inews--2020-06-05--'I'm a student nurse - I never thought I'd see so much death at such a young age'

' I 'm a student nurse - I never thought I 'd see so much death at such a young age' ' I want people to read about my experiences and think before they flout the social distancing rules' Her nursing placement has been put on hold during the pandemic , but she is currently working in paid employment as a bank nurse at a hospital in the West Midlands .
She was stationed on a high dependency ward where she cared for people with Covid-19 full-time , and now still does shifts there .
`` I never thought I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at such a young age .
I still cry for the patients I watched die alone and afraid , many elderly and delirious from the infection , ” said the 20-year-old , who is in her second year of training to become a registered nurse .
`` I had just started a placement on a cardiology ward before the outbreak properly kicked off in March .
I then got quite ill with suspected Covid-19 myself .
Because of the pandemic , student nurses were withdrawn from placement .
After self-isolating , I went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the hospital . '
I 'd never seen people who were that ill' '' At first it was quite scary .
I ’ d never seen people who were that ill. A lot of them were very elderly and knowing that they couldn ’ t have their family around them was quite difficult .
Many of them were confused and , with that confusion , was fear .
`` I never thought I would see so much death and destruction at such a young age .
I still cry for the patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many elderly and delirious from the infection .
It is impossible to forget the sound of a body hitting metal as it is slid onto a trolley on its way to the morgue .
`` I make a conscious effort to sit with the dying , as it breaks my heart to know they otherwise would die alone .
I have seen extremely agitated patients calm down as soon as you sit with them and hold their hand .
`` It haunts me that I was the last person to be with somebody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racked with guilt from lying when patients ask me if they are going to die .
You don ’ t want to tell someone in their last moments that they are dying .
You just want to say , 'We ’ ll look after you , we ’ re here for you , we ’ ll do our best . '
`` Patients were not away allowed to have their family around them .
It 's not the staff 's fault , they absolutely tried their best , it was the situation we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were dying quickly .
`` When people were well enough to cope with a phone call , sometimes we ’ d bring in the phone , sometimes we ’ d use our personal phones so they could FaceTime their family .
If people were really ill , occasionally one member of the family would come in but that wasn ’ t always the case .
People with coronavirus tend to deteriorate very quickly .
`` I do n't think there is anything that I can do that would be more helpful , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of feel like a failure when someone dies .
“ It 's had a profound impact on my mental health and I can say the same for my colleagues .
It has n't made me question my career in nursing because I enjoy the job .
I feel very privileged to care for people at that stage in their lives , or people who are very sick and vulnerable , but it ’ s still difficult .
`` Within nursing , you don ’ t really have a debrief after something traumatic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I ’ m a bank nurse , which means I ’ m kind of temporary .
Although I can work full-time , you ’ re never really truly part of the team and that holds you back from support .
'Living away from my family' '' For months I have lived segregated from my family as I do not want to risk their safety .
I 'm in a separate room , I keep my distance , I don ’ t really sit with them .
I go to get my meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t come into contact with them .
I think I have lacked a support system because sometimes you just need a hug and that 's not something that 's available .
'Think before you flout social distancing rules '

A student nurse has spoken about her loneliness while working on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, saying that staying away from her family to keep them safe has left her without a support system at times.
“Sometimes you just need a hug and that’s not something that’s available,” said the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous.
“It has been a very lonely experience and it is difficult to comprehend and process the events I’ve seen on my own.”
Her nursing placement has been put on hold during the pandemic, but she is currently working in paid employment as a bank nurse at a hospital in the West Midlands. She was stationed on a high dependency ward where she cared for people with Covid-19 full-time, and now still does shifts there.
She said she often stayed with people who were unable to have their family around them when they died.
“I never thought I would see so much death and destruction at such a young age. I still cry for the patients I watched die alone and afraid, many elderly and delirious from the infection,” said the 20-year-old, who is in her second year of training to become a registered nurse.
She told i what it has been like to work on the frontline of the pandemic. Some readers may find this account distressing
“I’m a 20-year-old student nurse who has worked in a high dependency ward throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“I had just started a placement on a cardiology ward before the outbreak properly kicked off in March. I then got quite ill with suspected Covid-19 myself. Because of the pandemic, student nurses were withdrawn from placement. After self-isolating, I went back to work as a bank nurse at the hospital.
“I’ve been mostly working on a ward that has CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, which is non-invasive ventilation.
“I’m working with Covid patients on every single shift. I have been doing clinical observations on the patients and basic nursing care, such as removing cannulas and carrying out ECG tests.
‘I’d never seen people who were that ill’
“At first it was quite scary. I’d never seen people who were that ill. A lot of them were very elderly and knowing that they couldn’t have their family around them was quite difficult. Many of them were confused and, with that confusion, was fear.
“I never thought I would see so much death and destruction at such a young age. I still cry for the patients I watched die alone and afraid, many elderly and delirious from the infection. It is impossible to forget the sound of a body hitting metal as it is slid onto a trolley on its way to the morgue.
“I make a conscious effort to sit with the dying, as it breaks my heart to know they otherwise would die alone. I have seen extremely agitated patients calm down as soon as you sit with them and hold their hand.
“It haunts me that I was the last person to be with somebody before they died, and I feel racked with guilt from lying when patients ask me if they are going to die. You don’t want to tell someone in their last moments that they are dying. You just want to say, ‘We’ll look after you, we’re here for you, we’ll do our best.’
‘Preserving dignity’
“Sometimes it was difficult to preserve the dignity and humanity of those dying.
“Patients were not away allowed to have their family around them. It’s not the staff’s fault, they absolutely tried their best, it was the situation we were in. A lot of people were dying quickly.
“When people were well enough to cope with a phone call, sometimes we’d bring in the phone, sometimes we’d use our personal phones so they could FaceTime their family. If people were really ill, occasionally one member of the family would come in but that wasn’t always the case. People with coronavirus tend to deteriorate very quickly.
“I don’t think there is anything that I can do that would be more helpful, but at the same time you also kind of feel like a failure when someone dies.
“Throughout your nursing training, comforting the dying and taking care of the deceased is ingrained into you, but it is difficult to cope with it on a massive scale.
‘Mentors breaking down’
“It is difficult to watch the mentors you look up to break down, and in some cases contract Covid-19 and be hospitalised themselves.
“It’s had a profound impact on my mental health and I can say the same for my colleagues. It hasn’t made me question my career in nursing because I enjoy the job. I feel very privileged to care for people at that stage in their lives, or people who are very sick and vulnerable, but it’s still difficult.
“Within nursing, you don’t really have a debrief after something traumatic. What exacerbates the issue is the fact that I’m a bank nurse, which means I’m kind of temporary. Although I can work full-time, you’re never really truly part of the team and that holds you back from support.
‘Living away from my family’
“For months I have lived segregated from my family as I do not want to risk their safety. I’m in a separate room, I keep my distance, I don’t really sit with them. I go to get my meals with all the doors closed so I don’t come into contact with them. I think I have lacked a support system because sometimes you just need a hug and that’s not something that’s available.
“It has been a very lonely experience and it is difficult to comprehend and process the events I’ve seen on my own.
“But I want people who have been in the same circumstances as me to know that they’re not alone.
‘Think before you flout social distancing rules’
“And I want people to read this and think before they flout the social distancing rules, designed to protect the most vulnerable in our community.
“It makes me quite angry that people have prioritised their entertainment over the lives of others during lockdown, especially with the VE day events. There are a number of people that never complied to the rules and it’s just frustrating. You’re not at risk but other people are and you don’t know who you’re going to come into contact with.
“The Covid-19 situation has improved at my hospital – but at a great human cost. I am afraid of a second wave due to the behaviour of people.”


inews--2020-06-05--Watching black people die is not normal. I'm tired of knowing what approaching death looks like

Watching black people die is not normal .
I 'm tired of knowing what approaching death looks like I have seen black lifeless bodies displayed on social media , and then on news channels .
Each video has forced its way into my memory The filmed death of George Floyd , an unarmed 46-year-old black man , after his arrest by four policemen in Minneapolis has not only triggered Black Lives Matter demonstrations across the world , but also mental health issues for those of who have watched countless modern-day lynchings on their phones in the last few years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ death looks like and my heart breaks by how easy it is to view uncensored clips .
While the solidarity expressed around the world - take for example Black Out Tuesday - has been touching it shouldn ’ t take these graphic images to make people pay attention in the first place .
Watching black people die is not normal , nor is it healthy .
It is time for TV execs , editors and social media bosses to put their foot down on how these graphic images are shown and censor them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white people have been tragically killed on camera .
People at a Black Lives Matter protest rally outside the US Embassy in Dublin following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , US ( Photo : PA ) About six years ago , after unintentionally watching American police officers kill Eric Garner , I made a decision to do every single thing I could to never lay my eyes on footage like this again .
I also maintained that I would never repost or publish any content with a dead body or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reshare a more appropriate image of the victim .
Fast-forward to 2020 , and one of the promises I made to myself looks like a naive wish list because I have since seen black lifeless bodies displayed on social media , and then via newspapers and news channels .
Each video has forced its way into my memory through the screen in my hand .
I have sobbed myself to sleep , had nightmares , gagged , screamed , lost my appetite for days and experienced panic attacks as clips of so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - replayed themselves in my head .
They constantly remind me that I live in a world where black lives , like my own , apparently do not matter .
It got to a point where I was afraid of any video online that auto-played itself on my phone because there was no telling if it would be the latest meme or a brutal murder of someone that looks just like me or my brother .
I now know what it looks like to die by bullets or asphyxiation .
I now know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s chest to eerily cave in a little bit before he takes his last breath .
And if I sit still for longer than 30 seconds , I can hear George Floyd breathlessly calling out for his deceased mother as Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee over his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds exactly .
I am tired of knowing what approaching death looks like and my heart breaks by how easy it is to view uncensored clips ( Photo : Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images ) I can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me when I ’ m washing the dishes in my London home , or when I ’ m having a laugh with the men in my family , or when my cab driver and I were stopped by the police last summer .
Michael Brown ’ s face flashed before my eyes when I saw police officers slam a black man down to the floor near my home or when I watched a white man call the police on a local black woman on my street because her dog barked at him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifeless eyes when a hotel manager called the police on my friends and I in Birmingham over a booking dispute .
During the latter examples , I wondered if someone , including myself , would experience police brutality , or worst , die .
For that reason I filmed the incidents , and adjusted my behaviour to reduce the chances of any fatalities , in case the court needed some evidence .
But not for the moments to be replayed tastelessly .
Decades ago , lynching victims would be tortured and killed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a tree before their dismembered body parts - including internal organs - were put on display in local stores to intimidate black communities .
to stay “ well-behaved.
” They were informal public executions carried out by racist mobs , following baseless accusation .
The last one of its kind took place in 1981 when the Ku Klux Klan hung 19-year-old Michael Donald from a tree in Mobile County , Alabama .

The filmed death of George Floyd, an unarmed 46-year-old black man, after his arrest by four policemen in Minneapolis has not only triggered Black Lives Matter demonstrations across the world, but also mental health issues for those of who have watched countless modern-day lynchings on their phones in the last few years.
I am tired of knowing what approaching death looks like and my heart breaks by how easy it is to view uncensored clips. While the solidarity expressed around the world – take for example Black Out Tuesday – has been touching it shouldn’t take these graphic images to make people pay attention in the first place.
Watching black people die is not normal, nor is it healthy. It is time for TV execs, editors and social media bosses to put their foot down on how these graphic images are shown and censor them out of respect like they do when white people have been tragically killed on camera.
About six years ago, after unintentionally watching American police officers kill Eric Garner, I made a decision to do every single thing I could to never lay my eyes on footage like this again. I also maintained that I would never repost or publish any content with a dead body or the act of murder. Instead, I reshare a more appropriate image of the victim.
Fast-forward to 2020, and one of the promises I made to myself looks like a naive wish list because I have since seen black lifeless bodies displayed on social media, and then via newspapers and news channels. Each video has forced its way into my memory through the screen in my hand.
I have sobbed myself to sleep, had nightmares, gagged, screamed, lost my appetite for days and experienced panic attacks as clips of so many last moments – always filled with terror – replayed themselves in my head. They constantly remind me that I live in a world where black lives, like my own, apparently do not matter.
It got to a point where I was afraid of any video online that auto-played itself on my phone because there was no telling if it would be the latest meme or a brutal murder of someone that looks just like me or my brother.
I now know what it looks like to die by bullets or asphyxiation. I now know that multiple gunshots can cause a man’s chest to eerily cave in a little bit before he takes his last breath. And if I sit still for longer than 30 seconds, I can hear George Floyd breathlessly calling out for his deceased mother as Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee over his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds exactly.
I can’t erase the visuals. They return to me when I’m washing the dishes in my London home, or when I’m having a laugh with the men in my family, or when my cab driver and I were stopped by the police last summer.
Michael Brown’s face flashed before my eyes when I saw police officers slam a black man down to the floor near my home or when I watched a white man call the police on a local black woman on my street because her dog barked at him. I remembered Sandra Bland’s seemingly lifeless eyes when a hotel manager called the police on my friends and I in Birmingham over a booking dispute.
During the latter examples, I wondered if someone, including myself, would experience police brutality, or worst, die. For that reason I filmed the incidents, and adjusted my behaviour to reduce the chances of any fatalities, in case the court needed some evidence. But not for the moments to be replayed tastelessly.
I recognise now that I am traumatised, and like a lot of people with access to the internet, haunted by these public killings – exactly what lynching always intended to do.
Decades ago, lynching victims would be tortured and killed, and then their bodies would be hung from a tree before their dismembered body parts – including internal organs – were put on display in local stores to intimidate black communities. to stay “well-behaved.” They were informal public executions carried out by racist mobs, following baseless accusation. The last one of its kind took place in 1981 when the Ku Klux Klan hung 19-year-old Michael Donald from a tree in Mobile County, Alabama.
Today we have entered a digitalised chapter where groups, in this case it’s more often the police, kill black citizens without a case and social media and newsreels display their bodies, no longer in local shop fronts, but across the world for millions to see.
Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, was killed earlier this year when he was gunned down during a jog by former law enforcement worker Gregory McMichael and his son Travis. His execution and body was put on display on social media.
Similarly, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Stephon Clark, and so many other black people have died in front of millions due to the nature of the media today.
I am exhausted, but of course, I understand that due to systematic racism it is difficult to pursue justice without public outrage. Which in itself is heartbreaking so I urge people, including reporters, to rethink sharing such media without appropriate censorship.
Tobi Akingbade is a freelance journalist, presenter and host of Yellow Cup Podcast. She was previously a reporter at Metro.co.uk, Evening Standard and LBC


inews--2020-06-05--We can learn lessons from the coronavirus pandemic in how we tackle climate change

We can learn lessons from the coronavirus pandemic in how we tackle climate change I helped organise Youth Strike 4 Climate and I 'm still campaigning from indoors The coronavirus pandemic is currently taking the world by storm but throughout this time , we can not afford to ignore another looming global crisis – climate change .
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit , I helped coordinate some of the largest school strikes in the UK .
When the lockdown began , I knew we had to keep going .
From my bedroom , I took part in global strikes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our school strikes was to get noticed and raise public awareness .
There was no reason why we couldn ’ t do that online .
My group , along with others in the UK and around the world , posted pictures holding signs using the hashtag # climatestrikeonline .
It got lots of attention .
The hashtag got thousands of retweets and on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day , stories of climate campaigners raising their voices from their bedrooms dominated the newspapers .
And public opinion is changing .
Recent research by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK public agree that the Government should respond , `` with the same urgency to climate change as it has with Covid-19 '' .
This experience inspired me to keep going and showed that , even though we were stuck inside , we could still make a genuine difference .
The same communities – black people , ethnic minorities , and those living in poverty - have been disproportionately affected , and will continue to be so , unless we all consciously decide to make a change .
Last week , the Met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May on record .
A new study by Stanford biologist Paul Ehrlich concluded that over 500 species are facing extinction in next two decades - around the same figure for the whole of the twentieth century .
These figures and statistics can seem daunting but with knowledge and the right actions , we can change these predictions .
Limiting the effects of climate change , just like we limited the spread of the coronavirus , is something that is going to take a lot of work .
During lockdown , many countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their levels of pollution significantly .
There were fewer flights ; fewer emissions with people staying inside ; and we ’ ve all seen the footage of jelly fish in Venice 's canals .
This has been inspiring to see – but it 's not a solution .
We need to reduce the levels of pollution to this amount by choice , not because lockdown forces it .
We need to collectively decide to build a greener future .
The biggest lesson learnt from the Covid-19 outbreak is that no country can tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown us that global crises will only ever be beaten by a coordinated global response .
When it comes to the climate crisis , the world can not afford to miss this opportunity to learn from the pandemic .
Governments , regardless of countries and borders , must come together to act on the climate crisis – just as we have come together to tackle the pandemic .

The coronavirus pandemic is currently taking the world by storm but throughout this time, we cannot afford to ignore another looming global crisis – climate change.
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, I helped coordinate some of the largest school strikes in the UK. When the lockdown began, I knew we had to keep going.
From my bedroom, I took part in global strikes on social media. The original aim of our school strikes was to get noticed and raise public awareness. There was no reason why we couldn’t do that online.
My group, along with others in the UK and around the world, posted pictures holding signs using the hashtag #climatestrikeonline. It got lots of attention. The hashtag got thousands of retweets and on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, stories of climate campaigners raising their voices from their bedrooms dominated the newspapers.
And public opinion is changing. Recent research by Opinium found that nearly half of the UK public agree that the Government should respond, “with the same urgency to climate change as it has with Covid-19”.
This experience inspired me to keep going and showed that, even though we were stuck inside, we could still make a genuine difference.
Now, emerging for lockdown, we must take note of the lessons learned.
Throughout lockdown, it became increasingly clear that the climate crisis is not a separate issue from the pandemic.
The same communities – black people, ethnic minorities, and those living in poverty – have been disproportionately affected, and will continue to be so, unless we all consciously decide to make a change.
And just like in the pandemic, we must listen to scientists and experts.
Last week, the Met Office reported that we had the hottest May on record. A new study by Stanford biologist Paul Ehrlich concluded that over 500 species are facing extinction in next two decades – around the same figure for the whole of the twentieth century. These figures and statistics can seem daunting but with knowledge and the right actions, we can change these predictions.
Limiting the effects of climate change, just like we limited the spread of the coronavirus, is something that is going to take a lot of work.
During lockdown, many countries, many major cities around the world reduced their levels of pollution significantly. There were fewer flights; fewer emissions with people staying inside; and we’ve all seen the footage of jelly fish in Venice’s canals.
This has been inspiring to see – but it’s not a solution. We need to reduce the levels of pollution to this amount by choice, not because lockdown forces it. We need to collectively decide to build a greener future.
The biggest lesson learnt from the Covid-19 outbreak is that no country can tackle this alone. The coronavirus pandemic has shown us that global crises will only ever be beaten by a coordinated global response.
When it comes to the climate crisis, the world cannot afford to miss this opportunity to learn from the pandemic. Governments, regardless of countries and borders, must come together to act on the climate crisis – just as we have come together to tackle the pandemic.
Paddy Auth is co-organiser of the Liverpool Youth Climate Strike and climate campaigner for the international development charity CAFOD


inews--2020-06-05--Greggs opening: 800 stores across the UK to reopen on 18 June

Greggs opening : 800 stores across the UK to reopen on 18 June The bakery said new safety measures will be in place Bakery chain Greggs has confirmed when it will reopen nationwide , following a successful trial in the North East .
The company said 800 shops , half of its 1,600 total , will reopen on 18 June , ahead of schedule - the business had previously suggested a relaunch date of 1 July .
Greggs closed its stores on 23 March , when Boris Johnson announced the UK would be going into lockdown in order to fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Prime Minister announced high-street shops , department stores , and shopping centres will be allowed to reopen on 15 June as part of the Government 's plan to gradually ease restrictions .
Greggs has not been available on Deliveroo ( Photo : Getty ) '' We ’ ve recently opened a selection of shops on an ad-hoc basis in the North East trialling delivery , collection and standard walk-in orders , '' he said .
`` This was so we could test out new operational safety measures to roll out on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The trials have been performing well , providing useful feedback from colleagues and customers , and we ’ ll continue to adapt as we learn more and work to the latest Government advice . ''
He said the business is currently in the process of selecting which 800 shops to reopen , which will initially include approximately 150 franchise shops .
`` All shops will open with our new tested operational measures in place .
And although they will open with a reduced range , this will be a significant step in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and running and serving the communities that we operate in , '' he added .
He said as long as the business is able to continue serving customers in a safe manner then it will continue with the `` final phase '' of the plan , to open all stores with new operational measures by 1 July .

Bakery chain Greggs has confirmed when it will reopen nationwide, following a successful trial in the North East.
The company said 800 shops, half of its 1,600 total, will reopen on 18 June, ahead of schedule – the business had previously suggested a relaunch date of 1 July.
Greggs closed its stores on 23 March, when Boris Johnson announced the UK would be going into lockdown in order to fight the Covid-19 outbreak.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced high-street shops, department stores, and shopping centres will be allowed to reopen on 15 June as part of the Government’s plan to gradually ease restrictions.
Reopening strategy
In a statement, chief executive Roger Whiteside said Greggs stores will reopen with additional safety measures in place.
“We’ve recently opened a selection of shops on an ad-hoc basis in the North East trialling delivery, collection and standard walk-in orders,” he said.
“This was so we could test out new operational safety measures to roll out on a wider scale when the time is right. The trials have been performing well, providing useful feedback from colleagues and customers, and we’ll continue to adapt as we learn more and work to the latest Government advice.”
Back up and running
He said the business is currently in the process of selecting which 800 shops to reopen, which will initially include approximately 150 franchise shops.
“All shops will open with our new tested operational measures in place. And although they will open with a reduced range, this will be a significant step in us helping the nation get back up and running and serving the communities that we operate in,” he added.
He said as long as the business is able to continue serving customers in a safe manner then it will continue with the “final phase” of the plan, to open all stores with new operational measures by 1 July.


inews--2020-06-05--Access to HIV prevention drug PrEP delayed due to coronavirus - despite 'opportunity to end HIV tran

Access to HIV prevention drug PrEP delayed due to coronavirus - despite 'opportunity to end HIV transmission' Exclusive : uncapped access to the drug has been 'indefinitely postponed' The drug is already available in the other three nations of the UK ( Photo : Getty ) Debbie Laycock , head of policy , told i : `` In March we welcomed the announcement of the uncapping of PrEP in England as an important day in the course of the HIV epidemic .
People with HIV live normal lives on the right drugs ( Photo : Getty ) '' The impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we knew then but we will hold the Government to account on its commitments because PrEP is such an important HIV prevention tool .
`` We will continue to work to ensure that roll out happens as a matter of urgency and push for a firm timeline from the Government on when uncapped access to PrEP will be available across England .
PrEP can reduce the chances of transmitting HIV significantly when taken daily ( Photo : Getty ) Campaigners faced a long battle to get the drug provided by NHS England - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wales and Northern Ireland - with two legal battles , long waiting lists for the limited trial and costly prices for those wanting to access the drug privately .
In 2019 , Aidsmap found that nearly a quarter of people wanting access to PrEP in the UK are unable to .
Nine men who were on a waiting list for the drug as part of the trial contracted HIV , after waiting an average of 182 days to be given a supply .
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is and now we are through the peak of this global pandemic , we are doing everything possible to ensure the routine commissioning of PrEP .

The rollout of a drug that can almost eliminate the transmission of HIV is to be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, i can reveal.
It was announced on 15 March – one week before lockdown – that the government will give local authorities £16m from 2020 to 2021 to put PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) into routine commissioning across England.
Correspondence from 56 Dean Street, the UK’s busiest sexual health clinic, seen by i, warned that the start of the rollout has been “indefinitely postponed”. However bosses say the full commissioning will still go ahead once the government provides a timetable.
The delay comes at what campaigners called an “unexpected opportunity to dramatically change the course of the HIV epidemic” due to the fall in sexual encounters during lockdown.
‘Unacceptable’ uncertainty
PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission, with studies showing it reduces the risk of contracting the sexually transmitted virus by about 99 per cent when the pill is taken daily.
Patients currently accessing the drug via the trial in England will continue to receive PrEP until October, it is understood.
Terrence Higgins Trust, the sexual health charity, said “the uncertainty this caused was unacceptable”.
Debbie Laycock, head of policy, told i: “In March we welcomed the announcement of the uncapping of PrEP in England as an important day in the course of the HIV epidemic.
“The impact of Covid has been even greater than we knew then but we will hold the Government to account on its commitments because PrEP is such an important HIV prevention tool.
“We will continue to work to ensure that roll out happens as a matter of urgency and push for a firm timeline from the Government on when uncapped access to PrEP will be available across England.
“No one can be left behind when it comes to HIV prevention as progress that isn’t felt by everyone isn’t true progress.”
Goal to eliminate HIV transmission
In May, healthcare professionals said the lockdown offered a clear opportunity for the UK to get closer to its goal of becoming HIV transmission-free by 2030.
Campaigners faced a long battle to get the drug provided by NHS England – it is is already available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – with two legal battles, long waiting lists for the limited trial and costly prices for those wanting to access the drug privately.
In 2019, Aidsmap found that nearly a quarter of people wanting access to PrEP in the UK are unable to. Nine men who were on a waiting list for the drug as part of the trial contracted HIV, after waiting an average of 182 days to be given a supply.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We know how important PrEP is and now we are through the peak of this global pandemic, we are doing everything possible to ensure the routine commissioning of PrEP.
“We will continue to work closely with local authorities so this happens as quickly as possible.”


inews--2020-06-05--Michael McIntyre's Big Laughs: what time the new series starts on BBC One tomorrow, and what to expe

Michael McIntyre's Big Laughs: what time the new series starts on BBC One tomorrow, and what to expect

Michael McIntyre 's Big Laughs : what time the new series starts on BBC One tomorrow , and what to expect The floppy-haired comedian 's combination of stand-up , celebrity pranks , gameshows and audience participation is back Michael McIntyre 's Big Show has been a Saturday night favourite ever since it first aired on Christmas Day back in 2015 .
And now it is back for something of a `` greatest hits '' special , to fill the void created by the coronavirus pandemic .
In Michael McIntyre 's Big Laughs , McIntyre will look back on some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Here is everything you need to know ...
When is Michael McIntyre 's Big Laughs on TV ?
The first episode will air on Saturday 6 June at 8.15pm on BBC One .
There will be four in total , each one hour long , and they will remain on Saturdays in the same time slot .
The show features a variety of segments which involve celebrities and the audience ( Photo : BBC ) What can we expect ?
The series will revisit some of the most memorable surprises and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From the shocked look on Judge Rinder ’ s face as he ’ s woken from his sleep to play the Midnight Gameshow to unforgettable Send to Alls - including Danny Dyer , Holly Willoughby , Olly Murs and more .
McIntyre said : `` I hope people enjoy watching the best bits from the last five series of the Big Show .
Although there are many hilarious Send to Alls and surprises , my favourite part was seeing my hair when it was cut professionally , before my wife took over !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most popular segments of the show , in which McIntyre takes a celebrity 's phone and sends an awkward text to all their contacts .
At the end of the show he checks their messages to see who has replied and what they said .

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show has been a Saturday night favourite ever since it first aired on Christmas Day back in 2015.
The floppy-haired comedian’s combination of stand-up, celebrity pranks, gameshows and audience participation regularly pulls in big audiences on BBC One.
And now it is back for something of a “greatest hits” special, to fill the void created by the coronavirus pandemic.
In Michael McIntyre’s Big Laughs, McIntyre will look back on some of the best moments from the last five years.
Here is everything you need to know…
When is Michael McIntyre’s Big Laughs on TV?
The first episode will air on Saturday 6 June at 8.15pm on BBC One.
There will be four in total, each one hour long, and they will remain on Saturdays in the same time slot.
Episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
What can we expect?
The series will revisit some of the most memorable surprises and pranks on celebrities and the audience.
From the shocked look on Judge Rinder’s face as he’s woken from his sleep to play the Midnight Gameshow to unforgettable Send to Alls – including Danny Dyer, Holly Willoughby, Olly Murs and more.
McIntyre said: “I hope people enjoy watching the best bits from the last five series of the Big Show. Although there are many hilarious Send to Alls and surprises, my favourite part was seeing my hair when it was cut professionally, before my wife took over!”
Send to All is one of the most popular segments of the show, in which McIntyre takes a celebrity’s phone and sends an awkward text to all their contacts.
At the end of the show he checks their messages to see who has replied and what they said.
Midnight Gameshow sees McIntyre go into an audience member – or celebrity’s – house at night without them knowing and waking them up to play a gameshow.
Other favourite segments include Celebrity Comedian, in which McIntyre invites a fellow comic up to do some stand-up, and musical performances.


inews--2020-06-05--What can I use for a face covering? Rules around using a scarf or bandana explained as coronavirus f

What can I use for a face covering? Rules around using a scarf or bandana explained as coronavirus face mask advice changes

What can I use for a face covering ?
Rules around using a scarf or bandana explained as coronavirus face mask advice changes The new rule comes on the day non-essential shops will re-open across the nation and a significant increase in people using public transport People across the country are now being advised to wear face coverings when out of the house , and from 15 June you must wear one on public transport in England .
People are also being asked to wear face coverings when they are in `` an enclosed space where social distancing is n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with people you do not normally meet '' , for instance in shops .
A sign asking people to use face coverings outside Waterloo station in London , following the announcement that wearing a face covering will be mandatory for passengers on public transport in England from June 15 ( Photo : PA ) What can I use as a face covering ?
People have been advised not to use surgical masks or respirators as these should be reserved for health and care workers and for people in industrial settings such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Smart Air Filters found that tea towels , cotton t-shirts and cotton pillowcases are the best materials to use for making your own DIY face masks - this is due to their ability to capture particles while still remaining breathable .
Remember , you might need more than one face mask , so you have one to wear while the other is being washed .
The government have outlined how to make a face mask using an old t-shirt and pair of scissors , if you do n't know how to sew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Face coverings should not be used for children under the age of two years , or people who might not be able to fit them correctly .
You should make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting on , and taking off , your face covering , and you should avoid touching your eyes , nose , or mouth at all times .
Also make sure to not touch the front of the face covering , or the part of the face covering that has been in contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed , make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched .

People across the country are now being advised to wear face coverings when out of the house, and from 15 June you must wear one on public transport in England.
The Government states that, while wearing a face covering does not protect the wearer, it may protect others if people are infected but have not yet developed symptoms.
The new rule comes on the day non-essential shops will re-open across the nation and a significant increase in people using public transport is expected.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This will mean that you can be refused travel if you don’t comply and you could be fined.”
People are also being asked to wear face coverings when they are in “an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet”, for instance in shops.
What can I use as a face covering?
People have been advised not to use surgical masks or respirators as these should be reserved for health and care workers and for people in industrial settings such as those exposed to dust.
The latest government advice states that a cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably.
It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head.
A study from Smart Air Filters found that tea towels, cotton t-shirts and cotton pillowcases are the best materials to use for making your own DIY face masks – this is due to their ability to capture particles while still remaining breathable.
What’s the government advice on making a face mask?
There are plenty of ways to make a face covering, with many examples on social media ranging from professional designer masks, to ones made from cutting up sports socks.
Remember, you might need more than one face mask, so you have one to wear while the other is being washed.
The government have outlined how to make a face mask using an old t-shirt and pair of scissors, if you don’t know how to sew, or have access to sewing materials.
Start by cutting a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt.
Then from a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle.
Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded.
To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.
The government’s latest guidance also includes steps to make a sewn face cloth covering.
Face coverings should not be used for children under the age of two years, or people who might not be able to fit them correctly.
You should make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting on, and taking off, your face covering, and you should avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times.
Also make sure to not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose. Once removed, make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched.
You should wash a face covering regularly – storing it in a plastic bag until you have the opportunity to wash it – and it can go in with other laundry, using your normal detergent.


inews--2020-06-05--UK coronavirus cases: Fewer than one in 1,000 people in England have Covid-19, ONS figures show

UK coronavirus cases : Fewer than one in 1,000 people in England have Covid-19 , ONS figures show The number of people with Covid-19 has fallen to around 5,600 new infections a day , down from 8,000 reported last week The number of people with Covid-19 has fallen to around 5,600 new infections a day , down from 8,000 reported last week , with the number of overall in the UK dropping by more than half .
This latest ONS data is based on swab tests of 19,000 people in 9,000 households , taking into account how many people at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It found there were an estimated 39,000 new Covid-19 infections per week in England between 26 April and 30 May , equating to an incidence rate per week of 0.07 new cases per 100 people .
This means fewer than one in every 1,000 people had Covid-19 .
A sign on the grass reminds golfers to respect social distancing measures at The Old Course in St Andrews , Scotland ( Photo : Getty ) There were an estimated 39,000 new Covid-19 infections per week in England between 26 April and 30 May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per week of 0.07 new cases per 100 people .
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said the survey was `` a vital part of our testing strategy '' .
She added : `` As the ONS make clear , their estimate is not the same as the R value and therefore should not be compared .
`` This study provides valuable insight about the spread of the disease .
We are working closely with the ONS to expand this study as well as our understanding of this virus . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham , said : `` The rate of infection continues to decline and is half what it was two weeks ago .
`` Changes over a longer period are now statistically significant .
This is highly compatible with the fall in diagnosed cases .
The contact tracing service has more than enough staff to cope with the current level of infection .
The main problem is people not getting tested for Covid-19 when they have symptoms , '' he added .
A medical professional in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 ( Photo : Getty ) However , the stats have faced some criticism for only focusing on groups that volunteer to get tested .
Professor Neal said the ONS data showed that people working outside the home had higher risks and a higher rate of detection , but this included those dealing directly with patients .

New coronavirus infections in England have fallen by around a third in the past week, new figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show.
The number of people with Covid-19 has fallen to around 5,600 new infections a day, down from 8,000 reported last week, with the number of overall in the UK dropping by more than half.
This latest ONS data is based on swab tests of 19,000 people in 9,000 households, taking into account how many people at any one time are infected with Covid-19.
It found there were an estimated 39,000 new Covid-19 infections per week in England between 26 April and 30 May, equating to an incidence rate per week of 0.07 new cases per 100 people. This means fewer than one in every 1,000 people had Covid-19.
‘Valuable insight about spread’
There were an estimated 39,000 new Covid-19 infections per week in England between 26 April and 30 May 2020, equating to an incidence rate per week of 0.07 new cases per 100 people.
However, it does not include hospital and care home data, with both centres hotspots for infection diagnosis.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said the survey was “a vital part of our testing strategy”. She added: “As the ONS make clear, their estimate is not the same as the R value and therefore should not be compared.
“This study provides valuable insight about the spread of the disease. We are working closely with the ONS to expand this study as well as our understanding of this virus.”
‘Statistically significant’ changes
Keith Neal, emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, said: “The rate of infection continues to decline and is half what it was two weeks ago.
“Changes over a longer period are now statistically significant. This is highly compatible with the fall in diagnosed cases. The contact tracing service has more than enough staff to cope with the current level of infection. The main problem is people not getting tested for Covid-19 when they have symptoms,” he added.
However, the stats have faced some criticism for only focusing on groups that volunteer to get tested. Professor Neal said the ONS data showed that people working outside the home had higher risks and a higher rate of detection, but this included those dealing directly with patients.
This suggests that a “significant part” of the current epidemic may be an infection control issue in hospitals and care homes, he added.
Additional reporting by Press Association


inews--2020-06-05--Tim Davie named new BBC Director-General — charismatic leader with a commercial vision

Tim Davie will replace Tony Hall in September with a mission to find new sources of commercial revenue for the BBC The BBC board concluded that Davie , who was acting director-general for four months before Lord Hall 's appointment in 2013 , had the commercial background to secure new streams of funding for the corporation , including a possible move to subscription .
A charismatic and popular figure within the BBC , Davie ’ s appointment will however prove a disappointment to those hoping the broadcaster would choose its first female Director-General , ahead of its 2022 centenary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who held a senior marketing role at PepsiCo Europe before joining the BBC in 2005 , was responsible for developing the broadcaster ’ s “ international brand ” , selling hit shows like Doctor Who to international channels .
Tim Davie has the commercial skills and public service experience for top BBC job , broadcaster says ( Photo : BBC ) Davie ’ s BBC Studios generated £243m for the corporation last year and the former Procter & Gamble executive will be expected to put forward innovative ideas to generate increased commercial income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s future funding begin with Downing Street .
Davie , who turned down an offer to become the new head of the Premier League to stay at the BBC , said : “ I am honoured to be appointed the BBC ’ s next Director-General . ''
`` This has been a critical time for the UK and these past few months have shown just how much the BBC matters to people .
Our mission has never been more relevant , important or necessary .
I have a deep commitment to content of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Looking forward , we will need to accelerate change so that we serve all our audiences in this fast-moving world .
Much great work has been done , but we will continue to reform , make clear choices and stay relevant .
I am very confident we can do this because of the amazing teams of people that work at the BBC.
” Sir David Clementi , Chairman of the BBC Board , said : “ Tim has a strong track record as the CEO of BBC Studios and is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` His leadership and experience , both outside the BBC and within , will ensure that we are well placed to meet the opportunities and challenges of the coming years .
Tim has an enthusiasm and energy for reform , while holding dear to the core mission of the BBC.
” “ We know that the industry is undergoing unprecedented change and the organisation faces significant challenges as well as opportunities .
I am confident that Tim is the right person to lead the BBC as it continues to reform and change.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m delighted that Tim has been appointed as the next Director-General .
He is a fantastic leader .
I wish him every success for the future .
I know that the BBC is in safe hands .
”

Tim Davie, a former Pepsico executive who runs the BBC’s commercial business, has been named the broadcaster’s new Director-General.
Davie, head of BBC Studios, succeeds Tony Hall at a crucial point in the BBC’s history with the broadcaster losing viewers to streaming rivals while Downing Street is examining plans to scrap the licence fee.
The BBC board concluded that Davie, who was acting director-general for four months before Lord Hall’s appointment in 2013, had the commercial background to secure new streams of funding for the corporation, including a possible move to subscription.
A one-time Conservative activist, Davie’s background may help reset relations with the Government. Davie spoke to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden yesterday about the need to preserve the BBC’s political impartiality.
Davie, 53, will take a pay cut of £117,00 from his current incentivised role after agreeing a new salary of £525,000.
‘Charismatic and popular’
A charismatic and popular figure within the BBC, Davie’s appointment will however prove a disappointment to those hoping the broadcaster would choose its first female Director-General, ahead of its 2022 centenary.
Charlotte Moore, the executive responsible for all of the BBC’s television channels and iPlayer, was a leading internal candidate for the job.
As head of Studios, Davie, who held a senior marketing role at PepsiCo Europe before joining the BBC in 2005, was responsible for developing the broadcaster’s “international brand”, selling hit shows like Doctor Who to international channels.
Global deals
Davie masterminded co-production deals with global broadcasters to help fund BBC dramas and David Attenborough’s natural history series.
Davie, who takes over the role in September, faces immediate challenges, including the implementation of the corporation’s decision to end free licences for the over-75s.
The BBC has delayed the move until August in light of the coronavirus pandemic but ministers want the corporation to scrap imposition altogether.
BBC faces cuts
The licence fee is guaranteed until 2027 but ministers are determined to decriminalise non-payment, which could cost the BBC £1bn over five years.
The BBC faces losing £125m of licence fee income during the Covid-19 crisis and has paused plans to cut 450 jobs from its News department.
Davie’s BBC Studios generated £243m for the corporation last year and the former Procter & Gamble executive will be expected to put forward innovative ideas to generate increased commercial income, when negotiations over the BBC’s future funding begin with Downing Street.
Turned down football role
The BBC may also be required to introduce subscription for some services to top up a reduced licence fee.
Davie, who turned down an offer to become the new head of the Premier League to stay at the BBC, said: “I am honoured to be appointed the BBC’s next Director-General.”
“This has been a critical time for the UK and these past few months have shown just how much the BBC matters to people. Our mission has never been more relevant, important or necessary. I have a deep commitment to content of the highest quality and impartiality.”
“Looking forward, we will need to accelerate change so that we serve all our audiences in this fast-moving world. Much great work has been done, but we will continue to reform, make clear choices and stay relevant. I am very confident we can do this because of the amazing teams of people that work at the BBC.”
Sir David Clementi, Chairman of the BBC Board, said: “Tim has a strong track record as the CEO of BBC Studios and is one of the most respected names in the industry.”
‘Leadership and experience’
“His leadership and experience, both outside the BBC and within, will ensure that we are well placed to meet the opportunities and challenges of the coming years. Tim has an enthusiasm and energy for reform, while holding dear to the core mission of the BBC.”
“We know that the industry is undergoing unprecedented change and the organisation faces significant challenges as well as opportunities. I am confident that Tim is the right person to lead the BBC as it continues to reform and change.”
Tony Hall, said: “I’m delighted that Tim has been appointed as the next Director-General. He is a fantastic leader. I wish him every success for the future. I know that the BBC is in safe hands.”
Ministers welcomed Davie’s appointment although Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden urged the new boss to make preserving “impartiality” a key concern.
Dowden has complained to the BBC over a Panorama PPE equipment investigation which included interviews with medical staff without making clear their political links.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “I have spoken to Tim on his appointment and I am encouraged that he has underlined his commitment to impartiality at the BBC as well as the need for further reform. I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”


inews--2020-06-05--Investors pour £4bn into funds after record outflows in March due to Covid-19 pandemic

Investors pour £4bn into funds after record outflows in March due to Covid-19 pandemic The return of investment during April has been welcomed by the industry UK investors poured £4bn into investment funds in April after withdrawing record amounts in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
According to data published by the Investment Association , the trade body for asset managers , £2.7bn was invested in funds that try to beat the market while £1.4bn was placed in index trackers .
Rise comes despite dent in confidence The spike comes despite the UK asset management market continuing to reel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's investment empire last year , which rocked confidence and left hundreds of thousands of investors out of pocket .
Investors are still trying to claw money back from those funds and today it was announced that 19 healthcare assets held by one of Mr Woodford 's funds was being sold to US firm Acacia Research Corporation for up to £223.9m , a fraction of the price they were bought at .
Ryan Hughes , head of active portfolios at investment platform AJ Bell , said : `` At the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assets are only worth what someone is prepared to pay for them . ''
In light of that scandal , the rise in money being placed into funds in April has been particularly welcomed by the investment industry .
Chris Cummings , the chief executive of the Investment Association , said : “ After record outflows from the fund market as global lockdown measures began in March , savers returned .
“ Both active and passive funds benefited .
Bond funds gathered £903m in assets , suggesting some of March ’ s record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past the initial market turbulence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
” He added : `` Part of this comeback was fuelled by record inflows into responsible investment funds .
The crisis has brought a new momentum to the subject of responsible investing , with asset owners and retail investors asking more about investment managers ’ environmental , social and governance approaches .
”

UK investors poured £4bn into investment funds in April after withdrawing record amounts in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to data published by the Investment Association, the trade body for asset managers, £2.7bn was invested in funds that try to beat the market while £1.4bn was placed in index trackers.
Responsible investment funds had a particularly good month, notching up record net retail sales of £969m in April.
Rise comes despite dent in confidence
The spike comes despite the UK asset management market continuing to reel from the sudden closure of Neil Woodford’s investment empire last year, which rocked confidence and left hundreds of thousands of investors out of pocket.
Mr Woodford’s multi-billion pound funds were suspended after the once-celebrated portfolio manager became overwhelmed by withdrawal requests.
Investors are still trying to claw money back from those funds and today it was announced that 19 healthcare assets held by one of Mr Woodford’s funds was being sold to US firm Acacia Research Corporation for up to £223.9m, a fraction of their previous value.
Ryan Hughes, head of active portfolios at investment platform AJ Bell, said: “At the end of the day with such illiquid stocks, these assets are only worth what someone is prepared to pay for them.”
In light of that scandal, the rise in money being placed into funds in April has been particularly welcomed by the investment industry.
Chris Cummings, the chief executive of the Investment Association, said: “After record outflows from the fund market as global lockdown measures began in March, savers returned.
“Both active and passive funds benefited. Bond funds gathered £903m in assets, suggesting some of March’s record redemptions flowed back quickly as we moved past the initial market turbulence of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Spike in responsible investment
He added: “Part of this comeback was fuelled by record inflows into responsible investment funds. The crisis has brought a new momentum to the subject of responsible investing, with asset owners and retail investors asking more about investment managers’ environmental, social and governance approaches.”
The Investment Association said total assets under management stood at £1.2trn in April.


inews--2020-06-05--Question Time: David Lammy says UK needs to confront its own structural racism after George Floyd's

Question Time: David Lammy says UK needs to confront its own structural racism after George Floyd's death

Question Time : David Lammy says UK needs to confront its own structural racism after George Floyd 's death 'It is the case that in our own country , your nine times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police' Labour 's shadow justice secretary David Lammy said that the protests in the US over the death of George Floyd should prompt us to look at structural racism in the UK .
Speaking during Question Time on Thursday night the Labour frontbencher said that studies he had conducted had revealed how those from minority backgrounds face harsher treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protests in the US have spread to the UK and other countries .
Former police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with second degree murder after videos emerged of him kneeling on the neck of Mr Floyd for over eight minutes .
Mr Floyd was recorded saying `` I ca n't breath . ''
The three other former officers involved in the killing have since been charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder .
'It 's present also in our own society' Mr Lammy said : `` George Floyd looks like us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's striking about this moment is that , when you look at the protests , it 's black and white , many young people it 's all kinds of people saying : enough is enough .
`` His last words were ' I ca n't breathe ' .
People are saying , not just in America but in this country of course , that none of us can breathe with this structural racism and discrimination that 's , yes , very deep in America , but it 's present also in our own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do a review four years ago on the problems of over representation of black and asian and minority ethnic ( Bame ) people in the criminal justice system .
And it is the case that in our own country , your nine times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police . ''
He said : `` Since 1990 , 183 black and asian and minority ethnic people have died in police custody so we have our own problems here .
'As a nurse you see it everyday . '
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course on social media , people who are clearly racist .
It 's got to stop .
when you look at social media it 's full of it , and I 'll see it again at the end of this show . ''
He said supports those protesting and urged people to `` take this all the way to November because we know what Donald Trump is up to .
This is deliberate .
`` He 's winding up parts of his base who want to see this conflict between black and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing , Professor Dame Donna Kinnair agreed and said `` structural racism is inherent '' and that `` as a nurse you see it everyday . ''
`` You see it both in the structure that you 're within - in the institution of health .
If you look at how many black managers have broken through the glass ceiling , you will see that there are very few . ''

Labour’s shadow justice secretary David Lammy said that the protests in the US over the death of George Floyd should prompt us to look at structural racism in the UK.
Speaking during Question Time on Thursday night the Labour frontbencher said that studies he had conducted had revealed how those from minority backgrounds face harsher treatment at the hands of the police.
Protests in the US have spread to the UK and other countries. Former police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with second degree murder after videos emerged of him kneeling on the neck of Mr Floyd for over eight minutes. Mr Floyd was recorded saying “I can’t breath.” The three other former officers involved in the killing have since been charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder.
‘It’s present also in our own society’
Mr Lammy said: “George Floyd looks like us, could be us. But what’s striking about this moment is that, when you look at the protests, it’s black and white, many young people it’s all kinds of people saying: enough is enough.
“His last words were ‘I can’t breathe’. People are saying, not just in America but in this country of course, that none of us can breathe with this structural racism and discrimination that’s, yes, very deep in America, but it’s present also in our own society.
“David Cameron asked me to do a review four years ago on the problems of over representation of black and asian and minority ethnic (Bame) people in the criminal justice system. And it is the case that in our own country, your nine times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police.”
He also pointed to statistics showing that 52 percent of fines for violating Covid-19 rules are from Bame backgrounds.
He said: “Since 1990, 183 black and asian and minority ethnic people have died in police custody so we have our own problems here.
‘As a nurse you see it everyday.’
“The structural racism is inherent.” Dame Donna Kinnair on the racism she sees in the nursing profession and the health inequalities faced by BAME people. #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/cDzKu6dkOE — BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) June 4, 2020
He said that British people should stop “expecting black people to make the case for structural racism.”
“Challenge your friends, family… of course on social media, people who are clearly racist. It’s got to stop. when you look at social media it’s full of it, and I’ll see it again at the end of this show.”
He said supports those protesting and urged people to “take this all the way to November because we know what Donald Trump is up to. This is deliberate.
“He’s winding up parts of his base who want to see this conflict between black and white in this country.”
Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, Professor Dame Donna Kinnair agreed and said “structural racism is inherent” and that “as a nurse you see it everyday.”
“You see it both in the structure that you’re within – in the institution of health. If you look at how many black managers have broken through the glass ceiling, you will see that there are very few.”
“Just look at the outcomes for our patients. Every single measure that you can apply, the outcomes are worse for black and minority ethnic patients.”


inews--2020-06-05--Coronavirus latest: Questions remain over whether NHS test and trace system is fit for purpose

Coronavirus latest : Questions remain over whether NHS test and trace system is fit for purpose While the Government still has n't published data on how many people have been contacted , a leading scientist says 'it is not working well' The mobile phone technology , which has been trialled in the Isle of Wight since last month , was supposed to be at the heart of the government ’ s new test and trace programme but has been hit by teething problems and is not yet ready to be rolled out nationwide .
He added : “ The app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We want to make sure it actually does everything it needs to do and will be in place this month .
I can ’ t give you an exact date , it would be wrong for me to do so.
” And it has emerged that a senior official overseeing the test and trace system has said it is not expected to be “ world class ” until at least September .
Chief operating officer Tony Prestedge told a webinar for staff on 27 May that the programme would be an “ imperfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve over time ” and would be operating at a world class level “ towards the September or October time ” , The Guardian revealed .
There have been doubts for several weeks over the delivery of test and trace .
When Matt Hancock , the Health Secretary , first unveiled details of the app at the start of May he said it would be at the heart of the government ’ s new phase in its response to the outbreak - focusing on tracking down as many Covid-19 cases and their close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that some of these contact tracers have had little to do , and that the system is not picking up as many cases as necessary for the whole programme to be effective .
It was hoped the track and trace system would be ready in June , as the government plans to ease lockdown and allow access to non-essential shops from 15 June ( Photo : TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty ) The Prime Minister told the Commons this week that “ thousands ” had come under the test and trace , but critics say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not provide a breakdown of original patients and their contacts .
On Friday , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he hoped exact data about the number of people who had been contacted by the team of manual tracers could be published in the coming days .
And he told BBC Breakfast : “ The app itself will continue to be improved just as apps are always being improved and I tend to think they are never really finished.
” Yet these comments will do little to assuage fears that the test and trace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it should be at a critical moment when more and more people are going back to work , mixing socially and going to non-essential shops - which will open on 15 June .
Professor Anthony Costello , a former director at the World Health Organisation who is now professor of global health at University College London , questioned why test and trace wasn ’ t being operated out of GP surgeries - which was already an established network plugged into the community .
He told the Today programme : “ We have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've had for two months and it clearly is n't working well .
I ’ m not convinced it is going to work .

The NHS contact-tracing app which is supposed to help curb coronavirus infections will be in place by the end of the month, a minister has claimed.
The mobile phone technology, which has been trialled in the Isle of Wight since last month, was supposed to be at the heart of the government’s new test and trace programme but has been hit by teething problems and is not yet ready to be rolled out nationwide.
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi told BBC1’s Question Time that it will “be running as soon as we think it is robust”.
He added: “The app, we are working flat out. We want to make sure it actually does everything it needs to do and will be in place this month. I can’t give you an exact date, it would be wrong for me to do so.”
Yet scientists are warning that the overall test and trace system is struggling to be effective.
‘Imperfect launch’
And it has emerged that a senior official overseeing the test and trace system has said it is not expected to be “world class” until at least September.
Chief operating officer Tony Prestedge told a webinar for staff on 27 May that the programme would be an “imperfect service at launch” that will “improve over time” and would be operating at a world class level “towards the September or October time”, The Guardian revealed.
There have been doubts for several weeks over the delivery of test and trace. When Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, first unveiled details of the app at the start of May he said it would be at the heart of the government’s new phase in its response to the outbreak – focusing on tracking down as many Covid-19 cases and their close contacts as possible.
But the easing of restrictions in the lockdown in England went ahead on 1 June without the app – although 25,000 manual contact tracers were in place.
There have been reports that some of these contact tracers have had little to do, and that the system is not picking up as many cases as necessary for the whole programme to be effective.
The woman in charge of test and trace, Dido Harding, faced tough questions at this week’s Health Select Committee over the failure to publish exact data of how many people had been tested and traced.
Vague numbers
The Prime Minister told the Commons this week that “thousands” had come under the test and trace, but critics say this is a vague number and does not provide a breakdown of original patients and their contacts.
On Friday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he hoped exact data about the number of people who had been contacted by the team of manual tracers could be published in the coming days.
And he told BBC Breakfast: “The app itself will continue to be improved just as apps are always being improved and I tend to think they are never really finished.”
Yet these comments will do little to assuage fears that the test and trace system is not operating as well as it should be at a critical moment when more and more people are going back to work, mixing socially and going to non-essential shops – which will open on 15 June.
Professor Anthony Costello, a former director at the World Health Organisation who is now professor of global health at University College London, questioned why test and trace wasn’t being operated out of GP surgeries – which was already an established network plugged into the community.
He told the Today programme: “We have a system (of testing) that they’ve had for two months and it clearly isn’t working well. I’m not convinced it is going to work.
“It doesn’t make sense to me that we are bypassing what is a world-beating system actually – our primary care system in the UK – and it would be in my view much more cost effective.
“And, crucially, not only would it introduce a faster turnaround in results, but you’re trusted because everyone in this country by-and-large goes to the GP, and if you’re not registered the local health authority can pick you up.”


inews--2020-06-05--Hydroxychloroquine: The Lancet retracts study claiming malaria drug increased risk of death in coron

Hydroxychloroquine: The Lancet retracts study claiming malaria drug increased risk of death in coronavirus patients

Hydroxychloroquine : The Lancet retracts study claiming malaria drug increased risk of death in coronavirus patients The study had prompted the WHO to temporarily suspend a trial of the anti-malarial drug as a potential treatment for coronavirus The study was about hydroxychloroquine , the drug that US President Donald Trump said he was taking to protect himself from Covid-19 , leading to widespread criticism from the scientific community .
Researchers in the Lancet claimed that hydroxychloroquine - and the related medicine chloroquine - was associated with an increased risk of death and heart arrhythmias among patients who were severely ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the WHO decided to pause its research into the drug as part of its Solidarity clinical trial to find an effective treatment for the virus , which has so far killed more than 391,000 people across the world .
'We deeply apologise to you' The retraction comes after concerns were raised about the accuracy of the data and analyses used in the Lancet study .
They were conducted by US-based healthcare analytics company Surgisphere and its founder Sapan Desai , who is also one of the study 's four co-authors .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mehra , Frank Ruschitzka and Amit Patel , launched an independent , third-party audit of Surgisphere , with the consent of Mr Desai , to evaluate the data .
But peer reviewers found the company would not transfer all the information required because it would have violated confidentiality agreements .
Unable to complete the audit , the three authors retracted the study , originally published on 22 May , saying they could no longer `` vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources '' .
In their retraction statement , the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this collaboration to contribute in good faith and at a time of great need during the Covid-19 pandemic .
We deeply apologise to you , the editors , and the journal readership for any embarrassment or inconvenience that this may have caused . ''
`` Our independent peer reviewers informed us that Surgisphere would not transfer the full dataset , client contracts , and the full ISO audit report to their servers for analysis as such transfer would violate client agreements and confidentiality requirements , '' said Mr Mehra , Mr Ruschitzka and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our reviewers were not able to conduct an independent and private peer review and therefore notified us of their withdrawal from the peer-review process . ''
`` We can never forget the responsibility we have as researchers to scrupulously ensure that we rely on data sources that adhere to our high standards .
Based on this development , we can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources .
Due to this unfortunate development , the authors request that the paper be retracted , '' they added .
The Lancet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` extremely seriously '' , adding : `` There are many outstanding questions about Surgisphere and the data that were allegedly included in this study '' .
After the study 's publication last month , concerns were raised on blog posts and on the website PubPeer , which allows users to discuss and review scientific research .
Among the criticisms were the seemingly high mortality rates linked to drugs that have been routinely prescribed since the 1950s .

Influential medical journal the Lancet has apologised and retracted a study that prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to temporarily suspend a trial of an anti-malarial drug as a potential treatment for coronavirus.
The study was about hydroxychloroquine, the drug that US President Donald Trump said he was taking to protect himself from Covid-19, leading to widespread criticism from the scientific community.
Researchers in the Lancet claimed that hydroxychloroquine – and the related medicine chloroquine – was associated with an increased risk of death and heart arrhythmias among patients who were severely ill in hospital with the virus.
Consequently, the WHO decided to pause its research into the drug as part of its Solidarity clinical trial to find an effective treatment for the virus, which has so far killed more than 391,000 people across the world.
The WHO is now set to resume trials of hydroxychloroquine after reviewing safety data.
‘We deeply apologise to you’
The retraction comes after concerns were raised about the accuracy of the data and analyses used in the Lancet study. They were conducted by US-based healthcare analytics company Surgisphere and its founder Sapan Desai, who is also one of the study’s four co-authors.
The study’s other three authors, Mandeep Mehra, Frank Ruschitzka and Amit Patel, launched an independent, third-party audit of Surgisphere, with the consent of Mr Desai, to evaluate the data. But peer reviewers found the company would not transfer all the information required because it would have violated confidentiality agreements.
Unable to complete the audit, the three authors retracted the study, originally published on 22 May, saying they could no longer “vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources”.
In their retraction statement, the three authors said: “We all entered this collaboration to contribute in good faith and at a time of great need during the Covid-19 pandemic. We deeply apologise to you, the editors, and the journal readership for any embarrassment or inconvenience that this may have caused.”
‘Highest ethical guidelines’
“Our independent peer reviewers informed us that Surgisphere would not transfer the full dataset, client contracts, and the full ISO audit report to their servers for analysis as such transfer would violate client agreements and confidentiality requirements,” said Mr Mehra, Mr Ruschitzka and Mr Patel.
“As such, our reviewers were not able to conduct an independent and private peer review and therefore notified us of their withdrawal from the peer-review process.”
The authors said they aspired “to perform our research in accordance with the highest ethical and professional guidelines”.
“We can never forget the responsibility we have as researchers to scrupulously ensure that we rely on data sources that adhere to our high standards. Based on this development, we can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources. Due to this unfortunate development, the authors request that the paper be retracted,” they added.
The Lancet said it took issues of scientific integrity “extremely seriously”, adding: “There are many outstanding questions about Surgisphere and the data that were allegedly included in this study”.
Institutional reviews of the company’s research collaborations were “urgently needed”, it added.
Concerns
After the study’s publication last month, concerns were raised on blog posts and on the website PubPeer, which allows users to discuss and review scientific research. Among the criticisms were the seemingly high mortality rates linked to drugs that have been routinely prescribed since the 1950s.
This led to the Lancet‘s editors publishing an “expression of concern” because “important scientific questions” had been raised.
Surgisphere previously said the results of its analyses should not be “over-interpreted” for people yet to develop Covid-19 or those not admitted to hospital.
The company also said it had been clear about “the limitations of an observational study that cannot fully control for unobservable confounding measures”.
Trials across the world are looking at the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for Covid-19. It is not licensed in the UK to treat symptoms or prevent infection.
Additional reporting by PA


inews--2020-06-05--What the science says about how our sex lives have changed in lockdown

What the science says about how our sex lives have changed in lockdown These are unprecedented times , for you and your libido As lockdown eases , the laws around coronavirus are becoming increasingly complex .
We have moved from the relatively simple ‘ stay indoors ’ to ‘ try not to go outside , but if you do go outside , you can be in groups of six people , standing 2 metres apart if they bring their own cutlery , and you meet in a garden centre ’ .
Things became even more confusing this week when new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person may participate in a gathering which takes place in a public or private place outdoors and consists of more than six persons , or indoors , and consists of two or more persons . ''
So , if you been hoping for a ‘ gathering ’ with a lover you don ’ t live with , that is now illegal .
You must continue to either gather alone or do your gathering online .
But even if you didn ’ t much fancy a gathering , it has also been made illegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a 'reasonable excuse ’ .
So , anyone who does not live with their partner can not indulge in anything more intimate than a socially distanced walk around an outdoor market or a car showroom .
The new rules don ’ t directly target sexual activity , but unless you can manage it from two metres away – and I ’ ve yet to meet a man who can – for anyone who does not already live with their lover , sex is off the table – and off anywhere else for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will look at this again and do something to ensure that sex with a partner doesn ’ t require ‘ exceptional circumstances ’ , before we all start looking for loopholes and head off to Barnard Castle to check our genitals still work .
But one thing the ‘ sex ban ’ has done is got us talking about love in lockdown .
Just what has the last few months done to our sex lives ?
Obviously , sex has not been at the forefront of people ’ s minds right now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be concerned with , but the issue of sex has been rumbling away in the background , nonetheless .
Lockdown leading to a baby boom has become something of a running joke , as has people spending their quarantine masturbating furiously .
But is there any truth to this ?
Sexologists have been spending their lockdown trying to find out .
The idea that a baby boom will follow a disaster where people have had to stay indoors is not new .
The year after the 1965 New York blackout , several articles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there had been a spike in the number of births across the city ’ s hospitals .
The so-called ‘ blackout babies ’ were said to be the result of millions of New Yorkers being left without electricity for 10 hours .
There was plenty of anecdotal evidence to support this , but the science disagrees .
In 1970 , Professor J. Richard Udry from the University of North Carolina and Chapel Hill set about investigating the ‘ blackout babies ’ phenomenon .
He compared the average birth rates in New York before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discernible difference .
He concluded : `` it is evidently pleasing to many people to fantasise that when people are trapped by some immobilising event which deprives them of their usual activities , most will turn to copulation . ''
But the myth persists .
Alleged baby booms have been reported following hurricanes , blizzards , blackouts , terrorist attacks , and various government shutdowns .
One 2008 study looked at birth rates following severe storms in 48 countries over six years .
The researchers found that low-severity hurricanes and storms did correlate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , whereas storms that posed a severe risk to life and death , did not .
But what of our current crisis ?
Should we expect a generation of coronials to turn up in nine months ?
The Kinsey Institute has been quick to gather data on sexual behaviour throughout the Covid-19 crisis .
Although the research is ongoing , preliminary findings show that `` sexual activity , frequency , and risky behaviours declined significantly among young men and women '' .
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 868 respondents , 60 per cent were not engaging in regular sexual activity during the lockdown .
For those who are locked down by themselves , this makes sense .
But even people who live together , and have an active sex life , are now having far less ‘ gatherings ’ than usual .
The reason for this is still unclear , but the emerging research suggests stress and anxiety have played a major part .
Not only has lockdown been extraordinarily stressful , but couples have also been cooped up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and sweatpants into the mix , and its no wonder people aren ’ t feeling horny .
But this isn ’ t the whole story .
Judging by the number of late-night ‘ hey ’ DMs now crowding my inbox , not everyone is experiencing a drop in libido .
At the beginning of lockdown , Pornhub made their premium content free to help ‘ flatten the curve ’ , and have subsequently reported an 11.6 per cent increase in site traffic worldwide .
Jokes about masturbating your way through lockdown are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market in erotic lockdown literature is booming .
So what on earth is going on ?
The research of the Kinsey Institute found that of the 553 participants surveyed , 18 per cent of men and eight per cent of women experienced an increase in sexual desire .
Whilst that puts them in the minority , it 's still an awful lot of people .
The research in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that sexual activity , while low , increased as lockdown went on , and suggested that some people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ease stress and anxiety or overcome boredom ” .
When it comes to libido , there is no one size fits all and a lot of people manage stress with sex .
In fact , danger and fear of death have been linked to an increase in desire .
In one 2004 experiment , people who had just ridden a roller-coaster reported higher levels of interest in sex and dating .
Crucially , subjects were interested in having sex with someone new – not with someone they have been in lockdown with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Psychology Today article , therapist Diane Gleim wrote that “ a person ’ s sex drive needs just enough anxiety/tension/uncertainty to get activated but not too much anxiety/tension/uncertainty or else the person can get overwhelmed , flooded , and then sex drive goes underground ” .
She calls this ‘ the Goldilocks principle ’ , and what is ‘ just right ’ for you , will be too hot or too cold for someone else .
Scientists are learning a great deal about how sex drive fluctuates in times of national trauma .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ data is emerging slowly and tentatively .
We won ’ t know if lockdown has resulted in a baby boom for a few months yet .
But , here is what we do know ; these are unprecedented times , for you and your libido .
Most people have experienced a drop in desire , but a minority report an increase .
But whatever you are experiencing , you and your mojo are doing just fine .
You are not to worry if sex is the last thing on your mind , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sex Olympics .
The next stage that scientists will be keeping a very close eye on is when we are finally released .
Will we charge out of lockdown and towards one another like the battle scenes in Braveheart ?
Or will we slowly emerge , and have to relearn how to be horny again , like when you got back to school as a kid and had forgotten how to write ?
Time will tell .
But one thing is clear , no one is going to be doing any ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

As lockdown eases, the laws around coronavirus are becoming increasingly complex. We have moved from the relatively simple ‘stay indoors’ to ‘try not to go outside, but if you do go outside, you can be in groups of six people, standing 2 metres apart if they bring their own cutlery, and you meet in a garden centre’. Things became even more confusing this week when new restrictions came into force stating “no person may participate in a gathering which takes place in a public or private place outdoors and consists of more than six persons, or indoors, and consists of two or more persons.”
And a ‘gathering’ is defined as when “two or more people are present together in the same place in order to engage in any form of social interaction with each other, or to undertake any other activity with each other”.
So, if you been hoping for a ‘gathering’ with a lover you don’t live with, that is now illegal. You must continue to either gather alone or do your gathering online. But even if you didn’t much fancy a gathering, it has also been made illegal to stay overnight outside your home, without a ‘reasonable excuse’. So, anyone who does not live with their partner cannot indulge in anything more intimate than a socially distanced walk around an outdoor market or a car showroom.
The new rules don’t directly target sexual activity, but unless you can manage it from two metres away – and I’ve yet to meet a man who can – for anyone who does not already live with their lover, sex is off the table – and off anywhere else for that matter. Hopefully, the Government will look at this again and do something to ensure that sex with a partner doesn’t require ‘exceptional circumstances’, before we all start looking for loopholes and head off to Barnard Castle to check our genitals still work. But one thing the ‘sex ban’ has done is got us talking about love in lockdown. Just what has the last few months done to our sex lives?
Obviously, sex has not been at the forefront of people’s minds right now. There are far more important things to be concerned with, but the issue of sex has been rumbling away in the background, nonetheless. Lockdown leading to a baby boom has become something of a running joke, as has people spending their quarantine masturbating furiously. But is there any truth to this? Sexologists have been spending their lockdown trying to find out.
The idea that a baby boom will follow a disaster where people have had to stay indoors is not new. The year after the 1965 New York blackout, several articles appeared in the New York Times claiming there had been a spike in the number of births across the city’s hospitals. The so-called ‘blackout babies’ were said to be the result of millions of New Yorkers being left without electricity for 10 hours. There was plenty of anecdotal evidence to support this, but the science disagrees.
In 1970, Professor J. Richard Udry from the University of North Carolina and Chapel Hill set about investigating the ‘blackout babies’ phenomenon. He compared the average birth rates in New York before and after the blackout and found no discernible difference. He concluded: “it is evidently pleasing to many people to fantasise that when people are trapped by some immobilising event which deprives them of their usual activities, most will turn to copulation.”
But the myth persists. Alleged baby booms have been reported following hurricanes, blizzards, blackouts, terrorist attacks, and various government shutdowns. One 2008 study looked at birth rates following severe storms in 48 countries over six years. The researchers found that low-severity hurricanes and storms did correlate with an increase in births nine months later, whereas storms that posed a severe risk to life and death, did not. But what of our current crisis? Should we expect a generation of coronials to turn up in nine months?
The Kinsey Institute has been quick to gather data on sexual behaviour throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Although the research is ongoing, preliminary findings show that “sexual activity, frequency, and risky behaviours declined significantly among young men and women”. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found similar patterns in the UK. Of the 868 respondents, 60 per cent were not engaging in regular sexual activity during the lockdown. For those who are locked down by themselves, this makes sense. But even people who live together, and have an active sex life, are now having far less ‘gatherings’ than usual. The reason for this is still unclear, but the emerging research suggests stress and anxiety have played a major part. Not only has lockdown been extraordinarily stressful, but couples have also been cooped up together 24/7. Throw children, corona-hair, and sweatpants into the mix, and its no wonder people aren’t feeling horny.
But this isn’t the whole story. Judging by the number of late-night ‘hey’ DMs now crowding my inbox, not everyone is experiencing a drop in libido. At the beginning of lockdown, Pornhub made their premium content free to help ‘flatten the curve’, and have subsequently reported an 11.6 per cent increase in site traffic worldwide. Jokes about masturbating your way through lockdown are all over Twitter, and a new market in erotic lockdown literature is booming. So what on earth is going on?
The research of the Kinsey Institute found that of the 553 participants surveyed, 18 per cent of men and eight per cent of women experienced an increase in sexual desire. Whilst that puts them in the minority, it’s still an awful lot of people. The research in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that sexual activity, while low, increased as lockdown went on, and suggested that some people were turning to sex as a “means to ease stress and anxiety or overcome boredom”.
When it comes to libido, there is no one size fits all and a lot of people manage stress with sex. In fact, danger and fear of death have been linked to an increase in desire. In one 2004 experiment, people who had just ridden a roller-coaster reported higher levels of interest in sex and dating. Crucially, subjects were interested in having sex with someone new – not with someone they have been in lockdown with for three months.
In a recent Psychology Today article, therapist Diane Gleim wrote that “a person’s sex drive needs just enough anxiety/tension/uncertainty to get activated but not too much anxiety/tension/uncertainty or else the person can get overwhelmed, flooded, and then sex drive goes underground”. She calls this ‘the Goldilocks principle’, and what is ‘just right’ for you, will be too hot or too cold for someone else.
Scientists are learning a great deal about how sex drive fluctuates in times of national trauma. The research is ongoing, and the data is emerging slowly and tentatively. We won’t know if lockdown has resulted in a baby boom for a few months yet. But, here is what we do know; these are unprecedented times, for you and your libido. Most people have experienced a drop in desire, but a minority report an increase. But whatever you are experiencing, you and your mojo are doing just fine. You are not to worry if sex is the last thing on your mind, or if you could now masturbate competitively in the sex Olympics.
The next stage that scientists will be keeping a very close eye on is when we are finally released. Will we charge out of lockdown and towards one another like the battle scenes in Braveheart? Or will we slowly emerge, and have to relearn how to be horny again, like when you got back to school as a kid and had forgotten how to write? Time will tell. But one thing is clear, no one is going to be doing any ‘gathering’ for a while yet.