thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Trump Claims US Will See More Death By Keeping Economy Shut Than By Coronavirus

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President Donald Trump’s insistence on downplaying the coronavirus risks reached dangerous levels Monday as he scoffed at medical advice and threatened to open up the economy despite skyrocketing case numbers.
At the White House’s daily coronavirus briefing, the president focused on wanting to reopen businesses very soon despite global guidance to essentially shut down societies and encourage people to stay home.
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“It’s bad, and obviously the numbers are going to increase with time, and they’re going to start to decrease, and we’re going to be opening our country up for business because our country was meant to be open,” Trump said, despite the rising COVID-19 death toll.
The US saw confirmed cases rise to more than 41,000 on Monday, with nearly 600 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins medical school’s coronavirus resource centre. World Health Organisation Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday that the pandemic is actually accelerating ― stressing that it took 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases, 11 days for the second 100,000 cases and just four days for the third 100,000 cases.
The #COVID19 pandemic is accelerating. It took 67 days from the 1st reported case to reach the first 100K cases, 11 days for the second 100K cases & just 4 days for the third 100K cases.
These numbers matter, these are people, whose lives & families have been turned upside down. https://t.co/VydhLBNq36 — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 23, 2020
But these numbers have not appeared to influence Trump’s desire to shift the priority back to the economy.
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The president said he wants the country to be “back to business” soon. Though he didn’t give an exact timeline, he said it won’t be “three or four months as some people were saying and a lot of people thought originally.” The “people” Trump was referring to were the nation’s health experts.
There are “certain hot spots like New York,” and the federal government has to work on those spots, “but at the same time, at a certain point, we have to get open, and we have to get moving,” Trump said. “We don’t want to lose these companies. We don’t want to lose these workers.”
Trump repeated that “we can do two things at one time” before again bringing up flu deaths and motor vehicle fatalities.
“We have a very active flu season, more active than most. It’s looking like it’s heading to 50,000 or more deaths — deaths, not cases. 50,000 deaths — which is, that’s a lot,” he said. “And you look at automobile accidents, which are far greater than any numbers we’re talking about. That doesn’t mean we’re going to tell everybody no more driving of cars. So we have to do things to get our country open.”
As reporters pushed the president on why he would open up businesses when the country is seeing COVID-19 deaths occur at a faster rate, Trump said that more people would die from economic and social restrictions than from allowing the virus to spread.
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“You have suicides over things like this when you have terrible economies,” the president said, adding that “the cure has been very tough.”
CNN reporter Kaitlin Collins asked Trump if any doctors on his team have agreed with him that it’s the right decision to ease social-distancing guidelines in a matter of weeks.
“If it were up to the doctors, they may say, ’Let’s keep it shut down ― let’s shut down the entire world,” he said. “You can’t do that with a country ― especially the No. 1 economy anywhere in the world, by far … you can’t do that. It causes bigger problems than the original.”
Pressed again on whether any doctors have endorsed easing the guidelines soon, Trump said they have “not endorsed” but that “I think they’re OK with it, and I’m OK with it.”
Monday was the second consecutive briefing in which Dr Anthony Fauci, the country’s leading infectious disease expert, was not present. Asked if he’ll listen to Fauci if he advises him to maintain the self-isolating guidelines beyond 15 days, Trump said: “Yeah … then ultimately I have to make a decision.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Trump Considers Defying Health Experts, Ending Social Distancing Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

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Despite health experts urging against a rush back to normalcy, President Donald Trump and his allies have begun hinting they want to relax social distancing policies next week amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Late Sunday night, Trump tweeted that he didn’t want the solution to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, to be “WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF.” His words, which echoed those of a Fox News host earlier that day, referred to social distancing policies that have closed schools and businesses and kept people inside instead of pumping money into the economy.
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WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 23, 2020
He echoed the same message at a Monday evening press conference. “America will again and soon be open for business, very soon, a lot sooner than three or four months, as somebody was suggesting,” he said. “We cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself.”
Trump issued stricter guidelines last Monday when he told Americans to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and to stay away from various public places for at least the next 15 days ― from March 16 to March 30. When that period ends next Monday, the president is apparently eager to loosen the restrictions in hopes of boosting the now flagging economy ― the success of which had been one of the biggest selling points of Trump’s reelection campaign.
The president pointed to the viral videos of spring breakers in Florida ignoring the social distancing guidelines as justification for relaxing them, a source close to the White House told CNN.
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“What’s the point of social distancing if 20% ignore the order?” Trump has asked his aides, according to the source. His senior advisers are reportedly beating the same drum even as multiple public health experts warn it’s too soon to ease off drastic measures.
“I don’t know anybody in the building who is arguing that we should keep going the way we’re going,” a senior White House official told CNN. “Everybody here is pulling in the same direction.”
Larry Kudlow, Trump’s top economic adviser, made the rounds on cable news Monday morning pushing that narrative. “The president is right,” he said on Fox News. “The cure can’t be worse than the disease, and we’re going to have to make some difficult tradeoffs.” Later on CNBC, he said, “At some point, you have to ask yourself whether the shutdown is doing more harm than good.”
Kudlow’s previous messaging on the coronavirus was not always informed by information from public health officials. In late February, he insisted that the US had “contained” the outbreak “pretty close to air-tight.” But earlier that day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Americans that the virus was spreading throughout the country.
With the 15-day mark fast approaching, Trump is weighing changing the social distancing guidelines so that they apply only to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, an administration official told The Wall Street Journal.
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That approach disregards an important aspect of how the coronavirus is likely spreading: Modeling shows that young, healthy people are the most likely to spread the disease to vulnerable people, who already tend not to move around as much.
But Trump’s allies in conservative media are backing him up. Fox News’ Laura Ingraham posted a lengthy Twitter thread on Monday morning dismissing the value of medical professionals’ advice in setting social distancing guidelines.
“Doctors provide medical treatment and cures—they should not be the determinative voices in policy-making now or at the end of 15 days,” she wrote.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--11 Classic Shows To Stream On Disney+ That Are Guaranteed To Give You A Nostalgia Kick

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The brand new streaming service Disney+ has finally arrived in the UK, and along with it come a slew of classic TV shows you probably haven’t thought about in years.
And let’s face it, with so many of us stuck indoors and feeling a little but glum about it, it probably couldn’t be a better time to launch a streaming platform so geared towards giving us a nostalgia kick.
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Much has been made about the fact the service boasts all of your favourite classic Disney film – not to mention every episode of The Simpsons – but there’s also a long list of shows that debuted on the Disney Channel in the 1990s and early 2000s just waiting to cheer you up.
Here are our 11 top picks...
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1. Hannah Montana
Before she was the sledgehammer-licking, vagina-dentata-sporting, always-On-A-Roll singer and activist we know today, Miley Cyrus was best known as Hannah Montana, the biggest pop star in the world who somehow managed to keep her identity a secret from her school friends by sporting a blonde wig.
Hannah Montana is probably not a show we’d recommend if you skipped it first time round (although Miley’s godmother Dolly Parton is in one episode, which is quite something), but if you were a fan of the original, this could well be a much-needed dose of nostalgia and escapism.
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2. Kim Possible
The Disney Channel sure loved a “regular teenage girl by day, something fantastic and extraordinary by night” narrative, huh?
Unlike Hannah Montana, Kim Possible was not a pop star, despite having her own iconic theme tune – performed by Christina Milian of Dip It Low and AM To PM fame, no less – but a secret agent. She completely blew James Bond out of the water, too, with more impressive gadgets, scarier nemeses, cooler sidekicks (big up Rufus the mole rat) and, quite frankly, better hair.
3. Recess
The gang for whom the term #SquadGoals were invented. Who didn’t spend their days in the 90s wanting to boot a red kickball around with TJ and the gang, learn an important lesson from liberal queen Miss Grotke or go boot shopping with Spinelli (alright, maybe that last one was just us).
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And even though she was billed as the villain of the show, a quick rewatch as an adult will prove Miss Finster was actually all kinds of fabulous, and deserves respect on her name.
4. Lizzie McGuire
The second best thing Hilary Duff ever lent her name to (top of the list being the 2015 cult classic Sparks), Lizzie McGuire follows the titular teenager as she navigates the cringiest aspects of adolescence, from bra-shopping with your mother to handling an all-consuming crush.
A reboot centring around Lizzie in her 30s was supposed to have been in the works for Disney+, but this was been put on hold, seemingly due to conflicting ideas about how “adult” the show’s themes should be. Still, at least we have The Lizzie McGuire Movie – also streaming on Disney+ – in which our heroine takes a trip to Rome and meets her doppelganger, who just happens to be Italy’s biggest pop star.
5. Gargoyles
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We’re going to be honest, we don’t actually remember all that much about Gargoyles, other than it was a bit dark and a bit weird, and we were probably a tiny bit scared of it when it was originally on TV. So obviously, we’re very much looking forward to revisiting it.
6. Goof Troop
A question you never thought would ever have been explored – how would Goofy handle life as a single dad? – gets an actually rather satisfying answer in Goof Troop, which introduces the classic Disney character’s son Max (you know he’s cool, because he skateboards).
And before you ask, the extremely good spin-off films A Goofy Movie and A Very Goofy Movie are also on Disney+, ready for a lazy Sunday double-feature at your earliest leisure.
7. DuckTales
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Goof Troop but... with ducks? The show centres around Donald Duck’s uncle Scrooge McDuck, who – after Donald joins the US navy (!?!?) – ends up caring for his nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie.
Weirdly, it’s mostly about the family jetting off around the globe and solving mysteries in an Indiana Jones-esque fashion. Let’s face it, though, even in the 90s we weren’t watching it for the story, we were watching it for the theme tune (which, by the way, still slaps).
8. The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody
We still can’t quite believe someone came up with the idea for a TV show about a pair of twins who basically cause chaos in a hotel that they live in (where their mum is also the singer), but somehow it worked. And when it was decided the show needed freshening up… off they went on a cruise ship instead! Because why not?
If nothing else, it’s worth putting on so you can tell whoever happens to be in the room, “you know that’s Cole Sprouse from Riverdale?”.
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9. The Little Mermaid
Over the years, Disney tried out spin-off TV series for loads of their classic films, including Aladdin, The Lion King, Lilo And Stitch and The Emperor’s New Groove – and most of them are available on Disney+.
We’ve singled out the Little Mermaid prequel series here because they actually managed to introduce some cool new characters and explore Ariel’s back story and family a little more in-depth… as well as giving the Ursula a second villainous musical number almost (but not quite) as camp as Poor Unfortunate Souls.
10. That’s So Raven
Raven-Symoné takes the lead in this sitcom about a teenage girl who discovers she has psychic abilities, a bit like a much less intense Stranger Things, but with more catchphrases and catchier opening titles.
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As you may recall, the lead character (helpfully also named Raven) often wound up in scrapes thanks to her psychic visions, which usually only told her half of the real story. She can now be seen exploring motherhood in yet another sequel, Raven’s Home, the first two seasons of which are also on Disney+.
11. Boy Meets World
The Disney Channel OG, surely? Running for seven seasons, the show followed Cory Matthews throughout all the key moments of his life. A lot changed for Cory in that time – he went from middle school to college, lost friends and made new ones and even gained a baby brother as it all went on. Bizarrely, he somehow ended up having the same teacher – who was also, coincidentally, his next door neighbour – through it all.
The good news is, once you’ve binged all seven series (don’t even pretend you’re not going to) there’s also the short-lived spin-off Girl Meets World, which tells new stories from Cory and Topanga’s daughter’s perspective.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--49 Times This Morning Outdid Itself In The Ridiculous Stakes

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With the majority of us working from home at the moment, lots of us are turning to daytime TV to keep us both informed and entertained.
The go-to daytime show is This Morning, which is enjoying some of its highest ever ratings. We’re sure it’s just on in the background while everyone toils away though.
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We’re reliving some of the show’s more surreal moments by counting up all the times it outdid itself in the ridiculous stakes...
1. When this pensioner revealed she got through “a whole tube of KY Jelly” on the first night with her toyboy fiancé
2. When Alison Hammond accidentally pushed a man into the Albert Dock
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3. When a woman married her dog in a live ceremony conducted by Alison, and attended by Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes
Meanwhile on daytime TV... pic.twitter.com/Barx6AQeYX — This Morning (@thismorning) July 30, 2019
4. Not the strangest incident involving a dog on the show, however
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5. When The Speakmans helped someone with their most unusual phobia yet
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6. When Holly and Phil met “Britain’s sexiest cow”
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7. When Brendan Blethyn’s dog could not control his urges
8. When a singing donkey refused to co-operate
Will Harriet the singing donkey sing for us live on air?
No. No she won't... @Schofe @RochelleHumes pic.twitter.com/frpcpSo16R — This Morning (@thismorning) November 19, 2018
9. When Ainsley Harriot scared the living daylights out of a pensioner called Jill
10. When Alison met Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and had zero chill
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11. When the show got a little too swept up in Fifty Shades fever
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12. When Holly and Phil whipped out a paddling pool for their mermaid guest
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13. When a pony took an actual dump in the studio
14. When a whole segment of the show was dedicated to this
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15. The entirety of The Wizard Of Oz-themed Halloween special
16. When Holly and Phil royally cocked up a competition by calling the wrong winner
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17. When Phil and Holly completely lost it at these rude kids’ drawings
The kids drawing fails you’ve been sending in are quite possibly the funniest things we've ever seen!
If you love having fun with us on the show, we’d love your vote at this year’s TV Choice Awards 👉 https://t.co/9Rmpcgaf9I pic.twitter.com/OoLD7DEVmE — This Morning (@thismorning) July 2, 2019
18. When they did a feature on sex positions for the elderly, complete with live demonstrations
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19. When Alison tripped and fell on a giant inflatable, and then couldn’t get up
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20. Almost as brilliant as the time she got stuck on a door knob
21. When the show investigated this very important matter
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22. When Alison nearly got arrested while presenting live from Pisa
We sent @AlisonHammond to Pisa to tell you all about our £300K competition... but never thought she'd have a run-in with the Italian police! 😂
For a chance to win £300K, and perhaps bail Alison out of jail, enter here 👉 https://t.co/hQvl5Nm9WT
18+ UK only, T&Cs apply. pic.twitter.com/oOpd5AZo22 — This Morning (@thismorning) June 30, 2019
23. When Phillip went head-to-head with Kim Woodburn
24. When this happened
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25. When Alison had an exclusive interview with the UK’s European Tree Of The Year nominee
26. When they invited a young girl along to do her impression of Big Ben
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27. When Holly fell hook, line and sinker for Phil’s April Fool’s Day prank
28. When someone in the production team had to cut a mircopenis out of paper
29. Likewise, when the man with the world’s biggest penis came on the show
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30. When this teenager debuted his impressive collection of hoovers
31. When Alison Hammond braved the ski slopes (with obvious results)
And this was before @AlisonHammond2 experienced the famous Val D'Isere après-ski! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/c4g3zBgwUq — This Morning (@thismorning) January 10, 2019
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32. When they tried to help this poor soul out
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33. When Gino D’Acampo cooked completely naked in the kitchen
34. When they managed to stretch this out for an entire seven-minute segment
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35. When Holly and Phil had a close call with a pair of skunks that paid a visit to the studio
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36. When Holly and Phil got to grips with the nation’s favourite sex toys
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37. When this woman appeared and the nation collectively said, “Yeah, same”
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38. When Holly got up close and personal with this lady
39. When this woman tried to predict the future by chucking asparagus around
40. And they later employed the services of Marcus The Mystic Pig to predict the World Cup results
41. When Tinky Winky, Dispy, Laa Laa and Po sat down for a chat with Holly and Phil
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42. When a feathered friend ran amok in the studio
43. When this motley crew dropped by
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44. When Uri Geller tried (and ultimately) failed to stop Brexit
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45. When this lady opened up about her paranormal love life
46. When Alison Hammond had Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling in stitches during the most iconic interview ever
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47. When this woman’s life flashed before her eyes
48. When Alison Hammond boarded a lifeboat
49. And of course, no This Morning round up would be complete without a bit of dunking beef, would it?
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--8 Things People Diagnosed With Coronavirus Want You To Know

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Around the world, cases of Covid-19 continue to surge. Those who’ve already weathered the virus have learned a lot from it. They know what it’s like to get tested and how the symptoms progress. They also know what it feels like to watch people panic-shop and huddle in bars while they sit at home with a fever.
We spoke to a few people who’ve had Covid-19 and asked them what they want us to understand about the illness. Here’s what they said.
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It spreads like wildfire
Trevor Mankin, a Lutheran pastor in Seattle who’s had Covid-19, was alarmed at how easily the virus spreads.
On March 1, Mankin visited a friend in a hospital, who he’d later find out had Covid-19. Though he had taken all the right safety precautions — he wore a gown and face mask, and washed his hands thoroughly — both Mankin and his wife felt run down just a few days later, and tested positive for the novel coronavirus on the 11th.
Before his symptoms really kicked in, Mankin stopped by his office to pick up some files. The next day, his secretary went to work. Though he had no contact with her — other than her touching the doorknob or him coughing in a room she later entered — she got Covid-19.
“It can spread so easily,” Mankin said. “It doesn’t seem to matter if you’re in contact with a person or not.”
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That’s why practising strict social distancing right now is so important. Staying home as much as possible can help slow down the spread of the virus.
Moyo Studio via Getty Images
It’s not like the flu or a bad cold
Covid-19 is compared to the flu more than anything else. But Chiara DiGiallorenzo, a 25-year-old based in Miami who’s been battling Covid-19 since March 6, said the infections are far from the same.
Though her illness started with a fever and fatigue, two flu-like symptoms, she knew something was different when she felt a growing tightness in her chest that left her short of breath.
“It is not the flu,” DiGiallorenzo said, emphasising the fact that many people who get it are “fighting for air.”
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Christy, a woman in Seattle who recently recovered from Covid-19, also wishes people would stop calling it a bad cold. Her illness started with a multi-day fever that progressed into sinus congestion, a headache and a debilitating “brain fog” that made it impossible to focus.
“It’s not just a cold,” said Christy, who wished to withhold her last name to talk about her medical issues. “I’m pretty healthy and not old (in my 40s), and it kicked my ass.”
Take it seriously, even if you don’t get that sick
About 80% of people who contract Covid-19 will experience what doctors refer to as mild symptoms — a slight fever, a dry cough — and will recover on their own at home. But that doesn’t mean people with a lower risk should take it any less seriously.
Many who’ve had Covid-19 say it’s frustrating to see people downplaying the threat, and cramming together in bars and at beaches.
“I just wish people would be a little more concerned with those people [who have a higher risk] than concerned with just themselves,” Mankin said. He asks people to think not solely about their own needs, but about everyone else’s as well.
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DiGiallorenzo has been trying to teach other millennials about the gravity of the pandemic. She’s been hosting Q&A’s on her Instagram page to open up a dialogue and help destigmatise the virus among her peers.
“If [younger people] pass this on to those less strong, it can be deadly,” DiGiallorenzo said. She also wants younger people to know that they can get sick, too, especially if they have underlying health issues. “Nobody is invincible to this,” DiGiallorenzo said.
You may not get tested, but that shouldn’t change how you behave
Testing continues to be limited, which means test kits are often reserved for those with the most severe symptoms. At this point, many people who have more moderate symptoms may only be tested for the flu.
DiGiallorenzo said many hospitals were unwilling to test her and her friends (who were also sick) due to their age and level of health.
If you have any symptoms, regardless of whether you’re able to get tested, act like you have Covid-19 and quarantine until you’re better, Christy added.
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“You will probably never be able to get tested, so you’ll just have to act accordingly,” Christy said.
Give and accept support
Amid all the chaos, people affected by Covid-19 have felt an outpouring of support. Mankin’s been amazed by “how many people have brought us meals and groceries and just called to check on us.”
Christy felt lucky that she and her husband, who was also diagnosed with Covid-19, had each other while recovering from the infection. But, she worries about those who don’t have others to lean on.
“I would love it if people start thinking about folks who might need a phone call, email or message right now. It’s a great time to reach out to a friend or relative and check in,” Christy said.
PeopleImages via Getty Images
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Cut back on the news
Mankin has watched the news every day for years, but recently decided to cut back a bit — and recommends you do the same.
“If I watch the news, I get depressed, I get more upset, I get concerned,” Mankin said. Since the pandemic erupted, he’s gone on “a bit of a news fast” and watches only the highlights for an hour a day.
DiGiallorenzo has felt the same. Though she’s trying to stay as informed as possible, she’s been making a point to unplug and decompress. “There’s such an influx of negativity right now that I try and take a pause daily to meditate,” DiGiallorenzo said.
Focus on the upside
When Mankin was first diagnosed, he persistently worried about what was going to happen to him along with the rest of the country. But he soon realised his concerns were potentially traumatising his children and he was missing out on valuable time with his family.
He recommends focusing on the silver linings, if you can, rather than getting bogged down by the negatives.
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“So, you’re stuck at home for six weeks — you know what, I’m never going to have six weeks when I can sit with my daughters and play,” Mankin said. “Stop it and enjoy your family.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--The Dos And Don'ts Of Lockdown We All Need To Follow

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We’re here to guide you through the coronavirus lockdown. Sign up to the Life newsletter for daily tips, advice, how-tos and escapism.
As the UK continues to stay in lockdown, many are still questioning what we can and can’t do right now.
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Boris Johnson revealed the UK was to enter a near-total lockdown in late March. In a televised address to the nation, he announced that the public would only be allowed to leave their home for exercise, to collect food, for medical reasons, and travelling to and from work if they can’t work from home.
The announcement came after crowds of people were pictured closely mixing in parks, markets and open spaces, despite being told they risked spreading the disease if they didn’t stay at least two metres apart.
So what should and shouldn’t you be doing right now? To make it a little easier, we’ve rounded up the dos and don’ts.
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Dos and Don’ts
Do stay at home. It’s the only way to reduce the spread of this highly infectious virus. This means working from home and your employer should support you to do this. People should only be going to work if absolutely necessary and they can’t do their jobs from home. If you aren’t able to work from home, ensure you’re working in an environment where you’re two metres away from your co-workers. And if you, or someone in your household, has suspected symptoms of coronavirus – a continuous cough and/or fever – you all need to self-isolate indoors for 14 days. You can now get a sick note online.
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Do keep two metres from others at all times – that’s the length of extremely tall Pointless co-host, Richard Osman. Under the new lockdown measures, people are only allowed to visit the shops for basic necessities, and as infrequently as possible. Keep the two-metre rule in mind when visiting supermarkets for your food shop. Ideally, where possible, prioritise at-home deliveries to reduce your chances of coming into contact with others. If you can’t go to a supermarket, try shopping at smaller, local stores or corner shops which are less likely to be busy.
Don’t get public transport unless absolutely necessary. At the start of this week, photos emerged showing packed train platforms and crammed Tube and tram carriages as workers were on their normal rush hour commute. These sorts of environments are breeding grounds for the virus to spread. So, if you have to go to work, think about other ways you could commute – could you walk, drive or cycle instead?
Don’t visit your family or friends. All gatherings of more than two people in public – excluding people you live with – will be banned. Police will issue fines and break up gatherings of those who flout the rules. Why not organise a meet-up on Zoom or House Party instead? People are getting creative with virtual pub quizzes and games. If you can’t video call them in some capacity, there’s always WhatsApp, email, written post, and the good old-fashioned phone call.
Do continue to practise good hygiene. Wash hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Steer clear of people with symptoms, cover your own coughs and sneezes with tissues, and frequently clean surfaces in your home.
Do use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.
Don’t go to crowded parks to exercise. All gyms and outdoor gyms are closed. Under the lockdown measures, people can leave the house to do one form of exercise a day – for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household (parks will remain open for this purpose only). Failing that, exercise at home instead. Tune in to PE with Joe Wicks, a daily YouTube workout.
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Do continue to give blood. An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “People can still donate blood. Giving blood is classed as a medical need and a form of helping vulnerable people. It is essential to patients and the NHS. If you are fit and well, please keep donating as normal.”
Do keep doing the things you enjoy. Staying at home all the time can be mentally draining and isolating, so do things you love – carve out time to read, cook, bake, knit, craft, draw, paint, watch films or binge on that Netflix series. Play the board game that’s gathering dust on the top shelf, do that DIY you’ve been putting off, get out in the garden and plant some flowers. Now is the time.
Do eat healthy, well-balanced meals at home if you can and make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Try to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and taking drugs.
Do crack open those windows and get some big deep breaths of that fresh spring air. Get out in the garden, if you can.
Don’t visit holiday homes, caravan parks and camp sites. The message from the government is clear: stay home, save lives.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Try These 3 Easy Snack Recipes To Brighten Your Day At Home

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Salt and vinegar crisps, a chocolate bar and a slightly bruised apple – snacks can be boring, but they don’t have to be.
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re all at home a lot more. And with pubs and restaurants shut, we’re cooking a lot more, too. So why not use this time to brush up on your skills in the kitchen?
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If there’s one thing that may help boost your mood throughout the day right now, it’s delicious food. Forget the unmemorable packet of mid-afternoon crisps and turn your hand to one of these recipes, instead. You can stave off hunger in the lunch-dinner limbo, while also having that satisfied feeling of making something yourself.
Here are three of our favourite new snack staples.
Apple nachos
A sweet version of a classic starter or snack – and it includes one of your five-a-day. Bonus.
HuffPost UK Supplied
Serves: 2-4 (depending on how hungry you are)
Ingredients:
2-3 apples
Half a lemon
2 tablespoons peanut butter
Small handful of raisins
Small handful of raw pumpkin seeds
Small handful of flaked unsweetened coconut
Small handful of pretzels, crushed
Method:
1. Lay each apple on its side and slice it into rounds right through the core. You should have about eight slices per apple.
2. Make your slices thin like chips but thick enough to hold the toppings. Squeeze the lemon over the slices so they don’t brown. Pluck out the seeds, revealing the pretty star/flower-shaped centre of each apple slice.
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3. Stir one tablespoon of water into your peanut butter until it’s thin enough to drizzle. Pile your apple ‘chips’ on a plate. Drizzle the peanut butter over the top. Sprinkle on raisins, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, and crushed pretzels.
Katsu Chicken Scotch Eggs
These scotch eggs sound like a match made in heaven, served with katsu dipping sauce. Add a decent side salad to make this a hearty lunch if you’d prefer.
HuffPost UK Supplied
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
2 medium eggs
3 large chicken sausages or 4-6 chipolata-style sausages
half tsp curry powder
For the curry sauce:
50g peeled potatoes, diced
55g peeled carrot, diced
55g peeled onion, diced
2 tsp curry powder
1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped
half chicken stock cube
1 tsp tomato puree
300ml water
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 200 (fan 180/gas mark 6). Place all of the ingredients for the sauce in a saucepan, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the veg is cooked. This should take around 30 minutes or so.
2. While the sauce is cooking, place the eggs in a pan of boiling water and simmer for 6 mins. When they are cooked, take them out and put them in a bowl of ice water. Leave to cool.
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3. Remove the skins from the sausages and place the sausage meat in a bowl. Add the half teaspoon of curry powder and mix well. Set aside.
4. Peel the eggs carefully. Wet your hands to prevent the mixture sticking to your fingers, then use your hands to enclose an egg in half of the sausage meat, making a smooth ball. Repeat with the other egg, place them on a baking tray and cook in the oven for 15 minutes.
5. Once the veg for the sauce has cooked through, use a stick blender to blitz the contents of the saucepan until the sauce is smooth. If it’s a little thick, you can add some more water until it reaches the desired consistency. Serve the eggs and sauce hot or cold. The sauce can be frozen once cooled – defrost fully before reheat or serving cold.
Vegan butternut baked beans
HuffPost UK Butternut baked beans
This recipe makes a large quantity, and it keeps well in the fridge for two to three days, so you can enjoy it over the week. If you don’t want to make such large portion, halve the amounts of butternut squash, onion and mushrooms.
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Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes
2 medium onions, peeled and diced
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
200g mushrooms, roughly diced
1 x 400g tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 200/180 fan. Put the squash, onions, garlic and mushrooms into a large roasting tray, along with the chickpeas. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle over the smoked paprika. Use a large spoon to mix everything well, ensuring that the vegetables and chickpeas are evenly covered with the paprika oil.
2. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through if you get the chance, until everything starts to soften and caramelise at the edges. Add the tined tomatoes and stir through. Then return the tray to the oven for another 10 minutes.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--The Government Knew A Pandemic Was Coming But They Didn't Do Anything To Prepare

The government has had to either make policy up as it has gone along or is having to beg, borrow and steal from other countries. Getty Images
We knew something like Covid-19 was coming. We were warned. And the government was, once upon a time, extremely well prepared. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for years. This lack of preparation has led the government to make decisions too slowly and it could have led to unnecessary deaths.
There have been many critics and media pundits trying to blame the prime minister and his acolyte, Dominic Cummings. Yet the procrastination problem started well before their rise to the throne or the creation of coronavirus. The roots of the pandemic are deeper, systemic and have been years in the making.
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It is the job of the Cabinet Office to predict which will be the next disaster facing the UK. Their job is to identify plans to prevent them from happening and develop ways to mitigate the effect of any such catastrophe if it does happen.
They start this process by producing the National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies. The first was produced in 2008. Updated editions were released in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and most recently in 2017.
Throughout these six editions there remained one constant. Every National Risk Register has pandemic flu as the most probable and devastating threat to the UK. The government knew it would likely happen and that it had cataclysmic potential.
The theory goes that each risk, once identified, has up-to-date strategies, policies and procedures in place to help manage its impacts. In practice, this means that when disaster strikes, the government has, for want of a better phrase, an ‘oven ready’ set of plans it can implement immediately.
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“Despite pandemic flu being consistently identified as literally public enemy number one, the last strategy written specifically to tackle this was penned nine years ago.”
Despite pandemic flu being consistently identified as literally public enemy number one, the last strategy written specifically to tackle this was penned nine years ago, with a few further addendums published in 2014. This 70-page tome, the linchpin of work that should have been the bible for dealing with this crisis, was left to decay on a shelf in the bowels of Whitehall.
It is not just the overarching document that has atrophied. In his piece about one of the Johnson press briefings, Huffington Post Executive Politics Editor, Paul Waugh, rightly observed, ”Communications are not an optional extra, they are central to this entire ‘wartime’ effort.”. Yet the government’s UK Pandemic Influenza Communications Strategy, the crucial document for getting the right messages across to the public, was written in 2012 — lightyears away from modern-day thinking as to how and where people now get their information from. Tellingly, the document contains no mention of the key phrases we are hearing today such as ‘social distancing’ or ‘flattening the curve’.
Just as sloppy, complacent and appalling, the guide to dealing with the fatalities of the pandemic, complete with supposed key named contacts, was last published in 2008. Meanwhile, the dedicated government Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Team based in the Department of Health, and tasked with tackling this type of crisis, vanished around 2011.
Whether or not failing to update these strategies was a deliberate policy decision, or an unintended consequence of the austerity measures that removed thousands of civil servants, or a victim of Brexit, which diverted the remains of the civil service into trying to exit the EU, is almost a moot point. The UK government has been left without the latest evidence, policy or science to hand and consequently has been playing coronavirus catch up.
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The government has had to either make policy up as it has gone along or is having to beg, borrow and steal from other countries who have been better prepared. When every hour counts, this lack of preparedness has meant unnecessary lives have almost certainly been, and will continue to be, lost.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Boris Johnson Finally Gets Serious About Coronavirus. But Is He Too Late?

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Police, please me
The prime minister had his ‘more in sorrow than anger’ face on and it was no wonder. He had begged, he had pleaded, hell, he had joked his way through the crisis. But, somewhat to his amazement, neither the virus nor the public had behaved as Boris Johnson had wanted.
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“I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received and that consequently this country is at war with coronavirus,” he told millions of TV viewers. OK, he didn’t quite put it like that, but he’d understand the journalistic licence.
Of course, he’d prefer to be Winston Churchill (“Never have so many owed so much to curfew…”) rather than Neville Chamberlain. We will find out in coming weeks, months - and maybe years - whether tonight’s crackdown actually does achieve its central aim of reducing deaths from the awful Covid-19.
The sombre tone was welcome and overdue. This is a man who once thought it appropriate to talk about a need to ‘squash the sombrero’, who joshed to potential ventilator manufacturers about their ‘last gasp’ help, who revealed that when he visited a hospital with coronavirus patients “I shook hands with everybody, you’ll be pleased to know”.
And in the latest, greatest irony of all, he was now calling on the police - just 24 hours after ridiculing a female journalist who had the temerity to ask when exactly he was going to do just that. “Bring in the police??” he had said at his No.10 briefing on Sunday, after having himself talked of curfews. It’s a cliche that Johnson likes to be liked, yet this crisis has the potential to leave him dividing the country even more than during the Brexit referendum.
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For many in the NHS, his record to date is not the pressing issue. The reckoning over his conduct to this point is for another day. The main thing is that he is finally acting to protect them from the coming onslaught. And forcing people to stay at home for all but essential brief trips outdoors will hugely help those on the real front line.
Yet even with this lockdown, he again prompts many unanswered questions. The Police Federation have made clear their unease at being asked to perform this role of checking on citizens’ behaviour - not least as it appears to be needed because of a massive government failure to communicate what ‘social distancing’ is (why no Facebook ads or motorway ads, as we saw for Vote Leave or no-deal Brexit?)
On a practical level, it’s hard to see just how the cops can track someone if they go out twice to different local food stories rather than once. Who will check if a rogue individual walks the dog in the morning and then goes for a run in the evening? Who will check if the three people in your outdoor gathering are made up of household members or just friends from another home?
One big real problem with the lockdown is that it’s happened without first putting in place wage support for the self-employed. Many ‘White Van Men and Women’ helped Johnson get elected with a huge majority, but are left facing an uncertain income made up of £93 a week plus a local housing allowance. Similarly, there was no updated guidance on which non-key worker work is deemed ‘absolutely necessary’ (Johnson’s phrase tonight) for travel. Building sites look like being closed in Scotland but in England there’s no real idea.
This is a fast moving crisis and many of his supporters will sympathise with Johnson that he just hasn’t had time to sort everything before announcing the draconian measures. But the economic measures and the health measures are closely entwined. Having said repeatedly the the state should not ‘penalise people for doing the right thing’, his package of action and inaction may mean the police dish out fixed penalty notices to those who feel compelled to work - because there is no government-backed alternative.
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The bigger risk, as his scientific advisers have repeatedly stressed, is that the public may just weary of the new limits on their behaviour and that a second wave outbreak emerges later in the year, just at the time the NHS will be dealing with flu and other winter hells. It feels however that the crisis is so huge and so urgent that that is an argument for another day.
Still, the way Johnson has been forced to draft in the police is another unwelcome reminder for him of the very Tory austerity he managed to magic away in the last election.
He wants to recruit 20,000 more officers, but just imagine how much better prepared the UK would be if the Conservatives hadn’t cut 20,000 in the past 10 years? He has plans to hire 50,000 more nurses, but just imagine how much more confident the NHS would be if it had hired more staff, more quickly over the past decade, rather than coping with a funding squeeze under Cameron and May?
Small cuts may turn out to have been big cuts too. Local council trading standards officers will have to accompany police on their patrols of shops to see who’s breaching the lockdown and who isn’t. But their numbers have been reduced over the years as town halls were once again seen as the first choice for big savings.
Johnson’s national address was undeniably a big historic moment. Children will remember in years to come how they huddled round their TVs, as families of yesteryear huddled round the wireless, back in the days when that term meant something other than WiFi.
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But is Boris Johnson going to be remembered as a Churchill or a Chamberlain? Well, it’s worth remembering that both ended up being swept aside. After Chamberlain came Churchill and after Churchill came Attlee: a slightly boring Labour leader who wanted to ‘win the peace’. Even if he battles through this crisis, the public may want to replace Johnsonian flamboyance at the next election with steady Keir Starmer-esque competence. Fortunately for the PM, 2024 is years away.
And right now, party politics has of course to be put to one side. We can all only hope that he’s finally found the right strategy to fight Covid-19 and that it’s not too late. As the virus creeps among our communities, ravaging the sick and the old, never before has the phrase ‘the enemy within’ felt more appropriate.
Quote Of The Day
“I urge you at this moment of national emergency to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives”
Boris Johnson
Monday Cheat Sheet
Boris Johnson ordered a ‘national emergency’ lockdown to order people to stay at home.
The British death toll from the disease jumped by 54 to 335, the second highest daily increase since the virus hit the country. Primary school head Wendy Jacobs was among the dead.
The emergency Coronavirus Bill, which gives ministers new powers to forcibly quarantine suspected patients, will be reviewed every six months, No.10 announced.
But Labour slammed the government for failing to include a full ban on evictions for renters. John Healey said the bill “just gives them some extra time to pack their bag”’.
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Health secretary Matt Hancock revealed that 7,563 medical staff - doctors, nurses, midwives and others - have now responded to his call to return to our NHS to tackle the virus crisis.
Britain’s rail network was effectively renationalised when transport secretary Grant Shapps suspended franchise agreements due to a collapse in passenger numbers and revenues during the outbreak.
Parliament is set to break up early for its Easter break this week, once it has passed key emergency legislation covering the Covid-19 outbreak.
Brits overseas should “return home now” to the UK while commercial flights are still an option, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said.
Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond was acquitted of all 14 charges in the sexual offences trial.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Just Why Do The Tories Want To Keep Building Sites Open In The Coronavirus Lockdown?

Health Secretary Matt Hancock answers a question from HuffPost UK's Paul Waugh. PA
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Boz the builder
When he delivered the first ever digital-only press conference in Downing Street, Matt Hancock could have been forgiven for having mixed feelings. The only MP to have launched his own app (snappily called ‘Matt Hancock’), the creator of the title of ‘Digital Secretary’ (rather than the oh-so-analogue moniker of ‘Culture Secretary’), the biggest advocate of video healthcare: Hancock was born for this little bit of history.
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And as he held court in No.10, the place which he dreamed last summer of making his own home (yes, he was a Tory leadership contender), he did look the part. Sombre about the coronavirus crisis, but passionate about the NHS effort to combat it, it felt like he was trying on the prime ministerial shoes for size - and they fitted him just fine.
Of course, no politician would ever have wanted their moment in the spotlight under such awful circumstances. The biggest ever UK daily death toll from Covid-19 - a rise of 87 - took the total to 422 lives lost to the disease. Ominously, 21 of the new deaths were reported by the London NHS trust that includes Northwick Park hospital, which declared a ‘critical incident’ as it ran out of intensive care beds.
The brand new temporary ‘Nightingale Hospital’, being set up with military help in the London Excel conference centre to provide 4,000 new beds, underlined the scale of the challenge now facing the capital. But when Hancock revealed 11,000 former medics had answered the call to help the NHS more widely, he was rightly proud of their public service.
I suspect many people under lockdown will enthusiastically join his new plan for 250,000 volunteers to help with shopping, medicine delivery and other support for the 1.5m people most at risk in their own homes for the next 12 weeks. If this is a long war against coronavirus, the volunteer scheme could be both Dunkirk (an army of civilian helpers) and the Battle of Britain (outsmarting that mightier enemy) rolled into one.
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Still, given that London is the place where most deaths are occuring, it seems outrageous to many that its Tube trains are rammed with people. Many are often no more than two feet away from each other, let alone two metres. This felt like herd immunity, cattle-truck style. And today we saw Hancock and Boris Johnson clashing with Mayor Sadiq Khan, each screaming at the other: Don’t you know there’s a bloody war on?
During the digital press conference (yes, as the pic above proves, I looked like a vicar in a hostage video, though I blame the dog downstairs who kept me in the attic), I asked Hancock about those complaints from NHS staff forced to travel on crammed Underground carriages. His answer laid bare the limits of the cross-party consensual approach that had so far been taken in tackling the disease.
The health secretary proceeded to take a huge swipe at Khan for cutting Tube services, saying they should be ‘running in full’ and there was ‘no good reason’ for the overcrowding. Khan’s office swiftly hit back saying that was “simply not true” as 33% of staff were off sick or self-isolating. This was no one-off either, as No.10 went out of its way earlier to tell us hacks that the PM had raised his own concern about “the issue of reduced services”.
City Hall insists it has genuine staff shortages, but Downing Street clearly thinks the Tube could somehow run more trains. They can’t both be right. As a former Mayor of London himself, does Johnson know something we don’t? If not, why ramp up the most serious public row yet over the coronavirus?
Perhaps it’s down to No.10 being sick of being bounced into things by non-Tory members of the Cobra emergency committee. Several allies of the PM are still seething that Nicola Sturgeon talked of school closures before he did last week, and Khan certainly raised in the Cobra meeting last night that keeping building sites open in London is a real problem. He wants to stop all construction apart from the minimum needed for safety.
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So just why are construction workers not told to down tools by the UK government, as Sturgeon has demanded (a point Wales’ Mark Drakeford today echoed)? As I put it to Hancock today, some will cynically suspect the reason is not unconnected with the Tories pulling in £1m in pre-election donations from housing developers. Even Conservatives in rural areas have long muttered that the party’s cosy relations with the housebuilding industry threatens to tear up their green and pleasant land.
Yet the failure to ban construction work in this lockdown may be simpler. First, the complex nature of the chancellor’s self-employed wage support plan means it could be days if not weeks away. Second, many builders (like White Van Man and Woman) voted Tory in last year’s election. Third, there’s a wider worry that cancelling such a big part of economic activity would plunge the nation into an even deeper crisis. Only today, the latest Markit data pointed to a collapse that would spark a serious recession.
There’s also no small irony in the fact that only two weeks ago - yes just two weeks ago - Rishi Sunak was unveiling a budget which trumpeted massive infrastructure spending and lots and lots more construction work. They were Rishi Rich and Bozza the Builder remember? In theory, the promise of billions of pounds of future work ought to keep the industry afloat despite a temporary lockdown.
But reality may be much more grim for job losses. And perhaps the real issue with construction is how coronavirus is laying bare an industry which is usually ignored because it rolls on regardless. One building firm boss emailed me today to say the industry had appalling payment processes, that big contractors bully smaller ones, that many firms go bust then resurface “ready to dupe the next subcontractor in the queue”. Add in zero-hours for some, health and safety fears for others and it’s no wonder the PM wants to steer clear of this mess of problems unless he absolutely has to.
But if this virus death toll gets much worse, Johnson may have to shut down most building sites (many of their suppliers are shutting anyway) and put the nation’s physical health before its economic health. A wider shutdown would also fit with the pattern of his handling of the crisis so far: hold off, hold off, then finally submit to the inevitable. Can he fix it? Yes he Khan.
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Quote Of The Day
“In three weeks’ time we will be able to say whether or not the path that we’ve followed needs any further intensification, or whether there are one or two of the existing restrictions that may be capable of being lifted.”
Michael Gove signals the lockdown could get even tougher
Tuesday Cheat Sheet
Couples who don’t live together should either avoid each other completely or move in together for the duration of the coronavirus crisis, the deputy chief medical officer Dr Jennie Harries has said.
New viewing figures showed that a record 27 million people watched Boris Johnson’s live televised address on the lockdown. A new poll showed a huge 93% of the public supported the draconian measures.
No.10 confirmed that anyone found by police to have breached the lockdown conditions faced a £30 fine. The sum could be increased “significantly” if necessary to ensure public compliance.
Sports Direct confirmed it will not open its stores to the public following criticism by ministers.
The Department of Health came under fire after sending mixed messages to women over the possibility of allowing abortions at home during the coronavirus outbreak.
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The Contingencies Fund Bill - to pay for the Treasury’s wage support scheme - proposes a “modest” increase in the size of the UK’s Contingencies fund - from 2% to 50%.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games - due to begin on 24 July - have been postponed until next year
What I’m Reading
Syria Reports First Case Of Coronavirus - ReliefWeb
The Deadly Charts Of The Global Pandemic - FT
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: British Transport Police Deploys 500 Officers To Remind Passengers Of Non-Essential Tra

Coronavirus: British Transport Police Deploys 500 Officers To Remind Passengers Of Non-Essential Travel Ban

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British Transport Police tonight ordered 500 officers to patrol the rail network and warn passengers they should only use trains or the Tube for essential journeys.
It comes after images of packed London Underground carriages emerged on Monday stoked fears coronavirus could easily spread on public transport.
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The decision by BTP’s assistant chief constable Sean O’Callaghan represents the first high-profile policing of Brits’ behaviour since Boris Johnson declared a a lockdown could be enforced.
The PM told people to work from home unless “absolutely necessary” on Monday night as part of a strict new rules to slow the contagion.
Johnson stressed the country faced a “moment of national emergency” and banned all gatherings of more than two people.
People were also told to stop visiting friends and to only leave the house to travel to work, get “basic necessities”, for a medical need or, once a day, to exercise.
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A packed carriage full of passengers travelling on the Victoria line of the London Underground tube network, after Boris Johnson ordered pubs and restaurants across the country to close tonight as the Government announced unprecedented measures to cover the wages of workers who would otherwise lose their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak. (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images) Yui Mok - PA Images via Getty Images
He also ordered a string of business closures, including shops selling non-essential goods, all leisure facilities, hotels and outdoor gyms.
BTP will now step up efforts to stop people using public transport by underlining the new rules.
“The measures announced yesterday by the prime minister are there to save lives which is part of the work our officers do every day,” O’Callaghan said in a statement.
“We are supporting rail operators and those key workers making their journeys home tonight by deploying 500 officers across the rail network nationally.
“They will be patrolling stations, supporting railway staff and reminding the public of the urgent need to follow the government advice – only those making essential journeys for work should be using the Tube and rail network.
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A statement from our Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan this evening.
We have 500 officers across the network tonight, supporting staff and reminding people of the urgent need to follow government advice.
"We strongly urge the rest of the public to do the right thing" pic.twitter.com/H2ZDJ8yrhE — British Transport Police (@BTP) March 24, 2020
“We strongly urge the rest of the public to do the right thing and help us save lives by staying at home and slowing the spread of the virus.”
It comes the same day health secretary Matt Hancock announced the Excel conference centre, in London, would be transformed into a temporary military hospital, with space for 4,000 beds.
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed on Tuesday that the UK death toll had reached 422 and there were 8,077 confirmed cases.
Despite the new restrictions, confusion reigned with scores of construction workers and some retail staff still working.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Government Finally Launches Information Campaign Following Criticism Of 'Mixed Messages'

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The UK government has launched a fresh coronavirus messaging blitz after Boris Johnson ordered a near-total lockdown of the country.
The public information campaign will involve adverts on TV, radio, online and billboards from today.
The UK’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, and actor Mark Strong feature in a short clip that advises people to stay at home unless absolutely essential.
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It follows on from earlier messages underlining the importance of helping to “delay” the impact of the virus.
The government has faced criticism for mixed messages on social distancing and a lack of clear public guidance.
People have appeared confused by ministers suggesting people should continue to exercise outdoors, but this prompted parks and tourist hotspots to be packed at the weekend and undermining social distancing.
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London mayor Sadiq Khan has criticised the government for a lack of clarity on who is considered an “essential worker”, which is leading to people going to work unnecessarily.
In the TV advert, Whittey says: ”To help save lives, stay at home. Anyone can spread coronavirus.
“You should now only go out when absolutely necessary for food, medicine, work or exercise. Always try to stay two metres apart. Do not meet others outside your household, even friends and family.”
It ends with Strong saying: “Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.”
Am trying to be kind to the government.But that press conference was full of mixed messages. Pubs, restaurants, theatres can stay open. But nobody should go to them. (Desperate for business) Hard to escape the view this is about avoiding giving financial support/insurance 1/4 — ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) March 16, 2020
It's not the media's job to be 'fully behind the government', especially when its decisions may save or cost lives. It's the media's job to challenge EVERYTHING the government is saying & doing, especially when its strategy dramatically changes or it sends vague/mixed messages. https://t.co/kw8TEdrg5e — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 22, 2020
The new advert comes as Downing Street has reportedly recruited Isaac Levido, who headed up the Conservative Party’s general election campaign at the end of last year, to help with Covid-19 communications.
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He is said to have crafted the successful “Get Brexit Done” slogan and will join veterans of the Vote Leave campaign at the heart of Boris Johnson’s PR team.
On Monday night, the prime minister put Britain on lockdown as he outlined strict new measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, ordering people to only leave the house for a few specific reasons.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Hillary Clinton Drags Trump's Coronavirus Advice With Savage Throwback

Another direct hit from the most "popular" woman of 2016.
Seriously, Hillary Clinton is getting better and better at throwing shade at Donald Trump on social media.
I can almost imagine her voice and facial expression as she types it.
And it's good advice. Never trust Trump. pic.twitter.com/dN3g3bzVrT


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Couples 'Must Move In Together' If They Want Physical Contact During Coronavirus

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Couples who don’t live together should either avoid each other completely or move in together for the duration of the coronavirus crisis, the deputy chief medical officer has said.
Jenny Harries urged those not cohabiting to either “test the strength of their relationship” by moving in together or be prepared for a long period of time apart.
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Couples have been split by the pandemic amid strict rules to stay at home and not mix with people from outside their household.
But after Boris Johnson announced a lockdown that will last a minimum of three weeks, with the potential for months of restrictions, many have been pining for their partners and wondering how to maintain their relationship.
Asked about the situation at a Downing Street press conference, Dr Harries said: “The principle is that we want people to stay in their household units primarily.
“The reason for that is you have an infection you are very close with your family members, so your risk of exposure to the virus is pretty similar usually across the family.
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“We almost expect another member of the family to get that unless they’re applying very very stringent precautions.
“So if your two individuals, two halves of the couple, are currently in separate households, ideally they should stay in those households.
“The alternative might be that for quite a significant period going forward they should just test the strength of their relationship and decide whether one wishes to be permanently resident in another household.
“In which case, all of the decisions about exercising – you should be on your own or within your household unit – would apply.
“What we do not want is people switching in and out of households.
“It defeats the purpose of the reduction in social interactions and will allow transmission of disease.
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“So perhaps test really carefully your strength of feeling, stay with the household either together or apart, but keep it that way as we go forward otherwise we will not all be working towards achieving our outcome.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--London’s Excel Centre To Become 4,000-Bed Coronavirus Hospital, Health Secretary Confirms

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A new hospital in London will be opened to help the UK cope with the coronavirus crisis, health secretary Matt Hancock has said.
The Excel, in the capital’s Docklands area, which is currently used for conferences, will be transformed into the NHS Nightingale Hospital, providing capacity for 4,000 beds.
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It will be opened and run with the help of the military, the cabinet minister confirmed at a press conference in Downing Street on Tuesday.
Hancock said: “We will, next week, open a new hospital – a temporary hospital – the NHS Nightingale Hospital at the Excel centre in London.
The London ExCel centre that may be turned into a makeshift NHS Hospital and critical care unit to cope with the Coronavirus pandemic. PA
“The NHS Nightingale Hospital will comprise two wards, each of 2,000 people.
“With the help of the military and with NHS clinicians we will make sure that we have the capacity that we need so that everyone can get the support that they need.”
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The Department of Health and Social Care earlier revealed that the UK death toll had hit 422, with 87 more people with the disease having lost their lives in 24 hours.
The capital has so far been the hardest hit area of the country and fears have been growing that NHS hospitals could quickly run out of beds.
Screen grab of Health Secretary Matt Hancock speaking during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus (COVID-19). PA
Hancock also called for 250,000 volunteers to assist with the national effort to tackle coronavirus, help the NHS and support the vulnerable.
“We are seeking a quarter of a million volunteers, people in good health, to help the NHS – for shopping, for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health.”
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More than 35,000 extra NHS staff had also answered the call to help the UK fight the virus.
The number included more than 11,000 recently retired health professionals - some 2,660 doctors, more than 2,500 pharmacists and other staff and 6,147 nurses.
“I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need,” he said.
Around 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year student nurses would “move to the frontline” next week, he added.
“These steps are not requests, they are rules,” the health secretary stressed, adding: “The more we follow the rules, the more we will stop the spread.”
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It came as confusion reigned over what people and businesses were prohibited from doing, after the prime minister announced stricter lockdown rules on Monday night.
Meanwhile in the Commons, health minister Simon Harris said patients with Covid-19 will be treated for free in a single national hospital service.
Harris said all private hospitals will be public or run by the State for the duration of the pandemic.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Matt Hancock Gives Daily Coronavirus Update On First Day Of UK Lockdown

Two people waring masks stand at the top of a bank of escalators in London's Waterloo Station in London on Tuesday. ASSOCIATED PRESS
A further 84 people have died after contracting coronavirus, bringing the UK total to 422.
Some 335 people had died as of Monday. Wales announced one further death on Tuesday and Scotland another two, bringing the total to at least 338 before the latest government update.
According to NHS England, the patients were aged between 33 and 103 years old and all were in vulnerable groups including those with underlying conditions.
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Some 21 of the deaths were reported at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust in Harrow.
A further seven died at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, while four died at each of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals of Leicester and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
As of 9am on Tuesday, a total of 90,436 people have been tested, with 8,077 positive results, up from 6,650 at the same point on Monday.
UPDATE on coronavirus (#COVID19) testing in the UK:
As of 9am on 24 March, a total of 90,436 have been tested:
82,359 negative.
8,077 positive.
As of 1pm, 422 patients who tested positive for coronavirus have sadly died.
The digital dashboard will be updated later today. pic.twitter.com/hSFYYLIzEU — Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 24, 2020
The first coronavirus death in the UK was announced on March 5.
The latest data came as the health secretary said home is now the “front line” in the fight against coronavirus.
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Matt Hancock urged everyone to come together to reduce the number of people in the UK who will die from the spread of Covid-19.
But he issued a stark warning, saying stricter measures introduced by the prime Minister on Monday were not advice but rules that must be followed.
Hancock told MPs in the Commons: “The spread of coronavirus is rapidly accelerating across the world and in the UK.
“The actions we took yesterday are not actions that any UK government would want to take but they are absolutely necessary.
“Our instruction is simple: stay at home.”
His comments come as some trains on London’s Tube network were crowded again on Tuesday morning despite Boris Johnson placing the UK on a lockdown.
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The prime minister ordered people only to leave their homes for “very limited purposes”, banned public gatherings of more than two people and ordered the closure of non-essential shops.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus Outbreak: 84 People More Die After Contracting Covid-19, Bringing UK Total To 422


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--People Should Still Travel If Work Cannot Be Done At Home, Says Health Secretary

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The government has been accused by Tory MPs of confusing people about the coronavirus lockdown after the health secretary said workers should continue to travel if they cannot do their job at home.
Matt Hancock said “employers should be taking every possible step to make sure that remote working can happen”.
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But he added in a Commons statement: “I want to be absolutely clear, when people absolutely cannot work from home they can still go to work, indeed it’s important that they do to keep the country running.”
Government advice issued after Boris Johnson’s address to the nation made clear travelling to and from work was permitted “but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home”.
But images of packed London underground trains has sparked a row between the prime minister and London mayor Sadiq Khan as builders continue to go to work on crammed Tube trains operating on a reduced service.
Tory MPs said the current situation was confusing people and leading to wider issues with ensuring the public follows the government’s restrictions, which are designed to limit the spread of Covid-19.
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“There is a confusion about whether you should be going to work or not” - Tory MP Kevin Hollinrake
Former public health minister Steve Brine said: “The government last night was saying the only reason you may leave home to go to work is if you are a key worker and that then changed to work from home if possible.
“This is the confusion and people are not sure what they can and cannot do and this is a pattern we have sadly seen repeated which has led to - lockdown, no lockdown.
“Could you say again (what the rules are)? I’m not looking to cause trouble, I’m just looking for clarity.”
Hancock replied: “The prime minister was clear in his address to the nation, I’ve been clear in my statement today and the guidance on gov.uk is absolutely clear on this point.”
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Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake called for a full-scale month-long lockdown of everything to end the confusion.
He said: “He is damned if he is and damned if he doesn’t but there is a confusion about whether you should be going to work or not.
“From a health perspective and an economic perspective, as a business owner, I would much rather have a short, sharp shock in which everything is closed down for 30 days to get this disease under control and allow him to get his testing and tracking in place so we can defeat this disease.”
Meanwhile, the SNP’s Patrick Grady said workers in call centres for outbound sales were being “asked to come in and work in cramped conditions that we know exist in places like that”.
He added: “Should these people not be taking advantage of the government’s furlough scheme so their employees do not have to come into work?”
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Hancock said that activity “in a technical way” can be done from home.
“Where work can’t be done from home the employers should be following the guidelines to keep people more than two metres apart,” the health secretary added.
Hancock said the government had ordered “millions” of coronavirus tests but refused his predecessor Jeremy Hunt’s demands to set a date for the roll-out of mass testing.
Hancock said: “I’m not going to give him such a date today because we are in the middle of buying the tests that are needed and especially the new tests that have just come on stream.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--How To Make Co-Parenting Work During The Coronavirus Lockdown

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Most parents will have been left worried by the prime minister’s lockdown announcement – none more so than those who live separately. The question on every co-parent’s lips: will I be able to see my child (or children) over the next few weeks – or even months?
The confusion wasn’t lifted by cabinet office minister Michael Gove appearing on Good Morning Britain to say children couldn’t move freely between households. “Children should stay in the household they are currently in. We should not have children moving between households,” he said, before backtracking a few hours later and admitting he was wrong.
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Under the new government guidance, children under 18 can be moved between their parents’ homes if parents don’t live in the same household.
As Natalie Wiles, a chartered legal executive at Langleys Solicitors, tells HuffPost UK: “The government has now clarified that it is ok for children to spend time with each parent where there are separate households and that existing arrangements should be maintained.”
While this will be a huge relief to many families, how do you implement safe and responsible co-parenting during such difficult times?
Malte Mueller via Getty Images
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Co-parenting advice during coronavirus
Communication between separated parents is “vital” right now, says Wiles.“It is important to remember that both parents will usually share parental responsibility for any dependent child and that parents should keep each other informed in relation to the health and wellbeing of their children,” she explains.
Older children should be included in conversations, too – especially now they are no longer at school or seeing their friends, and having to adjust to a new reality.
Pam Stallard, 32, from Brighton, is currently co-parenting with her ex Amber, 33, and Amber’s mother, Liz. Their three-year-old son Cole has been spending time in both homes – and the family plans to continue sharing childcare during the lockdown. Pam, Amber and Liz have been self-isolating for the past week since Pam, a teacher, showed symptoms of coronavirus. How do they make it work?
“The absolute key is communication, and I am so lucky that my ex and I have a really good line of communication and it’s been improving since the need has arisen,” Pam tells HuffPost UK. “We support each other and understand that by helping each other, we’re making Cole’s life better, which is the most important thing of all.”
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Managing self-isolation between households
Everything co-parents do, every choice made, should be in the child’s best interests. A child needs stability and routine – and maintaining this, while also keeping them safe during the outbreak, is paramount. There will be some tough calls in the coming months. One of the biggest questions is how people navigate self-isolation if they, or their child, gets sick.
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If one household in a co-parenting set-up does show symptoms, it’s important to follow the guidelines and self-isolate for 14 days – and yes, this means parents in different households both self-isolating if they want a child to move between their homes freely.
“I do all the driving to keep different places to a minimum,” says Pam. “Today I will collect Cole from Nanny’s (Liz’s house) and bring him home to me, then tomorrow afternoon I will take him to Amber, obeying all social distancing rules and only going from my house to the car, and the car to her back garden.”
When the family comes out of self-isolation, Cole will be going to nursery on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday so that Amber and Pam can both work – “mostly from home, but there is a rota at school I will have to commit to,” says Pam. When this is avoidable they will keep their son at one of their homes.
Malte Mueller via Getty Images Mother and daughter holding hands on yellow background
Sam, who preferred not to share his surname, sees his two-year-old daughter every Friday and Saturday. As it stands, he and his ex-partner are continuing to follow a normal routine of co-parenting. “I can only see it changing if one of us gets ill or the government comes up with stricter guidelines,” he says.
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But the 36-year-old from Kent has made the difficult decision not to see his parents – and not to let them see their granddaughter – for the foreseeable future in order to keep them safe. Sam works as a civil servant and still has to head to a busy office every day and he doesn’t know who his ex-partner interacts with, so believes this is the best way to keep his parents, who are classed as high risk, out of harm’s way.
Parenting with a court order during coronavirus
In families where there’s a court order in place determining the arrangements for a child (or children), it should be adhered to – except in circumstances where self-isolation is required, says Natalie Wiles. “If an order is not adhered to without a very good reason it is possible for an enforcement application to be made to the court which could result in penalties for the non-compliant parent.”
In the first instance, parents should be speaking to each other to agree child arrangements. If this isn’t possible, the next step is to seek independent legal advice from a solicitor.
James Maguire, managing partner of Maguire Family Law, acknowledges there will be situations where parents won’t get along and further support is needed to mediate arrangements. “This is especially important to recognise where there is a history of coercive control or domestic violence,” he says. “It will be important that parents, and indeed children, are not forced into inappropriate arrangements at this already difficult time.
“The courts are still open and will accept urgent applications with regards to childcare arrangements. However, delay is likely to be an issue, even with urgent applications, and given the fast moving and changing government advice, there may be no perfect outcome.”
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Keeping your child healthy and happy
“It is important during these very worrying times that as much stability is maintained for the children as possible and following established patterns of time spent with each parent will play a big part in this,” says Wiles. Sticking to normal routines is crucial for maintaining emotional wellbeing – both your child’s and yours.
However in families where one parent still has to go to work, it might not be easy for both parents (and therefore both households) to self-isolate – if this is the case, you might need to make a judgment call and hold off seeing your child for 14 days.
Remember there are other methods of maintaining contact such as FaceTime or Skype that allow a child and parent to see each other and speak, even if they can’t physically be together.
If this is the case, make a schedule and stick to it so you know that at a certain time of a certain day (or days) each week, you’ve got 30 minutes (or however long) of uninterrupted FaceTime with your child. You can also download co-parenting apps like 2Houses or AppClose where you can manage schedules, message each other, and in some cases add photos and drawings that your child has done, so the other parent can keep up-to-date.
Anna Giannone, a co-parenting coach, recommends making a parenting plan to stay on top of your schedules – regardless of whether you’re having to interact via video call or not. “A healthy co-parenting plan promotes respect for each parent’s role, creates healthy boundaries and restructures the family in a positive way,” she says. And who knows? Maybe this will enhance your co-parenting regime and relationships after this crisis is over, too.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Domestic Violence Perpetrators Should Be Evicted From Their Family Homes During Coronavirus

Reports suggest that social distancing and lockdown measures result in an upturn in cases of domestic violence. Getty Images/iStockphoto
The government’s latest coronavirus measures are designed to keep people safe by keeping them at home. But for the 1.6 million women who experience domestic violence every year in England and Wales, these restrictions may put them in even greater danger. That is why the Women’s Equality Party is calling for emergency measures to protect all domestic violence victims and their children, including evicting perpetrators from the family home for the duration of the lockdown.
Many will have been dreading last night’s announcement from the prime minister that everyone should stay home except in a small range of very limited circumstances. Being trapped with a violent partner creates new opportunities for abuse, such as withholding medical support or money, and takes away any freedoms that victims have preserved, including alone time, financial independence through employment and contact with friends and family. Those freedoms are not only respite from the violence, but a chance to seek help out of earshot. That help might seem even more distant when emergency services are consumed with dealing with another life-threatening epidemic.
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Yet from a charity in Hubei to a domestic violence hotline in Oregon, all reports suggest that social distancing and lockdown measures result in an upturn in cases of domestic violence. We have to act now to prevent the same thing from happening in the UK.
“Being trapped with a violent partner creates new opportunities for abuse, and takes away any freedoms that victims have preserved.”
It is already the law that police can remove perpetrators from the home for up to 28 days without charge, if they consider the victim to be in danger. This is vital in England because, unlike Scotland and Wales, those fleeing violence do not have a legal right to accommodation and refuges have been decimated by cuts to the point that they are having to turn women away. Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) at least give victims the breathing space to make decisions about how best to protect themselves, away from the immediate threat of violence. We are calling for that to be extended to cover the whole period that people are forced to stay at home.
But we also need to make sure that police forces are able to use this tool effectively, which is not currently the case in every part of the UK. A recent report by Victim Support found that some areas of the UK are failing to enforce DVPOs because of the cost, administrative burden and lack of awareness. That is why I am calling for the court fees that police forces are required to pay out of their own budget to be waived during this time, and for cases to be prioritised in court and delegated to trained magistrates as justice services are scaled back.
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None of this can replace the highly-skilled work of specialist organisations that help victims and their families rebuild their lives. Those frontline organisations are going to be under immense pressure during this crisis and must be recognised and supported as key workers, just as with NHS staff. Many of them are having to think about how they continue to provide services, what services they can deliver remotely via online platforms, and how they will cope with the increase in demand when they can barely cope with current demand.
The government must release emergency funding without delay to enable those organisations to plug the gaps in whatever ways they see fit, and it should make sure that wherever DVPOs are enforced women are connected to those services.
We are living in extraordinary times, but we have also seen the extraordinary measures that can be taken when the political will exists. Instead of simply accepting that domestic violence will increase in this time, let us choose to do something about it — something that is well within our reach.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Should Building Sites Close? Sadiq Khan And No.10 Blame Each Other As Workers Cram Onto Tube Trains

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Health secretary Hancock laid into Khan during a Downing Street press conference on Tuesday evening, claiming the Underground should be “running in full”, and there was “no good reason” for the packed carriages. Many Tube services are now running every 10 minutes rather than every three or four, leaving passengers crammed together and unable to observe social distancing rules.
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But Khan had earlier blamed the government for the problem, saying the trains would be less crowded if No.10 closed building sites across London so construction workers didn’t have to travel across the city.
Asked by HuffPost UK for his reaction to the overcrowded trains and the mayor’s criticism, Hancock said: “When it comes to the Tube, the first and the best answer is that Transport for London should have the Tube running in full so that people travelling on the Tube are spaced out and can be further apart – obeying the two-metre rule wherever possible.
“And there is no good reason in the information that I’ve seen that the current levels of Tube provision should be as low as they are. We should have more Tube trains running.”
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But a City Hall spokesperson immediately hit back at the claim, pointing to staff shortages caused by the coronavirus.
“This is simply not true,” she said. “The mayor has told ministers countless times over recent days that TfL simply cannot safely run a full service because of the levels of staff sickness and self-isolation.
“Nearly a third of staff are already absent – there aren’t enough drivers and control staff to do it.
“The government must act urgently to get more people staying at home rather than going to work unnecessarily – that means taking the difficult decisions they are refusing to take to ban non-essential construction work and provide proper financial support to freelancers, the self-employed and those on zero-hours contracts to stay at home.”
NHS nurses and doctors tweeted photos of early morning Tube trains, with no sign of the recommended two metre distancing between passengers.
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Crowded Tube HuffPost UK
Khan earlier revealed he had been overruled by the PM and other Tory cabinet ministers when he proposed a ban on building site work during a Cobra emergency meeting on Monday.
He told LBC Radio he had suggested a ban on building work during the meeting but Johnson “and every one of the government ministers who spoke overruled me”.
“Construction workers, unless it’s for safety reasons, should not be going to work. I was overruled by the prime minister, who doesn’t believe that construction workers should be at home,” Khan said.
“I’ve worked on a building site. I’ve been a labourer. But also I visit building sites. The idea that construction workers can stay two metres apart during the course of a busy day, and also the idea that we can’t put on hold construction work during this public health crisis, I find astonishing.
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“I think it’s important for the government to understand the scale of the challenge we are facing. [...] The prime minister has been moving slower than I would have wanted.”
The mayor’s plea was backed by Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, Wales first minister Mark Drakeford and northern Ireland’s first minister Arlene Foster, HuffPost UK understands.
The PM’s spokesperson said construction would could continue so long as it followed rules set down by Public Health England and the industry’s own Construction Leadership Council.
He said that “if builders are already working on site they can continue to do so” as long as they follow the guidance.
Sturgeon, by contrast, made plain on Monday that her advice to Scottish construction firms was that building sites should close down.
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“There are still too many people across our country who are being expected to, or expecting to, go to work as normal and this presents a serious and unnecessary risk of spreading the virus,” she said.
And Welsh first minister Drakeford underlined the point on Tuesday at his own press conference.
“I believe there is a strong case for closing some construction sites. There are sites open today that do not need to be open and will not be open before many days are over,” he said.
TSSA train union chief Manuel Cortes added: “Matt Hancock must stop playing petty blame games and if he’s unsure about what needs to happen on the Tube I’d be happy to set him straight, by phone.
“In all seriousness it looks as though the Tories are prepared to defend the interests of building companies who’ve made huge donations to their coffers, rather than protect the lives of ordinary Londoners and Tube staff.”
During a No.10 briefing, it also emerged that new powers to let the police fine the public £30 during the lockdown would be passed by parliament by Thursday at the latest.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--Zoo Welcomes Tiny Lemur Twins

Zoo Welcomes Tiny Lemur Twins

Zoo Welcomes Tiny Lemur Twins
Twin ring-tailed lemurs have been born at Chester Zoo. The delightful duo arrived to seven-year-old mum Fiona following 135-day-long pregnancy and have been clinging tightly to her ever since. At just 15cm tall, the tiny twins are each no bigger than ‘tennis balls with tails’ and weigh just a few hundred grams.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-24--How Cancelling Exams Could Hit BAME And Poorer Pupils Hardest

How Cancelling Exams Could Hit BAME And Poorer Pupils Hardest
Following the closure of UK schools and cancellation of examinations due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Department for Education confirmed predicted grades would be awarded in its place on Friday. But experts, parents and students have warned that the changes would disadvantage Black and minority ethnic, working-class and other marginalised pupils in particular, many of whom are already under-represented in top universities. Speaking to HuffPost UK, a number of Black educators described being marked down in their predicted grades when they were at school.