thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-20--The Coronavirus Pandemic Is Far From Over

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Even as European nations start to ease the drastic lockdown restrictions imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, an uncomfortable truth is beginning to emerge: Life will not go back to the way it was — not soon, at least, and perhaps not ever.
“It won’t be a return to normal life,” France’s prime minister, Édouard Philippe, said Sunday during a discussion of the country’s plans to gradually reopen schools and workplaces.
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Just a week ago, French President Emmanuel Macron had struck a more optimistic tone, announcing that the country’s lockdown would start to be lifted on May 11 and that the country would return to “happy days.”
“Hope is reemerging,” Macron said.
With a vaccine up to 18 months away, however, politicians and public health officials are tempering such uplifting pronouncements with a sober reality check.
“Our life from May 11 will not be like our life before — not immediately, and probably not for a long time,” Philippe said. “We’ll have to learn to live with the virus.”
French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe gives a press conference on April 19 to update the nation on COVID-19. THIBAULT CAMUS via Getty Images
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While the French government plans to begin reopening schools May 11, Philippe said that, for the time being, people should continue to work from home as much as possible.
“Many of our fellow citizens have started ... teleworking. Many can do it, many have been able to take advantage of this option,” Philippe said, according to HuffPost France. “This telework will have to continue.”
And anyone dreaming of a summer holiday should think again.
“Can we book a house, a rental, a camping spot or a hotel in July or August in France or abroad? I’m afraid it is unreasonable to imagine travelling abroad very soon,” the prime minister said.
“To imagine that — because the situation has stopped worsening and is starting to improve, the epidemic is behind us — would be a mistake,” he added.
Officials in other countries have echoed Philippe’s assessment.
“I want to be clear on one point: The battle is not won,” Italy’s health minister, Roberto Speranza, said in an interview Monday, per HuffPost Italy. “We are going in the right direction, but we’re not out of danger.”
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A man wearing a face mask walks along an almost deserted street in Paris, France, during the quarantine on April 19. Andreina Flores / Echoes Wire/Barcroft Media via Getty Images
On Sunday, Italy’s death toll from the coronavirus rose by 433, the lowest daily total in a week. The number of new cases decreased from 3,491 to 3,047. The falling numbers have led Italian officials to eye May 4 as the start of “phase two,” when restrictions on daily life and economic activity may gradually be lifted.
In the United Kingdom, government officials have resisted calls to outline an exit strategy to end the nationwide lockdown. BuzzFeed News reported on Saturday, however, that the government is considering a “three-stage” approach to easing the restrictions.
Nonessential retail shops and industries could start to reopen in early to mid-May, according to the report, and other social distancing measures would be relaxed over the summer. But people deemed to be most vulnerable to the virus could face strict restrictions until a vaccine is developed.
The government has pushed back against the report, insisting that no decision has been made about when to open schools and that restrictions could remain in place for many months.
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Michael Gove, the UK chancellor, told the BBC on Sunday that hotels, pubs and restaurants would likely remain closed for the foreseeable future.
“Areas of hospitality will be among the last to exit the lockdown, that is true. They will be among the last,” he said.
U.K. Chancellor Michael Gove speaks during a media briefing in Downing Street, London. PA Video - PA Images via Getty Images
However, the debate about when restrictions on various parts of society might be relaxed has papered over the more fundamental truth that it won’t be possible to fully resume normal life until there’s a vaccine — which could take more than a year.
“It’s not going to be going back to normal,” Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London, who is one of the government’s key scientific advisers, said last week. “We will have to maintain some level of social distancing, a significant level of social distancing, probably indefinitely, until we have a vaccine available.”
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During that time, certain groups of people, including the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, would need to remain isolated. But the UK government is concerned that the public has not yet accepted the possibility of the lockdown continuing for so long, per the BuzzFeed News report.
“‘You can’t see granny for 18 months’ is going to be an extremely unpopular and difficult policy to enforce,” a government minister told BuzzFeed News.
And even then, a vaccine is not a guarantee.
“All new vaccines that come into development are long shots. Only some end up being successful, and the whole process requires experimentation,” Patrick Vallance, the UK’s chief scientific adviser, wrote in The Guardian on Sunday.
“Coronavirus will be no different and presents new challenges for vaccine development,” he wrote. “This will take time, and we should be clear it is not a certainty.”
With reporting from HuffPost France, HuffPost Italy and HuffPost UK.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus Deaths In UK Increase By 449 In 24 Hours

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The number of people who have died in UK hospitals after contracting coronavirus has risen by 449 in 24 hours.
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It brings the working total to 16,509 – an increase of 3% on yesterday’s total of 16,060. But most of that increase consists of people whose deaths occurred days ago and are only now being reported. Here’s a quick primer on what all the different numbers mean and how to understand them.
Of the people who died in England, 15 had no underlying health conditions. The victims were aged 40 to 101. Some 84 of them actually died yesterday, with the remainder dying over the preceding month.
It is now 10 days since the UK’s highest single-day increase: 980 coronavirus-linked deaths were added to the total in 24 hours on April 10.
Work continues at a drive-through coronavirus testing facility which is to open at Twickenham Stadium, in south-west London, as part of the government's UK-wide drive to increase testing for thousands more NHS and other key workers. PA
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For the first time, a breakdown of ethnicity for some of those who have died was also released – following criticism that the impact on minority groups was being masked by a lack of data.
Figures from NHS England, using data up to 5pm on April 17, show that – of 13,918 patients in hospitals in England who had tested positive for Covid-19 at time of death – 73.6% were of white ethnicity, 16.2% were from BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) backgrounds and 0.7% had mixed ethnicity.
The remaining 9.5% had no stated or identifiable ethnicity.
The 16.2% figure for BAME ethnicity breaks down as:
Indian 3.0%
Pakistani 2.1%
Bangladeshi 0.6%
Any other Asian background 1.6%
Caribbean 2.9%
African 1.9%
Any other black background 0.9%
Chinese 0.4%
Any other ethnic group 2.8%.
It comes after a smaller study found that a third of UK coronavirus patients were from minority backgrounds.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story, published before the Department of Health and Social Care released its figures on Monday, reported that recorded deaths over 24 hours in England, Scotland and Wales had totalled 450; this was based on individual reports from the three devolved authorities, all of which use slightly different time periods and methodologies from the central government statisticians.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-20--Amanda Holden Learns Why You Shouldn't Let A 14-Year-Old Do Your Make Up In Lockdown

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Never mind baking, reading or watching TV – constantly refreshing Amanda Holden’s Instagram is fast becoming our favourite lockdown past time.
We’ve been waiting with baited breath to see how she would follow up the ridiculous photoshoot which showed her mowing the lawn in her wedding dress, and now we have the answer.
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The Britain’s Got Talent judge has shared a brand new make-up tutorial – but with a difference.
In a five-minute clip posted on her account, things started off normally enough, with a bare-faced Mandy sitting at her dressing table and explaining she’d learned lots of tips and tricks from her glam squad over the years.
However, as soon as she started haphazardly smearing products over her face, it became very apparent she wasn’t in control of the tutorial at all.
That’s because her eldest daughter Lexi, 14, actually had her hands through her mum’s top to give her a makeover she wouldn’t forget in a hurry.
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“I’m a massive fan of Picasso the artist and I like the abstract touch, I think it adds something,” Amanda joked as she had bronzer applied to her hair and lipstick smeared anywhere but her lips.
Mandy's makeover got a little out of control Instagram
Sharing the video with her followers, Mandy wrote: “I’ve learned from the best… make up tutorial with a twist. Hands care of Lexi.”
Amanda has been sharing some 10/10 posts on Instagram since lockdown started last month.
First, she was seen donning an evening dress to take her bins out, explaining she “wheelie wanted to dress up”, while in another post, she popped on her wedding dress and some welly boots to mow her lawn.
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She also pulled off a hilarious April Fool’s prank on her daughters by convincing them all weekends and school holidays would be cancelled when kids to eventually return to school after the coronavirus outbreak.
Amanda is continuing to present her Heart Breakfast Show during the lockdown, travelling from her Richmond home to central London each day to wake up her listeners.
She is also back on our screens in the latest series of Britain’s Got Talent, appearing in auditions that were pre-recorded earlier this year.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-20--Banana Brownies, For When You're Sick Of Banana Bread

Jeremy Paige
A lot of us have discovered something new about ourselves while staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic: It is possible to eat your weight in banana bread while self-isolating.
Once a week, you go to the supermarket to stock up on essentials, including a bunch of bananas, with the hope that you’ll actually eat them all. But each and every week, there’s always one or two left that have ripened past the point of enjoyment. So you join the rest of the internet and start making banana bread. A lot of it.
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But everyone’s got a limit. When it’s time to find something else to do with all those leftover ’naners, head to your pantry for brownie mix. Bingo! You can make banana brownies. Actually, banana brownies with a peanut butter swirl.
Bananas naturally have a lot of fat in them, making them the perfect substitute for other sources of fat in baking ― in this case, the oil or butter. Banana brownies aren’t necessarily “healthy,” but they use a healthier fat alternative.
Making these guys couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is combine one box of brownie mix with 1 cup of mashed bananas, a little milk and two eggs. That’s it. If you don’t have milk, you can use water, but the milk adds richness. When you’re adding the mashed bananas, just be sure they’re finely mashed without any lumps. This will help to ensure a consistent texture when baking.
You can stir a handful of chocolate chips into the batter and drizzle the top with peanut butter before baking, but feel free to leave that part out if you don’t have any on hand.
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Also, don’t worry if you don’t have a boxed mix at home. Below you’ll find a recipe for a homemade version, too.
Jeremy Paige
Peanut Butter Swirl Banana Brownies (boxed version)
Ingredients
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup finely mashed banana (about 2 bananas)
1/4 cup milk
1 box brownie mix
1 cup chocolate chips, optional
1/4 cup melted peanut butter
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius. Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, mashed banana and milk until thoroughly combined.
3. Add the brownie mix and stir until combined.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips (if using) and pour batter into prepared dish.
5. Drizzle peanut butter over the top, then use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the batter, running the knife lengthwise and crosswise through layers.
6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the dish comes out clean.
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7. Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes before serving.
Peanut Butter Swirl Banana Brownies (from scratch version)
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1⅓ cups chocolate chips, divided
1/2 cup finely mashed banana
3 large eggs, beaten
1½ cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/4 cup brewed coffee
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips, optional
1/4 cup melted peanut butter
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 180 Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Add butter and 1/3 cup chocolate chips in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk together and cook until chocolate and butter are melted and evenly combined.
3. Pour mixture into a large bowl and let cool for about 5 minutes.
4. Whisk in bananas, eggs, sugar, vanilla and coffee until combined.
5. Gently fold in the in cocoa powder, flour and salt.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips (if using) and pour batter into prepared dish.
7. Drizzle peanut butter over the top, then use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the batter, running the knife lengthwise and crosswise through layers.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the dish comes out clean.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes before serving.
Jeremy Paige


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-20--Former Top Civil Servant Lodges Constructive Dismissal Claim Against Priti Patel

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The Home Office’s former top civil servant has officially lodged a claim of constructive dismissal and whistleblowing against Priti Patel.
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Philip Rutnam resigned as permanent secretary to the department after 33 years in February, claiming he had become the “target of a vicious and orchestrated campaign” led by the home secretary.
Patel has faced a number of claims of bullying, according to reports, and is currently being investigated by the Cabinet Office. She has denied any wrongdoing.
Rutnam’s employment tribunal claim, however, is of constructive dismissal and of whistleblowing. Individuals can make a claim of whistleblowing under employment law if they make a protected disclosure about an organisation or co-worker and they are subsequently victimised or bullied for doing so. It is not clear what disclosure Rutnam is said to have made.
The FDA union, which is assisting Rutnam with his claim, put out a statement on Monday.
Home Secretary Priti Patel ASSOCIATED PRESS
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General secretary Dave Penman said: “On February 29, 2020, Sir Philip Rutnam resigned as permanent secretary of the Home Office, indicating that he intended to pursue a claim of constructive dismissal.
“Following his resignation, the FDA instructed Gavin Mansfield QC, head of Littleton Chambers and employment law specialist, as counsel to advise Sir Philip, supported by Clive Howard, senior principal lawyer, employment and partnership at Slater and Gordon.
“This morning Sir Philip, with the support of his legal team and the FDA, submitted a claim to the employment tribunal for unfair (constructive) dismissal and whistleblowing against the home secretary.
“Sir Philip will not be making any further comment at this time.”
When he resigned, Rutnam said he had been accused of briefing the media against Patel – something he denied – and that he had been the subject of a “vicious and orchestrated” briefing campaign to the press as a result.
In an extraordinary public speech at the time, Rutnam said: “The home secretary categorically denied any involvement in this campaign to the Cabinet Office. I regret I do not believe her. She has not made the efforts I would expect to disassociate herself against from the comments.”
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He said he had tried to make amends with Patel at the request of the prime minister and Cabinet Office, and that his treatment was “part of a wider pattern in government”.
Boris Johnson has repeatedly said he has confidence in the home secretary.
Number 10 declined to comment on ongoing legal proceedings today.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-20--Eight Things You Need To Know About Coronavirus Today

Unions are calling for a minute’s silence next week to remember all the health, care and other key workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus.
Unison, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives, who between them represent more than a million NHS and public service workers, including porters, refuse collectors and care staff, are urging the nation to join the tribute at 11am on April 28.
The minute’s silence, on International Workers’ Memorial Day, will allow everyone to pay their respects and show support for the families of those who have died, said the unions.
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This is the ultimate tribute to remember workers who’ve lost their lives and put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and vital services running.
“Every year the sacrifice of workers around the world is recognised, but this year has a special significance because of the pandemic.”
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said the government “is looking into the idea”.
“I have responsibility for ceremonials and things like minute-silences, and we are actively looking into that and think it is a good idea,” he told the BBC.
Asked whether it could be an official government-led event, he said: “Yes, I think it could be but we will make an announcement on that at an appropriate time.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has backed the idea, saying the party “wholeheartedly” supported the call.
Royal College of Nursing general secretary Donna Kinnair said: “We’ve become used to hearing a great roar on a Thursday night for key workers, but this respectful silence will be a poignant reminder of the risks they run to keep us safe.
“I hope the public gets behind this with the same affection they show when applauding our people.”
Many have had virus with no symptoms, report suggests


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--Cath Kidston Permanently Shuts All 60 Stores, Axing More Than 900 Jobs

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Cath Kidston will permanently shut its 60 UK branches with the loss of more than 900 jobs.
The homewares retailer confirmed its shops would not reopen once the coronavirus lockdown is over after the company’s owners secured a deal to buy back its brand and online operations following its fall into administration.
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Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA), which has held a stake in the chain since 2014, said it will buy the online business, brand and wholesale arm from administrators Alvarez & Marsal.
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It said the move will result in the “cessation of the retail store network”.
The company confirmed that only 32 of its 940 staff will see their jobs secured as part of the deal.
Melinda Paraie, chief executive officer of Cath Kidston, said: “While we are pleased that the future of Cath Kidston has been secured, this is obviously an extremely difficult day as we say goodbye to many colleagues.
“Despite our very best efforts, against the backdrop of Covid-19, we were unable to secure a solvent sale of the business which would have allowed us to avoid administration and carry on trading in our current form.
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“I would like to thank all our employees for their hard work, loyalty and patience over the last few weeks as we worked through this process.”
A spokesperson for BPEA said: “While we are disappointed that the Covid-19 crisis has resulted in the cessation of the retail store network and impacted many employees, we are pleased to have secured a future for a number of Cath Kidston staff and the Cath Kidston brand in the form of a viable digital business.
“Going forward we will continue to help the company grow through its e-commerce platform and international wholesale and franchise businesses.
“We would like to thank Melinda and the company’s management team for their hard work in managing through this difficult economic crisis and establishing a viable future for the business in the UK.”
It comes after struggling fashion chains Oasis and Warehouse collapsed into administration as the latest high street names to fail during the coronavirus lockdown.
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Around 2,000 workers across 92 stores and 437 concessions are affected, although administrators said the majority would remain furloughed for now.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories Is Pseudoscience At Its Worst

The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories sparked criticism from eating disorder campaigners BBC
Watching the BBC’s The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories last night, my brain immediately went into overdrive. There was a mixture of fear and anger, then that familiar, anorexic part of my brain kicking in – the one that would thrive off this kind of “information” – how to burn off the food that I put in my body in the most efficient way. It’s a part of my brain that can suck me in to a dark and critical headspace and supposedly help me feel in control and valued, particularly during this time of global turmoil.
I’ve been in recovery for anorexia for more than 11 years, and I now know my triggers well. I was able to shut that thinking down pretty much straight away and reassure myself, reaching out to others for support.
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But for the 1.6 million people who are diagnosed with an eating disorder in the UK, and for the millions of others who have disordered relationships with food or exercise, the program would be extremely triggering. And, in fact, I would go so far as to say that for every single person in society, this program’s messaging is completely inappropriate.
“Exercise isn’t about punishing ourselves and it isn’t just about burning off food, it is so much more than that.”
What were the producers thinking suggesting that we need to earn our food (and then burn it off!)? Everyone’s bodies are completely different and we all need different amounts of food.
This kind of oversimplified messaging around eating and exercise shouldn’t happen ever but especially not during lockdown – a time when so many are struggling with a need for control, and heightened emotions, and lacking their usual support networks.
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The program argues that there is science behind what they are saying, research showing that people eat less if they know how long it will take to burn something off.
This might seem pretty harmless (and probably pretty obvious), but what it fails to do is to educate us how to regulate our eating and exercise in a healthy and balanced way. Instead, it scaremongers, creating unhealthy messaging around calories, and exercise. It creates a “one size fits all” model, which fails to actually take into account individual differences. Crucially, it also fails to explain that if we burn off everything we eat, then a person will die.
Secondly, exercise isn’t about punishing ourselves. It isn’t just about burning off food, it is so much more than that. When I developed anorexia, exercise became a huge part of my illness. It was something that I had to do all the time to keep that nasty, critical, anorexic voice in my head at bay. If I wasn’t doing enough I was left with a sense of guilt, and failure. It ridiculed me each day, pushing me to my limits.
Exercise done in the right way can be really healthy and helpful for those in recovery, but these shows perpetuate a dangerous message about punishing our bodies.
As I reflect on last night’s show, I can’t help but feel angry and sad that a national TV channel was able to broadcast such dangerous messages.
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This morning, I woke up and put on my running stuff even though my body was aching. It took every ounce of courage not to push myself to go out for that run. The guilt set in almost immediately when I decided not to go, when I knew I needed to rest. The reality is, making this decision was hard today. Even 11 years on, some days feel harder than others. It is these shows and a society that pushes messaging about earning food and burning calories that causes this guilt. It causes the eating disorder to create these rules in our heads.
So if you watched the program, please remember a few things. Exercise and food are something to be enjoyed not earned. But if you are struggling, talking really helps. Please reach out for support. Living a life where food and exercise doesn’t dominate your thinking may seem like a world away, but it’s possible for all of us.
Hope Virgo is a mental health campaigner and author.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un ‘Gravely Ill’ After Surgery

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un ‘Gravely Ill’ After Surgery
Reports state that the leader has had heart surgery and is “gravely ill” following the procedure. Kim has been the dictator of North Korea and of its nuclear arsenal since his father, Kim Jong-il passed away in 2011.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--Easy Instant Pot Recipes You Can Make With 5 Ingredients Or Less

Since any trip to the supermarket during the coronavirus epidemic can be a little more daunting than usual, it’s significantly easier to prepare your next meal using ingredients you have around the house. Especially if you only need five of them.
And if you have an Instant Pot in the kitchen, it’s even more of a snap. We surveyed some of our favourite Instant Pot bloggers from around the country to share with us their favourite delicious recipes that require five ingredients or less (not including spices).
You’ll want to make everything from drinks and appetisers to soups, breakfasts, hearty dinners and even desserts! Here are 15 recipes you need to make in your Instant Pot.
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1. Instant Pot Easy Buffalo Chicken Wings
Tidbits
Get the Instant Pot Easy Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe from Tidbits
2. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Pinch of Yum
Get the Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe from Pinch of Yum
3. Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Pip and Ebby
Get the Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes recipe from Pip and Ebby
4. Instant Pot Wasabi Deviled Eggs
Dad Cooks Dinner
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Get the Instant Pot Wasabi Deviled Eggs recipe from Dad Cooks Dinner
5. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Pinch of Yum
Get the Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe from Pinch of Yum
6. Instant Pot Kalua Pig
Nom Nom Paleo
Get the Instant Pot Kalua Pig recipe from Nom Nom Paleo
7. Instant Pot Healthy Chicken Stew
HuffPost US
Get the Instant Pot Healthy Chicken Stew recipe from Imagelicious
8. Instant Pot Salmon with Dill
Corrie Cooks
Get the Instant Pot Salmon with Dill recipe from Corrie Cooks
9. Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Tacos
Nom Nom Paleo
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Get the Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Tacos recipe from Nom Nom Paleo
10. Instant Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce
My Heart Beets
Get the Instant Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce recipe from My Heart Beets
11. Instant Pot Potato Curry in Tomato Gravy
Piping Pot Curry
Get the Instant Pot Potato Curry in Tomato Gravy recipe from Piping Pot Curry
12. Instant Pot Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
RainbowPlantLife
Get the Instant Pot Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal recipe from RainbowPlantLife
13. Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
Pip and Ebby
Get the Instant Pot Hot Chocolate recipe from Pip and Ebby
14. Instant Pot Nutella Cake Bites
Imagelicious
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Get the Instant Pot Nutella Cake Bites recipe from Imagelicious
15. Instant Pot Cherry Dump Cake
Pip and Ebby


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--Watch: Here’s The Latest On Coronavirus Today

Watch: Here’s The Latest On Coronavirus Today
US President Donald Trump will sign a temporary order to halt all immigration into the country although no further details have been shared on the time and scope of the ban yet. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged countries not to politicise the pandemic saying he understands tragedy, citing his home country Eritrea’s 20 years of war in the past. The price of U.S. oil fell below zero for the first time in history meaning oil companies paid to get rid of their product, the knock on effect from lockdowns around the country doesn't necessarily mean consumers will pay less at the pump though. In the UK Parliament is returning from easter recess where TVs have been added to the House of Commons chamber so MPs can attend via Zoom. The government is expected to debate Sir Richard Branson’s much-criticised ask for taxpayer support to help save his company Virgin - the billionaire has offered to mortgage his private Caribbean island in the tax-free British Virgin Islands. And in Italy, after their coach asked for a video of them practicing, two girls have made a clip showing them playing tennis together - on separate roofs.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--25 Of The Funniest Tweets About Married Life

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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's Temporary Release From Prison Extended

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Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s temporary release from an Iranian jail has been extended for one month, her MP has said.
Tulip Siddiq tweeted on Tuesday morning: “Very happy to hear from Richard Ratcliffe that Nazanin’s furlough has been extended for a month – in line with other prisoners in Iran.
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“Now is the time for our government to do all it can to make it permanent.”
Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been living in relative isolation at her parents’ house in Tehran while the country gets to grips with the coronavirus outbreak.
Very happy to hear from Richard Ratcliffe that Nazanin’s furlough has been extended for a month - in line with other prisoners in Iran. Now is the time for our government to do all it can to make it permanent. #FreeNazanin — Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) April 21, 2020
She has to wear an ankle tag during the furlough, and can only go within a 300-metre range of her parents’ home.
Her husband Richard Ratcliffe told HuffPost UK his wife had called him to share the happy news.
He said: “She is hugely relieved, as the waiting day-to-day for their decision had been getting really stressful, and increasingly ominous. It’s so great to have another month.
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“There is no news on clemency, so that is something her lawyer will follow up on, but I think her immediate target is to try to be allowed to visit hospital for various medical checks. So that is what she has been lobbying the embassy for.”
Ratcliffe said he and the couple’s daughter Gabriella have been spending several hours a day on video calls with Zaghari-Ratcliffe during her release from prison in Iran.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Emma Barnett: “Nazanin was out for three days back in the summer of 2018 and we had a couple of calls then, but it was so tense and so uncertain and they were being harassed all the time.
“This is a lot more normal. We have been complaining about the prosaics of home schooling and normal parenting – it’s been nice to muddle our way through that together.”
He added Gabriella had initially struggled to understand why her mother had not come home during her temporary release.
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Ratcliffe said: “She [Gabriella] would be very happy to speak to her, but then have a meltdown after every phone call.”
He added: “But that’s melted away – she has suddenly become a lot happier to share and engage. [...] It’s not all been plain sailing but I think it’s beginning to feel a bit more human again.”
Human rights charity Amnesty International said it was “very pleased” for Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
They added: “There should be no question of Nazanin ever being sent back to Evin Prison. There are numerous reports of Covid-19 in Iranian jails, with detainees pleading for basic things like soap to help combat the disease.
“We’re urging the Iranian authorities to finally do the right thing and free Nazanin permanently, allowing her to return to her family back here in Britain.”
Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini airport while travelling to show her young daughter to her parents in April 2016.
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She was sentenced to five years in prison over allegations, which she denies, of plotting to overthrow the Tehran government.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--Deaths Linked To Coronavirus In England And Wales 41% Higher Than Previously Thought

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The number of deaths linked to coronavirus in England and Wales up to April 10 was 41% higher than previously thought, new figures reveal.
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Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the total number of deaths up to April 10 stood at 13,121.
This is 3,833 more than those reported daily by Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Our weekly deaths data show that
- of all deaths in England and Wales that occurred up to 10 April (registered up to 18 April), 13,121 involved COVID-19
- Comparatively @DHSCgovuk figures show that 9,288 deaths occurred by 10 April https://t.co/g3G5KGuOel #COVID19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/0tu6lP9WyT — Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) April 21, 2020
The ONS statistics include people dying outside hospitals whose death certificates mentioned Covid-19, and people where Covid-19 is a suspected factor but a patient has not been tested.
National figures released by the DHSC, on the other hand, only include patients who have died in hospital after testing positive for the condition.
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The ONS figures also reveal Covid-19 was a factor in 33.6% of all deaths in England and Wales in the week leading up to April 10, up from 21% the week before.
And total deaths from all causes for week 15 of the calendar year surged in the UK to 18,516. This is 7,996 more deaths than the five-year average of 10,520 and the highest recorded figure since January 2000.
ONS
In London, more than half (53.2%) of all deaths registered in the week ending April 10 involved Covid-19. In the West Midlands this figure was 37%.
Of the deaths mentioned in the latest ONS report, 83.9% (8,673 deaths) occurred in hospital, with the remainder occurring in care homes, hospices and in the community.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--Piers Morgan Bans Any Mention Of Harry And Meghan On Good Morning Britain

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In recent times, Piers has made no secret of his feelings towards the royal couple, repeatedly laying into them both on Twitter and on GMB.
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His latest comments come after the pair sent a letter to four UK tabloids, saying there’d be no further “corroboration” and “zero engagement” between them and the tabloids in question.
Their statement emphasised “this is not in any way a blanket policy for all media,” but the couple will no longer “offer themselves up as currency for an economy of click bait and distortion.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Piers previously branded Harry and Meghan “repulsive, deluded narcissistic tools” on Twitter for making the announcement while millions around the world have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and brought them up again during a discussion about the Queen’s birthday on Tuesday’s GMB.
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Imagine announcing this in the middle of a global pandemic?
Imagine thinking anyone cares about their hurt little me-me-me egos as health workers around the world are dying at work? What a pair of repulsive, deluded narcissistic tools. 👇 https://t.co/NSVbQK6hkg — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 20, 2020
“Let’s not talk about Meghan and Harry today I can’t be arsed,” Piers insisted at the top of the discussion. “Let’s just forget about them.”
However, he wasn’t exactly true to his word, and repeatedly alluded to them as the conversation went on.
He said: “Let’s not bother with the others, let’s just focus on the fact it’s the Queen’s birthday.
“Let’s just forget about the ones in Hollywood whining about their own miserable poor lives in their mansion.”
Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid ITV/Shutterstock
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Susanna Reid then pointed out that by “digging” at them, Piers was, in fact, not forgetting about them at all, telling her co-host: “Stop talking about them then, if you wanna forget about them.”
“I’m just saying I don’t wanna talk about them,” Piers responded, to which she replied: “But you still manage to dig at them.”
After telling Harry and Meghan to “sit in your mansion and shut up”, Susanna then suggested they not discuss them for the rest of the week, an idea which Piers seemed keen on.
“Seriously, [that’s] a great idea,” he said. “They banned a number of newspapers, today we’re banning Meghan and Harry from Good Morning Britain for the foreseeable future. You’re done, toast, it’s over.”
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We’ve got a feeling Piers is going to struggle to remain true to his word, though.
Back in January, Good Morning Britain guest Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu accused Piers of having a “vendetta” against the former Suits star, after he claimed that the media’s treatment of Meghan could not be described as racism.
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“Let me tell you what’s so offensive about this Piers, especially with you,” she said. “You are a man, privileged to have power and influence and you are using your platform so irresponsibly to spout out this personal vendetta with nasty and vile comments knowing fully well that your words are containing bigotry, misogyny, sexism and racism.
“You don’t take responsibility for how you have contributed to the so-called royal crisis. So when you ask me where is racism, it is not my job teach you about racism.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--Trump's New Press Secretary's Attempt At Sass Backfires Big Time

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White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany’s attempt to deflect criticism from President Donald Trump backfired in a big way on Monday.
McEnany, who replaced Stephanie Grisham earlier this month, quoted a tweet from ABC White House journalist Katherine Faulders, calling her out for referring to the president by name.
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The journalist’s tweet was highlighting Trump’s earlier claim that Maryland governor Larry Hogan “didn’t really understand” the federal testing capacity, despite the fact there is documented evidence suggesting the governor did. (Hogan, who has been critical of the Trump administration’s testing claims, followed Trump’s advice to take his state’s testing into his own hands and announced earlier Monday that he secured 500,000 kits from South Korea).
The White House press secretary responded to that assertion as follows:
To you, he’s not Trump, he’s PRESIDENT Trump! https://t.co/EIgPTPDIuO — Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) April 20, 2020
McEnany – who has a long history of sharing misinformation about coronavirus, birther conspiracy theories about former President Barack Obama, racist content and other problematic remarks – was immediately served up one of her own tweets from 2012:
You called the last president "son." So maybe sit this one out. pic.twitter.com/YQYYM5guEH — Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) April 21, 2020
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Twitter users were quick to thoroughly evidence the double standard.
No Karen, he’s Impeached President Trump. — Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) April 21, 2020
Hey Kayleigh: “Nice and easy, nice and easy. Just relax. You’ve got a nasty tone.” — Katie Phang (@KatiePhang) April 21, 2020
Yes, @PressSec, it’s very important that we show our presidents the respect their office commands. pic.twitter.com/LhGNj8SlHI — Janet Johnson (@JJohnsonLaw) April 20, 2020
Nice to check from inside of Trump's colon. — Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) April 21, 2020
To you, he's not Biden. He's FORMER VICE PRESIDENT Biden!
Have several seats, Kayleigh.
(and since you're the press secretary, you should learn where to place a comma.)https://t.co/f3RF3vlFEq — Tami Burages (@tburages) April 21, 2020
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To you, he's not Obama. He's PRESIDENT OBAMA.
Have another seat.https://t.co/IVAq9OqxDv — Tami Burages (@tburages) April 21, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--36 Eerie Photos Of Empty Places Around The World During Social Distancing

Governments around the globe have established strict stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic, leaving some of the most widely photographed spots on Earth more or less empty.
While it’s jarring to witness, say, Hollywood’s Walk of Fame or Mecca’s Grand Mosque nearly empty, it’s also impressive; seeing these locations virtually deserted is proof that we’re all making an honest attempt to flatten the curve by staying home.
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Below are 36 photos of places across the world that are nearly empty due to our social distancing efforts.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--Seven Things You Need To Know About Coronavirus Today

Get the latest on coronavirus. Sign up to the Daily Brief for news, explainers, how-tos, opinion and more.
The US president has declared he will sign an executive order to suspend immigration amid the coronavirus pandemic, as oil prices dipped below zero for the first time.
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Meanwhile in the UK:
The official UK coronavirus death toll reached 17,337, with another 823 Covid-19 deaths recorded in hospitals.
The number of people who have tested positive in the UK reached more than 129,000.
18,206 tests were carried out on Monday, with just 10 days left for the government to reach its target of 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of April.
As of 9am 21 April, 535,342 tests have concluded, with 18,206 tests on 20 April.
397,670 people have been tested of which 129,044 tested positive.
As of 5pm on 20 April, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 17,337 have sadly died. pic.twitter.com/rLnm7MWxEw — Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) April 21, 2020
Here are the latest developments on Covid-19:
Coronavirus vaccine to begin trials on Thursday
Health secretary Matt Hancock ASSOCIATED PRESS
The health secretary says government-funded research at the University of Oxford had been accelerated due to the global pandemic.
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Speaking at the Downing Street press conference on Tuesday, he said: “I can announce that the vaccine from the Oxford project will be trialled in people from this Thursday.
“In normal times, reaching this stage would take years and I’m very proud of the work taken so far.
“At the same time, we will invest in manufacturing capability so that, if either of these vaccines safely work[s], we can make it available for the British people as soon as humanely possible.”
While the trials may start this week, it has previously been reported a vaccine will not be available before September.
Oxford University will be granted £20m to fund its clinical trials, while a project at Imperial College London will get £22.5m to support its phase two clinical trials.
Boris Johnson and Donald Trump discuss coronavirus pandemic
Boris Johnson outside Number 10 before he was diagnosed with coronavirus zz/KGC-254/STAR MAX/IPx
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Boris Johnson has told Donald Trump he is “feeling better” as he recovers from coronavirus.
In a sign the PM was making a gradual return to work, Downing Street said two leaders had discussed the need for an international response to the pandemic and a post-Brexit trade deal.
A spokesperson for Downing Street said: “The prime minister spoke to President Trump this afternoon, and thanked him for his good wishes while he was unwell.
“The leaders agreed on the importance of a coordinated international response to coronavirus, including through the G7 – which the US currently chairs.
“They also discussed continued UK-US cooperation in the fight against the pandemic.”
The leaders are committed to continue working together, “including by signing a free trade agreement as soon as possible”.
Meanwhile, the White House said the pair had also discussed the need for co-operation to “reopen global economies”.
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A White House spokesperson added: “President Trump and prime minister Johnson reaffirmed their close cooperation through the G7 and G20 to reopen global economies and ensure medical care and supplies reach all those in need.
“President Trump and prime minister Johnson also discussed bilateral and global issues, including our shared commitment to reaching a United States-United Kingdom free trade agreement.”
Johnson is expected to have a telephone audience with the Queen later this week for the first time in three weeks, during which he spent time in intensive care with Covid-19.
Deaths linked to coronavirus in England and Wales 41% higher than previously thought
The number of deaths linked to coronavirus in England and Wales up to April 10 was 41% higher than previously thought, new figures reveal.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the total number of deaths up to April 10 stood at 13,121.
Advertisement
This is 3,833 more than those reported daily by Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Our weekly deaths data show that
- of all deaths in England and Wales that occurred up to 10 April (registered up to 18 April), 13,121 involved COVID-19
- Comparatively @DHSCgovuk figures show that 9,288 deaths occurred by 10 April https://t.co/g3G5KGuOel #COVID19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/0tu6lP9WyT — Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) April 21, 2020
The ONS statistics include people dying outside hospitals whose death certificates mentioned Covid-19, and people in hospital where Covid-19 is a suspected factor but a patient has not been tested.
National figures released by the DHSC, on the other hand, only include patients who have died in hospital after testing positive for the condition.
Cath Kidston permanently shuts all 60 stores, axing more than 900 jobs
The fashion retailer confirmed its stores will not reopen once the coronavirus lockdown is over after the company’s owners secured a deal to buy back its brand and online operations following its fall into administration.
Only 32 of its 940 staff will see their jobs secured as part of a deal which will see the business exist solely online.
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Melinda Paraie, chief executive officer of Cath Kidston, said: “While we are pleased that the future of Cath Kidston has been secured, this is obviously an extremely difficult day as we say goodbye to many colleagues.
“Despite our very best efforts, against the backdrop of Covid-19, we were unable to secure a solvent sale of the business which would have allowed us to avoid administration and carry on trading in our current form.”
RAF to bring PPE equipment from Turkey ‘in the next few days’
A consignment of personal protective equipment being collected by the RAF from Turkey will be in the UK “in the next few days”, Local Government Minister Simon Clarke has said.
Asked whether it had left Turkey yet, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I can’t speak to that, I’m afraid. All I know is it set off last night.
“It will be with us obviously in the UK in the next few days, which is the core priority.”
Trump says he will suspend immigration In a message posted on Twitter, president Donald Trump said he would suspend all immigration into the United States for an undisclosed amount of time as the nation reels from the ongoing spread of Covid-19. “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”
In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2020
It’s unclear how wide-ranging the suspension would be, and the White House and Department of Homeland Security did not immediately reply to HuffPost’s requests for clarification.
However the US president has been forced to rein in his sweeping proclamations related to the outbreak several times before.
He previously touted what he called a total “ban” on travel from China as cases of the coronavirus began to soar in the United States, but the mandate had notable exceptions for residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and for US citizens and permanent residents. Many flights continued to operate for weeks, ferrying nearly 40,000 people to America from China.
Making masks compulsory could put NHS at risk, warn hospital bosses
The NHS’s supply of face masks could be jeopardised if the government begins advising the public to wear them, hospital bosses have warned.
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Scientific advisers for the government are carrying out a review of the use of face masks, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) saying there is no evidence to support their use by the general population.
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and NHS trusts in England, has urged the government to “fully assess” the impact any new advice could have on health service supplies.
In a statement on Monday, he said: “Fluid repellent masks for health and care staff are key to safety and to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
“Securing the supply of masks, when there is huge global demand, is crucial. This must be a key consideration for government.
“There needs to be clear evidence that wearing masks, along with other measures, will deliver significant enough benefits to take us out of lockdown to potentially jeopardise NHS mask supply.”
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Statista
Price of US oil falls below $0 for first time in history
The price of US oil fell to less than $0 per barrel for the first time in history as the knock-on effects of the coronavirus outbreak shook the world economy.
The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil for May delivery ended on minus - yes, minus - $37.63. On Friday, the same product was valued at $18.27.
It led to the bizarre situation of oil producers paying buyers to take the commodity off their hands as they feared they had nowhere to put it.
Why has this happened now? The coronavirus pandemic has meant the demand for oil has collapsed. This is the result of the virus’s spread to all corners of the world, lockdowns and other knock-on effects.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--UK’s First Sikh A&E Consultant Manjeet Riyat Dies After Contracting Covid-19

Dr Manjeet Singh Riyat UHDB
The first Sikh to work as an A&E consultant in the UK has died after contracting Covid-19, an NHS trust has said.
Manjeet Riyat was known by his colleagues at the Royal Derby Hospital as the “father of the emergency department”.
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Riyat, who previously worked at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Lincoln County Hospital, has been described as “instrumental” in building the emergency medicine service in Derbyshire over the past 20 years.
He died on Monday at Royal Derby Hospital, the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust (UHDB) said.
The emergency consultant also acted as an emergency medicine tutor at Derby College where he oversaw the education of junior doctors.
Paying tribute to Riyat, trust chief executive Gavin Boyle said: “Riyat, known to his colleagues as Manjeet, was a widely respected consultant in emergency medicine nationally.
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“Manjeet was the first A&E consultant from the Sikh community in the country and was instrumental in building the emergency medicine service in Derbyshire over the past two decades.
“He was an incredibly charming person and well-loved. Manjeet knew so many people here across the hospital; we will all miss him immensely.
“On behalf of everyone here at UHDB, including our patients and the communities we serve, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family.”
In a tribute on behalf of the hospital’s emergency department team, emergency medicine consultant Susie Hewitt said: “Manjeet was one of the first clinical research fellows in the UK and contributed to the birth of academic emergency medicine.
“Despite his many achievements, Manjeet was most at home as a highly visible ‘shop floor’ emergency medicine consultant.
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“He was consistently generous with his remarkable clinical knowledge to everyone in the team.
“He had that rare gift of maintaining constant joy in the intellectual challenge of clinical medicine, combined with gentle kindness and compassion for his patients.
“He was a powerful advocate for the sickest patients and was well known for his fair, no-nonsense approach.
“By contrast, Manjeet could be relied upon to lift the mood with his dry humour and sense of fun.
“Manjeet was enormously valued and much loved as a colleague, supervisor and mentor, as well as for his wise council and discreet support in tough times. For many, Manjeet was considered the father of the current emergency department in Derby and many more will reflect on how his inspiration has shaped their own careers.
“Finally, Manjeet was fiercely proud of his wife and two sons and often shared the achievements and exploits of the boys with equal good humour. He always kept sight of what is really important in life and set an example by living life in keeping with his high standards and strong values. He will be hugely missed.”
Trust chairwoman Dr Kathy McLean said: “Manjeet Riyat made a huge contribution to the NHS in Derbyshire and across the field of emergency medicine nationally.
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“I had known Manjeet from when he first joined the trust in the early 2000s and he very quickly made an impact with his focus on patient care and high standards.
“It was clear that he was an outstanding emergency medicine doctor and generations of families in this region have benefited from the care he provided.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--Trump Says He'll Suspend All Immigration Into The United States Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

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President Donald Trump said Monday he would suspend all immigration into the United States for an undisclosed amount of time as the nation reels from the ongoing spread of COVID-19.
“In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”
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In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2020
More than 786,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the US and more than 37,000 have died.
It’s unclear how wide-ranging the suspension would be, and the White House and Department of Homeland Security did not immediately reply to HuffPost’s requests for clarification.
Trump has been forced to rein in his sweeping proclamations related to the outbreak several times before. The president has touted what he called a total “ban” on travel from China as cases of the coronavirus began to soar in the United States, but the mandate had notable exceptions for residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and for US citizens and permanent residents. Many flights continued to operate for weeks, ferrying nearly 40,000 people to America from China.
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The White House also banned all travel from Europe only to announce that the United Kingdom was exempt, but then banned it once again days later.
The president has been moving aggressively to reopen parts of the US even as cases of the virus continue to grow, despite warnings from some lawmakers and public health officials that doing so too early could prove catastrophic for Americans.
“We’re starting our life again,” Trump said last week while announcing a three-phase plan that governors could use to jumpstart their state economies. “We’re starting rejuvenation of our economy again.”
But a majority of Americans have said they, too, are worried the US will return to normal too soon, according to recent polls.
The White House has already moved to enact some pillars of the president’s hard-line immigration policies during the pandemic. The US has expelled more than 10,000 migrants to Mexico with minimal if any processing, citing the virus and saying doing so protects Americans’ health. Some of those people were asylum seekers looking for protection, according to reports.
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“This is not about immigration,” Mark Morgan, the acting commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection, said earlier this month, according to the Los Angeles Times. “Right now this is purely about infectious disease and public health.”
Human rights groups have decried the measures, calling them illegal and claiming the Trump administration is using the virus as a backdoor to enact the president’s priorities.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--North Korea's Kim Jong Un 'Not Brain Dead Or Gravely Ill', Says South Korea

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South Korean officials have quashed reports that circulated overnight that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was gravely ill and possibly even “brain dead”.
A Seoul-based speciality website Daily NK cited unidentified sources inside the isolated state saying Kim is recovering at a coastal villa after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure at a hospital on April 12.
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CNN reported that Kim was in “grave danger” and NBC News then claimed he was “brain dead” though the tweet containing the claim was later deleted “out of an abundance of caution”.
Without elaborating on whether or not Kim has undergone surgical procedure, two South Korean government sources cast doubt on the reports he is gravely ill and the presidential Blue House said there are no unusual signs coming from the North.
An official at the Chinese Communist Party’s International Liaison Department, which deals with North Korea, told Reuters the source did not believe Kim was critically ill. China is North Korea’s only major ally.
Kim is the unquestioned leader of North Korea and of its nuclear arsenal. He has no clear successor and any instability in the country could be a major international risk, Reuters reports.
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A US source familiar with internal US government reporting on North Korea backed up the South Korean account and questioned the CNN report that Kim is seriously ill, even though he has been out of the public eye for an extended period.
AFP Contributor via Getty Images
There has been speculation over Kim’s health after he was absent from an event marking the anniversary of the birthday of its founding father and Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, on April 15.
On April 12, North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong Un had visited an airbase and observed drills by fighter jets and attack aircraft.
Two days later North Korea launched multiple short-range anti-ship cruise missiles into the sea and Sukhoi jets fired air-to-surface missiles as part of military exercises, South Korea’s military said.
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The missile tests were done on the eve of a national holiday in North Korea to celebrate the birthday of Kim Il Sung.
US-North Korea denuclearisation talks stalled at the end of 2019 and analysts say this year’s string of tests and military drills appear aimed at underscoring North Korea’s return to a more hard-line policy.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--This Photographer Captured The Reassuring Beauty of Isolation

As the coronavirus pandemic escalates globally, many of us are spending an unprecedented amount of time indoors. During self-isolation, windows (and, of course, the internet) are a lifeline to the world around us.
When scenes of people looking out windows from within their homes in China, Italy and Iran became ever-present across social media and television, Japanese Canadian photographer George Nobechi was reminded of a time where he felt disconnected and isolated from the world. In 2015, Nobechi was grappling with a series of disruptive life events: the aftermath of his father’s sudden death years prior, the dissolution of a long-term relationship and the departure from a career in finance that took him to New York and left him completely burnt out.
Drifting among friends’ houses and couches, he set out to come to terms with where his life had taken him, and it was then that he reconnected with photography, a long-dormant passion. For nearly three years, Nobechi created the photo project “Here. Still. (Unmoored)” photographing spaces in their natural states. He simply captured signs of life: a potter’s work table, a motel room, an empty bus.
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“I made photographs where I felt the presence of humanity inside a space, and the stillness of life unfolding beyond the window: visible, even tangible, but inaccessible, as if on a screen in an empty theatre,” Nobechi said in his project statement. “I recalled my childhood growing up in the organised chaos that is Tokyo, looking out on the enormous city from by bedroom window, even then feeling disconnected from the bustling people below.”
In these 15 photos, Nobechi captures the beauty of quiet and stillness that truly resonates in this moment.
Lake Shikotsu, Hokkaido, Japan, 2015
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Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan, 2015
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, 2017
Devil’s Bridge, Borgo a Mozzano, Tuscany, Italy, 2015
Cumbres and Toltec Railway, border between Colorado and New Mexico, 2016
Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan, 2015
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Matsumae, Hokkaido, Japan, 2015
Yamadera, Yamagata, Japan, 2017
Tokyo, Japan, 2016
Great Sand Dunes National Park Visitors’ Center, Colorado, 2016
Shirakawa-go, Japan, 2016
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New Mexico, 2015
Hokkaido, Japan, 2015
Nagasaki, Japan, 2017


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--Having Vivid Coronavirus Dreams During The Pandemic? Experts Decode Them.

CSA Images via Getty Images Dreamface
No, you’re not imagining it: Your dreams really have been more vivid and intense since the coronavirus pandemic began.
You’re not alone, either. Google searches of the question “Why am I having weird dreams lately?” have quadrupled in the past week as all of us struggle to understand why the pandemic and being on lockdown have seeped into our subconscious.
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Poor sleep quality is partly to blame. According to a recent survey of 1,014 adults conducted by SleepStandards, a site that reviews mattresses, 76.8% admitted their sleep has been affected.
We have dreams every night, but the better we sleep, the less likely we are to remember them in the morning. Stress fragments sleep and increases our ability to recall our dreams.
Research has shown that increased anxiety during the day can lead to more negative content in dreams ― especially during a global crisis like this. After 9/11, researchers found that the collective trauma made our dreams more intense and memorable in the days following the attacks. (You’re not alone if you recall having a plane crash dream back then.)
In this case, all those pent-up thoughts you have about you or your loved ones catching Covid-19 are bound to make it into your nightmares.
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“We dream at night what we can’t think or feel during the day ― and there is a lot of unthinkable shit happening right now,” said Emily Anhalt, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Coa, a “gym for mental fitness.”
“Add to that the guilt we feel for complaining while people are dying, and our emotions have nowhere to go,” she said. “So where do those thoughts go? They present themselves in our dreams, disguised by symbol and metaphor.”
Is it just me or has everyone been having like super vivid dreams over quarantine. I can’t remember a night where I haven’t had atleast 2 dreams. They have complete story lines, a full arc and ending... not mad. Just suspicious. — SofiA bRyANt (@sofiakbryant) April 13, 2020
Interestingly, the symbols and metaphors that pop up in our own respective dreams are pretty universal. When we recently asked readers to share some of their most vivid dreams, many of them touched on the same themes.
To better understand our coronavirus dreams, we asked dream experts to decode some of the most common themes readers sent us. Read their analysis below.
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Responses have been edited and condensed for clarity.
Dreams About Public Gatherings
1. “I’ve been having coronavirus dreams every night. Mostly they involve me out in public places that we used to visit. Disneyland, Las Vegas, movie theatres. My three young kids are running around in crowds of people, touching everything while I chase after them, crying.” 2. “In one dream, my husband threw a surprise birthday party for a friend (and I had no idea who this friend was). Guests started to arrive and I was horrified, thinking about how many of them will then die from Covid-19. In another dream, it was our wedding day (at a venue I didn’t recognise), and I yelled in my dream, ‘This wedding can’t happen, lots of people will die!’” 3. “I had a dream I went to Disneyland and realised I forgot to wear pants. I rushed to a store in Downtown Disney to buy something to put on, then realised I forgot to wear a mask. And then I realised I really shouldn’t be at Disneyland at all, anyway. I chalked it up to my fears of being unprepared for a pandemic.”
Weddings and birthdays are milestone events that usually involve a plurality of people. Dreams about them suggest the dreamer is preoccupied with how Covid-19 will affect people en mass, said psychologist Anjhula Mya Singh Bais.
“They’re thinking not individualistically, as they would be if it were a dream about a job promotion, but rather, events that involve love and community like birthdays and weddings,” Singh Bais told HuffPost.
Both events also embody ideas around life and death.
“Birthdays are when you came into the world, which means an automatic countdown has begun toward when we will die, and wedding vows involve ideas like ‘until death do us part,’” she said.
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As for the Disneyland dreams, “Disney is quite often synonymous with innocence, fun and good memories, back in the day when things were good,” Singh Bais said. “Running around there in your dream suggests you miss the freedoms that we maybe took for granted. Now there’s a new world order where no place feels safe.”
As for the missing pants in the last dream? “Forgetting to wear pants as opposed to a shirt or cap symbolises the naked truth that you feel vulnerable,” she said.
Survivalist, Pop Culture-Inspired Dreams
1. “I’m having survivalist dreams. I’m buying the kind of stuff I know they wished they had on ‘The Walking Dead.’ There are multiple tornadoes coming from [all directions]. I’m trying to keep everyone safe but there’s too many people, so I have to make choices.” 2. “I had a dream a few nights ago where life was a combo of ’1984’ and ‘Hunger Games.’ The 10 richest families in the world released the virus as a ‘Hunger Games’-type contest to see which nation found a cure first. My dream had media coverage, too, but it appeared to be gameshow hosts instead of news anchors on air. Life was very much like ‘1984’ in observation. It was really weird.”
Tornadoes often symbolise destruction and life upended, Singh Bais said.
“The world as we knew it has come to an end like it did in ‘The Walking Dead,’” she said. “Covid throws up many questions. Your dreams are playing out survival scenarios in a bid to maintain hope, preparedness and stability.”
In the case of the “Hunger Games” dream, seeing the pandemic as a game likely helps this person step away from her emotions and take a more objective view, said dream analyst Jane Teresa Anderson.
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“One strategy for surviving and even thriving in crisis is to switch into cool, objective mode,” she said. “The dreamer might be exploring a ‘cure’ for losing her job, a cure for issues around her relationship that are heightened due to self-isolation, or a cure for any number of personal challenges.”
Missing Snacks
1. “In my dream, Stormtroopers (wearing yellow armor instead of white) from the CDC were raiding houses and confiscating everyone’s personal hoards of Crystal Pepsi, as it was a needed ingredient for the Covid-19 vaccine. They were pounding on the door to my house, which I found weird because I only drank Coca-Cola Clear back in the day, and had neither since 1980-something.” 2. “I’m in my 38th day of isolation because I had experienced symptoms. I really just dream about snacks. I ran out of snacks in week one!”
Dreams about missing snacks are related to feelings of being deprived, depleted and unrewarded, said Carla Marie Manly, author of “Joy from Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend.”
“Having one’s snacks taken away reflects the fear of being robbed or deprived of what we want and need in life,” she said. “The Stormtrooper dream also reflects anger and irritation at the government-imposed restrictions which may feel overreaching and invasive.”
A Mysterious Figure
1. “I’ve had dreams about the coronavirus a few times, each of them different. The most memorable one was when I was patting my 2-year old to sleep one night and begin to doze myself. I was in an auditorium that had a deep red curtain. It was fairly dark there. A few people were in there, none of whom I noticed nor did I really recognise. What I noticed was, in the far corner, a slender human body with an ominous, giant black rabbit head was just silently watching in the back. It was wearing a vertical black and white striped outfit. It made me incredibly uneasy. I knew what it was in my dream; it was a visual manifestation of this virus that’s currently lurking everywhere. The dream was brief but left me uneasy for days. It was early on in the stay-at-home order. I just felt its presence and like it was silently calculating who to come after, no one else aware of its presence. I’ve always been weirded out by artwork or displays of human bodies with mascot heads on, but this was pretty out of the ordinary for me, in terms of dreams. Even weeks later, I still feel uneasy when recalling it.” 2. “I dreamt I was in my living room when something broke into my home right through the wall. I was running from this beast with a loud roar. I hid in the bushes outside while it stomped around my yard threatening everyone and everything I loved. I’m guessing my mind was processing the virus and gave it a visible form.” 3. “Every night, I dream that I’m sheltering in place in a run-down, abandoned mansion with some faceless man that I don’t know. At first I have fun exploring the house and finding secret rooms and passageways. Toward the end of the dream, furniture starts moving around by itself, doors slam shut on their own, and the piano starts playing by itself. I wake up right as I’m about to run out of the house and just take my chances with the virus. Each night, I dream about this same house. Sometimes, I show the man the different rooms that I have found in previous nights’ dreams. For some reason, the faceless man is only wearing a towel around his waist, like he just got out of the shower. He never has clothes on. Awkward. Glad to see that I’m not the only one having weird dreams right now!”
In the first, the auditorium setting is meaningful, said Lauri Loewenberg, author of “Dream on It: Unlock Your Dreams, Change Your Life.” The dreamer may feel like our current situation is more like a show, not real life.
“The dreamer, like all of us, may be eager for this show to be over, to close the curtains on this nightmare,” she said. “Also, the dream was dark. Whenever a dream takes place in the dark, it is often because the dreamer’s emotions are dark at the time or the dreamer is uncertain or ‘in the dark’ about a certain issue in his or her life. Both of these could certainly apply.”
The dreamer’s subconscious is using imagery that has always creeped her out to give form to the virus, Loewenberg said. “And the rabbit head may be a reference to how this virus is multiplying like rabbits are known to do.”
In the second dream, the dreamer is right on the money in their interpretation: The virus has taken visible form in the beast.
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“The beast ― or the virus ― broke into the dreamer’s living room,” Loewenberg said. “The living room represents that which do on a daily basis, our day-to-day lives. The dreamer ran out of her living room because her daily, living routine has been vastly disrupted.”
“Covid throws up many questions. Your dreams are playing out survival scenarios in a bid to maintain hope, preparedness and stability.” - Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, psychologist
The house is incredibly significant in the last dream. Houses ― whether they’re our actual home or imagined ones ― tend to represent the self, Loewenberg said. The type of house and the condition of it says a lot about the dreamer’s current state of mind.
“Mansions often symbolise a big part of the dreamer, a part of the self the dreamer is proud of,” she said. “Since the mansion is abandoned and she is excited to explore the rooms, this may be a part of the dreamer that she has neglected but is excited to get back to now that quarantine has likely given her tons of extra time.”
Despite the dreamer’s good intentions, the more difficult parts of quarantine are likely starting “to haunt” her since the mansion becomes so creepy she wants to make a run for it.
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“I think the man is a part of herself as well and is most likely her male energy: the part of her that is no-nonsense, with assertive energy. On the other hand, unknown women in dreams tend to represent creative, emotional and nurturing energy,” Loewenberg explained. “Just as the man seemed to have just gotten out of the shower, her no-nonsense, ‘get-er done’ side is telling her to cleanse herself of her frustrations and negativity and get back to what she was originally excited about.”
A Return To Childhood
“I’ve been dreaming of my childhood home at the age my son is now (9) and of my deceased father. In my dreams, my parents are both alive, healthy and strong, and I feel cocooned by their mere presence. I interpret my subconscious returning to that time in my life as the antithesis of the anxiety and fear I feel now. My nearly 74-year-old mother lives alone, in the Bronx, and I am terrified of her becoming ill. I am no longer the child, but the parent who must provide love, stability and calm. I awake feeling alarmed and winded, as if I have literally traveled through time and space. Despite my fears, however, I know I am among the lucky and for that, I am grateful.”
This dreamer is looking for a solution to the problem of her anxiety and finds just that in her memory of being cocooned by her parents, Anderson said. The dreamer is taking comfort in an era when her mother was healthy, strong and capable of protecting her daughter. It’s interesting that the dreamer is thinking of her 9-year-old son; when our children reach specific ages that resonate with our own childhood, we often dream of being that age again, Anderson said.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--'I’m Anxious About How Long I’ll Be Off For': 5 Women On What It's Like To Be Furloughed

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A month ago none of us knew what a furlough was. But in the wake of Covid-19, millions across the country became suddenly acquainted with the term.
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The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme allows employers to put staff who can’t work because of coronavirus on furlough – or ‘on hold’ – and the government will cover 80% of salaries, up to £2,500 per month, for at least four months starting from 1 March 2020. Think of it like pressing pause on jobs during the crisis because there’s temporarily no work coming in and pressing play to resume back to positions when the pandemic is over. This doesn’t necessarily mean redundancy, it would mean that you’d still be kept on your employer’s payroll, rather than being laid off.
Obviously, it’s not so straightforward in reality. The lived experience of being on furlough is very different to how it appears on paper. Anxiety, relief, gratitude are just some of the emotions people are feeling right now. We spoke to five furloughed workers on what life is like with all this sudden free time.
‘I’m going to use my time to volunteer.’
Jessica Buck Jessica Buck
Jessica Buck, 27, works for a luxury travel firm in Oxfordshire within the sales support team. She is one of fifteen employees to be put on furlough, after the travel industry was hit particularly hard by the pandemic.
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“I understood why they had decided to furlough me,” she tells HuffPost UK. “No new bookings were coming in, which meant I wasn’t needed as much and website updates weren’t as urgent.”
Despite not being able to work, Buck’s company still offers weekly video conferences to check in with its employees, providing an online social workplace where furloughed workers can post and share what everyone’s been up to.
“I stay motivated by getting up at my normal time as if I was going to work and taking the dog out for walks for my daily exercise,” she explains. “I’ve decided that I’m going to use my time to volunteer to give something back to our wonderful NHS and the Pituitary Foundation, a charity that’s close to my heart. My sister is a nursing assistant at JR Hospital in Oxford and works long shifts, so I want to support during this crisis.”
‘I’m anxious about how long i’ll be off for.’
Shahed Ezaydi Shahed Ezaydi
Shahed Ezaydi, 25, from Sheffield who works in marketing for a hand dryer company also anticipated furlough after the lockdown began.
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“I kind of expected it to happen as soon as the government announced,” she explains. “My boss told me that I was going to be furloughed from the end of March. Our company is small and the sales were really down, but my colleagues and I still chat on our work WhatsApp group – it’s comforting to know that most of us are all in the same boat!”
However, there’s still a pang of worry in the back of Ezaydi’s mind. “None of us knows how long we’re going to be furloughed for and it all seems quite up in the air,” she says. “My initial thoughts were ones of relief. Knowing that my job and income were safe, but being a few weeks into furlough, I’m now anxious about how long I’ll actually be off work for.”
Despite the reassurances by the government, there’s been some confusion on how it applies and who’s eligible.
“I think the government scheme for employees is great, but it isn’t very clear. For example, I have a couple of friends who have been furloughed but are still working, which they didn’t realise isn’t allowed if you’ve been furloughed,” Ezaydi explains. “I think the rules around furlough need to be a lot more clear and direct.”
‘I’ve tried to not put too much pressure on myself.’
Frances Wright Frances Wright
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Frances Wright, 33, assignments editor at a London-based news agency company also expected something like this was on the horizon and has been put on furlough until the end of May. With 25 percent of her company’s workforce put on hold – all they can do is check-in periodically because of the new, unsettling situation there’s not much more that can be done.
“I was a little bit scared and fearful, but had also anticipated it,” she says. “I mainly work with photographers covering entertainment jobs, but there is simply nothing happening at the moment.”
Since being placed on furlough leave, Wright’s major concern was staying sane. She’s trying to stay positive and look on the bright side in light of all this. “The concept of furlough was new to me, but I think it was new to everyone. I’ve tried to not put too much pressure on myself, no ‘finally writing that book’, but just keeping a routine of sorts,” she adds. “I’m waking up at a reasonable time, doing yoga, making my way through the enormous ‘to read’ pile on my bedside table, watching my way through my enormous ‘to watch’ film list and exploring my local area on foot.”
‘I felt like I was finally able to relax for a little bit and focus on how to keep myself and my family safe and healthy.’
Chloe-Rose Crabtree Chloe-Rose Crabtree
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For Chloe-Rose Crabtree, 30, who works at Mei Mei restaurant at Borough Market in London, being put on furlough offered huge relief. While many were fortunate to be able to work from home almost instantly, those working in the food industry found themselves in a difficult position – with many restaurants and cafes remaining open until government closures came into effect.
“It took a lot of mental gymnastics to go into work, be there for my team and confront the reality of a global pandemic. A couple of nights before the official announcement was made to close restaurants, I was just sobbing on the phone to my husband,” she says. “I had been holding it together all day and I just fell apart walking across London Bridge. When the furlough relief was announced I felt like I was finally able to relax for a little bit and focus on how to keep myself and my family safe and healthy.”
Crabtree says her boss had been transparent with her team throughout the pandemic and had told staff that if they weren’t comfortable going in, their jobs were not at risk.
“It was difficult because while it seems easy for a restaurant to transition straight into delivery and take out, it’s a lot more complicated than that,” Crabtree explains. “Some lease agreements don’t support delivery, some menus aren’t easily translated to take away and delivery services definitely took the opportunity to gouge restaurants as they became increasingly reliant on delivery.”
Crabtree expected – two weeks prior to receiving her notice – that furlough was on the horizon. She says she will be on furlough indefinitely because there was no real answer as to when the business can open again.
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‘I thought this was the first step to being made redundant.’
Toni White Toni White
Like many, Toni White, 33 from Devon is also using her spare time to pool her efforts into helping our emergency services.
“In and around my day job I’m a men’s mental health specialist in male-dominated workplaces. I’m using my furlough time to support the police with their mental health and build a new website for men in the workplace, which will host a members-only informal national network for men in the police,” she explains. “I’m also trying to finish writing my book, so I have lots to keep me focused and busy!”
Before the coronavirus lockdown, White worked for a global property management firm and will be furloughed until the end of May. Like others, the pandemic was the first time she had even heard of the word furlough, much less understand what it meant collectively or individually.
“I was initially worried, as I thought it meant that my role wasn’t considered necessary or important and therefore this was the ‘first step’ to being made redundant. I worried I’d lose my job or be unable to pay my rent,” she explains. “Thankfully my company was very clear with their guidance which helped ease my anxieties. Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better company to be furloughed with!”
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White’s firm ensures employees are kept up to date with any Covid-19 news that might affect the business. They also schedule regular work drinks to keep up morale and ensure that everything is transparent during such unknown times.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-04-21--I Joined A Virtual Laughter Club To Lift My Mood – It Was... Interesting

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I join the Zoom call and a couple of people are in there already – one of them, Lili, is full of beans. “Shalom,” she says. “Hello. You want to see my bird?”
It turns out I’m early for the session – it doesn’t start for another 40 minutes. Lili, who is based in Israel, walks off camera briefly and comes back wearing a frog headband and a large, green plastic tie. She gets out a toy bird that records her voice and replays it back to me. Okay, I think to myself, this is bananas.
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Lili asks me to do some exercises, so I stretch my hands high above my head. She chuckles. It turns out she didn’t mean that kind of exercise. This clearly isn’t her first foray. She pulls funny faces at the camera and tells us to do the same – I oblige. Another woman, called Ja, puts her fingers near her cheeks, like she has whiskers, and meows loudly like a cat. I copy the finger actions, but can’t bring myself to meow loudly at these strangers I’ve only just met.
It’s 10am on a Thursday morning, and I’ve tuned in to an hour-long virtual laughter club – sometimes called laughter yoga – with Dr Madan Kataria, author of Laughter Yoga: Daily Practices for Health and Happiness, who is based in India. The premise is simple: it’s learning to laugh in the absence of humorous stimuli. The aim is to bring more oxygen to the body and brain through laughter.
Dr Kataria’s first ever laughter meeting was in a Mumbai park in 1995 – and it’s now practised in more than 100 countries. Pre-lockdown, laughter clubs took place, physically, in communities all around the world. However, with many of us in lockdown, these clubs have now moved to Zoom or Skype.
It’s my fifth week of working from home, and lockdown in the UK, so I’m really hoping this morning’s laughter session will cheer me up – I’ve woken up feeling grumpy after a terrible night’s sleep.
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When it properly starts, there are close to 100 people in the Zoom room – folks from all over the world: Israel, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, Spain. Someone says it’s 5am where they are – they’re at work at an airport, wearing a high vis jacket. Lili asks people to say ‘I love you’ in their language. It’s a fun conversation starter, I’ll give her that.
Dr Madan Kataria, the host, arrives. “We need to laugh more than ever before,” he says during his brief introduction, acknowledging the coronavirus pandemic.
And then we begin our first exercise: laughing solidly for five minutes.
HuffPost UK Laughter yoga
Almost immediately, 96 people from around the world, sat in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and at work, start laughing. There are booming “ho ho hos” and maniacal “ha ha HAAAAAs”. I give it a go and within minutes, I’m breathless. How on earth am I going to keep this up?
During the five minutes, Dr Kataria starts pulling faces, almost like he’s trying to accentuate his laughter – everyone copies, so I follow suit. Then he does hand gestures while laughing: he’s flicking his hands about like he’s trying to shake water off them, then looks like he’s applying invisible suncream to his face. We all do it back. This, it turns out, is because during the session, you should also keep moving.
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The key is to try and laugh for longer to get rid of residual air in your lungs, I later learn. According to Dr Kataria’s book, laughter is often interspersed with deep breathing exercises in these sessions – this isn’t mentioned in the club though. So I just end up belting out some “ho ho hos” and “ha ha has”.
At points, people bring props along. There’s a woman in a colourful hat moving erratically with dough-faced puppets; a man with a toy statue of a Chinese dragon; and Lili with her frog attire, poking out her tongue and waving her hands around her face. Another person has a small dog on their lap while pulling faces. It’s surreal. I find myself genuinely laughing at the weirdness of it all, then I’m soon back to forced laughter. When I spot the woman in her rainbow-coloured hat – like colourful sausages poking out of her head – I’m in hysterics again.
Five minutes pass, and I’m knackered. Thankfully there’s a rest period while Dr Kataria runs through some slides on why forced laughter is beneficial. Longer sustained laughter – we’re talking 15-20 minutes – has physiological benefits, he says. It’s like a workout.
It’s also different to the laughter we get from comedy because that’s often short bursts of passive laughter. With this laughter, you can control it. “We should be laughing every day,” says Dr Kataria. “We should be making it a habit.”
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The session continues with another five minutes of solid laughing, an information break, then back to lolling with silly faces and hand movements. People in the call seem to have limitless energy – some, admittedly, are sat in bed and not doing much, but most people’s faces are crumpled. They’re really going for it. Smile lines are everywhere, limbs are waving frantically.
Because everyone’s laughter is loud and unmuted, it’s hard to tell whether it’s real or forced. At one point my boyfriend walks into the kitchen as I’m belting out some HA HA HAs. He has no idea what’s going on because I’ve got headphones in, so I start genuinely laughing – he looks very confused.
As time goes on, I ease into it. It’s the most bizarre thing I’ve ever witnessed, but I embrace the silliness – and my spirits lift. I forget why I was so grumpy. I forget about the horrendous period pain that kept me up all night. And, just briefly, I forget about coronavirus. Before I know it, it’s the end of the session – it doesn’t feel like a whole hour has passed.
It’s a strange practice, but there’s something incredibly liberating about letting go, sticking your tongue out at a few strangers while HA HA HA-ing at them, and knowing you’re all together, despite being dotted across the world. When I come off the call I feel lighter and reenergised. I also feel a sense of connection.
So, what is this magic? Laughter triggers a beneficial hormonal response in the brain, neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott previously told HuffPost UK. You get a change in adrenaline and, in turn, become more relaxed. “You also get an increase in endorphins, meaning it feels good to laugh,” she said. “Over a longer time scale, you then get a reduction in cortisol – the stress hormone.”
When I ask Prof Scott whether I feel the benefits because my brain can’t tell the difference between forced and real laughter, she replies: “Yes I think so – partly because even forced laughter gives you an endorphin ‘hit’ and partly because, for people who like it, the forced laughter leads very quickly to ‘real’ laughter.” However, she caveats, for people who don’t like laughter yoga, the opposite is true and they can become highly stressed: “It’s not for everyone, it seems.”
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