inews--2020-04-25--Can I pay in a cheque online? How the UK coronavirus lockdown affects paying cheques - and if you ca

Can I pay in a cheque online? How the UK coronavirus lockdown affects paying cheques - and if you can go to the bank

Can I pay in a cheque online ?
How the UK coronavirus lockdown affects paying cheques - and if you can go to the bank As the lockdown continues , people in the UK are restricted in their day to day activities , which is affecting the way we live our lives Managing your personal admin has therefore become tricky , and you might need to reconsider how you do your daily tasks - such as banking .
Here ’ s what you should know about paying in cheques during the coronavirus lockdown - and if you can still go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to pay in a cheque online , but not all of them do .
These are the general steps you need to follow for the ones that do allow online payments , although there may be some slight differences between banks : Can I pay a cheque through the post office ?
You can pay in cash and cheques , withdraw money and check your balance at any Post Office during its opening hours , which includes evenings and Sundays where applicable .
To access your account , you ’ ll need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdraw money , check your balance and deposit money .
Not all banks are available for these services at the Post Office , and not all the available banks offer all the services either .
Alternatively , you can pay in a cheque by posting it to the bank .
You ’ ll need to use a paying-in form , which you can get from the bank - or are sometimes included at the back of your cheque book .
Banks are included in the essential businesses that are permitted to stay open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open across the UK .
Similarly , post offices were also included in the list of exceptions that are allowed to remain open during lockdown .
However , many banks have adjusted their opening hours due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak , so you ’ ll need to check your local branch for opening times .
And with the government ’ s current “ stay-at-home ” advice , you may feel more comfortable paying a cheque in online or by post .
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called coronavirus , and started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 .
The NHS states that the major symptoms are a high temperature ( feeling hot to the touch on your chest or back ) and a new , continuous cough ( either coughing a lot for over an hour , or having three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours ) .
There have also been reports of the illness causing flu-like symptoms , such as aches and pains , nasal congestion , runny nose and a sore throat .

Managing your personal admin has therefore become tricky, and you might need to reconsider how you do your daily tasks – such as banking.
Here’s what you should know about paying in cheques during the coronavirus lockdown – and if you can still go to the bank.
Can I pay in a cheque online?
Some banks allow you to pay in a cheque online, but not all of them do.
These are the general steps you need to follow for the ones that do allow online payments, although there may be some slight differences between banks:
Log into your mobile banking account
Select the ‘deposit cheque’ option
Choose the account you want the cheque paid into
Enter the exact value of the cheque, and you can add a reference at this point like ‘birthday money’ for example
Next tap ‘front of cheque’ to scan the cheque, and allow the app to access your camera
Lay the cheque down on a flat surface with a dark background and hold the camera directly above the cheque – when a green border appears around the cheque, hold your phone still and the app will take a photo
Next tap ‘back of cheque’ and repeat the process, even if the back is blank
Review the details and then confirm the deposit
Once accepted, the hold onto the cheque until the status of the deposit reads ‘funds available’ – at this point you can destroy the paper cheque
Can I pay a cheque through the post office?
Everyday Banking with the Post Office allows you to access your high street bank account through the Post Office.
You can pay in cash and cheques, withdraw money and check your balance at any Post Office during its opening hours, which includes evenings and Sundays where applicable.
To access your account, you’ll need your card and your PIN number to withdraw money, check your balance and deposit money.
To pay in cheques, you’ll need a pre-printed paying slip and a branded envelope for your cheque deposit.
Not all banks are available for these services at the Post Office, and not all the available banks offer all the services either.
Check the full list of available banks and their services here.
Alternatively, you can pay in a cheque by posting it to the bank. You’ll need to use a paying-in form, which you can get from the bank – or are sometimes included at the back of your cheque book.
Are banks still open?
Banks are included in the essential businesses that are permitted to stay open during lockdown, so banks will remain open across the UK.
Similarly, post offices were also included in the list of exceptions that are allowed to remain open during lockdown.
However, many banks have adjusted their opening hours due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, so you’ll need to check your local branch for opening times.
And with the government’s current “stay-at-home” advice, you may feel more comfortable paying a cheque in online or by post.
Coronavirus: the facts
What is coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus, and started in Wuhan in China in December 2019.
What are the symptoms?
The NHS states that the major symptoms are a high temperature (feeling hot to the touch on your chest or back) and a new, continuous cough (either coughing a lot for over an hour, or having three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours).
There have also been reports of the illness causing flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat.
It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.
What is the latest government advice?
The government’s guidance is clear – stay at home:
Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
Wash your hands as soon as you get home
Do not meet others, even friends or family. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
What should I do if I feel unwell?
The NHS advises not to leave your home, but instead to use the NHS 111 online service, which can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.


inews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Intensive care patients given iPads to speak to relatives

Coronavirus : Intensive care patients given iPads to speak to relatives In the most serious cases , the technology will enable patients to say a final farewell to their loved ones With family and friends barred from entering many hospital wards caring for loved ones , the devices are proving to be a lifeline for many at a critical moment in their life .
In the most serious cases , the technology will enable patients to say a final farewell to their loved ones .
Organised by “ an independent , non-political project based in Oxfordshire ” , the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be delivered to Intensive Care Units ( ICUs ) in hospitals across the UK .
So far , over 200 devices have been allocated across the UK , helping over 1,000 patients – but the group intend to distribute more .
Maeve Bradbury , the project 's founder , told Sky News : “ It must be so frustrating as a medic , when your job is all about making people better , but at the end , in very difficult , harrowing circumstances , you ca n't help them with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else - which is to be able to talk to their loved ones .
`` So , actually , for the staff , there 's a little element of being able to lighten the load for them , ” she said .
The monitor of a respirator is seen next to a Covid-19 patient in the intensive care unit of the community hospital in Magdeburg , eastern Germany ( Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images ) “ You ca n't speak to anyone , there 's no friends there , and no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're in isolation , in a little room , left by yourself , ” he said .
“ It is that conversation where someone can say ' I love you ' or ' I 'm thinking about you ' which a text message does n't do .
A health care assistant leaves the hospital past an NHS sign in the car park after her first day on a COVID-19 ward at Frimley Park Hospital in the town of Frimley , southwest of London , on 23 April 2020 ( Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an intensive care unit consultant at Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge , said : `` We use them for the initial contact with families and show them what 's happening in intensive care .
“ Once the patients are settled , we can allow the family to see their loved ones and we can bring the iPad up to the patient 's ear , ” she said .

Thousands of coronavirus patients are being issued with iPads to communicate with loved ones whilst in intensive care.
With family and friends barred from entering many hospital wards caring for loved ones, the devices are proving to be a lifeline for many at a critical moment in their life.
In the most serious cases, the technology will enable patients to say a final farewell to their loved ones.
The iComms for ICUs Project was established in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Organised by “an independent, non-political project based in Oxfordshire”, the group arrange for donations of iPads and tablets to be delivered to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in hospitals across the UK.
The scheme enables patients and staff to communicate with loved ones and colleagues in safety.
So far, over 200 devices have been allocated across the UK, helping over 1,000 patients – but the group intend to distribute more.
Maeve Bradbury, the project’s founder, told Sky News: “It must be so frustrating as a medic, when your job is all about making people better, but at the end, in very difficult, harrowing circumstances, you can’t help them with that one thing they want more than anything else – which is to be able to talk to their loved ones.
“So, actually, for the staff, there’s a little element of being able to lighten the load for them,” she said.
‘It helps you a lot’
Matt Dockray, 39, feared for his life after contracting the disease and being strapped to a ventilator.
“You are completely cut off from anything outside,” he told Sky News.
“You can’t speak to anyone, there’s no friends there, and no one can hold your hand. You’re in isolation, in a little room, left by yourself,” he said.
Mr Dockray’s was unreserved in his appreciation for the device at a critical time in his life.
“The technology is a hand-hold,” he said.
“It is that conversation where someone can say ‘I love you’ or ‘I’m thinking about you’ which a text message doesn’t do.
“It sets your tears off, but it makes a huge difference. It helps you a lot,” he said.
The devices also serve as a communication tool between medical staff and patients.
Communication device
Dr Rowan Burnstein, an intensive care unit consultant at Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge, said: “We use them for the initial contact with families and show them what’s happening in intensive care.
“Once the patients are settled, we can allow the family to see their loved ones and we can bring the iPad up to the patient’s ear,” she said.
She added: “Once the patients start waking up, they can use the iPads themselves as a communication tool with nurses to show if they are in pain.”
If you would like to donate devices to the project, or if you are a hospital in need of communication devices, find out more at icomms4icus.org.


inews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus latest: Matt Hancock donates plasma to clinical trial for Covid-19 patients - and encour

Coronavirus latest: Matt Hancock donates plasma to clinical trial for Covid-19 patients - and encourages others to do the same

Coronavirus latest : Matt Hancock donates plasma to clinical trial for Covid-19 patients - and encourages others to do the same The Health Secretary recovered from the coronavirus after contracting it in March , making him eligible to give plasma The Health Secretary fell ill with the virus in March , and has since recovered .
He announced his participation in the trial on Twitter on Saturday , posting a picture of himself giving blood .
He added : `` The UK has world-leading life sciences and research sectors and I have every hope this treatment will be a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Hundreds of people are participating in national trials already for potential treatments and the scaling up of convalescent plasma collection means thousands could potentially benefit from it in the future . ''
The national randomised clinical trial will help to determine whether plasma collected from donors who have recovered from the illness , known as `` convalescent plasma '' , makes an effective treatment severely unwell patients via blood transfusion .
Convalescent plasma was used as an effective treatment during the Sars outbreak in 2002 .
Officials say the UK is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find a treatment for Covid-19 with over 7,000 people so far involved testing a range of medicines .
NHS blood services will now contact people who have recovered from Covid-19 infection to become potential donors and invite them to their centres across the UK .
Dr Gail Miflin , chief medical officer at NHSBT , said : “ As well as continuing to collect enough blood throughout this outbreak , we are also heavily involved in the national research response including major trials of this potential treatment .
`` We are rapidly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we can quickly move into supplying hospitals at scale , should the proposed trial demonstrate patient benefit.
” “ The potential for convalescent plasma to aid those suffering from Covid-19 has to be confirmed through clinical trials , '' Joe FitzPatrick , Minister for Public Health in Scotland , added .
`` I am delighted to see the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and Scottish donors will be playing a key part . ''
The government is also scaling up the national programme for collecting plasma so the treatment can be widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be effective following the trial .
The collection of plasma is expected to be ramped up during April and May to deliver up to 10,000 units of plasma to the NHS every week , enough to treat 5,000 Covid-19 patients per week .

Matt Hancock MP has donated his plasma to a UK clinical trial to discover whether or not blood from recovered patients contains antibodies to fight against Covid-19.
The Health Secretary fell ill with the virus in March, and has since recovered.
He announced his participation in the trial on Twitter on Saturday, posting a picture of himself giving blood.
“This hugely important clinical trial will help our NHS treat #coronavirus patients using plasma,” his caption read.
“If you’re asked, please take part. It’s painless.”
He added: “The UK has world-leading life sciences and research sectors and I have every hope this treatment will be a major milestone in our fight against this disease.
“Hundreds of people are participating in national trials already for potential treatments and the scaling up of convalescent plasma collection means thousands could potentially benefit from it in the future.”
UK ‘leading world’s largest Covid-19 treatment trials’
The national randomised clinical trial will help to determine whether plasma collected from donors who have recovered from the illness, known as “convalescent plasma”, makes an effective treatment severely unwell patients via blood transfusion.
Convalescent plasma was used as an effective treatment during the Sars outbreak in 2002.
Officials say the UK is leading the world’s largest trials to find a treatment for Covid-19 with over 7,000 people so far involved testing a range of medicines. NHS blood services will now contact people who have recovered from Covid-19 infection to become potential donors and invite them to their centres across the UK.
This hugely important clinical trial will help our NHS treat #coronavirus patients using plasma. If you're asked, please take part. It's painless: https://t.co/mTXZElyg2j pic.twitter.com/W1oLlJN2i9 — Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) April 25, 2020
Dr Gail Miflin, chief medical officer at NHSBT, said: “As well as continuing to collect enough blood throughout this outbreak, we are also heavily involved in the national research response including major trials of this potential treatment.
“We are rapidly building our capability to collect plasma so that we can quickly move into supplying hospitals at scale, should the proposed trial demonstrate patient benefit.”
Blood donations ‘ramped up’ to aid potential treatment
“The potential for convalescent plasma to aid those suffering from Covid-19 has to be confirmed through clinical trials,” Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Public Health in Scotland, added. “I am delighted to see the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and Scottish donors will be playing a key part.”
The government is also scaling up the national programme for collecting plasma so the treatment can be widely rolled out if it is shown to be effective following the trial.
The collection of plasma is expected to be ramped up during April and May to deliver up to 10,000 units of plasma to the NHS every week, enough to treat 5,000 Covid-19 patients per week.


inews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus latest: UK 'not out of danger yet' as Priti Patel acknowledges lockdown 'frustration'

Coronavirus latest : UK 'not out of danger yet ' as Priti Patel acknowledges lockdown 'frustration' The Home Secretary has said that Brits must continue to comply with lockdown , and issued a warning to criminals taking advantage Ms Patel , who was joined by Professor Stephen Powis , medical director for NHS England , and Lynne Owens , director general of the National Crime Agency ( NCA ) , emphasised the work of the police and NCA in keeping the public safe at a time when criminals “ continue to exploit and capitalise on this horrendous crisis.
” Volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record the speed of drivers in 2008 ( Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images ) She added : “ We know that people are frustrated but we are not out of danger yet , it is imperative that people continue to follow the rules designed to protect their families , their friends and their loved ones .
'Five tests ' must be met She said : “ We must be sure we can continue to protect the NHS , that there is a sustained and consistent fall in the daily rates of death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection decreases and that the operational challenges are met .
'The NHS is still there for you' National Medical Director at NHS England , Stephen Powis , during a media briefing in Downing Street , London , on coronavirus ( Photo by Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street/Crown Copyright/PA Wire ) Professor Stephen Powis renewed an appeal for people to get medical help when they need it , and to be not be put off by the epidemic , saying “ the NHS is also there to help if you have a condition that is @ @ @ @

Priti Patel has urged Britons to continue to comply with UK lockdown measures and paid tribute to NHS workers, the police and wider public for their support at this critical time.
Speaking during Saturday’s Downing Street press conference, the Home Secretary’s plea follows concerns that growing numbers of people are relaxing their approach to lockdown guidance.
“Our instruction remains clear: people should stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives,” she said.
Ms Patel, who was joined by Professor Stephen Powis, medical director for NHS England, and Lynne Owens, director general of the National Crime Agency (NCA), emphasised the work of the police and NCA in keeping the public safe at a time when criminals “continue to exploit and capitalise on this horrendous crisis.”
While she acknowledged a fall in crime during the Covid-19 pandemic, she stated that she would “refuse to let criminals take advantage of these unprecedented times.”
Addressing criminals, Ms Patel said: “Our world-class law enforcement is also adapting – and they are on to you. And their methods are paying off.”
‘Extraordinarily dangerous driving’
Ms Patel said police had been called to respond to some “extraordinarily dangerous driving” as car lovers take advantage of the quieter roads “as their own personal race track”.
She said: “We’ve seen speeds of up to 151mph clocked on the M1 and 134mph in 40mph zone in London.
“Police officers and staff continue to put themselves at risk to ensure that people follow the life-saving instruction to stay at home,” she said.
Read more: Coronavirus testing website closes again after all home tests are snapped up within 15 minutes
“Staying at home has changed the way we live our lives and I know how tough this has been.”
She added: “We know that people are frustrated but we are not out of danger yet, it is imperative that people continue to follow the rules designed to protect their families, their friends and their loved ones.
“This will continue to save lives.”
‘Five tests’ must be met
Ms Patel said the entire Government was working towards returning the country to normal, but said its five tests must be met before the lockdown can be lifted.
She said: “We must be sure we can continue to protect the NHS, that there is a sustained and consistent fall in the daily rates of death, that the data shows the rate of infection decreases and that the operational challenges are met.
“And of course that there is no risk of a second peak of infections.
“Until then, we all have a role to play in pulling our country out of this crisis.”
She added: “So I urge you all to stay strong and embrace that spirit of national unity by continuing to follow the advice – to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives”.
‘The NHS is still there for you’
Professor Stephen Powis renewed an appeal for people to get medical help when they need it, and to be not be put off by the epidemic, saying “the NHS is also there to help if you have a condition that is not coronavirus.”
The medical director for NHS England said that people experiencing chest pain, a sick child that is not improving or a pregnant woman whose baby is moving less than usual should contact the NHS.
“For many of these conditions, fast diagnosis and treatment is absolutely crucial,” he told the briefing.
“So it’s really important not to delay. The NHS is still there for you.”
The Home Secretary acknowledged the sacrifices made by the UK public during this testing time.
“We should not lose sight of the fact that this country’s efforts are working,” she said.
“So, my thanks go to the British public. You have fostered a spirit of national unity that is helping us get through this challenging time. The action we are collectively taking is working and your sacrifices are undoubtedly saving lives.”


inews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus latest: UK death toll passes 20,000 - once hoped to be limit for 'good outcome'

Coronavirus latest : UK death toll passes 20,000 - once hoped to be limit for 'good outcome' Sir Patrick Vallance previously said limiting the total UK deaths 20,000 would be a 'good result ' - but the ceiling has been busted The milestone figure is significant as the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance had said in March that keeping the number of UK deaths below 20,000 would be a `` good result '' for the country .
He had said : `` If we can get this down to 20,000 and below , that is a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope to get to with this outbreak . ''
Official daily figures released on Saturday by the Department for Health and Social Care confirm at least 20,319 people have now died in UK hospitals for coronavirus - although the true number of deaths is likely to be far higher , taking into account those who have died in other settings , such as care homes .
At a Downing Street briefing , Home Secretary Priti Patel said : `` As the deaths caused by this terrible virus pass another tragic and terrible milestone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` My deepest sympathies and condolences go to those who have lost loved ones , and I would like to pay tribute to those selfless frontline workers who have been struck down by this virus . ''
Professor Stephen Powis , NHS England 's medical director , told the briefing of the previous hopes to limit deaths to 20,000 : `` When [ we ] made that comment a number of weeks ago , what we were emphasising is that this is a new virus , a global pandemic , a once-in-a-century global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be a huge challenge not just for the UK , but for every country . ''
The number of daily tests being carried out stands at 28,760 - as the government strains to reach its target of 100,000 by the end of April , a key plank of its Covid-19 strategy .
Of the tests carried out on 24 April , 4,913 were positive , bringing the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK to 148,377 .
A medical professional in in PPE tests an NHS worker for Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just six days left in April , so the number of tests being undertaken will need to almost quadruple in order to hit Mr Hancock 's target .
The Government says it has already increased capacity for testing to 51,000 a day - half of the planned target - but that the service is not yet operating at full capacity because testing has been reserved for hospital patients and NHS staff .
An online system was launched on Friday to extend testing to all essential workers , and members of their households who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the self-referral website had a disastrous launch , with applications closing within just minutes as all 5,000 home testing kits available were snapped up .
The website re-opened on Saturday morning , but was forced to close to new applicants again after just 15 minutes , as all the home testing kits and drive-through bookings were allocated .

The UK’s coronavirus death toll has passed 20,000 – with 813 more deaths confirmed on Saturday.
The milestone figure is significant as the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance had said in March that keeping the number of UK deaths below 20,000 would be a “good result” for the country.
He had said: “If we can get this down to 20,000 and below, that is a good outcome in terms of where we would hope to get to with this outbreak.”
Official daily figures released on Saturday by the Department for Health and Social Care confirm at least 20,319 people have now died in UK hospitals for coronavirus – although the true number of deaths is likely to be far higher, taking into account those who have died in other settings, such as care homes.
Tragic milestone
At a Downing Street briefing, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “As the deaths caused by this terrible virus pass another tragic and terrible milestone, the entire nation is grieving.
“My deepest sympathies and condolences go to those who have lost loved ones, and I would like to pay tribute to those selfless frontline workers who have been struck down by this virus.”
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s medical director, told the briefing of the previous hopes to limit deaths to 20,000: “When [we] made that comment a number of weeks ago, what we were emphasising is that this is a new virus, a global pandemic, a once-in-a-century global health crisis.
“And this was going to be a huge challenge not just for the UK, but for every country.”
As of 9am 25 April, 640,792 tests have concluded, with 28,760 tests on 24 April. 517,836 people have been tested of which 148,377 tested positive. As of 5pm on 24 April, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 20,319 have sadly died. pic.twitter.com/5HLhOFWdlu — Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) April 25, 2020
The number of daily tests being carried out stands at 28,760 – as the government strains to reach its target of 100,000 by the end of April, a key plank of its Covid-19 strategy.
Of the tests carried out on 24 April, 4,913 were positive, bringing the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK to 148,377.
Of the 16,411 people in hospital with coronavirus, 20,319 have died – an increase of 813 fatalities since yesterday.
Testing deadline looms
There are just six days left in April, so the number of tests being undertaken will need to almost quadruple in order to hit Mr Hancock’s target.
The Government says it has already increased capacity for testing to 51,000 a day – half of the planned target – but that the service is not yet operating at full capacity because testing has been reserved for hospital patients and NHS staff.
An online system was launched on Friday to extend testing to all essential workers, and members of their households who are showing Covid-19 symptoms.
However, the self-referral website had a disastrous launch, with applications closing within just minutes as all 5,000 home testing kits available were snapped up.
The website re-opened on Saturday morning, but was forced to close to new applicants again after just 15 minutes, as all the home testing kits and drive-through bookings were allocated.
Test booking slots will become available from 8am each day in a staggered release, to the 10 million key workers and their households who are now eligible to be tested.


inews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus latest: World Health Organisation warns governments against roll out of 'immunity passpo

Coronavirus latest: World Health Organisation warns governments against roll out of 'immunity passports' due to lack of evidence

Coronavirus latest : World Health Organisation warns governments against roll out of 'immunity passports ' due to lack of evidence The concept of documents stating whether citizens are at risk of contracting coronavirus has been floated by several countries The World Health Organisation is warning governments not to use “ immunity passports ” to ease lockdown restrictions as there is currently no evidence that those who have recovered from Covid-19 will be protected against a second infection .
The concept of documents stating whether or not citizens are at risk of contracting the coronavirus has been floated by several countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some governments have suggested that the detection of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes Covid-19 , could serve as the basis for an 'immunity passport ' or 'risk-free certificate ' that would enable individuals to travel or to return to work assuming that they are protected against re-infection , ” the brief reads .
“ There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from Covid-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection.
” WHO went on to suggest that allowing such assumptions of immunity to reinfection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures and other health advice .
Tests designed to detect whether someone has already contracted and recovered from the virus also needed further examination to “ determine their accuracy and reliability ” .
“ At this point in the pandemic , there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an 'immunity passport ' or 'risk-free certificate ' , ” the brief concludes .
A medical professional in in PPE tests an NHS worker for Covid-19 ( Photo : Getty ) “ People who assume that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they have received a positive test result may ignore public health advice .
The use of such certificates may therefore increase the risks of continued transmission.
” Hopes for better tests in 'pretty near future' The warning follows comments by UK chief medical officer Chris Whitty , who said he hoped blood tests for Covid-19 antibodies would be available to use in Britain “ in the near future ” .
“ Many different people are trying to work on an improved test .
There are fairly good tests at the moment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good tests , ” he said during a Downing Street press briefing this week .
“ This is one of the critical bits of information that we need to make decisions and I ’ m hoping , but I ’ ve been hoping for a while so I don ’ t want to over-promise on this , that we will shortly have tests that are good enough to get at least a ranging shot as to what proportion of people in different age groups and different parts of the country have had this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet at the point where we have a test that we can say that reliably , but I ’ m hoping we ’ ll be able to do so in the pretty near future .
”

The World Health Organisation is warning governments not to use “immunity passports” to ease lockdown restrictions as there is currently no evidence that those who have recovered from Covid-19 will be protected against a second infection.
The concept of documents stating whether or not citizens are at risk of contracting the coronavirus has been floated by several countries – including in the UK.
However, in a scientific brief published on Saturday, WHO said that much more research was needed.
“Some governments have suggested that the detection of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, could serve as the basis for an ‘immunity passport’ or ‘risk-free certificate’ that would enable individuals to travel or to return to work assuming that they are protected against re-infection,” the brief reads.
“There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from Covid-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection.”
Risk of further transmission
WHO went on to suggest that allowing such assumptions of immunity to reinfection could lead to individuals ignoring social distancing measures and other health advice.
Tests designed to detect whether someone has already contracted and recovered from the virus also needed further examination to “determine their accuracy and reliability”.
“At this point in the pandemic, there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an ‘immunity passport’ or ‘risk-free certificate’,” the brief concludes.
“People who assume that they are immune to a second infection because they have received a positive test result may ignore public health advice. The use of such certificates may therefore increase the risks of continued transmission.”
Antibodies are proteins produced by the body’s immune system to defend cells against foreign invasions from bacteria and viruses.
Hopes for better tests in ‘pretty near future’
The warning follows comments by UK chief medical officer Chris Whitty, who said he hoped blood tests for Covid-19 antibodies would be available to use in Britain “in the near future”.
“Many different people are trying to work on an improved test. There are fairly good tests at the moment on this, but there are not very good tests,” he said during a Downing Street press briefing this week.
“This is one of the critical bits of information that we need to make decisions and I’m hoping, but I’ve been hoping for a while so I don’t want to over-promise on this, that we will shortly have tests that are good enough to get at least a ranging shot as to what proportion of people in different age groups and different parts of the country have had this virus.
“But we’re not yet at the point where we have a test that we can say that reliably, but I’m hoping we’ll be able to do so in the pretty near future.”
The New York Times previously reported that the UK government had paid £16 million to a Chinese company for antibody testing kits that did not work.


inews--2020-04-25--Wizz Air to resume flights from Luton Airport as airlines fight for survival

Wizz Air to resume flights from Luton Airport as airlines fight for survival The budget carrier says it will provide 'an essential service ' to passengers who need to travel Budget airline Wizz Air has confirmed that it will resume selected flights from London ’ s Luton Airport from 1 May .
The low-cost carrier has said that “ enhanced ” health and safety measures will be introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic , with cabin crew required to wear masks and gloves on all flights .
New distancing measures will also be introduced , aircraft will be sanitised overnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available for passengers .
Wizz Air said that the new flight schedule would commence “ to provide an essential service to passengers who need to travel ” , with the caveat that no further government restrictions are announced .
British Airways planes grounded at Heathrow 's airport terminal 5 ( Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images ) The move will make Wizz Air one of the first European carriers to restore services halted as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic .
According to the International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 per cent .
A passenger waits for the transit train in Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport on 15 April 2020 ( Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images ) Wizz Air passengers will be asked to check-in and to make any additional payments for services such as additional baggage online , in an effort to limit physical interaction at the airport .
Customers will also be “ encouraged ” to make any onboard purchases with contactless payment methods , the airline said .
Owain Jones , Wizz Air UK 's managing director , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights to provide an essential service to passengers who need to travel , our primary concern is the health , safety and well-being of our customers and crew .
“ The protective measures that we are implementing will ensure the most sanitary conditions possible .
“ We encourage our customers to watch our new video on how to stay safe when travelling , as well as for more details on our new health and safety measures , ” he said .

Budget airline Wizz Air has confirmed that it will resume selected flights from London’s Luton Airport from 1 May.
The low-cost carrier has said that “enhanced” health and safety measures will be introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic, with cabin crew required to wear masks and gloves on all flights.
New distancing measures will also be introduced, aircraft will be sanitised overnight and sanitising wipes will also be made available for passengers.
Wizz Air said that the new flight schedule would commence “to provide an essential service to passengers who need to travel”, with the caveat that no further government restrictions are announced.
Flights to key destinations
Destinations served by the new timetable include selected airports in Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Portugal, Spain and Israel.
The move will make Wizz Air one of the first European carriers to restore services halted as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), European air traffic is currently down by 90 per cent.
Health and safety ‘primary concern’
Wizz Air passengers will be asked to check-in and to make any additional payments for services such as additional baggage online, in an effort to limit physical interaction at the airport.
Customers will also be “encouraged” to make any onboard purchases with contactless payment methods, the airline said.
Owain Jones, Wizz Air UK’s managing director, said: “As we restart selected Luton flights to provide an essential service to passengers who need to travel, our primary concern is the health, safety and well-being of our customers and crew.
“The protective measures that we are implementing will ensure the most sanitary conditions possible.
“We encourage our customers to watch our new video on how to stay safe when travelling, as well as for more details on our new health and safety measures,” he said.
Current UK government advice is for Britons to avoid all non-essential global travel indefinitely.
The full list of destinations served by Wizz Air from 1 May includes:
– Budapest in Hungary
– Cluj-Napoca, Constanta, Craiova, Iasi, Suceava, Targu Mures, Satu Mare and Timisoara in Romania
– Belgrade in Serbia
– Bratislava and Kosice in Slovakia
– Lisbon in Portugal
– Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands
– Tel Aviv in Israel


inews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus latest: Priti Patel says people who cough on police officers 'will face full force of th

Coronavirus latest: Priti Patel says people who cough on police officers 'will face full force of the law'

Coronavirus latest : Priti Patel says people who cough on police officers 'will face full force of the law' The Home Secretary 's threat follows hundreds of incidences of coughing and spitting reported Priti Patel has warned that people who cough or spit on police officers in an attempt to “ infect ” them with Covid-19 will face the “ full force of the law ” .
The MP for Witham said any such attack was “ completely unacceptable ” and that “ anyone found guilty of it will face the full force of the law ” .
A law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common assault or battery of an emergency worker from six to 12 months was introduced in 2018 .
However , the Home Office will now begin consulting on doubling that sentence .
The news follows a call from John Apter , the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales , for judges and magistrates to jail people who cough or spit at officers .
He said he was “ gobsmacked ” by inconsistent and “ lenient ” sentences being handed to criminals who he says have “ weaponised ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police Officer from North Yorkshire Police reinforces the importance of social distancing ( Photo : Getty ) Mr Apter went on to welcome prison terms for Charlene Merrifield , who was sentenced to 21 weeks after coughing at officers as she was arrested in Hebburn near Newcastle .
In contrast , another offender , Trevor Dangerfield , was spared jail time for coughing in a police officer 's face and threatening to infect his family in St Leonards , East Sussex , last Friday .
Instead , after pleading guilty to assaulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dangerfield was sentenced to 18 weeks ' imprisonment suspended for a year , and ordered to pay £100 compensation plus a victim surcharge of £156 .
`` We still see inconsistencies around the country , and I scratch my head sometimes when I see some sentences being given out which are so lenient I 'm gobsmacked by them , ” Mr Apter said .
`` When they walk free from court , given the sort of people we are talking about , metaphorically they are sticking two fingers up at the wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are walking away with a smile on their face and nothing more than a slap on the wrist . ''
Mr Apter said one police officer he had spoken to felt the `` haze '' of a suspect 's cough on his face as he threatened to infect him and his family with coronavirus .
`` In these extreme times when people are weaponising a deadly and destructive virus , then not to send people to prison who are found guilty of that should be the exception not the norm , ” Mr @ @ @

Priti Patel has warned that people who cough or spit on police officers in an attempt to “infect” them with Covid-19 will face the “full force of the law”.
The Home Secretary announced new plans to double the maximum sentence for assaulting frontline workers from one-to-two years following increasing reports of such behaviour.
The MP for Witham said any such attack was “completely unacceptable” and that “anyone found guilty of it will face the full force of the law”.
A law to increase the maximum sentence for the common assault or battery of an emergency worker from six to 12 months was introduced in 2018. However, the Home Office will now begin consulting on doubling that sentence.
Calls for prison terms
The news follows a call from John Apter, the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, for judges and magistrates to jail people who cough or spit at officers.
He said he was “gobsmacked” by inconsistent and “lenient” sentences being handed to criminals who he says have “weaponised” the coronavirus against frontline officers in recent weeks.
According to analysis by The Telegraph, around 30 such incidences are being reported on a daily basis.
Mr Apter went on to welcome prison terms for Charlene Merrifield, who was sentenced to 21 weeks after coughing at officers as she was arrested in Hebburn near Newcastle.
In contrast, another offender, Trevor Dangerfield, was spared jail time for coughing in a police officer’s face and threatening to infect his family in St Leonards, East Sussex, last Friday.
Instead, after pleading guilty to assaulting an emergency worker at Brighton Magistrates Court, Dangerfield was sentenced to 18 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for a year, and ordered to pay £100 compensation plus a victim surcharge of £156.
‘Inconsistent’ sentences
“We still see inconsistencies around the country, and I scratch my head sometimes when I see some sentences being given out which are so lenient I’m gobsmacked by them,” Mr Apter said.
“When they walk free from court, given the sort of people we are talking about, metaphorically they are sticking two fingers up at the wider judicial system and to society and they are walking away with a smile on their face and nothing more than a slap on the wrist.”
The Dangerfield case has been referred back to Sussex Police for review.
Mr Apter said one police officer he had spoken to felt the “haze” of a suspect’s cough on his face as he threatened to infect him and his family with coronavirus.
He said: “This is an experienced police officer – he said ‘I was scared’.”
“In these extreme times when people are weaponising a deadly and destructive virus, then not to send people to prison who are found guilty of that should be the exception not the norm,” Mr Apter continued.
“These are violent offenders and, to do what they do, they are wicked, violent offenders, they should spend time in prison.”
Additional reporting by Press Association


inews--2020-04-25--Philip Hammond says country must open 'while living with Covid-19' because economy 'won't survive' v

Philip Hammond says country must open 'while living with Covid-19' because economy 'won't survive' vaccine wait

Philip Hammond says country must open 'while living with Covid-19 ' because economy 'wo n't survive ' vaccine wait Theresa May 's former chancellor called on the Government to publish lockdown easing plans next week The former chancellor stressed that the UK could not wait for a vaccine to be developed and rolled out across the population , stating that “ the economy won ’ t survive that long ” .
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme , he said : “ The reality is that we have to start reopening the economy .
But we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But we are going to have to do it alongside the measures that are in place to protect the population from Covid .
That 's going to be a much more complex phase of this crisis than the initial acute phase . ''
A cyclist rides through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London on April 24 , 2020 during the national lockdown due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic .
( Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP ) ( Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images ) “ The challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ methodically reopen , protecting both health and jobs is much , much more challenging and calls for a really skilful political leadership , ” he added .
Ministers have been reluctant to publicise plans for an exit strategy due to fears that it may risk undermining the key message that people must stay at home in order to reduce the spread of the disease .
However , Mr Hammond said that businesses need to know now what requirements they will have to meet in order for them to prepare for reopening .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear face masks travelling on public transport , businesses need to know that now so that businesses that have the capacity to manufacture products like that can start planning to do so , ” he said .
“ If restaurants , when they eventually reopen , are going to have to operate with many fewer tables , they need to start thinking about how they adapt their business model to be able to do that .
“ At the moment , for too many businesses , they just do n't know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look like and therefore what kind of preparations they need to make to think about reopening their businesses , ” he said .
People walk along the promenade in Blackpool ( Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images ) “ The country has done incredibly well in adhering to social distancing and there is a danger as we go into yet another warm sunny weekend that people think that perhaps these graphs are showing that the peak is over , ” he said .

Philip Hammond has joined calls on the government to publish plans next week on easing the coronavirus lockdown in a bid to restart the economy.
The former chancellor stressed that the UK could not wait for a vaccine to be developed and rolled out across the population, stating that “the economy won’t survive that long”.
Mr Hammond expressed hope that Boris Johnson’s expected return to Downing Street next week, after recovering from Covid-19, would be a “clear step change” in the government’s response to the epidemic.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: “The reality is that we have to start reopening the economy. But we have to do it living with Covid.
“We can’t wait until a vaccine is developed, produced in sufficient quantity and rolled out across the population,” he said.
“But we are going to have to do it alongside the measures that are in place to protect the population from Covid. That’s going to be a much more complex phase of this crisis than the initial acute phase.”
‘Relatively straightforward’
Mr Hammond described the process of keeping everything locked down as “relatively straightforward”.
“The challenge of how to carefully, progressively, methodically reopen, protecting both health and jobs is much, much more challenging and calls for a really skilful political leadership,” he added.
When asked if such a plan should be “published now”, he replied: “Yes, I think that is the next step.”
Ministers have been reluctant to publicise plans for an exit strategy due to fears that it may risk undermining the key message that people must stay at home in order to reduce the spread of the disease.
However, Mr Hammond said that businesses need to know now what requirements they will have to meet in order for them to prepare for reopening.
“If we are all going to have to wear face masks travelling on public transport, businesses need to know that now so that businesses that have the capacity to manufacture products like that can start planning to do so,” he said.
“If restaurants, when they eventually reopen, are going to have to operate with many fewer tables, they need to start thinking about how they adapt their business model to be able to do that.
“At the moment, for too many businesses, they just don’t know what the requirements imposed on them are going to look like and therefore what kind of preparations they need to make to think about reopening their businesses,” he said.
‘It isn’t over’
Mr Hammond’s comments follow the government’s plea for people to remain indoors, despite the sunny weather forecast, as the country enters its fifth weekend under lockdown.
On Friday, the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, urged the public to continue to adhere to the restrictions.
“The country has done incredibly well in adhering to social distancing and there is a danger as we go into yet another warm sunny weekend that people think that perhaps these graphs are showing that the peak is over,” he said.
“It isn’t over, we’re riding perhaps, we hope, a downward trend but it is by no means, no means established yet.”


inews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus testing website closes again after all home tests are snapped up within 15 minutes

Coronavirus testing website closes again after all home tests are snapped up within 15 minutes The Department of Health confirmed test booking slots or home testing kits will become available from 8am each day in a staggered release .
Coronavirus tests available for key workers via the government 's new booking website have run out in England and Wales for a second day in a row due to overwhelming demand .
Over 10 million key workers and their households are now eligible for Covid-19 tests , as the government attempts to hit its ambitious 100,000-a-day testing target by next Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests was forced to close to new applicants within minutes of launching on Friday , after all home testing kits and drive-through bookings were snapped up .
The site was overwhelmed again on Saturday morning , with home testing kits unavailable less than 15 minutes after bookings reopened at 8am .
It was also not possible to book tests at drive-through regional sites in England , Wales and Northern Ireland by 10am - but tests at drive-through sites in Scotland are still available as of Saturday afternoon .
The website was overwhelmed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said more tests will be made available from Sunday morning at 8am .
The Department of Health tweeted an apology `` for any inconvenience '' on Friday as the site was overwhelmed with demand .
Chief clinical information officer at NHS Digital , Dr Simon Eccles , praised the `` amazing team '' who had worked `` all night '' to enable the site to reopen on Saturday .
Once home testing kits had once again run out rapidly , he wrote on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we 're developing more lab , supply and logistics capacity every day .
`` If we 'd waited until we had the full 100k , to launch , no-one would have had a test today . ''
Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Saturday , he said : “ We are going at capacity , over 50,000 now .
The aim is to get to 100,000 by Thursday .
“ The NHS has committed to capacity of 25,000 within NHS laboratories and we are on trajectory for that capacity to be in place.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ book online is a swab test , which will pick up if someone currently has the virus , as opposed to if they 've had it in the past .
The government has now massively expanded the list of those eligible to be tested for coronavirus , whereas previously the vast majority of the UK population have been unable to get tested .

Coronavirus tests available for key workers via the government’s new booking website have run out in England and Wales for a second day in a row due to overwhelming demand.
Over 10 million key workers and their households are now eligible for Covid-19 tests, as the government attempts to hit its ambitious 100,000-a-day testing target by next Thursday.
However, the website to book tests was forced to close to new applicants within minutes of launching on Friday, after all home testing kits and drive-through bookings were snapped up.
The site was overwhelmed again on Saturday morning, with home testing kits unavailable less than 15 minutes after bookings reopened at 8am.
It was also not possible to book tests at drive-through regional sites in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by 10am – but tests at drive-through sites in Scotland are still available as of Saturday afternoon.
‘Frustrating’
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, has branded the government’s testing roll-out “an utter mess.”
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said more tests will be made available from Sunday morning at 8am.
The Department of Health tweeted an apology “for any inconvenience” on Friday as the site was overwhelmed with demand.
Chief clinical information officer at NHS Digital, Dr Simon Eccles, praised the “amazing team” who had worked “all night” to enable the site to reopen on Saturday.
Once home testing kits had once again run out rapidly, he wrote on Twitter: “I know it’s frustrating but we’re developing more lab, supply and logistics capacity every day.
“If we’d waited until we had the full 100k, to launch, no-one would have had a test today.”
100,000 test target ‘by Thursday’
Meanwhile, NHS England’s medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, is still urging key workers showing Covid-19 symptoms to book a test.
Home kits all booked by 8:15! I know it’s frustrating but we’re developing more lab, supply and logistics capacity every day. If we’d waited until we had the full 100k, to launch, no one would have had a test today. More home kits again tomorrow, even more next week. — Simon Eccles (@DrSimonEccles) April 25, 2020
Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Saturday, he said: “We are going at capacity, over 50,000 now. The aim is to get to 100,000 by Thursday.
“The NHS has committed to capacity of 25,000 within NHS laboratories and we are on trajectory for that capacity to be in place.”
He added the test people can book online is a swab test, which will pick up if someone currently has the virus, as opposed to if they’ve had it in the past.
The government has now massively expanded the list of those eligible to be tested for coronavirus, whereas previously the vast majority of the UK population have been unable to get tested.
Essential or key workers, including NHS and social care staff, police officers, teachers, social workers, undertakers, journalists and those who work in supermarkets and food production, can now book a test.
The Department of Health confirmed test booking slots or home testing kits will become available from 8am each day in a staggered release, and most people will receive their test results by text within two days.


inews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus in the UK: Stalking victims say they feel like ‘sitting ducks’ and must not be forgotten

Coronavirus in the UK: Stalking victims say they feel like ‘sitting ducks’ and must not be forgotten in the response to Covid-19

Coronavirus in the UK : Stalking victims say they feel like ‘ sitting ducks ’ and must not be forgotten in the response to Covid-19 Calls to the National Stalking Helpline during the period indicate that the victims remain at high risk Victims of stalking say they feel like “ sitting ducks ” trapped in the same locations during lockdown as charities urge the Government to ensure they continue to be supported throughout the response to the Covid-19 crisis .
Calls to the National Stalking Helpline during the period indicate that the victims remain at high risk , as perpetrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority of the time .
“ During the immensely difficult circumstances that many are experiencing amidst the Covid-19 pandemic , it is essential that victims of stalking are not forgotten and that essential services continue to support them .
“ We know from the calls we have received to the National Stalking Helpline in recent weeks that stalking victims need support as much as ever and we want to reiterate our message that we are here to support you.
” Stalking is far from unusual , with 1.5 million people in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatening behaviour every year , and 94 per cent of women killed by men being stalked prior to their murders .
Charities maintain that it is imperative that early warning signs continue to be taken seriously by the police and that victims feel empowered to call and ask for help before the risk to their safety escalates .
Stalking victims are urged to call 999 if their safety is at risk during lockdown ( Photo : JON SUPER/AFP via Getty Images ) One victim , Anne* , was able to gain the support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( PAS ) after she called the police to report that her ex-partner had continually turned up to her home , despite the lockdown , and had bombarded her with more than 50 texts and emails a day threatening to kill her .
'She was scared , living in fear' She was able to access guidance to make a successful application to court for a non-molestation order , a special injunction that prevents her potential attacker from harming her .
She also had security devices fitted to her house .

Victims of stalking say they feel like “sitting ducks” trapped in the same locations during lockdown as charities urge the Government to ensure they continue to be supported throughout the response to the Covid-19 crisis.
Calls to the National Stalking Helpline during the period indicate that the victims remain at high risk, as perpetrators are able to guarantee where they are the majority of the time.
Suky Bhaker, CEO of stalking charity the Suzy Lamplugh Trust said: “Stalking is a crime of psychological terror that impacts on all aspects of a victim’s life, often in ways that are long-lasting and irreparable.
“During the immensely difficult circumstances that many are experiencing amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, it is essential that victims of stalking are not forgotten and that essential services continue to support them.
“We know from the calls we have received to the National Stalking Helpline in recent weeks that stalking victims need support as much as ever and we want to reiterate our message that we are here to support you.”
Early warning signs
Stalking is far from unusual, with 1.5 million people in England and Wales falling pray to obsessive and threatening behaviour every year, and 94 per cent of women killed by men being stalked prior to their murders.
Charities maintain that it is imperative that early warning signs continue to be taken seriously by the police and that victims feel empowered to call and ask for help before the risk to their safety escalates.
This includes instances of cyber-stalking, threats made via email or social media, which is expected to escalate during the lockdown period.
One victim, Anne*, was able to gain the support of local Kent service Protection Against Stalking (PAS) after she called the police to report that her ex-partner had continually turned up to her home, despite the lockdown, and had bombarded her with more than 50 texts and emails a day threatening to kill her.
“I am frightened because of the virus and on top of this worried that my stalker might turn up,” Anne says.
‘She was scared, living in fear’
“Lockdown happened, her housemate had gone to his parents and Anne alone in her flat, feeling isolated in every sense of the term,” PAS said.
“She was scared, living in fear, not sleeping and feeling really anxious.”
A caseworker from the charity worked with the police, the Cyber helpline, the courts and victim support to protect Anne.
She was able to access guidance to make a successful application to court for a non-molestation order, a special injunction that prevents her potential attacker from harming her. She also had security devices fitted to her house.
“Just knowing [PAS is] there for me makes all the difference,” Anne adds.
* Name changed to preserve anonymity.
If you are being stalked and you are frightened for your safety – dial 999.
For further advice, victims in England and Wales can call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300. The Helpline is open 09:30 – 16:00 weekdays, except for Wednesday when it is open 13:00 to 16:00. The Helpline is not open on bank holidays.


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus latest: Police called to anti-lockdown protest led by Jeremy Corbyn's brother

Officers headed to the rally led by Piers Corbyn in Glastonbury after activists appeared to breach social distancing guidelines A video uploaded via social media shows Piers Corbyn , the 73-year-old older brother of the former Labour leader , giving a speech to what he claims was a crowd of 100 people .
In the speech , Mr Corbyn claimed : `` We know there is no pandemic ... there 's no pandemic . ''
He went on to claim that death figures show there are `` less people dying '' than normal - despite excess mortality figures showing thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking to The Telegraph , the controversial weather forecaster said that he believed the lockdown was “ achieving the opposite of what it was intended to achieve ” , and insisted that the NHS get back to “ doing its job of helping the most vulnerable people who are locked up in care homes ” or at home “ going mad ” .
Mr Corbyn has previously been accused of climate change denial , causing issues for his brother in 2019 when he described activist Greta Thunberg as an `` ignorant brainwashed child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were about fifty people at one point , there was even a fiddler playing music .
“ It was like a typical day in Glastonbury – there was no social distancing at all .
Piers was the ringleader , he absolutely incited this big public gathering , and that 's completely irresponsible.
” The lockdown remains in place across the UK .
( Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images ) Superintendent Andy Bennett , of Avon and Somerset Police , confirmed that they had attended a gathering in the Glastonbury area of Somerset on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and engaged with the individuals concerned and explained the need to adhere to the current guidelines and the group subsequently dispersed .
“ We are pleased the overwhelming majority of people are complying with the current guidelines around staying at home and social distancing .
We continue to encourage people to follow this message to help protect our NHS and save lives.
” The protest is one of several that have erupted around the UK over the recent weeks .
Two men were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage following a five-hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Shropshire last week .

Police attended the scene of an anti-lockdown protest on Saturday led by Jeremy Corbyn‘s brother.
Officers headed to the rally in Glastonbury, Somerset after some activists appeared to breach social distancing guidelines.
A video uploaded via social media shows Piers Corbyn, the 73-year-old older brother of the former Labour leader, giving a speech to what he claims was a crowd of 100 people.
In the speech, Mr Corbyn claimed: “We know there is no pandemic…there’s no pandemic.” He went on to claim that death figures show there are “less people dying” than normal – despite excess mortality figures showing thousands more deaths than the seasonal average.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the controversial weather forecaster said that he believed the lockdown was “achieving the opposite of what it was intended to achieve”, and insisted that the NHS get back to “doing its job of helping the most vulnerable people who are locked up in care homes” or at home “going mad”.
Mr Corbyn has previously been accused of climate change denial, causing issues for his brother in 2019 when he described activist Greta Thunberg as an “ignorant brainwashed child.”
Resident ‘horrified’
One Glastonbury resident told Southwark News they were “horrified” to see the protest.
They said: “There were about fifty people at one point, there was even a fiddler playing music.
“It was like a typical day in Glastonbury – there was no social distancing at all. Piers was the ringleader, he absolutely incited this big public gathering, and that’s completely irresponsible.”
Police response
Superintendent Andy Bennett, of Avon and Somerset Police, confirmed that they had attended a gathering in the Glastonbury area of Somerset on Saturday.
“Approximately 30-40 people turned up and the event was peaceful in nature,” he confirmed.
“Officers attended Market Place and engaged with the individuals concerned and explained the need to adhere to the current guidelines and the group subsequently dispersed.
“We are pleased the overwhelming majority of people are complying with the current guidelines around staying at home and social distancing. We continue to encourage people to follow this message to help protect our NHS and save lives.”
The protest is one of several that have erupted around the UK over the recent weeks. Two men were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage following a five-hour protest on the roof of Shrewsbury College in Shropshire last week.


inews--2020-04-26--Chelsea Flower Show goes digital with 'virtual' garden tours

Every morning of the virtual show , a leading designer , florist or gardening personality will provide a tour of their own gardens The world-famous Chelsea Flower Show will happen virtually for the first time ever due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Since 1913 the event has taken place at London 's Royal Hospital Chelsea every year , apart from two cancellations during World War One and World War Two .
After calling off the event in March , now the Royal Horticultural Society ( RHS ) has revealed its plans for the first ever `` virtual '' version , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a school gardening club , recreated plant displays and growing tips from experts .
The charity said it hoped it would `` inspire more people to get growing '' .
'Dig , plant and get closer to nature' Every morning of the virtual show between 18 and 23 May , a leading designer , florist or gardening personality will provide a tour of their own private gardens .
The RHS website will host a range of free content from experts in the gardening world along with exclusive content for the charity ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club ” will also provide activities for families to get together , dig , plant and get closer to nature .
There will be behind-the-scenes tours of nurseries for virtual visitors , run by a selection of UK growers who would typically exhibit at Chelsea .
The Chelsea flower show is held annually in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea ( Photo : YUI MOK/AFP via Getty Images ) Some will even mimic the plant displays they were going to put on in the grand pavilion of the Chelsea Flower Show , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrations showcasing techniques on growing and maintaining healthy plants .
At lunchtimes RHS advisers will be joined by a special guest for an interactive Q & A session , and people will also be able to vote on the RHS Chelsea plant of the decade , the RHS Chelsea product of the year and the BBC/RHS people ’ s choice garden of the decade .
A special series of programmes celebrating the world 's greatest flow show will also be broadcast on BBC One and Two throughout the week .
Sue Biggs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re lucky to live in a digital age where we ’ re able to bring aspects of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show online so we can continue to share the world ’ s best in horticulture and bring garden design inspiration , breath-taking displays and horticultural knowledge for the nation to enjoy during this difficult time .
“ We really hope the virtual show will help fill the gap caused by the sad but necessary cancellation of this year ’ s show and will inspire more people to get growing .
@

The world-famous Chelsea Flower Show will happen virtually for the first time ever due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since 1913 the event has taken place at London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea every year, apart from two cancellations during World War One and World War Two.
After calling off the event in March, now the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has revealed its plans for the first ever “virtual” version, featuring virtual garden tours, tours, a school gardening club, recreated plant displays and growing tips from experts.
The charity said it hoped it would “inspire more people to get growing”.
‘Dig, plant and get closer to nature’
Every morning of the virtual show between 18 and 23 May, a leading designer, florist or gardening personality will provide a tour of their own private gardens.
The RHS website will host a range of free content from experts in the gardening world along with exclusive content for the charity’s members.
A daily “school gardening club” will also provide activities for families to get together, dig, plant and get closer to nature.
There will be behind-the-scenes tours of nurseries for virtual visitors, run by a selection of UK growers who would typically exhibit at Chelsea.
Some will even mimic the plant displays they were going to put on in the grand pavilion of the Chelsea Flower Show, alongside hosting daily “potting bench” demonstrations showcasing techniques on growing and maintaining healthy plants.
The digital age delivers
At lunchtimes RHS advisers will be joined by a special guest for an interactive Q&A session, and people will also be able to vote on the RHS Chelsea plant of the decade, the RHS Chelsea product of the year and the BBC/RHS people’s choice garden of the decade.
A special series of programmes celebrating the world’s greatest flow show will also be broadcast on BBC One and Two throughout the week.
Sue Biggs, RHS director general, said: “We’re lucky to live in a digital age where we’re able to bring aspects of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show online so we can continue to share the world’s best in horticulture and bring garden design inspiration, breath-taking displays and horticultural knowledge for the nation to enjoy during this difficult time.
“We really hope the virtual show will help fill the gap caused by the sad but necessary cancellation of this year’s show and will inspire more people to get growing.”
Additional reporting by Press Association


inews--2020-04-26--Daily Hope: Church of England launches free 'dial-in' service for elderly who can't get online

Daily Hope : Church of England launches free 'dial-in ' service for elderly who ca n't get online Daily Hope offers music , prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England The Church of England has launched a free dial-in worship service to bring prayer to people 's homes while churches are closed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Daily Hope , which is available from Sunday , offers music , prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line .
Archbishop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been primarily set up to support isolated Britons , especially the elderly , who have been unable to take advantage of the boom in online church services .
The Archbishop added : `` With many in our country on lockdown , it 's important that we support those who are feeling lonely and isolated , whatever age they are . ''
Callers to Daily Hope will hear a special greeting from the Archbishop , before being given several options to choose from such as hymns , prayers , reflections and advice on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter and St Paul 's church in Abington Park on April 12 , 2020 in Northampton , United Kingdom ( Photo : David Rogers/Getty Images ) 'Support for those feeling lonely and isolated' Although many churches nationwide are running services and prayer groups online , public worship remains banned under lockdown guidelines , and many older people do not have internet access .
Daily Hope has also been set up in response to social distancing restrictions and self-isolation measures , and the accompanying loneliness which some may experience .
For some the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay connected , but ONS figures state 2.5 million people aged 75 and above have never used the internet .
Mr Welby added : `` I want to urge people to spread the news about this service .
If there is someone you know who is particularly struggling , give them a call and let them know about the Daily Hope .
I 'm going to phone a friend ; will you join me ? ''
Carl Knightly of non-profit Faith in Later Life , which is also supporting the service , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who offer hope to our nation at this time .
`` We know as an organisation of the challenges for older people in our society in normal times and these are not those , so I want to add our voice to that of the Archbishop and get people sharing this number with whoever they know who would most benefit.
” Earlier this month , the Archbishop of Canterbury delivered the Church of England 's official Easter sermon from the kitchen of his Lambeth Palace flat , complete with a makeshift altar @ @ @ @ @

The Church of England has launched a free dial-in worship service to bring prayer to people’s homes while churches are closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Daily Hope, which is available from Sunday, offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.
The national line is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the service has been primarily set up to support isolated Britons, especially the elderly, who have been unable to take advantage of the boom in online church services.
The Archbishop added: “With many in our country on lockdown, it’s important that we support those who are feeling lonely and isolated, whatever age they are.”
Callers to Daily Hope will hear a special greeting from the Archbishop, before being given several options to choose from such as hymns, prayers, reflections and advice on Covid-19.
‘Support for those feeling lonely and isolated’
Although many churches nationwide are running services and prayer groups online, public worship remains banned under lockdown guidelines, and many older people do not have internet access.
Daily Hope has also been set up in response to social distancing restrictions and self-isolation measures, and the accompanying loneliness which some may experience.
According to Age UK, 49 per cent of older people view TV or a pet as their daily source of comfort and interaction.
For some the coronavirus pandemic has ushered a reliance on technology to stay connected, but ONS figures state 2.5 million people aged 75 and above have never used the internet.
Do you know someone in need of daily hope?
Call our new free phone line to hear hymns, daily prayers and reflections.
Find out more at https://t.co/WCYhKA2faN.#DailyHopeLine — The Church of England (@churchofengland) April 26, 2020
‘Phone a friend’
Mr Welby added: “I want to urge people to spread the news about this service. If there is someone you know who is particularly struggling, give them a call and let them know about the Daily Hope. I’m going to phone a friend; will you join me?”
Carl Knightly of non-profit Faith in Later Life, which is also supporting the service, said: “The Church must be those who offer hope to our nation at this time.
“We know as an organisation of the challenges for older people in our society in normal times and these are not those, so I want to add our voice to that of the Archbishop and get people sharing this number with whoever they know who would most benefit.”
The BBC has also been broadcasting church services via local radio stations in a bid to help people stay connected.
Earlier this month, the Archbishop of Canterbury delivered the Church of England’s official Easter sermon from the kitchen of his Lambeth Palace flat, complete with a makeshift altar on the dining table.
In the remote service, he urged people not to “let fear dominate” and insisted there was “hope” to be found during the coronavirus crisis.


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: The dilemmas facing Boris Johnson as he returns to work

Coronavirus : The dilemmas facing Boris Johnson as he returns to work PM faces immediate pressure over testing , PPE and easing the lockdown Boris Johnson returns to Downing Street on Monday facing a series of decisions which will prove crucial in the fight against coronavirus and in charting Britain ’ s exit from its economically crippling lockdown .
Dominic Raab , who has been deputised for him , said the Prime Minister is in “ good spirits ” and “ raring to go ” after being fully updated by senior ministers and advisers .
The number of hospital deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 in the period that Mr Johnson was laid low .
And although there is evidence that the epidemic has peaked , there is little sign that the United Kingdom can return to anything remotely resembling “ business as usual ” in the near future .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has set the target of 100,000 Covid-19 tests being conducted every day by the end of this month .
Before he fell ill , Mr Johnson also spoke of his ambition of rolling out 250,000 daily tests .
With less than a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s target being hit look extremely slim , with just 28,760 tests conducted on Friday .
Ministers are pulling multiple levers to try to deliver on his promise by setting up a new online booking system for key workers displaying coronavirus symptoms to order home test kits and increasing the numbers of drive-through testing centres around the UK .
However , the site set up to co-ordinate the kit requests has struggled to cope with demand for kits and testing slots .
Without improvements to the system and a resulting dramatic increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an embarrassing failure to explain away .
Boris Johnson delivered a television address after returning to 10 Downing Street after being discharged from hospital ( Photo : Getty ) The shortage of personal protective equipment for frontline health service and social care staff has proved a major problem for ministers .
A survey last week found that one third said they were still unable to access continuous supplies of PPE .
Mr Raab has said nations around the world are trying to acquire PPE , insisting ministers are “ doing everything we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government is facing flak over its own handling of the issue .
There have been multiple complaints by British companies that they have offered to supply PPE but that their offers of help have fallen on deaf ears .
Act too fast and Britain risks a second peak of the virus ; act too slow and the nation could face economic carnage as well as damaging health side-effects from confining millions to their homes for such a protracted period .
In his absence , ministers have refused to engage in detail on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ split over how fast to act .

Boris Johnson returns to Downing Street on Monday facing a series of decisions which will prove crucial in the fight against coronavirus and in charting Britain’s exit from its economically crippling lockdown.
Dominic Raab, who has been deputised for him, said the Prime Minister is in “good spirits” and “raring to go” after being fully updated by senior ministers and advisers.
The number of hospital deaths from Covid-19 has quadrupled to more than 20,000 in the period that Mr Johnson was laid low.
And although there is evidence that the epidemic has peaked, there is little sign that the United Kingdom can return to anything remotely resembling “business as usual” in the near future.
The challenges facing Mr Johnson on his return include:
Testing
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has set the target of 100,000 Covid-19 tests being conducted every day by the end of this month. Before he fell ill, Mr Johnson also spoke of his ambition of rolling out 250,000 daily tests.
With less than a week to go the chances of Mr Hancock’s target being hit look extremely slim, with just 28,760 tests conducted on Friday.
Ministers are pulling multiple levers to try to deliver on his promise by setting up a new online booking system for key workers displaying coronavirus symptoms to order home test kits and increasing the numbers of drive-through testing centres around the UK.
However, the site set up to co-ordinate the kit requests has struggled to cope with demand for kits and testing slots. Without improvements to the system and a resulting dramatic increase in testing, Mr Johnson could soon have an embarrassing failure to explain away.
PPE
The shortage of personal protective equipment for frontline health service and social care staff has proved a major problem for ministers. A survey last week found that one third said they were still unable to access continuous supplies of PPE.
Mr Raab has said nations around the world are trying to acquire PPE, insisting ministers are “doing everything we can on that front”.
But the Government is facing flak over its own handling of the issue. There have been multiple complaints by British companies that they have offered to supply PPE but that their offers of help have fallen on deaf ears.
Lockdown
Mr Johnson faces an agonising dilemma over when and how to ease the lockdown measures imposed just over a month ago.
Act too fast and Britain risks a second peak of the virus; act too slow and the nation could face economic carnage as well as damaging health side-effects from confining millions to their homes for such a protracted period.
In his absence, ministers have refused to engage in detail on the subject although the Cabinet is privately split over how fast to act.
Meanwhile, growing numbers of Tory MPs are publicly calling for the population to be given a glimpse of a potential exit strategy.
The big call will have to be made by Mr Johnson, who has grim personal experience of how debilitating a bout of coronavirus can prove.


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus latest: British Medical Association says 'all essential workers' should be given face ma

Coronavirus latest: British Medical Association says 'all essential workers' should be given face masks

Coronavirus latest : British Medical Association says 'all essential workers ' should be given face masks In a break from Government guidance , the BMA has said that essential workers should be given masks to protect them The British Medical Association has advised that face masks should be given to all essential workers , including shopkeepers and transport staff , to slow the transmission of Covid-19 .
While current Government guidelines do n't call on the general public to cover their mouths and noses when outside , the chief of the BMA has also pressed for this to be changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last week to discuss the topic and has submitted its findings to the government , so it is possible that further advice may be issued once this has been reviewed .
While it is generally agreed that face masks are essential for medical staff , the BMA has gone further to say other key workers should also be given protective items .
With supplies of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) for NHS workers an ongoing issue , there are concerns that if the public start buying up face masks , frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Dr Nagpaul said that the general public could instead wear `` cloth masks and scarves '' until supply levels increase .
While in some countries , particularly across Asia , face masks have been worn regularly by much of the general public when they go out , this has not been the case in the UK .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) advises that those who are healthy do not need to wear a mask unless caring for someone with Covid-19 .
It suggests those who are coughing and sneezing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are only effective `` in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water '' .
Also backing widespread use of face masks is London Mayor Sadiq Khan , who has said their use would provide `` another layer of protection '' .
He said that the Government 's advice on masks had not changed but `` we , of course , look at the scientific evidence all the time . ''
Mr Hancock added : `` The thing is this , we 've got to also make sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks and the clinical masks get them .
`` Because it is absolutely clear that if you are working in a hospital , in a care home , then there is a need for a mask , so we 've got to make sure that that is top priority , when the evidence around the use of masks by the general public especially outdoors is extremely weak . ''

The British Medical Association has advised that face masks should be given to all essential workers, including shopkeepers and transport staff, to slow the transmission of Covid-19.
While current Government guidelines don’t call on the general public to cover their mouths and noses when outside, the chief of the BMA has also pressed for this to be changed.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) council, told The Telegraph it was “common sense” that a “barrier” offers some degree of protection.
“The Government must pursue all avenues of reducing the spread of infection,” he said.
“This includes asking the public to wear face coverings to cover mouths and noses when people leave home for essential reasons.”
Face masks for all key workers
The government may reconsider its advice surrounding face masks, after the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) offered new recommendations on their use.
Sage has met twice last in the last week to discuss the topic and has submitted its findings to the government, so it is possible that further advice may be issued once this has been reviewed.
While it is generally agreed that face masks are essential for medical staff, the BMA has gone further to say other key workers should also be given protective items.
“Transport workers, shopkeepers, carers or supermarket staff who cannot social distance, should now be provided with masks or suitable face coverings,” Mr Nagpaul added.
With supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for NHS workers an ongoing issue, there are concerns that if the public start buying up face masks, frontline medical staff could be left without, but Dr Nagpaul said that the general public could instead wear “cloth masks and scarves” until supply levels increase.
Unclear guidance
There has been a lack of clarity over the effectiveness of face masks in reducing the spread of disease.
While in some countries, particularly across Asia, face masks have been worn regularly by much of the general public when they go out, this has not been the case in the UK.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that those who are healthy do not need to wear a mask unless caring for someone with Covid-19.
It suggests those who are coughing and sneezing should wear masks, but warns they are only effective “in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water”.
Also backing widespread use of face masks is London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has said their use would provide “another layer of protection”.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock insisted on Friday that it would not become mandatory for face masks to be worn in public.
He said that the Government’s advice on masks had not changed but “we, of course, look at the scientific evidence all the time.”
Mr Hancock added: “The thing is this, we’ve got to also make sure that people who really need the high-end surgical masks and the clinical masks get them.
“Because it is absolutely clear that if you are working in a hospital, in a care home, then there is a need for a mask, so we’ve got to make sure that that is top priority, when the evidence around the use of masks by the general public especially outdoors is extremely weak.”


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus latest: Military to run 'pop up' testing sites for key workers and vulnerable people

Coronavirus latest : Military to run 'pop up ' testing sites for key workers and vulnerable people At least 96 units will be set up by the end of May , travelling to care homes , police and fire stations , prisons and benefits centres The military will begin running mobile coronavirus testing units across the UK in `` hard to reach '' areas to test essential workers and vulnerable people where there is `` significant '' demand .
According to the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) , at least 96 units will be set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel to care homes , police stations , fire stations , benefits centres and prisons , where there is `` significant demand '' for testing .
The mobile units can be functioning within just 20 minutes , and mean hundreds of people can be tested in one day , as the government races to hit its 100 , ooo-a-day testing target by Thursday .
The new initiative comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to return to Downing Street on Monday morning , and the UK exceeds its `` good outcome '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 813 deaths announced on Saturday .
A military person takes a swab at a drive-in COVID-19 testing centre at Chessington World of Adventures Resort theme park ( Photo : Hollie Adams/Getty Images ) As of Sunday , there are already eight mobile units carrying out tests across the country , in areas including Salisbury , Southport and Teesside .
The new pop-up facilities will be run by `` specially trained '' military personnel who will collect swabs before they are sent to one of three `` mega-labs '' to be processed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a pilot scheme carried out last week , DHSC vehicles were refitted to become testing facilities , based on a design by British Army Royal Engineers .
Now , the number of units will be scaled up with the armed forces staffing 92 , and civilian contractors operating an additional four in Northern Ireland .
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said : “ Our armed forces will help deliver testing to where it ’ s most needed , using a network of up to 96 mobile units that will be rolled out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure our care sector get the testing required to remain in the front line of the fight against this pandemic.
” National testing coordinator Professor John Newton added : “ New mobile testing units will help us achieve our goal of 100,000 coronavirus tests a day , providing tests to vital frontline workers wherever they need them .
“ In a matter of weeks , we have worked with Britain ’ s leading scientists , academics and industry partners to build scores of new testing facilities and Britain ’ s largest network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's testing website has been overwhelmed with demand On Friday the government opened testing to over 10 million key workers and their households who were deemed newly eligible for Covid-19 tests , but the official website has repeatedly run out of slots after being inundated with applications .

The military will begin running mobile coronavirus testing units across the UK in “hard to reach” areas to test essential workers and vulnerable people where there is “significant” demand.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), at least 96 units will be set up by the end of May that can travel to care homes, police stations, fire stations, benefits centres and prisons, where there is “significant demand” for testing.
The mobile units can be functioning within just 20 minutes, and mean hundreds of people can be tested in one day, as the government races to hit its 100,ooo-a-day testing target by Thursday.
The new initiative comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to return to Downing Street on Monday morning, and the UK exceeds its “good outcome” coronavirus death toll of 20,000, with another 813 deaths announced on Saturday.
‘Testing where it’s needed’
As of Sunday, there are already eight mobile units carrying out tests across the country, in areas including Salisbury, Southport and Teesside.
The new pop-up facilities will be run by “specially trained” military personnel who will collect swabs before they are sent to one of three “mega-labs” to be processed, with results available within 48 hours.
In a pilot scheme carried out last week, DHSC vehicles were refitted to become testing facilities, based on a design by British Army Royal Engineers.
Now, the number of units will be scaled up with the armed forces staffing 92, and civilian contractors operating an additional four in Northern Ireland.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Our armed forces will help deliver testing to where it’s most needed, using a network of up to 96 mobile units that will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
“They will make sure our care sector get the testing required to remain in the front line of the fight against this pandemic.”
National testing coordinator Professor John Newton added: “New mobile testing units will help us achieve our goal of 100,000 coronavirus tests a day, providing tests to vital frontline workers wherever they need them.
“In a matter of weeks, we have worked with Britain’s leading scientists, academics and industry partners to build scores of new testing facilities and Britain’s largest network of diagnostic labs in history.”
Testing demand
The move comes amid a rocky rollout of the government’s national testing website.
On Friday the government opened testing to over 10 million key workers and their households who were deemed newly eligible for Covid-19 tests, but the official website has repeatedly run out of slots after being inundated with applications.
The Department of Health have said test booking slots or home testing kits will become available from 8am each day in a staggered release.


inews--2020-04-26--Is Unorthodox a true story? How the memoir of Deborah Feldman inspired the Netflix series

Is Unorthodox a true story ?
How the memoir of Deborah Feldman inspired the Netflix series The new drama is @ @ @ @ @ 2012 memoir Unorthodox : The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots Unorthodox tells the story @ @ @ @ @ runs away from home and an arranged marriage to start a new life in Berlin @ @ @ @ @ Netflix 's latest offering Unorthodox has introduced viewers to Esther `` Esty '' Shapiro ( @ @ @ @ @ , a young woman who rejects her Hasidic upbringing to start a new life in @ @ @ @ @ episodes , Esty is seen struggling with what is expected of her in the ultra-orthodox @ @ @ @ @ arranged marriage with the Hasidic community in Williamsburg , Brooklyn , for a new life @ @ @ @ @ getting her hair shaved off as per the tradition when a woman gets married ( @ @ @ @ @ left New York for Berlin a lot quicker than Deborah Feldman did ( Photo : @ @

Netflix’s latest offering Unorthodox has introduced viewers to Esther “Esty” Shapiro (played by Shira Haas), a young woman who rejects her Hasidic upbringing to start a new life in Berlin.
Throughout the four episodes, Esty is seen struggling with what is expected of her in the ultra-orthodox community before she flees her arranged marriage with the Hasidic community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for a new life.
The highly emotive drama is inspired by bestselling memoir Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah Feldman.
Here’s all you need to know about Unorthodox.
Is Unorthodox a true story?