inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Minute's silence to be held for NHS workers, as more deaths confirmed

Coronavirus : Minute 's silence to be held for NHS workers , as more deaths confirmed A minute 's silence will take place at 11am on Tuesday to remember those who have died NHS workers lays down candles in memory of a colleague during last Thursday 's `` clap for our carers '' .
( Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images ) A nurse who was still working on the wards aged 66 and who cared “ relentlessly ” for her patients during the pandemic has become the latest NHS worker to die after testing positive for Covid-19 .
Lisa Stalley-Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS Foundation Trust , said : “ Mary was a respected and loved member of our team and touched the lives of many in her distinguished career as a nurse.
” She was described by colleagues as a nurse who “ served relentlessly during the peak days of the pandemic ” .
Tributes have also been paid to a second nurse , Larni Zuniga , who died at St Thomas ’ s Hospital in central London after three weeks in intensive care .
He is believed to have been working as a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he became sick with the virus at the start of this month .
The 54-year-old married dad , originally from the Philippines , was described by his cousin Christian , an NHS theatre nurse , as a “ true professional , who touched the lives of many ” .
He said : “ He made a tremendous difference to a lot of people ’ s lives and he was highly respected by patients and colleagues alike .
God bless his soul.
” Mr Zuniga ’ s daughter Mutya said : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s too painful to bear , you are the best dad.
” 'The best person I 've ever met' NHS workers have died in the line of duty ( Photo Getty Images ) Ward manager Andy Costa , 58 , died on Friday after devoting 26 years of his life to the NHS , with managers at the Highgate Mental Health Centre in north London hailing his “ diligence and loyalty ” .
Tributes have also been paid to Jenny Esson , 45 , a trainer and development co-ordinator at Cambridgeshire and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College who died in hospital on 17 April .
She was described by her daughter Kaisa as “ the best person I ’ ve ever met ” .
A minute ’ s silence will be held at 11am on Tuesday to remember more than 100 health and social care workers who have died since the pandemic began .

A nurse who was still working on the wards aged 66 and who cared “relentlessly” for her patients during the pandemic has become the latest NHS worker to die after testing positive for Covid-19.
Mahadaye Jagroop, known as Mary, died on 22 April at Birmingham’s Heartlands Hospital.
Lisa Stalley-Green, chief nurse at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Mary was a respected and loved member of our team and touched the lives of many in her distinguished career as a nurse.”
She was described by colleagues as a nurse who “served relentlessly during the peak days of the pandemic”.
Tributes to NHS workers
Tributes have also been paid to a second nurse, Larni Zuniga, who died at St Thomas’s Hospital in central London after three weeks in intensive care.
He is believed to have been working as a senior nurse in a care home in Surrey when he became sick with the virus at the start of this month.
The 54-year-old married dad, originally from the Philippines, was described by his cousin Christian, an NHS theatre nurse, as a “true professional, who touched the lives of many”.
He said: “He made a tremendous difference to a lot of people’s lives and he was highly respected by patients and colleagues alike. God bless his soul.”
Mr Zuniga’s daughter Mutya said: “I can’t stop crying. It’s too painful to bear, you are the best dad.”
‘The best person I’ve ever met’
Ward manager Andy Costa, 58, died on Friday after devoting 26 years of his life to the NHS, with managers at the Highgate Mental Health Centre in north London hailing his “diligence and loyalty”.
Tributes have also been paid to Jenny Esson, 45, a trainer and development co-ordinator at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust’s Recovery College who died in hospital on 17 April.
She was described by her daughter Kaisa as “the best person I’ve ever met”.
A minute’s silence will be held at 11am on Tuesday to remember more than 100 health and social care workers who have died since the pandemic began.


inews--2020-04-26--Jennifer Lam and Jen Hoang: Knitting entrepreneurs whose business is booming during lockdown

Jennifer Lam and Jen Hoang : Knitting entrepreneurs whose business is booming during lockdown More people are taking up knitting while stuck inside during the lockdown Jennifer Lam and Jen Hoang started the online crafts business Stitch & Story in 2012 from a kitchen table with the aim of inspiring a new generation of millennials to learn knitting and crocheting skills .
The business , which has just 11 full-time employees , sells materials and provides tutorials for people who want to learn how to knit and crochet .
`` When we started , crafting was seen as really old-fashioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do it , '' Ms Lam said .
The business owners have reported a surge in sales during the lockdown and Ms Lam told the BBC that there was “ an 800 % increase in March alone compared to the same period last year.
” '' It 's just something that 's perfect to do now .
So many people are sick of working on screens and being on their phones all the time .
Crafting is seen as a break from that , ” she added .
Stitch & Story aims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Photo : Stitch & Story ) Stitch & Story has helped support those in care homes during the lockdown by donating cup cosy kits “ to give their residents something creative to keep them busy during this time.
” Lam and Hoang have also offered a video knitting workshop that can be shown at care homes .
Knitting ’ s newfound popularity during the lockdown has been part of a trend of people taking up new hobbies , with the baking of sourdough bread being one of the most popular .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something from scratch , ” said Ms Lam .
She added that now is the perfect time to start a hobby “ as we are spending more time than ever within our own homes .
A hobby can be viewed as a positive during this troubling time .
”

Jennifer Lam and Jen Hoang started the online crafts business Stitch & Story in 2012 from a kitchen table with the aim of inspiring a new generation of millennials to learn knitting and crocheting skills.
The business, which has just 11 full-time employees, sells materials and provides tutorials for people who want to learn how to knit and crochet.
“When we started, crafting was seen as really old-fashioned and people just didn’t understand how to do it,” Ms Lam said.
Knitting away the lockdown
The business owners have reported a surge in sales during the lockdown and Ms Lam told the BBC that there was “an 800% increase in March alone compared to the same period last year.”
“It’s just something that’s perfect to do now. So many people are sick of working on screens and being on their phones all the time. Crafting is seen as a break from that,” she added.
Cup cosies for care homes
Stitch & Story has helped support those in care homes during the lockdown by donating cup cosy kits “to give their residents something creative to keep them busy during this time.”
Lam and Hoang have also offered a video knitting workshop that can be shown at care homes.
The joy of knitting
Knitting’s newfound popularity during the lockdown has been part of a trend of people taking up new hobbies, with the baking of sourdough bread being one of the most popular. “It’s just so rewarding to make something from scratch,” said Ms Lam.
She added that now is the perfect time to start a hobby “as we are spending more time than ever within our own homes. A hobby can be viewed as a positive during this troubling time.”


inews--2020-04-26--Cancer charity pauses some activities as paramedic founder returns to NHS front line

Cancer charity pauses some activities as paramedic founder returns to NHS front line A paramedic who set up a cancer charity in memory of his son has been forced to put some of its activities on hold after he returned to the front line full-time to help battle the coronavirus pandemic .
Tristan Cork from Norwich launched the charity , Finnbar 's Force , which supports families of children with cancer , after his son , Finnbar , died aged five in 2016 while suffering from a brain tumour .
The charity 's plans to launch dedicated play and family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to employ a specialist liaison worker have been delayed .
Need to help '' I felt I needed to use my skills and experience , where I can best apply them is on the front line , '' Mr Cork said to BBC Norfolk .
The paramedic works at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital 's casualty department and on ambulance shifts , but had recently gone part-time to dedicate more time to Finnbar 's Force .
Mr Cork said that due to the pandemic `` charities are going to get a small percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this could knock us back by a year or even more .
I want to improve things for families , but I have spent 20 years in my job and want to be part of the fight.
” Tristan Cork pictured with his wife Claire , Finnbar and daughter Nell ( Photo : Finnbar 's Force ) Finnbar ’ s Force has been focusing on handing out emergency grants during the pandemic , totalling about £10,000 so far , and running errands .
`` We 've had families come to us in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their jobs overnight or been furloughed and things had already been hard for them , '' Mr Cork said .
He also urged anyone with innovative fundraising ideas to get in touch and turn out at its events later this year .
`` There are lots of important local charities - crucial for people with health problems , disabilities or in poverty - and for lots of people there are n't any other options , '' he said .

A paramedic who set up a cancer charity in memory of his son has been forced to put some of its activities on hold after he returned to the front line full-time to help battle the coronavirus pandemic.
Tristan Cork from Norwich launched the charity, Finnbar’s Force, which supports families of children with cancer, after his son, Finnbar, died aged five in 2016 while suffering from a brain tumour.
The charity’s plans to launch dedicated play and family slots for children waiting for chemotherapy and to employ a specialist liaison worker have been delayed.
Need to help
“I felt I needed to use my skills and experience, where I can best apply them is on the front line,” Mr Cork said to BBC Norfolk.
The paramedic works at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s casualty department and on ambulance shifts, but had recently gone part-time to dedicate more time to Finnbar’s Force.
Mr Cork said that due to the pandemic “charities are going to get a small percentage of the money they usually do, and this could knock us back by a year or even more. I want to improve things for families, but I have spent 20 years in my job and want to be part of the fight.”
Families in dire struggle
Finnbar’s Force has been focusing on handing out emergency grants during the pandemic, totalling about £10,000 so far, and running errands. “We’ve had families come to us in dire straits, where parents have lost their jobs overnight or been furloughed and things had already been hard for them,” Mr Cork said.
He also urged anyone with innovative fundraising ideas to get in touch and turn out at its events later this year.
“There are lots of important local charities – crucial for people with health problems, disabilities or in poverty – and for lots of people there aren’t any other options,” he said.


inews--2020-04-26--2.6 Challenge raises millions for charity on what should have been the London Marathon

2.6 Challenge raises millions for charity on what should have been the London Marathon Thousands of people took part in the challenge after the race was postponed A family of three generations who walked 26 miles together on their balcony were part of a national campaign that raised millions of pounds for charity despite the postponement of the London Marathon by completing the ' 2.6 Challenge ' .
The challenge - named for the 26 miles in a marathon - inspired people to find creative ways to make up for the absence of the race on Sunday , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event .
The Montlake family , consisting of Ruth , 87 , Charles , 58 , Deborah , 57 , and James , 31 did 10,000 lengths of their balcony in Greenwich to raise money for Myeloma UK .
Charles Montlake , who was diagnosed with the blood cancer myeloma in December said : `` They really were there for me and I feel like in what we 're doing , we 're giving something back . ''
Instead of doing laps of the capital , Jenna Maudlin completed the 26.2 miles by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car park at her block of flats in Scotland .
She ran each mile in a different way , which included side-stepping , galloping like a horse and being dressed as a dinosaur .
Maudlin said that the ‘ car park marathon ’ was mentally tough as “ one of the things I loved about previous events was seeing new things and new places.
” David Smith , who works as a pharmacist , used a bicycle wheel to represent the London Eye and a wheelie bin to construct Canary Wharf in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 500 laps of his garden in a Scooby Doo costume to raise money for Sands , the stillborn and neonatal death charity .
Smith had already completed the ‘ Brighton ’ and ‘ Manchester ’ marathons in his garden earlier this month and told BBC Sport he was prepared for the warm weather on Sunday : “ I have about three different Scooby Doo outfits – a warmer one for winter , a lightweight one for spring and then a summer one.
” The London Marathon raised £66.4 million for charity in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event will now take place on 4 October this year .
( Photo : NIKLAS HALLE ' N/AFP via Getty Images ) The challenges raised over £5 million for charity and Hugh Brasher , race director of the London Marathon , said that the event was “ trying to highlight a vitally important issue , that the charities that underpin our society are in dire straits and need our help .
”

A family of three generations who walked 26 miles together on their balcony were part of a national campaign that raised millions of pounds for charity despite the postponement of the London Marathon by completing the ‘2.6 Challenge’.
The challenge – named for the 26 miles in a marathon – inspired people to find creative ways to make up for the absence of the race on Sunday, which is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event.
The Montlake family, consisting of Ruth, 87, Charles, 58, Deborah, 57, and James, 31 did 10,000 lengths of their balcony in Greenwich to raise money for Myeloma UK.
Charles Montlake, who was diagnosed with the blood cancer myeloma in December said: “They really were there for me and I feel like in what we’re doing, we’re giving something back.”
Running around the car park
Instead of doing laps of the capital, Jenna Maudlin completed the 26.2 miles by running more than 2,000 times round a car park at her block of flats in Scotland. She ran each mile in a different way, which included side-stepping, galloping like a horse and being dressed as a dinosaur.
Maudlin said that the ‘car park marathon’ was mentally tough as “one of the things I loved about previous events was seeing new things and new places.”
Some people found inventive ways to replicate the iconic course of the London Marathon closer to home.
Multiple home marathon runner
David Smith, who works as a pharmacist, used a bicycle wheel to represent the London Eye and a wheelie bin to construct Canary Wharf in his garden in Chesterfield. He ran just over 500 laps of his garden in a Scooby Doo costume to raise money for Sands, the stillborn and neonatal death charity.
Smith had already completed the ‘Brighton’ and ‘Manchester’ marathons in his garden earlier this month and told BBC Sport he was prepared for the warm weather on Sunday: “I have about three different Scooby Doo outfits – a warmer one for winter, a lightweight one for spring and then a summer one.”
Not all challenges involved running, however, with the award-winning mixologist Paul Martin producing 26 cocktails in 26 minutes to raise money for charity.
The challenges raised over £5 million for charity and Hugh Brasher, race director of the London Marathon, said that the event was “trying to highlight a vitally important issue, that the charities that underpin our society are in dire straits and need our help.”


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus lockdown: What the 'new normal' could mean for schools, sport and the high street

Coronavirus lockdown : What the 'new normal ' could mean for schools , sport and the high street Once lockdown restrictions are relaxed a `` new normal '' of social distancing is likely to affect every aspect of national life The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said the public will have to get used to a 'new normal ' of social distancing as lockdown begins to be relaxed ( Photo : GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images ) The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said there will have to be a “ new normal ” to control the spread of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s inconceivable that they would come back without further measures as are already being applied in those schools that are open for key workers , ” he said .
However , the Scottish First Minister , Nicola Sturgeon , confirmed that schools may reopen with reduced class sizes to keep pupils further apart , with children potentially attending schools on alternating days .
Nicola Sturgeon said she would not act differently from the rest of the UK 'for the sake of it ' ( Photo : Scottish Government ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well be what we have to put in place to allow children to start going back to school , '' she said .
But she went on : `` What you ’ re seeing in places like Denmark for example is that class sizes have had to be reduced so that you can have a degree of social distancing in schools .
“ For the youngest children that is going to be near impossible , to have that distancing , but if you can reduce the class sizes , if you can have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible , I think there are ways to do that . ''
Mr Raab also said it would be “ very difficult ” for amateur sport to resume this summer “ because of the level and scale of interaction ” .
`` I think the professional sport may be different because of the scale of testing that they would be able to introduce , ” he said .
`` We do want to look when it is safe and responsible at ways to allow more outdoors activities to take place , but again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is a sure-footed step that does not allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country . ''
Senior citizens queue to shop at Sainsbury 's Supermarket on March ( Photo : Getty )

The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said there will have to be a “new normal” to control the spread of coronavirus as lockdown restrictions begin to be relaxed.
It is likely to affect every aspect of national life – from education to the high street.
Appearing on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, Mr Raab said it was “inconceivable” schools could reopen without social distancing.
“It’s inconceivable that they would come back without further measures as are already being applied in those schools that are open for key workers,” he said.
Class sizes
Mr Raab refused to give any detail about what form these measures would take.
However, the Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, confirmed that schools may reopen with reduced class sizes to keep pupils further apart, with children potentially attending schools on alternating days.
“I think arrangements like that may well be what we have to put in place to allow children to start going back to school,” she said.
Rachel Reeves, Labour’s shadow cabinet minister, said social distancing in schools would be “really tricky”.
But she went on: “What you’re seeing in places like Denmark for example is that class sizes have had to be reduced so that you can have a degree of social distancing in schools.
“For the youngest children that is going to be near impossible, to have that distancing, but if you can reduce the class sizes, if you can have children outside at school as much as possible, I think there are ways to do that.”
Amateur sport
Mr Raab also said it would be “very difficult” for amateur sport to resume this summer “because of the level and scale of interaction”.
“I think the professional sport may be different because of the scale of testing that they would be able to introduce,” he said.
“We do want to look when it is safe and responsible at ways to allow more outdoors activities to take place, but again we have to have the evidence that it is a sure-footed step that does not allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country.”
The high street
The British Retail Consortium has suggested shops install cleaning stations with hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes to support the reopening of the high street once coronavirus restrictions are eased.
It has drawn up guidelines with the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers suggesting stores limit entry and exit points, use floor markings to outline social distancing and keep changing rooms closed.
BRC chief Helen Dickinson said the guidance measures would serve to ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers and staff.
“Since the lockdown, many retailers have proved how shops can be run safely and effectively in line with the Government’s social distancing advice,” she said.
“Continued close collaboration with government, including public support for the steps retailers are taking and adequate notice to get supply chains up and running, will mean that retail businesses can start trading again slowly and safely, and customers can feel confident that they are safe to return to shops.”


inews--2020-04-26--Van Der Valk, ITV, review: Marc Warren and the writers opt for a Bond-esque tone, but it's missing e

Van Der Valk, ITV, review: Marc Warren and the writers opt for a Bond-esque tone, but it's missing excitement

Van Der Valk , ITV , review : Marc Warren and the writers opt for a Bond-esque tone , but it 's missing excitement After watching Sunday night ’ s two-hour premiere , the only question left to ask was : why ?
In Amsterdam , anything is possible.
” No , this isn ’ t your little brother ’ s Facebook status , posted on a stag-do in the Dutch capital , but an apparently serious line uttered by police detective Simon Van Der Valk .
Resurrected by Marc Warren , the once cool cop has been brought back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching Sunday night ’ s two-hour premiere , the only question left to ask was : why ?
Marc Warren takes over as the titular Dutch detective tasked with linking the murders of two seemingly unconnected victims ( Photo : Elmer van der Marel/ITV ) If you were a fan of the original series , perhaps the return of Van Der Valk is an exciting prospect .
But to new viewers , the introduction of a troubled detective is tedious , especially when so little time is given to developing his character .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a start ?
As for the case he was investigating – neatly wrapped up and not to be continued into the next episode – you ’ d think a double homicide and a kidnapping would be enough to get the blood racing .
But it was then smothered in a farcical political saga involving a secret love child and a series of art galleries .
Investing any time in this story seemed pointless .
The most irritating thing about the whole show , though , is that every single character of note had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a homage to the original series starring Barry Foster , but since the boom of Scandi-noir , there really is no excuse not to have a few more native accents dotted around Amsterdam .
It is clear Warren and the writers were going for a Bond-esque tone – what with the detective ’ s affairs with younger women and smart repartee with his colleagues – but the key ingredient , which makes characters like Bond , Luther and even Line of Duty ’ s Ted Hastings was missing : excitement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has changed dramatically .
This ITV relic doesn ’ t stand a chance of keeping up , even with a shiny new cast .

Van Der Valk, ITV, Sunday, 8pm ★★
In Amsterdam, anything is possible.” No, this isn’t your little brother’s Facebook status, posted on a stag-do in the Dutch capital, but an apparently serious line uttered by police detective Simon Van Der Valk. Resurrected by Marc Warren, the once cool cop has been brought back after a 28 year break.
After watching Sunday night’s two-hour premiere, the only question left to ask was: why?
If you were a fan of the original series, perhaps the return of Van Der Valk is an exciting prospect. But to new viewers, the introduction of a troubled detective is tedious, especially when so little time is given to developing his character. Why is he so miserable, for a start?
As for the case he was investigating – neatly wrapped up and not to be continued into the next episode – you’d think a double homicide and a kidnapping would be enough to get the blood racing. But it was then smothered in a farcical political saga involving a secret love child and a series of art galleries. Investing any time in this story seemed pointless.
The most irritating thing about the whole show, though, is that every single character of note had an English accent. True, it’s a homage to the original series starring Barry Foster, but since the boom of Scandi-noir, there really is no excuse not to have a few more native accents dotted around Amsterdam.
It is clear Warren and the writers were going for a Bond-esque tone – what with the detective’s affairs with younger women and smart repartee with his colleagues – but the key ingredient, which makes characters like Bond, Luther and even Line of Duty’s Ted Hastings was missing: excitement.
Thirty years on, the television landscape has changed dramatically. This ITV relic doesn’t stand a chance of keeping up, even with a shiny new cast.
Some might call Van Der Valk gentle; I’d call it boring.


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: British scientists develop 'game-changing Covid-19 antibody test

The fingerprick tests can tell if a person has coronavirus antibodies in just 20 minutes NHS nurses wait for the next patient at a drive through Coronavirus testing site in Wolverhampton .
( Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images ) British scientists have developed a “ game-changing ” immunity test in the battle against Covid-19 that it is claimed could lead to people starting to return to work by June .
The Government is reported to have ordered production of up to 50 million of the tests , which have been created by scientists at Oxford working for the Government-backed Rapid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pinprick of blood and can tell if the user has the coronavirus antibodies in just 20 minutes .
Like pregnancy tests , two lines appear if a person has the antibodies .
One line means they remain vulnerable to coronavirus infection or the test has failed .
Health Minister Lord Bethell told the Daily Mail : “ This is a great story of how our manufacturers are stepping up to the challenge of Covid and I am hopeful that their product will make an impact in our battle against this terrible disease.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ immunity passports ” is likely to face criticism from the World Health Organisation , which has warned there is no evidence that people who recover from the virus are protected against secondary infection .
The WHO said on Saturday : “ 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 ’ .
” It argued that people who assume they are immune to re-infection may ignore public health advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise the risks of continued virus transmission .
Tests for antibodies also need “ further validation to determine their accuracy , ” it said .
The UK ’ s Rapid Testing Consortium is expected to produce up to one million of the “ lateral flow ” tests a week by the summer – adding up to 50 million tests by next year .
The consortium ’ s leader Jonathan Allis told the Mail : “ We are close to picking up 100 percent of all cases where people have antibodies .
Now it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the manufacturing process .
”

British scientists have developed a “game-changing” immunity test in the battle against Covid-19 that it is claimed could lead to people starting to return to work by June.
The Government is reported to have ordered production of up to 50 million of the tests, which have been created by scientists at Oxford working for the Government-backed Rapid Testing Consortium.
The £10 tests use a pinprick of blood and can tell if the user has the coronavirus antibodies in just 20 minutes. Like pregnancy tests, two lines appear if a person has the antibodies. One line means they remain vulnerable to coronavirus infection or the test has failed.
Manufacturers ‘stepping up’
Health Minister Lord Bethell told the Daily Mail: “This is a great story of how our manufacturers are stepping up to the challenge of Covid and I am hopeful that their product will make an impact in our battle against this terrible disease.”
But any move to give people “immunity passports” is likely to face criticism from the World Health Organisation, which has warned there is no evidence that people who recover from the virus are protected against secondary infection.
The WHO said on Saturday: “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’.”
Tests need further validation
It argued that people who assume they are immune to re-infection may ignore public health advice and that the use of certificates could raise the risks of continued virus transmission. Tests for antibodies also need “further validation to determine their accuracy,” it said.
The UK’s Rapid Testing Consortium is expected to produce up to one million of the “lateral flow” tests a week by the summer – adding up to 50 million tests by next year.
The consortium’s leader Jonathan Allis told the Mail: “We are close to picking up 100 percent of all cases where people have antibodies. Now it is just a question of scaling up the manufacturing process.”


inews--2020-04-26--Plea for US to waive travel ban for mum with terminal cancer seeking treatment

Plea for US to waive travel ban for mum with terminal cancer seeking treatment But with travel between the UK and the US limited since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic , Sarah Wright , nee Gray , whose cancer has been deemed incurable , does n't know if she will be able to go .
The 33-year old from Kent , who has been doing all she can to fight the breast cancer which has metastasised to other parts of her body , has been accepted onto a medical trial in San Francisco , California , where she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug called leronlimab .
Sarah and Adam Wright , with daughter Everleigh , are desperate for Sarah to take part in the medical trial ( Photo : PA Wire ) Her husband , Adam Wright , is now urging leaders to allow the family to travel so his wife can receive the potentially life-saving treatment , after being told this month there is nothing more the NHS can do to save her .
`` It feels like an utterly helpless situation , a situation where everything is out of your control , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never wish for anyone to experience what we have over the last year . ''
But weeks later , she learned that the cancer had spread .
Other treatments were tried , including a clinical trial on atezolizumab at Maidstone Hospital , but nothing tried so far has been successful and they are now left with few options .
Sarah Wright found out she was pregnant the same week she learned she had cancer .
( Photo : # SaveSarahGray/Adam Wright/PA Wire ) '' They are n't just helping me and Sarah they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mum back , if that is n't enough of a reason for someone then I do n't know what would be . ''
The drug , which is also being tested as a cure for Covid-19 , is occasionally used for HIV patients but is not currently available as a cancer treatment on the NHS .
Sarah Wright has been accepted onto a medical trial in California for the drug leronlimab .
( Photo : # SaveSarahGray/Adam Wright/PA Wire ) '' The NHS had done a fantastic job at looking after us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help , they are running out of options and we are running out of time , '' said Mr Wright , who is an environmental engineer .

A mother has issued a plea to be allowed to fly to the US, where she is set to take part in a clinical trial for a cancer drug, which could save her life.
But with travel between the UK and the US limited since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, Sarah Wright, nee Gray, whose cancer has been deemed incurable, doesn’t know if she will be able to go.
The 33-year old from Kent, who has been doing all she can to fight the breast cancer which has metastasised to other parts of her body, has been accepted onto a medical trial in San Francisco, California, where she is set to be treated with a new drug called leronlimab.
Her husband, Adam Wright, is now urging leaders to allow the family to travel so his wife can receive the potentially life-saving treatment, after being told this month there is nothing more the NHS can do to save her.
“It feels like an utterly helpless situation, a situation where everything is out of your control,” Mr Wright said. “I would never wish for anyone to experience what we have over the last year.”
‘Give our daughter her mum back’
In the same week in November 2018, the family found out Mrs Wright was pregnant and also received a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer.
Despite her illness and receiving rounds of chemotherapy throughout her pregnancy, Mrs Wright gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Everleigh last year.
But weeks later, she learned that the cancer had spread. Other treatments were tried, including a clinical trial on atezolizumab at Maidstone Hospital, but nothing tried so far has been successful and they are now left with few options.
Mr Wright, 35, has launched a social media campaign, #SaveSarahGray, to encourage leaders to allow her to travel to the trial in California, which she has qualified for medically.
Asked what he would say if he could speak directly to the leaders who could help, Mr Wright said: “I would beg for their help.
“They aren’t just helping me and Sarah they are helping to give our daughter Everleigh her mum back, if that isn’t enough of a reason for someone then I don’t know what would be.”
MP Damian Green, the family’s local MP is understood to be “on the case” with officials after the couple reached out to him.
‘Running out of options’
The family is also exploring the possibility of Mrs Wright being able to receive leronlimab in the UK through their oncologist.
The drug, which is also being tested as a cure for Covid-19, is occasionally used for HIV patients but is not currently available as a cancer treatment on the NHS.
“The NHS had done a fantastic job at looking after us and doing everything in their power to help, they are running out of options and we are running out of time,” said Mr Wright, who is an environmental engineer.
“When we had the final piece of bad news from our oncologist a couple of weeks ago it was time for me to act.
“I started the Twitter and Facebook campaign to try and regain some control or at least the feeling that we are doing something.”
Additional reporting by PA


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus lockdown: Furloughed workers to be asked to pick fruit

Coronavirus lockdown : Furloughed workers to be asked to pick fruit Fears of crops rotting in fields because of travel restrictions Millions of furloughed workers are to be asked to pick fruit in the summer because of the shortage of migrant labour during the coronavirus crisis , the Environment Secretary has announced .
George Eustice ’ s move follows warnings that travel restrictions during the pandemic could result in crops rotting in the fields .
He told the daily Downing Street press conference : “ We are acutely aware that we 're about to start the British season in fresh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We estimate that probably only about a third of the migrant labour that would normally come to the UK is here , and was probably here before lockdown .
“ We are working with industry to identify an approach that will encourage those millions of furloughed workers in some cases to consider taking a second job , helping get the harvest in in June.
” Mr Eustice added : “ It ’ s not an issue at the moment since the harvest has barely begun , but we do anticipate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff for those sectors in the month of June.
” According to Government guidance , staff on the furlough scheme who take on new work must be ready to return to their normal job at any time and keep HM Revenue and Customs informed .
There have been reports of employers being overwhelmed by applications from British nationals desperate for work during the spring harvest .
However , one of the UK 's largest producers , G 's Growers , flew in a plane of Romanian workers two weeks ago , with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Eustice said the rest of the food supply chain , including international supply , has been holding up under the pressure of social distancing rules .
He also said panic buying in supermarkets has “ subsided ” and shopping had been at normal levels for several weeks .
“ The food supply chain has also seen a significant reduction in staff absence over recent weeks , as staff who had been self-isolating through suspected coronavirus have returned to work , ” he said .
“ Absence levels are down from a peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses three weeks ago , to less than 10 per cent at the end of last week , and , in some cases , individual companies are reporting absences as low as six per cent .
”

Millions of furloughed workers are to be asked to pick fruit in the summer because of the shortage of migrant labour during the coronavirus crisis, the Environment Secretary has announced.
George Eustice’s move follows warnings that travel restrictions during the pandemic could result in crops rotting in the fields.
He told the daily Downing Street press conference: “We are acutely aware that we’re about to start the British season in fresh produce, in soft fruits and salads.
“We estimate that probably only about a third of the migrant labour that would normally come to the UK is here, and was probably here before lockdown.
“We are working with industry to identify an approach that will encourage those millions of furloughed workers in some cases to consider taking a second job, helping get the harvest in in June.”
Romanian flight
Mr Eustice added: “It’s not an issue at the moment since the harvest has barely begun, but we do anticipate that there will be a need to recruit staff for those sectors in the month of June.”
According to Government guidance, staff on the furlough scheme who take on new work must be ready to return to their normal job at any time and keep HM Revenue and Customs informed.
Around 70,000 seasonal staff a year are required to harvest the UK’s crops over the summer.
There have been reports of employers being overwhelmed by applications from British nationals desperate for work during the spring harvest.
However, one of the UK’s largest producers, G’s Growers, flew in a plane of Romanian workers two weeks ago, with more flights scheduled.
No more panic buying
At the briefing, Mr Eustice said the rest of the food supply chain, including international supply, has been holding up under the pressure of social distancing rules.
He also said panic buying in supermarkets has “subsided” and shopping had been at normal levels for several weeks.
“The food supply chain has also seen a significant reduction in staff absence over recent weeks, as staff who had been self-isolating through suspected coronavirus have returned to work,” he said.
“Absence levels are down from a peak of typically 20 per cent in food businesses three weeks ago, to less than 10 per cent at the end of last week, and, in some cases, individual companies are reporting absences as low as six per cent.”


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson in 'great form' as he returns to work

Coronavirus : Boris Johnson in 'great form ' as he returns to work PM has been out of action for three weeks after being critically-ill with Covid-19 Boris Johnson will resume control on Monday of the national drive to stem the spread of coronavirus as pressure grows on him to chart a route out of the national lockdown .
The Prime Minister will return to his desk after suffering an acute bout of the disease which led to him spending three nights in intensive care and a fortnight recuperating at his Chequers country retreat .
He will begin by chairing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which senior ministers are updated by medical and scientific experts on the latest developments in the crisis .
Mr Johnson will be brought up to speed by advisers and is also planning a series of calls with individual ministers to be briefed on their departments ’ response to the crisis ahead of a “ virtual ” Cabinet meeting later in the week .
Government sources told i that he seemed in “ great form ” after being given the all-clear to return by his doctors and would be resuming as heavy a workload @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Dominic Raab had been standing in for Boris Johnson .
( Photo : Peter Summers/Getty Images ) No decision has been taken on when he will reappear before the cameras , although he is expected to return for one of this week ’ s Downing Street press conferences .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who has been deputising for the Prime Minister for three weeks , said he was “ raring to go ” and his return would be a “ boost for the government and a boost for the whole country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to be drawn on the issue , arguing that it would distract from the continuing “ stay home ” message to the public .
Mr Johnson began easing himself back into his previous routine last week when he hosted a three-hour Chequers summit attended by Mr Raab , Chancellor Rishi Sunak , the Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill and senior advisers including Dominic Cummings .
Some elements of lockdown may continue for some months ( Photo : Getty ) He also held his weekly audience with the Queen by telephone and spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ papers .
However , he was sent his usual red boxes to plough through .
The Prime Minister 's biggest policy decision - which needs to be taken within ten days - is whether to loosen the lockdown next month .

Boris Johnson will resume control on Monday of the national drive to stem the spread of coronavirus as pressure grows on him to chart a route out of the national lockdown.
The Prime Minister will return to his desk after suffering an acute bout of the disease which led to him spending three nights in intensive care and a fortnight recuperating at his Chequers country retreat.
He will begin by chairing the morning emergency coronavirus conference call in which senior ministers are updated by medical and scientific experts on the latest developments in the crisis.
Mr Johnson will be brought up to speed by advisers and is also planning a series of calls with individual ministers to be briefed on their departments’ response to the crisis ahead of a “virtual” Cabinet meeting later in the week.
Government sources told i that he seemed in “great form” after being given the all-clear to return by his doctors and would be resuming as heavy a workload as before he was taken ill.
Press conference return
No decision has been taken on when he will reappear before the cameras, although he is expected to return for one of this week’s Downing Street press conferences.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been deputising for the Prime Minister for three weeks, said he was “raring to go” and his return would be a “boost for the government and a boost for the whole country”.
The biggest decision facing the returning Mr Johnson is over a potential exit strategy from the shutdown imposed on 23 March.
In his absence ministers have refused to be drawn on the issue, arguing that it would distract from the continuing “stay home” message to the public.
Mr Johnson began easing himself back into his previous routine last week when he hosted a three-hour Chequers summit attended by Mr Raab, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill and senior advisers including Dominic Cummings.
Biggest policy decision
He also held his weekly audience with the Queen by telephone and spoke to Donald Trump, and read some official papers. However, he was sent his usual red boxes to plough through.
The Prime Minister’s biggest policy decision – which needs to be taken within ten days – is whether to loosen the lockdown next month.
Mr Sunak, who is warning that extending it further could wreak irreparable economic damage, is being supported by growing numbers of senior Conservatives.
Sir Graham Brady, chairmanof the 1922 committee of Tory MPs, warned that lengthening it again would risk “mass unemployment, business failure and catastrophic deterioration of the public finances”.


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus lockdown: Dominic Raab says social distancing the 'new normal'

Coronavirus lockdown : Dominic Raab says social distancing the 'new normal' Rules could be relaxed in May , but normal life will not return for many months The government is considering relaxing the lockdown to enable a partial return to schools and workplaces - as long as pupils and staff are kept two metres apart .
Ministers are also expected next month to authorise the opening of some shops , including garden centres .
Life not returning to normal soon The apparent downwared trend will fuelling hopes that the peak of the epidemic could be passing , but Mr Raab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rapid return to normal life before coronavirus struck , making clear that restrictions would have to be lifted in a phased way .
Nicola Sturgeon said she would not act differently from the rest of the UK 'for the sake of it ' ( Photo : Scottish Government ) Mr Raab , who held detailed talks with Boris Johnson last week ahead of the Prime Minister 's return to Downing Street today , provided a glimpse of the Government ’ s thinking as he said it was “ inconceivable ” that schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of the disease .
Possibility of more time out of the home He said professional sport could be able to resume “ because of the scale of testing ” which could be introduced , but it would be difficult for amateur sport to return this summer due to the `` level and scale of interaction ” .
He said : “ We do want to look - when it is safe , when it is responsible - at ways to allow more outdoor activities to take place .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence that that is a sure-footed step [ and ] doesn ’ t allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country.
” '' Until we can be confident , based on the scientific advice , that we are making sure-footed steps going forward that protect life , but also preserve our way of life , frankly it is not responsible to start speculating about the individual measures , '' he told Sky News .
Arguing that the public opposed premature relaxation of restrictions , he said : “ If you look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelmingly that they are concerned that we might ease up too soon . ''
The Foreign Secretary played down hopes that a coronavirus vaccine would soon be ready for us despite the launch of clincial trials last week , saying that the vaccine `` would n't realistically come into play until the end of the year '' .

Dominic Raab has urged the British public to prepare for a “new normal” with some social distancing measures remaining in place for an extended period in the battle against coronavirus.
The government is considering relaxing the lockdown to enable a partial return to schools and workplaces – as long as pupils and staff are kept two metres apart. Ministers are also expected next month to authorise the opening of some shops, including garden centres.
The UK’s death toll in hospitals increased by 413 on Sunday, the lowest daily total this month, although the numbers reported are often lower at the weekends.
Life not returning to normal soon
The apparent downwared trend will fuelling hopes that the peak of the epidemic could be passing, but Mr Raab poured cold water on the idea of a rapid return to normal life before coronavirus struck, making clear that restrictions would have to be lifted in a phased way.
He said: “We won’t just have this binary easing up of measures. We will end up moving to a new normal.”
Mr Raab, who held detailed talks with Boris Johnson last week ahead of the Prime Minister’s return to Downing Street today, provided a glimpse of the Government’s thinking as he said it was “inconceivable” that schools could reopen without measures in place to stop the spread of the disease.
He echoed the Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who has raised the prospect of classrooms returning with pupils placed well apart.
Possibility of more time out of the home
Mr Raab also hinted that more journeys out of the home could be allowed when the lockdown is reviewed in early May.
He said professional sport could be able to resume “because of the scale of testing” which could be introduced, but it would be difficult for amateur sport to return this summer due to the “level and scale of interaction”.
He said: “We do want to look – when it is safe, when it is responsible – at ways to allow more outdoor activities to take place.
“But again we have got to have the evidence that that is a sure-footed step [and] doesn’t allow coronavirus to get a grip back on the country.”
Mr Raab rejected a call from the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, to set out an “exit strategy” explaining how the lockdown could eventually be lifted.
“Until we can be confident, based on the scientific advice, that we are making sure-footed steps going forward that protect life, but also preserve our way of life, frankly it is not responsible to start speculating about the individual measures,” he told Sky News.
Public support lockdown
Arguing that the public opposed premature relaxation of restrictions, he said: “If you look at the public mood, it is overwhelmingly that they are concerned that we might ease up too soon.”
The Foreign Secretary played down hopes that a coronavirus vaccine would soon be ready for us despite the launch of clincial trials last week, saying that the vaccine “wouldn’t realistically come into play until the end of the year”.
He said there was a “better medium-term prognosis” for getting a grip on the pandemic through a programme of testing for the virus, tracking its spread and tracing the contacts of people who have tested positive.


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus in the UK: Crisis could create new generation of scientists, says Professor Brian Cox

Coronavirus in the UK : Crisis could create new generation of scientists , says Professor Brian Cox The physicist and BBC broadcaster criticised politicians who claim to be following `` the science '' The coronavirus crisis could result in a new generation of young people opting to become scientists , according to Professor Brian Cox .
Asked on the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show whether the prominence given to scientists by the Covid-19 crisis could result in an uptick in children wanting to study the subject , the physicist said : `` I think so . ''
`` Ultimately I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science in the sense that we need a vaccine and/or effective treatments , ” he said .
However , Professor Cox criticised politicians who claim to be following `` the science '' , saying that scientists embraced doubt and uncertainty and `` do n't have the answers yet '' .
“ This is a new virus that appeared just late last year or early this year .
We don ’ t know much about it… what we have to do as a society is to find out , ” he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the science ' then what that means is they do n't really understand what science is .
`` There is n't such a thing as 'the ' science .
Science is a mindset , it 's about trying to understand nature . ''
He is not the first commentator to criticise politicians ’ use of the phrase , with some suggesting it obscures the level of disagreement between scientists about how to best respond to Covid-19 .
Professor Cox is currently delivering online science classes on BBC Bitesize for 10 to 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces , motion , the solar system and general astronomy .
He said the “ difficult ” challenge of designing the lessons - as well as homeschooling his 10-year-old son - had given him a newfound respect for teachers .
`` If I needed to have any more respect for the skill and professionalism of teachers , and I 'm sure many parents share this view , then it has been delivered to me , very harshly in some sense , by trying to take over , however briefly and to explain these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The coronavirus crisis could result in a new generation of young people opting to become scientists, according to Professor Brian Cox.
Asked on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show whether the prominence given to scientists by the Covid-19 crisis could result in an uptick in children wanting to study the subject, the physicist said: “I think so.”
“Ultimately I think this crisis will be solved by science in the sense that we need a vaccine and/or effective treatments,” he said.
However, Professor Cox criticised politicians who claim to be following “the science”, saying that scientists embraced doubt and uncertainty and “don’t have the answers yet”.
Scientific mindset
“This is a new virus that appeared just late last year or early this year. We don’t know much about it… what we have to do as a society is to find out,” he said.
“When you hear politicians saying ‘we’re following the science’ then what that means is they don’t really understand what science is.
“There isn’t such a thing as ‘the’ science. Science is a mindset, it’s about trying to understand nature.”
He is not the first commentator to criticise politicians’ use of the phrase, with some suggesting it obscures the level of disagreement between scientists about how to best respond to Covid-19.
Teacher respect
Professor Cox is currently delivering online science classes on BBC Bitesize for 10 to 12 year olds, covering topics such as forces, motion, the solar system and general astronomy.
He said the “difficult” challenge of designing the lessons – as well as homeschooling his 10-year-old son – had given him a newfound respect for teachers.
“If I needed to have any more respect for the skill and professionalism of teachers, and I’m sure many parents share this view, then it has been delivered to me, very harshly in some sense, by trying to take over, however briefly and to explain these very complicated concepts,” he said.


inews--2020-04-26--Medics fighting coronavirus deserve to be celebrated but we must not forget that our NHS is deeply f

Medics fighting coronavirus deserve to be celebrated but we must not forget that our NHS is deeply flawed and needs reform The NHS is a public service with strengths and weaknesses like any other organisation and has a disturbing trend of stifling whistleblowing Many of the houses I passed have rainbow pictures drawn by children in their windows as elsewhere in the country , saluting the bravery of staff on the front line of the coronavirus fight .
Simple gestures , such a rainbows in windows , are heartfelt and moving ( Photo : Getty ) When you hear of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect old and disabled people , or read about medical teams struggling to save lives as they swelter in protective gear , it is impossible not to be moved by their courage and compassion .
They deserve all possible plaudits .
Britain entered this crisis locked in weird relationship with its health service , so bedazzled by its supposed beauty that it was given a starring role in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics to the bemusement of other countries .
Politicians ceaselessly chant the mantra that it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade of austerity the NHS budget rose by about £26bn , yet there were constant calls for more cash while the equally deserving care system was quietly shredded .
Like all Tories , he knows this remains his party ’ s weak point for many voters and wants to retain support in the north .
He will be even more determined to join the applause .
But for all the justified admiration for recent efforts by medical personnnel , we do them a disservice if we do not recognise the NHS is simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like any other organisation .
Yes , some flaws relate to funding shortfalls , which left England with just 4,100 intensive care beds when the epidemic erupted .
Some failures relate to political decisions , such as the stupid abolition of bursaries that intensified shortages of nurses and immigration polices that deter carers .
Doctors from University College Hospital pose at a floral rainbow tribute ( Photo : TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images ) Without doubt , some are deserved – such as for nurses and especially in the care sector , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peanuts to staff .
Yet it is hard to see Tory politicians – especially a prime minister whose own life was just saved – defying any demands for higher salaries from people , however well paid , fighting this virus .
But we must examine with ruthless honesty and rationality the flaws that proved fatal on testing , protective kit and care homes .
Why was the system so sclerotic that ministers had to summon the Army ?
It 's possible to thank people without glorifying an institution ( Photo : Stu Forster/Getty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if analysis of our response to the pandemic , with among the highest death rates in the developed world , is shorn of sentimentality .
By all means shower praise on people performing heroics .
But if you really want to honour them , do not indulge in shallow worship of a flawed system .

I have returned from my daily burst of exercise, walking around local streets.
Many of the houses I passed have rainbow pictures drawn by children in their windows as elsewhere in the country, saluting the bravery of staff on the front line of the coronavirus fight.
Sweet images say things such as “We love the NHS”, “Thank you NHS” and “NHS is the best”.
Once a week my neighbourhood largely unites when residents stand outside clapping carers, some banging drums or saucepans. One household last week fired off a few fireworks.
Yet I feel a tinge of concern as I pass these signs and hear the cheers.
Obviously I share the immense gratitude towards carers, doctors, nurses and all other workers performing heroics in challenging circumstances.
When you hear of low-paid carers locking themselves in residential homes to protect old and disabled people, or read about medical teams struggling to save lives as they swelter in protective gear, it is impossible not to be moved by their courage and compassion. They deserve all possible plaudits.
But there is a big difference between praising the people performing heroics and sanctifying the system.
Britain entered this crisis locked in weird relationship with its health service, so bedazzled by its supposed beauty that it was given a starring role in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics to the bemusement of other countries.
Politicians ceaselessly chant the mantra that it is a wonder of the world. During a decade of austerity the NHS budget rose by about £26bn, yet there were constant calls for more cash while the equally deserving care system was quietly shredded.
Now it is treated like a charity, with millions lavished on heartfelt fundraising efforts, yet real charities such as our incredible hospices are left to struggle.
But behind Britain’s emotive worship of the NHS lies a more complex reality.
Look at Europe, where alternative models were better at saving lives before this crisis.
A landmark comparative study by four think-tanks with 18 similar nations found that we had lower-than-average life expectancy, with lagging survival rates for eight of the dozen most deadly diseases.
We also had the worst “amenable mortality” levels (when people die from potentially preventable conditions).
This week Boris Johnson returns to full-time work. His gratitude to health workers, as already seen, will be profound after a frightening brush with death.
This is, after all, a prime minister who won power by exploiting adoration of the NHS as a prop in his Brexit campaign; remember that dodgy slogan on the battlebus?
Like all Tories, he knows this remains his party’s weak point for many voters and wants to retain support in the north. He will be even more determined to join the applause.
But for all the justified admiration for recent efforts by medical personnnel, we do them a disservice if we do not recognise the NHS is simply a public service with strengths and weaknesses like any other organisation.
Yes, some flaws relate to funding shortfalls, which left England with just 4,100 intensive care beds when the epidemic erupted. Some failures relate to political decisions, such as the stupid abolition of bursaries that intensified shortages of nurses and immigration polices that deter carers.
But some are systemic, such as a shocking reluctance to acknowledge mistakes, silencing whistle-blowers even amid a pandemic and disturbing procurement struggles seen in recent weeks.
Already union leaders are muttering about pay rises for frontline workers.
Without doubt, some are deserved – such as for nurses and especially in the care sector, so corroded by profiteering private firms that pay peanuts to staff. Yet it is hard to see Tory politicians – especially a prime minister whose own life was just saved – defying any demands for higher salaries from people, however well paid, fighting this virus.
Having shaken the magic money tree to bail out Britain, ministers will struggle to resist any calls to splash cash on the health system, regardless of logic.
The NHS has performed well to crank up capacity after seeing carnage in Italy and Spain.
I have no problem with trying to innovate on ventilator production.
But we must examine with ruthless honesty and rationality the flaws that proved fatal on testing, protective kit and care homes. Why was the system so sclerotic that ministers had to summon the Army?
Some failures are due to dire political leadership. Others seem down to stifling bureaucracy, systemic inertia, centralised procurement and confused attitudes to private firms. Differing death rates could emerge.
Given the clear struggles of Public Health England, there is a case to sever protection and prevention roles that were unified seven years ago.
Lavishing praise on any institution builds resistance to change and reluctance to learn from others.
But is there any hope Westminster might have the bottle to harvest this wave of emotion to change wider attitudes?
Not just on the health service and social care, along with allied issues of tax and spending, but even on immigration when the public can see in stark terms the role of migrants, some giving their lives in service to our nation.
Certainly ministers must ditch the crass surcharge that forces such staff, including some who treated Johnson, to pay huge and rising sums to use the NHS.
Now we rely on the race to discover a vaccine and effective treatments to find a way out of darkness that has befallen our world. Lifting lockdown is simply the first step on a long, hard road ahead.
This journey will be easier if analysis of our response to the pandemic, with among the highest death rates in the developed world, is shorn of sentimentality. By all means shower praise on people performing heroics.
But if you really want to honour them, do not indulge in shallow worship of a flawed system.


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus latest: Disregard best before dates to save 'thousands' of tonnes of food during pandemi

Coronavirus latest: Disregard best before dates to save 'thousands' of tonnes of food during pandemic, public urged

Coronavirus latest : Disregard best before dates to save 'thousands ' of tonnes of food during pandemic , public urged From crisps and biscuits to pasta and tuna , food can be 'perfectly good to eat ' for weeks , months or even years after the best before date Food waste experts are urging Britons to “ look beyond ” best before labels as produce is “ safe and perfectly good to eat ” after the expiry date specified .
New guidance around food labelling has been issued to enable shops to give away surplus produce to food banks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the specialists behind the recommendations hope people at home will also think twice before unnecessarily binning items in their fridges and pantries .
Disregarding best before labels will prevent thousands of tonnes of food from being unnecessarily thrown away , allowing businesses to donate produce and British households to avoid unwittingly contributing to the mountain of food needlessly wasted each year , according to a report .
“ Food past its best before date remains safe , and perfectly good to eat for days , weeks , months or even years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of food and if it has been stored correctly , ” states the report from anti-waste group Wrap , produced in consultation with the Food Standards Agency and the Department for Energy , Food and Rural Affairs .
Best before vs use by Instead of sticking rigidly to the best before date - which signifies quality rather than safety - food businesses , redistributors and consumers should inspect the produce for signs of mould or staleness , or check the packaging and seals of longer-life goods to ensure they are not damaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food last longer and stretch further during lockdown ( Photo : Getty ) While food past its best before date can legally be sold , and safely consumed , this is not the case where use by dates are concerned , the report notes .
Use by dates relate to food safety and produce should not be sold , redistributed or consumed after this date .
The only exception to this is if the food has gone through a safe freezing or cooking process , before the use by date has passed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We estimate that over a typical year , around half a billion pounds worth of food is likely to be thrown away from homes linked to a Best Before date - that ’ s 180,000 tonnes , said Wrap director Peter Maddox .
“ Knowing the difference between best before and use by is one of the biggest ways to stop food waste in the home .
A best before date is only a quality guide ... you can use your judgement as to whether it ’ s still good to eat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there to protect us , ” Mr Maddox added .
Think twice before throwing food away Mark Game , CEO of Manchester-based charity The Bread and Butter Thing , which sells food and household goods to people on low incomes at heavily discounted prices , believes the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted the public to think more carefully about their relationship with food .
“ It means we think twice before we throw away edible food and will increasingly shift perceptions around concepts such as Best Before dates.
” He added that those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , almost without exception , that they are comfortable eating produce after the best before date .

Food waste experts are urging Britons to “look beyond” best before labels as produce is “safe and perfectly good to eat” after the expiry date specified.
New guidance around food labelling has been issued to enable shops to give away surplus produce to food banks and other community enterprises during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the specialists behind the recommendations hope people at home will also think twice before unnecessarily binning items in their fridges and pantries.
‘Perfectly good to eat’
Disregarding best before labels will prevent thousands of tonnes of food from being unnecessarily thrown away, allowing businesses to donate produce and British households to avoid unwittingly contributing to the mountain of food needlessly wasted each year, according to a report.
“Food past its best before date remains safe, and perfectly good to eat for days, weeks, months or even years after the date, depending on the type of food and if it has been stored correctly,” states the report from anti-waste group Wrap, produced in consultation with the Food Standards Agency and the Department for Energy, Food and Rural Affairs.
Best before vs use by
Instead of sticking rigidly to the best before date – which signifies quality rather than safety – food businesses, redistributors and consumers should inspect the produce for signs of mould or staleness, or check the packaging and seals of longer-life goods to ensure they are not damaged, it says.
While food past its best before date can legally be sold, and safely consumed, this is not the case where use by dates are concerned, the report notes. Use by dates relate to food safety and produce should not be sold, redistributed or consumed after this date. The only exception to this is if the food has gone through a safe freezing or cooking process, before the use by date has passed, and has been appropriately re-labelled.
180,000 tonnes wasted
“We estimate that over a typical year, around half a billion pounds worth of food is likely to be thrown away from homes linked to a Best Before date – that’s 180,000 tonnes, said Wrap director Peter Maddox.
“Knowing the difference between best before and use by is one of the biggest ways to stop food waste in the home. A best before date is only a quality guide…you can use your judgement as to whether it’s still good to eat. Use by is the safety mark and there to protect us,” Mr Maddox added.
Think twice before throwing food away
Mark Game, CEO of Manchester-based charity The Bread and Butter Thing, which sells food and household goods to people on low incomes at heavily discounted prices, believes the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted the public to think more carefully about their relationship with food.
“It means we think twice before we throw away edible food and will increasingly shift perceptions around concepts such as Best Before dates.”
He added that those who buy their groceries from the charity have said, almost without exception, that they are comfortable eating produce after the best before date.
@kt_grant


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus lockdown in Scotland 'could last longer than England'

Coronavirus lockdown in Scotland 'could last longer than England' The First Minister said she would act to protect the Scottish population even if that meant asking people to endure longer restrictions Scotland could choose to continue the coronavirus lockdown for longer than the rest of the UK if any decision in England is judged to be “ premature ” , Nicola Sturgeon has said .
The First Minister said she would act to protect the Scottish population even if that meant asking people to endure a longer period of restrictions on everyday life than elsewhere .
Previously the focus has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start to lift the lockdown earlier than England , but Ms Sturgeon indicated that the reverse could also be true .
She was speaking shortly before her top health official warned that the lockdown could end up being extended as a direct result of some Scots flouting social distancing regulations .
National clinical director Jason Leitch said he would advise ministers that the nation should stay “ exactly as we are ” if the number of people being infected did not fall sufficiently .
Ms Sturgeon said she did not have the power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland , but would not hesitate to act differently to the rest of the UK if it was in the national interest .
`` On this question of will Scotland do things differently – not for the sake of it we wo n't .
Only if the evidence and our judgement tells us that that is necessary , ” she told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show .
`` If the UK Government took decisions that I thought were premature in terms of coming out of the lockdown , then clearly I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I judged was best to protect the population . ''
Nicola Sturgeon said she would not act differently from the rest of the UK 'for the sake of it ' ( Photo : Scottish Government ) '' Please do n't look for ways to push the boundaries of the guidelines , '' he said .
`` Do n't ask questions about what you might be able to do .
“ Instead , find ways to fit inside the boundaries of the regulations .
Find ways to stay at home , to celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep in touch with your family in new ways .
`` The more you do that , the sooner we will be able to advise the decision makers that the boundaries should fall and we should get back to a new normal .
“ I know only one thing for sure – if the numbers do not fall , the advice will stay the same .
The advice will be to stay exactly as we are.
” Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said she had attended most of the meetings in the First Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Ms Sturgeon had chaired meetings of the Resilience Committee , its equivalent of Cobra , during the same period .

Scotland could choose to continue the coronavirus lockdown for longer than the rest of the UK if any decision in England is judged to be “premature”, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The First Minister said she would act to protect the Scottish population even if that meant asking people to endure a longer period of restrictions on everyday life than elsewhere.
Previously the focus has been on whether the devolved nations could start to lift the lockdown earlier than England, but Ms Sturgeon indicated that the reverse could also be true.
She was speaking shortly before her top health official warned that the lockdown could end up being extended as a direct result of some Scots flouting social distancing regulations.
National clinical director Jason Leitch said he would advise ministers that the nation should stay “exactly as we are” if the number of people being infected did not fall sufficiently.
Ms Sturgeon said she did not have the power to close the border between England and Scotland, but would not hesitate to act differently to the rest of the UK if it was in the national interest.
“On this question of will Scotland do things differently – not for the sake of it we won’t. Only if the evidence and our judgement tells us that that is necessary,” she told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show.
“If the UK Government took decisions that I thought were premature in terms of coming out of the lockdown, then clearly I would want to make sure that Scotland did what I judged was best to protect the population.”
Speaking at the Scottish Government‘s daily coronavirus briefing, Professor Leitch said people’s compliance with the lockdown “matters for me, your neighbours and the wider population”.
“Please don’t look for ways to push the boundaries of the guidelines,” he said. “Don’t ask questions about what you might be able to do.
“Instead, find ways to fit inside the boundaries of the regulations. Find ways to stay at home, to celebrate birthdays in a new way, to keep in touch with your family in new ways.
“The more you do that, the sooner we will be able to advise the decision makers that the boundaries should fall and we should get back to a new normal.
“I know only one thing for sure – if the numbers do not fall, the advice will stay the same. The advice will be to stay exactly as we are.”
Daily figures on the spread of the disease in Scotland published on Sunday showed that a total of 1,249 patients have died after testing positive, a rise of 18 on Saturday’s total.
Meanwhile, Ms Sturgeon also faced criticism after it emerged that she had missed six UK Cobra meetings convened to discuss the threat of coronavirus between January and March.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said she had attended most of the meetings in the First Minister’s place, while the Scottish Government said Ms Sturgeon had chaired meetings of the Resilience Committee, its equivalent of Cobra, during the same period.


inews--2020-04-26--Coronavirus latest: Two-third of patients who are put on ventilators have died

Coronavirus latest : Two-third of patients who are put on ventilators have died Outcomes are more favourable for those who only need basic respiratory support , data shows Two-thirds of people who were critically ill with coronavirus and needed mechanical ventilation have died , research has found .
The health outcomes of 6,720 Covid-19 patients admitted to intensive care were analysed as part of a report by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre ( ICNARC ) .
Out of the patients included in the study who required advanced respiratory support as part of their treatment , 65.4 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while 923 ( 34.6 per cent ) recovered and were discharged .
The outcomes were much more positive for patients who only needed basic respiratory support .
Of those who only needed treatment such as oxygen through a face mask , 81.9 per cent ( 894 patients ) recovered and while around 18 per cent ( 198 people ) died .
The report included data from 286 NHS critical care units in England , Wales and Northern Ireland ( Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images ) The report included data from 286 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales and Northern Ireland taking part in the ICNARC programme , up to 4pm on April 23 , and included those who had a confirmed Covid-19 test .
Overall , outcomes were known for 4,078 patients in the sample , of whom 50.7 per cent died - this means 2,067 people did not survive , while 2,011 recovered .
This mortality rate is slightly lower than in ICNARC 's last report form the start of April of intensive care patients - which put the death rate at 51.6 per cent .
One in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 who were treated in intensive care have died according to ICNARC .
Of those aged 16 to 39 , 66 patients ( 21.6 per cent ) died in critical care , while around 240 ( 78.4 per cent ) were discharged , the latest report found .
Patients aged 60-69 accounted for the largest number of deaths , at 701 patients , followed by the 70-79 age group , with 617 reported .
The mortality rate is currently higher for men and in older age groups , the data shows .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Index of Multiple Deprivation , which ranks the poorest neighbourhoods by postcode .
Research shows that 1,591 ( 24.7 per cent ) of 6,720 critically-ill coronavirus patients were from the most deprived areas - compared with 14.8 per cent from the least deprived .
London currently has the largest number of Covid-19 patients , with 2,199 being managed by the three London Operational Delivery Networks - the system for co-ordinating patient care across the capital .
Critical care units involved in the initiative are asked to notify ICNARC as soon as they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at different points of their treatment .

Two-thirds of people who were critically ill with coronavirus and needed mechanical ventilation have died, research has found.
The health outcomes of 6,720 Covid-19 patients admitted to intensive care were analysed as part of a report by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC).
Out of the patients included in the study who required advanced respiratory support as part of their treatment, 65.4 per cent – 1,744 people – died, while 923 (34.6 per cent) recovered and were discharged.
The outcomes were much more positive for patients who only needed basic respiratory support.
Of those who only needed treatment such as oxygen through a face mask, 81.9 per cent (894 patients) recovered and while around 18 per cent (198 people) died.
The report included data from 286 NHS critical care units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland taking part in the ICNARC programme, up to 4pm on April 23, and included those who had a confirmed Covid-19 test.
Overall, outcomes were known for 4,078 patients in the sample, of whom 50.7 per cent died – this means 2,067 people did not survive, while 2,011 recovered.
This mortality rate is slightly lower than in ICNARC’s last report form the start of April of intensive care patients – which put the death rate at 51.6 per cent.
Age differences
One in five Covid-19 patients under the age of 40 who were treated in intensive care have died according to ICNARC.
Of those aged 16 to 39, 66 patients (21.6 per cent) died in critical care, while around 240 (78.4 per cent) were discharged, the latest report found.
Patients aged 60-69 accounted for the largest number of deaths, at 701 patients, followed by the 70-79 age group, with 617 reported.
The mortality rate is currently higher for men and in older age groups, the data shows.
Deprivation rates
The research by ICNARC also looks at the Index of Multiple Deprivation, which ranks the poorest neighbourhoods by postcode.
Research shows that 1,591 (24.7 per cent) of 6,720 critically-ill coronavirus patients were from the most deprived areas – compared with 14.8 per cent from the least deprived.
London currently has the largest number of Covid-19 patients, with 2,199 being managed by the three London Operational Delivery Networks – the system for co-ordinating patient care across the capital.
Critical care units involved in the initiative are asked to notify ICNARC as soon as they have an admission with Covid-19 and provide data at different points of their treatment.
Additional reporting by Press Association


inews--2020-04-26--Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones reprises Nessa role for social distancing message: 'Back off'

Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones reprises Nessa role for social distancing message : 'Back off' The actress used her character 's classic Welsh phrase and warned people to stay two metres away from her In character as Nessa , the star and co-writer of the hit comedy jokingly warned people to `` stay out of my way '' whilst undertaking her daily `` half marathon '' around Barry in Wales .
Wearing her trademark leathers , black wig and Welsh dragon tattoo , she said : `` Oh .
What 's occurrin ' ?
Not a lot , other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question was rhetorical . ''
'Stay safe , stay out of my way' Ms Jones went on : `` Now listen , I 'm not here to give you advice , there 's plenty of others who will do that for you .
It 's your life , and I 'm not about to tell you how to live it .
`` I would n't do that to no one , I would n't even tell myself how to live my life .
`` But I will say this , if you see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run , my half marathon around Barry , do n't even think about breaking that two metre rule .
''Because if you does , I will not hesitate to tell you quite clearly , to back off . ''
Gavin and Stacey was last on air at Christmas ( Photo : Tom Jackson/BBC ) She added : `` At the end of the day when all is said and done , no word of a lie , if truth be told , just because you do n't feel ill does n't mean you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be riddled .
Stay safe , stay out of my way .
Oh and protect the NHS obviously , it goes without saying . ''
It was retweeted by James Corden , who is currently quarantined in his Los Angeles home during the pandemic , where he also hosts The Late , Late Show .

Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones has returned as her character Nessa Jenkins to deliver an “important public message” about coronavirus.
Ms Jones uploaded a video as Nessa, urging people to stick to social distancing measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In character as Nessa, the star and co-writer of the hit comedy jokingly warned people to “stay out of my way” whilst undertaking her daily “half marathon” around Barry in Wales.
Wearing her trademark leathers, black wig and Welsh dragon tattoo, she said: “Oh. What’s occurrin’? Not a lot, other than a global pandemic – but the question was rhetorical.”
An important public message. https://t.co/2MGzdWjdwD — James Corden (@JKCorden) April 25, 2020
‘Stay safe, stay out of my way’
Ms Jones went on: “Now listen, I’m not here to give you advice, there’s plenty of others who will do that for you. It’s your life, and I’m not about to tell you how to live it.
“I wouldn’t do that to no one, I wouldn’t even tell myself how to live my life.
“But I will say this, if you see me in the morning doing my daily run, my half marathon around Barry, don’t even think about breaking that two metre rule.
”Because if you does, I will not hesitate to tell you quite clearly, to back off.”
She added: “At the end of the day when all is said and done, no word of a lie, if truth be told, just because you don’t feel ill doesn’t mean you’re not infectious.
“You could be riddled. Stay safe, stay out of my way. Oh and protect the NHS obviously, it goes without saying.”
The video was published online by her husband, executive producer David Peet.
Social distancing
It was retweeted by James Corden, who is currently quarantined in his Los Angeles home during the pandemic, where he also hosts The Late, Late Show.
He wrote: “An important public message.”
Last year the pair were reunited in a Gavin and Stacey one-off Christmas special.
Fans were certainly appreciative to hear from Nessa, despite the circumstances.
One person commented: “I’m having such a s**** day and this video just gave me the biggest smile.”
Another added: “More folk will take note of Nessa than Bojo himself!”


inews--2020-04-27--2.6 challenge ideas: what celebrities have been doing for the London Marathon fundraising challenge

2.6 challenge ideas : what celebrities have been doing for the London Marathon fundraising challenge A runner celebrates on the Mall , where the finish of the London Marathon was due to take place after running 2.6 miles instead of 26 miles to raise money for The Running Charity ( Photo : Alex Davidson/Getty Images ) The challenge - named for the 26 miles in a marathon - inspired people to find creative ways to make up for the absence of the race on Sunday , which is the world ’ s biggest one-day fundraising event .
What is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its toll on just about every aspect of everyday life , including the cancellation of thousands of sporting events , many of which would have seen public participation in an effort to raise funds for charities of their choosing .
That means that charitable sectors are going to take a significant hit in the wake of the virus ; the UK charity sector estimates it will lose £4 billion in income as a result of the pandemic .
Members of the Montlake family who took part in the 2.6 Challenge ( Photo : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' on 26 April - the day when the London Marathon should have taken place - your challenges can be taken up any time following that date .
The London Marathon is the world ’ s biggest one-day fundraising event , which raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019 ; without the 2.6 Challenge , none of that cash would have been raised for charities in 2020 .
How can I take part ?
Once you 're settled on what you want to do for your own 2.6 Challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information on how to support your chosen charity .
The coronavirus pandemic has seen people dream up their own inventive versions of marathons ( Photo : James Page/PA Wire ) .

This weekend – as the capital lay empty where usually thousands of runners would be completing the London Marathon – the 2.6 Challenge was launched.
The challenge – named for the 26 miles in a marathon – inspired people to find creative ways to make up for the absence of the race on Sunday, which is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event.
Here’s everything you need to know about it:
What is the 2.6 Challenge?
The 2.6 Challenge is a new charity challenge aimed to pick up the slack from cancelled events like the London Marathon.
The coronavirus has taken its toll on just about every aspect of everyday life, including the cancellation of thousands of sporting events, many of which would have seen public participation in an effort to raise funds for charities of their choosing.
That means that charitable sectors are going to take a significant hit in the wake of the virus; the UK charity sector estimates it will lose £4 billion in income as a result of the pandemic.
“The 2.6 Challenge is a simple way for people of all ages and abilities to help save the UK’s charities,” say the event’s organisers.
“Your challenge could be as simple as pledging to run 2.6 miles as your daily exercise to doing 26 minutes of juggling non-stop.”
While the challenge technically ‘began’ on 26 April – the day when the London Marathon should have taken place – your challenges can be taken up any time following that date.
The London Marathon is the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event, which raised more than £66.4 million for thousands of charities in 2019; without the 2.6 Challenge, none of that cash would have been raised for charities in 2020.
How can I take part?
“The 2.6 Challenge can be any activity you like,” say the organisers, “from running 2.6 miles to holding an online workout with 26 of your friends.”
More ideas on what you could do as part of the 2.6 Challenge can be found on the event’s official website.
“Whatever your age or ability, you can take part. After all, we’re not looking for superheroes. We’re looking for Home Heroes.”
Once you’re settled on what you want to do for your own 2.6 Challenge, head to the website for more information on how to support your chosen charity.
How have celebrities helped?
As the 2.6 Challenge got underway this past week, a host of celebrities were on hand to help, taking part in their own inventive challenges.
Dame Kelly Holmes attempted to do 26 reps of 26 exercises on a trampoline as well as hosting a live-streamed workout, with proceeds going to her Dame Kelly Holmes Trust which aims to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people.
Rugby star Jonny Wilkinson attempted 26 keepy-ups with various sporting balls, donating money to Tiny Lives, a charity that supports premature newborn babies in the north east of England.
DJ Trevor Nelson gave himself 26 minutes to complete a particularly tricky looking indoor golfing drill in support of mental health charities, while Leicester City’s Christian Fuchs completed 26 keepy-ups of a football in an impressive nine seconds.
For more information on the 2.6 Challenge, head to the official website


inews--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Digital piracy and illegal film steaming soars during lockdown

Britons are turning to illegal means to watch films during the coronavirus outbreak Britons are increasingly turning to illegal means to watch films during lockdown , despite subscription-based streaming services signing up millions of new members .
Visits to film piracy websites rose 43 per cent during the last seven days of March compared to the same time the previous month , according to piracy tracker Muso .
Sites allowing users to both download ( torrent ) and directly stream films illegally registered more than 11.5m visits from the UK , while streams and downloads of TV programmes attracted more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent drop compared to February .
This drop is likely to be down to live sports no longer being broadcast , as the sites saw a 54 per cent drop in UK-based visitors looking for live games .
Similarly , illegal downloads of software rose by 29 per cent as users pirated programs without paying for them .
Pirating sites serving Italy - the first European country to go into lockdown - witnessed the largest rise across Europe , with the number of visits rising 66 per cent in the last week of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 63 per cent , ahead of Spain 's 50 per cent and Portugal 's 47 per cent increases .
While visits to illegal sites have risen , paid-for streaming services have also benefited from users across the world being discouraged from spending time outside thanks to Government measures .
Netflix gained 15.8m subscribers during the first three months of the year , more than double the 7.2m it had projected and breaking its previous sign-up records , the company announced last week .
However , it will be temporarily reducing the `` number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said it expects viewing to decline and fewer people to sign up as home confinement ends , adding : `` which we hope is soon '' .
Disney Plus , the entertainment giant 's answer to Netflix , has signed up more than 50m subscribers since it launched in the US in November last year , before rolling out to the UK in March .
“ Piracy or unlicensed consumption trends are closely linked to paid-for or licensed content .
So , just as Netflix has seen large subscriber gains , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to film piracy sites , '' Andy Chatterley , chief executive of Muso , said .

Britons are increasingly turning to illegal means to watch films during lockdown, despite subscription-based streaming services signing up millions of new members.
Visits to film piracy websites rose 43 per cent during the last seven days of March compared to the same time the previous month, according to piracy tracker Muso.
Sites allowing users to both download (torrent) and directly stream films illegally registered more than 11.5m visits from the UK, while streams and downloads of TV programmes attracted more than 39.5m users – a 5 per cent drop compared to February.
This drop is likely to be down to live sports no longer being broadcast, as the sites saw a 54 per cent drop in UK-based visitors looking for live games.
Illegal downloads
Similarly, illegal downloads of software rose by 29 per cent as users pirated programs without paying for them.
Pirating sites serving Italy – the first European country to go into lockdown – witnessed the largest rise across Europe, with the number of visits rising 66 per cent in the last week of March.
Read More Game of Thrones season seven has been pirated more than one billion times
Visits from India rose by 63 per cent, ahead of Spain’s 50 per cent and Portugal’s 47 per cent increases.
While visits to illegal sites have risen, paid-for streaming services have also benefited from users across the world being discouraged from spending time outside thanks to Government measures.
Netflix gained 15.8m subscribers during the first three months of the year, more than double the 7.2m it had projected and breaking its previous sign-up records, the company announced last week.
Rises in visitors to piracy sites
Italy + 66%
+ 66% India + 63%
+ 63% Spain + 50%
+ 50% Portugal + 47%
+ 47% Canada + 45%
+ 45% UK + 43%
+ 43% USA + 41%
+ 41% France + 41%
+ 41% Germany + 36%
+ 36% Russia + 17%
However, it will be temporarily reducing the “number of product innovations” it invests in and said it expects viewing to decline and fewer people to sign up as home confinement ends, adding: “which we hope is soon”.
Disney Plus, the entertainment giant’s answer to Netflix, has signed up more than 50m subscribers since it launched in the US in November last year, before rolling out to the UK in March.
“Piracy or unlicensed consumption trends are closely linked to paid-for or licensed content. So, just as Netflix has seen large subscriber gains, we have seen a significant spike in visits to film piracy sites,” Andy Chatterley, chief executive of Muso, said.
“We will continue to monitor the data closely as the pandemic continues.”