thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--When Being Tired Is Actually Depression

When Being Tired Is Actually Depression

PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou via Getty Images Depression and fatigue often go hand-in-hand, but the relationship is complex.
Depression may be among the most common mental health issues, but it is still often misunderstood. Many people assume that the condition manifests itself in really overt sorrow and hopelessness. But the symptoms tend to be much broader, and often more subtle. Including fatigue.
The link between tiredness and depression is not linear and can be challenging to tease apart. But the connection is there, and mental health experts say it’s an essential one to be attuned to — perhaps more than ever during Covid-19, which has profoundly influenced people’s mental health and upended sleep routines.
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Here is the lowdown on depression and fatigue:
Being tired is a very common symptom of depression.
“Fatigue affects more than 90% of people with major depressive disorder,” said Nadine Kaslow, a professor with Emory University School of Medicine’s department of psychiatry and behavioural sciences.
And fatigue does not just mean that it feels physically difficult for you to wake up in the morning (though it certainly could) or that you’re nodding off midday (though that is also a possibility).
Fatigue might also manifest itself more as a general, persistent lack of energy. Even relatively simple tasks feel like they require a lot of physical and emotional effort.
The relationship is complex.
When it comes to depression and fatigue, “there may be an underlying ‘piece’ that is causing both,” said Betty Lai, a psychologist and assistant professor with Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development. She pointed to the possible role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, or HPA axis, which is a system that helps regulate the body’s response to stress.
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“Chronic stress can disrupt the functioning of the HPA axis and lead to problems in both sleep and depression,” Lai explained.
So a shared biological underpinning may be one reason for the fatigue-depression connection, but it is by no means the only one. About 80% of individuals with depression have problems sleeping — a relationship goes in both directions. Insomnia can lead to (or worsen) depression, but they can also be “overlapping” conditions. Depression itself can also lead to insomnia and sleeplessness. Also, people with underlying sleep conditions, like chronic fatigue, can also be more vulnerable to depression.
“The bi-directional relationship between depression and fatigue can lead to a vicious cycle that is hard for people to break,” Kaslow explained.
Another complicating factor? Medication side effects. “Treatment with medication for depression often reduces the severity of fatigue symptoms, however some medications can also cause significant fatigue,” Kaslow added.
Look out for loss of interest.
Mental health experts emphasise that the symptoms of fatigue that are tied to depression do not always manifest as physical tiredness.
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“A warning sign for depression is: ‘Oh, I used to like to do this ... I used to like to do this activity or engage in social situations. But I don’t want to do it. I’m not motivated,’” said Tameka Brewington, a psychotherapist and owner of Real Talk Counseling.
So when diagnosing depression, mental health professionals are really on the lookout for a kind of emotional fatigue and loss of motivation.
If someone feels motivated to participate in their usual activities but is simply too tired, Brewington said, they’ll focus more on discovering the root causes of their fatigue.
Covid-19 may be complicating things even more.
Again, the available evidence suggests that the pandemic is taking a toll on people’s mental health. A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for example, found that 30% of Americans were recently grappling with symptoms of depression or anxiety. One in four parents said their mental health has worsened during the pandemic, and one in seven said that’s true of their kids.
At the same time, disruptions to normal routines and the stress of living in a pandemic with an unknown, drawn-out timeline can — and has — taken a toll on sleep.
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So experts say it is particularly important to pay attention to prolonged changes in emotional health, sleep patterns and fatigue. Particularly if they last for more than two weeks, Brewington said.
“Everyone should have an awareness that they could be anxious or depressed, or recognise that they have fatigue, because of the fact that we are living in a pandemic and dealing with Covid,” she said.
The fact that fatigue is sometimes easier to talk about is a good thing.
“Sleep can be easier for people to talk about — and notice,” Lai said. So it can be a nice “entry point” for people who might otherwise struggle to connect with mental health support, she explained.
Because unfortunately, the stigma around seeking mental health support persists. Data shows that more than 30% of people say they’ve worried other people are going to judge them for getting mental health care, and up to 50% of teens and young adults say that’s the case.
All of the mental health experts interviewed for this story repeated just how crucial it is for anyone concerned about depression, fatigue or both to seek help. There are many effective treatments for depression, from talk therapy and support groups to medication.
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Ultimately, doctors and mental health providers can also determine — and address — the root causes of persistent fatigue.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--Your Self-Care Toolkit For Dealing With The Tough Months Ahead

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Feeling blue? You’re not alone. The Covid-19 pandemic has had clear repercussions for mental health, with some people impacted more than others.
A study published in the Lancet journal comparing our mental health in April 2019 to 2020 found the prevalence of “clinically significant” levels of mental distress rose from 18.9% to 27.3%. Increases were greatest among 18- to 34-year-olds, women and people living with young children.
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With a third national lockdown, more people are once again confined to their homes without social contact.
Dr Niall Campbell, psychiatrist and consultant at the Priory hospital in Roehampton, is also worried about the impact of what he calls “Covid burnout” on the generation of women, mostly aged 50-60, who are “sandwiched” between jobs, a dependent child and an adult relative who requires care.
Many people are working long hours through fear of losing their job and because days and nights are blurring into one, he adds – and alcohol can become a crutch for some when there’s an absence of support.
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“Long hours generally mean less sleep, poorer diet, less exercise, more stress, feeling you are constantly ‘on’ and having to prove yourself,” he says.
So, how can you keep your head above water in the months ahead? Thankfully, there are ways. Here’s your ultimate self-care toolkit for staying buoyant in the months ahead.
Take your annual leave, even if you stay home
Current local lockdown and quarantine restrictions make planning hard, but taking leave is crucial right now – even if the only place you go is your living room.
Dr Gary Wood, author of The Psychology of Wellbeing, says a well-earned break is crucial for us to reflect and plan. “When we relax, we access the full range of higher-level functions such as problem-solving and planning,” he says. “But over the pandemic, we might have not had the time out to stock-take and plan.”
If you can’t go anywhere, Wood recommends creating a mini-break or spa day at home. Stuck for ideas of what to do? Holistic health and lifestyle coach Milla Lascelles previously shared her top tips with HuffPost UK.
Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images
Keep in touch with loved ones
Feelings of sadness are understandable, says Dr Keith Grimes, a GP for online doctor service Babylon, but know that we have learned a huge amount about how to reduce the spread of this illness and treat it successfully. So it’s not all doom and gloom.
During this time it’s important to stay in touch with friends and family, he says. If you live alone, it’s worth bubbling up with another household so you can spend time with them. And if you can’t see others, it might help to schedule regular FaceTime conversations or phone calls with your nearest and dearest.
Dr Giuseppe Aragona, a GP and medical advisor for Prescription Doctor, says calling friends and family will not only lift you, but also be a lovely surprise for the other person. “We may not be able to meet all our friends at the pub, but a Zoom call or a phone call should help to boost your mood and remind you what’s waiting at the end of this lockdown.”
Social media can be useful for keeping in touch with others however it should complement phone calls and face-to-face chats, rather than replace them.
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Plan time to enjoy yourself
We might be stuck at home day in, day out but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan smaller activities to look forward to – whether that’s a trip to the coast for a blast of fresh air and a long walk, a night away from home in a hotel, or a visit to that restaurant you’ve been meaning to check out for some time.
“Make sure you plan time to enjoy yourself, exercise, and get outside in nature and experience the change of the seasons in person,” advises Dr Grimes.
Failing that, why not treat yourself to a pamper day? Hair salons, massage parlours and nail bars are still open and in need of your support.
Create a self-care box
One of Mind’s top tips for people with SAD is to fill a box with things that comfort you or help you to relax – also known as a self-care box.
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Try including your favourite book or film, and a notebook and pen to write down your thoughts or notes of encouragement to yourself, suggests the mental health charity.
Not feeling up to the task? Depression charity Blurt has created a self-care subscription box called The BuddyBox, which is full of mood-lifting treats and costs £21.50 a month. Each box contains at least five surprise products hand-picked to nourish, inspire and encourage self-care.
Keep active
It might be hard to find the motivation to keep fit – especially as the days get shorter and the temperature drops – but it’s really important to try and stick to an exercise regime if you can. As Dr Aragona explains: “Exercise is not only a great way to keep yourself fit and healthy but will also increase your overall mood from the endorphins being released during and after each session.”
You don’t have to do anything too strenuous – even moving your body once a day can help to alleviate a low mood, or feelings of lethargy and depression, he says. This could mean getting out each day for a brisk walk, even a run, or doing a bit of yoga.
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Start or learn something new
If there’s one thing we learned during lockdown part one, it’s how to amuse ourselves. Keeping occupied with hobbies or learning new skills can help us take our mind off the bigger picture, which let’s face it, is pretty overwhelming.
People will undoubtedly feel increased stress and anxiety over work, says Dr Aragona. While there’s not much you can do about job security, there are ways to take control of other parts of your life, he says.
“Learning a new skill may help to keep you busy and your mind occupied, whether that is something you’re passionate about that you’ve never taken further or a new outdoor hobby such as cycling,” he says. “Taking up something which you can use to burn energy and keep yourself busy will really help with your long-term physical and mental health.”
It can be useful to set goals – and these can centre around your hobbies, too. That could be wanting to learn a certain amount of phrases in Spanish by Christmas, for example, or being able to run 10km non-stop by January.
Dr Claudia Pastides, also a Babylon GP, urges people to put their efforts into something productive which can help them feel good about themselves, whether that’s organising your cupboards, sorting your kitchen out, painting your front door, or upcycling and selling old furniture.
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“All these things are positive tasks or hobbies that you can put your energy into and make you feel good at the end,” she says. “Motivation comes from inside us all. We are in charge of creating it and holding on to it.”
Do what you can to stay safe
Adopting Covid-19 safety measures can actually help people’s mental health, according to Penn State University research. Researchers surveyed participants between the ages of 18 and 90, measuring how much they felt the pandemic was affecting them financially, physically, socially and mentally; whether they were adhering to recommendations such as mask wearing; and what kinds of coping strategies they were using.
“Things like keeping a consistent schedule, reminding yourself that things will get better, finding activities to distract yourself, and taking care of others who need help are all helpful,” says Erina MacGeorge, professor of communication arts and sciences, of the most successful “forward-facing” strategies.
“Additionally, adhering to the national recommendations for protecting oneself from Covid-19, like hand-washing, social distancing and masking, was also associated with better mental health.”
“Sometimes we need to take a break from thinking about how we feel and do something to help alleviate the threat and make us feel a lot better about our situation in life,” says Jessica Myrick, associate professor of media studies.
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“Covid-related messages that emphasise that even small actions are worthwhile might have the doubly positive effect of getting people to take small actions, like washing their hands more often, but also alleviate some mental strain, too.”
ArtistGNDphotography via Getty Images
Structure your day
Humans are creatures of habit and we (understandably) like to feel in control, so sticking to a structure – where possible – can be incredibly stabilising.
“Try to maintain the same structure as you had back in the pre-quarantine days,” says Dr Aragona, noting that parents will likely find sticking to a daily routine much easier than just seeing how the days go. “When working from home, it can be tempting to fall into a bit of a lethargic lifestyle which could lead to negative thoughts and feelings of worthlessness,” he explains.
So, wake up early, change out of your pyjamas, do a bit of exercise and get into some comfy work clothes – maybe take a walk around the block to act as a faux commute, or make yourself a nice coffee to set you up for the day. Eating three balanced meals a day and sticking to a regular sleep routine is also crucial.
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“Keeping your normal exercise routine is imperative and also making your work space separate from your living space should help you to separate your working day to your evening routine,” adds Dr Aragona.
Rethink your social circles
Another finding from Penn State’s research is that “social strain” – such as someone making demands, giving criticism, or simply getting on your nerves – is a strong and consistent predictor of mental health.
Yanmengqian Zhou, graduate assistant in communication arts and sciences, says: “This suggests that in difficult times like this, it could be particularly important to proactively structure our social networks in ways that minimise negative social experiences.”
Choose your friends wisely and don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to do – these are challenging times and you need to be kind to yourself.
Another reason to focus on your friendship list is that both good and bad moods can be ‘picked up’ from friends, according to the University of Warwick.
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Researchers found that having more friends who suffer worse moods is associated with a higher probability of an individual experiencing low moods and a decreased probability of them improving. The opposite applied to those who had a more positive social circle.
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Don’t get too bogged down with the news
One tip therapists and doctors swear by is not to overdo your exposure to news and keeping on top of all things Covid. “Avoid excessive watching of coronavirus coverage,” says Dr Aragona. “It’s good to keep up to date with what’s going on however watching the news reel 24/7 will likely have detrimental effects on your mental health and will cause your stress and anxiety levels to rise.
“You can’t change or fix what is happening so obsessing over the news will not help you get through the next six months. If you want to keep abreast of the news, limit it to one news update per day, or every few days.”
Keep your friends close and your pets closer
Pet owners know that animals can be a huge boost to mental health – and new research backs this up.
The study, conducted from March to June this year by the University of York and the University of Lincoln, found that having a pet was linked to better mental health and reduced loneliness. More than 90% of respondents said their pet helped them cope emotionally with the lockdown and 96% said their pet helped keep them fit and active.
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Co-author Professor Daniel Mills, from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Lincoln, says the research indicates how having a companion animal in your home can buffer against some of the psychological stress associated with lockdown.
Lead author Dr Elena Ratschen, from the Department of Health Sciences at University of York, warned that people shouldn’t necessarily rush to acquire a pet during the pandemic. But for those who do own animals – especially those who adopted pets during lockdown – the finding will surely be of comfort.
Shift your thinking
It can be hard to stay positive when everything feels like it’s working against you, however there are some ways we can reframe our thinking to focus on the positives, rather than all the negatives.
“Maintain an attitude of curiosity about the world and practise gratitude, even for the small stuff,” says Wood. “At the end of each day, write down three things you’re grateful for, and at the start of each day write down three things you’re looking forward to.”
Rather than thinking “I’m stuck inside”, Dr Aragona suggests looking at it a different way – “I am stuck inside however I can use this time to work on myself and my passions.”
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The first lockdown has left us more prepared, we now know what to expect, and we can use this knowledge to our advantage. “If there’s something you wanted to start but never had the time, then this could be the moment.”
Don’t be afraid to seek help
Sometimes no matter how hard we try, we can feel down or anxious, says Babylon GP Dr Claudia Pastides.
If it gets to the point where every day is a struggle, this is the time to seek help. “Reach out to your GP, or a friend, and speak about how you’re feeling,” she says. “You won’t be alone in having those feelings and there is help available.”
Your GP should be able to offer more support and can also help with treatment options, which can include talking therapies or medication.
Dave Smithson, from Anxiety UK, urges people to surround themselves with a support network – and if you don’t have anyone in your life you feel comfortable talking to about how you feel, there are plenty of organisations out there, including mental health charities, as well as local peer-support groups.
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“Talking to people and sharing your thoughts and feelings with others in similar situations can be really supportive,” he previously told HuffPost UK. “They understand what you’re going through and what you’re dealing with because they’re in the same boat.”
Useful websites and helplines
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--6 Hacks For Socialising Outside, Even In The Cold Weather

M_a_y_a via Getty Images
With autumn closing in, socially-distanced picnics in the park are getting trickier by the week. But with Covid-19 cases rising in the UK, some of us don’t feel entirely comfortable hanging out with mates indoors.
The solution? Shake up your outdoor meet-ups so you’re embracing that crisp breeze, rather than fighting against it. Oh, and buy a decent umbrella.
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Here are six other ideas to get you started.
1. Invest in some outdoor heaters – or a BBQ
Now is the time to invest in that garden chiminea or fire pit. You can also get miniature freestanding heaters and small wall-mounted heaters for balconies and patios if outdoor space is an issue.
Another option is to get the BBQ out – yes, really. Warm some marshmallows over the coals and tell your mates to bring a blanket. Decorate the garden in fairy lights for an extra dose of cosiness. You’ll wonder why you’ve never tried it before.
2. Book an outdoor activity
An outdoor activity such as ice skating is guaranteed to warm you up. Many outdoor rinks across the country are scheduled to reopen in October, with new social distancing measures in place.
Google your nearest venue and book in advance.
coldsnowstorm via Getty Images
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3. Go for an invigorating walk
Who says walks should be reserved for summer? If you got into a good habit during your lockdown daily exercise, keep it up. You just need to wrap up warm and drag your pal along, too.
The National Trust is a brilliant resource for finding colourful, autumnal walks near you. More than 135 National Trust gardens and parklands have reopened, but some remain closed due to local lockdown restrictions or difficulties social distancing, so check your location before you travel. If all else fails, embrace your inner child and kick the leaves around your local park.
4. Research the cosiest beer gardens
Search for venues with outdoor heaters or fire pits. With table service now mandatory across England, you’ll be able to avoid the bar altogether.
Alternatively, keep an eye out for 2020 winter pop-up launches, as many of these are outdoors (or as good as). Jimmy’s Winter Lodge on the Southbank in London, for example, has announced it’ll be opening in October – earlier than in previous years – to allow crowds to book a private, socially-distanced snow globe.
Jimmy's Winter Lodge
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5. Drink mulled wine (and other hot drinks)
If you’re entertaining in the garden, this recipe for mulled wine will help. Alternatively, try a quick, warming drink like hot chocolate with added Cointreau (a personal favourite in a flask on the aforementioned walk).
If booze isn’t your thing, it’s officially pumpkin spiced latte season. You could make it your personal mission to try every wintery, cinnamon-infused bevvy on the high street. If you want to avoid the shops, Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero and Starbucks now offer delivery in some areas via Uber Eats.
6. Get the right gear


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--'I Tested Positive During Labour' – 9 Pandemic Birth Stories

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Giving birth during a global pandemic is tough.
Mums-to-be have been forced to endure labour alone, with their partners only allowed into the ward during the late stages. Some who had pre-planned a home birth had to opt for a hospital one, instead. And many spent the last months of their pregnancy feeling anxious after it was revealed women who were expecting were counted as high-risk for Covid-19.
As part of our Birth Diaries series, HuffPost UK has been speaking weekly to mums who have given birth in the outbreak to hear their stories first-hand.
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Here, nine mothers explain what it was really like to give birth in the Covid era.
‘I tested positive for coronavirus while I was in labour’
“The labour was progressing quickly. I spent time in the pool, then moved to the couch. I remember someone calling the midwife out of the room at one point and I could hear muttering. I was exhausted and in pain. My midwife came back in: ‘I need to let you know you’ve tested positive for Covid-19.’ I looked at my husband with fear. What did it mean? I had no symptoms, no idea how I’d got it. I’d not left the house for a month. I worried what it meant for my baby, but most of all, I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.”
‘I had my sister on loudspeaker when my son was born’
“I’d been very scared of a C-section, but it was the right choice in the moment. The whole team in theatre were female, and it was a really positive atmosphere. And once the epidural worked, it was amazing how suddenly the pain went. My doula was next to me the whole time, and my sister heard my son scream as he was born. They showed him to me really quick, and he went off for checks. He totally stopped crying when he was laid on my chest and heard my voice.”
HuffPost UK Cath's baby
‘A woman screamed at me to cover my baby’s face’
“I gave birth just before lockdown, and left on the Friday morning, just as the UK was shutting down. When I got out, it became clear I’d been fairly removed from everything in the ward. I walked out of hospital and it was chaotic. A woman screamed at me to cover the baby’s face. ‘There’s a virus,’ she shouted. It was a completely different atmosphere to when I walked in, where everyone has gone out of their way to make sure there wasn’t that sense of panic.”
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‘My lockdown baby weighed 11 pounds 8 ounces – and I didn’t have stitches’
“My baby got stuck, after I’d given birth to the head. All of a sudden, I had to get out the pool and I noticed a lot of people in the room. Walking over to the bed was a challenge – once you’ve given birth to a head, it’s not easy to walk! My partner had to lift me out of the pool, they helped guide me and I was laid down on the bed. I’m not sure how long my son took to come out. My partner said it was a couple of minutes. I was just pushing, pushing, doing what I was told. They had to dislocate his shoulder to get him out, they later told me.”
HuffPost UK Nikkola
‘I was scared to look at my daughter after giving birth to her’
“Being pregnant during a pandemic was a struggle. I gave birth in July, so had spent nearly five months worrying. It was a whirlwind. When my daughter came out, I was exhausted. I felt like I was having an out of body experience, I was so tired, I felt like I couldn’t push. But I knew I had to get her out and make sure she was healthy. I gave birth on my knees and she came out behind me. They told me to turn around and look at her. I was so scared, though! I couldn’t turn around. I told them I was scared. But then my partner faced me and told me to look down at our daughter. So I did.”
‘I never wanted a hospital birth – but made the experience positive’
“I’d come prepared for sure, with headphones, series downloaded onto my tablet to watch Netflix, and music. I had lots of video calls from my partner and family, too – and the food in the hospital was excellent! Apple cake for dessert, always topped up with tea. It really made the experience pleasant. As women, we really bonded in that room. We were with each other for what felt like a long period of time: all the pessaries, toilet trips, whenever something happened. The bond was amazing, it kept the atmosphere light, as we chit-chatted away through our labours – discussing each other’s lives.”
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’I laboured for a day without my husband
“There had been a few incidents of reduced movement from the baby during my pregnancy, so I had an early induction. My husband couldn’t be with me, so I had to go into hospital all alone. Once there, I reacted strongly to the drugs and the contractions were consistent – and consistently painful – for hours. They were so frequent, in fact, that the doctors took the pessary out earlier than expected and moved me to a side room. Then they broke my waters. I was 2cm dilated and once they’d broken, my husband was able to come in. It’d been 24 hours since I’d last seen him.”
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‘My baby got stuck in my pelvis’
“They examined me in triage – I stayed on my own in that small room for three hours, yet ended up only 1cm dilated. I decided to go back home but there my contractions were getting stronger and stronger. I couldn’t do anything. I wanted my husband and mum to eat. I remember saying to them: you guys have lunch, and after that, we’ll go back to the hospital. But things were getting worse – 10 minutes later, I was like, screw that, wrap your sandwiches in tin foil, we’re going. I howled like an animal all the way back to hospital.”
HuffPost UK Verity
’I’ve delivered babies for 10 years, giving birth myself was surreal’


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--I’m Worried How Growing Up In A Pandemic Will Affect My Baby

HuffPost UK Courtesy of the author
It’s August. I’m at a (socially-distanced) picnic, munching a sandwich and keeping half an eye on a slightly shifty New Forest pony, when I have a realisation: my ten-month-old son has never touched another baby.
He’s sitting on my picnic blanket with me, watching on with his trademark frown, while a couple of his friends tussle over a lift-the-flap book. These babies are going to nursery now that their parents are back at work, and they’re clearly confident about playing with other children. But my baby just watches, a little unsure. If the rules stay the same for the foreseeable future, is he going to grow up like this, always sitting on the edge?
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Due to the global pandemic, he isn’t technically allowed any physical contact with other babies, unless he’s at nursery. The long and short of it is, he’s not allowed to play with his friends, but if I pay £50+ a day for a nursery place that we don’t need, he can play with children we don’t know.
After that picnic, we had a lot of worried conversations over the dinner table. Will distancing damage our baby’s social development? Should we just ignore the rules, and let him play with other babies? These feel like privileged worries – we’re healthy and safe, and others aren’t so lucky – but I can’t help but obsess over it.
We’ve been cautious all through the pandemic, and we’re particularly worried about inadvertently passing anything onto our parents. But now that my son is active enough to play with other babies, it feels like I’m weighing up two risks against each other: the risk of catching or spreading the virus, and the risk to my son’s social development. Which is the greater risk for him? Which would be more damaging in the long term?
“For months, the only people who held him were my husband and I, and he only saw family and friends through an iPhone screen.”
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My son has spent more than half his life in lockdown. He was only four months when the pandemic hit, and at that point (in the pre-crawling era) he dutifully sat, lay, or slept where you put him. Social distancing was not an issue. I was more feeling sorry for myself, sad that I’d lost the maternity leave that I had imagined for myself.
To begin with, my main concern was that my baby couldn’t cuddle his grandparents. For months, the only people who held him were my husband and I, and he only saw family and friends through an iPhone screen, which might explain why he’s so obsessed with getting his hands on our phones – to him, it’s where Grandma lives.
Outdoor, and eventually indoor, meet-ups were finally allowed, but still he couldn’t go in for a cuddle. It was love from a distance. Then the rules became more and more complex, and harder to navigate. We bubbled with one grandparent, and once babysitting was allowed the other grandparents were finally reunited with their only grandchild for play dates. But that was where the socialising ended.
Now, baby classes are running again. But as we row, row, row our boats, we’re spread out in a hall with two metres between each mat. When my son crawls off at the speed of light towards his friend and I hurriedly swoop him back up before he plants a drool-soaked hand on her face, I feel like I’m telling him that interacting with others is wrong. I’m teaching him to not socialise. It’s natural for babies to play together, so what damage are we doing by keeping them apart?
“It feels more and more like we’re being left to make our own decisions. What if the decisions we make are the wrong ones?”
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A few weeks ago, I got a message in my mamas’ WhatsApp group: Anyone want to go to soft play next week? I worked in a soft play centre as a teenager, and in two years of Saturdays and summer holidays, I can’t remember a single time when it was cleaned. In fact, I distinctly remember the time I was asked to go and remove an actual poo from the ball pit (I’m a terrible person and delegated the job). Those places are gross. But up until now, I wouldn’t have worried about the germs – that’s how kids build up an immune system. I knew this would be a good opportunity for my baby to socialise with others and put his new crawling powers to good use, but I worried about whether it was the responsible thing to do. Should we go? Should we stay home?
We went. The centre limited visitors, took our temperatures, and had plenty of signs up about hand-washing and mask-wearing outside the play area, but the signs were pretty much the extent of the measures. There is no way that children in a soft play centre are going to stay two metres apart from each other. My son had an absolute blast, and perhaps predictably we both came down with a cold a few days later.
As the rules become murkier, riddled with contradictions, inconsistencies, and that trip to Barnard Castle, it feels more and more like we’re being left to make our own decisions. What if the decisions we make are the wrong ones? Ultimately, we can only be responsible for our own choices, and go into it with our eyes open to the risks.
This week, I’m taking my son back to swimming classes. Inevitably, he’ll come within splashing distance of a baby friend. I desperately want him to play freely with other babies, have a normal babyhood, and explore his social skills. But whenever he crosses that invisible two metre barrier, with his unashamedly unmasked face and newfound love of fake coughing (great timing, kid), I can’t help but worry about that lurking virus.
Katie Dancey-Downs is a freelance journalist. Follow her on Twitter at @Katie_Dancey
Have a compelling personal story you want to tell? Find out what we’re looking for here, and pitch us on ukpersonal@huffpost.com


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--5 Big Moments From The Chaotic US 2020 Presidential Debate

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The first US presidential debate of the 2020 election campaign descended into personal attacks and constant interruptions – as commentators spoke of a national embarrassment largely caused by Donald Trump’s aggressive behaviour.
Broadcasters on the CNN cable news channel immediately condemned the face-off between the US president and Democrat challenger Joe Biden as a “shitshow” and “a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck”.
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The chaotic scenes in Cleveland, Ohio were marked by Biden’s low energy and attempts to speak directly to the camera, while Trump countered with ferocity and bullying. Moderator Chris Wallace, from Fox News, repeatedly failed to control the debate. Few coherent points were made.
It was the first of three scheduled presidential debates – and one vice presidential debate – but questions were being asked as to whether there is any point to completing the series. Here are some of the key moments from a bizarre night.
This combination of pictures shows US president Donald Trump during the first presidential debate with Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
1. Exchange of insults
As the first discussion about the Supreme Court quickly turned to coronavirus, Trump claimed without evidence two million people would have died if Biden were president. In the real world, more than 200,000 have died on Trump’s watch.
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Wallace pleaded with Trump, stating that Covid-19 would be discussed later in the debate – but the president attempted to muscle his way through. He said: “First of all, I guess I’m debating you, not him, but that’s OK. I’m not surprised.”
It was the start of the souring of the mood.
“Will you shut up, man? This is so unpresidential,” said Biden, exasperated, after repeated interruptions during only the first segment of the debate.
"Donald, would you just be quiet for a minute?"
We're only 14 minutes in.#Debates2020 pic.twitter.com/EtHa3HGv0Y — Jenna Amatulli (@ohheyjenna) September 30, 2020
three old white men all talking over each other, just what i love to watch for two hours — Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) September 30, 2020
[Men shouting] — Alice Lilly (@aliceolilly) September 30, 2020
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Joe Biden to President Trump: "You're the worst president America has ever had." pic.twitter.com/QZsf68b7AD — NBC News (@NBCNews) September 30, 2020
The insults continued to flow. Biden called Trump a “clown” and a “racist” and told him: “You’re the worst president America has ever had.”
Trump, without prompting, launched into an attack on Biden’s school record, objecting to Biden using the word “smart”.
“You graduated either the lowest or almost the lowest in your class. Don’t ever use the word smart with me. Don’t ever use that word,” Trump said.
Hillary Clinton took keen interest in the back and forth.
“Will you shut up, man” is the line of the night 😂😂 — Jill Filipovic (@JillFilipovic) September 30, 2020
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I so feel for Hillary right now because I’m positive she wanted to say that and couldn’t. — Jill Filipovic (@JillFilipovic) September 30, 2020
You have no idea. — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 30, 2020
2. Trump fails to condemn the far right
Beyond the talking over each other and interruptions, the biggest talking point was Trump failing to condemn white supremacists and military groups.
The president was offered the chance to issue a blanket condemnation of far-right groups.
“Sure, I’m willing to do that,” Trump said.
“Go ahead, sir,” Wallace responded, and after more back and forth: “Do it, sir.”
Biden echoed: “Say it.”
“What do you want to call them? Give me a name. What do you want to condemn?,” Trump asked.
Wallace responded: “White supremacists and right-wing militia.”
“The Proud Boys? Stand back and stand by,” Trump responded ambiguously, referring to the far-right group.
Trump didn’t denounce White supremacists. He told them to “stand back and stand by.” This wasn’t an accident. — Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) September 30, 2020
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He just refused to condemn white supremacy. Refused. — Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) September 30, 2020
At least one Proud Boy organiser, Joe Biggs, celebrated the group’s mention on the social media platform Parler, saying: “President Trump told the proud boys to stand by because someone needs to deal with ANTIFA...well sir! we’re ready!!” according to screenshots posted by a New York Times reporter on Twitter.
The Proud Boys are ecstatic tonight about getting mentioned in the debate tonight.
"Trump basically said to go fuck them up! this makes me so happy," writes one prominent Proud Boy. pic.twitter.com/hYA7yQVAOn — Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) September 30, 2020
3. Personal attack on Biden’s son
Trump interrupted Biden’s tribute to his late son, Beau, to attack Biden’s other son, Hunter.
Biden had been answering a question from Wallace about why voters should choose him over Trump in the 2020 election.
“The fact is that I’ve gone head to head with Putin and made it clear we’re not going to take any of his stuff,” Biden said, referencing his experience with the Russian president during his tenure as vice president.
“He’s Putin’s puppy,” Biden said of Trump.
The president, interrupting Biden, fired back that Hunter was paid $3.5 million by “Putin’s best friend”. The accusation appeared to stem from a claim made in a report released last week by the Republican-led Senate Homeland Security and Finance Committees.
In the report, the committees allege a Russian businesswoman wired millions of dollars to an investment firm co-founded by Hunter in 2014. Hunter’s attorney has refuted the allegation, stating Hunter neither co-founded the firm nor had a financial relationship with the woman.
After Wallace urged Trump to stick to the debate rules and stop interrupting, Biden continued to state why he believes Trump is a weak president.
“And speaking of my son, the way you talk about the military, the way you talk about them being losers and just being suckers,” Biden said, referring to a report published in The Atlantic earlier this month that alleged Trump repeatedly disparaged U.S. service members.
“My son was in Iraq,” Biden continued. “He spent a year there. He got the Bronze Star. He got Conspicuous Service Medal. He was not a loser. He was a patriot. And the people left behind there were heroes. And I resent like hell ―”
But before Biden could finish his statement about his eldest son, Beau, the former Delaware attorney general who died of brain cancer in 2015, Trump interrupted him again to attack Hunter.
“I don’t know Beau,” Trump said. “I know Hunter. Hunter got thrown out of the military. He was thrown out ― dishonorably discharged.”
Hunter was discharged from the Navy in 2013 after testing positive for cocaine. Trump’s claim that he was dishonorably discharged, a punitive discharge handed down by a general court-martial, is false.
“My son, like a lot of people ... had a drug problem,” Biden shot back at Trump. “He’s overtaken it. He’s fixed it. He’s worked on it. And I’m proud of him.”
NEW: Joe Biden defends his son after Trump's attacks
"My son, like a lot of people, like a lot of people you know at home, had a drug problem. He's overtaken it. He's fixed it. He's worked on it, and I'm proud of him." pic.twitter.com/5aRWuoNmvA — Yahoo News (@YahooNews) September 30, 2020
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4. Trump’s unfounded voter fraud warning
Trump has refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the election, and fears the president may refuse to leave the White House were fuelled after Wallace asked both candidates if they will “not declare victory until the election has been independently verified”.
Trump repeated his unfounded allegations that postal voting would lead to fraud. Experts say fraud is extremely rare.
Trump said he expected the Supreme Court might have to decide the election and “look at the ballots”. He urged his supporters to go and watch the balloting.
“If I see tens of thousands of ballots being manipulated, I can’t go along with that,” he said, adding: “They cheat.”
Biden urged Americans to make a plan to vote and assured voters that Trump would be gone if Biden wins. He said he would not declare victory until the outcome was validated.
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5. Trump’s false claims on rallies and coronavirus
Biden blasted Trump for his botched response to the coronavirus pandemic, accusing Trump of panicking in the face of a historic public health crisis and hiding the threat from the American people.
The Democratic candidate noted that when Trump was presented with the dire statistics in an August interview with Axios, he dismissed them with “It is what it is.”
“It is what it is because you are who you are. That’s why it is,” Biden said. “The president has no plan.”
Trump defended his response to the coronavirus crisis by blaming the death of 200,000 Americans on China and hurling insults at Biden.
Trump added that Biden could “never have done the job we did” and claimed “millions of people” would have died if the decision-making had been left to him.
JIM WATSON via Getty Images
The president also refuted any notion that his campaign rallies, some of which were held inside with large crowds, contributed to the spread of the coronavirus. “So far we have had no problem whatsoever,” he said. “We have tremendous crowds as you see, and literally on 24 hours notice.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--Boris Johnson’s Father, Stanley, Pictured Shopping Without Face Covering

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Boris Johnson’s father said he was “extremely sorry” after he was pictured shopping without wearing a face covering.
Stanley Johnson was pictured in the Mirror newspaper perusing the shelves at a newsagents in west London on Tuesday, seemingly breaking the rules by not covering his mouth and nose.
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The picture emerged after fines increased to £200 last week for first time offenders who fail to wear a face covering in accordance with government guidance.
Speaking to the Mirror, Stanley Johnson said he may not be “100% up to speed” with current rules as he had just returned to England after three weeks abroad.
“I’m extremely sorry for the slip up and I would urge absolutely everybody to do everything they can to make sure they do follow the rules about masks and social distancing,” he said.
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“The fact this was my first day back in the UK after three weeks abroad is, I am sure, no excuse for not knowing the rules.”
During the Downing Street press conference on Wednesday, the prime minister implored the public to follow coronavirus guidelines.
“Bear in mind that the fines are now very considerable and they will be imposed,” he said.
Face coverings have been compulsory in shops and public transport since July 24, and last week the government guidance was extended to hospitality venues, theatres, restaurants, bars and pubs unless people need to remove them to eat or drink.
It is not the first time the prime minister’s father has made headlines – in July he defended his decision to travel to Greece in an apparent breach of Foreign Office guidance to avoid non-essential travel.
He admitted breaking lockdown rules when he went out to buy a newspaper after his grandchild was born in April, stating he was “not sure it’s an essential journey”, and also indicated in March that he would ignore the government’s advice and go to the pub.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--Is Boris Johnson Giving The Country Enough Breathing Space To Flatten The Second Wave?

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“If the evidence requires it, we will not hesitate to take further measures.” Boris Johnson’s line in his latest press conference on Covid sounded awfully familiar. Since June, he’s used the same phrase repeatedly to try to underline that his relaxation in the rules was conditional.
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But some believe he has indeed hesitated to act at various stages in the pandemic since the summer. The charge is that instead of following a clear strategy, he’s dithered, then tweaked, then repeated the whole process again. Hesitation, deviation and repetition, all marking him out as Westminster’s worst “Just A Minute” contestant, when time is of the essence in containing the virus. Maybe Alok Sharma was onto something when he suggested that asking the PM for clear Covid guidance was “quiz show” journalism.
The pressing need for action was underlined by those scary graphs at the No.10 briefing. As I’ve said before, the case numbers aren’t what most concern Johnson (and Patrick Vallance today said for the first time that the real numbers at the height of the pandemic were probably around 100,000, compared to 7,000 today).
No, it’s the hospitalisations and intensive care stats that look most alarming, at least in terms of the steepness of their increase in recent weeks. The ICU spikes for the north west, north east, midlands and London started in the first week of this month. The data ran only up to September 20, so the past week could be even worse. The number of over-85s going into hospital also showed this disease jumps all too easily from younger groups to the vulnerable.
While those admitted to hospital are literally trying to find breathing space, the PM tried to buy himself more time today, saying the latest version of his plan (10pm curfews and even tougher curbs locally) “will take time to feed through”. But given that his own Rule of Six was swiftly augmented within barely a week, the perception of inconsistency is not surprising.
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The problem was summed up by Vallance’s blunt verdict that “we don’t have this under control”, itself a stark contrast to the PM’s tone. But Johnson let slip perhaps his real thinking when he said that the current wave may be “a more localised phenomenon” than the first wave, suggesting local measures were sufficient because England in September looked a bit like Italy in March.
Within seconds however Chris Whitty was making clear that while concentrated outbreaks was a possible explanation, it was “far too early” to conclude that. Vallance added “there is evidence of spread everywhere”. The PM himself finally conceded the “danger” that the public would get the wrong message that there was no national threat or challenge.
When 14 million people are under tougher restrictions and the capital city outside those curbs is seeing a sharp rise in hospitalisations, that doesn’t feel like a ‘local’ problem any more. Although Johnson today promised Tory MPs a vote on any “significant national measures”, Labour’s votes would ensure they went through (allowing Keir Starmer to say his party was bailing out the country while Tories squabbled). Polls suggest the public may welcome tougher curbs, including a national ban on households mixing indoors.
As with “moonshot” rapid testing and vaccine speculation, it felt once again as though the PM was so desperate for any hint of an alternative to a second national lockdown that he was grasping wildly at it. And Vallance put responsibility firmly at No.10’s door when he said that science can provide advice but “ministers need to make decisions on when and how to act”.
One difficulty is that when it comes to acting on evidence, Johnson has a chequered record. Only tonight, the Commons science and tech committee demanded the publication of any evidence for the 10pm curfew. The suspicion lingers that it was cobbled together as a last-minute alternative to a nationwide “circuit break” or ban on household mixing.
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The bigger problem is that in trying to treat this second wave as a “localised phenomenon”, the PM does indeed risk undermining a wider national sense of unity, simple public health messaging and common action. Johnson today dodged the question of what level of hospitalisations or deaths would trigger new national lockdown curbs. But in failing to do so he robbed business, the NHS and the public of a chance to plan for the worst.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--29 Tonnes Of Carrots Have Been Dumped At Goldsmiths College Campus

“Bringing into contact two disparate forms: a large contemporary glass university building and fresh carrots, Perez Evans borrows the gesture of dumping from European farmers’ protests to transform it into a sculptural tool for grounding. The therapeutic technique of grounding involves doing activities that ‘ground’ or electrically reconnect you to the earth.
“Dumping is a form of protest, regularly used by European farmers that react against a central government which devalues their labour, agency and produce to points of ridiculousness. This devaluation often produces an enforced invisibility, which is often reciprocated by farmers who create hyper-visible gestures by dumping their devalued produce. Vegetables such as carrots or potatoes become monumental barricades that can block governmental buildings or roads and with it interrupt the usual city flow.
“The city is a site that suffers from food, plant and soil blindness, a place hyper separated from its periphery, its food and its labourers. Dumping protests bring blinded city people into an alarming contact with their forgotten foods and its production.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--5 Glaring Omissions From Priti Patel's Plan To Right Wrongs Of Windrush

4) Literally Any Mention Of Racism
Williams’ review stopped short of describing the Home Office as institutionally racist, instead stating that “institutional ignorance” caused the scandal.
“While I am unable to make a definitive finding of institutional racism within the department,” she said at the time, “I have serious concerns that these failings demonstrate an institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the issue of race and the history of the Windrush generation within the department, which are consistent with some elements of the definition of institutional racism.”
The words “racist” and “racism” appeared 44 times in her review.
Yet neither word was mentioned a single time in the entirety of the government’s plan, nor was the word “race” in the context of discrimination and bigotry save for a relatively minor promise to review successful tribunals at which race discrimination was found to have taken place.
5) What Will Staff Be Taught?
The Home Office has committed to implementing a staff learning programme on UK history with the aim to have a training programme by June 2021 for Home Office staff on “the history of the UK and its relationship with the rest of the world, including Britain’s colonial history”.
But critics could be forgiven for scepticism about the eventual content of such a training programme given that the prime minister himself urged Britain to “stop apologising” for its history last month.
Staff training will also improve guidance on the burden and standard of proof. This comes after HuffPost UK reported that the Home Office was forcing Windrush victims to prove their case “beyond reasonable doubt” before being given compensation – the same level of proof required to convict defendants in criminal courts across the UK.
Meanwhile, campaigners argue that the government has yet to take thorough accountability for the scandal, while the action plan lacks detail into how they will rectify this issues.
Satbir Singh, chief executive of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said: “Two years on from the Windrush scandal and it appears the home secretary is still doing woefully little to right the wrongs that led to it. Her plan wilfully misinterprets the Windrush review’s recommendations, while the Home Office continues to engage in a campaign of unbridled hostility against anybody who struggles to evidence their immigration status.
“Priti Patel’s statement speaks of regret and building a more ‘compassionate’ Home Office, while committing to no specific actions which would actually prevent an injustice like Windrush from happening again. Her claims of striving for ‘equality and fairness’ are made all the more laughable when just yesterday it emerged she had considered shipping vulnerable asylum seekers to an island 4,000 miles away.
“It’s high time the home secretary learned the lessons of Windrush, listened to the evidence, and tackled the root causes of the Windrush scandal – namely scrapping the hostile environment and committing to real, comprehensive reform of the Home Office.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--Cabinet Minister Accused Of Fresh Covid Confusion After 'Go Back To Work’ Call

PA
The government faced fresh accusations of sowing confusion over Covid rules when a cabinet minister suggested people should go back to work – days after Boris Johnson issued “work from home” guidance.
Work and pensions secretary Therese Coffey told MPs that “we are wanting people to go back to work”, adding “we are now in a position where ‘stay at home, lockdown’ approach is not here anymore”.
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Labour pounced on her words, claiming they directly contradicted the PM’s own U-turn last week when he advised the public that “we are once again asking office workers who can work from home to do so”.
But government sources insisted that Coffey was being quoted out of context, stating she was not referring to office workers but to self-employed workers who had been prevented from doing their jobs early in the national lockdown, rather than office staff.
Read more: 7 Times The Government Forgot Its Own Coronavirus Rules
Johnson was himself forced to apologise this week for wrongly stating the new rules on outdoor gatherings in pubs and restaurants in the north east of England.
Coffey’s words came as she hinted to the Commons work and pensions committee that she was looking at possible extension of Universal Credit increases that were introduced early in the pandemic.
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The minister was asked about plans to reinstate in mid-November a so-called “minimum income floor” (MIF) that would cut the benefit for self-employed workers.
She replied: “We are now in a position where ‘stay at home/lockdown’ approach is not here anymore. I appreciate there are local restrictions which make things more challenging.
“We do think we’re at a point now where the economy is starting to recover, we are wanting people to go back to work. And as a consequence start to get into the reinstating of the MIF. How we go about that is still under active consideration.”
Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “It’s remarkable that the secretary of state doesn’t know her own government’s advice on people returning to their workplace.
“The last 24 hours have left the public wondering if there is anyone in government who does know the regulations. This serial incompetence is confusing and insulting to the vast majority of people doing the right thing and trying to follow the guidelines.”
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But a government source stressed that Coffey was replying directly to a question about Universal Credit and was being “quoted out of context”.
“The secretary of state was talking about encouraging self-employed people on Universal Credit to begin operating their businesses again by reintroducing the Minimum Income Floor. She did not contradict government guidance,” they said.
Coffey did however offer hope that a £20 a week increase in overall Universal Credit introduced earlier this year could remain in place beyond next April, when it is due to be axed.
Campaigners have called for an extension of the higher rate and in an open letter to chancellor Rishi Sunak organised by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, more than 50 organisations and church leaders warned that 700,000 people will be “pulled into poverty” if the £20 increase was not extended.
Coffey said: “A lot of these discussions on what we continue to do with welfare support are still in active discussion with the Treasury.
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“Of course, some people have lost their jobs. We need to keep considering some of the other levels of support we may wish to provide going ahead.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--We Speak To A Student On Lockdown At Their University Campus

We Speak To A Student On Lockdown At Their University Campus
Sophie Anderton talks to us about the timing of lockdown, the financial aspect as well as the mental health aspect of the current state of UK student life.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--Great British Bake Off's Return Has Set A Pretty Impressive Record For Channel 4

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The return of The Great British Bake Off could not have come at a better time, and it turns out millions agree.
Last week’s opening episode has just set a pretty impressive record for Channel 4, becoming their highest rated programme – excluding films – since 1985.
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According to the broadcaster, consolidated viewing figures for the series 11 debut were 10.8 million.
Paul Hollywood, Matt Lucas, Prue Leith and Noel Fielding Channel 4
It was also recorded the biggest overnight audience for Bake Off since its move from the BBC in 2017, with overnight ratings averaging 6.9m viewers.
The biggest-ever audience in Channel 4’s history remains 13.9m, which was for the mini-series A Woman Of Substance in 1985.
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The TV premiere of the film Four Weddings And A Funeral on Channel 4 in 1995 also attracted an audience of 12.4m.
The first episode of the new Bake Off series saw Matt Lucas make his debut on the programme as he replaced previous co-host Sandi Toksvig.
The episode, which started later than originally scheduled to avoid a clash with an address to the nation about coronavirus from the prime minister, opened with a skit which featured Matt impersonating Boris Johnson.
Welcome to a new series of The Great British Bake Off - and a big hello to our new presenter Matt Lucas! #GBBO pic.twitter.com/0sa8NxTJtE — British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) September 22, 2020
It was later revealed that the Little Britain star’s skit had been the subject of over 200 Ofcom complaints.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--Covid Hospital Admissions Rising Sharply Among Over-65s, Official Figures Show

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Coronavirus hospital and intensive care are rising among over-65s, government figures show.
Data discussed by Boris Johnson and top government scientists at Wednesday’s coronavirus briefing showed hospital admissions rising sharply for over-65s since the end of August.
The number of people being admitted into intensive care also rose sharply from mid-September among older age groups.
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While the numbers remained relatively small, the rate of increase will be pored over by ministers as they make decisions on Covid-19.
The number of admissions to intensive care rose particularly in London, the Midlands, Yorkshire and the north-east and the north-west, the figures showed.
UK government
UK government
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The prime minister urged people to continue following Covid-19 restrictions or potentially face “further measures”.
“If we put in the work together now then we give ourselves the best possible chance of avoiding that outcome and avoiding further measures,” he said.
“I know some people will think we should give up and let the virus take its course despite the huge loss of life that would potentially entail.
“I have to say I profoundly disagree. I don’t think that is what the British people want. I don’t think they want to throw in the sponge. They want to fight and defeat this virus and that is what we are going to do.”
Government chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said: “Numbers of cases are going up, hospitalisations are going up, ICU is going up and unfortunately very sadly so are deaths.
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“That means this is heading in the wrong direction, there is no cause for complacency here at all.”
Vallance also warned it would be “wrong” to think that the problem was only in areas under local lockdowns.
“It is worst in certain areas but there is evidence of spread everywhere,” he said.
Chief medical officer Chris Whitty said the number of infections was doubling slower than in March, when the country locked down to contain the spread and the virus was doubling every three to four days.
“One of the problems we had in the first wave was I think we initially underestimated how fast the doubling was occurring at that stage,” he said.
“It’s very important we don’t do that a second time because once exponential growth starts... things go very quickly.”
Whitty added: “The small number of deaths now shouldn’t reassure us that we won’t be, in relatively short order, in quite difficult places, certainly in regions where we are seeing significant growth at the moment, where pressure on the NHS could happen sooner rather than later if we can’t get on top of it really quite fast.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--ITV Offers Assurances As I'm A Celebrity's New Wales Location Goes Into Local Lockdown

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ITV has offered its assurances after its new Wales location for I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! was placed under local lockdown.
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However, the Welsh government has announced that a number of new local restrictions will be placed on areas including in Conwy – which is in Abergele in North Wales – coming into effect from 6pm on Thursday.
Gwyrch Castle is the new location for I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Christopher Furlong via Getty Images
The new rules mean people in these areas will not be allowed to enter or leave their areas without a reasonable excuse, such as travel for work or education, and they will only be able to meet people they do not live with outdoors.
The advice in Conwy is applicable to households and not to places of work.
A spokesperson for ITV said: “I’m A Celebrity continues to adhere to all relevant guidelines as well as our own strict Covid protocols.”
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Presenters Ant and Dec later revealed they had visited the castle, posting a picture of them dressed in explorers outfits next to a sign directing them to Gwrych.
They tweeted; “Quick trip to Wales in search of the #imaceleb castle. If only there was a sign...”
Quick trip to Wales in search of the #imaceleb castle. If only there was a sign... 🏴🏰 @ITV pic.twitter.com/MyT3OkrJrr — antanddec (@antanddec) September 30, 2020
Work has already begun to transform the castle into the setting for the new series of I’m A Celebrity.
The sprawling castle, complete with turrets, is nestled on a tree-lined hillside overlooking the Irish Sea and is spread across 250 acres of gardens and grounds.
According to its official website, the towering structure was built between 1812 and 1822 by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh.
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Ant and Dec are returning to present the new series ITV/Shutterstock
Ant and Dec will host an adapted version of I’m A Celebrity, which will see celebrities face trials and challenges to win food and treats in the lead-up to one of them being crowned king or queen of the castle, rather than the jungle.
Among those rumoured to be taking part include former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard, ex-footballer John Barnes, TV presenter Vernon Kay and Coronation Street star Beverly Callard.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--Matt Lucas Takes Great British Bake Off Fans Inside The Show's Bubble With Behind-The-Scenes Tour

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Matt Lucas has offered fans of The Great British Bake Off an inside look at the show’s bubble, with a behind-the-scenes tour.
During filming of the latest series, all of the cast and crew had to live in a self-contained biosphere for six weeks so they wouldn’t have to socially distance on camera.
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With much intrigue about what that was like on location in the grounds of Down Hall in Essex, Matt filmed a video during his first day to share with viewers.
Matt Lucas took fans on a tour behind the scenes of Bake Off Channel 4
In a clip posted on the show’s official Twitter account, Matt revealed the four “shepherds huts” he, Noel Fielding, Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood were able to make use of in their downtime.
There was also a tour of the production village, which was seen to have many Covid safety measures, including hand gel and temperature checks, and was also home to the area where the ingredients are prepped.
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Matt in his "shepherd's hut" Channel 4
Matt showed us the area where the ingredients are prepped Channel 4
Matt also took us inside Down Hall, where he caught up with Paul.
What’s life like inside the Bake Off biosphere? Join @RealMattLucas as he heads to the Tent for his first day on the show! #GBBO pic.twitter.com/mFzFHYBaKy — British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) September 28, 2020
All of the hosts, judges and bakers lived alongside 80 members of the production team, 20 hotel staff, and around 20 “children, chaperones and dog walkers” during the six-week shoot.
Prior to moving in to the hotel, people had to self-isolate for nine days and take three Covid tests to ensure they did not have the virus.
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The shoot, which was described as “gruelling” by the show’s bosses, saw the team work on a two days on, two days off basis, while they also built 12 practise kitchens for the bakers to use on their days off.
Kieran Smith, who is the creative director at the Channel 4 show’s production company Love Productions, previously revealed that there was only one coronavirus scare during the shoot, which turned out to be a false alarm.
“It was a massive operation,” he said. “It felt like the safest place in Britain.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--MPs Will Get A Vote On Any National Lockdown, Matt Hancock Announces

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MPs will be able to vote on any national coronavirus lockdown measures before they come into force, Matt Hancock has announced in a concession to backbench Tory rebels.
The health secretary said that for “significant national measures” that affect all of England or the whole UK, MPs will be able to vote on them in advance “wherever possible”.
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But Hancock stressed the concession to dozens of Tory rebels could not create a situation in which urgent new restrictions were held up by parliamentary procedure.
It came after Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle accused Boris Johnson of treating parliament with “contempt” for the way he has handled the imposition of new restrictions.
Hancock announcements came following talks with Tory rebels, who were angry at what they saw as a government ruling “by decree” on Covid-19, and had the numbers to defeat the government.
"For significant national measures... we will consult Parliament, wherever possible we will hold votes before such regulations come into force"
Health Secretary Matt Hancock adds that the government "must act with speed when required" on new virus ruleshttps://t.co/Nj5NFiEnMy pic.twitter.com/GWlOhMloMJ — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) September 30, 2020
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In a debate on renewing the Coronavirus Act 2020’s emergency powers, the health secretary told the Commons: “For significant national measures affecting the whole of England, or UK-wide, we will consult parliament. Wherever possible, we will hold votes before such regulations came into force.
“But of course responding to the virus means the government must act with speed when required and we cannot hold up urgent regulations which are needed to control the virus and save lives.
“I am sure that no member of this House would want to limit the government’s ability to take emergency action in the national interest, as we did in March.”
Sir Graham Brady, who chairs the powerful 1922 backbench Tory committee and had been leading the rebellion, thanked Hancock “for being prepared to listen”.
“Can I thank him for being prepared to listen”
Sir Graham Brady, who led a group of Tory MPs calling for greater scrutiny of Covid restrictions, reacts to Matt Hancock’s announcement that government will hold votes “wherever possible” on new measureshttps://t.co/Nj5NFiEnMy pic.twitter.com/eN1gHCoKLL — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) September 30, 2020
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“As he said, members on both sides of the House understand the importance of ministers having the freedom to act quickly when it’s necessary," Brady said.
“But we are grateful that he and other members of the government have understood the importance of proper scrutiny in this place and the benefits that that can bring to better government as well.”
Another would-be rebel, Conservative former chief whip Mark Harper, urged Hancock to set out exactly what MPs would get to vote on.
He said: “Some of the measures that have come into force so far have been quite significant covering large parts of the country and millions of people.
“I accept there’s a judgment to be made here, could he say a little more about where that line will be drawn on what’s brought to this House in advance?”
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The health secretary said the government has made a “clear commitment” to the process it will follow, adding: “I hope over the weeks to come we will demonstrate through our actions and what we bring forward that we are true to this commitment, which essentially will become a new convention.”
Hancock also announced that modifications to mental health legislation meaning a person can be detained under the opinion of just one doctor, rather than two, will be removed from the Coronavirus Act.
He told MPs: “These were always powers of last resort and I was not persuaded, even in the peak, that they were necessary because our mental health services have shown incredible resilience and ingenuity.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--Yes, Priti Patel Is Considering Shipping Asylum Seekers Offshore

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Downing Street has refused to deny suggestions that the government is examining plans to ship asylum seekers to offshore remote locations to process their claims.
While reports that home secretary Priti Patel could look to create an asylum processing centre 4,000 miles away from the UK on Ascension Island have been played down, No.10 suggested ministers were looking to learn from Australia’s approach.
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The country’s controversial “stop the boats” policy sees asylum seekers moved to offshore processing centres on remote Pacific islands.
Even if they are found to be refugees they must be settled in other countries.
While Ascension Island is no longer believed to be under consideration for a UK processing centre, Boris Johnson’s official spokesperson said: “We have been looking at what a whole host of other countries do to inform a plan for the United Kingdom and that work is ongoing.”
The United Nations said the Australian model, which was implemented by the country’s former PM Tony Abbott - now a UK government trade envoy - had “brought about incredible suffering on people who are guilty of no more than seeking asylum”.
Rossella Pagliuchi-Lor, the UK representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said in evidence to the Commons home affairs committee: “It has also additionally, I think, cost, and continues to cost, an incredible amount of money, so it seems to be both extremely inappropriate in terms of the commitments that the country should have to human rights and to asylum, but also an incredibly impractical and expensive way of doing so.
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“I do hope the UK will not choose to go down this way.”
She added: “It will really change what the UK is, its history and the sort of values that it stood for up to now.
“The UK has a very proud reputation in providing asylum and refuge to people across the centuries.
“This would be a really very significant departure from that approach.”
Patel onboard a police boat in Dover PA
No.10 said the government was developing new rules “to ensure we can provide protection for those who need it while preventing abuse of the system and the criminality associated with it and the rise of gang-facilitated Channel crossings has put this issue into very sharp focus”.
The prime minister’s spokesperson added: “As part of that work we have been looking at what a whole host of other countries do to inform a plan for the United Kingdom and that work is ongoing.”
Asked if shipping people to offshore processing centres was an option, the spokesperson added: “As part of the work that we are conducting on preventing abuse of the system and criminality we have been looking at what a whole host of what other countries do in order to inform plans for the United Kingdom.”
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Quizzed on whether asylum processing centres could be set up in remote locations closer to the UK mainland, like a Scottish or Channel island, the spokesperson added: “Nothing more that I can add, the work is ongoing and when there is more to say on it then we will do so.”
Labour MP Stella Creasy said spending “millions” and “treating refugees like criminals” will not stop the boats or people being exploited by gangs, as she called on ministers to set up safe routes to the UK for refugees fleeing war and persecution.
So UK Gov will spend likely millions treating refugees like criminals, putting lives at risk and trying to act tough. It won't stop the boats, stop people being exploited by gangs, or stop money being wasted. A safe passage policy only way to reclaim our national reputation.. https://t.co/JZ4lmUALN5 — stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) September 30, 2020
Labour leader Keir Starmer said the idea of processing asylum seekers on Ascension Island was a “ridiculous idea from an incompetent government”.
Speaking to reporters, Starmer’s spokesperson said: “(He thinks) it is ludicrous and inhumane.
“It is completely impractical and it would be hugely expensive for taxpayers. It is a ridiculous idea from an incompetent government.”
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Stephen Hale, chief executive of Refugee Action, said: “It’s deeply troubling that our home secretary even considered that this immoral and inhumane plan was a serious solution to a humanitarian crisis.
“Our asylum system is descending into chaos.
“The government must stop its unconscionable race to the bottom and work sensibly towards creating a fair and effective asylum system based on humanity, compassion and the rule of law.
“There are humane and practical solutions based on safe and legal routes that are fully within the home secretary’s power to use.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-09-30--Loose Women Producers Surprise Ruth Langsford With Incredible Throwback Clip From Her First TV Job

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There was a surprise in store for Ruth Langsford during Wednesday’s edition of Loose Women, as producers dug up an old clip of her from the early days of her career.
Ruth was anchoring a special “Loose Loved Ones” episode of the ITV daytime show with her husband Eamonn Holmes, alongside Peter and Emily Andre, when the conversation turned to aging.
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As a producer told Ruth in her ear-piece that they’d found a clip of her from 1985, she declared: “You’ve got a clip of me? Oh no, what have you dug up now?”
Viewers – and Ruth – were then treated to an incredible throwback clip, showing the presenter doing some continuity announcements during her very first job working at a regional ITV channel.
Ruth looked a little concerned after discovering producers had a surprise in store ITV
As the panellists pointed out how “nicely-spoken” she appeared in the clip, Ruth explained: “That is so old! I was a continuity [presenter]... Princess Diana voice, because we all spoke the Queen’s english.
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“That was my perm! And I remember that blouse was from Next when Next very first opened.”
She then jokingly tried to revert back to her soft-spoken tones from the 80s to introduce what was coming up, but evidently found it all a little tough to keep up with…
Ruth reacts to a clip of herself from 1985 ITV
During the episode, Ruth and Eamonn spoke about their first meeting, which he revealed actually took place “on a street corner”.
“I wasn’t working, Peter, don’t give me that face,” Ruth quickly interjected, after which Eamonn revealed that he met his future wife while she was “waiting for a taxi” and he was, apparently, “the taxi”.
“I looked at her in my rearview mirror, and I had her at that,” Eamonn claimed. “That was it.”
Did you know Ruth and Eamonn met on a street corner? 😂
Don't worry, there's a very innocent explanation 😉
Watch #LooseLovedOnes ➡ https://t.co/OQJh5NFFEV pic.twitter.com/gkX0GCPGfo — Loose Women (@loosewomen) September 30, 2020
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-02--Hope Hicks Tests Positive For Coronavirus After Traveling With Trump: Reports

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Hicks, one of Trump’s closest and most trusted aides, travelled on Air Force One with the president to Cleveland for Tuesday’s presidential debate and to Minnesota for a rally on Wednesday, Bloomberg said.
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She was photographed leaving Air Force One in Cleveland while not wearing a mask.
Close Trump aide Hope Hicks traveled aboard Air Force One Tuesday. Here she is deplaning in Cleveland, without a mask. pic.twitter.com/pyegkSxChI — Monica Alba (@albamonica) October 2, 2020
People close to Hicks told Bloomberg that she was experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus. It’s unclear, however, what those symptoms were and for how long she’d been experiencing them.
White House officials have known since at least Wednesday evening that she had tested positive for the virus, the Times reported.
A White House spokesperson did not confirm Hicks’s positive test when asked, saying only that Trump “takes the health and safety of himself and everyone who works in support of him and the American people very seriously”.
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“White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and the White House Military Office to ensure all plans and procedures incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting Covid-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible both on complex and when the President is traveling,” White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said.
Hicks, a former model and public relations consultant who previously worked for the Trump Organisation, returned to the White House as Trump’s counsellor in February after resigning in March 2018 from her role as White House communications director.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-01--Are Local Lockdowns Worsening The North-South Divide?

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. PA Wire/PA Images
You’re reading The Waugh Zone, our daily politics briefing. Sign up now to get it by email in the evening.
Taking back control?
The most toxic charge that any politician can face in this pandemic is that there is “one law for them, and one for us”. Of course it all started with an aide, not a politician, but a pretty important one nevertheless: Dominic Cummings and his eyesight test drive to, from and within the north east.
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But since then, we’ve seen MPs on trains without masks (Danny Kruger, Tory), MPs on tubes without masks (Sammy Wilson, DUP), MPs at dinner parties breaking the Rule of Six (Jeremy Corbyn, Labour). The PM’s own dad was caught in a shop sans face covering too, courtesy of a Daily Mirror snapper.
Tonight, the SNP caught the hypocrisy contagion in a big way as its MP Margaret Ferrier admitted she had taken a train to and from Westminster despite testing positive for the virus. Ferrier (like all the politicians above) apologised but (unlike all the politicians above) appears to be referring herself to the police.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford did however swiftly remove the whip, but that may not be enough. Fellow MP David Linden has told the BBC’s Question Time that she should resign from parliament. It’s no wonder, given that Ferrier, er, called on Cummings to quit when he was caught breaking the rules earlier this year.
But that feeling of “one law for them, another for us” is growing too in northern areas that are being plunged into yet tougher local lockdowns while the south and London escape. Although soaring case numbers are the justification from Matt Hancock, the patience of many council leaders and mayors has finally snapped with yet another tranche of measures.
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Hancock claimed in the Commons that he had been “working with council leaders and mayors”, but Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston was so furious at the lack of genuine consultation that he vowed to “defy” the government. Hartlepool’s Shane Moore was similarly appalled.
There’s a perception that the Tory government is imposing these measures at local level because it is much easier to get them past its own MPs than a national lockdown. Tory “localism”, once a buzzword among Cameroons, seems all but dead as Whitehall imposes its will with little notice and even less cash to cover businesses forced to close.
That tendency to centralise is underscored by the PM’s very robust noises this week about his planning reforms, effectively telling his backbenchers that nothing will stop him, not even a green welly revolt in the green belt.
With many Red Wall Tory seats caught in this crossfire, there’s a real danger that the north-south divide has become all too stark once more. Greater Manchester Metro Mayor Andy Burnham summed up the main complaint at an online summit with Keir Starmer that I sat in on today. The north was struggling because its own cases were high when the “London-centric” decision was made to lift the national lockdown this summer.
“We were in a different position and yet they lifted it,” he said. “From our point of view we’ve never been in a position to keep cases low, they were too high and then we were already in a difficult position, then people were being encouraged to Eat Out to Help Out and God knows what.”
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Amid this growing revolt, Starmer has now put his own flag in the sand. In his biggest break yet with Boris Johnson’s strategy, the Labour leader told me that it was now time for a new approach to both local lockdowns and NHS Test and Trace: make them “locally led”. He has also backed Burnham’s call for a rethink of the 10pm pub curfew, amid fears it is leading to more social gatherings, not fewer.
Starmer says that Hancock should now “share decision making” with local leaders. And in a radical shakeup of test-and-trace, he warns that the NHS brand risks being tarnished by the Dido Harding approach of centralising and outsourcing. Although more emphasis on local public health has occurred in recent weeks, it’s gone nowhere near enough, he told me. Germany’s locally-led testing proves the need for change, he added.
In Wales, the collaboration with councils of all political stripes seems to have worked so far. But in England, despite the looming three-tiered “traffic light” system of different lockdowns, local know-how and nous is being sidelined. Burnham thinks that unless control of contact tracing is put firmly in the hands of local chiefs in the next fortnight, the winter will be awful for health and wealth in his area.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-01--Keir Stamer Calls For New Powers For Mayors To Decide Local Lockdowns

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Keir Starmer has called for council chiefs and mayors in England to be urgently given new powers over both local lockdowns and NHS Test and Trace.
Amid a growing revolt among local leaders at fresh restrictions imposed by the Tory government, the Labour leader told HuffPost UK that it was now time for them to be “put in the driver’s seat” in the battle against coronavirus.
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Starmer said that health secretary Matt Hancock should share decision making with council leaders and metro Mayors, offer cash packages for businesses locked down and end the confusing public health messages.
In an exclusive interview, he also demanded a radical overhaul of NHS Test and Trace to prevent it from damaging the reputation of the NHS itself, with local public health teams leading the service rather than Tory peer Dido Harding or private firms like Serco and Deloitte.
On Thursday, Hancock unveiled a new ban on different households mixing in pubs or homes in Liverpool City region, Warrington, Teesside and Hartlepool from Saturday.
Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston said he would “defy the government and we do not accept these measures”, and he was backed up by Hartlepool council leader Shane Moore.
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Some 57 different areas of the UK, making up a third of the population, are now under tougher restrictions than the rest of the country.
Starmer said: “The message to the government is: involve local local leaders, whether it’s council leaders or mayors, much more intensely, and much earlier. Because what’s going on is sometimes consultation, sometimes not.
“There’s a massive frustration if you talk to the mayors in Manchester or Liverpool, they’ve not been properly brought into the process and listened to. The same in the northeast with the leader of Newcastle Council, a sense that the decision is being made centrally in London, when they should be in the room as part of the process.
“And this isn’t just about another layer of bureaucracy, bringing someone else in. These are people who know their communities. And not only do they know their communities, they’re in very regular contact with the police, with the hospitals and their community groups, and they can put messages across their communities. So they need to be in the driver’s seat, much more central to the process.”
He added: “The other part of this is that there’s a huge mismatch now between local restrictions and economic support. So instead of saying, here’s the package of restrictions, here’s the support that goes with it, the second bit isn’t there. Local leaders are a mess of tearing their hair out about what’s going to happen to jobs and businesses on their own patch.
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“It should be shared decision making. I don’t think local mayors and leaders should have a veto. I don’t think they should make decisions on their own. But they should be a proper part of the process.”
NHS Test and Trace chief Dido Harding and Matt Hancock ASSOCIATED PRESS
On Thursday, NHS Test and Trace again posted worsening contact rates for those who have been close to people who tested positive for Covid.
Just 64.3% of contacts were reached in cases handled either online or by private sector outsourced call centres. But the figure was 97.6% for cases handled by council-run local health protection teams.
In one of his biggest breaks with government policy since he became leader, Starmer called for the first time for a complete overhaul of the system and that he agreed with Manchester metro Mayor Andy Burnham that it had to now be “locally led”.
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Labour wants the English system to resemble that in Wales, where the Welsh government meets with council chiefs, shares evidence on cases and positivity rates and where test and trace is not run as a “privatised enterprise”.
“I completely understand the concerns that the NHS brand is being associated with test and trace when in fact, it’s been parcelled out, often with contracts to Serco and other companies,” Starmer said.
“What the government should have done is to put it locally, months and months ago. Local authority leaders were saying to the government ’they should let us lead on test, trace and isolate.
“‘We can do it, we can do it locally, we know our communities, and we’re up for the responsibility’. The government nearly went down that track and did start bringing them in a bit, but still insists on putting the big contracts elsewhere. Big mistake. Compare that with Germany, where they have done it from the local up and you’ve got a much better system.”
Asked if that meant the end of a role for firms like Serco and Deloitte, Starmer said: “It should be locally led. I’m not going to say that you should be no involvement of others, but nobody could look at the test, trace and isolate arrangements and think that they’re working, let alone effective, let alone world class.“
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In a Zoom summit with Labour council chiefs, Starmer was later told by Burnham that the government had just a couple of weeks to give local leaders to put “contact tracing in hands of local authorities” or face a winter of rising ill-health and joblessness.
Burnham said “local restrictions must have local support”, adding that “local control of test and trace” was essential. “This is a tough time for any government but to have made mistakes and keep on making them, that is arrogant,” he said.
He pointed out that northern areas had been ignored when the “London-centric” decision was made to lift the national lockdown this summer.
“We were in a different position and yet they lifted it. From our point of view we’ve never been in a position to keep cases low, they were too high and then we were already in a difficult position, then people were being encouraged to eat out to help out and god knows what.”
Newcastle council leader Nick Forbes added that NHS Test and Trace, which this week announced it was replacing an NHS official with a former head of Sainsbury’s, was “privatised and centralised”.
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Shadow communities secretary Steve Reed agreed that the system now needed “to be local by default” because “the centralised Serco system hasn’t worked”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-01--Scottish MP With Coronavirus Got Train To London And Back

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An MP has admitted travelling from Scotland to London and back by train despite having coronavirus.
Margaret Ferrier said she “apologised unreservedly” and admitted “there is no excuse for my actions”.
She broke self isolation restrictions multiple times – first by travelling from her Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency by train on Monday, having experienced Covid-19 symptoms and taken a test on the Saturday.
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On Monday evening, having arrived in London, she received a positive test result – but still decided to get a train back to Scotland on Tuesday morning.
Her actions risk spreading the disease to anyone she came into contact with on her journey, while in parliament, or anywhere else she visited on Monday and Tuesday.
And she risks a £1,000 fine in England.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford later said Ferrier has had the party whip removed, effectively suspending her from the party.
Ferrier spoke inside the Commons chamber in Monday’s debate on coronavirus, when she paid tribute to “to all NHS key workers and volunteers in my constituency for their care and commitment over the past seven months”.
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Labour said Ferrier’s decisions amounted to “astonishing recklessness”and urged Scottish first minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to set out disciplinary action.
Sturgeon condemned the “utterly indefensible” behaviour amid calls for the MP to resign, including from within her own party.
In a statement, the SNP MP said: “I apologise unreservedly for breaching Covid-19 restrictions by travelling this week when I shouldn’t have. There is no excuse for my actions.”
Ferrier said she had also notified the Commons authorities, who have spoken with Public Health England, as well as the police.
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A House of Commons spokesperson said parliamentary authorities’ priority was to ensure business can continue while ensuring the Palace of Westminster and connected buildings are safe.
They said: “An MP has confirmed that they have been diagnosed with coronavirus.
“The House’s priority is to ensure that those on the estate are safe while business is facilitated.
“We have closely followed public health guidance on the action to take following a confirmed case of Covid on site.
“Parliament has a dedicated team to support the test and trace teams across the UK, acting as a central point of contact in the event of any suspected or confirmed cases, where an individual has been working on the estate.”
The SNP’s Blackford said: “I have spoken with Margaret Ferrier this evening who fully accepts that what she did was wrong. Margaret will be referring herself to the parliamentary standards commissioner as well as the police. I am tonight suspending the whip from Margaret.”
Sturgeon welcomed the move and added: “It’s hard to express just how angry I feel on behalf of people across the country making hard sacrifices every day to help beat Covid. The rules apply to everyone and they’re in place to keep people safe.”
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But David Linden, the SNP MP for the Glasgow East constituency neighbouring Ferrier’s, called for her to go.
He told BBC Question Time her behaviour is “utterly inexcusable”, adding: “I don’t think her position is tenable and she should resign.”
Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross, who resigned from Boris Johnson’s government over Dominic Cummings’ actions during lockdown, said Ferrier “must go, with immediate effect”.
“We are the middle of a pandemic – travelling hundreds of miles on public transport having tested positive for this deadly virus isn’t a mistake, it’s complete disregard for everything we are fighting against,” Mr Ross said.
Labour’s shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: “This is astonishing recklessness from an SNP MP, which has put people’s health at risk.
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“Through her irresponsible actions, she very possibly has passed on the virus to a vulnerable person, who may now have Covid-19 and be in danger. She has put passengers, rail staff, fellow MPs, Commons staff and many others at unacceptable risk.
“To breach the rules twice is simply unforgivable, and has undermined all the sacrifices made by her constituents.