inews--2020-05-06--Coronavirus in Germany: Summer holidays on the horizon as Angela Merkel agrees to ease lockdown rest

Coronavirus in Germany: Summer holidays on the horizon as Angela Merkel agrees to ease lockdown restrictions

Coronavirus in Germany : Summer holidays on the horizon as Angela Merkel agrees to ease lockdown restrictions Germany 's tourism boss says they are in talks with other European nations about vacations Thomas Bareiss , the federal tourism commissioner , told German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel that , if the coronavirus outbreak remained under control in the country , then people may be able to holiday abroad soon .
Germany has had fewer than 7,000 deaths during the pandemic so far , lower than many of its European counterparts .
Ms Merkel has agreed all shops can now reopen , schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football can kick off again , two households will be allowed to meet and eat together and people in care homes can have visits from one person .
However , there will be an “ emergency brake ” if there is a spike in new infections , masks must continue to be worn and social distancing maintained .
In terms of holidays , Mr Bareiss told the newspaper he hadn ’ t booked his own yet due to the “ great uncertainty ” of the Covid-19 crisis .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the separate state authorities in Germany ( Photo : Getty ) But if the outbreak remained under control , then he said Germans would be able to have staycations or even visit neighbouring countries which can be reached by car such as Austria , Poland and France so long as they had a similar drop in infections .
`` I hope that , given the good numbers , we will be able to relax the restrictions in the next four to eight weeks , '' he said .
He even raised the prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Balearic Islands and Greece , saying Germany was in talks with other countries about how this could be achieved safely .
`` I would not yet write off other regions in Europe , such as the Balearic Islands or the Greek islands , '' he told the newspaper .
Francina Armengol , president of Spain 's Balearic Islands , is reported to have said Germany was `` essential '' to the islands ’ tourism and she would work to ensure travel routes recovered `` as soon as possible '' .
Germans with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be demanding the right to travel there and Ms Armengol has asked the Spanish government and the European Union to establish a framework across the continent to ensure the “ safe recovery of air activity ” .
Despite these green shoots for the tourism industry , there was still a warning from Germany ’ s foreign minister Heiko Maas just days earlier about the kind of holidays possible .

Germans are already planning their summer holidays abroad with the lifting of lockdown restrictions across the nation.
Thomas Bareiss, the federal tourism commissioner, told German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel that, if the coronavirus outbreak remained under control in the country, then people may be able to holiday abroad soon.
He said Germany was in talks with other European nations about summer holidays.
It comes as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has agreed with the country’s 16 states to ease the restrictions.
Summer holidays
Germany has had fewer than 7,000 deaths during the pandemic so far, lower than many of its European counterparts.
Ms Merkel has agreed all shops can now reopen, schools will reopen gradually this term, Bundesliga football can kick off again, two households will be allowed to meet and eat together and people in care homes can have visits from one person.
However, there will be an “emergency brake” if there is a spike in new infections, masks must continue to be worn and social distancing maintained.
In terms of holidays, Mr Bareiss told the newspaper he hadn’t booked his own yet due to the “great uncertainty” of the Covid-19 crisis.
‘Great uncertainty’
But if the outbreak remained under control, then he said Germans would be able to have staycations or even visit neighbouring countries which can be reached by car such as Austria, Poland and France so long as they had a similar drop in infections.
“I hope that, given the good numbers, we will be able to relax the restrictions in the next four to eight weeks,” he said.
He even raised the prospect of trips further afield to Spain’s Balearic Islands and Greece, saying Germany was in talks with other countries about how this could be achieved safely.
“I would not yet write off other regions in Europe, such as the Balearic Islands or the Greek islands,” he told the newspaper.
Relax restrictions
Francina Armengol, president of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is reported to have said Germany was “essential” to the islands’ tourism and she would work to ensure travel routes recovered “as soon as possible”.
Germans with second homes in Majorca are said to be demanding the right to travel there and Ms Armengol has asked the Spanish government and the European Union to establish a framework across the continent to ensure the “safe recovery of air activity”.
Despite these green shoots for the tourism industry, there was still a warning from Germany’s foreign minister Heiko Maas just days earlier about the kind of holidays possible.
“People won’t be able to spend a holiday as they usually know it, on full beaches or in full mountain huts,” foreign minister Heiko Maas said.


inews--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Business leaders call for ‘clear and phased’ route out of lockdown

Coronavirus : Business leaders call for ‘ clear and phased ’ route out of lockdown Exclusive : Businesses have pointed to the five step plan unveiled by the Irish government last week as a sensible way forward Business leaders have urged the Prime Minister to set out a “ clear and phased ” plan to ease the nationwide lockdown to give companies enough time to plan for changes .
Boris Johnson will on Sunday lay out his “ routemap ” for restarting the economy after he imposed strict social distancing restrictions back in March in a bid to halt the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for the proposals to include “ indicative phasing ” that will give firms from different sectors a clear idea of when and how they will be expected to reopen for business .
'The business community needs to see what they are planning for ' , says Dr Marshall ( Photo : Craig Hibbert ) Adam Marshall , director general of the British Chambers of Commerce , praised the level of engagement with businesses from ministers to date , but said a clear route out of the lockdown was essential on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they are planning for .
Obviously they want to know as much as possible , but ideally what they would like to see is indicative phasing being part of the routemap so they can start to plan ahead , ” Dr Marshall told i .
Businesses have pointed to the five step plan unveiled by the Irish government last week as a sensible way forward .
It includes five phases in three week blocks , starting with a gradual reopening of retail stores and finishing with larger social gatherings , albeit with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dr Marshall said while the Irish approach may not suit the UK exactly , he said the introduction of phases would be welcomed by companies , even if it meant some phases had to be paused as a result of a rise in the infection rate .
He added that any move towards loosening restrictions must be done to give smaller firms confidence that they will not be held liable for workers becoming infected by the virus when they return to work .
“ There still needs to be as much clarity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on this issue because the last thing we want is for them to be lying awake a night worrying that they might be sued , ” Dr Marshall added .

Business leaders have urged the Prime Minister to set out a “clear and phased” plan to ease the nationwide lockdown to give companies enough time to plan for changes.
Boris Johnson will on Sunday lay out his “routemap” for restarting the economy after he imposed strict social distancing restrictions back in March in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19.
But businesses are calling for the proposals to include “indicative phasing” that will give firms from different sectors a clear idea of when and how they will be expected to reopen for business.
Clear route is ‘essential’
Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, praised the level of engagement with businesses from ministers to date, but said a clear route out of the lockdown was essential on Sunday.
“The business community needs to see what they are planning for. Obviously they want to know as much as possible, but ideally what they would like to see is indicative phasing being part of the routemap so they can start to plan ahead,” Dr Marshall told i.
Businesses have pointed to the five step plan unveiled by the Irish government last week as a sensible way forward.
It includes five phases in three week blocks, starting with a gradual reopening of retail stores and finishing with larger social gatherings, albeit with schools remaining closed until the last phase.
Read More: High street restaurant chains in best position to reopen in softer UK coronavirus lockdown but still need rent cuts to survive
Dr Marshall said while the Irish approach may not suit the UK exactly, he said the introduction of phases would be welcomed by companies, even if it meant some phases had to be paused as a result of a rise in the infection rate.
He added that any move towards loosening restrictions must be done to give smaller firms confidence that they will not be held liable for workers becoming infected by the virus when they return to work.
“There still needs to be as much clarity as possible, particularly for smaller businesses, on this issue because the last thing we want is for them to be lying awake a night worrying that they might be sued,” Dr Marshall added.


inews--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Sir Keir Starmer faces off with Boris Johnson for the first time at socially distanced

Coronavirus: Sir Keir Starmer faces off with Boris Johnson for the first time at socially distanced PMQs with all the focus on virus response

Coronavirus : Sir Keir Starmer faces off with Boris Johnson for the first time at socially distanced PMQs with all the focus on virus response The new Labour leader had shaking hands as he started his first Commons encounter with the Prime Minister Prime Minister 's Questions is usually a bearpit : two huge walls of sound bearing down on each other like opposite stands at a football match , each roaring on their champion as the PM and Leader of the Opposition do battle .
It is an intimidating setting for the new boy to get used to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has made his first PMQs appearance in a near-empty Commons chamber , with most MPs watching online and no chance of his questions being drowned out by Tory jeers .
He also had two goes at a warm-up , taking on Dominic Raab instead of Boris Johnson .
The Foreign Secretary is no one 's idea of a star Commons performer , so that gave Sir Keir a chance to get his eye in before coming up against the big beast .
But on Wednesday , as the new Labour leader faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time , the relatively gentle initiation did not stop his hands shaking .
Looking down from the ( socially distanced ) parliamentary press gallery , Sir Keir 's nerves were plain to see .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer grilled the PM on the death stats in the Commons ( Photo : PA ) He opened with a flash of passion : dismissing the Prime Minister 's claims of `` success '' , he pointed to the data showing Britain 's official coronavirus death toll is the worst in Europe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it come to this ? ''
Sir Keir then played to his reputation for `` forensic '' questioning , picking up on faults in the Government 's handling of care homes , testing , contact tracing and personal protective equipment .
He came prepared , brandishing Mr Johnson 's own slides from the daily No 10 press conference to bolster his arguments .
The Prime Minister - denied the army of Tory MPs who would usually cheer at his soundbites and laugh at his wisecracks - was relatively subdued .
He took on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises : to double the UK 's testing capacity , introduce new lockdown rules as soon as Monday and bar any return to `` the A-word '' - austerity .
The two men will meet again at PMQs at least 100 times before the next election .
Once the national crisis has passed , their future encounters will certainly be louder , and they may well be less polite .

Prime Minister’s Questions is usually a bearpit: two huge walls of sound bearing down on each other like opposite stands at a football match, each roaring on their champion as the PM and Leader of the Opposition do battle.
It is an intimidating setting for the new boy to get used to. So Keir Starmer may be grateful that he has made his first PMQs appearance in a near-empty Commons chamber, with most MPs watching online and no chance of his questions being drowned out by Tory jeers.
He also had two goes at a warm-up, taking on Dominic Raab instead of Boris Johnson. The Foreign Secretary is no one’s idea of a star Commons performer, so that gave Sir Keir a chance to get his eye in before coming up against the big beast.
But on Wednesday, as the new Labour leader faced Mr Johnson across the despatch box for the first time, the relatively gentle initiation did not stop his hands shaking. Looking down from the (socially distanced) parliamentary press gallery, Sir Keir’s nerves were plain to see.
He opened with a flash of passion: dismissing the Prime Minister’s claims of “success”, he pointed to the data showing Britain’s official coronavirus death toll is the worst in Europe and asked, “How on earth did it come to this?”
Sir Keir then played to his reputation for “forensic” questioning, picking up on faults in the Government’s handling of care homes, testing, contact tracing and personal protective equipment. He came prepared, brandishing Mr Johnson’s own slides from the daily No 10 press conference to bolster his arguments.
The Prime Minister – denied the army of Tory MPs who would usually cheer at his soundbites and laugh at his wisecracks – was relatively subdued. He took on Sir Keir with a string of grand promises: to double the UK’s testing capacity, introduce new lockdown rules as soon as Monday and bar any return to “the A-word” – austerity.
The two men will meet again at PMQs at least 100 times before the next election. Once the national crisis has passed, their future encounters will certainly be louder, and they may well be less polite.


inews--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Vitamin D and a diet rich in oily fish, dairy and liver can help boost your immune syst

Coronavirus: Vitamin D and a diet rich in oily fish, dairy and liver can help boost your immune system to fight disease

Coronavirus : Vitamin D and a diet rich in oily fish , dairy and liver can help boost your immune system to fight disease Leading food safety expert urges public to give their immune systems a boost by building Vitamin C and D A diet rich in oily fish , dairy and liver will boost people ’ s muscles and immune systems under lockdown and help them fight Covid-19 ( Photo : RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP/Getty ) A diet rich in oily fish , dairy and liver will boost people ’ s muscles and immune systems under lockdown and help them fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s leading food safety experts .
People should also consider taking vitamin C and D food supplements to help fight infection , particularly if their diet is lacking in nutrition , according to Chris Elliott , professor of food safety at Queen ’ s University Belfast .
Despite the sunny weather many people are getting outside less under lockdown , meaning they are missing out on a key source of Vitamin D they would normally get from sunlight .
But eating food such as herrings , salmon , sardines and mackerel can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultraviolet light , according to Prof Elliott , who led the government ’ s inquiry into the horsemeat scandal in 2014 .
He has examined research carried out in China early on in the pandemic which recommends taking vitamin C and Vitamin D to help fight off infection - a stance he endorses .
“ Ideally this should come from natural foods such as fish , eggs and milk and mushrooms , but in these times of crisis food supplements must also be considered , ” he told i .
“ The UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be addressed by changing what we eat , ” he added .
Prof Elliott ’ s comments came as the French Food Agency called on its citizens to boost their vitamin D intake .
“ Vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining bone and muscle tissue and boosting our immune system .
In the current Covid-19 pandemic , our immune defences might need to work particularly hard , ” according to a spokesperson for the ANSES , the French Agency for Food , Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety .
Inadequate vitamin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass , which increases the risk of fractures , the agency points out .
Need to make up for lack of exercise “ These risks are particularly high where the level of physical activity is low , as may be the case during lockdown , ” the spokesperson added .
“ If you are in lockdown at home , particularly if you do not have a garden , it is more difficult to synthesise vitamin D through exposure to sunlight , ” they said .

A diet rich in oily fish, dairy and liver will boost people’s muscles and immune systems under lockdown and help them fight Covid-19, according to one of Britain’s leading food safety experts.
People should also consider taking vitamin C and D food supplements to help fight infection, particularly if their diet is lacking in nutrition, according to Chris Elliott, professor of food safety at Queen’s University Belfast.
Despite the sunny weather many people are getting outside less under lockdown, meaning they are missing out on a key source of Vitamin D they would normally get from sunlight.
But eating food such as herrings, salmon, sardines and mackerel can help make up for the lack of ultraviolet light, according to Prof Elliott, who led the government’s inquiry into the horsemeat scandal in 2014.
Informed by research
He has examined research carried out in China early on in the pandemic which recommends taking vitamin C and Vitamin D to help fight off infection – a stance he endorses.
“Ideally this should come from natural foods such as fish, eggs and milk and mushrooms, but in these times of crisis food supplements must also be considered,” he told i.
“The UK has massive micronutritional deficiencies and these must be addressed by changing what we eat,” he added.
French food agency advice
Prof Elliott’s comments came as the French Food Agency called on its citizens to boost their vitamin D intake.
“Vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining bone and muscle tissue and boosting our immune system. In the current Covid-19 pandemic, our immune defences might need to work particularly hard,” according to a spokesperson for the ANSES, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety.
Inadequate vitamin D consumption can lead to reduced bone mass, which increases the risk of fractures, the agency points out.
Need to make up for lack of exercise
“These risks are particularly high where the level of physical activity is low, as may be the case during lockdown,” the spokesperson added.
“If you are in lockdown at home, particularly if you do not have a garden, it is more difficult to synthesise vitamin D through exposure to sunlight,” they said.


inews--2020-05-06--Coronavirus lockdown will start to ease on Monday with new measures encouraging Britain to get back

Coronavirus lockdown will start to ease on Monday with new measures encouraging Britain to get back to work Boris Johnson faces a clash with Nicola Sturgeon over the timing of the next phase of the lockdown They are likely to focus on ways to ensure that people can return to work without endangering their health .
The announcement could also see the unveiling of a new slogan to replace the `` Stay home '' message .
But Mr Johnson faces a clash with Nicola Sturgeon after the First Minister warned Westminster that the UK 's lockdown must not begin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly declined in Scotland , which is lagging behind other parts of the country .
Nicola Sturgeon said children 's safety would never be compromised ( Photo : Scottish Government ) The national death toll has now passed 30,000 after another 649 confirmed deaths from Covid-19 in a sign the epidemic may not have fallen to manageable levels .
Official figures suggest the UK 's death toll is the worst in Europe , although Yvonne Doyle of Public Health England said : `` It is far too early to say how countries have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give it some time - probably a year . ''
Thursday marks the end of the three-week renewal of the lockdown announced by Dominic Raab last month .
At the Downing Street press conference a minister is expected to confirm that the status quo will nonetheless continue until the end of this week .
The Cabinet will then meet over the weekend to examine the evidence on the current progress of the disease .
Speaking in the House of Commons , the Prime Minister defended his decision to announce the next steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address Parliament next week .
He said : `` We will want , if we possibly can , to get going with some of these measures on Monday , and I think it will be a good thing if people have an idea of what is coming the following day . ''
Public Health England has told civil servants that the `` Stay home '' slogan used since March will be abandoned on Sunday , saying in an email to Government PR staff : `` We anticipate that we will shortly transition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The initial easing measures will be designed to boost the economy by encouraging workplaces to restart as much as possible .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told the No 10 press conference on Wednesday : `` We want infrastructure and construction work to begin again wherever it 's safe to do so .
`` We can not and will not let this pandemic halt our work to improve connectivity , to provide vital social and cultural infrastructure and to boost economic growth across the regions . ''
Some shops such as garden centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they enforce social distancing .
In future phases , the Government is likely to give more leeway for outdoors activities to restart because of the reduced risk of transmitting the coronavirus in the open air .
It raises the prospect of cafe terraces and beer gardens opening over the summer while pubs and restaurants with no outside areas must remain closed .
A source said : `` There 's the sense in Government that when things start to move on to the next stage , things are much more likely to happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a slightly more liberal attitude to things that happen outdoors .
It certainly looks a lot bleaker for indoor events . ''
Ms Sturgeon has lobbied the UK Government to delay its plans to ease any restrictions until Scotland is ready .
The First Minister took part in a call with Michael Gove this week in which she said that the infection rate north of the border was still too high for a relaxation of the measures .
Scottish Government analysis has suggested that the nation 's R number – the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infects – is currently higher than elsewhere in the UK .
Ms Sturgeon said this is likely to be explained by the fact that the virus did not take hold north of the border until slightly later , meaning Scotland is behind in the infection curve .
“ A four nations approach , to be meaningful , has to be one that all four nations have been involved in formulating and one that takes account of the evidence in each part of the UK , ” Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue a unified approach to the lockdown he `` must go at the pace of the part of the UK that is further behind in the infection curve '' .

The next stage in the coronavirus lockdown will start on Monday, Boris Johnson has confirmed as the Government pushes to reopen the economy.
The Prime Minister will make a televised speech on Sunday announcing a “road map” out of the current lockdown, with the first changes taking effect the next day.
They are likely to focus on ways to ensure that people can return to work without endangering their health. The announcement could also see the unveiling of a new slogan to replace the “Stay home” message.
But Mr Johnson faces a clash with Nicola Sturgeon after the First Minister warned Westminster that the UK’s lockdown must not begin to ease until the number of infections has significantly declined in Scotland, which is lagging behind other parts of the country.
Death toll
The national death toll has now passed 30,000 after another 649 confirmed deaths from Covid-19 in a sign the epidemic may not have fallen to manageable levels. Official figures suggest the UK’s death toll is the worst in Europe, although Yvonne Doyle of Public Health England said: “It is far too early to say how countries have fared in this epidemic. We need to give it some time – probably a year.”
Thursday marks the end of the three-week renewal of the lockdown announced by Dominic Raab last month. At the Downing Street press conference a minister is expected to confirm that the status quo will nonetheless continue until the end of this week. The Cabinet will then meet over the weekend to examine the evidence on the current progress of the disease.
Speaking in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister defended his decision to announce the next steps on Sunday, rather than waiting to address Parliament next week. He said: “We will want, if we possibly can, to get going with some of these measures on Monday, and I think it will be a good thing if people have an idea of what is coming the following day.”
Public Health England has told civil servants that the “Stay home” slogan used since March will be abandoned on Sunday, saying in an email to Government PR staff: “We anticipate that we will shortly transition to a new phase of the campaign.”
The initial easing measures will be designed to boost the economy by encouraging workplaces to restart as much as possible. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told the No 10 press conference on Wednesday: “We want infrastructure and construction work to begin again wherever it’s safe to do so.
“We cannot and will not let this pandemic halt our work to improve connectivity, to provide vital social and cultural infrastructure and to boost economic growth across the regions.” Some shops such as garden centres could be allowed to reopen as long as they enforce social distancing.
Outdoors first
In future phases, the Government is likely to give more leeway for outdoors activities to restart because of the reduced risk of transmitting the coronavirus in the open air. It raises the prospect of cafe terraces and beer gardens opening over the summer while pubs and restaurants with no outside areas must remain closed.
A source said: “There’s the sense in Government that when things start to move on to the next stage, things are much more likely to happen outdoors than indoors. Epidemiologically, there is a slightly more liberal attitude to things that happen outdoors. It certainly looks a lot bleaker for indoor events.”
Ms Sturgeon has lobbied the UK Government to delay its plans to ease any restrictions until Scotland is ready. The First Minister took part in a call with Michael Gove this week in which she said that the infection rate north of the border was still too high for a relaxation of the measures.
Scottish Government analysis has suggested that the nation’s R number – the number of people a person with the disease infects – is currently higher than elsewhere in the UK. Ms Sturgeon said this is likely to be explained by the fact that the virus did not take hold north of the border until slightly later, meaning Scotland is behind in the infection curve.
“A four nations approach, to be meaningful, has to be one that all four nations have been involved in formulating and one that takes account of the evidence in each part of the UK,” Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament. She added that if Mr Johnson wants to continue a unified approach to the lockdown he “must go at the pace of the part of the UK that is further behind in the infection curve”.


inews--2020-05-06--Florian Schneider: Kraftwerk co-founder dies from cancer aged 73

Schneider died a week ago and had a private burial , it is understood Florian Schneider , one of the founding members of the hugely influential electronic pop group Kraftwerk , has died at the age of 73 .
The German band found success in the 1970s , revolutionising the sound of pop music and influencing artists such as David Bowie and Iggy Pop .
They described their music as `` industrielle volksmusik '' , which Bowie termed “ folk music of the factories ” in English .
A statement by Sony Berlin said the artist had “ passed away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few days after his 73rd birthday ” .
Tributes from around the world Spandau Ballet 's Gary Kemp paid tribute , thanking him for `` forging a new Metropolis of music for us all to live in . ''
`` Such an important influence upon so much of the music we know , from Bowie , to electronica , much of the 80s and beyond into modern techno and rap , '' he wrote on Twitter .
Franz Ferdinand ’ s Alex Kapranos remembered both Schneider and The Stranglers ’ Dave Greenfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeting : `` Sad to hear about Florian Schneider and Dave Greenfield .
Two big inspirations in my life . ''
They faced resistance from the British music press at the time , until an edited single version of their 22 minute 43 second anthem “ Autobahn ” saw them break through in the charts in 1974 .
This was followed by the album Radio-Activity and an invitation from Bowie to join him on tour , which they rejected .
The group went to number one in the UK with the double A-side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many artists who came after them credited Kraftwerk as influencers , including Bowie , who named the track V-2 Schneider on his Heroes album after Schneider .
Depeche Mode , New Order and Daft Punk also cite the band 's influence , while Coldplay used a section from Kraftwerk 's Computer Love in their hit Talk .
Jay-Z and Dr Dre used sections from Trans Europe Express on their track Under Pressure .
Schneider played the flute , violin and guitar , which were usually processed through electronic equipment .
He later explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was too limiting .
Soon I bought a microphone , then loudspeakers , then an echo , then a synthesiser .
Much later I threw the flute away ; it was a sort of process .
”

Florian Schneider, one of the founding members of the hugely influential electronic pop group Kraftwerk, has died at the age of 73.
The German band found success in the 1970s, revolutionising the sound of pop music and influencing artists such as David Bowie and Iggy Pop. They described their music as “industrielle volksmusik”, which Bowie termed “folk music of the factories” in English.
Schneider died a week ago and had a private burial, it is understood.
A statement by Sony Berlin said the artist had “passed away after a short bout of cancer just a few days after his 73rd birthday”.
Tributes from around the world
Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp paid tribute, thanking him for “forging a new Metropolis of music for us all to live in.”
“Such an important influence upon so much of the music we know, from Bowie, to electronica, much of the 80s and beyond into modern techno and rap,” he wrote on Twitter.
Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos remembered both Schneider and The Stranglers’ Dave Greenfield, who also died this week, tweeting: “Sad to hear about Florian Schneider and Dave Greenfield. Two big inspirations in my life.”
British breakthrough
Kraftwerk was formed in Berlin by Schneidder and bandmate Ralf Hütter in 1970.
They faced resistance from the British music press at the time, until an edited single version of their 22 minute 43 second anthem “Autobahn” saw them break through in the charts in 1974.
This was followed by the album Radio-Activity and an invitation from Bowie to join him on tour, which they rejected.
Kraftwerk also reportedly turned down a collaboration with Michael Jackson.
The group went to number one in the UK with the double A-side single The Model/Computer Love in 1981.
Changing pop forever
Many artists who came after them credited Kraftwerk as influencers, including Bowie, who named the track V-2 Schneider on his Heroes album after Schneider.
Depeche Mode, New Order and Daft Punk also cite the band’s influence, while Coldplay used a section from Kraftwerk’s Computer Love in their hit Talk. Jay-Z and Dr Dre used sections from Trans Europe Express on their track Under Pressure.
Schneider played the flute, violin and guitar, which were usually processed through electronic equipment. He later explained: “I found that the flute was too limiting. Soon I bought a microphone, then loudspeakers, then an echo, then a synthesiser. Much later I threw the flute away; it was a sort of process.”


inews--2020-05-07--Rolls-Royce signals significant job cuts as coronavirus takes its toll

The aerospace giant said it is working with trade union and employee representatives and has already placed 4,000 UK staff on furlough Rolls-Royce has signalled that job cuts could be on the cards at the UK aero-engine maker after announcing it will reveal the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the size of its workforce later this month .
The news comes as the coronavirus continues to ground flights and cripple the airline industry .
Last week Ryanair said it will cut 3,000 jobs at the low-cost airline and decrease the pay of its workforce by up to 20 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutting 10 per cent of its 161,000-strong workforce .
Rolls-Royce said it is working with trade union and employee representatives and has already placed 4,000 UK staff on furlough .
Flying hours for its engines fell 90 per cent in April , according to the Aerospace giant .
Rolls-Royce said it expects the severity of the pandemic to `` lead to a smaller commercial aerospace market which may take several years to recover '' .
Meanwhile , British Airways and Aer Lingus owner International Consolidated Airlines Group tentatively said flights could resume at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group added it was burning through cash and does not expect to return to full capacity until 2023 .
The group said Covid-19 was having a `` devastating impact on the global airline and travel sectors , resulting in lockdowns and travel restrictions and advisories , particularly from late February 2020 onwards '' .
Rolls-Royce added that there has been an `` unprecedented reduction '' in air traffic since the virus spread and is actively pursuing changes in its business to adapt to the situation , with changes particularly in its civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems division has also experienced weaker trading since the first quarter due to extended shutdowns in local markets and ongoing travel bans .
Warren East , chief executive of Rolls-Royce , said : `` We are working hard to mitigate the near-term disruption caused by Covid-19 and are making stronger than expected progress on our mitigating actions , giving us confidence that we can now deliver up to £1bn of savings this year .
`` However , we must also take the difficult but necessary decisions to ensure the group emerges from this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what will be a smaller commercial aerospace market which may take several years to recover . ''

Rolls-Royce has signalled that job cuts will be on the cards at the UK aero-engine maker after announcing it will reveal the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the size of its workforce later this month.
The news comes as the coronavirus continues to ground flights and cripple the airline industry. Last week Ryanair said it will cut 3,000 jobs at the low-cost airline and decrease the pay of its workforce by up to 20 per cent, while Boeing said it is cutting 10 per cent of its 161,000-strong workforce.
Rolls-Royce said it is working with trade union and employee representatives and has already placed 4,000 UK staff on furlough. Flying hours for its engines fell 90 per cent in April, according to the Aerospace giant.
Media reports suggest as many as 8,000 employees would be axed at the company. Rolls-Royce declined to comment on that figure but a spokesperson said: “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is unprecedented. We have taken swift action to increase our liquidity, dramatically reduce our spending, and strengthen our resilience in these exceptionally challenging times. But we will need to take further action.”
Rolls-Royce said it expects the severity of the pandemic to “lead to a smaller commercial aerospace market which may take several years to recover”.
Pain at British Airways
Meanwhile, British Airways and Aer Lingus owner International Consolidated Airlines Group tentatively said flights could resume at 50 per cent capacity by July but the group added it was burning through cash and does not expect to return to full capacity until 2023.
The group said Covid-19 was having a “devastating impact on the global airline and travel sectors, resulting in lockdowns and travel restrictions and advisories, particularly from late February 2020 onwards”.
Rolls-Royce added that there has been an “unprecedented reduction” in air traffic since the virus spread and is actively pursuing changes in its business to adapt to the situation, with changes particularly in its civil aerospace division.
Rolls-Royce said its power systems division has also experienced weaker trading since the first quarter due to extended shutdowns in local markets and ongoing travel bans.
Savings of £1bn
Warren East, chief executive of Rolls-Royce, said: “We are working hard to mitigate the near-term disruption caused by Covid-19 and are making stronger than expected progress on our mitigating actions, giving us confidence that we can now deliver up to £1bn of savings this year.
“However, we must also take the difficult but necessary decisions to ensure the group emerges from this period with the appropriate cost base for what will be a smaller commercial aerospace market which may take several years to recover.”


inews--2020-05-07--When can I go to the hairdressers? The latest on UK lockdown closures and if salons could be among f

When can I go to the hairdressers? The latest on UK lockdown closures and if salons could be among first businesses to reopen

When can I go to the hairdressers ?
The latest on UK lockdown closures and if salons could be among first businesses to reopen Latest on lockdown closures in the UK and if hairdressers could be among first businesses to reopen .
As hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed , many across the UK have been getting creative with cutting their own hair at home - with some interesting results ( Photo : Shutterstock ) As hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed , many across the UK have been getting creative with cutting their own hair at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Metro recently reported that senior ministers are pushing a so-called ‘ traffic light ’ system to lift the lockdown .
Under this plan , small shops could be allowed to reopen first , alongside hairdressers and nurseries .
Schools would also begin to reopen .
This would start with primary , GCSE and A Level students able to go back part-time .
However , the public would still be urged to avoid non-essential travel .
Next in the phase could then be restaurants , with all pupils able to go back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Companies with fewer than 50 staff would be able to reopen and people could be allowed to take public transport while wearing face masks .
The government is also currently planning ahead for the “ road map ” out of lockdown , which Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to reveal on Sunday 10 May .
Could salons be shut for a long time ?
It depends what phase of the re-opening they are included in .
According to reports , hair and beauty salons could remain shut for six months or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there is not a safe way for them to reopen .
However , other countries that have begun to ease their lockdowns , such as Denmark , have permitted hairdressers to open in the first phase .
They can , however , draw on a second Treasury wage scheme which is for the self-employed .
Self-employed workers do n't need to apply to it , as HMRC will contact those who are eligible for the payout by mid-May .
Citizens Advice explains that “ if your income has dropped because of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money from the government .
“ You could get 80 per cent of your average profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month .
This is called the Self-employment Income Support Scheme .
How can I support my local hairdresser ?
A good way to support your local hair salon is to buy a gift voucher now that you can use there when they reopen .
Hairdressers will also be very busy when they do reopen , so if your salon does have a waiting list , then it ’ s worth @ @ @ @ @ @

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


inews--2020-05-07--Antony and Cleopatra National Theatre Live cast: who stars with Ralph Fiennes, and what time it's on

Antony and Cleopatra National Theatre Live cast: who stars with Ralph Fiennes, and what time it's on YouTube tonight

Antony and Cleopatra National Theatre Live cast : who stars with Ralph Fiennes , and what time it 's on YouTube tonight Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo star in this 2018 production of the Shakespeare classic , available to stream on YouTube Antony and Cleopatra is the latest classic play the National Theatre is treating us to from the comfort of our own homes .
And now it 's the turn of Shakespeare 's tragic Egyptian tale of love and war .
Here is everything you need to know ... How can I watch Antony and Cleopatra ?
The play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTube channel at 7pm on Thursday 7 May , and will be available until the same time on Thursday 14 May .
You can also still catch Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller in Frankenstein until 7pm on Friday 8 May .
A never-before-seen archive recording of Inua Ellams ’ smash-hit play , Barber Shop Chronicles , is next in the schedule .
The National Theatre synopsis says : `` Caesar and his assassins are dead .
General Mark Antony now rules alongside his fellow defenders of Rome .
`` But at the fringes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cleopatra and Mark Antony have fallen fiercely in love .
In a tragic fight between devotion and duty , obsession becomes a catalyst for war . ''
The play was first performed in around 1607 , at either the Globe Theatre or Blackfriars Theatre .
This production was directed by Simon Godwin ( Hansard , Twelfth Night ) , and was on stage to critical acclaim in 2018 .
Ralph Fiennes , who you will probably know as Voldemort from the Harry Potter films , M from the last two James Bond movies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Titans , The Grand Budapest Hotel and a host of other hit films , stars as Antony .
Sophie Okonedo stars opposite him as Cleopatra .
She is best known for films including Hotel Rwanda , for which she received an Oscar nomination , Criminal Justice and Dirty Pretty Things .

Antony and Cleopatra is the latest classic play the National Theatre is treating us to from the comfort of our own homes.
Since the coronavirus lockdown began the London theatre has been streaming some of its most popular productions, including James Corden in One Man Two Guvnors and Benedict Cumberbatch in Frankenstein, on its YouTube channel.
And now it’s the turn of Shakespeare’s tragic Egyptian tale of love and war.
Here is everything you need to know…
How can I watch Antony and Cleopatra?
The play streams live on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel at 7pm on Thursday 7 May, and will be available until the same time on Thursday 14 May.
You can also still catch Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller in Frankenstein until 7pm on Friday 8 May.
A never-before-seen archive recording of Inua Ellams’ smash-hit play, Barber Shop Chronicles, is next in the schedule.
What’s it about?
The National Theatre synopsis says: “Caesar and his assassins are dead. General Mark Antony now rules alongside his fellow defenders of Rome.
“But at the fringes of a war-torn empire the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony have fallen fiercely in love. In a tragic fight between devotion and duty, obsession becomes a catalyst for war.”
The play was first performed in around 1607, at either the Globe Theatre or Blackfriars Theatre.
This production was directed by Simon Godwin (Hansard, Twelfth Night), and was on stage to critical acclaim in 2018.
Who’s in the cast?
Ralph Fiennes, who you will probably know as Voldemort from the Harry Potter films, M from the last two James Bond movies, Schindler’s List, Clash of the Titans, The Grand Budapest Hotel and a host of other hit films, stars as Antony.
Sophie Okonedo stars opposite him as Cleopatra. She is best known for films including Hotel Rwanda, for which she received an Oscar nomination, Criminal Justice and Dirty Pretty Things.
Tunji Kasim (Nearly Famous) plays Caesar, Katy Stephens (London’s Burning) plays Agrippa and Hannah Morrish (Magpie) plays Octavia.
Also among the cast are Tim McMullan as Enobarbus, Nicholas Le Prevost as Lepidus and Georgia Landers as Iras.


inews--2020-05-07--Where is Brassic filmed? Filming locations in Bacup and Manchester for season 2 of the Sky One serie

Where is Brassic filmed? Filming locations in Bacup and Manchester for season 2 of the Sky One series

Where is Brassic filmed ?
Filming locations in Bacup and Manchester for season 2 of the Sky One series The show is set in the fictional Lancashire town of Hawley , and is filmed across the North West It is a good day for Brassic fans - the hit comedy is back on TV tonight , and the whole second season is already available to watch on Sky and Now TV .
Vinnie O'Neil ( Joe Gilgun ) , Erin Croft ( Michelle ) Keegan and co. are returning to their lives of crime in Hawley , with robbing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card for season two .
And the first two series have been filmed in various locations across the North West .
Instead of using Chorley itself , the Lancashire town of Bacup in the South Pennines becomes Hawley .
Locals will recognise several town centre landmarks in the series .
The town , which has a population of around 14,000 , is close to the border with West Yorkshire , and has existed since Anglo-Saxon times , before becoming a mill town during the Industrial Revolution .
Location manager for the show , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` There ’ s this whole idea of it being a forgotten town and forgotten people in a way , a former mill town feel where at one point there would ’ ve been quite a lot of prosperous businesses and everyone would ’ ve been in full employment .
`` Those people are still living there but all that industry ’ s gone , and it ’ s what ’ s left behind I suppose .
Bacup ’ s not a very big town but the architecture ’ s interesting because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victorian period , and even some Art Deco examples around the town centre , so it ’ s an interesting combination . ''
Vinnie and the gang spend plenty of time down the pub , and a real life pub , rather than a set , was used for filming .
That pub is the Star and Garter on Fairfield Street in central Manchester , just around the corner from Piccadilly Station .
And the caravan site Ash lives on is also in Manchester - in a car park not far from Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Garter ( Photo : Star and Garter ) The shack is supposed to be just outside of Hawley , and Davies said when they discovered this setting they knew it was perfect immediately .
`` There was this horseshoe of trees with established woodland and a stream running through it and then there was a clearing and you looked out , '' he said .
`` In the distance you can see some buildings , which suggest a town within walking distance so there ’ s this idea that Vinnie keeps himself @ @ @ @ @

It is a good day for Brassic fans – the hit comedy is back on TV tonight, and the whole second season is already available to watch on Sky and Now TV.
Vinnie O’Neil (Joe Gilgun), Erin Croft (Michelle) Keegan and co. are returning to their lives of crime in Hawley, with robbing a circus one of the activities on the card for season two.
Hawley is a fictional town in Lancashire, based on O’Neil’s experiences growing up in Chorley.
And the first two series have been filmed in various locations across the North West.
Bacup
Instead of using Chorley itself, the Lancashire town of Bacup in the South Pennines becomes Hawley. Locals will recognise several town centre landmarks in the series.
The town, which has a population of around 14,000, is close to the border with West Yorkshire, and has existed since Anglo-Saxon times, before becoming a mill town during the Industrial Revolution.
Location manager for the show, Jonathan Davies, told I Love Manchester: “There’s this whole idea of it being a forgotten town and forgotten people in a way, a former mill town feel where at one point there would’ve been quite a lot of prosperous businesses and everyone would’ve been in full employment.
“Those people are still living there but all that industry’s gone, and it’s what’s left behind I suppose. Bacup’s not a very big town but the architecture’s interesting because there are lots of gems from the Victorian period, and even some Art Deco examples around the town centre, so it’s an interesting combination.”
Manchester
Vinnie and the gang spend plenty of time down the pub, and a real life pub, rather than a set, was used for filming.
That pub is the Star and Garter on Fairfield Street in central Manchester, just around the corner from Piccadilly Station.
Meanwhile, the doctor’s surgery scenes are filmed on the Frederick Road Campus at Salford University.
And the caravan site Ash lives on is also in Manchester – in a car park not far from Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.
Bolton
Vinnie’s shack he calls home was filmed in some woods just north of Bolton.
The shack is supposed to be just outside of Hawley, and Davies said when they discovered this setting they knew it was perfect immediately.
“There was this horseshoe of trees with established woodland and a stream running through it and then there was a clearing and you looked out,” he said.
“In the distance you can see some buildings, which suggest a town within walking distance so there’s this idea that Vinnie keeps himself at a distance.”
Ashton-Under-Lyne
Finally, there’s Erin’s house, which was filmed in Ashton-under-Lyne, a market town in Greater Manchester.
The town is home to around 50,000 people, and was heavily involved in the cotton trade.


inews--2020-05-07--My lockdown outfits have become so bizarre they rival the Met Gala ball

My lockdown outfits have become so bizarre they rival the Met Gala ball Lockdown has done away with a host of favourite pastimes , some serious ( seeing family and friends ) and some trivial ( scarfing your body weight in supermarket food testers ) .
This week , I felt a sharp yearning for something that falls decidedly in the latter category : laughing at pictures of the Met Ball , the opening night of the annual fashion exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum in New York .
Due to take place on Monday , it was , inevitably , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ style set ’ s favourite red carpet event , it ’ s known for the high-fashion ( read : endearingly deranged ) attire sported by its celebrity guests , and while its organiser , American Vogue editor Anna Wintour , hosted a virtual party on Youtube , it was far from the same without the cheerfully demented outfits .
I thought wistfully back to Rihanna ’ s infamous “ omelette ” dress , not to mention the time Katy Perry dressed as a chandelier .
Rihanna looking a bit like an omlette ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present entertainment must be found closer to home – and I didn ’ t have to look too hard .
For my own outfits have become absurd enough to rival the creative vision of even the most avant-garde designer .
This morning , for instance , I jazzed up some boring leggings with my edgiest pair of socks : a cream-coloured , sheer number that I bought during a wardrobe emergency at London Victoria station .
“ They look like… condoms for your feet , ” my boyfriend chuckled unkindly .
Other looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matched a floral maxi skirt with a walking fleece .
And last Friday night saw the unholy union between a posh frock purchased for a friend ’ s wedding and a grimy pair of slippers .
'The time Katy Perry dressed as a chandelier '' at the 2019 Met Gala ( Photo : John Lamparski/Getty ) Why does lockdown attire involve such jarring combinations ?
Quite simply , getting dressed used to be a binary choice : you either wore something nice to go out in or something sloppy for lying on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our public and private lives take place at home .
We ’ re no longer looking for something that is a ) stylish or b ) comfy – but for something that ticks both boxes simultaneously .
Of course , there ’ s a fashion category specifically for this : loungewear , which for the uninitiated is nice clothing for doing nothing in .
But based on my theory that no one outside the pages of magazines actually owns any of that stuff , my guess is that the majority of us will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the near future .
In other words , we ’ ll continue pairing a fancy item with a cosy one and pretending it adds up to a smart casual whole instead of looking like your top and bottom halves are dressed for different occasions .
At least there ’ s one silver lining to this approach : a chic loungewear staple wouldn ’ t cut it at the madcap Met Ball quite like my leggings and “ prophylactic ” socks combo .

Lockdown has done away with a host of favourite pastimes, some serious (seeing family and friends) and some trivial (scarfing your body weight in supermarket food testers).
This week, I felt a sharp yearning for something that falls decidedly in the latter category: laughing at pictures of the Met Ball, the opening night of the annual fashion exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Due to take place on Monday, it was, inevitably, postponed because of coronavirus.
As the style set’s favourite red carpet event, it’s known for the high-fashion (read: endearingly deranged) attire sported by its celebrity guests, and while its organiser, American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, hosted a virtual party on Youtube, it was far from the same without the cheerfully demented outfits. I thought wistfully back to Rihanna’s infamous “omelette” dress, not to mention the time Katy Perry dressed as a chandelier.
But at present entertainment must be found closer to home – and I didn’t have to look too hard. For my own outfits have become absurd enough to rival the creative vision of even the most avant-garde designer.
This morning, for instance, I jazzed up some boring leggings with my edgiest pair of socks: a cream-coloured, sheer number that I bought during a wardrobe emergency at London Victoria station. “They look like… condoms for your feet,” my boyfriend chuckled unkindly.
Other looks have been similarly disquieting. Yesterday I matched a floral maxi skirt with a walking fleece. And last Friday night saw the unholy union between a posh frock purchased for a friend’s wedding and a grimy pair of slippers.
Why does lockdown attire involve such jarring combinations? Quite simply, getting dressed used to be a binary choice: you either wore something nice to go out in or something sloppy for lying on the sofa. Nowadays, however, both our public and private lives take place at home. We’re no longer looking for something that is a) stylish or b) comfy – but for something that ticks both boxes simultaneously.
Of course, there’s a fashion category specifically for this: loungewear, which for the uninitiated is nice clothing for doing nothing in. But based on my theory that no one outside the pages of magazines actually owns any of that stuff, my guess is that the majority of us will be sporting the cheat’s version for the near future.
In other words, we’ll continue pairing a fancy item with a cosy one and pretending it adds up to a smart casual whole instead of looking like your top and bottom halves are dressed for different occasions.
At least there’s one silver lining to this approach: a chic loungewear staple wouldn’t cut it at the madcap Met Ball quite like my leggings and “prophylactic” socks combo.


inews--2020-05-07--Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds calls for 'short-hours working' to ease end of furlough amid warni

Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds calls for 'short-hours working' to ease end of furlough amid warnings of 80's levels of unemployment

Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds calls for 'short-hours working ' to ease end of furlough amid warnings of 80 's levels of unemployment If the scheme is not tapered gradually , businesses could go under , the Labour MP said Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds said on Thursday that the Government needs to make the furlough scheme more flexible by allowing `` short-hours working '' - amid warnings that unemployment could hit the same levels as the 1980s if the scheme is cut back too quickly .
Ms Dodds warned that if there is not a gradual tapering of the scheme , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them are suffering from low demand .
The Bank of England warned that the economy could plunge by 14 per cent this year .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said on Monday that there would be `` no cliff edge '' to the furlough scheme , but that the Government is looking at ways of `` winding down '' the programme that is paying 80 per cent of the wages of over 6.3 million people .
'The quid pro quo is that that is focused on protecting jobs' Speaking on BBC Radio 4 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Unless we have a system that enables short-hours working where people can return to the workplace maybe for 30 per cent , perhaps two days a week , something like that , to get businesses ready to reopen then actually we 'll see a number of them closing unfortunately , and a much stronger impact than is necessary . ''
Ms Dodds added : `` Absolutely critical here is having a system to ensure that people feel safe when they 're at work and that consumers feel safe when they go into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She added : `` Government needs to be making effectively a contract with these businesses now .
That 's what 's happened in countries like Denmark and France , and be saying to them we will potentially provide you with public money if that is required .
`` But the quid pro quo is that that is focused on protecting jobs , so it should n't then be used to extract value from the company in the future with share buy backs or big dividend payments early on .
Economists expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and perhaps more than one million – which could push the unemployment rate from 3.9 per cent to around 8 per cent ( Photo : Dan Mullan/Getty ) Former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling also warned during the programme that unemployment could reach the scale of the 1980s if the Government does not continue to pay the wages of millions of workers .
Lord Darling said : `` I think the Government has to be flexible about the furlough plan because if you 're going to get people to go back to work I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all going to go back to work on day one .
`` But can I also make another point which I think is important - I hope like everybody else that many jobs come back and people go back to work , but I think we must plan on the basis that some jobs will not come back , at least they wo n't come back at anything like an acceptable rate .
He added : `` I think we have to factor in the very strong possibility that there will be people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to their own jobs and we do not want to find that they go from furlough to redundancy . ''
It expects gross domestic product to fall by around 3 % in the first three months of 2020 and then plunge by a further 25 % in the second quarter , although it said there was uncertainty over the forecasts .

Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds said on Thursday that the Government needs to make the furlough scheme more flexible by allowing “short-hours working” – amid warnings that unemployment could hit the same levels as the 1980s if the scheme is cut back too quickly.
Ms Dodds warned that if there is not a gradual tapering of the scheme, businesses could go under, as many of them are suffering from low demand. The Bank of England warned that the economy could plunge by 14 per cent this year.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said on Monday that there would be “no cliff edge” to the furlough scheme, but that the Government is looking at ways of “winding down” the programme that is paying 80 per cent of the wages of over 6.3 million people.
‘The quid pro quo is that that is focused on protecting jobs’
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Ms Dodds said: “Unless we have a system that enables short-hours working where people can return to the workplace maybe for 30 per cent, perhaps two days a week, something like that, to get businesses ready to reopen then actually we’ll see a number of them closing unfortunately, and a much stronger impact than is necessary.”
Ms Dodds added: “Absolutely critical here is having a system to ensure that people feel safe when they’re at work and that consumers feel safe when they go into businesses and we’re not there yet.”
She said that unless business safety regulations are strengthened, “we won’t have that confidence we need to build demand back up again”.
She added: “Government needs to be making effectively a contract with these businesses now. That’s what’s happened in countries like Denmark and France, and be saying to them we will potentially provide you with public money if that is required.
“But the quid pro quo is that that is focused on protecting jobs, so it shouldn’t then be used to extract value from the company in the future with share buy backs or big dividend payments early on.
“It should be promoting jobs and we shouldn’t be seeing those funds squirrelled into tax havens.”
1980’s employment
Former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling also warned during the programme that unemployment could reach the scale of the 1980s if the Government does not continue to pay the wages of millions of workers.
Lord Darling said: “I think the Government has to be flexible about the furlough plan because if you’re going to get people to go back to work I think it is highly unlikely they are all going to go back to work on day one.
“We need to have flexibility so people can go onto short-time work and be gradually reintroduced to their jobs.
“But can I also make another point which I think is important – I hope like everybody else that many jobs come back and people go back to work, but I think we must plan on the basis that some jobs will not come back, at least they won’t come back at anything like an acceptable rate.
“And that means the Government has also got to announce a plan for jobs.”
He added: “I think we have to factor in the very strong possibility that there will be people who will not be able to go back to their own jobs and we do not want to find that they go from furlough to redundancy.”
The Bank of England warned that coronavirus could see the economy plunge 14% this year in the worst annual fall for more than 300 years.
On Thursday the Bank of England held interest rates at a historic low of 0.1% and warned of a “very sharp” fall in GDP of close to 30% over the first half and a “substantial” hike in unemployment.
It expects gross domestic product to fall by around 3% in the first three months of 2020 and then plunge by a further 25% in the second quarter, although it said there was uncertainty over the forecasts.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that the lockdown will be eased on Monday but the exact measures are unclear.
Additional reporting by Press Association.


inews--2020-05-07--Octopus Energy customers told to 'use more electricity' ahead of May bank holiday demand slump

Octopus Energy customers told to 'use more electricity ' ahead of May bank holiday demand slump Octopus Energy customers to be paid to use electricity on Sunday afternoon to help grid deal with excess supply Power demand across the UK is expected to drop to record low levels over this bank holiday weekend , with one energy supplier set to pay customers to use more electricity to help the grid cope .
The National Grid expects power demand on Sunday afternoon to slump to a record low as a result of the lockdown and the long weekend .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and solar plants to close if the grid is overwhelmed with surplus electricity .
But one energy supplier believes encouraging people to use more electricity could be a better way to ease pressure on the grid .
Octopus Energy told its home customers this morning that a limited number of them would be able to take part in a trial that will see them paid to use electricity on Sunday afternoon , in a bid to avoid renewable power being shut off .
“ This weekend , low demand for energy combined with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might have to shut down , ” it said in a message to customers .
“ We ’ re running a special invitation-only trial to see if home customers can help ” .
Participants will be paid between 2p and 5p per kilowatt hour ( kWh ) of electricity used between 2pm and 3pm on Sunday afternoon .
The average semi-detached house uses about 10.5kWh a day .
Dr Jeff Hardy , a sustainable energy consultant at Imperial College London , and an Octopus Energy customer taking part in the trial .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn on his dishwasher and washing machine , and bake some bread in the oven during the trial window .
“ I ’ m not going to get paid much for this - maybe 50p , ” he said .
“ But that ’ s not why I ’ m doing it .
I ’ m doing it to give an indication to Octopus what people are prepared to do in response to a price signal.
” He explained he was motivated to help show how a low-carbon grid could work in practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of peak supply to use more electricity , and to use less when renewable generation is scarce .
The lockdown presents a good opportunity to trial this kind of approach .
The nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19 has prompted electricity demand to drop by 15 per cent , so the grid is facing unprecedented pressure to manage surplus electricity supply .
Plus , the public could be more willing to shift their habits to help out , Dr Hardy suggested : “ Frankly , everyone is receptive to helping out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Rolling this type of system out more widely requires the widespread installation of smart meters , so suppliers can track exactly how much electricity is being used in the home and pay customers accordingly .
However , late last year the Government was forced to abandon its goal of offering every home and business a smart meter by 2020 , after the scheme was beset by delays .
The new target is for 85 per cent of households to have a smart meter by 2024 .
There will also need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to benefit if their customers change their consumption habits in response to grid supply .
Ovo is currently operating its schemes on a trial basis , but is lobbying for a change in regulation , i understands .

Power demand across the UK is expected to drop to record low levels over this bank holiday weekend, with one energy supplier set to pay customers to use more electricity to help the grid cope.
The National Grid expects power demand on Sunday afternoon to slump to a record low as a result of the lockdown and the long weekend. It has asked for emergency powers to force wind and solar plants to close if the grid is overwhelmed with surplus electricity.
But one energy supplier believes encouraging people to use more electricity could be a better way to ease pressure on the grid.
Paid to use power
Octopus Energy has told domestic customers that some will get paid to use electricity on Sunday afternoon, in a bid to avoid renewable power being shut off.
“This weekend, low demand for energy combined with lots of renewable energy means renewable sources might have to shut down,” it said in a message to customers. “We’re running a special invitation-only trial to see if home customers can help”.
It is the first time households on fixed rate tariffs have been asked to adjust their power use in this way, according to Octopus co-founder Peter Miller. “We’re trying to get a sense of whether everyday people on fixed tariffs have an interest in participating in helping balance the grid and being paid for it,” he told i.
Octopus hopes to recruit between 10,000 and 20,000 participants to Sunday’s trial, paying them between between 2p and 5p per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity used between 2pm and 3pm on Sunday afternoon.
It said its experience of offering flexible pricing to customers on its Agile tariff – which tracks prices on the half-hour wholesale market – suggests people will not waste power even when they are being paid to use it. As long as payments are set at the right level, people tend to just complete energy hungry chores – such as washing – they would have done anyway, Mr Miller told i.
Appliance on
Dr Jeff Hardy is a sustainable energy consultant at Imperial College London, and an Octopus Energy customer taking part in the trial. He told i he’s planning to turn on his dishwasher and washing machine, and bake some bread in the oven during the trial window.
“I’m not going to get paid much for this – maybe 50p,” he said. “But that’s not why I’m doing it. I’m doing it to give an indication to Octopus what people are prepared to do in response to a price signal.”
He explained he was motivated to help show how a low-carbon grid could work in practice, with customers called on at times of peak supply to use more electricity, and to use less when renewable generation is scarce.
A smart grid?
Now is a good time to trial this kind of approach. The nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19 has prompted electricity demand to drop by 15 per cent, so the grid is facing unprecedented pressure to manage surplus electricity supply.
Sunday’s trial is more of a test case than an attempt to significantly sway demand levels. For home energy use to have a real impact on grid demand, millions of people would need to heed the call to use more power.
Rolling out this type of system out more widely requires the widespread installation of smart meters, so suppliers can track exactly how much electricity is being used in the home and pay customers accordingly. Despite a flagship government rollout programme, only around 16 million have been installed in homes and businesses to date, far short of the targeted 58 million.
There will also need to be a change in regulation to allow suppliers to benefit if their customers change their consumption habits in response to grid supply. Octopus is currently operating its schemes on a trial basis, but is lobbying for a change in regulation, i understands.


inews--2020-05-07--National Theatre Live stream: how to watch Antony and Cleopatra at home on YouTube tonight, and the

National Theatre Live stream: how to watch Antony and Cleopatra at home on YouTube tonight, and the full schedule of free NT plays

National Theatre Live stream : how to watch Antony and Cleopatra at home on YouTube tonight , and the full schedule of free NT plays A range of plays will be made available to stream via YouTube in April and May , continuing with Antony and Cleopatra Just like all entertainment outlets , theatres have had to close their doors per the Government 's guidelines amid the Coronavirus pandemic .
However , the National Theatre is bringing the stage to the screen by streaming several iconic plays on YouTube every Thursday .
Explaining the reason for making the plays accessible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Theatre spokesperson said : `` During this unprecedented time which has seen the closure of theatres , cinemas and schools , the National Theatre announces a new initiative National Theatre at Home providing access to content online to serve audiences in their homes .
Here 's all you need to know about the National Theatre shows that are streaming .
Theatres in London have been forced to close amid the Coronavirus pandemic ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty Images ) How can I watch the National Theatre shows from home ?
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with a novel way for the public to still enjoy the best from the stage .
The best part of it all is that it 's free to watch .
Every Thursday at 7pm BST on the theatre 's official YouTube channel , fans will be able to stream a selection of performances for a week .
Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo in Antony and Cleopatra ( Photo : national Theatre ) And now it 's the turn of Antony and Cleopatra , starring Ralph Fiennes as Antony and Sophie Okonedo as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative has won praise from fans for being given the chance to watch the plays for free .
But it 's all been made possible by the various cast and crews of the plays who have waived their rights .
The executive director and joint chief executive of the National Theatre told the Guardian : `` Everyone has said yes .
Please .
Let ’ s get it out to people .
`` It has taken a bit of negotiation and management but the outpouring from the industry has been fantastic . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Theatre has to offer as there will also be a selection of Q & As with the cast and creative teams of the plays .

Just like all entertainment outlets, theatres have had to close their doors per the Government’s guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the National Theatre is bringing the stage to the screen by streaming several iconic plays on YouTube every Thursday.
Explaining the reason for making the plays accessible to thousands free of charge, a National Theatre spokesperson said: “During this unprecedented time which has seen the closure of theatres, cinemas and schools, the National Theatre announces a new initiative National Theatre at Home providing access to content online to serve audiences in their homes.
“Audiences around the world can stream NT Live productions for free via YouTube, and students and teachers have access to the National Theatre Collection at home.”
Here’s all you need to know about the National Theatre shows that are streaming.
How can I watch the National Theatre shows from home?
During the lockdown, the National Theatre has come up with a novel way for the public to still enjoy the best from the stage. The best part of it all is that it’s free to watch.
Every Thursday at 7pm BST on the theatre’s official YouTube channel, fans will be able to stream a selection of performances for a week.
The first show, which kicked things off on Thursday 2 April, was One Man, Two Guvnors featuring James Corden.
From Thursday 9 April until 16 April theatre lovers could stream Sally Cookson’s bold reimagining of Charlotte Bronte’s classic Jane Eyre.
The stage version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic adventure novel Treasure Island, adapted by Bryony Lavery, showed from 16 April.
After that it was time for some Shakespeare with a staging of Twelfth Night starring Tamsin Grieg.
This was followed by Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein – starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller – which streamed until 8 May.
Next came Antony and Cleopatra, starring Ralph Fiennes as Antony and Sophie Okonedo as Cleopatra.
From Thursday 14 May – Thursday 21 May Inua Ellams’ Barber Shop Chronicles was available to stream.
Next came A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Gillian Anderson, and This House, from Quiz writer James Graham.
Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, starring Tom Hiddleston, The Madness of King George III and Small Island, an adaptation of Andrea Levy’s Orange Prize-winning novel, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream followed.
Les Blancs, starring Black Panther‘s Daniel Sapiani, came next and now The Deep Blue Sea, starring Helen McCrory, is streaming.
The National Theatre at Home initiative has won praise from fans for being given the chance to watch the plays for free. But it’s all been made possible by the various cast and crews of the plays who have waived their rights.
The executive director and joint chief executive of the National Theatre told the Guardian: “Everyone has said yes. Please. Let’s get it out to people.
“It has taken a bit of negotiation and management but the outpouring from the industry has been fantastic.”
National Theatre at Home schedule
Thursday 2 April: One Man Two Guvnors by Richard Bean
Thursday 9 April: Jane Eyre by Sally Cookson
Thursday 16 April: Treasure Island by Bryony Lavery
Thursday 23 April: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Thursday 30 April: Frankenstein by Nick Dear
Thursday 7 May: Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare
Thursday 14 May: Barber Shop Chronicles by Inua Ellams
Thursday 21 May: A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Thursday 28 May: This House by James Graham
Thursday 4 June: Coriolanus by William Shakespeare
Thursday 11 June: The Madness of George III by Alan Bennett
Thursday 18 June: Small Island by Helen Edmundson
Thursday 25 June: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Thursday 2 July: Les Blancs by Lorraine Hansberry
Thursday 9 July: The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan
However, that’s not all the National Theatre has to offer as there will also be a selection of Q&As with the cast and creative teams of the plays.
What else?
In a bid to help schools, colleges and universities, the National Theatre has also released a new National Theatre Collection which “makes the best of British Theatre available worldwide to libraries, schools, universities and the wider education sector.”
The collection features productions from a range of theatres including the National Theatre, the Young Vic, Donmar Warehouse and Bridge Theatre.


inews--2020-05-07--Black people four times more likely to die from Covid-19, ONS data reveals

Black people four times more likely to die from Covid-19 , ONS data reveals An inquiry will be carried out into the higher risk - but will it be too late ?
Black men and women are more than four times as likely to die after contracting Covid-19 than white people in England and Wales , official analysis has revealed .
The Office for National Statistics says that black men are 4.2 times more likely to die than their white counterparts of the same age , while for black women the risk of dying is 4.3 times greater .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mixed ethnicities there was also an increased risk of death compared to white people , although Chinese women were found to have a slightly lower risk .
The figures are the first official confirmation of a trend that had already emerged during the coronavirus outbreak - that black and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by this disease .
BAME people account for only 14 per cent of the UK ’ s population .
There are a number of factors which could be playing a part in this disproportionate death toll .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to socio-economic effects , because there are higher levels of deprivation in BAME communities .
Even when health and disability were taken into account , black men and women are still disproportionately hit : they are still 1.9 times more likely to die with Covid-19 than those of white ethnicity .
Bangladeshi and Pakistani males were 1.8 times more likely , and Bangladeshi and Pakistani females 1.6 times more likely , to die than than white people when these factors were accounted for .
Another reason could be that black and ethnic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has continued under the outbreak : NHS staff and care workers , bus drivers and other transport workers and supermarket staff .
The ONS says a “ substantial part of the difference in Covid-19 mortality between ethnic groups is explained by the different circumstances in which members of those groups are known to live , such as areas with socio-economic deprivation ” .
“ Geographic and socio-economic factors were accounting for over half of the difference in risk between males and females of black and white ethnicity .
“ However , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference , suggesting that other causes are still to be identified.
” Statisticians looked at deaths for different ethnic groups between 2 March and 10 April , that were registered by 17 April , using self-reported ethnicity data from the 2011 census .
Overall , 83.8 per cent of the deaths occurred in people of white ethnicity , with black people making up the largest minority ethnic group , accounting for 6 per cent of the overall deaths recorded within the date range .
It is not known when the inquiry , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health England , will begin - but for those black and ethnic minority communities who are currently suffering from Covid-19 , they will want greater protections to be introduced now , as well as a retrospective investigation .

Black men and women are more than four times as likely to die after contracting Covid-19 than white people in England and Wales, official analysis has revealed.
The Office for National Statistics says that black men are 4.2 times more likely to die than their white counterparts of the same age, while for black women the risk of dying is 4.3 times greater.
For people of Bangladeshi and Pakistani, Indian and mixed ethnicities there was also an increased risk of death compared to white people, although Chinese women were found to have a slightly lower risk.
The figures are the first official confirmation of a trend that had already emerged during the coronavirus outbreak – that black and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by this disease. BAME people account for only 14 per cent of the UK’s population.
Inquiry
It will provide crucial information for a government-led inquiry into the higher death toll among black and ethnic minorities, which was announced last month.
There are a number of factors which could be playing a part in this disproportionate death toll. The ONS suggests part of the difference is due to socio-economic effects, because there are higher levels of deprivation in BAME communities.
Deprivation is key factor in poor public health, which in turn can have a knock-on effect on an individual’s prospects of recovering from Covid-19.
But the ONS says socio-economic factors are only part of the story.
Even when health and disability were taken into account, black men and women are still disproportionately hit: they are still 1.9 times more likely to die with Covid-19 than those of white ethnicity.
Bangladeshi and Pakistani males were 1.8 times more likely, and Bangladeshi and Pakistani females 1.6 times more likely, to die than than white people when these factors were accounted for.
Frontline work
Another reason could be that black and ethnic minorities are over-represented in public-facing frontline work that has continued under the outbreak: NHS staff and care workers, bus drivers and other transport workers and supermarket staff.
The ONS says a “substantial part of the difference in Covid-19 mortality between ethnic groups is explained by the different circumstances in which members of those groups are known to live, such as areas with socio-economic deprivation”.
“Geographic and socio-economic factors were accounting for over half of the difference in risk between males and females of black and white ethnicity.
“However, these factors do not explain all of the difference, suggesting that other causes are still to be identified.”
Statisticians looked at deaths for different ethnic groups between 2 March and 10 April, that were registered by 17 April, using self-reported ethnicity data from the 2011 census.
Overall, 83.8 per cent of the deaths occurred in people of white ethnicity, with black people making up the largest minority ethnic group, accounting for 6 per cent of the overall deaths recorded within the date range.
It is not known when the inquiry, which will be led by NHS England and Public Health England, will begin – but for those black and ethnic minority communities who are currently suffering from Covid-19, they will want greater protections to be introduced now, as well as a retrospective investigation.
Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy said the figures showing black people were at greater risk of death from Covid were “appalling”.
He tweeted: “It is urgent the causes of this disproportionality are investigated. Action must be taken to protect black men and women – as well as people from all backgrounds – from the virus.”


inews--2020-05-07--Weather forecast accuracy could suffer after sharp drop in data from commercial airlines

Weather forecast accuracy could suffer after sharp drop in data from commercial airlines Aircrafts take a raft of measurements that feed into weather forecasts The quality of weather forecasts is suffering as sharp decline in flights means airlines only providing a small fraction of the observational data that they did before the lockdown , the World Meterological Organization ( WMO ) warns today .
But the volume of these meteorological measurements has plummeted by an average of 85 per cent worldwide since the lockdown .
The decline in forecasting quality poses a particular threat to poorer countries such as Jamaica @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Antigua as the Atlantic Hurricane season approaches , it cautions .
The WMO said it ’ s concerned about the “ increasing impact ” of Covid-19 on the quantity and quality of weather observations and forecasts , as well as atmospheric and climate monitoring .
Surface-based weather observations are in decline , especially in Africa and parts of Central and South America where many stations are manual rather than automatic .
WMO ’ s Global Observing System serves as a backbone for all weather and climate services and products provided by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their citizens , including the UK .
It provides observations on the state of the atmosphere and ocean surface from land- , marine- and space-based instruments .
This data is used for the preparation of weather analyses , forecasts , advisories and warnings .
Countries in the Caribbean could face worse meteorological data ahead of hurricane season ( Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty ) “ National Meteorological and Hydrological Services continue to perform their essential 24/7 functions but are facing increasingly severe challenges as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic , especially in developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We salute their dedication to protecting lives and property but we are concerned about the increasing constraints on capacity and resources , ” he said .
The impacts of climate change and growing amount of weather-related disasters continue , as we have seen with Tropical Cyclone Harold in the Pacific , and the floods in East Africa , Mr Taalas said .
“ As we approach the Atlantic hurricane season , the COVID-19 pandemic poses an additional challenge , and may exacerbate multi-hazard risks [ to some countries ] .
Therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their national early warning and weather observing capacities , ” said Mr Taalas .
In developed countries the observing system , for instance its satellite components and many ground-based observing networks , are almost fully automated .
They are therefore expected to continue functioning without significant degradation for several weeks , in some cases even longer .
But if the pandemic is prolonged , then missing repair , maintenance and supply work , and missing redeployments will become of increasing concern .
Europe is responding to that lack of data by launching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather balloons and transmit measurements of critical meteorological variables back to the ground during their flight from the surface up to altitudes of 20 to 30 kilometres .

The quality of weather forecasts could suffer as sharp decline in flights means airlines are only providing a fraction of the observational data that they did before the lockdown, the World Meterological Organization (WMO) warns today.
Commercial airliners use onboard sensors, computers and communications systems to automatically collect, process, format and transmit meteorological observations to ground stations via satellite or radio links.
But the volume of these meteorological measurements has plummeted by an average of 85 per cent worldwide since the lockdown.
The decline in forecasting quality poses a particular threat to poorer countries such as Jamaica, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic and Antigua as the Atlantic Hurricane season approaches, it cautions.
Increasing impact of coronavirus
The WMO said it’s concerned about the “increasing impact” of Covid-19 on the quantity and quality of weather observations and forecasts, as well as atmospheric and climate monitoring.
Surface-based weather observations are in decline, especially in Africa and parts of Central and South America where many stations are manual rather than automatic.
WMO’s Global Observing System serves as a backbone for all weather and climate services and products provided by the 193 WMO Member states and territories to their citizens, including the UK.
It provides observations on the state of the atmosphere and ocean surface from land-, marine- and space-based instruments. This data is used for the preparation of weather analyses, forecasts, advisories and warnings.
“National Meteorological and Hydrological Services continue to perform their essential 24/7 functions but are facing increasingly severe challenges as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, especially in developing countries” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.
“We salute their dedication to protecting lives and property but we are concerned about the increasing constraints on capacity and resources,” he said.
The impacts of climate change and growing amount of weather-related disasters continue, as we have seen with Tropical Cyclone Harold in the Pacific, and the floods in East Africa, Mr Taalas said.
“As we approach the Atlantic hurricane season, the COVID-19 pandemic poses an additional challenge, and may exacerbate multi-hazard risks [to some countries]. Therefore it is essential that governments pay attention to their national early warning and weather observing capacities,” said Mr Taalas.
Much equipment automated
In developed countries the observing system, for instance its satellite components and many ground-based observing networks, are almost fully automated.
They are therefore expected to continue functioning without significant degradation for several weeks, in some cases even longer. But if the pandemic is prolonged, then missing repair, maintenance and supply work, and missing redeployments will become of increasing concern.
But there are significant declines in the volume of data provided by commercial airlines.
Europe is responding to that lack of data by launching extra radiosondes. These are flown on weather balloons and transmit measurements of critical meteorological variables back to the ground during their flight from the surface up to altitudes of 20 to 30 kilometres.
Met Office response
“According to the WMO, at this point, none of the global NWP (numerical weather prediction) centres have reported catastrophic losses in skill due to the lack of observations and initial indications are that any impacts on the Met Office forecast to date are generally within the noise of week-to-week variability in forecast skill that we already see due to our changing weather regime,” a Met Office spokesperson said.
“Due to the statistical nature of NWP and the temporal and spatial variability of skill, it is thought the overall impact of the missing observations probably will not be fully assessed and understood until well after the virus outbreak is over,” they added.