thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--There's ASMR For Your Coronavirus Anxiety Now, Because Of Course

In times of great adversity, we’re drawn to things that bring us comfort: Music, yoga, warm baths, private bedroom viewings of “The Devil Wears Prada.”
But in a three-month period overtaken by panic about Covid-19, it seems a heroic new genre of self-soothing has emerged: the ASMR coronavirus video.
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As anxieties have mounted about the spread of Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, a group of ASMR YouTubers have decided to try their hands at calming their disquieted viewers.
Typically, ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos are meant to simulate real-life situations. They’re watched by millions of people who get “a brain orgasm of sorts” from the sound of whispering YouTubers doing things like folding clothes, or noisily eating foods, or gently brushing their hair.
But this new genre takes it a step further. In one 30-minute video, for example, from the account ASMR Darling, the YouTuber plays a doctor doing a full checkup on you, the viewer, for Covid-19.
She checks your ears. She swabs your mouth.
She exits the screen to wash her hands, then returns to offer you some valuable information, “because there’s a lot of panic about the coronavirus right now, and it’s important that we establish what is fact and what is not true,” she says from behind a mask.
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The point is right there in the title: raising awareness and dispelling myths. “I understand it is a sensitive subject, but I think using my platform to debunk myths around the virus and giving real health tips will be beneficial to anyone who watches,” Taylor Darling, the woman behind the video, told BuzzFeed News this week.
The video already has over 400,000 views, and includes an adamant reminder in its description that “ASMR is not a medical treatment.” (It has not been monetised, either.)
Cosplay isn’t new to ASMR. There are plenty of videos of people pretending to be rude dentists, or sassy flight attendants. What’s new is YouTubers taking up the mantle on quelling public fear.
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If you search “coronavirus ASMR” in YouTube, you’ll find dozens of similar videos, ranging from pretend doctors administering pretend COVID-19 vaccines (a real one does not yet exist), to a tortoise munching on a piece of watermelon carved to look like a strain of coronavirus.
Has a more modern form of keeping calm ever existed?
Other, actually research-backed ways to stay calm
With Canada’s Covid-19 cases surpassing 100, many people are taking comfort in forms of hysterical preparation, like hoarding face masks and disinfectant wipes or stockpiling on bleach and groceries.
Health experts have said that those responses are probably blowing things out of proportion. Panic buying is natural, but getting too worked up won’t help. (Besides, picking up essentials like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, soap and non-perishable foods is a better option than building a bunker and stashing Purell.)
If you’re looking for another way to keep calm — other than the obvious watching of ASMR videos — here are a few things that might help.
Keep washing your hands
There’s not much to say about this one than what’s already been said. You’ve probably seen the notes in your office bathrooms and the dispatches from various health officials.
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Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. There’s even an app that can measure that time out in song lyrics, so you can hum along and make sure you’re maintaining good hygiene.
As it is, the CDC has cited a study indicating only 31 per cent of men wash their hands. One of the best ways to stay calm is making sure you count yourself among those who are keeping vigilant.
Breathe
You know how you sometimes forget to breathe when you’re under stress? It’s a natural response to times of stress and anxiety. Hyperventilation and shallow breathing happen when we’re freaking out.
But purposeful, regular breathing can help to prevent the state of absolute panic you might be sliding toward.
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If you’re feeling anxious, one very small way to address your body is to take a minute to breathe and to relax as best as you can.
Stay realistic
It’s true that Covid-19 is a threat. But psychotherapist Liz Ritchie says that freaking out isn’t the best solution. While it’s important to stay informed about what’s going on, try to limit time on social media.
“Try and achieve a healthy balance by sticking to factual data, e.g. World Health Organisation (WHO), rather than some of the emotionally driven websites,” she says on the St. Andrew’s Healthcare website. “Don’t jump to conclusions or be fatalistic; work with the facts!”
She also recommends avoiding “scaremongering” language that can feed anxiety, like “plague,” “pandemic,” and “death toll.”
False statements and misinformation about #COVID19 continue to circulate online and on social media.
Get information you can trust: #GOC is a credible, fact-based, and authoritative source for #COVID19 information:https://t.co/TLfE0xVSaQ — Dr. Theresa Tam (@CPHO_Canada) February 23, 2020
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Keep in contact with friends and family
But one important thing to do is not to isolate yourself.
Keeping in contact with friends and family is a good way to stay distracted from the concerns we’re all sharing. Maintaining perspective in moments of crisis is a key way of avoiding unnecessary added panic, and a way to do that is to avoid self-imposed loneliness.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--Emiliano Sala Crash Flight Pilot Not Licensed To Operate Commercially, Investigators Find

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Neither the pilot nor the plane that crashed and killed Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala was licensed to operate commercially, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has revealed.
Sala, 28, and pilot David Ibbotson died in the crash in the English Channel, two days after the striker signed to Cardiff City in January 2019.
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The tragedy was caused by the pilot losing control while attempting to avoid bad weather, accident investigators confirmed.
A final report by the AAIB concluded that the single-engine Piper Malibu aircraft suffered an in-flight break up while being flown too fast for its design limits.
It added that pilot Ibbotson, 59, was probably affected by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tributes at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. PA
Investigators found that a contributory factor in the crash was Ibbotson having no training in night flying and a lack of recent practice in relying only on cockpit instruments to control a plane.
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Summarising the findings, Geraint Herbert, investigator in charge, said: “Control of the aircraft was lost during a manually flown turn and the aircraft descended rapidly accelerating.
“The aircraft rolled to the left and there was an abrupt nose-up control input, at a speed well above the maximum permitted for such an input.”
He said the resulting loads on the aircraft were “excessive”, which caused it to then “break-up in flight”.
“It was likely that the pilot’s ability to control the flight was impaired to some extent by carbon monoxide poisoning,” he added.
Sala’s body was recovered but Ibbotson has not been found, despite the efforts of family members who launched a crowdfunding campaign in February 2019 to search for him.
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A still from video provided by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch showing the wreckage of the plane that crashed into the Channel on January 21, 2019, killing footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson ASSOCIATED PRESS
Unlicensed charter flight operations – known as grey charters – generally incur lower operating costs.
Former football agent Willie McKay has said he paid for the fatal flight but did not choose the pilot or the plane.
He has explained he was helping his son Mark, who was acting for Sala’s current French football club Nantes, to complete the transfer.
Alison Campbell, senior inspector for operations, said it was a dark night with “little or no” visible horizon.
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“There was poor weather in the area, and from his radio calls, it was clear the pilot needed to manoeuvre to avoid it,” she explained.
Following a descent of thousands of feet in a matter of seconds, the pilot attempted an “abrupt nose-up” manoeuvre.
This was conducted at a speed far in excess of the design limits of the plane, causing it to break-up.
Investigators concluded that the aircraft entered the Channel upside down, and the impact was “not survivable”.
The AAIB also revealed that the pilot informed a number of individuals about four potential problems with the aircraft that had occurred during the outbound flight from Cardiff.
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This included a “bang”, although its cause is unknown and it could not be determined if it was a factor in the crash.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--25 Baking Recipes For Self-Quarantine And Self-Care

Researchers are still learning the specifics of how Covid-19 is transmitted, but we do know that the disease can spread through droplets that are released from the nose or mouth when someone coughs, sneezes or exhales ― as of now, there’s no evidence of Covid-19 transmission through food.
If you stock up on the right foods and the right amount of groceries, a self-quarantine doesn’t have to leave you hungry. In fact, if you’re healthy, it can be a chance to finally spend a few extra hours in the kitchen and master some baking recipes that you haven’t had the time to tackle. After all, now you’ve got plenty of time to binge-watch “The Great British Bakeoff” and find some inspiration.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus Outbreak: 208 More Positive Cases Confirmed, Bringing Total To 798

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A total of 798 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Friday, up from 590 at the same point on Thursday, the Department of Health said.
A total of 32,771 people have so far been tested for the virus, with 31,973 results coming back negative, the Department of Health said.
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Of those patients tested so far, 2.4% have had a positive result.
The number of fatalities remains 10, with no increase since Thursday.
Total coronavirus cases in the UK PA
Today’s rise in confirmed cases in the UK from 590 to 798 is the largest day-on-day increase since the outbreak began.
It is a jump of 208, which is 35% up on the equivalent figure for Thursday.
It is the first time the day-on-day increase has been higher than 200.
One week ago, on March 6, the total number of cases stood at 163.
Today’s total of 798 is almost five times greater than the equivalent figure one week ago.
It comes as the UK moves into the next stage of its response to the coronavirus outbreak as experts and politicians accepted it could no longer be contained.
SIPA USA/PA Images
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--TV's Dr Christian Jessen Claims Italy Is Using Coronavirus As 'Excuse' To 'Have A Long Siesta'

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TV medic Dr Christian Jessen has said that Italians are using the coronavirus outbreak as an “excuse” to “have a long siesta”.
The Embarrassing Bodies star made the eyebrow-raising comments during an appearance on Fubar Radio, after Italy was placed on lockdown to help combat the virus.
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The country is the worst affected in Europe, with over 1,000 Italians having so far died after contracting the virus, while there are over 15,000 confirmed cases.
Dr Christian Jessen PA
Addressing Italy’s decision to close all non essential shops and businesses, Dr Jessen said: “This might be a little bit racist to say this, [and] you’ll have to make apologies, but do you not think it’s a bit of an excuse?
“The Italians, any old excuse to, you know, shut down everything and stop work for a bit and have a long siesta.”
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He also praised prime minister Boris Johnson’s decision not to close schools during his address on Thursday, saying: “I think it’s an epidemic lived out more in the press than in reality.
“I mean if you think about flu right, without getting too heavy, flu kills thousands every single year.”
He continued: “Now I know that’s tragic for those involved but it’s not exactly huge numbers is it compared to flu, which is thousands.
“It doesn’t affect mothers, it doesn’t affect pregnant women, it doesn’t affect children so far as we know. So why this massive panic?
“This is like a bad cold really, let’s be honest.”
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Dr Jessen also claimed the media had been scaremongering with coverage of the outbreak, describing it as a “Daily Mail epidemic”.
He said: “I don’t think it’s a – it’s a real epidemic. Well, it’s obviously a real epidemic, but I think we are more worried than we need to be.
“Now I might have to eat my words and I really hope I don’t!”
Dr Jessen’s comments were condemned on social media:
We know this is worse than a cold for many people with heart/lung problems, the elderly, diabetics and immunocompromised. Aren't doctors meant to have empathy at the very least.
Wow Dr Christian Jessen, just wow. — BabyBore (@babybore) March 13, 2020
#Drchristian you embarrassment of a person! You have thousands of people dying in Italy and you open your mouth to say such terrible things??? Embarrassing Bodies star Dr Christian Jessen has branded Italy’s coronavirus lockdown and ‘excuse to have a long siesta’. — David Canevaro (@DavidCanevaro) March 13, 2020
I just lost a lot of respect for @DoctorChristian
Really, really poor comments.
Our frontline staff are working extremely hard in Italy.https://t.co/J6y0pqQKar — Atalanta News (@AtalantaNewsUK) March 13, 2020
An embarassing @DoctorChristian shows he, clearly, wasn't gifted with a bright mind.
The italians don't do siesta BTW.#Covid_19 #coronavirus
Dr Christian Jessen says Italians are using pandemic as an excuse for ‘long siesta’ | The Independent https://t.co/q08hvqbqCM — Davide Lanfranco (@DLtherapies) March 13, 2020
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--Naomi Campbell Travelling In Hazmat Suit | Good Vibes Only

Naomi Campbell Travelling In Hazmat Suit | Good Vibes Only
This week in the world of entertainment, Matt Lucas was announced as the new host of The Great British Bake Off, alongside rumours of a Little Britain return. Naomi Campbell is taking no chances in the hazmat suit she’s travelling in, fake stories about Les Dennis have shown the creativity of the nation on Twitter and a dog called Maisie relieved herself on her Crufts victory lap.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--Katie Price Ordered To Pay Ex-Husband Alex Reid £25K Over Sex Life Claims

Katie Price has been ordered to pay damages of £25,000 to her ex-husband Alex Reid.
Last November, a judge ruled that Katie must pay damages to the former cage fighter, to whom she was married from 2010 to 2012, after he sued her for breach of confidence, misuse of private information and breach of contract.
A judge then decided on Friday, following a High Court hearing four days earlier, that the former glamour model should pay her ex-husband £25,000, after misusing private information about his sex life.
Alex claimed he’d been “denigrated in the street” as a result of his ex-wife’s “disclosures about his sex life”.
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Alex Reid seen outside the High Court in London PA
During Monday’s hearing Mr Justice Warby heard that Katie Price was “bankrupt”, and noted that she had “not engaged” in the proceedings for some time.
Alex’s barrister Philip Williams indicated that the cage fighter would be in a “line of creditors”.
Katie, who was once said to be worth more than £40 million, was declared bankrupt towards the end of last year.
Alex Reid and Katie Price pictured in 2010 ASSOCIATED PRESS
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She had originally avoided bankruptcy a year earlier, after agreeing a plan to pay back the debt she owed.
Months before this, she pleaded guilty to hurling a “tirade of abuse” outside a school during a dispute with ex-husband Kieran Hayler’s new girlfriend, Michelle Penticost.
The judge ruled that Katie should pay £606 – including a £450 fine and court costs – which she offered to do via credit card. She was also given a five-year restraining order, forbidding her from contacting Michelle directly or indirectly.
This matter was the third of Katie’s legal battles in 2019, having first been banned from driving for three months, after it was found she was nearly twice the legal alcohol limit while at the wheel of her pink Range Rover.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--Exclusive: Conservatives Plan To Open HQ In North Or Midlands This Year

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The Conservatives plan to open a new headquarters in the north or Midlands this year, HuffPost UK has learnt.
Crewe, Wakefield and Nottingham are among the potential locations being considered by a review at Conservative HQ (CCHQ) in Westminster, a party source said.
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The new office will help the Tories’ swathes of new MPs who took former Labour “red wall” seats in December’s general election, but the party also plans to retain some staff in London.
HuffPost UK understands Tory staff received an email from the party’s director of campaigning Darren Mott on Monday in which he said it was his “aim” to open a CCHQ north or Midlands “this year”.
It is believed the party wants to have found a location in time for the Conservative party conference in October.
Less specific plans were first revealed by the ConservativeHome website in January, which quoted a Downing Street source who said the new venue should be “somewhere reasonably close to a university with good maths/physics departments (we should get a data team up there), good train links, well placed in political terms”.
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Boris Johnson with Tory members during last year's general election campaign PA
Boris Johnson’s top aide Dominic Cummings is known to be an enthusiast for data, maths and physics.
The source also said that “there will be a small office in London but maybe up by King’s Cross”, rather than the current base at Matthew Parker Street in Westminster. It’s not clear whether the new headquarters would be the party’s main office.
The prime minister would likely herald the move north as part of his agenda to boost opportunities for communities in the north and Midlands.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has already announced plans to move a fifth of the Treasury’s workforce to a new northern “economic campus”.
Downing Street has also floated the idea of moving the House of Lords to York as part of efforts to make politics and government less London-centric, although this appears less likely to become reality.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--18 Films To Watch On Disney+ That Will Help You Escape The Real World

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With the UK now on lockdown, advised not to leave their homes except for a certain set of circumstances such as food shopping or exercise, the launch of Disney+ could not have arrived at a better time.
You can now to binge on over 500 films, 350 series and 26 Disney Originals on the company’s brand new streaming service.
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Obviously getting through 500 films would be nothing short of impressive, so we’ve complied 18 of the best to see you through the coming weeks...
Disney+ is available now. HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page.
1. 10 Things I Hate About You
This film is your classic rom-com. It’s funny, cheesy and a ridiculous interpretation of what high school is like. Whether it’s Julia Stiles witty one-liners, Joseph-Gordon Levitt’s hopeless romanticism or Heath Ledger’s serenade on the school bleachers, it’s a failsafe feel-good film.
2. Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit
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The sight of a habit-wearing Whoopi Goldberg attempting to lead a classroom of unruly teenagers into a choir is uplifting enough to put a smile on anyone’s face. Not to mention it’s where the world was first introduced to Lauryn Hill.
3. Cool Runnings
Hilarious and heartwarming, Cool Runnings is completely underrated in our opinion. Telling the journey of the first Jamaican bobsled team attempting to compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics, it’s Disney without too much cheese, which is surprisingly hard to find. And who can forget the line, “Sanka, you dead man?”
4. Cheaper By The Dozen 2
A family of 12 kids on holiday is chaotic enough in itself, but chuck in another massive family, Steve Martin, Eugene Levy and a couple dogs and you’ve got full blown pandemonium. Not to mention a total cringe fest. Obviously we can’t get enough.
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5. Hocus Pocus
HuffPost UK
It doesn’t have to be Halloween to revisit this classic, with a stellar cast of Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy playing the three witches reigning terror on young boy Max who has just moved to Salem.
6. High School Musical
HuffPost UK
Feast your eyes on a fetus Zac Efron and a handful of stars you can no longer recall and sing along (albeit a little out of tune) to the tunes in the first High School Musical. And if you have the time, there’s two more in the series, so why not waste away the afternoon watching choreographed dance numbers in the school canteen with beats provided by the basketballs?
7. Monsters, Inc.
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While Sulley and Mike are the top scarers at the Monsters Inc, this film definitely won’t leave you with any nightmares. Ok, maybe creepy Randall will, but little girl Boo, makes up for it. Is there anything cuter?
8. Up
You know when you’re so hungover you’re close to tears at the smallest inconvenience? Then why not induce a full on sobfest with the first 10 minutes of Up? If you can make it through that, then the rest is silly, soppy and sweet.
9. Sleeping Beauty
As the fairytale goes, Prince Charming sets out to save Princess Aurora from her tower after being put in the ultimate snooze, fighting off dragons, armed guards and the mighty Maleficent as he goes. A Disney classic.
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10. The Princess Diaries
When Anne Hathaway, or Mia Thermopolis, discovers she is the Princess of Genovia, she has to prove to her strict grandmother (played by Julie Andrews) that she’s worthy of the title, going from high school to high society. That makeover scene? Iconic.
11. Pocahontas
Colours of the wind, just around the riverbend, steady as a beating drum, Pocahontas is a film filled with song after song (thank you Vanessa Williams) that you can belt out while buried in a duvet. It never gets old.
12. The Parent Trap (1998)
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While a far cry from dancing at a club in Mykonos, Lindsay Lohan’s earlier work in The Parent Trap is legendary. Playing both characters, it’s hard to fault the ridiculous storyline, as long lost sisters Hallie and Annie meet at summer camp and set out on a mission to reunite their parents.
13. Mulan (1998)
Mulan has everything a great Disney film needs; a lovable main character, arch rival turned love interest, moral dilemma and funny sidekick, not to mention one of the best makeover scenes in film in our opinion. Click play, get cosy and enjoy.
14. Mary Poppins (1964)
Julie Andrews plays the delightful Mary Poppins, a nanny employed by Mr Banks to look after his children, who spreads joy, happiness with a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. Although Dick Van Dyke’s ‘cockney’ accent might make your ears bleed, it’s a movie we could watch over and over.
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15. The Lizzie Mcguire Movie
This is what dreams are made of. No seriously. Amidst the somewhat questionable fashion choices, Lizzie and Gordo’s adorable friendship and the brilliant scenes of Lizzie one-upping the smug Paolo, it’s an all round crowd pleaser.
16. Hannah Montana The Movie
Remember when Miley Cyrus’s alter ego Hannah Montana ruled the Disney airwaves? Simpler times. With celebrity cameos left, right and centre (see Tyra Banks pictured), enjoy 97 minutes watching her juggle on on-screen persona with a budding romance, friendships and life outside of the stage. Just your everyday problems.
17. Freaky Friday (2003)
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Making her second appearance on our list, Lindsay Lohan and Jamie-Lee Curtis make a surprisingly successful duo in Freaky Friday and watching them navigate the chaos of switching bodies is hilarious.
18. Camp Rock
Come for Demi Lovato’s vocals, stay for the dodgy hairstyles on the Jonas Brothers. Sorry Kevin. While Joe Jonas and Demi’s real-life romance didn’t last, this hit will always be a favourite on our list.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--Gloria Gaynor Washing Her Hands To I Will Survive Is All We Need To Get Through Today

Public Health England (PHE) has continually said hand washing is key to slow the spread of coronavirus.
In order for it to be effective, use warm water and soap, rubbing between the fingers and washing for at least 20 seconds. If you’re out and about without access to a tap, hand gel can help.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--The Psychology Behind Stockpiling For Coronavirus Explained

The Psychology Behind Stockpiling For Coronavirus Explained
Supermarkets have been hit with empty shelves, as fears growing over coronavirus cause shoppers to panic-buy. Essentials like toilet roll and hand wash are in short supply, despite the government saying there is no need to stockpile - so why are people doing it? We spoke to consumer psychologist Dimitrios Tsivrikos to find out why we’re feeling the urge to stockpile.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--English Premier League And EFL Suspended Over Coronavirus

English Premier League And EFL Suspended Over Coronavirus
The English Premier League has been suspended over fears around coronavirus spreading. The news follows the revelation that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had tested positive for the virus, with the first team all in self-isolation. Leicester City also have three players under observation, with Benjamin Mendy of Manchester City also in observation. The ruling follows other leagues across Europe.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: League Football Suspended And Wales Scotland Six Nations Match Postponed

“The League will continue to liaise with the government regarding ongoing developments and will continue to work with clubs to ensure players, staff and supporters are updated and appraised accordingly,” a spokesperson added.
“These matters are, of course, subject to change and we will update as appropriate.”
England’s cricket tour of Sri Lanka cancelled
Other sporting fixtures have also faced cancellation or postponement. England’s cricket tour of Sri Lanka has been called off.
A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board read: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic worsening globally, and after discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket, we have today made the decision to return our players to the UK and postpone the forthcoming test series between Sri Lanka and England.
“At this time, the physical and mental well-being of our players and support teams is paramount. We will now look to bring them home to their families as soon as possible. These are completely unprecedented times, and decisions like this go beyond cricket.
“We would like to thank our colleagues at Sri Lanka Cricket for their outstanding support and assistance throughout this situation. We look forward to returning to Sri Lanka in the very near future to fulfil this important test series.”
Golf tournaments postponed
The US Masters, the first men’s golfing major of the year, has also been postponed.
The blue riband event at Augusta National was due to take place from April 9 to 12. A new date is yet to be arranged.
Augusta National chair Fred Ridley said: “Ultimately, the health and wellbeing of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision.
“We hope this postponement puts us in the best position to safely host the Masters tournament and our amateur events at some later date.”
The Ladies European Tour’s Aramco Saudi Ladies International, due to take place at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club next week, has been postponed with a view to it being rescheduled later in the year.
“There is no doubt that the last few weeks have been extremely challenging for sports and postponing next week’s tournament has not been an easy decision but we fully appreciate the recent restrictions which have been introduced in respect of travel into the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said LET chief executive Alexandra Armas.
First Grand Tour of the cycling season postponed
Meanwhile, the Giro d’Italia, cycling’s first Grand Tour of the season that was due to start on May 9 in Budapest, has been postponed.
The announcement from RCS Sport came after the organising committee of the planned opening stages in Hungary said it was unable to deliver the event due to the state of emergency in the country.
“RCS Sport, having taken note of the international and national situation, announces that the date of the 2020 Giro d’Italia is thereby postponed,” a statement said.
Organisers will work with the Hungarian authorities to allow the race to take place at a later date. No new date will be announced for the race before April 3 following consultation with the Italian government and other authorities.
Formula One halts two further races
Formula One has announced the Bahrain and Vietnam Grands Prix will be postponed.
The decision follows the previous announcement that the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, due to be contested this weekend, had been postponed.
A statement on the Formula 1 Twitter account read: “Due to the continued global spread of Covid-19 and after ongoing discussions with the FIA and race organisers, a decision has been taken by all parties to postpone the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Vietnam Grand Prix due to take place on March 20-22 and April 3-5 respectively.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--Laurence Fox And Actors' Union Equity 'Reach Out-Of-Court-Settlement' After 'Disgrace' Tweet

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Laurence Fox has received an apology from the actors’ union Equity, after they branded him a “disgrace” on Twitter.
He and Equity are also reported to have “agreed an out-of-court settlement” relating to the matter.
Back in January, Laurence made a much-derided appearance on BBC’s Question Time, in which he defended the media’s treatment of Meghan Markle, insisting the UK is a “lovely, tolerant country”, and told an audience member that calling him a “privileged, white male” was “racist”.
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Following this, a post on Equity’s Minority Ethnic Members Committee (as they were then known) referred to the former Lewis star as a “disgrace to our industry”, for which they have now apologised.
On 17 January a series of tweets were posted by the @EquityMEM Twitter account about Laurence Fox's appearance on BBC Question Time. We are sorry that in the tweets he was called a 'disgrace' by Equity. Please read Equity's full statement. https://t.co/NlW8f88iRs pic.twitter.com/5zgbG5623d — Equity (@EquityUK) March 13, 2020
In a statement, they said: “We are sorry that in the tweets he was called a ‘disgrace’ by Equity.
“It was a mistake for Equity as an organisation to criticise him in this way.
“Nothing in Equity’s later statement was intended as a slur on his character or views, or to suggest that he should be denied the ability to work. We would like to make that clear.
“Equity and Laurence Fox condemn prejudice unequivocally in all its forms.”
Laurence Fox rolling his eyes during his infamous Question Time appearance BBC
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A “source close to [Laurence Fox]” has also told the Press Assocation that he and Equity have agreed on an “out-of-court settlement”.
“Equity have finally apologised and agreed an out-of-court settlement with Laurence after calls for him to be ‘unequivocally denounced’ by the Equity Minority Members’ Committee,” they said.
“He is pleased and grateful to Equity for this decision. He looks forward now to moving on in his professional and personal life after what has been a very difficult period for him and his family.”
Shortly after Equity’s post, the union’s Race Equality Committee announced they felt they had “no choice but to resign as committee members”.
It is with deep regret that, following @EquityUK’s statement this morning, all members of Equity’s recently renamed Race Equality Committee (formerly the Equity Minority Ethnic Members Committee) feel we have no choice but to resign as committee members. https://t.co/gLnKJatSw7 — Equity Race Equality Committee (@EquityREC) March 13, 2020
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Posting on Twitter for the first time in three weeks, Laurence said he hoped the matter might serve as “an opportunity for us to continue to celebrate diversity in all its forms”, adding: “Including diversity of opinion.”
Hopefully this might an opportunity for us to continue to celebrate diversity in all its forms. Including diversity of opinion. @EquityUK @EquityREC https://t.co/MqV8ic1b3M — Laurence Fox 🥦 (@LozzaFox) March 13, 2020
Last month, Laurence posted a lengthy statement, explaining that he’d made the decision to quit social media as he was “fearing for his future”.
He wrote: “Since my appearance on question time and the ensuing hubbub, I have had nothing but support on the street, from people of all backgrounds and political view points. In the weird and lonely days that followed that appearance, your kind words have lifted my spirits. Thank you.
“But privately I have been becoming more and more depressed. I have been so shocked by some of the things said to me on these platforms and I have found some of it very hard to process. I think it’s important to stand up to bullies and that is why I have continued to do so.
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“But I find that I wake up in dread of what’s to come. I’m a fairly private if opinionated person and it’s been very painful and difficult to cope with. However I also believe passionately in free speech.”
Laurence Fox at an event in January, shortly before his Question Time appearance David M. Benett via Getty Images
He continued: “I stand wholeheartedly by people’s right to express themselves. But I am fearing for my future and my ability to provide financially for my children. A thought that has kept me awake most nights. People tell me it will blow over, but when you are in it, it doesn’t feel like it will.
“I expressed an opinion, which I stand by and I don’t believe is controversial. As a result Equity UK called (amongst other things) for actors to denounce me. This has been very hard to deal with, given that members weren’t polled before these tweets were sent out...
“I love my job. I am so blessed to have been fortunate enough to make a career out of it and I have met some of the best people and made such great friends whilst working as an actor. The thought of that being taken away saddens me more than I can say.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-13--Twelve Things You Need To Know About Coronavirus Today

Coronavirus is dominating the headlines as the number of cases grows each day.
According to official figures, 798 people in the UK have now tested positive for the virus while at least 10 people have died after contracting it.
Here are the main developments you need to know today.
World Health Organisation says Europe is now epicentre of coronavirus outbreak
Servpro cleaning workers are sprayed as they exit the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington ASSOCIATED PRESS
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World Health Organisation (WHO) director general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said that Europe is now “the epicentre of the pandemic”.
The continent now has more reported cases of the virus and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China, said Dr Tedros in a press conference on Friday.
More than 5,000 people have died worldwide after being diagnosed with Covid-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
Ghebreyesus called the death toll a “tragic milestone” and said there was a major funding gap for potential coronavirus vaccines.
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The UN agency is launching a solidarity response plan which will allow people and organisations to pledge money for the coronavirus fight.
UK local elections postponed until 2021
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a news conference to give the government's response to the new COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, at Downing Street in London, Thursday March 12, 2020. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Prime minister Boris Johnson has postponed the May 7 local and regional mayoral elections for 12 months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
A government spokesperson said: “We will bring forward legislation to postpone local, mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections until May next year.
“We will also work with the devolved administrations to ensure that they have the necessary powers to do the same.”
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The first coronavirus patient in Scotland dies
Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon (left) with chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood at a news conference in Edinburg PA
A patient who had been diagnosed with coronavirus has died in Scotland, the country’s chief medical officer has confirmed.
Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “I am saddened to report that a patient in Scotland who has tested positive for coronavirus has died in hospital. I offer my deepest sympathy to their friends and family at this difficult time.”
She said the patient had been being treated by Lothian Health Board, and was an older person who had had pre-existing health conditions.
“No further information will be available to protect patient confidentiality,” Calderwood added.
Jeremy Hunt criticises UK’s ‘concerning’ approach
The former health secretary has criticised the government's approach as not going far enough. Barcroft Media via Getty Images
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Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has criticised the government’s approach to coronavirus as not going far enough.
Boris Johnson said anyone with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, such as a continuous cough or high temperature, must now stay at home for seven days.
The PM also said school trips abroad should be stopped while people over 70 with serious medical conditions should not go on cruises.
Some medical experts have described the UK’s plans as “balanced” and “sensible”, but Hunt has spoken out about his surprise and concern about what he called a “national emergency”.
Asked about the decision not to cancel large gatherings yet, he told BBC Newsnight: “I think it is surprising and concerning that we’re not doing any of it at all when we have just four weeks before we get to the stage that Italy is at.
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“You would have thought that every single thing we do in that four weeks would be designed to slow the spread of people catching the virus.”
He added that he was “personally surprised that we’re still allowing external visits to care homes”.
Foreign Office advises against ‘all but essential’ travel to parts of Spain
People are seen sunbathing at Retiro park during the corona virus threat in Madrid. SIPA USA/PA Images
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against “all but essential” travel to parts of Spain as coronavirus cases in the country edge closer to 4,000.
To date, Spain has the fourth-highest number of coronavirus cases globally, with 91 deaths recorded in the country.
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Now, the government has warned Brits against travelling to Madrid, La Rioja, La Bastida and Vitoria in the Basque Country and Miranda de Ebro.
It comes after the Spanish health ministry designated these places as areas of community transmission, with authorities shutting down schools, theatres and day care centres for the elderly in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.
Gatherings of more than 1,000 people have also been banned, while a number of museums in Spain have closed their doors.
The UK government has advised Brits with travel plans to Spain to contact their airlines and tour operators.
St Patrick’s Day celebrations cancelled in London
Revellers during the 2019 St Patrick's Day celebration in London SIPA USA/PA Images
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As the number of coronavirus cases continue to rise, London mayor Sadiq Khan announced on Friday that St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the capital had been cancelled.
In a statement, Khan said that key performers and people in the annual parade were no longer able to take part “due to the ongoing threat of coronavirus”.
UPDATE: London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations are an annual highlight for many, so I'm incredibly disappointed that this year’s event has had to be cancelled as key performers and parade participants are no longer able to participate due to the ongoing threat of coronavirus. — Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) March 13, 2020
“London’s Irish community makes a huge contribution to our great city,” he said. “I recognise that the unavailability of key performers and parade participants leaves no choice but to cancel.”
The news comes days after Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar announced all St Patrick’s Day parades and festivals in the Republic of Ireland would not go ahead because of Covid-19.
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Celebrations in Belfast have also been scrapped.
Meanwhile, MCM Comic Con in Birmingham – which was due to take place next week – has been postponed until June because of coronavirus fears.
Sports world reels as football matches and London Marathon postponed
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta during a training session at London Colney on March 10. Stuart MacFarlane via Getty Images
It follows the news that Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi have contracted the virus.
Three Leicester players are also being tested, while Everton announced on Thursday that the squad was in self-isolation after a player reported symptoms consistent with the virus.
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Championship, League One, and League Two fixtures will all be affected by the postponement, which was announced on Friday morning.
The Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have also postponed all matched until April 3.
All matches in UEFA competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League, will not take place next week due to the coronavirus, the governing body has also announced.
The 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon has also been postponed and will now take place on October 4 this year, organisers said.
Event director Hugh Brasher said: “The world is in an unprecedented situation grappling with a global pandemic of Covid-19 and public health is everyone’s priority.
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“We know how disappointing this news will be for so many – the runners who have trained for many months, the thousands of charities for which they are raising funds and the millions who watch the race every year.”
‘There will be deaths’ in prisons, warns president of the Prison Governors Association
Prison hallway and bars in an abandoned Penitentiary 1shostak via Getty Images
Andrea Albutt, president of the Prison Governors Association, said inmates were likely to die as the spread of coronavirus worsened in the UK.
She said prison governors would “attempt to keep [family] visits going for as long as they can”, while weighing up the public health risk to prisoners and managing staff shortages due to employees self-isolating or being off with illness.
Albutt told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We have approximately 85,000 people in our prisons and prisons are overcrowded, so when you have a lot of people in a small area, transmission of disease will obviously be easier.
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“Coupled with that, we have a significant ageing population – the vulnerable groups, the people the Government keeps telling us will be more susceptible and more ill with this virus.
“Listening to the Government’s specialists yesterday, they are saying the mortality rate is below 1% but in the vulnerable groups it is higher.
“Well, in prisons we don’t completely mirror society with our demographic of prisoners so we do have a higher number of people in the vulnerable groups, so they will be ill and there will be deaths.”
Justin Trudeau’s wife tests positive for virus
The Canadian prime minister will reportedly not be tested as he has not displayed symptoms of the virus. picture alliance via Getty Images
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, the wife of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, has tested positive for Covid-19.
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In a statement Thursday, the prime minister’s office said: “Following medical recommendations, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was tested for Covid-19 today. The test came back positive.”
“She is feeling well, is taking all the recommended precautions and her symptoms remain mild,” read the statement, which also indicated she’d be staying in isolation. Earlier Thursday, his office issued a statement that Grégoire Trudeau began “exhibiting mild flu-like symptoms including a low fever late last night” after returning from a speaking engagement in London. “She immediately sought medical advice, and is being tested for the COVID-19 virus. She is self-isolating at home awaiting test results, and her symptoms have since subsided,” read the statement. Those results were positive, so the prime minister, who is in “good health with no symptoms,” is taking the “precautionary measure” of isolating himself for 14 days. Trudeau will reportedly not be tested because he currently has no symptoms, but his scheduled meetings for the rest of the week have been postponed. Satellite pictures reveal mass graves dug by Iran
Iran has been accused of failing to reveal the true extent of the spread of coronavirus. - via Getty Images
Satellite pictures of mass graves dug in the Iranian city of Qom have fuelled fears that the country has been hit harder by the virus than authorities are willing to admit.
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First published by the New York Times, the images reveal that a large new section of the Behesht-e Masoumeh had been excavated in February. Two trenches, measuring approximately 90m, have also been dug, The Guardian reports.
Burying the truth? #Iran has been digging mass graves to cope with the surge in deaths from #coronavirus, according to expert analysis of satellite imagery. Read more: https://t.co/TdbUmJBmyc pic.twitter.com/0Bn5AdACLx — Arab News (@arabnews) March 13, 2020
According to the latest official health ministry figures there are more than 10,000 confirmed cases and 429 people have died – but it is widely believed that this number falls far short of the true extent of Covid-19′s impact on the county.
A legislator from Qom accused the health ministry of lying about the figures back on February 24, as the trenches were being dug, claiming there had already been 50 deaths in the city alone despite claims from government that just 12 had died at that time, The Guardian reported.
Iraj Harirchi, the nation’s deputy health minister, was seen to be sweating a coughing through a press conference held to “categorically deny” the allegations, and the next day it was confirmed he had tested positive for thee virus.
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Mount Everest closed off amid outbreak
Nepalese authorities have made the decision to close the mountain to visitors. JEWEL SAMAD via Getty Images
Nepal has closed all of its Himalayan peaks including Mount Everest this climbing season because of fears of the coronavirus outbreak, a government minister said on Friday.
Tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai said expeditions to all peaks in the March-May spring season had been suspended.
“It is as a precaution for that,” he added, when asked it its was because of the coronavirus.
Nepal has confirmed just one case of the coronavirus - a student studying in China on a trip home - out of 450 people tested.
The suspension of expeditions in Nepal will affect hundreds of foreign climbers now preparing for the spring season, a window or relatively good weather between the end of the bitterly cold winter and the rainy season, which begins in June.
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Everest, the world’s highest mountain at 8,850m, is on the border between Nepal and the Chinese region of Tibet. China announced the closure of its side of the mountain on Thursday.
“This is disappointing news for both our expedition leaders and our clients who have trained for months for this year’s climb,” Lukas Furtenbach, of the California-based guiding company Furtenbach Adventure, said.
Adrian Ballinger of the Alpenglow Expeditions company said he understood the decision.
“While cancelling a climb is never an outcome we want, this time, it’s the responsible thing to do,” Ballinger said in a statement.
“A Covid-19 outbreak at base camp would be dangerous and potentially devastating,” he said.
You can’t kiss the Blarney stone anymore
Cork, Ireland - May 30, 2012: Blarney Castle is a medieval castle near Cork, Ireland. The castle is famous for holding the Blarney Stone. Bob Hilscher via Getty Images
People will no longer be allowed to kiss the Blarney Stone in Co Cork due to the coronavirus.
According to Irish mythology, whoever kisses the stone is endowed with the “gift of the gab”.
For the first time in our history the kissing of the Blarney Stone has been postponed until further notice.
The castle & gardens are still open and we would like to reassure all our visitors that we are doing everything possible to provide a safe experience. — Blarney Castle & Gardens (@Blarney_Castle) March 13, 2020
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In a tweet, Blarney Castle said: “For the first time in our history the kissing of the Blarney Stone has been postponed until further notice.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-14--Ant And Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway Disney World Finale Cancelled Due To Coronavirus

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Coronavirus has put paid to Ant and Dec’s plans to hold the finale of Saturday Night Takeaway in Walt Disney World in Florida.
ITV announced it has shelved plans to broadcast the last episode of the current series from the theme park on 4 April, after Disney said it was closing the resort’s doors in a bid to battle the outbreak of the virus.
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Over 300 lucky viewers were also due to be flown out to Florida and join the telly duo at the spectacular, after winning Places On The Plane over the course of the series.
However, ITV said it would still honour the winners’ prizes at a later date.
The finale of Ant And Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway was due to take place in Florida ITV
A spokesperson said in a statement: “We will no longer be broadcasting the Saturday Night Takeaway finale from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
“Walt Disney World has made the decision to close, beginning on Monday 16 March until the end of the month.
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“The wellbeing of all our prize winners, as well as our production team, is always our number one priority.
“All recipients of a ‘Place on the Plane’ prize will have their prizes honoured and flown by Virgin Holidays for a 5-night stay at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida at such later date when it is practical for Virgin Holidays and Walt Disney World Resort to fulfil the prize.”
Disney World Orlando announced it was closing for the month earlier this week, following 42 cases of coronavirus reported in Florida.
President Donald Trump has imposed a ban on flights from Europe landing in the US, and while it currently excludes the UK, he admitted on Friday that it could be extended as the number of UK cases continues to rise.
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While it has been confirmed Ant And Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway will go ahead with a studio audience as normal on Saturday night, the show could be impacted by potential changes from the government.
On our way in to prepare your #SaturdayNightTakeaway for tonight. We’re business as usual and will be for as long as we are able and allowed. We’ll do our best to bring you a few smiles. See you on the telly!
D — antanddec (@antanddec) March 14, 2020
It is believed it is on the verge of banning mass gatherings in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus, which could mean studio audiences are stopped.
Channel 5 has already announced that Jeremy Vine’s daily discussion show will be filmed without an audience from Monday, while a number of US chat shows have been suspended completely to protect studio staff.
Elsewhere in the entertainment industry, Radio 1 has called off their Big Weekend festival, which was due to take place in Dundee in May, while the releases of films including Mulan, No Time To Die, Fast & Furious 9 and A Quiet Place II have also been pushed back.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-14--James Corden, Ellen DeGerenes And Jeremy Vine's Shows Latest To Be Impacted By Coronavirus Outbreak

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James Corden, Ellen DeGeneres and Jeremy Vine’s shows are the latest to be impacted by the on-going coronavirus outbreak.
In the US, a number of the late night talk shows have already been taken off the air in order to protect the virus spreading among audiences and studio workers.
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Now it has been confirmed James’ The Late Late Show will also suspend production, as will Ellen DeGeneres’ eponymous daily talk show.
James Corden, Ellen DeGeneres and Jeremy Vine Shutterstock
Announcing work on The Late Late Show was also being paused, James tweeted: “After much deliberation we’ve decided to suspend The Late Late Show for the time being.
“We really explored every option to try and put a show on for you,but right now feel the safest thing to do is to stop for a moment and take advice further down the line. Stay safe out there x x.”
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After much deliberation we’ve decided to suspend The Late Late Show for the time being.We really explored every option to try and put a show on for you,but right now feel the safest thing to do is to stop for a moment and take advice further down the line. Stay safe out there x x — James Corden (@JKCorden) March 13, 2020
Ellen said she is “already bored” as production on her chat show was suspended.
The news comes a day after producers said DeGeneres would continue to film but without a live studio audience.
Hey there. Me again. So, after some more thought, we have decided to suspend production completely until March 30th. We just want to take every precaution to ensure that we do our part to keep everyone healthy. I love you guys, and can’t wait to come back. I’m already bored. — Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 13, 2020
Revealing the full suspension on Twitter, she wrote: “Hey there. Me again. So, after some more thought, we have decided to suspend production completely until March 30th.
“We just want to take every precaution to ensure that we do our part to keep everyone healthy.
“I love you guys, and can’t wait to come back. I’m already bored.”
Meanwhile, here in the UK, Jeremy Vine’s daily Channel 5 morning discussion show has announced it will no longer film with a studio audience.
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Channel 5 said in a statement: “As a precautionary measure we have taken the decision not to have a live studio audience for The Jeremy Vine Show for the time being.
“We will continue to monitor and review official guidelines and advice.”
However, the UK TV industry could be further impacted as the government is on the verge of banning mass gatherings in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus.
This could mean shows like Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and Loose Women could have to film behind closed doors.
ITV has already been forced to cancel Saturday Night Takeaway’s upcoming live final from Walt Disney World in Florida, after the park announced it would be closing its doors from Monday.
The effect of coronavirus has been widely felt across the entertainment industry, with Radio 1 calling off their Big Weekend festival, which was due to take place in Dundee in May.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-14--This Postcard Is A Simple Way To Help Those Self-Isolating Amid Coronavirus

Becky Wass Becky Wass with her husband Jon Green
As uncertainty around the coronavirus outbreak continues, communities around the world are looking for ways to support one another.
One woman has come up with an innovative yet simple way to reach out to her neighbours: a PDF postcard offering practical help that anyone can print and distribute.
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Hours after Boris Johnson announced Britain was to enter the ‘delay’ phase of the response to the pandemic on Thursday, Becky Wass reflected on the uncertainty facing the nation and decided to confront it in a practical way.
The freelance copywriter, who lives in Falmouth, Cornwall, with her husbandJon Green and their dog Captain, told HuffPost UK: “After weeks of news about the coronavirus, I felt as I’m sure many people did, very scared and helpless.
“Jon and I were talking about how it must feel if you are at risk or can’t leave the house.
“We wanted to do something to help, but without making things worse.”
Becky Wass Becky Wass with her husband Jon Green
Becky my wonderful wife came up with a great idea last night, and it's already going viral. Wash your hands, print this, fill it out and pop it in your neighbour's letterbox. Simples. #viralkindness #COVID_19uk #coronavirusuk https://t.co/wnxVhvk742 pic.twitter.com/tnVQMIiSMI — Jonny Green (@MrJonnyGreen) March 13, 2020
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The 32-year-old, who is also an associate lecturer in creative advertising at Falmouth University, made a postcard and has put it through the doors of “a handful” of neighbours.
In a bid to spread the word a PDF of her postcard that is free to print, share and use can be downloaded online.
It says: “Hello. If you are self-isolating, I can help.” People can then fill out their name, address and phone number, then tick boxes indicating how they can help. The options include picking up shopping, posting mail, a friendly phone call and urgent supplies.
It adds: “Just call or text me and I’ll do my best to help you (for free!)”
Wass also added safety notes so people who take part ensure they “are spreading only kindness”.
She said: “The #viralkindness postcard enables people to let their neighbours know they are there, without making physical contact.
“It has tick boxes to inspire people to offer help in different ways. Sometimes a phone call could be all someone needs.
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“I’ve been so overwhelmed with the positive reaction it has had. I really feel that kindness is going viral.”
Becky Wass Becky Wass with her dog Captain
Charities are already scrambling to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak by sharing information on how to help those in need.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, recently told HuffPost now is to the time to look out for your neighbours. She said: “The coronavirus outbreak is obviously a huge worry and looks likely to be challenging for our older population so it is more important than ever to be vigilant and look out for older friends, neighbours and relatives to make sure they’re okay.”
Becky Wass Becky Wass with her husband Jon Green
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Government Should Requisition Private Hospital Beds, Says Labour

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has backed the GMB union's call for action Peter Summers via Getty Images
Private sector hospital beds should be requisitioned to help the NHS cope with coronavirus, Labour has said.
Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth says ministers should use emergency powers to guarantee doctors have access to beds in privately-run hospitals and clinics should NHS capacity run out.
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It comes amid fears the disease could push the NHS to breaking point, with prime minister Boris Johnson warning the UK faced “the worst public health crisis in a generation” and that “many more families would lose loved ones before their time”.
Medics have cautioned there could be a national shortage of critical care beds and that, as well as coronavirus patients, people with serious conditions may require emergency treatment.
It is thought there are as many as 8,000 beds in the UK’s 570 private hospitals, and that some could be turned into intensive care units in an emergency.
The GMB union, which represents NHS staff, is also pressuring health secretary Matt Hancock to draw up plans.
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Ashworth told HuffPost UK: “The government should leave no stone unturned when it comes to supporting our NHS and making sure it is best equipped to protect life throughout the Covid-19 outbreak.
“It would be completely wrong for the government not to call on all the resources possible.” - Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth
“That’s why we support GMB’s calls to requisition private hospital beds and increase capacity to meet the rising demand.
“As the prime minster said, this is the worst public health crisis for a generation. It would be completely wrong for the government not to call on all the resources possible.”
Tim Roache, general secretary of the GMB union, called on the PM to match words with action, adding: “It can’t be right that we have plush private hospitals lying empty waiting for the wealthy to fall ill, while people are left dying in hospitals for the want of a bed.
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“Do the right thing and let these unused beds be requisitioned by the NHS to save lives.”
The union’s London regional secretary Warren Kenny added: “The government and their advisers must have available to them the powers to requisition these hospital beds if required to increase capacity to deal with the crisis.”
HuffPost UK has contacted the Department for Health and Social Care for comment.
Johnson this week confirmed that the UK had moved from the “contain” phase of dealing with the outbreak to “delay”.
Elections for regional mayors and local councillors, which were due to take place on May 7, have now been postponed.
The PM on Thursday chose not to close schools and ban large gatherings, but did not rule out such a move in future.
A string of high-profile events were nonetheless called off by organisers in a bid to slow the contagion.
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The London Marathon, which was planned for April, has been postponed to October 4.
Radio 1 has cancelled its three-day music festival One Big Weekend, which was due to take place in May in Dundee.
The Premier League and English Football League have suspended matches until April 3.
The UK death toll for the disease stands at 10.
A total of 798 people have so far tested positive for coronavirus, the Department of Health and Social Care said on Friday.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-14--Sport Relief: 10 Moments To Catch Up On From This Year's Telethon

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After weeks of fundraising efforts which has seen celebrities trekking across the Namib desert and taking part in triathlons, Sport Relief’s telethon returned on Friday.
The biannual charity event took place in front of a live studio audience in Salford and saw plenty of A-list stars and top comedians lending their time for the cause, either taking part in sketches or presenting segments of the live show.
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But if you missed any of the action on the night, here’s 10 moments to catch up on...
Gary Lineker’s warning of “unprecedented times”
BBC/PA
Gary Lineker warned of “unprecedented times” as he kicked off the show, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
He said the country is living through “extraordinarily and unprecedented times”, adding “never have the vulnerable” been more at risk.
He also promised “a chunk” of the money raised from Sport Relief will go towards those affected by the pandemic.
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“I’ve been fortunate to present this show since its inception back in 2002, never though under the circumstances of this year, this month, this week,” Gary said.
“These are extraordinary and unprecedented times. Never have the vulnerable been more vulnerable than they are now. Never have we needed the help of Sport Relief more than we do now.
“We’re already making sure that a chunk of what we raise will help those affected by the coronavirus… Also, rarely, I suspect, have we needed more light relief than we do tonight.”
The show, which was held in front of an audience, could be one of the last events of its kind for the foreseeable future, with the government on the verge of banning mass gatherings in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus.
Paddy McGuinness pays tribute to Caroline Flack
BBC
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Paddy McGuinness took a moment out of the show to remember Love Island host Caroline Flack, who died after taking her own life last month at the age of 40.
“Recently, we lost a much-loved member of the Sport Relief family. Caroline Flack was always hugely supportive of everything this charity does,” Paddy told viewers.
“She gave so much of her time and talent to help others, and she’ll be greatly missed by us all. We send all of our love to her family.”
Emma Willis and Rylan Clark-Neal are reunited
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Emma Willis and Rylan Clark-Neal on screen together since Big Brother finished up in November 2018, but the pair were reunited during the broadcast when they presented for a section of the evening alongside Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse.
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Other hosts included Alex Scott, Maya Jama and Tom Allen.
Killing Steve, not Eve
Hit BBC drama Killing Eve got the parody treatment during the show with a sketch involving a number of celebrities named Steve being hunted down and killed by a mystery assassin in a blonde wig.
Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, TV presenter Stephen Mulhern, Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald on Coronation Street and Stephen Fry were all targeted.
The assassin turned out to be Little Britain’s David Walliams, who was acting on the orders of snooker player Steve Davis, who wanted to be the most interesting Steve in the world.
Even Stranger Things
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Orlando Bloom, Tan France, Jennifer Saunders, Mark Strong and Emma Thompson all entered The Upside Down with the help of regular Stranger Things cast members Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink and Finn Wolfhard for a special edition of the Netflix series.
Pussycat Dolls bring the heat
The Pussycat Dolls proved that they were about to let some Ofcom complaints throw them off their game as they performed during the broadcast.
Following recent complaints to the TV watchdog over their raunchy routines on The X Factor: Celebrity and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, the Dolls put on a defiant show as they showcased current single React.
Has Line Of Duty’s ‘H’ finally been unmasked?
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Police drama Line Of Duty was also parodied, with stars Vicky McClure, Adrian Dunbar and Martin Compston all appearing.
Actor Jason Isaacs played a police officer being investigated for alleged links to the mysterious H, while comedian Lee Mack starred as his bumbling lawyer.
The sketch ended with a revelation about H’s identity...
Smithy is the Sports Relief Personality Of The Year
After a vote to find the greatest ever Sports Relief sketch, viewers voted Gavin & Stacey’s Smithy (aka James Corden) as the winner for his 2010 skit that saw him appear at the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony.
A heroes’ welcome
A very jolly @jowhiley on her final leg of @BBCRadio2 #Dare2Tri! 🤪🏃♀
What an incredible and challenging journey the celebrities have been on this week pushing themselves to the limit. They still need your support so please donate now - https://t.co/Em1OiPZjHS pic.twitter.com/PyR2lWvKDz — Sport Relief (@sportrelief) March 13, 2020
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BBC Radio 2’s Jo Whiley, Rev Kate Bottley and Richie Anderson were given a heroes’ welcome, as they complete their third triathlon in as many days as part of their gruelling Dare 2 Tri challenge for Sport Relief.
Over £40m raised
Despite the increasingly gloomy mood gripping the country, the Sport Relief broadcast still managed to raise a total of £40,540,355.
That was more than 2018, when £38,195,278 was raised. However, it was still some way off the record set in 2016, when £55,444,906 was raised on the night.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-14--Grades, Graduation And Germs: Here's What Students Are Worried About As Coronavirus Changes Campus L

Grades, Graduation And Germs: Here's What Students Are Worried About As Coronavirus Changes Campus Life

University students are juggling fears about coronavirus with how measures to stop the spread of the disease on campus could affect their degrees.
Despite advice for universities to remain open, a number of institutions have announced plans to end classroom teaching and move lectures and seminars online in a bid to prevent outbreaks of Covid-19 on campus.
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But while some students have applauded the moves, others are worried how they could impact their final grades.
Christa Lee, a final year English student at Bournemouth University – where a case of coronavirus was confirmed earlier this week – said students should have the option to repeat this semester.
While Bournemouth University remains open and lectures are going ahead as normal, the 38-year-old mature student said she was worried it would soon close – and that some people were already avoiding campus.
Mature student Christa Lee has called for students to be allowed to redo the semester Supplied.
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“With the strikes and now coronavirus, I feel like I haven’t had a final semester,” Christa said, referring to weeks of strikes by lecturers over pay and conditions that took place across the country.
“I’ve had good grades, my family have sacrificed a lot for me to go to uni as a mature student and I feel that this last semester will drop my grade and make it a disappointment.”
But Christa is not just worried about her grades. “University isn’t just about the qualification, but the knowledge,” she said. “If we’re not able to get that knowledge, a piece of paper is all very well, but it doesn’t give us what we need to learn.”
In a statement on in its website, Bournemouth University said it remained open and was operating as normal.
But on Friday, Oxford University cancelled face-to-face teaching and revealed plans to cancel or rearrange Easter exams, calling on domestic students to leave campus as soon as possible after term ends.
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We’re taking steps to look after the @UniofOxford community following @PHE_uk advice including:
- Domestic undergraduates please return home as soon as possible after term ends
- Easter exams to be cancelled/rearranged
More info: https://t.co/jtsf9qxL0d — Oxford University (@UniofOxford) March 13, 2020
Meanwhile, both the London School of Economics and Kings College London – which have scrapped classroom teaching over coronavirus fears – said students’ summer exams would be online “or by other methods of alternative assessment”.
Manchester Metropolitan University said it was also reviewing how to deliver exams and assessments during the Covid-19 outbreak, while Durham, University College London, Loughborough, Lancaster and Northumbria University have all announced plans to move teaching online.
Students at other universities told HuffPost UK they were worried their lessons could also be moved out of the classroom.
“I am concerned coronavirus is going to affect my degree,” said Lucy McConnell, a second year photography student at Sheffield Hallam University, which is currently open as usual.
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“We have had two strikes this semester and now there’s coronavirus.
“It’s going to be really difficult for me if they move to online working – are our lecturers going to be able to show us how to do technical things over Skype properly?”
King's College London is among the universities to have moved lectures online and rearranged exams because of coronavirus ablokhin via Getty Images
James Marsh, a third year politics and international relations student at the University of Exeter, said he had been receiving daily updates from the uni about coronavirus – but that he was still worried about what the Covid-19 outbreak could mean for his degree.
“Fortunately, I’m in a position where I don’t have any exams as my course is strictly coursework-based,” he said.
“Although I’m not sure what happens if exams are cancelled as some of my peers do have exams. I’m not sure if it’s an all-or-nothing situation with graduating.
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“It could affect post-grad applications,” he said.
In a statement on its website, Exeter University said lectures and assessments were continuing as normal, encouraging only those in self-isolation to avoid campus.
At Aston University in Birmingham, while campus remains open, students unable to attend university because of coronavirus have been told lectures will be made available online.
Isaac, an Aston University student, told HuffPost UK that while the campus library was still open, he was choosing to study at home instead.
“Me and my fellow flatmates have decided to avoid it as we see it as a potential hotspot in the future for spreading the virus,” he said, explaining they are currently “living in a bubble” in their flat.
“We aren’t actively stockpiling but have considered options for making current food items we have last longer.
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“There has also recently been much less interest in people wanting to go out in the evenings.”
Isaac said he was also worried that his graduation in the summer could be cancelled, with the university having already scrapped graduation ceremonies set to take place in April because of the virus.
Guy Thompson – a student at Lincoln University – said a sports tour to Croatia had been cancelled because of coronavirus Supplied.
Meanwhile, students at Lincoln University were told on Friday that a sports tour to Croatia had been cancelled because of coronavirus.
It comes after the country implemented a compulsory 14-day isolation period for anyone arriving from the UK.
“Tour was supposed to go to Poreč,” said Guy Thompson, a third year economics student. “There was another group which was supposed to be going to Italy and theirs got cancelled last week.
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“It’s understandable, but this was going to be my last tour, so it’s a bit disappointing,” the rugby player said. “I think everybody – especially in third year – was really looking forward to it as it was going to be our last chance to go away together.
“It’s at the end of the year, so it felt like it was going to finish off the year nicely,” Guy added.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “The advice from Public Health England continues to be for universities to remain open, unless advised otherwise.
“The government’s action plan sets out current and possible future measures to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak that are proportionate and based on the latest scientific evidence - they will be continually kept under review and the impact of all measures will be carefully considered.
“Public health is clearly the priority, but that does not change our belief that no student should miss out on any education unless absolutely necessary.”
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-14--Eight Things You Need To Know About Coronavirus Today

Coronavirus is dominating the headlines as the number of cases grows each day.
According to official figures published on Saturday afternoon, 1,140 people in the UK have now tested positive for the virus – and increase of 342 on Friday’s figures.
The UK’s death toll has more than doubled in the past 24 hours, with an announcement on Saturday that ten more people had died in England bringing the total number of fatalities linked to the pandemic to 21.
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Here are the main developments you need to know today.
A second coronavirus patient has died in Ireland
Ireland's Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar (2R), Northern Ireland's First Minister, Arlene Foster (2L), Northern Ireland Deputy First Michelle O'Neill (L) and Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney (R) gesture at the North South Ministerial Council offices in Armagh, Northern Ireland on March 14, 2020, before a meeting of the Irish Government and Northern Ireland Executive concerning the novel coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak. (Photo by Paul Faith / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images) PAUL FAITH via Getty Images
A second person who tested positive for Covid-19 has died in the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Health has said.
Some 39 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on Saturday.
Coronavirus cases soar in Italy
A woman applauds as she stands on her balcony adorned with the Italian flag, at the Garbatella neighborhood, in Rome, Saturday, March 14, 2020. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Italian officials say new coronavirus cases have jumped 20% to more than 21,000.
US Extends Europe Travel Ban To UK And Ireland
President Donald Trump speaks during a briefing on coronavirus in the Brady press briefing room at the White House, Saturday, March 14, 2020, in Washington, as U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, listen. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) ASSOCIATED PRESS
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US Vice President Mike has announced that the country’s coronavirus travel ban on Europe will be extended to the UK and Ireland at midnight EST on Monday (04:00 GMT Tuesday).
He said: “In our taskforce meeting today the president has made a decision to suspend all travel to the UK and Ireland, effective midnight Monday night, eastern standard time.”
Pence said there had been a “unanimous recommendation” from health experts to extend the travel ban.
“Americans in the UK or Ireland can come home, legal residents can come home…they will will be funnelled through specific airports and processed.”
Spain preparing to introduce nationwide lockdown from Monday
A nationwide lockdown is set to be imposed in Spain from Monday. Pablo Cuadra via Getty Images
The Spanish government is imposing a nationwide lockdown from Monday as part of state of emergency measures to combat coronavirus, a draft of an official decree obtained by Reuters showed.
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The government will say all residents must stay home except to buy food, go to the pharmacy, to the hospital, or to work or for other emergencies, the draft showed.
Public transport will be curtailed to carry fewer people but will not be suspended, the draft showed.
The country’s Interior Ministry will control all police forces, including local and regional ones, as part of the 15-day state of emergency. The health and transport ministries will also have nationwide reach, taking over some local or regional powers.
The draft says the lockdown will enter into force on Monday at 8am (7am GMT).
Earlier in the day, authorities in Madrid urged people to stay home, the southern city of Seville announced the cancellation of hugely popular Holy Week celebrations and shops in several regions shut down on Saturday as Spain scrambled to try and fight the coronavirus.
Spain is the second-hardest hit country in Europe after Italy, with 5,753 cases recorded on Saturday, up by a third from Friday even as health authorities in Madrid, which has the highest number of cases, stopped testing people with only mild symptoms.
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Earlier on Saturday Jet2 cancelled all flights to mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands with immediate effect.
The airline is based at nine UK airports.
“This is a fast-moving and complex situation and we are reviewing our programme as a matter of urgency, so that we can fly customers back to the UK,” the airline said in a statement.
According to The Mirror, several flights were turned around in mid-air as the restrictions came into place with immediate effect.
It was announced on Saturday afternoon that the number of confirmed cases in the UK had jumped by 1,500 – taking the total to more than 5,700.
Spain is now the worst affected country in Europe outside of Italy, which has more than 15,000 cases.
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UK planning to ban mass gatherings
Whilst some areas of the city have become noticeably more quiet, London's West End was still busy into Friday evening. Aaron Chown - PA Images via Getty Images
Emergency laws are being drawn up to ban “mass gatherings” in the UK from next week in a shock move to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.
It is a rapid U-turn on the position outlined just 24 hours previously by Boris Johnson and the UK’s two most senior medical and scientific advisers: that there was no need to consider such a move and that people would grow tired of “draconian” measures if they were introduced too early in the fight against Covid-19.
A Whitehall source told the PA news agency on Friday: “Ministers are working with the chief scientific adviser and chief medical officer on our plan to stop various types of public event, including mass gatherings, beginning next week.
“We are also talking to businesses and other bodies about the timing of moving towards much more widespread working from home.
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“There are many complex considerations to make all these measures as effective as possible. We will make the right decisions at the right time based on the best scientific evidence.”
Some 11 people in the UK have so far died of the disease, with 798 confirmed infections on Friday – a jump of more than 200 from Thursday’s figures.
Newborn baby in London believed to be youngest patient in the UK
North Middlesex Hospital, where it is believed a mother and a newborn baby tested positive for Covid-19. Andrew Aitchison via Getty Images
A newborn baby in London is believed to be the youngest person in the UK to have contracted coronavirus.
The Sun reported late on Friday evening that two patients – believed to be a mother and her baby – were being treated after testing positive for the virus.
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The mother is believed to have been taken to North Middlesex Hospital several days ago with suspected pneumonia, and was confirmed to have contracted the virus after giving birth.
Sky News reported a statement from the hospital, confirming that one patient had been transferred to a specialist centre, whilst another was undergoing treatment in an isolation room.
They added: “The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority, so in following guidance from Public Health England, we are regularly deep cleaning the areas where the patients are cared for and staff who were in close contact with these patients were advised to self-isolate.”
WHO questions UK’s ‘herd immunity’ approach
Crowds gather in outside a theatre ahead of a West End performance of Les Miserables. Aaron Chown - PA Images via Getty Images
World Health Organisation spokesperson Margaret Harris questioned the UK’s approach to developing “herd immunity” against Covid-19.
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Dr Harris told BBC Radio 4’s Today: “We don’t know enough about the science of this virus, it hasn’t been in our population for long enough for us to know what it does in immunological terms.
“Every virus functions differently in your body and stimulates a different immunological profile.
“We can talk theories, but at the moment we are really facing a situation where we have got to look at action.”
The UK government is reportedly hoping to reduce the impact of Covid-19 by allowing it to pass through the population so we acquire herd immunity, but at a delayed speed.
“Herd immunity” is what happens when a group of people develop enough antibodies to be resistant to an illness. It’s often used in the context of vaccination. For example, if enough people get the flu jab, it’s harder for the illness to spread to those people who cannot have vaccines, such as those who are ill or have a weakened immune system.
But there is no vaccination for coronavirus, as of yet. In this case, it seems the idea is that people can gain immunity to diseases after being exposed to them, and once enough people are immune – through exposure – it’ll stop circulating. US travel ban comes into force – and UK could soon be included
The US' extended travel ban, affecting visitors from within the Schengen zone, came into affect in the early hours of Saturday morning (GMT). ERIC BARADAT via Getty Images
The US’ extended travel ban came into force in the early hours of Saturday morning (GMT), banning some foreign nationals from entering the country.
Visitors from the 26 countries that make up the EU’s Schengen zone have been barred from arriving into the US. The UK and Ireland are currently exempt from this ban.
However, Trump has said the UK could be added to the list of European countries included in the travel ban, telling reporters during a White House press conference on Friday that the UK exemption had been made after being “recommended to me by a group of professionals” but he said the UK’s rising number of cases could result in a re-think of that decision.
He said: “We are looking at it based on the new numbers that are coming out and we may have to include them in the list of countries that we will, you could say ban or whatever it is, during this period of time, but yeah their numbers have gone up fairly precipitously over the last 24 hours so we may be adding that and we may be adding a couple of others and we may frankly start thinking about taking some off.”
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The full list of banned countries includes: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
It is set to remain in force for 30 days, but could be extended or scaled back depending on how the situation develops in the coming days and weeks.
New Zealand announced world’s tightest border controls – all visitors must self-isolate for 14 days
All visitors to New Zealand must now self isolate for 14 days. Dave Rowland via Getty Images
New Zealand on Saturday announced the world’s tightest border controls to combat the spread of coronavirus, requiring all incoming travellers, including its own citizens, to self-isolate for two weeks starting midnight on Sunday.
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern said the extreme measures were needed to prevent the rapid spread of the virus.
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“Alongside Israel, and a small number of Pacific Islands who have effectively closed their border, this decision will mean New Zealand will have the widest ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in the world,” Ardern said.
The country has just six confirmed cases and has had no deaths, but Ardern said that number inevitably would rise.
“That is why ultimately, we must go hard and we must go early. We must do everything we can to protect the health of New Zealanders,” she told reporters.
People from small South Pacific island nations, which have no confirmed Covid-19 cases, will be exempt from the self-isolation rule, Ardern said.
And to protect those nations from the virus, New Zealand would impose strict exit measures, barring anyone who has been overseas from travelling to South Pacific islands for two weeks, and barring anyone who has had symptoms or been in contact with anyone with Covid-19 from travelling there.
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The travel restrictions will be reviewed at the end of the March. Ardern also encouraged all New Zealanders to reconsider all overseas trips.
Apple closes all stores outside China
All Apple stores outside China are shutting to combat the virus. ANDREAS SOLARO via Getty Images
Tech giant Apple announced on Saturday morning that it was closing all its stores outside China.
CEO Tim Cook said: “In our workplaces and communities, we must do all we can to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Apple will be temporarily closing all stores outside of Greater China until March 27 and committing $15m (£12.2m) to help with worldwide recovery.”
In our workplaces and communities, we must do all we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Apple will be temporarily closing all stores outside of Greater China until March 27 and committing $15M to help with worldwide recovery. https://t.co/ArdMA43cFJ — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 14, 2020
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Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Poland
Ryanair has cancelled all flights to and from Poland. umenie via Getty Images
All Ryanair Group flights – including Buzz and Lauda – to and from Poland have been cancelled from midnight on Saturday to midnight on March 31.
A spokesman said this was “in response to the decision of the Polish government to ‘lock down’ the entire country to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus”.
He said: “We are contacting all affected customers by email to advise them of their options and we urge customers not to call us. This is a fast-moving and complex situation and the safety and well-being of our people and customers is our main priority. We will continue to comply fully with all WHO and EASA guidelines and we will follow any travel restrictions that are imposed.
“Ryanair Group Airlines apologise sincerely to all customers affected by these government restrictions in order to combat the Covid-19 virus.”
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Italians burst into song amid coronavirus shutdown
With the entire country in shutdown amid a huge outbreak of the Covid-19, Italians in some parts of the country have taken to singing from their balconies as a way to tackle their isolation.
From Sicily to Salerno, Twitter users have shared emotional videos of dozens of people gathering at their windows to sing together, and in some cases play instruments, as they remain quarantined inside.
Italy has become the worst-affected country outside China, with more than 15,000 confirmed cases. The death toll in the country surpassed 1,000 on Friday.
Italians in lockdown all over Italy are keeping each other company by singing, dancing and playing music from the balconies. A thread to celebrate the resilience of ordinary people. This is Salerno: pic.twitter.com/3aOchqdEpn — Leonardo Carella (@leonardocarella) March 13, 2020
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-03-14--19 Naomi Campbell Moments So Over-The-Top Only She Could Pull Them Off

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During her 30 years in the spotlight, Naomi Campbell has dominated headlines and turned heads with all kinds of fashion moments... but there has also been a whole lot of dramatic and, occasionally, ridiculous scenes along the way too.
Anyone who’s followed Naomi’s career closely will attest that subtle has never exactly been her style, which has arguably helped put her where she is today.
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As the groundbreaking supermodel (and, depending on who you ask, legendary diva) celebrates her birthday, we’re celebrating Naomi’s life and career with 21 times she was completely over-the-top in a way only she could pull off...
1. First of all, her zealous approach to airline cleanliness – as evidenced in this video she shared last year – is a must-see
2. And she cranked things up a fair few notches in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak
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3. Her YouTube channel also gifted us with this video of her basically doing a big shop, which is oddly soothing
4. Not to mention this lockdown video of herself trying on her old Met Gala outfits just for the hell of it
(And check out the camera-man)
Obsessed with Naomi Campbell’s quarantine camera man filming her for her YouTube channel pic.twitter.com/PKNdZ1g49a — tom casey (@tmscsy) May 3, 2020
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5. However, Naomi doesn’t always get it right first time when it comes to social media, as evidenced by this tweet about Malala
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6. Naomi’s reality show The Face gave us countless iconic moments. Here she is, for example, losing it over one model’s “diabolical” efforts on the catwalk
7. Here she is brandishing a riding crop to... we suppose “motivate” her mentees?
Naomi Campbell Sky Living
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8. Here she is serving up a perfect Disney villain stomp after learning that two of her mentees had been fighting on the set of a photo-shoot
9. And here she is telling a fellow judge – we stress, not a contestant, a fellow *judge* – not to “compare yourself to me” because “you are not on my level and you will never be”
10. A lot is made of Naomi’s diva reputation, but she does know how to have some fun, too. Like the time she gave Alan Carr some modelling tips
11. Or her appearance on Celebrity Gogglebox with Noel Gallagher and Kate Moss, which was all kinds of brilliant
12. Not to mention playing up to her persona in this wild advert for the *checks notes* Vauxhall Corsa?!?!
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13. What you might not know about Naomi Campbell is that while she’s been in music videos for Michael Jackson, Bob Marley and even Madonna’s x-rated Erotica clip…
14. ...she briefly launched her own music career, releasing the the oft-overlooked Babywoman in 1994
15. And who could forget her incredibly camp foray into acting when she landed a role in Empire?
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16. Or her brief but memorable (oh, and completely ridiculous) cameo as herself in Ugly Betty?
17. But of course, what Naomi is probably most renowned for these days is her shade-throwing. Like the time she was asked about Kendall Jenner’s quotes about being a “supermodel”...
18. ...or the slightly unsettling laugh she gave when asked about Kim and Kanye’s Vogue cover…
19. ...or her anything-but-subtle “I’m an actress now, Andy” when asked whether she’d fallen out with Rihanna
20. Our favourite of them all, though, is probably the moment she was asked about an incident at the Harper’s Bazaar Icons party
21. And finally, let’s just remind ourselves of her reaction when Barbara Walters questioned whether she thought in five years people would still be saying “she’s a bitch”…
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