inews--2020-05-26--Prince William and Kate Middleton's care home bingo calling shows the game has enduring popularity

Prince William and Kate Middleton 's care home bingo calling shows the game has enduring popularity By the mid-1960s there were 14 million registered bingo players in England , Scotland and Wales with 150,000 players a day visiting a hall Prince William and Kate Middleton probably don ’ t spend much time in bingo halls , but when they hosted a game over Zoom for residents at the Shire Hall care home in Cardiff Bay last week , everyone seemed full of joy .
The royals ’ call of “ six and two , tickety boo ” prompted cheers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What makes bingo different to other games , ” Miles Baron , CEO of the Bingo Association , tells i , “ is that you have to actually be in the same place at the same time , and that ’ s why it ’ s very social .
Bingo by and large forces you to congregate , a bit like going to church.
” No wonder some care homes , such as West Abbey Care Centre in Yeovil , Somerset , have done their best to allow residents to continue playing during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course .
When Prince William and Kate Middleton hosted a game over Zoom for residents at the Shire Hall care home in Cardiff Bay last week , everyone seemed full of joy ( Photo : Kensington Palace/Getty ) Bingo is big today , but the traditional game has been hit hard in the last two decades by the 2007 smoking ban - around 60 per cent of players were thought to be smokers at the time - scratch cards , by the rise of online gambling , austerity and the move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now during lockdown nobody is gathering to play , and it is thought that social distancing measures could continue in bingo halls after the lockdown ends .
The owner of Mecca bingo halls and Grosvenor casinos has put more than 90 per cent of its staff on furlough and has suspended payouts for shareholders to save cash , as the pandemic has put a huge strain on the business .
'No one is really alone' 'Bingo has a special place in the UK 's heart ' ( Photo : Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caller of the year in 2019 , is not surprised bingo has been holding its own .
“ People of all ages come to bingo ( and many come alone ) it ’ s so wonderful to see how everyone becomes like family no matter their age , there ’ s always someone to have a chat with and have a laugh with , everyone sharing stories and memories with each other- so no one is really alone.
” However , it ’ s on the internet that bingo has become really big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every major gambling company in the UK either runs its own bingo site or owns a subsidiary company .
In 2019 , casino operator Daub Alderney , rich runs Lucky Pants Bingo and Kitty Bingo , paid a £7.1m fine for failing to protect problem gambling and stop money laundering .
Has the involvement of gambling contaminated the community spirit of bingo ?
“ There are online bingo operators who present the game well ” , says Mr Baron , “ but there are occasionally those who don ’ t .
Bingo going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this lockdown , online works of course- but where possible I do think the game is played best in the flesh , round the table , eye to eye .
”

Prince William and Kate Middleton probably don’t spend much time in bingo halls, but when they hosted a game over Zoom for residents at the Shire Hall care home in Cardiff Bay last week, everyone seemed full of joy. The royals’ call of “six and two, tickety boo” prompted cheers and claps from one grinning winner.
Royal participation can provoke whoops of excitement no matter what they’re taking part in, but this was about the game as much as who was running it.
Bingo has long had a special place in the UK’s heart. By the mid-1960s there were 14 million registered bingo players in England, Scotland and Wales with 150,000 players a day visiting a local hall.
“What makes bingo different to other games,” Miles Baron, CEO of the Bingo Association, tells i, “is that you have to actually be in the same place at the same time, and that’s why it’s very social. Bingo by and large forces you to congregate, a bit like going to church.” No wonder some care homes, such as West Abbey Care Centre in Yeovil, Somerset, have done their best to allow residents to continue playing during lockdown – with socially distancing safely enforced, of course.
Bingo’s ‘royal salute’
As well as being a staple of holiday parks, arcades and charity nights, the game has been attracting younger audiences in recent years.
“You could play bingo in different ways you couldn’t before,” says Baron. “Ten or 15 years ago bingo largely played in bingo clubs and working men’s clubs. Now you’ve got cabaret-style bingo nights to appeal to the youth.”
Bingo is big today, but the traditional game has been hit hard in the last two decades by the 2007 smoking ban – around 60 per cent of players were thought to be smokers at the time – scratch cards, by the rise of online gambling, austerity and the move to internet gaming.
In 2014, George Osborne halved the tax on bingo halls, from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, and the decline slowed.
Of course, now during lockdown nobody is gathering to play, and it is thought that social distancing measures could continue in bingo halls after the lockdown ends. The owner of Mecca bingo halls and Grosvenor casinos has put more than 90 per cent of its staff on furlough and has suspended payouts for shareholders to save cash, as the pandemic has put a huge strain on the business.
‘No one is really alone’
Before the lockdown, Dabbers Social Bingo in London had queues down the road. The tea was replaced with Espresso Martinis and craft beers, the callers were comedians, and there was dancing.
Donna Kunyo, who won National Bingo Caller of the year in 2019, is not surprised bingo has been holding its own. “People of all ages come to bingo (and many come alone) it’s so wonderful to see how everyone becomes like family no matter their age, there’s always someone to have a chat with and have a laugh with, everyone sharing stories and memories with each other- so no one is really alone.”
However, it’s on the internet that bingo has become really big business. Its popularity has meant that every major gambling company in the UK either runs its own bingo site or owns a subsidiary company. In 2019, casino operator Daub Alderney, rich runs Lucky Pants Bingo and Kitty Bingo, paid a £7.1m fine for failing to protect problem gambling and stop money laundering. Has the involvement of gambling contaminated the community spirit of bingo?
“There are online bingo operators who present the game well”, says Mr Baron, “but there are occasionally those who don’t. Bingo going online is inevitable and at times like this lockdown, online works of course- but where possible I do think the game is played best in the flesh, round the table, eye to eye.”


inews--2020-05-26--Secret Medic: The NHS would fall to its knees without migrant workers

Secret Medic : The NHS would fall to its knees without migrant workers It is good that the government u-turned on its Immigration Bill - but it needs to appreciate underpaid workers far more For the past few weeks I ’ ve written about how my hospital has entered the next phase of our coronavirus response .
The number of patients with Covid-19 continues to fall and our critical care areas are finally returning to normal capacity .
One “ positive ” update is that the number of patients we are treating for issues unrelated to coronavirus seems to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good thing if someone needs to go to hospital , but there has been widespread concern that people have been avoiding going to their GP or A & E and are missing out on vital medical attention .
Nonetheless , we are still a long way off returning to routine activity and subsequent outbreaks of coronavirus are an ever-present threat to which we need to be equipped to respond to quickly and seamlessly .
This is no mean feat , particularly for a health service which has had its resources stripped back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to come to accept the reality that , until an effective vaccine is available for widespread uptake , coronavirus will continue to have an unprecedented impact on the way we deliver healthcare in this country .
Another prominent item in the news this week has been the Government ’ s U-turn on its flagship immigration bill that would have seen migrant workers in our health and social care services continuing to pay the immigration health surcharge .
If anything “ positive ” is to come of the pandemic , I have always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the underpaid , but highly skilled , workers in our flagging social care system .
I had hoped the Government would put forward policies that reflect the widespread public support for our health and social care staff .
Clearly I was naive in this expectation .
A member of clinical staff adjusts her mask as she wears Personal Protective Equipment ( Photo : NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) I have written before about how diversity is one of our health service ’ s greatest strengths .
It goes without saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall to its knees without the contribution of migrant workers .
Many of them have risked their lives caring for their fellow citizens during this pandemic and it seems the Government ’ s lip service was just that .
This debate has also raised the wider issue of the existence of an immigration health surcharge .
After all , many immigrants do pay for our NHS in the form of taxes , just like you or I .
Sadly this fact seems to have been neglected in many of the public polling questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only example of recent Government policy failing to acknowledge large swathes of our health service ’ s migrant workforce .
Another Government U-turn last week saw the Home Office reverse its decision to exclude support staff and care workers from the offer extended to foreign-national doctors and nurses of indefinite leave to remain in the UK for their families if they die .
There is no denying that it ’ s a good thing that the Government has reversed these decisions .
But these should not have to be decisions that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the campaigners from different political corners who were able to apply pressure in order to bring about these U-turns .
But it is concerning that the Government isn ’ t making these decisions proactively in the first place .
It is a sad indication that we can not take good will for granted during this pandemic .
We must work constructively and respectfully , but not be afraid to pile on the pressure if it means protecting our colleagues who face being punished for their hard work and dedication to our NHS .

For the past few weeks I’ve written about how my hospital has entered the next phase of our coronavirus response. The number of patients with Covid-19 continues to fall and our critical care areas are finally returning to normal capacity.
One “positive” update is that the number of patients we are treating for issues unrelated to coronavirus seems to be steadily increasing. Clearly it is never a good thing if someone needs to go to hospital, but there has been widespread concern that people have been avoiding going to their GP or A&E and are missing out on vital medical attention.
Nonetheless, we are still a long way off returning to routine activity and subsequent outbreaks of coronavirus are an ever-present threat to which we need to be equipped to respond to quickly and seamlessly.
This is no mean feat, particularly for a health service which has had its resources stripped back over the past 10 years. We need to come to accept the reality that, until an effective vaccine is available for widespread uptake, coronavirus will continue to have an unprecedented impact on the way we deliver healthcare in this country.
Another prominent item in the news this week has been the Government’s U-turn on its flagship immigration bill that would have seen migrant workers in our health and social care services continuing to pay the immigration health surcharge.
If anything “positive” is to come of the pandemic, I have always said that it would be an appreciation for the underpaid, but highly skilled, workers in our flagging social care system. I had hoped the Government would put forward policies that reflect the widespread public support for our health and social care staff. Clearly I was naive in this expectation.
I have written before about how diversity is one of our health service’s greatest strengths. It goes without saying that our NHS and social care system would fall to its knees without the contribution of migrant workers. Many of them have risked their lives caring for their fellow citizens during this pandemic and it seems the Government’s lip service was just that.
This debate has also raised the wider issue of the existence of an immigration health surcharge. After all, many immigrants do pay for our NHS in the form of taxes, just like you or I. Sadly this fact seems to have been neglected in many of the public polling questions on this topic. This is not the only example of recent Government policy failing to acknowledge large swathes of our health service’s migrant workforce. Another Government U-turn last week saw the Home Office reverse its decision to exclude support staff and care workers from the offer extended to foreign-national doctors and nurses of indefinite leave to remain in the UK for their families if they die.
How such a frankly inhumane policy could have been allowed to progress is unthinkable.
There is no denying that it’s a good thing that the Government has reversed these decisions. But these should not have to be decisions that are made retrospectively. Credit is due for the campaigners from different political corners who were able to apply pressure in order to bring about these U-turns.
But it is concerning that the Government isn’t making these decisions proactively in the first place. It is a sad indication that we cannot take good will for granted during this pandemic.
We must work constructively and respectfully, but not be afraid to pile on the pressure if it means protecting our colleagues who face being punished for their hard work and dedication to our NHS.
The Secret Medic works on the front line of a major acute hospital in the UK


inews--2020-05-26--Dominic Cummings risks becoming the opposite of Sir Tom Moore in the public mind as his image proble

Dominic Cummings risks becoming the opposite of Sir Tom Moore in the public mind as his image problems eclipse lockdown breaches The No10 adviser has become a symbol of the lockdown just like Sir Tom — but for the opposite reasons At the start of the lockdown , Captain - now Sir - Tom Moore captured the heart of the nation with his quest to raise money for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden in time for his 100th birthday .
It is no slight on the sprightly centenarian to point out that the £33m he brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop in the ocean compared to the health service 's budget of £145bn .
Far more important than the actual money was the boost he provided to people 's spirits through his personal example of dedication and selflessness .
Sir Tom will long stand as a symbol of the way a terrible crisis has sometimes brought out the best in us .
The risk for 10 Downing Street is that Dominic Cummings will be the opposite .
It remains unclear whether or not Mr Cummings actually broke the lockdown by travelling to Durham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son .
And there is no evidence that he passed Covid-19 to anyone else in the North-East while he was there .
Dominic Cummings travelled 260 miles from London to a property on his parents ' farm during the lockdown ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty ) But the practical effects of his behaviour are not the point .
A growing majority of Britons wants Mr Cummings to resign : by refusing to apologise for playing fast and loose with the rules , he seems to have created an image for himself as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ironically , the No10 aide has made his career through successfully rallying votes against that very same perceived elite .
The latest push to unseat him was started by the liberal Remainers who have always hated him ; but now it has spread far beyond them , with even most Leave voters and Conservative supporters turning against Mr Cummings .
If in the end Boris Johnson does feel the need to sack his closest ally , it will not be because of his original misdeeds but because of the damage he seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government .
By spreading the message that it is OK to bend the rules if you have special circumstances , Mr Cummings has made it much harder for the Government to unite the country around the lockdown , a task that will anyway become harder rather than easier as the existing measures are gradually eased .
The story matters not because of one man 's actions , but because of the knock-on effect those actions risk having on the national efforts as a whole .

At the start of the lockdown, Captain – now Sir – Tom Moore captured the heart of the nation with his quest to raise money for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden in time for his 100th birthday.
It is no slight on the sprightly centenarian to point out that the £33m he brought in, while impressive, is a drop in the ocean compared to the health service’s budget of £145bn. Far more important than the actual money was the boost he provided to people’s spirits through his personal example of dedication and selflessness.
Sir Tom will long stand as a symbol of the way a terrible crisis has sometimes brought out the best in us. The risk for 10 Downing Street is that Dominic Cummings will be the opposite.
It remains unclear whether or not Mr Cummings actually broke the lockdown by travelling to Durham to seek help caring for his young son. And there is no evidence that he passed Covid-19 to anyone else in the North-East while he was there.
But the practical effects of his behaviour are not the point. A growing majority of Britons wants Mr Cummings to resign: by refusing to apologise for playing fast and loose with the rules, he seems to have created an image for himself as the embodiment of a high-handed and out-of-touch elite.
Ironically, the No10 aide has made his career through successfully rallying votes against that very same perceived elite. The latest push to unseat him was started by the liberal Remainers who have always hated him; but now it has spread far beyond them, with even most Leave voters and Conservative supporters turning against Mr Cummings.
If in the end Boris Johnson does feel the need to sack his closest ally, it will not be because of his original misdeeds but because of the damage he seems to have done to trust in the Government.
By spreading the message that it is OK to bend the rules if you have special circumstances, Mr Cummings has made it much harder for the Government to unite the country around the lockdown, a task that will anyway become harder rather than easier as the existing measures are gradually eased.
The story matters not because of one man’s actions, but because of the knock-on effect those actions risk having on the national efforts as a whole.


inews--2020-05-26--When will shops open? How businesses are reopening in June, and what the new coronavirus rules will

When will shops open? How businesses are reopening in June, and what the new coronavirus rules will mean for shoppers

When will shops open ?
How businesses are reopening in June , and what the new coronavirus rules will mean for shoppers Boris Johnson has announced that some non-essential shops will reopen next month Which shops have stayed open during the Covid-19 pandemic ?
It later confirmed that off-licences and other licensed shops could stay open .
Restaurants , pubs and cafes were forced to shut their doors , but could continue to deliver takeaways in line with social distancing rules .
Garden centres and estate agents were given the go-ahead to reopen on 13 May .
Boris Johnson moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with new measures for business ( Photo : ANDREW PARSONS/10 Downing Street/AFP/Getty ) What other shops can now open ?
Is the opening date of 15 June set in stone ?
What must shopkeepers do to keep their staff safe ?
Shopkeepers must consider who is deemed to be essential to be on their premises , plan for the minimum number of people needed on site and keep across the mental and physical wellbeing of staff .
Clinically vulnerable people will be able to return to work , with the Government saying they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safest available on-site roles , enabling them to stay away from others ” , if working from home is not an option .
What should they do to keep customers safe ?
The Government says shops should consider placing posters in their windows to show awareness of the safety measures , storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back on the shop floor , placing protective coverings on large items such as beds or sofas , and frequently cleaning objects and surfaces such as self-checkouts , trolleys , coffee machines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change how we shop ?
He told BBC Breakfast : “ So when it comes to touching and testing goods , when it comes to trying on clothing , when it comes to trying make-up and so on , that all of us exercise restraint in not doing that and recognising that as these stores reopen , it is a new normal .
”

The Government has unveiled its full list of retailers that can reopen after Boris Johnson announced the next phase of his plan to unlock the country next month.
Here’s how it will affect you.
Which shops have stayed open during the Covid-19 pandemic?
When the lockdown began on 23 March, the Government said only “essential” retailers could stay open – including supermarkets and grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, hardware stores, petrol stations, vets and pet stores, food markets and bike shops.
It later confirmed that off-licences and other licensed shops could stay open. Restaurants, pubs and cafes were forced to shut their doors, but could continue to deliver takeaways in line with social distancing rules. Garden centres and estate agents were given the go-ahead to reopen on 13 May.
What other shops can now open?
Car showrooms and outdoor markets will open on 1 June, followed by 15 types of non-essential shops.
The list includes betting shops and arcades, tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers, auction houses, antique stores, retail art galleries, photography studios, mobile phone stores, indoor markets, craft fairs and similar types of retail.
Gift shops in museums, retail spaces in theatres, libraries, heritage venues and tourism sites will also be allowed to open – paving the way for visitors to return to the England’s tourism honeypots.
Is the opening date of 15 June set in stone?
Boris Johnson said they will open if the Government’s five tests are met. Ministers have stressed the date could change if Covid-19 infections stop continuing their downward trend.
What must shopkeepers do to keep their staff safe?
Boris Johnson said stores must the “necessary steps” to become Covid-19 secure in line with current Health and Safety legislation.
Shopkeepers must consider who is deemed to be essential to be on their premises, plan for the minimum number of people needed on site and keep across the mental and physical wellbeing of staff. Clinically vulnerable people will be able to return to work, with the Government saying they “should be offered the option of the safest available on-site roles, enabling them to stay away from others”, if working from home is not an option.
However, the Government has so far declined to bring forward any legislation to legally protect workers beyond the current health and safety laws.
What should they do to keep customers safe?
The Government says shops should consider placing posters in their windows to show awareness of the safety measures, storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back on the shop floor, placing protective coverings on large items such as beds or sofas, and frequently cleaning objects and surfaces such as self-checkouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals.
They could face fines and jail sentences of up to two years if they break the rules.
Will the rules change how we shop?
Social distancing rules will remain in force. The Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said shoppers will need to “exercise restraint” by not touching clothing and testing goods before they buy them.
He told BBC Breakfast:“So when it comes to touching and testing goods, when it comes to trying on clothing, when it comes to trying make-up and so on, that all of us exercise restraint in not doing that and recognising that as these stores reopen, it is a new normal.”
Which shops will remain closed?
Hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons, and the hospitality sector – pubs, bars and restaurants – will continue to remain shut.


inews--2020-05-26--Dominic Cummings' late arrival to his press conference shows a lack of respect

Dominic Cummings ' late arrival to his press conference shows a lack of respect I was taught from a young age that punctuality is politeness - keeping people waiting is exercising power and control He began with a brisk apology for his tardiness , but not an explanation .
Most people in similar circumstances would say : “ I ’ m sorry I ’ m late , but the traffic was bad ” or “ I ’ m sorry I ’ m late , but my conference call overran ” , or some such .
Not Cummings .
What ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just late for a meeting .
He was keeping millions of his fellow citizens waiting on a bank holiday .
This was not the least significant aspect of his press conference in the Downing Street Rose Garden .
And it meant something .
Being late always means something .
I was taught from an early age that punctuality is politeness , so an unexplained lateness , at its most basic level , treats those you have kept waiting with a lack of respect .
I will admit that I am borderline fetishistic about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deadline , I suppose – but I do believe that , in the modern world , not enough attention is paid to this rudimentary courtesy .
I have lost count of the number of occasions , in normal times , that I have waited for my guest at a restaurant table .
I get a text message at the appointed hour that reads something like : “ Running late .
Traffic horrendous.
” To which I reply : “ Who ’ d have thought that ?
Traffic in central London in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have left earlier.
” I know that ’ s a bit arsey , but I remember the days before we had mobile phones , when you simply had to be on time .
Is everyone so much more self-important and preoccupied these days that timekeeping is an irrelevance ?
Then there is the text that says “ five mins away ” , which both the sender and the recipient know is a lie .
This was practised by Downing Street on Monday afternoon when we were told that the PM ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start in “ two minutes ” , and it actually began more than 20 minutes later .
Perhaps Dominic Cummings wishes he could turn back the clocks ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty Images ) Did they even realise how bad that looked ?
Because we all know that punctuality is not just about politeness .
It ’ s also about power , and the person who has no misgivings about keeping someone waiting is flagrantly exercising power and control .
That ’ s what was happening inside No 10 on Monday , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the position of subservience ( ie the general public ) felt they were being treated with contempt .
Not only that , but timekeeping also speaks of good organisation and efficiency .
The busiest , most important man I know – the chief executive of one of Britain ’ s biggest companies – is never late for a meeting .
He simply can ’ t afford to be .
He organises his life to make sure he ’ s on time .
So in addition to the discourtesy and the bad politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disorganisation and last-minute panic inside No 10 .
It can ’ t have been that changes needed to be made to his story .
Or , if so , this undermines the proposition that his statement came from the heart .
The truth doesn ’ t need to be prepared .
What this all proves is that the politics of punctuality matters .
And while there are many questions about the Cummings farrago that have still to be answered satisfactorily , the one that interests me most now , and whose answer would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why were you 30 minutes late for your press conference ?

We never did find out why Dominic Cummings was 30 minutes late for his date with an incredulous nation.
He began with a brisk apology for his tardiness, but not an explanation. Most people in similar circumstances would say: “I’m sorry I’m late, but the traffic was bad” or “I’m sorry I’m late, but my conference call overran”, or some such.
Not Cummings. What’s more, he wasn’t just late for a meeting. He was keeping millions of his fellow citizens waiting on a bank holiday. This was not the least significant aspect of his press conference in the Downing Street Rose Garden. And it meant something.
Being late always means something. I was taught from an early age that punctuality is politeness, so an unexplained lateness, at its most basic level, treats those you have kept waiting with a lack of respect. I will admit that I am borderline fetishistic about punctuality – the decades of working to a deadline, I suppose – but I do believe that, in the modern world, not enough attention is paid to this rudimentary courtesy.
I have lost count of the number of occasions, in normal times, that I have waited for my guest at a restaurant table. I get a text message at the appointed hour that reads something like: “Running late. Traffic horrendous.”
To which I reply: “Who’d have thought that? Traffic in central London in the middle of the day! Perhaps you should have left earlier.” I know that’s a bit arsey, but I remember the days before we had mobile phones, when you simply had to be on time. Is everyone so much more self-important and preoccupied these days that timekeeping is an irrelevance?
Then there is the text that says “five mins away”, which both the sender and the recipient know is a lie. This was practised by Downing Street on Monday afternoon when we were told that the PM’s senior adviser’s press conference would start in “two minutes”, and it actually began more than 20 minutes later.
Did they even realise how bad that looked? Because we all know that punctuality is not just about politeness. It’s also about power, and the person who has no misgivings about keeping someone waiting is flagrantly exercising power and control. That’s what was happening inside No 10 on Monday, and it’s hardly surprising that those in the position of subservience (ie the general public) felt they were being treated with contempt.
Not only that, but timekeeping also speaks of good organisation and efficiency. The busiest, most important man I know – the chief executive of one of Britain’s biggest companies – is never late for a meeting. He simply can’t afford to be. He organises his life to make sure he’s on time. So in addition to the discourtesy and the bad politics, Cummings’ lateness suggests chaos, disorganisation and last-minute panic inside No 10.
It can’t have been that changes needed to be made to his story. Or, if so, this undermines the proposition that his statement came from the heart. The truth doesn’t need to be prepared.
What this all proves is that the politics of punctuality matters. And while there are many questions about the Cummings farrago that have still to be answered satisfactorily, the one that interests me most now, and whose answer would be most revealing, is this: why were you 30 minutes late for your press conference?


inews--2020-05-27--McDonald's opening 975 restaurants for delivery by 4 June, including all Drive-Thru branches

McDonald 's opening 975 restaurants for delivery by 4 June , including all Drive-Thru branches McDonald 's closed its entire network of restaurants as the UK locked down to manage the spread of coronavirus McDonald 's said on Wednesday that the additional restaurants will relaunch providing customers are able to maintain social distancing and safety guidelines .
The move comes after police were called to a number of restaurants last week after thousands of people visited McDonald 's Drive-Thru outlets .
Almost all McDonald 's sites to reopen The company said it will announce the reopening of each site only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control demand .
`` We can today announce that by 4 June , 1,020 of our restaurants will have reopened , either for drive-thru or McDelivery , '' a statement on Wednesday morning said .
`` This means every Drive Thru in the UK and Ireland will reopen between Tuesday and Thursday next week and we will start to expand the availability of McDelivery too '' This is only possible following the hard work of the teams in our 44 pilot restaurants .
`` Over the last fortnight , our employees , franchisees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new procedures to enable safe working so that we can now help all parts of the UK and Ireland to enjoy the return of the Big Mac .
`` In the last week , on occasion , we have taken the decision to close drive-thru lanes where demand has impacted local communities or the safety of our people or customers .
`` We will continue to work with local authorities and the police as we extend our reopening plans .
`` With smaller teams , we will still be offering a limited menu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you make contactless payments and limit your spend to £25 . ''
This next phase will see the bulk of restaurants open for business , but with more than 1,200 sites in the UK , some will miss out .
It started reopening on 13 May , with sites across the South East , much to the dismay of those across the rest of the UK .

McDonald’s has announced a further 975 branches will reopen for delivery on 4 June, including its entire network of Drive-Thru restaurants.
The UK’s biggest fast food chain began trialling delivery operations earlier this month, with 44 sites currently open in some capacity.
McDonald’s said on Wednesday that the additional restaurants will relaunch providing customers are able to maintain social distancing and safety guidelines.
The move comes after police were called to a number of restaurants last week after thousands of people visited McDonald’s Drive-Thru outlets.
Almost all McDonald’s sites to reopen
We’re on our way back – all Drive-Thrus to reopen by 4th June pic.twitter.com/0Uxoif1Vxj — McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) May 27, 2020
The company said it will announce the reopening of each site only hours before operations resume to help to control demand.
“We can today announce that by 4 June, 1,020 of our restaurants will have reopened, either for drive-thru or McDelivery,” a statement on Wednesday morning said.
“This means every Drive Thru in the UK and Ireland will reopen between Tuesday and Thursday next week and we will start to expand the availability of McDelivery too
“This is only possible following the hard work of the teams in our 44 pilot restaurants.
“Over the last fortnight, our employees, franchisees and suppliers have worked tirelessly to implement new procedures to enable safe working so that we can now help all parts of the UK and Ireland to enjoy the return of the Big Mac.
Managing demand
“In the last week, on occasion, we have taken the decision to close drive-thru lanes where demand has impacted local communities or the safety of our people or customers.
“We will continue to work with local authorities and the police as we extend our reopening plans.
“With smaller teams, we will still be offering a limited menu over reduced hours, and we ask that you make contactless payments and limit your spend to £25.”
This next phase will see the bulk of restaurants open for business, but with more than 1,200 sites in the UK, some will miss out.
McDonald’s temporarily closed its branches in March due to the Covid-19 outbreak, citing the “safety of our employees and customers”.
On 1 May the company, having trialled a relaunch strategy, first confirmed it was ready to roll-out a limited service on 13 May.
It started reopening on 13 May, with sites across the South East, much to the dismay of those across the rest of the UK.


inews--2020-05-27--When will gyms open? Latest UK coronavirus lockdown news as gyms are still closed

When will gyms open ?
Latest UK coronavirus lockdown news as gyms are still closed With the UK lockdown still in place , but Boris Johnson revealing a `` conditional plan '' to easing restrictions , when could gyms begin to open again ?
Johnson said that his blueprint for a gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England could see primary schools , nurseries and shops partially reopening from 1 June .
Some cafes or restaurants with outdoor space , and places or worship and socially distanced cinemas , could return to business from July , although specific details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government hasn ’ t yet confirmed when gyms will be able to reopen .
The First Minister has unveiled plans to ease Scotland out of lockdown restrictions , around two weeks after Boris Johnson began to ease lockdown restrictions in England .
She said that several strict measures will be relaxed from 28 May in a four-phase `` route map '' .
In phase one , from May 28 , outdoor swimming in Scotland is permitted along with other outside activities including golf , canoeing and hiking .
However , leisure centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country reaches phase three of the exit-lockdown plan during which physical distancing measures will still be in place .
The First Minister of Wales , Mark Drakeford , said that Wales would allow more frequent exercise and the opening of garden centres , but that said schools will not reopen from 1 June .
In Northern Ireland , some sports , such as golf and tennis , have also been allowed to restart , with social distancing measures in place .
Health club chain PureGym has previously said that it is working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to allow for social distancing , alongside capping member numbers .
However , Mr Cobbold added that gyms will only be re-opened when permitted to do so by the government .
He said : `` The right approach is a considered and careful opening , we will probably , when permitted by government , start by opening half a dozen sites and then expand from there when we 're confident that we have a model that 's safe and secure for members for the future.
” The PureGym website states : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work hard to ensure your club is clean , safe , and ready for your return .
We are looking forward to welcoming you back.
” Fitness studio Barry 's Bootcamp also released a statement saying the company is `` unsure when we will be reopening but will continue to closely follow the advice of the government and local authorities '' .
They are currently offering virtual workouts for members .
Virgin Active will also inform customers when it will reopen clubs `` once it is safe to do so based on government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other European countries ?
In Italy , citizens will now be able to travel within regions in order to visit relatives , provided that they wear masks .

The coronavirus lockdown has changed people’s lives in many ways, but one of the biggest has been the way in which we exercise.
Gyms, leisure centres and indoor pools had all been closed since 21 March, while home workout equipment is like gold dust online.
However, the Government has finally given the go-ahead for gyms to open their doors again.
When did the gyms reopen?
Gyms, leisure centres and indoor pools reopened on Saturday 25 July.
They will have to follow strict new guidelines, such as introducing timed bookings for workouts and restrictions on showering.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the move to reopen gyms would help get the country “match-fit to defeat the virus” amid growing fears of inactivity among the population due to social distancing restrictions.
“The reopening of gyms is the news millions across the country have been waiting for with many people desperate to jump on a spinning bike or dive into a pool,” he said.
“Our comprehensive guidance will ensure gyms, pools and leisure centres have the support they need to reopen safely for their customers and staff.”
In the Government’s Our Plan to Rebuild document, released on Monday 11 May, gyms and fitness studios were originally part of step three of the lockdown exit plan, starting from 4 July.
However, Mr Johnson later said indoor gyms are categorised as “close proximity” businesses and would remain shut.
He said: “The business and culture secretaries will establish task forces with public health experts and the sectors to help them become Covid-secure and reopen as soon as possible.”
The industry reacted with frustration at Mr Johnson’s “catastrophic decision” to give the green light to many sectors of the economy, but not gyms.
Mark Sesnan, managing director of GLL, which runs 270 leisure and sport facilities on behalf of local authorities, said: “This will bad for business, bad for jobs and bad for the health of the nation.”
He added: “The Government is ignoring the health of the nation, when it has been proven that conditions such as obesity and diabetes increase the risks associated with Covid-19.”
What safety measures will be in place?
When gyms reopen, it won’t be business as usual.
According to The Times, gyms and swimming pools will require receptionists to use clickers to count numbers going in, and booking systems will be put in place to prevent overcrowding.
On gym floors, people will only be permitted to use equipment that’s spaced two metres apart and a gym’s maximum capacity will be calculated based on three metres squared per person.
Changing rooms and showers will be in use but “extra care” will be provided to maintain social distancing in these areas, while sweat towels will not be permitted on gym floors or studios.
Health club chain PureGym has previously said that it is working out how its facilities could be laid out to allow for social distancing, alongside capping member numbers.
PureGym CEO Humphrey Cobbold, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the chain was working to upgrade hygiene and sanitation procedures in order to “provide a safe environment for the future.”


inews--2020-05-27--Mary Wakefield Spectator article: How Dominic Cummings' wife's coronavirus account differs from his

Mary Wakefield Spectator article: How Dominic Cummings' wife's coronavirus account differs from his statement

Mary Wakefield Spectator article : How Dominic Cummings ' wife 's coronavirus account differs from his statement The article made no mention of the family travelling to Durham during the lockdown She describes her and her husband 's symptoms in detail but there is no mention of the fact that the family travelled more than 260 miles to northeast England during the lockdown .
In the article written by commissioning editor Ms Wakefield , which was published in the 25 April issue of The Spectator , she said her husband rushed home from Downing Street to look after her when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returns home after making a statement inside 10 Downing Street about the Durham visit ( Photo : Getty ) On 27 March , after it was announced that Boris Johnson had coronavirus , Mr Cummings confirmed that he rushed out of work - which was captured by TV cameras - after the call from his wife .
He returned to work that afternoon after she felt better .
That evening he said the couple made the decision to drive to Durham , where his parents and sister live .
They arrived around midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and discussed the situation with my wife .
She was ill , she might have Covid though she did not have a cough or a fever , '' he said in statement after the trip was reported by the press .
`` At this point most of those who I work with most closely - including the Prime Minister himself , and others who sit within 15 feet of me every day - either had had symptoms and had returned to work , or were absent with symptoms .
Mr Cummings said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and that childcare arrangements for their four-year-old son might be an issue if both he and his wife had Covid-19 .
He said his sister or nieces could take care of his son in Durham if needed .
Lying 'doggo ' in bed - but where ?
`` Day in , day out for 10 days he lay doggo with a high fever and spasms that made the muscles lump and twitch in his legs , '' she wrote , adding that his breathing was shallow .
What she did n't mention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in bed in their London home , as many may have initially assumed , but in Durham .
As she considered whether her husband should be in hospital , their son donned a doctor 's uniform and `` administered Ribena with the grim insistence of a Broadmoor nurse '' , according to the article .
`` This might be my only really useful advice for other double-Covid parents or single mothers with pre-schoolers : get out the doctor ’ s kit and make it your child ’ s job to take your temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a good game .
My other corona tip is to order at least a litre of PVA glue .
As Dom lay sweating , Cedd and I made a palace out of polystyrene packaging . ''
The article covers Ms Wakefield 's concerns about whether her husband would be able to recover from the virus or whether he would need hospital treatment .
It later says he began to feel better .
After Mr Cummings had decided to return to work , he said his wife was `` very worried '' about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30-minute drive to the outskirts of Barnard Castle town on 12 April - Ms Wakefield 's birthday - to make sure he could drive the 260-mile journey back home to London safely .

The scandal involving Dominic Cummings, the Prime Minister’s closest aide, and allegations that he breached lockdown rules by travelling from London to Durham has dominated the news for days.
And an article his wife, Mary Wakefield, wrote for The Spectator, where she works, which recounts her family’s experience of coronavirus, has also raised eyebrows.
She describes her and her husband’s symptoms in detail but there is no mention of the fact that the family travelled more than 260 miles to northeast England during the lockdown.
Here we look at how the The Spectator article compares to Mr Cummings’ statement about why he and his family left London:
Onset of coronavirus
In the article written by commissioning editor Ms Wakefield, which was published in the 25 April issue of The Spectator, she said her husband rushed home from Downing Street to look after her when she felt very unwell.
“But 24 hours later, he said ‘I feel weird’ and collapsed.”
However between Ms Wakefield becoming ill and Mr Cummings becoming ill, the family relocated to Durham. This was not mentioned in the article.
On 27 March, after it was announced that Boris Johnson had coronavirus, Mr Cummings confirmed that he rushed out of work – which was captured by TV cameras – after the call from his wife.
He returned to work that afternoon after she felt better. That evening he said the couple made the decision to drive to Durham, where his parents and sister live. They arrived around midnight.
“That evening I returned home and discussed the situation with my wife. She was ill, she might have Covid though she did not have a cough or a fever,” he said in statement after the trip was reported by the press. “At this point most of those who I work with most closely – including the Prime Minister himself, and others who sit within 15 feet of me every day – either had had symptoms and had returned to work, or were absent with symptoms.
“I thought there was a distinct probability that I had already caught the disease.”
Mr Cummings said there were concerns about the safety of their home and that childcare arrangements for their four-year-old son might be an issue if both he and his wife had Covid-19. He said his sister or nieces could take care of his son in Durham if needed.
He said the family stayed in an “isolated property” on his father’s farm and that he woke up on 28 March with Covid-19 symptoms.
Lying ‘doggo’ in bed – but where?
Seven days after the UK was placed under lockdown on 23 March, which restricted travel, Downing Street confirmed that Mr Cummings had the virus and was self-isolating.
Ms Wakefield, in her article, said her husband “couldn’t get out of bed”.
“Day in, day out for 10 days he lay doggo with a high fever and spasms that made the muscles lump and twitch in his legs,” she wrote, adding that his breathing was shallow.
What she didn’t mention was that Mr Cummings was not lying in bed in their London home, as many may have initially assumed, but in Durham.
On 1 April, Mr Cummings’ father told an officer from Durham Constabulary that his son, his son’s wife and their child were self-isolating in another part of the house.
‘Advice for parents’
Ms Wakefield’s article does not mention that the couple had taken precautions to ensure childcare would be covered if they were both unwell.
But she does describe the challenges of caring for and keeping their son entertained while ill.
As she considered whether her husband should be in hospital, their son donned a doctor’s uniform and “administered Ribena with the grim insistence of a Broadmoor nurse”, according to the article.
“This might be my only really useful advice for other double-Covid parents or single mothers with pre-schoolers: get out the doctor’s kit and make it your child’s job to take your temperature. Any game that involves lying down is a good game. My other corona tip is to order at least a litre of PVA glue. As Dom lay sweating, Cedd and I made a palace out of polystyrene packaging.”
Mr Cummings’ statement did not suggest that his family needed to take care of their son while in Durham.
Driving to test eyesight
The article covers Ms Wakefield’s concerns about whether her husband would be able to recover from the virus or whether he would need hospital treatment. It later says he began to feel better.
However she does not describe her concerns that the illness had affected his eyesight.
After Mr Cummings had decided to return to work, he said his wife was “very worried” about his vision. So they took a 30-minute drive to the outskirts of Barnard Castle town on 12 April – Ms Wakefield’s birthday – to make sure he could drive the 260-mile journey back home to London safely.
‘Emerging from quarantine’
Mr Cummings and his family stayed in Durham until 13 April, when they returned to London. The aide went back to work at Downing Street on 14 April.
Unsurprisingly, Ms Wakefield’s article makes no mention of the return trip.
Commenting on recovering from the virus, she wrote: “After the uncertainty of the bug itself, we emerged from quarantine into the almost comical uncertainty of London lockdown.”


inews--2020-05-27--Dominic Cummings: Tory MP Craig Whittaker says adviser 'is not taking responsibility' for Durham loc

Dominic Cummings: Tory MP Craig Whittaker says adviser 'is not taking responsibility' for Durham lockdown trip

Dominic Cummings : Tory MP Craig Whittaker says adviser 'is not taking responsibility ' for Durham lockdown trip 'What I ca n't get my head around is why he ca n't take responsibility for that decision ' he told BBC 's Newsnight The MP for Calder Valley is one of around 40 Conservative MPs to have called for the adviser 's dismissal , after he refused to apologise for leaving London with his wife and child .
Other ministers have said its `` time to move on '' from the furore surrounding the adviser 's conduct , which shows no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsnight on Monday evening that he could not `` get his head around '' why Mr Cummings is still in his position .
Labour has accused the Government of `` failing to answer basic questions '' about the trip , which has caused a major crisis for No 10 since it emerged over the weekend .
'He 's not taking responsibility for that decision' MP for Calder Valley Craig Whittaker has called for Dominic Cummings to stand down .
( Photo : BBC ) '' The problem , though , is that Dominic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision , and for somebody who sits on Sage and takes all the scientific advice and then advises our Prime Minister , who then advises the country , it is really untenable position to be in .
`` I respect he 's taken a decision but what I ca n't get my head around is why he ca n't take responsibility for that decision , and surely he must realise , as the Prime Minister must realise , his position is untenable . ''
When asked what happens if he does n't go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is n't down to the backbench MPs , all we can do is try and put pressure on the Government and try and relay what our constituents are talking about , and I 'm not talking about the hard Brexiteers that have been contacting us or indeed the hard Momentum people .
`` I 'm talking about the majority of emails in my inbox and that I 've been dealing with for the last two months from people that have suffered real hardship because of this lockdown , this lockdown that Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
'He should take action to restore public confidence' Dominic Cummings returns home after making a statement inside 10 Downing Street about the Durham visit ( Photo : Getty ) Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy said on Wednesday that the Prime Minister must account for why the trip made by his chief adviser from London to Durham was `` so unique '' that the rules on lockdown had to be breached .
Mr Cummings has been under fire since details of a 260-mile trip from London to the North East of England he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a string of Conservative MPs calling for his sacking .
`` He 's got to decide whether he can actually account for why that situation was so unique that the rules had to be broken , and if he ca n't , then I think it 's right that he should take action to restore public confidence .
`` At the moment , we 've got a situation where both the Prime Minister and his own adviser are just refusing to resign or to sack him , and also refusing to answer basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustainable .
Something has got to change and it 's got to change very , very quickly if the public are going to have confidence . ''
Screen grab of Housing , Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick during a media briefing in Downing Street , London , on coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .

Tory MP Craig Whittaker has said Boris Johnson must realise his adviser Dominic Cummings‘ position is now “untenable”, amid growing anger among the backbenches over the revelation that the aide travelled to Durham during the lockdown.
The MP for Calder Valley is one of around 40 Conservative MPs to have called for the adviser’s dismissal, after he refused to apologise for leaving London with his wife and child. Other ministers have said its “time to move on” from the furore surrounding the adviser’s conduct, which shows no signs of abating.
He told BBC Newsnight on Monday evening that he could not “get his head around” why Mr Cummings is still in his position. Labour has accused the Government of “failing to answer basic questions” about the trip, which has caused a major crisis for No 10 since it emerged over the weekend.
‘He’s not taking responsibility for that decision’
Mr Whittaker said: “Dominic has made a decision, all I can do and all anybody can do is take that at face value.
“The problem, though, is that Dominic Cummings is not taking responsibility for that decision, and for somebody who sits on Sage and takes all the scientific advice and then advises our Prime Minister, who then advises the country, it is really untenable position to be in.
“I respect he’s taken a decision but what I can’t get my head around is why he can’t take responsibility for that decision, and surely he must realise, as the Prime Minister must realise, his position is untenable.”
When asked what happens if he doesn’t go, Mr Whittaker said: “Well that isn’t down to the backbench MPs, all we can do is try and put pressure on the Government and try and relay what our constituents are talking about, and I’m not talking about the hard Brexiteers that have been contacting us or indeed the hard Momentum people.
“I’m talking about the majority of emails in my inbox and that I’ve been dealing with for the last two months from people that have suffered real hardship because of this lockdown, this lockdown that Mr Cummings advised the Prime Minister to do.
“For the right reasons, but he must take responsibility. So that’s my view.”
‘He should take action to restore public confidence’
The Labour Party have also urged Boris Johnson to take responsibility over the scandal surrounding his adviser.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy said on Wednesday that the Prime Minister must account for why the trip made by his chief adviser from London to Durham was “so unique” that the rules on lockdown had to be breached.
She said that if Mr Johnson is unable to do so, he must take action to restore public confidence.
Mr Cummings has been under fire since details of a 260-mile trip from London to the North East of England he made with his family emerged, with a string of Conservative MPs calling for his sacking.
Speaking on the BBC’s Breakfast programme, Ms Nandy said: “The Prime Minister has got to take responsibility for this now.
“He’s got to decide whether he can actually account for why that situation was so unique that the rules had to be broken, and if he can’t, then I think it’s right that he should take action to restore public confidence.
“At the moment, we’ve got a situation where both the Prime Minister and his own adviser are just refusing to resign or to sack him, and also refusing to answer basic questions.
“That’s just not sustainable. Something has got to change and it’s got to change very, very quickly if the public are going to have confidence.”
‘Time to move on’
Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick said it is time to “move on” from the scandal over the trip to Durham.
Asked if Mr Cummings should resign, Mr Jenrick told the BBC’s Breakfast programme: “No, he shouldn’t.
“He has given his explanation to the Prime Minister, who listened and concluded that he’d acted reasonably and legally.
“The Prime Minister then asked him to give that statement on Monday to the public and to answer questions from journalists, he answered them for over an hour and now, I think, is the time for us all to move on.
“That’s not to say this isn’t an important issue or that people don’t care about it, but I think there’s a lot more that we need to focus on now.”


inews--2020-05-27--Local lockdowns: How coronavirus rules could vary around England under new plans to stop 'flare-ups'

Local lockdowns : How coronavirus rules could vary around England under new plans to stop 'flare-ups' New plans to control the virus in particular areas could see schools , businesses or workplaces close temporarily in places affected New plans to control the virus in certain areas will be part of the Government 's developing efforts to tackle the coronavirus , and could see schools , businesses or workplaces close temporarily in affected places .
Mr Hancock said at Tuesday 's Downing Street coronavirus briefing that the Government will put a system in place alongside Public Health England , the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of public health , to determine which areas of England are experiencing `` flare-ups '' of the coronavirus .
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock during a Covid-19 briefing in Downing Street ( Photo : PA ) Mr Hancock said : `` We have a system we are putting in place with a combination of Public Health England and the new joint biosecurity centre - along with the local directors of public health who play an absolutely crucial role in the decision-making in the system - to make sure if there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , '' he said .
How will it work ?
`` Over time , the Government will improve the effectiveness of these measures and introduce more reactive or localised measures through widespread , accurate monitoring of the disease , '' the plan released by the Government reads .
`` That will enable the lifting of more measures for more people , at a faster pace .
Meanwhile , the Government will continue to increase NHS and social care capacity to ensure care for all Covid-19 patients while restoring ‘ normal ’ healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test and trace system is to isolate new infections ( Photo : Andrew Milligan / POOL / AFP ) '' If there is a flare-up in one particular community - and that could be on quite a small scale like a particular workplace or school - then measures can be introduced which hopefully the public will get behind , enable us to control the virus in that locality and enable the rest of the population to have more freedom to go about their daily business , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be part of the Government 's wider track and trace system .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said England will have the system in place from June - with 25,000 contact tracers on hand to track 10,000 new cases a day .
But projections could be somewhat different to the reality , as pilots of elements of the scheme have encountered issues , including the contact tracing app which received mixed reviews on its effectiveness during its Isle of Wight trial .

Local lockdowns will be introduced in England to control regional “flare-ups” of the coronavirus, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced.
New plans to control the virus in certain areas will be part of the Government’s developing efforts to tackle the coronavirus, and could see schools, businesses or workplaces close temporarily in affected places.
Mr Hancock said at Tuesday’s Downing Street coronavirus briefing that the Government will put a system in place alongside Public Health England, the new joint bio-security centres, and local directors of public health, to determine which areas of England are experiencing “flare-ups” of the coronavirus.
The plans will form part of the Government’s test and trace system.
Mr Hancock said: “We have a system we are putting in place with a combination of Public Health England and the new joint biosecurity centre – along with the local directors of public health who play an absolutely crucial role in the decision-making in the system – to make sure if there is a local flare-up there is a local lockdown,” he said.
“And so local lockdowns will be part of the future system that we put in place as part of the NHS test and trace system.”
How will it work?
The Joint Biosecurity Centre will employ a “response function” to address local spikes in infections by working with local public health agencies.
If there is a discernible spike in cases, local schools, businesses or workplaces will close in the affected area.
“Over time, the Government will improve the effectiveness of these measures and introduce more reactive or localised measures through widespread, accurate monitoring of the disease,” the plan released by the Government reads.
“That will enable the lifting of more measures for more people, at a faster pace. Meanwhile, the Government will continue to increase NHS and social care capacity to ensure care for all Covid-19 patients while restoring ‘normal’ healthcare provision.”
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said if the system worked it would be used “on quite a micro level”.
“If there is a flare-up in one particular community – and that could be on quite a small scale like a particular workplace or school – then measures can be introduced which hopefully the public will get behind, enable us to control the virus in that locality and enable the rest of the population to have more freedom to go about their daily business,” he told BBC Breakfast.
When will it be introduced?
The measure will be part of the Government’s wider track and trace system. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said England will have the system in place from June – with 25,000 contact tracers on hand to track 10,000 new cases a day.
But projections could be somewhat different to the reality, as pilots of elements of the scheme have encountered issues, including the contact tracing app which received mixed reviews on its effectiveness during its Isle of Wight trial.
Concerns over the effectiveness of testing, with up to 29 per cent of results giving a false negative, have also been raised by a doctors’ trade union.


inews--2020-05-27--Coronavirus and lockdown: Google gives $1,000 to all global employees working from home

Coronavirus and lockdown : Google gives $ 1,000 to all global employees working from home The internet giant also told the company will slowly reopen its offices 'on a limited , rotating basis' Google was one of the first companies to tell its staff to work from home ( Photo : Ben Stanstall/Getty ) Google is to give employees up to $ 1,000 to pay for equipment to help the internet giant ’ s staff work from home , the company ’ s chief executive Sundar Pichai has told employees .
In a note to staff Mr Pichai said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Googlers will be largely working from home for the rest of this year , we ’ ll be giving each Googler an allowance of $ 1,000 , or the equivalent value in your country , to expense necessary equipment and office furniture.
” The note comes as statistics released by the Office for National Statistics show 49.2 per cent of adults in employment in the UK are currently working from home as a result of social distancing measures .
Mr Pichai said : “ There are a limited number of Googlers whose roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
If this applies to you , your manager will let you know by June 10 .
`` For everyone else , returning to the office will be voluntary through the end of the year , and we encourage you to continue to work from home if you can.
” Google was one of the first companies to tell its staff to work from home and , along with Facebook , informed employees they could stay away from the office until the end of the year .
Twitter went a step further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home `` forever '' if they wish .
Twitter , which employs more than 4,000 people , said : `` The past few months have proven we can make that work .
So if our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever , we will make that happen . ''
The Google CEO also told staff the company will slowly reopen its offices “ on a limited , rotating basis ” with about 10 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from July 6 , working up to a 30 per cent capacity by September .
He said : “ We ’ ll have rigorous health and safety measures in place to ensure social distancing and sanitisation guidelines are followed , so the office will look and feel different than when you left .
Our goal is to be fair in the way we allocate time in the office , while limiting the number of people who come in , consistent with safety protocols .
”

Google is to give employees up to $1,000 to pay for equipment to help the internet giant’s staff work from home, the company’s chief executive Sundar Pichai has said.
In a note to staff Mr Pichai said: “Because we still expect that most Googlers will be largely working from home for the rest of this year, we’ll be giving each Googler an allowance of $1,000, or the equivalent value in your country, to expense necessary equipment and office furniture.”
The note comes as statistics released by the Office for National Statistics show 49.2 per cent of adults in employment in the UK are currently working from home as a result of social distancing measures.
Mr Pichai said: “There are a limited number of Googlers whose roles are needed back in office this calendar year. If this applies to you, your manager will let you know by June 10.
“For everyone else, returning to the office will be voluntary through the end of the year, and we encourage you to continue to work from home if you can.”
Google was one of the first companies to tell its staff to work from home and, along with Facebook, informed employees they could stay away from the office until the end of the year. Twitter went a step further and has told staff they can work from home “forever” if they wish.
Twitter, which employs more than 4,000 people, said: “The past few months have proven we can make that work. So if our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen.”
Offices to slowly reopen
The Google CEO also told staff the company will slowly reopen its offices “on a limited, rotating basis” with about 10 per cent of staff working in any given office from July 6, working up to a 30 per cent capacity by September.
He said: “We’ll have rigorous health and safety measures in place to ensure social distancing and sanitisation guidelines are followed, so the office will look and feel different than when you left. Our goal is to be fair in the way we allocate time in the office, while limiting the number of people who come in.”


inews--2020-05-27--Eve Myles: 'I'm not interested in vanity. If I thought about my appearance for one second it would r

Eve Myles: 'I'm not interested in vanity. If I thought about my appearance for one second it would ruin Keeping Faith'

Eve Myles : ' I 'm not interested in vanity .
If I thought about my appearance for one second it would ruin Keeping Faith' Eve Myles was set to quit acting before ‘ Keeping Faith ’ came along .
In her latest show 'We Hunt Together ' she 's hunting serial killers When the first series of the Welsh drama Keeping Faith dropped on the BBC iPlayer in 2018 , it very quickly clocked up a record-breaking 17 million downloads .
Such was the popularity of the series about Faith Howells , a tenacious , flawed small-town lawyer whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappears , that the character ’ s yellow Joules raincoat soon had its own Twitter account .
@ faithyellowcoat , since you ask .
“ She has her own identity and gender , ” says Eve Myles , who plays Faith .
“ It ’ s just a bloody coat !
People have latched onto her because she defines Faith .
She ’ s practical , yet different and colourful .
She gives you hope and reminds you of the sun and happiness.
” The irony is , though , that she nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all .
In fact , when she was first offered the role , though she had already starred in series like Torchwood and Broadchurch , she was considering giving up acting altogether to become a medic .
“ I was having a definite wobble ” she tells me from her home in Cardiff .
“ I ’ d had a wonderful career , but after doing something for 20 years , you get to the point where you think : ‘ OK , I ’ ve really loved what I ’ ve done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m meant to do forever ?
Am I only allowed one career ?
It ’ s not enough .
I ’ m not being challenged in anything .
I need to do things that scare me ’ .
I ’ d always wanted to go into medicine , foetal sonography in particular .
That ’ s the very beginnings of life .
So I had signed up for medicine when Keeping Faith came along.
” Even then , Myles turned down the role four times .
However , her husband , the actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s dodgy husband , Evan , in Keeping Faith , urged her to reconsider .
“ He said : ‘ You ’ re only doing medicine to challenge yourself and to do something which you think you can ’ t do .
You can ’ t speak Welsh , so surely to God Keeping Faith is a challenge !
’ ” The scale of that challenge was soon obvious .
“ The producer Nora Ostler came round and sat at our kitchen table .
I remember I had big hives on my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nervous .
She said : ‘ Let ’ s have a little read of the script in Welsh ’ .
So I picked it up .
Then she leaned across the table , took the script from me and turned it the right way round .
At that point , I saw the colour drain from her face.
” Now onto its third series – production is currently postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak– Myles says that learning Welsh was “ the hardest thing I have ever done .
Every morning I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a run before the kids woke up .
I would play my lines on my phone .
I would be learning my lines as I was running .
I don ’ t know how it happened , but it all managed to go in and stay there.
” Next up , the actress is leading new six-part thriller We Hunt Together , which starts tonight on Alibi .
Itfollows a mismatched pair of cops , the troubled Lola ( Myles ) and the relentlessly positive Jackson ( Babou Ceesay , Bafta nominated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the trail of a couple of disturbed spree killers who get their kicks from ritually slaughtering their victims .
It is extremely dark and , Myles says , the perfect thing to get our hearts racing at a time when we need distraction the most .
In contrast to the sparky Faith , Lola is downbeat and haunted by demons .
“ Lola is carrying something very painful with her .
She ’ s full of grief and self-hatred and just wants to be left alone .
She doesn ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across as attractive – that would be horrific.
” Myles resolutely refused to let Lola be glammed up , and explains : “ She has to look like she ’ s not slept .
She shouldn ’ t look like she goes to the hairdresser ’ s .
She cuts her hair herself with her kitchen scissors.
” Babou Ceesay as DI Jackson Mendy and Eve Myles as DS Lola Franks in We Hunt Together ( Photo : UKTV ) In a profession dominated by pressures about how you look , Myles herself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not interested in that at all .
If I thought for a second about my appearance or my tummy sticking out or my butt showing in Keeping Faith , it would ruin it .
I just don ’ t care .
As a middle-aged woman , I find myself really drawn to actors who are raw and allow us to see all our beauty and ugliness .
I love to see the lines on people ’ s faces .
We are playing people , not aliens.
” Myles closes by making an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s millions of fans , ( who should surely be known as The Faithful ) .
The forthcoming third series will definitely be the last .
“ I can guarantee that .
There will be no Christmas or Easter specials or one-off episodes set in the Algarve , ” she says .
“ I ’ m not looking forward to the last take , and that moment when I take off Faith ’ s blue shoes , her earrings and , of course , her yellow coat for the last time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been my life for years now.
” So what will become of the legendary mac ?
“ I ’ d like her to be loved and cherished .
I hope she will go to someone prepared to bid a lot for her so we can give that money to a really great charity .
She will not be put into storage and forgotten about .
This girl has got her own Twitter account , so she won ’ t end up being eaten by moths !
”

When the first series of the Welsh drama Keeping Faith dropped on the BBC iPlayer in 2018, it very quickly clocked up a record-breaking 17 million downloads. Such was the popularity of the series about Faith Howells, a tenacious, flawed small-town lawyer whose life falls apart when her husband suddenly disappears, that the character’s yellow Joules raincoat soon had its own Twitter account. @faithyellowcoat, since you ask.
“She has her own identity and gender,” says Eve Myles, who plays Faith. “It’s just a bloody coat! People have latched onto her because she defines Faith. She’s practical, yet different and colourful. She gives you hope and reminds you of the sun and happiness.”
Unusually demanding to make – each scene is filmed once in Welsh, and then again in English – Keeping Faith has made Myles, 41, into a star.
The irony is, though, that she nearly didn’t take the part at all. In fact, when she was first offered the role, though she had already starred in series like Torchwood and Broadchurch, she was considering giving up acting altogether to become a medic.
“I was having a definite wobble” she tells me from her home in Cardiff. “I’d had a wonderful career, but after doing something for 20 years, you get to the point where you think: ‘OK, I’ve really loved what I’ve done, but is it what I’m meant to do forever? Am I only allowed one career? It’s not enough. I’m not being challenged in anything. I need to do things that scare me’. I’d always wanted to go into medicine, foetal sonography in particular. That’s the very beginnings of life. So I had signed up for medicine when Keeping Faith came along.”
Even then, Myles turned down the role four times. However, her husband, the actor Bradley Freegard, who also plays Faith’s dodgy husband, Evan, in Keeping Faith, urged her to reconsider. “He said: ‘You’re only doing medicine to challenge yourself and to do something which you think you can’t do. You can’t speak Welsh, so surely to God Keeping Faith is a challenge!’”
The scale of that challenge was soon obvious. “The producer Nora Ostler came round and sat at our kitchen table. I remember I had big hives on my neck and chest because I was so nervous. She said: ‘Let’s have a little read of the script in Welsh’. So I picked it up. Then she leaned across the table, took the script from me and turned it the right way round. At that point, I saw the colour drain from her face.”
Now onto its third series – production is currently postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak– Myles says that learning Welsh was “the hardest thing I have ever done. Every morning I would get up at 5.30 and go for a run before the kids woke up. I would play my lines on my phone. I would be learning my lines as I was running. I don’t know how it happened, but it all managed to go in and stay there.”
All the same, she adds: “I’m still petrified. Every time I open my mouth and speak Welsh, I still think: ‘Who the hell is speaking?’ It’s like an out of body experience. But doing Keeping Faith was just what I needed.”
Next up, the actress is leading new six-part thriller We Hunt Together, which starts on Wednesday on Alibi. It follows a mismatched pair of cops, the troubled Lola (Myles) and the relentlessly positive Jackson (Babou Ceesay, Bafta nominated for Damilola, Our Loved Boy), on the trail of a couple of disturbed spree killers who get their kicks from ritually slaughtering their victims. It is extremely dark and, Myles says, the perfect thing to get our hearts racing at a time when we need distraction the most.
In contrast to the sparky Faith, Lola is downbeat and haunted by demons. “Lola is carrying something very painful with her. She’s full of grief and self-hatred and just wants to be left alone. She doesn’t want to be visible to anyone or come across as attractive – that would be horrific.”
Myles resolutely refused to let Lola be glammed up, and explains: “She has to look like she’s not slept. She shouldn’t look like she goes to the hairdresser’s. She cuts her hair herself with her kitchen scissors.”
In a profession dominated by pressures about how you look, Myles herself is refreshingly un-vain. “I’m not interested in that at all. If I thought for a second about my appearance or my tummy sticking out or my butt showing in Keeping Faith, it would ruin it. I just don’t care. As a middle-aged woman, I find myself really drawn to actors who are raw and allow us to see all our beauty and ugliness. I love to see the lines on people’s faces. We are playing people, not aliens.”
Myles closes by making an announcement that will sorely disappoint Keeping Faith’s millions of fans, (who should surely be known as The Faithful). The forthcoming third series will definitely be the last. “I can guarantee that. There will be no Christmas or Easter specials or one-off episodes set in the Algarve,” she says. “I’m not looking forward to the last take, and that moment when I take off Faith’s blue shoes, her earrings and, of course, her yellow coat for the last time. That will be hard. It’s been my life for years now.”
So what will become of the legendary mac? “I’d like her to be loved and cherished. I hope she will go to someone prepared to bid a lot for her so we can give that money to a really great charity. She will not be put into storage and forgotten about. This girl has got her own Twitter account, so she won’t end up being eaten by moths!”
We Hunt Together begins on Alibi on Wednesday at 10pm


inews--2020-05-27--Twitter labels Donald Trump's tweets 'potentially misleading' for the first time, prompting furious

Twitter labels Donald Trump's tweets 'potentially misleading' for the first time, prompting furious reaction

Twitter labels Donald Trump 's tweets 'potentially misleading ' for the first time , prompting furious reaction Donald Trump has said the fact-check on his claims about postal voting are 'stifling free speech' Donald Trump has claimed Twitter is stifling free speech after the social media site labelled two of his tweets criticising postal voting as `` potentially misleading '' .
Twitter announced it would start applying labels to tweets containing moderately disputed or misleading information and concealing more severe claims behind warning screens earlier this month in response to criticism over its handling of misinformation relating to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter has applied any form of warning to Mr Tump 's tweets , prompting him to claim the company was interfering in the forthcoming US presidential election .
The US president tweeted twice on Tuesday stating there was `` no way that mail-in ballots will be anything less than substantially fraudulent '' and would cause `` a rigged election '' .
He also claimed that Gavin Newsom , the governor of California , was sending ballots to `` millions of people '' in other states , following the state 's recent decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in reaction as a consequence of the pandemic .
Mr Trump 's tweets display a label reading : `` Get the facts about mail-in ballots '' , linking to a series of tweets and articles from The Washington Post , CNN and NBC debunking the claims , pointing out there is no evidence that postal ballots are linked to voter fraud .
`` Twitter is now interfering in the 2020 presidential election , '' Mr Trump retaliated .
`` They are saying my statement on mail-in ballots , which will lead to massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on fact-checking by Fake News CNN and the Amazon Washington Post .
`` Twitter is completely stifling free speech , and I , as President , will not allow it to happen ! ''
A spokesperson for the company said the tweets contained `` potentially misleading information about voting processes and have been labeled to provide additional context around mail-in ballots.
” Twitter has been criticised for failing to regulate Mr Trump 's inflammatory tweets in the past .
The US president told a group of Democratic Congresswomen of colour to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweets last July , which Twitter claimed did not violate its rules despite its guidelines claiming to be `` committed to combating abuse motivated by hatred , prejudice or intolerance , particularly abuse that seeks to silence the voices of those who have been historically marginalised . ''
The platform has also struggled to curb the circulation of fake news and other misinformation , with chief executive Jack Dorsey stating the company can `` only stand for freedom of expression if people feel safe to express themselves in the first place '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its definition of harmful tweets in March , removing posts that deny health authority recommendations and established scientific facts around the pandemic in an effort to prevent users spreading false cures and conspiracy theories around the virus .

Donald Trump has claimed Twitter is stifling free speech after the social media site labelled two of his tweets criticising postal voting as “potentially misleading”.
Twitter announced it would start applying labels to tweets containing moderately disputed or misleading information and concealing more severe claims behind warning screens earlier this month in response to criticism over its handling of misinformation relating to the coronavirus outbreak.
It is the first time Twitter has applied any form of warning to Mr Trump’s tweets, prompting him to claim the company was interfering in the forthcoming US presidential election.
The US president tweeted twice on Tuesday stating there was “no way that mail-in ballots will be anything less than substantially fraudulent” and would cause “a rigged election”.
‘Get the facts’
He also claimed that Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, was sending ballots to “millions of people” in other states, following the state’s recent decision to switch entirely to postal voting in November in reaction as a consequence of the pandemic.
Mr Trump’s tweets display a label reading: “Get the facts about mail-in ballots”, linking to a series of tweets and articles from The Washington Post, CNN and NBC debunking the claims, pointing out there is no evidence that postal ballots are linked to voter fraud.
“Twitter is now interfering in the 2020 presidential election,” Mr Trump retaliated. “They are saying my statement on mail-in ballots, which will lead to massive corruption and fraud, is incorrect, based on fact-checking by Fake News CNN and the Amazon Washington Post.
“Twitter is completely stifling free speech, and I, as President, will not allow it to happen!”
A spokesperson for the company said the tweets contained “potentially misleading information about voting processes and have been labeled to provide additional context around mail-in ballots.”
Trump vs Twitter
Twitter has been criticised for failing to regulate Mr Trump’s inflammatory tweets in the past. The US president told a group of Democratic Congresswomen of colour to “go home” in a series of tweets last July, which Twitter claimed did not violate its rules despite its guidelines claiming to be “committed to combating abuse motivated by hatred, prejudice or intolerance, particularly abuse that seeks to silence the voices of those who have been historically marginalised.”
Read More What is ‘Obamagate’? Donald Trump’s unsubstantiated Twitter tirade about Barack Obama, explained
The platform has also struggled to curb the circulation of fake news and other misinformation, with chief executive Jack Dorsey stating the company can “only stand for freedom of expression if people feel safe to express themselves in the first place”.
The coronavirus outbreak forced Twitter to widen its definition of harmful tweets in March, removing posts that deny health authority recommendations and established scientific facts around the pandemic in an effort to prevent users spreading false cures and conspiracy theories around the virus.


inews--2020-05-27--Pick For Britain jobs near me: how to apply for UK fruit picking jobs after Government appeal

Pick For Britain jobs near me : how to apply for UK fruit picking jobs after Government appeal A new farming campaign is here to offer work for those who have lost their jobs because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic This is what you need to know about signing up to pick fruit and veg ( Photo : Shutterstock ) A new government website , Pick for Britain , aims to connect those who have found themselves without work due to coronavirus and farms who are facing labour shortages .
This is everything you need to know , from what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
What is the campaign ?
The Pick for Britain website states : “ Pick for Britain helps bring workers and employers together and ensures the UK can continue to deliver the best quality British fruit and veg for everyone to enjoy .
The website explains that “ some of the work will depend on the weather , so flexibility in terms of hours you work will be required ” and that “ a good level of fitness is usually required ” .
What work is available ?
There are four main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , depending on the farm you apply to .
Picking will include working outside in the fields , in polytunnels or glasshouses , picking fruit and vegetables such as strawberries , apples , peppers and asparagus .
What are hours and pay like ?
This is what you need to know in regards to questions you might have about things like pay , hours and training : Those working on the farms will be classed as key workers by the government , which means that you will be able to travel to and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be able to attend their local school as a child of a key worker .
Furloughed workers can sign up for Pick for Britain as long as their contract with their current employer allows it , or their employer agrees .
How to sign up ?
To see what jobs are available , just head to the jobs section of the Pick for Britain website here .
You ’ ll then be able to see a list of available jobs - click on the job you ’ re interested in and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that specific employer .
If you own a farm or small business and need to advertise individual jobs , you can use the government ’ s free ‘ find a job ’ service to advertise your vacancies to those looking for work .

A new government website, Pick for Britain, aims to connect those who have found themselves without work due to coronavirus and farms who are facing labour shortages.
This is everything you need to know, from what work is available to how to sign up.
What is the campaign?
The Pick for Britain website states: “Pick for Britain helps bring workers and employers together and ensures the UK can continue to deliver the best quality British fruit and veg for everyone to enjoy.
“Here, you will find growers, recruiters, and agencies that have job opportunities across the country.”
There is a wide range of roles available to choose from, varying from business to business.
The website explains that “some of the work will depend on the weather, so flexibility in terms of hours you work will be required” and that “a good level of fitness is usually required”.
The campaign is in partnership with:
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Association of Labour Providers
British Growers
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
National Farmers Union
What work is available?
There are four main types of work you could be undertaking, depending on the farm you apply to.
Picking will include working outside in the fields, in polytunnels or glasshouses, picking fruit and vegetables such as strawberries, apples, peppers and asparagus.
Packing will involve working in a packhouse to sort the fruit or vegetables and pack into units, ready for distribution.
Plant husbandry is all about keeping plants and farms healthy, and will require tasks such as planting, weeding, plant management and maintenance.
Farms may also have vacancies for workers to operate forklifts, tractors and vans.
What are hours and pay like?
This is what you need to know in regards to questions you might have about things like pay, hours and training:
Pay: your pay will be dependent on your employer and the time of work you do – however, you will always be paid at leads the national minimum/living wage
Hours: farms tend to work from first thing in the morning under mid-late afternoon, with packing done in shifts that can carry on until later in the day. Your hours will, again, be dependent on the employer and the type of work, so you’ll need to discuss this with the farm you apply to
Training: where necessary, full training will be given to individuals
Age: you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to work on the farms, but depending on the farm there may be some roles available for those as young as 16
Those working on the farms will be classed as key workers by the government, which means that you will be able to travel to and from work, and your children may still be able to attend their local school as a child of a key worker.
Furloughed workers can sign up for Pick for Britain as long as their contract with their current employer allows it, or their employer agrees.
Individual farms may also offer volunteer positions.
How to sign up?
To see what jobs are available, just head to the jobs section of the Pick for Britain website here.
You can narrow your search to England, Scotland or Wales, or alternatively do a national search instead.
You’ll then be able to see a list of available jobs – click on the job you’re interested in and you’ll be taken to the website for that specific employer.
From there, you’ll see the details of how to apply for that role on the individual websites.
Information for employers
If you own a farm or small business and need to advertise individual jobs, you can use the government’s free ‘find a job’ service to advertise your vacancies to those looking for work.
If you are a GLAA licensed recruitment company, or a grower, that has their own employment website, then Pick for Britain can add a link to your website on the jobs page.
You can submit your request for this on the Pick for Britain website by filling out the short online form.
The form requires the following information:


inews--2020-05-27--Costa Coffee open near me: 58 branches opening for drive thru or takeaway this week - how to check i

Costa Coffee open near me: 58 branches opening for drive thru or takeaway this week - how to check if your local store is open

Costa Coffee open near me : 58 branches opening for drive thru or takeaway this week - how to check if your local store is open Businesses in the food and drink industry are beginning to slowly reopen their doors to the public as lockdown rules ease This is what you need to know about Costa opening more branches ( Photo : Shutterstock ) It 's been announced by Costa Coffee that 58 branches will be opened this week for takeaway , delivery and drive thru , following the 75 drive thru branches which were opened last week .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 May .
Costa Coffee aims to reopen all drive-thru lanes over the coming weeks .
In an announcement , Costa stated : “ Our store teams have responded well to our new ways of working , which has given us confidence that we can reopen more stores.
” Is it safe for Costa to reopen for takeaway ?
Costa has also revealed new social distancing and hygiene measures at its reopened stores in order to keep workers and customers safe .
“ To keep our store teams and customers safe , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to how we serve our coffee , introducing social distancing and enhancing our hygiene procedures , ” the customer notice explained .
How to check if your local branch is open To check if your local branch is opening for drive-thru or takeaway , you can use the Costa store locator tool .
You can let the tool use your current location to search for branches , or you can enter your location manually .
The Costa map will then show you all available Costa machines in supermarkets , express stores and drive-thru @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UberEats app or website and see Costa available , just tap on the cafe and you ’ ll be able to see the menu available for delivery .
You can order hot drinks , iced drinks and food items as well such as pasties and sandwiches .
Add your desired items to your basket , go to the check out and a delivery driver will contactlessly drop off your items .
Thank you to the NHS

It’s been announced by Costa Coffee that a total of 316 branches are now open for delivery, takeaway or drive-thru services.
Here’s what you need to know.
Which Costa Coffee shops are reopening?
Taking to Twitter, Costa announced: “We’re opening a further 97 stores today [28 May] including 58 Drive-Thru, and 39 trialling takeaway only, taking the total amount of stores open to 316.”
In an announcement, Costa stated: “Our store teams have responded well to our new ways of working, which has given us confidence that we can reopen more stores.”
You can see the full list of 316 Costa stores that have opened across the UK here.
Is it safe for Costa to reopen for takeaway?
Costa has also revealed new social distancing and hygiene measures at its reopened stores in order to keep workers and customers safe.
“To keep our store teams and customers safe, we’ve made a lot of changes to how we serve our coffee, introducing social distancing and enhancing our hygiene procedures,” the customer notice explained.
What are the new rules for customers?
For customers looking to get their caffeine fix from Costa, there are some new rules you should be aware of that are being implemented in store.
For takeaway orders, you’ll need to look out for and follow the floor signs that indicate safe, two metre distancing. These signs will be found both inside and outside of the store. You’ll be called up to the counter to order, one customer at a time, and a member of the team will greet you from behind a perspex screen. Your order will be then collected from the counter.
A hand sanitiser station has also been placed near every store entrance for customers to use.
Customers cannot sit in the cafes, and payments must be cashless and contactless.
For drive-thru orders, the lanes will be open as usual. To support social distancing, you’ll see that a new extendable shelf has been installed, which allows for baristas to pass you your order with no contact.
How to check if your local branch is open
To check if your local branch is opening for drive-thru or takeaway, you can use the Costa store locator tool.
You can let the tool use your current location to search for branches, or you can enter your location manually.
The Costa map will then show you all available Costa machines in supermarkets, express stores and drive-thru stores.
Which Costa branches are delivering?
Costa also has 14 stores available for delivery only via UberEats.
If you head onto the UberEats app or website and see Costa available, just tap on the cafe and you’ll be able to see the menu available for delivery.
You can order hot drinks, iced drinks and food items as well such as pasties and sandwiches.
Add your desired items to your basket, go to the check out and a delivery driver will contactlessly drop off your items.
These are the stores available for delivery:
Avonmeads Retail Park, BS2 0SP
Birmingham, Navigation Street, B2 4BS
Edinburgh South Bridge, EH1 1HN
Leeds Crown Point Retail Park, LS10 1ET
Leicester, St George’s Retail Park, LE1 1SG
Manchester Oxford Road, M13 9BL
Newcastle Gallowgate Wellbar, NE1 4TD
Peckham Rye Lane, SE15 5EW
Peterborough Brotherhood, PE4 6ZR
Plymouth New George, PL1 1RJ
Richmond, TW9 1DN
Romford Pavillion, RM1 1AU
Tooley Street, SE1 2RS
Whitechapel, E1 7PU
Thank you to the NHS
As part of the process of reopening stores, Costa wants to keep supporting “everyone who’s keeping the country moving”.
Costa said: “Over the past week we have delivered another hundred thousand Ready-to-Drink Costa Coffee cans to key workers, providing a well deserved coffee break to those working in hospitals, police and fire stations and NHS call centres, to name a few.”