inews--2020-04-28--I haven't seen my girlfriend for six weeks - this lockdown has changed us as a couple

I have n't seen my girlfriend for six weeks - this lockdown has changed us as a couple In our physical absence , we have been more present for one another than ever Thanks to all these tricky lockdown laws , I haven ’ t seen my girlfriend for six weeks .
She lives in Brighton and I in London and , although I think I could make it all the way there on my bicycle ( I ’ ve done it before , once , with younger legs and a better bike ) , we ’ ve been sensible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to us as a couple and has always formed the foundation of how we communicate best .
For the first three weeks , I was in shock from such a brutal and sudden separation .
I was so accustomed to our twice-weekly overnights and occasional mini-breaks , and trying to get my head around this strange new world of sexual prohibition ( for non co-habiting couples ) took time .
It seemed as if , literally overnight , all of our favourite things were forbidden and , like so many other lovers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relegated to the internet , phone and , most shocking of all , snail mail .
Yet all was not lost .
We ’ ve been together over three years now but , if our relationship were represented by a pie , then the physical connection would be at least half of that and , certainly , the rest of the pie has benefited from more attention .
Without being able to enjoy the obvious tangible connection we ’ ve had to ‘ meet ’ and get to know each other in other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about attending pub quizzes or parties via Zoom together , but about postcards , playlists and gifts - delivered .
Each gesture , however small , reminds the other that they matter ; that they are held in mind , and missed .
This is so important , and can go overlooked at other , more ‘ normal ’ times .
Now that we can no longer communicate via our bodies , we talk every night before bed , for at least half an hour .
This is completely new for us and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer more verbal support and get a deeper insight into the day-to-day life challenges each of us faces .
We have had important , and sometimes tricky , conversations about the future and reflected more upon our past .
Hearing someone you love at their lowest and just listening , not being able to assure them you ’ ll see them soon , or make a visit , also builds intimacy , and takes some courage .
In our physical absence , we have been , perhaps , more present for one another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how amazing the mind is , particularly the intersection between memory and imagination .
If I close my eyes and focus for a minute , I can remember how it feels to be together , skin-on-skin , and then project that image into the future , consoling myself with our happy reunion that will be coming one day soon .
Knowing that my girlfriend does this too feels surprisingly connecting .
I can only conclude that three years of ups and downs , separation and connection , fights and make-ups has left its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have also experienced the link between abstinence and self-development .
Patience has never been my strong point , but I have a stronger sense now of why religious people fast , or give things up for periods of time – how self-denial can be a kind of worship , and point towards a higher purpose .
There is actually something quite devotional about just waiting ( and waiting ) , sitting with the discomfort when desires can ’ t be met .
Realising how much I took for granted - those small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journey together - my gratitude for my girlfriend has been amplified .
Coming to the realisation that a loved one , or our access to them , could be snatched away from us at any point is disturbing .
It is , however , also an inevitable part of being mortal .
It brings us closer to the essence of humanity ; we find new edges we didn ’ t know , and also break through limitations .
But can such gratitude last , and should it , really ?
When we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will , surely , inevitably experience a degree of ( healthy ) complacency .
It is naive to think that we will always remain so acutely aware of the preciousness of the other .
That would just be impossible - and annoying .
Yet this phase of physical separation – our personal relationship lockdown - will have changed us as a couple , and individuals , and that will have a big impact on our relationship .
It has re-routed us I think , crystallising priorities and thus impacting future decisions whilst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pie that needed shading .
Perhaps that is the best way to think of this period of separation : an opportunity to rebalance , challenge and deepen our relationship rather than an awful time to be endured .
That said , I just can ’ t wait for our reunion and that first kiss .
Until then , I ’ ll just imagine .

Thanks to all these tricky lockdown laws, I haven’t seen my girlfriend for six weeks. She lives in Brighton and I in London and, although I think I could make it all the way there on my bicycle (I’ve done it before, once, with younger legs and a better bike), we’ve been sensible this whole time.
That’s 42 days and counting, with no clear idea when this tormenting separation will end. There are just 55 miles between us and yet it may as well be 500.
Touch is very important to us as a couple and has always formed the foundation of how we communicate best. For the first three weeks, I was in shock from such a brutal and sudden separation. I was so accustomed to our twice-weekly overnights and occasional mini-breaks, and trying to get my head around this strange new world of sexual prohibition (for non co-habiting couples) took time. It seemed as if, literally overnight, all of our favourite things were forbidden and, like so many other lovers around the globe, we were now relegated to the internet, phone and, most shocking of all, snail mail.
Yet all was not lost. We’ve been together over three years now but, if our relationship were represented by a pie, then the physical connection would be at least half of that and, certainly, the rest of the pie has benefited from more attention. Without being able to enjoy the obvious tangible connection we’ve had to ‘meet’ and get to know each other in other ways. I’m not talking about attending pub quizzes or parties via Zoom together, but about postcards, playlists and gifts – delivered. Each gesture, however small, reminds the other that they matter; that they are held in mind, and missed. This is so important, and can go overlooked at other, more ‘normal’ times.
Now that we can no longer communicate via our bodies, we talk every night before bed, for at least half an hour. This is completely new for us and has been revelatory – a chance to offer more verbal support and get a deeper insight into the day-to-day life challenges each of us faces. We have had important, and sometimes tricky, conversations about the future and reflected more upon our past.
Hearing someone you love at their lowest and just listening, not being able to assure them you’ll see them soon, or make a visit, also builds intimacy, and takes some courage. In our physical absence, we have been, perhaps, more present for one another than ever.
Read more From surrendering to meltdowns, what being treated for addiction taught me about coping during lockdown
I have also experienced how amazing the mind is, particularly the intersection between memory and imagination. If I close my eyes and focus for a minute, I can remember how it feels to be together, skin-on-skin, and then project that image into the future, consoling myself with our happy reunion that will be coming one day soon. Knowing that my girlfriend does this too feels surprisingly connecting. I can only conclude that three years of ups and downs, separation and connection, fights and make-ups has left its mark upon my mind, indelibly.
‘Realising how much I took for granted, my gratitude for my girlfriend has been amplified’
I have also experienced the link between abstinence and self-development. Patience has never been my strong point, but I have a stronger sense now of why religious people fast, or give things up for periods of time – how self-denial can be a kind of worship, and point towards a higher purpose. There is actually something quite devotional about just waiting (and waiting), sitting with the discomfort when desires can’t be met.
Realising how much I took for granted – those small things, a quick coffee or car journey together – my gratitude for my girlfriend has been amplified. Coming to the realisation that a loved one, or our access to them, could be snatched away from us at any point is disturbing. It is, however, also an inevitable part of being mortal. It brings us closer to the essence of humanity; we find new edges we didn’t know, and also break through limitations.
But can such gratitude last, and should it, really? When we are able to see one another regularly again we will, surely, inevitably experience a degree of (healthy) complacency. It is naive to think that we will always remain so acutely aware of the preciousness of the other. That would just be impossible – and annoying. Yet this phase of physical separation – our personal relationship lockdown – will have changed us as a couple, and individuals, and that will have a big impact on our relationship.
It has re-routed us I think, crystallising priorities and thus impacting future decisions whilst also filling out those other parts of the pie that needed shading. Perhaps that is the best way to think of this period of separation: an opportunity to rebalance, challenge and deepen our relationship rather than an awful time to be endured. That said, I just can’t wait for our reunion and that first kiss. Until then, I’ll just imagine.
Lucy Fry is an author, journalist and speaker


inews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Matt Hancock confronted by son of NHS doctor who died from Covid-19 over lack of PPE

Coronavirus : Matt Hancock confronted by son of NHS doctor who died from Covid-19 over lack of PPE A total of 82 NHS staff have died from Covid-19 , as well as a number of care workers Matt Hancock has been confronted by the human cost of one of the most controversial aspects of the Government ’ s response to coronavirus - the shortages of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for frontline NHS workers .
The Prime Minister may claim that the UK has achieved “ success ” in keeping the NHS operating within capacity throughout the outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nurses is an issue which will continue to haunt his Government .
During a live phone-in on LBC on Tuesday morning , the Health Secretary was challenged by the son of Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury , a 53-year-old consultant urologist who died of Covid-19 earlier this month , two weeks after appealing to Boris Johnson to urgently provide every NHS worker with PPE .
One of the Government ’ s five tests for easing the lockdown is being able to meet demand for PPE and testing , but the story from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from being met .
Complaints about a lack of PPE for frontline workers have been made for weeks , and an investigation by the BBC Panorama programme found that the Government failed to stockpile in advance of a pandemic , with no gowns , swabs , visors or body bags .
Intisar Chowdhury told Mr Hancock : “ Do you regret not taking my dad ’ s concerns , my 11-year-old sister ’ s dad ’ s concerns and my wife ’ s husband 's concerns seriously enough for my dad that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Secretary replied : “ Intisar , I ’ m really sorry about your dad ’ s death and I have seen the comments you ’ ve made and what you ’ ve said in public and I think it ’ s very brave of you .
“ We took very , very seriously what your father said and we ’ ve been working around the clock to ensure that there ’ s enough protective equipment .
“ In the case of anybody who works in the NHS or in social care and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in each case to find out the reasons where they might have caught it and what lessons we can learn.
” Asking the Health Secretary for an apology , Mr Chowdhury said : “ The public is not expecting the Government to handle this perfectly - none of us are expecting perfection , we ’ re expecting progression .
“ We just want you to openly acknowledge that there have been mistakes in handling the virus , especially to me and to so many families that have really lost loved ones as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of the Government not handling it seriously enough .
Mr Hancock replied : “ I think that it is very important that we 're constantly learning about how to do these things better and I think listening to the voices on the frontline is a very , very important part of how we improve .
”

Matt Hancock has been confronted by the human cost of one of the most controversial aspects of the Government’s response to coronavirus – the shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline NHS workers.
The Prime Minister may claim that the UK has achieved “success” in keeping the NHS operating within capacity throughout the outbreak, but the lack of PPE for doctors and nurses is an issue which will continue to haunt his Government.
During a live phone-in on LBC on Tuesday morning, the Health Secretary was challenged by the son of Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, a 53-year-old consultant urologist who died of Covid-19 earlier this month, two weeks after appealing to Boris Johnson to urgently provide every NHS worker with PPE.
A total of 82 NHS staff have died from Covid-19, as well as a number of care workers.
Failed to stockpile
One of the Government’s five tests for easing the lockdown is being able to meet demand for PPE and testing, but the story from the frontline is that this target is far from being met.
Complaints about a lack of PPE for frontline workers have been made for weeks, and an investigation by the BBC Panorama programme found that the Government failed to stockpile in advance of a pandemic, with no gowns, swabs, visors or body bags.
Intisar Chowdhury told Mr Hancock: “Do you regret not taking my dad’s concerns, my 11-year-old sister’s dad’s concerns and my wife’s husband’s concerns seriously enough for my dad that we’ve all lost?”
The Health Secretary replied: “Intisar, I’m really sorry about your dad’s death and I have seen the comments you’ve made and what you’ve said in public and I think it’s very brave of you.
“We took very, very seriously what your father said and we’ve been working around the clock to ensure that there’s enough protective equipment.
“In the case of anybody who works in the NHS or in social care and has died from coronavirus we look into it in each case to find out the reasons where they might have caught it and what lessons we can learn.”
‘Acknowledge mistakes’
He said that thousands of people were “doing everything they can” to solve issues with PPE despite complicated logistical problems.
Asking the Health Secretary for an apology, Mr Chowdhury said: “The public is not expecting the Government to handle this perfectly – none of us are expecting perfection, we’re expecting progression.
Read More Coronavirus: doctor who urged PM to provide more protective kit dies
“We just want you to openly acknowledge that there have been mistakes in handling the virus, especially to me and to so many families that have really lost loved ones as a result of this virus and probably as a result of the Government not handling it seriously enough.
“Openly acknowledging your mistake is not an admission of guilt, it is genuinely just making you seem more human.”
Mr Hancock replied: “I think that it is very important that we’re constantly learning about how to do these things better and I think listening to the voices on the frontline is a very, very important part of how we improve.”


inews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus contact tracing: Why the NHS rejected Apple and Google's app system

Coronavirus contact tracing : Why the NHS rejected Apple and Google 's app system The NHS has opted to make contact matches using a centralised system , while Apple and Google have pushed for a decentralised approach The contact tracing API ( application program interface ) has been designed to be integrated into health organisations ' apps across the world , and uses Bluetooth to track a user 's proximity to other phones ( and therefore phone owners ) .
Once a person informs an app they 've contracted Covid-19 , an alert is sent to all phones the user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 14 days advising them to start self-isolating or seeking medical help .
Apple and Google 's system uses a decentralised matching process , meaning matches between contacts are determined locally on the device concerned , rather than sent to a central computer server .
It allows a phone to change its ID over time and allows the user to authorise the release of the phones ' IDs to a decentralised set of healthcare provider databases .
This cryptography-based approach is designed to ensure individuals can not be tracked by governments or hackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter a code from their healthcare provider after testing positive for the virus to avoid trolls gaming the system and declaring themselves infected when they 're not .
Why is the NHS choosing a centralised model ?
`` The principal aim is to give notifications to people who are most at risk of having got infected , and not to people who are much lower risk .
It 's probably easier to do that with a centralised system . ''
`` It 's not there yet , '' he said .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process : first of all trying to make an API available , allowing those developing contact tracing apps to more effectively do so , and second stage to develop their own contact tracing product .
But we 're some way from that second stage , so actually waiting for them , I think , would slow us down considerably .
`` There 's a wider question about the centralised versus decentralised question and whether we should be going for a decentralised approach along the lines they 've talked about .
I would say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false dichotomy here , between : 'centralised equals non-privacy secure , decentralised is privacy friendly ' .
`` We firmly believe both , that our approach , though it has a measure of centralisation in as much as you 're uploading the anonymised identifiers in order to run the cascades , nonetheless preserves people 's privacy in doing so - we do n't see that as a privacy-endangering step . ''
The app may recommend people go and get tested where possible ( Photo : Getty ) '' That will allow us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wider contact graph of how the risk is propagating more widely - what the contacts are between people , albeit on an anonymous basis .
That will allow us , over time , to hone the algorithm [ dictating how closely someone 's come into contact with another ] .
`` Just to be clear , we have identifiers rather than identities , the data sits on people 's phones until they choose to share it with us , so there are a series of protections that allow people to be confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being protected , even as it allows us at the same time to hone the algorithm and develop a more sophisticated risk model . ''
Previously , the NHS app would only be able to collect data while the phone 's screen was actively open on the app , meaning it would n't gather data in the background or while another app was open , which would have significant implications for a device 's battery life .
Apple has now agreed to let compliant apps run Bluetooth scanning in the background , preserving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution involving alerting the app in the background every time it comes across another phone with the same app .
The NHS has been advised by GCHQ 's National Cyber Security Centre in relation to the new app , the BBC added .
Why are some experts pushing for a decentralised approach ?
The app has been heralded as potentially important for fascilitating a return to 'normal ' for the UK ( Photo : Getty )

The NHS’ coronavirus contact tracing app will not use the system developed by Apple and Google, despite fears its methods will not be as secure or efficient.
The two tech giants announced they would be working together to create a system using smartphones to trace whether a person has come into contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19 and alert them earlier this month.
The contact tracing API (application program interface) has been designed to be integrated into health organisations’ apps across the world, and uses Bluetooth to track a user’s proximity to other phones (and therefore phone owners). Once a person informs an app they’ve contracted Covid-19, an alert is sent to all phones the user has come into contact with over the past 14 days advising them to start self-isolating or seeking medical help.
The NHS plans to launch its contact-tracing app in the next few weeks, which Matthew Gould, chief executive of NHS tech arm NHSX and app head Dr Geraint Lewis said could be “important in helping the country return to normality and beating coronavirus.”
Centralised vs decentralised systems
Apple and Google’s system uses a decentralised matching process, meaning matches between contacts are determined locally on the device concerned, rather than sent to a central computer server. It allows a phone to change its ID over time and allows the user to authorise the release of the phones’ IDs to a decentralised set of healthcare provider databases.
Read More Coronavirus: How Apple and Google’s tracing system works and why privacy is important
This cryptography-based approach is designed to ensure individuals cannot be tracked by governments or hackers. The user will be required to enter a code from their healthcare provider after testing positive for the virus to avoid trolls gaming the system and declaring themselves infected when they’re not.
The NHS has decided against the approach in favour of a centralised model where the potential matches are determined on a centralised British server, according to the BBC.
This puts the NHS in charge of who is contacted and when and storing and processing the IDs of all phones a device has come into contact to on its own servers.
When a phone pushes information to servers run by the health organisations across the world using Apple and Google’s approach, it appears as a series of randomised numbers, making it less likely governments can use the data to conduct surveillance, the companies claim.
Why is the NHS choosing a centralised model?
The NHS believes a centralised model will give the organisation greater insight into the spread of the virus and allow it to adapt the app to changes more rapidly.
“One of the advantages is that it’s easier to audit the system and adapt it more quickly as scientific evidence accumulates,” Prof Christophe Fraser, one of the epidemiologists advising NHSX, told the BBC.
“The principal aim is to give notifications to people who are most at risk of having got infected, and not to people who are much lower risk. It’s probably easier to do that with a centralised system.”
Mr Gould and Dr Lewis said that data collected by the app with only ever be used for NHS care, management, evaluation and research, adding that the team has “prioritised security and privacy in all stages of the app’s development”.
Giving evidence to the Science and Technology committee on Tuesday, Mr Gould said that while NHSX was working “very closely” with Apple and Google, the tech giants’ approach was itself evolving.
“It’s not there yet,” he said. “They’ve said they’ll do a two-stage process: first of all trying to make an API available, allowing those developing contact tracing apps to more effectively do so, and second stage to develop their own contact tracing product. But we’re some way from that second stage, so actually waiting for them, I think, would slow us down considerably.
“There’s a wider question about the centralised versus decentralised question and whether we should be going for a decentralised approach along the lines they’ve talked about. I would say I think there is something of a false dichotomy here, between: ‘centralised equals non-privacy secure, decentralised is privacy friendly’.
“We firmly believe both, that our approach, though it has a measure of centralisation in as much as you’re uploading the anonymised identifiers in order to run the cascades, nonetheless preserves people’s privacy in doing so – we don’t see that as a privacy-endangering step.”
He added that the app would work by keeping a record of the anonymised tokens of people’s phones they’ve come into contact with.
“That data will stay on people’s phones until such a point as they become symptomatic, at which point they will have the option to give us the list of those randomised IDs,” he said.
“That will allow us to give a cascade of warnings… and a wider contact graph of how the risk is propagating more widely – what the contacts are between people, albeit on an anonymous basis. That will allow us, over time, to hone the algorithm [dictating how closely someone’s come into contact with another].
“Just to be clear, we have identifiers rather than identities, the data sits on people’s phones until they choose to share it with us, so there are a series of protections that allow people to be confident in using it that their privacy is being protected, even as it allows us at the same time to hone the algorithm and develop a more sophisticated risk model.”
Mr Gould admitted that reaching a sufficient amount of people downloading and using that app for it to be effective will be “tough” and require “an enormous comms effort”.
Background data collection
Previously, the NHS app would only be able to collect data while the phone’s screen was actively open on the app, meaning it wouldn’t gather data in the background or while another app was open, which would have significant implications for a device’s battery life.
Apple has now agreed to let compliant apps run Bluetooth scanning in the background, preserving battery life, with the NHS’ solution involving alerting the app in the background every time it comes across another phone with the same app. The NHS has been advised by GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre in relation to the new app, the BBC added.
“Engineers have met several core challenges for the app to meet public health needs and support detection of contact events sufficiently well, including when the app is in the background, without excessively affecting battery life,” an NHSX spokesperson said.
“This has been achieved using standard Google and Apple published API while adhering to the Bluetooth Low Energy Standard 4.0 and above.”
Why are some experts pushing for a decentralised approach?
Privacy and IT security experts have warned against a centralised approach for contact-tracing apps, with a group of France-based experts warning the country against such an approach in an open letter published on Sunday.
A letter signed by close to 300 academics from across the world last week claimed citizen trust in the apps is crucial in encouraging their uptake and making a difference in tackling the pandemic.
“It is vital that, in coming out of the current crisis, we do not create a tool that enables large scale data collection on the population, either now or at a later time. Thus, solutions which allow reconstructing invasive information about the population should be rejected without further discussion,” the letter’s authors wrote.
The academics said they applauded Apple and Google’s avoidance of a centralised system designed to capture greater amounts of personal data, adding that corrupt states, sectors and hackers can easily spy on citizens’ activities by accessing the ‘social graph’ of who a user has interacted with over time.


inews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus vaccine: Oxford University researchers take significant step towards Covid-19 vaccinatio

Coronavirus vaccine: Oxford University researchers take significant step towards Covid-19 vaccination

Animal trials suggest Jenner Institute 's vaccine provides Covid-19 immunity - meaning ' a few million ' doses could be ready by September Researchers at the university ’ s Jenner Institute are now considered to be among the most advanced in the global effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine , as dozens of teams race to produce a jab that will eventually bring the pandemic to a halt .
The Oxford vaccine has been able to leap ahead after the Jenner Institute ’ s previous work on inoculations for other diseases , including a close relative of Covid-19 , confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to move to tests to show that it is effective .
It has now emerged that tests of the vaccine on six rhesus macaque monkeys at a US laboratory in Montana have proved successful after the vaccinated animals remained healthy some 28 days after being exposed to heavy doses of Covid-19 .
The New York Times reported that the results paved the way for initial human testing of the Oxford vaccine with a cohort of around 6,000 people to see if it provides immunity in communities facing the pandemic .
Dr Vincent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rocky Mountain Laboratory of the National Institutes of Health , told the New York Times : “ The rhesus macaque is pretty much the closest thing we have to humans.
” He added that achieving immunity in the monkeys was no guarantee that similar results will be achieved in humans .
But even if the Oxford project fails , the tests will provide valuable data to other vaccine programmes about Covid-19 and its response to efforts to provide human immunity .
The results of the Montana testing , which will be shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Oxford vaccine could proceed to being manufactured at a scale of a “ few million ” doses by September if it is proven to work in human trials and is granted emergency approval by regulators .
The Oxford University team will now move to advanced testing of the vaccine - known as Phase II and Phase III trials - and are seeking an appropriate community where Covid-19 is still spreading .
Because ethical rules bar researchers from deliberately infecting anyone with the virus , they are reliant on locating areas where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a scenario made less likely in Britain by the success of social distancing measures in slowing the pandemic .
Professor Adrian Hill , who leads the Jenner Institute , said : “ We ’ re the only people in the country who want the number of new infections to stay up for another few weeks , so we can test our vaccine.
” Dozens of teams around the world are currently pursuing vaccines for Covid-19 with several different types of inoculation being investigated .
The Oxford project , based on previous work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop a malaria jab , will use a different virus from Covid-19 which has been modified to mimic the microbe causing the pandemic and safely trigger a response in the immune system .
The urgency of developing a Covid-19 vaccine means the Oxford team , like several other competitors in China and America , is seeking to prepare for large-scale manufacturing even before the jab is proven .
By having such deals in place , the British team hope to be able to rapidly scale up to the sort of bulk production that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The researchers are preparing to have to set up testing elsewhere in the world , possibly in Africa or India , if the outbreak in Britain means there are no suitable areas for a trial .
Experts have said that several vaccines are likely to be needed for Covid-19 as inoculations are likely to be more or less effective in different populations and age groups .

Scientists at Oxford University have taken a significant step towards developing a Covid-19 vaccine and remain on track to produce a “few million” doses by September if the inoculation proves effective.
Researchers at the university’s Jenner Institute are now considered to be among the most advanced in the global effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine, as dozens of teams race to produce a jab that will eventually bring the pandemic to a halt.
The Oxford vaccine has been able to leap ahead after the Jenner Institute’s previous work on inoculations for other diseases, including a close relative of Covid-19, confirmed the safety of the prototype and allowed it to move to tests to show that it is effective.
It has now emerged that tests of the vaccine on six rhesus macaque monkeys at a US laboratory in Montana have proved successful after the vaccinated animals remained healthy some 28 days after being exposed to heavy doses of Covid-19.
Human testing
The New York Times reported that the results paved the way for initial human testing of the Oxford vaccine with a cohort of around 6,000 people to see if it provides immunity in communities facing the pandemic.
Dr Vincent Munster, who led the testing at the Rocky Mountain Laboratory of the National Institutes of Health, told the New York Times: “The rhesus macaque is pretty much the closest thing we have to humans.”
He added that achieving immunity in the monkeys was no guarantee that similar results will be achieved in humans. But even if the Oxford project fails, the tests will provide valuable data to other vaccine programmes about Covid-19 and its response to efforts to provide human immunity.
Advance testing
The results of the Montana testing, which will be shared with other scientists next week, mean that the Oxford vaccine could proceed to being manufactured at a scale of a “few million” doses by September if it is proven to work in human trials and is granted emergency approval by regulators.
The Oxford University team will now move to advanced testing of the vaccine – known as Phase II and Phase III trials – and are seeking an appropriate community where Covid-19 is still spreading.
Because ethical rules bar researchers from deliberately infecting anyone with the virus, they are reliant on locating areas where coronavirus is still moving through the population – a scenario made less likely in Britain by the success of social distancing measures in slowing the pandemic.
Malaria jab
Professor Adrian Hill, who leads the Jenner Institute, said: “We’re the only people in the country who want the number of new infections to stay up for another few weeks, so we can test our vaccine.”
Dozens of teams around the world are currently pursuing vaccines for Covid-19 with several different types of inoculation being investigated. The Oxford project, based on previous work by Prof Hill and his colleagues to develop a malaria jab, will use a different virus from Covid-19 which has been modified to mimic the microbe causing the pandemic and safely trigger a response in the immune system.
In December, trials began in Saudi Arabia of a vaccine developed by the institute against MERS – another Coronavirus which has caused periodic outbreaks in the desert kingdom.
Manufacturing agreements
The urgency of developing a Covid-19 vaccine means the Oxford team, like several other competitors in China and America, is seeking to prepare for large-scale manufacturing even before the jab is proven.
The Jenner Institute has already signed manufacturing agreements with six drug companies across Britain, the Netherlands and Asia, including the world’s largest vaccine producer, the Serum Institute of India.
By having such deals in place, the British team hope to be able to rapidly scale up to the sort of bulk production that will be needed to meet global demand.
‘Several vaccines needed’
The researchers are preparing to have to set up testing elsewhere in the world, possibly in Africa or India, if the outbreak in Britain means there are no suitable areas for a trial.
Experts have said that several vaccines are likely to be needed for Covid-19 as inoculations are likely to be more or less effective in different populations and age groups.


inews--2020-04-28--UK enjoyed sunniest April since records began, driving a surge in solar power

All areas of country saw record amounts of sunshine this month , helping to power a new solar record The UK public endured lockdown during what looks set to be the sunniest April since records began in 1929 , the Met Office revealed last night .
While millions stayed inside to prevent the spread of coronavirus , some 212.5 hours of sunshines beamed down on the UK this month , beating the previous record of 211.9 hours set in April 2015 .
People did what they could to enjoy the sunshine during lockdown ( Photo : Julian Finney/Getty Images ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunshine , and some areas of the country saw almost double the usual amount of sun , the Met Office said .
The rise in solar power has helped drive coal power off the UK grid entirely for more than 18 days , and counting - the longest period since the 1800s , National Grid confirmed this morning .
Alongside increased renewable generation , the lengthy coal-free streak was also helped by the fact the UK is using significantly less power during lockdown .
Since the closure of businesses at the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 20 per cent , compounding the pressure on coal from high wind and solar output .
Drax power station in Yorkshire is one of the few remaining coal plants - but it will stop burning coal next year ( Photo : Christopher Furlong/Getty Images ) The return of wet weather across swathes of the UK today means the role of solar power in the UK ’ s electricity system has slumped , but it hasn ’ t yet prompted coal power plants to fire up .
On Tuesday morning just before this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nuclear and wind were supplying the bulk of the UK ’ s electricity needs .
It is only a matter of time before coal - the most polluting fuel source - disappears from the system whatever the weather .
The government has promised to remove all coal-fired generation from the UK grid by 2025 at the latest , as part of its efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions .
Clean energy campaigners point out that it is fitting the UK - one of the first countries in the world to burn coal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the first to abandon it .
“ We have been burning fossil fuels longer than anybody else , and we have benefited hugely from it , ” said Gareth Redmond-King , head of climate change at WWF-UK .
“ Now we are showing real climate leadership and breaking records for coal-free power , year on year , as we try to build a greener future . ''

The UK public endured lockdown during what looks set to be the sunniest April since records began in 1929, the Met Office revealed last night.
While millions stayed inside to prevent the spread of coronavirus, some 212.5 hours of sunshines beamed down on the UK this month, beating the previous record of 211.9 hours set in April 2015.
All areas saw above average levels of sunshine, and some areas of the country saw almost double the usual amount of sun, the Met Office said.
New provisional information suggests that #April 2020 is now the #sunniest on record 212.5 hours of sunshine have been recorded so far, with the previous record being 211.9 hours in 2015 ☀ pic.twitter.com/WeUyuFK9t0 — Met Office (@metoffice) April 27, 2020
Record solar power
The bright days helped to power record-breaking levels of solar power, with panels delivering 11 per cent of the UK electricity demand last week.
In fact, since April 10 solar has generated enough clean electricity to make 25 billion cups of tea, the Solar Trade Association (STA) said today.
“Solar is playing a critical role in delivering a fossil-free grid and cleaner, cheaper power to Britain,” said STA chief executive Chris Hewett.
Coal-free streak
The rise in solar power has helped drive coal power off the UK grid entirely for more than 18 days, and counting – the longest period since the 1800s, National Grid confirmed this morning.
New provisional information suggests that #April 2020 is now the #sunniest on record 212.5 hours of sunshine have been recorded so far, with the previous record being 211.9 hours in 2015 ☀ pic.twitter.com/WeUyuFK9t0 — Met Office (@metoffice) April 27, 2020
Alongside increased renewable generation, the lengthy coal-free streak was also helped by the fact the UK is using significantly less power during lockdown. Since the closure of businesses at the end of March, electricity demand has dropped by almost 20 per cent, compounding the pressure on coal from high wind and solar output.
A clean grid?
The return of wet weather across swathes of the UK today means the role of solar power in the UK’s electricity system has slumped, but it hasn’t yet prompted coal power plants to fire up. On Tuesday morning just before this story was published, gas, biomass, nuclear and wind were supplying the bulk of the UK’s electricity needs.
It is only a matter of time before coal – the most polluting fuel source – disappears from the system whatever the weather. The government has promised to remove all coal-fired generation from the UK grid by 2025 at the latest, as part of its efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Clean energy campaigners point out that it is fitting the UK – one of the first countries in the world to burn coal on a mass scale – should be among the first to abandon it. “We have been burning fossil fuels longer than anybody else, and we have benefited hugely from it,” said Gareth Redmond-King, head of climate change at WWF-UK. “Now we are showing real climate leadership and breaking records for coal-free power, year on year, as we try to build a greener future.”


inews--2020-04-28--Our Girl season 5: what we know about a potential new series of the BBC drama with Michelle Keegan

Our Girl season 5 : what we know about a potential new series of the BBC drama with Michelle Keegan Michelle Keegan is leaving the show after this season , but Jacqueline Jossa has been tipped to replace her Keegan has already conformed she will be leaving the show at the end of this season , which has left fans wondering about its future .
Here is everything we know about a potential fifth season , and who could replace Keegan in the lead role ... Will there be an Our Girl season 5 ?
There has been no official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door has definitely been left open .
Speaking ahead of season four , show creator Tony Grounds told press : `` Well , I do n't know , we 'll see this one go out and then we 'll , you know , see what happens .
`` I mean , I do n't think it is fair to the BBC to decide until something 's gone on , and that 's the way it works . ''
Michelle Keegan has starred in Our Girl for three seasons ( Photo : BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC 's most popular dramas .
It always outperforms for its time slot and regularly pulls in more than five million UK viewers per episode .
Why is Michelle Keegan leaving the show ?
Keegan is the second actor to play the lead role on Our Girl .
The series was initially fronted by Lacey Turner , who played Private Molly Dawes .
But now the former EastEnders star is leaving to spend more time in the UK with husband Mark Wright .
She told The Sun : `` I ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show and I want to thank the BBC for giving me such an amazing opportunity .
`` Playing Georgie has been a life changing role for me .
I ’ ve loved every second of the adventure so it was a very hard decision to make not to return . ''
Who could replace her as the lead ?
Jossa won the most recent series of I 'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here , so would give the BBC another recognisable face to take on the mantle .
Jacqueline Jossa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role ( Photo : ITV ) She told OK !
magazine : `` Well… you can never say never , I think .
You just never know .
I mean I ’ d love to see Molly Dawes again , but who knows ! ''
What happens in season 4 ?

BBC military drama Our Girl is currently showing its fourth season, with Michelle Keegan’s Sergeant Georgie Lane returning to Afghanistan to face her demons.
Keegan has already conformed she will be leaving the show at the end of this season, which has left fans wondering about its future.
Here is everything we know about a potential fifth season, and who could replace Keegan in the lead role…
Will there be an Our Girl season 5?
There has been no official word yet from the BBC, but the door has definitely been left open.
Speaking ahead of season four, show creator Tony Grounds told press: “Well, I don’t know, we’ll see this one go out and then we’ll, you know, see what happens.
“I mean, I don’t think it is fair to the BBC to decide until something’s gone on, and that’s the way it works.”
Our Girl is one of the BBC’s most popular dramas. It always outperforms for its time slot and regularly pulls in more than five million UK viewers per episode.
This gives it a good chance of being renewed for a fifth season.
Why is Michelle Keegan leaving the show?
Keegan is the second actor to play the lead role on Our Girl. The series was initially fronted by Lacey Turner, who played Private Molly Dawes.
She stepped away after the first season, and was replaced by Keegan.
But now the former EastEnders star is leaving to spend more time in the UK with husband Mark Wright.
Our Girl‘s filming schedule meant Keegan could be on set in the likes of South Africa for months at a time.
She told The Sun: “I’ve had the most incredible four years on the show and I want to thank the BBC for giving me such an amazing opportunity.
“Playing Georgie has been a life changing role for me. I’ve loved every second of the adventure so it was a very hard decision to make not to return.”
Who could replace her as the lead?
The favourite to take on the role is another former EastEnders actor, Jacqueline Jossa.
Jossa won the most recent series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, so would give the BBC another recognisable face to take on the mantle.
Meanwhile, Turner has also said she would be open to a return in some form.
She told OK! magazine: “Well… you can never say never, I think. You just never know. I mean I’d love to see Molly Dawes again, but who knows!”
What happens in season 4?
Season four starts with Georgie returning as a sergeant, but remaining in the UK in a training role, while the rest of 2 Section prepare to return to Afghanistan.
However, she has a change of heart, and decides to join them on the tour, facing her demons by going back to the place where Elvis was killed.
The squadron also welcomes several new faces, including “Cheese” (Danny Hatchard”, “Prof” (Nico Mirallegro) and “Throbber” (Kaine Zajaz).


inews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Talk of relaxing Covid-19 restrictions could undermine Government's test and trace plan

Coronavirus: Talk of relaxing Covid-19 restrictions could undermine Government's test and trace plans

Coronavirus : Talk of relaxing Covid-19 restrictions could undermine Government 's test and trace plans The Prime Minister is expected to unveil adjustments to the lockdown this week For weeks the Government has been resisting pressure to even sketch out the roughest of plans to ease the nationwide coronavirus restrictions on the country .
Fears that discussing how the UK could emerge from its self-imposed lockdown may prompt the public to flout social distancing rules have ensured ministers and their advisers have remained tight-lipped on any future plans .
The refusal to speak publicly about the exit plans to date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandees and donors , the opposition and the media , who have accused the Government of treating the public “ like children ” .
Pressure to provide businesses and the public at large a glimmer of hope , appears to have been too much to resist and the return of Boris Johnson into the hot seat has brought with it the expectation of changes to the lockdown this week .
But the shift in the Government ’ s position could come at the worst possible time as it battles to reduce the rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain 's Health Secretary Matt Hancock is facing a crucial week as he struggles to meet his own target ( Photo : ISABEL INFANTES/AFP/Getty ) It has been clear for months that the country ’ s best bet of finding a path out of lockdown - in the absence of a vaccine or treatment , at least - is to implement a mass test and trace programme to identify where new infections are occurring and stamping them out quickly .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has overseen a dramatic rise in the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where it was a month ago , as he tries to usher in a widespread “ test , track and trace ” initiative to manage the Covid-19 outbreak .
For it to work , however , the rate of infection - the so-called R-value number - must be sufficiently below R1 and the number of people infected in the country must be low enough to have a good idea of where the disease is .
According to The Sun , the sheer number of people currently infected in the UK makes it near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective .
The paper suggests around 350,000 people have the disease , but ministers believe it needs to be below 100,000 for tracing to work .
It is difficult , for example , to ascertain where new fires are starting when your whole house is up in flames .
It is why the Government ’ s sudden shift in favour of setting out adjustments to the lockdown , including opening more shops and allowing people to meet in bigger groups , could undermine its own exit plan .
Ministers , not least Mssrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the mere mention of rules being relaxed will not lead to a jump in activity from the public .
Daily data released by the Government is already showing an increase in traffic and people going about their business .

For weeks the Government has been resisting pressure to even sketch out the roughest of plans to ease the nationwide coronavirus restrictions on the country.
Fears that discussing how the UK could emerge from its self-imposed lockdown may prompt the public to flout social distancing rules have ensured ministers and their advisers have remained tight-lipped on any future plans.
The refusal to speak publicly about the exit plans to date has led to significant criticism from Tory grandees and donors, the opposition and the media, who have accused the Government of treating the public “like children”.
Pressure drop
Pressure to provide businesses and the public at large a glimmer of hope, appears to have been too much to resist and the return of Boris Johnson into the hot seat has brought with it the expectation of changes to the lockdown this week.
But the shift in the Government’s position could come at the worst possible time as it battles to reduce the rate of infection to a manageable level.
It has been clear for months that the country’s best bet of finding a path out of lockdown – in the absence of a vaccine or treatment, at least – is to implement a mass test and trace programme to identify where new infections are occurring and stamping them out quickly.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has overseen a dramatic rise in the number of tests being carried out each day from where it was a month ago, as he tries to usher in a widespread “test, track and trace” initiative to manage the Covid-19 outbreak.
For it to work, however, the rate of infection – the so-called R-value number – must be sufficiently below R1 and the number of people infected in the country must be low enough to have a good idea of where the disease is.
According to The Sun, the sheer number of people currently infected in the UK makes it near impossible for test and trace to be effective. The paper suggests around 350,000 people have the disease, but ministers believe it needs to be below 100,000 for tracing to work.
House on fire
It is difficult, for example, to ascertain where new fires are starting when your whole house is up in flames.
It is why the Government’s sudden shift in favour of setting out adjustments to the lockdown, including opening more shops and allowing people to meet in bigger groups, could undermine its own exit plan.
Ministers, not least Mssrs Hancock and Johnson, will be anxious that the mere mention of rules being relaxed will not lead to a jump in activity from the public. Daily data released by the Government is already showing an increase in traffic and people going about their business.
Any uptick in infections could mean the Prime Minister’s hopes of containing the Covid fire could go up in smoke.


inews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus shopping trends: The weekly 'big shop' and a proper breakfast are making a comeback in l

Coronavirus shopping trends: The weekly 'big shop' and a proper breakfast are making a comeback in lockdown

Coronavirus shopping trends : The weekly 'big shop ' and a proper breakfast are making a comeback in lockdown Tesco has witnessed a return of the big weekly shop , while John Lewis is selling out of egg cups Until recently , time-pressed Britons often had to make do with a slice of toast as they rushed out of the door to work or school .
But with the enforced slowdown , families are taking the opportunity to linger over sit-down breakfasts , boiled eggs and all .
It is not only our dining habits that appear to have slipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also regressed by 10 to 15 years , according to the boss of Britain ’ s biggest supermarket , Tesco .
Sales of coffee grinders , coffee pots and related accessories rose by 24 per cent at John Lewis this month , while sales of coffee machines were 30 per cent higher than in April last year , the department stores chain said .
Teapot sales have risen by six per cent and the humble egg cup is enjoying such a resurgence that the John Lewis website has entirely sold out of several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are taking more time with their breakfasts , consumers are also revisiting the past in terms of how they shop - during the Covid-19 pandemic , Tesco has witnessed an uptick in people performing one big weekly shop , a trend that had started to decline in recent years .
“ People are shopping once a week , like they did 10 or 15 years ago , rather than two , three or four times a week , which was happening before the crisis , ” Mr Lewis said .
Tesco has expanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service by nearly 20 per cent ( Photo : Getty ) “ Capacity continues to increase and in the coming weeks will reach 1.2 million weekly slots - double the number of slots at the start of the Covid-19 crisis , ” the company announced .
The retailer has hired 4,000 new drivers and 12,000 new “ pickers ” to gather groceries for delivery or click and collect since the outbreak began .
Online shopping accounted for only a small share of the grocery market until Covid-19 hit the UK but now forecasters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent in 2020 alone to reach an estimated value of £16.8bn , up from £12.7bn last year .
Forecasters believe consumer enthusiasm for online grocery shopping could extend beyond lockdown : “ The pandemic is giving a significant short-term boost to online grocery services , as shoppers look to avoid stores and limit their contact with the outside world , ” said Nick Carroll of Mintel .
“ Shopper numbers in the online grocery market have plateaued in recent years as retailers struggled to get new customers to try these services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to online grocery , ” he added .
Separate research , by The Vegan Society , indicates that 20 per cent of consumers are cutting down on meat and 15 per cent on dairy consumption during the pandemic .
Health worries , animal welfare and concern for the environment were among the main motivating factors for reducing meat and dairy intake , according to a survey of more than 3,600 people carried out this month .
However , restaurant closures and a lack of availability in stores also appear to have influenced people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent of respondents said they had changed their diets because they could no longer get hold of the products they wanted .

Until recently, time-pressed Britons often had to make do with a slice of toast as they rushed out of the door to work or school. But with the enforced slowdown, families are taking the opportunity to linger over sit-down breakfasts, boiled eggs and all.
It is not only our dining habits that appear to have slipped back in time. Shopping preferences have also regressed by 10 to 15 years, according to the boss of Britain’s biggest supermarket, Tesco.
Egg cups selling out
Sales of coffee grinders, coffee pots and related accessories rose by 24 per cent at John Lewis this month, while sales of coffee machines were 30 per cent higher than in April last year, the department stores chain said.
Teapot sales have risen by six per cent and the humble egg cup is enjoying such a resurgence that the John Lewis website has entirely sold out of several lines.
Return of the Big Shop
While households around the UK are taking more time with their breakfasts, consumers are also revisiting the past in terms of how they shop – during the Covid-19 pandemic, Tesco has witnessed an uptick in people performing one big weekly shop, a trend that had started to decline in recent years.
“The number of transactions in a store across Tesco has reduced significantly, but the size of the basket has increased,” CEO Dave Lewis told the BBC.
“People are shopping once a week, like they did 10 or 15 years ago, rather than two, three or four times a week, which was happening before the crisis,” Mr Lewis said.
Tesco reaches 1m online orders
Tesco also claimed it had become the first UK retailer to fulfil one million online grocery orders in a week.
“Capacity continues to increase and in the coming weeks will reach 1.2 million weekly slots – double the number of slots at the start of the Covid-19 crisis,” the company announced.
The retailer has hired 4,000 new drivers and 12,000 new “pickers” to gather groceries for delivery or click and collect since the outbreak began.
Online grocery boom
Online shopping accounted for only a small share of the grocery market until Covid-19 hit the UK but now forecasters believe the sector will grow by 33 per cent in 2020 alone to reach an estimated value of £16.8bn, up from £12.7bn last year.
Market insight firm Mintel, which made the prediction, noted that the “phenomenal” rise in demand follows four consecutive years of slowing growth.
Forecasters believe consumer enthusiasm for online grocery shopping could extend beyond lockdown: “The pandemic is giving a significant short-term boost to online grocery services, as shoppers look to avoid stores and limit their contact with the outside world,” said Nick Carroll of Mintel.
“Shopper numbers in the online grocery market have plateaued in recent years as retailers struggled to get new customers to try these services. The outbreak is bringing a new audience to online grocery,” he added.
Ditching meat
Separate research, by The Vegan Society, indicates that 20 per cent of consumers are cutting down on meat and 15 per cent on dairy consumption during the pandemic.
Health worries, animal welfare and concern for the environment were among the main motivating factors for reducing meat and dairy intake, according to a survey of more than 3,600 people carried out this month.
However, restaurant closures and a lack of availability in stores also appear to have influenced people’s behaviour – more than 40 per cent of respondents said they had changed their diets because they could no longer get hold of the products they wanted.
@kt_grant


inews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Prepare for devastating second wave, warns think tank

Coronavirus : Prepare for devastating second wave , warns think tank History suggests pandemics are recurrent in nature , with the second wave of Spanish flu proving more deadly than the first A second wave of the coronavirus could hit the UK and cause even more damage than the current strain , a think tank warned as separate forecasts estimated the economy has contracted by almost a third since the start of lockdown .
The Institute of Economic Affairs ( IEA ) , a free-market think tank which champions reduced red tape as part of its ideology , said Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic and psychological effects ” .
Separately , the National Institute of Economic and Social Research ( Niesr ) think tank said UK output has reduced by 30 per cent since lockdown measures were introduced in the middle of March .
Two years for an effective vaccine The IEA predicts the pandemic would last for up to two years and come in a series of waves .
Two years would be the time it takes either to develop and roll out an effective vaccine , or for the population to develop herd immunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education at the IEA and the author of the report , said history suggests a second wave of coronavirus is likely at some point .
The Spanish Flu 100 years ago , for example , came in three waves with the second wave being far the most deadly .
Subsequent flu pandemics have followed similar patterns .
Scientists believe second waves of infections occur once the capacity for treatment reaches its limit and as people come out of isolation .
The think tank is calling for a review into the regulations of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and for more research into alternatives to antibiotics to treat bacterial infections .
The IEA estimates the hit to GDP this year would be comparable to the Great Depression 90 years ago , when UK unemployment hit three million and the economy contracted by 5 per cent in 1931 .
Niesr , which predicts GDP will drop by 7 per cent in 2020 , said the Government would have to weigh up the trade-off between saving lives and saving the economy by easing the lockdown in some sectors of the economy such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There is massive uncertainty about how long and how severe this crisis will be .
The most significant challenges are likely to come as we approach the end or winding down of the lockdown and the Government ’ s support schemes are withdrawn , ” said Garry Young , Niesr ’ s deputy director .

A second wave of the coronavirus could hit the UK and cause even more damage than the current strain, a think tank warned as separate forecasts estimated the economy has contracted by almost a third since the start of lockdown.
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a free-market think tank which champions reduced red tape as part of its ideology, said Covid-19 would have “massive long-term social, economic and psychological effects”.
Separately, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (Niesr) think tank said UK output has reduced by 30 per cent since lockdown measures were introduced in the middle of March.
Two years for an effective vaccine
The IEA predicts the pandemic would last for up to two years and come in a series of waves. Two years would be the time it takes either to develop and roll out an effective vaccine, or for the population to develop herd immunity.
Dr Stephen Davies, head of education at the IEA and the author of the report, said history suggests a second wave of coronavirus is likely at some point. The Spanish Flu 100 years ago, for example, came in three waves with the second wave being far the most deadly.
Subsequent flu pandemics have followed similar patterns. Scientists believe second waves of infections occur once the capacity for treatment reaches its limit and as people come out of isolation.
The think tank is calling for a review into the regulations of new vaccines to speed up the approval process, and for more research into alternatives to antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
Economic impact
The IEA estimates the hit to GDP this year would be comparable to the Great Depression 90 years ago, when UK unemployment hit three million and the economy contracted by 5 per cent in 1931.
Niesr, which predicts GDP will drop by 7 per cent in 2020, said the Government would have to weigh up the trade-off between saving lives and saving the economy by easing the lockdown in some sectors of the economy such as manufacturing, construction and non-essential retail.
Some housebuilders have already restarted construction sites and fast food chains including Greggs and KFC have reopened some stores.
“There is massive uncertainty about how long and how severe this crisis will be. The most significant challenges are likely to come as we approach the end or winding down of the lockdown and the Government’s support schemes are withdrawn,” said Garry Young, Niesr’s deputy director.


inews--2020-04-28--VE Day commemorations 2020: We'll Meet Again doorstep singalong and a reading from Prince Charles an

VE Day commemorations 2020: We'll Meet Again doorstep singalong and a reading from Prince Charles announced

VE Day commemorations 2020 : We 'll Meet Again doorstep singalong and a reading from Prince Charles announced Two-minute silence and address by the Queen will be part of re-shaped commemorations 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday 8 May A nationwide doorstep rendition of Dame Vera Lynn ’ s We ’ ll Meet Again and a reading by Prince Charles from his grandfather ’ s wartime diary will be among the centrepieces of re-shaped celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
The “ VE 75 ” commemorations of the end of the Second World War in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by an address to the nation from the Queen after plans for events including street parties and a parade of veterans down the Mall in central London were cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Instead , the Government is asking people to observe social distancing rules and safeguard remaining veterans by marking the event next Friday from their homes .
At 103 Dame Vera Lynn is still singing , and released a duet with Katherine Jenkins ( Photo : Michael Stephens/PA Wire ) At the core of plans will be a two-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a national sing-along to wartime favourite We ’ ll Meet Again after the Queen ’ s address at 9pm .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : “ Whilst we now need to celebrate VE 75 in our homes and on our doorsteps , rather than in parades and street parties , I know the nation will come together to mark this historic occasion .
“ In these difficult times , acts of remembrance are even more poignant and I am sure that millions will want to join me to remember and give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure peace , freedom and prosperity in Europe.
” The re-shaped celebrations will include members of the Royal Family , Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Mr Dowden making video calls to veterans and those who served on the Home Front .
Prince Charles will also read an extract from the diary of King George VI ’ s recounting VE Day on 8 May 1945 , including the Royal Family ’ s appearances on the balcony of Buckingham Palace .
The BBC will broadcast two special programmes which will include extracts from Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 3pm on VE Day as well as pre-recorded events which the public will be asked to not travel to witness .
As well as the 11am silence , the culmination of the commemorations will be an address from the Queen followed by the latest call upon Britons to gather on their doorsteps to show their appreciation of the sacrifices of others , in this case by singing We ’ ll Meet Again .
The Royal British Legion said it hoped that the public will still participate in the occasion wholeheartedly .
Bob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : “ We are calling on people across the UK to mark the anniversary from home and take part in these national moments of remembrance and thanksgiving .
“ There is no right or wrong way to take part in the silence at 11am , some people may wish to stand at their windows or step outside their front door , but we hope that individuals and families across the UK will embrace the opportunity to share in a national moment of reflection .
”

A nationwide doorstep rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again and a reading by Prince Charles from his grandfather’s wartime diary will be among the centrepieces of re-shaped celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
The “VE 75” commemorations of the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May will be led by an address to the nation from the Queen after plans for events including street parties and a parade of veterans down the Mall in central London were cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Instead, the Government is asking people to observe social distancing rules and safeguard remaining veterans by marking the event next Friday from their homes.
Two-minute silence
At the core of plans will be a two-minute silence at 11am followed in the evening by a national sing-along to wartime favourite We’ll Meet Again after the Queen’s address at 9pm.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Whilst we now need to celebrate VE 75 in our homes and on our doorsteps, rather than in parades and street parties, I know the nation will come together to mark this historic occasion.
“In these difficult times, acts of remembrance are even more poignant and I am sure that millions will want to join me to remember and give thanks to those who gave so much to secure peace, freedom and prosperity in Europe.”
Video calls
The re-shaped celebrations will include members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Mr Dowden making video calls to veterans and those who served on the Home Front.
Prince Charles will also read an extract from the diary of King George VI’s recounting VE Day on 8 May 1945, including the Royal Family’s appearances on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
The BBC will broadcast two special programmes which will include extracts from Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech delivered at 3pm on VE Day as well as pre-recorded events which the public will be asked to not travel to witness.
VE Day Commemoration events
11am — Two-minute national silence to remember the declaration of victory and the end of the Second World War in Europe.
2.45pm – 3.45pm — The first of two special BBC One programmes to mark VE75, including extract from Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech delivered at 3pm on VE Day.
Afternoon — Britons encouraged to hold 1940s-style afternoon tea parties at home rather than street parties, including homemade bunting and recipes from the era.
9pm — Address by the Queen followed by national doorstep rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.
Sacrifices of others
As well as the 11am silence, the culmination of the commemorations will be an address from the Queen followed by the latest call upon Britons to gather on their doorsteps to show their appreciation of the sacrifices of others, in this case by singing We’ll Meet Again.
The Royal British Legion said it hoped that the public will still participate in the occasion wholeheartedly. Bob Gamble, assistant director of commemorative events, said: “We are calling on people across the UK to mark the anniversary from home and take part in these national moments of remembrance and thanksgiving.
“There is no right or wrong way to take part in the silence at 11am, some people may wish to stand at their windows or step outside their front door, but we hope that individuals and families across the UK will embrace the opportunity to share in a national moment of reflection.”


inews--2020-04-28--Paul Hollywood Eats Japan, Channel 4, review: the locals deserved better than this lunk crashing aro

Paul Hollywood Eats Japan, Channel 4, review: the locals deserved better than this lunk crashing around

Paul Hollywood Eats Japan , Channel 4 , review : the locals deserved better than this lunk crashing around The Bake Off presenter was certainly keen on the Japanese food but did n't seem to know anything about the country he was visiting “ Paul is in Japan to eat , ” announced Rebecca Front in her smart-alecky voice-over .
But he was also there to do that very British thing of wallowing in blissful ignorance of foreign customs and traditions .
Paul Hollywood has already undertaken a Big Continental Road Trip for television and has made cooking shows in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan was his first time in Japan , a country about which he seemed to have made a point of knowing nothing .
Paul Hollywood with his Japanese guide in Tokyo ( Photo : Channel 4 ) Although he ’ s “ Mr Bake Off ” , Hollywood seemed to have no idea that the Japanese have a well-developed baking culture , albeit a younger one than European countries .
Visiting Tokyo ’ s Kimuraya bakery , established in 1869 , he was flabbergasted to find that the Japanese make rather good scones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am eating something that comes straight from the Queen ’ s afternoon tea menu , ” he spluttered .
Help was at hand from his guide , a young female comedian who spoke very good colloquial English and gently teased Hollywood ’ s lumbering efforts to negotiate Japanese etiquette .
Jabbing your chopsticks at people while you are talking to them is greatly frowned upon , for instance .
There are certainly some aspects of Japanese cuisine one might wish to forget , such as throwing wriggling live prawns into boiling oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eel – “ it ’ s like a Michelin-starred pork scratching , ” said Hollywood .
But other aspects are genuinely awe-inspiring .
Hollywood ’ s trip to Yokohama ’ s Cup Noodle Museum – a huge chamber filled with specimens of pot noodles invented to combat Second World War food shortages – was mind-bending .
And the Japanese already have an instant solution to eating out in the age of Covid-19 , in the form of restaurants comprising individual dining booths , designed for the country ’ s many elderly single people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I was left feeling that the Japanese deserved a bit better than having a big lunk like Hollywood crashing around their country .

Paul Hollywood Eats Japan, Channel 4 ★★★
“Paul is in Japan to eat,” announced Rebecca Front in her smart-alecky voice-over. But he was also there to do that very British thing of wallowing in blissful ignorance of foreign customs and traditions.
Paul Hollywood has already undertaken a Big Continental Road Trip for television and has made cooking shows in the US, but Paul Hollywood Eats Japan was his first time in Japan, a country about which he seemed to have made a point of knowing nothing.
Although he’s “Mr Bake Off”, Hollywood seemed to have no idea that the Japanese have a well-developed baking culture, albeit a younger one than European countries. Visiting Tokyo’s Kimuraya bakery, established in 1869, he was flabbergasted to find that the Japanese make rather good scones. “I am in Tokyo and I am eating something that comes straight from the Queen’s afternoon tea menu,” he spluttered.
Help was at hand from his guide, a young female comedian who spoke very good colloquial English and gently teased Hollywood’s lumbering efforts to negotiate Japanese etiquette. Jabbing your chopsticks at people while you are talking to them is greatly frowned upon, for instance.
There are certainly some aspects of Japanese cuisine one might wish to forget, such as throwing wriggling live prawns into boiling oil or deep-frying the spine of a sea eel – “it’s like a Michelin-starred pork scratching,” said Hollywood. But other aspects are genuinely awe-inspiring. Hollywood’s trip to Yokohama’s Cup Noodle Museum – a huge chamber filled with specimens of pot noodles invented to combat Second World War food shortages – was mind-bending.
And the Japanese already have an instant solution to eating out in the age of Covid-19, in the form of restaurants comprising individual dining booths, designed for the country’s many elderly single people.
For all the intrigue, though, I was left feeling that the Japanese deserved a bit better than having a big lunk like Hollywood crashing around their country.
THEARTSDESK.COM


inews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: UK falls silent in poignant tribute to frontline staff who have died during Covid-19 pa

Coronavirus: UK falls silent in poignant tribute to frontline staff who have died during Covid-19 pandemic

Coronavirus : UK falls silent in poignant tribute to frontline staff who have died during Covid-19 pandemic The countrywide silence was led by the recently recovered Boris Johnson People across the UK fell silent as the nation observed a sombre tribute to NHS and other frontline workers who have lost their lives in the coronavirus pandemic .
More than 100 NHS and social care workers have now died during the Covid-19 outbreak , while workers in other key sectors such as transport have also fallen victim .
'The nation will not forget you' “ This morning I took part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers who have tragically died in the coronavirus pandemic , ” the Prime Minister tweeted afterwards .
“ The nation will not forget you.
” There were emotional scenes outside the Salford Royal Hospital in Greater Manchester , where some people wiped away tears as NHS workers and Unison campaigners gathered to mark the occasion .
“ In healthcare , teamwork is so important and , when you lose a member of that team , it is like losing a family member , ” said senior nurse Roisin Devlin .
Underground and bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a halt as the workforce honoured its colleagues , while flags were flown at half-mast from a number of hospitals .
Boris Johnson in the Cabinet Room inside 10 Downing Street during the tribute ( Photo : Stefan Rousseau/PA ) In Sheffield , trade unionists and other supporters stood outside the town hall carrying placards , some bearing the names of those who had died .
The decision to hold a minute ’ s silence followed a campaign for such a tribute by Unison , the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - held on International Workers ’ Memorial Day - marked a poignant contrast to the weekly applause for key workers that has been taken up with enthusiasm by the general public .
Dame Donna Kinnair , chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing , said she was “ heartened ” to hear how many people had joined the tribute .
“ We thought it was important to pay tribute publicly to those who have lost their lives to the virus , and I am proud that so many took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
She issued an urgent call for protection of workers , saying the death toll must not be allowed to rise further .
“ An even greater task now remains - to stop more joining the tragic number of those who have died , ” she added .
Staff from Doncaster Royal Infirmary 's Acute Medical Unit and South Block Outpatients Department observing the silence ( Photo : Doncaster Royal Infirmary/PA ) “ We owe it to them to make sure that we 've got the right equipment , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we will continue to press on that .
”

People across the UK fell silent as the nation observed a sombre tribute to NHS and other frontline workers who have lost their lives in the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 100 NHS and social care workers have now died during the Covid-19 outbreak, while workers in other key sectors such as transport have also fallen victim.
The countrywide commemoration was led by the recently recovered Boris Johnson, who stood alongside Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill in 10 Downing Street.
‘The nation will not forget you’
“This morning I took part in a minute’s silence to remember those workers who have tragically died in the coronavirus pandemic,” the Prime Minister tweeted afterwards. “The nation will not forget you.”
There were emotional scenes outside the Salford Royal Hospital in Greater Manchester, where some people wiped away tears as NHS workers and Unison campaigners gathered to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, emergency department staff from Ulster Hospital formed a guard of honour in the corridor “to show solidarity with our colleagues”.
“In healthcare, teamwork is so important and, when you lose a member of that team, it is like losing a family member,” said senior nurse Roisin Devlin.
Underground and bus networks in London were also brought to a halt as the workforce honoured its colleagues, while flags were flown at half-mast from a number of hospitals.
In Sheffield, trade unionists and other supporters stood outside the town hall carrying placards, some bearing the names of those who had died.
The decision to hold a minute’s silence followed a campaign for such a tribute by Unison, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal of College of Nursing.
The occasion – held on International Workers’ Memorial Day – marked a poignant contrast to the weekly applause for key workers that has been taken up with enthusiasm by the general public.
Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said she was “heartened” to hear how many people had joined the tribute.
“We thought it was important to pay tribute publicly to those who have lost their lives to the virus, and I am proud that so many took the time to do so,” she said.
She issued an urgent call for protection of workers, saying the death toll must not be allowed to rise further.
Protecting workers
“An even greater task now remains – to stop more joining the tragic number of those who have died,” she added.
“All key workers, healthcare staff among them, must be afforded the greatest protection.”
The Government has faced sustained criticism over its management of the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to health workers tackling the virus.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said “too many” frontline workers had died during the fight against coronavirus and that everyone owed them a “huge debt”.
“Nobody should put their lives at risk because they haven’t got the right protective equipment,” he said in a video message.
“We owe it to them to make sure that we’ve got the right equipment, in the right place at the right time, and we will continue to press on that.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the Government has distributed more than a billion items of PPE.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, Mr Hancock said of those honoured in the minute’s silence: “These are the nation’s fallen heroes, and we will remember them.”
Additional reporting from PA Media.


inews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Briton, 81, jailed in America for 33 years faces 'execution by Covid 19'

Coronavirus : Briton , 81 , jailed in America for 33 years faces 'execution by Covid 19' Kris Maharaj , who is 81 and in poor health , is housed in a Florida prison where a fellow prisoner has tested positive for coronavirus Mr Maharaj , who was born in Trinidad and has British nationality , made his fortune while living in south east London before moving to Florida with his wife in the 1980s ( Photo : Reprieve ) A Briton who has spent 33 years in a US jail for murders which his lawyers say he did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” after a fellow prisoner contracted the virus , campaigners have warned .
Kris Maharaj , who is 81 and is in poor health from a number of underlying conditions , is housed in a crowded dormitory with 46 other prisoners in a Florida jail and unable to practice social distancing with beds set just 3ft apart .
His wife , Marita , 80 , said her husband , who had been due to have an appeal hearing earlier this year to consider convincing evidence that he is innocent , was in effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a fellow prisoner was confirmed to have Covid-19 .
Mr Maharaj , a businessman from London , was originally sentenced to death for a double murder in a Florida hotel in 1986 but the sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment .
Marita said : “ I am desperately worried and afraid for Kris .
After 33 years , we are within touching distance of his exoneration .
This is like imposing the death penalty all over again for something I know , and the world knows , Kris did not do.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Florida governor for the Briton to be released under house arrest to live with Marita while the outbreak persists in the prison system .
Clive Stafford Smith , founder of the legal charity Reprieve and who has represented Mr Maharaj for 27 years , said : “ Kris was sentenced to death once for a crime he did not commit .
Rather than exonerate him , Florida now seeks to execute him by Covid-19 .
Is it too much to ask for compassion for a desperately ill 81-year-old victim of such @ @ @

A Briton who has spent 33 years in a US jail for murders which his lawyers say he did not commit is facing “execution by Covid-19” after a fellow prisoner contracted the virus, campaigners have warned.
Kris Maharaj, who is 81 and is in poor health from a number of underlying conditions, is housed in a crowded dormitory with 46 other prisoners in a Florida jail and unable to practice social distancing with beds set just 3ft apart.
His wife, Marita, 80, said her husband, who had been due to have an appeal hearing earlier this year to consider convincing evidence that he is innocent, was in effect living in a “death camp” after a fellow prisoner was confirmed to have Covid-19.
Double murder
Mr Maharaj, a businessman from London, was originally sentenced to death for a double murder in a Florida hotel in 1986 but the sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.
Marita said: “I am desperately worried and afraid for Kris. After 33 years, we are within touching distance of his exoneration. This is like imposing the death penalty all over again for something I know, and the world knows, Kris did not do.”
Release
Campaigners representing Mr Maharaj have appealed to the Florida governor for the Briton to be released under house arrest to live with Marita while the outbreak persists in the prison system.
Clive Stafford Smith, founder of the legal charity Reprieve and who has represented Mr Maharaj for 27 years, said: “Kris was sentenced to death once for a crime he did not commit. Rather than exonerate him, Florida now seeks to execute him by Covid-19. Is it too much to ask for compassion for a desperately ill 81-year-old victim of such injustice?”


inews--2020-04-28--Robot with rat's spinal cord could be gateway to major medical advances, say scientists

Robot with rat 's spinal cord could be gateway to major medical advances , say scientists Hybrid biobot could be used as a training tool for surgical students A new type of biological robot using a rat ’ s spinal cord could be the gateway to major medical advances , say scientists .
Researchers in the US have explanted an intact rat ’ s spinal cord into a biobot with a 3D muscle system made of engineered tissue .
The result was a hybrid biobot , made of both organic and artificial material , which mirrored the behaviour of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave the brain and spinal cord and travel to muscles and organs ) in a living organism .
`` When we looked more deeply at how the neuron-muscle interface developed , we were very excited to observe many similarities between our tissue-engineered spinobot and in vivo development , '' said author Collin Kaufman , a neuroscience graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ( UIUC ) .
Detailing the design in the journal APL Bioengineering , scientists revealed the system had to be cultured for seven days before the motor neurons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electrical activity .
Further tests were carried out by varying the concentration of neurotransmitters in the biobot .
Additional ones saw the muscle contractions become more consistent and patterned and blocking them saw the muscle twitches decrease .
Hybrid biobots could be used to train surgeons ( Photo : Getty ) This new type of biobot has opened up the possibilities for studying the peripheral nervous system for medical applications , say scientists .
One potential example is Lou Gehrig 's disease , also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , in which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of motor function .
`` The next steps to studying such a disease are surprisingly close , '' Mr Kaufman said , `` By replacing the muscle , the spinal cord , or any combination of the two tissues with an ALS mutant model , researchers would be able to study how diseased neurons interact with nearby muscles . ''
`` The future applications of this technology are only beginning to be understood , and we expect many great things from this area in the next few years , '' said Martha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biology at UIUC .

A new type of biological robot using a rat’s spinal cord could be the gateway to major medical advances, say scientists.
Researchers in the US have explanted an intact rat’s spinal cord into a biobot with a 3D muscle system made of engineered tissue.
The result was a hybrid biobot, made of both organic and artificial material, which mirrored the behaviour of a peripheral nervous system (the nerves which leave the brain and spinal cord and travel to muscles and organs) in a living organism.
“When we looked more deeply at how the neuron-muscle interface developed, we were very excited to observe many similarities between our tissue-engineered spinobot and in vivo development,” said author Collin Kaufman, a neuroscience graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
Hybrid biobot
Detailing the design in the journal APL Bioengineering, scientists revealed the system had to be cultured for seven days before the motor neurons from the spinal cord began to produce electrical activity.
This in turn contracted the artificial muscles replicating the behaviour of the peripheral nervous system.
Further tests were carried out by varying the concentration of neurotransmitters in the biobot.
Additional ones saw the muscle contractions become more consistent and patterned and blocking them saw the muscle twitches decrease.
Muscle twitches
This new type of biobot has opened up the possibilities for studying the peripheral nervous system for medical applications, say scientists.
One potential example is Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in which the death of neurons results in the eventual loss of motor function.
“The next steps to studying such a disease are surprisingly close,” Mr Kaufman said, “By replacing the muscle, the spinal cord, or any combination of the two tissues with an ALS mutant model, researchers would be able to study how diseased neurons interact with nearby muscles.”
In addition, hybrid biobots could be used as surgical training tools, allowing medical students to perform practice surgery on real biological tissue.
“The future applications of this technology are only beginning to be understood, and we expect many great things from this area in the next few years,” said Martha Gillette, professor of cell and developmental biology at UIUC.


inews--2020-04-28--Coronavirus latest: Government to begin publishing Covid-19 death rates in care homes

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also pledged to ensure that all residents and care home workers were able to be tested for the virus Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also pledged to make sure all residents and care home workers were able to get tested for the virus , whether they have symptoms or not .
`` We 'll be publishing not just the number of deaths in hospital each day but the number of deaths in care homes and in the community too .
This is something that was n't previously possible , '' he said .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that care home deaths from the virus more than tripled in just two weeks , killing 4,343 people in England and Wales between 10 and 24 April .
Britain 's Health Secretary Matt Hancock is facing a crucial week as he struggles to meet his own target ( Photo : ISABEL INFANTES/AFP/Getty ) The latest figures for England and Wales , published by the Care Quality Commission , the care homes regulator , had prompted calls to switch the focus for tackling the virus immediately from the new Nightingale hospital in London , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nursing homes where thousands are at risk , experts said .
Although the overall death rate in the UK is likely to have peaked , the number is not falling nearly as fast as had been hoped because of the rising deaths in care homes , experts said .
Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter , Chair of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication , University of Cambridge , said : “ While hospital deaths are steadily decreasing , there is no sign yet that we are past the peak in care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home , this suggests there are now about as many Covid deaths out of hospital as in hospital , ” he said .
About a third of the UK ’ s care homes , which accommodate about half a million people , have reported outbreaks of Covid-19 while two-thirds have so far remained free of the virus .
A medical professional in in PPE tests an NHS worker for Covid-19 ( Photo : Getty ) There is also a lack of quality personal protective equipment and proper cleaning resources while the staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the situation , said Carl Heneghan , Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine , and Professor of Evidence-Based Medicine , University of Oxford .
Under no circumstances should hospitals transfer an infected patient into a care home , while care home staff should be routinely tested and potentially given daily `` temperature '' tests on the way into work , he said .
“ If we want to eradicate this we should switch our focus immediately from the Nightingale hospital to nursing homes and start to really thinking through our strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with active infections , ” he said .
There are relatively few patients in the Nightingale hospital and switching the same “ energy and activity ” to nursing homes would really help , he added .
UK among the hardest hit by the virus

The Government will begin publishing the number of Covid-19 deaths in care homes daily after figures showed soaring fatalities in care homes had pushed the UK death toll to more than 24,000.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also pledged to make sure all residents and care home workers were able to get tested for the virus, whether they have symptoms or not.
“We’ll be publishing not just the number of deaths in hospital each day but the number of deaths in care homes and in the community too. This is something that wasn’t previously possible,” he said.
Mr Hancock was speaking after new figures showed that care home deaths from the virus more than tripled in just two weeks, killing 4,343 people in England and Wales between 10 and 24 April.
Meanwhile, Scottish figures due to be published on Wednesday, could show that the number of deaths in care homes is now outstripping the number in hospitals.
Half of care homes in Scotland have now had a confirmed or suspected case of coronavirus, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman revealed.
The latest figures for England and Wales, published by the Care Quality Commission, the care homes regulator, had prompted calls to switch the focus for tackling the virus immediately from the new Nightingale hospital in London, which is treating relatively few patients, to nursing homes where thousands are at risk, experts said.
‘Heartbreaking’
While hospital deaths are falling, care home deaths have been rising fast, meaning there could now be as many deaths from Covid-19 outside hospital as inside.
Although the overall death rate in the UK is likely to have peaked, the number is not falling nearly as fast as had been hoped because of the rising deaths in care homes, experts said.
Mike Padgham, chairman of the Independent Care Group (ICG), said those in care and nursing homes who have died “deserve better”.
A spokesman for Age UK added: “The rising deaths in care homes is heartbreaking. We are working with Government and the care sector to ensure access to PPE and testing is quick and effective.”
Outbreaks in care homes
Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, Chair of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication, University of Cambridge, said: “While hospital deaths are steadily decreasing, there is no sign yet that we are past the peak in care homes. When we add in deaths at home, this suggests there are now about as many Covid deaths out of hospital as in hospital,” he said.
More than 6,500 deaths involving coronavirus have occurred in England and Wales outside of hospital, official figures show.
About a third of the UK’s care homes, which accommodate about half a million people, have reported outbreaks of Covid-19 while two-thirds have so far remained free of the virus.
Once inside, the virus can rip through the buildings which are are often densely populated with patients that are generally vulnerable.
There is also a lack of quality personal protective equipment and proper cleaning resources while the staff haven’t been trained to deal with the situation, said Carl Heneghan, Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and Professor of Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Oxford.
Under no circumstances should hospitals transfer an infected patient into a care home, while care home staff should be routinely tested and potentially given daily “temperature” tests on the way into work, he said.
Need for proper PPE
Staff should be given proper PPE equipment and given the equipment and training to clean the premises as effectively as hospitals are, he added.
“In nursing homes, this could go on for weeks and weeks as it goes round the nursing home,” Prof Heneghan said
“If we want to eradicate this we should switch our focus immediately from the Nightingale hospital to nursing homes and start to really thinking through our strategy for each nursing home. Particularly those with active infections,” he said.
There are relatively few patients in the Nightingale hospital and switching the same “energy and activity” to nursing homes would really help, he added.
UK among the hardest hit by the virus
The UK is one of the ‘big six’ Covid-19 countries which represent 75 per cent of global cases – along with US, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium.
There have now been at least 24,243 deaths from Covid-19 across the UK.
Asked if he would apologise for neglecting care homes, Mr Hancock denied ignoring the issue and said: “From the start we knew that there was a very significant challenge with care homes not least because of the frailty of the residents.
“Making sure that care homes have the support they need has been absolutely front of mind from the start.” He claimed talks on how to protect the care sector had begun in January.