damage '' is how they described it to me : the fear that if anyone in the area caught coronavirus their business would be blamed for attracting infected outsiders .
For now , their cafe doors are closed and their bills are mounting .
Back in Helmsley another cafe owner , selling takeaway coffee and paninis to a sparse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by mixed messages about whether visitors should be welcomed or shunned .
He 's spent £1,000 on screens to fit between his tables and is looking forward to reopening properly with his staff kitted out in PPE .
He told me he had been in heated discussions with others who just want people to stay away .
As for the bikers , some told me they were annoyed at being made to feel unwelcome , while others shrugged and said the police were just doing their job .
By mid-afternoon Helmsley had settled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new relaxed lockdown .
The elderly man on his bicycle had left , the bikers were still parked around the market place eating pastries and chatting , and a few police officers were standing in a small area of cordoned off car park .

The relaxed lockdown rules in England, allowing people to travel anywhere for leisure purposes, have exposed conflicting views on personal freedoms and social responsibility.
In North Yorkshire, the police said they were called "half a dozen times" by residents in Helmsley, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, with complaints about too many visitors.
Image: The bikers were abiding by social distancing guidelines
"They should be kept in Stockton and Middlesbrough," one elderly man told me as he leant on his bicycle handlebars and surveyed several dozen leather-clad bikers parked up outside the local bakery.
"You know, because of the virus," he added, in case there should be any doubt.
When I explained the government had given them permission to leave Teesside, his only response was a look of contempt.
The police and staff from Ryedale District Council acted on the complaints with a compromise - by half-heartedly closing the car park, which involved moving just some of the bikers on and putting up tape round a few parking places.
The official position of both North Yorkshire Police and the neighbouring Cleveland force, which is responsible for the area the contemptuous cyclist thinks coronavirus will come from, is to act responsibly by avoiding large gatherings or by continuing to use open spaces close to home.
Higher up on the moors at Cod Beck Reservoir above Osmotherley, most people seemed to be following that advice.
The small car park was full by mid-morning, but walkers in family groups were spread out and most stood back respectfully at pinch points on the circular walk around the reservoir.
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But at a nearby walkers' cafe and bed and breakfast business, the new rules are causing frustration.
Strapped for cash, they are entitled to open their cafe doors for takeaways, but feel trapped because they don't want to fall out with their neighbours.
"Reputational damage" is how they described it to me: the fear that if anyone in the area caught coronavirus their business would be blamed for attracting infected outsiders.
For now, their cafe doors are closed and their bills are mounting.
Image: Bikers drinking coffee in Helmsley
Back in Helmsley another cafe owner, selling takeaway coffee and paninis to a sparse crowd, told me he's frustrated by mixed messages about whether visitors should be welcomed or shunned.
He's spent £1,000 on screens to fit between his tables and is looking forward to reopening properly with his staff kitted out in PPE.
He told me he had been in heated discussions with others who just want people to stay away.
As for the bikers, some told me they were annoyed at being made to feel unwelcome, while others shrugged and said the police were just doing their job.
By mid-afternoon Helmsley had settled down into a very English solution to the new relaxed lockdown.
The elderly man on his bicycle had left, the bikers were still parked around the market place eating pastries and chatting, and a few police officers were standing in a small area of cordoned off car park.


news--2020-06-19--Coronavirus: Why the new normal is merely a thin veneer

This was the week when things started to feel a little more normal .
Shops opened their doors for the first time in three months - even if the cheery assistants were wearing protective visors .
Football is back - even if the fake crowd noise does n't quite feel like the real thing .
And when the sun is out , the parks are busy with people playing tennis or having picnics - even if the playgrounds remain eerily deserted behind the padlocks .
The COVID-19 alert level may have been reduced from four to three , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the thin veneer of normality .
Lockdown may have been eased , but it 's certainly not over .
When I braved the high street this week , I could n't help notice more staff than shoppers in many stores .
My local pub is doing a `` Pint Through '' - but with nowhere to sit and drink it , it 's hard to see it doing a roaring trade .
Schools will stay stubbornly closed to millions until September - leaving children bored and lonely , and parents wondering how many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a day .
The economic reality of lockdown is starting to cut through , and on tomorrow 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday we 'll be speaking to the head of the TUC , Frances O'Grady , to talk about what it means for workers and the chef Yotam Ottolenghi to discuss the impact on the food and hospitality industry .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The number of people claiming out-of-work benefits climbed to 2.8 million people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
That number will only move in one direction once the government begins to wind down its furlough scheme over the summer .
It 's obvious to see why ministers are keen to start easing the lockdown and get people spending again - but will we be able to ?
In March , Boris Johnson said the UK could `` turn the tide '' on coronavirus in three months .
That deadline has now passed and it 's hard to escape the thought the government had hoped to have been able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing rule - that makes it impossible for some businesses to viably open - remains in place , despite calls for it to be cut to one metre .
There are rumours that UK staycations may not be permitted on 4 July as expected , to the dismay of the struggling hospitality industry .
The aspiration that all primary children should have some time in school before the summer holidays has been quietly dropped - now the ambition is to get them back by September .
It 's not hard to see why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers , the number of new cases remains stubbornly flat and the rate of infection is stuck at 0.7-0.9 .
Ministers had hoped both those numbers would be dropping faster .
To make matters worse , there are concerns over the contact tracing system that we were told was the key to lifting the lockdown safely - where new infections could be quickly identified and suppressed .
Figures on Thursday showed at least a quarter of people who test positive for coronavirus were missed by contact tracers following up on who they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has also admitted defeat over its much-hyped test-and-trace app , and is switching to a model based on Apple and Google technology .
If people are to start shopping and spending , first they must be convinced that it is safe to do so .
It now looks likely that the UK will end up with a longer lockdown than our European neighbours - a more significant economic hit - and , tragically , a higher death toll .
Sophy Ridge will be talking to TUC leader Frances O'Grady , Labour MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme on Sunday at 8.30am on Sky News

This was the week when things started to feel a little more normal.
Shops opened their doors for the first time in three months - even if the cheery assistants were wearing protective visors.
Football is back - even if the fake crowd noise doesn't quite feel like the real thing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Listen to football with and without a crowd
And when the sun is out, the parks are busy with people playing tennis or having picnics - even if the playgrounds remain eerily deserted behind the padlocks.
The COVID-19 alert level may have been reduced from four to three, but it doesn't take much to scrape away the thin veneer of normality.
Lockdown may have been eased, but it's certainly not over.
When I braved the high street this week, I couldn't help notice more staff than shoppers in many stores.
My local pub is doing a "Pint Through" - but with nowhere to sit and drink it, it's hard to see it doing a roaring trade.
Schools will stay stubbornly closed to millions until September - leaving children bored and lonely, and parents wondering how many hours of TV is acceptable to watch in a day.
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The economic reality of lockdown is starting to cut through, and on tomorrow's Sophy Ridge on Sunday we'll be speaking to the head of the TUC, Frances O'Grady, to talk about what it means for workers and the chef Yotam Ottolenghi to discuss the impact on the food and hospitality industry.
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
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The number of people claiming out-of-work benefits climbed to 2.8 million people in May, according to figures out this week.
That number will only move in one direction once the government begins to wind down its furlough scheme over the summer.
It's obvious to see why ministers are keen to start easing the lockdown and get people spending again - but will we be able to?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 PM: UK is moving away from national lockdown
In March, Boris Johnson said the UK could "turn the tide" on coronavirus in three months.
That deadline has now passed and it's hard to escape the thought the government had hoped to have been able to lift restrictions sooner.
The two-metre social distancing rule - that makes it impossible for some businesses to viably open - remains in place, despite calls for it to be cut to one metre.
There are rumours that UK staycations may not be permitted on 4 July as expected, to the dismay of the struggling hospitality industry.
The aspiration that all primary children should have some time in school before the summer holidays has been quietly dropped - now the ambition is to get them back by September.
It's not hard to see why. According to the government's own numbers, the number of new cases remains stubbornly flat and the rate of infection is stuck at 0.7-0.9. Ministers had hoped both those numbers would be dropping faster.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:44 What is the future of contact-tracing apps?
To make matters worse, there are concerns over the contact tracing system that we were told was the key to lifting the lockdown safely - where new infections could be quickly identified and suppressed.
Figures on Thursday showed at least a quarter of people who test positive for coronavirus were missed by contact tracers following up on who they could have passed the virus to.
The government has also admitted defeat over its much-hyped test-and-trace app, and is switching to a model based on Apple and Google technology.
If people are to start shopping and spending, first they must be convinced that it is safe to do so.
It now looks likely that the UK will end up with a longer lockdown than our European neighbours - a more significant economic hit - and, tragically, a higher death toll.
Sophy Ridge will be talking to TUC leader Frances O'Grady, Labour MP Rachel Reeves and chef Ottolenghi on her programme on Sunday at 8.30am on Sky News


news--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: 25,000 British Muslims set to miss out on Hajj

Saudi Arabia is expected to decide next week whether Hajj will go ahead amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The annual pilgrimage sees 2.5 million Muslims , including around 25,000 from Britain , travel to Mecca to attend prayers at the Masjid al Haram , gather on Mount Arafat and sleep under the stars on the plains of Muzdalifah .
One of five pillars of Islam , Hajj is often described as `` a journey of a lifetime '' and Muslims are required to perform it at least once , providing they are physically fit and able to afford it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Saudi government is understood to be keen to go ahead with this year 's event , which is due to start on 28 July .
Not only does it provide the country with immense influence and prestige among Muslims , but it also generates nearly £5bn in revenue annually .
After easing lockdown measures at the end of May , Saudi Arabia is now seeing a second wave of coronavirus and this year 's pilgrimage is widely expected to be cancelled - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or dramatically down-scaled .
Hajj has been cancelled on 40 occasions , for various conflicts and pandemics , with the last closure believed to be in 1798 .
Several countries , including South Africa and Indonesia , have already banned any travel for Hajj this year .
On Friday , Saudi 's COVID-19 cases exceeded 150,000 , with 1,184 reported deaths .
Cities are currently under curfew and borders are shut .
In Britain , Muslim leaders are urging their communities to see this not as a loss , but as a sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping with Islamic principles .
Birmingham-based imam Sheikh Nuru Mohammed told Sky News : `` What I would like to say to my beloved brothers and sisters , who made intentions of undertaking this lifetime journey , you 've not lost anything if it is cancelled . ''
Student Nobeen Islam , 21 , from Birmingham , took a year off university to work in order to save funds to take his mother to Hajj .
Speaking to Sky News , he said : `` It seemed like a wonderful opportunity to spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make my mum really happy .
`` It 's a big shame but as a Muslim , we understand that nothing happens without God 's will .
The plan is to defer to next year , and if something happens next year , then to defer to the year after that . ''
Hajj packages can cost between £5,000 and £15,000 , with the related travel industry worth an estimated £310m .
If cancelled , it could cost the UK economy £175m .
Rashid Mogradia , CEO of the Council for British Hajjis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has booked to travel should immediately start looking at help before it 's cancelled .
Companies selling a package holiday are , by law , required to issue you with an ATOL certificate .
That 's your financial protection should anything go wrong . ''
He added : `` In the last 20 years , we know Hajj has been impacted by the bird flu , swine flu , Ebola , SARS , and MERS viruses .
`` But this is out of the ordinary .
The coronavirus pandemic has had a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said : `` We are monitoring the global travel situation closely and keeping our advice against all non-essential travel under continuous review . ''

Saudi Arabia is expected to decide next week whether Hajj will go ahead amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual pilgrimage sees 2.5 million Muslims, including around 25,000 from Britain, travel to Mecca to attend prayers at the Masjid al Haram, gather on Mount Arafat and sleep under the stars on the plains of Muzdalifah.
One of five pillars of Islam, Hajj is often described as "a journey of a lifetime" and Muslims are required to perform it at least once, providing they are physically fit and able to afford it.
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
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Saudi government is understood to be keen to go ahead with this year's event, which is due to start on 28 July.
Not only does it provide the country with immense influence and prestige among Muslims, but it also generates nearly £5bn in revenue annually.
After easing lockdown measures at the end of May, Saudi Arabia is now seeing a second wave of coronavirus and this year's pilgrimage is widely expected to be cancelled - a first in its 90-year history - or dramatically down-scaled.
Hajj has been cancelled on 40 occasions, for various conflicts and pandemics, with the last closure believed to be in 1798.
Several countries, including South Africa and Indonesia, have already banned any travel for Hajj this year.
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On Friday, Saudi's COVID-19 cases exceeded 150,000, with 1,184 reported deaths. Cities are currently under curfew and borders are shut.
In Britain, Muslim leaders are urging their communities to see this not as a loss, but as a sacrifice for the safety of others, in keeping with Islamic principles.
Image: Birmingham-based imam Sheikh Nuru Mohammed encouraged Muslims not to see Hajj being cancelled as a loss
Birmingham-based imam Sheikh Nuru Mohammed told Sky News: "What I would like to say to my beloved brothers and sisters, who made intentions of undertaking this lifetime journey, you've not lost anything if it is cancelled."
Student Nobeen Islam, 21, from Birmingham, took a year off university to work in order to save funds to take his mother to Hajj.
Image: Student Nobeen Islam, 21, from Birmingham, saved up to go on Hajj with his mother
Speaking to Sky News, he said: "It seemed like a wonderful opportunity to spend my money on something that would hopefully make my mum really happy.
"It's a big shame but as a Muslim, we understand that nothing happens without God's will. The plan is to defer to next year, and if something happens next year, then to defer to the year after that."
Hajj packages can cost between £5,000 and £15,000, with the related travel industry worth an estimated £310m. If cancelled, it could cost the UK economy £175m.
Rashid Mogradia, CEO of the Council for British Hajjis UK, said: "Anyone who has booked to travel should immediately start looking at help before it's cancelled. Companies selling a package holiday are, by law, required to issue you with an ATOL certificate. That's your financial protection should anything go wrong."
Image: Hajj was last cancelled in 1798
He added: "In the last 20 years, we know Hajj has been impacted by the bird flu, swine flu, Ebola, SARS, and MERS viruses.
"But this is out of the ordinary. The coronavirus pandemic has had a global impact."
A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are monitoring the global travel situation closely and keeping our advice against all non-essential travel under continuous review."


news--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: JD-owned Go Outdoors on brink of administration

The retail giant JD Sports Fashion is preparing to call in administrators at Go Outdoors , the chain it bought for more than £100m four years ago , in a further sign of the turmoil engulfing the high street during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Sky News understands that JD has filed a notice of intention to appoint Deloitte as administrator to the subsidiary , which employs about 2300 people .
Go Outdoors is understood to have run a sale process in recent weeks to canvas interest from potential buyers , according to an executive at another major retailer .
Sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insolvency process to restructure the chain , which trades from more than 60 shops and specialises in camping , fishing and cycling equipment .
The Manchester-based retail group , which has a market value of £6.3bn , is said to be keen to retain control of a slimmed-down Go Outdoors .
If the administration is confirmed , it would be the latest prominent retailer to resort to insolvency proceedings since the coronavirus outbreak began .
Earlier this week , Oak Furnitureland announced a pre-pack sale to funds managed by Davidson Kempner Capital Management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Poundstretcher have unveiled company voluntary arrangements in the last few days .
Other retailers to have called in administrators since March include Cath Kidston , Debenhams and Laura Ashley .
Meanwhile , numerous chains are in talks with landlords about switching to a turnover rent arrangement ahead of a rent quarter day next week that will be the bloodiest-ever for store-owners .
The fate of Intu Properties , the owner of the Trafford Centre in Manchester and Lakeside shopping centre in Essex , will also be decided next week .

The retail giant JD Sports Fashion is preparing to call in administrators at Go Outdoors, the chain it bought for more than £100m four years ago, in a further sign of the turmoil engulfing the high street during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sky News understands that JD has filed a notice of intention to appoint Deloitte as administrator to the subsidiary, which employs about 2300 people.
Go Outdoors is understood to have run a sale process in recent weeks to canvas interest from potential buyers, according to an executive at another major retailer.
Sources said JD was expected to use an insolvency process to restructure the chain, which trades from more than 60 shops and specialises in camping, fishing and cycling equipment.
The Manchester-based retail group, which has a market value of £6.3bn, is said to be keen to retain control of a slimmed-down Go Outdoors.
If the administration is confirmed, it would be the latest prominent retailer to resort to insolvency proceedings since the coronavirus outbreak began.
Earlier this week, Oak Furnitureland announced a pre-pack sale to funds managed by Davidson Kempner Capital Management, the hedge fund.
Both AllSaints and Poundstretcher have unveiled company voluntary arrangements in the last few days.
Other retailers to have called in administrators since March include Cath Kidston, Debenhams and Laura Ashley.
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Meanwhile, numerous chains are in talks with landlords about switching to a turnover rent arrangement ahead of a rent quarter day next week that will be the bloodiest-ever for store-owners.
The fate of Intu Properties, the owner of the Trafford Centre in Manchester and Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, will also be decided next week.
JD declined to comment on Saturday.