thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Coronavirus elderly advice: can I visit my elderly relatives in lockdown?

Iceland was one of the first stores to dedicate the first two hours of trading for elderly and vulnerable customers , allowing them to buy supplies when it is quieter .
“ We have dedicated the first two hours of trading to the elderly and vulnerable and expect the majority of our stores to support this , ” said Tarsem Dhaliwal , Iceland ’ s CEO .
Andrew Opie , director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium , said : “ Where people are self-isolating , it is up not just to supermarkets , but also friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the goods they need .
This is a time for everyone to come together and support one another , particularly those who are vulnerable.
” If you ’ re caring for someone and are worried what will happen if you are unable to visit make sure you have a contingency plan in place , says Carers UK .
This is something you should have set up , coronavirus or no coronavirus , but it should detail the medication the person you ’ re caring for is on , important contact numbers and who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is unwell .
Avoid the GP if you have symptoms Anyone who has symptoms should stay away from the GP , hospital or pharmacy to prevent further spread of the disease .
Instead they should check the NHS coronavirus webpage .
The chief medical officer , Sir Chris Whitty , says people should not call the NHS on 111 as the line is so busy - they should only call it if directed to do so when they go through the online symptom checker .
Read more : are doctors surgeries and dentists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country have already begun delivering medication to elderly people during self-isolation .
Contact your GP or local pharmacy for more advice on home medication deliveries .
Sir Muir Gray says it ’ s paramount anyone stuck at home stays active .
“ Even just standing up 10 times an hour is good exercise , ” he says .
“ Older people can be helped to feel more positive if they engage with the world and stay active .
Don ’ t lock them up and try to protect them , ” he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people than they are about themselves .
When something goes wrong with mum ’ s health the first thing people often do is sign her up for online shopping with Ocado .
But that ’ s one of the worst things you can do .
The most important thing is to keep her walking , ” he says .
Professor Mahsud agrees that older people should not become housebound , or worse , bedbound .
`` It depends on your personal situation but if you 've got a big garden you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're stuck indoors make sure you get up and do n't sit in front of the television all day , '' he says .
Read more : how to stay fit and healthy if you 're self-isolating Younger “ digital natives ” who have grown up with online shopping and food delivery services at their fingertips may be better able to cope during a period of enforced isolation .
However , older people are increasingly getting online – data from the Office for National Statistics show that 83 per cent of people aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 , up from 52 per cent in 2011 .
In fact , the growth in internet use in older age groups is outstripping that in younger age groups .
It may be worth ensuring that the older people in your life are set up with online shopping accounts now or have been introduced to the joys of Netflix .
It 's also worth checking that they know how to go through the NHS symptom checker - or , can ask someone to help them if not .
Sir Muir believes technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and advocates online learning as a way of keeping the brain active .
Elspeth Briscoe , chief executive of online learning platform , Learning with Experts , says : “ It ’ s a much more rewarding class and you get diversity you wouldn ’ t get from going to a class with lots of other people who are all the same . ''
Read more : best tech to keep in touch with elderly “ Older people have to be forthright and tell people to wash their hands , ” says Donna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just to carers , says Prof Masud .
Anyone who visits an older person should wash their hands before and after they visit , he urges .

Iceland was one of the first stores to dedicate the first two hours of trading for elderly and vulnerable customers, allowing them to buy supplies when it is quieter. “We have dedicated the first two hours of trading to the elderly and vulnerable and expect the majority of our stores to support this,” said Tarsem Dhaliwal, Iceland’s CEO.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Where people are self-isolating, it is up not just to supermarkets, but also friends and neighbours to support them in getting the goods they need. This is a time for everyone to come together and support one another, particularly those who are vulnerable.”
Create an emergency plan
If you’re caring for someone and are worried what will happen if you are unable to visit make sure you have a contingency plan in place, says Carers UK. This is something you should have set up, coronavirus or no coronavirus, but it should detail the medication the person you’re caring for is on, important contact numbers and who can step in when the main carer is unwell.
Avoid the GP if you have symptoms
Anyone who has symptoms should stay away from the GP, hospital or pharmacy to prevent further spread of the disease. Instead they should check the NHS coronavirus webpage. The chief medical officer, Sir Chris Whitty, says people should not call the NHS on 111 as the line is so busy - they should only call it if directed to do so when they go through the online symptom checker.
Read more: are doctors surgeries and dentists still open?
Check whether pharmacies can deliver medicines
Many pharmacies around the country have already begun delivering medication to elderly people during self-isolation.
Contact your GP or local pharmacy for more advice on home medication deliveries.
Stay active
Sir Muir Gray says it’s paramount anyone stuck at home stays active.
“Even just standing up 10 times an hour is good exercise,” he says.
“Older people can be helped to feel more positive if they engage with the world and stay active. Don’t lock them up and try to protect them,” he says.
“People are more anxious about other people than they are about themselves. When something goes wrong with mum’s health the first thing people often do is sign her up for online shopping with Ocado. But that’s one of the worst things you can do. The most important thing is to keep her walking,” he says.
Professor Mahsud agrees that older people should not become housebound, or worse, bedbound.
"It depends on your personal situation but if you've got a big garden you can get out in that. If you're stuck indoors make sure you get up and don't sit in front of the television all day," he says.
Read more: how to stay fit and healthy if you're self-isolating
Embrace the internet
Younger “digital natives” who have grown up with online shopping and food delivery services at their fingertips may be better able to cope during a period of enforced isolation.
However, older people are increasingly getting online – data from the Office for National Statistics show that 83 per cent of people aged 65 to 74 had used the internet in 2019, up from 52 per cent in 2011. In fact, the growth in internet use in older age groups is outstripping that in younger age groups.
It may be worth ensuring that the older people in your life are set up with online shopping accounts now or have been introduced to the joys of Netflix.
It's also worth checking that they know how to go through the NHS symptom checker - or, can ask someone to help them if not.
Sir Muir believes technology has a lot to offer older people and advocates online learning as a way of keeping the brain active.
Elspeth Briscoe, chief executive of online learning platform, Learning with Experts, says: “It’s a much more rewarding class and you get diversity you wouldn’t get from going to a class with lots of other people who are all the same."
Read more: best tech to keep in touch with elderly
Make sure carers wash their hands
“Older people have to be forthright and tell people to wash their hands,” says Donna Buxton.
But this doesn't apply just to carers, says Prof Masud. Anyone who visits an older person should wash their hands before and after they visit, he urges.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Face masks: have we been asking the wrong question all along?

I first thought about face masks at around 4pm on Wednesday , November 28 , 2007 , when a small but agitated civil servant flung open the door of my office shouting , “ Take it down !
Take it down !
” .
I was editing the NHS website and we had just published a story which suggested that face masks had helped bring the 2003/4 Sars epidemic under control in south east Asia .
The official was part of the DHSC ’ s pandemic planning team .
She was very angry and wanted the story taken down immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the then Prime Minister , Gordon Brown , and had explained to him , “ in terms he could understand ” , that there was really no need for the UK to hold a stockpile of masks , she said .
The story we had just published threatened to undo all of that by giving credence to an “ minor academic paper ” which said the opposite .
I told her to hop-off .
The issue came up again two years later at a meeting of officials in the early stages of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus was breaking out of Mexico and heading our way fast and no one was sure how lethal it was .
There were officials from across the UK dialled into the meeting and someone from Scotland noted there was no stockpile of surgical masks south of the border and wondered if “ colleagues in London ” might like to borrow some of theirs .
“ That wo n't be necessary , ” they were told .
• Read more : which face masks work best against coronavirus ?

I first thought about face masks at around 4pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2007, when a small but agitated civil servant flung open the door of my office shouting, “Take it down! Take it down!”. I was editing the NHS website and we had just published a story which suggested that face masks had helped bring the 2003/4 Sars epidemic under control in south east Asia.
The official was part of the DHSC’s pandemic planning team. She was very angry and wanted the story taken down immediately. She had just been to see the then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and had explained to him, “in terms he could understand”, that there was really no need for the UK to hold a stockpile of masks, she said. The story we had just published threatened to undo all of that by giving credence to an “minor academic paper” which said the opposite. I told her to hop-off.
The issue came up again two years later at a meeting of officials in the early stages of the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic. The virus was breaking out of Mexico and heading our way fast and no one was sure how lethal it was. There were officials from across the UK dialled into the meeting and someone from Scotland noted there was no stockpile of surgical masks south of the border and wondered if “colleagues in London” might like to borrow some of theirs. “That won't be necessary,” they were told.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--I'm classified as a vulnerable person – how do I get priority home delivery?

Supermarkets are on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and have been forced to find new ways to reach the millions of vulnerable people who can no longer visit the shops .
The Government has advised more than 1.5 million clinically vulnerable people to stay at home for 12 weeks to shield themselves .
Of those , there are thought to be around 400,000 people who don ’ t have a support network of family and friends to help them get shopping .
Online shopping sites have been flooded with shoppers all vying to win the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest supermarkets have been given access to the Government ’ s list of 1.5 million vulnerable people who don ’ t have any help to get their shopping , in a bid to prioritise their online delivery slots .
The list of those who have been told to self-isolate for at least 12 weeks was drawn up by the Department for the Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra ) in order to allow supermarkets to target the most needy with online deliveries .
If you class as a vulnerable person and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can sign up on the government website here .
But what are all the supermarkets doing to prioritise the elderly and vulnerable ?
Tesco will prioritise orders for those who are on the Government ’ s list of vulnerable people and has said it will be in touch with them by email once it received the full list .
In the meantime , Britain 's biggest supermarket has increased its capacity for home deliveries and `` click and collect '' to 780,000 slots this week , up from 660,000 two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced plans to increase this by another 100,000 over the coming weeks .
It has already recruited 35,000 new employees over the past ten days , including 2,500 drivers and more than 5,000 pickers .
To give more time to pick online orders , stores that do online grocery delivery will open their doors a little later than usual , from 8am .
Dave Lewis , chief executive at Tesco , said : “ We ’ re doing everything we can to increase the number of slots available and to support vulnerable people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more drivers , pickers and vans , we ’ ll expand the number of slots available each week ; but this still isn ’ t enough to meet the demand .
For this reason it is vital that customers who can come into stores and shop for themselves do so – so we can free up as many slots as possible for vulnerable people .
”

Online shopping sites have been flooded with shoppers vying for the delivery slots on offer as the number of coronavirus cases spirals and more people are forced to quarantine.
Supermarkets have been on the frontlines of the fight against the pandemic and have been forced to find new ways to reach the millions of people who can no longer visit the shops.
During lockdown, the Government advised more than 1.5 million clinically vulnerable people to stay at home for 12 weeks to shield themselves. Of those, there were thought to be around 400,000 people who don’t have a support network of family and friends to help them get shopping.
The official shielding period may be over but many of the most vulnerable continue rely on online deliveries to avoid crowded places, including supermarkets.
So what are all the largest supermarkets doing to increase the number of delivery slots? Here's how many home delivery slots are on offer at each retailer.
Tesco
Tesco has more than doubled its capacity for home deliveries from around 600,000 slots a week at the beginning of the pandemic, to 1.5 million a week now.
Britain's biggest supermarket said it prioritises orders for those who are on its list of 600,000 vulnerable customers.
However, demand for delivery slots continues to be high and availability will vary between areas, a spokesperson warned. Those hoping to secure a slot should expect to book it a few days in advance, particularly in cities.
In April, the supermarket recruited 35,000 new employees, including 2,500 drivers and more than 5,000 pickers.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s is also ramping up its online service, with plans to increase the number of weekly orders for home delivery and "click and collect" to 700,000 by the end of October. This is up from 370,000 at the start of April.
In a bid to reach more shoppers, the supermarket said it is extending delivery times by half an hour in the morning and evening so they run from 6:30am to 11:30pm. These new slots should be available from most stores and will be added over the next month.
Nigel Blunt, of Sainsbury's, said customers have adapted to shopping online over the past six months. The store has also added almost 200 new "click and collect" locations and bought more than a 1,000 new vans to deliver food over the colder months.
It has also been working to prioritise the elderly and vulnerable. If you need help you can contact Sainsbury's care line on 0800 636 262 or 0800 917 8557.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--How to set up a Zoom meeting safely

How to set up a Zoom meeting safely

It is generally easier to share a link to those you want to Zoom with , but do not spread it widely , by posting on social media , for example .
The second security measure is a feature known as `` waiting room '' , a staging area where people must wait when they join the call .
They must be admitted by the host , meaning that if a stranger invades the call , they would not get past the waiting room without permission from the host .
This is now turned on by default .
Zoom also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be displayed on the title toolbar .
The company said this was to prevent others seeing active meeting IDs when `` Zoom screenshots are posted publicly '' , and using the information to crash meetings .
A new security menu now allows to update security settings while live in a call for the first time , rather than making meeting hosts set security settings before a call - something critics said was leading to gaps in meeting security and privacy .
How to set up a secure Zoom meeting on your phone or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Personal Meeting ID ( PMI ) should be toggled off .
A PMI is your unique account number : it means that if you 're holding regular meetings with the same group , you 're easier to find , but if you 're holding a lot of meetings with different people , they may enter at the wrong moment .
Toggling it off generates a random ID that only serves for the purposes of that meeting .
• Once you press `` Start a Meeting '' you will be in the call .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Make sure neither `` Mute '' or `` Stop Video '' is selected if you want people to see and hear you .
• Tap `` More '' and then `` Meeting Settings '' to check your security measures .
Make sure that `` Put Participant in Waiting room on Entry '' is switched on so you can screen who enters .
Tap `` Done '' .
• To invite people , press `` Participants '' and `` Invite '' .
You can choose to send emails , texts or contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ link '' if you want to send in an app such as WhatsApp .
• When your invitees click the link , they will arrive in the Waiting Room .
Press `` Participants '' again to move them to the call .
You can also switch on the “ Play chime for Enter/Exit ” in Settings so you know when someone is arriving in the meeting .
• When everybody is in the call , you can select `` Lock meeting '' to allow no more participants How to set up a secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into your Zoom account , either at zoom.us or through the desktop app if you have downloaded it .
• Click on `` Host a meeting '' on the web , or on `` New meeting '' on the desktop app .
• Select `` Call using Internet Audio '' .
Once in the call , make sure neither `` Mute '' or `` Stop Video '' is selected if you want people to see and hear you .
• Tap `` Security '' to check your security measures .
Make sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on so you can screen who enters .
• To invite people , press `` Manage Participants '' and `` Invite '' .
You can choose to send an email , or to a Zoom contact .
Alternatively you can choose `` Copy URL '' if you want to share the meeting in another way by pasting it in another app .
send in an app such as WhatsApp .
• When your invitees click the link , they will arrive in the Waiting Room .
Press `` Manage Participants '' again to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also switch on the “ Play chime for Enter/Exit ” in Settings so you know when someone is arriving in the meeting .
• When everybody is in the call , you can select `` Lock meeting '' to allow no more participants • If you want to set up a meeting ahead of time , you can schedule one , allowing you to choose your security settings in advance .
• On either smartphone , desktop or tablet , click `` Schedule '' instead of starting a meeting .
This generates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tweaked .
The default security settings will be switched on , so the main thing you have to do is pick a time .
• Once you select `` Schedule '' or `` Done '' you will see a box with a big chunk of text , or a calendar event on mobile .
That can then be copied and shared as above .
• When you want to start the meeting , go to `` Meetings '' in your app , and select start .
How worried should you be ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidential business should think twice about using Zoom , it is proving to be a useful way for everyday communication and normal business operations .
“ There is always risk associated with using closed source software , Ted Kim , chief executive of Private Internet Access says .
Closed-source means that only the company knows how the software works or if there are hidden back-doors that could allow third parties to intercept calls or recordings made on the app .
Mr Kim adds : `` Companies and other organisations need to evaluate whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convenience of using Zoom .
`` For those that decide the convenience is worth the risk , following security advice will minimise the chance of unwanted interruptions to the call .
”

It is generally easier to share a link to those you want to Zoom with, but do not spread it widely, by posting on social media, for example.
The second security measure is a feature known as "waiting room", a staging area where people must wait when they join the call. They must be admitted by the host, meaning that if a stranger invades the call, they would not get past the waiting room without permission from the host. This is now turned on by default.
Zoom also recently said meeting IDs would no longer be displayed on the title toolbar.
The company said this was to prevent others seeing active meeting IDs when "Zoom screenshots are posted publicly", and using the information to crash meetings.
A new security menu now allows to update security settings while live in a call for the first time, rather than making meeting hosts set security settings before a call - something critics said was leading to gaps in meeting security and privacy.
How to set up a secure Zoom meeting on your phone or tablet
Tap “new meeting” with the camera icon. For most people, the Personal Meeting ID (PMI) should be toggled off. A PMI is your unique account number: it means that if you're holding regular meetings with the same group, you're easier to find, but if you're holding a lot of meetings with different people, they may enter at the wrong moment. Toggling it off generates a random ID that only serves for the purposes of that meeting. Once you press "Start a Meeting" you will be in the call. Then select "Call using Internet Audio". Make sure neither "Mute" or "Stop Video" is selected if you want people to see and hear you. Tap "More" and then "Meeting Settings" to check your security measures. Make sure that "Put Participant in Waiting room on Entry" is switched on so you can screen who enters. Tap "Done". To invite people, press "Participants" and "Invite". You can choose to send emails, texts or contacts. Alternatively you can choose "Copy link" if you want to send in an app such as WhatsApp. When your invitees click the link, they will arrive in the Waiting Room. Press "Participants" again to move them to the call. You can also switch on the “Play chime for Enter/Exit” in Settings so you know when someone is arriving in the meeting. When everybody is in the call, you can select "Lock meeting" to allow no more participants
How to set up a secure Zoom meeting on your computer
Sign into your Zoom account, either at zoom.us or through the desktop app if you have downloaded it. Click on "Host a meeting" on the web, or on "New meeting" on the desktop app. Select "Call using Internet Audio". Once in the call, make sure neither "Mute" or "Stop Video" is selected if you want people to see and hear you. Tap "Security" to check your security measures. Make sure that "Enable Waiting Room" is switched on so you can screen who enters. To invite people, press "Manage Participants" and "Invite". You can choose to send an email, or to a Zoom contact. Alternatively you can choose "Copy URL" if you want to share the meeting in another way by pasting it in another app. send in an app such as WhatsApp. When your invitees click the link, they will arrive in the Waiting Room. Press "Manage Participants" again to move them to the call. You can also switch on the “Play chime for Enter/Exit” in Settings so you know when someone is arriving in the meeting. When everybody is in the call, you can select "Lock meeting" to allow no more participants
Scheduling a Zoom meeting
If you want to set up a meeting ahead of time, you can schedule one, allowing you to choose your security settings in advance. On either smartphone, desktop or tablet, click "Schedule" instead of starting a meeting. This generates a menu of settings, which can be tweaked. The default security settings will be switched on, so the main thing you have to do is pick a time. Once you select "Schedule" or "Done" you will see a box with a big chunk of text, or a calendar event on mobile. That can then be copied and shared as above. When you want to start the meeting, go to "Meetings" in your app, and select start.
How worried should you be? While governments and businesses conducting classified or confidential business should think twice about using Zoom, it is proving to be a useful way for everyday communication and normal business operations.
“There is always risk associated with using closed source software, Ted Kim, chief executive of Private Internet Access says.
Closed-source means that only the company knows how the software works or if there are hidden back-doors that could allow third parties to intercept calls or recordings made on the app.
Mr Kim adds: "Companies and other organisations need to evaluate whether or not this risk is worth the convenience of using Zoom.
"For those that decide the convenience is worth the risk, following security advice will minimise the chance of unwanted interruptions to the call.”


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Is the Houseparty app safe? How it works – and how to delete your account

In the space of a few weeks , the Houseparty app has become nothing short of a sensation .
As millions have locked themselves away at home in self-isolation , Houseparty has emerged as a viral success , with a surge in downloads from an average of 130,000 a week in February to more than two million a week in March , according to data firm Apptopia .
But as the app has risen in popularity , concerns have been raised about its safety .
On March 31 , after reports emerged from users of their accounts being hacked , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indications that the recent hacking rumours were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign ” .
The company is offering a $ 1m ( £810,000 ) bounty to the first person who can provide proof for such a campaign , but as millions continue to use the app during the coronavirus outbreak , how exactly does the app work , is it safe to use and how do you delete it ?
The free to use app , owned by the developer of Fortnite , allows users to play in-app games and quizzes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make video calls with contacts in what has been designed to feel like a real house party .
When contacts come online , a push notification is sent to let others know so a “ room ” can be organised for friends to join .
Rooms can be locked to limit conversations to people who know each other , or can be left open for strangers to join .

In the space of a few weeks, the Houseparty app has become nothing short of a sensation.
As millions have locked themselves away at home in self-isolation, Houseparty has emerged as a viral success, with a surge in downloads from an average of 130,000 a week in February to more than two million a week in March, according to data firm Apptopia.
But as the app has risen in popularity, concerns have been raised about its safety.
On March 31, after reports emerged from users of their accounts being hacked, Houseparty tweeted that it was “investigating indications that the recent hacking rumours were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign”.
The company is offering a $1m (£810,000) bounty to the first person who can provide proof for such a campaign, but as millions continue to use the app during the coronavirus outbreak, how exactly does the app work, is it safe to use and how do you delete it?
How it works
The free to use app, owned by the developer of Fortnite, allows users to play in-app games and quizzes, as well as allowing them to make video calls with contacts in what has been designed to feel like a real house party.
When contacts come online, a push notification is sent to let others know so a “room” can be organised for friends to join. Rooms can be locked to limit conversations to people who know each other, or can be left open for strangers to join.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Can plumbers and builders still visit - and can police issue fines? Lockdown Q&A

Professor Stephen Powis , NHS England ’ s medical director , told the country on Tuesday 31 March that “ green shoots ” could be seen in the Covid-19 data .
However , the Prime Minister has warned that things will get worse before they get better , and the national lockdown will remain in place for several weeks yet .
I ’ m Daniel Capurro , The Telegraph ’ s Front Bench Editor ( you can sign up to my newsletter here ) and over lunchtime on Wednesday 1 April , I answered your questions about the lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for how to lift it and anything else .
Below is a selection of some of the best questions and answers .
There has been no indication so far that any fines will be rescinded .
No fines have been officially deemed to have been unwarranted , despite public criticism .
That being said , the National Police Chiefs Council has issued new guidance for officers which has warned against some practices .
Can engineers , builders and plumbers still visit ?
Yes , workers are allowed to visit your home .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines , but you should try and stick to the social distancing rules during the visit , i.e .
stay six feet apart and preferably in another room .
You should also disinfect surfaces after they have left and wash your hands .
Can I exercise and go shopping separately in the same day ?
If you can combine multiple journeys into one then that is always preferable , but going to the supermarket does not preclude you from exercising outdoors or walking your dog on the same day .
If you 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out ?
That ’ s a great question .
Antibody tests , which show if someone has ever had the virus , even if they were asymptomatic , are essential to this .
The Government has reportedly ordered as many as 17.5 million of them , although they will need to pass tests to prove their accuracy first and priority will then be given to those in the NHS and to key workers .
But , Germany already has plans to give certificates to those who are now immune , and the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could well be the case that only a small fraction of people have caught the coronavirus and recovered from it so far .
In which case , when it comes to pubs and the like , the key will be to bring the epidemic under control and then use technology and testing to isolate those with the virus and their recent contacts , while allowing the rest of the country to live relatively normally .
We reported last month on an app in development to help with just that plan .
Can I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a good condition ?
No , it ’ s not an essential journey .
The risk is that you put pressure on emergency services if you have an accident , while any visits to the petrol station to top up for your trips create unnecessary interaction with the outside world .
If you were stopped by police and asked to explain your journey , keeping the brake discs from rusting would not be accepted as a reason .
On top of that , you ’ ll also be producing air pollution without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first or last thing reopened ?
As it stands , the full lockdown is likely to carry on into May and June .
Some aspects of it may still be in place as late as September ( although if there is a severe second wave of the virus they could be reimposed in the autumn ) .
As such , the lockdown is likely to be in the process of easing only once the summer holidays have already begun anyway and so schools may well not reopen until the next academic year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the economy may already have reopened .
Is coronavirus really worse than the flu and is the Government 's response justified ?
All figures at the moment are provisional .
Many will never be known with absolute certainty .
However , they are clear that Covid-19 is more dangerous than seasonal flu , and not just because of how many people it kills directly .
A look at the number of “ excess ” deaths in Italy ( i.e .
above the statistical average for the time of year ) suggests that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 10 times higher than the official death rate in some towns .
Part of that will be down to the virus itself , but some will be because the healthcare system is overwhelmed and close to collapsing .
Because SARS-CoV2 ( the virus which causes Covid-19 ) is novel , highly contagious and we do not have a vaccine for it far more of the population is vulnerable than to seasonal flu , leading to huge numbers of cases all at once .
Without the lockdown , the NHS would likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had Covid-19 an aneurysm or a heart attack , you would struggle to get treatment .
Continuing to operate the economy as normal in such circumstances while hundreds of thousands of people died is clearly not a credible proposal .
Of course , Downing Street knows full well how damaging to people ’ s personal and mental health recessions and mass unemployment can be and is extremely anxious to lift the lockdown as soon as is sensible .
How to ask a question Ahead of our next Q & A , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telegraph.co.uk .
If you would like to remain anonymous , please disclose this when you ask your question .

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s medical director, told the country on Tuesday 31 March that “green shoots” could be seen in the Covid-19 data. However, the Prime Minister has warned that things will get worse before they get better, and the national lockdown will remain in place for several weeks yet.
I’m Daniel Capurro, The Telegraph’s Front Bench Editor (you can sign up to my newsletter here) and over lunchtime on Wednesday 1 April, I answered your questions about the lockdown, police enforcement of it, the plans for how to lift it and anything else. Below is a selection of some of the best questions and answers.
Can fines be rescinded?
There has been no indication so far that any fines will be rescinded. No fines have been officially deemed to have been unwarranted, despite public criticism. That being said, the National Police Chiefs Council has issued new guidance for officers which has warned against some practices.
Can engineers, builders and plumbers still visit?
Yes, workers are allowed to visit your home. Some companies have put in place their own guidelines, but you should try and stick to the social distancing rules during the visit, i.e. stay six feet apart and preferably in another room. You should also disinfect surfaces after they have left and wash your hands.
Can I exercise and go shopping separately in the same day?
If you can combine multiple journeys into one then that is always preferable, but going to the supermarket does not preclude you from exercising outdoors or walking your dog on the same day.
If you've recovered from Covid-19, are you allowed out?
That’s a great question. Antibody tests, which show if someone has ever had the virus, even if they were asymptomatic, are essential to this. The Government has reportedly ordered as many as 17.5 million of them, although they will need to pass tests to prove their accuracy first and priority will then be given to those in the NHS and to key workers. But, Germany already has plans to give certificates to those who are now immune, and the UK may follow suit.
However, it could well be the case that only a small fraction of people have caught the coronavirus and recovered from it so far. In which case, when it comes to pubs and the like, the key will be to bring the epidemic under control and then use technology and testing to isolate those with the virus and their recent contacts, while allowing the rest of the country to live relatively normally. We reported last month on an app in development to help with just that plan.
Can I go for drives to keep my car in a good condition?
No, it’s not an essential journey. The risk is that you put pressure on emergency services if you have an accident, while any visits to the petrol station to top up for your trips create unnecessary interaction with the outside world. If you were stopped by police and asked to explain your journey, keeping the brake discs from rusting would not be accepted as a reason. On top of that, you’ll also be producing air pollution without good cause.
Will schools be the first or last thing reopened?
As it stands, the full lockdown is likely to carry on into May and June. Some aspects of it may still be in place as late as September (although if there is a severe second wave of the virus they could be reimposed in the autumn). As such, the lockdown is likely to be in the process of easing only once the summer holidays have already begun anyway and so schools may well not reopen until the next academic year, by which point much of the rest of the economy may already have reopened.
Is coronavirus really worse than the flu and is the Government's response justified?
All figures at the moment are provisional. Many will never be known with absolute certainty. However, they are clear that Covid-19 is more dangerous than seasonal flu, and not just because of how many people it kills directly.
A look at the number of “excess” deaths in Italy (i.e. above the statistical average for the time of year) suggests that deaths related to the pandemic could be up to 10 times higher than the official death rate in some towns.
Part of that will be down to the virus itself, but some will be because the healthcare system is overwhelmed and close to collapsing. Because SARS-CoV2 (the virus which causes Covid-19) is novel, highly contagious and we do not have a vaccine for it far more of the population is vulnerable than to seasonal flu, leading to huge numbers of cases all at once.
Without the lockdown, the NHS would likely be entirely overwhelmed and, whether you had Covid-19 an aneurysm or a heart attack, you would struggle to get treatment. Continuing to operate the economy as normal in such circumstances while hundreds of thousands of people died is clearly not a credible proposal.
Of course, Downing Street knows full well how damaging to people’s personal and mental health recessions and mass unemployment can be and is extremely anxious to lift the lockdown as soon as is sensible.
How to ask a question
Ahead of our next Q&A, you can submit a question by emailing yourstory@telegraph.co.uk. If you would like to remain anonymous, please disclose this when you ask your question.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--HS2 construction to begin 'immediately' as Government gives green light despite coronavirus lockdown

The Government has given formal approval for construction on the HS2 project to begin , saying work could proceed in line with coronavirus safety guidelines despite the national lockdown .
It has issued a notice to proceed to the companies that will build phase one of the high-speed railway .
Boris Johnson , the Prime Minister , gave the green light to HS2 in February despite it running tens of billions of pounds over budget and several years behind schedule .
The Government-commissioned Oakervee Review warned that the final bill could reach £106 billion at 2019 prices .
HS2 Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government 's top priority is rightly to combat the spread of coronavirus , protect the NHS and save lives , we can not delay work on our long-term plan to level up the country .
`` HS2 will be the spine of the country 's transport network , boosting capacity and connectivity while also re-balancing opportunity fairly across our towns and cities .
`` Following the decision earlier this year to proceed with the project , this next step provides thousands of construction workers and businesses across the country with certainty at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means that work can truly begin on delivering this transformational project . ''

The Government has given formal approval for construction on the HS2 project to begin, saying work could proceed in line with coronavirus safety guidelines despite the national lockdown.
It has issued a notice to proceed to the companies that will build phase one of the high-speed railway.
Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, gave the green light to HS2 in February despite it running tens of billions of pounds over budget and several years behind schedule.
The Government-commissioned Oakervee Review warned that the final bill could reach £106 billion at 2019 prices.
HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: "While the Government's top priority is rightly to combat the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives, we cannot delay work on our long-term plan to level up the country.
"HS2 will be the spine of the country's transport network, boosting capacity and connectivity while also re-balancing opportunity fairly across our towns and cities.
"Following the decision earlier this year to proceed with the project, this next step provides thousands of construction workers and businesses across the country with certainty at a time when they need it, and means that work can truly begin on delivering this transformational project."


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Coronavirus cases in Birmingham and the Midlands, mapped

While London has continually topped lists of coronavirus cases in the UK , Birmingham has the highest number outside of the Capital , with the West Midlands emerging as a hotspot for transmissions last month .
The government has said it is investigating reasons why that might be the case , amid suggestions that people 's religious convictions are contributing to the spread .
Khalid Mahmood , Birmingham Perry Barr MP , has said older Muslim and Sikh people in the area may be struggling to adhere to government guidelines about physical distancing because of their desire to continue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services being cancelled , some older people have allegedly attempted to attend mosques and gurdwaras to pray , said Mahmood .
In a bid to free up resources , the Accident and Emergency department at Coventry 's University Hospital is no longer treating minor injuries or illness for adults , while Birmingham 's NEC is preparing in case it is required to double as a field hospital .
Elsewhere , Birmingham Airport could serve as a mortuary if the need for the facility arose .
Sandwell Council said it was working `` with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the West Midlands and Warwickshire `` on mortuary provision across the region '' .
It confirmed Birmingham Airport as one of the agencies it had approached .
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals .
Seven , including the new virus , have made the jump to humans , but most just cause cold-like symptoms .
Two other coronaviruses – Middle East respiratory syndrome ( Mers ) and severe acute respiratory syndrome ( Sars ) – have killed more than 1,500 people between them since 2002 .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The new virus , officially called Covid-19 , is also dangerous - so far , around 20 per cent of confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical .
Around 15 to 20 per cent of hospital cases have been classed as `` severe '' , and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and , crucially , access to good hospital care .
This is much lower than fatality rates for Mers ( 30 per cent ) and Sars ( 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant threat .
Scientists in China believe that Covid-19 has mutated into two strains , one more aggressive than the other , which could make developing a vaccine more complicated .
• How many coronavirus cases are in my area ?

Situation in the Midlands
While London has continually topped lists of coronavirus cases in the UK, Birmingham has the highest number outside of the Capital, with the West Midlands emerging as a hotspot for transmissions last month.
The government has said it is investigating reasons why that might be the case, amid suggestions that people's religious convictions are contributing to the spread.
Khalid Mahmood, Birmingham Perry Barr MP, has said older Muslim and Sikh people in the area may be struggling to adhere to government guidelines about physical distancing because of their desire to continue with their religious practices.
Despite most religious services being cancelled, some older people have allegedly attempted to attend mosques and gurdwaras to pray, said Mahmood.
In a bid to free up resources, the Accident and Emergency department at Coventry's University Hospital is no longer treating minor injuries or illness for adults, while Birmingham's NEC is preparing in case it is required to double as a field hospital.
Elsewhere, Birmingham Airport could serve as a mortuary if the need for the facility arose. Sandwell Council said it was working "with and on behalf of" local authorities in the West Midlands and Warwickshire "on mortuary provision across the region". It confirmed Birmingham Airport as one of the agencies it had approached.
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals. Seven, including the new virus, have made the jump to humans, but most just cause cold-like symptoms.
Two other coronaviruses – Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) – have killed more than 1,500 people between them since 2002.
The new virus, officially called Covid-19, is also dangerous - so far, around 20 per cent of confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical. Around 15 to 20 per cent of hospital cases have been classed as "severe", and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and, crucially, access to good hospital care.
This is much lower than fatality rates for Mers (30 per cent) and Sars (10 per cent), but still a significant threat.
Scientists in China believe that Covid-19 has mutated into two strains, one more aggressive than the other, which could make developing a vaccine more complicated.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--'Get a grip': Three in four medical workers are concerned about their health as PPE shortages contin

'Get a grip': Three in four medical workers are concerned about their health as PPE shortages continue

Ministers need to “ get a grip ” and ensure healthcare workers have enough protective equipment , the Royal College @ @ @ @ @ as new polling suggests that just 14 per cent of medical staff feel their place @ @ @ @ @ good supply.
” In an exclusive YouGov survey of almost 1,000 medical staff , just @ @ @ @ @ said that there was not enough personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to shield workers @ @ @ @ @ to widespread concerns about personal safety .
Roughly 30 per cent said while there was @ @ @ @ @ of specific kit remained an issue .
The deficits have contributed to significant concerns about @ @ @ @ @ three in four ( 77 per cent ) front line workers worried about picking up @ @ @ @ @ to those they live with .
Just 22 per cent of NHS staff said they @ @ @ @ @ health , while 28 per cent of people said they were “ very worried ” @ @ @ @ @ they had changed their living arrangements as a result of concerns .

Ministers need to “get a grip” and ensure healthcare workers have enough protective equipment, the Royal College of Nurses has warned, as new polling suggests that just 14 per cent of medical staff feel their place of work has a “good supply.”
In an exclusive YouGov survey of almost 1,000 medical staff, just under a third of people said that there was not enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to shield workers against the coronavirus, contributing to widespread concerns about personal safety.
Roughly 30 per cent said while there was adequate supply overall, shortages of specific kit remained an issue.
The deficits have contributed to significant concerns about health and safety, with three in four (77 per cent) front line workers worried about picking up an infection or passing it to those they live with.
Just 22 per cent of NHS staff said they were not worried about their health, while 28 per cent of people said they were “very worried”. Almost a third said they had changed their living arrangements as a result of concerns.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Apple to unveil budget iPhone despite coronavirus disruption

Apple has lifted the lid on its new budget iPhone SE , which aims to fill a gap in its product range .
The iPhone , which will start at £419 , heralds the return of a smaller screen to Apple ’ s range .
With a 4.7-inch display , the California firm will aim to appeal to users looking for a cheaper device or who have been put off by ever-larger screens .
The iPhone SE has a similar design to Apple ’ s iPhone 8 model , eschewing a full-screen front and keeping popular features such as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone comes with a faster A13 chip and in black , red and white , with an all black front to the device .
The original iPhone SE proved popular , but was discontinued in 2018 as Apple moved to more powerful devices such as the iPhone X. Apple hopes the phone , which lacks some of the cutting-edge features of its other recent devices , will boost sales while consumers wait for the launch of new high-end models with 5G later this year .
Its launch comes at a delicate time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue forecasts due to the impact of the ongoing pandemic and warned investors it would miss its lower estimate of $ 63bn .

Apple has lifted the lid on its new budget iPhone SE, which aims to fill a gap in its product range.
The iPhone, which will start at £419, heralds the return of a smaller screen to Apple’s range. With a 4.7-inch display, the California firm will aim to appeal to users looking for a cheaper device or who have been put off by ever-larger screens.
The iPhone SE has a similar design to Apple’s iPhone 8 model, eschewing a full-screen front and keeping popular features such as a fingerprint scanner and home button. The phone comes with a faster A13 chip and in black, red and white, with an all black front to the device.
The original iPhone SE proved popular, but was discontinued in 2018 as Apple moved to more powerful devices such as the iPhone X.
Apple hopes the phone, which lacks some of the cutting-edge features of its other recent devices, will boost sales while consumers wait for the launch of new high-end models with 5G later this year.
Its launch comes at a delicate time for Apple. The California giant cut its revenue forecasts due to the impact of the ongoing pandemic and warned investors it would miss its lower estimate of $63bn.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Coronavirus cases in Scotland, mapped

Coronavirus cases in Scotland, mapped

Parts of Scotland where the coronavirus is less widespread could enjoy fewer restrictions than the rest of the country and England , the country 's chief medical officer has said .
Although supporting a UK-wide approach now , Dr Catherine Calderwood said it may `` not be appropriate to have all of the suppression measures in all of the country '' later on .
Speaking at a press briefing alongside Nicola Sturgeon , she noted that Scotland is currently `` behind '' the situation in London and argued a `` bespoke '' response could be introduced .
Ms Sturgeon announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisory group to supplement the official advice given to the UK-wide Cobra meetings .
Dr Calderwood said this could be used `` to apply our own Scottish data to some of these advisory measures '' , allowing for less stringent measures in some parts of the country .
• Where else in the UK have coronavirus cases been confirmed ?
On March 25 , Clarence House confirmed the Prince of Wales had tested positive for coronavirus .
`` He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days as usual , '' the statement said .
He came out of isolation on March 30 .
Prince Charles ' wife Camilla has not contracted the virus , tests have shown .
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals .
Seven , including the new virus , have made the jump to humans , but most just cause cold-like symptoms .
Two other coronaviruses – Middle East respiratory syndrome ( Mers ) and severe acute respiratory syndrome ( Sars ) – have killed more than 1,500 people between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK lockdown means for you The new virus , officially called Covid-19 , is also dangerous - so far , around 20 per cent of confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical .
Around 15 to 20 per cent of hospital cases have been classed as `` severe '' , and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and , crucially , access to good hospital care .
This is much lower than fatality rates for Mers ( 30 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , but still a significant threat .
Scientists in China believe that Covid-19 has mutated into two strains , one more aggressive than the other , which could make developing a vaccine more complicated .

Situation in Scotland
Parts of Scotland where the coronavirus is less widespread could enjoy fewer restrictions than the rest of the country and England, the country's chief medical officer has said.
Although supporting a UK-wide approach now, Dr Catherine Calderwood said it may "not be appropriate to have all of the suppression measures in all of the country" later on.
Speaking at a press briefing alongside Nicola Sturgeon, she noted that Scotland is currently "behind" the situation in London and argued a "bespoke" response could be introduced.
Ms Sturgeon announced she has set up her own scientific advisory group to supplement the official advice given to the UK-wide Cobra meetings.
Dr Calderwood said this could be used "to apply our own Scottish data to some of these advisory measures", allowing for less stringent measures in some parts of the country.
On March 25, Clarence House confirmed the Prince of Wales had tested positive for coronavirus.
"He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual," the statement said. He came out of isolation on March 30.
Prince Charles' wife Camilla has not contracted the virus, tests have shown.
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals. Seven, including the new virus, have made the jump to humans, but most just cause cold-like symptoms.
Two other coronaviruses – Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) – have killed more than 1,500 people between them since 2002.
The new virus, officially called Covid-19, is also dangerous - so far, around 20 per cent of confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical. Around 15 to 20 per cent of hospital cases have been classed as "severe", and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and, crucially, access to good hospital care.
This is much lower than fatality rates for Mers (30 per cent) and Sars (10 per cent), but still a significant threat.
Scientists in China believe that Covid-19 has mutated into two strains, one more aggressive than the other, which could make developing a vaccine more complicated.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Coronavirus travel advice: our consumer champion explains your rights

As coronavirus continues to spread around the world , it is a worrying and confusing time for everyone .
Thousands of flights have already been cancelled and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has announced that Britons will now be advised against any foreign travel until April 16 .
Those with holidays booked are likely to be seeking a refund yet many feel they are being treated unfairly by companies , which is concerning to hear .
But fear not , I 'm here to help .
To give you an overview of your rights , I 've put together this guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a trip coming up .
The Money team and I are here to answer your questions and tackle any injustices you come up against .
Please email money @ telegraph.co.uk or kminvestigates @ telegraph.co.uk with specific questions or to have your case solved .
*Please note all information is correct at the time of writing , but information relating to the spread of coronavirus will change , so please check the Foreign Office 's specific page , which is regularly updated , and speak to your insurer and travel providers .
* @ @ @ @ @ @ @

People with holidays booked will have their travel plans disrupted, as the Government has banned non-essential travel from November 5.
Both domestic and international stays will no longer be permitted except for work purposes.
Although Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the green light for holidays to go ahead this summer, this decision was dependent on the coronavirus infection rate remaining low.
The Foreign Office (FCO) is now advising against all non-essential travel and airlines are cancelling flights. Many people have already had holidays cancelled and are struggling to get a refund. But fear not, I'm here to help. To give you an overview of your rights, I've put together this guide on what to do if you've got a trip coming up or are thinking of booking one.
The Money team and I are here to answer your questions and tackle any injustices you come up against. Please email money@telegraph.co.uk or kminvestigates@telegraph.co.uk with specific questions or to have your case solved.
*Please note all information is correct at the time of writing, but information relating to the spread of coronavirus will change, so please check the Foreign Office's specific page, which is regularly updated, and speak to your insurer and travel providers.*


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--I've lost my job, how do I apply for Universal Credit?

The effects of coronavirus are taking their toll as millions of Britons could be out of a job if companies continue to be forced to drastically cut down costs .
The Treasury is setting up a Job Retention Scheme to incentivise employers to keep as many employees on the payroll as possible but that ’ s not going to be an option for the hardest-hit businesses .
It is also not available to any of Britain 's five million self-employed workers if they lose their livelihood due to the pandemic .
The Government has said it will instead support them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 80pc of profits lost .
Unfortunately , not all freelancers and contractors will be eligible and even those that are will have to wait until at least June to receive the money .
However , if you have lost your job or your income you are still entitled to some support .
If you ’ ve found yourself out of work , or if you 're self-employed and your business has been badly affected , you can apply for Universal Credit .
This is a payment made by the Government to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard payments are up to £251.77 a month if you 're single and under 25 or up to £317.82 if you are over this age .
Those in a couple both under 25 would usually get £395.20 while those over 25 will receive £398.89 for both individuals .
You may be eligible for more if you have children , have a health condition or disability and/or need help paying your rent .
These payments have been temporarily increased for the next 12 months to match the rate of statutory sick pay .
Claimants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week .
The first step towards receiving universal credit is to check if you are eligible .
You may be excluded if you have personal savings of £16,000 or more , although if you have money invested in your own business this will not count .
The full criteria can be found at gov.uk/universal-credit .

Jobs are under threat as the furlough scheme is tapered away and firms look to drastically cut down costs.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the employment rate is now 4.7pc, meaning millions of people are out of work.
Those who have lost their job have been forced to turn to Universal Credit, many of them for the first time. This includes freelancers and self-employed people who have seen their income shrink as a result of the pandemic, but have been blocked from the Government's Covid support schemes.
Telegraph Money outlines how, if you have lost your job or your income, you are entitled to state support.
Universal Credit
If you have found yourself out of work, or you are self-employed and your business has been badly affected, you can apply for Universal Credit. This is a payment made by the Government to help with your living costs.
The standard payments are up to £344 a month if you're single and under 25 or up to £411.51 if you are over this age. Those in a couple both under 25 would usually get £490.60 while those over 25 will receive £596.58 for both individuals.
You may be eligible for more if you have children, have a health condition or disability and/or need help paying your rent.
The first step towards receiving Universal Credit is to check if you are eligible. You may be excluded if you have personal savings of £16,000 or more, although if you have money invested in your own business this will not count. The full criteria can be found at gov.uk/universal-credit.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Can I go to work? The list of key workers and essential roles, explained

As part of an unprecedented lockdown of British life , Boris Johnson announced that schools will close except for the children of “ key workers ” .
It also announced that people should only leave their homes to go to work where it is absolutely necessary .
But who is classed a key worker ?
The Department of Education has published a full list of roles that the Government considers to be “ key ” .
So here ’ s everything you need to know .
Key workers are people whose jobs are vital to public health and safety during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so vital , the Government is keen to ensure that they are able to carry out their jobs with as little restriction as possible , which means being able to put their children in school and use necessary transport links .
All NHS staff , including administrative and cleaning workers .
Frontline health and social care staff such as doctors , nurses , midwives , paramedics , plus support and specialist staff in the health and social care sector .
In addition it includes those working in supply chains including producers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Food and other necessary goods Food chain workers , including those involved in production , processing , distribution , sale and delivery of goods .
Postal workers , those required to run the justice system , religious staff , and those responsible for managing the deceased , and journalists providing public service broadcasting .
Local and national government workers in admin roles “ essential to the effective delivery ” of the Covid-19 response or delivering essential public services , including payment of benefits .
Staff needed to keep oil , gas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Staff in the civil nuclear , chemical and telecommunications sectors .
Those in postal services and those working to provide essential financial services .
Police and support staff , Ministry of Defence civilian staff and armed forces personnel , fire and rescue staff , and workers responsible for border security , prisons and probation .
Those keeping air , water , road , and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating .
Read the full list on the Department 's website .

England is currently in its third lockdown, after the Prime Minister instructed the country to stay at home, once again, during a speech on Jan 4.
The lockdown became law on Jan 6, meaning that people can only leave their homes for specific reasons, such as to exercise or to shop for essential items. You are also permitted to go to work if you cannot work from home, which is the case if you are a key worker.
But, who is classed a key worker? Here’s everything you need to know.
Am I a key worker?
Key workers are people whose jobs are vital to public health and safety during the lockdowns. Because their work is so vital, the Government is keen to ensure that they are able to carry out their jobs with as little restriction as possible, which means being able to put their children in school and use necessary transport links.
The list includes:
Health and social care
All NHS staff, including administrative and cleaning workers. Frontline health and social care staff such as doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, plus support and specialist staff in the health and social care sector.
In addition it includes those working in supply chains including producers and distributors of medicines and personal protective equipment.
Education and childcare
Nursery, teachers – including teaching assistants – and social workers.
Schools are currently closed for the vast majority of pupils, and the Prime Minister announced on Jan 27 that schools will remain closed following the February half-term.
However, Mr Johnson has stated that schools may be able to reopen on Monday, Mar 8, should the top four priority groups receive a vaccination by mid-February.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--How much statutory sick pay can I get if coronavirus stops me working?

As the number of coronavirus cases in Britain ramps up , more people are being forced to take time out of their jobs .
Even those who have not contracted the virus , including parents whose children can not go to school and people considered to be high-risk , are finding they 're unable to work .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a raft of measures to protect the incomes of people having to take time off because of coronavirus in his Budget speech .
However some workers will still fall through the cracks and critics have said the measures did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be paid and , if so , how much ?
Here Telegraph Money outlines your rights .
Will I still be paid ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that workers who are self-isolating because they have developed symptoms should not be penalised for doing the right thing .
He said that those self-isolating should receive sick pay from day one .
They will immediately be entitled to £94.25 per week , the current rate of statutory sick pay , which is usually only paid from the fourth consecutive day of illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are already eligible for statutory sick pay .
The statutory amount is around one sixth of the average pay of a full-time employee , meaning that many will be left worse off .
Some employers will pay workers their full salary during periods of illness .

Who is eligible for statutory sick pay?
If you are employed and earn on average at least £120 per week before tax you are legally entitled to statutory sick pay.
This means that the self-employed and those working on low-paid zero-hour contracts are excluded. Agricultural workers, those in the armed forces and women who are already receiving maternity pay are also not eligible for statutory sick pay.
The Trades Union Congress, a federation of unions, has warned that workers in these kinds of roles may feel they have no choice but to work, even if they are advised not to.
Nearly two million workers, including a third of zero-hours contract workers, do not qualify for statutory sick pay. It also includes over half of workers aged 65 and over – a group which has been identified by the Government as one of the most vulnerable to coronavirus.
The TUC also warned statutory weekly sick pay was now worth £3 less, in real terms, than prior to the pandemic, because of the soaring cost of living.
Struggling freelancers could previously apply for support under the Government's Self-employed Income Support Scheme, but this ended at the end of September.
It means many freelancers have had to turn to the benefits system instead, but could find themselves waiting for weeks before they receive their first pay cheque because of the time taken to process applications for Universal Credit.
What if I can't get childcare?
The omicron variant has wreaked havoc in schools across the country, with predictions they will likely face disruption until Easter next year.
On top of pupils with the virus needing to self-isolate, dozens of schools have closed early this year because of staff sickness. The upheaval means parents are having to juggle caring for sick or self-isolating children whilst working.
Michael Legge, an employment lawyer at JMW Solicitors, said that some employers may allow employees working from home to arrange this to accommodate caring for children too.
If this isn't possible parents will have to look at taking emergency dependent leave, unpaid leave or using some of their annual leave entitlement, impacting either their pay or their holiday plans for the rest of the year.
“It all depends how generous your employer is so it is always worth making your case given the unusual circumstances,” Mr Legge explained.
If you're still unsure about your rights the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has some useful guidelines for both employees and employers.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--I'm self-employed – can I get sick pay for coronavirus?

Britain ’ s five million self-employed workers will be justifiably concerned about what would happen to their income be affected by coronavirus .
Freelancers and contractors do not have the safety net of an employer to guarantee them sick pay .
The Government has brought in special measures to provide financial support for members of this group who lose their income , however not everyone will be eligible and critics have said the rescue package may come too late for many .
So when is it available and do you qualify ?
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that freelancers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 80pc of their earnings from the state if they can prove they have been adversely affected by coronavirus .
This is the same level of support as PAYE employees who lose work during the pandemic .
It will be paid as a taxable grant and calculated based on their profits over the past three years .
The maximum payment will be £2,500 a month .
Not all freelancers and contractors will be eligible .
To qualify you must derive most of your income from your self-employed work , have filed a self-assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making profits in excess of £50,000 a year .
The support will also not be available until June .
To stop the gap until that time the Government has said self-employed people can apply for help via the benefits system .
Should their income dry up , they will be able to claim employment and support allowance ( ESA ) and/or Universal Credit .
The weekly payment for ESA is typically £73.10 or £57.90 for people under the age of 25 .
The payments for Universal Credit have been temporarily raised so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone on statutory sick pay ( £94.25 a week ) .
The Government has also said it will make it quicker and easier for people to access these benefits .

Britain’s five million self-employed workers will be justifiably concerned about what would happen to their income if they contract coronavirus.
Boris Johnson has announced a multi-billion pound boost to help the the self-employed survive the second lockdown, but faced calls to plug gaps that have left millions without access to additional support.
The Government has said that the three-month cash grants for the self-employed would be increased from 55pc to 80pc of average monthly trading profits, capped at £7,500. The grant is intended to cover them for income lost from the start of November to the end of January.
However, freelancers and contractors do not have the safety net of an employer to guarantee them sick pay. The Government has brought in special measures to provide financial support for members of this group who lose their income, however not everyone is eligible. So what is available and do you qualify?
Income support
In March Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that freelancers and contractors would be able to claim a grant that would cover a percentage of lost earnings if they can prove they have been adversely affected by coronavirus.
There has been two rounds of grants so far and a third and fourth round will cover the self-employed from November until February and then from February to the end of April. These are paid in three month installments and calculated based on the person's profits over the past three years.
The third round, which opens to applicants at the end of November, will pay 55pc of typical earnings up to a maximum of £5,160.
The Government has not yet said how generous the fourth and final grant will be.
Not all freelancers and contractors are eligible. To qualify you must derive most of your income from your self-employed work, have filed a self-assessment tax return for 2019 and not be making profits in excess of £50,000 a year.
Those that do not qualify have been told they should apply for help via the benefits system.
They may be able to claim employment and support allowance (ESA) and/or Universal Credit. The weekly payment for ESA is typically £73.10 or £57.90 for people under the age of 25.
The payments for Universal Credit have been temporarily raised so that the self-employed receive the same amount as someone on statutory sick pay (£94.25 a week).
The Government has also said it will make it quicker and easier for people to access these benefits.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--From Boris Johnson to Sir Kenny Dalglish, coronavirus hits celebrities, royals and politicians

On April 3 , singer Pink said she had tested positive for Covid-19 and announced she was donating $ 500,000 each to two emergency funds .
In a pair of tweets , she said she and her three-year-old son were displaying symptoms two weeks ago , and she tested positive after accessing tests through a primary care physician .
Former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko revealed on March 15 that she had tested positive .
The 40-year-old , who starred in Quantum of Solace , said she had been `` ill for almost a week '' with fever and fatigue before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died on April 7 at the age of 73 due to complications from coronavirus , his management said .
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter , one of the most influential figures in US folk and country music , had been in a critical condition after contracting Covid-19 .
Kristofer Hivju , the actor best known for his role as Tormund Giantsbane in Game of Thrones , self-isolated at home with minor symptoms after testing positive for the virus .
On April 14 , he said that he is `` fully recovered and in good health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and his wife had spent `` several weeks in quarantine , and also a couple more indoors after being free of all symptoms '' .
`` We were lucky to only have mild symptoms of the Covid-19 , '' the 41-year-old added .
`` We send our love and thoughts to all of the people where the virus has hit much harder , and to everyone who has lost their loved ones due to the coronavirus . ''
Former GMTV host Fiona Phillips told fans she had symptoms including a sore throat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` not suffering '' .
Phillips , 59 , tweeted : `` I am in bed with coronavirus .
It 's not a very pleasant bedfellow , but nothing more than sore throat , dry cough , headache and tiredness .
As long as it stays that way , do n't panic . ''
Former movie producer Harvey Weinstein , who is serving a prison sentence for sexual assault and rape , tested positive for coronavirus , according to the head of the state corrections officers union .
He has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 68 , was placed in isolation at Wende Correctional Facility , and several staff , who allegedly lacked proper protective equipment , were quarantined .
Weinstein arrived at Wende Correctional Facility , a maximum-security prison east of Buffalo , New York , on March 18 after being housed at New York City 's Rikers Island jail .
He was sentenced to 23 years in prison on March 11 for sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi and raping Jessica Mann , a one-time aspiring actress .

Placido Domingo
Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo said he had tested positive for coronavirus and had gone into self-isolation with his family.
"We are currently all in good health but I developed a cough and a fever and decided to get tested, and the result came back positive," Domingo wrote on Facebook.
Previously one of the opera world's most feted artists, Domingo's reputation is now in tatters after an investigation by the American Guild of Musical Artists concluded he had behaved inappropriately with female performers.
The singer has publicly apologised to the women who accused him of sexual harassment.
Fred the Godson
The Bronx-born rapper died on April 23 after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
Fred the Godson, whose real name was Fredrick Thomas, had been updating fans about his fight with the illness and shared a selfie from his hospital bed.
He had worked with artists including Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar and Pusha T.
Andrew Jack
The Star Wars actor died on March 31 at the age of 76 after being diagnosed with coronavirus, according to his agent.
He had appeared in Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi as General Ematt, as well as Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.
Jack was also a dialect coach.
Terrence McNally
A world renowned playwright, McNally's career spanned six decades and earned him four competitive Tony awards, as well as a lifetime achievement award last year.
His works included the plays Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class as well as the books for musicals Ragtime and Kiss Of The Spider Woman.
He died due to complications from coronavirus on March 24 in a hospital in Sarasota, Florida, at the age of 81, his publicist said.
Linda Lusardi
Dancing On Ice star Linda Lusardi returned home on March 29 after a stay in hospital with Covid-19, her husband Sam Kane has said.
Lusardi, 61, and Kane, 51, were admitted to hospital with the disease around March 19.
While Kane was discharged a few days later, Lusardi's condition was considerably worse.
Kane provided updates on her status to worried fans, revealing she was breathing with the help of oxygen equipment, while Lusardi herself tweeted she had "never felt this ill".
However, Kane tweeted on Sunday night that Lusardi had recovered sufficiently to be sent home, saying: "So blessed to be spending tonight with my beautiful girl at home by my side. God bless the NHS. So happy to have her home."
Lusardi, whose TV appearances include Emmerdale, Dancing On Ice and Loose Women, found fame in the 1970s and 80s, and in a 2005 poll was voted the UK's most popular Page 3 girl ever.
Ty
Mercury Prize-nominated rapper Ty died aged 47 after contracting coronavirus, according to a fundraising page set up to support him.
The musician, whose real name is Ben Chijioke, had been in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19, the page said, and had been placed in an induced coma to help his body fight the infection.
Ty's condition improved and he was awake in mid-April, according to the GoFundMe site.
However, page organiser Diane Laidlaw has now said he died on May 7.
Roy Horn
Magician Roy Horn, best known as part of the Las Vegas performing duo of Siegfried & Roy, has died at the age of 75 after contracting coronavirus.
The entertainer tested positive for the illness last month and was said to have been "responding well to treatment".
Sport
Sir Kenny Dalglish
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish is being treated in hospital with the coronavirus, it was revealed on April 10.
Sir Kenny was admitted for treatment for another condition a few days earlier, at which point he was tested for Covid-19. Despite being asymptomatic, the result was positive.
In a statement issued by the Dalglish family via the Liverpool website, they said Sir Kenny attended hospital voluntarily. He returned home on April 12.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Will a contact tracing app actually stop the coronavirus spread?

Six weeks ago few of us had heard of contact tracing .
But on Friday two of the world 's most powerful companies announced a collaboration on technology to work out where patients might have picked up coronavirus , or who else they may have infected .
Apple and Google are working together on contact tracing technology , the latest effort to use Bluetooth and GPS to track the spread of Covid-19 .
In China , people are given a QR code and an app which classifies them as green , amber or red .
Their status determines where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Singapore has followed suit with its own app , which uses Bluetooth to document people ’ s interactions with each other .
In the UK NHSX , the health service ’ s innovation body , is also planning to release a Bluetooth-enabled app in order to slow the spread of the virus when lockdowns end .
A lot of national leaders are “ holding their nose and going for it , ” says Professor Alex Pentland , director of connection science at MIT , which has been developing its own app , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ re the head of a country or the head of a health system , do you say ‘ yeah , we ’ re just going to let a bunch of people die while we work out the details ’ ?
” he says .
The prospect of these apps entering widespread use has raised privacy concerns .
Singapore ’ s app allows data to be collected and decrypted by a central authority , something which gives the government a lot of data about people ’ s movements .
As well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least two efforts run by EU scientists are looking at similar technologies , with somewhat more robust technical privacy protections but still containing the risk of collection by a central authority .
But another concern is whether the technology actually works .
First of all you need enough people to download and install the app , and to keep their phone on them at all times .
Apple and Google are looking to bake the technology into their operating systems , to avoid this issue , though this is a second phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But there 's also the fact that Bluetooth signals , depending on conditions , can travel up to 30 feet , much further than the virus .
Pentland says the technology gives a “ false sense of precision ” .
“ You walk down the street , you get a million Bluetooth pings .
Every time you pass somebody .
When I sit in my home here , I get Bluetooth from all my neighbors , ” says Pentland .
As much as 25pc of people who have the virus may never develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these asymptomatic spreaders would not be caught .
There are also troubling social implications , especially since Covid-19 tests aren ’ t universal or foolproof .
False positives could lead to chaos and confusion and false negatives a misguided sense of security .
In some countries , such as South Korea , detailed information including a person 's age , gender and movements has been disclosed .
Any centralised data collection presents privacy risks , says Antonio Tomarchio , chief executive of advertising metrics company Cuebiq , which has recently begun publishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different areas as lockdowns come into force .
“ In the UK , they are looking at leveraging Bluetooth to avoid sharing information with a central authority .
It ’ s more a peer-to-peer transmission , ” he says .
His own company collects data using GPS , but will not publish it except on an aggregate basis .
Using it for contact tracing could be a “ slippery slope ” , he says , if a central authority had access to personal information and location data .
Another option is detecting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish company Taoglas is doing in crowd-detection software it launched earlier this month .
It is now working on contact-tracing software which is set to integrate Wi-Fi with location data picked up through partnerships with companies , including those which run shared scooter services .
“ If the person says , OK , you can have some private information , you can do so much more with that than you can with anonymous information , ” says Brendan O'Brien , president of Taoglas ’ s digital strategy division , who predicts that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some privacy to save lives .
Pentland claims it need not be so .
MIT ’ s app ( which uses a smartphone ’ s GPS and Bluetooth data ) kicks into action only when someone is diagnosed .
Healthcare workers can - with their permission - extract the data from their phone , redact and remove personal information , and then release it via the app , so others who have crossed paths with them can be alerted .
We already trust healthcare professionals with our most intimate private information , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or so the argument goes .
“ I think we need to marry this to the medical situation , [ so ] it 's not just a tech solution , ” he says .
The best use case may well be for path data to be used with robust universal testing and traditional paper-based contact tracing , to help a patient recall which grocery stores , parks and other areas they may have visited .
Using that , it can then identify hotspots and trends , like a supermarket or apartment building visited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Researchers expect the data to become most useful when the world begins to open up again .
The goal is to avoid the dreaded second spike in infections , which in 1918 killed more people than the first .
Technology alone is unlikely to be enough .

Six weeks ago few of us had heard of contact tracing. But on Friday two of the world's most powerful companies announced a collaboration on technology to work out where patients might have picked up coronavirus, or who else they may have infected.
Apple and Google are working together on contact tracing technology, the latest effort to use Bluetooth and GPS to track the spread of Covid-19.
In China, people are given a QR code and an app which classifies them as green, amber or red. Their status determines where they can go and what they can do. Singapore has followed suit with its own app, which uses Bluetooth to document people’s interactions with each other.
In the UK NHSX, the health service’s innovation body, is also planning to release a Bluetooth-enabled app in order to slow the spread of the virus when lockdowns end.
A lot of national leaders are “holding their nose and going for it,” says Professor Alex Pentland, director of connection science at MIT, which has been developing its own app, Safe Paths.
“Think about it, you’re the head of a country or the head of a health system, do you say ‘yeah, we’re just going to let a bunch of people die while we work out the details’?” he says.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Spaghetti with fried eggs, peppers, chilli and breadcrumbs recipe

A great pasta recipe that still feels hearty and filling thanks to the addition of fried eggs .
Quick and easy to make , this dish is perfect for a meat-free dinner .
• 2 large roasted red peppers ( you can buy them in a jar ; you need about 200g ) , cut into strips about 2cm wide • Toss the peppers , capers , garlic , breadcrumbs , chilli and parsley together in a small gratin dish with 1 tbsp olive oil .
Bake in the oven for 10 minutes .
• Cook the spaghetti in plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When it ’ s almost ready , heat the rest of the oil in a frying pan and fry the eggs , spooning the warm oil over the top to cook the yolks .
Season .
• Drain the pasta ( keep a little water back ) then put it back in the saucepan or into a warm serving bowl .
Add the pepper mixture and the fried eggs , breaking the eggs so that the yolks can coat the pasta .
( If it gets too thick add a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Divide between four plates and serve with the cheese .

A great pasta recipe that still feels hearty and filling thanks to the addition of fried eggs. Quick and easy to make, this dish is perfect for a meat-free dinner.
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes
Serves
Four
Ingredients
2 large roasted red peppers (you can buy them in a jar; you need about 200g), cut into strips about 2cm wide
1 tbsp capers, rinsed of salt or brine
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
50g coarse white breadcrumbs
½ tsp dried chilli flakes
3 tbsp flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
350g spaghetti
4 large eggs
Parmesan, grated, to serve
Method


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Last night’s TV: what Telegraph reviewers thought of Quiz – and more

Here is your morning round-up of the best Telegraph reviews of last night 's television .
For all the latest TV news , reviews and upcoming episode guides , including interviews and features with your favourite celebrities , click here .
The three-part dramatisation of the infamous “ Coughing Major ” scandal – what Celador believes was an audacious attempt to steal £1m by deception from hit ITV quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ?
– reached its middle act and continued to be a rollicking ride .
It ’ s a brave time to screen a drama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quibble when it ’ s this much of a romp .
Read the rest of Michael Hogan 's review here .
If truth be told , The Nest ( BBC One ) involved a bit of a cop-out .
After being teased with the idea that Dan ( Martin Compston ) and Emily ( Sophie Rundle ) might not be the genetic parents – was the pregnancy really the result of Kaya ’ s ( Mirren Mack ) secret relationship with her junkie neighbour ?
– we learned that the wrong embryo had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match to any of them .
Read the rest of Anita Singh 's review here .
If anyone can help us through the current crisis , it ’ s surely Dolly Parton .
This month alone , the 74-year-old force of nature has donated $ 1 m to coronavirus vaccine research , launched an online series where she reads bedtime stories to children and released her back catalogue onto streaming services to “ bring some light during lockdown ” .
Now the queen of country was back to her day job .
Kicking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC Two , Dolly Parton : 50 Years at the Opry was a film of her concert to celebrate half a century as a member of the Grand Ole Opry , Nashville ’ s “ mother church of country music ” .
Read the rest of Michael Hogan 's review here .
Nobody does pitch black humour as unflinchingly as Ricky Gervais .
With The Office and David Brent he created a study in tragic self-delusion yet to be equalled in British comedy .
He would plunge further down the misanthropic rabbit hole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Globes .
But even Gervais super-fans – the ones who can quote Brent by heart – may be put off by the unstinting bleakness of series two of his Netflix sitcom , After Life .
Read the rest of Ed Power 's review here .

Here is your morning round-up of the best Telegraph reviews of the latest TV shows. For all the latest TV news, reviews and upcoming episode guides, including interviews and features with your favourite celebrities, click here.
Undercover Police: Hunting Paedophiles, Channel 4
★★★★☆
Sitting through 90 minutes of Undercover Police: Hunting Paedophiles (Channel 4) was gruelling. For the officers involved in this kind of work, the toll it must take is unimaginable. “Simon” spends his days in an online chat room talking to paedophiles, posing as a father who wants other men to join him in abusing his daughter. It is grim stuff.
Other officers wade through the material found on the computers and phones of offenders. Posters on the wall of the operations room warn of the need to take regular breaks – “a maximum of four hours grading/viewing indecent images”. Simon described it as the best job in the world, because it results in convictions. But he has seen some things that he can’t bear to describe.
Read the rest of Anita Singh's review here
Darcey Bussell's Wild Coasts of Scotland, More4
★★★☆☆