thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--Families Of NHS And Social Care Workers Who Die Of Covid-19 To Get £60k Payout

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Families of frontline NHS and social care staff who have died from coronavirus will get a £60,000 payout, health secretary Matt Hancock has said.
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The cabinet minister announced the new government life assurance scheme at the Downing Street briefing on Monday, as he revealed 82 NHS and 16 social care staff had lost their lives to Covid-19.
He said all the families of those who had died in the course of “essential frontline work” would get the cash sum.
It comes amid calls for a public inquiry into ministers’ failures to provide enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff.
“I feel a deep personal sense of duty that we must care for their loved ones,” he said.
“Today, I am able to announce that the government is setting up a life assurance scheme for NHS and social care frontline colleagues.
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“Families of staff who die from coronavirus in the course of their essential frontline work will receive a £60,000 payment.
“Of course, nothing replaces the loss of a loved one but we want to do everything we can to support families who are dealing with this grief.”
The government was also looking at other frontline professions who did not have access to a life assurance scheme, Hancock added.
He said: “As a government, we are looking closely at other professions that work on the front line against coronavirus, who also do not have access to such schemes, to see where this may be required.”
Hancock also confirmed that NHS services which had been paused due to the coronavirus outbreak will be restored from Tuesday.
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He said there were 3,190 spare critical care beds – adding that “42% of oxygen-supported beds in the NHS now lie empty”.
“As the number of hospitalisations from coronavirus begins to fall, I can announce that, starting tomorrow, we will begin the restoration of other NHS services – starting with the most urgent, like cancer care and mental health support.
“The exact pace of the restoration will be determined by local circumstances on the ground, according to local need and according to the amount of coronavirus cases that that hospital is having to deal with.”
“In most parts of the country, the number of people in hospital with coronavirus is beginning to fall.”
The move was welcomed by the health worker union Unison.
General secretary Dave Prentis said: “Until now, the relatives of any low-paid health worker who died and had opted out of the NHS pension scheme would have received nothing. Nor would the families of care workers on precarious contracts. Thankfully now that wrong has been put right.
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“Until their untimely deaths, all were looking after patients, saving lives, caring for the elderly and the vulnerable in our hospitals and care homes. Putting themselves in harm’s way, while most of us were safe at home.”
Hancock conducted the briefing after Boris Johnson returned to work on Monday.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--Watch Live: Matt Hancock Leads Daily Coronavirus Conference

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Watch Live: Matt Hancock Leads Daily Coronavirus Conference
Health secretary Matt Hancock leads the daily press briefing following Boris Johnson’s return to Downing Street. He is expected to face questions from the public and journalists over the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--NHS Tells Hospitals To Test All In-Patients For Covid-19, Including Those Without Symptoms

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Coronavirus has changed everything. Make sense of it all with the Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing. Sign up now.
NHS chiefs have asked all hospitals across England to test every single in-patient for Covid-19, even if they don’t show symptoms, HuffPost UK can reveal.
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National medical director Stephen Powis and chief nursing officer Ruth May have jointly written to NHS trust chief executives to implement the new policy to help support more “effective management” of the virus on wards.
The advice means that all in-patients, from A&E units to maternity units and other wards, will be tested. Adults, children and even new born babies will all have to be ‘swabbed’.
In a letter sent to trusts in England this weekend, Powis and May said that they were “asking you to expand testing to all non-elective patients admitted into your organisations that require a bed overnight, effective from Monday 27th April or before”.
“This includes patients who are asymptomatic. This should include making preparations to cohort patients as possible COVID cases who need to be admitted whilst they await a test result,” the letter states.
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“Appropriate infection prevention control recommendations must then be followed. Where this isn’t immediately possible, you should work to put this in place as soon as possible.”
One NHS trust in London has already told staff that from Monday the new practice will mean “swabbing” every category of in-patient, including those who are admitted via accident and emergency units.
All pregnant women will be swabbed on arrival, and once they have given birth their babies will be swabbed too. All patients due to stay overnight on any ward will also be swabbed.
HuffPost UK
The move comes as the government faces the steep challenge of trebling its daily testing figures by Thursday to hit the 100,000-a-day target set by Matt Hancock at the start of April.
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Government sources insist the expanded hospital testing should not be seen as an attempt to hit that target, as NHS England has its own separate target of 25,000 test capacity per day.
One government insider told HuffPost UK the plan was to roll out the practice at other hospitals, at least for A&E departments at first.
“Giving the increasing capacity, we are able to take necessary action to widen eligibility and make sure the people who need tests most can have one,” they said.
“And testing all admissions for coronavirus is an effective way of [practising] infection control.”
One added benefit could be that more of the public are encouraged to turn up to accident and emergency units with the reassurance of being tested.
At present, A&E admissions are severely down on normal levels, and there are concerns people may be too scared to turn up to hospital even if they have serious conditions that need treatment.
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A note to staff at one London trust, dated Monday April 29, sets out how “from today ALL patients admitted to the hospital are to be swabbed for Covid-19 regardless of whether they are symptomatic or not”.
All patients both adults and children admitted via the A&E department will be swabbed in the department.
All transfers from other hospitals or those admitted directly to wards will be swabbed on admission including children of all ages.
Health secretary Matt Hancock during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus. PA
Hancock set the ambitious target of 100,000 tests per day and has just four days left in the month to meet it. He admitted on Monday evening that the government has a “lot of work” to do to achieve the goal he set out.
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Just under 30,000 tests were conducted on Sunday, with the capacity of PHE and other labs standing at more than 51,000 per day.
The health secretary also announced on Monday that non-urgent hospital treatments would be gradually restored across England as the NHS was able to use its extra capacity built up to deal with Covid-19 patients.
Among the moves to increase the rate are more mobile labs, more drive-through centres for key workers and a new website that allows the public to request tests they can conduct themselves at home.
Massively increased testing would pave the way for a ‘test, track and trace’ strategy - used successfully in countries like South Korea - to keep coronavirus suppressed once the government is sure that its lockdown has done enough to prevent a second wave of the disease.
On his first day back in Downing Street after recovering from the virus, Boris Johnson said that the was now “beginning the turn the tide” but warned that lifting stay-at-home restrictions too early could prompt a “new wave of death”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--14 Iconic Moments That Earned Girls Aloud Their Place In Pop Culture History

Girls Aloud left pop fans (and indeed fellow member Nadine Coyle) devastated when they announced they were splitting back in March 2013.
After 10 years at the top of the pop tree, the group broke the news with an update on Twitter following the conclusion of their Ten tour.
Just hours later, a clearly upset Nadine posted her own tweet, ensuring fans knew she had “no part in any of this split business”.
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It was just one of the many iconic moments the group served up during their time as a band, but there is now hope the girls could be about to make some more together.
Girls Aloud after they were formed on Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 ITV/Shutterstock
Kimberley Walsh has hinted that she, Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Sarah Harding could reunite to celebrate the band’s 20th anniversary in 2022.
With the excitement of a possible reunion in the air, we’re taking a look back at the moments that earned them their place in pop culture history...
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1. Sarah’s reaction when she realises she’s in the band
After weeks of competition, Popstars The Rival all boiled down to this moment. And what a moment it was.
2. Sarah hits the mother of all bum notes
It happened 11 years ago, but the sound of Sarah singing completely the wrong note during a performance of The Loving Kind on GMTV still makes us wince.
3. Cheryl is NOT up for climbing to the highest point in Greece
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Girls Aloud’s E4 fly-on-the-wall documentary served us many iconic moments, but Cheryl’s dislike of sightseeing was undoubtedly a real highlight.
Moaning and groaning as girls tried to reach a viewing point during a trip to Greece, an increasingly irate Chezza delivered some classic one-liners.
Our favourite? Well, let’s just say she is not impressed when she discovers “the people do no have the fookin poop n scoop rule”.
4. Nicola ain’t bovvvered
In 2003, Nicola Roberts responded to Busted's Matt calling her a "rude ginger bitch" with this. Aloud FOREVER. #FBF pic.twitter.com/Q6SsHqxblo — Bradley Stern (@MuuMuse) May 6, 2016
After Busted guitarist Matt Willis branded her a “rude ginger bitch” (charming), Nicola responded by getting his words emblazoned on a mini-skirt, proving she was not an girlbander to be messed with.
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The fact she was also rocking some serious crimping also adds something a little extra special.
5. Cheryl won’t let Ashley trick her twice
The narrative around Cheryl in the wake of then-husband Ashley Cole’s much-publicised infidelities was very much one of a victim, with many questioning her choice to take him back.
Chezza took that criticism and turned it on its head with this subtle dig during the Tangled Up tour, thanks to a couple of lines borrowed from Kelis.
6. Sarah’s Brit Awards acceptance speech
The girls finally won their first Brit Award in 2009 when The Promise picked up Best Single, and after Kimberley gave the usual thanks to management and their label, Sarah grabbed the mic and shouted “Can I just say, it’s about timmmeee!... I think I just wet myself.”
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And that is why we heart the Harding.
7. The girls go on a ghosthunt
Cheryl wasn’t exactly convinced about the paranormal when the band signed up to appear on ITV2′s Ghosthunting With..., but she soon learned the hard way not to mess with ghosts.
8. Nadine’s post-split tweet
You should know by now I had no part in any of this split business. I couldn't stop them. I had the best time & want to keep going. Xxxx — Nadine Coyle (@NadineCoyleNow) March 21, 2013
After the girls decided to end the group with a tweet (it still cuts deep), Nadine wanted to distance herself as far as she could from “this split business” in her own sassy post on the social networking site.
9. Nadine skipping the Brits because she’d lost her passport... again
Mike Marsland via Getty Images
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Long-term fans will know that way before Nadine was part of Girls Aloud, she involved in a now-iconic incident involving a passport.
Fast-forward nine years, and she managed to “misplace” it once again, meaning the other girls were forced to attend the 2008 Brit Awards as a four piece.
10. Hey Dolls
EMPICS Entertainment
We know celebrity dolls are never exactly great, but these were particularly bad.
11. Cheryl ‘looks like a dickhead’
4. "So who looks like the dickhead? Not you!" pic.twitter.com/tu0popgyov — Anthony 🌭 (@anorderlymess) August 21, 2017
Another classic from their Off The Record series saw Cheryl kick off at her team when she realised Nadine had been sent to wardrobe ahead of a TV appearance, while she’d had to wear her own clothes.
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12. Cheryl starts her beef with Nicole Scherzinger
Remember the days when Cheryl had no hesitation about telling everyone exactly what she thought? We miss those days.
Someone who probably doesn’t though is Nicole Scherzinger, was Chezza was less than complimentary about her during an interview way back when.
However, karma came back to bite her when Cheryl lost her job on X Factor USA in 2011, only to be replaced by – you guessed it – Nicole Scherzinger.
13. The girls fall victim to Ant and Dec
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In one of Ant and Dec’s most memorable Undercover sketches, Girls Aloud were led to believe they were taking part in a religious daytime talk show fronted by two nuns.
Highlights include Cheryl reading the joke of the day (“how do you shock a nun? Tell her she’s pregnant…”), the girls trying their best to link Love Machine to Jesus, and Nicola’s clear disdain for the whole experience.
14. Little Girls Aloud
Baby Nicola’s mum was played by Cilla Black. Need we say more?


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--Chanel The Parrot's Rise To Fame Is Complete As Viral Star Makes This Morning Appearance

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There’s a lot of things about 2020 that we couldn’t have predicted, but an African grey parrot becoming a viral star is definitely one of the more ridiculous things we didn’t see coming.
For those who have somehow missed the phenomenon of Chanel The Parrot over the last few days, allow us to rewind a little.
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At the tail end of last week, a video of a woman screaming “CHANEEELLLL!”at the top of her lungs in the streets of Everton went viral, as she pleaded for help in finding her missing parrot, who’d flown off after being spooked by building noise.
Utterly OBSESSED with this Facebook video of this woman who’s lost her parrot Chanel. #FINDCHANEL 🙏🏼 ❤ pic.twitter.com/NJHdutnWoj — James (@jamesc1995) April 23, 2020
It prompted a wave of memes and parody videos, including this amazing remix to Robin S’ Show Me Love.
The remix of you’ve got to show me love and Chanel the African grey parrot has got to be this years summer song pic.twitter.com/rqglg9j4eL — weird meg (@Megan_darmanin) April 24, 2020
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... which in turn was then covered by Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall.
Saturday night starts here with our girl #Chanel (just getting my 20 minute exercise). Glad she’s been found safe and sound 🦜 #ChanelTheParrot
Jade x pic.twitter.com/Re9mrftp6v — Little Mix (@LittleMix) April 25, 2020
Luckily, there was a happy ending to the story, as Chanel Chanellington (to use her full name) was found alive and well, and reunited with owner Sandra Hannah.
for all of you that are worried sick, I can confirm Chanel has since been found! 😍🦜 She has been reunited with our iconic scouse-american Queen! #ClapForChanel #StayAtHomeShoutForChanelSaveLives 💖 pic.twitter.com/EVWhSPYXtD — James (@jamesc1995) April 23, 2020
With the internet becoming obsessed with the whole absurdity of it all, it was only a matter of time before This Morning caught on.
Sure enough, on Monday morning, Chanel The Parrot made her national TV debut on the ITV daytime show, proving her rise to superstardom was complete.
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But while Chanel took the whole thing in her stride like the true professional she is, the same couldn’t quite be said for Sandra, who was rather overexcited to meet hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield (albeit over video call).
Bouncing up and down, she screamed: “Oh my god it’s Phil and Holly!”
Chanel made her TV debut on This Morning ITV
Of their newfound viral fame, Sandra said: “All my mates were messaging me [saying] ‘you’ve gone famous!’. All of us were in stitches until 4am watching [the videos].”
She also cleared up where Chanel had flown off to, revealing: “Chanel wasn’t actually found down by the canal, she was just knocking on someone’s window saying ‘hello! hello! hello!’”
Chanel and her owner Sandra have become internet sensations ITV
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And if you were wondering how Chanel got her name, Sandra also answered that too.
“Because me dog’s Coco,” she said.
Incredible.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--Holly Willoughby Is Victim Of Hilarious Prank By Bradley Walsh During Chaotic This Morning Homeschoo

Holly Willoughby Is Victim Of Hilarious Prank By Bradley Walsh During Chaotic This Morning Homeschooling Phone-In

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were left in fits of giggles during Monday’s This Morning when a phone-in on homeschooling descended into chaos.
A caller called ‘Roger’ asked for help because he had been struggling with homeschooling his son James.
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Meanwhile, James told the hosts that his father was too strict, including being made to wear a shirt and tie for lessons and call him Mr Smyth.
“I’m just really fed up to be honest,” James said.
“If I’m not down at eight o’clock in the morning in the living room he makes me have detention. I actually don’t mind that because it’s in my bedroom.”
Midway through the call, ‘Roger’ started bellowing at his wife ‘Audrey’ to answer the doorbell, causing Holly, Phil and Vanessa Feltz to descend into fits of laughter.
Roger got in touch to say he was struggling to home school his son... but it's Audry we really feel sorry for! 🙈 pic.twitter.com/Ry2DQNfGOd — This Morning (@thismorning) April 27, 2020
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James added: “He really is taking it too far. If I need to go to the loo, he makes me put my hand up and everything. We went on a school trip to the spare room.”
‘Roger’ then grilled Holly, asking her: “Holly, I understand you have three or four children and if they were to be unruly you would have to discipline them, surely?”
She replied: “Well, I mean at the moment I think everyone is going through quite a tough time and mine are behaving quite well. They all have their moments.”
After an advert break, Holly told viewers: “Just now in our phone-in we spoke to a family who are having a difficult time in lockdown homeschooling, we have contacted them and they are fine and we are just giving them a bit more advice so you don t’need to be worried.”
But all was not quite as it seemed, with Phillip confessing to Holly that she’d been pranked by none other than Bradley Walsh and his son Barney.
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If you're worried about Roger and Audry, Bradley Walsh might be able to give you an update... 😂
Sorry @hollywills! pic.twitter.com/ARKQDiWbxS — This Morning (@thismorning) April 27, 2020
The Chase presenter told Holly: “We are making a show from our shed and it was Barns’ idea to ring you up and prank call you.”
A shocked Holly told him: “Oh my God, you’re so naughty.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--Despite Coronavirus, No.10 Won't Extend The Brexit Transition. Here's Why.

Coronavirus has changed everything. Make sense of it all with the Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing. Sign up now.
Coronavirus has affected almost every single aspect of our daily lives and the work of the government.
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But there is one area where Boris Johnson is refusing to countenance any changes - Brexit.
Despite the likelihood of a recession this year following the lockdown, the prime minister is sticking to his Brexit principles and refusing calls to extend the transition period beyond December 31 to give the country a breather before the upheaval of leaving the EU single market and customs union.
No.10 is even arguing the UK must bring an end to EU rules by 2021 to have the “legislative and economic flexibility” to manage the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
HuffPost UK has learned that apart from the political imperative for Johnson to deliver on his promises as the de facto Brexit PM, officials are concerned about how remaining tied to Brussels could hinder the government’s response to coronavirus next year.
Their concerns are in three key areas - state aid rules, the EU budget and Brussels regulation relating to Covid-19.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to Jimmy Egan's Boxing Academy at Wythenshawe, while on the campaign trail ahead of the December election PA Wire/PA Images
On state aid, the government wants the freedom to financially support UK businesses without falling foul of EU rules that prohibit anything that distorts fair competition across the continent.
During the crisis so far, chancellor Rishi Sunak has already had to get European Commission approval for a £50bn umbrella scheme to support businesses with grants and state guarantees for loans.
This was a result of the EU relaxing its rules, but given the economic effects of the crisis could last years, the UK wants more flexibility.
On the budget, officials point out that Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen has talked about “front loading” the EU budget to help countries deal with the crisis, and therefore the UK fears it may have to pay more to Brussels to extend the transition.
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Thirdly, the British government does not want to be bound by any regulations the EU introduces in response to coronavirus, instead wanting to be free to forge its own path.
A source close to the negotiations said: “There’s a lot of uncertainty about how the EU will respond, we won’t necessarily have the flexibility to respond in ways we want to.”
Appearing in front of the Commons Brexit committee on Monday, Michael Gove underlined the point: "If we were to extend, it would involve us paying more money into the EU at a time when that money could be spelt on the NHS.
“It would involve... us potentially accepting new EU laws over which we would have no say which could potentially constrain this country."
The UK also believes that extending the transition will not help the UK and EU strike a deal, despite the stalling negotiations taking place in difficult circumstances through videoconferencing and likely to continue that way for the foreseeable future.
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“Ultimately either there is an agreement to be made or there’s not,” a Whitehall source said. “There’s a view that an extra six months or a year doesn’t fundamentally change that.”
Gove added: "If we were to accept an extension we would fine that the incentive that there is to come to an agreement would dissipate."
The Cabinet Office minister also insisted that the coronavirus crisis "should concentrate the minds of EU negotiators" on reaching a deal.
But how realistic are the government's concerns? This is what the experts said.
State aid
Experts agreed that the UK will have more flexibility to help businesses once the transition period ends and state aid rules no longer apply.
But some questioned whether the government actually had much scope to use it.
“It would be more convincing if they could come up with specific examples,” professor Anand Menon, director of the UK in a Changing Europe think-tank said.
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“I’ve yet to hear anyone say ‘this is what we need to be able to do, but they won’t let us’.
He added: “And the EU have even relaxed their state aid rules for coronavirus.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has taken extraordinary steps to prop up businesses and workers during the crisis PA
Georgina Wright, of the Institute for Government (IfG), said EU state aid rules were a “legitimate concern” for the UK.
But she warned that the benefits of being free of the regulations could be outweighed by leaving the European single market and customs union.
“If you are outside and there’s no trade regime to fall back on you are effectively creating new barriers to trade.
“This would affect supply chains and your ability to procure medical equipment quickly from the EU.
“So the question isn’t just about state aid rules, it’s much broader than that.”
EU budget
Wright meanwhile stressed that no final decision had been made on the EU budget.
Furthermore, Johnson’s own withdrawal agreement makes clear that any payment for extending the transition would need to be agreed by both sides through the so-called joint committee, which presides over exit issues.
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Wright said some Brussels figures are said to be “irritated” that the UK is using the EU budget and potential payments for a longer transition period as cover for not extending.
“We will only pay the money if we agree to pay the money”
Member states are also “completely split” on the EU coronavirus recovery fund and there has been no decision about what it will look like or where the funding would come from.
“I think it’s fair to assume that the EU would not be asking the UK to contribute to anything it would not be directly benefiting from,” Wright said.
Menon meanwhile pointed out that the UK could negotiate an extension and reject the idea if the proposed payments were too high.
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“We will only pay the money if we agree to pay the money,” he said.
“So we can have the negotiation on transition and then walk away if we don’t like it, they won’t force us to - we have to agree up front.”
EU laws
The UK will have more freedom from EU rules after the transition but this will not necessarily affect its health response to coronavirus.
“When it comes to Covid, the EU’s response has been patchy because it covers health policy where the EU has limited or no say at all,” Wright said.
“Member states have very different health systems - for example the UK and France.”
Menon added: “That is a genuine danger of transition that you are forced to implement regulations that you don’t like and over which you have no say.
“But you’ve got to ask given the divisions in the EU over coronavirus, it’s hard to imagine a piece of legislation that they will all agree on.”
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Does it matter anyway?
Maddy Thimont Jack, who focuses on the UK’s approach to Brexit at the IfG, warned that even if a deal is done with the EU, coronavirus has made preparations for the end of the transition more difficult.
“The message we are getting is a lot of people in government are being reprioritised to focus on coronavirus,” she said.
“This is taking up the entirety of the government’s business.
“How they were going to prepare for life after Brexit was already going to be a huge task, it was near-impossible to do it within a year anyway and then you add coronavirus and it just seems pretty much impossible to be honest.”
Lorries go through freight checks at Dublin Port. PA
The no-deal Brexit planning already done by the government was more short-term “mitigation on day one” and “there wasn’t that much planning or thinking” further down the line, she said.
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For example, the UK will be imposing checks at the border from 2021, but was not planning to do so in the event of no deal, where it planned to take more of a “sticking plaster” approach of allowing trade to flow.
So much more work needs to be done to get ready for the end of transition.
So could reality bite and Johnson U-turn?
Plenty of people in Westminster have speculated that the UK and EU may in the end agree a transition extension in all-but-name as part of a wider trade deal.
That would allow Johnson to save face with Brexiteers, and allow both sides breathing space from coronavirus.
But Wright warned that this approach is “very difficult” on the EU side because it needs a legal basis in the treaties.
Any implementation phase would likely be covered by a new agreement, which in turn, may require ratification in national parliaments.
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“For the EU my mantra is always ‘when there is political will there is always a legal way, when there is a legal way there is not always necessarily political will’,” she said.
“The implementation phase would be very contentious so there is no guarantee there will be political will to support one - let alone a legal basis to agree one.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--Emergency Coronavirus Rules 'Leave Children In Care With Less Support'

Children's minister Vicky Ford Empics Entertainment
Emergency coronavirus rules mean children in care will get less contact from their social worker - and charities fear the lockdown will push some into mental health crisis.
Children’s minister Vicky Ford used executive powers to push through a series of temporary changes to adoption and children’s law last week.
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The temporary regulations mean that instead of every six weeks, social workers can ‘visit’ - by phone or video call - only “as soon as reasonably is practicable”.
Fostering panels, which match children with registered foster carers, have been scrapped, as has the need for care plans to be independently reviewed every six months.
All are seen as key, regular interventions which offer young people in the care system a voice.
The changes also temporarily mean adult care-givers working in homes do not need to be qualified.
The government says the shift was necessary to help local authorities cope with social distancing measures.
But Katharine Sacks-Jones, chief executive of the charity Become, says neither the sector nor councils have lobbied for the changes.
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She said: “We are hearing from young people who are really struggling.
“Some children in care have already been through trauma and they may have existing mental health problems. We are finding that social distancing is having a significant impact on them.
“Children in care need extra support during this time not less.
“As far as we are aware, local authorities are not struggling to meet their existing duties.
“Relaxing rules around children’s rights should be a last resort but it seems we have gone there straightaway and that these changes have happened without consultation.”
The rules, which included dropping some Ofsted inspections of children’s care homes, are expected to stay in place until September and Ford and will be subject to “continuous review”.
The changes were brought in immediately, she said, because “waiting 21 days will put extraordinary pressure on local authorities, providers and services” during the outbreak, she said.
Shadow children’s minister Tulip Siddiq has written to Ford to ask for assurances that the changes are time-limited.
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Shadow minister Tulip Siddiq PA Wire/PA Images
Siddiq told HuffPost UK: “Vulnerable children, children in care and care leavers face huge challenges in this crisis. Many will be under even more pressure at this time, so it is vital that their needs continue to be met.
“Of course we understand the huge pressures that councils are under at the moment and the need to prioritise the most urgent obligations to those in need. But we must ensure that this significant relaxation of councils’ duties to protect vulnerable children does not increase the risk of harm and is strictly temporary.”
There are also fears that vital data tracking youngsters’ route through the care system could be lost.
Siddiq added: “The government must collect and publish information about any statutory obligations that aren’t being met and assess the impact. If these changes led to bad outcomes for the most vulnerable, ministers must immediately reconsider their approach.”
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--360 More Coronavirus Deaths Recorded Across UK In 24 Hours

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The number of people who have died in hospitals across the UK after contracting coronavirus has risen by 360 in 24 hours.
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The increase consists of 329 in England, 13 in Scotland, 10 in Northern Ireland and eight in Wales.
UK-wide figures from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have yet to be released, so the total is taken from each nation’s individual reporting.
It brings the working total to 21,092.
A training session at the Nightingale Hospital North West sees healthcare staff taught how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) ASSOCIATED PRESS
The majority of the 329 deaths in England actually took place on Saturday: just over 160, compared with fewer than 60 on Sunday. There is typically a lag in reporting deaths from the weekend, and more deaths from Sunday are expected to be disclosed in the coming days.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--The Volunteers Getting Supplies To Healthcare Workers On The Frontline

The Volunteers Getting Supplies To Healthcare Workers On The Frontline
With the coronavirus pandemic claiming 20,000 lives and counting in the UK, staying properly protected is a life and death situation, especially for healthcare workers on the frontline who are also battling shortages of PPE. But a group of volunteers has come to the rescue, gathering donations everywhere from construction sites to beauty salons.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--This Is What Could Happen If The Coronavirus Lockdown Was Lifted Tomorrow

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In some parts of the world, people are gradually emerging from their homes as coronavirus-related restrictions begin to ease and springtime temperatures climb.
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But in the UK, the lockdown remains in place.
On Thursday, Boris Johnson confirmed the UK is “past the peak” of the coronavirus outbreak and said the government would reveal plans for lifting the lockdown in the coming week.
The restrictions are up for review on Thursday and as things stand, the lockdown will be lifted incrementally, though no one is sure when.
A man exercises along Trocadero Square, close to the Eiffel Tower, Saturday. ASSOCIATED PRESS
As the crisis wears on, and the number of patients in hospital with Covid-19 begins to show signs of dropping, Brits may be growing weary of the restrictions – especially when, outside of hospitals and care homes, coronavirus is an invisible enemy. Another weekend of warm weather will only compound the frustration of being largely stuck indoors.
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So, for argument’s sake, we asked some scientists what would happen if the UK government announced a full and total lifting of the coronavirus lockdown tomorrow.
Day 1
It’s 9am on April 28. After 36 days of being largely confined to their houses, the population of Britain tentatively steps outside and tries, as best they can, to pick up where they left off on March 23.
“When we lift off restrictions people are likely to celebrate like the end of the war when there were mass parties,” Professor Keith Neal, emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, told HuffPost UK.
Even without restrictions, there are still a number of things that can’t yet happen.
No one will be boarding a plane for a summer holiday while other countries still have restrictions in place. Even in the UK, pubs, hotels and other leisure destinations will need a few days to get back on their feet.
But the weather is nice and April has regularly seen temperatures of over 20 degrees in parts of the country so, as would normally be the case, everyone heads to the park.
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People sunbathing at the mixed bathing pond on Hampstead Heath in 2018. PA
At the daily government press briefing, Dominic Raab announces the lowest number of daily coronavirus related deaths and infections since the beginning of the month.
Day 2
After being caught unawares, Britain’s pubs have caught up with the news, reopened their doors and seen record numbers of revellers.
During the day, four million furloughed workers pass the time visiting friends and family and in the evening they’re joined by those lucky enough to have kept their jobs.
At the daily government press briefing, it’s Michael Gove’s turn to announce the lowest number of daily coronavirus related deaths and infections for four weeks.
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And so it continues until day 14.
Day 14
With the novelty of our rediscovered freedom wearing off, life is settling into the new post-lockdown routine.
There’s still no chance of a foreign holiday any time soon but most people are content with two weeks of socialising with friends and family and the ability to book tickets for that festival that had to be postponed until June.
Two weeks of declining deaths and new coronavirus infections appear to vindicate the decision to lift the lockdown.
But with hindsight, this two-week period will be remembered as the prelude to a second and quite possibly far bigger coronavirus wave.
Dr Freya Jephcott, research fellow at Cambridge University, told HuffPost UK: “The increase would be quite subtle at first. But as we’ve seen with the first wave, it escalates very quickly.”
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There is currently no effective way of tracing coronavirus in real time and the current method of testing in the UK means there is a lag of about two weeks between when it begins to spread due to an easing of the lockdown and when we actually detect these new infections.
A drive-in coronavirus testing centre at Brighton & Hove Albion's American Express Community Stadium in Falmer. EMPICS Entertainment
Hospital admissions and deaths lag even further behind and we wouldn’t see the inevitable increase associated with more infections until nearly a month after the lockdown was lifted.
Testing On April 2, health secretary Matt Hancock set a target of 100,000 Covid-19 tests every day by the end of the month, but with just three days to go that ambition looks increasingly unrealistic. On Sunday, 29,058 tests were carried out, the vast majority in hospitals. New testing services were supposed to remedy this but home testing kits were listed as “unavailable” on the site an hour after it opened at 9am, and drive-through regional testing sites in England and Northern Ireland were inundated. “Because at the moment we’re mostly testing people at the point where they’re ill enough to be in hospital, that puts us about two weeks behind on being able to trace these trends,” says Jephcott.
Day 21
Any argument that the lockdown should be lifted in full to save the economy is snuffed out as hundreds of thousands of workers call in sick.
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It’s a double blow for UK businesses, as the government’s furlough scheme ended when restrictions were eased.
Day 28
It’s impossible to predict just how bad a second peak would be, but without any social distancing at all it’s likely to be worse than the middle of April when nearly 1,000 deaths were being reported each day.
“It would probably be worse than we were at the worst of the peak,” says Neal.
“It would double every two and half days.”
Student paramedics during a training exercise at the Louisa Jordan Hospital in Glasgow earlier this month. PA
The report from Imperial College London that initially spurred the government into action projected 250,000 deaths even with “home isolation of cases, home quarantine and social distancing of those over 70 years”.
With none of these in place it is almost certain the death toll would be even higher. Early in the crisis, as Britain got to grips with what was unfolding, it was suggested in one model that as many as half a million Brits could die, a scenario that seems a whole lot more likely without any mitigation in place.
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The second peak Any easing of the lockdown – in full or otherwise – will almost certainly lead to an increase of cases, but the timing is crucial. The government’s “flatten the curve” approach isn’t necessarily about reducing the numbers of people who contract a fatal case of Covid-19 so much as reducing the flow of cases so the NHS can handle them. Lifting the lockdown in one go could cause the NHS to be overwhelmed, meaning doctors would have to choose who lives and who dies.
Professor Beatrice Heuser, chair in international relations at the University of Glasgow, told HuffPost UK: “We’re also talking about young people dying – it’s not just people near the end of their lives anyway.
“You’d have people suddenly disappearing from society – not just people locked up in care homes, but people who are normal members of households.
“And that’s where I think everybody else’s pain threshold would suddenly go down because they’d suddenly be more aware of these people.”
The increase in deaths and infections wouldn’t be equally spread out around the country but would be particularly concentrated in those areas where people gathered in the largest numbers when the lockdown was lifted.
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“Areas with a greater population density or older populations are probably the ones most susceptible to a large number of severely ill people,” says Jephcott.
With the death and infection rates rapidly on the rise again, the government has two options – let the virus rip through the country or reintroduce lockdown.
Herd immunity The idea that allowing enough of the population to become infected, recover and then become immune from coronavirus due to the antibodies they produce has been touted since the beginning of the crisis. But there are two fundamental problems. “Herd immunity would not be achieved towards the end of the year or even later than that, if it was allowed to happen,” says Heuser. “Even in Sweden [which has resisted full lockdown measures] it’s still only a small percentage of the population that has had the infection and survived it. “Herd immunity would mean deaths at the rate of hundreds of thousands just in the UK.” The second issue is that herd immunity is based on the assumption that once someone catches and then recovers from Covid-19 they are, actually, immune. Currently it is just that – an assumption. Over the weekend, the World Health Organisation said there is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from Covid-19 and have antibodies are protected against a second infection.
Day 35
With the death toll surging to record highs and still no evidence that herd immunity can work, the government is forced to reintroduce the lockdown. But whether this would be partial or full is yet another difficult decision with no certain answers.
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“It’s useful to look at other countries that have lifted lockdowns – places like Singapore and Japan,” says Jephcott.
“They had to bring that back quite quickly when case numbers shot back up again, and that will probably be the case here.”
The Japanese island of Hokkaido was quick off the mark to introduce a three-week lockdown but was hit by a second, far larger peak when it was lifted.
Dr Kiyoshi Nagase, chair of the Hokkaido Medical Association, told Time Magazine: “Now I regret it. We should not have lifted the first state of emergency.”
Coronavirus measures in Japan. Carl Court via Getty Images
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But a second UK lockdown could be more nuanced than the full and total measures introduced on March 23.
“We know lockdown measures have worked,” says Neal.
“Disease rates have stopped increasing and every country that has gone for social distancing in some form or other has slowed the rate of spread.”
“The difficulty is knowing which bit of the social distancing has worked.”
Crowded pubs in inner cities and mass gatherings such as that festival that was postponed would almost certainly be helping the spread of the virus, says Neal.
On a more positive note, he adds: “Garden centres could be opened up quite easily because they’re massive and open air and it’s a much lower risk in the open air.”
Lessons from other countries The UK’s coronavirus crisis lags slightly behind other European countries that have so far been similarly hit, so the government will be able to watch how these countries lift their own lockdowns to see what helps limit the spread of the virus. On April 26 Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced “public parks and gardens will be re-opened and people will be able to visit relatives, if they live in the same region”. He added that if all goes well, retail shops will be able to reopen later in May, while restaurants, cafes, coiffeurs and barber shops on June 1. Schools would stay closed until the start of the new term in September.
Day 42
Six weeks after the lockdown was lifted, the UK is reminded that coronavirus is not the only crisis it has recently faced.
Dr Gianluca Pescaroli from University College London’s Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, told HuffPost UK: “We are focusing our attention on Covid-19 right now and that’s totally legitimate. The problem is we’re forgetting that other things are going on.”
Pescaroli points to last summer when heatwaves, floods so bad entire towns had to be evacuated and power cuts all occurred. All made headline news at the time and all required huge efforts to fix.
An RAF Chinook helicopter flying in sandbags to help repair the dam at Toddbrook reservoir near the village of Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire after it was damaged by heavy rainfall last year. PA
“We need to start to prepare for this kind of event,” he says.
“We need to prepare to have something else going on and be sure that our emergency services are not bogged down. We need to plan, prepare and understand which resources we need to mobilise.
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Day 365
One year after lifting lockdown would represent the best case scenario for the holy grail in tackling coronavirus – a vaccine.
“The lockdown was never meant to fundamentally fix or change anything,” says Dr Jephcott.
“It was just meant to slow transmission down enough so we could gather enough information and put enough capacity in place and develop a longer-term strategy.”
Until a vaccine is found – or if it turns out to be unobtainable – this longer-term strategy is likely to be a future where the lifting and then reimposition of some lockdown measures become a normal part of life.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus Is Forcing Women Into Tired Gender Roles

Getty Creative I am one of the many self-employed women thrust into full-time childcare.
Figuring out how to work at the moment and look after your children at the same time is an impossible puzzle to solve for many parents.The famous (and hilarious) Robert Kelly interview springs to mind to remind us all how challenging working at home with your kids can be.
With the Government’s Job Retention Scheme now live, the recently updated guidelines stating parents can request to be furloughed if they are unable to work because they need to look after children will come as a relief to many. However, deciding if or which parent might request this can be a difficult decision with mounting fears around job security.
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For millions of parents, figuring out how to look after children feels like a huge task. There is no perfect answer, and the playing field isn’t level. Individually, households are trying to make it work, planning shifts with the kids or trying to snatch precious time to work around naps and TV time.
Having only recently returned to work after having my second baby, my work as a freelancer is less stable and frequent than my partner’s. So while he works at home, my role is now (like so many other parents) to look after our children.
Due to my recent maternity leave, and relatively new move into self-employment, I am among the estimated half a million self-employed mothers set to receive less financial support because of having a baby. While I previously relished time not working in order to be with my children, now that I am less able to work or earn, I’m questioning my value and contribution.
“Work for many of us gives us a sense of identity, an outlet for creativity, a sense of purpose and of course financial stability.”
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I know I am not alone in figuring out the new normal. On the grand scale of corona stresses this is low-level stuff, but across the country millions of parents are faced with similar dilemmas. Parents are taking on childcare and home schooling, and needing to adjust to a brand new job overnight. Many, like me, are reducing or stopping their normal jobs, unsure when they will get them back and having to rethink their roles. It remains unclear when schools and nurseries will re-open, and the varying strategies for doing so around the world offers no clear path for the UK to follow in terms of a return to education and childcare.
Clearly the most critical role for most of us without front line jobs is to stay home, and with this also comes a need to stop judging ourselves so harshly or feeling guilt for not being able to work or being as productive as usual.
As I adjust to my new job as a stay at home parent I am increasingly thinking about the value we place on work and childcare. I’m not used to such gendered roles at home, having always been fairly equal with my partner in our approach to parenting and our finances. Now I am only working a little I find myself feeling a bit like an old school version of a housewife, carrying the baby while he works.
Why do some of us feel like we aren’t working or contributing, when of course being a parent is a full-time job? There’s a very Pinterest friendly quote I often remember: “Children are not a distraction from more important work, they are the most important work”, which is, of course, true. One silver lining for many of us in the current situation is the gift we are given of spending more time with our children. However, work for many of us gives us a sense of identity, an outlet for creativity, a sense of purpose and of course financial stability.
For now I’ve been trying to learn to embrace my new role; enjoying my daily routine with my kids, carving out special chunks of time to work when I can and reminding myself my job at the moment is to look after my family and help other people do big important work while staying at home.
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We’re going to enter a new period of change and recalibration soon, and the roles we find ourselves in are only temporary. Societally, we have to remember that looking after children is a job – and a really important one at that. Parents have been given a difficult challenge in figuring out childcare, and the solution will look different for all of us. We must learn to give parents and carers credit for childcare, and learn together how we balance work, life, kids and everything else in this new normal.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-27--Eight Things You Need To Know About Coronavirus Today

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Boris Johnson has returned to take charge of the government’s response to coronavirus, two weeks after being discharge from hospital, as MPs call for urgent action on the alarming rise in domestic violence.
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According to the latest figures:
The deaths of a further 350 patients in England, Scotland and Wales who had tested positive for coronavirus have been recorded in 24 hours, bringing the total to at least 21,082. Northern Ireland has yet to report its own figures.
The number of people who had tested positive in the UK as of 9am on Sunday has reached 152,840.
Statista
Here’s the latest:
Nationwide minute’s silence planned for key workers killed in pandemic
The nation is expected to fall silent tomorrow in tribute to key workers who have died in the coronavirus pandemic.
Boris Johnson, who battled the illness himself, including a spell in intensive care, will be among those observing the minute’s silence on Tuesday at 11am.
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Government workers will be asked to take part and the PM’s official spokesperson said it is hoped others will participate “nationwide”.
The Unison union, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Nursing launched a campaign last week for the nation to take a moment to honour frontline staff who have died during the Covid-19 crisis.
Between them, the organisations represent more than a million NHS and public service workers including porters, refuse collectors and care staff.
Fertility patients get extra two years to freeze embryos
People going through fertility treatment will be able to freeze embryos, eggs and sperm for an extra two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ministers do not want patients to be “unfairly caught out” after procedures were paused earlier this month due to Covid-19.
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Current storage limits are 10 years, at which point people must decide if they want to undergo fertility treatment, or have their frozen eggs, sperm and embryos destroyed.
These time limits will be extended to give time for treatments to resume, the Department of Health and Social Care said.
But many women are still facing an anxious wait to fulfil their pregnancy dreams after their fertility treatments were put on hold due to the outbreak.
PM warns of ‘new wave of death’ if lockdown measures eased too early
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Boris Johnson has used his first public appearance since recovering from Covid-19 to warn that lifting the coronavirus lockdown too soon would risk “a new wave of death and disease”.
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Speaking in Downing Street on Monday morning hours after his return to work, the prime minister said the UK was “beginning to turn the tide” against the virus.
But he said this was “the moment of maximum risk” and not the time “to go easy” on social distancing as it would “throw away all the effort and sacrifice of the British people” and risk a second peak
Johnson resumed full-time duties at the head of the government today, three weeks after he was admitted to hospital with severe Covid-19 symptoms.
He arrived back in No.10 on Sunday evening to a growing clamour from senior Tories to begin lifting the lockdown. There is mounting concern at the damage it is causing to the economy.
Johnson has less then two weeks before the next major decision point comes up with the next three-week review of the lockdown restrictions due on May 7.
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Dominic Raab, who had been standing in for the PM, said the government was doing its “homework” in preparation for when the rules could be eased.
It is thought that amongst the first could be a re-opening of schools, although the foreign secretary said that would be “inconceivable” without some further measures in place.
Ministers are also thought to be considering allowing some non-essential businesses to open such as garden centres and car showrooms, provided social-distancing could be maintained.
Raab also indicated that officials were looking at possible checks at air and sea ports with passengers arriving in the UK required to quarantine for 14 days.
Such a measure could form part of the next stage of the government’s response – the so-called “test, track and trace” strategy designed to further suppress the spread of the disease by isolating new cases.
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However, scientific and medical experts have indicated the current infection rate will have to come down further before such tactics can be effective.
Home testing kits run out just over an hour
Home coronavirus testing kits had completely run out bu 9.10am on Monday, according to the government’s website.
The government was forced to apologise on Friday after the kits ran out in minutes on the day of the site’s launch, with the site closing down to prevent new users from attempting to access tests.
Similar shortages were seen over the weekend as the home tests – 5,000 of which become available at 8am – ran out in less than two hours, although some slots for drive-through testing remained available later in the morning.
UN poverty expert slams UK’s ‘utterly hypocritical’ virus response
Philip Alston has warned that some policies enacted around the world reflect 'social Darwinism'. PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU via Getty Images
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Philip Alston, the United Nations’ poverty expert, has fiercely criticised the UK’s response to coronavirus as “utterly hypocritical” after years of cuts to public services. Alston, who has previously attacked the government’s implementation of austerity measures, told the Guardian: “my thoughts of course hark back to the sense of how utterly hypocritical it is now to abandon ‘austerity’ with such alacrity, after all the harm and misery caused to individuals and the fatal weakening of the community’s capacity to cope and respond over the past 10 years. “And of course, many of the worst and most damaging aspects of ‘austerity’ cannot and will not be undone. The damage caused to community cohesion and to the social infrastructure are likely to prove permanent.” He added that around the world “the most vulnerable have been short-changed or excluded” by responses to the virus, which has now claimed more than 20,000 lives in the UK and 200,000 globally. Alongside a warning that the crisis could force half a billion people into poverty, Alston said some policies had reflected a philosophy of “social Darwinism... that prioritises the economic interests of the wealthiest while doing little for those who are hard at work providing essential services or unable to support themselves.” Calls for urgent action on domestic violence as helpline calls surge by almost 50%
Calls to Refuge have increased by almost 50%. coldsnowstorm via Getty Images
Domestic violence support services need urgent emergency funding amid “alarming” signs of a rise in abuse during the coronavirus lockdown, MPs have said. The Commons home affairs committee warned that without urgent action “we will be dealing with serious consequences for a generation”. Calls to Refuge increased by 49% in the week leading up to April 15 compared to the average prior to the pandemic, the committee found. And visits to the charity’s website trebled in March compared with the same month last year in a worrying sign that the lockdown could be trapping victims and leading to more abuse. The Men’s Advice Line meanwhile saw a 16.6% increase in calls and research by Counting Dead Women has calculated that at least 16 domestic abuse killings took place between March 23 and April 12, double that of an average 21 day period in the previous decade.
Committee chair Yvette Cooper said: “Staying at home is an important part of the strategy to prevent coronavirus from spreading and save lives, but for some people home isn’t safe.
“Urgent action is needed to protect victims and prevent perpetrators from exploiting the lockdown to increase abuse.
“There are already alarming signs of the rise in domestic abuse.”
New Zealand prepares to loosen lockdown having ‘won battle’ against spread of virus
New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern said the nation had succeeded in tackling community transmission of the virus. MARK MITCHELL via Getty Images
New Zealand has “avoided the worst” of Covid-19, prime minister Jacinda Ardern had said, and has succeeded in halting the “widespread, undetected community transmission” of the virus.
The nation is now preparing to ease stringent level-four lockdown measures, which will lift at 11.59pm on Monday night after more than a month of businesses and schools remaining closed.
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In a media briefing, she said: “There is no widespread undetected community transmission in New Zealand. We have won that battle. But we must remain vigilant if we are to keep it that way.”
The move to level three will see restaurants and schools allowed to reopen their doors, albeit on a much smaller scale.
“We are opening up the economy, but we’re not opening up people’s social lives,” Ardern said.
New Zealand has reported 1,122 cases of Covid-19, with 19 deaths. The daily rate of new infections has remained under 1% for the past two weeks.
Many businesses, as well as parliament and the courts, began preparations over the weekend to restart operations this week while maintaining ongoing social distancing rules.
Eateries announced contactless delivery plans, retail stores showcased their latest collections online for home delivery and office towers posted social distancing rules in elevators and public areas.
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Still, Ardern stressed that public gatherings remain banned and asked people to remain in their “bubble”.
All post sent from today will be stamped to honour Captain Tom’s 100th birthday
Captain Tom Moore raised more than £28m for the NHS. JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images
All post sent from Monday will be stamped to celebrate the upcoming 100th birthday of NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--Scotland Becomes First UK Nation To Officially Recommend Use Of Face Coverings

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Scotland has become the first UK nation to officially recommend the use of face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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A government document published on Tuesday said the evidence backing the use of face coverings was “limited”, but conceded: “There may be some benefit in wearing a facial covering when you leave the house and enter enclosed spaces, especially where physical distancing is more difficult and where there is a risk of close contact with multiple people you do not usually meet. [...]
“We are recommending that you consider using face coverings in the limited circumstances described above as a precautionary measure.”
Other examples include travelling on public transport or entering a food shop where it is not always possible to maintain a two-metre distance from another customer.
It adds: “There is no evidence to suggest there might be a benefit outdoors, unless in an unavoidable crowded situation, where there may be some benefit.
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“As some people can have the virus but experience no symptoms, wearing a face covering in the situations outlined above may provide some level of protection against transmission to other people in close proximity.”
The guidance recommends using face coverings in such circumstances “as a precautionary measure” but states the public use of them is not being made mandatory at this stage.
It does, however, impress that the guidance could change.
The UK government has yet to make a decision on whether to follow suit.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--What You Need To Know About The Mystery Kids' Illness That Could Be Coronavirus-Related

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A new mystery illness affecting children is on the rise in the UK – and experts believe it might be linked to coronavirus.
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An alert sent to healthcare professionals said in the last three weeks, there has been an “apparent rise” in the number of children of all ages presenting with a “multi-system inflammatory state”. These children have required intensive care across London and other regions of the UK.
It’s been suggested that the syndrome, which at the time of writing had not been named, could be related to Covid-19. It’s also been likened to toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki disease because the symptoms are similar.
What do we know so far?
The illness has been found in children who have tested positive and negative for coronavirus. Key symptoms include abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms, according to the alert. Some children have also suffered cardiac inflammation, which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England, acknowledged this illness during Monday’s Downing Street press conference. “We have become aware in the last few days of reports of severe illness in children which might be a Kawasaki-like disease,” he said.
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“Kawasaki disease is a very rare inflammatory condition that occurs in children. The cause is not often known — it can be related to a number of things. I have asked the national clinical director for children and young people to look into this as a matter of urgency.”
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said it was “certainly plausible” this new illness could be linked to coronavirus.
During Tuesday’s daily conference, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was “very worried” about the reports, but added that cases are “rare”. He went on to say the government “wasn’t 100% sure” it was linked to coronavirus.
“There are some children who have died who didn’t have underlying health conditions,” he said. “It’s a new disease that we think may be caused by coronavirus and the Covid-19 virus. We’re not 100% sure – because some of the people who got it hadn’t tested positive.”
So what should parents be on the lookout for?
The symptoms of Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome can be very similar, reports suggest. Here are the symptoms for each, as stated by the NHS.
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Kawasaki disease symptoms
The characteristic symptoms of Kawasaki disease are a high temperature that lasts for five days or more, alongside: a rash; swollen glands in the neck; dry, cracked lips; red fingers or toes; and/or red eyes.
Toxic shock syndrome symptoms
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) symptoms will start suddenly and get worse quickly. These include: a high temperature; flu-like symptoms; feeling and being sick; diarrhoea; a widespread sunburn-like rash; lips, tongue and the whites of the eyes turning a bright red; dizziness or fainting; difficulty breathing; and/or confusion.
Should parents be worried?
Serious illness as a result of Covid-19 still appears to be rare in children, according to the Paediatric Intensive Care Society (PICS), who shared the alert.
So far, it’s been suggested that children can get coronavirus, but less often than adults and usually less serious. The symptoms parents are told to look out for are the same as those in adults – a high fever and persistent, continuous cough.
NHS England’s national clinical director for children and young people, Simon Kenny, said it’s important that clinicians are made aware of any potential emerging links between coronavirus and this new illness, so they’re able to “give children and young people the right care fast”.
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When should you seek help?
If your child experiences any of the symptoms listed above, call NHS 111 or their GP for urgent advice. Phone 999 if it’s an emergency – for example, if your child is deteriorating rapidly.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--Minute’s Silence For Key Workers Who’ve Died With Coronavirus

Minute’s Silence For Key Workers Who’ve Died With Coronavirus
A minute's silence has been held across the UK to commemorate the key workers who have died with coronavirus. More than 100 NHS and care staff have died with the virus, as well as many transport and other key workers since the pandemic began in Britain.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--This Morning Cooking Segment Narrowly Avoids Disaster After John Torode Starts Kitchen Fire

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With the likes of Alison Hammond taking over the This Morning kitchen in recent weeks, the show’s cooking segment has been a bit more chaotic than usual.
However, things nearly ended in genuine disaster when John Torode fronted the feature from his home on Tuesday.
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The MasterChef judge’s kitchen was moments away from going up in flames when he was unaware that a tea towel had caught on fire behind him.
Phillip Schofield noticed John Torode's tea towel was on fire ITV
Hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield – who were cooking along with John in the ITV show’s studio – frantically tried to alert the chef to the flames coming from behind him.
“John! John! Your tea towel is on fire!” Phillip bellowed. “Behind you! You’re on fire! Cooker!”
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“Turn around, turn around!” Holly shouted, as John finally realised what they were both referring to.
John calmly dealt with the situation ITV
Unfazed, he calmly picked the burning cloth up and took it to a sink to extinguish.
“Oh my God, oh my God!” Holly exclaimed, as she and Phillip then fell about laughing.
“Are you OK? You were so calm and cool about that!” she asked John.
“Well, he didn’t know!′ Phillip joked.
Holly and Phil couldn't believe how John had remained so cool ITV
Trying to get the segment back on track from his now smoke-filled kitchen, John said: “I’m all good. I’m here.”
But things descended into chaos when his fire alarm started going off, which then caused Holly to start giggling.
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After John had eventually finished cooking, Holly joked: “I am off to sit in a dark room.”
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--Growing A Quarantine Beard? How To Avoid The Patchy Mess Look

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My dad’s at it. My boyfriend’s at it. Even Jim Carrey is giving it a go. Men around the world are using lockdown as the perfect excuse to grow a beard.
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Gone are the codes of professionalism that ban scraggly beards in the workplace. Now, with jogging bottoms reigning supreme, it’s perfectly acceptable to don facial fuzz during a video meeting – even if it’s in that awkward “in between” stage.
Day 5 of my wild and untamed face. Please don’t put your hands near the cage. pic.twitter.com/gNcbnkiY54 — Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) March 28, 2020
A lot has changed in a month #quarantinebeard pic.twitter.com/WdBIfg14Fl — John Warder 🧼🙏🏼 (@biscuitpancakes) April 26, 2020
Quarantine beard
50 days ...and counting pic.twitter.com/xfE9I2x2wO — chef_ljm (@LamarJMoore) April 22, 2020
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Some long-time bearded men are braving the shave to shake things up during lockdown, while healthcare workers are trimming or removing beards to ensure PPE fits properly. But for many others, growing a #QuarantineBeard is providing some much-needed entertainment.
Thankfully, it’s possible to grow one without looking like a teenage boy in the process. Vinay Agheda, who runs Leicester Barbering Academy, gave us some barber-approved tips to master this new look.
1. Invest in some basic skincare
Before you even think about growing a beard, Agheda recommends adding moisturiser and beard oil to your next essential shop.
″[These] help avoid the skin underneath the beard getting dry, flaky and clogging the pores, which could result in irritation or ingrowing hairs,” he says.
2. Trim those strays
It might be tempting to leave your beard to do its thing, just to see how wild it gets. But Agheda says trimming loose stray hairs, which he likes to call “repeat offenders”, with scissors will prevent a dishevelled look.
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“Comb out your beard in the direction it grows before cutting to remove any tangles,” he advises. “Hair that grows over the lip area (spider legs!) should be trimmed if you’re not growing a moustache – this immediately gives the appearance of a neater beard while in the growing stages.”
Prostock-Studio via Getty Images
3. Shape it like a pro
Once you have something to play with, it’s time to sculpt – but getting the beard lines right can be tricky. “I would suggest keeping to the natural growth pattern around the cheek area, trying not to cut into too much of the beard hair as this may result in further maintenance as the beard grows,” says Agheda.
When using a trimmer or razor, hold it so it feels comfortable like a pencil, he says, allowing you to manoeuvre it more freely to carve out your beard. Use points of the ear and nose area to ensure your beard is symmetrical.
“A common mistake is standing in front of the mirror, head on, with your feet pointing straight whilst you move your neck left and right,” says Agheda. “This doesn’t always give you the best view of what you’re shaving.”
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Instead, he recommends standing with your feet pointing a little to the left when shaving the right side, and vice versa, to give a better view of the side of your face.
“If your sideburns are overgrown, trim this area down as this will reduce the ‘puffiness’ around the face,” he adds. “Lastly, trimming the neck area will do wonders for giving you a chiselled jaw line. Start from the middle of your neck and work your way out on either side to help with symmetry.”
4. Look after your new beard
Adding oil to your beard area will give the hair a healthy shine. If you can’t get your hands on any, Agheda says a tablespoon of coconut oil or other oils around the house will do the trick.
“If you fancy getting dressed up for your weekly lockdown supermarket shop or video call appointment, blow drying your beard in the direction it grows will manage strays, eliminate frizziness and make your beard look neater,” he says. “Don’t forget to have your blow dryer setting on low/medium heat to avoid damaging your skin.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--Loose Women To Resume Filming In Studio From Monday, ITV Confirms

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Loose Women is to resume filming after six weeks off our screens, ITV has confirmed.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the daytime show halted production last month, airing reruns of “classic” episodes in its place.
However, it’s now been announced that Loose Women will begin filming again from Monday, albeit with a few minor changes.
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In accordance with social distancing guidelines, only three presenters will appear in the studio at a time, with a fourth panellist appearing from home via video-link.
ITV has also said that only two episodes a week will be going out live, with pre-recorded shows airing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Loose Women favourites Ruth Langsford, Denise Welch, Janet Street-Porter and Saira Khan S Meddle/ITV/Shutterstock
Emma Gorley of ITV daytime said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring Loose Women back for brand new shows in the studio from Monday. As we continue to respond to the crisis and adapt our shows accordingly we’ve made some temporary adjustments to enable us to get back on air whilst ensuring the safety of all of our teams.
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“We know our viewers have missed their daily lunchtime catch up with the Loose Women and we look forward to hearing from them all on Monday.”
As well as its usual “daily dose of warmth, laughter, and topical debate”, Loose Women will also be taking the opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues while the country is on lockdown, as part of the show’s Lighten The Load campaign.
Loose Women editor Sally Shelford said: “At Loose Women we have made it our mission to stop the stigma and start a conversation about mental health, covering issues from postnatal depression to anxiety and addiction. With many of our viewers struggling with lockdown, speaking openly and honestly about mental health worries to offer comfort and advice has never felt more important.”
The Loose Women team pictured together last year Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
The coronavirus outbreak has had a huge effect across many industries, including entertainment, as evidenced by changes to ITV’s daytime schedule.
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While Good Morning Britain and This Morning are continuing to air as usual – albeit with the presenters considerably further apart – Lorraine Kelly is currently hosting her hour-long show from the GMB studio.
Loose Women airs every weekday at 12.30pm.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus Linked To 40% More Deaths In England And Wales Than Previously Thought

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Coronavirus played a role in 40% more deaths in England and Wales than previously thought, the Office for National Statistics has revealed, with thousands dying with the virus in care homes.
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Figures from the ONS showed that, of all the deaths in the two countries up to April 17, and registered to April 25, 22,300 involved Covid-19.
The death toll is 6,375 higher than previously reported by NHS England and Public Health Wales collectively, which only count deaths in hospital.
Data from the ONS – which includes deaths in care homes, hospices and private homes – showed 21,284 deaths related to Covid-19 in England, compared with the 15,293 reported by NHS England.
Meanwhile, the number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales was 384 fewer than counted by ONS.
Our weekly deaths data for England show
-of all deaths that occurred up to 17 April (registered up to 25 April), 21,284 involved COVID-19
For the same period
-@DHSCgovuk reported 13,917 COVID-19 deaths
-@NHSEngland reported 15,293 deathshttps://t.co/qHDsfvSSaO#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/7GHrveHtjr — Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) April 28, 2020
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Meanwhile, the weekly coronavirus figures showed that England and Wales saw its highest weekly death toll in almost 30 years in the week ending April 17, with coronavirus named as a factor in almost 40% of registered deaths.
Figures showed that 22,351 deaths were registered in the two countries for the week – the highest total recorded in a seven-day period since comparable figures began in 1993.
Covid-19 was a factor in 39.2% of these deaths, with the death certificates of 8,758 people mentioning “novel coronavirus”, the ONS said.
Unlike the coronavirus death toll published each day by the Department of Health and Social care, which only counts people who died in hospital, the ONS data also includes people who died in care homes, private homes and hospices.
Analysis showed that, while 77.4% of people died in hospital, there were 3,096 coronavirus-related deaths in care homes, 883 in people’s houses and 190 in hospices.
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It was also revealed on Tuesday that more than 4,343 deaths in care homes related to Covid-19 had been reported by providers in England between April 10 and April 24.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--Watch: Here’s The Latest On Coronavirus Today

Watch: Here’s The Latest On Coronavirus Today
The UK will hold a minute of silence to honour key workers who have died and the government is also offering £60,000 to families of healthcare workers who lost their lives, a move that comes as calls for a public inquiry into the shortage of personal protective equipment mounts. President Trump said he takes no responsibility for the misuse of disinfectants since he suggested they could help fight coronavirus, multiple cities in the US have reported a spike in calls to poison control centres. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the pandemic is “far from over” as concerns grow over rising cases in Africa, Latin America, Easten Europe and parts of Asia. In some positive news a laboratory at Oxford University is taking the lead in a global race for a vaccine saying the first dose could be ready as early as September. And a former professional rugby player who is quadriplegic scaled the equivalent height of Mount Everest - on his parents stairs. Ed Jackson raised over $50,000 for Britain’s National Health Service by climbing 5,566 flights of stairs in four days.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--Prince Harry Makes Celebratory Cameo In Thomas The Tank Engine Episode

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Prince Harry said he has “fond memories” of growing up watching Thomas & Friends as he filmed an introduction to a special episode of the animated show, in which the Queen and a young Prince of Wales also feature as characters.
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Thomas & Friends: The Royal Engine is part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the story series, which was created by British clergyman the Rev Wilbert Awdry as a storybook for his young son.
Narrators of the spin off TV show, which started in the 1980s, include Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, and actors Alec Baldwin and Pierce Brosnan.
This new episode will see Thomas travel to London for the first time on a mission to take Fat Controller Sir Topham Hatt to Buckingham Palace.
HuffPost UK PA
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Harry filmed the on-camera introduction to the episode, pre-lockdown in January, holding a copy of the book – and a donation was made to charity.
“Thomas the Tank Engine has been a comforting, familiar face to so many families over the last 75 years – entertaining, educating and inspiring children on important issues through exciting stories and characters,” he said.
“I certainly have fond memories of growing up with Thomas & Friends and being transported to new places through his adventures.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have both been busy recording – Meghan has lent her voice to a new nature documentary on the streaming platform Disney+ in exchange for a donation to the charity Elephants Without Borders.
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In the 22-minute special, Sir Topham Hatt has been invited to London to receive an award from the Queen for distinguished services to the railway, and a young Charles asks Thomas to bring him. Thomas gets lost along the way and meets the royal train, called the Duchess of Loughborough, voiced by Gone Girl and Bond actress Rosamund Pike.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--US Late Show Hosts Annihilate Trump's ‘Sarcasm’ Defence Of Disinfectant Suggestion

“I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen,” Trump said on Friday, after facing enormous backlash for his comments a day earlier.
In the wake of the nationally televised briefing, multiple governors reported an uptick in calls seeking guidance about the idea, and the manufacturer of Lysol and Dettol felt it necessary to issue a statement advising that its products should “under no circumstance” be administered into the human body.
Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Trevor Noah and Seth Meyers’ late-night shows all dedicated segments to the debacle.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--Ashley 'Minnie' Ross, Star Of Little Women: Atlanta, Dies Aged 34

Reality star Ashley “Minnie” Ross has died at the age of 34, after being involved in a “hit and run” car accident.
Best known as a cast member of Little Women: Atlanta, which followed the lives of a group of little women living in the Georgia capital, Ross died in hospital on Monday night, a day after the road accident.
A statement posted by her management on Instagram explained: “It is with profound sadness that we confirm on behalf of the family of Ashley Ross aka ‘Ms Minnie’ of Little Women Atlanta has succumbed to injuries from a tragic hit and run car accident today at the age of 34.
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“The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”
Ross’ spokesperson later told Metro: “Ashley was a sweet and kind person with a big heart. She was an advocate for St Jude and young women. She will be remembered for her contagious smile.”
A representative for Little Women: Atlanta has also paid tribute to Ross, telling People magazine: “She was the most beautiful, kind, giving, generous human ever. She was adored by cast and crew because she always wore her heart on her sleeve.
“There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for those she loved.”
Ross speaking on stage during the Atlanta Ultimate Women's Expo last year Paras Griffin via Getty Images
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Her castmates have also been paying tribute on social media, as has her boyfriend, music producer Slickbeatz:
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Ross appeared in all five seasons of Little Women: Atlanta, and in recent years, some of her more memorable moments on the show had inspired a number of memes on social media.
The show was renewed for a sixth series last year, which had been expected to return later in 2020.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--Our Prisoners Are Being Condemned To Death

Prisoners are being condemned to death Reuters
Soon after my release from prison for fraud conviction, I returned to practice yoga in Primrose Hill.
I felt like I was walking the plank of shame in entering the neighbourhood (where social passport control is virtually mandatory even for the blameless), whose last memories of me were being pursued by paparazzi in the tree lined road, while my life, fact and fiction, was sprawled across the Daily Mail and beyond.
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Re-entry was quite anticlimactic. In my gratis non persona, no one noticed me, beyond – maybe – my three-legged, downward facing dog and failure to embrace an apparently new fixation for Lululemon. Apart, that is, from one startled local.
As I staggered from the yoga studio, I made eye contact with a “friend” who had eaten in my home regularly, shared my family’s life – until I became a “pariah”. The expression seeing a ghost had never resonated with me before, but here in broad daylight I saw myself embodying the spirit of the dead in his eyes. Because I was never meant to come back.
During a decade spent adjusting to my own rehabilitation and increasingly supporting that of others through my charity, I am now very familiar with society’s perception of those who have been sentenced or remanded into custody.
The government’s contract to punish and rehabilitate is frequently ignored by its purveyors and the general public. Once guilty in the eyes of the law, HMP’s 85,000 inhabitants lose relevance. The key is thrown away, the individual erased.
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The principle of rehabilitation – living again – is left to human rights lobbyists to recite on the Today programme. Few countenance its existence as a legal tenet of the criminal justice system. Yet, fewer truly subscribe to its implementation beyond Probation Service stalwarts.
Prison in the time of Coronavirus is a justice game changer. HMP is officially closed for rehabilitation. Social visits have ceased. Education, training and employment programmes are unlikely to resume for the foreseeable. Residents describe being forced to defecate into bags and urinate into bottles. Basic sanitation ceased weeks ago, social distancing and shielding is an impossibility.
If you set out to create laboratory conditions to engender the transmission of Covid-19, a UK prison would be as good a starting point as any. It’s egregious human experimentation worthy of the Third Reich. Overcrowded cells are treated as “households”, compulsory, indiscriminate quarantining of sick prisoners forces those with the common cold into the path of coronavirus. Prisoners are behind doors 24/7. As UK pandemic deaths exceed 20,000, each UK prison sentence is potentially a death sentence.
The virus has lifted the lid on a global prison crisis. Chronic overcrowding and underfunding affect 11 million prisoners, whose mortality rate is 50% higher than in the outside world. And the world is finally listening.
Iran, Turkey and Ethiopia are releasing its prisoners in the thousands. France and Ireland have dramatically reduced its prison population. The European Centre for Crime and Justice Studies strives to redefine and reassess its nineteenth century solution in the face of millennial catastrophe.
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However, to date, the UK has released barely a dozen pregnant inmates. Fourteen inmates have been deemed eligible for its now suspended early release programme. It plans to build 500 temporary cells in six prisons. Prison infections currently stand at 300, deaths at 15, figures likely to be under reported and inaccurate. It is failing its prisoners.
And it seems our government has no inclination to heed the global message. It is therefore imperative that it listens to its courts this week which will consider the legal challenge instigated by the Howard League and Prison Reform Trust, reflecting the guidelines from the Prison Governors Association that 10,000-15,000 prisoners must necessarily be released immediately to enable authorities to implement effective social distancing and to avert humanitarian crisis.
Poor choices, momentary judgement lapses, inequality of social advantage and circumstance. These are merely some of the indiscriminate and life shattering factors that can lead to a prison cell.
During this zeitgeist of kindness and altruism, compassion would be well extended to society’s most vulnerable, whose rehabilitation is always elusive and whose punishment, at the point of global crisis, now far exceeds that envisaged by any court.
Pariahs belong in another age. Our prisoners must be allowed to come back.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-28--Paul Hollywood 'Surprised' And 'Upset' By Sandi Toksvig's Bake Off Exit

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Paul Hollywood has said he was left “surprised” and “upset” at Sandi Toksvig’s decision to quit as the host of The Great British Bake Off.
However, the baker has given his seal of approval to her replacement, Matt Lucas, who he claims gets him “laughing out loud”.
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Sandi and Paul with Bake Off co-stars Prue Leith and Noel Fielding Channel 4
Speaking about Sandi’s exit, Paul told Radio Times he had no idea she was planning to leave.
He said: “No, it was a surprise and I was really upset. I’m very fond of Sandi. She was never too busy to sit down, have a chat and put the world to rights. We shared a couple of drinks and had some good times together.
“I’m going to miss her.”
Paul said that Matt was going to be an “amazing replacement”, continuing: “I’ve been a big fan of Matt’s for many years and I can’t wait to meet him. His humour gets me laughing out loud.
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“I just hope Marjorie from Little Britain’s fat club comes to the Bake Off tent because I think that character is fantastic!”
Matt Lucas will replace Sandi on the next series of Bake Off PA
Filming on the upcoming series of Bake Off was due to go into production this spring, but has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking about when the series could feasibly air, Paul added: “It depends on when the lockdown is lifted. If we can get started, we could turn around the programme pretty quickly and still have it out in late summer or early autumn.”
The full interview with Paul appears in this week’s Radio Times, on sale now. www.radiotimes.com
Radio Times Radio Times