inews--2020-05-19--Are menthol filters being banned? UK menthol cigarette ban rules explained - and how filter tips are

Are menthol filters being banned? UK menthol cigarette ban rules explained - and how filter tips are affected

Are menthol filters being banned ?
UK menthol cigarette ban rules explained - and how filter tips are affected Menthol filters are not being banned , but it will be illegal to sell them packaged with tobacco or cigarettes From Wednesday 20 May the sale of menthol cigarettes will be illegal in the UK .
The law change was announced last month , and comes as part of new EU Tobacco Product Directive laws .
It is hoped the moved will help deter younger people from taking up smoking .
Menthol filters are not being banned , but it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tobacco or cigarettes .
However it will still be legal to purchase menthol filters and hand-rolling tobacco if they are packaged separately .
What exactly has been banned ?
The ban makes it illegal to both manufacture and sell menthol cigarettes , as well as capsule , click on , click and roll , crushball and dual menthol cigarettes .
It is through menthol cigarettes encourage younger people to smoke ( Photo : Getty ) There is no sell through period , which means retailers must have sold any remaining stock of menthol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK ’ s exit from the European Union does not impact the introduction of the menthol ban .
Retailers are still allowed to sell cigarettes described as `` green '' or with similar names to a previous menthol product as long as the cigarettes themselves do not contain any menthol .
If there is any confusion about which cigarettes products may or may not contain menthol , retailers should ask their tobacco supplier .
Why have menthol cigarettes been banned ?
There are concerns that menthol cigarettes encourage both younger smokers and new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and make it easier to inhale .
Some consider them to be healthier , but there is no evidence to suggest this is the case .
Before 20 May it was already illegal to sell menthol cigarettes in packs of more than 20 , but they are now banned altogether .

From Wednesday 20 May the sale of menthol cigarettes was made illegal in the UK.
The law change was announced last month, and comes as part of new EU Tobacco Product Directive laws.
Skinny cigarettes are also being outlawed.
It is hoped the moved will help deter younger people from taking up smoking.
Are menthol filters being banned?
Menthol filters are not being banned, but it will be illegal to sell them packaged with tobacco or cigarettes.
However it will still be legal to purchase menthol filters and hand-rolling tobacco if they are packaged separately.
What exactly has been banned?
The ban makes it illegal to both manufacture and sell menthol cigarettes, as well as capsule, click on, click and roll, crushball and dual menthol cigarettes.
The ban does not apply to heated tobacco products or e-cigarette products.
There is no sell through period, which means retailers must have sold any remaining stock of menthol cigarettes by 20 May 2020.
The UK’s exit from the European Union does not impact the introduction of the menthol ban.
Retailers are still allowed to sell cigarettes described as “green” or with similar names to a previous menthol product as long as the cigarettes themselves do not contain any menthol.
If there is any confusion about which cigarettes products may or may not contain menthol, retailers should ask their tobacco supplier.
Why have menthol cigarettes been banned?
There are concerns that menthol cigarettes encourage both younger smokers and new smokers, as they relax the airwaves and make it easier to inhale.
Some consider them to be healthier, but there is no evidence to suggest this is the case.
Before 20 May it was already illegal to sell menthol cigarettes in packs of more than 20, but they are now banned altogether.
It follows a four-year rolling project aimed at tightening the regulations on the types of tobacco and other cigarette products.
The move comes as part of long-term ambitions for parts of the UK to be smoke-free by 2030.


inews--2020-05-19--Coronavirus tests: Thérèse Coffey challenged by BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker over claim Government can

Coronavirus tests: Thérèse Coffey challenged by BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker over claim Government can be 'proud' of Covid-19 testing record

Coronavirus tests : Thérèse Coffey challenged by BBC Breakfast 's Dan Walker over claim Government can be 'proud ' of Covid-19 testing record Thérèse Coffey argued that 'the Government can not force people to book in and have tests ' but claimed 'the capacity is there' Ms Coffey had argued that testing for coronavirus had improved greatly from a `` standing start '' and that the Government 's drive to increase testing is something `` we can look on with pride '' .
It followed criticism from the Commons Science and Technology Committee , which accused the Government of failing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pace with the spread of the virus .
The committee said coronavirus testing capacity has been `` inadequate '' throughout the pandemic while there has been a lack of transparency over some of its crucial decision-making , and identified several lessons to learn from the UK 's handling of the outbreak , which has seen its testing strategy pilloried for being too slow and not aggressive enough .
'We have got a lot of capacity now' Thérèse Coffey was challenged over the Government 's record on testing .
( Photo : BBC Breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Technology Committee 's criticism , Ms Coffey told BBC Breakfast : `` We had a small amount of capacity at the very start , it was solely based on Public Health England 's capability of being able to have about 2,000 tests a day .
`` I think from pretty much a standing start , roughly in about mid-February I think it was , to get to a capacity and actual tests being done of 100,000 within about six weeks , I think is pretty full-on and actually I think something we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure was reached for the first time on 30 April but ministers were met with accusations the figures were inflated because it included the number of tests which had been sent out but not completed .
The milestone has been reached a handful of times since .
After some back and forth , Mr Walker said : `` I wanted to talk to you specifically though about the figures , because you say you can be proud of those figures .
The Prime Minister , I think it was on 5 April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , not tests done , 100,000 people done by the end of the month .
`` We 've looked at last week 's figures and at no point in those seven days did he get anywhere near 100,000 people tested .
Sixty thousand on the Monday , 61,000 , only three times did he get over 70,000 - so those targets are n't being met for numbers of people actually tested . ''
'The capacity is there' The minister said that testing had improved greatly from a 'standing start ' .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied : `` Well in terms of who 's been eligible for tests , early on we did prioritise it specifically on patients in the NHS so that actually their treatment could be understood , as well as the frontline clinical staff .
`` And over time , and that included care workers from the beginning or care homes , where there had been an indication of an outbreak , they were able to start doing some testing .
`` Now that is much more widely available around the country , many more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still available , so the Government can not force people to book in and have tests but the capacity is there . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits the Mologic Laboratory in the Bedford technology Park on March 06 , 2020 in Bedford , England .
( Photo by Jack Hill - WPA Pool / Getty Images )

Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey was repeatedly challenged live on air by BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker on Tuesday morning, after she claimed the Government could be “proud” of its record on Covid-19 testing.
Ms Coffey had argued that testing for coronavirus had improved greatly from a “standing start” and that the Government’s drive to increase testing is something “we can look on with pride”.
It followed criticism from the Commons Science and Technology Committee, which accused the Government of failing to increase testing quickly enough to keep pace with the spread of the virus.
The committee said coronavirus testing capacity has been “inadequate” throughout the pandemic while there has been a lack of transparency over some of its crucial decision-making, and identified several lessons to learn from the UK’s handling of the outbreak, which has seen its testing strategy pilloried for being too slow and not aggressive enough.
It also called on the Government to “urgently” build up capacity for contact tracing, a key tactic in helping ease existing lockdown measures.
‘We have got a lot of capacity now’
Responding to the Commons Science and Technology Committee’s criticism, Ms Coffey told BBC Breakfast: “We had a small amount of capacity at the very start, it was solely based on Public Health England’s capability of being able to have about 2,000 tests a day.
“We had little capacity early on, I recognise that, we have got a lot of capacity now.
“I think from pretty much a standing start, roughly in about mid-February I think it was, to get to a capacity and actual tests being done of 100,000 within about six weeks, I think is pretty full-on and actually I think something we can look on with pride.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on 2 April that he wanted to reach 100,000 daily coronavirus tests by the end of the month.
The figure was reached for the first time on 30 April but ministers were met with accusations the figures were inflated because it included the number of tests which had been sent out but not completed. The milestone has been reached a handful of times since.
After some back and forth, Mr Walker said: “I wanted to talk to you specifically though about the figures, because you say you can be proud of those figures. The Prime Minister, I think it was on 5 April, tweeted that there would be 100,000 thousand people, not tests done, 100,000 people done by the end of the month.
“We’ve looked at last week’s figures and at no point in those seven days did he get anywhere near 100,000 people tested. Sixty thousand on the Monday, 61,000, only three times did he get over 70,000 – so those targets aren’t being met for numbers of people actually tested.”
‘The capacity is there’
The minister replied: “Well in terms of who’s been eligible for tests, early on we did prioritise it specifically on patients in the NHS so that actually their treatment could be understood, as well as the frontline clinical staff.
“And over time, and that included care workers from the beginning or care homes, where there had been an indication of an outbreak, they were able to start doing some testing.
“Now that is much more widely available around the country, many more mobile tests, much more home testing still available, so the Government cannot force people to book in and have tests but the capacity is there.”
Urgent call to expand contact tracing
The Commons Science and Technology Committee also identified concerns over the transparency of its Sage (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergency) membership amid concerns political interference could affect the guidance.
The report, based on evidence sessions with experts including Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government’s chief scientific adviser, and Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, found the approach to dealing with asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19 was “unclear”.
It called on the Government to “urgently” expand its contact tracing capacity in “order to facilitate further easing of social distancing measures as soon as possible, while minimising the risk of a second peak in infections”.
It came as Downing Street announced the NHS contact tracing app – trailed on the Isle of Wight this month – will be launched across the country in the “coming weeks”.
Additional reporting by Press Association.


inews--2020-05-19--Can I have a BBQ during the coronavirus lockdown? Rules for cooking in your garden, explained for UK

Can I have a BBQ during the coronavirus lockdown? Rules for cooking in your garden, explained for UK residents

Can I have a BBQ during the coronavirus lockdown ?
Rules for cooking in your garden , explained for UK residents In England , visiting and sunbathing in local parks is now allowed , along with outdoor picnics and barbecues With temperatures now starting to hot up as the UK heads towards summer , many people will be itching to spend time outside .
As lockdown rules start to be eased across the country , with unlimited exercise now allowed in England , Scotland and Wales , Brits can now make the most of enjoying time outdoors - but what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Can I have a BBQ during lockdown ?
As of Wednesday ( 11 May ) , people in England are being encouraged to take unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise and play sports , but only with members of their household .
While Scotland has scrapped its cap on daily exercise , Scots have been warned against meeting up in groups at parks or beaches , and to avoid sunbathing , picnics and barbecues .
Going outside to exercise more than once a day is now allowed in Wales , but should still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the home .
But the stay at home message still remains , meaning people are not allowed to head to parks or gather in outdoor spaces to enjoy a barbecue .
Northern Ireland is allowing groups of between four and six people who do not share a household to meet up outdoors , meaning people could have a barbecue togeher , so long as a two metre social distance is maintained .
Am I allowed to have a BBQ at home ?
In England , Scotland and Wales , visiting the homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with police having the authority to issue fines if such rules are broken .
In Northern Ireland , visits to immediate family indoors is allowed providing social distancing is adhered to , with the exception of those who are shielding .
However , if you have your own BBQ , there is no rule to prevent you from using it at your home .
This means it must be used in your own garden and only by the people who are in your household .
There should be strictly no possibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with it .
You should avoid having a BBQ on a balcony as debris can drift to other levels and pose a fire risk to other floors .
Will I be arrested if I break the rules ?
Those who ignore the government issued guidance will be breaking the law , and can be ordered by police to return to their home , or leave an area .
Police are also able to disperse a group , using “ reasonable force ” , if necessary , and can take steps to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking the lockdown rules .

With temperatures now starting to hot up as the UK heads towards summer, many people will be itching to spend time outside.
As lockdown rules start to be eased across the country, with unlimited exercise now allowed in England, Scotland and Wales, Brits can now make the most of enjoying time outdoors – but what do the rules say about barbecues?
Can I have a BBQ during lockdown?
The UK government has outlined a three-phase plan to ease the country out of lockdown.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a number of changes to current measures in a national address on Sunday (10 May), unveiling a “road map for reopening society”.
As of Wednesday (11 May), people in England are being encouraged to take unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise and play sports, but only with members of their household.
Visiting and sunbathing in local parks will also be allowed, along with outdoor picnics and barbecues, providing social distancing guidelines are followed.
While Scotland has scrapped its cap on daily exercise, Scots have been warned against meeting up in groups at parks or beaches, and to avoid sunbathing, picnics and barbecues.
Going outside to exercise more than once a day is now allowed in Wales, but should still be done locally and not a significant distance from the home.
But the stay at home message still remains, meaning people are not allowed to head to parks or gather in outdoor spaces to enjoy a barbecue.
Northern Ireland is allowing groups of between four and six people who do not share a household to meet up outdoors, meaning people could have a barbecue togeher, so long as a two metre social distance is maintained.
Am I allowed to have a BBQ at home?
While unlimited outdoor exercise is now permitted in some parts of the UK, mass gatherings are still not allowed.
In England, Scotland and Wales, visiting the homes of family and friends is still prohibitied, with police having the authority to issue fines if such rules are broken.
This means you should not invite your family and friends for a BBQ at your home.
In Northern Ireland, visits to immediate family indoors is allowed providing social distancing is adhered to, with the exception of those who are shielding.
However, if you have your own BBQ, there is no rule to prevent you from using it at your home.
This means it must be used in your own garden and only by the people who are in your household.
There should be strictly no possibility of other members of the public coming into contact with it.
You should avoid having a BBQ on a balcony as debris can drift to other levels and pose a fire risk to other floors.
Will I be arrested if I break the rules?
Police have been given the power to arrest and fine people who flout coronavirus lockdown rules.
Those who ignore the government issued guidance will be breaking the law, and can be ordered by police to return to their home, or leave an area.
Police are also able to disperse a group, using “reasonable force”, if necessary, and can take steps to ensure that parents are stopping their children from breaking the lockdown rules.
Those who ignore the restrictions on movement could land an initial fine of £30, rising to unlimited fines for non-compliance.
In England, fines for breaching coronavirus regulations will rise from £60 to £100, while payment of the fine within 14 days will reduce the sum to £50, up from the present £30.
Repeat offenders will see the fine double for each subsequent breach to a maximum of £3,200.
Refusing to provide police with a name and address to avoid being given a fine is an arrestable offence.


inews--2020-05-19--Contact tracing jobs: how to apply to be a tracer for UK Government's coronavirus app - and where ro

Contact tracing jobs: how to apply to be a tracer for UK Government's coronavirus app - and where roles are based

Contact tracing jobs : how to apply to be a tracer for UK Government 's coronavirus app - and where roles are based Dozens of job adverts are being posted online , as the government approaches its deadline to recruit thousands of contact tracers The job requires you to work from home and to call people who are infected with Covid-19 .
( Credit : Shutterstock ) Several job listings have recently appeared for contract tracer roles , which are being recruited to warn people who have been exposed to Covid-19 .
On 23 April , health secretary , Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact tracers by the middle of May , explaining that the positions should be filled just before the NHS tracing app goes live later in the month .
What are the job requirements ?
The job requires you to work from home and to call people who are infected with Covid-19 .
It also requires you to telephone all of the people they have recently been in close contact with .
A job listing for a “ Contact Tracer Customer Service Advisor ” on CV Library , posted by Workforce Staffing Ltd , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to update the in-house system and be able to record accurate data ” as well as “ show empathy and compassion at all times ” .
You will be required to answer calls as well as make them and the role suits those with a customer service , care or retail background .
The work is expected to be completed in shifts , from Monday to Sunday , between 8am and 8pm .
How long are the roles required for ?
However the advert also states the job has the potential to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely going to be a “ long-term requirement due to the current pandemic ” .
While the adverts state that you will begin the work from home , adhering to the government guidance , some adverts have suggested office working will be introduced after the initial 12 weeks .
This therefore restricts who can apply , as you will need to be able to commute to the office when lockdown measures are lifted .
Where are the jobs located ?
The contract tracer jobs are currently being advertised for London , Liverpool , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keynes , Newcastle-under-Lyme and Redditch , to name a few .
Where can I apply for the jobs ?
Job sites such as Indeed , CV library , as well as LinkedIn began listing the advertisements from third party recruiters within the last few days .
The job postings are also being advertised by independent recruiters and can be found with a google search using the search term “ contact tracer jobs ” .
How much does it pay ?
The compensation for the job is £9.42 per hour , which is slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Numerous job listings have appeared for contract tracer roles in recent weeks, which are being recruited to warn people who have been exposed to Covid-19.
On 23 April, health secretary, Matt Hancock, announced plans to hire 18,000 contact tracers, explaining that the positions should be filled just before the NHS tracing app launches.
But, Boris Johnson increased this announcing in parliament that 25,000 contact tracers will be employed and ready to track 10,000 new cases of the virus a day by 1 June.
A version of the app was launched on the Isle of Wight on May 5, but the UK’s Track and Trace chief Dido Harding has refused to put a timeline on when it will be shared with the rest of the country.
What are the job requirements?
The job requires you to work from home and to call people who are infected with Covid-19.
It also requires you to telephone all of the people they have recently been in close contact with.
A job listing for a “Contact Tracer Customer Service Advisor” on CV Library, posted by Workforce Staffing Ltd, states the job will require you “to update the in-house system and be able to record accurate data” as well as “show empathy and compassion at all times”.
You will be required to answer calls as well as make them and the role suits those with a customer service, care or retail background.
The work is expected to be completed in shifts, from Monday to Sunday, between 8am and 8pm.
How long are the roles required for?
The advert posted by Workforce Staffing Ltd states the role is initially a “12 week assignment”.
However the advert also states the job has the potential to become a permanent role as contact tracers are likely going to be a “long-term requirement due to the current pandemic”.
While the adverts state that you will begin the work from home, adhering to the government guidance, some adverts have suggested office working will be introduced after the initial 12 weeks.
This therefore restricts who can apply, as you will need to be able to commute to the office when lockdown measures are lifted.
Where are the jobs located?
The contract tracer jobs are currently being advertised for London, Liverpool, Hull, Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Redditch, to name a few.
Where can I apply for the jobs?
Job sites such as Indeed,Google jobs, CV library, as well as LinkedIn began listing the advertisements from third party recruiters.
The job postings are also being advertised by independent recruiters and can be found with a google search using the search term “contact tracer jobs”.
How much does it pay?
The compensation for the job is £9.42 per hour, which is slightly higher than the national minimum wage.
Read more: Coronavirus latest: More than four million workers fear they will lose their jobs in the next three months
‘Virtual front line’
Out of the soon-to-be-recruited contact tracers, 3,000 will be from a skilled background.
These people will work as advisers and will be responsible for the more complex cases as well as conducting public health risk assessments.
Such roles are also being advertised with the title of “Clinical Contact Caseworker”, asking skilled professionals to join the ‘virtual frontline’.
These roles have been advertised on sites such as Reed, since the start of May 2020 by NHS Professionals.
Clinical Contact Caseworker roles pay a salary of £16.97 to £27.15 per hour and requires applicants to be on a Clinician Band 6 level or above.


inews--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: How the impact of the pandemic could see the UK return to 1980s levels of unemployment

Coronavirus : How the impact of the pandemic could see the UK return to 1980s levels of unemployment Unemployment claimants rose by more than 656,000 in April As the country begins to take its first tentative steps out of the Covid-19 lockdown , the economic effects of the pandemic are slowly beginning to emerge .
The Office for National Statistics released two sets of figures on Tuesday morning , revealing sobering unemployment data due to drastic action the Government was forced to take in response to the virus .
The first full month of the lockdown led the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 856,500 , bringing the total in April to 2.1m .
A separate ONS release showed 50,000 people had been made redundant in the first three months of the year to March .
These numbers take in just the first week or so of the Government-imposed restrictions , but hint of trouble ahead in terms of jobless stats .
The figures prompted Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey to warn that people “ should be prepared for the unemployment rate to increase significantly ” .
This comes as the Institute for Fiscal Studies released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of the labour market , with health and social care sectors the only areas hiring but with years of training required .
The jobs landscape has already led to concerns that unemployment could rise to nearly 10 per cent , a number not seen since the early 1990s , or possibly even higher .
Major interventions , such as Chancellor Rishi Sunak ’ s vast job retention scheme , which has seen more than 7.5m workers furloughed , has staved off the mass unemployment seen in the likes of the US where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nobel Prize winner and regius professor at LSE Sir Christopher Pissarides told the BBC unemployment would have jumped to “ 10 or even 12 per cent ” had it not been for the furloughing scheme , with the Treasury paying 80 per cent of people ’ s wages .
But he added that 8 per cent unemployment this year was still “ plausible ” even with the Government support .
This would still bring jobless numbers to levels not seen since the late 1980s when the UK was still coming to terms with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once the Government begins to wean the country off its furloughing programme remains to be seen .
Labour ’ s Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds is already warning changes that will see employers share some of the salary burden from August could lead to a “ massive spike ” in unemployment .
Boris Johnson and Mr Sunak will be hoping the job market rebounds quickly by October , when the job retention scheme formally ends , or unemployment figures could get much worse .

As the country begins to take its first tentative steps out of the Covid-19 lockdown, the economic effects of the pandemic are slowly beginning to emerge.
The Office for National Statistics released two sets of figures on Tuesday morning, revealing sobering unemployment data due to drastic action the Government was forced to take in response to the virus.
The first full month of the lockdown led the number of people claiming unemployment benefit to soar by 856,500, bringing the total in April to 2.1m.
Significant rise
A separate ONS release showed 50,000 people had been made redundant in the first three months of the year to March. These numbers take in just the first week or so of the Government-imposed restrictions, but hint of trouble ahead in terms of jobless stats.
The figures prompted Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey to warn that people “should be prepared for the unemployment rate to increase significantly”.
This comes as the Institute for Fiscal Studies released its own research showing the “collapse” of the labour market, with health and social care sectors the only areas hiring but with years of training required.
The jobs landscape has already led to concerns that unemployment could rise to nearly 10 per cent, a number not seen since the early 1990s, or possibly even higher.
Major interventions, such as Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s vast job retention scheme, which has seen more than 7.5m workers furloughed, has staved off the mass unemployment seen in the likes of the US where an eye-watering 36m people are unemployed.
Nobel Prize winner and regius professor at LSE Sir Christopher Pissarides told the BBC unemployment would have jumped to “10 or even 12 per cent” had it not been for the furloughing scheme, with the Treasury paying 80 per cent of people’s wages.
Back to the 1980s
But he added that 8 per cent unemployment this year was still “plausible” even with the Government support. This would still bring jobless numbers to levels not seen since the late 1980s when the UK was still coming to terms with its post-industrial status.
What will happen once the Government begins to wean the country off its furloughing programme remains to be seen. Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds is already warning changes that will see employers share some of the salary burden from August could lead to a “massive spike” in unemployment.
Boris Johnson and Mr Sunak will be hoping the job market rebounds quickly by October, when the job retention scheme formally ends, or unemployment figures could get much worse.


inews--2020-05-19--Unemployment benefit claims soared by 856,500 in April as coronavirus crisis hit UK jobs, ONS figure

Unemployment benefit claims soared by 856,500 in April as coronavirus crisis hit UK jobs, ONS figures show

Unemployment benefit claims soared by 856,500 in April as coronavirus crisis hit UK jobs , ONS figures show Before lockdown began employment had hit a record-high , but April saw a 69 per cent rise alone in unemployment Before lockdown began , employment had hit a record-high , but April saw a 69 per cent rise alone in unemployment - the largest-ever one-month jump , the ONS said .
The ONS figures do not account for everyone newly unemployed , as not everyone qualifies for claimant assistance , but it gives an indication of the impact of Covid-19 on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have likely been much higher without the Government 's furlough scheme , which allowed employers to postpone job cuts .
For those impacted by unemployment , the future is looking uncertain even with the help of Universal Credit .
Matt , 29 , from Devon , lost his job in food export in February after coronavirus and the impacts on trade hit demand for his company .
He was on a zero-hours contract but had worked for the company for five years , often doing long shifts .
`` My boss rang me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you at the moment , there 's no hours , and even if this blows over , they doubted there ’ d be a full time job for me , '' he said .
He described the news as a shock to the system .
`` I did n't know how to react to be honest .
I know businesses everywhere are struggling , but this was a company that I ’ d worked for for a long time , so I felt really let down . ''
He sought help from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in seeking redundancy pay from his employer .
Matt has since applied for Universal Credit but his payments don ’ t cover his living costs , and he has relied on his mother to lend him money for food and necessities .
“ I ’ m stuck .
There are no jobs and when my freezer runs out I have no food , '' he said .
“ A lady from the local food bank is dropping around parcels and I ’ m really grateful for that .
`` The constant worries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling really low , and living alone and not being able to work makes things even more isolating . ''
`` Each job loss can mean a household struggling to make rent , cover their bills or pay for the food , '' said Dame Gillian Guy , Chief Executive of Citizens Advice .
`` The Job Retention Scheme has so far prevented more redundancies , but the pandemic has still been devastating for household incomes .
And it could take a long time for the economy to recover .
`` With millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Government must ensure people can access adequate support through the benefits system and don ’ t face eviction or harsh debt collection as a result of this pandemic . ''

Unemployment figures have soared during the coronavirus pandemic, with 856,500 more people making benefit claims last month.
New data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows the total number of people claiming unemployment benefit increased to 2.1 million in April.
Before lockdown began, employment had hit a record-high, but April saw a 69 per cent rise alone in unemployment – the largest-ever one-month jump, the ONS said.
Impact of Covid-19
Figures showed that UK unemployment rose by 50,000 to 1.35 million in the three months to March.
The ONS figures do not account for everyone newly unemployed, as not everyone qualifies for claimant assistance, but it gives an indication of the impact of Covid-19 on the jobs market.
Figures for unemployment would have likely been much higher without the Government’s furlough scheme, which allowed employers to postpone job cuts.
Struggling to cope
For those impacted by unemployment, the future is looking uncertain even with the help of Universal Credit.
Matt, 29, from Devon, lost his job in food export in February after coronavirus and the impacts on trade hit demand for his company. He was on a zero-hours contract but had worked for the company for five years, often doing long shifts.
“My boss rang me and said there’s no job for you at the moment, there’s no hours, and even if this blows over, they doubted there’d be a full time job for me,” he said.
He described the news as a shock to the system. “I didn’t know how to react to be honest. I know businesses everywhere are struggling, but this was a company that I’d worked for for a long time, so I felt really let down.”
He sought help from his local Citizens Advice who have supported him in seeking redundancy pay from his employer. Matt has since applied for Universal Credit but his payments don’t cover his living costs, and he has relied on his mother to lend him money for food and necessities.
“I’m stuck. There are no jobs and when my freezer runs out I have no food,” he said. “A lady from the local food bank is dropping around parcels and I’m really grateful for that.
“The constant worries about money and work have left me feeling really low, and living alone and not being able to work makes things even more isolating.”
Calls for support
Experts are calling on the Government to support people in light of the recent data.
“Each job loss can mean a household struggling to make rent, cover their bills or pay for the food,” said Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice. “The Job Retention Scheme has so far prevented more redundancies, but the pandemic has still been devastating for household incomes. And it could take a long time for the economy to recover.
“With millions struggling to keep their heads above water, the Government must ensure people can access adequate support through the benefits system and don’t face eviction or harsh debt collection as a result of this pandemic.”


inews--2020-05-19--How to make a Facebook avatar: Make your own emoji and stickers for Messenger and Facebook comments

How to make a Facebook avatar : Create your own emoji and stickers to use in Messenger and Facebook comments In addition to Houseparty and Zoom calls , your loved ones can now see your face through Facebook 's new avatar feature The feature has been a hit with users , who can now express themselves in a more personal way , and outside the limited confines of the four generic reaction buttons .
Not too different from the Bitmoji feature found on Snapchat , Facebook allows its users to use the avatar when making comments , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Messenger app .
If you haven ’ t yet had a chance to create your own avatar , follow the below steps and , as Dr Dre and NWA said in 1988 , “ express yourself ” .
Open up the Facebook app on your smartphone ( The feature works for both iOS or Android ) .
Now tap on the icon displaying three horizontal lines , found in the bottom-right hand corner of your screen .
You will now be given a wide selection of physical features to choose from .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , face shape , eye shape and colour , eye makeup , lip shape and colour , eyebrow shape , nose shape , facial hair , body shape , and finally an outfit choice .
Make your way through each section , customising your avatar to best represent you ( or however you wish ) .
As soon as you have completed the avatar-making process , you can tap on the arrow icon in the top right corner to temporarily set it as your profile picture or to share it to your Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your avatar ’ s outfit , or any other feature , all you need to do is simply click on the pencil icon in the top right corner .
If you want to use your avatar as part of a comment on a post , you can do so by tapping the smiley face icon ( found next to the gif icon ) , and simply select the avatar icon found at the bottom of the screen .
The feature first appeared in June 2019 in Australia as part of a trial , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April this year .
Users in the US only gained access to the feature this week .
Fidji Simo , the head of Facebook 's app , said in a post , `` So much of our interactions these days are taking place online , which is why it 's more important than ever to be able to express yourself personally on Facebook .

Facebook has released a new feature allowing users to create online avatars of themselves.
So far the launch has been a hit with users, who can now express themselves in a more personal way, and outside the limited confines of the four generic reaction buttons.
Not too different from the Bitmoji feature found on Snapchat, Facebook allows its users to use the avatar when making comments, as well as in Facebook stories and in conversations in its Messenger app.
How do I make a Facebook avatar?
If you haven’t yet had a chance to create your own avatar, follow the below steps and, as Dr Dre and NWA said in 1988, “express yourself”.
Step 1:
Open up the Facebook app on your smartphone (The feature works for both iOS or Android). Now tap on the icon displaying three horizontal lines, found in the bottom-right hand corner of your screen.
Step 2:
Scroll down and click “See More.”
Step 3:
Click on “Avatars.”
Step 4:
Tap “Next” followed by “Get Started.”
Step 5:
Select a skin tone that best fits your own. Then hit “Next.”
Step 6:
You will now be given a wide selection of physical features to choose from. These categories include hairstyle length and colour, face shape, eye shape and colour, eye makeup, lip shape and colour, eyebrow shape, nose shape, facial hair, body shape, and finally an outfit choice. Make your way through each section, customising your avatar to best represent you (or however you wish).
Step 7:
Tap the tick in the top right corner of the page, and your avatar will save itself.
Step 8:
When it appears, hit the blue button labelled “Next” and you will see your finished avatar.
Step 9:
Tap “Done.”
As soon as you have completed the avatar-making process, you can tap on the arrow icon in the top right corner to temporarily set it as your profile picture or to share it to your Facebook feed.
Tap on the smiling square icon, found below the arrow icon, in order to check out the variety of Avatar stickers.
If you get tired of your avatar’s outfit, or any other feature, all you need to do is simply click on the pencil icon in the top right corner.
If you want to use your avatar as part of a comment on a post, you can do so by tapping the smiley face icon (found next to the gif icon), and simply select the avatar icon found at the bottom of the screen.
Launched in June
The feature first appeared in June 2019 in Australia as part of a trial, before making its way to Europe in April this year. Users in the US only gained access to the feature this week.
Fidji Simo, the head of Facebook’s app, said in a post, “So much of our interactions these days are taking place online, which is why it’s more important than ever to be able to express yourself personally on Facebook.
“With so many emotions and expressions to choose from, avatars let you to react and engage more authentically with family and friends across the app.”


inews--2020-05-19--Disabled man asked 'whether he'd like to be resuscitated' if he caught coronavirus

Disabled man asked 'whether he 'd like to be resuscitated ' if he caught coronavirus Ajay Yadav , 42 , who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy , was also quizzed over whether he 'd want to receive treatment in hospital Ajay Yadav , 42 , who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy , was called by a paramedic attached to his GP surgery to ask whether he 'd like to be treated in hospital if he caught the life-threatening illness , prompting concerns over fair access to treatment for disabled people at risk of catching the virus . '
I felt like I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment' Mr Yadav , who lives in London , told i he was quizzed over his survival because of his pre-existing condition , which causes his muscles to get progressively weaker and his spine to curve .
He is classed as vulnerable under Government lockdown guidelines .
`` I have breathing difficulties and am prone to respiratory infections , '' he said .
“ At the beginning of the outbreak I was called by a paramedic attached to my GP , and he asked me if I caught coronavirus whether I would want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And if I got to the stage where I was going to die , would I prefer to be at home or hospital .
Ajay was asked if he 'd like to be treated in a hospital if he contracted the coronavirus ( Photo : Supplied by source ) “ It was suggested that if you had a score of 5 or above on the CFS , there was uncertainty around the benefits of ICU .
I would score moderately frail 6 or severely frail 7 on the CFS , '' she told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as climbing stairs on score 6 I ca n't do , so I imagine I would be described at score 7 out of 9 .
However , my lungs and most organs are good and I would n't describe myself as 'frail ' .
Ms Deakin added : `` After huge outrage I believe it has been determined that this scale is not suitable for younger people with stable long-term disabilities , but it does still count for people with underlying health problems .
How can you differentiate ?
Sometimes the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital 's frailty system and potentially be put at risk ( Photo : Supplied by source ) “ I know we hope the requirement for intensive care ( ICU ) beds and ventilators will not be needed at full capacity .
We hope patients will not have to be prioritised , however it is possibility .
Can we just sit back and hope they do n't ?
“ I believe that I should be treated equally .
But I am worried , my life will be in their hands .
I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vary depending on the hospital and knowledge ; furthermore , if it really came to it , doctors might not think it is worth it .
If a decision is done on an individual case , one doctor 's decision may vary considerably to another .
”

A man with a spinal condition has been questioned over whether would like to be resuscitated if he contracted coronavirus.
Ajay Yadav, 42, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, was called by a paramedic attached to his GP surgery to ask whether he’d like to be treated in hospital if he caught the life-threatening illness, prompting concerns over fair access to treatment for disabled people at risk of catching the virus.
‘I felt like I was being lined up to not receive treatment’
Mr Yadav, who lives in London, told i he was quizzed over his survival because of his pre-existing condition, which causes his muscles to get progressively weaker and his spine to curve. He is classed as vulnerable under Government lockdown guidelines.
“I have breathing difficulties and am prone to respiratory infections,” he said. “At the beginning of the outbreak I was called by a paramedic attached to my GP, and he asked me if I caught coronavirus whether I would want to be treated in a hospital. And if I got to the stage where I was going to die, would I prefer to be at home or hospital.
“I don’t have a ventilator, intravenous antibiotics or the necessary medical expertise at home. It felt like I was being lined up not to receive treatment when I might need it most,” he added.
Similar concerns have also been raised by Hannah Deakin, 29 who has a rare illness called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Under current hospital guidelines, she would fail on the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), a metric used by doctors in hospitals to indicate the likelihood of a patient surviving treatment.
The syndrome, which normally affects the limb of a person after they have sustained an injury, is believed to be caused by damage or the malfunction of the peripheral and central nervous system, means Ms Deakin has additional health issues, and uses a wheelchair.
“It was suggested that if you had a score of 5 or above on the CFS, there was uncertainty around the benefits of ICU. I would score moderately frail 6 or severely frail 7 on the CFS,” she told i. “There are many tasks such as climbing stairs on score 6 I can’t do, so I imagine I would be described at score 7 out of 9. However, my lungs and most organs are good and I wouldn’t describe myself as ‘frail’.
The CFS scale would only come into play if ICUs reached capacity, which is not currently the case.
Ms Deakin added: “After huge outrage I believe it has been determined that this scale is not suitable for younger people with stable long-term disabilities, but it does still count for people with underlying health problems. How can you differentiate? Sometimes the two intermingle.
“I know we hope the requirement for intensive care (ICU) beds and ventilators will not be needed at full capacity. We hope patients will not have to be prioritised, however it is possibility. Can we just sit back and hope they don’t?
“I believe that I should be treated equally. But I am worried, my life will be in their hands. I can’t help thinking my treatment may hugely vary depending on the hospital and knowledge; furthermore, if it really came to it, doctors might not think it is worth it. If a decision is done on an individual case, one doctor’s decision may vary considerably to another.”
‘I should be treated equally’
According to figures released by disability charity Scope, 63 per cent of disabled people are concerned they won’t get the hospital treatment they need if they become ill with coronavirus.
Mark Hodgkinson, chief Executive at disability equality charity Scope, said: “Disabled people cannot be expendable in this crisis.
“We understand the NHS is under huge amounts of pressure and having to make complicated decisions, but offensive, insensitive actions like this only heighten stress and panic during already difficult times. Disabled people’s lives are just as important as everyone else’s.”
An NHS spokesperson said: “Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff expanding hospital and critical care availability, the NHS has been able to provide care for all those who have needed it urgently – whether or not they had coronavirus.
“Offering people the opportunity to discuss and record their own preferences about the care they should receive is important and well-supported by disability charities including Scope, and the NHS has been clear that coronavirus does not change long established best practice for these decisions being made or on access to treatment.”
Correction has been made to stipulate Hannah Deakin uses a wheelchair full-time, not part time


inews--2020-05-19--When will hairdressers open? Date salons could reopen under UK Government plan for easing lockdown r

When will hairdressers open? Date salons could reopen under UK Government plan for easing lockdown rules

When will hairdressers open ?
Date salons could reopen under UK Government plan for easing lockdown rules Latest on lockdown closures in the UK and if hairdressers could be among last businesses to open .
Hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed , with many across the UK getting creative with cutting their own hair at home - with some interesting results .
How long could salons be shut for ?
Although it was originally thought that hairdressers could be among the first businesses to reopen , Dominic Raab has revealed that they will not open until July at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , confirmed hairdressers , pubs and restaurants would have to wait until phase three , which would be from 4 July at the `` very earliest '' , to be reconsidered for reopening .
Mr Raab told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show : `` From 4 July , at the earliest , we 'll look at other sectors and that will include hospitality , but it will also include personal care and people like hairdressers.
” Although this will now be unlimited , Sturgeon said there must be “ no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is in contrast to Johnson ’ s new advice .
The First Minister of Wales , Mark Drakeford , said that Wales would allow more frequent exercise and the opening of garden centres , but that said schools will not reopen from 1 June .
They can , however , draw on a second Treasury wage scheme which is for the self-employed .
Self-employed workers do n't need to apply to it , as HMRC will contact those who are eligible for the payout by mid-May .
Citizens Advice explains that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , you might be able to get money from the government .
“ You could get 80 per cent of your average profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month .
This is called the Self-employment Income Support Scheme .
How can I support my local hairdresser ?
A good way to support your local hair salon is to buy a gift voucher now that you can use there when they reopen .
Hairdressers will also be very busy when they do reopen , so if your salon does have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth putting your name down now .
What have others countries done ?
It became the first European country to relax its restrictions in early April , firstly by allowing its citizens to jog and walk in the countryside without wearing their masks , as long as they kept 2 metres apart .
The country has a four-stage plan , part of which includes allowing outdoor restaurant and bar areas to reopen from 11 May , along with hairdressers and beauty salons .
Restaurants are then expected to resume indoor service and hotels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , which is two weeks earlier than the previous date of 8 June .

Hairdressers and barber shops across the UK are reopening from July 4, amid a raft of changes to lockdown restrictions that include the reopening of museums, galleries and cinemas, plus relief for the hospitality sector, with pubs, restaurants and hotels allowed to start trading again.
Since March, hairdressers have remained temporarily closed, with many across the UK getting creative with cutting their own hair at home – with some very interesting results.
Now they are set to reopen, but with extra security measures in place. Here’s what you need to know.
When do hairdressers reopen?
Hairdressers had been named among the businesses able to reopen from July 4, to the relief of families who have been managing with DIY haircuts and shaggier locks.
This is in line with the government’s “phase three” of lockdown, in which hospitality businesses, some entertainment venues and hairdressers might be able to reopen.
The decision to reopen salons comes as part of Boris Johnsons blueprint for a gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England, which saw primary schools, nurseries and shops partially reopening from 1 June.
Although it was originally thought that hairdressers could be among the first businesses to reopen, Dominic Raab revealed that they will not open until July at the earliest.
This is in line with the plans for some cafes or restaurants with outdoor space, and places or worship and socially distanced cinemas.
When Nicola Sturgeon unveiled a four-phase route map to ease Scotland out of lockdown restrictions, she said retail services including hairdressers are not expected to be allowed to open for bookings again until phase three of the plan.
What safety measures will be in place?
Hairdressers and barbers have been advised to wear protective visors when they reopen after July 4.
Other precautions are expected, such as discussing the appointment in the mirror and avoiding smalltalk during the haircut to reduce the amount of face-to-face time.
The National Hair and Beauty Federation has advised salons to be clear in their messaging to customers about the health and safety measures in place.
What about wages?
It is estimated that 60 per cent of hairdressers are freelance, making them ineligible for the government’s furlough scheme.
They can, however, draw on a second Treasury wage scheme which is for the self-employed. Self-employed workers don’t need to apply to it, as HMRC will contact those who are eligible for the payout by mid-May.
Citizens Advice explains that “if your income has dropped because of coronavirus, you might be able to get money from the government.
“You could get 80 per cent of your average profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. This is called the Self-employment Income Support Scheme.”
How can I support my local hairdresser?
A good way to support your local hair salon is to buy a gift voucher now that you can use there when they reopen.
Hairdressers will also be very busy when they do reopen, so if your salon does have a waiting list, then it’s worth putting your name down now.
L’Oréal Professionnel, the British Beauty Council patron, has released a COVID-19 support guide to help salon owners, employees, and self-employed hair stylists who are currently out of work.
The guide includes details on the current government measures, alongside information on how to claim benefits, HR and legal advice.


inews--2020-05-19--Virtual Chelsea Flower Show 2020: RHS event dates, schedule and how to watch the BBC coverage

Virtual Chelsea Flower Show 2020 : RHS event dates , schedule and how to watch the BBC coverage Garden-lovers will be given access to behind-the-scenes videos , tours of celebrity gardens and more from the comfort of their own homes The coronavirus pandemic has caused the Chelsea Flower Show to be cancelled for just the second time in its 107-year history .
However , unlike the last time during the Second World War , this year it is able to be held virtually .
Garden-lovers will be given access to behind-the-scenes videos , tours of celebrity gardens and more from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How to watch the virtual Chelsea Flower Show The show will start on Monday 18 May and go on until Saturday 23 May .
New videos will be released on the site each day , and viewers will also be encouraged to take part by posting pictures of their own gardens and creations on social media using the hashtag # mychelseagarden .
From 17-24 May the BBC will also show clips from the past decade of Chelsea Flower Shows , in programmes presented by Sophie Raworth , Joe Swift , Monty Don and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biggs , said : `` I ’ m delighted that despite such challenging circumstances the BBC are producing a special series of programmes celebrating the world ’ s greatest flower show which will air throughout Virtual Show week on BBC One and Two . ''
What should we expect ?
The RHS says : `` We 're working with our friends and partners across the industry to bring the very best of gardens , plants and products .
Viewers will be able to go on virtual tours of the gardens ( Photo : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re lucky to live in a digital age where we ’ re able to bring aspects of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show online so we can continue to share the world ’ s best in horticulture and bring garden design inspiration , breathtaking displays and horticultural knowledge for the nation to enjoy during this difficult time .
`` We really hope the virtual show will help fill the gap caused by the sad but necessary cancellation of this year ’ s show and will inspire more people to get growing .
@

The coronavirus pandemic has caused the Chelsea Flower Show to be cancelled for just the second time in its 107-year history.
However, unlike the last time during the Second World War, this year it is able to be held virtually.
Garden-lovers will be given access to behind-the-scenes videos, tours of celebrity gardens and more from the comfort of their own homes.
Here is everything you need to know…
How to watch the virtual Chelsea Flower Show
The show will start on Monday 18 May and go on until Saturday 23 May.
Monday is Members Day, with exclusive online content for members only.
To watch, simply head to rhs.org.uk, where all the footage will be streamed.
New videos will be released on the site each day, and viewers will also be encouraged to take part by posting pictures of their own gardens and creations on social media using the hashtag #mychelseagarden.
From 17-24 May the BBC will also show clips from the past decade of Chelsea Flower Shows, in programmes presented by Sophie Raworth, Joe Swift, Monty Don and Nicky Chapman.
The programming includes:
Sunday 17 May at 3.45pm and Sunday 24 May at 5.50pm (BBC One) – two 60-minute programmes presented by Sophie Raworth and Joe Swift
Monday 18 – Friday 22 May at 3.45pm (BBC One) – 45 minutes a day presented by Nicki Chapman
Monday 18 – Friday 22 May at 8pm (BBC Two) – 60 minutes a day presented by Monty Don and Joe Swift
RHS Director General Sue Biggs, said: “I’m delighted that despite such challenging circumstances the BBC are producing a special series of programmes celebrating the world’s greatest flower show which will air throughout Virtual Show week on BBC One and Two.”
What should we expect?
The RHS says: “We’re working with our friends and partners across the industry to bring the very best of gardens, plants and products.
“Well-known garden designers, florists and gardening personalities share new videos and inspirational articles with top design tips, favourite planting combinations and gardening trends.”
Among the highlights will be:
Daily videos from well-known gardening presenters and experts
Interactive lunchtime Q&A sessions with RHS advisors and special guests
Behind-the-scenes tours from award-winning nurseries
A chance to vote for your favourite plants, products and gardens
A daily school gardening club with activities for families to grow plants and connect with nature
Ms Biggs said: “We’re lucky to live in a digital age where we’re able to bring aspects of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show online so we can continue to share the world’s best in horticulture and bring garden design inspiration, breathtaking displays and horticultural knowledge for the nation to enjoy during this difficult time.
“We really hope the virtual show will help fill the gap caused by the sad but necessary cancellation of this year’s show and will inspire more people to get growing.”
My Chelsea Garden competition
The virtual nature of this year’s show gives viewers more ability than ever to get involved.
The My Chelsea Garden competition, which is run jointly by the BBC’s The One Show and the RHS.
Viewers can enter their own gardens to be judged using the hashtag, and have a chance of winning tickets to next year’s show, plus a special RHS commendation.


inews--2020-05-19--Hay Festival online 2020: Digital literary event dates, full programme and how to watch it from home

Hay Festival online 2020 : Digital literary event dates , full programme and how to watch it from home The 10-day literature festival is normally held in Hay-on-Wye in Wales , but will now take place solely on the internet Hay Festival , like everything else that was scheduled to go ahead this spring , has been cancelled in its physical form due to the coronavirus pandemic .
However , `` the Woodstock of the mind '' , as Bill Clinton once described it , is still going ahead online .
The 10-day literature festival is normally held in Hay-on-Wye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place solely on the internet .
Here is everything you need to know , and how you can get involved ...
The festival starts on Monday 18 May and runs for a few days longer than usual , wrapping up on Sunday 31 May .
How can I take part ?
The main programme will all be going ahead on Crowdcast , a digital platform for talks , workshops and festivals .
To sign up , find the event you want to attend on the Hay Festival , click `` register '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sign up .
Once you are there , select the `` save my spot '' option .
You will need to provide an email address or social media login .
You will then receive an email confirming your registration , as well as an option to add the event to your calendar .
Once you are registered you will have instant access to the event page , including the polls , chat , and Q & A .
If you miss an event you can replay it for up to 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events will be made available on Hay Player , an archive of more than 8,000 Hay Festival events , which requires a subscription fee .
The physical festival has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic ( Photo : Getty ) There are a huge amount of different talks , interviews and readings on offer , all of which you can view in the festival 's digital programme .

Hay Festival, like everything else that was scheduled to go ahead this spring, has been cancelled in its physical form due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, “the Woodstock of the mind”, as Bill Clinton once described it, is still going ahead online.
The 10-day literature festival is normally held in Hay-on-Wye in Wales, but will now take place solely on the internet.
Here is everything you need to know, and how you can get involved…
When is Hay Festival Digital?
The festival starts on Monday 18 May and runs for a few days longer than usual, wrapping up on Sunday 31 May.
How can I take part?
The main programme will all be going ahead on Crowdcast, a digital platform for talks, workshops and festivals.
To sign up, find the event you want to attend on the Hay Festival, click “register”, and this will take you to Crowdcast to sign up.
Once you are there, select the “save my spot” option. You will need to provide an email address or social media login.
You will then receive an email confirming your registration, as well as an option to add the event to your calendar.
Once you are registered you will have instant access to the event page, including the polls, chat, and Q&A.
If you miss an event you can replay it for up to 24 hours after it has finished.
Following this events will be made available on Hay Player, an archive of more than 8,000 Hay Festival events, which requires a subscription fee.
What’s in the programme?
There are a huge amount of different talks, interviews and readings on offer, all of which you can view in the festival’s digital programme.
Particular highlights include:


inews--2020-05-19--Coronavirus latest: A repeating cycle of 50 days of strict lockdown and relative easing is best way

Coronavirus latest: A repeating cycle of 50 days of strict lockdown and relative easing is best way to tackle Covid-19, study finds

Coronavirus latest : A repeating cycle of 50 days of strict lockdown and relative easing is best way to tackle Covid-19 , study finds Researchers say alternating approach is best way to balance competing demands of coronavirus A repeating cycle of 50 days of strict lockdown followed by 30 days of relative normality could be the best way to tackle Covid-19 long term in the absence of a cure , a study finds .
The model allows for a period for nations to “ breathe ” following strict lockdown measures .
But even in the 'relaxed ' periods , testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed , while vulnerable groups , such as the over 70s and those with pre-existing health conditions , will need to remain in lockdown throughout , researchers say .
There are currently no treatments for the disease and an effective vaccine is unlikely to be widely available for at least a year , if ever , experts .
In the meantime , governments must balance the need to limit death and illness from Covid-19 with the need to keep the economy afloat , avoid widespread mental illness and stop other diseases from flourishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prolonged lockdowns .
As such , there is a growing concern that lockdowns , social distancing , school closures and other ‘ interventions ’ may be unsustainable over the long term .
Is social distancing possible in schools ?
( Photo : VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA/AFP/Getty ) A better approach would be to alternate stricter measures with intervals of relaxed social distancing - during which widespread testing and tracing would need to be carried out , with infected and potentially infected people going into and isolation .
“ Our models predict that dynamic cycles of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are effective at lowering the number of deaths significantly for all countries throughout the 18-month period , ” said Rajiv Chowdhury , of the University of Cambridge .
“ This intermittent combination of strict social distancing , and a relatively relaxed period , with efficient testing , case isolation , contact tracing and shielding the vulnerable , may allow populations and their national economies to ‘ breathe ’ at intervals – a potential that might make this solution more sustainable , especially in poor regions , ” he said .
The researchers say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown-relaxation cycle would vary from country to country .
The key is to identify a pattern that allows countries to protect the health of the population not only from Covid-19 but also from economic hardship and mental health issues , the research finds .

A repeating cycle of 50 days of strict lockdown followed by 30 days of relative normality could be the best way to tackle Covid-19 long term in the absence of a cure, a study finds.
The model allows for a period for nations to “breathe” following strict lockdown measures. But even in the ‘relaxed’ periods, testing and tracing will have to be widely deployed, while vulnerable groups, such as the over 70s and those with pre-existing health conditions, will need to remain in lockdown throughout, researchers say.
There are currently no treatments for the disease and an effective vaccine is unlikely to be widely available for at least a year, if ever, experts.
Balancing act
In the meantime, governments must balance the need to limit death and illness from Covid-19 with the need to keep the economy afloat, avoid widespread mental illness and stop other diseases from flourishing – all of which become harder under prolonged lockdowns.
As such, there is a growing concern that lockdowns, social distancing, school closures and other ‘interventions’ may be unsustainable over the long term.
A better approach would be to alternate stricter measures with intervals of relaxed social distancing – during which widespread testing and tracing would need to be carried out, with infected and potentially infected people going into and isolation.
“Our models predict that dynamic cycles of 50-day suppression followed by a 30-day relaxation are effective at lowering the number of deaths significantly for all countries throughout the 18-month period,” said Rajiv Chowdhury, of the University of Cambridge.
Alternating cycle
“This intermittent combination of strict social distancing, and a relatively relaxed period, with efficient testing, case isolation, contact tracing and shielding the vulnerable, may allow populations and their national economies to ‘breathe’ at intervals – a potential that might make this solution more sustainable, especially in poor regions,” he said.
The researchers say that the best length of time for the lockdown-relaxation cycle would vary from country to country. The key is to identify a pattern that allows countries to protect the health of the population not only from Covid-19 but also from economic hardship and mental health issues, the research finds.
The study is published in the European Journal of Epidemiology.


inews--2020-05-19--Coronavirus latest: Washing your hands 10 times a day cuts risk of Covid-19

Researchers found that people who washed their hands between six and 10 times a day were 36 per cent less likely to become infected Researchers found that people who washed their hands between six and 10 times a day were 36 per cent less likely to become infected than those who washed them five times or less .
After the tenth handwash of the day further cleaning offered little benefit , according to an analysis of three previous outbreaks of viruses with similar properties to Covid-19 .
“ These findings support clear public health messaging around the protective effects of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sarah Beale of University College London .
'It must be done properly' “ It ’ s important to highlight that frequency of handwashing is only one aspect of hand hygiene .
We also know that both longer duration of handwashing and the context of handwashing - for example upon returning home or before eating – have been associated with lower overall risk of influenza or influenza-like-illness , '' she said .
“ Good hand hygiene should be practiced at all times regardless of whether you show symptoms or not .
This will help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus to others around you , ” Dr Beale added .
The study involved 1,633 participants , of which 80 per cent were over 16 .
To assess overall handwashing frequency participants were asked the start of each season to “ Estimate how many times you washed your hands yesterday ” .
Frequency of daily handwashing was subsequently categorised as low ( less than 5 times daily ) , moderate ( 6 to 10 times daily ) , or high ( more 10 times daily ) .
Moderate-frequency handwashing was associated with significantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 36 per cent reduction in the risk of infection compared to those who washed their hands 0-5 times per day .
However , further washes made little difference , according to the study , published in the journal Wellcome Open Research .

Washing your hands up to 10 times a day will significantly cut your risk of catching coronavirus, a study finds.
Researchers found that people who washed their hands between six and 10 times a day were 36 per cent less likely to become infected than those who washed them five times or less.
After the tenth handwash of the day further cleaning offered little benefit, according to an analysis of three previous outbreaks of viruses with similar properties to Covid-19.
“These findings support clear public health messaging around the protective effects of handwashing during the pandemic,” said Sarah Beale of University College London.
‘It must be done properly’
“It’s important to highlight that frequency of handwashing is only one aspect of hand hygiene. We also know that both longer duration of handwashing and the context of handwashing – for example upon returning home or before eating – have been associated with lower overall risk of influenza or influenza-like-illness,” she said.
“Good hand hygiene should be practiced at all times regardless of whether you show symptoms or not. This will help protect yourself and prevent unwittingly spreading the virus to others around you,” Dr Beale added.
The study involved 1,633 participants, of which 80 per cent were over 16.
To assess overall handwashing frequency participants were asked the start of each season to “Estimate how many times you washed your hands yesterday”.
How frequencies vary
Frequency of daily handwashing was subsequently categorised as low (less than 5 times daily), moderate (6 to 10 times daily), or high (more 10 times daily).
Moderate-frequency handwashing was associated with significantly reduced overall risk of contracting coronavirus – a 36 per cent reduction in the risk of infection compared to those who washed their hands 0-5 times per day.
However, further washes made little difference, according to the study, published in the journal Wellcome Open Research.


inews--2020-05-19--People who walk, cycle or take the train to work are less likely to die early

People who walk , cycle or take the train to work are less likely to die early Low-carbon commuting reduces the risk of dying from heart disease or cancer , scientists reveal Compared with those who drove , those who cycled to work had a 20 per cent reduced rate of early death ( Photo : Dan Kitwood/Getty ) People who walk , cycle or take the train to work are less likely to die an early death than those who commute by car .
The research by Imperial College London and Cambridge University bolsters the case for encouraging more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when lockdown eases .
Using census data to track more than 300,000 commuters in England and Wales over the course of 25 years , the team found that people who cycle to work are 20 per cent less likely to die an early death compared to those who drive .
That includes a 24 per cent fall in the risk of suffering of fatal cardiovascular disease , and a 16 per cent drop in the likelihood of dying from cancer , the research reveals .
People who took the train to work or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early , according to the study published in The Lancet Planetary Health .
Catching the train to work is also better for your health than driving ( Photo : Ian Forsyth/Getty ) Lead author Dr Richard Patterson said the findings underline the importance of getting people to change their travel habits as lockdown eases .
Currently , more than two thirds of people in the UK commute by car , while just a few per cent cycle to work .
`` As large numbers of people begin to return to work as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good time for everyone to rethink their transport choices , ” Dr Patterson said .
“ Encouraging more people to walk and cycle will help limit the longer-term consequences of the pandemic . ''
Government is working to encourage people out of cars to cope with post-lockdown congestion , but getting people stick to their new habits for years to come will maximise the benefits , Dr Patterson said .
“ Cycling to work will do you good if you do it only for a couple of months , but it will do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it for 10 years , ” he pointed out .
The study ’ s use of census data allowed the researchers to follow a large group of people over a long time .
However , it also meant the researchers were unable to account for other factors such as diet , smoking history , underlying health conditions and other physical activity .
That means part of the benefits felt by rail commuters might be because they tend to be financially better off , with fewer underlying health conditions .
Similarly , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robust , because people who walk to work tend to be poorer and with more underlying health issues .

People who walk, cycle or take the train to work are less likely to die an early death than those who commute by car.
The research by Imperial College London and Cambridge University bolsters the case for encouraging more people to walk and cycle to work when lockdown eases.
Using census data to track more than 300,000 commuters in England and Wales over the course of 25 years, the team found that people who cycle to work are 20 per cent less likely to die an early death compared to those who drive.
That includes a 24 per cent fall in the risk of suffering of fatal cardiovascular disease, and a 16 per cent drop in the likelihood of dying from cancer, the research reveals.
People who took the train to work or walked were also less likely to die early, according to the study published in The Lancet Planetary Health.
Long-term habits
Lead author Dr Richard Patterson said the findings underline the importance of getting people to change their travel habits as lockdown eases. Currently, more than two thirds of people in the UK commute by car, while just a few per cent cycle to work.
“As large numbers of people begin to return to work as the Covid-19 lockdown eases, it is a good time for everyone to rethink their transport choices,” Dr Patterson said. “Encouraging more people to walk and cycle will help limit the longer-term consequences of the pandemic.”
Government is working to encourage people out of cars to cope with post-lockdown congestion, but getting people stick to their new habits for years to come will maximise the benefits, Dr Patterson said. “Cycling to work will do you good if you do it only for a couple of months, but it will do you a lot more good if you do it for 10 years,” he pointed out.
Other factors
The study’s use of census data allowed the researchers to follow a large group of people over a long time. However, it also meant the researchers were unable to account for other factors such as diet, smoking history, underlying health conditions and other physical activity.
That means part of the benefits felt by rail commuters might be because they tend to be financially better off, with fewer underlying health conditions. Similarly, the findings for walking to work are less robust, because people who walk to work tend to be poorer and with more underlying health issues.


inews--2020-05-19--Prince Charles to feature in Classic FM interview with Alan Titchmarsh

Prince Charles to feature in Classic FM interview with Alan Titchmarsh Prince Charles will also go solo to present a two-hour show on Tuesday It ’ s HRH Prince of Wales hitting the soundwaves with two radio programmes about his favourite music .
He ’ s even presenting one of them .
A throwback to the 1990s golden age of Ibiza club nights ?
Well , not quite .
The heir to the throne will be chatting to Alan Titchmarsh on Classic FM about his love of classical music and watching live performances .
He will also discuss how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected during the coronavirus pandemic .
The interview will be broadcast on Monday next week in a two-hour programme in which the prince will share some of his favourite pieces , performed by his musical patronages .
Charles will also go solo to present a two-hour show on Tuesday – selecting more of his favoured classical pieces .
So is the Prince a big music fan ?
You could say that .
He ’ s patron of the Philharmonia Orchestra , the Scottish Chamber Orchestra , the Monteverdi and Bach Choirs , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So what kind of music can one expect to hear in Clarence House ?
He ’ ll be giving listeners his personal reflections on works such as Frederic Chopin 's piano concertos , the Four Last Songs of Richard Strauss , and Julius Benedict 's Piano Concerto in E-flat .
Can we expect a Royal Glastonbury set next year ?
`` It ’ s always a privilege to spend time in the company of His Royal Highness and none more so than when it involves our mutual enjoyment of classical music , @ @ @ @

It’s HRH Prince of Wales hitting the soundwaves with two radio programmes about his favourite music. He’s even presenting one of them.
A throwback to the 1990s golden age of Ibiza club nights?
Well, not quite. The heir to the throne will be chatting to Alan Titchmarsh on Classic FM about his love of classical music and watching live performances. He will also discuss how the livelihoods of orchestras and performers have been affected during the coronavirus pandemic.
The interview will be broadcast on Monday next week in a two-hour programme in which the prince will share some of his favourite pieces, performed by his musical patronages. Charles will also go solo to present a two-hour show on Tuesday – selecting more of his favoured classical pieces.
So is the Prince a big music fan?
You could say that. He’s patron of the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Monteverdi and Bach Choirs, the Royal Opera House and Welsh National Opera.
So what kind of music can one expect to hear in Clarence House?
He’ll be giving listeners his personal reflections on works such as Frederic Chopin’s piano concertos, the Four Last Songs of Richard Strauss, and Julius Benedict’s Piano Concerto in E-flat.
Can we expect a Royal Glastonbury set next year?
We doubt it, but Classic FM presenter Mr Titchmarsh is looking forward to the show.
“It’s always a privilege to spend time in the company of His Royal Highness and none more so than when it involves our mutual enjoyment of classical music,” he said.
“I am looking forward to welcoming him to Classic FM.”


inews--2020-05-19--Coronavirus latest: Covid-19 is 'too successful' to ever be eradicated, scientist warns

Coronavirus latest : Covid-19 is 'too successful ' to ever be eradicated , scientist warns Professor David Robertson said coronavirus is 'almost uncontrollable' Covid-19 will become part of everyday life , according to a scientist who says the virus is so successful it will never be eradicated .
Professor David Robertson , head of viral genomics and bioinformatics at the University of Glasgow , told the House of Lords Science and Technology committee that Covid-19 is “ almost uncontrollable ” .
He said : “ It is so transmissible , it ’ s so successful , we ’ re so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit of a red herring to worry about it getting worse , because it couldn ’ t be much worse at the moment in terms of the numbers of cases.
” “ If you contrast with Ebola , which has very high virulence , kills many , many people , it makes it very controllable and you can very readily identify the infected people .
“ I think we have to be clear that we ’ re not going to be able to eradicate this virus .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in several years it will become a normal virus.
” The UK Government will soon release a coronavirus app similar to that used in Australia ( Photo : Quinn Rooney/Getty ) The committee was also told there is no evidence to support a conspiracy theory , backed by Donald Trump , which suggests coronavirus was created in an infectious disease laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
But Professor Robertson said : “ There is really no evidence for this .
We can all enjoy a conspiracy theory but you need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D in the body .
Professor Colin Smith , the University of Brighton ’ s professor of functional genomics , and other scientists from around the UK have written in the BMJ journal Nutrition , Prevention and Health outlining their views .
He said : “ There are currently some very misleading articles doing the rounds on social media about mega doses of vitamin D as a Covid-19 protective measure – which are not true – and hence the urgent need to @ @ @ @ @

Covid-19 will become part of everyday life, according to a scientist who says the virus is so successful it will never be eradicated.
Professor David Robertson, head of viral genomics and bioinformatics at the University of Glasgow, told the House of Lords Science and Technology committee that Covid-19 is “almost uncontrollable”.
He said: “It is so transmissible, it’s so successful, we’re so susceptible, that actually it’s a little bit of a red herring to worry about it getting worse, because it couldn’t be much worse at the moment in terms of the numbers of cases.”
“If you contrast with Ebola, which has very high virulence, kills many, many people, it makes it very controllable and you can very readily identify the infected people.
“Whereas this virus is infecting so many people with asymptomatic to mild symptoms that it’s almost
uncontrollable.
“I think we have to be clear that we’re not going to be able to eradicate this virus.
“It’s going to settle into the human population and in several years it will become a normal virus.”
The committee was also told there is no evidence to support a conspiracy theory, backed by Donald Trump, which suggests coronavirus was created in an infectious disease laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
Wuhan
But Professor Robertson said: “There is really no evidence for this. We can all enjoy a conspiracy theory but you need to have evidence.”
Scientists have also dismissed “very misleading” social media reports that so-called “mega doses” of vitamin D can protect against coronavirus.
However, they have emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D in the body.
Professor Colin Smith, the University of Brighton’s professor of functional genomics, and other scientists from around the UK have written in the BMJ journal Nutrition, Prevention and Health outlining their views.
He said: “There are currently some very misleading articles doing the rounds on social media about mega doses of vitamin D as a Covid-19 protective measure – which are not true – and hence the urgent need to inform the public.”


inews--2020-05-19--'Game-changing' organ donation law means adults in England are deemed to have given consent to donat

'Game-changing' organ donation law means adults in England are deemed to have given consent to donate their organs when they die

'Game-changing ' organ donation law means adults in England are deemed to have given consent to donate their organs when they die From Wednesday , all adults in England will be deemed to have given consent to donate their own organs when they die , unless they explicitly state otherwise or are in an excluded group .
It has been estimated that the scheme , known as Max and Keira ’ s law , will lead to an extra 700 transplants each year by 2023 .
Nine-year-old Keira Ball saved four lives , including that of Max Johnson , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use her organs for transplants following a car crash in 2017 .
Lord Bethell told peers in the House of Lords on Monday : “ The legislation will come into effect on 20 May , however we acknowledge that this may not come into practice straightaway due to the limitations of Covid.
” The timing of the law change amid the pandemic , when many transplants have not been able to take place due to patient safety concerns , is unfortunate but can not be helped , said Douglas Craft , 73 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list for a kidney for two years .
But the retired butcher from Chichester said : “ I ’ m hoping it ’ s going to be a game-changer.
” He said he hoped it would eventually be “ taken for granted that it ’ s just part of living and dying ” .
Figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant show the number of transplants carried out across the UK has dropped dramatically in recent weeks .
Just 99 transplant operations were performed in April compared with 244 in March .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organ donation to return to normal levels .
Steve Burton , 58 , who has also been shielding since early March in Blackpool as he is waiting for a suitable kidney , said while he feels “ terrified ” of contacting coronavirus , the new law has given him a boost for the future .
He said : “ Obviously , I ’ m looking for the gift of life from somebody , and the fact that a lot more people now are in that window for me to receive that gift , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me .
“ When you go on the waiting list you ’ re basically waiting for a phone call .
So you carry your mobile 24/7 and at some point over two-and-a-half years , if you ’ re lucky , that call comes.
” The parents of a boy who has had two transplants and needed life-saving surgery when he was a minute old have welcomed new organ donation legislation .
But five-year-old Frankie Lord ’ s mother Sophie Mansuy , from Newcastle , said parents of child donors would still need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the law change will not affect under-18s .
The “ deemed consent ” legislation was introduced in Wales in 2015 , meaning that adults are already considered to have no objection to becoming a donor unless they have opted out .
In 2016 , the Northern Ireland Assembly decided not to proceed with any changes to organ donation consent .
Adults have to opt in if they want to donate their organs after they die .

Patients awaiting life-saving transplants have welcomed a “game changing” law which will see people automatically considered organ donors.
From Wednesday, all adults in England will be deemed to have given consent to donate their own organs when they die, unless they explicitly state otherwise or are in an excluded group.
However, a health minister has warned that the new system could be delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
It has been estimated that the scheme, known as Max and Keira’s law, will lead to an extra 700 transplants each year by 2023.
‘Game-changing law’
Nine-year-old Keira Ball saved four lives, including that of Max Johnson, also nine, after her father allowed doctors to use her organs for transplants following a car crash in 2017.
Lord Bethell told peers in the House of Lords on Monday: “The legislation will come into effect on 20 May, however we acknowledge that this may not come into practice straightaway due to the limitations of Covid.”
The timing of the law change amid the pandemic, when many transplants have not been able to take place due to patient safety concerns, is unfortunate but cannot be helped, said Douglas Craft, 73, who has been on the waiting list for a kidney for two years.
But the retired butcher from Chichester said: “I’m hoping it’s going to be a game-changer.” He said he hoped it would eventually be “taken for granted that it’s just part of living and dying”.
Figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant show the number of transplants carried out across the UK has dropped dramatically in recent weeks. Just 99 transplant operations were performed in April compared with 244 in March. It said it will take a while for organ donation to return to normal levels.
Steve Burton, 58, who has also been shielding since early March in Blackpool as he is waiting for a suitable kidney, said while he feels “terrified” of contacting coronavirus, the new law has given him a boost for the future.
He said: “Obviously, I’m looking for the gift of life from somebody, and the fact that a lot more people now are in that window for me to receive that gift, it’s only a good thing for me.
“When you go on the waiting list you’re basically waiting for a phone call. So you carry your mobile 24/7 and at some point over two-and-a-half years, if you’re lucky, that call comes.”
‘Deemed consent’ legislation
The parents of a boy who has had two transplants and needed life-saving surgery when he was a minute old have welcomed new organ donation legislation.
But five-year-old Frankie Lord’s mother Sophie Mansuy, from Newcastle, said parents of child donors would still need to make the difficult decision to consent, as the law change will not affect under-18s.
Ms Mansuy welcomed the new legislation, saying: “Ten years from now, I hope the shortage of organ donors will be a distant memory.”
The “deemed consent” legislation was introduced in Wales in 2015, meaning that adults are already considered to have no objection to becoming a donor unless they have opted out.
In Scotland, similar legislation is expected to come into force from March next year.
In 2016, the Northern Ireland Assembly decided not to proceed with any changes to organ donation consent. Adults have to opt in if they want to donate their organs after they die.
Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, said with eight out of 10 people on the waiting list requiring a kidney transplant, the new law is “life-changing news for kidney patients”.
She added: “Although there are currently some significant delays and disruption to transplant operations, due to the coronavirus pandemic, this legislation will help more transplants take place when the situation improves.”


inews--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: UK tourism chiefs call for October bank holiday as they brace for £37bn losses

Coronavirus : UK tourism chiefs call for October bank holiday as they brace for £37bn losses Hotels and tourist attractions facing disaster because of coronavirus lockdown Many seasonal businesses which depend on summer takings to tide them are expected to fold amid fears that the public will be less willing to travel even when social distancing restrictions are eased .
Patricia Yates , acting chief executive at Visit Britain , told MPs that the industry had already lost the benefit from two bank holidays in May because of the lockdown .
She said the idea of a long weekend in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding : “ What we 're going to need to do is not just generate people in July and August , but really extend the season this year for the domestic market.
” Off the beaten track yet within easy reach of Windermere , our readers found a well-stocked cottage in the Lake District ( Photo : Matthew Lloyd/Getty ) Even if they are given the go-ahead then , they will only be able to resume business if social distancing is strictly enforced .
For instance , hotels will probably not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to be widely spaced in restaurant areas .
Many holiday businesses have started taking summer bookings again , but the tourist industry has reported pessimism among the public whether even “ staycations ” will be possible this year .
Holiday parks have experienced problems with “ vigilantes ” reporting key workers staying in them from members of the public alarmed about the spread of coronavirus to their communities , MPs have been told .
She said : “ When we 've got holiday parks , say with NHS workers because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could , we 've had vigilantes checking up and reporting them to the council and the police - ‘ who are these people on your holiday park , what are they doing there ?
’ She said : `` We 've lost the 2020 season , effectively .
And we are going to need help to get through to next spring .
So I think the winter is when we will see businesses fail without that support . ''
Samantha Richardson , director at the National Coastal Tourism Academy , said seven per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed permanently and as much as 25 per cent of accommodation will be lost along the coast as a direct result of the pandemic .

Tourism chiefs are appealing for an emergency October bank holiday to be announced amid fears that the industry could lose expected bookings worth £37bn because of the coronavirus epidemic.
They have asked ministers to approve a long weekend break around the Autumn half-term in a move to generate some much-needed revenue for Britain’s holiday areas.
Many seasonal businesses which depend on summer takings to tide them are expected to fold amid fears that the public will be less willing to travel even when social distancing restrictions are eased.
Patricia Yates, acting chief executive at Visit Britain, told MPs that the industry had already lost the benefit from two bank holidays in May because of the lockdown.
She said the idea of a long weekend in the Autumn was being considered by ministers, adding: “What we’re going to need to do is not just generate people in July and August, but really extend the season this year for the domestic market.”
‘Economic costs’
Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said the Government would respond to the bank holiday proposal “in due course”, but added that extra bank holidays “come with economic costs”.
Ms Yates said the industry could this year lose £22bn of its projected revenue from British holidaymakers and a further £15bn from foreign tourists.
“Every time we do the modelling the figures get worse,” she told the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.
“To get British tourism up and running this summer is hugely important as we need that domestic audience.”
Irish marketing push
Ms Yates disclosed that Visit Britain was preparing to step up marketing in Ireland, which will be exempt from quarantine measures facing travellers from abroad.
Last week Boris Johnson warned British hotels, restaurants, campsites, holiday homes and tourist attractions that they would not be allowed to reopen until 4 July at the moment.
Even if they are given the go-ahead then, they will only be able to resume business if social distancing is strictly enforced. For instance, hotels will probably not be able to open their bars and tables will have to be widely spaced in restaurant areas.
Many holiday businesses have started taking summer bookings again, but the tourist industry has reported pessimism among the public whether even “staycations” will be possible this year.
Coronavirus ‘vigilantes’ warning
Holiday parks have experienced problems with “vigilantes” reporting key workers staying in them from members of the public alarmed about the spread of coronavirus to their communities, MPs have been told.
Ros Pritchard, the director general of the British Holiday and Home Park Association, acknowledged that some areas were worried about an influx of visitors once lockdown restrictions are relaxed.
She said: “When we’ve got holiday parks, say with NHS workers because we’ve been accommodating key workers when we could, we’ve had vigilantes checking up and reporting them to the council and the police – ‘who are these people on your holiday park, what are they doing there?’
“That negative, anti-feeling is going to be an issue,” she told the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.
She called for targeted help for seasonal tourism businesses which are currently looking at “three winters in a row”.
She said: “We’ve lost the 2020 season, effectively. And we are going to need help to get through to next spring. So I think the winter is when we will see businesses fail without that support.”
Samantha Richardson, director at the National Coastal Tourism Academy, said seven per cent of businesses in coastal communities have closed permanently and as much as 25 per cent of accommodation will be lost along the coast as a direct result of the pandemic.
Hilary McGrady, director general of the National Trust, which closed its properties on March 20, said the estimated impact of Covid-19 “is going to be in the region of about £200 million to the trust this year”.
While she said the parks and gardens will be first to reopen, National Trust houses are unlikely to reopen before late August.