thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-19--Is Boris Johnson Now Just Bored Of Coronavirus? Or Of Press Conferences?

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Weary blues
Workers were facing job losses, parents and children facing chaos over school closures and exams, the coronavirus death toll had risen to 144. But in Downing Street today, Boris Johnson made plain he really didn’t think there was any need for him to hang around. A dollop of optimism, a bit of an announcement, as little waffle from the boffins as possible. In, out, job done.
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The PM opened his latest No.10 Q&A with the warning that “I don’t propose to spend a very long time at this particular one since we’ve had about four or five of these already in the last few days.” Perhaps most telling of all, he then added: “I don’t want to weary you with these occasions.” It was pitched as a joke, but sounded very much like he was the one tired of scrutiny. Pesky things, questions.
Now remember the whole point of these events is for the government to get across crucial public health messages on matters of life and death. Making an announcement is one thing, but explaining it in detail, and answering questions that the public want answered, are what make the messages credible and effective. Communications are not an optional extra, they are central to this entire ‘wartime’ effort.
As it happens, the PM started off well, delivering concise messages about staying at home, washing hands and saying away from pubs and restaurants. He was suitably grateful to all those who had so far heeded government advice, acknowledging it involved huge disruption to their daily lives.
In his effort to offer some reassurance that the disruption would not be endless, Johnson also came up with that first ever estimate of a timeline. He wanted to say something “about how I see the timescale of this campaign”. “I do think, looking at it all, that we can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks and I’m absolutely confident that we can send coronavirus packing in this country.”
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The jocular tone of sending a deadly virus ‘packing’ (just imagine if he’d used that phrase about AIDS in the 1980s?) was one thing. But what immediately rang alarm bells was that repeated use of the word ‘I’. Was the PM suddenly qualified to make this huge assessment on his own? Why weren’t the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser the ones to make such a major announcement?
Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance, having been deferred to in previous press conferences, were suddenly bit players. They didn’t even get the chance to expand on the timeline assessment before Johnson, with that flash of impatience at the whole event, then invited questions.
And within minutes the 12-week timeframe seemed to melt before our very eyes. When pressed (pesky questions again) on what exactly he meant, he replied: “Now I cannot stand here and tell you that by the end of June that we will be on the downward slope.” Was the tide merely stopping for a bit in 12 weeks’ time, before turning?
On either side of him, the two scientists looked nonplussed. Vallance preferred to talk about trials starting on a new vaccine in April. “These are things which altogether start to tell us that we’ve moved from a phase of it’s growing and we need to take these measures to stop it growing, to ones where we’re saying put a lid on it and begin to start looking at what we do beyond that in order to get into the right position.” That felt like a mass of words used to express extraordinary caution.
Of course, it’s understandable that the PM wanted to offer more certainty to a worried public. And his allies will argue that he can’t win, having been criticised for not telling people how long they should practice social distancing. But in so swiftly casting doubt on his own timeframe (and later not even mentioning it in his tweets), in failing to let the scientists deliver the news, he managed to leave many people more confused than before.
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Similarly, his claim that testing would be ramped up to 250,000 tests every day, seemed like the need to have a Big Figure to brandish. That stat of a quarter of a million tests done every day (yes, it’s worth repeating) turned out to include not just 25,000 normal coronavirus tests but huge numbers of antibodies tests too. It would indeed be a gamechanger to have a simple blood test for those who have had the virus but weren’t aware of it. But again, such claims have to be credible.
In fact, there was so little detail in the entire press conference (nothing on definitions of ‘critical workers’, nothing on wages direct support) that it felt like Johnson had come up with the 12-week figure to fill airtime, pending details of the real substance on Friday. He’s committed to these damned daily events and needed to say something, anything while the policy wonks beavered away in the Treasury and Department of Health.
Boris Johnson, centre, gestures to chief medical officer Chris Whitty, left, and chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance. ASSOCIATED PRESS
The shame was that there were interesting things to say about the science. Yet as Donald Trump showed in his own briefing today, letting politicians freelance on that science is a dangerous thing. Trump declared at one point that the US FDA watchdog had approved an over-the-counter anti-malarial drug as a treatment for coronavirus. Within minutes, the FDA denied it. As it happens, I’m told Trump wanted to go further to claim the drug was a ‘cure’ for the disease, but was talked out of it.
For the first few weeks of this crisis, Johnson has not taken the Trump route. However today he seemed to have a child-like attention span. And like Trump, he’s sounding more acutely aware of the political dangers of getting this all wrong.
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Gordon Brown this morning called for urgent action (as did Tory MPs) on wage subsidies. In a clear riposte, Johnson tried to claim his response to coronavirus would be better than Brown’s in the 2008 financial crisis, when the banks were bailed out but the public left adrift. “This time will be different,” he said. “We’re going to really make sure to look after the people who suffer economic consequences of what we’re asking them, we’re going to look after the people first.”
The PM’s allies will say that the comprehensive scale of this crisis makes 2008 look like a picnic and that for all the imperfect responses, the state is being mobilised effectively. Yet his critics will say that he’s being shown up as fundamentally unserious.
The most stupid question of the press conference came not from a journalist but from Johnson himself. Referring to the No.10 events, he asked “Do you feel they are useful?” To which the answer is: yes, as long as you treat them seriously. Yes, he has a country to run and not just press conferences to give. But the comms are a key weapon in the fight against this disease.
With the death rate set to soar in the UK, and with our medical staff putting themselves in mortal danger every day, now seems exactly the wrong time for the PM to lapse back into his ‘call-and-response/put a smile on their faces’ approach to politics. But ultimately he’ll be judged not on what he says, but what he does. For all our sakes, we should hope he just isn’t getting bored.
Quote Of The Day
“Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge.”
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Her Majesty The Queen.
Thursday Cheat Sheet
No. 10 said there was ‘zero prospect’ of a ‘London lockdown’ restricting travel in and out of the capital. However some forced closures of pubs and restaurants seems likely.
The number of deaths from coronavirus rose to 144 as a further 29 patients died in England. The youngest was 47 and had underlying health conditions. The number of deaths in Italy exceeded those in China.
The new emergency powers bill for coronavirus was published. It included giving local and national authorities the power to force others to supply information about their capacity to deal with “transportation, storage or disposal of dead bodies”.
Lords Speaker Lord Fowler, aged 82, told peers he would be “withdrawing from the House for the time being”.
The Church of England restricted weddings to five people to limit social contact.
The Bank of England cut interest rates to just 0.1%, a week after rates were cut to 0.25%.
EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier tested positive for coronavirus.
What I’m Reading
US Hospital Dramas Donate Masks To Desperate Health Staff - The Wrap
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak And The Moral War Against Coronavirus

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Capacity crowd
A friend of mine who works in financial services regularly texts me with the same message: “Boris. Has. No. Plan.” This missive - from someone who happens to be a Tory party member - has covered flooding, the reshuffle, social care, EU trade negotiations, you name it. The thesis is that Boris Johnson has only ever wanted to be PM and everything else is a detail.
Well, today, my pal may finally stop texting me. The prime minister has a plan. Chancellor Rishi Sunak even had a full, formal title for it. “Our Plan for People’s Jobs and Incomes,” he called it, with those all-important capital letters helping to again make him sound even more Gordon Brown than Gordon Brown.
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Of course, strictly speaking a ‘plan’ is something you plan in advance. Today’s unprecedented package of direct government support for families is an emergency ventilator for the British economy, forced on a government by the awful circumstance of the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
But whatever you call it, the set of measures is truly ginormous and thoroughly welcome. After some crucial collaboration with trade unions, business and devolved nations, the package may go a huge way towards saving many, many jobs. Setting the wages subsidy at up to 80% was sensible, as was the upper limit aimed at those in professions most at risk. Backdating it to March 1 may even persuade some firms to rehire those sacked in recent days.
The changes to the Universal Credit and local housing allowances were overdue but again very welcome. There is more that can be done on higher statutory sick pay levels and helping the self-employed who don’t benefit from the wider largesse. But it’s possible more help could be on its way. This is a government that now listens to even its harshest critics (Unite’s Len McCluskey called the plan “historic, bold and very much necessary”, TUC chief Frances O’Grady said Sunak had shown “real leadership”).
Having been drafted in just a few days, the package was testimony too to the skill and creativity of Treasury and other officials in Whitehall: a reminder that ‘key workers’ in our country include the finest civil service wonks. Not all heroes wear capes, some of them just master spreadsheets and gilts calculations. What looks like a sensible compromise on this summer’s school exams (see below) was further proof of agile administration in a crisis.
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None of this would be happening without the murderous threat of coronavirus. And here, the messaging was for once on-point, with the three No.10 lecterns spelling it out starkly: Stay At Home. Protect The NHS. Save Lives.
But what was striking too today was the way Sunak talked about the morality of this crisis. “When this is over, and it will be over, we want to look back on this moment and remember the many small acts of kindness, done by us and to us,” he said. “We want to look back on this time and remember how, in the face of a generation-defining moment, we undertook a collective national effort and we stood together.” Once again, the young Cabinet minister hit the right tone. You could even call it prime ministerial.
As for that collectivism, it may be as much a long-term legacy of coronavirus as our huge new borrowing figures. Johnson has always been a statist in terms of intervention, as long as it was on his own terms. But the role of the state is now going to change over the next year in a way few of us have seen in our lifetimes.
Former senior civil servant Alex Thomas, one of my guests on this weekend’s Week In Westminster on Radio 4 (Saturday 11am folks), put it well when he said that perhaps this crisis will teach us to restore extra capacity in our systems.
For years, the mission of several governments and businesses has been to strip out spare capacity, to slim down, to streamline. Now many are learning the value of having staff in reserve, hospital beds in reserve, ventilators in reserve. A bit of ‘give’, of ‘slack’, in the system may come to be seen not as inefficiency but as sensible planning.
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PA
That’s all for the future. Right now, coronavirus is stalking our streets and our hospital wards. It took some prodding, but on the issue of the immorality of those who ignore health advice, the PM today reversed his insouciant stance from earlier this week. “You’re not only putting your own life and the lives of your family at risk, you’re endangering the community and you’re making it more difficult to protect the NHS and save lives,” he said. Amen to that.
Those words have all the more resonance amid reports that London hospitals have already reached full capacity for intensive care beds. As one NHS chief told the Health Service Journal: “Given we’re in the low foothills of this virus, this is f***ing petrifying.”
Today, the UK death toll rose to 177, while newly released scientific research showed that 44% of those over-80 who get the virus will end up hospitalised. Italy is showing that even younger people are now getting severe symptoms, and there are awful reports of medical staff deaths.
The PM and his chancellor deserve credit for getting the economic rescue broadly right today. They proved that consensus and expertise are no longer dirty words. Perhaps the crisis can even force everyone to hammer out a social care policy over time too. Right now, both Tories and Labour alike will be desperately hoping the funding squeeze on the NHS since 2010 has not cost lives.
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And the real focus will shift to the health service. Many will be hoping that it has been given enough breathing space in recent weeks to build its capacity to fend off the coming onslaught. On Monday, 1.4m people with serious medical conditions will receive texts or letters warning them to go into quarantine for 12 weeks. The thoughts of many will now be with those key workers - from health staff to broadband engineers, from social care workers to teachers - who will keep the country alive.
Quote Of The Day
“Today I can announce for the first time in our history the Government is going to step in and pay people’s wages.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak
Friday Cheat Sheet
All pubs, bars, restaurants, gyms, leisure centres, nightclubs, theatres and cinemas (deep breath) and bingo halls, spas, casinos, betting shops, museums & galleries must close tonight. The shutdown will be reviewed in 14 days.
The government will pay up to 80% of the wages of workers up to £2,500 per month in a bid to persuade firms not to make redundancies. Three months’ worth of VAT payments for firms will be deferred, and an extra £6bn given to the welfare system to help the low paid.
Social distancing will be needed for “at least half of the year” to stop hospital intensive care units being overwhelmed, newly published scientific advice to ministers revealed.
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Teachers will grade their own pupils for A level and GCSE to produce results this July. Exam boards will combine teachers’ judgment with other data to calculate a final grade. Pupils will be able to take exams in September if they are unhappy with the results.
Eton College is offering to take in five-to-13-year-old children of nurses, police and other key workers, as well as the most vulnerable pupils from its local area, from Monday.
More than 65,000 retired doctors and nurses in England and Wales are being sent letters asking them to re-register to help the NHS.
David Frost, the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator, has self-isolated following mild symptoms of coronavirus. His EU counterpart Michel Barnier has tested positive for the virus already


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--This Is The List Of Places Including Pubs And Massage Parlours That Boris Johnson Has Ordered To Clo

This Is The List Of Places Including Pubs And Massage Parlours That Boris Johnson Has Ordered To Close

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Boris Johnson ordered pubs and restaurants across the country to close, as the government escalated measures to fight coronavirus.
It came as the chancellor Rishi Sunak announced unprecedented measures to cover the wages of workers who would otherwise lose their jobs due to the outbreak.
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This is the list of places the government has told to shut:
Food and drink venues for consumption on-site, such as restaurants and cafes.
Drinking establishments, including pubs, bars, nightclubs.
Entertainment venues, including cinemas, theatres, concert halls, and bingo halls.
Museums and galleries.
Spas, wellness centres and massage parlours.
Casinos and betting shops.
All indoor leisure and sports facilities, including gyms.
At his daily Downing Street press conference on Friday, the prime minister said the measures were needed to reduce “unnecessary” social gatherings by 75% in order to have an impact on the infection rate.
A group of people celebrating in a pub drinking beer and eating snacks - an activity the prime minister has said should temporarily stop. nautiluz56 via Getty Images
“The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now and that means we have to take the next steps on scientific advice,” he said.
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“And following our plan we are strengthening the measures announced on Monday.
“We need now to push down further on that curve of transmission between us.”
He was followed by Sunak who said he was establishing a coronavirus job protection scheme to help employers hit by the outbreak.
He said that they would be able to apply to HM Revenue and Customs to cover 80% of the wages of staff they keep on up to £2,500 a month.
Mr Sunak said “our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--At-Risk Workers Will Have Most Of Their Wages Paid By The Government During Coronavirus Crisis

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Workers who face losing their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic will have most of their wages paid by the government, chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced.
The scheme will see the government pay 80% of wages for employees who cannot work due to the epidemic – up to £2,500 a month – to help employers keep them on instead of laying them off.
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Sunak called the huge intervention “unprecedented in the history of the British state”.
At a Downing Street press conference, he said: “I have a responsibility to make sure that we protect, as far as possible, people’s jobs and incomes.
“Today I can announce that, for the first time of our history, the government is going to step in and help pay people’s wages.
“We’re setting up a new coronavirus job retention scheme. Any employer in the country, small or large, charitable or non-profit, will be eligible for the scheme.
“Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of people who are not working but are furloughed and kept on payroll rather than being laid off.
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“Government grants will cover 80% of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month – that’s just above the median income.”
The scheme will cover the cost of wages backdated to March 1 and and will be open before the end of April for at least three months. There is no limit on the funding available for it.
Sunak made an appeal to bosses to stand by their workers during the coronavirus crisis.
“Let me speak directly to businesses: I know it’s incredibly difficult out there – we in government are doing everything we can to support you,” he said.
“The government is doing its best to stand behind you and I’m asking you to do your best to stand behind our workers.”
The chancellor also revealed a £6bn injection into the welfare state and a £30bn tax deferment for businesses.
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He announced:
A deferment of the next quarter of VAT payments for firms, in a £30bn injection into the economy.
An increase in the universal credit standard allowance by £1,000 a year for the next 12 months. The working tax credit basic element will rise by the same amount.
Suspending the minimum income floor for benefits, meaning self-employed people can access universal credit at a rate equivalent to statutory sick pay for employees, which is £94 a week.
Making the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme interest free for 12 months, rather than the six previously announced.
Boosting welfare payments for renters to allow the local housing allowance to cover at least 30% of market rents
Further suspending self-assessment payments to January 2021 to further support the self-employed
1/ Getting through this will require a collective national effort, with a role for everyone to play. It’s on all of us.
Our Plan for People’s Jobs and Incomes is a combination of measures unprecedented for a government of this nation. The first part is to protect people’s jobs. pic.twitter.com/FOV427gv6f — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) March 20, 2020
Sunak said: “We want to look back on this moment and remember the many small acts of kindness done by us and to us.
“We want to look back on this time and remember how we thought first of others and acted with decency.
“We want to look back on this time and remember how in the face of a generation-defining moment, we undertook a collective national effort and we stood together. It’s on all of us.”
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Trade Union Congress general secretary Frances O’Grady, who has held talks with the chancellor on the package, said employers must now reassure staff their jobs are safe.
This is a breakthrough. @RishiSunak has shown real leadership. We’re glad he's listened to unions and taken vital steps to support working families. Employers can now be confident they'll be able to pay their wage bills. They must urgently reassure staff that their jobs are safe. — Frances O'Grady (@FrancesOGrady) March 20, 2020
“This is a breakthrough,” she said.
“Rishi Sunak has shown real leadership.
“We’re glad he’s listened to unions and taken vital steps to support working families.
“Employers can now be confident they’ll be able to pay their wage bills.
“They must urgently reassure staff that their jobs are safe.”
But former Labour leader Ed Miliband said it was “inadequate” for self-employed workers and those in the gig economy.
This is a very welcome announcement for employed workers. I am afraid it appears inadequate for the millions of self-employed, gig economy workers. £92 per week UC I make it. — Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) March 20, 2020
Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey, meanwhile, urged the chancellor to go further in several areas, including forcing employers to keep staff on.
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Some observations on chancellors statement to protect workers and businesses so far:
1. Job retention scheme moving in right direction but no specific obligation to keep staff on, just a hope that businesses will do the right thing. — Rebecca Long-Bailey (@RLong_Bailey) March 20, 2020
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said Sunak had not gone “far enough or fast enough”.
“The government must give people the economic security to stay at home by lifting the level of statutory sick pay, but it appears that the government hasn’t done that today,” he said.
CBI director general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn welcomed the “landmark package” of measures to support the economy.
“The chancellor’s offer of substantial payroll support, fast access to cash and tax deferral will support the livelihoods of millions. Firms and employees will respond with relief and determination,” she said.
British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said it would provide “desperately needed breathing room” for businesses.
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“The government now needs to go foot-to-floor to ensure that details of the job retention scheme and loan guarantees reach firms on the ground as soon as possible,” he said.
It came as Boris Johnson ordered pubs, restaurants, shops, gyms and other public places to close tonight.
Sunak had already announced a £350bn package mainly to help businesses but has come under increasing pressure to step in and save workers who risked losing income or even their jobs.
Millions of working parents face potential job losses from Monday as they will need to look after their children when schools close to all but the pupils of “critical workers” needed to help the NHS or food retailers.
Anger boiled over in the Commons on Thursday as even Tory MPs warned that millions could be left unemployed.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Pubs Ordered To Close By Government In Bid To Fight Coronavirus

WPA Pool via Getty Images
Boris Johnson has ordered the closure of all pubs, cafes and restaurants across the UK, as the government escalated measures to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
The prime minister’s order also applies to nightclubs, theatres, leisure centres and gyms.
Many people were still gathering in across the country this week despite pleas to avoid mass gatherings – a stark contrast to scenes elsewhere across the globe.
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Johnson said while he understood closing bars was a big move, it was necessary.
“Please don’t go out tonight,” he said. “You may think you’re invincible, but you may be a carrier.
“You’re not only putting your own life and the lives of your family at risk – you are endangering the community.”
It came as chancellor Rishi Sunak said that “for the first time in our history” the government will step in and help pay people’s wages through a coronavirus job retention scheme.
Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street, the prime minister said: “The speed of our eventual recovery depends entirely on our collective ability to get on top of the virus now and that means we have to take the next steps on scientific advice.
“And following our plan we are strengthening the measures announced on Monday.
“We need now to push down further on that curve of transmission between us.
“And so following agreement with all the […] devolved administrations, we are collectively telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can and not to open tomorrow.”
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He added: “Though, to be clear, they can continue to provide take-out services.”
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s scientific adviser, on Thursday warned “the mixing in pubs and restaurants and so on that is part of allowing the disease to spread needs to stop”.
“It needs to stop among young people as well as older people,” he added.
And this morning Matt Hancock, the health secretary, this morning urged people to “stay at home to stay lives”.
“How quickly we get through this will be determined by the actions of every single person in this country,” he told BBC Radio 4′s Today programme.
It came as it was revealed scientists advising the government agreed social distancing measures will need to be in place for most of a year at least in order to control the spread of Covid-19.
The scientific pandemic influenza group on modelling agreed on Monday that, while the severity of measures could alternate during the period, “stricter” measures would need to be enforced for at least half of the year in order to keep cases at a level the NHS can cope with.
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The government published the papers a day after Johnson said he expected the tide could be turned in the fight against Covid-19 within 12 weeks.
Labour has also begun to issue more pointed criticism of the government’s approach than it has done so far.
Jon Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, hit out at “confused briefings” by the prime minister.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Watch Live: Rishi Sunak And Boris Johnson Set Out New Measures In Coronavirus Press Conference

Watch Live: Rishi Sunak And Boris Johnson Set Out New Measures In Coronavirus Press Conference
Chancellor Rishi Sunak joins the prime minister for the daily coronavirus press conference. As interest rates have been dropped further by the Bank of England, it is expected fresh emergency measures will be announced to safeguard jobs and businesses from collapsing.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus Outbreak: 39 More Deaths Announced, Bringing UK Total To 177

The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK now stands at 177.
There have been 167 in England, six in Scotland, three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
The number of deaths across the UK is up 40 on the equivalent total for yesterday.
This is the biggest day-on-day rise since the outbreak began.
Meanwhile, as of 9am on Friday, 3,983 people had tested positive for Covid-19 in the UK, with almost 67,000 tests having been carried out.
UPDATE on coronavirus (#COVID19) testing in the UK:
As of 9am on 20 March, a total of 66,976 have been tested:
62,993 negative.
3,983 positive.
As of 1pm, 177 patients who tested positive for coronavirus have sadly died.
The digital dashboard will be updated later today. pic.twitter.com/rnbSirfC1K — Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 20, 2020
The first coronavirus-related death in the UK was reported 15 days ago, on March 5.
Early cases identified had involved people connected to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China.
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Experts believe the virus is spread in cough and sneeze droplets. The virus can survive on surfaces for several hours, but it is unclear exactly how long for.
Government scientists say a small proportion of people will pass on the virus while having no symptoms themselves.
General medical advice is to wash your hands with soap and hot water more often. Do this for at least 20 seconds each time.
The NHS says people should also wash their hands when they get home or arrive at work. Hand sanitiser can be used if soap is not available.
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Anyone with coughs and sneezes should catch them in a tissue, which is then put in a bin. Wash your hands afterwards.
People should also avoid close contact with people who are unwell, and avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth if their hands are not clean.
Initial symptoms include fever, cough, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--'Key Workers' Are The Unrecognised Backbone Of Our Economy. They Deserve More

77% of NHS staff are women while BAME women are significantly overrepresented in the health service. Getty Images
Remember just a month ago when the government announced its plans for a new immigration system? Remember that they would have excluded thousands of social carers, teaching and healthcare assistants, cleaners and childcare workers who are now providing life-saving care?
The idea that these workers, most of whom are women, are ‘low-skilled’ looks pretty absurd during the Covid-19 crisis. In fact, many of these roles have been designated as ‘critical’ by the government in fighting the outbreak.
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The government’s immigration proposals set out a series of criteria through which migrants seeking access to the UK could qualify for points to secure a visa. These included extra points for ‘high-skilled’ applicants with a job. Yet, the government’s definition of ‘high-skilled’ seemed to translate to ‘highly-paid’, given that the minimum salary threshold was £20,480, with extra points for those earning above £23,040 and £25,600 respectively.
That criteria would disqualify many of the people currently putting their lives in danger to deliver vital care in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. For example, 24% of carers are on zero-hour contracts so it is nearly impossible to predict their annual salary. For those working set hours, average starting salaries fall between £16,000 and £19,500. And the cleaners keeping hospitals as sanitised as possible? They are considerably unlikely to be earning more than £20,000.
It would also disqualify many of the people that the government, through its own admission that their children must be kept in school, consider priority workers, including health and social care workers, education and childcare professionals, food and transport providers and public safety professionals.
Many of these workers would not qualify for a visa under the immigration system proposed by the government a month ago. And many of these workers are migrants: for example, nearly one in five care workers was born outside the UK, with one in seven care workers from outside the EU.
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In addition to the value migrants contribute to our culture, society and personal relationships, Covid-19 is proving what many have been saying for years: the British economy, not least the NHS and care systems, cannot function without the contributions made by ‘foreign-born’ workers.
“All of these scenarios will demonstrate that although undervalued, underpaid and in many cases invisible, women’s care work lies at the foundation of a functioning economy.”
The majority of these workers are also women: 77% of NHS staff are women while BAME women are significantly overrepresented in the health service. A total of 80% of paid care workers are women, and women are significantly more likely to deliver unpaid care at home.
In the coming weeks it will become ever clearer that care work is vital. It will become clear when, for example, schools close and teachers — 85% of which are women are primary level, 63% at secondary level — are no longer able to care for children. When hospitals become overcrowded and parents and grandparents are forced to put their own health in danger to care for patients at home. When care workers have to self-isolate.
All of these scenarios will demonstrate that although undervalued, underpaid and in many cases invisible, women’s care work lies at the foundation of a functioning economy. This includes migrant women’s care work.
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The days of these proposals already feel like very different times. The Covid-19 outbreak, which has only really come to sink into the British public and political consciousness in the last five days, changes everything. It has already exposed how the decimation of our public services has left us vulnerable and unprepared to cope with periods of crisis. It has proven that we are all interconnected and that care truly is the bedrock of our society and economy.
It’s dreadful that it has to take a global pandemic for us to look around and realise that the economy is not simply operating at the behest of market forces but it is impacted by all of us every day. It is care and it is community.
Those on the front lines are not providing ‘low-skilled’ work. There are many lessons we can learn from the crisis, but let that be one of them.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Being Pregnant During A Pandemic

Being Pregnant During A Pandemic

Being Pregnant During A Pandemic
Victoria is 34 weeks pregnant and was diagnosed with coronavirus last week. This is her experience trying to navigate the barrage of information as she wonders how to advocate for herself and her unborn child at this time.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--UK May Have To Spend Half Of The Next Year Socially Distancing – Official Science Advice

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Britons may have to spend half of the next year socially distancing themselves by staying away from pubs, restaurants, gyms and other public places to tackle coronavirus, government scientific advice suggests.
The current combination of measures to tackle the outbreak, including social distancing, school closures, household isolation and stringent advice for vulnerable groups, is “likely to control the epidemic when kept in place for a long period”.
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It could help the NHS deal with the number of critical cases within its capacity without being overwhelmed, the advice to the government’s scientific advisory group for emergencies (SAGE) was told.
The advice concludes that more restrictive social distancing measures including asking people to stay away from public places and school closures will need to be in place for “at least half of the year”.
Less restrictive measure such as isolating cases and households may need to be in place for “most of the next year”.
This is because lifting restrictions could risk a surge in the epidemic, so different measures may need to be turned on and off at different times depending on the scale of the outbreak.
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“It was agreed that a policy of alternating between periods of more and less strict social distancing measures could plausibly be effective at keeping the number of critical care cases within capacity,” scientists on SAGE’s scientific pandemic influenza group on modelling concluded on March 16.
“These would need to be in place for at least most of a year.
“Under such a policy, at least half of the year would be spent under the stricter social distancing measures.”
Different nations and regions in the UK could also have different measures at different times depending on how severe the outbreak was in that area, while it will take two to three weeks before intensive care units start to feel the benefits.
It comes amid fresh reports that the government could order the closure of places like pubs and gyms in London, where the epidemic is at its worst.
The government published the advice after Boris Johnson insisted the country can “turn the tide within the next 12 weeks” and “send coronavirus packing”.
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“The collective evidence we have published today has played a considerable role in shaping our recommendations on when, how and why the government has made the interventions it has so far” - Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance
The scientific advice modelled the impact of different measures. It said:
Closing schools will delay the peak of the epidemic by three weeks at best, while reducing the size of the peak by 10-30% for eight weeks of closure.
Home isolation for a week for people with coronavirus-like cases would delay the peak by two to three weeks, while reducing it by 20% if the policy was put in place for 13 weeks. Household isolation would have a similar impact
Social distancing would have a larger impact than the other three measures, delaying the peak by three to five weeks and reducing it substantially by up to 50-60%, again if applied for 13 weeks.
Separate advice to SAGE from behavioural scientists concluded that large-scale rioting was “unlikely and rarely seen in these circumstances”, while instead “acts of altruism” were more likely to dominate.
The government was advised to reduce the risk of public disorder even further by providing “clear and transparent reasons for the different strategies that might be taken; set[ting] clear expectations on how the national response would develop; and promot[ing] collective action throughout the country.”
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Government chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said: “This is an incredibly fast-moving, developing situation and as part of our collective efforts to give the clearest and most reliable scientific advice, SAGE has and continues to draw upon a huge range of experts and a huge range of evidence.
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“The UK is home to experts who are at the forefront of their chosen fields and we are making full use of their expertise to grow our understanding of Covid-19 as we work tirelessly to tackle this disease.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Revealed: Frontline Social Workers Could Be Without Protective Equipment Until Wednesday

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Frontline social workers who continue to make house visits to vulnerable clients amid the coronavirus pandemic may not receive protective masks until next Wednesday.
The push to equip all social care providers with fluid repellent masks, gloves and hand sanitiser began midweek but is expected to take up to another week to be complete.
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In the meantime, social workers who have been advised by the government to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when visiting clients have had to make difficult decisions as to whether to continue in-person visits, which could potentially put both parties at risk, postpone, or conduct the visit online.
The delay in getting PPE equipment to social workers comes even though they have been deemed “essential” to the Covid-19 response.
The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has been conducting an online survey for its members since the coronavirus outbreak. Amid the 1000+ respondents so far, it has identified strong concerns about the health and safety of social workers and the struggle to access PPE and hand sanitiser.
Many frontline social workers are having to make tough decisions as to whether to continue visiting vulnerable clients without PPE stevanovicigor via Getty Images
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Particular concerns were registered among social workers with underlying conditions, or those who care for someone with an underlying condition. They feel that without PPE they are putting themselves and service users at unmanaged risk, especially now they have been deemed a priority group for protective supplies alongside NHS staff.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We will continue to give our NHS and the social care sector everything they need to tackle this outbreak and have central stockpiles of a range of medical products, including personal protective equipment.
“We are working closely with industry, the NHS, social care providers and others in the supply chain to ensure these medical products are delivered to the frontline, helping minimise any risks to patients and staff.”
A dedicated government helpline has been set up for care providers who have immediate concerns over their supply of PPE, but the department could not say what workers who do not yet have equipment should do in the meantime.
Chair of BASW Gerry Nosowska told HuffPost UK: ”We know social workers across the UK are making extremely difficult decisions about how to protect people at risk when it may not be safe to see them. Over a thousand social workers across have told us this in our live survey and their voices span across children and families, adults and mental health sectors.
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“So it’s right that it has been recognised that social workers need PPE – something we and our partners have been pushing for in meetings with the government.
“There needs to be no further delay in this and there needs to be enough PPE for all social workers to do their essential work.
“We will keep advocating for the equipment and guidance social workers need to do their jobs. We are proud of our colleagues who are offering vital support to our communities and we need to keep them safe.”
Dorothy, who works for children and family services in a local authority in the Midlands, says her department is having to devise its own contingency plans in extraordinary circumstances and that some clients are so vulnerable that visits simply cannot be missed.
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She said: “As a service, the same as the other emergency services, we are there for the families if they need us, but we have to find a safe way of doing it without PPE or anything in place. It makes it very difficult.”
She added that workers are having to risk assess at the most basic levels when they determine whether visits are possible.
“What’s happening at the moment is I am ringing the families to say: ‘We’re due to come out and see Fred, I’m telling you I’m feeling fit and healthy, I’m not displaying any symptoms, nobody that I live with is,’ so they know that I’m not a high risk.
“I then ask them if they have anyone in their family or the household or even the wider family that might be in regular contact with who may be at risk – for example, pregnant, recently suffered from cancer, or anything that puts them in a risk bracket respiratory-wise.
“Then they might say: ‘To be honest, Uncle Johnny lives in this house and he’s asthmatic, I’m really concerned, so we’re self-isolating.’”
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BASW chief exec Dr Ruth Allen said: “Governments across the UK have been focused on healthcare. They now need to show equal commitment to social care and social workers. This is essential if social workers and social care colleagues are to work with health and other colleagues with the intensity needed to meet the challenges of Covid-19.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--From Herd Immunity To Flattening The Curve: 10 Coronavirus Terms To Get Your Head Around

From Herd Immunity To Flattening The Curve: 10 Coronavirus Terms To Get Your Head Around
As the coronavirus outbreak has changed the way the world lives, works and travels, there are many new terms and concepts to wrap our heads around to keep ourselves informed and safe. Dr Ben Johnson explains the need to know terms like herd immunity, flattening the curve and the difference between coronavirus and Covid-19.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--What Is The Coronavirus 'Antibody Test' – And How Will It Work?

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We’re here to guide you through the coronavirus lockdown. Sign up to the Life newsletter for daily tips, advice, how-tos and escapism.
Superdrug was the first high street retailer to announce it will be selling a coronavirus antibody test for £69.
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From 20 May, the test is being sold via the Online Doctor service. The test is “accurate and reliable”, Superdrug said, but the retailer urged those who receive a positive result to continue following social distancing guidelines.
This comes as an antibody test developed by Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche was approved for use in England last week, with an evaluation by Public Health England concluding it’s “100% accurate”.
The tests are different from those being used around the world to see if someone has the actual virus in their system. Instead, the antibody tests – also called serology tests – are designed to check if a person has detectable antibodies in their blood, meaning they will have already had Covid-19, but their immune system has cleared the infection.
Crucially, this means they’ll now have some resistance if they come into contact with the infection again. Antibody tests have previously been labelled a “game-changer” and “completely transformational” by politicians and health experts, but delays in rolling them out have been caused by accuracy concerns.
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So how do the tests work – and how will they help slow the spread of coronavirus? Here’s everything you need to know.
bortonia via Getty Images
So the test detects antibodies – but can’t people get the virus twice?
To date, there’s been some confusion around whether a person can develop immunity to the virus, or if it’s possible to be infected twice.
The finger prick test works by detecting antibodies – which “will demonstrate if your immune system has cleared the infection”, confirms Professor Trudie Lang, director of the Global Health Network, University of Oxford.
Lang says there were early reports of people getting the virus twice, “but what may have happened is people may have had the same infection again”. This is called recrudescence and is sometimes seen with malaria. It’s the resurgence of symptoms linked to the original infection.
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“It isn’t a second virus – it’s the same virus with symptoms coming back again because you haven’t completely cleared it,” she explains.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough data to say for certain that it’s impossible to get the virus twice. Professor John Newton, national coordinator of the UK Coronavirus Testing Programme, says although it’s unclear to what extent the presence of antibodies indicates immunity, it’s still a “very positive development” that a test is ready.
How will this test help, then?
Prof. Lang believes being able to test if an individual has developed antibodies to the virus will be “completely transformational” in fighting Covid-19 around the world. “We can make sure we’ve got doctors or nurses who can work safely in hospitals,” she says. “People won’t have to isolate unnecessarily at home for 14 days, because you’ll be able to tell very quickly if people have cleared it or not.”
While a cough, fever and breathlessness are the most telltale symptoms of Covid-19, some people infected may have milder symptoms, or even be asymptomatic. “This test shows if you’ve cleared the virus and that’s going to be really important for looking at how immunity is changing across the population and helping us track how the virus is passing,” Prof. Lang explains.
“We’ll have a clearer picture of who’s had it without symptoms and cleared it, and that will help the government in making decisions around when they can lift some of the restrictions that have been put in place.”
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The tests could also help identity new people to participate in the NHS’ plasma donation programme. The programme needs people who’ve recovered from Covid-19 to donate their antibody-rich blood plasma, to be used in a potential treatment for patients struggling to fight off the virus themselves.
How will the antibody test be rolled out?
In March, Professor Chris Whitty, who is advising Boris Johnson’s government on tackling the disease, said the tests would first be available for “critical uses”, such as working out whether NHS staff and frontline key workers are immune.
If tests become available for the general population, Prof. Lang says getting the logistics of distribution right will make all the difference.
“We really need these tests to be available at what we call ‘points of care’, which means they’re available in the community so people don’t have to go to a hospital,” she says. “That’s critical and will ramp up the amount of tests that can be done. The whole logistics around it and the availability will be key.”
The new antibody test would not replace the current test to detect Covid-19, but would work in unison with it, she adds. Prof. Lang believes inexpensive access to both tests will be particularly critical in informing health policies in countries where there are currently a low level of confirmed cases.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Ant Middleton ‘Isn’t Bothered’ About Coronavirus But Plenty Of People Are Bothered About His 'Arroga

Ant Middleton ‘Isn’t Bothered’ About Coronavirus But Plenty Of People Are Bothered About His 'Arrogant' Words

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Ant Middleton has shared a video of his reaction to the coronavirus crisis sweeping the globe, instructing everyone to “calm the fuck down”.
But despite the SAS: Who Dares Wins star’s claim that “Covid-19 doesn’t bother me”, his remarks have bothered plenty of people on social media who have branded the former soldier “arrogant” and “irresponsible”.
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Ant Middleton Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images
In an Instagram post shared on Thursday, the dad-of-five insisted that the virus “doesn’t effect me” (sic).
He said: “Covid-19 doesn’t bother me. Why?!? Because I’m strong and able like the majority of us and it has no benefit or positive impact on my life.
“If you are vulnerable to Covid-19 then the ‘expert advice’ is yours to take on board, listen to it! Because it doesn’t effect me, it is merely ‘advice’! [sic].”
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In the accompanying video, he went on: “A lot of people keep saying, ‘Ant listen to the experts!’ I have listened to the experts.
“The experts of Covid-19 say if you are vulnerable, self isolate and protect yourselves.
“If you are not vulnerable, then be sensitive to the situation and to the vulnerable, which I am being.”
He added: “If you ’re fit and healthy and able, then get out there. Don’t lock yourself away, don’t bulk buy, don’t bloody run for the hills.”
However, his views didn’t go down well with many people on Twitter...
Next time Ant Middleton's waiting to storm a building to rescue hostages, we should send in a virologist to give him a few tips on how not to get shot.#AntMiddleton #coronavirus — Paul Vayro (@patientman) March 20, 2020
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Very arrogant and not heeding his own advice to use common sense. Common sense is to listen to the advice of the experts, this is really unhelpful given the following he's got. — Debs 🏴 (@KOLRock17) March 19, 2020
I don’t care if he’s on telly.
I don’t care if you want to be like him.
I don’t care if he could kill me by looking at me.
I don’t care what he thinks.@antmiddleton should be ashamed of himself. This is dangerous bullshit and will harm people.
pic.twitter.com/hPWPXETZy6 — Nick Jones (@resophonick) March 19, 2020
What an irresponsible Whopper! Put the gun down tough guy and read a book @antmiddleton — Gethin Lynch (@Getolynch) March 20, 2020
As an ex forces/veteran myself I highly respected Ant Middleton for the service he provided. "ANT" WTF are you playing at????? You're losing so much respect due to this video. — Me, Grandad (@GrandadisGaming) March 20, 2020
Wow @antmiddleton this video aged well. It's not an enemy it's a disease that is overwhelming health services to the point Drs in Italy are deciding which pt to put on the ventilator and which to let die..... with this attitude, this will happen here #StaySafeStayHome https://t.co/jU4nBZPBf6 — Sam (@samw1980) March 20, 2020
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He's gonna lose a lot of fans that know this is horrendously irresponsible, me for one. Had a lot of respect for the guy and bought his books etc. No more from me at this time it's a case of who dares loses, be sensible people, and don't follow this advice!! — spencer wood (@woody1976) March 20, 2020
There is some selfish irresponsible behaviour coming to the fore during the #COVID19 crisis. Top of today's pile appears to be the Ant Middleton video. You wonder what goes through people's heads sometimes, and in this case the answer is clearly 'not much'. — Larry at Ampersand (@ampersandepm) March 20, 2020
As of Thursday, some 144 people in the UK had died after testing positive for the virus, including six in Scotland, two in Wales and one in Northern Ireland, according to the latest Department of Health and Social Care figures.
On Friday morning, the Welsh government confirmed a third person in Wales had died, bringing the UK total to at least 145.
The number of people to test positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Thursday is 3,269, up 643 from 2,626 at the same time on Wednesday, according to the gov.uk website.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--Nine Things You Need To Know About Coronavirus Today

Recently retired firefighters under 70 could also be asked to help.
The NHS has also said that on top of retirees, it was also offering temporary work to final-year medical students and student nurses.
To “boost the ranks” of doctors and nurses, the health service sent a rallying call to former employees who have left the NHS in the last three years.
Some have already declared they will be returning, including Tory MP Maria Caulfield, a former nurse:


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--8 Podcasts To Listen To At Home This Week, Recommended By Us

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If you’re feeling a little cooped up being inside more than usual or are trying to adjust to your new, quieter workspace, a podcast is a great way to feel less alone, learn something new or laugh out loud.
To make the upcoming weeks a little easier, we asked the HuffPost UK team for their podcast recommendations. Enjoy!
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Batareykin via Getty Images Modern Painted Blue Headphones on Pink Background. Creative Design in Minimal Style. Trendy duotone effect. 3D render Illustration.
Recommended by Rachael Revesz, Acting Opinion Editor
“I love listening to Fortunately with Fi and Jane, from BBC Sounds. The lighthearted banter and discussions about worthy subjects such as ‘cutlery chuff’ (gross bits in your cutlery drawer) are a delightful distraction from the crazy times we are living in. They tend to have a lot of genuine fun with their guests, and occasional passers-by in the canteen. I always feel light and breezy by the end!”
Recommended by Jess Brammar, Editor-in-chief
“As a pregnant person under isolation and wondering where she will be giving birth amid all this, I’m really enjoying The Positive Birth Story Podcast, which is just women talking through their positive birth experiences with a Swedish midwife. It’s really honest, sometimes graphic (and a bit sweary), and is definitely helping me feel less anxious about what’s coming!”
Recommended by Brogan Driscoll, Life Editor
“I was recommended this podcast by a friend and after the first listen I was hooked. Each episode is a recording of real couple’s first relationship counselling session, facilitated by Esther Perel, a well-known Belgian psychotherapist, with issues ranging from infidelity to impotence. I love it because the anonymity allows you to eavesdrop without feeling guilty, and because Perel offers such incredible insight to the way we think and behave.”
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Recommend by Charlie Lindlar, Commissioning Editor for HuffPost Personal
“I never tire of this podcast, which features first-person stories of significant life events from an unfathomably unique and diverse cast of characters. Each story is richly, expertly told and never quite goes where you’d expect – but always leaves me both inspired and stunned at the strength of the human spirit.”
Recommended by John Johnston, Senior Video Producer
“I’m quickly coming to the realisation that the 1990s were the pinnacle of humanity and if you were a kid growing up in the 90s, this will bring you back to the best time of your life. While 2020 bludgeons us over the head, have a sit down with this as a host of comedians and footballers with 90s links talk to Josh Widdicombe and Chris Scull about the moments in football you’ll love as you recall your defining memories of the class of 92, Football Italia, Ray Houghton scoring that goal and the definitive formation for Champ Manager.”
Recommended by Amy Packham, Life Editor
“Happier by Gretchen Rubin is a dream to listen to, as the author of “The Happiness Project” talks about small tips and practical things you can do to make your life happier. Her co-host is her sister, and they have great banter on the podcast so it’s an easy listen, too. They propose try-at-home ideas (one was to sort out your messy wardrobe, and I did it and it genuinely helped!), simple happiness hacks, listener questions and stumbling blocks we may come across. I’ve found. It’s a great way to lift my mood and rethink habits.”
Recommended by Louise Whitbread, Life Reporter
“This podcast, newly created by Francesca Specter a journalist and self-confessed reformed extrovert, is very fitting for the current climate as it celebrates the positive side of spending time alone. Learning to value your time alone is a lesson we could all benefit from, and while it’s only on it’s first episode, it’s an uplifting, chatty one to get in on. Specter’s first guest, Alain de Bottom, shares his insightful perspective on pop culture, Bridget Jones, distinguishing the difference between being alone and being lonely and what fulfilment looks like in this day and age. It’s an easy listen and I’m really looking forward to seeing who the next guests will be.”
Recommended by Rachael Revesz, Acting Opinion Editor
“I often listen to podcasts as much for the voice and personality as the content, to be honest. That’s one of the reasons I really enjoyed Dawn O’Porter’s series of interviews for her podcast, So Lucky, with her celebrity mates, including Sara Pascoe. Dawn’s voice is warm, earnest and friendly - it’s the audio equivalent of holding a warm mug of tea in your hands.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-20--How To Decline Invites If Your Pals Are Being Non-Isolating Idiots

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Group gatherings are, sadly, a no-go at the moment, with Brits being asked to avoid all “non-essential” contact with others. But while many of us have digitalised our social lives, not everyone is cancelling face-to-face plans.
Some appear to be taking social distancing less seriously, determined to stay out and about while they can before any potential “lockdown” comes into place. So how do you navigate invites to such events, when the organiser of a get-together is convinced it’ll still go ahead?
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Even harder to steer, perhaps, are the RSVPs to big events like weddings, which you may have already said ‘yes’ to months ago.
In these exceptional circumstances, etiquette coach William Hanson, executive director of The English Manner, says the onus should be on event organisers to make the first move. “Really, hosts of any form of gathering should be cancelling or postponing the event, to save their guests from making the call,” he tells HuffPost UK.
However, if the organiser of a gathering shows no signs of cancelling, etiquette consultant Julia Esteve Boyd says it’s best to be direct.
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“Tell the organiser that you’re taking the social distancing seriously and won’t be attending,” she says.
“Offer an apology and say you’d love to attend another event when the situation changes. It’s only fair to let them know as soon as you can.”
If you have an upcoming wedding invite pinned to your chalkboard, Hanson recommends waiting to hear from the bride or groom first. “The couple and wedding party will be under enough stress as it is, virus aside,” he says.
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“Clearly, if the wedding is scheduled in the next few weeks or even months, it won’t be going ahead. Let the engaged couple communicate this to guests and be as understanding and sympathetic as possible.”
But if you have a close relationship with the couple, it’s likely the topic will naturally come up anyway. “Show you’re concerned about them and their big day,” advises Esteve Boyd. “If you’re not so close, you could wait a while before asking. It’s more than likely they’ll cancel or postpone the event sooner rather than later.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-21--Five Questions You Were Too Embarrassed To Ask About Coronavirus – And Their Answers

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When it comes to coronavirus, some of the advice has been clear from the outset – wash your hands regularly, self–isolate if you have symptoms, and avoid unnecessary human contact.
But as the outbreak has worsened in the UK, and abroad, the guidelines have changed and in some cases become more complex.
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On Friday, Boris Johnson announced the closure of all pubs, restaurants, theatres, cafés, and gyms, after it became clear that some members of society weren’t paying much attention to requests to avoid large social gatherings or crowded public places.
Faced with a huge overhaul to the way we go about our daily lives, it’s no surprise that many of us are confused about exactly what we are supposed to do.
Here's the advice on some of the more domestic questions you might have as we face the coronavirus pandemic. Dan Mullan via Getty Images
From trips to the supermarket to getting intimate with your partner, here are the answers to five questions from our readers:
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Can I still go for a walk in the park with a friend?
Unless you’re self-isolating because you, or a member of your household has symptoms of the virus (a fever and/or a new, persistent cough), then you don’t have to stay inside.
For many people, a morning walk around the block or a bike ride have become vital outlets after days spent largely within four walls.
Compared to a potentially claustrophobic home situation, and in lieu of a normal meet up at a restaurant or pub, it could feel like a convenient solution to meet up with a friend outside in an opens space such as a park.
But, as the government works to combat the outbreak, it might not be such a good idea.
Dr Jenna Macciochi, an immunologist at the University of Sussex, said: “Unless people have symptoms, the advice is that you can still go out for walks and get fresh air.
“If you’re meeting with a friend however it becomes problematic in terms of how close you can really get, because we’re still learning about the transmission of this virus.
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“There have been a lot of studies saying ‘you can stand within so many feet of someone’ etcetera, but we don’t know if it depends even on which way the wind blows. Although most people want to meet up with their friends, we should really be removing any unnecessary trips.”
When it comes to taking children to the park to blow of some steam, the advice is similar – avoid if possible.
Macciochi said: “I’m a mother myself and I’m reluctant to go to the park because if we bump into other kids then they tend to be all over each other.
“You can’t really properly explain something like coronavirus to toddlers and very young children, and although it seems that the majority of kids don’t get symptoms, they certainly could still be carriers.
“It can be difficult, but I think we have to remember that we all have to play a role in reducing the transmission.”
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How can I safely receive deliveries and post?
Scientists believe the virus can survive on surface such as cardboard for up to a day. MachineHeadz via Getty Images
Although there’s still relatively little known about Covid-19, it is thought that humans can contract it after touching contaminated surfaces.
Some studies on other coronaviruses such Sars and Mers have established that similar viruses can survive on surfaces such as metal, glass, and plastic for up to nine days, the BBC reports.
A study completed by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes Covid-19 – could last on cardboard for up to 24 hours.
With shelves in some of our major supermarkets almost entirely stripped more of us are reaching for home delivery, with some retailers already offering contactless delivery, where packages are left on the doorstep.
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Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco are all asking customers to notify them if they are self isolating, which will then lead to them leaving the delivery outside the customer’s home, The Sun reported.
Tips for safely receiving and opening your post include considering opening the package outside, disposing of the outer cardboard packaging before it even enters your home.
It might feel like overkill, but if you do bring the package inside then it’s probably wise to disinfect all the surfaces the outer packaging made contact with.
The simplest, and perhaps the most important piece of advice however, is to keep washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including before and after you pick your deliveries up.
Is it safe to go to the supermarket?
Huge queues and empty shelves have become a symbol of the outbreak. OLI SCARFF via Getty Images
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Supermarkets have become a focal point of the outbreak, with pictures of huge queues and empty shelved dominating coverage in the UK and abroad.
For most households, occasional trips to the shop for groceries and other essentials are unavoidable – but how safe is it to go?
Macciochi explained: “There’s some level of understanding that you have to go and get groceries, a there’s always going to be a population of people who are trying to get groceries at the same time.
“You can’t avoid the fact that you’ll have to make some sort of transaction with the cashier, or maybe talking to somebody about when or if a product is going to be restocked – there’s certain things that we cannot eliminate.
“That’s why we have to remove any journeys and any exchanges that are not necessary, because there will always be necessary journeys that we have to make.”
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Can I have sex with my partner?
With social distancing measures in place, it’s not recommended that you meet up with someone new who may or may not be carrying the virus – but what about sex with an established partner, even one you live with?
There’s no evidence that Covid-19 can be sexually transmitted but, as the virus appears to spread via respiratory droplets, kissing definitely can be a risk.
Dr Jessica Justman, a professor and attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, told the Guardian: “We’re not seeing patterns that indicate sexual transmission. It’s primarily spread through respiratory droplets. And touching contaminated surfaces is thought to be the secondary mode of transmission.
“If you or your partner is a Covid-19 case, the advice is to steer clear of each other as much as possible.”
But if you live with a regular sexual partner, neither of you have had any symptoms, have both been socially-distancing and aren’t likely to have been exposed to the virus, then it’s probably safe to go ahead.
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Macciochi explained: “If you live with them and you’re self isolating, or you’re practising self-isolation together, then it’s like you and your your housemates your partner, your family, anyone you live with in that property against the world.
“If you’re in it together then it doesn’t really matter if you’re going to have sex with your partner. But if there’s a chance either of you have been exposed, or you have symptoms, then that’s not the case.”
Can I get a takeaway coffee?
Is it safe to head into your local coffee shop? Tom Werner via Getty Images
Cafés were amongst the list of venues to be closed by the government on Friday night, but with takeaway options still permitted, some are choosing to remain open to customers who are just popping in for a coffee.
Costa Coffee, one of the UK’s largest café chains, released a statement in the wake of Johnson’s announcement informing customers that they would remain open for business as a takeaway service only. Caffè Nero has adopted a similar approach, closing all seating areas.
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All Starbucks stores were closed on Friday evening, and many independents across the country have either closed completely this week or have chosen to do so from Friday.
A visit to pick up a coffee isn’t off the cards but there are new ways of approaching the transaction that are designed to make the entire process safer.
Costa Coffee released new rules and guidance for their stores on Wednesday, including going entirely cashless in order to prevent potentially contaminated notes and loose change being handled.
All seating areas inside Costa cafés are closed (although the toilets remain open), and all drinks and food will be served in takeaway packaging. Reusable cups won’t be accepted, and all stores will be removing newspapers which could be handled by multiple people throughout the day.
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Macciochi said: “I think it’s about only making trips if they are really necessary. A lot of places are delivering food and offering takeaway, and there’ll be a skeleton staff keeping these services running.
“The important thing is to be really careful. Are you getting a takeaway for every meal, or are you picking up or ordering in something once a week as a treat?


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-21--Two Little Girls Have Written The Coronavirus Song We All Need

Two Little Girls Have Written The Coronavirus Song We All Need
Father and daughter Tom and Fenn Rosenthal are back with a new coronavirus themed song, “Virus In Trees”, joined this time by Fenn’s six-year-old sister Bess. Tom explains how the girls came up with the song from the perspective of the coronavirus and how parents can talk to their kids about Covid-19.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-21--We Postponed Our Wedding Due To The Coronavirus Pandemic

We Postponed Our Wedding Due To The Coronavirus Pandemic
Robert and Lidia have been planning their dream wedding for three years. Now they’ve had to call off the big day due to the coronavirus pandemic. While cancelling flights, caterers and hotels has been hard, they’re trying to stay positive, so they can celebrate with their friends and family at a later stage.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-21--Eurovision Explores 'Alternative Programming' After Coronavirus Leads 2020 Contest To Be Cancelled

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Eurovision organisers have offered fans a glimmer of hope, following the news that this year’s song contest had been axed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
After weeks of speculation, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed on Wednesday that Eurovision would not be going ahead in 2020, having initially been scheduled to take place in Rotterdam in May.
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However, a statement was issued on Friday night, teasing that Eurovision bosses were planning “alternative programming” in order to “honour the songs and artists that have been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020”.
Eurovision had been due to take place in Rotterdam this year EBU
They said: “We have been overwhelmed with the love that the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) family has shared since the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event.
“The EBU is very much aware of how much the Eurovision Song Contest will be missed this year. The Contest’s values of universality and inclusivity, and our proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music, are needed more than ever right now.
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“The EBU and its members are therefore currently exploring alternative programming, but not a competition, to help unite and entertain audiences around Europe during these challenging times.
“It is our intention with this programming, and on our online platforms in the coming months, to honour the songs and artists that have been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020.”
Following the cancellation of #Eurovision 2020 we’d like to share some news with you from @EBU_HQ. pic.twitter.com/LVxLKYR6lg — Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) March 20, 2020
They added that the songs that had been accepted for this year’s cancelled competition would not be eligible to compete in 2021, when the Eurovision Song Contest is expected to return as usual.
In a Q&A posted on the Eurovision website on Wednesday, the EBU explained why they made the decision to cancel fully rather than postpone until later in the year, saying: “The current situation across Europe is likely to remain uncertain for the coming months and at this stage we cannot guarantee we would be able to stage an event of this size with this many stakeholders later this year.
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“A Contest later in the year would also reduce the amount of time the winning broadcaster would have to prepare for the following year’s competition.”
The EBU will now “continue a conversation regarding the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021” with the City Of Rotterdam, where it had been due to take place this year, following Duncan Laurence’s win for The Netherlands in 2019.
After ending up at the bottom of the leaderboard last year, the UK took a different approach to Eurovision in 2020, teaming up with record label BMG to decide on a song and artist to represent the UK.
This year, we had planned to send singer-songwriter James Newman, who has previously penned number-one hits for Rudimental, Calvin Harris and his famous brother, John Newman.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-21--Linda Lusardi And Husband Sam Kane Hospitalised After Showing Coronavirus Symptoms

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Linda Lusardi and her husband Sam Kane have both been hospitalised after showing symptoms of coronavirus.
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Sam has since posted an update on his Facebook page, revealing that both he and Linda had been “taken to hospital” and were awaiting tests for Covid-19.
“To all who know us. Linda and I have been taken to hospital and will be tested for Covid 19 at some point very soon,” he wrote. “We are both stable but very ill.”
Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane in 2018 Jeff Spicer via Getty Images
Sam – who has appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale in the past – added: “Thank you for all of your messages of support. Could I please ask that you hold off from any messaging at this time.
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“Your concern means the world to us. Prayers and positivity in abundance please if you have time. Thank you all. Stay safe.”
Linda previously revealed that she and Sam had been “in isolation” since first exhibiting symptoms of the virus.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-21--Ant Middleton Backtracks On Coronavirus Comments After Facing Online Backlash

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Earlier this week, the SAS: Who Dares Wins star was met with a backlash when he shared a post on Instagram, claiming he was “not bothered” about the Covid-19 outbreak, instructing everyone to “calm the fuck down”.
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He said: “Covid-19 doesn’t bother me. Why?!? Because I’m strong and able like the majority of us and it has no benefit or positive impact on my life.
“If you are vulnerable to Covid-19 then the ‘expert advice’ is yours to take on board, listen to it! Because it doesn’t effect me, it is merely ‘advice’! [sic].”
Ant at the premiere of Frozen 2 last year Lia Toby via Getty Images
However, after being blasted online because of his remarks, he has now seemingly changed his opinion.
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In a video posted on Instagram, Ant claimed he’d been “in a bubble”, while filming an undisclosed project in New Zealand.
“Now I’ve come out of this bubble I’ve realised I’ve probably been a bit insensitive towards the magnitude, the scale, of the crisis that’s happening in the UK,” he explained.
“I’ve decided to admit that I made a mistake. I always talk about integrity, take that on the chin and come back to the UK and do the best that I possibly can.”
Ant has also removed the videos in which he contradicted the government and health officials’ advice regarding Covid-19, as he “wouldn’t want people to come across that now”.
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He isn’t the only celebrity who’s been accused of saying the wrong thing when it comes the pandemic, though.
Former Lost actor Evangeline Lilly faced similar controversy when she said she was refusing to self-isolate, noting: “Some people value their lives over freedom, some people value freedom over their lives. We all make our choices. With love and respect.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-21--Kenny Rogers, Country Music Legend, Dies Aged 81

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Country music legend Kenny Rogers has died at the age of 81.
Kenny’s family announced the news on Saturday morning in a post on his social media accounts.
They explained: “The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25PM at the age of 81.
“Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family.”
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The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25PM at the age of 81. Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family. https://t.co/adxAgiMW2s pic.twitter.com/nggWiiotMT — Kenny Rogers (@_KennyRogers) March 21, 2020
A statement shared online by Kenny’s publicist looked back at his career highlights, including three Grammy wins, a lifetime achievement prize at the Country Music Awards and hits like The Gambler, a reworked version of Lionel Richie’s Lady and the Dolly Parton duet Islands In The Stream.
“In a career that spanned more than six decades, Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on the history of American music,” they said. “His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world.”
Kenny Rogers PA
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Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Kenny’s family is planning a “small private service”, but they are “look[ing] forward to celebrating Kenny’s life publicly with his friends and fans at a later date”.
Kenny’s final album, You Can’t Make Old Friends, was released in 2013, featuring a new duet with his fellow country star Dolly Parton.
As well as his successful musical career, Kenny was also an actor, appearing alongside Diane Lane in the comedy Six Pack and the series of TV films The Gambler, inspired by his hit of the same name, which spawned two Emmy nominations.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-21--Fiona Phillips Urges Fans Not To 'Panic' As She Reveals She Has Coronavirus

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Daytime TV presenter Fiona Phillips has assured fans not to panic, after revealing that she has coronavirus.
The former GMTV host shared her symptoms in a Twitter post on Friday evening.
She explained: “I am in bed with #coronvirusuk It’s not a very pleasant bedfellow, but nothing more than sore throat, dry cough, headache & tiredness.”
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Fiona Phillips Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP
Fiona added: “As long as it stays that way....DON’T panic!”
One fan then tweeted Fiona asking how long she’d been “suffering”, to which the star responded: “I’m not suffering. It’s fine. Thanks for asking.”
I am in bed with #coronvirusuk It’s not a very pleasant bedfellow, but nothing more than sore throat, dry cough, headache & tiredness. As long as it stays that way....DON’T panic! — fiona phillips (@realmissfiona) March 20, 2020
I’m not suffering. It’s fine. Thanks for asking. — fiona phillips (@realmissfiona) March 20, 2020
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Fellow GMTV stars Eamonn Holmes and Lorraine Kelly were among Fiona’s well-wishers after she shared her initial tweet.
Get well soon Miss Fyona. 👍🙏
Keep us posted x — Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) March 20, 2020
Get well soon xxxx https://t.co/URbWA3nI85 — Lorraine (@reallorraine) March 20, 2020
Fiona is the latest star to reveal that she has coronavirus, with Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson the first high-profile names to share the news that they had tested positive.
They both received treatment for Covid-19 in hospital in Australia, and said earlier this week that they had since entered self-isolation.
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Since then, Idris Elba has also gone public with his diagnosis, claiming he was inspired to share his diagnosis by the Oscar-winning star.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-21--Seven Things You Need To Know About Coronavirus Today

Tens of thousands of pubs, bars, theatres and restaurants across the country are staying shut in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.
Boris Johnson ordered the dramatic closing down of the hospitality and entertainment sectors amid fears of the NHS being overwhelmed.
With scientists warning “social distancing” measures will have to stay in place for months to come, cinemas, nightclubs, gyms and betting shops were left wondering they would be able to open their doors again.
John Lewis Partnership announced on Saturday it had taken the “difficult decision” to temporarily close all 50 John Lewis shops at close of business on Monday due to the impact of the virus.
The retailer said Johnlewis.com will continue to operate, as will Waitrose shops and waitrose.com.
Announcing the move – the first time in the 155-year history of the business that it will not open its shop doors for customers – chairman Sharon White said: “The welfare of our customers, communities and partners is always our absolute priority.
“While it is with a heavy heart that we temporarily close our John Lewis shops, our partners will, where possible, be taking on important roles in supporting their fellow partners, providing critical services in Waitrose shops and ensuring our customers can get what they need through johnlewis.com, which is seeing extremely strong demand.”
The National Trust also announced it would be closing its parks and gardens from midnight on Saturday “to help restrict the spread” of the virus.
Meanwhile, economists have said the bill to taxpayers for the government’s unprecedented scheme to cover most of the wages of workers whose jobs are under threat from the outbreak could run to billions of pounds a month.
The PM announced the closures at a Downing Street news conference on Friday, following reports that many people had ignored earlier appeals to stay away.
While he acknowledged the ban went against the “freedom-loving instincts” of the British people, he said it was essential to achieve the 75% reduction in “unnecessary” social contacts required to reduce the rate of infection.
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon also appealed to establishments who had not yet closed their doors to “do the right thing”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-21--Coronavirus Will Force People Into Their Overdrafts – Just As Charges Climb To 40%

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Coronavirus has already cost thousands of workers their jobs, and more are facing the hardship of living on statutory sick pay – meaning many across the UK are likely to need to fall back on their overdrafts.
Unfortunately, that comes at almost exactly the same time as a planned increase to overdraft interest rates to nearly 40% kicks in.
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Though many are predicted to benefit from some of the changes, there are calls mounting for banks to ameliorate the charges for those who come off worst.
HSBC on Friday announced a temporary £300 interest-free buffer on overdrafts – the equivalent of a week’s minimum wage – for customers with bank accounts and advance accounts for three months, to help those hardest-hit by the financial impact of coronavirus.
Tracie Pearce, HSBC UK’s director of Retail Banking said: “The recent changes to our overdraft structure meant that seven in 10 customers who went into the red would see no change in cost or it would cost less, with those using an unarranged overdraft, who are potentially the most vulnerable, benefiting most from these changes.
Major high street banks have settled at a new overdraft interest rate of around 40%. EMPICS Sport
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“With this temporary buffer for the first £300, up to nine in 10 customers who use an overdraft will see no additional cost, based on our previous structure.”
According to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), some 19m people use an arranged overdraft each year, and 14m use an unarranged overdraft.
Firms made about £2.4bn in revenue from overdrafts in 2017 – around 30% of which came from unarranged overdraft fees and charges.
New rules are coming into force on April 6 which clamp down on complicated overdraft charges, meaning banks will no longer be able to charge daily or fees on unarranged overdrafts, instead offering customers an annual interest rate.
Banks also won’t be allowed to charge higher fees on unarranged overdrafts than arranged ones, after it emerged that the daily rates on some unarranged overdrafts were as high as payday loans.
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Most of the major high street banks have settled at a new interest rate of around 40%.
Hello @HSBC_UK. How about doing something constructive such as rethinking your new overdraft charges that come to nearly 40%? https://t.co/bz7FbDyRjP — Mary Novakovich (@mary_novakovich) March 18, 2020
Has there been much call to demand that banks postpone those huge overdraft rate increases due to start next month? — Amelia Horgan (@joan0fsnark) March 20, 2020
Would it be unreasonable to expect that banks could waive overdraft fees and credit card interest for the foreseeable while the UK find out whether they’ve got jobs/wages etc.
Also think late bill payments shouldn’t be penalised atm 🤷♀
Who’s with me?! #CoronaVirusUK pic.twitter.com/yilYNlH6AO — You know me (@undercoverjulie) March 16, 2020
The planned changes are likely to be good news for people – often some of the most vulnerable in society – who regularly spend long periods in their unplanned overdraft. But others who find themselves dropping in and out of their planned overdraft are likely to find themselves facing higher charges.
In January the FCA said it had written to high street banks to express its concerns about the steep increases in overdraft interest rates, stating that it was keeping a “close eye” on lenders, the Independent reported.
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The FCA confirmed to HuffPost UK on Friday that almost two months on there had been no movement from the banks since the letters were sent.
Bank Rate cut to 0.1%. So £1 a year to borrow £1000. Overdraft rates due to double to 39.9%. So £399 to borrow £1000. Am I missing something? (PS I know this has been long planned as a response to regulatory changes but banks! The optics! Think about it!!) — Paul Lewis (@paullewismoney) March 19, 2020
Lloyds said most of its customers would pay less interest under the new model, with the 10% who pay more seeing an average increase of less than £2 a month on the cost of borrowing money. A spokesperson promised “temporary changes over the coming weeks” but could not specify what they were. Lloyds is one of the lenders offering mortgage holidays to those feeling the pinch.
Santander gave a similar response, saying six out of seven customers would pay less under the new charging structure and stating it had “a team of experts on hand to support customers who have been impacted by the coronavirus”.
A spokesperson for Nationwide said: “Nationwide recognises the benefit that access to short-term borrowing has for our members during these uncertain times. Borrowing £500 for a day with the Society would cost just 46p. The Society also does not charge any fees for unarranged borrowing. We do not have any plans to reduce our overdraft interest rate at this time.”
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A spokesperson for RBS said: “We have done extensive work on understanding the impact of this price change on our customers and 70% of them will be better off or the same as a result of it. If any customer is in need of support with their overdraft, they can speak to us to access a range of options available.
“We are currently planning to go ahead with the price change as it will result in more than 50% of our customers paying less for their overdraft. Unlike some of our competitors, we will also continue to offer unarranged lending at a significantly lower cost than today for those customers needing to access emergency borrowing.
“For those impacted by this change or those impacted by coronavirus, we will be deploying a range of tools to support them with their finances as needed.