skynewspolitics--2020-08-12--Children made up just 1% of coronavirus cases in first peak - study

Children under 16 made up just 1 % of coronavirus cases in the first peak of the virus in England , despite accounting for around 19 % of the population , according to a new study .
Authors of the study , led by Public Health England ( PHE ) , said it provides further proof of the `` limited role of children '' in the COVID-19 pandemic .
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson presses ahead with his plans for all children to return to school full-time in England next month as the coronavirus lockdown is eased .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to halt the spread of COVID-19 , with only vulnerable children and those whose parents are key workers able to attend .
The prime minister has said he has `` no doubt '' that schools can fully reopen safely .
A PHE analysis of COVID-19 cases in educational settings in England , and the preliminary results of a nationwide study of antibody prevalence in schools , is set to be released `` in the coming weeks '' .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said the study shows there is little risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it has been reported that the scientists have warned that secondary school pupils transmit it like adults .
In lieu of this analysis , the results of this latest study are likely to be seized on by the PM as evidence that making reopening schools a `` national priority '' is the right course of action .
The study , published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood journal , found that 129,704 people out of 540,305 tested positive for the coronavirus between 1 January and 3 May .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 29 February , with cases beginning to increase in the second week of March .
A peak was reached on 11 April , before cases declined gradually , a trend that was also seen in adults .
A total of 35,200 tests were carried out on children under the age of 16 , with 1,408 cases among kids aged 15 .
This equates to around 4 % of all children tested having a positive result , compared to 19.1 % -34.9 % among tested adults .
Children accounted for 1.1 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in light of positive cases for COVID-19 among all age groups .
There were eight deaths of children with the virus during the time the study was being carried out .
In four of the cases , another cause of death was identified and COVID-19 was reported to be `` incidental or an indirect contributor to death '' , the authors said .
Among four children aged 10 to 15 who died , three had `` multiple '' other health conditions , they added .
`` There has been no increase in excess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 3 2020 , '' the authors said .
In their conclusion , they say their findings add to the `` growing body of evidence on the limited role of children in the COVID-19 pandemic '' .
They added : `` Children accounted for a very small proportion of confirmed cases despite the large numbers of children tested .
`` Sars-CoV-2 [ COVID-19 ] positivity was low even in children with acute respiratory infection .
`` Our findings provide further evidence against the role of children in infection and transmission of Sars-CoV-2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the University of Oxford , the Evelina children 's hospital , King 's College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine .
A `` key '' unanswered question , according to the authors , is whether children who do not display symptoms may be contributing to transmitting the virus .
But they cite separate research which shows low infection rates among children , as well as a separate study which found that among household infections children were `` never the first to be infected or to be the source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lead author Dr Shamez Ladhani , from PHE , said it is `` still not clear why young children have such a low risk of infection compared to older children or adults '' .
He continued : `` One theory is that , compared to adults , children have fewer ACE2 receptors which the virus can bind to in cells that line the respiratory tract .
`` The way the immune system reacts to the virus is also likely to be different in children compared to adults .
`` Whilst these numbers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long period of complete lockdown where children were less likely to have been exposed to the virus . ''
Dr Ladhani said vigilance was needed as the lockdown continues to be eased and children have more contact with other children and adults .
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' In particular , we need more information about asymptomatic infections and silent transmission , '' he added .
Professor Russell Viner , president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children and young people as a group are little affected by this virus , even showing a slight reduction in total excess deaths '' .
Dr Mike Tildesley from the University of Warwick , said it provides `` further supporting evidence '' that the full reopening of schools `` should represent an extremely low risk to any individual child '' .
He added : `` With this in mind , the vast majority of parents should feel reassured regarding the safety of their children when schools reopen , though given the likely role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and teachers with underlying health conditions may need to take precautions in order to minimise their own risk over the coming months . ''

Children under 16 made up just 1% of coronavirus cases in the first peak of the virus in England, despite accounting for around 19% of the population, according to a new study.
Authors of the study, led by Public Health England (PHE), said it provides further proof of the "limited role of children" in the COVID-19 pandemic.
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson presses ahead with his plans for all children to return to school full-time in England next month as the coronavirus lockdown is eased.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:05 Is it safe for kids to be back in school?
Schools closed in March in a bid to try to halt the spread of COVID-19, with only vulnerable children and those whose parents are key workers able to attend.
The prime minister has said he has "no doubt" that schools can fully reopen safely.
A PHE analysis of COVID-19 cases in educational settings in England, and the preliminary results of a nationwide study of antibody prevalence in schools, is set to be released "in the coming weeks".
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said the study shows there is little risk of spreading the virus by reopening schools, but it has been reported that the scientists have warned that secondary school pupils transmit it like adults.
In lieu of this analysis, the results of this latest study are likely to be seized on by the PM as evidence that making reopening schools a "national priority" is the right course of action.
The study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood journal, found that 129,704 people out of 540,305 tested positive for the coronavirus between 1 January and 3 May.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:17 PM 'has no doubt' schools will be safe
The first confirmed case involving a child was reported on 29 February, with cases beginning to increase in the second week of March.
A peak was reached on 11 April, before cases declined gradually, a trend that was also seen in adults.
A total of 35,200 tests were carried out on children under the age of 16, with 1,408 cases among kids aged 15.
This equates to around 4% of all children tested having a positive result, compared to 19.1%-34.9% among tested adults.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:08 Schools 'low risk, low infection environment'
Children accounted for 1.1% of all cases of coronavirus, when considered in light of positive cases for COVID-19 among all age groups.
A total of 53% were boys.
There were eight deaths of children with the virus during the time the study was being carried out.
In four of the cases, another cause of death was identified and COVID-19 was reported to be "incidental or an indirect contributor to death", the authors said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'Moral duty' to get children back to school - PM
Among four children aged 10 to 15 who died, three had "multiple" other health conditions, they added.
"There has been no increase in excess deaths in children aged 0-15 years until May 3 2020," the authors said.
In their conclusion, they say their findings add to the "growing body of evidence on the limited role of children in the COVID-19 pandemic".
They added: "Children accounted for a very small proportion of confirmed cases despite the large numbers of children tested.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'Very nervous': Schools reopen in Scotland
"Sars-CoV-2 [COVID-19] positivity was low even in children with acute respiratory infection.
"Our findings provide further evidence against the role of children in infection and transmission of Sars-CoV-2."
The authors include experts from PHE, the University of Oxford, the Evelina children's hospital, King's College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
A "key" unanswered question, according to the authors, is whether children who do not display symptoms may be contributing to transmitting the virus.
But they cite separate research which shows low infection rates among children, as well as a separate study which found that among household infections children were "never the first to be infected or to be the source of infection in the household".
Lead author Dr Shamez Ladhani, from PHE, said it is "still not clear why young children have such a low risk of infection compared to older children or adults".
He continued: "One theory is that, compared to adults, children have fewer ACE2 receptors which the virus can bind to in cells that line the respiratory tract.
"The way the immune system reacts to the virus is also likely to be different in children compared to adults.
"Whilst these numbers are reassuring for children, they include a long period of complete lockdown where children were less likely to have been exposed to the virus."
Dr Ladhani said vigilance was needed as the lockdown continues to be eased and children have more contact with other children and adults.
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"In particular, we need more information about asymptomatic infections and silent transmission," he added.
Professor Russell Viner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said the study confirms international evidence "that children and young people as a group are little affected by this virus, even showing a slight reduction in total excess deaths".
Dr Mike Tildesley from the University of Warwick, said it provides "further supporting evidence" that the full reopening of schools "should represent an extremely low risk to any individual child".
He added: "With this in mind, the vast majority of parents should feel reassured regarding the safety of their children when schools reopen, though given the likely role of infected children in transmission, parents and teachers with underlying health conditions may need to take precautions in order to minimise their own risk over the coming months."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-13--Trials of second contact-tracing app launched

The government has launched trials of a second contact-tracing app using technology provided by Google and Apple , after its first attempt to build a homegrown app ended in failure .
The new app will tell people whether they have been close to someone who has had coronavirus and send out alerts advising them to self-isolate .
It will be trialled on the Isle of Wight from Thursday , `` followed shortly '' by the London Borough of Newham , according to the Department of Health and Social Care .
There is no date set for a national rollout .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Apple and Google - and already used in several countries , including Germany , the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland - to make an anonymous log of phones that have been in proximity to each other .
Advocates say this can help capture anonymous contacts that are hard to track with manual contact tracing , such as people standing next to each other on public transport .
Unlike the first app , this contact-tracing app will also include a raft of other features designed to give users `` personal benefits '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who are self-isolating , alerts about the local level of the virus and QR code check-ins to buildings and businesses .
Sky News reported last month that Apple had denied at least one foreign government permission to include QR logins in its app , citing fears they could be used to create a map of someone 's whereabouts , so the introduction of this feature is a coup for NHSX , the innovation unit building the app .
Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely urged islanders to download the app , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
He added : `` I am asking all businesses - and especially those in the hospitality and visitor sector - to download and advertise the QR code . ''
The first contact-tracing app , championed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock , was abandoned in June after field tests showed it failing to detect iPhones with sufficient accuracy .
The new app is understood to have a detection rate of over 99 % , meaning it picks up almost every phone that is near it .
NHSX sources say it uses between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day .
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When the first app was ditched , Mr Hancock criticised the ability of apps using Apple and Google 's technology to measure distance accurately .
NHSX sources say the new app is much more accurate , but it still has a false negative rate of 31 % , meaning that three out of every 10 phones it picks up will not have been within two metres , the threshold for a `` dangerous interaction '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS Test and Trace Programme , said : `` By launching an app that supports our integrated , localised approach to NHS Test and Trace , anyone with a smartphone will be able to find out if they are at risk of having caught the virus , quickly and easily order a test , and access the right guidance and advice . ''

The government has launched trials of a second contact-tracing app using technology provided by Google and Apple, after its first attempt to build a homegrown app ended in failure.
The new app will tell people whether they have been close to someone who has had coronavirus and send out alerts advising them to self-isolate.
It will be trialled on the Isle of Wight from Thursday, "followed shortly" by the London Borough of Newham, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:07 June: Contact tracing app U-turn
There is no date set for a national rollout.
The app adopts a Bluetooth system designed by Apple and Google - and already used in several countries, including Germany, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland - to make an anonymous log of phones that have been in proximity to each other.
Advocates say this can help capture anonymous contacts that are hard to track with manual contact tracing, such as people standing next to each other on public transport.
Unlike the first app, this contact-tracing app will also include a raft of other features designed to give users "personal benefits".
These include a countdown timer for people who are self-isolating, alerts about the local level of the virus and QR code check-ins to buildings and businesses.
Sky News reported last month that Apple had denied at least one foreign government permission to include QR logins in its app, citing fears they could be used to create a map of someone's whereabouts, so the introduction of this feature is a coup for NHSX, the innovation unit building the app.
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Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely urged islanders to download the app, saying it was "good for our nation".
He added: "I am asking all businesses - and especially those in the hospitality and visitor sector - to download and advertise the QR code."
The first contact-tracing app, championed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, was abandoned in June after field tests showed it failing to detect iPhones with sufficient accuracy.
The new app is understood to have a detection rate of over 99%, meaning it picks up almost every phone that is near it. NHSX sources say it uses between 2% and 3% of battery a day.
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
When the first app was ditched, Mr Hancock criticised the ability of apps using Apple and Google's technology to measure distance accurately.
NHSX sources say the new app is much more accurate, but it still has a false positive rate of 45%, meaning that more than four out of every 10 phones it picks up will not have been within two metres for 15 minutes, the threshold for a "dangerous interaction".
Dido Harding, executive chair of the NHS Test and Trace Programme, said: "By launching an app that supports our integrated, localised approach to NHS Test and Trace, anyone with a smartphone will be able to find out if they are at risk of having caught the virus, quickly and easily order a test, and access the right guidance and advice."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-13--Travellers trying to return from France today face paying hundreds of pounds

British tourists in countries that have been added to the travel quarantine - including France , Malta and the Netherlands - have been told `` do n't just turn up '' in a bid to get back home .
Travellers returning from those countries - as well as Monaco , the Turks and Caicos Islands and Aruba - must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival in the UK .
The measure , which is likely to spark a mass exodus of Britons desperate to get home , will come into force at 4am on Saturday .
Travellers trying to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine face paying hundreds of pounds .
The cheapest British Airways flight direct from Paris to Heathrow on Friday costs £452 - with the same journey on Saturday costing just £66 .
Car-carrying Channel Tunnel trains are now fully booked until Saturday , with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle saying : `` Please do not arrive at the terminal unless you have a ticket valid for travel today . ''
A Eurostar ticket from Paris to London was £210 on Friday , compared with £165 tomorrow .
There is also limited availability on P & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a car from Calais to Dover can buy a ticket for £200 .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that Britons in the affected countries should contact travel operators before trying to get back .
`` The advice from all the travel operators is very clear : to contact them in advance .
Do n't just turn up , '' he said .
`` Because you 'll almost certainly be disappointed and it will just create queues , which no one wants to see . ''
Mr Shapps added that Britons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that quarantine restrictions have had to be reimposed .
`` I think given what 's happened this summer , given what 's already happened in places like Spain and the vast amount of coverage about concerns in France and elsewhere , no one will be entirely surprised .
`` But I do sympathise with people .
As I say , I 've been there myself and ended up having to quarantine as a result . ''
Mr Shapps was in Spain when quarantine restrictions were reintroduced for the country , with the minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and self-isolate .
The transport secretary said the decision to add France to the list came after the country reported a 66 % increase in the number of positive coronavirus tests in the past week .
He announced the move just hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government would be `` absolutely ruthless '' in deciding whether to impose the restriction .
Mr Shapps said the UK had `` worked so hard to ensure that we 're keeping our numbers down here , and we ca n't afford to reimport those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We 've got to a point with France in particular , and these other countries , where if we did n't announce it now , we would know that the infection rate was already too high and we were not doing anything about it .
The French health ministry reported 2,524 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday - the highest since its lockdown restrictions were first imposed .
The UK government 's move has also delivered a blow to France 's hard-pressed tourism industry , which relies heavily on British visitors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but did not give further details .
French junior minister for European affairs Clément Beaune described the UK move as `` a British decision that we regret and which will lead to a measure of reciprocity , hoping that things will return to normal as soon as possible '' .
Mr Johnson had said government officials would be `` looking at the data '' in relation to the number of cases in France .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , even with our closest and dearest friends and partners , '' he said , adding : `` We ca n't be remotely complacent about our own situation . ''
Britain has already imposed a 14-day quarantine period for arrivals from countries including Spain and Belgium , responding to rising infections and fears of a second wave of the virus , having initially declared them safe for travel .
Are you and your family trying to get back to the UK from France ?
Get in touch with Sky News :

British tourists in countries that have been added to the travel quarantine - including France, Malta and the Netherlands - have been told "don't just turn up" in a bid to get back home.
Travellers returning from those countries - as well as Monaco, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Aruba - must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival in the UK.
The measure, which is likely to spark a mass exodus of Britons desperate to get home, will come into force at 4am on Saturday.
Travellers trying to return from France today to avoid having to quarantine face paying hundreds of pounds.
The cheapest British Airways flight direct from Paris to Heathrow on Friday costs £452 - with the same journey on Saturday costing just £66.
Car-carrying Channel Tunnel trains are now fully booked until Saturday, with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle saying: "Please do not arrive at the terminal unless you have a ticket valid for travel today."
A Eurostar ticket from Paris to London was £210 on Friday, compared with £165 tomorrow.
There is also limited availability on P&O Ferries, but one person travelling with a car from Calais to Dover can buy a ticket for £200.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:05 Britons rush to beat quarantine deadline
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that Britons in the affected countries should contact travel operators before trying to get back.
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"The advice from all the travel operators is very clear: to contact them in advance. Don't just turn up," he said.
"Because you'll almost certainly be disappointed and it will just create queues, which no one wants to see."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Family gets home from France during interview
Mr Shapps added that Britons should not be "entirely surprised" that quarantine restrictions have had to be reimposed.
"I think given what's happened this summer, given what's already happened in places like Spain and the vast amount of coverage about concerns in France and elsewhere, no one will be entirely surprised.
"But I do sympathise with people. As I say, I've been there myself and ended up having to quarantine as a result."
Mr Shapps was in Spain when quarantine restrictions were reintroduced for the country, with the minister cutting short his holiday to return home and self-isolate.
The transport secretary said the decision to add France to the list came after the country reported a 66% increase in the number of positive coronavirus tests in the past week.
He announced the move just hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government would be "absolutely ruthless" in deciding whether to impose the restriction.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:40 More countries may be added to quarantine list
Mr Shapps said the UK had "worked so hard to ensure that we're keeping our numbers down here, and we can't afford to reimport those cases from elsewhere".
He added: "We've got to a point with France in particular, and these other countries, where if we didn't announce it now, we would know that the infection rate was already too high and we were not doing anything about it."
The French health ministry reported 2,524 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday - the highest since its lockdown restrictions were first imposed.
The UK government's move has also delivered a blow to France's hard-pressed tourism industry, which relies heavily on British visitors.
France has said it will reciprocate, but did not give further details.
French junior minister for European affairs Clément Beaune described the UK move as "a British decision that we regret and which will lead to a measure of reciprocity, hoping that things will return to normal as soon as possible".
Mr Johnson had said government officials would be "looking at the data" in relation to the number of cases in France.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We have got to be absolutely ruthless about this, even with our closest and dearest friends and partners," he said, adding: "We can't be remotely complacent about our own situation."
Britain has already imposed a 14-day quarantine period for arrivals from countries including Spain and Belgium, responding to rising infections and fears of a second wave of the virus, having initially declared them safe for travel.
Are you and your family trying to get back to the UK from France? Get in touch with Sky News:


skynewspolitics--2020-08-14--Calls to scrap 'flawed' algorithm used for A-level results - but watchdog says some students given '

Calls to scrap 'flawed' algorithm used for A-level results - but watchdog says some students given 'implausibly' high grades

Labour is demanding ministers ditch a controversial algorithm and use predicted grades from pupils ' teachers for A-level results in England .
The party 's deputy leader Angela Rayner told Sky News that the `` flawed algorithm '' has `` baked in inequalities '' .
Thousands of teenagers have voiced anger and disappointment after having their marks downgraded .
A protest involving students , parents and teachers took place on Friday , as the government comes under pressure to change course .
A group of demonstrators marched down Whitehall towards the Department for Education .
Around 100 protesters gathered outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williamson '' and `` teachers not Tories '' .
Almost 40 % of teachers ' estimates were adjusted down by one grade or more , which amounts to around 280,000 entries .
A total of 35.6 % of marks were adjusted down by one grade , 3.3 % were brought down by two , and 0.2 % came down by three .
With exams cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic , schools and colleges were required to submit the grades they thought each pupil would have got had they sat the papers as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by exam boards to make sure the results were not significantly higher than in previous years .
After this standardisation process , the proportion of entries awarded top grades still rose to an all-time high , with 27.9 % securing an A or above in England , Wales and Northern Ireland .
But school leaders said there was a `` great deal of volatility '' in results at individual schools and colleges , with some reporting more than half of their grades had been adjusted down .
Private schools seem to have benefited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system is disadvantaging pupils from poorer backgrounds .
Exams watchdog Ofqual said there is no evidence of bias against pupils based on their socioeconomic status and that moderating was needed given `` generous '' initial assessments that predicted `` implausibly '' high grades in some schools .
Speaking to Sky News , Ms Rayner called on the government to follow the example of Scotland and scrap the moderated grades .
`` In Scotland they 've done a U-turn and gone to the teacher assessment now , '' she said .
`` Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect , it 's certainly a lot better than this flawed algorithm which has baked in inequalities for a lot of students .
`` It basically goes off the history of the school and the geographical area , rather than the ability of the child .
`` So it penalises children in effect on where they live or which school [ they go to ] and the history of that school . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for all fees for A-level appeals to be waived .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have heard heartbreaking stories and the scale of the injustice caused by the fatally flawed results system has become clear .
`` The unprecedented and chaotic circumstances created by the UK government 's mishandling of education during recent months mean that a return to teacher assessments is now the best option available .
`` No young person should be at a detriment due to government incompetence .
`` Time is running out .
We need action in days , not weeks .
We need to end this fiasco . ''
Education unions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also calling on the government to use teachers ' predicted grades .
And some Conservative MPs have voiced concerns , with Telford MP Lucy Allan describing the algorithm as `` fundamentally flawed '' .
Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford said he was `` very concerned '' about reports of results being downgraded across his constituency and he would be contacting Education Secretary Gavin Williamson .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended the system , saying the marks are `` robust '' and `` dependable '' .
`` Looking at the big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a very robust set of grades , '' he said .
`` Plus you 've got the situation in which more pupils than ever before are getting their first choice course at university and more kids from disadvantaged backgrounds going to university . ''
The PM added : `` It 's very important that for years to come people should be able to look at these grades and think these are robust , these are dependable . ''
Earlier this week , the government announced that students would be able to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were unhappy with their grades , as well as being able to sit exams in the autumn .

Labour is demanding ministers ditch a controversial algorithm and use predicted grades from pupils' teachers for A-level results in England.
The party's deputy leader Angela Rayner told Sky News that the algorithm was "flawed" and has "baked in inequalities".
Thousands of teenagers have voiced anger and disappointment after having their marks downgraded.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:07 A-Level results: The winners and losers
A protest involving students, parents and teachers took place on Friday, as the government comes under pressure to change course.
A group of demonstrators marched down Whitehall towards the Department for Education.
Around 100 protesters gathered outside Downing Street, chanting "sack Gavin Williamson" and "teachers not Tories".
Almost 40% of teachers' estimates were adjusted down by one grade or more, which amounts to around 280,000 entries.
A total of 35.6% of marks were adjusted down by one grade, 3.3% were brought down by two, and 0.2% came down by three.
With exams cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, schools and colleges were required to submit the grades they thought each pupil would have got had they sat the papers as normal.
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Image: People take part in a protest in Westminster over the government's handling of A-level results
These grades were then moderated by exam boards to make sure the results were not significantly higher than in previous years.
After this standardisation process, the proportion of entries awarded top grades still rose to an all-time high, with 27.9% securing an A or above in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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But school leaders said there was a "great deal of volatility" in results at individual schools and colleges, with some reporting more than half of their grades had been adjusted down.
Private schools seem to have benefited most from the changes, fuelling claims the system is disadvantaging pupils from poorer backgrounds.
Exams watchdog Ofqual said there is no evidence of bias against pupils based on their socioeconomic status and that moderating was needed given "generous" initial assessments that predicted "implausibly" high grades in some schools.
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Rayner called on the government to follow the example of Scotland and scrap the moderated grades.
"In Scotland they've done a U-turn and gone to the teacher assessment now," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 23:29 A-level clinic explores all of your options
"Because they recognised that whilst that's not perfect, it's certainly a lot better than this flawed algorithm which has baked in inequalities for a lot of students.
"It basically goes off the history of the school and the geographical area, rather than the ability of the child.
"So it penalises children in effect on where they live or which school [they go to] and the history of that school."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for all fees for A-level appeals to be waived.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 The COVID class of 2020 heading off to uni
He said: "Across the last 24 hours we have heard heartbreaking stories and the scale of the injustice caused by the fatally flawed results system has become clear.
"The unprecedented and chaotic circumstances created by the UK government's mishandling of education during recent months mean that a return to teacher assessments is now the best option available.
"No young person should be at a detriment due to government incompetence.
"Time is running out. We need action in days, not weeks. We need to end this fiasco."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Starmer on A-level results: 'This is a disaster'
Education unions, including the National Union of Students, are also calling on the government to use teachers' predicted grades.
And some Conservative MPs have voiced concerns, with Telford MP Lucy Allan describing the algorithm as "fundamentally flawed".
Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford said he was "very concerned" about reports of results being downgraded across his constituency and he would be contacting Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended the system, saying the marks are "robust" and "dependable".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 PM defends A-level results as 'robust'
"Looking at the big picture, I think overall we've got a very robust set of grades," he said.
"Plus you've got the situation in which more pupils than ever before are getting their first choice course at university and more kids from disadvantaged backgrounds going to university."
The PM added: "It's very important that for years to come people should be able to look at these grades and think these are robust, these are dependable."
Earlier this week, the government announced that students would be able to use their mock exam results to appeal if they were unhappy with their grades, as well as being able to sit exams in the autumn.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-14--Coronavirus restrictions in parts of England to remain in place

Coronavirus restrictions in parts of England are to remain in place , the government has announced .
Current rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester , West Yorkshire , East Lancashire and Leicester will remain in force , the Department of Health and Social Care said .
It added that the latest data does not show a decrease in the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the areas affected .
There has been a continued rise in COVID-19 cases in Oldham and Pendle , while numbers are still high in Blackburn with Darwen .
The restrictions will be reviewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Argar said : `` I 'd like to thank everyone in Greater Manchester , West Yorkshire , East Lancashire and Leicester for their continued patience in following these vital rules put in place to tackle the spread of the disease - I know it has n't been easy . ''
He added : `` It is essential we all remain vigilant and I urge everyone in these areas to continue to follow the rules - wash your hands regularly , follow social distancing , get yourself a free test as soon as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS Test and Trace tells you to . ''

Coronavirus restrictions in parts of England are to remain in place for at least another week, the government has announced.
Current rules on gatherings in parts of the North West, West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Leicester will remain in force, the Department of Health and Social Care said.
It means people in the areas affected cannot meet others in their homes or gardens, unless they are in a support bubble.
The restrictions will be reviewed again next week.
While casinos, bowling alleys and conference halls are among a range of venues that will reopen across England on Saturday, this will not happen in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Leicester.
The government said the latest data does not show a decrease in the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the areas affected.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, in conjunction with local leaders, agreed that restrictions should remain in place.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There has been a continued rise in COVID-19 cases in Oldham and Pendle, while numbers are still high in Blackburn with Darwen.
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Local leaders have established an "enhanced incident team" in a bid to bring infection rates under control.
Newark and Sherwood in Nottinghamshire has been designated as one of the "areas of concern" on a watchlist of council areas with higher-than-average incidences of the virus.
In Leicester, infection rates have fallen. A further review is being carried out and an update will be issued next week.
Health minister Edward Argar said: "I'd like to thank everyone in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Leicester for their continued patience in following these vital rules put in place to tackle the spread of the disease - I know it hasn't been easy."
He added: "It is essential we all remain vigilant and I urge everyone in these areas to continue to follow the rules - wash your hands regularly, follow social distancing, get yourself a free test as soon as you get any symptoms, and isolate if NHS Test and Trace tells you to."
The current restrictions allow people to meet others in groups of up to six individuals, or two households in public spaces outdoors.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Hancock: People ignored social distancing rules
A range of premises will remain closed in Bradford, Blackburn and Leicester, including pools, indoor gyms, nail bars, spas and beauty salons.
Shielding will continue for individuals in Blackburn with Darwen and Leicester City.
According to Leicester City Council, those who are deemed clinically extremely vulnerable people and shielding until at least 7 September will receive a letter or text from the NHS telling them that guidance will be slightly relaxed from Monday.
People in this category will be informed they can meet in a group of up to six people outside, that they do not need to maintain social distancing with other members of their household, and that a single adult household can form a support bubble with one other household.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-14--Children from low-income migrant families 'should have permanent free school meals'

Free school meals should be permanently given to pupils from low-income migrant families who are currently ineligible for public support , charities say .
Sixty organisations , including the Children 's Society , Unison and Action for Children , have signed a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson calling for the measure .
In April , free school meals were temporarily offered to children from some families with no recourse to public funds ( NRPF ) , in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
But concerns have been raised over how long the support will continue for , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanent .
It comes after Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford managed to force the government to U-turn to pledge free school meal vouchers were provided to pupils over the summer holidays .
NRPF is a condition applied to those staying in the UK on a temporary immigration status who have not yet qualified for permanent residency in the UK .
It means they have no access to the benefits system .
The Children 's Society said an estimated 175,643 children , who are non-European Economic Area citizens , live in families who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migration observatory at the University of Oxford .
Sam Royston , director of policy and research at the Children 's Society , said : `` It is unacceptable that thousands of children , whose lives have already been turned upside down by the pandemic , could lose out on free school meals .
`` Adjusting to being back at school will already be a tremendous challenge for most , but whether a child is able to eat should not depend on their parents ' immigration status .
`` The extension of free school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a lifeline , but we know that the impact of the pandemic will be felt for years to come .
`` The government must permanently extend free school meals to all low-income migrant families who have no recourse to public funds , to help ensure that every child can return to school with the hope of a bright future . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A Department for Education spokeswoman said : `` We have temporarily extended free school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups who have no recourse to public funds in light of the current unique circumstances many families face at this time .
`` This will continue for the duration of the summer holidays and while the outbreak impacts schools . ''

Free school meals should be permanently given to pupils from low-income migrant families who are currently ineligible for public support, charities say.
Sixty organisations, including the Children's Society, Unison and Action for Children, have signed a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson calling for the measure.
In April, free school meals were temporarily offered to children from some families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF), in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
But concerns have been raised over how long the support will continue for, with charities now calling for it be made permanent.
It comes after Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford managed to force the government to U-turn to pledge free school meal vouchers were provided to pupils over the summer holidays.
Image: Marcus Rashford led a successful campaign to extend free school meals
NRPF is a condition applied to those staying in the UK on a temporary immigration status who have not yet qualified for permanent residency in the UK. It means they have no access to the benefits system.
The Children's Society said an estimated 175,643 children, who are non-European Economic Area citizens, live in families who have NRPF, according to research from the migration observatory at the University of Oxford.
Sam Royston, director of policy and research at the Children's Society, said: "It is unacceptable that thousands of children, whose lives have already been turned upside down by the pandemic, could lose out on free school meals.
"Adjusting to being back at school will already be a tremendous challenge for most, but whether a child is able to eat should not depend on their parents' immigration status.
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"The extension of free school meals for children affected by NRPF has been a lifeline, but we know that the impact of the pandemic will be felt for years to come.
"The government must permanently extend free school meals to all low-income migrant families who have no recourse to public funds, to help ensure that every child can return to school with the hope of a bright future."
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A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "We have temporarily extended free school meal eligibility to include some children of groups who have no recourse to public funds in light of the current unique circumstances many families face at this time.
"This will continue for the duration of the summer holidays and while the outbreak impacts schools."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-14--Climbdown on A-levels as govt agrees to pay for appeals against grades

Embattled Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has made a double climbdown in the A-levels fiasco that has robbed thousands of students of a place at their first choice university .
In what looks like a major concession to demands from Labour and Tory backbenchers , Mr Williamson has pledged that the government will cover the cost of all appeals against downgraded results .
And he has ordered the schools minister Nick Gibb to set up a taskforce to oversee the appeals process , working with the exam regulator Ofqual and the exam boards and meeting daily .
`` Schools will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to appeals , '' a senior government source told Sky News .
`` We do n't want schools to be put off appealing if it 's a matter of cost .
We will cover their costs . ''
The free appeals for poor exam grades will also apply to GCSE results , due out next week .
It will cost the government up to £15m .
Mr Williamson told The Times : `` I do not want a youngster to feel they are in a situation where there is a strong and legitimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appeal is not made on grounds of cost .
`` That would be a real , shocking injustice .
`` You will have obviously a large number of appeals .
But I would rather have a strong , robust fair appeals process that makes sure youngsters get the grades that they deserve as against being in a situation where there is an injustice that carries on . ''
Mr Williamson 's hasty decision to bear the cost of appeals - which in some cases can cost £100 or £150 per exam - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to waive the cost of appeals .
But allies of the beleaguered education secretary , who has faced calls to resign from some MPs , claim he is not reacting to demands from the Opposition and has always wanted to make the system fairer .
`` It 's something that we have always been minded to do and something that needed to be sorted out , '' the government source insisted .
`` Nobody ever said this was going to be a perfect system . ''
But Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a growing Tory rebellion was joined by former Cabinet minister David Davis and several senior MPs and former ministers .
Mr Davis told Sky News : `` This is a government which has quite properly in my view based a lot of its appeal on social mobility .
You keep hearing people talk about the Red Wall seats , the industrial seats in the north of England .
`` They are going to be the ones who because of the disparity of the system are going to be most penalised , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more let down because the promise to level up is plainly being failed upon in this particular decision . ''
One Tory MP , Alex Stafford , who captured the Red Wall seat Rother Valley from Labour in the December general election , said he was very concerned about the downgrading of A-level results in schools in his constituency .
`` I will be contacting the education Secretary to demand answers and ensure no-one is disadvantaged , '' he said .
He was one of dozens of Tory backbenchers who vowed to tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP Lucy Allan said the Ofqual model was `` fundamentally flawed '' and was leading to calls for a nationwide appeal against the downgrading of A-level results .
And Tim Loughton , minister for children under David Cameron , said `` hugely disappointed students '' were now in `` extraordinarily distressing '' circumstances , despite their hard work .
He went on to say : `` I have made the point to ministers that they should look at the algorithm again for those who have missed out on their place in further education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the primary basis for appeal . ''

Embattled Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has made a double climbdown in the A-levels fiasco that has robbed thousands of students of a place at their first choice university.
In what looks like a major concession to demands from Labour and Tory backbenchers, Mr Williamson has pledged that the government will cover the cost of all appeals against downgraded results.
And he has ordered the schools minister Nick Gibb to set up a taskforce to oversee the appeals process, working with the exam regulator Ofqual and the exam boards and meeting daily.
"Schools will not be out of pocket when it comes to appeals," a senior government source told Sky News. "We don't want schools to be put off appealing if it's a matter of cost. We will cover their costs."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 How the A-level algorithm works
The free appeals for poor exam grades will also apply to GCSE results, due out next week. It will cost the government up to £15m.
Mr Williamson told The Times: "I do not want a youngster to feel they are in a situation where there is a strong and legitimate case for grounds for appeal, but an appeal is not made on grounds of cost.
"That would be a real, shocking injustice.
"You will have obviously a large number of appeals. But I would rather have a strong, robust fair appeals process that makes sure youngsters get the grades that they deserve as against being in a situation where there is an injustice that carries on."
Mr Williamson's hasty decision to bear the cost of appeals - which in some cases can cost £100 or £150 per exam - follows demands on the government from the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to waive the cost of appeals.
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But allies of the beleaguered education secretary, who has faced calls to resign from some MPs, claim he is not reacting to demands from the Opposition and has always wanted to make the system fairer.
"It's something that we have always been minded to do and something that needed to be sorted out," the government source insisted. "Nobody ever said this was going to be a perfect system."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Students fear being seen as 'the COVID group'
But Mr Williamson's apparent climbdown comes just hours after a growing Tory rebellion was joined by former Cabinet minister David Davis and several senior MPs and former ministers.
Mr Davis told Sky News: "This is a government which has quite properly in my view based a lot of its appeal on social mobility. You keep hearing people talk about the Red Wall seats, the industrial seats in the north of England.
"They are going to be the ones who because of the disparity of the system are going to be most penalised, are going to feel let down and feel more let down because the promise to level up is plainly being failed upon in this particular decision."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:07 A-level results: The winners and losers
One Tory MP, Alex Stafford, who captured the Red Wall seat Rother Valley from Labour in the December general election, said he was very concerned about the downgrading of A-level results in schools in his constituency.
"I will be contacting the education Secretary to demand answers and ensure no-one is disadvantaged," he said.
He was one of dozens of Tory backbenchers who vowed to tackle Mr Williamson on the issue.
Tory MP Lucy Allan said the Ofqual model was "fundamentally flawed" and was leading to calls for a nationwide appeal against the downgrading of A-level results.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 PM defends A-level results as 'robust'
And Tim Loughton, minister for children under David Cameron, said "hugely disappointed students" were now in "extraordinarily distressing" circumstances, despite their hard work.
He went on to say: "I have made the point to ministers that they should look at the algorithm again for those who have missed out on their place in further education, and also that assessed exams/mocks be the primary basis for appeal."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-14--Britons join desperate scramble back from France with hours until quarantine deadline

Tens of thousands of British tourists in France have joined a desperate scramble to return home - with just hours until quarantine restrictions are imposed .
People snapped up the last available tickets for planes , trains and ferries back to the UK , with some airlines facing heavy criticism over significant price rises as the deadline of 4am on Saturday loomed .
And while many of those who did manage to find means of transport into the country had to pay increased rates , others were faced with huge online queues in their attempts to return in time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rory Boland of Which ?
magazine condemned the `` cynical behaviour '' of some airlines , and urged reform of the travel industry .
The travel editor at the consumer magazine said : `` We 've seen some airlines hiking prices for people scrambling to get home from France , while also refusing to refund or offer flexibility to those in the UK who can no longer take their holiday by claiming schedules are operating as normal - despite government advice against all but essential travel .
`` The cynical behaviour of certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operators , who are struggling to refund passengers when they can not claw back their money from the airlines .
`` The impact on trust in the travel industry has been devastating .
`` This reinforces why major reform of the travel sector is needed to put the travelling public first - including giving the CAA ( Civil Aviation Authority ) the powers it needs to act swiftly and effectively against airlines playing fast and loose with the rules . ''
Some airfares were more than six times as expensive as those just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tickets for sale for a flight from Paris to London Heathrow on Friday night costing £452 - compared to £66 for the same journey on Saturday .
Meanwhile , Eurotunnel Le Shuttle , the train service which carries vehicles through the Channel Tunnel , was fully booked on Friday .
A spokesman revealed 12,000 people tried to book tickets in the hour after the new rules were announced at around 10pm on Thursday , compared with just hundreds normally .
Those trying to book Eurostar tickets online logged in to find they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people at times .
Among them was Stephanie Thiagharajah , who cut short her trip to France to return home to Kent '' The Eurostar was full of families , scared to be quarantined , they were definitely annoyed , '' she said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The cheapest available Eurostar ticket for a train from Paris to London was £210 .
Those for Saturday were £165 .
Stuart and Anna Buntine paid almost £1,000 on tickets home via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Buntine , 58 , said : `` I went to bed last night thinking it was all OK , woke up at 7am to find we had to get back here pretty sharpish .
`` We could n't get tickets , all the sites had crashed ... we had to buy business class tickets back today so it 's cost nearly £1,000 . ''
Mrs Buntine added : `` We left here with our eyes ( open ) knowing that it was a possibility , so we decided we 'd take that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier argued the government had taken `` a practical approach '' to the new restrictions .
The government said the measure was imposed due to rising numbers of coronavirus cases in France .
Travellers returning to or visiting the UK from the Netherlands , Monaco , Malta , Turks & Caicos and Aruba will also face the same restrictions .
A traveller who gave her name as Sonata K said she had abandoned plans to go to Paris on the Eurostar for four nights with her mother - after learning of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday morning .
The 39-year-old dentist said : `` It 's not worth it to go out and have to self-isolate .
`` With my work I ca n't do the procedures from home .
We were too late to get the news , we 're just finding out here but it 's better than on the train . ''
And Dyan Crowther , chief executive of the HS1 high-speed London to Channel Tunnel rail link , said it was `` heartbreaking '' seeing families forced to cancel holiday plans and spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People want certainty , they want to know that they can go away without having to worry about what the world will look like when they return , '' she said .
A spokeswoman for travel trade organisation ABTA said the government 's quarantine policy would `` result in livelihoods being lost unless it can step in with tailored support for the travel industry '' .

Travellers returning from France must now self-isolate for 14 days as new quarantine restrictions have come into force.
Tens of thousands of British tourists in France joined a desperate scramble to return in time to avoid 14-day self-isolation rules which took effect from 4am today.
People snapped up the last available tickets for planes, trains and ferries back to the UK, with some airlines facing heavy criticism over significant price rises.
Image: Passengers arriving at St Pancras International station in London
And while many of those who did manage to find means of transport into the country had to pay increased rates, others were faced with huge online queues.
Consumer expert Rory Boland of Which? magazine condemned the "cynical behaviour" of some airlines, and urged reform of the travel industry.
The travel editor at the consumer magazine said: "We've seen some airlines hiking prices for people scrambling to get home from France, while also refusing to refund or offer flexibility to those in the UK who can no longer take their holiday by claiming schedules are operating as normal - despite government advice against all but essential travel.
"The cynical behaviour of certain carriers has a knock-on effect for package operators, who are struggling to refund passengers when they cannot claw back their money from the airlines.
"The impact on trust in the travel industry has been devastating.
"This reinforces why major reform of the travel sector is needed to put the travelling public first - including giving the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) the powers it needs to act swiftly and effectively against airlines playing fast and loose with the rules."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'There should be no need for quarantine'
Some airfares were more than six times as expensive as those just 24 hours later.
British Airways had tickets for sale for a flight from Paris to London Heathrow on Friday night costing £452 - compared to £66 for the same journey on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, the train service which carries vehicles through the Channel Tunnel, was fully booked on Friday.
A spokesman revealed 12,000 people tried to book tickets in the hour after the new rules were announced at around 10pm on Thursday, compared with just hundreds normally.
Those trying to book Eurostar tickets online logged in to find they were in virtual queues of more than 3,000 people at times.
Image: Traveller Stephanie Thiagharajah shows the Eurotunnel website screenshot from Thursday evening
Among them was Stephanie Thiagharajah, who cut short her trip to France to return home to Kent
"The Eurostar was full of families, scared to be quarantined, they were definitely annoyed," she said.
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The cheapest available Eurostar ticket for a train from Paris to London was £210. Those for Saturday were £165.
Stuart and Anna Buntine paid almost £1,000 on tickets home via Eurostar from Burgundy, central France.
Mr Buntine, 58, said: "We couldn't get tickets, all the sites had crashed... we had to buy business class tickets back today so it's cost nearly £1,000."
Mrs Buntine added: "We left here with our eyes (open) knowing that it was a possibility, so we decided we'd take that risk."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps earlier argued the government had taken "a practical approach" to the new restrictions.
The government said the measure was imposed due to rising numbers of coronavirus cases in France.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Family gets home from France during interview
Travellers returning to or visiting the UK from the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks & Caicos and Aruba also face the same restrictions.
A traveller who gave her name as Sonata K said she had abandoned plans to go to Paris on the Eurostar for four nights with her mother - after learning of the new rules at London's St Pancras station on Friday morning.
The 39-year-old dentist said: "It's not worth it to go out and have to self-isolate.
"With my work I can't do the procedures from home. We were too late to get the news, we're just finding out here but it's better than on the train."
And Dyan Crowther, chief executive of the HS1 high-speed London to Channel Tunnel rail link, said it was "heartbreaking" seeing families forced to cancel holiday plans and spend hundreds of pounds rushing home.
"People want certainty, they want to know that they can go away without having to worry about what the world will look like when they return," she said.
A spokeswoman for travel trade organisation ABTA said the government's quarantine policy would "result in livelihoods being lost unless it can step in with tailored support for the travel industry".


skynewspolitics--2020-08-14--Lockdown rules in parts of England to remain as new areas added to watchlist

Coronavirus restrictions in parts of England are to remain in place for at least another week , the government has announced .
Current rules on gatherings in parts of the North West , West Yorkshire , East Lancashire and Leicester will remain in force , the Department of Health and Social Care said .
It means people in the areas affected can not meet others in their homes or gardens , unless they are in a support bubble .
The restrictions will be reviewed again next week .
While casinos , bowling alleys and conference halls are among a range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday , this will not happen in Greater Manchester , West Yorkshire , East Lancashire and Leicester .
The government said the latest data does not show a decrease in the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the areas affected .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , in conjunction with local leaders , agreed that restrictions should remain in place .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There has been a continued rise in COVID-19 cases in Oldham and Pendle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blackburn with Darwen .
Local leaders have established an `` enhanced incident team '' in a bid to bring infection rates under control .
Newark and Sherwood in Nottinghamshire has been designated as one of the `` areas of concern '' on a watchlist of council areas with higher-than-average incidences of the virus .
In Leicester , infection rates have fallen .
A further review is being carried out and an update will be issued next week .
Health minister Edward Argar said : `` I 'd like to thank everyone in Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Leicester for their continued patience in following these vital rules put in place to tackle the spread of the disease - I know it has n't been easy . ''
He added : `` It is essential we all remain vigilant and I urge everyone in these areas to continue to follow the rules - wash your hands regularly , follow social distancing , get yourself a free test as soon as you get any symptoms , and isolate if NHS Test and Trace tells you to . ''
The current restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of up to six individuals , or two households in public spaces outdoors .
A range of premises will remain closed in Bradford , Blackburn and Leicester , including pools , indoor gyms , nail bars , spas and beauty salons .
Shielding will continue for individuals in Blackburn with Darwen and Leicester City .
According to Leicester City Council , those who are deemed clinically extremely vulnerable people and shielding until at least 7 September will receive a letter or text from the NHS telling them that guidance will be slightly relaxed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be informed they can meet in a group of up to six people outside , that they do not need to maintain social distancing with other members of their household , and that a single adult household can form a support bubble with one other household .


skynewspolitics--2020-08-13--Bowling alleys, stadiums and salons have lockdown rules eased - as mask fines doubled

Fines of up to £3,200 for repeatedly not wearing a mask have been announced by Boris Johnson alongside eased lockdown measures for bowling alleys , casinos , skating rinks and beauty salons .
The prime minister says he wants to ease lockdown rules to help people get back to work and enjoy things they have missed - but there will be tougher penalties for repeat offenders who flout the rules .
The maximum fine for not wearing a mask is to be doubled from £1,600 to £3,200 and fines of up to £10,000 are planned for `` senseless '' people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put lives at risk .
But at the same time , the PM says lockdown rules will be eased to allow : • Bowling alleys , skating rinks and casinos to reopen for the first time as well as indoor play and soft play centres • Beauty salons , tattoo studios , spas and barbers in England to offer all close contact services and treatments • Sit-down wedding receptions for up to 30 people to resume in coronavirus-secure premises Announcing the latest lockdown shake-up , Mr Johnson said : `` Most people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing their bit to control the virus , but we must remain focused and we can not be complacent .
`` That is why we are strengthening the enforcement powers available to use against those who repeatedly flout the rules .
`` At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus .
`` Today , we are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have missed .
`` However , as I have always said , we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required , or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus . ''
On the doubling of the maximum fine for not wearing a mask , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said : `` We introduced mandatory face coverings on public transport to protect people and stop coronavirus spreading .
`` I 'm grateful to all those who have complied , and of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear face coverings - but for those who are n't exempt , there is no excuse .
`` That 's why we must get tougher on repeat offenders .
This new system will look to ensure everybody who is not exempt wears a face covering on public transport , continuing the public 's excellent efforts in helping this country recover . ''
And on the new fines for illegal raves , Home Secretary Priti Patel said : `` Coronavirus remains a real and present threat to all of us and the majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing .
`` I will not stand by and see these sacrifices undermined by a small minority of senseless individuals .
`` These measures send a clear message - if you do n't cooperate with the police and if you put our health at risk , action will follow . ''
More culture , sport , leisure and business events will also be allowed from this weekend .
The government said two weeks ago there were concerns about a slight increase in the number of people in England testing positive , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Indoor theatres , music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences under updated performing arts guidance being published by the government , after a successful series of pilots .
The piloting of some sporting events will resume from Saturday with a view to reopening competition venues for sports fans , with social distancing measures in place from 1 October .
The first of these will be the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield 's Crucible Theatre on Saturday and Sunday .
The government says beauty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barbers across England will be able to offer treatments such as eyebrow threading , make-up eyelash treatments and facials and botox from Saturday .
But hairdressers will have to wear a surgical face mask in addition to a clear visor that covers the face .
The government says this will help protect the customer and staff from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing , coughing , or speaking .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said : `` From Saturday , salons , spas and other close contact services across England will once again be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is safe for workers and clients .
`` I am pleased to give these often small , independent businesses a much-needed boost as we progress with our plan to kickstart the economy to protect jobs and incomes .
`` Opening up the economy is conditional on our continued success at controlling the spread of coronavirus .
Therefore it remains essential businesses comply with COVID-19 secure measures to protect workers and the public . ''
In a boost for the hospitality sector , events and conferences will be able to resume , provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning this year 's Tory conference - on hold at present - could take place after all .
Fines for not wearing a face covering in a mandated area are currently £100 ( or £50 if paid in 14 days ) .
In future , repeat offenders will see their fines doubled on each offence , up to a maximum of £3,200 .
Police forces across England and Wales have already stepped up patrols to prevent illegal gatherings , including major events in Leicester and Greater Manchester which were larger than those on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , West Midlands Police shut down 125 parties and raves - and closed a pub - taking action to stop illegal gatherings and anti-social behaviour across the region .
Transport for London and British Transport Police have enforced face coverings rules 91,501 times , preventing 4,397 people from boarding , asking 3,030 to leave the network and issuing 341 penalty notices .
But despite the changes announced by the prime minister , nightclubs , dance halls , and discos , as well as sexual entertainment venues and hostess bars , will remain closed @

Fines of up to £3,200 for repeatedly not wearing a mask have been announced by Boris Johnson alongside eased lockdown measures for bowling alleys, casinos, skating rinks and beauty salons.
The prime minister says he wants to ease lockdown rules to help people get back to work and enjoy things they have missed - but there will be tougher penalties for repeat offenders who flout the rules.
The maximum fine for not wearing a mask is to be doubled from £1,600 to £3,200 and fines of up to £10,000 are planned for "senseless" people who host or organise illegal raves that put lives at risk.
But at the same time, the PM says lockdown rules will be eased to allow:
Bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos to reopen for the first time as well as indoor play and soft play centres
Beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas and barbers in England to offer all close contact services and treatments
Sit-down wedding receptions for up to 30 people to resume in coronavirus-secure premises
Indoor arts and music performances with socially distanced audiences
Sports and business events pilots to resume.
Image: Boris Johnson: 'We must remain focused and we cannot be complacent'
Announcing the latest lockdown shake-up, Mr Johnson said: "Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus, but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent.
"That is why we are strengthening the enforcement powers available to use against those who repeatedly flout the rules.
"At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus.
"Today, we are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed.
"However, as I have always said, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required, or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus."
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On the doubling of the maximum fine for not wearing a mask, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "We introduced mandatory face coverings on public transport to protect people and stop coronavirus spreading.
"I'm grateful to all those who have complied, and of course many people have legitimate reasons not to wear face coverings - but for those who aren't exempt, there is no excuse.
"That's why we must get tougher on repeat offenders. This new system will look to ensure everybody who is not exempt wears a face covering on public transport, continuing the public's excellent efforts in helping this country recover."
And on the new fines for illegal raves, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "Coronavirus remains a real and present threat to all of us and the majority of the British public are doing the right thing.
"I will not stand by and see these sacrifices undermined by a small minority of senseless individuals.
"These measures send a clear message - if you don't cooperate with the police and if you put our health at risk, action will follow."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 June: Young people dance at illegal rave in Leeds
More culture, sport, leisure and business events will also be allowed from this weekend.
The government said two weeks ago there were concerns about a slight increase in the number of people in England testing positive, but the situation now appears to have levelled off.
Indoor theatres, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences under updated performing arts guidance being published by the government, after a successful series of pilots.
The piloting of some sporting events will resume from Saturday with a view to reopening competition venues for sports fans, with social distancing measures in place from 1 October.
The first of these will be the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.
Image: Fans will be allowed in to watch the World Snooker Championships at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. File pic
The government says beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas and barbers across England will be able to offer treatments such as eyebrow threading, make-up eyelash treatments and facials and botox from Saturday.
But hairdressers will have to wear a surgical face mask in addition to a clear visor that covers the face.
The government says this will help protect the customer and staff from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing, or speaking.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: "From Saturday, salons, spas and other close contact services across England will once again be able to offer all services in a way that is safe for workers and clients.
"I am pleased to give these often small, independent businesses a much-needed boost as we progress with our plan to kickstart the economy to protect jobs and incomes.
"Opening up the economy is conditional on our continued success at controlling the spread of coronavirus. Therefore it remains essential businesses comply with COVID-19 secure measures to protect workers and the public."
In a boost for the hospitality sector, events and conferences will be able to resume, provided infection levels remain at current levels, meaning this year's Tory conference - on hold at present - could take place after all.
Fines for not wearing a face covering in a mandated area are currently £100 (or £50 if paid in 14 days).
In future, repeat offenders will see their fines doubled on each offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.
Police forces across England and Wales have already stepped up patrols to prevent illegal gatherings, including major events in Leicester and Greater Manchester which were larger than those on New Year's Eve.
Last weekend, West Midlands Police shut down 125 parties and raves - and closed a pub - taking action to stop illegal gatherings and anti-social behaviour across the region.
Transport for London and British Transport Police have enforced face coverings rules 91,501 times, preventing 4,397 people from boarding, asking 3,030 to leave the network and issuing 341 penalty notices.
But despite the changes announced by the prime minister, nightclubs, dance halls, and discos, as well as sexual entertainment venues and hostess bars, will remain closed.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-14--Britons abandon holidays and dash home as quarantine rules come into force

Travellers returning from France must now self-isolate for 14 days as new quarantine restrictions have come into force .
Tens of thousands of British tourists in France joined a desperate scramble to return in time to avoid 14-day self-isolation rules which took effect from 4am today .
People snapped up the last available tickets for planes , trains and ferries back to the UK , with some airlines facing heavy criticism over significant price rises .
And while many of those who did manage to find means of transport into the country had to pay increased rates , others were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert Rory Boland of Which ?
magazine condemned the `` cynical behaviour '' of some airlines , and urged reform of the travel industry .
The travel editor at the consumer magazine said : `` We 've seen some airlines hiking prices for people scrambling to get home from France , while also refusing to refund or offer flexibility to those in the UK who can no longer take their holiday by claiming schedules are operating as normal - despite government advice against all but essential travel .
`` The cynical behaviour of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package operators , who are struggling to refund passengers when they can not claw back their money from the airlines .
`` The impact on trust in the travel industry has been devastating .
`` This reinforces why major reform of the travel sector is needed to put the travelling public first - including giving the CAA ( Civil Aviation Authority ) the powers it needs to act swiftly and effectively against airlines playing fast and loose with the rules . ''
Some airfares were more than six times as expensive as those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had tickets for sale for a flight from Paris to London Heathrow on Friday night costing £452 - compared to £66 for the same journey on Saturday .
Meanwhile , Eurotunnel Le Shuttle , the train service which carries vehicles through the Channel Tunnel , was fully booked on Friday .
A spokesman revealed 12,000 people tried to book tickets in the hour after the new rules were announced at around 10pm on Thursday , compared with just hundreds normally .
Those trying to book Eurostar tickets online logged in to find they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000 people at times .
Among them was Stephanie Thiagharajah , who cut short her trip to France to return home to Kent '' The Eurostar was full of families , scared to be quarantined , they were definitely annoyed , '' she said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The cheapest available Eurostar ticket for a train from Paris to London was £210 .
Those for Saturday were £165 .
Stuart and Anna Buntine paid almost £1,000 on tickets home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Buntine , 58 , said : `` We could n't get tickets , all the sites had crashed ... we had to buy business class tickets back today so it 's cost nearly £1,000 . ''
Mrs Buntine added : `` We left here with our eyes ( open ) knowing that it was a possibility , so we decided we 'd take that risk . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps earlier argued the government had taken `` a practical approach '' to the new restrictions .
The government said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus cases in France .
Travellers returning to or visiting the UK from the Netherlands , Monaco , Malta , Turks & Caicos and Aruba also face the same restrictions .
A traveller who gave her name as Sonata K said she had abandoned plans to go to Paris on the Eurostar for four nights with her mother - after learning of the new rules at London 's St Pancras station on Friday morning .
The 39-year-old dentist said : `` It 's not worth it to go out and have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't do the procedures from home .
We were too late to get the news , we 're just finding out here but it 's better than on the train . ''
And Dyan Crowther , chief executive of the HS1 high-speed London to Channel Tunnel rail link , said it was `` heartbreaking '' seeing families forced to cancel holiday plans and spend hundreds of pounds rushing home .
`` People want certainty , they want to know that they can go away without having to worry about what the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
A spokeswoman for travel trade organisation ABTA said the government 's quarantine policy would `` result in livelihoods being lost unless it can step in with tailored support for the travel industry '' .


skynewspolitics--2020-08-15--Corbyn backers accuse Labour of bid to 'destroy' its left-wing elements

The new co-chair of the Corbyn-supporting campaign group Momentum has accused Labour of trying to `` destroy '' left-wing elements of the party .
The comments by Gaya Sriskanthan are in response to an email from Labour 's general secretary , in which he said debates aimed at rejecting an internationally agreed definition of antisemitism should not take place within local party meetings .
In Facebook posts leaked to Sky News , Ms Sriskanthan warns activists not to `` fall for the bait or they 'll use it to suspend everyone '' .
`` This is clearly an issue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to focus our arguments on the principle rather than the details of what we want to talk about , or they will use any excuse to destroy left [ Constituency Labour Parties ] '' , she wrote .
Earlier this week , Labour 's general secretary David Evans emailed local parties warning that discussions that repudiate the IHRA ( International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ) definition of antisemitism risk undermining Labour 's `` ability to tackle racism '' .
Labour 's adoption of that definition was a point of contention under former leader Jeremy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Executive Committee did eventually back a change in its code of conduct to fully adopt the definition back in September 2018 - but added its own `` free speech '' clause .
The party said at the time that the clause `` ensures this will not in any way undermine freedom of expression on Israel or the rights of Palestinians '' .
`` Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews , which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews .
`` Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish community institutions and religious facilities . ''
The IHRA also gives 11 examples , saying that manifestations `` might include the targeting of the state of Israel , conceived as a Jewish collectivity '' .
Mr Evans also said debates about the Equalities and Human Rights Commission report into antisemitism and Labour 's recent apology to whistleblowers who spoke to BBC Panorama were not `` competent business '' for meetings .
That sparked an angry backlash from supporters of Mr Corbyn , who accused Mr Evans - an ally of Labour leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political war against the left of the party .
Co-chair of Labour International Colin O'Driscoll wrote on the same Facebook post : `` Starmer 's office boy blowing smoke .
None of this has any basis in the Labour Party rulebook . ''
Rachel Garnham , a member of Labour 's National Executive Committee , posted online saying she and other activists had written to the general secretary asking `` on whose authority '' he was acting .
Momentum and the Labour Party have been approached for comment .

The new co-chair of the Corbyn-supporting campaign group Momentum has accused Labour of trying to "destroy" left-wing elements of the party.
The comments by Gaya Sriskanthan are in response to an email from Labour's general secretary, in which he said debates aimed at rejecting an internationally agreed definition of antisemitism should not take place within local party meetings.
In Facebook posts leaked to Sky News, Ms Sriskanthan warns activists not to "fall for the bait or they'll use it to suspend everyone".
"This is clearly an issue of shutting down democratic debate and we have to focus our arguments on the principle rather than the details of what we want to talk about, or they will use any excuse to destroy left [Constituency Labour Parties]", she wrote.
Image: The accusatory comments came in response to an email about an internationally agreed definition of antisemitism
Earlier this week, Labour's general secretary David Evans emailed local parties warning that discussions that repudiate the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism risk undermining Labour's "ability to tackle racism".
Labour's adoption of that definition was a point of contention under former leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Members of the party's National Executive Committee did eventually back a change in its code of conduct to fully adopt the definition back in September 2018 - but added its own "free speech" clause.
The party said at the time that the clause "ensures this will not in any way undermine freedom of expression on Israel or the rights of Palestinians".
The IHRA definition reads:
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"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.
"Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."
The IHRA also gives 11 examples, saying that manifestations "might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity".
Image: Labour's general secretary David Evans is an ally of party leader Sir Keir Starmer
Mr Evans also said debates about the Equalities and Human Rights Commission report into antisemitism and Labour's recent apology to whistleblowers who spoke to BBC Panorama were not "competent business" for meetings.
That sparked an angry backlash from supporters of Mr Corbyn, who accused Mr Evans - an ally of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer - of waging a political war against the left of the party.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Labour pays damages to whistleblowers
Co-chair of Labour International Colin O'Driscoll wrote on the same Facebook post: "Starmer's office boy blowing smoke. None of this has any basis in the Labour Party rulebook."
Rachel Garnham, a member of Labour's National Executive Committee, posted online saying she and other activists had written to the general secretary asking "on whose authority" he was acting.
Momentum and the Labour Party have been approached for comment.