thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 2 Trailer Shows New Queens In Action For The First Time

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A teaser trailer for the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has been revealed, showing the new queens in action for the first time.
Drag Race UK’s return has been long awaited, after production was briefly halted earlier in the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The 20-second teaser features footage from the show, arranged so that the queens and judges can be heard singing “we wish you a merry drag-mas... and a happy Ru year”.
Among the short clips featured in the trailer are footage of the new queens speaking to the camera out of drag in their confessionals, as well as scenes from their first day in the work room.
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The teaser also features clips of guest judges Elizabeth Hurley and Jourdan Dunn.
Drag Race UK will return to BBC Three on Thursday 14 January 2021, less than two weeks after the 13th season of the regular series debuts in the US.
The 12 queens come face to face with RuPaul for the first time. BBC
Five guest judges appearing in season two of Drag Race UK were confirmed earlier this week, including the aforementioned Elizabeth Hurley and Jourdan Dunn, and the return of Lorraine Kelly to the show.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--Why A Digital Detox Might Be Good For You

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Why A Digital Detox Might Be Good For You
It’s been a year in which technology has helped us enormously, but it’s still a good idea to take some time away from your digital devices.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--Ministers Were Warned Weeks Ago That Christmas Relaxation Of Covid Rules Would Hit Elderly Worst

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Scientists advising the government on coronavirus warned ministers two weeks ago that Christmas relaxation rules would hit the elderly worst.
In a set of documents released on Friday, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said on December 2 that modelling studies suggest there may be a higher proportion of cases in older and more vulnerable age groups during the festive period, which could lead to an increase in hospital admissions.
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“The more days over which additional mixing happens, the greater the increase in incidence in the over 65s,” it states.
Between December 23 and 27, families in the UK will be allowed to form a three-household bubble to celebrate Christmas – a policy announced by the government at the end of November.
But despite a rise in Covid-19 infections, Boris Johnson has decided not to change the guidance despite pressure from medical experts.
Sage also suggests avoiding social contacts for more than five days before meeting older or vulnerable people at Christmas may reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.
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It also said that a longer period – such as a week or more – of abstaining from social contact could reduce the risk even further when gathering with loved ones during the festive season.
Experts believe the typical incubation period of Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, is around five days.
This is the time when a Covid-19 positive person is the most infectious.
A document published by Sage dated November 26 said: “Households are one of the main settings for transmission.
“Reducing the risk of transmission in households is therefore important for limiting spread of Sars-Cov-2, as is identifying where the first person in a household is infected and thus the routes by which infection gets into the household.”
It added: “Avoiding social contacts for a period greater than the typical Sars-Cov-2 incubation period (which is around five days) before meeting older or vulnerable people at Christmas will reduce the risk to them.
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“A longer period (eg a week or more) would reduce the risk further.
“This point should be considered in relation to families and preparation for Christmas.
“This is also relevant for other celebrations and observances and beyond the Christmas period.”
They also said other modelling research suggests taking a rapid coronavirus test – such as a lateral flow test – before a multi-day gathering inside a home may be of benefit to those involved.
However, they added that lateral flow tests “should not be seen as a way on its own of enabling high-risk activities to take place but could reduce the risk of activities being undertaken”.
It comes after another document released by Sage last week showed the tests missed around 51% of all cases.
The experts said that mixing between households over the holiday period for one or two days would be less risky than multiple households spending the entire time together.
A document dated December 2 said: “Preliminary analysis from one modelling group suggests that if additional mixing is restricted to three households meeting per day and to the five-day window of relaxations, the total number of days spent mixing within that period may have a large impact on post Christmas prevalence.”
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But the scientists added that the outcome of relaxation of coronavirus rules over the festive period remains “highly uncertain”.
They said: “The rules in place would greatly restrict mixing compared to most years; if adherence to these restrictions is high then it is highly unlikely that the prevalence will double.
“Transmission to elderly and more vulnerable people might increase the incidence of disease more than the incidence of infection.
“Healthcare seeking and testing-seeking behaviour will change over the festive period.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--Kerry Katona Tests Positive For Covid-19: 'I've Never Felt So Poorly'

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Kerry Katona has revealed she has contracted Covid-19.
In updates posted to her Instagram story on Friday, Kerry said that she and her fiancé Ryan Mahoney had both fallen ill in recent days.
Posting a photo of herself looking glum, Kerry told her fans she was still waiting on the results of a coronavirus test, and was “praying we all just have flu”.
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A screenshot of Kerry Katona's Instagram page Instagram/Kerry Katona
An hour later, she confirmed that her Covid-19 test had come back positive.
The reality star and former Atomic Kitten singer said she’d “never felt so poorly”, writing: “Both Ryan and I are held up in the bedroom. My poor children. I honestly don’t know what to do.”
She added: “For all those who don’t think Covid is real, think again!!!”
“Absolutely heartbroken! Sending love and light to all those affected,” she later wrote.
A number of Kerry’s celebrity friends sent her well wishes in her Instagram comments, including former Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba, who wrote: “Get better soon. It’s awful but it will pass. Sending lots of love and strength.”
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Blue star Antony Costa sent Kerry some heart emojis, while singer Peter Andre told her to “get well soon”.
Throughout the pandemic, a number of public figures have contracted coronavirus and spoken candidly about their experiences of the illness.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--How To Make Your Christmas One To Remember

Ruth D'Alessandro, commercial writer / HuffPost UK

Even though Christmas 2020 won’t be your typical festive season, there are still lots of festive things you can do to make it memorable.
You can do this in a number of ways, from starting quirky new Christmas traditions and taking time to find the perfect gifts and treats to show those around you how much you care.
Nectar Shopping Smarts is a great place to start. They’ve partnered with the unlikely shopping guru, Vinnie Jones, to create a no-nonsense shopping guide to make Christmas extra special this year.
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To complement his expertise, we also headed out to a typical high street to ask those out Christmas shopping what they were doing to make their festive season safe, but special this year.
GMVozd via Getty Images Wrapping and decorating Christmas presents for sending homemade cookies as a gift for Christmas.
Christmas care packages
Just because some of us can get together, it doesn’t mean everyone will choose to. Catherine, an intensive care nurse, has vulnerable parents who are shielding: “I’m going to post them a hamper, like a Christmas care package, full of Christmas treats - chocolates, biscuits, their favourite tipple, and a DVD of a favourite film that we can sit down and watch together at a scheduled time. Although we’re apart, we can share the same film and treats on the day.”
Presents that make a real difference
Everybody has found the lockdown challenging to some degree, but for the most vulnerable in the UK and around the world, it has been doubly tough. When you’re struggling to buy a present for someone who seems to have everything, why not make a charity donation in their name? David, an investment manager, says: “I’m making gift donations to Apopo’s Hero Rats, Love The Oceans and The Friends of IBBA Girls’ School in South Sudan – smaller charities that are making a massive difference in their areas.” And notification of these gifts can easily be sent in a Christmas card or forwarded by email.
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d3sign via Getty Images An adorable and happy little girl holding her grandparent's hand and having a relaxing walk in the park
Christmas Day walk and picnic
We’ve done a lot of walking in lockdown, so why stop on Christmas Day? And the hardier among us could consider doing Christmas dinner as a picnic in the park, in line with advice from The World Health Organisation. “My family are from more than three households,” says Tom, a construction worker, “so we’ve got no choice but to wrap up warm and meet up outside.” Picnic Christmas dinner could include warm turkey and stuffing rolls with cranberry sauce, pigs in blankets, mini baked potatoes, Christmas slaw made with red cabbage, fennel and celeriac, posh crisps, sausage rolls, mince pies, and a Thermos flask (or two) of hot mulled wine. OK, it’s not the same as the Christmas roast with all the trimmings, but a small sacrifice to be able to see loved ones safely. Pick up all the ingredients in Sainsbury’s, and collect or spend Nectar points as you shop.
Revive the Christmas card
Despite fears that sending Christmas cards was becoming a thing of the past, research by the Royal Mail showed that 72% of people who celebrate Christmas would prefer to receive cards, with only 6% preferring a social media festive greeting, and 10% a text. Handwritten Christmas cards are a lovely way to connect with people in a year where connection has been missing. “I’m going to write a short paragraph in all my 2020 Christmas cards telling people how much they mean to me,” says Karin, a teaching assistant. And we’re predicting that a lack of foreign travel and opportunities for activities this year will result in fewer ‘What We Did In 2020’ round robin letters. What a shame.
Finding unique gifts for those you love
Part of the joy of Christmas is being able to shop for hours to find truly personal gifts for loved ones. This year, with many of us opting to shop online, why not try eBay which is a great hunting ground for sourcing more unusual gifts from smaller businesses – and you can collect Nectar points as you shop. “We don’t want to lose our lovely small independent shops, do we?” said Maureen, a carer, “I’m buying at least some of my presents, food and drink from independents and farm shops.”
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ejs9 via Getty Images A Christmas tree in a window
Drive-by Christmas lights
Give the younger kids a real treat: let them stay up a bit later, wrap them in snuggly blankets with some chocolatey treats and drive them through some pretty streets and towns to look at the Christmas lights. “My toddlers found this magical,” said Tina, an administrator, “not sure it would particularly impress the teenagers though!” You could also arrange home drive-bys with other families to say doorstep hellos and check out their decorations.
Fun and games
Because of social distancing, Twister is probably out this year, but there are plenty of other games you can find online and play responsibly at a distance: charades, Guess The Song and Pub Quizzes. And now most of us are familiar with Zoom, so we can link up virtually with other Christmas bubbles and play online. “We’re planning to play Zoom Pictionary on Christmas afternoon”, says Rose, a leisure centre manager, “We just draw the pictures and hold them up. Easy.” Use a random word generator so you don’t run out of ideas.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--From Knitting To Kneading: 10 Hobbies We Fell Back In Love With In 2020

With many of our usual go-to haunts closed and life changed beyond recognition, many of us took it as an opportunity to reset – discovering (and rediscovering) hobbies to pass the never-ending days.
According to a survey by The Healthy Work Company, during the first national lockdown 35% of us made time for old hobbies, while 25% of us tried new ones. And it’s these new hobbies that have had the most positive impact on our mental health. For some people, such as key workers and remote workers, hobbies offered some relaxing respite from intense working days.
For others at home on furlough, hobbies provided the physical and mental stimulation people formerly found at work. Intrigued, we spoke to a cross section of people who took up new hobbies this year and asked what they loved most about them.
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Here are the ten of the most popular pastimes we loved in lockdown.
Baking bread
alvarez via Getty Images Midsection of woman throwing dough on flour over marble counter. Female is preparing sourdough bread. She is in kitchen.
We often assume that making bread is time-consuming, but in lockdown some of us had plenty of time to give it a go. And with baker’s yeast initially in short supply, sourdough - that you ‘start’ using naturally-occurring yeasts - became the artisan challenge of 2020. “I have been baking sourdough since January,” says Cathy, a nurse, “We’ve only bought bread products about four times all year”.
Growing vegetables
At the start of lockdown there was something of a ‘Dig for Victory’ mindset, with seed catalogues selling out and the more green-fingered among us doing seed and plant swaps. Whether we had a garden, an allotment, a balcony or just a window box, many of us managed to grow something good to eat, and the lovely weather helped. “We grew cabbages, broad beans and french beans for the first time! Continuing next year,” says IT manager Heather.
Language learning
We may not have been able to go abroad this year, but in happy anticipation of future holidays, many of us have been challenging our brains by learning languages: “Bit of a cliché, but I’m learning Spanish. Hurts my brain but I love a challenge!” says communications director Lisa. “Duolingo! I renewed my French and took up Spanish. Don’t know that I “love” them, but I’m sticking at them,” agrees Hilary, a school administrator.
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IT skills
Maybe we’ve been winging it with pivot tables, typing with two fingers, or longing to explore another operating system. With time to experiment, lots of us used lockdown to become more tech-savvy: “I’m doing a bit of learning to type, and also messing with Linux on an old computer,” reports engineer Nick.
Knitting
izusek via Getty Images Young bearded man wearing nerd glasses and striped top sitting on sofa at home and knitting, with his girlfriend in the kitchen in the background.
Once you’ve mastered the basic stitches, you can keep one eye on your knitting needles and the other on Netflix as you make lovely woolly things, from scarves to patterned jumpers. “I knitted a big yellow Beegu character and donated him to my local primary school after lockdown,” says veteran knitter Ola, a student. And if you have an anarchic side, you could go yarn bombing – decorating urban spaces with ‘guerrilla knitting’.
Horse riding
Riding a horse for exercise purposes was one of the things permitted during lockdown. There’s something particularly fulfilling about getting outside into fresh green spaces, in tune with a large animal that’s happy to be out and about with you, and riding requires skill and coordination. Vet nurse Sarah explains: “I went back to horse riding for the first time in over 20 years. It got me out in the fresh air and rescued my mental health. I now share a horse.”
Exercise
RyanJLane via Getty Images A fit and active African American woman on an evening jog in Washington state, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and vitality she feels from a healthy lifestyle.
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When an hour’s walk or run outside wasn’t enough, people rediscovered exercise they could do at home. Daily The Body Coach aside, we dusted off our old fitness DVDs, or had a go at yoga, Pilates, and tap dancing. Accountant Linda laughs, “I tried Couch to 5k but my knees gave up! Started Fit4Tap and love it!” The surprise hit of the year was open water swimming: with public pools closed, wetsuit-clad enthusiasts flocked to wild swimming spots for their aquatic fix. London Ambulance Service controller Yvonne enthuses, “It reminds me I am not too old to still challenge myself and do slightly mad things”.
Photography
We all snap everyday life with our phones and then share the pictures with friends and family and on social media. Lockdown gave us the chance to slow down, maybe dust off the big digital camera, and, like programmer Oona, go out purposefully with form and composition in mind to do “lots of walking and taking pictures”. Strategist Alison “absolutely loves taking pictures of all types and editing them - I find it peaceful”.
Writing
Phoebe Morgan, editorial director at HarperCollins advised not writing about the pandemic: “I don’t think anyone wants to remember this when they’re trying to escape. Fiction is fiction.” But that shouldn’t stop you trying your hand at poetry, short stories or even that future bestseller. Charity director Jenny enjoyed “Journaling, in an arty way. Sort of calligraphy meets outpouring of emotion in brief!”
Musical instruments


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--Bored Of The Same Four Walls? Tips To Spruce Up Your Space In 2021

Most of us have been at home far more than we would normally have been this year, and we’re probably getting a bit fed up with our décor. And with lots of us re-evaluating our lifestyles, we take a look at some interior design trends to watch out for in 2021.
We’ve got some great home-sprucing tips, and we also chatted to Julie Bliss, an architectural designer and owner of Bliss Interiors in Surrey who always has her finger on the pulse of current and future interiors trends.
Anchiy via Getty Images Hispanic woman working from home office. Latina woman working from home
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The home office
This is the big story of 2020. Whether you cleared out the space under the stairs, revamped the shed, or had a separate bespoke office built in the garden, an office space came into its own in lockdown. And probably beyond the pandemic, because remote working is set to be the new normal. Sales of garden offices are surging; they may even become an architectural feature marking the Covid era, rather like the party wall legislation that followed The Great Fire of London. “Don’t just have the basic square child’s drawing of an outdoor room,” advises Julie, “Your room can be 4m high at the apex, so get creative with lines, curves, open glass, lighting and different materials.” And if you didn’t want to go the whole hog with an outdoor office, summer houses will be desirable – a little retreat on your own patch.
Johner Images via Getty Images
Colours go natural
Nature has played a big part in keeping us grounded this year, so it follows that the next big thing in interior colours will be natural, earthy and muted – think soft autumnal bronzes and sludgy, mossy greens, even the colour of the sky - both blues and overcast greys. Little Greene’s paint range, to be released in January, includes natural, earthy shades. And which direction your room faces makes a difference too. Warm up north-facing rooms with sunset colours such as golds and mustards, and cool down south-facing rooms with aquamarines, dove greys, and subtle violets. Add drama with contrasting woodwork colours, and statement furniture. You can get your paint mixed to the perfect natural shades at a Dulux Decorator Centre - and collect Nectar points when you buy.
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Sustainable flooring
First we sanded our floorboards, then when draughts came up through the cracks we covered them with engineered boards. What’s next? Cork. It has come a long way from that dreadful brown crumbly stuff of the 1980s. It’s sustainable, harvested from living trees without damaging them. And it’s warm, waterproof, good for acoustics, comparatively seamless, and comes in a range of (fashionably earthy) colours. If you prefer natural fibre floorings, there are plenty that are also sustainably-sourced: coir, seagrass, sisal and jute, and of course, pure wool carpet.
Furniture and fittings
Geber86 via Getty Images Close up of a father and son making a crib in their new home
Focus on the focal point
It’s probably time to retire that big-patterned feature wall that’s been dominating homes for the past decade. A feature should really be something that puts a point of interest in a room. Traditionally, that would be the fireplace and mantelpiece, but why not try the hottest new home trend, the gallery wall? Gather up eclectic paintings, pictures and prints, ticket stubs, postcards, vinyl album covers, hats – things that mean something to you – and arrange them artfully on a wall with command strips.
Include a mirror. The effect of mirrors is threefold - they make the room look larger, they not only reflect the natural light back in, they also reflect what’s in the room, giving you a fresh perspective on your interior décor. And if you’re struggling to find the perfect-sized mirror for a room, Julie has a final top tip: “Go to your local picture framer and choose the frame you love, then get them to fit it with mirror glass.” Why hadn’t we thought of that before?
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--On The Mind - How Exercise Changes Your Mind & Brain

On The Mind - How Exercise Changes Your Mind & Brain
Exercise causes profound changes in brain structure and function and these changes can have really important effects, both in the short and the long term, on our mood and our mental abilities. In this episode cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Tom Bullock explains how exercise supercharges our decision making, the surprising possibility of why we get an exercise ‘high’ and how it can help restore the brain as we age.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--Marcus Rashford Launches End Child Food Poverty Website To Support Families Over Christmas

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England footballer Marcus Rashford and his food poverty taskforce have launched a website to support children and vulnerable families over the Christmas holiday period.
The site, endchildfoodpoverty.org, includes a map that allows people to find help in their local area, as well as information on how people can donate and volunteer this winter.
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Food banks, schools, charities, local councils and other organisations who are offering food support to families over the holidays have been urged to sign up.
In a statement, Rashford said: “Following the government investment, it was important to me that we supported by communicating on the help available in local areas, working closely with local authorities, so that our vulnerable families know where to turn when faced with the toughest winter on record.
“In partnership with Co-op and Google, we have developed a central hub for those who need help and those who want to help. That second function was really important to me – everyone has a role to play in ending child food poverty in the UK and we wanted to support those who want to make a difference.
“There is still so much more to be done but the least children deserve this year, after loss and disruption, is a Christmas dinner on the table.”
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The website launch comes as Independent Food Banks have reported a 62% increase in emergency food parcel distribution in October compared to the same month last year.
Tyler, 15, from Blackburn, described how “stressful” the Christmas period can be for children whose families are struggling.
“My friends who have free school meals during term time already face being bullied about it, but at least they get the meal they need,” he said. “But during the holidays, when we hang out together, they are clearly ashamed that they don’t have enough money to buy basics, like a drink or a bite to eat.
“This can really divide kids and make those that go without feel excluded. The holidays, which we are meant to look forward to, are instead just really stressful.”
The website’s release coincides with a new BBC documentary which has been following Rashford’s campaigning efforts to tackle child food poverty.
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The footballer was made an MBE this year for his campaign work to provide free school meals to disadvantaged children during the holidays.
His petition for pupils in disadvantaged families to have their meals paid for during the holidays went on to attract more than one million signatures – mass backing which piled pressure on Downing Street to commit to more support.
Anna Taylor, executive director of The Food Foundation said: “For so many families, this Christmas will be extremely precarious as the ongoing financial pressures of Covid-19 push struggling households further into hardship and force a newly vulnerable segment of society to seek help for the first time.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--People's Christmas Cards This Year Are Just As 2020 As You'd Expect

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Who even needs Christmas when soon there'll be a NEW YEAR?
Families are celebrating the end of 2020 with Christmas cards and letters that are fitting for this train-wreck lap around the sun (or as one man called it, the “longest decade in history”).
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the people of Twitter managed to find some holiday cheer by using their Christmas cards to unite against their common enemy: 2020.
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Here are some of the best efforts rounded up by Twitter.
This is going to be the best Christmas card this year, I can tell! pic.twitter.com/dRHxbVcveV — Rebecca Lennon (@beckylennon09) December 9, 2020
Omg our 2020 holiday cards are here and they are PERFECT pic.twitter.com/FlDba4bH4K — Danielle Leong (@tsunamino) November 25, 2020
2020 was an unusual year so we had an unusual holiday card. Happy holidays from the Meyers! pic.twitter.com/KfQxePCbGS — David Meyer (@MeyerAndGoliath) December 14, 2020
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The best 2020 holiday card, courtesy of my brother and sister in law pic.twitter.com/4S72fZjnSJ — susan rinkunas 🙋🏼♀ (@sueonthetown) December 9, 2020
Our company Christmas card. You’re welcome. pic.twitter.com/oHhsOIQzy0 — Taylor Stoker (@taytaygangordie) December 15, 2020
Best Christmas card received so far. pic.twitter.com/sj84s2ygoP — Anne (@annewitha_e) December 14, 2020
If you need a laugh, take a look at my department’s 2020 Christmas card! Photo credit to my 8 year old- we put so much effort into planning the photo we forgot about the photographer! #TeachAg @CSIEagles pic.twitter.com/bGJDDaWjJU — Jaysa Fillmore 🦉 (@MrsAgTeacher) December 10, 2020
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Love our Holiday Card this year!! pic.twitter.com/o2EGaEW3EJ — Melissa Bruno (@melissabruno123) December 14, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--The 7 Most Common Places Covid-19 Is Spreading Right Now

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This article was originally published by HuffPost US.
Through their many conversations with newly infected and recently exposed individuals, contact tracers in the US have gleaned some valuable insights about the types of places that seem to carry the greatest risk for coronavirus spread.
The data shows that when it comes to Covid-19, the locations where people contract the virus run the gamut. Most commonly, cases can be traced back to places where people spend a lot of time congregating together — such as your house or work — and crowded, indoor spaces like restaurants or gyms.
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Sometimes, though, it’s not so obvious. Even people who have played it safe at home, albeit the occasional run to the grocery store, are testing positive, suggesting that retail stores may have a bigger role in community transmission than originally thought.
Since it’s difficult to pin down the point of exposure for each and every case, contact tracers and health experts recommend avoiding crowded places with poor air ventilation.
“Try to avoid [these places] if you can, but if you can’t and are compelled to still go out, definitely wear your mask, wear it the right way, and make sure the place you’re going doesn’t have a high volume where people are really mixing,” Daniel Fagbuyi, an emergency physician who served as a biodefense expert in the Obama administration, told HuffPost.
Here are some of the most common places where Covid-19 is spreading right now, according to experts:
Your House
Covid-19 is spreading like crazy in our own homes. Much of how sick a person gets boils down to how much of the coronavirus they were exposed to and how long they were exposed to it, making our homes home a potential breeding ground.
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One report found that if there’s an infected person living in your house, you have an 18% chance of getting infected yourself.
“A majority of people catch it from a family member, either in their household or visiting another family member’s household,” said Michelle Krasowski, a librarian in the San Francisco Bay Area who is contact tracing. This is especially true for lower-income families living in smaller spaces with more people, Krasowski added.
It’s not at all realistic for people to avoid their homes if a family member is sick, but there are ways to reduce your risk, said Anna Bershteyn, an associate professor in the department of population health at NYU and an expert in Covid-19 modelling and health care surveillance.
The infected person should strictly isolate from the rest of the family. If possible, they should avoid sharing spaces like the bathroom or kitchen. If you must enter a shared space, wear as many layers of personal protective equipment as possible — masks, gloves, face shields, whatever you can.
Social Gatherings
Krasowski said gatherings of all shapes and sizes have popped up in her contact tracing work. “People have caught it at small gatherings of less than six people, both indoors and outdoors. People have caught it going to family gatherings,” she said.
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In general, the risk of a gathering depends on the odds an infectious person is in the group, and if so, the chance they could transmit the virus to you, according to Bershteyn. Smaller gatherings are generally safer because there’s a lower chance someone in the group could be infected.
“When cases in an area are really high, though, even a relatively small gathering ends up having a significant risk of having an infected person,” Bershteyn stressed.
Kar-Tr via Getty Images If you’re dining indoors or in a tent where people’s masks are off and airflow is stifled, that risk of Covid-19 infection grows exponentially.
Restaurants And Bars
Much of the contact tracing data published online has consistently found that bars and restaurants have played a role in transmission.
In Louisiana, several Covid-19 outbreaks have been linked back to restaurants and bars. In Maryland, a high percentage of newly infected people visited restaurants and bars during the time frame they were contagious. Similar data has come out of Washington, DC., Illinois, and Connecticut.
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Bershteyn said not all dining experiences are equivalent. The risk is likely lower with outdoor dining that’s generously spaced out. If you’re dining indoors or in a tent where people’s masks are off and airflow is stifled, that risk grows exponentially. “It’s a law of numbers,” Fagbuyi added. Regardless of whether you’re dining indoors or outdoors, as the number of people nearby increases, so does your risk.
Gyms And Fitness Studios
Multiple US states have also found indoor gyms to be linked to exposures and outbreaks. Plus, a recent study evaluating cell phone and transmission data determined that gyms were the second-riskiest place for catching Covid-19, after restaurants.
When people work out, they huff and puff more than usual, shooting respiratory droplets out across the room. If there’s not much airflow, their droplets can hang in the air for hours and later be inhaled.
“It’s difficult to wear a mask properly, people may be breathing or [generating] particles, you have shared surfaces and shared air, you have people who are not in your pod — that all contributes to the risk,” Bershteyn said.
Religious Services
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At churches and religious gatherings, people tend to sing or pray — expelling droplets into the air — and congregate together indoors for a lengthy period of time.
“Everything is coming from the lungs, literally, you’re kind of spewing all that stuff out of your mouth into the air,” Fagbuyi said.
Throw in the fact that people from different households are mixing together in close proximity, and the risk of attending a religious service shoots up.
Luis Alvarez via Getty Images Some contact tracing data suggests that around half of people diagnosed with Covid-19 have no idea where they could have picked it up.
Certain Workplaces
Montana’s contact tracers estimate that one in six people are exposed at work, and Vermont’s data shows workplaces have been connected to multiple outbreaks. Krasowski said workplace exposure is definitely an issue she’s seeing in her area on the West Coast as well.
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“The fact that the infectious period peaks before the symptomatic period means that people are going to work when they’re already contagious, but they would have no way of knowing that,” Krasowski said.
Remember: Covid-19 is airborne, so simply being in the same office as an infected person comes with some level of risk.
Contact tracers have found manufacturing plants and warehouses to be the source of several outbreaks. “We’ve seen the data and it’s definitely out there … in industries where people are in close proximity and where there’s loud noise where they have to yell and speak over each other,” Fagbuyi said.
Stores And Shops
It’s generally thought that a quick visit to the store isn’t too risky, but as US contact tracers collect more data on potential exposures in retail environments, people are beginning to question the safety of retail stores.
A study from Boston also found that grocery store workers have a substantial risk since they interact with so many customers, many of whom don’t wear masks properly.
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Additionally, some contact tracing data suggests that around half of people diagnosed with Covid-19 have no idea where they could have picked it up. Krasowski said she’s spoken to some people who are very cautious — they work out of their homes and have only gone to the grocery store, but they’ve still caught it.
“That really makes you wonder whether some of these seemingly necessarily things like going out for grocery may be contributing, to some extent, to transmission,” Bershteyn said.
Though work and gatherings in our homes are thought to be riskier, Covid-19 currently seems to be everywhere. The virus is highly contagious, Krasowski stressed, so no matter where you go, try to limit how much time you spend with others who could potentially be infected and keep the air well ventilated.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-18--James Corden Recaps The Dumpster Fire Of 2020 And Ends On An Optimistic Note

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James Corden crammed the events of “the absolute worst” year of 2020 into three minutes of airtime.
In the whistle-stop segment on Thursday night, James recalled everything people “may have lost track of” as the coronavirus pandemic upended the world — including the impeachment of President Donald Trump, the tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s move stateside and the popularity of Netflix’s Tiger King and the BBC’s Normal People.
The Late Late Show host ended optimistically, noting how the Covid-19 vaccine meant the end of the public health crisis is now in sight.
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“Merry Christmas to you and those you hold dear, here’s hoping we’ll be together in person next year,” he concluded.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Boris Johnson To Hold Press Conference As Third Lockdown Looms

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Boris Johnson and top scientific advisers will hold a Downing Street press conference at 4pm on Saturday amid reports he will announce new stricter rules for Christmas in England.
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The prime minister is speaking to Cabinet ministers after the alarm was raised over a sharp spike in Covid infections, particularly in London and the south east.
He will appear with chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific officer Patrick Vallance in a televised briefing on Saturday afternoon.
It is reported that the recently-identified new variant of coronavirus may be more infectious and there is evidence that a third wave is building.
Whitty said the government had alerted the World Health Organisation (WHO) over the new variant’s “rapid spread” and underlined it was “more vital than ever” the public take precautions.
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The news comes as families prepare for Christmas, with a five-day relaxation of restrictions still planned for December 23 to 27.
Britain's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance John Sibley / Reuters
Health secretary Matt Hancock said last week that the virus had doubled in the space of seven days in some parts of the south east.
Whitty said in a statement: “As a result of the rapid spread of the new variant, preliminary modelling data and rapidly rising incidence rates in the South East, the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) now consider that the new strain can spread more quickly.
“We have alerted the WHO and are continuing to analyse the available data to improve our understanding.
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“There is no current evidence to suggest the new strain causes a higher mortality rate or that it affects vaccines and treatments although urgent work is underway to confirm this.
“Given this latest development it is now more vital than ever that the public continue to take action in their area to reduce transmission.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street PA
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon, meanwhile, has said “preventative action may be necessary” to halt the spread of the variant strain of the virus.
She tweeted: “Following a four nations Covid call earlier, I’ll chair @scotgov Cabinet meeting this afternoon to discuss emerging evidence on new variant.
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“Cases currently at lower level in Scotland than UK – but preventative action may be necessary to stop faster spreading strain taking hold.”
Wales’ first minister Mark Drakeford said he would chair a meeting of his cabinet later.
He tweeted: “I attended a four nation call earlier today to discuss serious concerns over the spread of a new Covid variant. I will chair a meeting of the @WelshGovernment cabinet at 2pm today.”
On Friday, the R rate jumped above the crucial number 1 and is now 1.1-1.2, having been 0.9-1 the previous week.
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has called for the government to set out a plan.
“This is an incredibly serious moment and people are worried. The prime minister has refused to take action to limit the virus’ spread over Christmas. All he has offered so far is confusion and indecision,” he said.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Five-Mile Lorry Queue Stacks Up In Kent Amid Brexit And Christmas Chaos

A deal has yet to be struck between the UK and the EU, which has led to uncertainty among traders and fears that as many as 60% of Kent businesses are not prepared for a no-deal Brexit.
Lorries without the proper paperwork could be turned away from the border from January 1.
A report published on Saturday warned that businesses are being “held back” by the continued lack of a trade deal with the EU.
The document, published by the House of Commons Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union, said: “While we welcome the government’s attempts to communicate to businesses the changes that will take place on 1 January, results appear patchy at best.
“Little time now remains and, in making their preparations, businesses continue to be held back by restrictions imposed to control the spread of Covid-19, a lack of detailed guidance and continued uncertainty over the final terms of the UK-EU future relationship.”
But Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister told the PA news agency on Friday that he was confident Dover would be able to handle any uncertainty.
He said: “Dover has a proven track record to handle disruption in a good, successful way, and we are able to manage the disruption and importantly recover the position very swiftly indeed.”
Bannister added that increased freight ahead of December 31 means the first weeks of 2021 could be calmer.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Bill Bailey And Oti Mabuse Receive Some Seriously A-List Support Ahead Of Strictly Final

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Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse received a seriously A-list message of support ahead of their performance in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing final.
The comedian is one of four celebrities in the running for the glitterball trophy, with pop singer HRVY, EastEnders actor Maisie Smith and reality star Jamie Laing also vying for the title of 2020 Strictly champion.
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As he gears up for his final performances on the Strictly dance floor, Bill tweeted out a video message he’d received from none other than Idris Elba, wishing him well in the live final.
Oti Mabuse and Bill Bailey on the Strictly dance floor. BBC / Guy Levy
“Bill… it’s Idris, your old dance teacher,” the actor says in the 30-second clip, before giving a quick shout-out to Oti.
“I am so proud of you guys, man. Congratulations on getting to the final, that’s massive. Everyone’s rooting for you – well, I’m definitely rooting for you. And just enjoy yourself, man. Kill it, you know what I mean? You look great.”
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Idris added: “Just remember what I used to say in class. Just remember that stuff. And don’t forget it. Alright, man? I love you! Good luck.”
“Huge thanks to the legend that is @IdrisElba for taking time out to send me this lovely message,” Bill tweeted, as he posted the clip online.
Huge thanks to the legend that is @idriselba for taking time out to send me this lovely message #inthelongrun #Strictly2020 pic.twitter.com/L2X5qYDh9G — Bill Bailey (@BillBailey) December 18, 2020
Idris isn’t the only A-lister to back Bill and Oti, though.
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If Bill does manage to scoop the glitterball trophy, Oti will make history as the first Strictly professional to win the show two years in a row.
It will be a big night either way, though, with remaining pros Gorka Márquez, Janette Manarara and Karen Hauer all in the running to win Strictly for the first time.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Twitter Users Can't Believe What US Space Force Members Will Be Called

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The US Space Force celebrated its first anniversary by announcing what its members will be called – and Twitter users were spaced out.
The newest branch of the military announced Friday in a series of tweets that Space Force members will henceforth be known as “guardians.” Vice president Mike Pence officially announced the new name, according to The Associated Press.
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Today, after a yearlong process that produced hundreds of submissions and research involving space professionals and members of the general public, we can finally share with you the name by which we will be known: Guardians. pic.twitter.com/Tmlff4LKW6 — United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) December 18, 2020
The agency explained there was a long history associated the name “guardians.”
The opportunity to name a force is a momentous responsibility. Guardians is a name with a long history in space operations, tracing back to the original command motto of Air Force Space Command in 1983, “Guardians of the High Frontier.” — United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) December 18, 2020
The name Guardians connects our proud heritage and culture to the important mission we execute 24/7, protecting the people and interest of the U.S. and its allies. — United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) December 18, 2020
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Still, Twitter users thought the name was pretty loony, mainly because they associated the word “guardians” with a different galaxy.
To mark the one year anniversary of its founding, VP Pence announces that the men and women of the United States Space Force! will be known as "Guardians" pic.twitter.com/0RrnUlpfhF — Jonathan Lemire (@JonLemire) December 18, 2020
I see we're opting for the Marvel Universe, not Star Trek or Star Wars. https://t.co/SPT2TqJYEM — Anthony Zurcher (@awzurcher) December 18, 2020
Others had a different type of guardian in mind, like the bodyguards in the dystopian world of novelist Margaret Atwood (a place Pence himself might recognise).
Let the Handmaid's Tale snark begin. https://t.co/TW7xmqVWov — Sharon Weinberger (@weinbergersa) December 18, 2020
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Some people had questions. Lots of questions.
is this a joke tweet https://t.co/DT1l961J5g — Terminal Lance (@TerminalLance) December 18, 2020
Shouldn't they have been Enforcers? — Noell Scovell (@NellSco) December 18, 2020
How long until we have to endure bumper stickers that say “Proud Parent of a Space Force Guardian” https://t.co/77ENeGGKkD — Ben Kesling (@bkesling) December 18, 2020
That is so effing pathetic. Is the Coast Guard Coast Guardians? — Tom Mallory (@tom_mallory) December 18, 2020
Others were ok with calling the Space Force members “guardians,” with certain caveats.
Okay. But then they need to grant flag officer rank to at least one raccoon. https://t.co/JvakUdvmtZ — Ankit Panda (@nktpnd) December 18, 2020
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the first space dude who puts groot on a challenge coin is getting court-martialed https://t.co/kaXnDItUe3 — Noah Shachtman (@NoahShachtman) December 18, 2020
A couple of people held out hope for the next administration.
Good lord fucking please Joe BIden please undo this nationally humiliating nonsense as your first act. https://t.co/IdWkBbA4U0 — Ross A. Lincoln, a Space Professional (@Rossalincoln) December 18, 2020
Hopefully, Biden and Co. will shut this stupid shit down ASAP. https://t.co/z9kyztS3oK — Dr Arnold T Blumberg (@DoctoroftheDead) December 18, 2020
But one person was happy to imagine all the possibilities of a Space Force future.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Biden Defeats Trump Once Again In Stephen Colbert’s ’Twas The Coup Before Christmas Sketch

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President-elect Joe Biden teams up with Santa Claus to save Christmas from Donald Trump in a new animated short that aired on Friday’s edition of Stephen Colbert’s US talk show.
In the seven-minute clip ’Twas The Coup Before Christmas, Biden visits Santa and asks him to grant him his wish of unifying the country following the divisive presidency of his predecessor.
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But Trump, his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) are hellbent on proving the election was stolen from Trump ― as Trump has repeatedly falsely claimed in real life.
Trump and his backers in the video allege that trillions of ballots for him are actually hidden inside Santa’s sack. But Trump’snarcissism ultimately leads to his own downfall when he opens the sack for his own gain.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Strictly Come Dancing Final To Feature Message From Camilla Parker-Bowles

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This year’s Strictly Come Dancing final is to feature a very special royal cameo, it’s been revealed.
Every year, the Strictly final includes a montage of video messages from celebrities and fans of the show discussing their favourite moments from the series and what makes Strictly so special.
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PA News has reported that 2020 will be no exception, and among the famous fans will be none other than Camilla Parker-Bowles.
The Duchess of Cornwall will appear alongside other Strictly viewers, discussing the joy that the show has brought in what’s been a turbulent year for so many around the world.
The Duchess Of Cornwall Julian Parker via Getty Images
Obviously, we’re excited to hear what Camilla has to say about the BBC dancing show.
However, we can’t help but feel like if we had to hear her thoughts on one of 2020’s biggest shows, Strictly wouldn’t have been our top pick...
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Camilla isn’t actually the first royal to appear during this year’s series, though, with Prince Harry previously chatting to JJ Chalmers via video-link while he was training for one of his live performances.
The cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2020 during the first live show of the series BBC
Pop singer HRVY, comedian Bill Bailey, EastEnders star Maisie Smith and reality star Jamie Laing are the four stars competing for the glitterball trophy in this year’s final.
HRVY and Bill are in good stead to be crowned Strictly champion, with both of them having avoided landing in the dreaded dance-off throughout the series.
If HRVY, Maisie or Jamie were to win the show, it’d be the first time any of their professional partners – Janette Manrara, Gorka Márquez and Karen Hauer, respectively – had ever won Strictly.
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Meanwhile, if Bill triumphs, his dancing partner Oti Mabuse will become the first Strictly pro to win the show two years in a row.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Rupert Murdoch Gets Covid-19 Vaccine While Profiting Off Virus Misinformation

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Rupert Murdoch, the News Corp mogul behind The SUn and The Times, as well as Fox News, received the Covid-19 vaccine on Friday, even as hosts on his US network stoke fears about it and spread vaccine misinformation.
Murdoch, 89, received the coronavirus vaccine on Friday in the UK, where people over 80 years of age are being prioritised for the vaccine.
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“I would like to thank the keyworkers and the [National Health Service] staff who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic, and the amazing scientists who have made this vaccine possible,” he said in a statement from a representative for News Corp, of which he is chairman. “I strongly encourage people around the world to get the vaccine as it becomes available.”
Murdoch may be talking up the vaccine now, but it’s a different story on Fox News in the US, which Murdoch founded and currently oversees as the Fox Corporation chairman.
Tucker Carlson, arguably the network’s biggest star, veered into anti-vaccine territory on his show Thursday night.
“Suddenly the Covid vaccine is on the morning shows, touted on celebrity Twitter accounts, and the news about it is uniformly glowing,” Carlson said before sarcastically adding, “this stuff is just great, lot of famous people say so.”
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He went on to say the vaccine’s “marketing campaign” seems “a bit much, it feels false, because it is; it’s too slick.” He also warned his viewers that vaccine proponents would threaten skeptics like him “unless we take it.” He warned that two Alaska health care workers had an allergic reaction to the vaccine, the first doses of which have already been given to 2.9 million people across the US.
Carlson is a huge moneymaker for Fox News and, in turn, for Murdoch. Earlier this year, he became the most-watched on-air personality in cable news history, with an average 4.33 million viewers every night
Laura Ingraham, another one of Fox News’ most well-known hosts, is also spreading vaccine misinformation. Earlier this week, she posited on her show that people in North and South Dakota don’t need to get the Covid-19 vaccine because they’re nearing herd immunity status, a claim that is dangerous and untrue.
“People want to get vaccinated, they want to get vaccinated, but in that case it wouldn’t be necessary,” she said of the Dakotas.
The doctors she had on air to lend credence to her false claim have both been called out for spreading misinformation about the pandemic. Dr Ramin Oskoui, a cardiologist, has argued that “masks do not work” and “social distancing doesn’t work,” citing a study that the authors say he took out of context. The other, cancer researcher Dr Harvey Risch, is one of the lone medical professionals pushing hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for the disease, despite no evidence to back up his claims and the serious risk the drug poses for patients.
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Ingraham has also brought quack doctors on to her radio show to warn Americans that they’re “becoming guinea pigs in a huge gene experiment conducted on humans” by receiving the vaccine, adding that those who take it are “going to go to your doom.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Strictly Come Dancing Finalist HRVY Reveals Heartfelt Reason He's Determined To Take Home Glitterbal

Strictly Come Dancing Finalist HRVY Reveals Heartfelt Reason He's Determined To Take Home Glitterball Trophy

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Strictly Come Dancing finalist HRVY has shared the touching reason he feels determined to bring home the glitterball trophy this year.
HRVY is one of four stars vying for the title of the 2020 Strictly champion in Saturday night’s live final, and looks in good stead to be crowned this year’s winner, having impressed the judges and avoided the bottom two every week of the competition.
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Speaking ahead of this year’s final, the pop singer said that he already has plans for the coveted glitterball trophy, admitting he intends to give it to his nan – who he hasn’t been able to see in months due to Covid-19 restrictions – if he does win.
HRVY and Janette Manrara pose with the glitterball trophy BBC
“On the night of the final it’s my nan and grandad’s 60th diamond jubilee wedding anniversary,” he revealed.
“They have watched every single Strictly, every single show, never missed a show since the beginning. I said to my nan, genuinely, if I win and I get a glitterball you can put it in your house, on your fireplace.”
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HRVY added: “I’d take a picture of it with me next to it and I’d have that photo in my house, but I honestly will give the glitterball to my nan because she loves Strictly so much it would actually make her life…”
If HRVY is crowned this year’s Strictly champion, it’ll be the first win ever for his professional partner Janette Manrara, after eight years with the show.
HRVY and Janette performing during last week's live show BBC / Guy Levy
He’s up against EastEnders actor Maisie Smith, reality star Jamie Laing and comedian Bill Bailey in the final, with Maisie and Jamie having been in the dance-off twice and four times before, respectively.
Like HRVY, Bill has never been in the dance-off, and if he were to win the show, professional Oti Mabuse would be the first dancer ever to win Strictly two years in a row.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Christmas Dinner ‘Creates Perfect Conditions For Coronavirus’, Expert Warns

Families sharing Christmas dinner create “perfect conditions” for coronavirus to spread, an expert has warned.
Professor Stephen Reicher, from the University of St Andrews, told Times Radio on Saturday: “Christmas is a gift to the virus.
“If you want the perfect conditions for the spread of the virus it would be to be indoors, somewhere that wasn’t well ventilated, somewhere which was crowded, somewhere where there’s alcohol so that we forget our inhibitions, and that describes perfectly the Christmas dinner.”
His comments came on the last weekend ahead of the planned temporary easing of restrictions over the Christmas period.
The latest figures from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) showed the reproduction number, or R value, of coronavirus transmission across the UK is estimated to have risen to between 1.1 and 1.2.
Psychology professor Reicher, who sits on the Scientific Pandemic Insights Group on Behaviours (SPI-B), which advises Sage, added: “Of course we don’t want to give gifts to this virus, we want to look after ourselves, and the best way of doing that, I think, is sadly to postpone if we can.
“I recognise that for some families it does make sense to meet up – I mean, if you’ve got an elderly relative who might not see another Christmas or somebody who’s suffering greatly, there will be exceptions.
“But if we turn the exception into the rule and if many people meet, then we really are heading towards a disaster.”
He argued that it was important to limit the number of households that could meet up, with five days of relaxed measures over Christmas being “too long”.
Reicher also warned about the consequences of people from different parts of the country, with varying levels of the virus, travelling to mix together.
He said: “The real problem here is, of course, that if you mix everything up – mix up high levels and low levels (of infection) – then you reseed the infection in areas that it is not as prevalent in and you just relaunch the pandemic.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Tess Daly Reveals Husband Vernon Kay's Personal I'm A Celebrity Problem That Didn't Make The Final E

Tess Daly Reveals Husband Vernon Kay's Personal I'm A Celebrity Problem That Didn't Make The Final Edit

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In a new interview with The Sun, Tess admitted she was repeatedly moved to tears during Vernon’s recent I’m A Celebrity stint, particularly when she could see that he was struggling.
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The Strictly Come Dancing host also revealed that, adding to Vernon’s problems during his time on the show was the fact the 6’3” presenter was too tall for the castle beds, and had to resort to sleeping on the floor as a result.
Vernon Kay and Tess Daly pictured in 2019 Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images
“Every time he welled up on the TV, I would find myself welling up because I felt like I was going through it with him,” Tess explained.
“I mean I was fed and never cold... but he slept on the floor for two and a half weeks, which the edit didn’t show, because he didn’t fit in the beds.”
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She added: “Often he would refer to the girls [on the show] and I would look across to our 16-year-old Phoebe, who is a teenager and doesn’t show that much emotion when it comes to her parents.
“But there was a moment between us where we acknowledged the fact that we were really proud of him.
“Then when he did a little message to me in the telegraph, I was like, ‘Oh God’ – I had to leave the room quickly so the teenager couldn’t see me cry.”
Vernon Kay leaving the castle earlier this month Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock
Vernon ended up finishing in third place in I’m A Celebrity, behind runner up Jordan North and eventual winner Giovanna Fletcher.
He and Tess have been married since 2003 and have two daughters, 16-year-old Phoebe and 11-year-old Amber.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--What You Need To Know About A Covid Third Wave In The UK

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Where are we at right now?
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the proportion of people testing positive has increased sharply in London. Infection rates have also increased in eastern England, the East Midlands and south-east England.
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The reproduction number, or R rate, of transmission across the UK has risen to between 1.1 and 1.2, a significant increase from last week’s estimate of between 0.9 and 1.
There are also reports of growing numbers of hospitals in England running out of beds and having to divert patients elsewhere.
So could the rise in cases and hospital admissions mean that the third wave has already started in the UK? Dr Naomi Forrester-Soto, a virologist at Keele University, doesn’t think so. “I would say what we’re seeing is the resurgence of the second wave,” she tells HuffPost UK.
“The second wave never really went away; cases never dropped down to the levels that we saw between the first and second wave.”
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Professor Martin Michaelis, a molecular medical expert at the University of Kent, agrees. “The little dip in the [current] wave was just a result of the lockdown. After the first wave, it took a while until we had the second one because the first lockdown brought the numbers down quite considerably.
“We haven’t seen this happen this time.”
Is a third wave inevitable?
Experts have warned that the relaxation of the coronavirus rules over the Christmas period will lead to a rise in cases and risk overwhelming the health service at a time when it traditionally comes under the most pressure because of winter flu and other diseases. In the US and in Canada, the number of Covid cases experienced a significant surge in the period after Thanksgiving.
“I think we’ll probably see a spike in cases as a result of Christmas,” Forrester-Soto says. “It depends on how much mixing everybody does. If we can confine it to those bubbles and limit mixing to one or two other households, then that would limit the amount of transmission afterwards.
“The problem is that we’re reaching peak respiratory virus season, when we would expect to see everybody getting sick and sniffly and when flu and colds would normally take off,” she adds. “Coronavirus is no exception to that.”
“We’re not protecting lives, we’re just delaying the deaths.”
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She worries the current tier restrictions just aren’t stringent enough considering the increased risk of respiratory virus infections that are associated with the winter months: “The only explanation I have for why cases are still increasing is that we’re reaching that peak respiratory infection window and the restrictions aren’t working as well as they should.”
Michaelis also believes the government’s tiered coronavirus rules aren’t doing enough to control the spread of the virus but warns against talking about the “inevitability” of a third wave. “Nothing is inevitable about this pandemic,” he says.
“We have lost almost 70,000 people but this wasn’t inevitable. There are many countries in the world such as Taiwan, Australia and Vietnam who have managed this much better, but instead what the UK is doing is these emergency lockdowns and at the same time not really suppressing the spread.
“We’re not protecting lives, we’re just delaying the deaths and distributing them over a longer period of time.”
In order to prevent a third wave, he argues the government should step up its programme of mass testing alongside mass vaccinations. “With mass testing, you can actually find the infected people and tell them to isolate themselves.”
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Anyone who is exhibiting a sign of an infectious disease, regardless of whether it is one of the three main symptoms of Covid-19, should be told to self-isolate in order to limit the spread of transmission, he adds.
What impact will the vaccine have?
For now, none. “The vaccinations aren’t going to do a huge amount to prevent the rise in cases because not enough people have been vaccinated,” Forrester-Soto says.
A drive-in vaccination centre in Manchester. OLI SCARFF via Getty Images
Although it could take a long while before we see the vaccine have an impact on the number of cases, it could potentially lead to fewer hospital admissions.
“The first sign that the vaccinations are working is that hospitalisations will start going down, because the people who are most at risk of being hospitalised are the people who are going to be vaccinated first,” she continues.
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“So transmissions rates could remain the same but a decline in the number of hospitalisations will indicate that we are actually protecting some of the most vulnerable people in the population.”
How would a third wave be different from the first two waves?
“The first wave of Covid-19 was felt in care homes first, whereas the second wave began among younger people, so it took longer for vulnerable people to be infected and for death levels to rise,” says Michaelis. But he’s reluctant to predict what will happen the next time.
“The big picture is that these are tiny differences. In the end, there is a level of randomness to how diseases are transmitted and which groups are affected; it’s like throwing a dice.”
Forrester-Soto agrees that the third wave will not be significantly different from the first two waves. “There’s been no real change in the way the virus interacts or causes disease,” she says.
“The only difference now is the way that we are now able to treat people and understand better how their disease progresses, so treatments are more focused and therefore have better outcomes from the very beginnings of the epidemic. But the virus itself hasn’t really changed much.”
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How bad could it be?
“You just have to look across the pond to see how bad things could potentially get,” says Forrester-Soto. “In the US, their hospitals are starting to get overwhelmed; the whole country is overwhelmed. That’s pretty much where we’re headed, if we don’t all pull together and try and prevent transmission within our communities urgently.”
The timing makes the fatalities that could result from this third wave all the bleaker. “Given the hope of the vaccine and with the promise of protection just around the corner, it would be a tragedy to see those numbers rise and then with it an increase in deaths.
“There’s no reason to believe we won't be seeing tens of thousands of further deaths.”
“If everyone could just hold on and socially distance, wear masks and wash hands for the next two months, we may actually be able to make it through with fewer fatalities than we would if we saw the case numbers continue to rise.”
Michealis believes that a “reasonable” outcome based on the current trajectory of cases would 100,000 deaths in the UK by Easter. “We’re already at almost 70,000 and I don’t see why people would magically stop dying.
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“Every time we relax [the rules] we see cases going up and more people dying, and so there’s no reason to believe the numbers are going to decrease any time soon. So yes, I think we’ll see tens of thousands of further deaths.”
Could there be another lockdown in the new year?
On Friday Boris Johnson refused to rule out imposing a third national lockdown on England in the new year, saying: “We’re hoping very much that we will be able to avoid anything like that. But the reality is that the rates of infection have increased very much in the last few weeks.”
Another lockdown is inevitable if things continue as they are, says Michealis. “It’s very gloomy and very dire at the moment so yes, there will be another lockdown if we keep behaving as we do at the moment. There is no other way.”
Both he and Forrester-Soto believe the next lockdown will take place sometime at the beginning of 2021. “It’s likely we’ll experience some form of lockdown in mid-January to February,” Forrester-Soto says. “With case numbers rising so dramatically something will need to be done to get them under control again.”
Michaelis argues the rules need to be as strict as those in the first national lockdown. “I think probably we have to close down everything that we do not need to survive,” he says.
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That could mean even closing down schools once again. “I think we are in a very desperate situation and should probably close schools for a while. I hate to say that, but I do think it’s a prudent thing.”
Should we be still talking about ‘waves’?
According to Michaelis, the “wave” narrative that has surrounded the Covid-19 pandemic is largely because of how the Spanish Flu played out in 1918. “There were three waves, in that case, starting with a mild wave and followed by a very severe second wave, which was the biggest and worst one.
“But there’s no general concept that suggests that’s how it typically will happen. We can see now that the Spanish Flu waves were much more natural than our Covid-19 waves, so the comparison doesn’t really work.”
The danger in discussing coronavirus in terms of waves, he argues, is that we are “overcomplicating the whole pandemic”. “R values, herd immunity, thresholds and waves – these are all very academic concepts.
“In the end, it’s much easier than that. Is the disease spreading? Are the numbers going up or down? That’s it.”
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Forrester-Soto says: “Waves tend to be for very seasonal viruses, where you see a wave come in the first year and then it goes away and comes back with a second wave.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--Everything That's Wrong With Gavin Williamson's Mass Testing Plan – According To Teachers

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Gavin Williamson announced on Thursday, almost at the same moment schools were sending pupils home for Christmas, that the return to face-to-face teaching would be staggered in January to allow mass testing to be set up.
All secondary pupils, with the exception of exam students, the children of critical workers and vulnerable children, will learn online for their first week of the spring term, with all pupils expected to be back in the classroom by January 11.
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Students will then be eligible for daily testing for seven days if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive. It means students won’t need to self-isolate if another student or staff member tests positive in their “bubble”, as long as they agree to be tested daily. Secondary school staff will also be tested weekly from January.
After widespread absences over the first term, a new testing plan has been widely welcomed. The hasty announcement and scant details on the rollout, however, have not.
The National Education Union (NEU) wrote to Williamson on Thursday, arguing that asking school leaders on the last day of term to set up a mass testing system in weeks was a “ridiculous ask”.
So, what are the issues?
Overstretched teachers burdened with running testing programmes
Many teachers, who have spent the past term handling social distancing measures, bubble closures and facilitating both in-person and online lessons, questioned exactly how they would manage the new responsibility of implementing a new testing programme in January.
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As one primary school teacher tweeted: “How are teachers meant to deliver live lessons, teach key worker and vulnerable children, and train how to administer and set up a Covid testing unit?”
The NEU have raised serious concerns about teachers being able to source appropriate volunteers to support testing programmes, highlighting the fact that many schools are already facing staffing shortages due to the pandemic.
How are teachers meant to deliver live lessons, teach key worker and vulnerable children AND train how to administer and set up a covid testing unit????? This is too much! Sending so much support to my secondary colleagues. — Emma Cate (@emmccatt) December 17, 2020
Teachers, school staff & senior leaders have had a crazy term. They need a break.
So we’ve told them at 5pm on the last day before Christmas they need to rip up their plans for the new term.
Oh, and we want them to run, staff and administer testing.
Shambolic. Inept. pic.twitter.com/297dCi6HnR — Stephen Naylor (@stephennaylor) December 17, 2020
On Friday education unions stated secondary schools and colleges unable to set up mass Covid-19 testing of students for the first week of January should not be forced to.
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According to the BBC, the Department for Education (DfE) have said staff are not to be responsible for administering the tests themselves, but they will have to prepare testing sites, recruit and organise volunteers and supervise testers if they don’t have DBS checks.
There is currently very little clarity on how this should be organised or how thousands of volunteers will be recruited, with the government promising full guidance next week.
The limited details which have already been released suggest schools, supported by councils, should “provide a small team to support the work” of setting up mass testing. According to the guidance, this should be “one to two” members of staff, with an unspecified number of team members made up of volunteers (governors are listed as an example), or agency staff brought in specifically for the purpose of coordinating testing.
The advice also states that armed forces personnel “will support directly”, but no further information has been provided on how.
The cost of organising testing
In Williamson’s statement on Thursday, he said “reasonable workforce costs” incurred in the process of setting up and staffing testing sites would “be reimbursed”.
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But with many schools struggling to cope financially even before the Covid-19 crisis, serious concerns have been raised by the NEU over what this assurance from the government really means.
In the letter to Williamson, the NEU wrote: “You say that reasonable extra costs will be met – but you have not even met the costs that schools have so far run up in supply staff, what is your definition of ‘reasonable’?”
One teacher tweeted: “Some staff will be 100% on testing. How will their normal duties be covered and at what cost? What extra funding is there?”
So school halls & sports halls/gyms will be out of use. Lots of outdoor sports/PE only? Having seen what a university had to do, good luck schools. Some staff will be 100% on testing. How will their normal duties be covered and at what cost? What extra funding is there? — James Williams (@edujdw) December 15, 2020
While the government has not provided any further details about funding, teachers are expecting that more information will be provided in the full guidance.
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The definition of a close contact
The NEU letter points out: “Given that students travel together both to and from school, mixing across year group bubbles and across schools, a definition that only includes those they sit next to in class may be deficient. Have you modelled various definitions of close contact?”
With students returning home at the end of the day, often alongside siblings in other bubbles and to parents or carers who have also spent the day working in relatively close proximity to others, the question of how to monitor close contacts outside of the school environment has caused issued for teachers since the start of term.
In theory, the new testing system in secondary schools means students will be eligible for daily testing for seven days if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive.
But with bubbles collapsing outside of the classroom, and “close-contact” being near-impossible to measure, teachers and school staff have been left questioning how exactly they’ll sort out who is eligible for daily testing and who is not.
Again, full details are expected to be released next week, but with the clock already running down to January 4, when the first pupils are due to return, unions are already demanding clarity to help schools set up their testing systems.
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What has the government said?
A spokesperson for the DfE pointed to Williamson’s statement for guidance and said there plans were moving “apace” to facilitate “a big cross-government” effort to roll out testing and help pupils stay in schools.
But aside from saying the government and armed forces would offer support, they did not offer any response on concerns surrounding the plan or the way it had been communicated to staff.
Instead, they pointed to schools minister Nick Gibb’s appearances across various media platforms on Friday morning for the most recent advice.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Gibb made no apology for the advice being issued to schools hours before the Christmas holidays, saying the country was facing “a fast-moving pandemic”.
He added that the process of getting millions of testing kits out to schools in the coming weeks would be a “massive logistical exercise”, emphasising that further details would be published next week.
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“It is very important that we’re testing five and a half million students twice, three days apart, to make sure that we are breaking the transmission of the virus,” he said.
“After the increased mixing over the Christmas holidays it is all about making sure we have more young people in the classroom in the spring and summer terms as we go forward. This is an amazing initiative to get these tests into schools. It is the way we tackle this virus.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-12-19--We Sacrificed Our Religious Festivals, So Why Is Christmas Different?

From Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas and Vaisakhi, to Rosh Hashana, Hanukkah, to Ramadan and Eid, millions of people from different faiths have had their festivals cancelled this year.
But Christmas, as we know, will be different.
“I’m not the type of person who thinks: ‘We didn’t have our festival so you shouldn’t have yours’, as that would be petty,” May Batul, a healthcare student living in Derby, tells HuffPost UK.
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“I know how disappointing it was, and don’t want Christmas to be cancelled as I don’t want people to be deprived of what Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Sikhs were.
“But it’s dangerous and stinks of exceptionalism.”
This week, Boris Johnson said to “cancel Christmas” would be “inhuman, and against the instincts of the many people of this country”.
But for many people who don’t celebrate Christian festivals, the prime minister’s words have only cemented feelings of “otherness”.
“Covid doesn’t take time off or know it’s Christmas,” says Anika Hussain, 24. “It doesn’t discriminate in the sense of religion. Even though it’s really difficult making these sacrifices, we all have to think of other people.”
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Anika Hussain, who spent Eid without her family for the first time this year Anika Hussain
Anika, 24, a Muslim, usually spends Eid with her family who live in Sweden. But this year, Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr took place when the UK was in the grip of the first lockdown.
“It was the first time in my life I wasn’t able to be with my family for Eid which was really difficult,” admitted Anika, an administrator at Bath Spa University and a children’s author.
“It was tough being away from my family. When I phoned them, my mum was heartbroken and crying.”
Instead, Anika came up with an alternative Eid and did a Zoom call with her friend’s family while eating pizza. “It’s really difficult on Zoom as people talk over each other and the connection often drops out. It wasn’t anything like having my mum’s home cooked dishes.”
Anika Hussain, with her mum before going to the mosque on a happier Eid Anika Hussain
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Anika sympathises with people who have missed out on their religious festivals and understands Christmas is an important family time, but she feels the government’s messaging has been insensitive.
“It is unjustified and unfair to treat Christmas differently,” she said. “It gives you a feeling of ‘otherness’ and makes you feel worse when you’re already a minority.
“Yes, it’s hard making sacrifices and not seeing family and friends. But I’ve done it and so have so many people. We need to think of vulnerable people rather than being selfish.
“If people have big gatherings at Christmas, coronavirus rates will spike again and we’ll be in an endless cycle of lockdown.”
For Muslims in some parts of the country, Eid at the end of July was cancelled with just a few hours notice after the government suddenly imposed new lockdown rules forbidding separate households from meeting.
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“The last minute cancellation of Eid seemed very callous as most people would have already bought all the food and prepared a lot of the cooking,” said May Batul, 20, a healthcare student living in Derby.
“They should have at least been given more notice.”
May and her family made the best of the situation and decorated their home and painted their hands with henna. They also made sweet jars to post to friends and family.
May Batul decorated her hands with henna for Eid May Batul
May told HuffPost UK that while she was disappointed, she understands why cancelling Eid was necessary. This makes it all the more difficult for her to fathom why restrictions are being lifted for Christmas.
“It feels very irresponsible when the data seems to suggest there will be a spike in deaths in late December and January,” she said. “We could have saved Christmas and other festivals long ago if the government had handled this pandemic properly and had a better test and trace system.
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“It feels hypocritical and unfair to relax the rules for Christmas after the way they handled everyone else’s festivals.”
Devout Sikh Mandeep Singh, who lives in Southall, told HuffPost UK that despite constantly preaching: “We’re all in this together”, the government’s actions surrounding Christmas show “favouritism” to one faith.
Mandeep Singh says the Sikh community missed out on numerous festivals due to the coronavirus crisis Mandeep Singh
“Where is the equality?” he asked. “Culturally, it isn’t treating people the same. It is not a level playing field when we have all made huge sacrifices this year.”
“It has been the emptiest year imaginable. People feel they’ve lost part of their faith.”
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Mandeep, 42, a primary school teacher who lives with his wife and his mother, says the Sikh community experienced a very different Vaisakhi, one of the highlights of their religious calendar in April during the height of the coronavirus crisis.
“There would normally have been a large street festival for Vaisakhi in Southall and people would have congregated in gurdwaras throughout the day with prayers, singing, lots of food and a communal meal.
“But all this just disappeared globally due to coronavirus.”
Mandeep says Sikhs missed out on many other festivals – including Bandi Chhor Divas, known as the ‘day of liberation’ and Diwali in November. These would usually have seen fireworks, gatherings in gurdwaras and families mingling in homes. But as these festivals occurred during the second lockdown, none of this could happen.
“It has been the emptiest year imaginable,” said Mandeep. “People feel they’ve lost part of their faith.”
The most recent Sikh celebration, again a subdued affair, was Gurpurab, which took place on Monday November 30 – during the second lockdown. “Gurpurab celebrates the birth of our founder Guru Nanak – so is the equivalent of Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Mandeep.
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He is horrified coronavirus restrictions are being relaxed for Christmas despite the warnings of scientists and medics.
“Not only is relaxing the rules a very unjust thing to do, it is totally reckless,” he said. “The worst time for the virus to spread is during the winter months.
“Sikhs have had to miss our celebrations and people from other faiths have had to miss theirs. So why is Christmas any different?
“You don’t want this Christmas to be your relative’s final Christmas.”
Shipra Jain Khanna, an actress, dancer and engineer, has lived in the UK for nine years since moving here from Mumbai. She and husband Yash are Hindus and being so far from India, celebrating festivals with friends is usually extremely important to them.
Shipra Jain Khanna, moved to the UK from India nine years ago, says treating Christmas differently to other festivals makes her feel like a "second rate citizen" Shipra Jain Khanna
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“Diwali is such a communal festival and we normally celebrate it with friends, eat together and exchange presents. It’s like getting a feeling of home,” she explained.
But this year, it was just Shipra and her husband. Although they tried to celebrate by decorating their home and carrying out prayers, she admits it wasn’t the same.
Before the relaxing of rules for Christmas was announced, Shipra discovered an online petition pushing for any easing of restrictions to apply to all religious events. When she shared it on her social media, she received a backlash from people saying coronavirus wouldn’t just go away for one day.
“I didn’t want to party or meet up with lots of people,” Shipra told HuffPost UK. “Just meeting some friends in a social bubble while social distancing would have been enough. People would have welcomed this for Diwali or Eid.
“But now they’ve relaxed the rules for Christmas for five days allowing three households to meet, it makes me feel angry. How can they justify that?
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“As a minority, it makes me feel marginalised. My husband and I came to the UK as he was transferred for work and we pay our taxes and contribute to the economy.
“But when something like this happens, it makes me feel less valued and like a second rate citizen.”
Shipra Jain Khanna and her husband Yash celebrating Diwali alone at home this year Shipra Jain Khanna
Shipra Jain Khanna and her husband Yash celebrating Diwali with friends in a previous year Shipra Jain Khanna
Shipra added: “This is a developed country and talks about acceptance and equality. But it feels like this doesn’t happen in practice.”
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Fellow Hindu Priya Jotangia, 33, who lives in Leicester told HuffPost UK that hearing the coronavirus rules were being relaxed for Christmas felt like “a slap in the face”.
“It made me realise the UK isn’t as inclusive as I thought,” she said. “As diverse as the UK is, we need to be brutally honest. Diwali and Eid are massive – but no relaxation was made for them.
“Is it all about the commercial aspect of Christmas and wanting people to spend lots of money?
“To then find they are relaxing everything for Christmas is deflating. When we’ve got to where we need as a country with the R rate, why undo all that hard work now? It doesn’t make sense.”
Priya Jotangia, 33, a Hindu, says hearing coronavirus rules were being relaxed for Christmas felt like “a slap in the face”. Priya Jotangia
For the Jewish community, numerous religious festivals which are normally huge communal affairs have also been totally different.
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In April, there was Pesach (Passover), which recalls the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, then Pentacost (Shavuot) in late April, which commemorates the giving of the Torah – the first five books in the Hebrew Bible.
Yom Kippur, which is the Day of Atonement, followed by the weeklong Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, all happened in September.
And Hanukkah, the eight day Jewish festival known as the Festival of Lights is ended on Thursday.
Dr Lindsay Taylor-Guthartz with her husband and one of her daughters who is married with two daughters lighting candles for Hanukkah a few years ago Eli Gaventa
Dr Lindsay Taylor-Guthartz, who is married with two daughters, told HuffPost UK that Judaism is a very communal religion and for most festivals, people head to the synagogue – but this hasn’t been able to happen for most of this year.
“The one that hit me hardest was Simchat Torah which celebrates the public Torah readings. Usually, there’s dancing in the synagogue with people holding the Torah scrolls and it is noisy and exciting.
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“We tried to recreate our own version at home, but it was very difficult.”
Dr Taylor-Guthartz, who has a research fellowship at the University of Manchester and is a lecturer at Kings College in London, says throughout the year, Jews have tried to adapt and capture the essence of their festivals, but it wasn’t the same.
“I feel very sympathetic for anyone facing missing out on their festivals and seeing their families,” she said. “I don’t have this feeling of ‘I couldn’t have my festival so why should they have theirs’ as that would be a very grumpy attitude.
“If it is safe, I’m glad people will be able to see their loved ones at Christmas. I wish everyone could have had their festivals.
“I just hope people are sensible and have a toned down Christmas with their family so we don’t see infections rise in a few weeks time.”
Rabbi Zvi Solomons, 52, an Orthodox Jew who lives in Reading, told HuffPost UK it is very understandable Christmas is going ahead. He says although it is not his festival, he will be taking advantage to spend time with dear friends.
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Rabbi Zvi Solomon Rabbi Zvi Solomon
“Jewish festivals are very important family and communal occasions and they were a washout this year as they either happened during lockdown or when restrictions were in place,” he said.
“Passover was hard as the whole point is to open up your homes to people so anyone can come and eat, but we couldn’t do that.
“However, there were upsides as we have had Zoom services and more people have been engaging with them.”
Rabbi Zvi Solomon's wife and son with Hanukkah candles on a previous year Rabbi Zvi Solomon
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Rabbi Solomons says although Christmas is not his festival, he recognises its beauty. “I love Christmas lights, the music is beautiful and the sentiment of generosity and peace is wonderful.
“It is not mine, but I can appreciate it. My heart aches for my Muslim friends who missed out on Eid and Hindus and Sikhs who couldn’t celebrate Diwali properly.
“Christmas is about family time for most people so I think it’s really important that Christians can celebrate it.