thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-15--Eight Coronavirus Developments On March 15 2020

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Coronavirus is dominating the headlines as the number of cases grows each day.
According to official figures published on Sunday afternoon, 1,372 people have now tested positive for the virus – an increase of 232 on Saturday’s figures.
Thirty-five people are now known to have died after contracting Covid-19.
Here are the latest updates:
Over-70s to be asked to self-isolate for up to four months
Elderly people will be asked to self isolate, the health secretary has said. Biserka Stojanovic via Getty Images
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed on Sunday morning that people aged over 70 will be asked in the coming weeks to self-isolate for up to four months in order to protect them from the coronavirus.
Asked if that was in the government’s plan, he told Sky’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday: “That is in the action plan, yes, and we will be setting it out with more detail when it is the right time to do so because we absolutely appreciate that it is a very big ask of the elderly and the vulnerable, and it’s for their own self-protection.”
Pressed on when the measure will be introduced, he said: “Certainly in the coming weeks, absolutely.”
The elderly population are most at-risk from Covid-19, with the overwhelming proportion of deaths occurring in older people, or those with underlying health conditions.
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Hancock also confirmed that ministers were seeking to give police powers to arrest and forcibly quarantine people who are sick with the coronavirus but are not self-isolating.
“We are going to take the powers to make sure that we can quarantine people if they are a risk to public health, yes, and that’s important,” he told the Andrew Marr Show.
“I doubt that actually we will need to use it much because people have been very responsible.”
Deaths in Spain double in 24 hours
A woman, wearing a protective face mask, walks in an empty central street during partial lockdown in Madrid. Sergio Perez / Reuters
Deaths from coronavirus in Spain have more than doubled in a day to 288, with infections at nearly 8,000, authorities in the country said.
The country, which is now the worst affected country in Europe after Italy, is set to go into nationwide lockdown on Monday.
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A number of airlines, including Jet2 and Ryanair have either cancelled or greatly reduced the number of flights to destinations in Spain.
On Friday a spokesperson for the Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to the Spanish regions of Madrid, La Rioja and the municipalities of La Bastida, Vitoria and Miranda de Ebro.
Pubs could close as part of social-distancing measures
friends at a pub toasting, having a good time, birds view Henrik Sorensen via Getty Images
Pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops could close in the UK in order to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Asked if the UK could follow Italy and Spain in introducing the measures, health secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC’s Andrew Marr: “We haven’t ruled that out.
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“We will do what is necessary because the top priority is to protect life and you do that by protecting the vulnerable and protecting the NHS.”
On Sunday afternoon it emerged that pubs in the renowned Temple Bar area of Dublin would close their doors with immediate effect, after it “proved impossible to follow the public health advice to limit numbers”.
In a statement, Temple Bar Company said: “In the interest of public health and following advice from An Garda Siochana and the health authorities The Temple Bar Company and its members have today decided that all pubs and nightclubs in Temple Bar will close their premises voluntarily with immediate effect.
“And will do so until further advice by the relevant authorities.
“This decision was taken in light of the experiences of members of The Temple Bar Company over the last few days when it proved impossible to follow the public health advice to limit numbers and adequately implement measures to control social distancing.
“Members of The Temple Bar Company felt it was inappropriate to request the diversion of Garda resources away from more pressing needs.
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“As part of the effort to avoid the spread of the Covid-19 virus, The Temple Bar Company will intensify its disinfecting and power-washing of the streets and public spaces in the Temple Bar area as required.”
Wales reports 34 new cases
Customers queue to get into a Costco store in Cardiff on Sunday. Matthew Horwood via Getty Images
Public Health Wales has confirmed 34 new cases of Covid-19 in Wales, bringing the total number confirmed in the country to 94.
Dr Giri Shankar, incident director for the coronavirus outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “We are working with our partners in the Welsh Government, the wider NHS in Wales, and others now that we have entered the ‘delay’ phase.
“This is now not just an attempt to contain the disease, as far as possible, but to delay its spread.”
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People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they believe they may have contracted coronavirus but instead, anyone with a high temperature or new continuous cough should stay at home for seven days.
“They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days,” Dr Shankar said.
Testing will focus on cases admitted to hospital, and based on symptoms and severity.
Foreign Office advises against ‘all but essential’ travel to US
The FCO has warned UK travellers to avoid visiting the US. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The Foreign Office has advised against “all but essential” travel to the US after Trump’s European travel ban was extended to the UK and Ireland.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are advising against all but essential travel to the USA following the US government announcement imposing restrictions on travel from the UK (and Ireland) effective from midnight on Monday March 16 EST (4am GMT on Tuesday March 17).
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British nationals with journeys planned and citizens already in the US are advised to contact their airlines or tour operators.
Supermarkets plead with customers to avoid panic buying
Panic-buying has led to empty shelves in supermarkets nationwide. Ollie Millington via Getty Images
Supermarkets have penned an joint letter to customers urging them not to panic buy, as shelves across the country emptied on Saturday.
Retailers have been hit by increased demand as social-distancing measures are introduced and self-isolation becomes an increasingly likely prospect in the UK.
Signed by giants such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Aldi and Lidl, the letter states: “There is enough for everyone if we all work together,” warning that panic buying could “mean that others will be left without”.
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NEW: UK supermarkets have written a joint letter to customers pleading with them not to panic buy. They say doing so could “mean that others will be left without”.
Retailers say online delivery and click-and-collect services are running “at full capacity”.
Full letter: pic.twitter.com/vrMfWHv6Rn — Tom Boadle (@TomBoadle) March 14, 2020
They added: “Those of us with online delivery and click-and-collect services. are running them at full capacity to help you get the products you need when you need them.
“We thank all our colleagues in stores and supply chains who are working day and night to keep the nation fed.”
Hundreds of scientists criticise accuse government of “risking lives”
Scientists have accused the UK government of risking lives. Yves Herman / Reuters
Hundreds of scientists working across a range of disciplines in the UK have accused the government of risking “many more lives than necessary” in its approach to coronavirus.
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An open letter signed by 229 scientists, none of whom are leading experts in the science of the spread of diseases, called for tougher policies to tackle the spread of Covid-19 including increased social-distancing measures.
The letter comes a day after it was revealed that ten more people had died in England from the coronavirus, bringing the total UK death toll to 21.
The signatories also criticised a statement made by Sir Patrick Vallance, chief scientific adviser to the government, about controlling the spread of the infection to achieve immunity within the population managing the spread of the infection to develop “herd immunity”.
The Department of Health told the BBC that Vallance’s comments had been misinterpreted.
The government has been criticised for its approach to the virus, with many members of the public asking why more restrictive measures seen in countries such as Italy and Spain – where full lockdowns are in place – have not yet been imposed.
The open letter penned by the scientists argues that more aggressive social distancing measures would “dramatically” reduce the speed at which the disease spreads through society – sparing “thousands of lives”.
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Donald Trump tests negative for virus
Trump has tested negative for Covid-19. Tasos Katopodis via Getty Images


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Liar Episode 3 Answers 1 Big Question – But Raises 5 More

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Last week’s Liar had viewers on the edge of their seats when it looked like Carl Peterson could have been the one responsible for Andrew Earlham’s murder.
However, as we should probably know by now, nothing is ever that simple on TV thrillers, and Monday’s latest instalment threw us a few curveballs.
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The first half of the episode was spent exploring the series of events after Carl found Andrew hiding out on the boat he later burned.
It was revealed that Carl attacked Andrew before tying him up and dumping him out at sea to die, as revenge for raping his wife Winnie.
ITV
But we saw how Andrew had survived, freeing himself with a trusty scalpel he had in his pocket from his earlier visit to the hospital.
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While Carl had remained in the dark about his survival – believing he was responsible for Andrew’s death – Laura was able to absolve him of guilt due to the timeline not checking out, as Andrew had come to visit her in the days after he’d supposedly drowned.
But while Carl was eliminated as a suspect, there were still plenty of other questions that need to be answered...
What is Jen hiding?
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DI Harmon’s wife was complicit in covering up Carl’s attack on Andrew, and while he’s seemingly off the hook, there’s something more to her story.
We still haven’t forgotten that she wasn’t at home at the time of Andrew’s murder. Is that the real reason she didn’t come forward with information when Laura was arrested?
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What were DS Maxwell and his son arguing about?
As DI Renton arrived at DS Maxwell’s house to inform him of a new lead in the case against Laura, he was having a blazing row with his son, who is also a copper.
We know that the son was hiding something from last week’s episode, so was their argument connected to this, and could the secret related to the case?
Has Andrew killed himself to make Laura pay?
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One of the most popular theories about Andrew’s death is that he killed himself and framed Laura.
We already knew he was obsessed with the idea of always winning, but the theory was given more rationale when he told Laura in tonight’s episode: “You stole my life, so now I’m going to steal yours.”
You could say that fitting her up for murder would certainly be a way to do that. Which brings us to...
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Did Laura really even visit that container?
An investigation on Laura’s car prompted her sat nav history to be searched, with her last journey proving to be one of interest for the police, leading them to a shipping container.
However, could the same person who planted Andrew’s car key in her bedside table have inputted the destination on her sat nav in a bid to frame her?
What was in the container?
During their visit to the shipping container, Renton and Maxwell discovered something deeply shocking that is clearly connected to the case.
Given the smile on Renton’s face, we’re guessing it is evidence that will implicate Laura in Andrew’s murder – but what was it, and will Laura find a way to prove she had nothing to do with it? That is unless, she actually did...


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Theatres In West End And Across UK Shut Down After Boris Johnson Urges Brits To Stay At Home

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Theatres in the West End and around the UK will close from Monday night as the government’s advice for people to avoid pubs, clubs and theatres to help halt the spread of coronavirus was branded “catastrophic” for jobs and businesses.
The Society Of London Theatre (SOLT) – which represents hundreds of theatres in the capital including the National Theatre, London Palladium and London Coliseum – and UK Theatre said the decision was “not taken lightly”.
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Industry leaders have called for the government to step in and support businesses because they are concerned they will get no compensation from insurers amid confusion over whether they should close or not.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a press briefing on Monday that people should start working from home “where they possibly can”.
“You should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues,” he added.
Theatres will remain closed until further notice and will reopen as soon as possible, following the government recommendations, SOLT and UK Theatre said.
Ticket-holders for cancelled shows will be contacted by ticket providers and are entitled to a refund.
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Many theatres that have been forced to cancel performances are charitable enterprises, and while ticket-holders are entitled to a refund for cancelled performances, those who can afford to do so are encouraged to donate the cost of their ticket to show support for the industry.
But industry leaders branded the advice as an “existential threat” to the leisure sector.
Caroline Norbury, chief executive of the Creative Industries Federation and Creative England, said: “The advice issued by government today is a crippling blow to the UK’s creative industries.
“As the social distancing measures announced this afternoon are only advisory, rather than an outright ban, we are deeply concerned that creative organisations and cultural spaces will find they are unable to claim compensation for the huge losses they will experience as a result of Covid-19.”
UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said the new advice left the industry in “limbo with no recourse to insurance”.
She added: “This is catastrophic for businesses and jobs.
“The government has effectively shut the hospitality industry without any support, and this announcement will lead to thousands of businesses closing their doors for good, and hundreds of thousands of job losses.”
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Nightclub owner Fraser Carruthers said on Twitter: “I am a nightclub owner in Kensington and Chelsea.
“You can’t tell the nation to avoid ‘pubs and clubs’ and not officially ‘close us’ so that we can claim our insurance.”
Shadow Culture Secretary Tracy Brabin said on Twitter that the prime minister needed to “urgently clarify” whether theatres, music venues and other venues will be entitled to claim insurance.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said that the government must step in and provide a package of support for the sector.
She added: “The very existence of some pubs is now at threat. Urgent measures to ensure cash flow and cost reduction is of absolute necessity.
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“Government action now can save jobs and save pubs.”
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday evening Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs he appreciated the latest advice had consequences.
When asked if the government could give advice on whether pubs and restaurants should close or not so that they could claim on insurance Hancock said: “We’re advising against all unnecessary social contact. I appreciate that this has consequences and I regret having to take these measures, I really do, but we are having to fight this virus.
“I appreciate that this has consequences and I regret having to take these measures, I really do, but we are having to fight this virus.”
An Association of British Insurers (ABI) spokesperson said: “We are working with members to assess the situation, and that firms should, in this fast moving situation, talk to their insurer or insurance adviser.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Parents Keeping Kids Off School Amid Coronavirus: ‘Don’t Prosecute Us For Protecting Our Families'

Growing numbers of parents concerned about the spread of coronavirus are flouting official advice by keeping their children off school to protect their health and that of vulnerable relatives.
The government has so far resisted pressure to close schools in the same way other countries have done to tackle the spread of Covid-19 – but there is mounting unease at the escalating situation, which has led to some parents taking the decision into their own hands.
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Jazmine Parham, 31, who lives in King’s Sutton, near Banbury, Oxfordshire, has three children. She told HuffPost UK she mulled over the situation over the weekend before deciding to keep them off school starting this week.
“We are a very high risk family and I just cannot take the chance of my children getting ill with coronavirus themselves or them being carriers and giving it to high risk members of the family,” she said.
Jazmine has fibromyalgia, a long term condition that causes pain all over the body, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), and her immune system is weak.
After becoming increasingly disturbed by the rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths, Jazmine sent emails to all three of her children’s schools informing them that they wouldn’t be attending school until after the Easter break unless the government advised otherwise.
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Jazmine Parham with her children Jazmine Parham
Jazmine explained to HuffPost UK: “My stepson Jack, who is 13, is autistic and goes to a special school in Rugby. He has got a cough so I informed the school and they have authorised the absence.
“My 12-year-old daughter Angelina has asthma and her school is saying if I keep her off school, they will put it down as an unauthorised absence, but I just don’t want to risk sending her in.
“My son Oscar, who is almost three, goes to a pre-school and the headteacher there and her son, who is a teacher at the school, are both self isolating after returning from Italy.
“With my immune system being so low, I cannot risk the children getting coronavirus and bringing it home. Even though the general consensus is that children don’t get it as bad, they are carriers of it and I don’t want to put anyone else who is vulnerable at risk of getting it either.”
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Boris Johnson has so far resisted pleas to close schools, but many believe the situation will change rapidly and that schools could soon shut down after all. The prime minister on Monday urged Britons to avoid all “non-essential” contact, including by visiting pubs and restaurants
Teaching unions and school leaders are holding talks with education secretary Gavin Williamson to discuss plans for schools and colleges.
Jazmine Parham with her children Jazmine Parham
Jazmine says she was “appalled” that the government has not already made the decision to close schools given what is happening in the rest of the world.
“I am appalled at the reaction of this government given that more than 300 people have died in Italy over the last day or so. It just proves the UK is not acting quickly enough in the face of this virus.”
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After posting on social media that her children would not be attending school until the coronavirus pandemic has passed, Jazmine was reassured to realise that many other parents across the country felt the same way and were already keeping their children out of school or considering doing so.
Jazmine Parham with her partner and children. They are not sending their children to school due to coronavirus. Jazmine Parham
“A lot of people are worried about getting prosecuted and getting a fine for not sending their children to school,” she said. “But at the end of the day, I think our family’s health is more important than getting a fine.
“We shouldn’t be prosecuted for protecting our kids and other people from this coronavirus pandemic.”
The prospect of getting fined for failing to send their children to school is worrying many parents. A petition launched at UK government and parliament petitions titled “No prosecution for parents that remove a child from school during a pandemic” has already reached in excess of 63,000 signatures.
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The petition states: “Professionals do not know enough about the disease to 100% ensure our children and/or their families are safe.
“If a child picked it up at school and is asymptomatic, they will pass it to family that could be old and/or vulnerable. As well as many children being vulnerable and having health issues.
“We understand the economy of closing all schools but for those parents that are able to do this should be given the option. It’s a safeguarding concern by any parent and should be taken seriously.”
The petition also says parents should be able to remove their children from school when there is a pandemic such as coronavirus without negative actions by schools or local authorities such as losing their child’s place in the school or facing any kind of prosecution.
Another petition urging the government to “Close schools/colleges down for an appropriate amount of time amidst Covid-19” has reached 600,000 signatures.
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This petition says it wants the government to at least consider closing schools and colleges down as soon as possible due to the growing fear among parents and students.
It states: “In our view, the government and health officials around the world are more ‘reactive’ rather than ‘proactive’. This will result in more spread as time is given for the virus to do so.”
Jason Street, of Northants, says he and his wife Sherry became concerned after their 14-year-old son – who went on a school trip to London two weeks ago – complained of pain when breathing last week.
Their household contains seven people, including Jason’s parents – who are 74 and 76.
When their son complained of pain when breathing, the couple immediately put him in his room and called NHS 111 who said they would do a swab test.
However, the following day, they said they would not be testing him and that he should remain in isolation for seven days.
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Jason Street and wife Sherry Jason Street
Jason, who works from home for a global company, says he has colleagues who work in China, Italy and Spain, and has seen how the spread of the virus has affected lives.
“As my parents are in the group most at risk, we do not want to have the children going back to school and risk them bringing coronavirus into the house,” he said.
“So after the isolation period is over this Wednesday for my son, we will not be allowing our kids back to school.
“We will be trying to get the children to use as many online learning facilities as possible, but the health of the family is more important at this time.”
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Two of Jason Street's children. Jason Street
Jason added: “Children may not be affected as much by coronavirus, but the risk of them spreading it must be high seeing how other colds spread through schools.
“Some people are saying that children should stay at school because parents need to go to work and that children would have to stay with grandparents. But how many children are picked up from school by grandparents?”
Childcare networking site childcare.co.uk asked its 2m members whether the government should temporarily close all schools to cope with the outbreak. More than three quarters, 77%, said yes.
“Parents are scared and just want to keep their children close to them because they then feel they have control."” - Emma Bradley, Childcare’s parenting expert,
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Emma Bradley, Childcare’s parenting expert, says – as a mother of three – she understands the conflicting emotions other parents are experiencing.
She told HuffPost UK: “Parents are scared and just want to keep their children close to them because they then feel they have control.
“Their overwhelming feeling is of nurturing and that biological need to protect by hunkering down and all sticking together.
“Parents have that urge that by having their children with them and within their sight, they are keeping them safe.
“It is all fed by fear. People don’t know what is coming and are getting so many mixed messages, and social media is just full of conflicting information. So people just want to hide away with their loved ones.”
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Emma admitted she would rather her 20-year-old daughter came home from university. But she’s continuing to send her 16-year-old and 10-year-old to school, and says children are safe where they are even though she anticipates there will be a shutdown of schools soon.
“I think at the moment we are underestimating how hard it is going to be to keep our children at home when schools do close.
“It’s not going to be for just a week or so. Children will get bored and restless.
“I don’t think we are there yet with needing to close schools, but I do understand why some parents are feeling they don’t want to send their children to school and I would not judge anyone for that.
“There is no right or wrong at this time and people have to do what is right for them.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Idris Elba Reveals He's Tested Positive For Coronavirus

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Idris Elba has revealed he has tested positive for coronavirus.
The Luther actor said he is currently showing no symptoms of the virus but was tested after coming into possible contact with Covid-19.
Sharing a video of him and his wife Sabrina on Twitter, Idris said that receiving the diagnosis “sucked”.
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Idris Elba has tested positive for coronavirus Hannibal Hanschke / Reuters
He wrote in a tweet: “This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing. No panic.”
In the video, Idris explained he had been in self-isolation after someone he’d had contact with tested positive for the virus on Friday.
He urged people to continue social distancing and washing their hands.
He said: “There are people out there who aren’t showing symptoms and can easily spread it. So now is a real time to be vigilant washing your hands and keeping your distance.”
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This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing 👊🏾👊🏾 No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ — Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Coronavirus Outbreak: 55 People In The UK Have Now Died After Testing Positive For Disease

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Some 55 people have now died after testing positive for Covid-19 in the UK, the government has said.
The total number of deaths in England has risen to 53, NHS England said.
There has also been one death in Wales and one in Scotland bringing the total number of deaths in the UK to 55.
It represents a further 19 people dying since the last update 24 hours earlier.
UPDATE on coronavirus (#COVID19) testing in the UK:
As of 9am on 16 March, a total of 44,105 have been tested:
42,562 negative.
1,543 positive.
55 patients who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have sadly died.
▶ https://t.co/h3NNKoHUmW pic.twitter.com/JIfVXtwDVv — Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 16, 2020
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Across the UK, 1,543 people have tested positive for Covid-19, up from 1,372 at the same time on Sunday. However, many thousands more are estimated to have been infected.
About 170,000 people have been infected by Covid-19 across the world and more than 6,500 have died.
Making a statement in the Commons on the coronavirus outbreak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the pandemic is “the most serious public health emergency that our nation has faced for a generation”.
He added: “The measures that I’ve just outlined are unprecedented in peacetime. We will fight this virus with everything we’ve got.
“We are in a war against an invisible killer and we’ve got to do everything we can to stop it.”
It comes after Boris Johnson urged the country to end all non-essential contact, work from home and avoid pubs, clubs and theatres.
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The prime minister set out the need for “drastic action” to tackle the “fast growth” of coronavirus across the UK as increased social distancing measures are introduced for the population.
As part of the measures, anyone living in a household with somebody who has either a persistent cough or fever must now also isolate themselves for 14 days.
All people should avoid gatherings and crowded places, while people who are vulnerable – including those who are elderly – will need to undertake even more drastic measures.
In other developments:
– A prison officer at HMP High Down, south London, has tested positive for coronavirus;
– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), urged countries to “test, test, test” every case. This is in contrast to what is happening in the UK, where only the most serious cases are now being followed up;
– Pulse magazine reported that some GP practices have been supplied with expired face masks that have concealed “best before” stickers;
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– Children who develop a continuous cough or fever at school should be sent home with suspected coronavirus, new guidance says;
– The universal free TV licence for over-75s will end on August 1 instead of June 1, because of the coronavirus outbreak, the BBC announced;
– Hancock said there had been an “enthusiastic response” to the Government’s request for factories to aid in the production of additional ventilators;
– Flight schedules have been slashed by British Airways’ parent company IAG and easyJet. Virgin is also making cuts;
– A petition for all doctors and nurses in the UK to be tested for coronavirus if they show symptoms has gained thousands of signatures.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: Britons Asked To Stop 'Non-Essential Contact' With Others

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Everyone in the UK has been asked to stop non-essential contact or travel with others as Boris Johnson ratchets up the response to the escalating coronavirus outbreak.
The prime minister urged people to work from home and avoid pubs, clubs and theatres as he held the first in a series of daily Downing Street press conferences.
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“This advice about avoiding all social contact is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions,” Johnson said.
He also told all those with a persistent cough or high temperature to self-isolate for 14 days, and for their families to join them in doing it.
The government will also no longer support mass gatherings with emergency workers.
Mass gatherings are something “we are now moving emphatically away from,” Johnson said.
Johnson said, by the weekend, groups particularly vulnerable to Covid-19 - over-70s with underlying conditions - will be asked to stay at home for 12 weeks to “ensure this period of shielding, this period of maximum protection coincides with the peak of the disease”.
The PM said the “draconian” measures were required as the outbreak was growing quickly on an “upward curve” and “without drastic action cases could double every five or six days”.
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London is “a few weeks ahead” of the rest of the country and people in the capital should pay special attention to the measures, including home working, suggested by the government, Johnson added.
But despite the new measures, the government has not yet closed schools though this could change in the coming days.
Chief medical officer for England professor Chris Whitty said the measures would need to be in place for a “prolonged period”.
He said experts had examined the proposals – looking at mathematical models and behavioural sciences – to find the measures which were the most effective but were also sustainable.
“This is going to go on for some time,” he said. “We should not be under any illusions that if we just do this for a couple of weeks that is sufficient.
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“This is going to have to be a prolonged period.”
Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the moves would have a “big effect” to bring down death rates and the peak of the disease.
“This is not a series of small interventions. You would anticipate that this could have a dramatic effect to reduce the peak and to reduce death rates,” he said.
“They are not easy but they are important and they will have the effect if we all do it.
“This is a matter for us to take accountability to make sure we help each other, protect ourselves and protect the NHS.”
“We are today asking a lot of everybody”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says “across this country, people and businesses, in my experience, are responding with amazing energy and creativity to the challenge that we face” https://t.co/YosXhJOSEj #CoronavirusOutbreak pic.twitter.com/mkvysydeuY — BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) March 16, 2020
The prime minister concluded: “I know that many people including many millions of fit and active people over 70 may feel listening to what I have just said is that there is something excessive about these measures.
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“But I have to say I believe they are overwhelmingly worth it to slow the spread of the disease, to reduce the peak, to save life, minimise suffering and to give our NHS the chance to cope.”
He went on: “I know that we are today asking a lot of everybody – this is far more now than just washing your hands, though clearly washing your hands remains important.
“But I can tell you, across this country people and businesses in my experience are responding with amazing energy and creativity to the challenge we face and I want to thank everybody for the part that you are playing and that you are going to play.”
Speaking in the Commons after the press conference, health secretary Matt Hancock told MPs the measures announced were “unprecedented in peacetime”.
He said: “We will fight this virus with everything we’ve got.
“We are in a war against an invisible killer and we’ve got to do everything we can to stop it.”
After the World Health Organisation (WHO) called on all countries to “test, test, test” people for Covid-19, Whitty defended the UK’s actions.
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He said there was “complete surveillance” testing in intensive care, while pneumonia patients were also being tested in hospitals and GPs were testing in the community.
“We do intend to continue to scale up testing,” he said, adding efforts were already “substantial” with more than 44,000 tests conducted.
At the moment tests were only useful for people who were currently sick, but it would be “transformational” if there was a way to find out whether people had previously had it.
That would show what proportion of people can get the disease without any symptoms, he said, adding that Public Health England was “very rapidly” developing such a test.
“We will continue to scale up the testing every week from here on in”
The government's Chief Medical Adviser Prof Chris Whitty says the scale of UK testing of coronavirus has been “substantial”https://t.co/YosXhJOSEj #CoronavirusOutbreak pic.twitter.com/uTnQ7Aqi0a — BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) March 16, 2020
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Vallance said the UK is now looking “more like three weeks” behind Italy, the epicentre of the European outbreak of Covid-19 where there have been more than 1,800 deaths.
Johnson meanwhile said there was “widespread agreement” among G7 countries about what steps need to be taken to lessen the economic impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.
But, asked whether the 1.1% growth target in the Budget is still achievable, he said: “Everybody sees that this is going to be potentially a severe blow for the economy.”
He added: “Everybody can see the risks that this situation imposes, the risk to demand, the risk to supply, but if we get it right and if we get the right response and if we work together then we can ensure that it is a short-term problem because the fundamentals of the UK economy are very strong.
“This is unlike 2008, there isn’t a systemic problem within the economy.”
Johnson added that “if we can get the disease under control in the way that we’re describing, if we can flatten that peak and it starts eventually to decline,” then there is “absolutely no reason why economies worldwide should not come roaring back”.
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“The most immediately pressing challenge is the difficulty in keeping schools open with growing numbers of staff having to self-isolate.” - Joint statement from NAHT and ASCL teaching unions on decision to keep schools open
The PM also said the government and parliamentary authorities were working on measures to ensure the Houses of Commons and Lords can stay open while protecting those who were vulnerable.
“The speaker and all parties and the leader of the House of Commons are working together to find a way forward that achieves those objectives - protecting our democracy, ensuring that our parliament stays open but obviously also protecting the groups we need to protect.”
At the same time as the press conference was taking place, leaders of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) were meeting with education secretary Gavin Williamson.
The two unions released a joint statement following the meeting, saying schools were struggling to stay open, regardless of the advice.
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It is thought, however, the push to keep schools open was designed to keep NHS staff at work.
The statement said: “The most immediately pressing challenge is the difficulty in keeping schools open with growing numbers of staff having to self-isolate.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--WATCH LIVE: Boris Johnson Holds First Coronavirus Daily Press Conference

WATCH LIVE: Boris Johnson Holds First Coronavirus Daily Press Conference
The government will be holding a daily press conference on the coronavirus outbreak in the UK. Boris Johnson is expected to announce next steps Britain will take to tackle the virus in a series of daily briefings. The conference will follow an emergency Cobra meeting with ministers discussing a ban on mass gatherings, protecting the elderly and home isolation for vulnerable people.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Coronation Street And Emmerdale To Include Scenes 'Reminding People Of Public Health Issues'

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Coronation Street and Emmerdale will both feature references to public health advice amid the coronavirus outbreak, ITV has confirmed.
Both soaps will include scenes relating to preventing the spread of Covid-19, most pressingly the importance of people washing their hands regularly.
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An ITV spokesperson told HuffPost UK: “Because we script and shoot so far in advance we don’t generally reflect contemporary issues.
“However we are going to use the soaps to remind people of important public health issues such as the need to wash their hands.”
Coronation Street will include messages relating to "public health issues" following the outbreak ITV/Shutterstock
They added: “We’ll try and do more such messages going forward.”
During Monday night’s episode of Coronation Street, a character will be seen washing their hands while singing Happy Birthday To You.
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However, it was pointed out that this scene is actually just a coincidence, as it was written last year, long before the coronavirus outbreak, and filmed in January.
In the last few weeks, the virus has impacted the TV industry in big ways, with shows like Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty halting production in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
A number of US chat shows have been suspended completely to protect studio staff, including Ellen Degeneres’ talk show and The Late, Late Show with James Corden.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Line Of Duty And Peaky Blinders Latest TV Shows Impacted By Coronavirus Outbreak

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Line Of Duty and Peaky Blinders have become the latest TV shows to be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
Production on both BBC dramas has been halted as a precautionary measure, as the nation deals with the rising number of cases of Covid-19.
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Line Of Duty had been filming its sixth series in Belfast, which was due to air on BBC One later this year.
The cast of Line Of Duty PA Entertainment
However, in a statement posted on Twitter, bosses said: “In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, @worldprods are suspending filming of #LineofDuty S6 with the support of the BBC.
“We will keep you updated with further developments in due course. Thank you.”
In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, @worldprods are suspending filming of #LineofDuty S6 with the support of the BBC.
We will keep you updated with further developments in due course. Thank you. — Line of Duty (@Line_of_duty) March 16, 2020
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Meanwhile, filming on the sixth series of Peaky Blinders has also been delayed, with producers stating: “After much consideration and in light of the developing situation concerning Covid-19, the start of production of Peaky Blinders series 6 has been postponed.
“Huge thanks to our incredible cast and crew, and to all our amazing fans for their continued support.”
An announcement on Peaky Blinders Season 6. pic.twitter.com/g1vEnpi8bU — Peaky Blinders (@ThePeakyBlinder) March 16, 2020
Live TV shows have also been affected, with Loose Women going ahead without a studio audience on Monday, for the first time since the outbreak.
Things are a little different in the #LooseWomen studio today but we're here and ready to hopefully bring you some light relief this lunchtime 💖 pic.twitter.com/BRGigdWIag — Loose Women (@loosewomen) March 16, 2020
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Host Andrea McLean told viewers: “Before we carry on, you might have noticed things not only look but they sound very different today.
“That is because our live studio audience are not here. I don’t know if you can see but we are on our own.
“It is, of course, a precautionary measure in light of coronavirus, but rest assured we are still here and we are going to be bringing you some light relief this lunchtime.”
As previously reported, Jeremy Vine’s Channel 5 discussion show also filmed without studio audience on Monday.
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A number of US chat shows have been suspended completely to protect studio staff.
Meanwhile, the BBC has said it is keeping the situation with its audience-based programmes “under review”.
A statement from the corporation said: “While the current government advice doesn’t necessarily prevent such programmes taking place, this is a rapidly evolving situation and we take seriously our duty of care to audiences, panellists and our staff.”
Elsewhere in the entertainment industry, Radio 1 has called off their Big Weekend festival, which had due to take place in Dundee in May, while the releases of films including Mulan, No Time To Die, Fast & Furious 9 and A Quiet Place II have also been pushed back.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Balconies Become Beacons Of Hope For Italians And Spaniards Living In Lockdown

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In deeply moving scenes repeated across locked-down Italy and Spain, quarantined residents have taken to their balconies in a show of solidarity and defiance against coronavirus.
The two countries have become the European epicentre of coronavirus, with almost all aspects of normal life halted by attempts to slow the outbreak, forcing Spaniards and Italians into extreme measures just to socialise.
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In Madrid and other cities, people came out onto their balconies at 10pm on Saturday to applaud frontline medics, in response to a call from social media and WhatApp.
Hoy más que nunca tenemos que apoyar a todos aquellos que están luchando por nosotros. La sanidad pública es un regalo que siempre tenemos que defender. #AplausoSanitario pic.twitter.com/MwHqmmxOrn — Alejandro Montero (@Alejandro_MOrti) March 14, 2020
In the northeastern city of Pamplona on Sunday evening, people on balconies showed their support by singing traditional Basque songs.
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Spain’s 47 million people have been under partial lockdown since Saturday night, allowed to leave their homes only to go to work, buy food or visit a pharmacy or hospital.
Spain has the fourth-highest number of coronavirus cases in the world. The government’s official coronavirus death toll rose to 297 on Monday, with 8,744 confirmed cases of infection.
In neighbouring Italy, a video of quarantined Italians singing to each other across deserted streets from their windows, balconies and doorways during the coronavirus lockdown quickly spread across social media.
David Allegranti, a writer for Il Foglio newspaper, shared footage of residents’ stirring rendition of a local folk song in the northern city of Siena on Twitter Thursday night.
A Siena, città alla quale sono molto legato, si sta in casa ma si canta insieme come se si fosse per la strada. Mi sono commosso pic.twitter.com/IDPqNEj3h3 — David Allegranti (@davidallegranti) March 12, 2020
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“This video is touching,” Rome-based Allegranti told HuffPost via email on Friday. “The first time I saw it I started to cry.”
HuffPost Italy also posted a video of Naples residents singing from their high-rise balconies.
Italians are trying to keep their spirits up as the numbers of new infections continue to skyrocket.
Several times a day messages pass around on social media for people to gather on their balconies and sing, applaud, light a candle or play an instrument.
In many places, including Rome’s Viale Marconi on Sunday evening, residents sang the Italian national anthem.
Italy on Sunday reported its highest day-to-day increase with 3,590 additional confirmed cases in a 24-hour period, raising the total number of cases to 24,747, with 1,809 fatalities.
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But balcony activities haven’t stopped at singing. HuffPost Spain also reported discos...
Los Cuarentena Principales pic.twitter.com/1u9dFtexap — El HuffPost (@ElHuffPost) March 15, 2020
and even gym classes, like this one in Seville, have become features of neighbourhood spirit.
Una clase de gym para los vecinos 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/3cbkMU91G2 — awesome (@Rous4000) March 14, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Caroline Flack’s Boyfriend Shares Emotional Instagram Post One Month After Love Island Host’s Death

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Caroline Flack’s boyfriend Lewis Burton has said that her death still “just doesn’t seem real”, one month after she took her own life.
The former Love Island host, who died aged 40, was laid to rest on 10 March in a private ceremony attended by friends and relatives.
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Lewis said he had never imagined he would be unable to ever speak to her again in an Instagram post shared on Monday.
“It’s already been a month I love and miss you so much, I never thought that one day I will never be able to see or speak to you again,” he wrote.
“I wake up and think you’re going to be laying next to me or you’re going to call me in a minute. It just doesn’t seem real.
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“I wish I could give you a kiss and a cuddle and say everything is going to be ok. I am so grateful I met you I just want to make you proud.”
Caroline stepped down from hosting the first ever winter series of Love Island after she was charged with assault following an alleged row with Lewis at the flat they shared in London.
MAtrix / MediaPunch/MediaPunch/IPx
She was on bail and awaiting trial due begin on 4 March after pleading not guilty to charges of assault by beating.
The former X Factor host previously said of the incident: “While matters were not as have been reported, I am committed to cooperating with the appropriate authorities and I can’t comment further on these matters until the legal process is over.”
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After the initial court hearing, Lewis insisted he was not assaulted by the presenter.
“What I witnessed today was horrible,” he said. “She did not hit me with a lamp. Arguments do happen every day in every relationship. Gutted I am not allowed to protect her right now.”
Following her death, Caroline’s management blasted the Crown Prosecution Service in a strongly-worded statement.
Useful websites and helplines:
Mind , open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 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.)
offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.) The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk
is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Solidarity In The Times Of Coronavirus

Solidarity In The Times Of Coronavirus

Solidarity In The Times Of Coronavirus
From giant rounds of applause for health workers in Switzerland, Spain, quarantined people working out in unison on their balconies and crowds joining together in song, here’s how people are finding solace in one another during the coronavirus pandemic.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--The Definitive Ranking Of The 35 Greatest Neighbours Characters Of All Time: #35-21

Shutterstock/HuffPost
This article was originally published for Neighbours’ 35th anniversary in 2020.
On 18 March 1985, Australian TV viewers got their first glimpse of what would become the country’s most famous cul-de-sac. Here in the UK, we weren’t to be introduced to Ramsay Street’s residents until October the following year. But now it is the end of the road for Neighbours.
After 37 years on air, the soap is set to air its final-ever episode, so let’s take a look back at the soap’s greatest characters of all time.
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We’re beginning with counting down from number 35 to 21. You’ll just have to wait and see if Mr Udagawa or Bouncer make the cut…
35. Daphne Clarke
Elaine Smith, 1985-88
Network 10
In episode one, stripper with a heart of gold Daph was the entertainment at bank manager Des Clarke’s buck’s party. Poor Des was jilted by his fiancé the next day, so Daph moved in as his lodger. They eventually married and had a son before Daphne tragically died following a car crash.
34. Libby Kennedy
Kym Valentine, 1994-2005; 2007-11; 2014
Network 10
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Karl and Susan’s middle child was principled, driven and kinda self-righteous. The classic girl next door, she became a journalist before following her mum into teaching. She memorably gave birth in a barn, and we all sobbed when the love of her life Drew died after being thrown from a horse.
33. Joe Mangel
Mark Little 1988-91; 2005
Network 10
Fair dinkum, this true blue Aussie bloke was the polar opposite of his uptight estranged mother, Mrs Mangel. Bringing a rough edge to Ramsay Street, unreconstructed beer lover Joe ramped up the comedy element of Neighbours. Yet he also faced tragedy when first wife Kerry was killed while protesting against duck hunters. Joe went on to find happiness with his lodger Melanie, whose seal-like laugh still haunts us.
32. Xanthe Canning
Lilly Van der Meer, 2016-19
Network 10
The standout star among recent Neighbours teens, the wonderfully named Xanthe had a winning combination of charm and comic timing. Her romance with Libby’s son Ben was sweet, but it was Xanthe’s manipulation by twisted teacher Finn Kelly that had viewers hooked.
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31. Annalise Hartman
Kimberley Davies, 1993-96; 2005
Network 10
Contractually obliged to be described as a ‘blonde bombshell’, Annalise was a hugely popular character whose messy love life dominated the show in the mid-90s. She incongruously dated her landlord Lou Carpenter, but Annalise’s biggest ‘WTF?’ moment came on her wedding day, when fiancé Mark jilted her at the altar as he realised he would rather become a priest.
30. Lyn Scully
Janet Andrewartha, 1999-2006; 2008-11; 2016-17; 2019
Network 10
Lyn’s earlier incarnation as matriarch of the lively Scully clan was much less fun than her later stints. When Paul Robinson left her just minutes after they were married Lyn became a recurring thorn in his side, gleefully twisting the knife at every given opportunity.
29. Mike Young
Guy Pearce, 1986-89
Network 10
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Escaping an abusive home life, quiet teenager Mike moved in with Des and Daphne, who became his legal guardians. Part of the show’s dream team quartet thanks to his romance with Jane and friendship with Scott and Charlene, Mike became a Speedo-clad pin up at the height of 80s Neighbours mania. No idea what happened to the actor who played him, though.
28. Pam Willis
Sue Jones, 1990-94; 1996; 2014; 2016
Network 10
The Willis clan played a huge part in early 90s Neighbours, and district nurse Pam was the best of the bunch. A salt of the earth type who adored her children Adam, Gaby, Brad and Cody, she loved husband Doug but didn’t tolerate his wandering eye. Pam was no pushover and would happily take on anybody who upset her brood.
27. Dr. Clive Gibbons
Geoff Paine, 1986-87; 1989; 2017-
Network 10
Helping to establish the show’s wacky tone during its early heyday, loveable Clive had rejected his medical career to run a gorillagram agency instead. (As you do). Saving Lucy’s life by performing an emergency tracheotomy on her – on Helen’s kitchen table – persuaded him to embrace his destiny. Clive recently returned as COO of Erinsborough Hospital, romanced Sheila and gave long-term viewers a nostalgia hit.
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26. Janelle Timmins
Nell Feeney, 2004-07; 2015
Network 10
Ramsay Street is mostly a middle-class bubble, but the Timmins family were true blue bogans. Mum Janelle arrived in a neck brace, parking her trailer in the street, and continued to rile her neighbours (especially Susan) for the next three years. A much-missed character.
25. Dorothy Burke
Maggie Dence, 1990-93
Network 10
Dorothy had travelled extensively and was quite the Renaissance woman. Forthright and no nonsense, her reign as principal of Erinsborough High saw her mix it up with one of the show’s best teen groups in Todd, Cody, Josh and Melissa. She also opened up her home to the odd waif and stray, including Toby Mangel and teen mum Phoebe Bright.
24. Julie Martin #2
Julie Mullins, 1992-94
Network 10
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Jim’s eldest daughter was so obnoxious and unbearable that we felt sorry for her terminally dull husband Philip. She was step mum to his two kids, mixed-up Debbie and demon child Michael, who hated Julie so much he tried to poison her. Julie and Philip also had a child of their own, Hannah, aka ‘Button.’ After two years of getting on everyone’s nerves, Julie plunged to her death for real during a Murder Mystery weekend. Nobody missed her.
23. Sheila Canning
Collette Mann, 2012-
Network 10
This Aussie battler takes no prisoners, is fiercely protective of her family and is also prone to being a bit of sticky beak. We would not mess with Sheila, but she has a good heart and brings a dose of earthy humour to Erinsborough.
22. Lucy Robinson #3
Melissa Bell, 1991-93; 1995; 2005; 2013-16; 2020
Network 10
Lucy’s mother died while giving birth to the youngest Robinson, and as if that wasn’t traumatic enough, Lucy then went on to change heads twice. Luckily the third time was the charm and it’s blonde Lucy that we most fondly remember. A wild child in her late teens, she returned from boarding school and unwittingly had an incestuous relationship with her half-brother Glenn. A career as an international model, a failed marriage to a much older man, a spot of go-go dancing, substance abuse and becoming head of Lassiter’s Worldwide followed. Life’s never dull when Lucy’s in town.
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21. Cheryl Stark
Caroline Gilmer, 1993-96
Network 10
Proud owner of the most magnificent barnet to ever grace Erinsborough (sorry Madge), fiery redhead Cheryl was a strong, passionate woman who was more than a match for Lou Carpenter. Mother to Darren, Danni and Brett, Cheryl was shocked to discover that her estranged mother Marlene Kratz was living across the street. Cheryl’s exit – dying after being hit by a car – was a sad end for a larger than life character.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--Lady Gaga's Naked Paper Magazine Cover Is All Kinds Of Incredible

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Lady Gaga has posed naked for the latest issue of Paper magazine, ahead of the release of her sixth album, Chromatica.
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As revealed on Monday, the Stupid Love singer is the latest star to be given an incredible cover shoot with the magazine, appearing nude as a half-human, half-cyborg.
Lady Gaga in her stunning Paper magazine shoot Paper
For the photo-shoot, the star was given a full body scan by 3D cameras, after which Belgian artist Frederik Heyman, used a “Gaga avatar” to recreate her image in “various digitally constructed environments”.
Describing the themes of the shoot in her accompanying interview, Gaga insisted she doesn’t “like futurism for the sake of it”, but noted: “I’ve been obsessed with the future for so long, going, ’What’s next?’. And then I turned back and looked at my life. I unpacked all the things I’ve learned that have helped me and that have hurt me, and that taught me infinitely more.
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“Now, [the past] informs my work. It’s like I was blocked because I was so obsessed with what was next, what was coming, what does it mean to go forward, that I didn’t realize I was already in the future. And where we are, where we stand in the present, is powerful.”
So yes, if you’re wondering, she’s still very much the same Gaga as always.
In the same interview, she discusses a collaboration with a “fellow female pop star”, one who has “experienced immense trauma while in the public eye”, heavily rumoured to be Ariana Grande.
Gaga rides a robotic horse in a second cover for Paper magazine Paper magazine
“I sat with her and we talked about our lives,” Gaga explained. “It’s two women having a conversation about how to keep going and how to be grateful for what you do.”
Gaga’s new album Chromatica was trailed by the single Stupid Love, which reached the UK top 10 earlier this month, weeks after leaking online.
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See Gaga’s full Paper magazine photo-shoot here. Chromatica is scheduled to be released on 10 April.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--No.10 'Does Not Expect' 8m To Be Hospitalised Due To Coronavirus

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Downing Street does not expect 8m people to be hospitalised because of coronavirus.
Boris Johnson’s official spokesperson insisted the claim, which came from a leaked Public Health England (PHE) briefing that also suggested as many as 80% of Britons could be infected, was a “reasonable worst case scenario”.
The document is a “planning tool” for the government, the spokesperson added.
“It does not mean that is what we expect to happen,” he said.
“A reasonable worst case scenario is what we are planning for and that is what any responsible government would do.
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“But that does not mean that’s what we expect to happen.”
The PHE document leaked to the Guardian states that “as many as 80% of the population are expected to be infected with Covid-19 in the next 12 months, and up to 15% (7.9m people) may require hospitalisation”.
The spokesman stressed that just because the document uses the word “expected” this does not mean it is what the government thinks will happen.
Sign up now to get The Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing, by email.
The prime minister is expected to provide a coronavirus update later on Monday alongside chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
He will also attempt to bring together world leaders in the G7 on Monday with a conference call to coordinate the global health and economic responses to the outbreak.
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The leaders are also expected to discuss coordination with the IMF, World Bank and World Health Organisation.
Domestically, Johnson has asked chancellor Rishi Sunak to chair an “economic and business response committee” to consider the impact of coronavirus on the economy and how the government can respond.
Sunak announced £12bn worth of measures to help the economy through the outbreak in last week’s Budget, as the Office for Budget Responsibility warned that a recession was “quite possible” this year.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) will publish coronavirus modelling and data in the “very near future”, the PM’s spokesman said.
The government is also working on how to improve its coronavirus testing regime and will set out more detail “over the coming days”.
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Brexit talks on a trade deal due to begin on Wednesday meanwhile appear under threat with the UK and the EU still exploring options to negotiate via teleconferencing.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-16--What To Do This Mother’s Day If You’re Worried About Coronavirus

MoMo Productions via Getty Images
This Mother’s Day, you’ll probably want to see your mum even more than usual. For those of us fortunate enough to have grandparents around, the day is often a chance to get three, sometimes four, generations together.
With coronavirus dominating every conversation, and the UK entering stricter social distancing measures, it’s understandable that many of us want to squeeze in an extra visit, in case the country goes into total lockdown.
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But as the virus continues to spread, is travelling home to spend time with your loved ones really the best idea?
On Monday evening, prime minister Boris Johnson said the British public should stop “non-essential contact with others” and warned against visiting pubs, clubs, cinemas and theatres. This is especially the case for those based in London, where the epidemic is thought to be a couple of weeks ahead in terms of spread.
The prime minister said that by the weekend, which coincides with Mother’s Day, groups particularly vulnerable to Covid-19 – people over 70, pregnant women and those with health conditions – will be asked to stay at home for 12 weeks to “ensure this period of shielding, this period of maximum protection coincides with the peak of the disease”.
The British public is also being advised against “unnecessary travel”, which is likely to impact travelling home to see your mum, as well as attending mass gatherings.
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If you’re feeling healthy and your mum is close by, making a visit home this Sunday may provide a boost to wellbeing and help stave off loneliness. However, experts suggest we should implement strict social-distancing measures right away to limit the spread – even if you don’t have symptoms.
We know that when it comes to protecting family, many would rather be cautious – especially considering those over 70, with underlying health conditions and pregnant women are considered most at risk.
So marking Mother’s Day this year could mean making a few adjustments for everyone’s peace of mind.
Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images
Why not have a virtual Mother’s Day and spend time chatting over a group video call? With stricter social-distancing measures due to come into place, now’s a good time to make sure relatives know how to utilise technology to stay connected.
Planning a Skype visit is particularly important if you usually visit parents or grandparents in care homes on Mother’s Day, as residential care workers have been instructed to encourage virtual visits.
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Going virtual doesn’t mean your mum has to miss out on a Mother’s Day gift, there’s still plenty of time to purchase an online delivery, from flowers to a gift subscription. Sending a good book or puzzle their way could also be hugely appreciated in the coming weeks.
Do you usually go out for a meal with your family on Mother’s Day? It’s time to get creative – try a mass family meal over Skype. Perhaps you could order the same takeaway, too.
To limit the impact this has on local restaurants, ask them if they offer gift vouchers. Purchasing an IOU as a Mother’s Day gift is the perfect way to look forward to brighter times and do your bit to help local businesses.
Of course, the situation is rapidly changing so ahead of Sunday, keep an eye on the official government advice on coronavirus, and read the latest news from HuffPost UK.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-17--21 Netflix Films And TV Shows To Stream If You Need Some Escapism In Your Life

There’s a time and a place for your dark crime dramas, hard-hitting epic films and thought-provoking documentaries... but let’s face it, sometimes you just want to curl up with something cosy that you know is going to put a smile on your face, right?
Well, if that’s what you’re in the mood for but don’t feel like scrolling through Netflix for hours at a time, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 19 films and TV shows streaming on the platform right now that are pretty much guaranteed to spark joy right now...
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1. Heartstopper
Netflix
With modern-day teen dramas usually full of existential dread and hard-hitting issues, Heartstopper offered an alternative in the form of a love story all of us could get behind. Get ready to cry happy tears as Charlie and Nick navigate the often-complicated but oh-so-relatable world of teen romance. And when you’ve inevitably binged the whole thing in one afternoon, there’s always the option of putting it right back to the beginning again...
2. Schitt’s Creek
Netflix
There is a reason that everyone you know has been trying to get you to watch Schitt’s Creek for the last few years. And it’s time to start listening to them.
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It may start out as a madcap story about a seemingly unlikeable and spoilt family, but after even just a couple of episodes, you’ll find yourself sucked into their adventures – and by the time you get to the finale, we guarantee you’ll be laughing and crying in equal measure.
3. Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing
Patrick Swayze’s moves. Mid-60s summer as seen through the eyes of the mid-1980s. The ultimate summer romance. And that soundtrack. Dirty Dancing has all the ingredients for some perfect film escapism, and if you’re not tearing up even a tiny bit when they finally perfect that lift at the end (spoiler alert), then we really don’t know what to tell you.
4. Sex Education
Netflix
A lot has been made about how Sex Education handles difficult and often taboo sexual subjects better than any show of its kind, which is all true, but there’s so much more to love about the show than just that.
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Aside from looking great and showcasing some timelessly fabulous fashion, Sex Education is also packed with both laughs and heart, with the emotional relationships between the mostly-teenage characters forming as much of the show as its “racy” content.
5. RuPaul’s Drag Race
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Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to spend their days in a world where your biggest concern is which queen is going to choreograph a dance number, and which of your wigs is most likely to bring a smile to Michelle Visage’s face?
Jokes aside, Drag Race obviously packs in the laughs and the drama, but it’s also a reality show that takes you on an emotional journey – albeit a glorious, technicolour emotional journey.
6. Legally Blonde
Tracy Bennett/Mgm/Kobal/Shutterstock
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On the surface, Legally Blonde is a fairly standard romantic comedy, but there’s a reason it’s stood the test of time in the last 20 years. Yes, there are countless iconic one-liners, it features a very cute dog and it’s fun to try and guess what Reese Witherspoon’s hair will look like from one scene to the next. But above all, Legally Blonde is a lesson in not judging a book by its cover and defying the odds, and it makes you feel good.
Plus there’s the “bend and snap” scene, which is just legendary.
7. Grace And Frankie
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Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin play two elderly women, themselves complete opposites, who become unlikely roommates and companions when their respective husbands announce that they are gay, and in a relationship. Not exactly a tough sell, is it? If that doesn’t entice you, how about the fact it’s from the same team as Friends and features guest appearances from Lisa Kudrow, RuPaul and Nicole Richie? Happy streaming.
8. Hairspray
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If a killer soundtrack, some fabulous fashion, a timely message about celebrating our differences and literal Zac Efron isn’t enough to get you to watch Hairspray, maybe the thought of John Travolta performing a dance number in full drag will do it. Yep, that’s what we thought.
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9. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
The CW
Come for the catchy musical numbers, fantastic and diverse cast and California sun. Stay for the sensitive depiction of mental illness and complicated female friendships.
There’s no show really like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and if you’re a fan of musical theatre who hasn’t checked the series out yet, we implore you to dive in if you’re among those who suddenly have a lot of time on their hands.
10. Easy A
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There’s a lot we could say about how clever and subversive and hilarious Easy A is, but we could just say… Emma Stone! Stanley Tucci! Patricia Clarkson! Penn Badgley! Lisa Kudrow! Amanda Bynes! Emma Stone again because she’s just that good! A teen drama with a brilliant message that’s also full of laughs around every scene, if you’ve officially exhausted Mean Girls, this is definitely worth checking out.
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11. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
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And while we’re on the subject of teen dramas, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is like Gen Z’s version of a John Hughes film. Lana Condor is absolutely adorable as leading lady Lara Jean, while Noah Centieno is… well he’s Noah Centieno, surely that’s enough? Plus, if the Subway product placement doesn’t throw you off, there are also two sequels, which debuted during the pandemic.
12. Emily In Paris
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You know it and we know it: intellectually stimulating is one thing Emily In Paris is not. But if you’re in the mood for some low-stakes drama, beautiful locations and some lovely fashion (thanks to none other than Sex And The City great Patricia Field), this divisive Netflix rom-com has got you covered.
13. Instant Hotel
Netflix
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Instant Hotel is essentially a Four In A Bed or Come Dine With Me-type show but for five couples who each run AirBnBs all over Australia. After staying at each other’s properties, they then rate them on a variety of criteria, meaning we as viewers get to enjoy poking around some fabulous properties while also watching people competitively slagging them all off.
A bit of Aussie sun could be just what you need to distract yourself from the real world
14. Dumplin’
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Let’s face it, before the likes of Roma, Marriage Story and Uncut Gems came along, Netflix didn’t always get it right when it came to their original films. But with Dumplin’, they pulled off something brilliant.
We could talk about this film at length, but we’ll keep it short and sweet, and say it includes drag queens, Jennifer Aniston and a Dolly Parton-heavy soundtrack. You’re welcome.
15. Spirited Away
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Not only is this film critically acclaimed (it holds an impressive 97% on review site Rotten Tomatoes, something not many animated films can boast) and totally groundbreaking (it remains the only non-English-language film to have won Best Animated Feature at the Oscars), it’s also just really, really lovely. Spirited Away looks beautiful, and has a coming-of-age story that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, at the very least, if not a tear to your eye.
16. Nailed It!
Netflix
Essentially it’s the Great British Bake Off, but for contestants who can’t actually bake. Expect lots of rubbish cakes, which are sometimes more show-stopping than actual Bake Off successes, but it’s all in good fun. And if that’s not enough, the show is worth watching for the always-enthusiastic host Nicole Byer alone.
17. Burlesque
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Not the most high-brow entry on this list (even if the final act does bizarrely descend into a row about planning rights), but when you’re dealing with a film that stars Cher as the leader of a burlesque house, also starring Christina Aguilera in the lead role, who cares?
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And trust us, when you get to the Welcome To Burlesque number and think you’ve reached peak Cher, then hang on, because there’s a power ballad 11 o’clock number just around the corner...
18. Friends
NBC via Getty Images
Alternatively, what could be more comforting or cosy than sitting down to watch the same episode of Friends you’ve already seen a thousand times, already. It’s like slipping into an old jumper you can’t quite bear to part with.
19. Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square
Netflix
No, it’s nowhere near Christmas, but why let that stop you from snuggling up with a blanket (or, y’know, an ice lolly) and letting Dolly Parton serve up some much-needed escapism?
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-17--The Best Mother's Day Cards To Send This Year

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner, (Sunday 22 March FYI) so whether you’ve organised a present already or are still looking for inspiration, a card should be top of your list.
A small start to showing your gratitude for all the things our mums do for us, it’s a nice way to show you’re thinking of her.
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With not long to go, start shopping now from our pick of the best cards money can buy.
HuffPost UK Tell Everybody You Got A Mother's Day Card, Scribbler, £3.19
HuffPost UK Liif Sweet Chocolate Box 3D Greeting Pop Up Valentine Cards, Etsy, £7.77
HuffPost UK Mum You Are One Of My Favourite Parents, Scribbler, £3.19
HuffPost UK Mother's Day Card, Etsy, £2.52
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HuffPost UK Mother's Day Card, Etsy, £3.50
HuffPost UK Wham Bam Thank You Mam, Etsy, £2.95
HuffPost UK Mother’s Day 3D Pop up Surprise Card, Etsy, £4.25
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HuffPost UK Pop Up Cocktail Mother's Day Card, Paperchase, £4
HuffPost UK Mothers Day Card For Same Sex Couples, Not On The High Street, £3.80
HuffPost UK A5 Adele Card, Thortful, £3.29
HuffPost UK Funny Cheesiest Mother's Day Card, Not On The High Street, £3.50
HuffPost UK Olive You Card, Scribbler, £3.40
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HuffPost UK You're Like A Mum To Me Card - Mother's Day Card, Etsy, £2.95
HuffPost UK Nessa Mother's Day Card, Etsy, £2.94


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-17--Boris Johnson Told To Adopt 'Wartime Mentality' And Spend Big To Help Economy Through Coronavirus

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The government needs to adopt a “wartime mentality” and not be “squeamish” about borrowing money to save people and businesses from the economic impact of coronavirus, the spending watchdog has said.
Robert Chote, the chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), said running up high levels of public sector debt would be “money well spent” to help the UK through the economic crisis caused by the outbreak.
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He spoke as chancellor Rishi Sunak prepared on Tuesday to unveil a new financial package to help those parts of the economy worst hit by coronavirus and the effective lockdown ordered by the government.
Chote said during the Second World War the UK ran massive budget deficits above 20% of GDP, around £440bn - way in excess of the £12bn package of support Sunak announced in last week’s Budget.
He said more borrowing would be “no abdication of budget responsibility” during the coronavirus crisis.
“I think clearly now the situation has moved on even in the few days since that Budget announcement,” Chote told the Commons Treasury committee.
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“The chancellor was clear for example on the NHS and, in a sense, over the broader public services that you spend what you need to at this point.
“And so one regards the £12bn as being a down payment.
“I think that we’re going to be going through this for some time and the idea of what needs to be done and how expensive it is going to be is going to change on an almost daily basis.
“But this is no abdication of budget responsibility to be spending what you need to spend to deal with this.
“In some ways it’s like a wartime situation - we ran during the Second World War budget deficits in excess of 20% of GDP five years on the trot and that was the right thing to do at that time.”
He went on: “This is not a time to be squeamish about additions to public sector debt. It’s more like a wartime situation in that this is money well spent.”
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Chote added: “The more serious this is, the more blunderbuss you have to be in the approach.”
“When the fire is large enough, you just spray the water on it and worry about it later.”
Tourists wear surgical masks on Tower Bridge during the Coronavirus outbreak in London SIPA USA/PA Images
OBR budget responsibility committee member Sir Charles Bean said the government would need to spend the equivalent of the annual hit to GDP - for example that a 5% decline would require 5% of GDP-worth of borrowing.
But he said any increase in borrowing would be temporary as coronavirus is not exposing underlying issues in the economy, unlike the 2008 financial crisis.
“Think about what happened during the financial crisis, we were around about 40% of GDP when we started, we came out of it not so far from 80% of GDP,” Bean said.
“And that’s essentially because of not only the depth but the persistence of the downturn.
“Now this ought to be different from the financial crisis because the key thing about the financial crisis is there were underlying structural problems which we weren’t aware of going into the financial crisis, but they were exposed.
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“This time around there isn’t a fundamental structural problem in the economy that needs correcting, at least for the most part, it’s just this exogenous shock that’s hit us in the health sphere.
“So I think it is reasonable to think that any increase in boring, that you do now really would be temporary.”
Sign up now to get The Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing, by email.
Bean also called on insurers to pay out to businesses like bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes that will be badly hit by the lockdown, and for the government to step in as an “insurer of last resort” if necessary.
“I don’t have any disagreement that insurers should step up to their obligations,” he said.
“But there is a question about whether just relying purely on privately provided insurance because some businesses and some people will have it some won’t.
“There may be a question in some cases whether the insurers even have enough pockets to be able to pay out.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-17--What People With Asthma Need To Know About Coronavirus

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Asthma sufferers were initially confused by Boris Johnson’s latest briefing, where he said vulnerable groups will be asked to stay at home for 12 weeks.
“In a few days time, by this coming weekend it will be necessary to go further and to ensure that those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12-weeks,” he said on 16 March.
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“This advice about avoiding all social contact is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions.”
What does this mean for those who suffer from asthma – given that 5.4 million people in the UK live with the condition?
JakeOlimb via Getty Images
Do you have to self-isolate if you have asthma?
After Boris Johnson’s briefing, the government shared guidance on social distancing and clarified which groups were “at risk”. Those at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19 included those with chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, the guidance stated.
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Currently, the advice for at-risk groups is to “be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures”. This refers the prime minister’s announcement, that the British public should stop “non-essential contact with others”, in which he warned against visiting pubs, clubs, cinemas and theatres.
It’s likely that Johnson will soon announce it’s necessary for those who are vulnerable – including those with asthma – to go one step further and shield themselves from social contact for 12 weeks. HuffPost UK will update this article with any new guidance.
Asthma UK advises it’s worth thinking ahead and taking steps to reduce contact with others, for example by avoiding crowded spaces. “It would be a good idea for people with long-term lung conditions – including asthma – to start thinking about how they would manage in this situation,” the charity said.
“Examples might include discussing arrangements to work from home with your employer. At the moment, this is not the guidance for people with lung conditions, but it is wise to prepare for what may happen next.”
You should also make plans to help you cope if the spread of the virus causes significant disruption, or if you are asked to self-isolate, the charity states.
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This might include making sure you know how you would get your medicines, food and other essential items if you had to self-isolate, and thinking about how you would stay in touch with friends and family.
How does coronavirus affect those with asthma?
When people with asthma get respiratory infections, it can set off their asthma symptoms, national charity Asthma UK says. Sufferers should continue to reduce risk of asthma symptoms by:
Keep taking their preventer inhaler (usually brown) daily as prescribed. This will help cut risk of an asthma attack being triggered by any respiratory virus, including coronavirus.
Carry their reliever inhaler (usually blue) with them every day in case they feel their asthma symptoms flaring up.
Download and use an asthma action plan to help them recognise and manage asthma symptoms when they come on.
What to do if your asthma gets worse
If your asthma is getting worse and you have symptoms of Covid-19, use the 111 online service or call 111. Don’t go to your doctor’s surgery. When you contact 111, let them know that you have asthma and that you’re getting asthma symptoms. Explain how often you are using your reliever inhaler and if it’s not working completely or lasting for four hours.
If your asthma is getting worse and you don’t have symptoms of Covid-19, make an urgent appointment to see your GP.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-17--Penguins Get To Waddle Around Aquarium After It Closes Due To Coronavirus

Shedd Aquarium via Twitter Wellington making a new friend … or dinner plans.
Talk about happy feet.
A group of rockhopper penguins got to take one adorable field trip after the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago was closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Thanks to the lack of visitors — who will not be allowed back in the aquarium until March 29 — the curious birds had the chance to waddle out of their habitat and explore the rest of the exhibits just like a human would.
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On Sunday, the aquarium posted a video of one penguin named Wellington who, with his flippers stretched wide, seemed very enticed by some fish in the Amazon exhibit.
Penguins in the Amazon?! 🐧🌴
Some of the penguins went on a field trip to meet other animals at Shedd. Wellington seemed most interested in the fishes in Amazon Rising! The black-barred silver dollars also seemed interested in their unusual visitor. pic.twitter.com/KgYWsp5VQD — Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 15, 2020
“Without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals,” the aquarium told the Chicago Tribune, “introducing new experiences, activities, foods and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviours.”
People on Twitter seriously appreciated the feel-good content during our human health crisis.
This is fantastic for Wellington! He looks like he had an awesome day. Love that he looks like he's experiencing sensory overload. And the fish look excited to see him, too. Multi-species enrichment activity. We need daily "Wellington's Adventures at the Shedd" updates! :-) — Art Excursions (@ArtExcursions) March 16, 2020
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Ahhh omg I really needed that right now! — rey (@reytheist) March 16, 2020
Please let the octopuses go on an adventure next! — zac (at least i think) (@pr0zac) March 15, 2020
With many people self-isolating due to Covid-19, let’s hope the aquarium continues to krill, er, quell our boredom with more quality animal content.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-17--Dan Walker Says He Should Have Spoken Out Over BBC Naga Munchetty Row

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In an interview with Radio Times, her co-presenter has now said he wanted to speak up for her, but chose not to on Naga’s request.
“I asked her at the time if she wanted me to speak about it. She was at the centre of this storm,” he said.
“I felt I should have said something in support of her, but she didn’t want any more attention.”
Dan Walker and Naga Munchetty BBC
Dan went on to criticise the BBC for not giving “a more robust defence of their presenters”.
“We do think it could have been dealt with very differently,” he said.
“It was the right decision to overturn the original finding, but it didn’t need to get that far. Both of us felt we sailed near the line but we didn’t cross it.”
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In the broadcast last July, Naga had said that “every time I have been told, as a woman of colour, to go back to where I came from, that was embedded in racism”, adding: “I’m not accusing anyone of anything here, but you know what certain phrases mean.”
Defending Naga’s comments, Dan described criticism of the US president as “telling”, adding:“Breakfast isn’t the 10 o’clock news.
“We are there to share a bit of ourselves, and maybe we shared a bit too much. At the time it felt a very natural conversation.
“We knew in that moment that it was different to the sort of things we usually talk about. But I don’t regret it, and I don’t think Naga does either.”
He added that following the incident, he wrote to Lord Hall saying: “If Naga is guilty, then I’m guilty.”
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The full interview appears in this week’s Radio Times, on sale now.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-17--No, You Can't Cure Coronavirus By Gargling Salt Water Or Vinegar

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Dealing with the global coronavirus outbreak is uncharted territory – and as the virus continues to spread, so does misinformation on how to protect yourself and others.
One photo being widely circulated online by well-meaning friends and family suggests that coronavirus can be stopped in its tracks if people gargle with salt water or vinegar after contracting the illness.
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However, Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert and professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, says the advice detailed in the image is incorrect.
“The information in the image is absolute rubbish,” he tells HuffPost UK. “The virus only grows inside the body’s cells so drinking water, even with vinegar, will do no good whatsoever.”
Facebook Professor Paul Hunter said the advice in this image is "absolute rubbish".
The original source of the image is unknown. Dr Jenna Macciochi, an immunologist at the University of Sussex, says confusion may stem from the fact there’s limited evidence to suggest gargling can reduce the duration of some upper respiratory tract infections. However, this can not be translated to coronavirus.
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“There are very few studies that are small and not well controlled – they come from Japan where gargling is common practice,” she tells HuffPost UK. “However, the evidence is weak and we do not know if this would be effective against coronavirus.”
Gargling salt water is also one of ways the NHS recommends soothing a regular sore throat and some doctors have suggested it may have more general oral hygiene benefits. But again, there’s nothing to suggest it cures coronavirus.
Dr Macciochi points out that in these stressful times, people may make hopeful leaps in the quest for a solution. “As with many things, there is often a kernel of scientific evidence which in this case has been blown out of all proportion in these desperate and uncertain times,” she says.
Another viral post doing the rounds suggests holding your breath can be a way of self-diagnosing coronavirus, but this has been discredited by the Department of Health and Social Care and is not advised.
We're aware of inaccurate advice circulating on #COVID19.
Anonymous posts, claiming to be from "Stanford Hospital" or "Japanese doctors" are suggesting you can self-check for #coronavirus by holding your breath.
🚫 This is not accurate.
Official advice: https://t.co/xSoOI6zprL pic.twitter.com/GMxKQ6gmPO — Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 13, 2020
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Instead of sharing medical advice from unknown or unverified sources, Dr Macciochi recommends focussing your efforts on taking hygiene and tissue etiquette seriously, social distancing, cancelling unnecessary travel as per government guidelines, and staying updated and informed – but not panicking.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-17--Emilia Clarke Reveals What 'Annoyed' Her About Game Of Thrones' Ending

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If you’ve been living under a (Casterly) Rock since last year, there are Game of Thrones spoilers below.
Game Of Thrones ended with Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, the Breaker of Chains, the Drinker of Coffees, on the floor of the throne room, dead at the hands of lover/nephew Jon Snow. And now Emilia Clarke has spoken.
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Talking with The Times about heading to the West End for Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, Emilia recently reflected on the controversial final season of the show, revealing there was one thing that “annoyed” her too about Daenerys’ end.
“Yeah, I felt for her. I really felt for her,” Emilia said. “And yeah, was I annoyed that Jon Snow didn’t have to deal with something?” She lets us out an exasperated laugh. “He got away with murder — literally.”
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen HBO
In the show, Jon Snow’s punishment for killing his queen/aunt amounts to a grand total of diddly-squat. Instead of being beheaded, he was sent to the Wall, where he got to hang out with his friends and his dog all day and likely became King Beyond The Wall. It was basically the equivalent of being sent to your room as a kid, where all you have is a PS4 and strong Wi-Fi connection.
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Of course, fans were annoyed by much more in seriesn eight, including everything from the season feeling rushed and not explaining things to how dark it was to Daenerys, who spent the previous seven seasons rising from the ashes to become the potential ruler of Westeros, burning it all to the ground in the span of one episode.
Emilia addressed the fan controversy saying the horrific news cycle may have had something to do with it.
She said: “Because people are going, finally, here’s something I can actually see and understand and get some control back over ... and then when that turns, and you don’t like what they’ve done.”
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However, the actor agreed the show could’ve been “spun” a little longer and that more attention was given to set pieces than dialogue.
Reflecting on her thoughts on the end, Emilia said she felt like a “small cog in a very, very, very big machine.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-17--Watch: Here’s The Latest On Coronavirus

Watch: Here’s The Latest On Coronavirus

Watch: Here’s The Latest On Coronavirus - 17 March
As world leaders all deliver a similar message on how to halt and slow the spreading virus, the WHO urges countries to test the population as much as possible. A potential vaccine is being tested in the US, yet the UK has been criticised for taking a different approach to other places that have enforced full lockdowns.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-17--Big Brother Germany To Tell Housemates About Coronavirus Outbreak In Special Live Episode

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Contestants on the German version of Big Brother are to be told about the severity of the coronavirus outbreak in a special live episode of the reality show.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the housemates taking part in the 13th series of the German reality show were none-the-wiser about the global pandemic, having entered the house at the beginning of February.
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Four housemates have since entered, but were under strict instructions not to give the existing contestants any news from the outside world, including that which related to the Covid-19 outbreak.
However, following a backlash on social media, German broadcaster Sat. 1 has now confirmed that the housemates will learn of the news in a live edition of Big Brother, set to air on Tuesday night.
The contestants in the German house are unaware of the pandemic Sat.1
During the episode, they will be able to ask specific questions about the pandemic, and will also receive video messages from their loved ones on the outside world.
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Although the British version of Big Brother ended in 2018 after 19 series, the reality format still exists all over the world, with several series airing right now.
Jochen Schropp presents the German version of the show Sat.1
In Australia, producers decided to tell the housemates about coronavirus fairly early on, but in Canada and Brazil, the contestants involved are still in the dark.
Last week, the Canadian housemates were seen debating why an eviction had taken place without an audience, without realising it was a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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Here in the UK, the outbreak has impacted the TV industry in big ways, with shows like Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty announcing they were suspending production.
Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid also video messaged into Tuesday’s show from home, as she’s currently in self-isolation, while Loose Women has decided to axe its usual studio audience for the time being.