inews--2020-04-23--How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa, review: an amused tone pervades the Canadian poet

How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa, review: an amused tone pervades the Canadian poet's first collection of short stories

How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa , review : an amused tone pervades the Canadian poet 's first collection of short stories A predator-prey dynamic is partly the subject of the collection , which highlights people ’ s unequal footing in the arenas of race and class There is a sort of enduring mystery about short stories .
They rarely have the reassuring arithmetic of poetry or – with apologies to Murakami – novelistic sweep of longer fiction .
They don ’ t respond kindly , either , to theories and formulae about exactly what makes them work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this imperfect science .
More often than not , short stories are content to leave the reader hanging , with more questions than answers .
In her debut collection , How to Pronounce Knife , Canadian poet Souvankham Thammavongsa proves expert at creating that uncertain sense of an ending .
Very little is resolved or tied up neatly in these 14 stories .
They are designed to stop you in your tracks .
And they do so , creeping up on you , sentence by deceptively simple sentence , with all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A predator-prey dynamic is partly the subject of the collection , which subtly highlights people ’ s unequal footing in the arenas of race , class , gender , age and nationality – sometimes several of these at once .
Thammavongsa , who was born in a refugee camp in Thailand before emigrating with her parents to Canada , centres many of her stories on Lao immigrants .
She registers their everyday bafflements – “ all the money in this country was green ” – and daily disappointments .
But her tone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusatory .
As such , she is able to pick up on the surrealism of having to get along in a strange land .
There is something funny ( in both senses ) about these stories .
How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa , published by Bloomsbury In “ Randy Travis ” , a husband transforms himself into the country singer for his newly obsessed wife .
In “ Mani Pedi ” , a prize boxer down on his luck becomes the most sought-after manicurist in his sister ’ s nail salon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and affecting story , “ Slingshot ” , about an ageing widow who begins an ill-advised affair with the Gatsby-ish thirty-something next door , won the 2019 O Henry Prize , named after the short-story writer famed for his surprise endings .
Intriguingly , this story – whose final word is “ stop ” – is one of the few here not to end inconclusively or in inaction .
Thammavongsa tends to gather all her resources only to let them be swept away at the last moment “ like a far distant thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and go .
These loose ends can be spellbinding .
With the exception of “ Slingshot ” , on the rare occasions that she does follow through to a big finish – for example , in “ Chick-a-Chee ” ( the weakest of the bunch ) – the gesture has a tendency to fall flat .
When Thammavongsa is firing on all cylinders , though , she develops a rich counterpoint , showing off a whole repertoire of off-beat moments , as in “ Picking Worms ” , the last and arguably best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how a ( white ) 14-year-old is promoted to manager of a hog farm over a ( Lao ) middle-aged single mother who has been picking earthworms from the fields for years .
It is a perfect marriage of style and refreshing , surprising substance .
Like her characters , Thammavongsa possesses x-ray vision for teetering power structures and those who sit precariously at the top of them .
But her writing goes beyond this .
It actively , though quietly , works against the invisibility or erasure of migrants living and trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
THEARTSDESK.COM

There is a sort of enduring mystery about short stories. They rarely have the reassuring arithmetic of poetry or – with apologies to Murakami – novelistic sweep of longer fiction. They don’t respond kindly, either, to theories and formulae about exactly what makes them work, no matter how many of us dabble in this imperfect science. More often than not, short stories are content to leave the reader hanging, with more questions than answers.
In her debut collection, How to Pronounce Knife, Canadian poet Souvankham Thammavongsa proves expert at creating that uncertain sense of an ending. Very little is resolved or tied up neatly in these 14 stories. They are designed to stop you in your tracks. And they do so, creeping up on you, sentence by deceptively simple sentence, with all the stealth of tigers stalking in tall grass.
A predator-prey dynamic is partly the subject of the collection, which subtly highlights people’s unequal footing in the arenas of race, class, gender, age and nationality – sometimes several of these at once.
Thammavongsa, who was born in a refugee camp in Thailand before emigrating with her parents to Canada, centres many of her stories on Lao immigrants. She registers their everyday bafflements – “all the money in this country was green” – and daily disappointments. But her tone remains light throughout, amused rather than accusatory. As such, she is able to pick up on the surrealism of having to get along in a strange land. There is something funny (in both senses) about these stories.
In “Randy Travis”, a husband transforms himself into the country singer for his newly obsessed wife. In “Mani Pedi”, a prize boxer down on his luck becomes the most sought-after manicurist in his sister’s nail salon. It is fitting that another memorable and affecting story, “Slingshot”, about an ageing widow who begins an ill-advised affair with the Gatsby-ish thirty-something next door, won the 2019 O Henry Prize, named after the short-story writer famed for his surprise endings.
Intriguingly, this story – whose final word is “stop” – is one of the few here not to end inconclusively or in inaction. Thammavongsa tends to gather all her resources only to let them be swept away at the last moment “like a far distant thing” you simply have to watch come and go. These loose ends can be spellbinding. With the exception of “Slingshot”, on the rare occasions that she does follow through to a big finish – for example, in “Chick-a-Chee” (the weakest of the bunch) – the gesture has a tendency to fall flat.
When Thammavongsa is firing on all cylinders, though, she develops a rich counterpoint, showing off a whole repertoire of off-beat moments, as in “Picking Worms”, the last and arguably best in the collection. It tells of how a (white) 14-year-old is promoted to manager of a hog farm over a (Lao) middle-aged single mother who has been picking earthworms from the fields for years. It is a perfect marriage of style and refreshing, surprising substance.
Like her characters, Thammavongsa possesses x-ray vision for teetering power structures and those who sit precariously at the top of them. But her writing goes beyond this. It actively, though quietly, works against the invisibility or erasure of migrants living and trying to make a living in the margins. THEARTSDESK.COM
How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa is published by Bloomsbury (£14.99)


inews--2020-04-23--From Piers Morgan to Matt Hancock, the heroes and villains of the coronavirus crisis so far

From Piers Morgan to Matt Hancock , the heroes and villains of the coronavirus crisis so far Who in public life will emerge with their personal stock enhanced , and who will be diminished ?
In a time of crisis , reputations are forged or tarnished .
Heroes are lauded and villains castigated .
The world after coronavirus will be a very different , rather unfamiliar , place , but even now we can make a pretty good guess about who in public life will emerge with their personal stock enhanced and who will be diminished .
Those in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson : The Prime Minister ’ s own tale of sickness and recovery touched the nation ’ s hearts and succeeded in making him a more sympathetic character than he has hitherto appeared .
It also gave him a serious first-hand insight into the disease and its treatment , and his speech after emerging from hospital was one of the most authentic of his political career .
The succession of second-rate middle managers who have been speaking for the Government in his absence make Boris look like a colossus by comparison .
2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation as we went into lockdown was a significant moment and did much to re-establish the leadership role for a monarch in a time of national emergency .
The language was elegant , the sentiment perfectly pitched , and the overall effect did much to galvanise the country .
3 .
Piers Morgan : The arch-controversialist has been in robust form throughout the crisis .
His view that the Government did too little , too late has been consistent and has informed every interview he has done on ITV ’ s Good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken ministers to the cleaners .
Some of his questioning may have been aggressive , but if notoriety is what Morgan craves , he ’ ll be pleased that he has become a news-maker in his own right .
4 : Emmanuel Macron : The French President has seen a dramatic rise in his approval rating as a result of his handling of the crisis .
His admission that France wasn ’ t well enough prepared for the outbreak of Covid-19 , and that he had to make changes himself , was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern politician and demonstrated the benefits of a spin-free relationship with the public .
5 .
Sir Keir Starmer : Judging by his first PMQs , we now appear to have an Official Opposition we can take seriously again .
1 .
Donald Trump : A global public health crisis of unimaginable complexity and unpredictability is not exactly in the US President ’ s sweet spot , but his cavalier approach to the disease – he was still holding rallies in March and wanted the churches full over Easter – has almost certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His prosecution of petty arguments with Democrat governors and members of the media is beyond contempt at a time of such seriousness and we can only hope that he gets his comeuppance at the polls .
2 .
Sir Richard Branson : Given that he sees himself as the people ’ s billionaire , Sir Richard has had a long way to fall .
Asking for a £500m bailout from the taxpayer to save his airline , offering his personal Caribbean island as security , is , whatever the mitigating factors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation is concerned .
3 .
Matt Hancock : In truth , no one could have had any life experience that would have prepared him or her for this crisis , but , notwithstanding that , the Health Secretary has not emerged with credit .
Uncertain and unconvincing throughout , Hancock is now under pressure to explain why he didn ’ t opt in to the EU ’ s bulk-buying of protective equipment for health workers in February , leaving the NHS ill-prepared and vulnerable .
He has not inspired confidence in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eamonn Holmes : The veteran presenter had a proper David Icke moment when he appeared on national TV to give credence to the conspiracy theory that the building of 5G masts caused coronavirus .
“ It suits the state narrative ” to dismiss the theory , he said .
He was reprimanded by Ofcom .
Can we take what Holmes says seriously again ?

In a time of crisis, reputations are forged or tarnished. Heroes are lauded and villains castigated. The world after coronavirus will be a very different, rather unfamiliar, place, but even now we can make a pretty good guess about who in public life will emerge with their personal stock enhanced and who will be diminished. Those in the former category include:
1. Boris Johnson: The Prime Minister’s own tale of sickness and recovery touched the nation’s hearts and succeeded in making him a more sympathetic character than he has hitherto appeared. It also gave him a serious first-hand insight into the disease and its treatment, and his speech after emerging from hospital was one of the most authentic of his political career. The succession of second-rate middle managers who have been speaking for the Government in his absence make Boris look like a colossus by comparison.
2. The Queen: Her address to the nation as we went into lockdown was a significant moment and did much to re-establish the leadership role for a monarch in a time of national emergency. The language was elegant, the sentiment perfectly pitched, and the overall effect did much to galvanise the country.
The Queen speaks of light overcoming darkness, and the hope that Easter symbolises, in a special message recorded to mark the Easter weekend. pic.twitter.com/fTFCOSVBtT — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 11, 2020
3. Piers Morgan: The arch-controversialist has been in robust form throughout the crisis. His view that the Government did too little, too late has been consistent and has informed every interview he has done on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, when he’s taken ministers to the cleaners. Some of his questioning may have been aggressive, but if notoriety is what Morgan craves, he’ll be pleased that he has become a news-maker in his own right.
4: Emmanuel Macron: The French President has seen a dramatic rise in his approval rating as a result of his handling of the crisis. His admission that France wasn’t well enough prepared for the outbreak of Covid-19, and that he had to make changes himself, was a refreshingly honest, self-reflective approach for a modern politician and demonstrated the benefits of a spin-free relationship with the public.
5. Sir Keir Starmer: Judging by his first PMQs, we now appear to have an Official Opposition we can take seriously again.
Meanwhile, those whose reputations have taken a dive include:
1. Donald Trump: A global public health crisis of unimaginable complexity and unpredictability is not exactly in the US President’s sweet spot, but his cavalier approach to the disease – he was still holding rallies in March and wanted the churches full over Easter – has almost certainly contributed to the death toll in America. His prosecution of petty arguments with Democrat governors and members of the media is beyond contempt at a time of such seriousness and we can only hope that he gets his comeuppance at the polls.
2. Sir Richard Branson: Given that he sees himself as the people’s billionaire, Sir Richard has had a long way to fall. Asking for a £500m bailout from the taxpayer to save his airline, offering his personal Caribbean island as security, is, whatever the mitigating factors, a reckless act as far as public reputation is concerned.
Read More Harry and Meghan’s letter to the tabloids was tone-deaf and terribly timed
3. Matt Hancock: In truth, no one could have had any life experience that would have prepared him or her for this crisis, but, notwithstanding that, the Health Secretary has not emerged with credit. Uncertain and unconvincing throughout, Hancock is now under pressure to explain why he didn’t opt in to the EU’s bulk-buying of protective equipment for health workers in February, leaving the NHS ill-prepared and vulnerable. He has not inspired confidence in the Government’s strategy.
4. Eamonn Holmes: The veteran presenter had a proper David Icke moment when he appeared on national TV to give credence to the conspiracy theory that the building of 5G masts caused coronavirus. “It suits the state narrative” to dismiss the theory, he said. He was reprimanded by Ofcom. Can we take what Holmes says seriously again?
5. Harry and Meghan: They wrote an open letter to tabloid editors, saying they weren’t going to play ball with them any more. Like we care.
Twitter: @Simon_Kelner


inews--2020-04-23--Burger King may not pay landlords this month - and asks for rent holiday during the coronavirus lock

Burger King may not pay landlords this month - and asks for rent holiday during the coronavirus lockdown Burger King 's CEO Alasdair Murdoch told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme it will be difficult to pay while the business has 'no sales' This week , Burger King joined the likes of Dishoom , Gordon Ramsay Restaurants , and Nando 's in backing the # NationalTimeOut campaign , started by Hospitality Union founder Jonathan Downey , which asks for nine months of zero rent to allow the sector time to recover .
Mr Murdoch has stressed the need for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the lockdown in the UK is neither the fault of landlords nor occupiers , and that both should be bailed out by the state in order to preserve the industry and protect jobs .
'This crisis affects the whole UK economy' He said businesses and landlords need to work together to find a solution , and wrote : `` The non-payment of rent is an issue that goes beyond the leisure sector with all commercial businesses that normally operate from rented property subject to closure affected in a similar way , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar stance .
`` This crisis affects the whole UK economy , which will take time to recover .
We recognise and understand landlords are affected by this crisis and the non-payment of rent , which is why we have asked Government for support for landlords as well during this period . ''
Burger King has started reopening for delivery ( Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images ) Mr Murdoch added on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme on Wednesday : “ It looks very difficult for us to be saying that we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month ’ s or even next quarter ’ s rent , because we have no sales .
And I think that ’ s the same for a lot of people in the industry . ''
Burger King is not alone in pressing to forego rent - many businesses large and small have found themselves in the same situation .
The Government announced an extensive package of support as the pandemic closed the country down , including low interest loans and grants to smaller operators .
But scores of businesses have found it difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lent through banks , all the while enduring a prolonged and uncertain period of limited to no cash flow .
Mr Murdoch continued in his letter : `` In relation to the restaurant sector specifically , we understand as we emerge from the current crisis ours is one of the areas that may be subject to a number of restrictions that will prevent us from returning to normal operations for a considerable period of time .
`` This means we will not return to 100 per cent of normal operations on our first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have to operate in a different way with increased costs for equipment such as personal protective equipment .
He concluded : `` As we rebuild our operations , we would like to engage with you in relation to what the recovery will mean for landlords and tenants and how we can work together to ensure we build for the long term .
High streets , shopping centres and out-of-town retail have all been hit hard in the current crisis and how we rebuild will be extremely important .
`` We want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensated in a way that secures the long-term occupation of property .
We want to work with you to establish how we and as many other operators ( including all BK franchisees ) as possible can reopen and re-establish their businesses .
`` It is these businesses that have driven one in every eight jobs in the UK since 2009 and that play an important part in driving footfall to all locations where they operate .
`` I believe if we work together , be that through stepped rents , turnover related rents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best chance of keeping the most outlets open .
I am happy to discuss all ideas .
The point is we can not go back to the old ways of working – we must work directly with you and your teams .
”

Burger King’s CEO in the UK has strongly backed industry calls for a rent holiday for hospitality businesses, and said the company may not pay landlords this month.
Alasdair Murdoch has written an open letter urging the Government to better support businesses through the Covid-19 crisis, but also asking for a conversation between property owners and their tenants.
This week, Burger King joined the likes of Dishoom, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, and Nando’s in backing the #NationalTimeOut campaign, started by Hospitality Union founder Jonathan Downey, which asks for nine months of zero rent to allow the sector time to recover.
Mr Murdoch has stressed the need for further financial relief in his letter, arguing that the lockdown in the UK is neither the fault of landlords nor occupiers, and that both should be bailed out by the state in order to preserve the industry and protect jobs.
‘This crisis affects the whole UK economy’
He said businesses and landlords need to work together to find a solution, and wrote: “The non-payment of rent is an issue that goes beyond the leisure sector with all commercial businesses that normally operate from rented property subject to closure affected in a similar way, and those businesses are having to take a similar stance.
“It is extremely unlikely any traditional lease written will have had the ability or clauses to reflect the current situation we find ourselves in.
“This crisis affects the whole UK economy, which will take time to recover. We recognise and understand landlords are affected by this crisis and the non-payment of rent, which is why we have asked Government for support for landlords as well during this period.”
Mr Murdoch added on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday: “It looks very difficult for us to be saying that we’re actually going to be paying next month’s or even next quarter’s rent, because we have no sales. And I think that’s the same for a lot of people in the industry.”
Cost of changed ways of working
Burger King is not alone in pressing to forego rent – many businesses large and small have found themselves in the same situation. The Government announced an extensive package of support as the pandemic closed the country down, including low interest loans and grants to smaller operators.
But scores of businesses have found it difficult to access cash, which would be lent through banks, all the while enduring a prolonged and uncertain period of limited to no cash flow.
Mr Murdoch continued in his letter: “In relation to the restaurant sector specifically, we understand as we emerge from the current crisis ours is one of the areas that may be subject to a number of restrictions that will prevent us from returning to normal operations for a considerable period of time.
“This means we will not return to 100 per cent of normal operations on our first day of trade. We are likely to have to operate in a different way with increased costs for equipment such as personal protective equipment.
“We may also have to adopt changed ways of working or trade with reduced cover numbers as we accommodate social distancing and safe operation.”
‘Build for the long term’
He concluded: “As we rebuild our operations, we would like to engage with you in relation to what the recovery will mean for landlords and tenants and how we can work together to ensure we build for the long term. High streets, shopping centres and out-of-town retail have all been hit hard in the current crisis and how we rebuild will be extremely important.
“We want to ensure landlords in the future are fairly compensated in a way that secures the long-term occupation of property. We want to work with you to establish how we and as many other operators (including all BK franchisees) as possible can reopen and re-establish their businesses.
“It is these businesses that have driven one in every eight jobs in the UK since 2009 and that play an important part in driving footfall to all locations where they operate.
“I believe if we work together, be that through stepped rents, turnover related rents or other innovative solutions, we have the best chance of keeping the most outlets open. I am happy to discuss all ideas. The point is we cannot go back to the old ways of working – we must work directly with you and your teams.”


inews--2020-04-23--Coronavirus vaccine trial: How to volunteer for the Oxford and Imperial trials - and how long it wil

Coronavirus vaccine trial: How to volunteer for the Oxford and Imperial trials - and how long it will take

Coronavirus vaccine trial : How to volunteer for the Oxford and Imperial trials - and how long it will take Here 's what the trials will involve , who can volunteer to apply , and how close we are to finding a vaccine What is the difference between the two trials ?
The trial has selected around 500 people out of 1000 candidates , and entered its first stages of development in February .
The test , which will be concentrated around a small number of patients near test centres , will see candidates jabbed with the vaccine , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the centre for between four and 12 visits after the jab .
When will a Covid-19 vaccine be ready ?
( Photo : Getty ) Like in the Oxford trials , candidates will be given a low dosage of the vaccine to study whether the person 's immune system can fight off the virus , and will be studied after they have received the vaccine .
Who can volunteer in the Imperial trial ?
When will the vaccine be ready ?
The government is keen for the UK to be the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £20m and £22.5m to the Oxford and Imperial tests respectively - but several other nations are piloting their own trials .
Human vaccine trials are already underway in Germany , making it the first country to schedule a clinical test of a possible vaccine , with China and the US also scheduling trials to commence shortly .
A range of pharmaceutical companies have also thrown their hat into the ring , like Gilead and Pfizer .
However , the government has assured members of the public that the vaccine will be distributed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government has faced widespread criticism for the lack of PPE available for NHS workers ( Photo : Getty ) Vaccines have historically taken two to five years to develop due to the rigorous scientific and legislative approval needed to ensure the solution is safe for the market .
This process requires researchers to find a something that can combat the virus from scratch , then put it through clinical trials , human trials , and finally , regulatory approval so it can be distributed to those in need .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the first human trials for the coronavirus vaccine will begin on Thursday.
Oxford University will start the first UK efforts to find a vaccine to temper the Covid-19 outbreak, trialling its version of a vaccine on a pool of candidates in London, Bristol and Southampton.
Imperial College London’s trial will begin shortly after, with the University of London college starting its recruitment drive to find candidates for the tests scheduled in June.
Here’s what the trials will involve, who can volunteer to apply, and how close we are to finding a vaccine.
What is the difference between the two trials?
The Jenner Institute team at Oxford will try to stimulate the immune system using a common cold virus taken from chimps.
The trial has selected around 500 people out of 1000 candidates, and entered its first stages of development in February. The test, which will be concentrated around a small number of patients near test centres, will see candidates jabbed with the vaccine, who will be studied and expected to return to the centre for between four and 12 visits after the jab.
Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at Oxford University, told The Times she was “80 per cent confident” that the vaccine being developed by her team would work.
Although Imperial is involved with Oxford University’s trial, in six weeks’ time it will take its own approach.
Researchers will be recruiting hundreds of people who will be injected with droplets of the potential vaccine to carry the genetic material they need to get into the bloodstream.
Like in the Oxford trials, candidates will be given a low dosage of the vaccine to study whether the person’s immune system can fight off the virus, and will be studied after they have received the vaccine.
Who can volunteer in the Imperial trial?
The participants they are looking for need to be:
Adults aged 18-55
In good health
Someone who has not tested positive for Covid-19
Not pregnant
Someone who has not taken part in previous adenoviral vaccine trials
The Imperial College NHS Trust is recruiting 1,112 “healthy” volunteers to participate in the six-month trial, and they will receive up to £625 for their time and for travel.
The Imperial College NHS Trust are looking for healthy volunteers to participate in a #COVID19 #vaccine trial, for which they will receive up to £190-£625 reimbursement for time, travel and contribution to the trial. (1/2) — Imperial Medicine (@ImperialMed) April 21, 2020
If you are aged 18-55, in good health and think you might be interested, please visit the website for more information. (2/2)https://t.co/IeUnegc9pH — Imperial Medicine (@ImperialMed) April 21, 2020
Those hoping to take part have to live near the testing sites located in Bristol, Southampton, Thames Valley and Greater London.
When will the vaccine be ready?
The government is keen for the UK to be the first nation to find a cure – pledging £20m and £22.5m to the Oxford and Imperial tests respectively – but several other nations are piloting their own trials.
Human vaccine trials are already underway in Germany, making it the first country to schedule a clinical test of a possible vaccine, with China and the US also scheduling trials to commence shortly. A range of pharmaceutical companies have also thrown their hat into the ring, like Gilead and Pfizer. However, the government has assured members of the public that the vaccine will be distributed as cheaply and fairly as possible.
While the results of the trials will come through in the next few months, it will take a lot longer to know if a vaccine is effective.
Vaccines have historically taken two to five years to develop due to the rigorous scientific and legislative approval needed to ensure the solution is safe for the market. This process requires researchers to find a something that can combat the virus from scratch, then put it through clinical trials, human trials, and finally, regulatory approval so it can be distributed to those in need.
But due to the global effort, the World Health Organisation believes it will take roughly 18 months for a vaccine to be found.
Mr Hancock said developing a vaccine is an “uncertain science” but that the two teams were making “rapid progress” and would be backed “to the hilt”.
He told Sky News: “At the same time we’ll invest in manufacturing capability so if either of these vaccines safely works then we can make it available for the British people as soon as humanely possible.”


inews--2020-04-23--Coronavirus timeline: how our understanding of Covid-19 has changed over the past four months

Coronavirus timeline : how our understanding of Covid-19 has changed over the past four months Awareness around the novel coronavirus has grown enormously in just four months Despite where we have come from , there is still so much we do not know about this disease .
`` We have a lot of things we are discovering may or may not be possible for the virus , '' said Dr Joshua Moon .
At this point , most people had no idea whether the virus was deadly and if it could be cured or passed on from person to person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus , soon to be labelled Covid-19 , and flu .
The paper also said that the transmission rate of the virus – which is higher than flu average of 1.3 – meant measures introduced to slow its spread would need to cut transmission by more than 60 per cent to be effective .
This was particularly shocking at the time as lockdown and social distancing measures had not been raised .
`` In the absence of antiviral drugs or vaccines , control relies upon the prompt detection and isolation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is unclear at the current time whether this outbreak can be contained within China ; uncertainties include the severity spectrum of the disease caused by this virus and whether cases with relatively mild symptoms are able to transmit the virus efficiently . ''
A paper in The Lancet reported on the health implications for 41 Covid-19 positive patients in Wuhan .
It found that more than half had developed severe breathing problems ( 55 per cent ) , 13 per cent required admission to an intensive care unit ( ICU ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case fatality of those cases at 14.6 per cent , but the overall case fatality proportion closer to 3 per cent .
Dr Moon explained that one of the key moments during this time was an understanding of asymptomatic transmissions .
This was extremely important in knowing that people had the propensity to spread the disease further , despite not knowing they were ill themselves .
`` That 's still something we 're not very clear on ; we do n't know what proportion of infections are asymptomatic or fully whether or not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he explained .
`` They 're still so much about this we do n't necesserily know for sure as we have anecdotal information . ''
On 13 March , it became clear that Europe had jumped ahead of China as WHO said it `` has now become the epicenter '' of the pandemic , with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined .
The new plan was to flatten the curve of the virus which would spread through the country .
They reassured us that herd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of the population had been infected .
Social distancing and hand-washing would ease the pressure on health services , they said .
On the same day , the Government issued new increased measures to curb the spread of the virus , and included the following advice to the public : stop non-essential contact with others ; stop all unnecessary travel ; start working from home where possible ; avoid pubs , clubs , theatres and other such social venues , and to isolate at home for 14 days if anyone in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new and continuous cough .

It may seem impossible to imagine life before Covid-19, but mere months ago, most of us had never heard of terms like ‘social distancing’ or ‘antigen testing’.
Awareness around the novel coronavirus has grown enormously in just four months, going from barely any understanding of how it impacts humans, its transmission rate or fatality, to much greater scientific and public knowledge.
Despite where we have come from, there is still so much we do not know about this disease. “We have a lot of things we are discovering may or may not be possible for the virus,” said Dr Joshua Moon.
A Research Fellow in Sustainability Research Methods in the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex Business School, he explained that we are “now at a point where we’re starting to validate that”.
Beginning of Covid-19
The virus emerged at the very end of 2019. On 31 December last year, Chinese officials warned the World Health Organisation (WHO) of a pneumonia-like disease, contracted by several people in Wuhan. A number of those people worked at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.
At this time, officials in China had not confirmed the virus could spread from person to person.
Five days later, Chinese officials ruled out a re-emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) – a virus that originated in China in 2002 and killed 770 worldwide. By the end of the month, the WHO declared a global emergency as China reported more than 7,000 cases and 170 deaths.
It took a few more days for the virus to spread to outside China. First, new cases were confirmed in the Philippines. Then it spread across the world.
At this point, most people had no idea whether the virus was deadly and if it could be cured or passed on from person to person. People were still making links between the novel coronavirus, soon to be labelled Covid-19, and flu.
Late January
Infectivity
Researchers didn’t take look to realise how quickly the virus could spread from person to person.
On 25 January, Imperial College London published a paper putting virus infectivity at 2.6 people, and the highest possibility 3, using modelling on the spread of the disease in Wuhan. At this point, it was unclear whether people with mild symptoms could pass on the virus as effectively.
The paper also said that the transmission rate of the virus – which is higher than flu average of 1.3 – meant measures introduced to slow its spread would need to cut transmission by more than 60 per cent to be effective. This was particularly shocking at the time as lockdown and social distancing measures had not been raised.
“In the absence of antiviral drugs or vaccines, control relies upon the prompt detection and isolation of symptomatic cases,” researchers said. “It is unclear at the current time whether this outbreak can be contained within China; uncertainties include the severity spectrum of the disease caused by this virus and whether cases with relatively mild symptoms are able to transmit the virus efficiently.”
Danger
It became clear from early studies that the virus also had the potential to be extremely dangerous.
A paper in The Lancet reported on the health implications for 41 Covid-19 positive patients in Wuhan. It found that more than half had developed severe breathing problems (55 per cent), 13 per cent required admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and six died. It put the case fatality of those cases at 14.6 per cent, but the overall case fatality proportion closer to 3 per cent.
Global spread
As January ended, it became clearer that the virus would not be contained it China; coronavirus would undoubtedly spread to the UK and across the world.
A study by the University of Southampton, published on 28 January, found that the most ‘at-risk’ countries were Thailand, Japan and Hong Kong. The US was placed 6th on the list, Australia 10th and the UK 17th.
Using air travel patterns, it found that 19,000 people travelled from Wuhan and other high risk cities within China to the UK between January and March 2018, highlighting the inevitable spread of the virus into the country.
February
Scale in UK
In mid-February, Neil Ferguson, a key scientist from Imperial College London, told Channel 4 that up to 60 per cent of the population could be infected by the virus.
"This virus… concerns me the most of everything I've worked on." A scientist at the forefront of researching the coronavirus says it could "potentially" spread to 60% of the population. Watch our special programme at 7.30 on 4 with @mattfrei – Coronavirus: #IsBritainReady? pic.twitter.com/2JqYitYfZV — Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) February 14, 2020
He said uncontrolled, Covid-19 could kill 400,000 people in the UK.
Asymptomatic transmission
Dr Moon explained that one of the key moments during this time was an understanding of asymptomatic transmissions. This was extremely important in knowing that people had the propensity to spread the disease further, despite not knowing they were ill themselves.
“That’s still something we’re not very clear on; we don’t know what proportion of infections are asymptomatic or fully whether or not they are spreading while they’re asymptomatic,” he explained. “They’re still so much about this we don’t necesserily know for sure as we have anecdotal information.”
March
A pandemic
On 11 March, WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic, defined as the worldwide spread of a new disease which most people do not have immunity for.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨 "We have therefore made the assessment that #COVID19 can be characterized as a pandemic"-@DrTedros #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/JqdsM2051A — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 11, 2020
On 13 March, it became clear that Europe had jumped ahead of China as WHO said it “has now become the epicenter” of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined.
On 12 March, the chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, and chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, announced that the UK had moved from containing the virus to delaying its spread.
The new plan was to flatten the curve of the virus which would spread through the country. They reassured us that herd immunity would kick in once 60 per cent of the population had been infected. Social distancing and hand-washing would ease the pressure on health services, they said.
Overwhelmed NHS
In mid-March it became clear that the Government would need to introduce stricter measures to tackle the virus, and even then it would likely result in thousands of deaths.
On 16 March, Imperial College London published a study which looked at the impacts of both trying to suppress the virus and what would happen if nothing was done.
The modelling projected that if the UK did nothing, 81 per cent of people would be infected and 510,000 would die from coronavirus by August. If the Government tried suppression, the virus would still result in roughly 250,000 deaths and completely overwhelm intensive care units in the NHS. The study found nearly a third of Covid-19 cases required intensive care
On the same day, the Government issued new increased measures to curb the spread of the virus, and included the following advice to the public: stop non-essential contact with others; stop all unnecessary travel; start working from home where possible; avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues, and to isolate at home for 14 days if anyone in the household has a high temperature or a new and continuous cough.
On 23 March, Boris Johnson announced a national lockdown, instructing everyone to stay at home and only leave for essential reasons.
April
Fatality rate higher
A new study came out on Wednesday using results from antibody tests results. It found that the infection fatality rate (IFR) for Covid-19 is higher than in previous estimates.
Using a representative sample of people in Geneva, The Geneva University Hospitals found that the IFR for Covid-19 is at least 1.1 per cent, with a confidence interval of 0.5 to 2.5 per cent.


inews--2020-04-23--Is This The Way To Amarillo: How Peter Kay is resurrecting the Tony Christie hit for The Big Night I

Is This The Way To Amarillo: How Peter Kay is resurrecting the Tony Christie hit for The Big Night In - and lyrics to the song

Is This The Way To Amarillo : How Peter Kay is resurrecting the Tony Christie hit for The Big Night In - and lyrics to the song This time , we 'll see him flanked by famous faces – and NHS nurses – in a bid to drum up funds for the Covid-19 effort Now , he 's hoping to do the same again when he reunites with a CGI version of Christie to perform the song during the Big Night In – a telethon of entertainment combining charities Children In Need and Comic Relief .
This time , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and NHS nurses – in a bid to drum up funds to support the Covid-19 effort .
We 'll also see a number of fans – who have entered their own videos to be included via social media – marching with them .
When is the Big Night In on ?
The BBC 's Big Night In will air on Thursday ( Photo : BBC ) What can we expect from it ?
Presenters Lenny Henry , Matt Baker , Zoe Ball , Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness will host the night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and key workers who have played essential roles in keeping the nation going through the coronavirus crisis .
There will be a number of challenges viewers at home can participate in , too , including the Strictly Keep On Dancing spectacular , which will see the nation attempt to get to grips with the routine from Dua Lipa 's Physical video .
How can I get involved in the Amarillo challenge ?
By now Peter Kay will have already selected videos of viewers miming the words and marching in unison to Amarillo to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marie who 's waitin ' for me there Ai n't as half as pretty as where my baby 's at Is this the way to Amarillo ?
And sweet Marie who waits for me Show me the way to Amarillo And sweet Marie who waits for me And Marie who waits for me Hear the sound of joy that it 's singin ' And the guy who 's comin ' to see her Through the wind and rain Is this the way to Amarillo ?
And sweet Marie who waits for me Show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marie who waits for me And Marie who waits for me And Marie who waits for me And Marie who waits for me How can I donate on the night ?
You can donate £30 , £50 and £100 to The Big Night In website here .
The money raised will go towards funding projects to help those who are struggling to get basic supplies or shelter during the Covid-19 crisis , as well as mental health and social support .

Fifteen years ago, comedian Peter Kay catapulted Tony Christie’s 1972 karaoke classic Is This The Way To Amarillo back into the UK Singles charts at No.1.
Now, he’s hoping to do the same again when he reunites with a CGI version of Christie to perform the song during the Big Night In – a telethon of entertainment combining charities Children In Need and Comic Relief.
In the original sketch, filmed for Comic Relief in 2005, Kay can be seen strolling alongside Christie mouthing the words as he’s slowly joined by a host of stars.
This time, we’ll see him flanked by famous faces – and NHS nurses – in a bid to drum up funds to support the Covid-19 effort. We’ll also see a number of fans – who have entered their own videos to be included via social media – marching with them.
Christie filmed his appearance on a green screen at a friend’s house nearby in order to be superimposed in the background.
When is the Big Night In on?
The evening of comedy sketches, entertainment and charity will be broadcast on BBC One on Thursday 23 April at 7pm.
What can we expect from it?
Presenters Lenny Henry, Matt Baker, Zoe Ball, Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness will host the night, which is set to celebrate NHS and key workers who have played essential roles in keeping the nation going through the coronavirus crisis.
The show promises “money can’t buy” prizes, live music performances and “big surprises” as well as celebrities tuning in to take part from their homes.
There will be a number of challenges viewers at home can participate in, too, including the Strictly Keep On Dancing spectacular, which will see the nation attempt to get to grips with the routine from Dua Lipa’s Physical video.
How can I get involved in the Amarillo challenge?
By now Peter Kay will have already selected videos of viewers miming the words and marching in unison to Amarillo to be featured during the sketch.
However, living room participation is encouraged. Here are the lyrics if you want to sing along:
Sha la la la la la la la Sha la la la la la la la Sha la la la la la la la When the day is dawnin’ On a Texas Sunday mornin’ How I long to be there With Marie who’s waitin’ for me there Ev’ry lonely city where I hang my hat Ain’t as half as pretty as where my baby’s at Is this the way to Amarillo? Ev’ry night I’ve been huggin’ my pillow Dreamin’ dreams of Amarillo And sweet Marie who waits for me Show me the way to Amarillo I’ve been weepin’ like a willow Cryin’ over Amarillo And sweet Marie who waits for me Sha la la la la la la la Sha la la la la la la la Sha la la la la la la la And Marie who waits for me There’s a church bell ringin’ Hear the sound of joy that it’s singin’ For the sweet Maria And the guy who’s comin’ to see her Just beyond the highway there’s an open plain And it keeps me goin’ Through the wind and rain Is this the way to Amarillo? Ev’ry night I’ve been huggin’ my pillow Dreamin’ dreams of Amarillo And sweet Marie who waits for me Show me the way to Amarillo I’ve been weepin’ like a willow Cryin’ over Amarillo And sweet Marie who waits for me Sha la la la la la la la Sha la la la la la la la Sha la la la la la la la And Marie who waits for me Sha la la la la la la la Sha la la la la la la la Sha la la la la la la la And Marie who waits for me Sha la la la la la la la Sha la la la la la la la Sha la la la la la la la And Marie who waits for me
How can I donate on the night?
You can donate £30, £50 and £100 to The Big Night In website here.
The money raised will go towards funding projects to help those who are struggling to get basic supplies or shelter during the Covid-19 crisis, as well as mental health and social support.


inews--2020-04-23--Homeless charities are running out of PPE for their frontline staff

Homeless charities are running out of PPE for their frontline staff 'It 's not good enough we rely on random acts of kindness to keep our hostels safe , ' says charity at forefront of an underfunded frontline '' We 've been pressing the Government to include our hostels on the list as an essential frontline service .
We are keeping young people off the streets and it 's simply not good enough that we are reliant on random acts of kindness from local businesses and our own networks to keep our hostels safe.
” Hostel staff like Tina work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide practical and emotional support .
She and her colleagues are in close contact with them daily , supporting them at a difficult time , managing the running of the facility and cleaning .
It ’ s not hard to see why PPE is urgently needed .
But this equipment is costly and difficult to get hold of because demand is currently so high .
Centrepoint is competing against many other sectors urgently in need of masks , gloves and aprons .
Centrepoint told i it “ tried to get on the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ it was only for the NHS and social care ” .
“ We ’ re doing our best to social distance , ” Tina tells me over the phone .
“ We ’ re wearing masks when we go around the hostel to do wellbeing checks , using hand sanitiser when handling food donations .
Gloves and aprons are being used to clean areas at risk of contamination .
We are just taking all of the precautions that we can.
” When asked why the Government is not providing homeless charities such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson directed i to their online guidance hub on the use of PPE which states “ based on current evidence , there is very little scientific evidence of widespread benefit from PPE ” for anyone outside of a health and social care setting .
Often , charities are the only barrier to people ending up on the streets ( Photo : Getty ) Across the country , local councils have relied on the work of charities like Centrepoint to tackle a growing homelessness crisis in recent years which saw an estimated 165 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last decade .
Often , charities are the only barrier to people ending up on the streets .
Like so many aspects of the housing crisis , this pandemic has laid bare how fragile the status quo was .
Charities rely on government funding as well as fundraising and private donations .
As Seyi notes , the latter has dried up because huge fundraising events like the London Marathon have been cancelled , and the former isn ’ t enough to carry them through this pandemic on its own .
In an attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national level the homeless charity Crisis ’ s procurement team is calling suppliers and other organisations to see what they have available .
Meanwhile , their fundraising team has been contacting corporate partners in a variety of sectors to see what PPE they have access to .
“ We are concerned that in some areas young people may not be getting the opportunity to speak to their local housing office because they are homeless or about to become homeless , ” Seyi adds .
“ This could be because the housing office has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing or , in some cases , may have simply closed down following the Government 's work from home instructions .
This is something we 're monitoring.
” The Government has provided a £3.2million emergency fund to house rough sleepers .
However , because the young people housed by Centrepoint hostels aren ’ t currently on the streets , it doesn ’ t cover them .
This is hidden homelessness - which sees people living in cramped hostels as an emergency measure - and it is at the sharp end of Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , we urgently need to see dedicated funding to ensure everyone has access to self-contained accommodation , ” he told i .
“ Over the weekend , the Government announced an additional £1.6bn for local councils and its essential part of this is ring-fenced to protect people who are homeless and in crowded hostels where the virus could so easily spread .
”

Tina Beach is a Centrepoint support worker. The hostel she works at in Bradford has 52 beds for homeless people aged between 16 and 25. They are currently at capacity and there is a waiting list full of young people desperate for a bed there.
Hostels are on the frontline of homelessness, providing emergency accommodation. But they are only meant to be temporary. People there often share bathrooms, cooking facilities and sometimes bedrooms and it is very difficult to practice isolation and social distancing in these conditions.
Like other homelessness providers, Centrepoint is facing a crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic. Seyi Obakin, Centrepoint’s Chief Executive, tells i the charity is worried their staff “will be put at risk of serious illness” because of a lack of personal protection equipment (PPE).
So far, 34 young people in Centrepoint hostels across the country have had symptoms associated with coronavirus and have self-isolated, or are currently self-isolating.
Centrepoint staff are concerned because they are running low on funds and struggling to procure the PPE they need to protect themselves. The charity operates more than 60 hostels nationwide, with more than 800 emergency beds in total.
“We’re worried about hostel staff because we’re running low on some items of PPE, such as aprons and thermometers, and it’s a constant struggle to source more,” Seyi says.
“We’ve been pressing the Government to include our hostels on the list as an essential frontline service. We are keeping young people off the streets and it’s simply not good enough that we are reliant on random acts of kindness from local businesses and our own networks to keep our hostels safe.”
Hostel staff like Tina work very closely with young homeless people to provide practical and emotional support. She and her colleagues are in close contact with them daily, supporting them at a difficult time, managing the running of the facility and cleaning. It’s not hard to see why PPE is urgently needed.
But this equipment is costly and difficult to get hold of because demand is currently so high. Centrepoint is competing against many other sectors urgently in need of masks, gloves and aprons. Centrepoint told i it “tried to get on the government preferred suppliers list” but was told “it was only for the NHS and social care”.
“We’re doing our best to social distance,” Tina tells me over the phone. “We’re wearing masks when we go around the hostel to do wellbeing checks, using hand sanitiser when handling food donations. Gloves and aprons are being used to clean areas at risk of contamination. We are just taking all of the precautions that we can.”
“Our staff have been out buying gloves and disinfectant,” she adds. In some of their hostels, i understands staff have been relying on friends, family and their wider social circle to buy supplies for them.
When asked why the Government is not providing homeless charities such as Centrepoint with PPE, a Government spokesperson directed i to their online guidance hub on the use of PPE which states “based on current evidence, there is very little scientific evidence of widespread benefit from PPE” for anyone outside of a health and social care setting.
Across the country, local councils have relied on the work of charities like Centrepoint to tackle a growing homelessness crisis in recent years which saw an estimated 165 per cent increase in rough sleeping in the last decade. Often, charities are the only barrier to people ending up on the streets. Like so many aspects of the housing crisis, this pandemic has laid bare how fragile the status quo was.
Charities rely on government funding as well as fundraising and private donations. As Seyi notes, the latter has dried up because huge fundraising events like the London Marathon have been cancelled, and the former isn’t enough to carry them through this pandemic on its own.
There’s an irony here. During the biggest public health crisis in recent years, the state is relying on charities which now constitute frontline housing services, but they find themselves struggling to function because Covid-19 is an economic crisis too.
“We’re really concerned that, without urgent government funding, our operations will not be sustainable in the longer term. We’ve seen a dramatic fall in voluntary income in recent weeks as a direct result of coronavirus,” Seyi explains.
In an attempt to get more PPE, at a national level the homeless charity Crisis’s procurement team is calling suppliers and other organisations to see what they have available. Meanwhile, their fundraising team has been contacting corporate partners in a variety of sectors to see what PPE they have access to.
Centrepoint’s hostels are a pathway: young people live here while waiting for a more permanent housing allocation. However, in part due to lockdown and in part due to the long-term social housing shortage we face as a nation, there’s currently next to nowhere to move anyone to.
“We are treading water right now,” Tina says. “We’re not necessarily able to move people on as quickly as we normally would be.”
“We are concerned that in some areas young people may not be getting the opportunity to speak to their local housing office because they are homeless or about to become homeless,” Seyi adds. “This could be because the housing office has reduced capacity in order to comply with social distancing or, in some cases, may have simply closed down following the Government’s work from home instructions. This is something we’re monitoring.”
The Government has provided a £3.2million emergency fund to house rough sleepers. However, because the young people housed by Centrepoint hostels aren’t currently on the streets, it doesn’t cover them. This is hidden homelessness – which sees people living in cramped hostels as an emergency measure – and it is at the sharp end of Britain’s housing crisis.
Matt Downie, director of policy and external affairs at Crisis, said there is serious sector-wide concern about spaces for those in need, protection for staff and dedicated funding which, as yet, the Government has not provided.
“Right now, we urgently need to see dedicated funding to ensure everyone has access to self-contained accommodation,” he told i. “Over the weekend, the Government announced an additional £1.6bn for local councils and its essential part of this is ring-fenced to protect people who are homeless and in crowded hostels where the virus could so easily spread.”
This pandemic has changed our experience of home, demanded that we stay in and, in doing so, forced us to confront the uncomfortable fact that too many people don’t have a suitable home. Homelessness support is just another underfunded frontline in this crisis.
A Government spokesperson said: “Since the beginning of the crisis, over 90 per cent of those known to be living on the streets have been offered safe accommodation.
“This remarkable achievement is the result of a collaborative effort across Government and with local authorities, health providers and charities, backed by £1.6bn of Government funding for local authorities. An additional £1.6bn was announced over the weekend to further support this work.
“The Chancellor has also announced that charities across the UK will receive a £750 million package of support to ensure they can continue their vital work during the coronavirus outbreak. We are working at pace to identify priority recipients, with the aim for charities to receive money in the coming weeks.”
Vicky Spratt is i‘s Housing Correspondent


inews--2020-04-23--Prisons and coronavirus: UK jails are Covid-19 'incubator' with over 500 confirmed cases, ministers

Prisons and coronavirus: UK jails are Covid-19 'incubator' with over 500 confirmed cases, ministers warned

Prisons and coronavirus : UK jails are Covid-19 'incubator ' with over 500 confirmed cases , ministers warned Exclusive : Peers have criticised the 'cohorting ' system of quarantine used in Britain 's jails to handle the spread of Covid-19 Britain 's prisons have become `` an incubator '' for Covid-19 , ministers have been warned , following the introduction of a new system to group inmates with coronavirus symptoms together .
The Government has instructed jails to create three `` cohorts '' of prisoners : those with Covid-19 , those who may have been exposed to infection , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do contract the illness .
The House of Lords is debating the policy on Thursday , with peers warning that the scheme risks infecting more inmates and prison staff .
Already 294 prisoners and 231 members of the workforce have tested positive for Covid-19 , according to official statistics for England and Wales .
Lord German , the Liberal Democrat peer who is leading the debate , told i : `` Ministers have refused to take the risk of coronavirus spreading through our prisons seriously .
As we see the number of prisoners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Justice has turned a blind eye to prisons , as they did with care homes .
`` The cohort strategy clearly isn ’ t working and potentially leading to more and more inmates contracting the virus , turning prisons into an incubator for the disease .
The Government has failed to listen to the calls by Liberal Democrats and others to release prisoners on short-term sentences , putting not only prisoners and staff at risk , but our wider communities . ''
Under the cohorting system , inmates who show coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while those believed to have been exposed to the virus but who do not show symptoms are isolated for 14 days , as are any new arrivals to the prison .
A third group of prisoners with serious underlying health conditions should be shielded from others .
A spokesman for the Prison Service said : `` The strong measures we introduced in prisons have been effective in protecting the NHS and saving lives ... We make no apologies for putting public safety first and ensuring that all prisoners are subject to thorough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sources insist that those with symptoms are told to self-isolate in their cells so they can not infect others .
The Government has promised to reduce the prison population by releasing those serving short sentences with less than two months left to run .
There are 4,000 prisoners eligible for release under the scheme - around 5 per cent of the prison population - but fewer than 100 had been let out before it was suspended in response to the mistaken release of six offenders .
The Howard League and Prison Reform Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its response to outbreaks of coronavirus inside prisons .
They have accused ministers of placing inmates in danger by failing to reduce the jail population during the epidemic .

Britain’s prisons have become “an incubator” for Covid-19, ministers have been warned, following the introduction of a new system to group inmates with coronavirus symptoms together.
The Government has instructed jails to create three “cohorts” of prisoners: those with Covid-19, those who may have been exposed to infection, and those who are particularly vulnerable if they do contract the illness.
The House of Lords is debating the policy on Thursday, with peers warning that the scheme risks infecting more inmates and prison staff. Already 294 prisoners and 231 members of the workforce have tested positive for Covid-19, according to official statistics for England and Wales.
Lord German, the Liberal Democrat peer who is leading the debate, told i: “Ministers have refused to take the risk of coronavirus spreading through our prisons seriously. As we see the number of prisoners and staff skyrocket it is clear the Ministry of Justice has turned a blind eye to prisons, as they did with care homes.
‘Failed to listen’
“The cohort strategy clearly isn’t working and potentially leading to more and more inmates contracting the virus, turning prisons into an incubator for the disease. The Government has failed to listen to the calls by Liberal Democrats and others to release prisoners on short-term sentences, putting not only prisoners and staff at risk, but our wider communities.”
Under the cohorting system, inmates who show coronavirus symptoms are put in a seven-day quarantine, while those believed to have been exposed to the virus but who do not show symptoms are isolated for 14 days, as are any new arrivals to the prison. A third group of prisoners with serious underlying health conditions should be shielded from others.
A spokesman for the Prison Service said: “The strong measures we introduced in prisons have been effective in protecting the NHS and saving lives… We make no apologies for putting public safety first and ensuring that all prisoners are subject to thorough assessments before they leave custody.”
Promise to reduce jail population
Sources insist that those with symptoms are told to self-isolate in their cells so they cannot infect others.
The Government has promised to reduce the prison population by releasing those serving short sentences with less than two months left to run. There are 4,000 prisoners eligible for release under the scheme – around 5 per cent of the prison population – but fewer than 100 had been let out before it was suspended in response to the mistaken release of six offenders.
The Howard League and Prison Reform Trust has threatened to sue the Government over its response to outbreaks of coronavirus inside prisons. They have accused ministers of placing inmates in danger by failing to reduce the jail population during the epidemic.


inews--2020-04-23--China coronavirus cases could have been four times higher than the number reported in February, stud

China coronavirus cases could have been four times higher than the number reported in February, study suggests

China coronavirus cases could have been four times higher than the number reported in February , study suggests Figures show there were 55,508 cases in China in February but the study suggests the number of infections could have been 232,000 The number of people infected with coronavirus in China towards the end of February may have been four times higher than reported , with 232,000 cases in the country , a study suggests .
As of 20 February , there were 55,508 confirmed cases in China , with 27,000 in Wuhan - the city in the Hubei province where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study by researchers in Hong Kong , published in The Lancet Public Health journal , estimated the figure may have been as high as 232,000 , with 127,000 cases in Wuhan , if a later definition of what classified as a confirmed case of Covid-19 had been adopted earlier .
Coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan in December 2019 .
As information about the virus evolved , there were several versions of the `` case definition '' for Covid-19 .
In the study , the researchers from the School of Public Health at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects of changes in case definitions until 20 February and found that the revisions `` had a substantial effect on the proportion of all infections identified as cases as time progressed '' .
For example , they estimated that the proportion of infections being detected as cases increased 7.1 times from version one to two of the case definition .
From version four to five , they increased 4.2 times .
Version five of the case definition involved the greatest change , according to the study , which was funded by Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Had the fifth version of case definitions been adopted from the beginning of the outbreak in China - and had there been sufficient testing capacity - by 20 February `` there would have been 232,000 confirmed cases in China as opposed to the 55,508 confirmed cases reported '' .
However , the academics said the total number of individuals infected is likely to be far higher than even 232,000 because mild cases were not tested or confirmed and some people may have been asymptomatic .
`` The case definition was initially narrow and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more cases as knowledge increased , particularly milder cases and those without epidemiological links to Wuhan , China , or other known cases , '' the researchers said in the journal .
`` These changes should be taken into account when making inferences on epidemic growth rates and doubling times , and therefore on the reproductive number , to avoid bias . ''
They also said their findings suggested the need for caution when analysing the trajectories of epidemic curves elsewhere .
`` Epidemics could appear to be growing faster than they actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing practices .
The availability of and resolve for laboratory testing will also be a major factor shaping epidemic curves , which will be important to guide the public health responses . ''
Acknowledging that the study had some limitations , they said future analyses could also involve looking at the impact of interventions , including lockdowns and social distancing measures , alongside case definition changes .

The number of people infected with coronavirus in China towards the end of February may have been four times higher than reported, with 232,000 cases in the country, a study suggests.
As of 20 February, there were 55,508 confirmed cases in China, with 27,000 in Wuhan – the city in the Hubei province where the virus was first detected.
But a study by researchers in Hong Kong, published in The Lancet Public Health journal, estimated the figure may have been as high as 232,000, with 127,000 cases in Wuhan, if a later definition of what classified as a confirmed case of Covid-19 had been adopted earlier.
It comes amid questions about China’s reporting of cases of the virus. Worldwide there are now more than 2.6 million cases of Covid-19, with nearly 84,000 in China.
‘Case definitions’ for Covid-19
Coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan in December 2019. As information about the virus evolved, there were several versions of the “case definition” for Covid-19.
Between 15 January and 3 March, the National Health Commission in China issued seven versions.
In the study, the researchers from the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong modelled the effects of changes in case definitions until 20 February and found that the revisions “had a substantial effect on the proportion of all infections identified as cases as time progressed”.
This then had a “substantial effect on the epidemic curve”.
For example, they estimated that the proportion of infections being detected as cases increased 7.1 times from version one to two of the case definition. From version four to five, they increased 4.2 times.
Version five of the case definition involved the greatest change, according to the study, which was funded by Hong Kong’s Health and Medical Research Fund.
Higher than 232,000 cases
Had the fifth version of case definitions been adopted from the beginning of the outbreak in China – and had there been sufficient testing capacity – by 20 February “there would have been 232,000 confirmed cases in China as opposed to the 55,508 confirmed cases reported”.
However, the academics said the total number of individuals infected is likely to be far higher than even 232,000 because mild cases were not tested or confirmed and some people may have been asymptomatic.
Changes in case definition should be taken into account when analysing epidemic growth rates, the study concluded.
“The case definition was initially narrow and was gradually broadened to allow detection of more cases as knowledge increased, particularly milder cases and those without epidemiological links to Wuhan, China, or other known cases,” the researchers said in the journal. “These changes should be taken into account when making inferences on epidemic growth rates and doubling times, and therefore on the reproductive number, to avoid bias.”
They also said their findings suggested the need for caution when analysing the trajectories of epidemic curves elsewhere. “Epidemics could appear to be growing faster than they actually are, because of rapid expansions in testing practices. The availability of and resolve for laboratory testing will also be a major factor shaping epidemic curves,which will be important to guide the public health responses.”
Acknowledging that the study had some limitations, they said future analyses could also involve looking at the impact of interventions, including lockdowns and social distancing measures, alongside case definition changes.


inews--2020-04-23--When is St George's Day 2020? Who the patron saint of England actually was, and why today isn't a ba

When is St George's Day 2020? Who the patron saint of England actually was, and why today isn't a bank holiday

When is St George 's Day 2020 ?
Who the patron saint of England actually was , and why today is n't a bank holiday Dragon-slaying St George is commemorated every year on 23 April , although coronavirus means this year 's celebrations will be somewhat muted Also known as the Feast of Saint George , the Christian observance is not only marked in England , but also in other places where George is the patron saint , including Catalonia and the region of Aragon in Spain .
Greece , Portugal , and Russia are among the other countries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dancing and much more - although this year , of course , the coronavirus pandemic means any commemorations will be very different .
When is it St George 's Day ?
St George ’ s Day is on April 23rd every year , which is thought to be the date of his death , this year falling on a Thursday .
Although information around the historical saint is scant , he is thought to have been born sometime around the year 280 AD .
George was reputedly a soldier who fought in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a personal guard to the Emperor Diocletian .
According to the popular story , St George slayed a dragon and saved a princess ( Photo : Hulton Archive/Getty ) Some may think that St George was English .
However , it is thought that he was born 2,000 miles away in Cappodocia , modern day Turkey , and died in 303 AD in Lydda , in what is now Israel .
It is believed that he was executed for refusing to make a sacrifice in honour of the pagan gods – thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persecutions of Emperor Diocletian , with his tomb found in the Christian pilgrimage site of Lod .
What did St George do ?
Many of the popular details of the tale are first found in Jacobus de Vorgine ’ s The Golden Legend , a 13th century selection of stories about the lives of saints .
According to the legend the only well in Silene , a town in Libya , was guarded by a dragon who required a daily human sacrifice for the townspeople to get water .
George slayed the dragon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , giving the people of Silene access to water - they all converted to Christianity as a sign of their gratitude .
In years unaffected by coronavirus , pubs around England often hang St George 's flags in celebration ( Photo : Getty ) However , from the Act of Union between England and Scotland in 1707 its significance , and the celebrations around it , diminished .
Now , unlike St Patrick 's Day in Northern Ireland , and St Andrew 's Day in Scotland , school and businesses must open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various campaigns ( and political promises ) to make the day a public holiday in England once more .
How is St George ’ s Day usually celebrated ?
Flags bearing the St George ’ s cross – a large red cross on white background – are traditionally flown on some houses and buildings , especially pubs , and people may display the symbol on a button or patch .

St George’s Day is the annual day of remembrance for England’s celebrated patron saint, who is said to have slayed a dragon and rescued a princess centuries ago.
Also known as the Feast of Saint George, the Christian observance is not only marked in England, but also in other places where George is the patron saint, including Catalonia and the region of Aragon in Spain.
Greece, Portugal, and Russia are among the other countries to also celebrate this day with parades, dancing and much more – although this year, of course, the coronavirus pandemic means any commemorations will be very different.
When is it St George’s Day?
St George’s Day is on April 23rd every year, which is thought to be the date of his death, this year falling on a Thursday.
Although information around the historical saint is scant, he is thought to have been born sometime around the year 280 AD.
George was reputedly a soldier who fought in the Roman army and rose up to eventually become a personal guard to the Emperor Diocletian.
Some may think that St George was English. However, it is thought that he was born 2,000 miles away in Cappodocia, modern day Turkey, and died in 303 AD in Lydda, in what is now Israel.
It is believed that he was executed for refusing to make a sacrifice in honour of the pagan gods – thus becoming a Christian martyr – during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian, with his tomb found in the Christian pilgrimage site of Lod.
What did St George do?
According to the popular story, the saint slayed a dragon and saved a princess.
Many of the popular details of the tale are first found in Jacobus de Vorgine’s The Golden Legend, a 13th century selection of stories about the lives of saints.
According to the legend the only well in Silene, a town in Libya, was guarded by a dragon who required a daily human sacrifice for the townspeople to get water.
On the day of St George’s visit, the town’s inhabitants had selected a princess to be sacrificed.
George slayed the dragon and saved the princess’ life as well, giving the people of Silene access to water – they all converted to Christianity as a sign of their gratitude.
Why isn’t it a bank holiday?
In 1415 St George’s Day was made national feast day and holiday in England, a status which it carried until the 18th century.
However, from the Act of Union between England and Scotland in 1707 its significance, and the celebrations around it, diminished.
Now, unlike St Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland, and St Andrew’s Day in Scotland, school and businesses must open as usual on 23 April, despite various campaigns (and political promises) to make the day a public holiday in England once more.
How is St George’s Day usually celebrated?
Flags bearing the St George’s cross – a large red cross on white background – are traditionally flown on some houses and buildings, especially pubs, and people may display the symbol on a button or patch.
Pinning a rose blossom to your lapel or pocket is also a tradition, as it is associated with the saint’s death.
St George’s Day parades and medieval-themed festivals are common across England, while many pubs usually hold celebratory events and promotions.
However, with public gatherings prohibited and all pubs around the UK closed due to the outbreak of coronavirus, this year’s celebrations will be much more low-key, and limited to people’s homes.


inews--2020-04-24--On This Day: Eli Manning was drafted No 1 overall by the Chargers and never played a snap for them

On This Day : Eli Manning was drafted No 1 overall by the Chargers and never played a snap for them 24 April 2004 : Manning was drafted by the San Diego Chargers and instantly traded to the New York Giants It was one of the juiciest draft day stories of all time .
A spoilt brat wailing : “ Wah , wah , wah : I don ’ t wan na play here ” while being prodded along by a pushy parent .
On 24 April 2004 , Eli Manning , the University of Mississippi quarterback and younger brother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first overall pick of the NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers .
But Manning ’ s entourage , including dad Archie – a former Mississippi legend who went on to play for the New Orleans Saints – and agent Tom Condon had told the Chargers he would not play for them .
Eli reportedly said he ’ d rather go to law school than play for San Diego , but the Californians took him anyway .
Less than an hour later , after posing for a very awkward picture with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Giant , who had taken North Carolina State QB Philip Rivers with the fourth overall pick.So what happened ?
There were rumours that Archie was not confident San Diego were good enough for his boy ; that he did not want Eli having the same career he had .
Archie ’ s long spell with New Orleans was categorised by so much losing they were called the Aints .
There was speculation that San Diego was too small for Eli , that he needed to tread the boards on Broadway and New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his talents .
It was even suggested that Peyton ’ s experiences were a part of the process .
He was drafted first in 1998 and was enjoying a great career with the Indianapolis Colts .
But the Chargers picked No 2 back then and took Washington State QB Ryan Leaf , who turned out to be a disaster .
Archie denied he was involved in 2004 and years later Eli said he “ forgot ” why he did not want to play for the Chargers .
In any case , it did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams won .
The Giants got two Super Bowl titles and Rivers has only just left the Chargers – for the Colts – at the grand age of 38 .
And the draft class itself was a belter .
Nine of the top 12 picks went on to make the Pro Bowl , including Pittsburgh ’ s Ben Roethlisberger , who went 11th overall .
“ I knew the value of a quarterback , but I never got caught up in stats .
You pick a quarterback to win championships .
Obviously he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s got to be surrounded .
“ If Eli wouldn ’ t have won a championship , I ’ d probably feel a little unfulfilled .
But he won two and was the MVP of both Super Bowls , so we feel good about it .
”

It was one of the juiciest draft day stories of all time. A spoilt brat wailing: “Wah, wah, wah: I don’t wanna play here” while being prodded along by a pushy parent.
On 24 April 2004, Eli Manning, the University of Mississippi quarterback and younger brother of superstar Peyton, was selected with the first overall pick of the NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers.
But Manning’s entourage, including dad Archie – a former Mississippi legend who went on to play for the New Orleans Saints – and agent Tom Condon had told the Chargers he would not play for them. Eli reportedly said he’d rather go to law school than play for San Diego, but the Californians took him anyway.
Less than an hour later, after posing for a very awkward picture with a Chargers shirt, Manning was a New York Giant, who had taken North Carolina State QB Philip Rivers with the fourth overall pick.
So what happened? There were rumours that Archie was not confident San Diego were good enough for his boy; that he did not want Eli having the same career he had. Archie’s long spell with New Orleans was categorised by so much losing they were called the Aints.
There was speculation that San Diego was too small for Eli, that he needed to tread the boards on Broadway and New York was the only place that deserved his talents.
It was even suggested that Peyton’s experiences were a part of the process. He was drafted first in 1998 and was enjoying a great career with the Indianapolis Colts. But the Chargers picked No 2 back then and took Washington State QB Ryan Leaf, who turned out to be a disaster.
Archie denied he was involved in 2004 and years later Eli said he “forgot” why he did not want to play for the Chargers.
In any case, it did not really matter either way. Both teams won. The Giants got two Super Bowl titles and Rivers has only just left the Chargers – for the Colts – at the grand age of 38.
And the draft class itself was a belter. Nine of the top 12 picks went on to make the Pro Bowl, including Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger, who went 11th overall.
“I never looked at the trade like a win for us,” Ernie Accorsi, the Giants general manager at the time, said.
“I knew the value of a quarterback, but I never got caught up in stats. You pick a quarterback to win championships. Obviously he can’t do it alone, he’s got to be surrounded.
“If Eli wouldn’t have won a championship, I’d probably feel a little unfulfilled. But he won two and was the MVP of both Super Bowls, so we feel good about it.”
On This Day in sport


inews--2020-04-23--Think tank calls for independent body to verify identities online in bid to stop Twitter trolls

Think tank calls for independent body to verify identities online in bid to stop Twitter trolls An independent body designed to verify online identities could combat serious trolling , Demos has suggested A think tank has called for the formation of an independent corporation dedicated to verifying identities online that could spell the end of the line for the most vicious anonymous Twitter troll .
The report from Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at Demos , funded by GCHQ , proposes a British Identity Corporation ( BIDC ) to authenticate the identities of social media and internet users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transparent route to investigate serious cases of online trolling and abuse , such as death and rape threats , with a greater degree of success , Demos claimed .
`` Rather than entering their personal details into each online platform , users would instead authenticate once to the BIDC , which would , in turn , provide platforms with the minimal information they need to identify or validate that user , '' the report 's authors said .
`` In the example of a platform requiring age verification , BIDC would send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 18 , rather than sharing their birth date and proof of age . ''
The body could operate in the style of the BBC 's Royal Charter , with a board made up of representatives from Government , internet platforms and third-sector providers and state backings and guarantees .
Funding could come from a mixture of state and user-based methods , including backing from the United Nations , a subscription model or a levy applied to companies using the service .
The creation of a centralised system would allow web users to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have requested their personal data and allow them to deny future access to it , giving them `` meaningful control over their identity online '' , the report suggested .
Activists , marginalised groups and journalists rely on online anonymity to highlight abuses of power , with privacy advocates arguing hastily-applied rules could expose whistleblowers to corrupts governments , states and malicious online actors .
While users would still be able to maintain anonymity from other users and from platforms , in instances where troll behaviour reaches a criminal level , law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask the BIDC to hand over identifying data while investigating illegal activity , the think tank suggested .
It said it anticipated services provided by media organisations that do not require the use of an identifier , much like existing drop-boxes on the dark net or the use of encrypted channels like Signal .
“ On today ’ s internet , it is near-impossible to know who can connect your actions to your identity ; people are being denied meaningful control over their privacy online , '' said Josh Smith , Senior Researcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Creating a British Identity Corporation would not only allow people meaningful control over who can identify them online , but also provide a powerful , transparent method for tackling serious online abuse .
”

The state pension could rise by 8 per cent or more after a surprise increase in the level of wage growth, according to experts.
The level of the pension is governed by a “triple lock” which ensures that it goes up each year by the highest out of inflation, growth in earnings and 2.5 per cent.
Inflation for the year to September – which is used as a benchmark for the triple lock – is expected to come in at around 7 per cent when it is published in October, meaning the state pension was already set for a significant increase regardless of earnings data.
But new figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that total wages, including bonuses, have risen by 8.2 per cent in the past year.
If the growth in pay is sustained in the next set of data, which will be used to set the level of the state pension, pensioners will get around £220 a week – up from the current £203.85.
Former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb warned that an increase of that magnitude would force the Treasury to find an extra £2bn in funding next year compared to what was previously set aside. He said: “It seems very likely that the pension rise implied by the triple lock policy will be much higher than expected at the time of the March 2023 Budget.
“Although inflation is coming down, the rate of average earnings growth has been heading upwards and is likely to be the key factor in determining next year’s state pension rise. An extra £2bn bill arising from higher than expected earnings growth seems quite plausible.”
The Government and Labour are both committed to the future of the triple lock despite calls from some economists to reconsider the policy, which has led to pensioners seeing stronger income growth than workers in recent years.
Steven Cameron, the pensions director at financial services firm Aegon, said: “The latest earnings growth figure is 8.2 per cent, now above the latest inflation figure of 7.9 per cent. If the earnings growth figure announced next month stays at this level, this guarantees state pensioners 8.2 per cent next April, even if inflation continues to fall.
“If earnings growth remains above price inflation in the coming months, state pensioners may be winners, particularly as they are less likely to be affected by rocketing mortgage costs and could also be benefitting from higher interest rates on cash savings.”
Financial analyst Adrian Lowery, of Evelyn Partners, added: “The cost of the state pension is already expected to outweigh combined spending on education, policing and defence in the next two years. With neither of the leading parties yet willing to question the affordability of the triple lock in the run-up to a general election, this could intensify the squeeze on the public finances.”


inews--2020-04-23--TV nostalgia comedy boom as viewers flock to Only Fools and Horses repeats

TV nostalgia comedy boom as viewers flock to Only Fools and Horses repeats Thinkbox/IPSOS Mori study finds that we 're watching hours more TV every day in lockdown and family viewing is back Locked-down viewers are finding comfort in comedy nostalgia as Only Fools and Horses and Last of the Summer Wine repeats record an audience surge .
TV viewing has soared by 24 per cent since lockdown began , hitting an average of 3 hours , 40 minutes a day per viewer - an extra five hours a week - analysis commissioned by marketing body Thinkbox from Ipsos MORI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with viewing of comedy shows up 40 per cent year on year in the first three weeks of lockdown .
Nostalgia is often seen as a safest choice .
Viewing of Only Fools and Horses on Gold is up 20 per cent year on year and Last of the Summer Wine on Drama is up 30 per cent year on year .
Last of the Summer Wine is finding a new audience ( Photo : BBC ) Grounded children are being introduced to some classic shows for the first time as family viewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has grown by 37 per cent year on year since lockdown began , compared with a 15 % increase in watching TV alone .
Contemporary shows benefiting include Channel 4 ’ s Gogglebox , which is up 41 per cent and reaching a record audience of 4.5m viewers on Friday nights .
Sky Cinema , offering a schedule of family-driven films , is up 48 per cent .
Unsurprisingly , TV news content viewing is up by 124 per cent and the audience for Sky News has tripled .
Social media is viewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But families are trying to shield children from an excess of Covid-19 news to reduce anxieties .
Viewing habits are being transformed - the Lockdown TV study , using video diaries and Barb figures , found that couples now working from home are likely to eat their lunch together in front of the TV at the same time each day .
There is also more compromise viewing , as families jointly choose programmes to suit everyone rather than meeting their individual viewing needs .
Matt Hill , Thinkbox Research director said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our media habits are dramatically changing as a result of the new situations we find ourselves in.
” Ben Page , CEO , Ipsos MORI , said : “ TV is again uniting Britain .
New routines and habits are emerging , with TV bringing households together to seek comfort in shared experiences .
It is also fascinating to see the value and trust audiences are placing in TV news .
”

Locked-down viewers are finding comfort in comedy nostalgia as Only Fools and Horses and Last of the Summer Wine repeats record an audience surge.
TV viewing has soared by 24 per cent since lockdown began, hitting an average of 3 hours, 40 minutes a day per viewer – an extra five hours a week – analysis commissioned by marketing body Thinkbox from Ipsos MORI found.
Audiences are seeking light relief with viewing of comedy shows up 40 per cent year on year in the first three weeks of lockdown.
Only Fools on repeat
Nostalgia is often seen as a safest choice. Viewing of Only Fools and Horses on Gold is up 20 per cent year on year and Last of the Summer Wine on Drama is up 30 per cent year on year.
Grounded children are being introduced to some classic shows for the first time as family viewing makes a return.
Shared TV viewing has grown by 37 per cent year on year since lockdown began, compared with a 15% increase in watching TV alone.
Contemporary shows benefiting include Channel 4’s Gogglebox, which is up 41 per cent and reaching a record audience of 4.5m viewers on Friday nights. Sky Cinema, offering a schedule of family-driven films, is up 48 per cent.
News viewing at a high
Unsurprisingly, TV news content viewing is up by 124 per cent and the audience for Sky News has tripled. Social media is viewed as an untrusted source of disinformation.
But families are trying to shield children from an excess of Covid-19 news to reduce anxieties.
Viewing habits are being transformed – the Lockdown TV study, using video diaries and Barb figures, found that couples now working from home are likely to eat their lunch together in front of the TV at the same time each day.
Family compromises
There is also more compromise viewing, as families jointly choose programmes to suit everyone rather than meeting their individual viewing needs.
Matt Hill, Thinkbox Research director said: “The effects of social distancing are profound. Our media habits are dramatically changing as a result of the new situations we find ourselves in.”
Ben Page, CEO, Ipsos MORI, said: “TV is again uniting Britain. New routines and habits are emerging, with TV bringing households together to seek comfort in shared experiences. It is also fascinating to see the value and trust audiences are placing in TV news.”