inews--2020-04-23--Coronavirus tests for all key workers as Government scrambles to meet 100,000-a-day target and build

Coronavirus tests for all key workers as Government scrambles to meet 100,000-a-day target and build route out of lockdown Matt Hancock says 'test , track , trace ' will be the way to relax the existing social distancing measures The Government is planning to send out home testing kits via Amazon as part of a `` test , track , trace '' strategy to enable the existing social distancing rules to be relaxed .
Mr Hancock revealed he will hire 18,000 `` contact tracers '' to help track the spread of future virus outbreaks .
The Health Secretary has committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of this month .
A week before the deadline , just 23,560 tests were carried out - although the country already has the capacity for more than 50,000 a day .
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference on Thursday , Mr Hancock said : `` Because capacity has now increased so substantially we are now able to expand who can get the tests .
Our ultimate goal is that everyone who could benefit from a test gets a test . ''
He said all `` essential workers '' - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide which parents can still send their children to school , including medics , care workers , delivery drivers and police officers - would be able to request a test online for them and their families if anyone in the household shows coronavirus symptoms .
The Health Secretary was speaking as the number of coronavirus deaths in British hospitals rose by another 616 to reach a total of 18,738 .
Overall 138,078 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the UK .
Critics have expressed concern that take-up of testing is too low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the existing test centres .
In an attempt to tackle the problem , the Government will use Amazon to send home testing kits to people who are self-isolating , while the military will operate mobile testing units so those who need a test do not have to travel as far .
Professor John Newton , who is in charge of the testing strategy , said : `` We are currently on track to reach 100,000 tests a day .
In fact , we 're somewhat ahead of where we thought we 'd be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not clear whether the new rules will be enough to ensure that 100,000 tests are actually carried out every day even if capacity grows as planned .
Mr Hancock promised that the increase in testing would be accompanied by a programme of contact tracing , with 3,000 clinical staff and 15,000 other workers hired `` in a matter of weeks '' to ensure that the UK has the capacity to test suspected Covid-19 sufferers , then to track everyone they have come in contact with and tell them to isolate .
The scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has avoided having to impose a full lockdown as seen across Europe .
The Health Secretary said : `` Test , track and trace , done effectively , can help to suppress the transmission in a way that allows you then to have lesser rules .
Critically , test , track and trace works more effectively when the rate of new cases is lower .
`` So , the lower the rate of new cases , the more effectively you can keep it down using test , track and trace rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Jonathan Ashworth , Labour 's shadow Health Secretary , welcomed the announcement but warned that the Government risked falling short of its 100,000 target .
He said : `` It is welcome ministers now recognise the importance of testing and tracing .
It is crucial that greater numbers of critical workers such as care staff are now able to access testing .
We will continue to hold the Government to account for the promise it has made of 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month . ''

All key workers in England will be able to get tested for coronavirus from Friday if they show Covid-19 symptoms, Matt Hancock has announced as he scrambles to meet his testing target within the next week.
The Government is planning to send out home testing kits via Amazon as part of a “test, track, trace” strategy to enable the existing social distancing rules to be relaxed. Mr Hancock revealed he will hire 18,000 “contact tracers” to help track the spread of future virus outbreaks.
The Health Secretary has committed to carry out 100,000 daily Covid-19 tests by the end of this month. A week before the deadline, just 23,560 tests were carried out – although the country already has the capacity for more than 50,000 a day.
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference on Thursday, Mr Hancock said: “Because capacity has now increased so substantially we are now able to expand who can get the tests. Our ultimate goal is that everyone who could benefit from a test gets a test.”
Test in the post
He said all “essential workers” – from the same list as used to decide which parents can still send their children to school, including medics, care workers, delivery drivers and police officers – would be able to request a test online for them and their families if anyone in the household shows coronavirus symptoms.
The Health Secretary was speaking as the number of coronavirus deaths in British hospitals rose by another 616 to reach a total of 18,738. Overall 138,078 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the UK.
Critics have expressed concern that take-up of testing is too low because many people cannot travel to the existing test centres. In an attempt to tackle the problem, the Government will use Amazon to send home testing kits to people who are self-isolating, while the military will operate mobile testing units so those who need a test do not have to travel as far.
UK testing strategy
Professor John Newton, who is in charge of the testing strategy, said: “We are currently on track to reach 100,000 tests a day. In fact, we’re somewhat ahead of where we thought we’d be at this stage.” It is not clear whether the new rules will be enough to ensure that 100,000 tests are actually carried out every day even if capacity grows as planned.
Mr Hancock promised that the increase in testing would be accompanied by a programme of contact tracing, with 3,000 clinical staff and 15,000 other workers hired “in a matter of weeks” to ensure that the UK has the capacity to test suspected Covid-19 sufferers, then to track everyone they have come in contact with and tell them to isolate.
The scheme has been used successfully in South Korea, which has avoided having to impose a full lockdown as seen across Europe. The Health Secretary said: “Test, track and trace, done effectively, can help to suppress the transmission in a way that allows you then to have lesser rules. Critically, test, track and trace works more effectively when the rate of new cases is lower.
“So, the lower the rate of new cases, the more effectively you can keep it down using test, track and trace rather than having to use heavier social-distancing measures.”
Jonathan Ashworth, Labour’s shadow Health Secretary, welcomed the announcement but warned that the Government risked falling short of its 100,000 target. He said: “It is welcome ministers now recognise the importance of testing and tracing. It is crucial that greater numbers of critical workers such as care staff are now able to access testing. We will continue to hold the Government to account for the promise it has made of 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month.”


inews--2020-04-24--Louis Theroux: 'I let everything slide in lockdown. Now I've embraced podcasting'

Louis Theroux : ' I let everything slide in lockdown .
Now I 've embraced podcasting' Grounded Bafta-winner talks discovering Joe Exotic and how he solved a misunderstanding with Boy George “ It ’ s a very different way of working and I can ’ t say I haven ’ t had anxieties and worries about it , ” admits Louis Theroux of his first podcast radio series , in which the filmmaker invites high-profile figures in lockdown to undergo an extended Zoom therapy session .
Unable to spend days gently insinuating himself into the lives of subjects , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to weave his usual TV gold , Theroux is using remote technology to conduct extended interviews with the celebrities that most intrigue him .
Louis Theroux conducts intimate conversations with high-profile figures in a new BBC podcast ( Radio 4 ) Sir Lenny Henry , Boy George and Miriam Margolyes are among the first to take part in the “ rambling chats ” , which , in their unedited form , can run for up to two and a half hours .
Louis Theroux 's most recent documentary focused on legal sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC ) “ Here I have eye contact but you ’ re not in their homes - but I sort of am because I ’ m looking around ( through a laptop camera ) , although I don ’ t ask them to pick up the phone and show me things .
It takes the DNA of what we did before and creates a new iteration.
” Louis with Steve Drain from the Westboro Baptist Church ( Photo : BBC ) “ We talked about professional rivalry .
In some cases there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve both pursued .
We also talk about the 5G conspiracy theories being put around by David Icke - Jon has spent time with him.
” I asked him 'why ' ?
He said he saw me on the Graham Norton Show and thought the way I was leaning forward looked uncomfortable and out of character .
Boy George asked what was wrong with Theroux ?
( Photo : Getty ) Speaking from the London home he shares with wife and production partner Nancy Strang and their three children , Theroux , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , after deciding to go “ on strike ” as a protest against the coronavirus .
Theroux won a 'triple handshake ' for his efforts on The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off ( Photo : Channel 4/Love Productions ) Theroux is currently unsure whether to air the unexpurgated two and a half-hour versions of the Grounded interviews .
“ I don ’ t want to presume on people ’ s time too much.
” Grounded with Louis Theroux will be available on BBC Sounds on Monday April 27 and broadcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from May 6 .

“It’s a very different way of working and I can’t say I haven’t had anxieties and worries about it,” admits Louis Theroux of his first podcast radio series, in which the filmmaker invites high-profile figures in lockdown to undergo an extended Zoom therapy session.
Grounded with Louis Theroux, which launches on the BBC Sounds app on Monday, takes the Bafta-winning broadcaster out of his comfort zone.
Unable to spend days gently insinuating himself into the lives of subjects, from sex workers and convicted murderers to Scientologists, to weave his usual TV gold, Theroux is using remote technology to conduct extended interviews with the celebrities that most intrigue him.
Unguarded disclosures
Sir Lenny Henry, Boy George and Miriam Margolyes are among the first to take part in the “rambling chats”, which, in their unedited form, can run for up to two and a half hours.
Covid-19 is encouraging the kind of unguarded disclosures Theroux is famous for obtaining.
“Because it’s all taking place during the pandemic and the people talking are locked down, with their routines changed beyond recognition, there’s a background of a shared feeling of confusion and grief,” the presenter says.
Theroux conducts the interviews, which are edited to one hour and will also be broadcast on Radio 4, over Zoom but the audio is recorded separately.
“Normally, I take great pleasure in the immersion into other people’s lives. I enjoy leaving myself for a bit and going into someone else’s mind.”
‘Shared burden’
“Here I have eye contact but you’re not in their homes – but I sort of am because I’m looking around (through a laptop camera), although I don’t ask them to pick up the phone and show me things. It takes the DNA of what we did before and creates a new iteration.”
Some of the interviewees seem happy to have someone to talk to.
“There’s a sense of a shared burden. Things that seemed important just a few months ago, like petty differences or professional priorities, suddenly have to be forgotten or put into the context of this global humanitarian crisis.”
“There’s nothing like a common enemy to unite people.”
Ronson rivalry
Theroux is sharp enough to explore some of those petty differences, though.
The first interview, airing on Monday, is with Jon Ronson, another TV documentarian of the weird and wonderful, who admits he was initially jealous of Theroux’s mainstream success.
“We talked about professional rivalry. In some cases there’s been overlap in the topics we’ve both pursued. We also talk about the 5G conspiracy theories being put around by David Icke – Jon has spent time with him.”
Theroux quizzed Boy George about a tweet the singer posted last year which simply asked “what is wrong with Louis Theroux?”
Boy George question
“It was sent using my handle with no context or explanation.”
How long have you got? https://t.co/3pkeIThaJa — Louis Theroux (@louistheroux) October 9, 2019
I asked him ‘why’? He said he saw me on the Graham Norton Show and thought the way I was leaning forward looked uncomfortable and out of character.
“He said he was baffled by my body language on the Graham Norton Show.”
Mostly, Theroux says he was “fanboying” over George, a childhood musical hero, who has recently been criticised for saying the adoption of pronouns by trans people is simply “attention seeking.”
“We talk about how he, as a pioneer of cross-dressing and gay rights, has made comments which have fallen foul of people who have a different view of the trans struggle.”
“George is someone who is obviously not going to be pushed around.”
Theroux disclosed that he approached George and Sir Lenny to be subjects of his notorious When Louis Met…BBC films, which first exposed the disturbing oddness of Jimmy Savile and Max Clifford.
“Probably very sensibly, they rebuffed me.”
First Joe Exotic interview
Theroux did bag the first interview with Joe Exotic, nine years before the Netflix series Tiger King turned the strange saga of a group of American big cat owners, into a global phenomenon.
“I’ve enjoyed being caught up in the backwash of the Netflix series. We’re going to repeat our 2011 film, America’s Most Dangerous Pets.”
Just finished watching #TigerKing on #Netflix. I have a lot of thoughts which I'll post in a considered form in the next day or two. In the meantime, here is me and Joe back in the day and a link to the doc I did on player. https://t.co/oaVffJZl5j pic.twitter.com/VzMLHin2q1 — Louis Theroux (@louistheroux) March 31, 2020
Did the BBC miss a trick not following up the story? “I rewatched our doc. It’s a much, much shorter film and we had different priorities.”
Speaking from the London home he shares with wife and production partner Nancy Strang and their three children, Theroux, 49, is happy to be working again, after deciding to go “on strike” as a protest against the coronavirus.
“The indignity of humanity being scourged by something that isn’t even a proper life form. I did let everything slide. I stopped working and said I’m just going to lean into this horrible historical moment.”
‘I needed to work’
“As someone who gets stressed about social arrangements, I suppose the knowledge that each morning is like Groundhog Day does make things more straightforward.”
“Then the routine becomes unwavering and there’s also a sense of bailing water from a sinking vessel. It became clear that I did need to work, partly for my sanity. I embraced doing these interviews, it’s been a huge salve.”
Theroux hopes to Zoom into the lives of Jordan Peele, director of Get Out (“he follows me on Twitter, OMG, I’d love to talk to him”) and the singer Erykah Badu.
Badu subject plea
“She said something vaguely positive about Hitler’s paintings (‘I see good in everybody. Hitler was a wonderful painter’) which caused a Twitter meltdown. She would be amazing.”
Theroux is currently unsure whether to air the unexpurgated two and a half-hour versions of the Grounded interviews. “I don’t want to presume on people’s time too much.”
Right now, time is one commodity people have in abundance.
Grounded with Louis Theroux will be available on BBC Sounds on Monday April 27 and broadcast on Radio 4 on Wednesdays at 8pm from May 6.


inews--2020-04-24--UK runs out of home tests for key workers, as concerns raised over need to drive to testing centres

UK runs out of home tests for key workers , as concerns raised over need to drive to testing centres ' A lot of people do n't drive or do n't own a car , ' a Bristol Councillor pointed out The new Covid-19 home-testing kits for key workers have run out within minutes of being made available , with just 5,000 accessible on the first day of the Government 's new testing scheme .
Essential workers experiencing possible Covid-19 symptoms are able to book for a test online from Friday , and can either apply for a home-testing kit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointment at a regional drive-thru test site .
Employers have been able to register and refer key workers who are self-isolating since Thursday , with NHS and social care staff , teachers , firefighters , local and national Government staff , supermarket workers , police and delivery drivers among those who are eligible for the tests .
The Government site now says that applications are closed ( Photo : Government website screenshot ) But the number of home testing kits available ran out in only two minutes after the Government opened up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 home testing kits - the total amount on offer - were ordered online on Friday morning .
Another 15,000 tests are anticipated to take place at the drive-thru centres on Friday , the PM 's spokesman added .
The Government website states that : `` Home test kit availability will initially be limited but more will become available .
There is good availability of regional test sites , so please select this option if you can . ''
But some have expressed concern over the need for people to drive in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
Bristol City Councillor Mhairi Threlfall questioned why drive-through tests were being encouraged over home-tests .
`` A lot of people do n't drive or do n't own a car - it seems odd that the only way you can get tested is a drive-thru .
Home testing kits are available but in short supply and requires an extra step , '' she said .
The UK has already been conducting drive-thru testing , with centres set up in car parks , airports and sports grounds , however many of these sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people to reach .
The number of home testing kits available is expected to scale up over time , with 18,000 a day promised `` by the end of next week '' a Downing Street spokesman said .
There have been concerns over the country 's rate of testing , with many arguing the UK has been extremely slow in adopting it .
On Wednesday , just 23,560 tests were carried out on 14,629 people , according to the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) .
It comes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51,000 on Thursday , meaning the UK is `` ahead of plans '' to reach 100,000 tests per day by the end of the month , Mr Hancock said on Thursday .
In the Daily Downing Street briefing , he added : `` Our ultimate goal is that everyone who could benefit from a test gets a test . ''
People will need to enter their details online and will then be sent a text or email inviting them to book an appointment .
Test results will then be issued by text , @ @ @ @

The new Covid-19 home-testing kits for key workers have run out within minutes of being made available, with just 5,000 accessible on the first day of the Government’s new testing scheme.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock launched the new scheme for the UK’s 10 million key workers and their households on Thursday.
Essential workers experiencing possible Covid-19 symptoms are able to book for a test online from Friday, and can either apply for a home-testing kit if they are self-isolating or for an appointment at a regional drive-thru test site.
Employers have been able to register and refer key workers who are self-isolating since Thursday, with NHS and social care staff, teachers, firefighters, local and national Government staff, supermarket workers, police and delivery drivers among those who are eligible for the tests.
Home testing kits run out in minutes
But the number of home testing kits available ran out in only two minutes after the Government opened up the scheme on Friday.
No 10 said 5,000 home testing kits – the total amount on offer – were ordered online on Friday morning. Another 15,000 tests are anticipated to take place at the drive-thru centres on Friday, the PM’s spokesman added.
Applications for tests on the new Government site were halted as a result, with people asked to “check back later”.
The Government website states that: “Home test kit availability will initially be limited but more will become available. There is good availability of regional test sites, so please select this option if you can.”
Criticism over driving
But some have expressed concern over the need for people to drive in order to collect tests or have tests carried out.
Bristol City Councillor Mhairi Threlfall questioned why drive-through tests were being encouraged over home-tests. “A lot of people don’t drive or don’t own a car – it seems odd that the only way you can get tested is a drive-thru. Home testing kits are available but in short supply and requires an extra step,” she said.
The UK has already been conducting drive-thru testing, with centres set up in car parks, airports and sports grounds, however many of these sites have faced criticism for being too far for people to reach.
Short supply
The number of home testing kits available is expected to scale up over time, with 18,000 a day promised “by the end of next week” a Downing Street spokesman said.
There have been concerns over the country’s rate of testing, with many arguing the UK has been extremely slow in adopting it.
On Wednesday, just 23,560 tests were carried out on 14,629 people, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
It comes after the testing capacity increased from 40,000 to 51,000 on Thursday, meaning the UK is “ahead of plans” to reach 100,000 tests per day by the end of the month, Mr Hancock said on Thursday.
In the Daily Downing Street briefing, he added: “Our ultimate goal is that everyone who could benefit from a test gets a test.”
Results
People will need to enter their details online and will then be sent a text or email inviting them to book an appointment. Test results will then be issued by text, Mr Hancock explained.
A help desk will be available for questions and concerns.
The test involves taking a swab from the nose or throat.
i has contacted DHSC for comment.


inews--2020-04-24--How League One and Two could look if split into north and south - and why that might be bad news for

How League One and Two could look if split into north and south - and why that might be bad news for Sunderland, Portsmouth and Ipswich

How League One and Two could look if split into north and south - and why that might be bad news for Sunderland , Portsmouth and Ipswich Regional divisions could ease financial burdens after coronavirus but promotion spots and fierce derbies might be sacrificed Particularly vulnerable to the impact of lost revenue will be the clubs of England ’ s lower leagues .
The fear that famous names of football folklore could disappear from the map before the end of the coronavirus crisis is on the mind of every club chairman from the Championship down , and teams in Leagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How would the new divisions look ?
Plymouth Argyle 's Home Park is isolated on England 's Southwest Peninsular ( Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images ) For some clubs the allocations into a Northern and Southern league would be straightforward .
The likes of Plymouth Argyle and Carlisle United – whose fans currently make the Football League ’ s longest away journey – would fit easily into their new divisions with presumably no little gratitude , but clubs in the Midlands could be a trickier call .
English football in the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowded in the middle than at the top and bottom , with a matter of a few miles difference in the north-south stakes between some clubs .
Not a problem in itself , until promotion and relegation are factored in – some clubs on the boundary could find themselves shunted into a different division in the close season if say , two northern and only one southern club drops down from the Championship .
Promotion the other way would be relatively simple , if a little more drawn out than the current format @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is for divisional play-off winners from leagues on the same step to face one another for in a national final .
Or , scratch that and send four down from the Championship .
Who would be in favour or against the move ?
Coventry City played in every Football League division - including the old Division Three North and South ( Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images ) The obvious problem - which some clubs would likely resist - would be limited promotion prospects .
With three/four down from the second tier , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one or two promotion spots each .
Not great if you are Ipswich , Sunderland or Portsmouth and desperate to be upwardly mobile .
Another , more surprising drawback would be a reduction for some clubs in the number of local derbies they play .
Teams around the midlands could be divided from their geographically closest rivals if the north-south boundary cuts between them .
There would be big questions too for league bosses on where that boundary should run ; strictly by latitude ?
Or with allowances made to give great rivalries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tick would be in the attendances box .
With no more 600-mile round trips from Portsmouth to Sunderland or Carlisle to Plymouth , more fans would likely make regular away day jaunts , particularly as Pilley notes for evening games .
And of course there is the reduced travel/accommodation costs , though this would likely be more of a pull for say Forest Green than Ipswich .
But in the post-corona reckoning , who knows where different clubs ’ priorities will lie ?
Sometimes the old ways really are the best and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tiers used to set up .
Starting in 1921 - when the Football League grew to include teams from the Southern League - Division Three North and South ran in parallel with each other in much the way described above .
It made sense back in the 1920s not to make clubs traipse the length of the country every week , at a time when transport networks were less well developed .
An absolutely corking bit of trivia is that Coventry City are the only club to have played in every single division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to four , plus the Premier League and both halves of the old third division .

It has become increasingly clear that planning for a different kind of future will be necessary if football is to survive the upcoming financial crunch.
Particularly vulnerable to the impact of lost revenue will be the clubs of England’s lower leagues. The fear that famous names of football folklore could disappear from the map before the end of the coronavirus crisis is on the mind of every club chairman from the Championship down, and teams in Leagues One and Two are particularly at risk.
Fleetwood Town chief Andy Pilley this week brought the conversation around to the possibility of dividing the bottom two divisions of the Football League into a regional split, reverting the league to the model it occupied until the 1950s.
Pilley said: “It is worth considering a regionalized League One and League Two. Much as I like Gillingham, I don’t like going there on a Tuesday night, or Portsmouth on a Tuesday night. It makes no sense.”
How would the new divisions look?
For some clubs the allocations into a Northern and Southern league would be straightforward. The likes of Plymouth Argyle and Carlisle United – whose fans currently make the Football League’s longest away journey – would fit easily into their new divisions with presumably no little gratitude, but clubs in the Midlands could be a trickier call.
English football in the third and fourth tiers is geographically far more crowded in the middle than at the top and bottom, with a matter of a few miles difference in the north-south stakes between some clubs. Not a problem in itself, until promotion and relegation are factored in – some clubs on the boundary could find themselves shunted into a different division in the close season if say, two northern and only one southern club drops down from the Championship.
Promotion the other way would be relatively simple, if a little more drawn out than the current format. The approach further down the pyramid is for divisional play-off winners from leagues on the same step to face one another for in a national final. Or, scratch that and send four down from the Championship.
League One North: Sunderland, Fleetwood, Accrington Stanley, Blackpool, Rochdale, Bolton, Tranmere, Doncaster, Rotherham, Burton, Lincoln, Shrewsbury, Carlisle, Bradford, Morecambe, Oldham, Salford, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Macclesfield, Crewe Mansfield, Port Vale
League One South: Portsmouth, Wimbledon, Gillingham, Bristol Rovers, Oxford, Southend, Wycombe, Ipswich, MK Dons, Peterborough, Coventry, Plymouth, Exeter, Crawley, Swindon, Leyton Orient, Newport, Forest Green, Cheltenham, Colchester, Stevenage, Cambridge, Northampton, Walsall
Who would be in favour or against the move?
It’s hard to see which of the 48 clubs at this level could really object, if it can be successfully projected that regionalisation would be in the interests of sustainability.
The obvious problem – which some clubs would likely resist – would be limited promotion prospects. With three/four down from the second tier, it would leave the north/south leagues with only one or two promotion spots each. Not great if you are Ipswich, Sunderland or Portsmouth and desperate to be upwardly mobile.
Another, more surprising drawback would be a reduction for some clubs in the number of local derbies they play. Teams around the midlands could be divided from their geographically closest rivals if the north-south boundary cuts between them. There would be big questions too for league bosses on where that boundary should run; strictly by latitude? Or with allowances made to give great rivalries a chance to continue?
An obvious tick would be in the attendances box. With no more 600-mile round trips from Portsmouth to Sunderland or Carlisle to Plymouth, more fans would likely make regular away day jaunts, particularly as Pilley notes for evening games. And of course there is the reduced travel/accommodation costs, though this would likely be more of a pull for say Forest Green than Ipswich. But in the post-corona reckoning, who knows where different clubs’ priorities will lie?
What’s the precedent?
Sometimes the old ways really are the best and this is exactly how the third and fourth tiers used to set up. Starting in 1921 – when the Football League grew to include teams from the Southern League – Division Three North and South ran in parallel with each other in much the way described above.
It made sense back in the 1920s not to make clubs traipse the length of the country every week, at a time when transport networks were less well developed. An absolutely corking bit of trivia is that Coventry City are the only club to have played in every single division of the Football League – divisions one to four, plus the Premier League and both halves of the old third division.
The old set-up was done away with in 1958, and Division Three was divided to create the old fourth division.


inews--2020-04-24--Van Der Valk cast: who stars with Marc Warren in the new reboot of the ITV cop series - and when it

Van Der Valk cast: who stars with Marc Warren in the new reboot of the ITV cop series - and when it starts

Van Der Valk cast : who stars with Marc Warren in the new reboot of the ITV cop series - and when it starts Set in Amsterdam , it follows a team of cops led by a cynical detective as they struggle to get to grips with high profile murders ITV has rebooted classic Dutch detective drama Van Der Valk with a modern day twist and a host of new actors taking on the lead roles .
Set in Amsterdam , it follows a team of cops led by a cynical detective as they struggle to get to grips with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to know about the remake .
When is Van Der Valk on TV ?
The first episode will air on ITV on Sunday 26 April at 8pm .
It will be available to watch on catch up shortly after broadcast .
Who stars in the new cast ?
Marc Warren takes on the eponymous lead role of Simon `` Piet '' Van der Valk in the new series .
He lives on a boat , is a bit of a loner , a little tactiturn but , according to the actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skin ” .
You might recognise the steely-eyed British actor from shows such as Hustle , Band of Brothers and The Good Wife .
He also played the rather scheming Samuel Parker in Beecham House , and Pete Mayfield in Netflix series Safe .
Maimie McCoy will play Lucienne Hassell , Van der Valk 's trusted detective side kick .
She previously starred alongside Warren in The Musketeers , as well as appearing in White House Farm and A Confession , among others .
There is also a host of guest stars every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephanie Leonidas ( Endeavour/Snatch ) will play Eva Meisner and Vineeta Rishi ( Doctors/Line of Duty ) will play Therese Ramecker .
What can we expect from the first episode ?
The first episode will see Van der Valk and his team attempt to solve the mysterious deaths of two innocent people with seemingly no connection to each other .

ITV has rebooted classic Dutch detective drama Van Der Valk with a modern day twist and a host of new actors taking on the lead roles.
Set in Amsterdam, it follows a team of cops led by a cynical detective as they struggle to get to grips with high profile murders.
The original, starring Barry Foster as Simon “Piet” Van der Valk, was released in 1972.
Here’s everything you need to know about the remake.
When is Van Der Valk on TV?
The third episode aired on ITV on Sunday 10 May at 8.20pm, with subsequent instalments following in the same slot every week.
Each episode will be available to watch on catch up shortly after broadcast.
Who stars in the new cast?
Marc Warren takes on the eponymous lead role of Simon “Piet” Van der Valk in the new series. He lives on a boat, is a bit of a loner, a little tactiturn but, according to the actor, very “comfortable in his own skin”.
You might recognise the steely-eyed British actor from shows such as Hustle, Band of Brothers and The Good Wife. He also played the rather scheming Samuel Parker in Beecham House, and Pete Mayfield in Netflix series Safe.
Maimie McCoy will play Lucienne Hassell, Van der Valk’s trusted detective side kick. She previously starred alongside Warren in The Musketeers, as well as appearing in White House Farm and A Confession, among others.
Elliot Barnes Worrell plays junior police officer Job Cloovers. He’s scored roles in Ready Player One, The Strangers and Dolittle in the past.
Luke Allen-Gale (Dominion/This Borgias) plays Van der Valk’s teammate Brad De Vries, Darrell D’Silva (Game of Thrones/Informer) plays hard drinking pathologist Hendrik Davis, and Emma Fielding (Les Misérables/Years and Years/Unforgotten) takes on the part of Chief Commissaris Julia Dahlman – Van der Valk’s boss.
There is also a host of guest stars every week. In the first episode, Stephanie Leonidas (Endeavour/Snatch) will play Eva Meisner and Vineeta Rishi (Doctors/Line of Duty) will play Therese Ramecker.
Is there a trailer?
You can watch the trailer for the new series of Van der Valk via Youtube here.


inews--2020-04-24--How to book a coronavirus test if you're a key worker: Who's eligible for Covid-19 testing, and wher

How to book a coronavirus test if you're a key worker: Who's eligible for Covid-19 testing, and where the test centres are

How to book a coronavirus test if you 're a key worker : Who 's eligible for Covid-19 testing , and where the 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' The Government 's coronavirus testing page at 10:53am on 24/04/2020 ( Photo : Screenshot ) Who is eligible for the testing ?
How can I apply for testing ?
Where will I be tested and will I have to drive ?
What does the test involve ?
After you drive to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
How long do I have to wait for the results ?
What about employers of key workers ?
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 45 minutes to get tested .

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.


inews--2020-04-24--The Government's furlough scheme is putting minimum wage at risk

The Government 's furlough scheme is putting minimum wage at risk Payments under the scheme are capped at £2,500 per month , but why wasn ’ t a floor put under the lowest paid ?
Five weeks later and the scheme is finally live .
On its first day , 140,000 employers signed up over one million workers .
But the online queues to claim Universal Credit suggest that many companies have made workers redundant instead of furloughing them .
For those fortunate enough to have been furloughed , they still face a 20 per cent loss of income .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lowest paid , is that there has been no commensurate 20 per cent cut in their rent , their bills or their weekly food shop .
The deferment of rent just means more debt , at a time when millions of adults in the UK have no savings to fall back on , and household debt was rising before Covid-19 had entered our lexicon .
The Government has capped payments under its furlough scheme at £2,500 per month , but why wasn ’ t a floor put under the lowest paid ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK did not insist that employers top up the missing 20 per cent .
And so innovative ways are having to be found for workers who are now dispersed and unable to organise at work , particularly if they ’ re not unionised .
When he announced the scheme , Rishi Sunak said , “ Of course , employers can top up salaries further if they choose to.
” But the Treasury has shamefully blocked some national museums and galleries from topping up their staff to 100 per cent , even though some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent .
The PCS union has written to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to intervene , but as yet has had no reply .
Football supporters ’ trusts have successfully shamed football clubs into reversing the furloughing of their workers entirely .
Since some teams do not pay the living wage to their workers , yet find six-figure weekly salaries for the players , those shaming the clubs had stark inequalities to draw on to make their moral case .
These Premier League leviathans saw the light and their workers are now being paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The union Unite organises members at Sheffield University .
While directly employed university staff are getting a top-up , union members are having to lobby student union trustees to ensure workers on the minimum wage retain 100 per cent of their wages beyond April , rather than dropping to 80 per cent .
Catering staff , employed through a wholly-owned subsidiary company of the university have been furloughed on 80 per cent from day one .
But if the minimum wage is the minimum then how can it be right that workers get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum ?
Paying below the minimum wage is ordinarily illegal for good reason .
The minimum is the minimum – and the Government must insert a floor into its furlough scheme .
The minimum wage falls well below the living wage .
As the late trade unionist Bob Crow once said , “ If there ’ s a consensus that a living wage is the bare minimum workers need to live on with any kind of dignity , we should legislate immediately to make the living wage the legally enforceable minimum .
Anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s cash-rich companies and their shareholders off the hook.
” This point has been picked up by the Usdaw union , which represents supermarket workers , in calling for a £10 per hour minimum for their members .
The British Retail Consortium has responded that now is `` not the right time '' to ask for a wage increase .
But it is .
The supermarkets are selling just as much ( if not more ) whether in-store or via online deliveries .
Shareholder dividends are being paid and executive pay remains eye-wateringly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all an obvious truth – the real wealth creators are those that do the work , not those who skim the profits .
Check-out assistants are quite right to demand a pay rise .
Their reward for serving us – whether in or out of crisis – should not be poverty levels of pay .
If we are to equitably share the burden of the economic hit caused by the coronavirus then we must protect those at the sharp end more : increasing social security , raising the minimum wage – and ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Government is going to have to take most of the hit – borrowing against the future to fund the present .
Let Richard Branson – who this week got out his begging bowl – flog Necker Island and pay all his taxes here in the UK before any of his companies get a single penny .
If the service is essential , let it fail in private hands and bail out the workers and service users by rescuing the company from administration and run it in the public sector .

In March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak was lauded when he announced his coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme that allowed companies to furlough workers, while the Government paid 80 per cent of their wages.
The scheme was hammered out following discussions with trade unions and businesses in a welcome throwback to the tripartite co-operation last seen in the era of Jim Callaghan.
Five weeks later and the scheme is finally live. On its first day, 140,000 employers signed up over one million workers. But the online queues to claim Universal Credit suggest that many companies have made workers redundant instead of furloughing them.
For those fortunate enough to have been furloughed, they still face a 20 per cent loss of income. The problem for many workers, especially the lowest paid, is that there has been no commensurate 20 per cent cut in their rent, their bills or their weekly food shop. The deferment of rent just means more debt, at a time when millions of adults in the UK have no savings to fall back on, and household debt was rising before Covid-19 had entered our lexicon.
The Government has capped payments under its furlough scheme at £2,500 per month, but why wasn’t a floor put under the lowest paid? Unlike governments elsewhere in Europe, the UK did not insist that employers top up the missing 20 per cent. And so innovative ways are having to be found for workers who are now dispersed and unable to organise at work, particularly if they’re not unionised.
When he announced the scheme, Rishi Sunak said, “Of course, employers can top up salaries further if they choose to.” But the Treasury has shamefully blocked some national museums and galleries from topping up their staff to 100 per cent, even though some furloughed civil servants are receiving 100 per cent. The PCS union has written to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to intervene, but as yet has had no reply.
Football supporters’ trusts have successfully shamed football clubs into reversing the furloughing of their workers entirely. Since some teams do not pay the living wage to their workers, yet find six-figure weekly salaries for the players, those shaming the clubs had stark inequalities to draw on to make their moral case. These Premier League leviathans saw the light and their workers are now being paid 100 per cent of their pay.
The union Unite organises members at Sheffield University. While directly employed university staff are getting a top-up, union members are having to lobby student union trustees to ensure workers on the minimum wage retain 100 per cent of their wages beyond April, rather than dropping to 80 per cent. Catering staff, employed through a wholly-owned subsidiary company of the university have been furloughed on 80 per cent from day one.
But if the minimum wage is the minimum then how can it be right that workers get paid only 80 per cent of a minimum? Paying below the minimum wage is ordinarily illegal for good reason. The minimum is the minimum – and the Government must insert a floor into its furlough scheme.
The minimum wage falls well below the living wage. As the late trade unionist Bob Crow once said, “If there’s a consensus that a living wage is the bare minimum workers need to live on with any kind of dignity, we should legislate immediately to make the living wage the legally enforceable minimum. Anything else just institutionalises poverty and let’s cash-rich companies and their shareholders off the hook.”
This point has been picked up by the Usdaw union, which represents supermarket workers, in calling for a £10 per hour minimum for their members. The British Retail Consortium has responded that now is “not the right time” to ask for a wage increase. But it is. The supermarkets are selling just as much (if not more) whether in-store or via online deliveries. Shareholder dividends are being paid and executive pay remains eye-wateringly high.
This crisis is teaching us all an obvious truth – the real wealth creators are those that do the work, not those who skim the profits. Check-out assistants are quite right to demand a pay rise. Their reward for serving us – whether in or out of crisis – should not be poverty levels of pay.
If we are to equitably share the burden of the economic hit caused by the coronavirus then we must protect those at the sharp end more: increasing social security, raising the minimum wage – and ensuring the Government bails out those in need.
Government is going to have to take most of the hit – borrowing against the future to fund the present. Let Richard Branson – who this week got out his begging bowl – flog Necker Island and pay all his taxes here in the UK before any of his companies get a single penny. If the service is essential, let it fail in private hands and bail out the workers and service users by rescuing the company from administration and run it in the public sector.
As Keir Starmer said in his victory speech on becoming Labour leader, “They were last and now they should be first”. That principle must guide how we treat low paid workers.
Andrew Fisher was Executive Director of Policy at The Labour Party from 2016 to 2019. He is the author of The Failed Experiment – a book about UK economic policy and the financial crash of 2007/08.


inews--2020-04-24--My New Normal: My family and I are praying together every night

My New Normal : My family and I are praying together every night It is a humbling experience that makes us realise that we have everything we need In the series My New Normal writers are telling us how their lives , routines and minds have changed during the coronavirus outbreak - and if they plan on keeping it up post-lockdown .
My family 's front door has always been open for biscuits and cha and for meals spontaneously whipped up by my mum - the message being that we have each other .
Our home is often filled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not an introverted family nor are we usually homebodies , even if we like to entertain in our home , so social distancing and isolating have been interesting .
It has brought serendipitous moments we wouldn ’ t have predicted six weeks ago .
It has meant every evening , because we are all in one place and not all coming home at different times due to different responsibilities , we now pray together .
Prayer has always been a fundamental part of our lives growing up but most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do it .
Both my parents lead the prayers and duas ( Photo : Tahmina Begum ) Muslims try to pray five times a day , each prayer usually taking five to 10 minutes .
The Maghrib prayer is acted upon before sunset .
It has always been one of my favourite prayers , as there ’ s nothing more comforting than setting your intention and putting out your wishes while watching the sun go down .
Around the world and in every Muslim community , praying together is a common thread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in quarantine , praying in jama ’ ah ( congregational prayer ) , whether that ’ s on a Friday or together with your loved ones , is a blessing that has been taken away .
A key part of our lifestyle .
So every evening in lockdown , as a family , we now pray the Magrib prayer together in our home .
The five of us - siblings and parents - push our coffee table to the side and spread our embroidered prayer mats from the Middle East and both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not only is it a humbling experience that makes us realise that we have everything we need Alhamdulillah , but it also reminds us of all those who aren ’ t able to see their family at this very moment .
All our Muslim NHS staff who won ’ t be able to spend quality time together as they put their lives on the line .
All those who won ’ t be able to do what we have the luxury and privilege to do every evening .
Through praying together we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few weeks .
We know people who have unfortunately passed away from the virus and praying together with the same intention has not just maintained our mental , spiritual and emotional wellbeing , but also made us be aware of our own mortality .
To make the most of the memories we have with each other .
During Ramadan we hope to pray the extended nightly Taraweeh prayer together in the same way .
Just like everyone else , we have no idea what life will be like post-lockdown .
However , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together as much as we can , and definitely , if we are all at home at the same time inshallah .
It ’ s a reminder , if anything , that we have been given more than enough and let ’ s not ever take that for granted .

In the series My New Normal writers are telling us how their lives, routines and minds have changed during the coronavirus outbreak – and if they plan on keeping it up post-lockdown.
My family’s front door has always been open for biscuits and cha and for meals spontaneously whipped up by my mum – the message being that we have each other.
Our home is often filled with family and friends coming over. We’re not an introverted family nor are we usually homebodies, even if we like to entertain in our home, so social distancing and isolating have been interesting. It has brought serendipitous moments we wouldn’t have predicted six weeks ago.
It has meant every evening, because we are all in one place and not all coming home at different times due to different responsibilities, we now pray together. Prayer has always been a fundamental part of our lives growing up but most of the time it was down to the individual to do it.
Muslims try to pray five times a day, each prayer usually taking five to 10 minutes. The Maghrib prayer is acted upon before sunset. It has always been one of my favourite prayers, as there’s nothing more comforting than setting your intention and putting out your wishes while watching the sun go down. Around the world and in every Muslim community, praying together is a common thread which keeps society close. As we are in quarantine, praying in jama’ah (congregational prayer), whether that’s on a Friday or together with your loved ones, is a blessing that has been taken away. A key part of our lifestyle.
So every evening in lockdown, as a family, we now pray the Magrib prayer together in our home. The five of us – siblings and parents – push our coffee table to the side and spread our embroidered prayer mats from the Middle East and both my parents lead the prayers and duas.
Not only is it a humbling experience that makes us realise that we have everything we need Alhamdulillah, but it also reminds us of all those who aren’t able to see their family at this very moment. All our Muslim NHS staff who won’t be able to spend quality time together as they put their lives on the line. All those who won’t be able to do what we have the luxury and privilege to do every evening.
Through praying together we’ve practised gratefulness more during these past few weeks. We know people who have unfortunately passed away from the virus and praying together with the same intention has not just maintained our mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing, but also made us be aware of our own mortality. To make the most of the memories we have with each other. During Ramadan we hope to pray the extended nightly Taraweeh prayer together in the same way.
Just like everyone else, we have no idea what life will be like post-lockdown. However, we hope to continue this tradition of praying together as much as we can, and definitely, if we are all at home at the same time inshallah. It’s a reminder, if anything, that we have been given more than enough and let’s not ever take that for granted.
Tahmina Begum is a freelance journalist and editor of XXY Magazine


inews--2020-04-24--Phil Neville's England pushed the US hard but they have been drowning in mediocrity since

Phil Neville 's England pushed the US hard but they have been drowning in mediocrity since As Neville 's departure is confirmed , here 's a look at why he 's leaving , whether his reign was a success or failure and what comes next Phil Neville has bucked the trend somewhat .
The manager of the England women 's team will be given another year in charge before departing next summer .
`` I am looking forward to getting back to work with the team as soon as possible , '' Neville said , as his departure was confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fantastic squad of players and there is plenty to work on as we look to progress as a team going into 2021 . ''
Why is Neville going now ?
Neville is contracted to the end of Euro 2021 , hosted in England , but that has been pushed back a year following the coronavirus-induced postponement of the men ’ s Euro 2020 .
With the Lionesses ’ form faltering since reaching last summer ’ s World Cup semi-final there appeared little appetite from either Neville or the FA to extend his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not least as that could leave less than 12 months for his successor to prepare for the 2023 World Cup .
Complicating the issue are the Olympics , now scheduled for summer 2021 , but concluding after Neville ’ s deal expires .
England are likely to provide the bulk of the players for Team GB and Neville was due to be coach .
That prospect is still attractive to the former Manchester United and Everton player , but the FA would prefer to have their Euro finals coach at the helm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat to Spain at the SheBelieves Cup proves to be the last match under Neville it would be an appropriate ending .
Throughout his tenure , most close observers have felt the jury remains out on whether he has been a success and that match underlined why .
England played well in patches , but they failed to have a shot on target , faded in the Texas heat , and looked vulnerable defensively .
Afterwards Neville said he was “ frustrated and a bit angry ” , adding : “ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t think the results have been good enough and I take full responsibility.
” A surprise choice when hired in January 2018 following the controversial sacking of Mark Sampson , Neville raised the profile of the Lionesses and their expectations .
He was excellent on the pastoral side but the team struggled to impose his passing style against elite opposition who pressed , and had problems defending crosses .
Nevertheless , in the World Cup semi-final they pushed eventual winners the US as hard as anyone last summer .
Only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied England extra-time .
That was Neville ’ s high-water mark , the team have mostly been drowning in mediocrity since .
It also only matched Sampson ’ s achievements at World Cup 2015 and Euro 2017 .
The task for the new coach is to reach , and win , a final .
Jill Ellis on the touchline during the USA 's 2-1 win against England in the World Cup semi-finals ( Getty Images ) After two male coaches the FA want a female , preferably English .
Portsmouth-born Jill Ellis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cups , is the outstanding candidate but would need to be persuaded to forsake Florida where she lives with her wife and adopted teenage daughter .
A naturalised American , Ellis , 53 , is contracted as an ambassador to the US federation until late this year but the timing of Neville 's departure means the FA can wait .
Another option is Laura Harvey , a three-time title-winner with Arsenal , now US U-20 coach .
Emma Hayes and Casey Stoney are the leading domestic candidates but appear committed to Chelsea and @ @ @ @

England managers tend to depart the scene swiftly, and rarely of their own accord.
Phil Neville has bucked the trend somewhat. The manager of the England women’s team will be given another year in charge before departing next summer.
“I am looking forward to getting back to work with the team as soon as possible,” Neville said, as his departure was confirmed on Friday morning.
“We have a fantastic squad of players and there is plenty to work on as we look to progress as a team going into 2021.”
Why is Neville going now?
Neville is contracted to the end of Euro 2021, hosted in England, but that has been pushed back a year following the coronavirus-induced postponement of the men’s Euro 2020. With the Lionesses’ form faltering since reaching last summer’s World Cup semi-final there appeared little appetite from either Neville or the FA to extend his contract to take in the new date, not least as that could leave less than 12 months for his successor to prepare for the 2023 World Cup.
Complicating the issue are the Olympics, now scheduled for summer 2021, but concluding after Neville’s deal expires. England are likely to provide the bulk of the players for Team GB and Neville was due to be coach. That prospect is still attractive to the former Manchester United and Everton player, but the FA would prefer to have their Euro finals coach at the helm.
Was Neville a success or failure?
If last month’s 1-0 defeat to Spain at the SheBelieves Cup proves to be the last match under Neville it would be an appropriate ending. Throughout his tenure, most close observers have felt the jury remains out on whether he has been a success and that match underlined why. England played well in patches, but they failed to have a shot on target, faded in the Texas heat, and looked vulnerable defensively. Afterwards Neville said he was “frustrated and a bit angry”, adding: “We’ll be judged on results. I don’t think the results have been good enough and I take full responsibility.”
A surprise choice when hired in January 2018 following the controversial sacking of Mark Sampson, Neville raised the profile of the Lionesses and their expectations. He was excellent on the pastoral side but the team struggled to impose his passing style against elite opposition who pressed, and had problems defending crosses.
Nevertheless, in the World Cup semi-final they pushed eventual winners the US as hard as anyone last summer. Only a missed penalty and a fractional VAR call denied England extra-time. That was Neville’s high-water mark, the team have mostly been drowning in mediocrity since. It also only matched Sampson’s achievements at World Cup 2015 and Euro 2017. The task for the new coach is to reach, and win, a final.
Who’s next?
After two male coaches the FA want a female, preferably English. Portsmouth-born Jill Ellis, who led the US to back-to-back World Cups, is the outstanding candidate but would need to be persuaded to forsake Florida where she lives with her wife and adopted teenage daughter.
A naturalised American, Ellis, 53, is contracted as an ambassador to the US federation until late this year but the timing of Neville’s departure means the FA can wait. Another option is Laura Harvey, a three-time title-winner with Arsenal, now US U-20 coach. Emma Hayes and Casey Stoney are the leading domestic candidates but appear committed to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively.
An alternative would be Sarina Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to Euro 2017 success and the World Cup final.


inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Matt Hancock says facemasks are not being made mandatory, and NHS will be priority

Coronavirus : Matt Hancock says facemasks are not being made mandatory , and NHS will be priority MR Hancock said that 'as of today , the Government position is unchanged . '
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Friday that the UK will not be following many regions in Germany and making facemasks mandatory in public , saying that the priority continues to be supplying the NHS .
Matt Hancock said masks are not compulsory at present .
( Photo : LBC ) He said that the Government 's advice on masks had not changed but `` we , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time . ''
`` As more information comes through the science is constantly evolving and what we do is always bear in mind that science and then take the decisions - but as of today , the Government position is unchanged .
The presenter challenged him on this , pointing out that it must provide some benefit .
He replied : `` The thing is this , we 've got to also make sure that people who really need the high-end surgical masks and the clinical masks get them . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you are working in a hospital , in a care home , then there is a need for a mask , so we 've got to make sure that that is top priority , when the evidence around the use of masks by the general public especially outdoors is extremely weak . ''
`` That 's not what how I 'm putting it .
It 's that we 've got to make sure that they are prioritised but also you 've got to follow the evidence in terms of how effective mask-wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Providers warned that promoting the wearing of masks among the general public could harm the NHS by disrupting the supply of equipment ( Photo : ISABEL INFANTES/AFP/Getty ) London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for a change in advice to add `` another layer of protection '' to members of the public against Covid-19 .
He has said : `` In those circumstances where we ca n't keep our social distance , we ca n't keep two metres apart , think about when you 're using public transport and you really have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you ca n't keep two metres apart .
A top doctor has said it would make sense to advise the public to wear coverings on a voluntary basis and expects the Government to alter its guidance .
The chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners Professor Martin Marshall said : `` If ( people ) are coughing and spluttering then it makes complete sense to wear masks in order to protect other people . ''
He told the BBC 's Today programme : `` I think the guidance that we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of face masks is a voluntary activity not mandated and it certainly makes a lot of sense to focus limited resources that we have at the moment on those who have greatest need and that 's the health professionals . ''
According to European scientists , there is no evidence that non-medical standard face masks or other covers offer protection to wearers .
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says that a non-medical mask has a filter efficiency of between two and 38 % .
However , the World Health Organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are taking care of a person with Covid-19 , or if they are coughing or sneezing themselves .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Friday that the UK will not be following many regions in Germany and making facemasks mandatory in public, saying that the priority continues to be supplying the NHS.
Mr Hancock said that “the science is constantly evolving” regarding the best ways to fight Covid-19 but that at present the Government is not making masks compulsory.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies submitted a dossier on Thursday summarising expert views on the wearing of masks, which has become widespread despite any official advice from Government.
Mr Hancock was asked by LBC presenter Nick Ferrari whether he would follow the lead of Germany where many regional parliaments are encouraging citizens to wear masks in public.
Weak evidence
He replied: “I do look at what the Germans have done, and I talk to my German counterpart a lot.”
He said that the Government’s advice on masks had not changed but “we, of course, look at the scientific evidence all the time.”
“As more information comes through the science is constantly evolving and what we do is always bear in mind that science and then take the decisions – but as of today, the Government position is unchanged.
The presenter challenged him on this, pointing out that it must provide some benefit. He replied: “The thing is this, we’ve got to also make sure that people who really need the high-end surgical masks and the clinical masks get them.”
“Because it is absolutely clear that if you are working in a hospital, in a care home, then there is a need for a mask, so we’ve got to make sure that that is top priority, when the evidence around the use of masks by the general public especially outdoors is extremely weak.”
The presenter asked: “So we haven’t got enough top-end masks?”
“That’s not what how I’m putting it. It’s that we’ve got to make sure that they are prioritised but also you’ve got to follow the evidence in terms of how effective mask-wearing is.”
‘Another layer of protection’
Public Health England (PHE) currently recommends masks for NHS staff and social care workers but does not suggest other people wear them outside.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for a change in advice to add “another layer of protection” to members of the public against Covid-19. He has said: “In those circumstances where we can’t keep our social distance, we can’t keep two metres apart, think about when you’re using public transport and you really have to, or you’re in a shop and you can’t keep two metres apart.
“Wearing a non-medical facial covering makes it less likely you may inadvertently give somebody else Covid-19.”
A top doctor has said it would make sense to advise the public to wear coverings on a voluntary basis and expects the Government to alter its guidance. The chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners Professor Martin Marshall said: “If (people) are coughing and spluttering then it makes complete sense to wear masks in order to protect other people.”
He told the BBC’s Today programme: “I think the guidance that we’re expecting to hear is that the wearing of face masks is a voluntary activity not mandated and it certainly makes a lot of sense to focus limited resources that we have at the moment on those who have greatest need and that’s the health professionals.”
At Thursday’s Downing Street press conference, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the evidence on face masks “has always been quite variable, quite weak and difficult to know”.
According to European scientists, there is no evidence that non-medical standard face masks or other covers offer protection to wearers. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says that a non-medical mask has a filter efficiency of between two and 38%. However, the World Health Organisation recommends face mask use for people who are taking care of a person with Covid-19, or if they are coughing or sneezing themselves.
Additional reporting by Press Association.


inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak preparing to fully underwrite loans to 'micro-firms' to keep them afloat du

Coronavirus: Rishi Sunak preparing to fully underwrite loans to 'micro-firms' to keep them afloat during lockdown

Coronavirus : Rishi Sunak preparing to fully underwrite loans to 'micro-firms ' to keep them afloat during lockdown The Chancellor is set to offer 100 per cent Government guarantees on loans to small companies Rishi Sunak is preparing to bow to pressure from the Bank of England , business chiefs and MPs and offer 100 per cent Government guarantees on loans to small companies to keep them afloat during the coronavirus lockdown .
The Chancellor had previously proposed an 80 per cent guarantee , but businesses warned they were still struggling to obtain credit because of the caution of banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Bank ’ s governor , Andrew Bailey , has raised concerns that the proposed system is “ too complicated '' , while the Confederation of British Industry and the Federation of Small Businesses have both urged Mr Sunak to go further .
The Treasury has confirmed the Chancellor is re-examining his plans to provide 100 per cent guarantees on loans up to £25,000 for small firms .
It is not clear how small companies will have to be to qualify for the support .
Supporters of the move argue it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more quickly at a time when they are fast draining their cash reserves .
The revised scheme , which could be launched within days , is expected to be targeted on around one million “ micro-businesses ” employing a handful of staff .
So far around £2.8bn has been handed out to 16,000 companies under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme out of the £330bn which is potentially available .
Ed Miliband , the shadow business secretary , said the scheme was “ in no way equal to the scale of economic distress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16,000 loans in a nation with nearly six million small and medium-sized firms was “ not good enough ” .
The Confederation of British Industry ’ s chief economist , Rain Newton-Smith , said the pace of providing loans had picked up , but she added : “ Many firms are still missing out .
More loans must get out the door faster for the businesses facing distress , especially smaller businesses .
Scheme 'not firing on all cylinders' “ Finding quicker and simpler routes for smaller firms to access cash , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take them up are two ways that could make a difference.
” Tej Parikh , chief economist for the Institute of Directors , said : `` The Government 's coronavirus loan scheme still is n't firing on all cylinders for business , despite the recent uptick in lending .
`` Without significant changes soon , its ability to keep companies afloat through this period will be limited . ''

Rishi Sunak is preparing to bow to pressure from the Bank of England, business chiefs and MPs and offer 100 per cent Government guarantees on loans to small companies to keep them afloat during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Chancellor had previously proposed an 80 per cent guarantee, but businesses warned they were still struggling to obtain credit because of the caution of banks over providing the remaining 20 per cent.
The Bank’s governor, Andrew Bailey, has raised concerns that the proposed system is “too complicated”, while the Confederation of British Industry and the Federation of Small Businesses have both urged Mr Sunak to go further.
The Treasury has confirmed the Chancellor is re-examining his plans to provide 100 per cent guarantees on loans up to £25,000 for small firms. It is not clear how small companies will have to be to qualify for the support.
Supporters of the move argue it would enable emergency funds to reach companies far more quickly at a time when they are fast draining their cash reserves.
‘Micro-firms’ targeted
The revised scheme, which could be launched within days, is expected to be targeted on around one million “micro-businesses” employing a handful of staff.
So far around £2.8bn has been handed out to 16,000 companies under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme out of the £330bn which is potentially available.
Ed Miliband, the shadow business secretary, said the scheme was “in no way equal to the scale of economic distress facing our firms”, and providing 16,000 loans in a nation with nearly six million small and medium-sized firms was “not good enough”.
The Confederation of British Industry’s chief economist, Rain Newton-Smith, said the pace of providing loans had picked up, but she added: “Many firms are still missing out. More loans must get out the door faster for the businesses facing distress, especially smaller businesses.
Scheme ‘not firing on all cylinders’
“Finding quicker and simpler routes for smaller firms to access cash, and extending repayment schedules to encourage more businesses to take them up are two ways that could make a difference.”
Tej Parikh, chief economist for the Institute of Directors, said: “The Government’s coronavirus loan scheme still isn’t firing on all cylinders for business, despite the recent uptick in lending.
“Without significant changes soon, its ability to keep companies afloat through this period will be limited.”


inews--2020-04-24--Who's on The Graham Norton Show tonight? Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Chris Hemsworth and Joe Lycett join f

Who's on The Graham Norton Show tonight? Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Chris Hemsworth and Joe Lycett join from their homes - here's when it's on

Who 's on The Graham Norton Show tonight ?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge , Chris Hemsworth and Joe Lycett join from their homes - here 's when it 's on During the coronavirus pandemic , he 'll be presenting without a studio audience and will interview stars via video link Bafta-winning host Graham Norton is back in his studio this week , albeit with rather less people there with him .
Chris Hemsworth attends a preview of Tourism Australia 's campaign at Sydney Opera House in 2019 ( Photo : Getty ) “ It is a throwback to films of the 80s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where there ’ s just so much choreography and very limited special effects , ” he says .
He also discusses how he 's been coping with home schooling his children during the lockdown over there .
“ I barely passed school myself and now I am expected to teach my children !
I have decided that my family will come out of this a bit dumber and a bit behind .
If it was a movie , I could ‘ Good Will Hunting ’ through the process and it would be very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real life unfortunately !
” Richard E. Grant attends IFC Dispatches From Elsewhere screening In NYC in February 2020 ( Photo : Getty ) Asked to describe the premise of the series , the Withnail and I star says : “ It ’ s a Wizard of Oz type journey .
Everyone is uber controlled by me , but I have no idea if I am a baddie or a goodie !
Sally Field and I signed up for it having known what the first four episodes were going to be , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Phoebe Waller-Bridge attends the 25th Annual Critics ' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on 12 January 2020 ( Photo : Getty ) “ Last year ’ s stage show recording is the only bit of Fleabag that I haven ’ t completely rinsed dry out in the world !
So why not do it for a good cause.
” “ You know how things in your own house become invisible to you ?
I ’ d completely forgotten about the 12 massive penises by the front door and a while ago a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them… suddenly they became so visible to me and when I said sorry , he looked me in the eye and said , ‘ It ’ s art , never apologise for art.
’ ” Joe chats to Graham from his new kitchen extension , which he had officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham .
“ She refused to do it at first because it was a private property , so I sold tickets and made it a public event !
” Singer Jessie is also one half of the Table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ )

Bafta-winning host Graham Norton is back in his studio this week, albeit with rather less people there with him.
During the coronavirus pandemic, he’ll be presenting without a studio audience or any guests on his famous red sofa.
Instead, he’ll be interviewing stars from the comfort of their own homes via video link.
Here’s who is appearing on the episode tonight.
Chris Hemsworth
Thor hunk Hemsworth patches in all the way from Australia to discuss his new action movie Extraction.
“It is a throwback to films of the 80s and 90s – the Jackie Chan films where there’s just so much choreography and very limited special effects,” he says.
He also discusses how he’s been coping with home schooling his children during the lockdown over there.
“I barely passed school myself and now I am expected to teach my children! I have decided that my family will come out of this a bit dumber and a bit behind. If it was a movie, I could ‘Good Will Hunting’ through the process and it would be very impressive. It’s not like real life unfortunately!”
Richard E Grant
The iconic actor joins Graham virtually to discuss his new series Dispatches from Elsewhere.
Asked to describe the premise of the series, the Withnail and I star says: “It’s a Wizard of Oz type journey. Everyone is uber controlled by me, but I have no idea if I am a baddie or a goodie! Sally Field and I signed up for it having known what the first four episodes were going to be, but with no idea of how it ended.”
Viewers in Britain can watch the show on AMC UK (which can be found on BT TV 332).
Phoebe Waller-Bridge
The Fleabag and Killing Eve creator dials in to talk about her online (Amazon Prime and Soho Theatre) Fleabag charity fundraiser.
“Last year’s stage show recording is the only bit of Fleabag that I haven’t completely rinsed dry out in the world! So why not do it for a good cause.”
She also discusses the penis wall from Fleabag currently propped up in her porch at home.
“You know how things in your own house become invisible to you? I’d completely forgotten about the 12 massive penises by the front door and a while ago a delivery man came in and bashed against them… suddenly they became so visible to me and when I said sorry, he looked me in the eye and said, ‘It’s art, never apologise for art.’”
Joe Lycett
Joe chats to Graham from his new kitchen extension, which he had officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham.
“She refused to do it at first because it was a private property, so I sold tickets and made it a public event!”
He also discusses his new show, Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back. “It’s like Watchdog with jokes,” he says.
Jessie Ware
Singer/songwriter Jessie Ware will be performing her track Spotlight from her daughter’s bedroom.
Plus, there will be some brave audience members attempting to tell their stories on the red chair from their homes.
The Graham Norton Show airs on Friday at 9pm on BBC One


inews--2020-04-24--Contact tracing explained: How the coronavirus app plan works, and why some people think it could he

Contact tracing explained: How the coronavirus app plan works, and why some people think it could help end the UK lockdown

Contact tracing explained : How the coronavirus app plan works , and why some people think it could help end the UK lockdown The UK will begin contact tracing in the coming weeks , Matt Hancock said Mr Hancock revealed a `` large-scale '' operation will be up and running within weeks and will mean people with the virus are identified and those at risk will be warned more efficiently .
Testing is paramount to the system working - and the UK has been criticised for being too slow in this area .
With lockdown measures bringing infection rates down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public safer as they start returning to normal life - simply , the theory is that only those infected will need to adhere to stringent `` stay home '' measures .
Mr Hancock said : `` The fewer new cases , the more effective test , track and trace are as a way of keeping the disease down , and therefore the more of the social distancing measures can be lifted . ''
A smartphone app is also being built to allow officials to map the spread of Covid-19 and its carriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key chain - infected people enter their details , anonymously , and if they test positive , allow the programme to automatically alert anyone they have been in contact with in the last 14 days .
Governments around the world have rolled out or intend to start contact tracing .
In the likes of South Korea and Singapore , the method was quickly implemented and has been largely successful , keeping death rates far lower - 240 and 12 per 10,000 cases respectively - than in the UK , where almost 20,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process means : `` People in close contact with someone who is infected with a virus , such as the Ebola virus , are at higher risk of becoming infected themselves , and of potentially further infecting others .
Contact identification : Once someone is confirmed as infected with a virus , contacts are identified by asking about the person ’ s activities and the activities and roles of the people around them since onset of illness .
Contacts can be anyone who has been in contact with an infected person : family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or health care providers .
Contact listing : All persons considered to have contact with the infected person should be listed as contacts .
Efforts should be made to identify every listed contact and to inform them of their contact status , what it means , the actions that will follow , and the importance of receiving early care if they develop symptoms .
Contacts should also be provided with information about prevention of the disease .
In some cases , quarantine or isolation is required for high risk contacts , either at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow-up : Regular follow-up should be conducted with all contacts to monitor for symptoms and test for signs of infection .
Why is contact tracing only just happening in the UK ?
WHO said early on that contact tracing should be carried out .
Public Health England conducted the process for six weeks between January and March , and as many as 4,000 people were told they were at risk during the period .
But contact tracing was stopped on 12 March when it was believed the scheme was no longer effective due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health officials said transmission was so high the system would n't be effective .
Some believe this was an oversight .

There are plans to begin contact tracing in the UK in order to manage and limit the spread of Covid-19 when lockdown restrictions are relaxed.
The health secretary Matt Hancock said in a briefing this week that the method will enable authorities to better track new cases of the disease and thereby reduce infection rates, even when movement increases.
Mr Hancock revealed a “large-scale” operation will be up and running within weeks and will mean people with the virus are identified and those at risk will be warned more efficiently. Testing is paramount to the system working – and the UK has been criticised for being too slow in this area.
With lockdown measures bringing infection rates down, contact tracing is designed to keep the public safer as they start returning to normal life – simply, the theory is that only those infected will need to adhere to stringent “stay home” measures.
Mr Hancock said: “The fewer new cases, the more effective test, track and trace are as a way of keeping the disease down, and therefore the more of the social distancing measures can be lifted.”
Smartphone app
The Government has begun recruiting an “army” of people to monitor coronavirus, including council staff and public health workers.
A smartphone app is also being built to allow officials to map the spread of Covid-19 and its carriers. The app would work via a key chain – infected people enter their details, anonymously, and if they test positive, allow the programme to automatically alert anyone they have been in contact with in the last 14 days.
Governments around the world have rolled out or intend to start contact tracing. In the likes of South Korea and Singapore, the method was quickly implemented and has been largely successful, keeping death rates far lower – 240 and 12 per 10,000 cases respectively – than in the UK, where almost 20,000 people have died.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation, said “tracing every contact must be the backbone of the response in every country”.
Contact tracing will be a massive logistical challenge. Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary, said the UK cannot rely on the method, as “powerful” as it is.
How does contact tracing work?
WHO explains that the process means: “People in close contact with someone who is infected with a virus, such as the Ebola virus, are at higher risk of becoming infected themselves, and of potentially further infecting others.
“Closely watching these contacts after exposure to an infected person will help the contacts to get care and treatment, and will prevent further transmission of the virus.”
According to WHO, contact tracing is carried out in three basic steps:
Contact identification: Once someone is confirmed as infected with a virus, contacts are identified by asking about the person’s activities and the activities and roles of the people around them since onset of illness. Contacts can be anyone who has been in contact with an infected person: family members, work colleagues, friends, or health care providers. Contact listing: All persons considered to have contact with the infected person should be listed as contacts. Efforts should be made to identify every listed contact and to inform them of their contact status, what it means, the actions that will follow, and the importance of receiving early care if they develop symptoms. Contacts should also be provided with information about prevention of the disease. In some cases, quarantine or isolation is required for high risk contacts, either at home, or in hospital. Contact follow-up: Regular follow-up should be conducted with all contacts to monitor for symptoms and test for signs of infection.
Why is contact tracing only just happening in the UK?
WHO said early on that contact tracing should be carried out. Public Health England conducted the process for six weeks between January and March, and as many as 4,000 people were told they were at risk during the period.
But contact tracing was stopped on 12 March when it was believed the scheme was no longer effective due to the sheer number of cases. Health officials said transmission was so high the system wouldn’t be effective. Some believe this was an oversight.
Either way, thanks to lockdown, coronavirus has become suppressed, and contact tracing, once re-started, will run until a vaccine has been developed or the virus eradicated.