inews--2020-04-15--Northern Irish university students are the happiest in the UK — and those from England work the leas

Northern Irish university students are the happiest in the UK — and those from England work the least A report from the Higher Education Policy Institute identifies key differences between students in the four nations of the UK Northern Irish university students are the happiest in the UK while those from England are the laziest , according to a report .
The Higher Education Policy Institute think-tank analysed survey data from nearly 60,000 undergraduate students between 2015 and 2019 to examine differences between the higher education systems in the four nations of the UK .
They have fewer scheduled hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do fewer written assignments that contribute to their final marks , and undertake less paid employment not related to their course than students elsewhere in the UK .
It found that English students studying at universities in England seem to work the least hard ( Photo : Graeme Robertson/Getty ) Northern Irish students studying in Northern Ireland appear to be the happiest , providing more positive responses on all four questions relating to wellbeing than their peers elsewhere .
Scottish students studying in Scotland have notably different opinions on funding , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a greater proportion believing they are receiving `` very good '' value for money .
In Scotland 37 per cent of students believe “ the government should pay all of the costs and students should pay nothing ” when going to university , compared to 21 per cent in England , 20 per cent in Wales and 19 per cent in Northern Ireland .
Nearly two-thirds of local students in Scotland believe they are getting `` very good '' or `` good '' value for money , compared to only one-third of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to reflect the fact that Scotland is the one nation in the UK where students do not have to pay tuition fees .
Welsh students studying in Wales are meanwhile the most positive about the staff who teach them – with 60 per cent of local students in Wales saying all or a majority of their teaching staff motivate them to do their best work , compared to 52 per cent in England , 51 per cent in Scotland and 53 per cent in Northern Ireland .
`` Policymakers in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fees as offering more student choice and a better student experience , ” he said .
“ Policymakers in other parts of the UK have tended to regard lower student debts as a way to improve student wellbeing .
Both these claims are pooh-poohed by the results from students themselves . ''
He added : ‘ Nonetheless , it is easy to exaggerate the scale of any differences .
The most important finding overall is that any differences in the student experience in different parts of the UK are fairly modest .
”

Northern Irish university students are the happiest in the UK while those from England are the laziest, according to a report.
The Higher Education Policy Institute think-tank analysed survey data from nearly 60,000 undergraduate students between 2015 and 2019 to examine differences between the higher education systems in the four nations of the UK.
It found that English students studying at universities in England seem to work the least hard.
They have fewer scheduled hours and attend lectures for less time, do fewer written assignments that contribute to their final marks, and undertake less paid employment not related to their course than students elsewhere in the UK.
Student wellbeing
Northern Irish students studying in Northern Ireland appear to be the happiest, providing more positive responses on all four questions relating to wellbeing than their peers elsewhere.
Scottish students studying in Scotland have notably different opinions on funding, with a higher proportion thinking university should be free and a greater proportion believing they are receiving “very good” value for money.
In Scotland 37 per cent of students believe “the government should pay all of the costs and students should pay nothing” when going to university, compared to 21 per cent in England, 20 per cent in Wales and 19 per cent in Northern Ireland.
Nearly two-thirds of local students in Scotland believe they are getting “very good” or “good” value for money, compared to only one-third of local students in England.
Both findings are likely to reflect the fact that Scotland is the one nation in the UK where students do not have to pay tuition fees.
‘Surprising’ findings
Welsh students studying in Wales are meanwhile the most positive about the staff who teach them – with 60 per cent of local students in Wales saying all or a majority of their teaching staff motivate them to do their best work, compared to 52 per cent in England, 51 per cent in Scotland and 53 per cent in Northern Ireland.
Nick Hillman, HEPI’s director, said that many of the study’s findings were “surprising”.
“Policymakers in England have often tried to portray high tuition fees as offering more student choice and a better student experience,” he said.
“Policymakers in other parts of the UK have tended to regard lower student debts as a way to improve student wellbeing. Both these claims are pooh-poohed by the results from students themselves.”
He added: ‘Nonetheless, it is easy to exaggerate the scale of any differences. The most important finding overall is that any differences in the student experience in different parts of the UK are fairly modest.”
“Despite increasing devolution and increasingly divergent policies, there is still more that unites higher education institutions across the UK than divides them.
“The current Covid-19 crisis is bringing this home, as higher education institutions across the UK are all facing the same new challenges.”


inews--2020-04-15--'I'm sick, apprehensive, worried and scared': Nearly a fifth of renters expect to lose their jobs in

'I'm sick, apprehensive, worried and scared': Nearly a fifth of renters expect to lose their jobs in next three months

“ We ’ re facing an onslaught of people suddenly unable to afford their rent , at a time when people need to stay put and can not safely move to a cheaper home .
To avoid spiralling debt and needless evictions once the ban lifts , the Government must increase the housing element of Universal Credit so that it covers the average cost of local rents.
” The department for Housing states that people facing financial hardship and struggling to pay rent should speak to their landlord in the first instance if they think they will have difficulty meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Universal Credit and Housing Benefit is increasing from April , with Local Housing Allowance rates paying for at least 30 per cent of market rents in each area .
Landlords with a Buy to Let mortgage can also apply for a three month mortgage payment holiday .
The Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government told i it has put `` unprecedented measures '' in place to help tenants , and directed those in fear of losing their jobs to read about the Government 's job retention scheme .
A government spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place unprecedented measures to support tenants from getting into financial hardship or rent arrears , including protecting millions of jobs up and down the country and increasing Universal Credit and housing allowances .
“ Emergency legislation is now in place so no social or private renter can be forced out of their home – with landlords unable to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least the next three months .
We have the power to extend this if necessary.
” Anyone facing homelessness can get free and expert advice from Shelter @ @ @

Nearly a fifth of renters estimate they will lose their job in the next three months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, new research by Shelter has revealed.
A total of 1.7m people across the UK believe they could be left without employment during this critical time and left unable to pay rent according to the housing charity’s latest survey, leading them to call on the Government to increase Universal Credit allowances in line with market rents.
The poll, conducted by YouGov shortly after the Government announced its support scheme for businesses and workers, found that almost one in four renters (24 per cent) had already seen their income fall or had lost their job as a result of the pandemic. Another two million renters (23 per cent) said losing their job will leave them immediately unable to pay their rent.
‘I’m sick, apprehensive, worried and scared’
One renter who had already hit hard times is 26-year-old Sam, who lives in the Hertfordshire and Essex region. Sam lost his job as a chef, and has been left with £111 to live on a month after claiming Universal Credit.
“I was recently working rather comfortably as a chef on a part-time basis at a golf club and freelancing round several food stalls in London. My employment finished on 9 March due to uncertainty surrounding the virus,” he told i.
“I was expected the work the festival circuit, which generates thousands of pounds of my income, and I was working occasionally at an Indian restaurant with a man who had just started up with his life savings and hard work achieving his dream. Two months later, he has shut his doors – probably to never open again.
“I’m sick, apprehensive, worried and scared,” he said, adding that he mainly feels frustrated as normally he would go barely a few days without work. “There is also frustration at the lack of common sense in this lockdown. I feel worried that I am going to owe thousands in rent as my landlord still needs to pay bills.”
He said the Government’s advice to avoid restaurants meant many were left unemployed before the lockdown started. “Since 9 March I have been paid £511 for the month of employment. Universal credit has awarded me £0 for April’s payment, meaning I am heavily in debt and am not due another payment till 9 May.
“My parents live fairly local, but both suffer with health issues and cannot help financially, however their mental support is something I rely on. Recently I have been unable to see them, and it is taking its toll on me, as it is for most of the world,” he added.
Calls for Universal Credit increase
The housing element of Universal Credit only covers the lowest third of market rents in an area, meaning those paying average rents will face a large shortfall. For families in a two-bedroom home, the shortfall is as high as £400 a month outside of London, and up to £1,227 in the capital.
Polly Neate, chief executive at Shelter, said: “The Government has rightly suspended evictions until June, so no one has to face homelessness in the middle of this pandemic. But millions of renters will be in dire straits further down the line without more Government support.
“As renters lose their jobs and see their incomes hit, many will have to rely on the welfare safety net for the first time. Our services are already hearing from families in homes they could comfortably afford under normal circumstances, who are now in serious financial difficulty.
“We’re facing an onslaught of people suddenly unable to afford their rent, at a time when people need to stay put and cannot safely move to a cheaper home. To avoid spiralling debt and needless evictions once the ban lifts, the Government must increase the housing element of Universal Credit so that it covers the average cost of local rents.”
The department for Housing states that people facing financial hardship and struggling to pay rent should speak to their landlord in the first instance if they think they will have difficulty meeting a rental payment, and that both Universal Credit and Housing Benefit is increasing from April, with Local Housing Allowance rates paying for at least 30 per cent of market rents in each area. Landlords with a Buy to Let mortgage can also apply for a three month mortgage payment holiday.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government told i it has put “unprecedented measures” in place to help tenants, and directed those in fear of losing their jobs to read about the Government’s job retention scheme.
A government spokesperson said: “The Government has put in place unprecedented measures to support tenants from getting into financial hardship or rent arrears, including protecting millions of jobs up and down the country and increasing Universal Credit and housing allowances.
“Emergency legislation is now in place so no social or private renter can be forced out of their home – with landlords unable to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least the next three months. We have the power to extend this if necessary.”
Anyone facing homelessness can get free and expert advice from Shelter by visiting www.shelter.org.uk/get_help


inews--2020-04-15--Supermarkets and coronavirus lockdown: Quietest time to buy groceries on Tuesday mornings, research

Supermarkets and coronavirus lockdown: Quietest time to buy groceries on Tuesday mornings, research says

Supermarkets and coronavirus lockdown : Quietest time to buy groceries on Tuesday mornings , research says The public ’ s shopping patterns have shifted , and now supermarkets are less busy at different times The queues to get into stores are shorter depending on when you go ( Photo : Getty ) Tuesday mornings appear to be the best time to go grocery shopping during lockdown if you want to minimise social contact and queuing time .
Under normal circumstances , supermarkets are typically at their quietest on Sunday mornings , but since restrictions were brought in to impede the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s shopping patterns have shifted and footfall is now at its lowest levels in grocery stores from 9am to 10am on Tuesdays , according to academics .
Researchers at the University of Oxford made the discovery using an online tool developed to understand and predict the effect of social distancing on the public .
Using anonymised mobile phone location data , the researchers also found that population movement has dropped by 98 per cent across the UK since the beginning of March .
Spending at supermarkets during March was 23 per cent higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as shoppers panic-bought goods prior to the lockdown , and purchased more groceries than they ordinarily would once restaurants , cafes , pubs and bars were forced to close , separate research shows .
This figure rocketed the week before Boris Johnson announced the UK would go into lockdown , according to the data from Barclaycard , which processes nearly half of all credit and debit card transactions in the UK .
Spending was up 50 per cent year-on-year in the week ending 22 March , while specialist food and drink stores such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 per cent increase .
While supermarket shelves have been noticeably fuller over the past couple of weeks , stock levels of some items at the nation ’ s biggest grocery chain , Tesco , have dipped again , market analysts have claimed .
Kitchen towel stocks plunged by 21 per cent in the week ending 12 April , stocks of rice declined by 13 per cent , toilet paper was down nearly 12 per cent and tinned vegetables had dropped almost 11 per cent , according to retail tracking firm Edge by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said last week : “ Covid-19 has shown how critical the food supply chain is to the UK and I ’ m very proud of the way Tesco , as indeed the whole UK food industry , has stepped forward ...
Initial panic buying has subsided and service levels are returning to normal .
”

Tuesday mornings appear to be the best time to go grocery shopping during lockdown if you want to minimise social contact and queuing time.
Under normal circumstances, supermarkets are typically at their quietest on Sunday mornings, but since restrictions were brought in to impede the spread of Covid-19, the public’s shopping patterns have shifted and footfall is now at its lowest levels in grocery stores from 9am to 10am on Tuesdays, according to academics.
Researchers at the University of Oxford made the discovery using an online tool developed to understand and predict the effect of social distancing on the public.
Using anonymised mobile phone location data, the researchers also found that population movement has dropped by 98 per cent across the UK since the beginning of March.
March buying frenzy
Spending at supermarkets during March was 23 per cent higher than during the same month last year as shoppers panic-bought goods prior to the lockdown, and purchased more groceries than they ordinarily would once restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars were forced to close, separate research shows.
This figure rocketed the week before Boris Johnson announced the UK would go into lockdown, according to the data from Barclaycard, which processes nearly half of all credit and debit card transactions in the UK.
Spending was up 50 per cent year-on-year in the week ending 22 March, while specialist food and drink stores such as greengrocers and off licences experienced an 80 per cent increase.
Supermarket stocks dip
While supermarket shelves have been noticeably fuller over the past couple of weeks, stock levels of some items at the nation’s biggest grocery chain, Tesco, have dipped again, market analysts have claimed.
Kitchen towel stocks plunged by 21 per cent in the week ending 12 April, stocks of rice declined by 13 per cent, toilet paper was down nearly 12 per cent and tinned vegetables had dropped almost 11 per cent, according to retail tracking firm Edge by Ascential.
Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis said last week: “Covid-19 has shown how critical the food supply chain is to the UK and I’m very proud of the way Tesco, as indeed the whole UK food industry, has stepped forward…Initial panic buying has subsided and service levels are returning to normal.”
@kt_grant


inews--2020-04-15--Burger King has started reopening restaurants for delivery during the coronavirus lockdown

Burger King has started reopening restaurants for delivery during the coronavirus lockdown The fast food brand said it will phase in relaunches over the coming weeks Burger King has today announced it will begin reopening its restaurants for delivery as part of a phased plan across the UK .
The fast food chain said it will relaunch sites in Bristol ( two ) , Coventry , and Swindon from Thursday 17 April , before rolling out services elsewhere over the coming weeks .
The decision follows the same move from KFC , which on Wednesday revealed it had reopened 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find other suitable locations as time goes on .
Both Burger King and KFC said their priority was the welfare of staff and customers , and operations will only get back under way so long as safety procedures are put in place .
Restaurants were told by the Government to close and offer delivery only by 23 March amid the Covid-19 pandemic .
Burger King said safety is the priority Burger King will only sell three menu items ( Burger King ) KFC said previously that stringent rules were implemented in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and travel restrictions - only workers who do n't require public transport have been able to opt-in .
Burger King said it will distribute to its workforce PPE , such as face masks and gloves , and has imposed updated cleaning measures , as well as contactless delivery options .
`` Burger King staff [ have been ] comprehensively trained on the Government ’ s social distancing measures – including how to run delivery-only kitchens hygienically , '' the company said an announcement .
Katie Evans , marketing director at Burger King UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-opening these restaurants for delivery services goes some way to lifting our customers ’ spirits in these difficult times .
`` We are committed to providing 1,000 meals a week to NHS staff based in the vicinity of these restaurants as we want to demonstrate how appreciative everyone at Burger King UK is of their efforts in these unprecedented times . ''
Burger King , like KFC , said its full menu would not be sold .
Instead , only the Chicken Royale , Bacon Double Cheeseburger , and Whopper will all be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be looking to McDonald 's , by far the largest fast food chain in the UK , to see whether it will follow suit .

Burger King has today announced it will begin reopening its restaurants for delivery as part of a phased plan across the UK.
The fast food chain said it will relaunch sites in Bristol (two), Coventry, and Swindon from Thursday 17 April, before rolling out services elsewhere over the coming weeks.
The decision follows the same move from KFC, which on Wednesday revealed it had reopened 11 restaurants across the country, with plans to find other suitable locations as time goes on.
Both Burger King and KFC said their priority was the welfare of staff and customers, and operations will only get back under way so long as safety procedures are put in place.
Restaurants were told by the Government to close and offer delivery only by 23 March amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Burger King said safety is the priority
KFC said previously that stringent rules were implemented in its newly opened branches, including kitchen boundaries and travel restrictions – only workers who don’t require public transport have been able to opt-in.
Burger King said it will distribute to its workforce PPE, such as face masks and gloves, and has imposed updated cleaning measures, as well as contactless delivery options.
“Burger King staff [have been] comprehensively trained on the Government’s social distancing measures – including how to run delivery-only kitchens hygienically,” the company said an announcement.
NHS meals
Katie Evans, marketing director at Burger King UK, said: “We hope that re-opening these restaurants for delivery services goes some way to lifting our customers’ spirits in these difficult times.
“We are committed to providing 1,000 meals a week to NHS staff based in the vicinity of these restaurants as we want to demonstrate how appreciative everyone at Burger King UK is of their efforts in these unprecedented times.”
Burger King, like KFC, said its full menu would not be sold. Instead, only the Chicken Royale, Bacon Double Cheeseburger, and Whopper will all be available to order.
Many will now be looking to McDonald’s, by far the largest fast food chain in the UK, to see whether it will follow suit.
In the meantime, Britons have been attempting to recreate classics at home.


inews--2020-04-15--Primary offer day: Parents to find out which schools offered their child a place despite coronavirus

Primary offer day: Parents to find out which schools offered their child a place despite coronavirus lockdown

Primary offer day : Parents to find out which schools offered their child a place despite coronavirus lockdown The Government has changed its rules so unhappy parents will not have to make their appeals in person during the Covid-19 outbreak The Education Secretary , Gavin Williamson , said it was important to mark the `` milestones '' of the normal school year amid the uncertainty of the Covid-19 outbreak .
However , in a break with normal practice the Department for Education has changed its rules so that parents unhappy with the decision will not have to make their appeals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson promised that schools would eventually return to normal ( Photo : Ben Birchall/PA Wire ) The rules have also been changed to allow appeal hearings to take place with two people on the panel , rather than the previous minimum of three .
In an exclusive online comment piece for i , Mr Williamson promised that schools would eventually return to normality , but he gave no indication about when they would reopen .
“ It is now four weeks since we made the difficult decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children of critical workers and those children who are most vulnerable , as part of the country ’ s ongoing response to coronavirus , ” he writes .
`` This was not an easy decision to take and we made it only when our country ’ s medical and scientific experts told us it was the safest option available.
” He goes on : `` At times it may seem as if we will never get back to normal , but as her Majesty the Queen put it so perfectly , ‘ better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with our friends again ; we will be with our families again ; we will meet again ' .
“ To prepare for this , we are continuing to work on essential projects and milestones that remain part and parcel of every school year – and of every family ’ s life . ''
Mr Williamson adds : “ I hope , despite the disruption we are all facing , parents will find it reassuring to know that schools are still preparing for their new intake and that most children – last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive an offer from their first choice of school.
” He said the Government ’ s changes would allow any family “ unhappy with the place they are given ” to appeal so they are “ not disadvantaged by the measures in place to protect public health ” .
Paul Whiteman , the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers - which represents the majority of primary school leaders - said that parents would be more worried about this year ’ s offer day .
“ This can be an anxious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Choosing the right school and securing a place there is a huge moment in a child ’ s life .
And of course , these feelings of anxiety will only be heightened by the confusion and uncertainty caused by coronavirus . ''

Parents in England and Wales will find out which primary school has offered their child a place, despite the coronavirus disruption.
The Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said it was important to mark the “milestones” of the normal school year amid the uncertainty of the Covid-19 outbreak.
However, in a break with normal practice the Department for Education has changed its rules so that parents unhappy with the decision will not have to make their appeals in person.
Appeal panel hearings will instead be able to take place “in person, by telephone, video conference or through a paper-based appeal”.
Closed schools
The rules have also been changed to allow appeal hearings to take place with two people on the panel, rather than the previous minimum of three.
In an exclusive online comment piece for i, Mr Williamson promised that schools would eventually return to normality, but he gave no indication about when they would reopen.
“It is now four weeks since we made the difficult decision to close schools to all but the children of critical workers and those children who are most vulnerable, as part of the country’s ongoing response to coronavirus,” he writes.
“This was not an easy decision to take and we made it only when our country’s medical and scientific experts told us it was the safest option available.”
He goes on: “At times it may seem as if we will never get back to normal, but as her Majesty the Queen put it so perfectly, ‘better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again’.
New intake
“To prepare for this, we are continuing to work on essential projects and milestones that remain part and parcel of every school year – and of every family’s life.”
Mr Williamson adds: “I hope, despite the disruption we are all facing, parents will find it reassuring to know that schools are still preparing for their new intake and that most children – last year more than nine in ten – will receive an offer from their first choice of school.”
He said the Government’s changes would allow any family “unhappy with the place they are given” to appeal so they are “not disadvantaged by the measures in place to protect public health”.
Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers – which represents the majority of primary school leaders – said that parents would be more worried about this year’s offer day.
“This can be an anxious time for families,” he said. “Choosing the right school and securing a place there is a huge moment in a child’s life. And of course, these feelings of anxiety will only be heightened by the confusion and uncertainty caused by coronavirus.”
He added: “It is vital that no child going through the primary admissions process this year should be disadvantaged.”


inews--2020-04-15--Coronavirus lockdown: UK faces mental health crisis ‘perfect storm’

Leading experts call for monitoring and research into mental health effects of coronavirus Isolation is one of the key drivers of mental health ( Photo : Richard Heathcote/Getty ) The experts say its difficult to predict how people 's anxieties will manifest themselves but the evidence of past epidemics - as well as the known effect of unemployment and other factors arising from coronavirus - are highly concerning .
“ If we do nothing we risk seeing an increase in mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression , and a rise in problem behaviours such as alcohol and drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences such as homelessness and relationship breakdown .
The scale of this problem is too serious to ignore , both in terms of every human life that may be affected , and in terms of the wider impact on society , ” he added .
The researchers expect the mental health fallout from the virus to last well beyond the Covid-19 as factors such as unemployment , poverty and homelessness that it triggers can cast a long shadow .
`` I would anticipate it will be a slow burn , which will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Hotopf said .
They also raise concerns that any staggered lockdown could be bad for the nations mental health as the people who remain in lockdown - many of whom will have pre-existing mental health conditions - could be resentful and angry at the apparent inequality of the situation .
Duncan Selbie , Chief Executive of Public Health England , said : “ We are very conscious of the distress this pandemic is having on our daily lives , with increased anxiety , isolation , people coping with sickness and death among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real effects of social-distancing on our mental health . ''
How to lift your mood The experts are calling for more widespread mental health monitoring and better ways to protect against , and treat , mental ill health ( Photo : Justin Setterfield/Getty ) The method that comes up time and again in scientific studies is the importance of keeping in touch with people - especially for those living on their own , for whom loneliness can creep in and lead to depression .
There appears to be something hardwired into us that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see someone .
Perhaps surprisingly , research has shown talking to someone on a screen is as good for our mental health as if you were in a room with them .
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts , or are struggling with your mental health in other ways , you can contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo @ samaritans.org .

The UK is facing a protracted mental health crisis as Covid-19 brings a “perfect storm” of problems that can trigger suicide, depression, drug use and relationship break-up, a group of leading academics warn.
They warn that the pandemic could have a “profound and pervasive impact on global mental health now and in the future”, with children, adolescents and the elderly looking particularly at risk.
The 24 experts, taken from all walks of mental health care and research, have highlighted their concerns in a study published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry.
This includes two surveys of 3,300 people, representing a cross section of UK society.
Covid-19 anxiety
Conducted in the first week of lockdown they reveal that people were already experiencing high levels of anxiety, depression and stress as a result of coronavirus at that point.
These feelings were generated by all aspects of the virus, from being cooped up indoors, to fears over finance and unemployment to loneliness and anxiety about catching it.
The academics also raise concerns that the virus itself could cause mental health problems as similar coronaviruses such as Sars and Mers have done – with the effects potentially being felt years down the line.
The experts say its difficult to predict how people’s anxieties will manifest themselves but the evidence of past epidemics – as well as the known effect of unemployment and other factors arising from coronavirus – are highly concerning.
Sars virus sets a concerning precedent
For example, the Sars epidemic led to a spike in suicides, which jumped by 30 per cent among people over 65 – while 29 per cent of healthcare workers reported emotional distress, the study says.
“Increased social isolation, loneliness, health anxiety, stress and an economic downturn are a perfect storm to harm people’s mental health and wellbeing,” said Professor Rory O’Connor, of the University of Glasgow.
“If we do nothing we risk seeing an increase in mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and a rise in problem behaviours such as alcohol and drug addiction, gambling, cyberbullying or social consequences such as homelessness and relationship breakdown. The scale of this problem is too serious to ignore, both in terms of every human life that may be affected, and in terms of the wider impact on society,” he added.
Social, psychological and biological indicators
Prof Ed Bullmore of Cambridge University, added: “We see social, psychological and biological reasons to think that Covid could have a profound effect on mental health.”
“We talked to the general population and they reported high levels of anxiety, depression, stress – actually those rated high than their fear of contracting the illness,” he said.
“And people with a more personal interest in mental health have reported concerns that Covid may make pre-existing mental health disorders worse or it may make it harder for people to access mental health services.
“They pointed to particular risk for children, adolescents and older people,” he added.
Everyone affected
Even people who went into the lockdown in good mental health could suffer to a degree, researchers said.
“This is a dimension that affects everyone to some extent,” said Professor Matthew Hotopf at King’s College London.
The researchers expect the mental health fallout from the virus to last well beyond the Covid-19 as factors such as unemployment, poverty and homelessness that it triggers can cast a long shadow. “I would anticipate it will be a slow burn, which will have significant consequences longer term,” said Professor Hotopf said.
The experts are calling for more widespread mental health monitoring and better ways to protect against, and treat, mental ill health – both of which will require new funding and better coordination, they say.
They also raise concerns that any staggered lockdown could be bad for the nations mental health as the people who remain in lockdown – many of whom will have pre-existing mental health conditions – could be resentful and angry at the apparent inequality of the situation.
Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England, said: “We are very conscious of the distress this pandemic is having on our daily lives, with increased anxiety, isolation, people coping with sickness and death among family and friends, and the very real effects of social-distancing on our mental health.”
“The most vulnerable, and those supporting them, will be particularly affected – including our frontline workers and people already living with poor mental or physical health,” he said.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or are struggling with your mental health in other ways, you can contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@.
How to lift your mood
Keeping your spirits up is particularly difficult at the moment but there are some tried and tested ways that can help people to feel better.
The method that comes up time and again in scientific studies is the importance of keeping in touch with people – especially for those living on their own, for whom loneliness can creep in and lead to depression.
Regular, or even occasional, contact with people can help you feel connected and much better.
While texting and social media is better than nothing a phone call is preferable because the flow of a conversation deepens the interaction.
Screen time best
Much better still – if you have the technology – is a “screen time” conversation on a platform such as Skype, Whatsapp or Zoom where you can see the other person’s face, or faces, depending on the facility.
There appears to be something hardwired into us that means we bond better when we can see someone. Perhaps surprisingly, research has shown talking to someone on a screen is as good for our mental health as if you were in a room with them.
Other effective mood-enhancers include keeping your mind occupied – for example by doing a crossword – and getting outside for some exercise, which is still allowed once a day under lockdown rules.
The therapeutic benefits of nature
If this can take in a bit of nature, this can also help as numerous studies have extolled the benefits of green space on our mood.
Helping other people is another great way to make yourself feel better because it gives us a glowing feeling – maybe by shopping for somebody who can’t get out to do their own.
And having structure and routine can help – with regular mealtimes and bedtimes.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or are struggling with your mental health in other ways, you can contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@.


inews--2020-04-15--Hope that sight could be restored by reprogramming skin cells

Hope that sight could be restored by reprogramming skin cells A treatment to restore people ’ s sight by creating retina-like cells and implanting them into eyes could be available within a decade The technique partially restored the vision of blind mice and researchers will now look to test it on humans .
Picture shows Melvin 'Little Mel ' Bennett checked for glaucoma by an eye doctor ( Photo : Spencer Platt/Getty ) “ Even mice with severely advanced retinal degeneration , with little chance of having living photoreceptors remaining , responded to transplantation , ” said Biraj Mahato , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of North Texas , in Fort Worth .
Three months after transplantation , immunofluorescence studies confirmed the survival of the chemically induced photoreceptor-like cells ( green ) .
They also show integration of the cells into the layers of the mouse retina ( Photo : Sai Chavala ) Other attempts to replace dying photoreceptors have taken longer and involved creating stem cells from skin or blood cells and reprogramming them to become photoreceptors , which are then transplanted into the back of the eye .
Scientists have found a way to speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle step of stem cell creation and directly reprogramming skins cells to become photoreceptors .
This cuts the amount of time taken to create photoreceptors for implant from six months to two weeks .
The team hopes the technique could be used to generate a range of cell types to treat other diseases .
First study of its kind During the operation , surgeons would pierce the retina and inject cells beneath it , a procedure that has been well performed for the delivery of viruses for gene and cell therapy .

A treatment to restore people’s sight by creating retina-like cells and implanting them into eyes could be available within a decade, scientists say.
The technique partially restored the vision of blind mice and researchers will now look to test it on humans.
The process involves taking skin cells from a blind mouse, or human, and reprogramming them into light-sensing photoreceptors used for vision.
“Even mice with severely advanced retinal degeneration, with little chance of having living photoreceptors remaining, responded to transplantation,” said Biraj Mahato, of the Health Science Centre at the University of North Texas, in Fort Worth.
Potential to restore human sight
“This new treatment has the potential to restore vision in patients with retinal photoreceptor loss,” said his colleague, Professor Sai Chavala.
Other attempts to replace dying photoreceptors have taken longer and involved creating stem cells from skin or blood cells and reprogramming them to become photoreceptors, which are then transplanted into the back of the eye.
Scientists have found a way to speed up the process by missing out the middle step of stem cell creation and directly reprogramming skins cells to become photoreceptors.
This cuts the amount of time taken to create photoreceptors for implant from six months to two weeks. The team hopes the technique could be used to generate a range of cell types to treat other diseases.
First study of its kind
“This is the first study to show that direct, chemical reprogramming can produce retinal-like cells,” said Anand Swaroop, of the US National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.
“This gives us a new and faster strategy for developing therapies for age-related macular degeneration and other retinal disorders caused by the loss of photoreceptors.”
During the operation, surgeons would pierce the retina and inject cells beneath it, a procedure that has been well performed for the delivery of viruses for gene and cell therapy.
The findings are reported in the scientific journal Nature.


inews--2020-04-15--Breastfed babies ‘resistant to viruses’ from the common cold to norovirus

Breastfed babies ‘ resistant to viruses ’ from the common cold to norovirus They found that breast milk helps protect babies against viruses that cause the common cold , diarrhoea and meningitis Women take part in a breastfeeding flashmob to campaign for mothers ' rights to breastfeed their babies in public in Antwerp ( Photo : AFP PHOTO/BELGA/JONAS ROOSENS ) Breastfeeding can help to protect babies from a range of infections from the common cold to norovirus by increasing their resistance to some viruses , a study has found .
Researchers say that viruses colonise the infant gut shortly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fought off by breastfeeding .
They found that breast milk helps protect babies against viruses that cause the common cold , diarrhoea , meningitis , encephalitis ( inflammation of the brain ) and norovirus .
Analysis of baby stool samples revealed that 30 per cent of the formula-fed babies contained human viruses .
This compared with 9 per cent of those fed with breast milk or with both breast milk and formula .
“ Multiple viruses were more abundant in babies who were exclusively fed formula milk compared with those fed partially or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guanxiang Liang , of the University of Pennsylvania in the US , in a study published in the journal Nature .
At birth , the gut of the infant is totally virus-free .
However , it quickly becomes colonised with microorganisms , such as viruses , although the process is not well understood .
In order to investigate early-life viral colonisation , the researchers analysed stool samples from 20 healthy infants 0–4 days after birth and then again at 1 and 4 months of age .
In the first four days after birth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , one month later particles were detected in most samples .
To determine the origin of the viral populations , the authors performed genome sequencing and found that shortly after birth , pioneer bacteria colonise the infant gut and by one month of age , bacteriophages ( bacteria-infecting viruses ) are the main source of the virome community .
By four months of age , identifiable viruses that replicate in human cells ( such as adenoviruses and picornaviruses ) have become more prominent .
The authors then compared their virus data to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mode of delivery and sex .
They discovered that breastfeeding was associated with a lower accumulation of viruses that replicate in human cells .

Breastfeeding can help to protect babies from a range of infections from the common cold to norovirus by increasing their resistance to some viruses, a study has found.
Researchers say that viruses colonise the infant gut shortly after birth but that these can sometimes be fought off by breastfeeding.
They found that breast milk helps protect babies against viruses that cause the common cold, diarrhoea, meningitis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and norovirus.
Analysis of baby stool samples revealed that 30 per cent of the formula-fed babies contained human viruses. This compared with 9 per cent of those fed with breast milk or with both breast milk and formula.
Stool samples
“Multiple viruses were more abundant in babies who were exclusively fed formula milk compared with those fed partially or fully on breast milk,” said Guanxiang Liang, of the University of Pennsylvania in the US, in a study published in the journal Nature.
At birth, the gut of the infant is totally virus-free. However, it quickly becomes colonised with microorganisms, such as viruses, although the process is not well understood.
The experiments
In order to investigate early-life viral colonisation, the researchers analysed stool samples from 20 healthy infants 0–4 days after birth and then again at 1 and 4 months of age.
In the first four days after birth virus-like particles could not be detected; however, one month later particles were detected in most samples.
To determine the origin of the viral populations, the authors performed genome sequencing and found that shortly after birth, pioneer bacteria colonise the infant gut and by one month of age, bacteriophages (bacteria-infecting viruses) are the main source of the virome community.
Replicating in human cells
By four months of age, identifiable viruses that replicate in human cells (such as adenoviruses and picornaviruses) have become more prominent.
The authors then compared their virus data to variables such as, feeding history, mode of delivery and sex. They discovered that breastfeeding was associated with a lower accumulation of viruses that replicate in human cells.


inews--2020-04-15--Microsoft unveils plans for first AI-driven 'planetary computer' to map global biodiversity

Microsoft unveils plans for first AI-driven 'planetary computer ' to map global biodiversity Tech firm wants to use Artificial Intelligence to save the world 's life support systems A “ planetary computer ” driven by artificial intelligence could help conservationists to access up-to-the-minute data on the state of nature around the world .
The open-access platform being developed by Microsoft will gather information from satellites and sensors and , within seconds , would be able provide insights on everything from flood risk to forest cover .
The technology company said that the platform ’ s use of AI would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determining the signal from the noise ” in large data sets .
“ We can ’ t solve a problem that we don ’ t fully understand , ” Microsoft President Brad Smith said in a blog post .
“ That ’ s why we will aggregate environmental data from around the world and put it to work through computing and machine learning in a new Planetary Computer.
” The computer aims to emulate the work of the United Nations ’ Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services ( IPBES ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ study of life on Earth ever compiled , warning the natural world is on the brink of collapse from climate change , habitat destruction and pollution .
However , compiling the report took the IPBES scientists almost 15 years .
Microsoft claims machine learning can complete much of this work far faster .
“ It should be as easy for anyone in the world to search the state of the planet as it is to search the Internet for driving directions or dining options , ” Mr Smith said .
But Microsoft did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system will cost to build or when it might be ready for use .
Understanding where valuable habitats are and why they are under threat is crucial for saving endangered species ( Photo : EVARISTO SA/AFP/Getty ) The news was announced as part of new biodiversity strategy for the tech firm .
It also promised to lobby for better biodiversity policies from governments around the world , and to protect more land than it uses by 2025 - a pledge that will see it take responsibility for about 11,000 acres of land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's promise in January that it would be a “ carbon negative ” company by 2030 , removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits each year .
By 2050 it aims to have removed enough carbon to account for all its emissions since it was founded in 1975 .

A “planetary computer” driven by artificial intelligence could help conservationists to access up-to-the-minute data on the state of nature around the world.
The open-access platform being developed by Microsoft will gather information from satellites and sensors and, within seconds, would be able provide insights on everything from flood risk to forest cover.
The technology company said that the platform’s use of AI would be a “game-changer” for swiftly “determining the signal from the noise” in large data sets.
“We can’t solve a problem that we don’t fully understand,” Microsoft President Brad Smith said in a blog post. “That’s why we will aggregate environmental data from around the world and put it to work through computing and machine learning in a new Planetary Computer.”
Faster than scientists
The computer aims to emulate the work of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). In 2019 it published the most comprehensive study of life on Earth ever compiled, warning the natural world is on the brink of collapse from climate change, habitat destruction and pollution.
However, compiling the report took the IPBES scientists almost 15 years. Microsoft claims machine learning can complete much of this work far faster. “It should be as easy for anyone in the world to search the state of the planet as it is to search the Internet for driving directions or dining options,” Mr Smith said.
But Microsoft did not provide any details of how much the system will cost to build or when it might be ready for use.
Microsoft’s climate strategy
The news was announced as part of new biodiversity strategy for the tech firm. It also promised to lobby for better biodiversity policies from governments around the world, and to protect more land than it uses by 2025 – a pledge that will see it take responsibility for about 11,000 acres of land.
The news follows the tech firm’s promise in January that it would be a “carbon negative” company by 2030, removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits each year. By 2050 it aims to have removed enough carbon to account for all its emissions since it was founded in 1975.


inews--2020-04-15--Coronavirus lockdown: Meet Welsh weatherman Owain Wyn Evans whose drumming to BBC News theme has pro

Coronavirus lockdown: Meet Welsh weatherman Owain Wyn Evans whose drumming to BBC News theme has proved an online hit

Coronavirus lockdown : Meet Welsh weatherman Owain Wyn Evans whose drumming to BBC News theme has proved an online hit Owain Wyn Evans uploaded a video of himself playing the drums at home to the theme while wearing a three-piece suit A “ unapologetically flamboyant ” BBC North West weatherman has gone viral for his passionate drumming to the BBC News theme from home while wearing a three-piece suit .
Owain Wyn Evans wrote on Twitter , “ When they said try working from home I didn ’ t realise they ’ d expect me to do the music too.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his garden , telling his audience to “ stay safe and see you soon ” , the Welsh weatherman with a gravity-defying hairstyle then rushed inside to keep in time with the beat of the BBC News theme .
The clip by the Welshman was a hit on Twitter and has been liked by more than 70,000 accounts .
One Twitter user , Ian Faber , wrote “ I nearly shattered my index finger , I retweeted this so hard , ” while another added : “ You rock !
We are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is just what the doctor ordered.
” Others called for a BBC News band to be put together with one saying it was “ time for Huw Edwards to dust down the guitar.
” The weatherman 's passionate percussion performance has gone viral The first news number one ?
Dances and musical performances to the BBC News theme have become extremely popular on TikTok .
The theme , described by comedian Bill Bailey as “ apocalyptic rave music ” , has become central to the daily lives of many people as they tune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wyn Evans is the senior weather presenter for North West Tonight ( Photo : Twitter/ @ OwainWynEvans ) What next for Wyn Evans ?
Twitter users have cried out for more , with BBC journalist Wyre Davies asking Wyn Evans : “ You got a gorilla suit as well ?
” , in the hope of seeing the amateur drummer replicate the Cadbury gorilla ’ s iconic performance of the Phil Collins hit , In the Air Tonight .

A “unapologetically flamboyant” BBC North West weatherman has gone viral for his passionate drumming to the BBC News theme from home while wearing a three-piece suit.
Working and drumming from home
Owain Wyn Evans wrote on Twitter, “When they said try working from home I didn’t realise they’d expect me to do the music too.”
After signing off the forecast from his garden, telling his audience to “stay safe and see you soon”, the Welsh weatherman with a gravity-defying hairstyle then rushed inside to keep in time with the beat of the BBC News theme.
When they said try working from home I didn’t realise they’d expect me to do the music too @BBCNews @BBCNWT #BBCNewsTheme 🥁 #workingfromhome pic.twitter.com/DVXjDw0l8F — Owain Wyn Evans (@OwainWynEvans) April 15, 2020
Going viral
The clip by the Welshman was a hit on Twitter and has been liked by more than 70,000 accounts. One Twitter user, Ian Faber, wrote “I nearly shattered my index finger, I retweeted this so hard,” while another added: “You rock! We are all going a bit mad, so this is just what the doctor ordered.”
Others called for a BBC News band to be put together with one saying it was “time for Huw Edwards to dust down the guitar.”
The first news number one?
Dances and musical performances to the BBC News theme have become extremely popular on TikTok. The theme, described by comedian Bill Bailey as “apocalyptic rave music”, has become central to the daily lives of many people as they tune into updates on the pandemic.
What next for Wyn Evans?
Twitter users have cried out for more, with BBC journalist Wyre Davies asking Wyn Evans: “You got a gorilla suit as well?”, in the hope of seeing the amateur drummer replicate the Cadbury gorilla’s iconic performance of the Phil Collins hit, In the Air Tonight.


inews--2020-04-15--Devs, BBC2, review: Alex Garland explores Silicon Valley in this beautiful and terrifying series

Devs , BBC2 , review : Alex Garland explores Silicon Valley in this beautiful and terrifying series Nick Offerman plays the dangerously driven founder of a Silicon Valley firm determined to withhold its secrets at any cost If you ’ ve ever been concerned about the influence – and motives – of big technology companies and the nerds in hoodies who run them , might I politely suggest that you give Devs a miss .
It will worm inside your mind and wriggle away through the night .
MasterChef is on BBC One at the same time .
Much safer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , beautiful and terrifying eight-part series takes place at a Silicon Valley firm called Amaya , which was founded by Forest ( Nick Offerman ) , a man who eats salad with his hands and doesn ’ t appear to wash his hair .
Amaya is a quantum computing firm but there is a mysterious department on campus called Devs , where the very best coders and programmers – or developers – are employed .
This is where Sergei ( Karl Glusman ) was taken .
We don ’ t yet know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was weird enough to make Sergei stammer : “ This changes everything.
” Unravelling this mystery could have filled an entire series but Garland has added a further layer of intrigue .
Sergei , overwhelmed by what he had seen , attempted to steal the code but was intercepted by Forest and seemingly murdered .
What is this secret , so valuable it is worth killing to protect ?
Sergei ’ s girlfriend Lily ( Sonoya Mizuno ) is determined to find out .
Garland is responsible for some of the smartest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ex Machina and Annihilation .
On the evidence of this episode , Devs absolutely belongs in that company .
This is science fiction set within the parameters of plausibility .
It is about man ’ s eternal striving for knowledge , or power .
What laws – what moral code – should technology firms adhere to ?
When does a company become a cult ?
These are big questions , which Garland confronts head on .
Devs is so stimulating and challenging , so thorough in its science , it is easy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have here .
Darkness encrypted within light .
Every detail , from the working hours ( “ we are not interested in observing weekends ” ) to the strange discs that illuminate the trees , creates a sense of unease .
Sweet dreams .

Devs, BBC Two, 9pm ★★★★★
If you’ve ever been concerned about the influence – and motives – of big technology companies and the nerds in hoodies who run them, might I politely suggest that you give Devs a miss. It will worm inside your mind and wriggle away through the night. MasterChef is on BBC One at the same time. Much safer option.
Alex Garland’s elusive, beautiful and terrifying eight-part series takes place at a Silicon Valley firm called Amaya, which was founded by Forest (Nick Offerman), a man who eats salad with his hands and doesn’t appear to wash his hair.
Amaya is a quantum computing firm but there is a mysterious department on campus called Devs, where the very best coders and programmers – or developers – are employed. This is where Sergei (Karl Glusman) was taken. We don’t yet know what freaky stuff is going on inside but it was weird enough to make Sergei stammer: “This changes everything.”
Unravelling this mystery could have filled an entire series but Garland has added a further layer of intrigue. Sergei, overwhelmed by what he had seen, attempted to steal the code but was intercepted by Forest and seemingly murdered. What is this secret, so valuable it is worth killing to protect? Sergei’s girlfriend Lily (Sonoya Mizuno) is determined to find out.
Garland is responsible for some of the smartest science fiction in recent years, including Ex Machina and Annihilation. On the evidence of this episode, Devs absolutely belongs in that company. This is science fiction set within the parameters of plausibility. It is about man’s eternal striving for knowledge, or power. What laws – what moral code – should technology firms adhere to? When does a company become a cult? These are big questions, which Garland confronts head on.
Devs is so stimulating and challenging, so thorough in its science, it is easy to forget just what brilliant, compulsive television we have here. Darkness encrypted within light. Every detail, from the working hours (“we are not interested in observing weekends”) to the strange discs that illuminate the trees, creates a sense of unease. Sweet dreams.


inews--2020-04-15--Rare Gaelic songs can now be heard online to mark the 274th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden

Rare Gaelic songs can now be heard online to mark the 274th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden The National Trust for Scotland has found a way of virtually commemorating the Battle of Culloden during the coronavirus lockdown The Battle of Culloden resulted in a British victory over the Jacobites , who hoped to place Bonnie Prince Charlie on the throne ( Photo : Hulton Archive/Getty ) Rare snippets of Gaelic songs inspired by the Jacobite cause can now be heard online to mark the 274th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden .
The National Trust for Scotland has shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Gaelic songs collected by archivist John Lorne Campbell from Canna .
Campbell and his wife Margaret Fay Shaw were noted scholars of Gaelic culture and life .
For centuries , the battle has been marked by a series of events onsite , but due to the coronavirus lockdown , the charity has moved its memorial online , with a series of videos and articles commemorating the battle .
Campbell published a book in 1933 , Highland Songs of the Forty Five , which brought together songs inspired by the events leading up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond – many of which had never been written down before .
They also collected recordings of songs from Ruaiaridh Iain Bain and Annie Johnston of Barra .
Raoul Machin-Curtis , the National Trust for Scotland ’ s operations manager at Culloden said : `` The anniversary of the Battle of Culloden is a significant date for so many and while we can ’ t be onsite today , we know that people will want to pause , reflect and remember . ''
“ These beautiful songs reflect the haunting beauty of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most special places , so powerfully .
We feel it is fitting to share them on this poignant day.
” The Battle of Culloden on 16 April 1746 ended the Jacobite Rising of 1745 led by ‘ Bonnie Prince Charlie ’ and was the last pitched battle fought on British soil .
Culloden attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year and the battle and its aftermath is central to Scottish history .

Rare snippets of Gaelic songs inspired by the Jacobite cause can now be heard online to mark the 274th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden.
The National Trust for Scotland has shared the original audio recordings of a series of Gaelic songs collected by archivist John Lorne Campbell from Canna. Campbell and his wife Margaret Fay Shaw were noted scholars of Gaelic culture and life.
For centuries, the battle has been marked by a series of events onsite, but due to the coronavirus lockdown, the charity has moved its memorial online, with a series of videos and articles commemorating the battle.
Campbell published a book in 1933, Highland Songs of the Forty Five, which brought together songs inspired by the events leading up to the Battle of Culloden, and beyond – many of which had never been written down before. They also collected recordings of songs from Ruaiaridh Iain Bain and Annie Johnston of Barra.
Raoul Machin-Curtis, the National Trust for Scotland’s operations manager at Culloden said: “The anniversary of the Battle of Culloden is a significant date for so many and while we can’t be onsite today, we know that people will want to pause, reflect and remember.”
“These beautiful songs reflect the haunting beauty of the battlefield, one of Scotland’s most special places, so powerfully. We feel it is fitting to share them on this poignant day.”
The Battle of Culloden on 16 April 1746 ended the Jacobite Rising of 1745 led by ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ and was the last pitched battle fought on British soil. Culloden attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year and the battle and its aftermath is central to Scottish history.


inews--2020-04-15--Coronavirus and insurance claims: Insurers ordered to act quickly on payouts to small firms

Coronavirus and insurance claims : Insurers ordered to act quickly on payouts to small firms The industry is under pressure from both the FCA and the Bank of England to ensure it is helping customers In a letter to top industry players , interim Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) boss Christopher Woolard said it was “ important that claims are assessed and settled quickly ” .
He added that although most policies do not cover pandemics , those that do should be processed swiftly to ensure businesses do not face additional financial pressure from slow payment .
Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium companies had banded together after their claims for business interruption payouts were denied by FTSE 250 insurer Hiscox .
FCA boss Christopher Woolard has written to the leading insurance firms Media Zoo , one of the firms affected , welcomed the FCA ’ s intervention .
Co-owner Mark Killick said : “ The damage that Hiscox Insurance is doing to thousands of small companies by refusing to honour their contracts is huge and we would ask the FCA to do everything it can to force Hiscox to change its mind .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day and Hiscox is simply destroying its reputation by behaving so dishonourably.
” However , Hiscox has previously responded to the group ’ s claims by saying that the majority of its policies only cover isolated outbreaks and are `` not designed to cover the extraordinary circumstances caused by this pandemic '' .
Insurers , alongside banks , have come under pressure from regulators to make sure they can support customers during the health crisis , with the Bank of England urging the industry to pause shareholder payouts .
However , car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say it would go ahead with its dividend in spite of the bank ’ s warning .
The group confirmed it intends to pay a 5.5p a share final dividend and will seek shareholder approval for the move at its annual general meeting on 21 May .
It stressed the group has no direct claims cost exposure to coronavirus , such as travel or business interruption insurance .
Hastings also added that it does not plan to access any government funding support and is continuing to employ all its staff on full pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner RSA , Direct Line and Aviva have scrapped their dividends in response .
Legal & General has said it will go ahead with a payout , while the likes of Admiral , M & G and Phoenix have not yet clarified their position .

The financial regulator is pressuring insurers to pay small businesses quickly when they make legitimate coronavirus-related claims.
In a letter to top industry players, interim Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) boss Christopher Woolard said it was “important that claims are assessed and settled quickly”.
He added that although most policies do not cover pandemics, those that do should be processed swiftly to ensure businesses do not face additional financial pressure from slow payment.
Over the weekend it emerged that several small and medium companies had banded together after their claims for business interruption payouts were denied by FTSE 250 insurer Hiscox.
Media Zoo, one of the firms affected, welcomed the FCA’s intervention. Co-owner Mark Killick said: “The damage that Hiscox Insurance is doing to thousands of small companies by refusing to honour their contracts is huge and we would ask the FCA to do everything it can to force Hiscox to change its mind. More and more businesses are joining our group every day and Hiscox is simply destroying its reputation by behaving so dishonourably.”
However, Hiscox has previously responded to the group’s claims by saying that the majority of its policies only cover isolated outbreaks and are “not designed to cover the extraordinary circumstances caused by this pandemic”.
Part of growing pressure on finance world
Insurers, alongside banks, have come under pressure from regulators to make sure they can support customers during the health crisis, with the Bank of England urging the industry to pause shareholder payouts. However, car insurer Hastings became the latest firm to say it would go ahead with its dividend in spite of the bank’s warning.
The group confirmed it intends to pay a 5.5p a share final dividend and will seek shareholder approval for the move at its annual general meeting on 21 May. It stressed the group has no direct claims cost exposure to coronavirus, such as travel or business interruption insurance. Hastings also added that it does not plan to access any government funding support and is continuing to employ all its staff on full pay.
Big insurers such as More Than owner RSA, Direct Line and Aviva have scrapped their dividends in response. Legal & General has said it will go ahead with a payout, while the likes of Admiral, M&G and Phoenix have not yet clarified their position.


inews--2020-04-15--Run, Sky Comedy, review: Merritt Wever and Domhnall Gleeson play reunited lovers in sparky comedy

A new comedy from Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Vicky Jones has a strong premise but the romantic leads only had surface chemistry The premise of Run , a new comedy from Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Vicky Jones , is a good one : two former lovers make a pact that if one of them ever texts the word “ RUN ” and the other replies in kind , they will drop everything – partners , families , jobs , whatever – and escape together .
In order for it to work , though , you must believe that they have a connection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something like this .
And I ’ m afraid I didn ’ t quite buy it with Merritt Wever and Domhnall Gleeson , who play Ruby Dixie , a mum stuck in a boring relationship , and Billy Johnson , a slightly dishevelled motivational speaker .
The chemistry felt surface : quirky digs ( “ You always want what I get and then you end up eating mine ” ) , the sort of flirting exes indulge in .
There was no sense that these two belonged together like , say , Ethan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunrise trilogy .
Watching Ruby and Billy go over their decision , burying their panic , only to have it all burble up again was amusing .
The sexual tension sparked , too .
When it transpired that Ruby had booked a cabin on the train , she gave Billy a look and whispered : “ Come on.
” And of course it was fun to see two people do the thing we ’ ve all thought about doing .
Again , though , this comes down to the premise of Run , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Diverting enough , then , but hard to imagine spending another seven episodes in the company of Ruby and Billy .

Run, Sky Comedy, 9pm ★★★
The premise of Run, a new comedy from Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Vicky Jones, is a good one: two former lovers make a pact that if one of them ever texts the word “RUN” and the other replies in kind, they will drop everything – partners, families, jobs, whatever – and escape together.
In order for it to work, though, you must believe that they have a connection strong enough to persuade them to do something like this. And I’m afraid I didn’t quite buy it with Merritt Wever and Domhnall Gleeson, who play Ruby Dixie, a mum stuck in a boring relationship, and Billy Johnson, a slightly dishevelled motivational speaker.
The chemistry felt surface: quirky digs (“You always want what I get and then you end up eating mine”), the sort of flirting exes indulge in. There was no sense that these two belonged together like, say, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy in the Before Sunrise trilogy.
Watching Ruby and Billy go over their decision, burying their panic, only to have it all burble up again was amusing. The sexual tension sparked, too. When it transpired that Ruby had booked a cabin on the train, she gave Billy a look and whispered: “Come on.”
And of course it was fun to see two people do the thing we’ve all thought about doing. Again, though, this comes down to the premise of Run, rather than the people doing the running. Diverting enough, then, but hard to imagine spending another seven episodes in the company of Ruby and Billy.


inews--2020-04-15--Pregnant nurse, 28, dies of coronavirus after giving birth to baby daughter

Pregnant nurse , 28 , dies of coronavirus after giving birth to baby daughter Colleagues said she was ' a fabulous nurse , and a great example of what we stand for' Doctors managed to save the baby girl , who is understood to be alive and being cared for .
It is not clear if she has tested positive for the virus .
Luton and Dunstable Hospital paid tribute to Ms Agyapong , who had worked at the hospital for five years , as “ a fabulous nurse , and a great example of what we stand for ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen by Channel 4 News , said that the hospital had undertaken an emergency cesarean as her condition worsened .
It had been hoped she would survive after showing positive clinical signs , but her death was reported on Easter Sunday .
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong had been a nurse at the hospital for five years ( Photo : Channel 4 ) The NHS Trust ’ s chief executive , David Carter , called the survival of her baby daughter was a “ beacon of light at this very dark time ” .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of one of our nurses , Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong , who passed away on Sunday .
“ Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team , a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this Trust .
“ She tested positive for Covid-19 after being tested on 5th of April and was admitted to the hospital on the 7th April .
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sad time .
We ask that the family ’ s privacy is respected at this time.
” Pregnant women have been asked to isolate for 12 weeks as a precautionary measure , but are not thought to be at an increased risk .
The Royal College of Midwives says there is no evidence to suggest pregnant women are more likely to be vulnerable than other people .
There is also no evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss .
However experts have urged people who are pregnant to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what effect the virus can have .

A pregnant nurse who had tested positive for Covid-19 has died after giving birth to her baby daughter.
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, 28, underwent an emergency caesarean after her own condition deteriorated.
Doctors managed to save the baby girl, who is understood to be alive and being cared for. It is not clear if she has tested positive for the virus.
‘A fabulous nurse’
Luton and Dunstable Hospital paid tribute to Ms Agyapong, who had worked at the hospital for five years, as “a fabulous nurse, and a great example of what we stand for”.
An email sent to staff, seen by Channel 4 News, said that the hospital had undertaken an emergency cesarean as her condition worsened. It had been hoped she would survive after showing positive clinical signs, but her death was reported on Easter Sunday.
The NHS Trust’s chief executive, David Carter, called the survival of her baby daughter was a “beacon of light at this very dark time”.
In a statement he said: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of one of our nurses, Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who passed away on Sunday.
“Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this Trust.
“She tested positive for Covid-19 after being tested on 5th of April and was admitted to the hospital on the 7th April. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary’s family and friends at this sad time. We ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
Pregnant women not at increased risk
Pregnant women have been asked to isolate for 12 weeks as a precautionary measure, but are not thought to be at an increased risk.
The Royal College of Midwives says there is no evidence to suggest pregnant women are more likely to be vulnerable than other people. There is also no evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss.
However experts have urged people who are pregnant to be cautious as there is limited evidence on what effect the virus can have.


inews--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Care workers are unsung and unforgivably ill-equipped in the fight against Covid-19

Coronavirus : Care workers are unsung and unforgivably ill-equipped in the fight against Covid-19 As true extent of the death toll in the care sector becomes apparent , its employees are under unimaginable pressure If every war has its forgotten front , then the battle in Britain ’ s care homes to blunt the onslaught of coronavirus is being led by an unsung and too often ill-equipped army .
The nation ’ s care workers are every bit as much in the vanguard of dealing with Covid-19 - nursing the sick and safeguarding the vulnerable - as the phenomenal staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only now is the toll of the pandemic on care home residents , others reliant on carers and the carers themselves becoming apparent .
In England , it is abundantly clear that at least four times more residents have died from the virus , or are suspected of having done so , than the official figures state .
In Scotland , Covid-19 has been identified in half of care homes .
Burlington Court Care Home in Glasgow is among those affected by coronavirus ( Photo : Getty ) Careworkers tell i of having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolating with symptoms , of equipment shortages and of how they must care for - increasingly to the end - frightened and sick people whose symptoms do not meet the threshold for hospitalisation .
Callers to a PPE hotline set up by the trade union Unison have complained of equipment being rationed from managers ’ offices and of the impossibility of observing social distancing rules .
One woman described how her son had offered to pay her wages for three months so she did not have to go to work .
In one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms ( Photo : JEFF PACHOUD/AFP/Getty ) And just as in the NHS , some of the 1.6m people employed within the care sector are paying for their dedication with their lives as they too fall victim to Covid 19 .
They are people like 68-year-old Rahima Bibi Sidhanee , who rebuffed her family ’ s pleas to retire so she could continue to look after residents at the south London home where she had worked for 20 years .
She died from Coronavirus on Easter Sunday .
Ministers have insisted time and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now funnelling through the system and that testing is improving .
Time and again now those in the front line are telling us that supplies and testing are woefully inadequate .
It is a particularly cruel irony that many of those contacted by this paper in the last 48 hours felt unable to talk about the challenges they face for fear of losing their jobs .
Matt Hancock announced changes to rules on saying goodbye to relatives ( Photo : PA ) They are doing jobs they love - jobs which many have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return for long hours and the minimum wage .
They deserve all our thanks and our recognition .
They deserve the formal nod of an emblem announced on Wednesday by Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
But most of they all deserve the equipment that allows their vital work to be done as safely as it can .

If every war has its forgotten front, then the battle in Britain’s care homes to blunt the onslaught of coronavirus is being led by an unsung and too often ill-equipped army.
The nation’s care workers are every bit as much in the vanguard of dealing with Covid-19 – nursing the sick and safeguarding the vulnerable – as the phenomenal staff of the NHS.
And yet, only now is the toll of the pandemic on care home residents, others reliant on carers and the carers themselves becoming apparent.
In England, it is abundantly clear that at least four times more residents have died from the virus, or are suspected of having done so, than the official figures state. In Scotland, Covid-19 has been identified in half of care homes.
Those who are charged with looking after them are under unimaginable pressure.
Careworkers tell i of having to re-use masks after tending to residents self-isolating with symptoms, of equipment shortages and of how they must care for – increasingly to the end – frightened and sick people whose symptoms do not meet the threshold for hospitalisation.
Callers to a PPE hotline set up by the trade union Unison have complained of equipment being rationed from managers’ offices and of the impossibility of observing social distancing rules. One woman described how her son had offered to pay her wages for three months so she did not have to go to work.
And just as in the NHS, some of the 1.6m people employed within the care sector are paying for their dedication with their lives as they too fall victim to Covid 19.
They are people like 68-year-old Rahima Bibi Sidhanee, who rebuffed her family’s pleas to retire so she could continue to look after residents at the south London home where she had worked for 20 years. She died from Coronavirus on Easter Sunday.
Read More: Coronavirus testing at Scottish care homes stepped up after hundreds of deaths
Ministers have insisted time and again now that supplies of PPE are now funnelling through the system and that testing is improving.
Time and again now those in the front line are telling us that supplies and testing are woefully inadequate.
It is a particularly cruel irony that many of those contacted by this paper in the last 48 hours felt unable to talk about the challenges they face for fear of losing their jobs.
They are doing jobs they love – jobs which many have come to this country to perform in return for long hours and the minimum wage.
They deserve all our thanks and our recognition. They deserve the formal nod of an emblem announced on Wednesday by Health Secretary Matt Hancock. But most of they all deserve the equipment that allows their vital work to be done as safely as it can.


inews--2020-04-15--iPhone SE latest: Apple launches 4.7-inch smartphone for £419

The handset is an update to its 2016 predecessor The full range of finishes for the iPhone SE ( 2020 ) ( Photo : Apple ) The new chip means it supports Portrait Mode photography , which uses machine learning to separate a photo 's subject from its background and blur the background accordingly .
It is water and dust-resistant ( IP67 rating ) , meaning it can withstand being emerged in up to 1m of water for half an hour , and will be marketed as a more affordable alternative to the iPhone XR .
The handset , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white and red finishes and 64GB , 128Gb and 256GB storage options , will cost from £419 when it goes on sale on 24 April .
Pre-orders open on 17 April .
Apple 's original iPhone SE was extremely popular among consumers with a preference for smaller devices , as larger 'phablet ' ( phone-tablet ) -sized handsets became more widely adopted in the past six years .
The 4.7-inch iPhone 6 , which went on sale in 2014 , was Apple 's first iPhone with a display larger than 4-inches .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company 's first plus-sized handset and the pair remain Apple 's best-selling iPhones to date , shifting more than 220m units .
The iPhone SE ( 2020 ) has the same chipset as the current flagship iPhone 11 ( Photo : Apple ) While larger phones became the default for manufacturers , a vocal band of consumers championed small handsets for their ease of use and pocket-friendly size .
The iPhone SE was discontinued in 2018 and quickly sold out when it was available to buy from Apple 's website at a discounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in February it was expecting to miss its revenue expectations amid a global iPhone shortage as a consequence of the shops closing .
Apple 's launch comes at a challenging time , as global phone sales are expected to slump to their lowest point in a decade as the industry weathers the pandemic 's economic repercussions .
Global demand for handsets in 2020 will fall by close to a quarter of a billion units compared to 2019 - a 13 per cent decrease - according to research from analyst CCS Insight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ devices will total just 1.57bn units this year , the lowest figures in a decade , 1.26bn of which will be smartphones , down from 1.41bn in 2019 .
`` In the near term , Apple 's biggest challenge will be meeting demand for the product .
We suspect the phone has already been delayed by several weeks thanks to the coronavirus outbreak , '' Ben Wood , chief of research at CCS Insight , said .
`` Apple will be nervously waiting to see whether the arrival of such an affordable and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about buying its premium flagship products which , depending on configuration , can easily approach three times the cost of the new iPhone SE .
History shows that iPhone purchasers seem happy to pay the premium Apple 's products command , but the current global economic uncertainty risks challenging this assumption . ''

Apple has announced a new smaller iPhone, the successor to the iPhone SE popular among fans of more compact handsets.
The second generation iPhone SE is a significant upgrade on the 2016 original, featuring a 4.7-inch display, TouchID fingerprint scanner for identity verification and single rear-facing 12MP camera.
Like last year’s iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, the new handset contains an A13 Bionic chip processor for faster performance, advanced photography and smoother augmented reality (AR) experiences.
The new chip means it supports Portrait Mode photography, which uses machine learning to separate a photo’s subject from its background and blur the background accordingly.
It is water and dust-resistant (IP67 rating), meaning it can withstand being emerged in up to 1m of water for half an hour, and will be marketed as a more affordable alternative to the iPhone XR.
The handset, which comes in a choice of black, white and red finishes and 64GB, 128Gb and 256GB storage options, will cost from £419 when it goes on sale on 24 April. Pre-orders open on 17 April.
iPhone SE (2020) pricing £419 for 64GB
£469 for 128GB
£569 for 256GB
Apple’s original iPhone SE was extremely popular among consumers with a preference for smaller devices, as larger ‘phablet’ (phone-tablet)-sized handsets became more widely adopted in the past six years.
The 4.7-inch iPhone 6, which went on sale in 2014, was Apple’s first iPhone with a display larger than 4-inches. The accompanying 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus was the company’s first plus-sized handset and the pair remain Apple’s best-selling iPhones to date, shifting more than 220m units.
While larger phones became the default for manufacturers, a vocal band of consumers championed small handsets for their ease of use and pocket-friendly size. The iPhone SE was discontinued in 2018 and quickly sold out when it was available to buy from Apple’s website at a discounted price the following year.
Sales amid coronavirus pandemic
The new phone is the latest product Apple has launched since the coronavirus outbreak caused the company to temporarily halt production in its Asian factories and close all its stores outside greater China.
The company said in February it was expecting to miss its revenue expectations amid a global iPhone shortage as a consequence of the shops closing.
Apple’s launch comes at a challenging time, as global phone sales are expected to slump to their lowest point in a decade as the industry weathers the pandemic’s economic repercussions.
Global demand for handsets in 2020 will fall by close to a quarter of a billion units compared to 2019 – a 13 per cent decrease – according to research from analyst CCS Insight.
Sales of both smartphones and basic feature devices will total just 1.57bn units this year, the lowest figures in a decade, 1.26bn of which will be smartphones , down from 1.41bn in 2019.
“In the near term, Apple’s biggest challenge will be meeting demand for the product. We suspect the phone has already been delayed by several weeks thanks to the coronavirus outbreak,” Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight, said.
“Although manufacturing now seems to have normalised in China, getting products to markets around the world is still a major headache.”
“Apple will be nervously waiting to see whether the arrival of such an affordable and well-specced iPhone will make consumers think twice about buying its premium flagship products which, depending on configuration, can easily approach three times the cost of the new iPhone SE. History shows that iPhone purchasers seem happy to pay the premium Apple’s products command, but the current global economic uncertainty risks challenging this assumption.”


inews--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Frontline care workers describe 'living hell' of equipment shortages as they are left t

Coronavirus: Frontline care workers describe 'living hell' of equipment shortages as they are left to nurse sick residents

Coronavirus : Frontline care workers describe 'living hell ' of equipment shortages as they are left to nurse sick residents Veteran carer tells i of one West Midlands home where nearly 75 per cent of staff are being isolated with suspected Covid-19 The agency worker , who has been a carer for 20 years and asked i to protect her identity because she fears losing her job , said nearly three quarters of the residents in one West Midlands home where she is employed were in self-isolation with suspected coronavirus symptoms .
'Residents are scared and we are scared' She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had five deaths across two homes where I work .
We are getting paramedics assessing residents who are really unwell but we are told they don ’ t meet the criteria to be hospitalised .
So we have to look after them ourselves at a time when the chances are they are dying .
It is a living hell .
“ The residents are scared and we are scared .
The staff are amazing , so dedicated .
But it feels dangerous now .
We are going into rooms with sick patients equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a paper mask .
There aren ’ t enough masks , so we have to re-use them .
If this was a hospital , we would probably be required to wear full gowns and visors.
” The account of the carer , who works for a major large-scale care provider as well as providing at-home care for local authorities , follows widespread reports of PPE shortages in the care sector and concerns that thousands of suspected Covid-19 deaths in homes are not being added to official figures .
Some carers contacted by i @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-equipped with PPE .
But many said shortages were a daily reality - in one case a worker said she had seen staff reduced to using sanitary towels in a cloth casing as masks .
Another worker described keeping bin bags of old PPE in her car because she had nowhere else to dispose of it .
She said : “ It wasn ’ t taken lightly because there ’ s families that are not able to come in and see their loved ones , and it can have quite an effect on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iPads for the residents and set them up with Skype accounts so they can video call and we ’ re encouraging families to get involved… It ’ s not ideal , it ’ s not the same as a face-to-face visit , but it ’ s the safest way to do it.
” She said managers she worked with were “ really pissed off ” at the low level of testing available for both care home residents and staff , adding that in at least one case a poorly resident had been returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been tested for Covid-19 .
She said : “ We do feel like the poor relations compared to the NHS .
And I ’ m not for one second criticising the NHS - they do a totally brilliant job .
But it ’ s so hard if you ’ re working flat out , doing 12-hour days for the minimum wage with people who are scared , who just want a hug and who may soon be dying before our eyes.
” She added : “ I ask myself why I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my own family at risk by doing this ?
It ’ s because I care and because it ’ s my job .
But when this is over we need to take a long hard look at ourselves [ as a society ] .
” Care staff said measures such as social distancing rules could not be applied when visiting clients in their homes and yet it was impossible to change uniforms or properly disinfect between home visits .
One worker said absence rates due to colleagues self-isolating for 14 days meant those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits and present a higher risk of exposure .
Another carer said : “ We go against the two-metre rule ensuring your loved ones are clean and comforted through this uncertain time , we listen to their fears , we hold them , let them touch us and why ?
Because we are carers , we are nurses.
” ‘ Much loved ’ — Tributes to workers who died of Covid-19 Cheryl Williams , who worked as a housekeeper on an elderly patient ward at North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton , north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust/PA Wire )

A veteran care worker has spoken of the “living hell” of helping elderly residents in homes where staff are being forced to re-use face masks and nurse sick patients who cannot be admitted to hospital despite displaying Covid-19 symptoms.
The agency worker, who has been a carer for 20 years and asked i to protect her identity because she fears losing her job, said nearly three quarters of the residents in one West Midlands home where she is employed were in self-isolation with suspected coronavirus symptoms.
The 56-year-old said she believed large swathes of the home care sector – both residential homes and visits to private homes – was in a state of crisis because of inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and a heavy burden of vulnerable and often severely ill clients.
‘Residents are scared and we are scared’
She told i: “Last weekend we had five deaths across two homes where I work. We are getting paramedics assessing residents who are really unwell but we are told they don’t meet the criteria to be hospitalised. So we have to look after them ourselves at a time when the chances are they are dying. It is a living hell.
“The residents are scared and we are scared. The staff are amazing, so dedicated. But it feels dangerous now. We are going into rooms with sick patients equipped with gloves, a plastic apron and a paper mask. There aren’t enough masks, so we have to re-use them. If this was a hospital, we would probably be required to wear full gowns and visors.”
She added: “I have no idea how deaths are reported but it feels to me that the public aren’t being told just how bad it is in our care homes.”
Sanitary towels used as face masks
The account of the carer, who works for a major large-scale care provider as well as providing at-home care for local authorities, follows widespread reports of PPE shortages in the care sector and concerns that thousands of suspected Covid-19 deaths in homes are not being added to official figures.
Some carers contacted by i said the homes where they worked were well-equipped with PPE. But many said shortages were a daily reality – in one case a worker said she had seen staff reduced to using sanitary towels in a cloth casing as masks. Another worker described keeping bin bags of old PPE in her car because she had nowhere else to dispose of it.
One home manager emphasised that early action to stop all non-essential visits had proved vital in helping to protect residents, along with using technology to allow families to maintain meaningful contact with their loved ones.
Lockdown measures
Kimberley Hunter, 32, a team leader at Dalmellington Care Centre in Ayr, said the home had taken the decision to close its doors on 11 March, long before national lockdown measures were put in place.
She said: “It wasn’t taken lightly because there’s families that are not able to come in and see their loved ones, and it can have quite an effect on the residents.
“We purchased additional iPads for the residents and set them up with Skype accounts so they can video call and we’re encouraging families to get involved… It’s not ideal, it’s not the same as a face-to-face visit, but it’s the safest way to do it.”
Emotional support
The 56-year-old worker said she and colleagues were willingly filling the gap between providing the practical help for which they are employed and the emotional support that many vulnerable clients desperately need.
She said managers she worked with were “really pissed off” at the low level of testing available for both care home residents and staff, adding that in at least one case a poorly resident had been returned to a home from hospital without having been tested for Covid-19.
She said: “We do feel like the poor relations compared to the NHS. And I’m not for one second criticising the NHS – they do a totally brilliant job. But it’s so hard if you’re working flat out, doing 12-hour days for the minimum wage with people who are scared, who just want a hug and who may soon be dying before our eyes.”
She added: “I ask myself why I’m doing it – why am I putting my own family at risk by doing this? It’s because I care and because it’s my job. But when this is over we need to take a long hard look at ourselves [as a society].”
Social distancing
Care staff said measures such as social distancing rules could not be applied when visiting clients in their homes and yet it was impossible to change uniforms or properly disinfect between home visits. One worker said absence rates due to colleagues self-isolating for 14 days meant those remaining were having to perform more daily visits and present a higher risk of exposure.
Another carer said: “We go against the two-metre rule ensuring your loved ones are clean and comforted through this uncertain time, we listen to their fears, we hold them, let them touch us and why? Because we are carers, we are nurses.”
‘Much loved’ — Tributes to workers who died of Covid-19
The son of a care home worker who died after contracting Covid-19 has described how she gave her life to nursing and was “much loved” by residents and colleagues.
Rahima Bibi Sidhanee, who had worked at Grennell Lodge Nursing Home in Sutton, south London, for more than 30 years, died on Sunday aged 68 after being admitted to hospital a week before.
Ms Sidhanee trained at Edgware General Hospital in the 1970s and was a registered nurse and midwife with nearly 50 years’ experience.
“She said the elderly people needed her and she actually started doing an extra shift,” her son Abu Sidhanee said.
“That was how she was, people were in need of her and she was there.”
A housekeeper who died after contracting Covid-19 has been remembered as a “much-loved colleague” by her hospital.
Cheryl Williams, who worked as a housekeeper on an elderly patient ward at North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton, north London, died on Sunday.
Sharing a picture of Ms Williams on Facebook, the NHS trust said her contribution to patient care at the hospital was “irreplaceable”.