inews--2020-05-07--Coronavirus epidemic in care homes 'will not go away in the short term'

Coronavirus epidemic in care homes 'will not go away in the short term' Statistician 's warning as figures show daily death toll in social care has fallen slightly Deaths from Covid-19 in care homes have fallen from a peak two weeks ago , figures revealed , despite warnings from ministers and statisticians that the epidemic remains significant in social care .
National statistician Professor Sir Ian Diamond told a committee of MPs he believes the epidemic in care homes will “ not go away in the short term ” .
Latest figures from the Care Quality Commission show that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6,391 care homes deaths , but each daily death toll has decreased since 27 April .
On that day , there were 613 recorded deaths , with 405 the following day , followed by 331 , 304 and 230 in subsequent days up until 1 May , the latest date for which figures are available .
Scotland has recorded many deaths in care homes ( Photo : Getty ) While the R rate of transmission has slowly fallen across the country , government experts say it has risen in the care homes sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has failed to stop the epidemic in the social care , with Boris Johnson saying on Wednesday he “ bitterly regrets ” the situation .
Mr Raab said : “ We ’ ve definitely got a challenge in care homes.
” He said officials were examining ways to stem infections in social care , including increasing PPE , social distancing , movement into facilities and testing .
The figures emerged following the leaking of a secret Whitehall document which condemns the UK ’ s “ insufficient ” preparedness for a health pandemic such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homes .
The 57-page report , leaked to The Guardian , said : “ The UK ’ s preparedness and response , in terms of its plans , policies and capability , is currently not sufficient to cope with the extreme demands of a severe pandemic that will have a nationwide impact across all sectors.
” It also stated the Government was “ lacking ” the capability and capacity to surge resources into key areas were a pandemic to be declared .
Professor Martin Green , chief executive of Care England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this document set out a range of questions and actions that if they had been followed may have left us in a much better position to navigate the current health emergency .
“ It would be really helpful if this document was put into the public domain as many of the key messages may still be helpful in today 's pandemic.
” She said : “ These warnings have now proved all too sadly true as the unfolding tragedy in our care homes shows .
“ Ministers must be clear about why they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s recommendations and what they will now do to fully protect and resource these vital services in future .
”

Deaths from Covid-19 in care homes have fallen from a peak two weeks ago, figures revealed, despite warnings from ministers and statisticians that the epidemic remains significant in social care.
National statistician Professor Sir Ian Diamond told a committee of MPs he believes the epidemic in care homes will “not go away in the short term”.
Latest figures from the Care Quality Commission show that, up until 1 May, there were 6,391 care homes deaths, but each daily death toll has decreased since 27 April.
On that day, there were 613 recorded deaths, with 405 the following day, followed by 331, 304 and 230 in subsequent days up until 1 May, the latest date for which figures are available.
‘Very significant issue’
At the Downing Street daily briefing, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab admitted that a “very significant issue” remains in care homes.
While the R rate of transmission has slowly fallen across the country, government experts say it has risen in the care homes sector.
This followed criticism that the Government has failed to stop the epidemic in the social care, with Boris Johnson saying on Wednesday he “bitterly regrets” the situation.
Mr Raab said: “We’ve definitely got a challenge in care homes.” He said officials were examining ways to stem infections in social care, including increasing PPE, social distancing, movement into facilities and testing.
The figures emerged following the leaking of a secret Whitehall document which condemns the UK’s “insufficient” preparedness for a health pandemic such as the coronavirus outbreak – including in care homes.
The Public Health England analysis, based on a 2016 simulation of a flu pandemic, codenamed Exercise Cygnus, identified a “lack of joint tactical-level plans” for a public health emergency, with demand for services outstripping local capacity.
‘Lacking capacity’
The 57-page report, leaked to The Guardian, said: “The UK’s preparedness and response, in terms of its plans, policies and capability, is currently not sufficient to cope with the extreme demands of a severe pandemic that will have a nationwide impact across all sectors.”
It also stated the Government was “lacking” the capability and capacity to surge resources into key areas were a pandemic to be declared.
Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said: “From what we understand this document set out a range of questions and actions that if they had been followed may have left us in a much better position to navigate the current health emergency.
“It would be really helpful if this document was put into the public domain as many of the key messages may still be helpful in today’s pandemic.”
Liz Kendall, the shadow social care minister, said Exercise Cygnus “provided clear warnings” about a lack of preparedness for a pandemic, particularly in social care.
She said: “These warnings have now proved all too sadly true as the unfolding tragedy in our care homes shows.
“Care providers confirm they were not involved in subsequent discussions on how to put these problems right.
“Ministers must be clear about why they failed to act on the report’s recommendations and what they will now do to fully protect and resource these vital services in future.”


inews--2020-05-07--Scientists make breakthrough in wireless charging for electric vehicles

Highways could become charging sites for electric vehicles , say Stanford engineers Drivers could one day charge their electric vehicles without having to stop and plug in , thanks to a breakthrough in wireless charging announced by Stanford engineers .
The US university team has been working on wireless recharging for moving objects since 2017 , but has struggled to design a system that would be efficient enough to work in the real world .
The team has hit upon a way of significantly boosting the efficiency of the technology by using a more efficient amplifier , according to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A new prototype is able to wirelessly transmit 10 watts of electricity over a distance of two or three feet within milliseconds - about enough electricity needed to charge a computer tablet .
Stanford electrical engineer Shanhui Fan said the system would need to be scaled up to work for cars , but predicted it could be more than capable of charging a speeding automobile within seconds .
The technology is already advanced enough for recharging roving robots or drones , he said .
`` This is a significant step toward a practical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and robots , even when they are moving at high speeds , '' Fan said .
`` We would have to scale up the power to recharge a moving car , but I do n't think that 's a serious roadblock , ” he added .
“ For re-charging robots , we 're already within the range of practical usefulness . ''
Motorways could become mobile recharging spots ( Photo : Ina FASSBENDER / AFP via Getty Images ) Wireless charging on the go is something of a holy grail for the electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help eliminate so-called ‘ range anxiety ’ , where drivers are put off purchasing an EV for fear of running out of charge before finding a chargepoint .
It could also allow batteries in cars to be smaller , making electric cars cheaper to buy .
But installing charging technology on major roads would be a significant financial investment .
To date only a couple of countries are experimenting with electric roads - notably Sweden , which opened the first electrified stretch of road in 2018 .
There , electricity is transferred from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arm on a vehicles ' undercarriage .

Drivers could one day charge their electric vehicles without having to stop and plug in, thanks to a breakthrough in wireless charging announced by Stanford engineers.
The US university team has been working on wireless recharging for moving objects since 2017, but has struggled to design a system that would be efficient enough to work in the real world.
Breakthrough
The team has hit upon a way of significantly boosting the efficiency of the technology by using a more efficient amplifier, according to an article by Stanford’s engineering school. A new prototype is able to wirelessly transmit 10 watts of electricity over a distance of two or three feet within milliseconds – about enough electricity needed to charge a computer tablet.
Stanford electrical engineer Shanhui Fan said the system would need to be scaled up to work for cars, but predicted it could be more than capable of charging a speeding automobile within seconds. The technology is already advanced enough for recharging roving robots or drones, he said.
“This is a significant step toward a practical and efficient system for wirelessly re-charging automobiles and robots, even when they are moving at high speeds,” Fan said.
“We would have to scale up the power to recharge a moving car, but I don’t think that’s a serious roadblock,” he added. “For re-charging robots, we’re already within the range of practical usefulness.”
The research is published in the journal Nature Electronics.
No more plug points
Wireless charging on the go is something of a holy grail for the electric vehicle industry. Such an approach could help eliminate so-called ‘range anxiety’, where drivers are put off purchasing an EV for fear of running out of charge before finding a chargepoint. It could also allow batteries in cars to be smaller, making electric cars cheaper to buy.
But installing charging technology on major roads would be a significant financial investment. To date only a couple of countries are experimenting with electric roads – notably Sweden, which opened the first electrified stretch of road in 2018. There, electricity is transferred from metal tracks to vehicles via an electric arm on a vehicles’ undercarriage.


inews--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: NHS trust board tells CEO to ignore ban on buying PPE so it can better protect staff

Coronavirus : NHS trust board tells CEO to ignore ban on buying PPE so it can better protect staff Department of Health decision to ban hospitals from using their own sources to find personal protective equipment 'disgraceful' Many trusts have been buying their own PPE to supplement deliveries from national procurement body NHS Supply Chain , but officials wrote to procurement directors last week saying PPE , along with ventilators and a range of other products in high demand due to Covid-19 , will be sourced on a national level to reduce competition for supplies .
The letter was sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emily Lawson and Jonathan Marron , director general for PPE at the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) .
It said that due to unprecedented global demand `` it is vital that the UK Government procures items nationally , rather than individual NHS organisations compete with each other for the same supplies , to protect the health of NHS staff and patients across the whole country '' .
The only exceptions are in the cases where a trust is working with a “ new , local or small suppliers ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict with national procurement ” .
NHS leaders have said stopping local procurement for certain products would be “ catastrophic ” unless deals for several months ’ worth of stock was already in place .
NHS workers in PPE attend to a patient in hospital ( Photo : Getty ) A senior member of a major trust called the national directive `` disgraceful '' and said his board has overwhelmingly backed its CEO to ignore the directive if necessary to ensure the trust has adequate supplies of PPE .
`` If we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have put our staff at risk , '' they told i .
`` Ultimately as a board you have the responsibility to protect your staff and put in place all measures to ensure that .
Trusts are , allegedly , independent and as such have the freedom to make decisions outside of NHSE .
They want us to look independent , but want to hold us to conform to a centralised body .
`` We know that the national procurement directive , which has to be used , has its limitations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our CEO to make sure that we have adequate supplies .
If this means going outside national instruction then we have given them cover to do so . ''
When asked what would happen to trusts who ignore the national directive a DHSC spokesperson said : `` To avoid trusts competing for the same supplies of PPE during an unprecedented global public health emergency , a cross-Government team of hundreds of procurement specialists is using our nation ’ s collective purchasing power to buy PPE from major international suppliers .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trusts to procure PPE from local suppliers .
This sensible measure also allows us to achieve the best commercial terms through volume .
We have delivered more than 1 billion items since the outbreak began and there is a 24 hour NHS-run helpline where NHS and social care workers can call to report shortages in supply.
” PPE supplies have dogged the Government and the NHS throughout the coronavirus pandemic .
The Government confirmed on Thursday that 400,000 gowns which the RAF sent planes to secure from Turkey to protect medics from Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ useless .

The board of a major NHS trust in England has told its chief executive to ignore a national directive which bans hospitals from buying personal protective equipment (PPE) from local sources.
Many trusts have been buying their own PPE to supplement deliveries from national procurement body NHS Supply Chain, but officials wrote to procurement directors last week saying PPE, along with ventilators and a range of other products in high demand due to Covid-19, will be sourced on a national level to reduce competition for supplies.
The letter was sent by NHS England’s chief commercial officer Emily Lawson and Jonathan Marron, director general for PPE at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It said that due to unprecedented global demand “it is vital that the UK Government procures items nationally, rather than individual NHS organisations compete with each other for the same supplies, to protect the health of NHS staff and patients across the whole country”.
The only exceptions are in the cases where a trust is working with a “new, local or small suppliers” in a way that ”does not conflict with national procurement”.
NHS leaders have said stopping local procurement for certain products would be “catastrophic” unless deals for several months’ worth of stock was already in place.
‘Disgraceful’ change
A senior member of a major trust called the national directive “disgraceful” and said his board has overwhelmingly backed its CEO to ignore the directive if necessary to ensure the trust has adequate supplies of PPE.
“If we had not gone to a local supplier we would have put our staff at risk,” they told i. “Ultimately as a board you have the responsibility to protect your staff and put in place all measures to ensure that. Trusts are, allegedly, independent and as such have the freedom to make decisions outside of NHSE. They want us to look independent, but want to hold us to conform to a centralised body.
“We know that the national procurement directive, which has to be used, has its limitations and, as a board, have instructed our CEO to make sure that we have adequate supplies. If this means going outside national instruction then we have given them cover to do so.”
When asked what would happen to trusts who ignore the national directive a DHSC spokesperson said: “To avoid trusts competing for the same supplies of PPE during an unprecedented global public health emergency, a cross-Government team of hundreds of procurement specialists is using our nation’s collective purchasing power to buy PPE from major international suppliers.
“We are also encouraging, not discouraging, local Trusts to procure PPE from local suppliers. This sensible measure also allows us to achieve the best commercial terms through volume. We have delivered more than 1 billion items since the outbreak began and there is a 24 hour NHS-run helpline where NHS and social care workers can call to report shortages in supply.”
PPE supplies have dogged the Government and the NHS throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The Government confirmed on Thursday that 400,000 gowns which the RAF sent planes to secure from Turkey to protect medics from Covid-19 have been impounded because they were deemed useless.


inews--2020-05-07--Leanne Brown criticised for claiming coronavirus vaccine 'could be dangerous' for children

Leanne Brown criticised for claiming coronavirus vaccine 'could be dangerous ' for children Reality TV star and anti-vaxxer has been criticised by nurses for claiming a coronavirus vaccine could be dangerous Leanne Brown told her Instagram followers that she had read that the death figures in the UK are the same as other years , which is not true The reality TV star and anti-vaxxer Leanne Brown has been criticised by nurses for claiming a coronavirus vaccine could be dangerous and discouraging parents from giving it to their children .
Ms Brown , who starred in The Real Housewives of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United and England defender Wes Brown , posted a rambling video to her 260,000 Instagram followers claiming the lockdown is being used to `` control '' the population .
Despite revealing that she had been told her aunt had died of Covid-19 , Ms Brown said : `` I just had a gut feeling that something was n't quite right .
I 'm not denying that there 's a virus , I 'm not denying that if you do get it it 's a nasty virus .
I know people have died , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have underlying health conditions - are more at risk . ''
The 43-year-old uploaded the video , which has already had more than 250,000 views , on her Instagram on Tuesday night .
She also erroneously claimed she had read that the death figures in the UK are the same as other years .
The Office for National Statistics revealed this week that in the third week of April alone 11,854 more people than average died , or 113 per cent —more than twice as many people dying , in total , than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` excess deaths '' .
In total at least 29,427 people have died of Covid-19 , whereas in previous years around 10,000 people die in the UK in the spring .
Referring to a potential coronavirus vaccine she said : `` ' I hope it wo n't be mandatory in the UK , because I definitely wo n't be having it .
What 's really going on here - the bigger picture is it is control . ''
Ms Brown , who has three children , also revealed she had not given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jab protects against around 90 per cent of cervical cancers , and the World Health Organisation has declared it completely safe .
Previously the head of the NHS Sir Simon Stevens said 'it 's as irresponsible to tell parents that their children should n't be vaccinated as it is to say do n't bother to look both ways when children cross the road '' .
Replying to the video a paediatric nurse , called Sophie , said : `` It 's difficult working in the medical world and seeing posts like this where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

The reality TV star and anti-vaxxer Leanne Brown has been criticised by nurses for claiming a coronavirus vaccine could be dangerous and discouraging parents from giving it to their children.
Ms Brown, who starred in The Real Housewives of Cheshire and is married to former Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown, posted a rambling video to her 260,000 Instagram followers claiming the lockdown is being used to “control” the population.
Despite revealing that she had been told her aunt had died of Covid-19, Ms Brown said: “I just had a gut feeling that something wasn’t quite right. I’m not denying that there’s a virus, I’m not denying that if you do get it it’s a nasty virus. I know people have died, people that are more vulnerable – that have underlying health conditions – are more at risk.”
The 43-year-old uploaded the video, which has already had more than 250,000 views, on her Instagram on Tuesday night. She also erroneously claimed she had read that the death figures in the UK are the same as other years.
Excess deaths
The Office for National Statistics revealed this week that in the third week of April alone 11,854 more people than average died, or 113 per cent —more than twice as many people dying, in total, than would normally be expected, otherwise known as “excess deaths”. In total at least 29,427 people have died of Covid-19, whereas in previous years around 10,000 people die in the UK in the spring.
Referring to a potential coronavirus vaccine she said: “‘I hope it won’t be mandatory in the UK, because I definitely won’t be having it. What’s really going on here – the bigger picture is it is control.”
Ms Brown, who has three children, also revealed she had not given her daughters the HPV vaccine. The jab protects against around 90 per cent of cervical cancers, and the World Health Organisation has declared it completely safe.
Previously the head of the NHS Sir Simon Stevens said ‘it’s as irresponsible to tell parents that their children shouldn’t be vaccinated as it is to say don’t bother to look both ways when children cross the road”.
Replying to the video a paediatric nurse, called Sophie, said: “It’s difficult working in the medical world and seeing posts like this where it puts other people at risk.”


inews--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Youngest MP Nadia Whittome 'sacked' after speaking out about PPE

Coronavirus : Youngest MP Nadia Whittome 'sacked ' after speaking out about PPE Labour 's Nadia Whittome had returned to her old job as a carer at Lark Hill retirement village in Clifton but was asked not to return The UK 's youngest MP has claimed she was sacked from her temporary role as a carer during the Covid-19 pandemic after speaking out about personal protective equipment ( PPE ) shortages .
Nadia Whittome , 24 , the Labour MP for Nottingham East , had been working at Lark Hill retirement village in Clifton , which is run by ExtraCare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the care service .
She had worked at the home for 18 months before becoming an MP in December and had been donating her wages to the local Covid-19 relief fund .
On Wednesday evening , Ms Whittome claimed she had been `` asked not to return '' by ExtraCare and claimed she had been accused of `` spreading misinformation '' about the lack of PPE in the media .
Ms Whittome alleged the reason behind ExtraCare 's decision to terminate her role was based on an interview she gave to Newsnight on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She had previously complained staff were given only one face mask each per day , meaning the same mask was used for multiple residents .
Members of the public donated homemade visors , she said , and the store cupboard containing PPE was locked due to fears staff would steal it to sell on .
Ms Whittome said : `` I am appalled that ExtraCare have chosen this course of action , without following any due process and without me ever having portrayed them negatively in the media .
I will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiences and I condemn care companies who try to gag staff for speaking out and raising concerns .
`` I can survive being effectively sacked for speaking out because I have another income .
But for so many people in social care - who work a skilled , exhausting and now dangerous job for poverty pay - speaking out is not an option .
This is wrong and dangerous for care home residents and patients . ''
ExtraCare Charitable Trust runs 20 care homes or retirement villages , all bar one of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Care Quality Commission .
It said Ms Whittome returned to work on a casual basis and had worked eight shifts between March and April .
`` Our in-house care team is now fulfilling our needs at this time and Nadia 's help is no longer needed , '' ExtraCare said in a statement .
`` At Lark Hill , we have over three months ' supply of PPE , including over 25,000 pairs of gloves , 7,700 aprons and nearly 6,000 masks - we have access to further equipment should we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a PPE shortage are inaccurate and have caused concern amongst our residents - we have had to invest a significant amount of staff time reassuring our residents as a result .
This has occurred during a critical period when all of our resources have to be focused on protecting our residents ' safety and welfare . ''

The UK’s youngest MP has claimed she was sacked from her temporary role as a carer during the Covid-19 pandemic after speaking out about personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages.
Nadia Whittome, 24, the Labour MP for Nottingham East, had been working at Lark Hill retirement village in Clifton, which is run by ExtraCare, to help relieve the strain on the care service. She had worked at the home for 18 months before becoming an MP in December and had been donating her wages to the local Covid-19 relief fund.
On Wednesday evening, Ms Whittome claimed she had been “asked not to return” by ExtraCare and claimed she had been accused of “spreading misinformation” about the lack of PPE in the media. Ms Whittome alleged the reason behind ExtraCare’s decision to terminate her role was based on an interview she gave to Newsnight on April 24 about inadequate supply of PPE.
She had previously complained staff were given only one face mask each per day, meaning the same mask was used for multiple residents. Members of the public donated homemade visors, she said, and the store cupboard containing PPE was locked due to fears staff would steal it to sell on.
Ms Whittome said: “I am appalled that ExtraCare have chosen this course of action, without following any due process and without me ever having portrayed them negatively in the media. I will continue to speak the truth about my front-line experiences and I condemn care companies who try to gag staff for speaking out and raising concerns.
‘Wrong and dangerous’
“I can survive being effectively sacked for speaking out because I have another income. But for so many people in social care – who work a skilled, exhausting and now dangerous job for poverty pay – speaking out is not an option. This is wrong and dangerous for care home residents and patients.”
ExtraCare Charitable Trust runs 20 care homes or retirement villages, all bar one of which are rated either Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. It said Ms Whittome returned to work on a casual basis and had worked eight shifts between March and April.
“Our in-house care team is now fulfilling our needs at this time and Nadia’s help is no longer needed,” ExtraCare said in a statement. “At Lark Hill, we have over three months’ supply of PPE, including over 25,000 pairs of gloves, 7,700 aprons and nearly 6,000 masks – we have access to further equipment should we need it.
“Reports that we have a PPE shortage are inaccurate and have caused concern amongst our residents – we have had to invest a significant amount of staff time reassuring our residents as a result. This has occurred during a critical period when all of our resources have to be focused on protecting our residents’ safety and welfare.”


inews--2020-05-07--Coronavirus latest: Fears that Covid-19 could be transmitted through sexual contact after scientists

Coronavirus latest: Fears that Covid-19 could be transmitted through sexual contact after scientists discover traces of virus in sperm

Coronavirus latest : Fears that Covid-19 could be transmitted through sexual contact after scientists discover traces of virus in sperm Researchers say it 's still too early to say whether the virus can pass from sperm to sexual partner The study also suggests the virus may linger in the sperm for a while after the symptoms of Covid 19 have passed ( Photo : Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty ) Fears that Covid-19 could be passed on through sexual contact have increased after scientists found traces of virus in 16 per cent of coronavirus patients .
Researchers caution that there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be transmitted by sperm - or , by the same token , that it can ’ t .
But they say the presence of SARS-CoV-2 , the virus responsible for Covid-19 , in sperm suggests that it could potentially be passed from a patient to their sexual partner and possibly even a foetus .
The study also suggests the virus may linger in the sperm for a while after the symptoms of Covid 19 have passed .
Using a condom may reduce risk of catching Covid-19 and help the NHS , new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) “ If it could be proved that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted sexually in future studies , sexual transmission might be a critical part of the prevention of transmission , ” said Weiguo Zhao , of the Chinese People ’ s Liberation Army General Hospital in Beijing .
“ Abstinence or condom use might be considered as preventive means for these patients [ while ] it is also worth noting that there is a need for studies monitoring fetal development , ” he said .
Professor Allan Pacey , of Sheffield University , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study , said : “ This paper opens up the possibility that one route of infection may be through sexual contact , although this was not confirmed in the paper.
” However , he points out that the findings of this study are “ at odds ” with a recent paper from scientists at Tongji Medical College in China , published in the journal Fertility and Sterility , which “ found no evidence of the virus in semen ” .
While the new findings appear to overturn those from the previous study , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is clearly more work to be done to determine the prevalence of the virus in sperm - and whether it can be transmitted to sexual partners , researchers said .
Professor Richard Sharpe , of Edinburgh University , who was not involved in the study said : “ This is a small study that leaves many important questions unanswered - such as how long after covid-19 infection does detectable virus persist in semen .
But it suggests that obtaining answers to such questions should be an additional priority considering our global need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covid-19 .
”

Fears that Covid-19 could be passed on through sexual contact have increased after scientists found traces of virus in 16 per cent of coronavirus patients.
Researchers caution that there is no evidence at this stage that the virus can be transmitted by sperm – or, by the same token, that it can’t.
But they say the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, in sperm suggests that it could potentially be passed from a patient to their sexual partner and possibly even a foetus.
The study also suggests the virus may linger in the sperm for a while after the symptoms of Covid 19 have passed.
Sex could play critical role
“If it could be proved that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted sexually in future studies, sexual transmission might be a critical part of the prevention of transmission,” said Weiguo Zhao, of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital in Beijing.
“Abstinence or condom use might be considered as preventive means for these patients [while] it is also worth noting that there is a need for studies monitoring fetal development,” he said.
Professor Allan Pacey, of Sheffield University, who wasn’t involved in the study, said: “This paper opens up the possibility that one route of infection may be through sexual contact, although this was not confirmed in the paper.”
However, he points out that the findings of this study are “at odds” with a recent paper from scientists at Tongji Medical College in China, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, which “found no evidence of the virus in semen”.
New study could ‘supersede’ previous research
While the new findings appear to overturn those from the previous study, which involved just 34 patients, there is clearly more work to be done to determine the prevalence of the virus in sperm – and whether it can be transmitted to sexual partners, researchers said.
The study is published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
Professor Richard Sharpe, of Edinburgh University, who was not involved in the study said: “This is a small study that leaves many important questions unanswered – such as how long after covid-19 infection does detectable virus persist in semen. But it suggests that obtaining answers to such questions should be an additional priority considering our global need to understand the dynamics of person-to-person transmission of covid-19.”


inews--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Scotland is set to exit lockdown more slowly than the rest of the UK

Coronavirus : Scotland is set to exit lockdown more slowly than the rest of the UK Boris Johnson agreed that restrictions could be lifted at 'different speeds' In a phone call with Nicola Sturgeon and the leaders of the other devolved nations , the Prime Minister agreed that restrictions could be lifted at “ different speeds ” .
The concession came after the First Minister warned that lifting the lockdown too early would put people 's lives at risk in Scotland , as its infection rate is currently higher than the rest of the UK .
At her daily press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said any change to the Government 's key stay-at-home message could prove to be a “ catastrophic mistake ” by confusing the public .
The lockdown is set to continue for another three weeks in Scotland ( Photo : Getty ) Reports have suggested that the Prime Minister is considering scrapping the slogan as part of moves to ease some of the lockdown restrictions .
Announcing that the lockdown in Scotland will continue for another three weeks , she said she would not be “ pressured into lifting restrictions prematurely ” by Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address the nation on Sunday evening , when he will set out the UK Government 's proposed route out of the current restrictions .
Ms Sturgeon said the only change she was considering was allowing people to exercise outside more than once a day , suggesting this could happen as soon as Monday .
But she stressed that any decision would be based on scientific evidence relating to Scotland and that she was inclined to “ err on the side of caution ” at the moment .
“ I particularly strongly believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , well understood ‘ Stay at Home ’ message right now could be a potentially catastrophic mistake , ” she said .
“ What I do not want a few weeks from now is for us to see a resurgence of this virus and for you to be asking me 'Why on earth did you start to ease lockdown a week , or a couple of weeks , too early ? '
“ It ’ s not an exaggeration to say that the decisions we take now are a matter of life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weigh so very , very heavily , and it ’ s why they must be taken with great care.
” Ms Sturgeon later spoke to Mr Johnson and the leaders of the other devolved nations , with a Downing Street spokeswoman confirming that he had agreed to a differentiated approach .
“ He reiterated his commitment to continuing our UK-wide approach to tackling coronavirus , even if different parts of the UK begin to move at slightly different speeds , ” she added .

Scotland is set to exit the coronavirus lockdown more slowly than the rest of the UK after Boris Johnson conceded that the policy in each nation should be led by science.
In a phone call with Nicola Sturgeon and the leaders of the other devolved nations, the Prime Minister agreed that restrictions could be lifted at “different speeds”.
The concession came after the First Minister warned that lifting the lockdown too early would put people’s lives at risk in Scotland, as its infection rate is currently higher than the rest of the UK.
At her daily press conference on the crisis, she also said any change to the Government’s key stay-at-home message could prove to be a “catastrophic mistake” by confusing the public.
Easing lockdown
Reports have suggested that the Prime Minister is considering scrapping the slogan as part of moves to ease some of the lockdown restrictions.
Announcing that the lockdown in Scotland will continue for another three weeks, she said she would not be “pressured into lifting restrictions prematurely” by Mr Johnson.
The Prime Minister is set to address the nation on Sunday evening, when he will set out the UK Government’s proposed route out of the current restrictions.
Ms Sturgeon said the only change she was considering was allowing people to exercise outside more than once a day, suggesting this could happen as soon as Monday.
But she stressed that any decision would be based on scientific evidence relating to Scotland and that she was inclined to “err on the side of caution” at the moment.
Scientific evidence
“I particularly strongly believe that for us to drop the clear, well understood ‘Stay at Home’ message right now could be a potentially catastrophic mistake,” she said.
“What I do not want a few weeks from now is for us to see a resurgence of this virus and for you to be asking me ‘Why on earth did you start to ease lockdown a week, or a couple of weeks, too early?’
“It’s not an exaggeration to say that the decisions we take now are a matter of life and death. And that is why they weigh so very, very heavily, and it’s why they must be taken with great care.”
Ms Sturgeon later spoke to Mr Johnson and the leaders of the other devolved nations, with a Downing Street spokeswoman confirming that he had agreed to a differentiated approach.
“He reiterated his commitment to continuing our UK-wide approach to tackling coronavirus, even if different parts of the UK begin to move at slightly different speeds,” she added.
“Those decisions will be made based on the science for each nation.
“They all agreed that continued engagement between our administrations is vital and to remain in close contact in the days and weeks ahead.”


inews--2020-05-07--Coronavirus latest: Millions of Britons will be urged to cycle to work and stay off trains and buses

Coronavirus latest: Millions of Britons will be urged to cycle to work and stay off trains and buses as ministers launch push for new infrastructure

Coronavirus latest : Millions of Britons will be urged to cycle to work and stay off trains and buses as ministers launch push for new infrastructure Exclusive : Grant Shapps will announce more details of the transport plan in the coming days Britons will be officially encouraged to start cycling to work as part of a national transport plan designed to reopen the economy without causing a spike in coronavirus infections .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is finalising plans - set to be announced in the coming days - to discourage the use of public transport , promote cycling and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where necessary .
The Government is keen for more people to get back to work as the number of new Covid-19 cases falls , but ministers fear that if trains and buses fill up at rush hour the virus will be able to spread easily , leading to a second peak .
Boris Johnson this week promised a post-coronavirus `` golden age of cycling '' , as evidence suggests that more people have been taking up cycling in the lockdown both as a form of exercise and for key workers to avoid public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledge more funding for cycle infrastructure in England such as the construction of additional bike lanes .
London and Manchester have already announced that they will promote cycling by setting aside parts of major roads for bicycles .
Sadiq Khan has predicted a tenfold increase in the number of miles cycled in the capital .
The devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales are funding `` pop-up '' infrastructure for bicycles , which experts say could be built within days in some places .
The UK Government is working with bus and train firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming weeks after they were sharply reduced from the start of the lockdown .
But all services will be socially distanced , meaning that they will have to run 80 per cent empty with most seats taped off to stop passengers using them .
Industry sources said they were pushing Mr Shapps for clear instructions to the public on how to use buses and trains safely , as well as Government funding to keep services operating when they are not allowed to carry enough passengers to turn a profit .
Whitehall officials have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uber to ensure that key workers who do not have access to a car are still able to go to work without risking crowded public transport .
Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers ' Association said : `` London 's black cabbies are committed to playing our part in getting Londoners back to work safely .
Black cabs are built with partitions separating driver and passengers that enable social distancing . ''
If more people start commuting by car , local authority leaders are concerned about managing a potential spike in road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy as well as lowering air quality .

Britons will be officially encouraged to start cycling to work as part of a national transport plan designed to reopen the economy without causing a spike in coronavirus infections.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is finalising plans – set to be announced in the coming days – to discourage the use of public transport, promote cycling and help those without cars to get around where necessary.
The Government is keen for more people to get back to work as the number of new Covid-19 cases falls, but ministers fear that if trains and buses fill up at rush hour the virus will be able to spread easily, leading to a second peak.
Boris Johnson this week promised a post-coronavirus “golden age of cycling”, as evidence suggests that more people have been taking up cycling in the lockdown both as a form of exercise and for key workers to avoid public transport.
Cycle cash
Mr Shapps is expected to pledge more funding for cycle infrastructure in England such as the construction of additional bike lanes. London and Manchester have already announced that they will promote cycling by setting aside parts of major roads for bicycles.
Sadiq Khan has predicted a tenfold increase in the number of miles cycled in the capital. The devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales are funding “pop-up” infrastructure for bicycles, which experts say could be built within days in some places.
The UK Government is working with bus and train firms to restart public transport services in the coming weeks after they were sharply reduced from the start of the lockdown. But all services will be socially distanced, meaning that they will have to run 80 per cent empty with most seats taped off to stop passengers using them.
Industry sources said they were pushing Mr Shapps for clear instructions to the public on how to use buses and trains safely, as well as Government funding to keep services operating when they are not allowed to carry enough passengers to turn a profit.
Whitehall officials have discussed working with taxi companies such as Uber to ensure that key workers who do not have access to a car are still able to go to work without risking crowded public transport. Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association said: “London’s black cabbies are committed to playing our part in getting Londoners back to work safely. Black cabs are built with partitions separating driver and passengers that enable social distancing.”
If more people start commuting by car, local authority leaders are concerned about managing a potential spike in road traffic causing congestion which could harm the economy as well as lowering air quality.


inews--2020-05-07--BT boss Philip Jansen says millions may have to wait a decade for super fast broadband

BT boss Philip Jansen says millions may have to wait a decade for super fast broadband Exclusive : CEO Philip Jansen also reveals around 10,000 jobs could go as part of five-year cost cutting plan BT boss Philip Jansen confirmed millions of UK household may have to wait a decade for a fast broadband connection , while millions more may not get it at all ( Photo : Openreach ) Households in more rural areas of the UK could be forced to wait a decade before they have access to superfast broadband , the boss of BT has admitted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jansen , the chief executive of BT , said the industry would require more support from central Government and local planners if the telecoms giant was to beat its target of supplying 20 million homes in the UK with fibre broadband services before the end of this decade despite a Government pledge to do so but 2025 .
Mr Jansen said : “ We are really proud that we can commit to supplying 20 million homes with fibre , but we can only build it at a certain pace .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wait many years , and that ’ s why there ’ s no time to delay.
” However , he claimed BT could roll out the one gigabit network faster if the Government provided tax breaks on the network and removed planning barriers that “ are currently obstacles to doing this any more quickly ” .
BT is investing £12bn in its `` fibre-to-the-premises ’ '' ( FTTP ) rollout over the next ten years , but even that will not cover all homes in the UK , with a further 7.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internet services even after the 2020s unless BT expands its programme or another broadband service provider steps in .
“ There ’ s a couple of options to help get it to those more remote households , ” said Mr Jansen .
“ Option one is that one of our competitors could build the networks where we ’ re not , and I ’ d encourage them to do that if it makes financial sense for them .
Option two is we could keep building past our 20 million and get to 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would require further Government support on the obstacles I ’ ve already outlined.
” The BT boss added that there are also areas of the UK such as Scottish islands , that are too remote to build a fibre network .
The “ last 10 per cent ” , as he called it , would rely on mobile technology to speed up internet access .
10,000 jobs set to go over five years The BT boss was speaking after revealing a slight dip in annual profit and the suspension of the company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to help fund its £12bn infrastructure programme .
Mr Jansen also confirmed BT is set to axe around 10,000 jobs over the next five years as part of the telecoms and media giant £2bn cost-cutting plan .
While revealing there would be job losses as part of the restructuring of the business he did not specify any numbers in the company ’ s annual results presentation yesterday .
However , asked during the interview if the company ’ s headcount would be around 10 per cent lower after the restructuring plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would “ not be a stupid assumption ” .
Mr Jansen , who inherited the cost saving strategy when he took to the helm of the company in February last year , said the job cuts would come as BT introduces more automation in the businesses and via cuts to “ outdated practices ” .

Households in more rural areas of the UK could be forced to wait a decade before they have access to superfast broadband, the boss of BT has admitted.
In an interview with i, Philip Jansen, the chief executive of BT, said the industry would require more support from central Government and local planners if the telecoms giant was to beat its target of supplying 20 million homes in the UK with fibre broadband services before the end of this decade despite a Government pledge to do so but 2025.
Mr Jansen said: “We are really proud that we can commit to supplying 20 million homes with fibre, but we can only build it at a certain pace. It’s correct to say some people will have to wait many years, and that’s why there’s no time to delay.”
However, he claimed BT could roll out the one gigabit network faster if the Government provided tax breaks on the network and removed planning barriers that “are currently obstacles to doing this any more quickly”.
£12bn investment in fibre network
BT is investing £12bn in its “fibre-to-the-premises’” (FTTP) rollout over the next ten years, but even that will not cover all homes in the UK, with a further 7.6 million likely to be left with poor internet services even after the 2020s unless BT expands its programme or another broadband service provider steps in.
“There’s a couple of options to help get it to those more remote households,” said Mr Jansen. “Option one is that one of our competitors could build the networks where we’re not, and I’d encourage them to do that if it makes financial sense for them. Option two is we could keep building past our 20 million and get to 26 million or 28 million, but that would require further Government support on the obstacles I’ve already outlined.”
The BT boss added that there are also areas of the UK such as Scottish islands, that are too remote to build a fibre network. The “last 10 per cent”, as he called it, would rely on mobile technology to speed up internet access.
10,000 jobs set to go over five years
The BT boss was speaking after revealing a slight dip in annual profit and the suspension of the company’s dividend payout to investors until 2022 in order to help fund its £12bn infrastructure programme.
Mr Jansen also confirmed BT is set to axe around 10,000 jobs over the next five years as part of the telecoms and media giant £2bn cost-cutting plan.
While revealing there would be job losses as part of the restructuring of the business he did not specify any numbers in the company’s annual results presentation yesterday.
However, asked during the interview if the company’s headcount would be around 10 per cent lower after the restructuring plan had been implemented, Mr Jansen that would “not be a stupid assumption”.
Mr Jansen, who inherited the cost saving strategy when he took to the helm of the company in February last year, said the job cuts would come as BT introduces more automation in the businesses and via cuts to “outdated practices”.


inews--2020-05-07--When is the next bank holiday? Why the May long weekend is on a Friday - and the full list of 2020 U

When is the next bank holiday? Why the May long weekend is on a Friday - and the full list of 2020 UK holidays

When is the next bank holiday ?
Why the May long weekend is on a Friday - and the full list of 2020 UK holidays The coronavirus lockdown restrictions mean some of this year 's bank holidays will be very different to usual For many people , bank holidays are some of the high points of the year , giving us a few bonus days off to travel down to the beach or to fly off to Prague on a whim .
That 's not to say they wo n't be welcome , though - many will be eagerly counting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time off work to recharge the batteries , even if it 's just for a daily exercise walk and a family Zoom quiz .
Here are all the dates you need to know , and why 2020 's bank holidays are following a slightly different pattern to usual .
When is the next bank holiday ?
One of our two May bank holidays , the early one , known as May Day , was moved by the Government to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day , or Victory Day in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1945 when the Nazis surrendered to the Allies in the Second World War .
This was meant to ensure that the long weekend would coincide with the extended 75th anniversary celebrations of the surrender of Nazi Germany , which ended the Second World War in Europe .
As part of the VE Day commemorations , more than 20,000 pubs were going to encourage drinkers to toast the heroes of the war , while churches were set to take part in a Ringing Out For Peace .
However , like all other mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes , all public VE Day events have now been cancelled - so all commemorations will have to be kept indoors .
In total , there are six days in 2020 for those living in England , Scotland , Wales , and Northern Ireland , though some nations have additional holidays .
Here is a list of 2020 's bank holidays : As ever , there are various other key dates to remember in 2020 .
None provide paid , free time off work but all are important nonetheless .
Other dates for @ @ @

For many people, bank holidays are some of the high points of the year, giving us a few bonus days off to travel down to the beach or to fly off to Prague on a whim.
However, like everything else, the coronavirus outbreak and ensuing lockdown restrictions mean that the majority of the nation’s long weekends have proved very different so far this year.
That’s not to say they aren’t welcome, though – many will be eagerly counting down the days to get some precious time off work to recharge the batteries, even if they still can’t do absolutely everything they want to.
Here are all the dates you need to know, and why 2020’s bank holidays have followed a slightly different pattern to usual.
When is the next bank holiday?
This year, the next bank holiday for England, Wales and Northern Ireland falls on Monday 31 August – it always coincides with the final Monday of the month.
Therefore last year’s day off was on Monday 26 August, and the 2021 bank holiday falls on Monday 30 August.
Both of May’s long weekends fell during a time when lockdown measures were more universally stringent in the UK, as did the two Easter bank holidays.
However, not only are there far more options available now (except for those people subject to local lockdown rules), there is the added bonus of 31 August coinciding with the final day of the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Why was the first May bank holiday moved to a Friday?
One of our two May bank holidays, the early one, known as May Day, was moved by the Government to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory Day in Europe.
This was meant to ensure that the long weekend would coincide with the extended 75th anniversary celebrations marking the surrender of Nazi Germany, which ended the Second World War in Europe.
As part of the VE Day commemorations, more than 20,000 pubs were going to encourage drinkers to toast the heroes of the war, while churches were set to take part in a Ringing Out For Peace.
However, like all other mass gatherings and general activities involving leaving our homes, all public VE Day events were cancelled – so all commemorations had to be kept indoors.
Here is a list of 2020’s bank holidays
In total, there are six days in 2020 for those living in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, though some nations have additional holidays.
New Year’s Day: Wednesday 1 January
New Year’s Holiday: Thursday 2 January (Scotland only)
St Patrick’s Day: Tuesday 17 March (Northern Ireland only)
Good Friday: Friday 10 April
Easter Monday: Monday 13 April (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
Early May bank holiday: Friday 8 May
Spring bank holiday: Monday 25 May
Battle of the Boyne (substitute day): Monday 13 July (Northern Ireland only)
Summer bank holiday: Monday 3 August (Scotland only)
Summer bank holiday: Monday 31 August (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
St Andrew’s Day: Monday 30 November (Scotland only)
Christmas Day: Friday 25 December
Boxing Day (substitute day): Monday 28 December
As ever, there are various other key dates to remember in 2020. None provide paid, free time off work but all carry importance nonetheless.
Other dates for your diary:


inews--2020-05-08--A Theatre for Dreamers by Polly Samson, review: an ouzo-soaked summer with Leonard Cohen on Hydra

A Theatre for Dreamers by Polly Samson , review : an ouzo-soaked summer with Leonard Cohen on Hydra Samson 's third novel , which mixes real-life figures with fictional counterparts , is sunbaked , stewed in alcohol , and wonderfully gossipy If we reach for certain works of fiction for their escapist properties , then Polly Samson ’ s third novel could hardly have come at a better time .
A Theatre for Dreamers takes place in 1960 on the Greek island of Hydra , where bohemians flocked from around the world primarily to write and create , but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with each other ’ s spouses .
Samson recreates one heady summer there with impeccably ripening prose , all thyme-scented hills and cascading bougainvillea .
This is a slow , deliberately languorous novel that mixes real-life figures with fictional counterparts .
It is sunbaked , stewed in alcohol , and wonderfully gossipy .
The action , such as it is , revolves around Erica Hart , an 18-year-old ingenue mourning the death of her mother in the UK .
When she learns that her mother has bequeathed her some money , in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their domineering father , and to see more of the world , she wastes little time in fleeing to Hydra , where she looks up an old family friend , the Australian writer Charmian Clift and her bullying writer husband George Johnston .
Charmian and George are Hydra ’ s resident ruling bohos around whom other proto-hipsters cluster , among them a young Leonard Cohen and the Norwegian-born Marianne Ihlen , who would later become Cohen ’ s muse and for whom he would write several songs , including `` Bird on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find her place in the world , revels in her proximity to such purportedly rampant creativity , and watches them all in awe , but her idyll is soon disrupted as reality creeps to the surface .
An escapist playground Hydra may well be , but not even carefree artistic types can flee their demons forever , and this motley crew have myriad demons : jealous partners , writer ’ s block , uninterested publishers , an all-too-fickle readership .
The exception seems to be Cohen , very much a peripheral character @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , someone who skirts the simmering frustration for the simple reason that fate has better things in store for him .
He just needs to bide his time .
Samson is terrific at creating the torpor of endless summer days and the hedonistic night games , and also on the role of women in the lives of their self-indulgent menfolk .
The 60s was a time of supposed women ’ s liberation , yet here on the island they are very much consigned to serve .
Marianne , for example , likes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s desk each morning to help sustain him while he smokes his cigarettes and writes his poetry ; elsewhere Simone de Beauvoir is quoted archly : “ No one is more arrogant towards women , more aggressive and more disdainful , than a man anxious about his own virility.
” On Hydra in 1960 , at least in this telling , masculine virility was very much in crisis .
Sadness permeates these pages as much as the sun shines through them , and so it almost feels wrong to enjoy the book quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that youthful hope shall always be crushed by a mulish , ignorant world .
Yes , Samson seems to suggest , being soused in ouzo the whole time might mitigate things in the short term , but , boy oh boy , artists really do suffer – if not more than most , then certainly with more ragged flamboyance .

If we reach for certain works of fiction for their escapist properties, then Polly Samson’s third novel could hardly have come at a better time. A Theatre for Dreamers takes place in 1960 on the Greek island of Hydra, where bohemians flocked from around the world primarily to write and create, but also to drink and bicker and have sex with each other’s spouses. Samson recreates one heady summer there with impeccably ripening prose, all thyme-scented hills and cascading bougainvillea.
This is a slow, deliberately languorous novel that mixes real-life figures with fictional counterparts. It is sunbaked, stewed in alcohol, and wonderfully gossipy. The action, such as it is, revolves around Erica Hart, an 18-year-old ingenue mourning the death of her mother in the UK.
When she learns that her mother has bequeathed her some money, in order to help her and her brother escape their domineering father, and to see more of the world, she wastes little time in fleeing to Hydra, where she looks up an old family friend, the Australian writer Charmian Clift and her bullying writer husband George Johnston.
Charmian and George are Hydra’s resident ruling bohos around whom other proto-hipsters cluster, among them a young Leonard Cohen and the Norwegian-born Marianne Ihlen, who would later become Cohen’s muse and for whom he would write several songs, including “Bird on the Wire”.
Erica, still trying to find her place in the world, revels in her proximity to such purportedly rampant creativity, and watches them all in awe, but her idyll is soon disrupted as reality creeps to the surface. An escapist playground Hydra may well be, but not even carefree artistic types can flee their demons forever, and this motley crew have myriad demons: jealous partners, writer’s block, uninterested publishers, an all-too-fickle readership.
The exception seems to be Cohen, very much a peripheral character here (and a fittingly enigmatic one), someone who skirts the simmering frustration for the simple reason that fate has better things in store for him. He just needs to bide his time.
Samson is terrific at creating the torpor of endless summer days and the hedonistic night games, and also on the role of women in the lives of their self-indulgent menfolk. The 60s was a time of supposed women’s liberation, yet here on the island they are very much consigned to serve. Marianne, for example, likes to place a snack on Cohen’s desk each morning to help sustain him while he smokes his cigarettes and writes his poetry; elsewhere Simone de Beauvoir is quoted archly: “No one is more arrogant towards women, more aggressive and more disdainful, than a man anxious about his own virility.” On Hydra in 1960, at least in this telling, masculine virility was very much in crisis.
Sadness permeates these pages as much as the sun shines through them, and so it almost feels wrong to enjoy the book quite so much when its message is ultimately that youthful hope shall always be crushed by a mulish, ignorant world. Yes, Samson seems to suggest, being soused in ouzo the whole time might mitigate things in the short term, but, boy oh boy, artists really do suffer – if not more than most, then certainly with more ragged flamboyance.
A Theatre for Dreamers by Polly Samson is published by Bloomsbury (£14.99)


inews--2020-05-08--Stuart Maconie; I'm learning to play the soprano sax in lockdown, Kenny G-style

Stuart Maconie ; I 'm learning to play the soprano sax in lockdown , Kenny G-style One of these instruments has lain dormant in its case since I bought it from my radio producer Becca two years ago at a knockdown price The great Bohemian-Austrian poet Rilke said that no true poet would mind going to jail since he would then have time to explore the treasure house of his memory .
Quoting this , Clive James concluded : “ In many respects Rilke was a prick.
” Harsh words .
But pertinent right now , I think .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a moment that our current lockdown scenario is in any way comparable to being “ in the clink ” .
At least not from what I remember of Porridge or those Reggie Yates documentaries on BBC3 .
There are marginally fewer tattoos , and as yet no furtive black market in tinned peaches ( though loo rolls were hot contraband at one point in my Aldi ) .
'Clive James was right about Rilke ' ( Photo : Evening Standard/Getty ) As yet , I have not raided the store house of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is the time for all those dauntingly large , time-consuming cultural projects I have been putting off for years .
The days stretch before us invitingly , each a tabula rasa of possibility .
Now is surely the time to learn Esperanto , master the sheepshank knot or start a novel .
How many terrible first novels are currently being written , by the way , slouching towards London to be published ?
I fear we shall see come 2021 .
Equally worrying , some might say , is that during my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to teach myself to play the soprano saxophone .
One of these instruments has lain dormant in its case since I bought it from my radio producer Becca two years ago at a knockdown price , suggesting she was keen to be rid of it for reasons that have now become apparent .
Whereas most people can get something faintly musical out of a piano or guitar , in the wrong hands a saxophone can be a dangerous thing , actually producing either silence or a forlorn squeak of phlegmy pain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as the alto and tenor have had many famous outings down the years , from John Coltrane ’ s jazz masterpieces to Gerry Rafferty ’ s “ Baker Street ” to the Benny Hill Show theme , few of us can name a soprano saxophonist .
And if they can , it is always Kenny G , a kind of animated bubble perm who was briefly famous in the 1990s and largely heard in scented candle shops in Keswick or on hold at Network Rail enquiries .
'Few of us can name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can , it is always Kenny G , a kind of animated bubble perm ' ( Photo : Theo Wargo/Getty for Tribeca Film Festival ) Laying the saxophone to one side , sadder and wiser , I look to the bookshelf and take down two large volumes that have been glowering at me unread and disapproving for some years now and whose time has come in many senses : Antony Beevor ’ s history of the Second World War and John Bey ’ s biography of Clement Attlee .
I suggest that anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wartime analogies knocking around of late dips into a bit of Beevor .
They ’ ll realise that compared to a devastating global conflict that left the world burning and millions dead , not being able to get farfalle and lentils isn ’ t really of the same magnitude of inconvenience .
Unless you ’ re on the actual front line in an ICU unit , I ’ d be careful with the “ Blitz spirit ” chat .
And how Clem , engineer of the NHS and the welfare state , must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought of the very same Conservative MPs who applauded and smirked when they voted down a pay rise for nurses in 2017 now clapping like performing seals in support of the same tired , vulnerable and underpaid nurses .
Perhaps it was just “ bantz ” , like when Donald Trump suggested we all drink Cillit Bang .
To the consolations of art , then .
I am also currently watching all the Shakespeare that the Globe , the Royal Shakespeare Company , the National Theatre and the BBC can throw at me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again through Robert Hughes ’ epic , definitive history of modern art , The Shock of the New .
This is a documentary of the old school that I love ; someone really clever who can write like an angel , telling us about stuff without feeling the need to dress as Lady Jane Grey or William the Conqueror or stare moodily into the middle distance on a Venetian bridge while something even worse than Kenny G warbles moodily along .
To be honest with you , despite what I said about him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not be that great .
I ’ ve never read him .
And frankly I doubt I ’ ll have the time or energy now , what with everything else .
This week I have been ... Reading ...
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt , which is just as good as everyone ’ s been telling me it is for years .
I ’ ve also been immersing myself – initially for the excellent David Bowie albums podcast – in maybe Bowie ’ s best album , the darkly dystopian and very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you doubt that the Thin White Duke was a bona fide genius , listen to “ 1984 ” and marvel at a talent that could marry Barry White and George Orwell and do due homage to both Playing ... even more “ computer ” games than usual ( he said , sounding like a 50s High Court judge ) and of an even wider range .
My two current favourites are Hellblade , which follows a psychotic young woman warrior through a dark ages Orkney riven by the Norsemen and their pagan mayhem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and The Raven which , set in 1966 , concerns a portly Swiss Poirot-a-like ( left ) on the sedate trail of a jewel thief .
The former is genuinely terrifying , while the latter moves with all the soothing , relaxed pace of a particularly dull episode of Murder She Wrote .
Both are enormous fun and have even lured me away from possibly the greatest game ever created , Assassins Creed Odyssey , a vast open-world adventure in Ancient Greece that has taken me longer to complete than the actual Peloponnesian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of amateur film-maker Martin Zero strangely absorbing and comforting .
Martin is a Mancunian who films himself and his chums going down drainage culverts in search of lost rivers , and clambering about in disused railway tunnels , aqueducts and the like .
If , like me , you are resistant to Michael Portillo ’ s disengaged style and violently lemon sports jackets , you may well love Martin , his waders and his exuberant love of it all .

The great Bohemian-Austrian poet Rilke said that no true poet would mind going to jail since he would then have time to explore the treasure house of his memory. Quoting this, Clive James concluded: “In many respects Rilke was a prick.” Harsh words. But pertinent right now, I think.
To be clear, I am not suggesting for a moment that our current lockdown scenario is in any way comparable to being “in the clink”. At least not from what I remember of Porridge or those Reggie Yates documentaries on BBC3. There are marginally fewer tattoos, and as yet no furtive black market in tinned peaches (though loo rolls were hot contraband at one point in my Aldi).
As yet, I have not raided the store house of memory Rilke-style, but I have decided this is the time for all those dauntingly large, time-consuming cultural projects I have been putting off for years. The days stretch before us invitingly, each a tabula rasa of possibility. Now is surely the time to learn Esperanto, master the sheepshank knot or start a novel. How many terrible first novels are currently being written, by the way, slouching towards London to be published? I fear we shall see come 2021.
Equally worrying, some might say, is that during my enforced time at home, I have decided to teach myself to play the soprano saxophone. One of these instruments has lain dormant in its case since I bought it from my radio producer Becca two years ago at a knockdown price, suggesting she was keen to be rid of it for reasons that have now become apparent.
Whereas most people can get something faintly musical out of a piano or guitar, in the wrong hands a saxophone can be a dangerous thing, actually producing either silence or a forlorn squeak of phlegmy pain. While the more robust, full-grown saxes such as the alto and tenor have had many famous outings down the years, from John Coltrane’s jazz masterpieces to Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street” to the Benny Hill Show theme, few of us can name a soprano saxophonist. And if they can, it is always Kenny G, a kind of animated bubble perm who was briefly famous in the 1990s and largely heard in scented candle shops in Keswick or on hold at Network Rail enquiries.
Laying the saxophone to one side, sadder and wiser, I look to the bookshelf and take down two large volumes that have been glowering at me unread and disapproving for some years now and whose time has come in many senses: Antony Beevor’s history of the Second World War and John Bey’s biography of Clement Attlee.
I suggest that anyone who’s been swallowing all the wartime analogies knocking around of late dips into a bit of Beevor. They’ll realise that compared to a devastating global conflict that left the world burning and millions dead, not being able to get farfalle and lentils isn’t really of the same magnitude of inconvenience. Unless you’re on the actual front line in an ICU unit, I’d be careful with the “Blitz spirit” chat.
And how Clem, engineer of the NHS and the welfare state, must be chuckling bitterly up there at the thought of the very same Conservative MPs who applauded and smirked when they voted down a pay rise for nurses in 2017 now clapping like performing seals in support of the same tired, vulnerable and underpaid nurses. Perhaps it was just “bantz”, like when Donald Trump suggested we all drink Cillit Bang.
To the consolations of art, then. I am also currently watching all the Shakespeare that the Globe, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre and the BBC can throw at me, as well as working my way again through Robert Hughes’ epic, definitive history of modern art, The Shock of the New.
This is a documentary of the old school that I love; someone really clever who can write like an angel, telling us about stuff without feeling the need to dress as Lady Jane Grey or William the Conqueror or stare moodily into the middle distance on a Venetian bridge while something even worse than Kenny G warbles moodily along.
To be honest with you, despite what I said about him earlier, for all I know Rilke might not be that great. I’ve never read him. And frankly I doubt I’ll have the time or energy now, what with everything else.
I fully intend to emerge from this strange phase of human history a new man; fit, rested, shaggy-haired and two stone heavier (step away from the Jacob’s Baked Crinklys), brimming with knowledge about Cubism and playing with an easy fluency the haunting yet sensual refrain from “Songbird” by Kenny G.
Whatever the Government says, I’d still keep your distance if I were you.
This week I have been…
Reading…
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, which is just as good as everyone’s been telling me it is for years. I’ve also been immersing myself – initially for the excellent David Bowie albums podcast – in maybe Bowie’s best album, the darkly dystopian and very “now” Diamond Dogs. If you doubt that the Thin White Duke was a bona fide genius, listen to “1984” and marvel at a talent that could marry Barry White and George Orwell and do due homage to both
Playing…
even more “computer” games than usual (he said, sounding like a 50s High Court judge) and of an even wider range. My two current favourites are Hellblade, which follows a psychotic young woman warrior through a dark ages Orkney riven by the Norsemen and their pagan mayhem in search of her dead lover, and The Raven which, set in 1966, concerns a portly
Swiss Poirot-a-like (left) on the sedate trail of a jewel thief. The former is genuinely terrifying, while the latter moves with all the soothing, relaxed pace of a particularly dull episode of Murder She Wrote. Both are enormous fun and have even lured me away from possibly the greatest game ever created, Assassins Creed Odyssey, a vast open-world adventure in Ancient Greece that has taken me longer to complete than the actual Peloponnesian War.
Finding…
the YouTube channel of amateur film-maker Martin Zero strangely absorbing and comforting. Martin is a Mancunian who films himself and his chums going down drainage culverts in search of lost rivers, and clambering about in disused railway tunnels, aqueducts and the like. If, like me, you are resistant to Michael Portillo’s disengaged style and violently lemon sports jackets, you may well love Martin, his waders and his exuberant love of it all.


inews--2020-05-08--The Eddy, Netflix, review: What's lacking in jazz hands is made up for in sobering ambience

The Eddy , Netflix , review : What 's lacking in jazz hands is made up for in sobering ambience Damien Chazelle 's Netflix series is more Whiplash than La La Land in tone Damien Chazelle ’ s 2016 musical La La Land was a bit too sentimental and saccharine for my tastes , so I approached The Eddy , his eight-part drama about a jazz club in Paris , with caution .
But I have no qualms about wholeheartedly recommending it .
Anyone with even the slightest interest in jazz music will love it .
Sultry vocals accompanied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a sumptuous trumpet is all that ’ s needed to bring the series ’ eponymous club to life .
Elliot ( Andre Holland ) is an American living in Paris and co-owner of The Eddy with his shady business partner Farid ( Tahar Rahim ) .
Each episode focuses on a different character .
The first is about Elliot and his increasing disappointment with the venue ’ s lack of customers , a problem that quickly spirals into dangerous and violent territory .
His ex-drug addict teenage daughter ( Amandla Stenberg ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , adding more complications .
One of the criticisms often levelled at La La Land is that it whitewashed jazz music .
Chazelle has addressed this head on in The Eddy .
Of the characters with a dedicated episode , only two are white and The Eddy itself is populated by black patrons .
This is not a series with a fast-paced plot but if you are willing to simply soak up the atmosphere of The Eddy , there is much to enjoy .
A scene in the third episode , directed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shrouding of a body pre burial as per Islamic tradition is particularly hypnotic .
Chazelle ’ s Paris is full of building sites and traffic jams , which gives it a grittiness realism .
The characters also slip in and out of speaking French and English , sometimes within the same sentence , building a bridge between the American and French worlds of jazz .
The episodes are slow , giving each character the time and space to be silent in their grief or just play an instrument for extended scenes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ain ’ t , but what The Eddy lacks in jazz hands it makes up for in sobering ambience .

The Eddy, Netflix ★★★★
Damien Chazelle’s 2016 musical La La Land was a bit too sentimental and saccharine for my tastes, so I approached The Eddy, his eight-part drama about a jazz club in Paris, with caution. But I have no qualms about wholeheartedly recommending it. Anyone with even the slightest interest in jazz music will love it.
Sultry vocals accompanied by tight drumming, a smattering of piano and a sumptuous trumpet is all that’s needed to bring the series’ eponymous club to life.
Elliot (Andre Holland) is an American living in Paris and co-owner of The Eddy with his shady business partner Farid (Tahar Rahim). Each episode focuses on a different character. The first is about Elliot and his increasing disappointment with the venue’s lack of customers, a problem that quickly spirals into dangerous and violent territory. His ex-drug addict teenage daughter (Amandla Stenberg) has arrived to live with him as well, adding more complications.
One of the criticisms often levelled at La La Land is that it whitewashed jazz music. Chazelle has addressed this head on in The Eddy. Of the characters with a dedicated episode, only two are white and The Eddy itself is populated by black patrons.
This is not a series with a fast-paced plot but if you are willing to simply soak up the atmosphere of The Eddy, there is much to enjoy. A scene in the third episode, directed by Houda Benyamina, which lingers on the shrouding of a body pre burial as per Islamic tradition is particularly hypnotic.
Read More La La Land review: a gorgeously romantic modern-day musical
Chazelle’s Paris is full of building sites and traffic jams, which gives it a grittiness realism. The characters also slip in and out of speaking French and English, sometimes within the same sentence, building a bridge between the American and French worlds of jazz.
The episodes are slow, giving each character the time and space to be silent in their grief or just play an instrument for extended scenes. The fast and loose world of Chicago it ain’t, but what The Eddy lacks in jazz hands it makes up for in sobering ambience.


inews--2020-05-08--Normal People ending explained: what the ambiguous finale of the BBC series means, and how it differ

Normal People ending explained: what the ambiguous finale of the BBC series means, and how it differs from Sally Rooney's book

Normal People ending explained : what the ambiguous finale of the BBC series means , and how it differs from Sally Rooney 's book While most fans are desperate for Marianne and Connell to end up together , the real ending - as in life - is not that easy ...
It follows the love story of Marianne ( Daisy Edgar-Jones ) and Connell ( Paul Mescal ) , a young couple who are forced to overcome a series of obstacles in order to be together , including mental health needs and pressure from friends .
And while most fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end up together , the real ending - as in life - is not that easy ... Marianne and Connell have got back together , and look to finally be able to settle into a long-term relationship , when the carpet gets whipped from under their feet .
Connell is offered a place on a creative writing course in New York , which would mean leaving Marianne behind in Dublin for a year .
Connell and Marianne have to overcome many obstacles ( Photo : BBC ) He is deliberating over whether to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him towards it , not wanting to be the reason why he does not pursue his dreams .
She knows that this might mean Connell ends up living in New York full time , which would likely mean the end of any potential relationship .
Connell eventually decides to uproot his life and move , making the emotional decision while say with Marianne on the bedroom floor .
What does this mean for their future ?
It is left open ended .
The pair do not close the chapter on their love story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long distance .
How does it compare to Rooney 's book ?
The series stays mostly loyal to the book 's ending .
In Rooney 's novel Connell becomes editor of the literary magazine at Trinity College after publishing a short story .
This leads to him being offered a place on a Master 's degree as the prestigious Cornell University in New York .
The book ends without the reader knowing what Connell decides , leaving it up to the imagination whether he decides to chase his dream in New York or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while it does not necessarily give the satisfactory ending some crave , both the book and series have been praised for their more complex and realistic takes on life .

Normal People has become the latest lockdown TV sensation, with people rushing to binge all 12 episodes of the BBC Three show, based on Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel.
It follows the love story of Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal), a young couple who are forced to overcome a series of obstacles in order to be together, including mental health needs and pressure from friends.
And while most fans are desperate for Marianne and Connell to end up together, the real ending – as in life – is not that easy…
How the Normal People TV series ends
Marianne and Connell have got back together, and look to finally be able to settle into a long-term relationship, when the carpet gets whipped from under their feet.
Connell is offered a place on a creative writing course in New York, which would mean leaving Marianne behind in Dublin for a year.
He is deliberating over whether to take the offer, and Marianne pushes him towards it, not wanting to be the reason why he does not pursue his dreams.
She knows that this might mean Connell ends up living in New York full time, which would likely mean the end of any potential relationship.
Connell eventually decides to uproot his life and move, making the emotional decision while sat with Marianne on the bedroom floor.
What does this mean for their future? It is left open ended. The pair do not close the chapter on their love story, nor do they commit to continuing long distance.
How does it compare to Rooney’s book?
The series stays mostly loyal to the book’s ending. In Rooney’s novel Connell becomes editor of the literary magazine at Trinity College after publishing a short story.
This leads to him being offered a place on a Master’s degree as the prestigious Cornell University in New York.
The book ends without the reader knowing what Connell decides, leaving it up to the imagination whether he decides to chase his dream in New York or remain in Ireland with Marianne.
Rooney has no plans for a follow-up novel, and intended the story to remain open ended.
And while it does not necessarily give the satisfactory ending some crave, both the book and series have been praised for their more complex and realistic takes on life.


inews--2020-05-08--Marks and Spencer food delivery: full list of UK stores offering home delivery through Deliveroo, an

Marks and Spencer food delivery: full list of UK stores offering home delivery through Deliveroo, and how to order

Marks and Spencer food delivery : full list of UK stores offering home delivery through Deliveroo , and how to order Tasks like going to the supermarket to buy groceries has become trickier as life under lockdown continues for residents across the UK Most major supermarkets offer home delivery , however these delivery slots are booked fast - even if you do manage to bag a home delivery , you could be left waiting weeks for your order .
Why have M & S partnered with Deliveroo ?
“ In order to play our part in feeding the nation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our customers a same-day delivery service of essential productions , ” M & S explained in a statement .
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep the UK in lockdown , the chain decided to partner with Deliveroo instead to bring forward its delivery service by four months .
What items am I allowed to order ?
The M & S store on the app even states : “ We ’ re bringing all your M & S favourites right to your front door .
From champagne to coffee , tasty snacks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maximum of two products per individual items , and there is limited stock availability , so you might not be able to buy some of the more popular items .
The app says : “ This store is experiencing a high demand right now , so some items may be unavailable and your order could be rejected .
“ We ’ re here to deliver whatever we can , but if you aren ’ t able to get what you need , please check back later.
” You ’ re also able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cider and even some spirits .
You ’ ll be expected to show ID upon delivery if you buy any of these restricted items .
How do I order from M & S ?
Ordering groceries from M & S via Deliveroo is the same process as ordering any other food from the app .
Deliveroo offers contact-free delivery , so your order will be left at your front door to collect .
You ’ ll be able to track your rider ’ s progress on the app as they make their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small order fee in place on the M & S store on Deliveroo which you will be subject to if your order is less than £15 .
For example , if you only wanted to buy a loaf of bread for £1.35 , the small order fee would cost £13.65 , to bring the total cost of your order to £15 , not including the delivery and service cost .

Most major supermarkets offer home delivery, however these delivery slots are booked fast – even if you do manage to bag a home delivery, you could be left waiting weeks for your order.
M&S has partnered with food delivery service Deliveroo to try and make things easier for shoppers, offering same day deliveries for groceries.
Here’s what you should know, and how to order.
Why have M&S partnered with Deliveroo?
M&S have partnered with food delivery company Deliveroo to deliver their groceries to shoppers across the UK.
“In order to play our part in feeding the nation, we have partnered with Deliveroo to provide our customers a same-day delivery service of essential productions,” M&S explained in a statement.
M&S had plans to partner with Ocado to deliver groceries, with an initial launch date of September 2020.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep the UK in lockdown, the chain decided to partner with Deliveroo instead to bring forward its delivery service by four months.
What items am I allowed to order?
You’re allowed to order a variety of items from the M&S store on Deliveroo.
The M&S store on the app even states: “We’re bringing all your M&S favourites right to your front door. From champagne to coffee, tasty snacks to all your essentials,
“We’ve got everything you need, whenever you need it.”
There is a maximum of two products per individual items, and there is limited stock availability, so you might not be able to buy some of the more popular items.
The app says: “This store is experiencing a high demand right now, so some items may be unavailable and your order could be rejected.
“We’re here to deliver whatever we can, but if you aren’t able to get what you need, please check back later.”
You’re also able to buy alcohol, like beer, wine, cider and even some spirits. You’ll be expected to show ID upon delivery if you buy any of these restricted items.
How do I order from M&S?
Ordering groceries from M&S via Deliveroo is the same process as ordering any other food from the app.
If you’ve never used Deliveroo before, this is how to order:
Download the Deliveroo app onto your smartphone, or visit the Deliveroo website instead
Enter in your postcode and you’ll be able to see all of the restaurants and stores that are available for delivery
Search for M&S and in the search bar and tap on the store
From here, you’ll be able to browse through all the items available, adding them to your basket as you please
When you’re finished shopping, tap on the ‘checkout’ option to review your order before purchasing
Deliveroo offers contact-free delivery, so your order will be left at your front door to collect. You’ll be able to track your rider’s progress on the app as they make their way to you.
The delivery fee is £4.50, with an additional service fee of 49p.
There is also a small order fee in place on the M&S store on Deliveroo which you will be subject to if your order is less than £15.
For example, if you only wanted to buy a loaf of bread for £1.35, the small order fee would cost £13.65, to bring the total cost of your order to £15, not including the delivery and service cost.
The full list of participating stores
The M&S website states: “If you live within the catchment area of one of the 100+ BP M&S stores offering delivery, you will be able to get everything from milk and bread to pizza and wine straight to your doorstep.”
This is the full list of stores offering delivery:


inews--2020-05-08--How to book a coronavirus test if you're a key worker: Who can be tested and where test centres are

How to book a coronavirus test if you 're a key worker : Who can be tested and where test centres are 'We are making it easier , faster and simpler for any essential worker in England who needs a test to get a test' Who is eligible for the testing ?
People are eligible to apply for a test if they are experiencing symptoms and are an essential worker , aged 65 or over , or can not work from home - or if they live with someone in any of those three categories .
How can I apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested and will I have to drive ?
You can choose between asking to be sent a home test kit or you can book an appointment at one of more than 30 regional drive-through test sites , some of which have been set up in car parks and at airports .
What does the test involve ?
After you drive to the testing site , you should remain in your vehicle for the duration of the visit .
You will be asked whether you would like to test yourself or whether you would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it out .
How long do I have to wait for the results ?
Results from drive-through test sites should be sent out by text within 48 hours but it could take up to five days .
For home testing kits , results should be available within 72 hours from when the sample is collected .
What about employers of key workers ?
Are there plans to expand testing even more ?

The Government has expanded testing to millions of key workers and the people they live with if they are showing symptoms of Covid-19.
The DHSC says testing key workers would allow them to return to work if their results were negative.
Essential workers and those aged 65 or over are among those who can apply for and book a test online if they are experiencing symptoms.
Testing can be carried out at ‘drive-thru’ sites or via self-sampling kits that are posted out and returned.
Here is everything you need to know about testing for key workers:
Who is eligible for the testing?
People are eligible to apply for a test if they are experiencing symptoms and are an essential worker, aged 65 or over, or cannot work from home – or if they live with someone in any of those three categories.
The first group of designated key workers includes NHS and social care staff, police officers, teachers, social workers, undertakers, journalists, supermarket workers and those who work in food production.
Firefighters, local and national government staff and delivery drivers are also on the list.
People who live in the same household as key workers, and show symptoms, can also be tested.
Mr Hancock said: “We are making it easier, faster and simpler for any essential worker in England who needs a test to get a test.”
The scheme is part of the test, track and trace strategy to eventually ease lockdown measures.
Testing patients suspected to have the virus will remain the priority, though.
How can I apply for testing?
To apply for a test, you can enter your details on the gov.uk/coronavirus website.
You should receive an email or text on the same day, inviting you to book a test on the same website.
There is no charge for testing.
People should aim to get tested within three days of displaying the key coronavirus symptoms of a new continuous cough or a high temperature. This is when testing is most effective, according to the Government.
Where will I be tested and will I have to drive?
There are currently two options for where you can be tested.
You can choose between asking to be sent a home test kit or you can book an appointment at one of more than 30 regional drive-through test sites, some of which have been set up in car parks and at airports.
The introduction of home testing kits follows criticism that some people will not be able to drive to the test sites. Amazon will deliver the kits within 24 hours and Royal Mail will collect them the next day.
Are home test kits in short supply?
Initially the number of home kits will be limited, so the Government is encouraging people to attend one of the drive-through sites if possible.
The availability of each testing option will gradually increase. Slots are released at 8am every day.
What does the test involve?
Testing for coronavirus involves taking a swab of your nose and the back of your throat.
After you drive to the testing site, you should remain in your vehicle for the duration of the visit. You will be asked whether you would like to test yourself or whether you would like a swabbing assistant administrator to carry it out.
If you have ordered the home kit, you can do it yourself.
How long do I have to wait for the results?
Once you have been tested, the sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Three new “Lighthouse Labs”, based in Milton Keynes, Glasgow and Alderley Park in Cheshire, have been set up in three weeks to increase testing capacity.
Results from drive-through test sites should be sent out by text within 48 hours but it could take up to five days. For home testing kits, results should be available within 72 hours from when the sample is collected.
People will be given advice on any next steps that need to be taken after receiving their results.
What about employers of key workers?
Essential workers who are self-isolating can also be registered and referred for coronavirus testing by their employer.
Employers need to obtain a login for the referrals. They should email portalservicedesk@dhsc.gov.uk with two email addresses that will be used to load essential worker contact details into the employer referral portal. Once the employer’s details have been verified, they will be sent two login credentials for the portal.
Then, essential workers who have been referred will receive a text with a unique invitation code to book a test for themselves or their household members at one of the regional sites.
Are there plans to expand testing even more?
The Government wants to boost the number of drive-through testing sites, with plans to have 50 open by the end of April. The aim is to ensure that most people will not have to drive more than 45 minutes to get tested.
A network of new mobile testing units designed by Army engineers is being set up to travel to care homes, police stations and prisons where there is demand for testing.
The units can be “easily set up in under 20 minutes”, according to the Government.
Packages of satellite test kits will also be sent directly to care homes across England to enable testing of symptomatic residents.