inews--2020-04-20--David Robertson: Meet the ex-Leeds United and Rangers star isolated in the world's most militarised

David Robertson: Meet the ex-Leeds United and Rangers star isolated in the world's most militarised zone

David Robertson : Meet the ex-Leeds United and Rangers star isolated in the world 's most militarised zone Lockdown is no novelty in the disputed territory of Kashmir , where soldiers patrol every corner and early deaths are a common occurrence For most of us , adjusting to life in lockdown has taken some getting used to .
Couples are spending more time together than ever before , gardens are starting to look immaculate and virtual pub quizzes have become thrice-weekly occurrences .
But for a Scottish coach , managing a football club in the north Indian state of Kashmir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Real Kashmir , a newly formed club , represented a unique opportunity .
With no balls to train with when Robertson arrived , the project seemed doomed to failure , but the Srinagar-based club ’ s rise has been incredible , becoming the first team from Kashmir to play in India ’ s national top flight , the I-League , and finishing third in their first season .
Getting through normal life , however , represents the toughest challenge in such a hostile environment .
Robertson ( left ) back in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Images ) “ In August there was the whole thing with Article 370 [ in which India ’ s national government stripped the region of its autonomy , leading to even more violence than usual ] .
It meant we couldn ’ t get back to Kashmir .
We were in Kolkata and had to stay on the road for four or five weeks .
“ Last season , we were on course to win the league and then the Pulwama bombing [ a suicide attack that killed 40 police officers ] happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up as it wasn ’ t safe .
We were stripped and ready to play , but nobody showed .
For our biggest game of the season , at home against East Bengal , we had to play in Delhi as they wouldn ’ t come to Kashmir.
” Even the distances involved and poor transport links , an airport that closes regularly due to poor visibility , and the ongoing violence could not halt the fairytale .
Real Kashmir headed into last month in contention to finish second in the I-League – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Champions League .
Robertson with his son Mason ( left ) and Kallum Higginbotham , who both play for Real Kashmir , at a hotel in Srinagar , India , in April 2020 ( Getty Images ) Instilling lockdown in India is rather more difficult than stopping sunbathers in Regent ’ s Park .
Not in Kashmir , though .
There is no sport , time indoors has increased tenfold , but there are no signs of panic in the foothills of the Himalayas .
Robertson ’ s problem is just getting home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside in a month , ” he says .
“ The national lockdown happened two weeks ago .
It was a bold move in country as mad as this , but it seems to be working .
You can even see the sky in Delhi .
“ Here it is nothing new .
The streets are deserted but this is the norm ; lockdowns happen all the time .
They stockpile food anyway here .
People have months ’ supplies of food at home all the time .
You are used to just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happens .
It would take a lot to break a Kashmiri .
“ The British High Commission have actually been a great help for us .
There are between 20,000 and 30,000 British people in India – it is not easy to get them home .
We ’ re spread out , and it ’ s even harder for us , being in the furthest region away .
We should be heading home soon.
” With all the problems , and unrest certain to continue , you might think that when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Aberdeenshire countryside , that will be that for him in Kashmir .
The job , though , is not finished for Robertson , whose son Mason is in his mostly Indian squad , along with ex-Rochdale and Dunfermline winger Kallum Higginbotham .
He has become too fond of the place , and project , to give up now .
There is history to be made.
“ Only 300 people came to games when we started – now we get 20,000 .
They are all so proud of their team and where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Three years ago we didn ’ t exist .
“ It ’ s about more than football .
We give these amazing people an escape , even for 90 minutes .
Everyone mucks in .
Our Nigerian captain , Loveday Enyinnaya , has been here since the start , and he just gets on with it , due to this attitude we have created , overcoming so many obstacles .

As lockdown in the UK rumbles on amid the coronavirus pandemic, spare a thought for former Aberdeen, Rangers and Leeds United defender David Robertson, stuck in the world’s most militarised zone, where enforced isolation is part of everyday life.
For most of us, adjusting to life in lockdown has taken some getting used to. Couples are spending more time together than ever before, gardens are starting to look immaculate and virtual pub quizzes have become thrice-weekly occurrences. But for a Scottish coach, managing a football club in the north Indian state of Kashmir, lockdowns are par for the course.
A six-time Scottish champion as a left-back with Rangers, Robertson, now 51, enjoyed a fairly standard start to life as a coach in America before getting an offer in January 2017 that everyone around him advised not to accept.
Robertson, though, fancied an adventure, somewhere well out of his comfort zone, and opted to head to Kashmir, a territory still bloodily disputed between India and Pakistan.
Indian soldiers line every street corner to protect the region, but deaths from insurgency and regular conflict remain common.
Real Kashmir, a newly formed club, represented a unique opportunity. With no balls to train with when Robertson arrived, the project seemed doomed to failure, but the Srinagar-based club’s rise has been incredible, becoming the first team from Kashmir to play in India’s national top flight, the I-League, and finishing third in their first season. Getting through normal life, however, represents the toughest challenge in such a hostile environment.
“You wake up in the morning and WhatsApp and the internet are down,” Robertson tells i. “The government can do it very quickly. You know something has happened if they’re down.
“In August there was the whole thing with Article 370 [in which India’s national government stripped the region of its autonomy, leading to even more violence than usual]. It meant we couldn’t get back to Kashmir. We were in Kolkata and had to stay on the road for four or five weeks.
“Last season, we were on course to win the league and then the Pulwama bombing [a suicide attack that killed 40 police officers] happened, so opponents didn’t turn up as it wasn’t safe. We were stripped and ready to play, but nobody showed. For our biggest game of the season, at home against East Bengal, we had to play in Delhi as they wouldn’t come to Kashmir.”
On the pitch, in his first season, even amid such hardship, Robertson steered the new side to an unbeaten title triumph to earn promotion to the I-League.
Even the distances involved and poor transport links, an airport that closes regularly due to poor visibility, and the ongoing violence could not halt the fairytale. Real Kashmir headed into last month in contention to finish second in the I-League – good enough to qualify for the Asian Champions League.
But there was one complication even Robertson and the determined Kashmiris could not overcome. The coronavirus pandemic means this season will now almost certainly be scrapped.
Instilling lockdown in India is rather more difficult than stopping sunbathers in Regent’s Park. Not in Kashmir, though. There is no sport, time indoors has increased tenfold, but there are no signs of panic in the foothills of the Himalayas. Robertson’s problem is just getting home.
“We’ve not been outside in a month,” he says. “The national lockdown happened two weeks ago. It was a bold move in country as mad as this, but it seems to be working. You can even see the sky in Delhi.
“Here it is nothing new. The streets are deserted but this is the norm; lockdowns happen all the time. They stockpile food anyway here. People have months’ supplies of food at home all the time. You are used to just getting on with things, no matter what happens. It would take a lot to break a Kashmiri.
“The British High Commission have actually been a great help for us. There are between 20,000 and 30,000 British people in India – it is not easy to get them home. We’re spread out, and it’s even harder for us, being in the furthest region away. We should be heading home soon.”
With all the problems, and unrest certain to continue, you might think that when he and his family finally get back to the Aberdeenshire countryside, that will be that for him in Kashmir. The job, though, is not finished for Robertson, whose son Mason is in his mostly Indian squad, along with ex-Rochdale and Dunfermline winger Kallum Higginbotham. He has become too fond of the place, and project, to give up now. There is history to be made.
“Only 300 people came to games when we started – now we get 20,000. They are all so proud of their team and where they come from,” Robertson says. “Three years ago we didn’t exist.
“It’s about more than football. We give these amazing people an escape, even for 90 minutes. Everyone mucks in. Our Nigerian captain, Loveday Enyinnaya, has been here since the start, and he just gets on with it, due to this attitude we have created, overcoming so many obstacles.
“Every day is a bit of an adventure and a real challenge. You always have to think ahead, and it never works out as planned, but I’m as emotionally attached as I’ve been here from the start. I have a great rapport with the owners and feel part of the family.
“I had a couple of opportunities to go to other clubs last year but it would be strange to see another manager coach this club. I’ll be back.”


inews--2020-04-20--One World: Together at Home, review: The Rolling Stones stole the eight-hour livestream

One World : Together at Home , review : The Rolling Stones stole the eight-hour livestream Lady Gaga , who organised the eight-hour livestream , opened and closed the show with covers of 'Smile ' and 'The Prayer' The Rolling Stones played a rendition of `` You Ca n't Always Get What You Want '' from their separate homes ( Photo : Getty Images ) One World : Together at Home closed with the bombast of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli ’ s Oscar-nominated cod-operatic 1998 number “ The Prayer ” , but this was far from the highlight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us have become used to , the duo were joined by Lady Gaga , who curated this event on behalf of the Global Citizen anti-poverty campaign and the World Health Organisation .
“ The Prayer ” was intended as a climactic peak but there were many more engaging moments during the previous eight hours .
The actual concert was a two-hour affair , presented by wisecracking US show hosts Jimmy Kimmel , Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert , but the six-hour “ pre-concert ” occasionally turned up gems .
Lady Gaga opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Photo : Global Citizen/Getty ) New York duo Sofi Tukker played snappy dance pop , South Africa ’ s Sho Madjozi was an ebullient one-woman party , and Hozier gave a revelatory take on “ Take Me to Church ” , but perhaps Jessie J was the most fun , revelling in a cocky London girl persona and delivering “ Flashlight ” and “ Bang Bang ” in a convincing gospel-soul foghorn .
The event was global , with a lot of Covid-19 crisis footage , and spoken-word contributions ranging from Beyoncé @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UN General Assembly , but music was its core – and Lady Gaga opened the main event with a strident version of Charlie Chaplin ’ s “ Smile ” .
Of the veterans , Sir Paul McCartney performed a passable organ-fuelled “ Lady Madonna ” , intercut with images of health workers , Sir Elton John gave a ballsy , strangle-voiced take on “ I ’ m Still Standing ” at a grand piano in his garden , and Stevie Wonder ripped into the late Bill Withers ’ “ Lean on Me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Rolling Stones , in four locations , who succeeded best , with “ You Can ’ t Always Get What You Want ” .
Mick and Ron did all the heavy lifting while Charlie Watts drummed the arm of an easy chair and velvet-jacketed Keef enjoyed a candlelit drink , plucking at an acoustic and rubbing his nose .
Aside from Keith Urban somehow performing with two other versions of himself – notably bizarre – the moments that hummed with a sense of occasion came from Green Day ’ s Billie Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his melancholic 2005 hit “ Wake Me Up When September Ends ” , interspersed with photographs of eerie , empty city streets , while Swift , at a grand piano in black , straightforwardly tackled her emotive “ Soon You ’ ll Get Better ” .

One World: Together at Home livestream ★★★★
One World: Together at Home closed with the bombast of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s Oscar-nominated cod-operatic 1998 number “The Prayer”, but this was far from the highlight.
In the Zoom-style gallery view that many of us have become used to, the duo were joined by Lady Gaga, who curated this event on behalf of the Global Citizen anti-poverty campaign and the World Health Organisation. “The Prayer” was intended as a climactic peak but there were many more engaging moments during the previous eight hours.
The actual concert was a two-hour affair, presented by wisecracking US show hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert, but the six-hour “pre-concert” occasionally turned up gems.
New York duo Sofi Tukker played snappy dance pop, South Africa’s Sho Madjozi was an ebullient one-woman party, and Hozier gave a revelatory take on “Take Me to Church”, but perhaps Jessie J was the most fun, revelling in a cocky London girl persona and delivering “Flashlight” and “Bang Bang” in a convincing gospel-soul foghorn.
The event was global, with a lot of Covid-19 crisis footage, and spoken-word contributions ranging from Beyoncé to Matthew McConaughey to the president of the UN General Assembly, but music was its core – and Lady Gaga opened the main event with a strident version of Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile”.
Of the veterans, Sir Paul McCartney performed a passable organ-fuelled “Lady Madonna”, intercut with images of health workers, Sir Elton John gave a ballsy, strangle-voiced take on “I’m Still Standing” at a grand piano in his garden, and Stevie Wonder ripped into the late Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” with gusto, but it was The Rolling Stones, in four locations, who succeeded best, with “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. Mick and Ron did all the heavy lifting while Charlie Watts drummed the arm of an easy chair and velvet-jacketed Keef enjoyed a candlelit drink, plucking at an acoustic and rubbing his nose.
Read More One World: Lady Gaga’s star-studded concert raises £103m as celebs praise healthcare workers
Aside from Keith Urban somehow performing with two other versions of himself – notably bizarre – the moments that hummed with a sense of occasion came from Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and Taylor Swift. Armstrong strummed his melancholic 2005 hit “Wake Me Up When September Ends”, interspersed with photographs of eerie, empty city streets, while Swift, at a grand piano in black, straightforwardly tackled her emotive “Soon You’ll Get Better”.
The line “This won’t go back to normal, if it ever was” was written for these times.
theartsdesk.com


inews--2020-04-20--How to keep your car roadworthy during lockdown

How to keep your car roadworthy during lockdown Advice from AA Cars and Lexus on how to maintain your unused vehicle In the wake of the UK government extending the Coronavirus lockdown for another three weeks , those of us with cars parked outside now need to be seriously addressing how to look after the vehicle , and to ensure it ’ s ready to go if , and when you need it .
“ Of course , there are technical and safety aspects to consider when your car is left standing for a long period of time , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional car detailer , said .
“ By following our advice on how to keep batteries charged and by checking and maintaining tyre pressures , for example , you can be sure that your car will be ready to use safely , when it ’ s next needed .
It 's important to keep an eye on basics such as tyre pressures ( Photo : Lexus ) “ However , it ’ s important not to forget to clean your car , especially at this time of year .
I emphasise I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wax is appropriate — and it definitely does n't fall under 'essential reason ' to be out — during the lockdown .
But if the car is not garaged , acidic bird droppings should definitely be removed to avoid damage occurring to paintwork.
” Before parking your car up for a long period , it ’ s a good idea to top up with fuel .
A full tank will prevent condensation forming inside , which could cause issues if allowed to build up over time .
Crucially , a full tank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make an essential journey , your car is ready to go .
If you do plan to store your car in a garage , ensure the chosen storage area offers plenty of ventilation .
If the space is secure , you could consider opening one of the car ’ s windows a small way to ventilate the interior .
If you do this , you might have to change your car alarm ’ s setting to prevent it setting off the intrusion sensor ; best to consult your car ’ s manual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beneficial to leave the vehicle with the parking brake disengaged to prevent the brakes from binding , but only do this if you are certain the car is on level ground and isn ’ t going to move .
Ensure the transmission is set to ‘ P ’ for park and if you have a manual car put it into first gear , and place wedges or chocks , if you have them , under the wheels .
Regular start-up of the vehicle on conventional petrol and diesel engines needs approximately 20 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battery what you remove on start up , so to maintain this battery , running the engine for a period of time at least once a week is advised .
The length of time needed to charge the battery will vary according to the model .
Lexus recommends the car is put into ‘ Ready ’ mode for about 60 minutes ( no need to keep your foot on the brake ) before switching it off again and repeating the process every couple of weeks .
Always adhere to the government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 ) and please don ’ t leave your car unattended when it is switched on .
Hybrids need to be treated differently during lockdown ( Photo : Lexus ) While the car is in ‘ Ready ’ mode , you may hear and feel the internal combustion engine kick in , which is a normal part of the self-charging process .
You might be tempted to switch on the radio to pass the time , or turn on other systems , but these will consume small amounts of electrical power so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ensure the parking brake is on ; there ’ s no need to go for a drive , although we must stress that this procedure should take place in a well-ventilated area ; something to consider especially if you park your vehicle in a garage .
If you have a 12V battery trickle charger , or a solar panel charger , and are confident using them , then these are a good option to keep the battery fully charged while the vehicle is stationary for a period of time .
You might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will only charge the battery when it needs to , but these are likely to be more expensive .
Even if you are not using it , you will still have to tax your car unless remove it from the public highway and declare it off road .
If the vehicle will be kept on private property ( such as inside a garage ) for the duration of its storage , you could consider applying for a Statutory Off Road Notification ( SORN ) .
This informs the DVLA that the car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive a refund of any remaining full months of tax .
However , you won ’ t be able to drive your car legally until you tax it again , so it ’ s only advisable if you are positive you won ’ t use your car for a long time .

In the wake of the UK government extending the Coronavirus lockdown for another three weeks, those of us with cars parked outside now need to be seriously addressing how to look after the vehicle, and to ensure it’s ready to go if, and when you need it.
Remember, of course, that government advice is to stay at home and only venture out for specific, essential reason. Unfortunately, especially for us who live to drive cars, that doesn’t allow for leisurely drives simply to keep the car ticking over.
So we’ve gathered advice from those helpful people at both Lexus and AA Cars, who have each given us some helpful tips on how to maintain a car if it is parked for a long period of time with very little use.
“Of course, there are technical and safety aspects to consider when your car is left standing for a long period of time,” Ben Murphy, Lexus UK’s professional car detailer, said. “By following our advice on how to keep batteries charged and by checking and maintaining tyre pressures, for example, you can be sure that your car will be ready to use safely, when it’s next needed.
“However, it’s important not to forget to clean your car, especially at this time of year. I emphasise I’m certainly not suggesting a full wash and wax is appropriate — and it definitely doesn’t fall under ‘essential reason’ to be out — during the lockdown. But if the car is not garaged, acidic bird droppings should definitely be removed to avoid damage occurring to paintwork.”
And James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars and AA Financial Services, highlighted the legal requirement to keeping your vehicle safe to drive.
“From a legal standpoint, the Government has cut drivers substantial slack,” Fairclough explained. “Vehicles with MOT expiry dates on or after March are being given an automatic six-month extension.
“This means that if this applies to you, your vehicle will have a valid MOT certificate for an extra six months. However there’s one important caveat; the Government insists you must keep your vehicle safe to drive.”
So, let’s checkout the experts’ advice. No difficult car maintenance is necessary, however the following tips can help ensure your car remains in tip-top condition during any extended layoff.
Top up your car’s fuel
Before parking your car up for a long period, it’s a good idea to top up with fuel. A full tank will prevent condensation forming inside, which could cause issues if allowed to build up over time. Crucially, a full tank will ensure that if you do need to make an essential journey, your car is ready to go.
Check the tyre pressure
Check the tyres are fully inflated to the recommended level. It can be a good idea to repeat this process when you first drive your car after a long period of inactivity.
Storing the car
Clean the car thoroughly inside and out and if you are storing it in a garage, make sure it is completely dry before you put it away.
If you do plan to store your car in a garage, ensure the chosen storage area offers plenty of ventilation. If the space is secure, you could consider opening one of the car’s windows a small way to ventilate the interior. If you do this, you might have to change your car alarm’s setting to prevent it setting off the intrusion sensor; best to consult your car’s manual for more information.
Disengage the park brake
It can be beneficial to leave the vehicle with the parking brake disengaged to prevent the brakes from binding, but only do this if you are certain the car is on level ground and isn’t going to move. Ensure the transmission is set to ‘P’ for park and if you have a manual car put it into first gear, and place wedges or chocks, if you have them, under the wheels.
Put the car keys away
If you aren’t planning to drive your car for a long time, put the smart key in a safe place and don’t carry it around with you in your pocket. This will prevent the car from ‘waking up’ unnecessarily should you happen to walk near it in your garage or driveway.
If your vehicle is equipped with smart entry and start, but the system isn’t operated for a long time, a battery-saving function will automatically be activated to prevent the 12-volt battery from being discharged.
Starting the car regularly
Regular start-up of the vehicle on conventional petrol and diesel engines needs approximately 20 minutes of running to put back into the battery what you remove on start up, so to maintain this battery, running the engine for a period of time at least once a week is advised. The length of time needed to charge the battery will vary according to the model.
Lexus also has some specific advice on caring for hybrids during long periods of inactivity. Hybrids generally contain two batteries: a 12-volt battery (which powers systems such as the headlamps and audio) and a high-voltage hybrid system battery (which supplies the power to start the combustion engine and drive the electric motors).
The simplest way to maintain charge in both of these is to simply go through the normal start procedure: press the Start button with your foot on the brake until the ‘Ready’ light is illuminated on the dashboard. Earlier hybrid models may have key ignitions to start the car.
Lexus recommends the car is put into ‘Ready’ mode for about 60 minutes (no need to keep your foot on the brake) before switching it off again and repeating the process every couple of weeks. Always adhere to the government’s advice regarding social distancing and coronavirus (Covid-19) and please don’t leave your car unattended when it is switched on.
While the car is in ‘Ready’ mode, you may hear and feel the internal combustion engine kick in, which is a normal part of the self-charging process. You might be tempted to switch on the radio to pass the time, or turn on other systems, but these will consume small amounts of electrical power so it’s best to leave them off. Ensure the parking brake is on; there’s no need to go for a drive, although we must stress that this procedure should take place in a well-ventilated area; something to consider especially if you park your vehicle in a garage.
Keeping the battery charged
If you have a 12V battery trickle charger, or a solar panel charger, and are confident using them, then these are a good option to keep the battery fully charged while the vehicle is stationary for a period of time. You might want to consider an intelligent trickle charger that will only charge the battery when it needs to, but these are likely to be more expensive.
If you find you car’s battery has gone flat, follow our advice on how to jump start it.
Saving on tax
Even if you are not using it, you will still have to tax your car unless remove it from the public highway and declare it off road. If the vehicle will be kept on private property (such as inside a garage) for the duration of its storage, you could consider applying for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This informs the DVLA that the car is off the road and you will receive a refund of any remaining full months of tax. However, you won’t be able to drive your car legally until you tax it again, so it’s only advisable if you are positive you won’t use your car for a long time.
You can read more information about how to SORN your car here.
Final checks
If you are driving for the first time in a while, don’t forget to make some final checks. Make sure the lights are working; ensure the windscreen doesn’t have any cracks; and top up the car’s fluid reservoirs – including oil, brake fluid and screenwash — if needed. If your car has been standing for a long time, arrange a full service once it’s running again.


inews--2020-04-20--Don't dismiss coronavirus symptoms as hayfever, doctors warn

Coughing could be caused by pollen or Covid-19 - so hayfever sufferers should be vigilant As Spring blossoms across the country , many of the UK ’ s 13 million hayfever sufferers are preparing for weeks of coughs and sneezes .
But those prone to hayfever must take care not to dismiss the symptoms of coronavirus as a reaction to pollen , doctors have warned .
Medics are worried the onset of hayfever season will lead to a spike in people assuming their new cough is hayfever , rather than coronavirus .
This could lead to infected people venturing out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they fear .
Some of the symptoms of hayfever - such as sneezes and itchy eyes - are not a common sign of Covid-19 .
But in both afflictions a cough can emerge , which could lead to confusion .
“ We would normally expect to see a number of patients at this time of year suffering with symptoms of allergic rhinitis , more commonly known as hay fever – an allergic reaction to various types of pollen , '' Professor Martin Marshall , chair of the RCGP , told i .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will experience symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose , sneezing , sore and watering eyes – but also sometimes a cough .
Some of these presenting problems , especially a cough , can also be symptoms of COVID-19 . ''
“ Patients who regularly suffer from hay fever will be familiar with the symptoms they usually get and the severity of them , '' Professor Marshall added .
`` In instances were a patient experiences a significant deviation from this , or have specific symptoms of COVID-19 - a new , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we urge them to follow government advice and self- isolate . ''
Tree flowers are a major source of Spring pollen ( Photo : PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP via Getty Images ) How to tell the difference between hayfever and Covid-19 More than 10 million people across the UK suffer from hayfever , and many have felt the onset of symptoms in recent weeks as pollen levels have soared from both trees and grasses .
By comparison , the key symptoms of Covid-19 are a fever , tiredness and a dry cough , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not fluctuate with the weather , and people may also experience aches and pains , diarrhea , sore throat , and a runny nose .
Patients having difficulty breathing should phone their doctor or use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service .
Hayfever sufferers are advised to wear masks while outside if displaying symptoms ( Photo : FRED DUFOUR/AFP via Getty Images ) “ People with hayfever should not be outside coughing or sneezing , they should not be exercising in parks where there is a lot of pollen , they should all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have tissues and bin them when they ’ re wet , ” allergy consultant Dr Glenis Scadding told ITV ’ s This Morning last week .
She stressed regular handwashing is also vital to limit the spread of any virus .
If people think they have Covid-19 , it is important to self-isolate at home for at least seven days , while those living with someone with symptoms will need to self isolate for 14 days , the NHS states .

As Spring blossoms across the country, many of the UK’s 13 million hayfever sufferers are preparing for weeks of coughs and sneezes. But those prone to hayfever must take care not to dismiss the symptoms of coronavirus as a reaction to pollen, doctors have warned.
Medics are worried the onset of hayfever season will lead to a spike in people assuming their new cough is hayfever, rather than coronavirus. This could lead to infected people venturing out of the house and spreading Covid-19, they fear.
Similar symptoms
Some of the symptoms of hayfever – such as sneezes and itchy eyes – are not a common sign of Covid-19. But in both afflictions a cough can emerge, which could lead to confusion.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is urging people to compare their hayfever symptoms this year to last, to assess whether their current reaction is usual.
“We would normally expect to see a number of patients at this time of year suffering with symptoms of allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever – an allergic reaction to various types of pollen,” Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the RCGP, told i. “Typically, patients suffering with hay fever will experience symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore and watering eyes – but also sometimes a cough. Some of these presenting problems, especially a cough, can also be symptoms of COVID-19.”
“Patients who regularly suffer from hay fever will be familiar with the symptoms they usually get and the severity of them,” Professor Marshall added. “In instances were a patient experiences a significant deviation from this, or have specific symptoms of COVID-19 – a new, persistent cough and a high temperature – we urge them to follow government advice and self- isolate.”
How to tell the difference between hayfever and Covid-19
More than 10 million people across the UK suffer from hayfever, and many have felt the onset of symptoms in recent weeks as pollen levels have soared from both trees and grasses.
The main symptoms of hayfever, according to the NHS, are:
Sneezing and coughing
A runny or blocked nose
Itchy, red or watery eyes
Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
Loss of smell
Pain around your templesand forehead
Headache
Earache
Feeling tired
“Allergy symptoms tend to be milder and fluctuate depending on the time of day as pollen levels are often higher in the afternoon and evening,” Professor Marshall confirmed. “Similarly, wet weather may lead to patients experiencing milder symptoms.”
By comparison, the key symptoms of Covid-19 are a fever, tiredness and a dry cough, according to the World Health Organisation. This will not fluctuate with the weather, and people may also experience aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat, and a runny nose. Patients having difficulty breathing should phone their doctor or use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service.
Treat hayfever early
The symptoms of hayfever can be treated with over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines and corticosteroids.
Treating hayfever symptoms early is important to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus, doctors stressed. Someone with a mild version of Covid-19 and suffering from hayfever could be unaware their coughing and spluttering is spreading the virus.
“People with hayfever should not be outside coughing or sneezing, they should not be exercising in parks where there is a lot of pollen, they should all be wearing masks, have spare masks, have tissues and bin them when they’re wet,” allergy consultant Dr Glenis Scadding told ITV’s This Morning last week. She stressed regular handwashing is also vital to limit the spread of any virus.
If people think they have Covid-19, it is important to self-isolate at home for at least seven days, while those living with someone with symptoms will need to self isolate for 14 days, the NHS states.


inews--2020-04-20--How the government will decide when the Covid-19 lockdown can end

How the government will decide when the Covid-19 lockdown can end The Prime Minister is said to be concerned about a second peak of coronavirus It was at this meeting , according to The Times , that the PM revealed himself as a lockdown “ dove ” - cautious of lifting restrictions too early in case people mixing together again sends infection rates soaring towards a second peak of the virus , leading to more pressure on the NHS and an even higher death toll .
Under the government ’ s five tests for when the lockdown should end , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring any changes will not risk a second peak - that is the most contentious .
Whether the first four tests have been met are far easier to judge .
Making sure the NHS can cope has been at the heart of the government ’ s strategy to tackle coronavirus - when ministers talk of “ flattening the curve ” , their target is to keep capacity in hospitals under or at its limit .
So far , apart from critical incidents declared at hospitals in London early on in the outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care units to treat patients .
Boris Johnson 's return may lead to more clarity on the government 's strategy ( Photo : Getty ) Yet this does not mean the government ’ s strategy has been a success - because the next three tests are far from being passed .
The UK has not yet reached the second measure , evidence showing a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates .
The death toll from Covid-19 surpassed 16,000 on Sunday , and while the daily increase of 596 was the lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak is in the middle of a plateau rather than a sharp peak .
The third measure , reliable data showing the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels , has also not yet been achieved , although there are also signs of a levelling off .
The fourth test , confidence that operational challenges like testing and PPE are in hand , is far from being met .
The government has just 10 days to meet its end of April target of 100,000 tests a day , and is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff still say they do not have sufficient PPE - such as full gowns and the correct face masks - to operate safely .
Weighed against these tests will be assessments of what the lockdown is doing to the economy , with the prospect of millions becoming either unemployed or furloughed and entire sectors severely affected .
But this is where the fifth test - the risk of a second peak - is crucial .
Any of the adjustments to the lockdown must be taken with caution , as the Prime Minister reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of infection and mortality will bounce back - leading to an even tougher lockdown than the current one .

Last Friday, the Prime Minister held his first face-to-face meeting with senior government figures since being released from hospital a week earlier.
During the two-hour encounter at Chequers, Boris Johnson, his deputy Dominic Raab, senior adviser Dominic Cummings and communications director Lee Cain discussed the coronavirus lockdown strategy.
It was at this meeting, according to The Times, that the PM revealed himself as a lockdown “dove” – cautious of lifting restrictions too early in case people mixing together again sends infection rates soaring towards a second peak of the virus, leading to more pressure on the NHS and an even higher death toll.
Under the government’s five tests for when the lockdown should end, it is the fifth of these – ensuring any changes will not risk a second peak – that is the most contentious.
Target
Whether the first four tests have been met are far easier to judge. Making sure the NHS can cope has been at the heart of the government’s strategy to tackle coronavirus – when ministers talk of “flattening the curve”, their target is to keep capacity in hospitals under or at its limit.
So far, apart from critical incidents declared at hospitals in London early on in the outbreak, there has been enough space in intensive care units to treat patients.
The creation of the new Nightingale hospitals has also helped with capacity.
Yet this does not mean the government’s strategy has been a success – because the next three tests are far from being passed.
The UK has not yet reached the second measure, evidence showing a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates. The death toll from Covid-19 surpassed 16,000 on Sunday, and while the daily increase of 596 was the lowest for a week, the rate suggests the outbreak is in the middle of a plateau rather than a sharp peak.
The third measure, reliable data showing the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels, has also not yet been achieved, although there are also signs of a levelling off.
Economic concerns
The fourth test, confidence that operational challenges like testing and PPE are in hand, is far from being met. The government has just 10 days to meet its end of April target of 100,000 tests a day, and is currently only achieving just over 20,000. NHS staff still say they do not have sufficient PPE – such as full gowns and the correct face masks – to operate safely.
Weighed against these tests will be assessments of what the lockdown is doing to the economy, with the prospect of millions becoming either unemployed or furloughed and entire sectors severely affected.
There are also concerns about the impact on children’s education, with schools closed for a month for all but a small proportion of pupils.
Cabinet “hawks” in favour of lockdown ending sooner argue that restrictions need to be lifted to help the economy and schools.
But this is where the fifth test – the risk of a second peak – is crucial. Any of the adjustments to the lockdown must be taken with caution, as the Prime Minister reportedly argued at Chequers, or else rates of infection and mortality will bounce back – leading to an even tougher lockdown than the current one.


inews--2020-04-20--Coronavirus PPE: 'Bitter experience' has shown UK can't rely on gowns until they actually arrive, sa

Coronavirus PPE: 'Bitter experience' has shown UK can't rely on gowns until they actually arrive, says head of NHS trusts body

Coronavirus PPE : 'Bitter experience ' has shown UK ca n't rely on gowns until they actually arrive , says head of NHS trusts body Chris Hopson said the focus should be on gaining a 'sustainable supply ' of gowns rather than individual shipments that ca n't be relied on The head of the body representing NHS trusts has said that `` bitter experience '' has shown the health service can not count on the promise of a shipment of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) until it `` has actually landed , the boxes have been checked and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopson , chief executive of NHS Providers , said on Monday there is `` low confidence '' an expected delivery of 400,000 surgical gowns from Turkey would arrive on Monday , as criticism of the Government over shortage of PPE for frontline staff dealing with Covid-19 grows .
Asked about the shipment from Turkey , he said : `` Well as of an hour ago , there is relatively low confidence that it will arrive today .
If it is going to arrive today , it 'll probably arrive very late in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that it just illustrates that we need to be careful about focusing on individual consignments .
`` So bitter experience over the last few weeks has shown that until a consignment of has actually landed , the boxes been checked and the equipment has been tested , the NHS simply ca n't count on the gowns being available at the front line . ''
He said it is important to instead focus on what the NHS knows what it can be certain of , rather than individual consignments , and reaching a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's no doubt that at the moment , we have now got trusts who have definitely got shortages of gowns and trust leaders are doing absolutely everything they can to try and address that problem . ''
Mr Hopson said trusts were reserving the stock of fluid-resistant gowns they do have for areas of high clinical risk , such as intensive care units , and using workarounds in other areas .
A health worker wear PPE as he stands in an ambulance after transferring a patient into The Royal London Hospital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images ) He also said : `` PPE is always likely to run out when you get through your pandemic stop reserve .
And before all of the items that you ordered when the pandemic started , actually start to flow .
`` Now we know for a fact that the first orders of extra additional PPE were placed on 30 of January and if those orders had actually come in at a time and quality , then we would n't have been in this position .
`` So for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an order of 200,000 gowns due to come in from China , but only 20,000 actually arrived .
`` We know that with other orders when the boxes were opened up , and it said on the outside gowns , when you opened up they were actually masks .
We also know that some consignments have failed .
But I suppose the question that we will need to ask when all this is over , is actually , was the pandemic stock reserve that was meant to tide us over , was it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dowden said he was hopeful the gowns would still arrive , telling BBC One 's Breakfast programme : `` We are very hopeful that later today that flight will take off and we will get those gowns .

The head of the body representing NHS trusts has said that “bitter experience” has shown the health service cannot count on the promise of a shipment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) until it “has actually landed, the boxes have been checked and the equipment has been tested”.
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said on Monday there is “low confidence” an expected delivery of 400,000 surgical gowns from Turkey would arrive on Monday, as criticism of the Government over shortage of PPE for frontline staff dealing with Covid-19 grows.
Mr Hopson told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the focus should be on gaining a “sustainable supply” of gowns rather than individual shipments that cannot be relied on.
‘A sustainable supply of these gowns’
Asked about the shipment from Turkey, he said: “Well as of an hour ago, there is relatively low confidence that it will arrive today. If it is going to arrive today, it’ll probably arrive very late in the day. But what we said yesterday is that it just illustrates that we need to be careful about focusing on individual consignments.
“So bitter experience over the last few weeks has shown that until a consignment of has actually landed, the boxes been checked and the equipment has been tested, the NHS simply can’t count on the gowns being available at the front line.”
He said it is important to instead focus on what the NHS knows what it can be certain of, rather than individual consignments, and reaching a sustainably supply of gowns.
“But there’s no doubt that at the moment, we have now got trusts who have definitely got shortages of gowns and trust leaders are doing absolutely everything they can to try and address that problem.”
Mr Hopson said trusts were reserving the stock of fluid-resistant gowns they do have for areas of high clinical risk, such as intensive care units, and using workarounds in other areas.
Incorrect consignments
He also said: “PPE is always likely to run out when you get through your pandemic stop reserve. And before all of the items that you ordered when the pandemic started, actually start to flow.
“Now we know for a fact that the first orders of extra additional PPE were placed on 30 of January and if those orders had actually come in at a time and quality, then we wouldn’t have been in this position.
“So for example, last week, there was an order of 200,000 gowns due to come in from China, but only 20,000 actually arrived.
“We know that with other orders when the boxes were opened up, and it said on the outside gowns, when you opened up they were actually masks. We also know that some consignments have failed. But I suppose the question that we will need to ask when all this is over, is actually, was the pandemic stock reserve that was meant to tide us over, was it correctly configured?”
The NHS is thought to use around 150,000 gowns a day, meaning the stock from Turkey would last less than three days.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said he was hopeful the gowns would still arrive, telling BBC One’s Breakfast programme: “We are very hopeful that later today that flight will take off and we will get those gowns.
“We are working very hard to resolve this, there have been challenges at the Turkish end.
“I don’t want to start making more and more promises but I understand that that flight will take off this afternoon and they will be delivered.”
Another 25 million gowns from China had been procured and the UK would be “getting those shortly as well”, he said.
Additional reporting by Press Association.


inews--2020-04-20--How to claim furlough: HMRC's coronavirus job retention scheme portal explained, and what you need t

How to claim furlough: HMRC's coronavirus job retention scheme portal explained, and what you need to apply

How to claim furlough : HMRC 's coronavirus job retention scheme portal explained , and what you need to apply Any employer with a UK payroll and a UK bank account is eligible to apply for the scheme on their employees ' behalf Under the scheme , employers will be able to pay their employees 80 per cent of their usual wage , up to a maximum of £2,500 per month .
What do I need to apply ?
If you are claiming for more than 100 employees on furlough , you will need to upload a file which includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This will have been given to you when you registered for PAYE online .
What happens after I ’ ve claimed ?
HMRC will then check your claim is correct and pay the claim amount by Bacs into your bank account within six working days .
You do not need to contact HMRC unless it has been more than 10 working days since you made a claim and you have not received it in that time .
If you need to contact HMRC about the scheme , you can do so online via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the scheme ?
Employees must have been on their employer 's payroll scheme and had this notified to HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) on or before March 19 .
Those who work for businesses , charities and public authorities will be entitled to the money if their employer signs up , and they can be on any type of contract , including zero-hours or temporary .
If you were employed as of February 28 and on the payroll , but were made redundant or stopped working before March 19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your employer re-hires you and puts you on furlough .
How long will the scheme last ?
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was originally intended to run to June 1 2020 , but it has since been extended until at least the end of that month .
Can employees work while on furlough ?

The UK Government’s emergency pay scheme to support businesses across the UK affected by the coronavirus outbreak, is now open for applications.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme went live on 20 April, enabling businesses to claim towards staff wages.
Under the scheme, employers will be able to pay their employees 80 per cent of their usual wage, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month.
What do I need to apply?
To make a claim through the scheme, you will need:
to be registered for PAYE online
your UK bank account number and sort code
your employer PAYE scheme reference number
the number of employees being furloughed
each employee’s National Insurance number
each employee’s payroll or employee number
the start date and end date of the claim
the full amount you’re claiming for including employer National Insurance contributions and
employer minimum pension contributions
your phone number
You also need to provide either:
your Corporation Tax unique taxpayer reference
your Self Assessment unique taxpayer reference
your company registration number
If you are claiming for more than 100 employees on furlough, you will need to upload a file which includes the following details for each employee:
full name
National Insurance number
payroll number (optional)
furlough start date
furlough end date (if known)
full amount claimed
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, you will need your Government Gateway user ID and password.
This will have been given to you when you registered for PAYE online.
Once you have these, you can make a claim via the government website.
What happens after I’ve claimed?
Once you have made a claim, you will be given a claim reference number.
HMRC will then check your claim is correct and pay the claim amount by Bacs into your bank account within six working days.
You must:
keep a copy of the claim reference number for your records
keep a copy of your calculations in case HMRC need more information about your claim
tell your employees that you have made a claim and that they do not need to take any more action
pay your employee their wages, if you have not already
You do not need to contact HMRC unless it has been more than 10 working days since you made a claim and you have not received it in that time.
If you need to contact HMRC about the scheme, you can do so online via the government website.
Who can apply for the scheme?
Any employer with a UK payroll and a UK bank account is eligible to apply for the scheme on their employees’ behalf.
Employees must have been on their employer’s payroll scheme and had this notified to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on or before March 19.
Those who work for businesses, charities and public authorities will be entitled to the money if their employer signs up, and they can be on any type of contract, including zero-hours or temporary.
If you were employed as of February 28 and on the payroll, but were made redundant or stopped working before March 19, you can qualify for the scheme if your employer re-hires you and puts you on furlough.
Employers can backdate claims to when employees were first furloughed, with the earliest date being March 1.
How long will the scheme last?
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was originally intended to run to June 1 2020, but it has since been extended until at least the end of that month.
Can employees work while on furlough?
Your employer will need to notify you before they put you on furlough.
At this point, you should not undertake any work for your employer during this period.
Workers will remain employed while furloughed, and your employer could choose to fund the differences between this payment and your salary.
If your salary is reduced as a result of these changes, you may be eligible for support through the welfare system, including Universal Credit.


inews--2020-04-20--Ricky Gervais: 'Grief is still a taboo subject. After Life opens the conversation'

Ricky Gervais : 'Grief is still a taboo subject .
After Life opens the conversation' 'The older you get , the more you ’ ve got to grieve about and the more people you ’ ve lost , ' he said Ricky Gervais , who shot to fame playing David Brent in the series The Office , which he created with Stephen Merchant , is nothing if not optimistic about his new series ( Photo : Paul Drinkwater/NBC/AP ) According to After Life creator Ricky Gervais , who also plays the lead , the new series – which returns to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doom and gloom .
Quite the opposite , in fact .
Can we have a recap ?
The first series was about Gervais ’ s character , a journalist called Tony Johnson , who was in shock , then denial , then full of anger after the death of his wife , Lisa , who was played by Kerry Godliman .
Ricky Gervais speaks about season two of After Life ( Photo : Getty ) “ Now he ’ s into bargaining , ” Gervais said of his character .
“ He tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurting them , giving them as bad a day as he ’ s having .
Didn ’ t work .
He tried drugs , didn ’ t work .
So he ’ s trying kindness .
And it does work !
” He admitted to Radio Times that the show was , in part , a love letter to his own relationship with the author Jane Fallon , with whom he has been since 1982 .
Fans of The Office will inevitably always ask if there is any more Brent to come .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it back .
Fans of the series used to say to him , “ Do the dance !
Brilliant !
” referring to David Brent ’ s infamous moves .
But After Life has changed that .
“ It ’ s not like that [ The Office ] , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a proper human connection .
I ’ ve never had that before , an emotional connection.
” Ricky Gervais has taken the precaution of surrounding himself with considerable comic talent ( Photo : Netflix ) Grief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the moment .

According to After Life creator Ricky Gervais, who also plays the lead, the new series – which returns to Netflix on Friday – is not all doom and gloom. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Can we have a recap?
The first series was about Gervais’s character, a journalist called Tony Johnson, who was in shock, then denial, then full of anger after the death of his wife, Lisa, who was played by Kerry Godliman.
This second series seemingly marks a sea change in Tony’s approach.
It still sounds a bit miserable.
Gervais, who shot to fame playing David Brent in the series The Office, which he created with Stephen Merchant, is nothing if not optimistic.
“Now he’s into bargaining,” Gervais said of his character. “He tried everything – being rude to people, hurting them, giving them as bad a day as he’s having. Didn’t work. He tried drugs, didn’t work. So he’s trying kindness. And it does work!” He admitted to Radio Times that the show was, in part, a love letter to his own relationship with the author Jane Fallon, with whom he has been since 1982.
Fans of The Office will inevitably always ask if there is any more Brent to come.
Gervais recently said he would never bring it back. Fans of the series used to say to him, “Do the dance! Brilliant!” referring to David Brent’s infamous moves. But After Life has changed that. “It’s not like that [The Office],” he said. “It’s a proper human connection. I’ve never had that before, an emotional connection.”
Grief is touching many people’s lives at the moment.
Gervais, who was also behind the series Extras and Derek and has starred in Hollywood films and written children’s books, said grief remained a difficult subject for people to discuss.
“The older you get, the more you’ve got to grieve about and the more people you’ve lost,” he said.
“But it’s still a taboo subject. After Life opens the conversation. People say to me: ‘I lost my brother three weeks before, and I was worried about watching it, but I absolutely loved it, it really helps, so thank you’.”


inews--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Disability campaigners call for guidance on how doctors decide who gets critical care

Coronavirus : Disability campaigners call for guidance on how doctors decide who gets critical care Lawyers make urgent application for judicial review if the Government decides a national framework is not needed Disability campaigners are worried that they will be left to the back of the queue in the event of intensive care beds running out during the coronavirus pandemic ( Photo : Omar Marques/Getty ) Disability campaigners are asking the Government to draw up national guidance for how doctors should decide who gets critical care if they have to choose between patients .
`` My biggest fear is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may decide that disabled people may require more treatment than they are prepared to give , because they could be treating multiple other people , '' he said .
`` But it also means disabled people will be first 'against the wall ' and I 'm concerned that if there is competition for critical care that disabled will be left out and left to die . ''
NHS trusts have enough critical care capacity for the time being , but doctors are increasingly concerned about PPE shortages ( Photo : Omar Marques/Getty ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very stressed , and his behaviour would be judged very challenging .
So we need a plan that 's absolutely committed to uphold the rights of disabled people as set out in the UN Convention .
I do n't think that it 's an unreasonable thing to be frightened when you know that people with learning disabilities are not fully valued in their day to day lives , and this pandemic just makes it even more frightening . ''
Anne-Marie Irwin , partner at Rook Irwin Sweeney who is representing the group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know how doctors are going to be taking those resource decisions .
We 're not talking about clinical decisions here , we 're talking about the next stage when resources are limited and decisions are going to have to be made about how to allocate those resources .
They would like to know on what basis the doctors will be making those decisions and that it will be consistent across the country . ''
`` And patients need the confidence that doctors are able to do that and if that rests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will give enormous confidence to the process , '' he said .
The call comes as a group of leading disability charities has written to the Prime Minister about their `` significant concerns '' over the accessibility of public health information in relation to coronavirus , and the significant risk this poses to disabled people .
Action on Hearing Loss , The National Autistic Society and Guide Dogs , are among the those saying the 4.5 million people they represent are not receiving vital public health information in a way they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of people aged over 70 years old have hearing loss , and one in five people aged 75 and over have sight loss .
Many people in these groups have multiple long-term conditions .
The charities are also concerned that many of the 700,000 autistic people living across the UK , who struggle with communication and processing information , are not able to fully understand or engage with vital public health information , leading to heightened anxiety and uncertainty for many people at an already difficult time .
Mark Atkinson , chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ We appreciate that in such a highly-pressured , fast-moving situation , crucial information must be communicated to the public extremely quickly .
It is vital , however , that despite these pressures , accessible standards are upheld , to ensure information reaches those who need it the most .
”

Disability campaigners are asking the Government to draw up national guidance for how doctors should decide who gets critical care if they have to choose between patients.
Their legal team made an urgent application for judicial review if the Government decides a national framework is not needed.
Doug Morley, who is isolating in his West Yorkshire home uses a wheelchair due to a history of stroke and mental health problems, is part of the group supporting the call for national guidance.
“My biggest fear is that without this guidance, doctors in hospitals may decide that disabled people may require more treatment than they are prepared to give, because they could be treating multiple other people,” he said. “But it also means disabled people will be first ‘against the wall’ and I’m concerned that if there is competition for critical care that disabled will be left out and left to die.”
Katherine Runswick-Cole, professor of critical disability studies and psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, told the BBC she feared for her 24-year-old son William, who has autism and a learning disability, if he fell ill and needed hospital treatment.
She said: “He would be very stressed, and his behaviour would be judged very challenging. So we need a plan that’s absolutely committed to uphold the rights of disabled people as set out in the UN Convention. I don’t think that it’s an unreasonable thing to be frightened when you know that people with learning disabilities are not fully valued in their day to day lives, and this pandemic just makes it even more frightening.”
Anne-Marie Irwin, partner at Rook Irwin Sweeney who is representing the group, said: “At the moment they don’t know how doctors are going to be taking those resource decisions. We’re not talking about clinical decisions here, we’re talking about the next stage when resources are limited and decisions are going to have to be made about how to allocate those resources. They would like to know on what basis the doctors will be making those decisions and that it will be consistent across the country.”
‘Essential’ guidance
Dr Julian Sheather, special adviser in ethics and human rights to the British Medical Association, said a national framework was “essential” so that doctors feel confident their decisions are ethical and lawful.
“And patients need the confidence that doctors are able to do that and if that rests on coherent national guidance then I think it will give enormous confidence to the process,” he said.
Regarding the prioritisation of coronavirus patients, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health said: “We cannot comment on pending or potential legal action.”
The call comes as a group of leading disability charities has written to the Prime Minister about their “significant concerns” over the accessibility of public health information in relation to coronavirus, and the significant risk this poses to disabled people. Action on Hearing Loss, The National Autistic Society and Guide Dogs, are among the those saying the 4.5 million people they represent are not receiving vital public health information in a way they can access or understand.
Over 70 per cent of people aged over 70 years old have hearing loss, and one in five people aged 75 and over have sight loss. Many people in these groups have multiple long-term conditions. The charities are also concerned that many of the 700,000 autistic people living across the UK, who struggle with communication and processing information, are not able to fully understand or engage with vital public health information, leading to heightened anxiety and uncertainty for many people at an already difficult time.
Mark Atkinson, chief executive of Action on Hearing Loss, said: “We appreciate that in such a highly-pressured, fast-moving situation, crucial information must be communicated to the public extremely quickly. It is vital, however, that despite these pressures, accessible standards are upheld, to ensure information reaches those who need it the most.”


inews--2020-04-20--High street fashion brands are more honest about workers' rights and the environment than luxury riv

High street fashion brands are more honest about workers' rights and the environment than luxury rivals

High street fashion brands are more honest about workers ' rights and the environment than luxury rivals On average brands scored poorly across the index ( Photo : Fashion Revolution ) But the rankings suggest most brands are anything but transparent , with the average score across those reviewed hovering at 23 per cent .
It is rare for brands to even make public the names of suppliers making their products , let alone reveal how much pollution they are causing or what factory workers are being paid .
This is despite growing consumer concern over the ethical and environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem is endemic through all levels of the industry , with luxury brands such as Tom Ford and Max Mara scoring poorly alongside cheaper brands such as Pretty Little Thing .
Fashion Revolution stressed its index does not audit the performance of brands against ethical or sustainability goals , but said a brand ’ s unwillingness to publish detailed information could be an indicator that such issues are not priorities .
Tom Ford , Max Mara and Pretty Little Thing did not respond to a comment request from i .
“ We know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or human rights - thrives in hidden places , ” Fashion Revolution founder Carry Somers told i .
“ Transparency is really important in order to hold brands and retailers to account.
” Fashion Revolution was founded in response to the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013 , when a textile factory collapsed killing 1,100 people ( Photo : MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty ) Strict measures to control the spread of coronavirus has hit the fashion industry hard .
Clothing sales have tumbled as fashion retailers around the world have been forced to shutter shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed the failings of the fashion industry , pointing to reports brands are refusing to pay suppliers for orders placed before the pandemic .
With suppliers left unpaid , low-paid textile workers will bear the brunt , Ms Somers warned : “ In the face of the accelerating pandemic and the economic catastrophe facing some of the most vulnerable workers in fashion supply chains , many of the world ’ s biggest fashion brands are evading responsibility and its associated costs . ''
Meanwhile piles of unsold clothes in stores and warehouses reveal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outsize environmental impact , she said .
There is little clarity over what will happen to this backlog - according to the index , just 23 per cent of brands are open about how they deal with unsold or defective stock .
“ We know that fashion already has a monumental waste problem , ” Ms Somers said .
“ The impact of the coronavirus is just going to make that waste problem even bigger.
” She said the crisis must prompt brands to think differently .
`` In order to start to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we come out of the other side of this crisis , Fashion Revolution is calling on brands and retailers to disclose much more information about their purchasing practices , their pricing model , and how they work with suppliers , '' she said .

Most of the world’s largest fashion brands are dodging questions over forced labour, pollution and workers’ wages, according to the latest Fashion Transparency Index released by activist organisation Fashion Revolution.
The index ranks 250 of the world’s largest fashion brands according to how much information they publish on ethical and sustainability issues.
Companies are assessed on how open and honest they are on everything from greenhouse gas emissions to factory workers’ salaries.
Shrowded in secrecy
High street fashion brands are ahead of their luxury rivals in the index. Swedish fashion label H&M was the highest scoring brand, praised for publishing “detailed” information. C&A, Adidas, Reebok, Esprit, Patagonia, and Marks & Spencer also scored highly.
But the rankings suggest most brands are anything but transparent, with the average score across those reviewed hovering at 23 per cent.
It is rare for brands to even make public the names of suppliers making their products, let alone reveal how much pollution they are causing or what factory workers are being paid. This is despite growing consumer concern over the ethical and environmental impact of the fashion industry.
The problem is endemic through all levels of the industry, with luxury brands such as Tom Ford and Max Mara scoring poorly alongside cheaper brands such as Pretty Little Thing.
Fashion Revolution stressed its index does not audit the performance of brands against ethical or sustainability goals, but said a brand’s unwillingness to publish detailed information could be an indicator that such issues are not priorities. Tom Ford, Max Mara and Pretty Little Thing did not respond to a comment request from i.
“We know that exploitation – whether of the environment or human rights – thrives in hidden places,” Fashion Revolution founder Carry Somers told i. “Transparency is really important in order to hold brands and retailers to account.”
Coronavirus impact
Strict measures to control the spread of coronavirus has hit the fashion industry hard. Clothing sales have tumbled as fashion retailers around the world have been forced to shutter shops.
Ms Somers said the pandemic has exposed the failings of the fashion industry, pointing to reports brands are refusing to pay suppliers for orders placed before the pandemic.
With suppliers left unpaid, low-paid textile workers will bear the brunt, Ms Somers warned: “In the face of the accelerating pandemic and the economic catastrophe facing some of the most vulnerable workers in fashion supply chains, many of the world’s biggest fashion brands are evading responsibility and its associated costs.”
Meanwhile piles of unsold clothes in stores and warehouses reveal the rampant overproduction driving fashion’s outsize environmental impact, she said. There is little clarity over what will happen to this backlog – according to the index, just 23 per cent of brands are open about how they deal with unsold or defective stock. “We know that fashion already has a monumental waste problem,” Ms Somers said. “The impact of the coronavirus is just going to make that waste problem even bigger.”
She said the crisis must prompt brands to think differently. “In order to start to build a more responsible fashion industry as we come out of the other side of this crisis, Fashion Revolution is calling on brands and retailers to disclose much more information about their purchasing practices, their pricing model, and how they work with suppliers,” she said.
Top-rated brands
H&M
C&A
Adidas
Reebok
Esprit
Marks & Spencers
Patagonia
The North Face / Timberland / Vans / Wrangler
Puma
ASOS
Converse / Jordan / Nike
Lowest-rated brands
Bally Belle Ellie Tahari Heilan Home


inews--2020-04-20--Government not near coronavirus testing target of 100,000 a day by end of April

Government not near coronavirus testing target of 100,000 a day by end of April Testing capacity dipped in the past 24 hours to 36,000 The Government is still well short of delivering on its promise to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of the month after the latest figures showed just over 21,000 were undertaken .
Downing Street said it has the capacity to administer 38,000 tests in a day , but a lack of take-up by the NHS has meant the thousands of tests are not being taken advantage of .
Testing capacity dipped in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to commercial laboratories implementing new processes , as doubts continue to grow over the Government ’ s ability to hit its testing target in just 10 days .
The government is meant to ramp up tests to 100,000 a day by the end of April ( Photo : Getty ) The most recent data show that 21,626 people in England , Wales and Scotland were tested for coronavirus in the 24 hours up to 9am on Sunday , Downing Street said .
When pressed as to why the Government remains nearly 15,000 tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister ’ s spokesman said the demand for testing that had been anticipated from the NHS “ has not materialised ” .
More than 88,000 NHS and social care staff and their relatives have now been tested , but despite the need to test NHS workers to ensure they can continue working , NHS trusts are failing to have their staff tested .
Who can get tests ?
Downing Street has said that the lack of take-up from the health service means the eligibility for testing could widened to include more key workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Matt Hancock , widened the criteria of who could be eligible for Covid-19 testing to include care-home workers , as well as other emergency services .
There have been concerns about the spread of the virus in care homes , where many workers have said elderly residents have been unable to get the testing they need , leading to a spread of the virus .

The Government is still well short of delivering on its promise to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of the month after the latest figures showed just over 21,000 were undertaken.
Downing Street said it has the capacity to administer 38,000 tests in a day, but a lack of take-up by the NHS has meant the thousands of tests are not being taken advantage of.
Testing capacity dipped in the past 24 hours to 36,000 due to commercial laboratories implementing new processes, as doubts continue to grow over the Government’s ability to hit its testing target in just 10 days.
Short of testing target
The most recent data show that 21,626 people in England, Wales and Scotland were tested for coronavirus in the 24 hours up to 9am on Sunday, Downing Street said.
When pressed as to why the Government remains nearly 15,000 tests short of hitting capacity, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said the demand for testing that had been anticipated from the NHS “has not materialised”.
More than 88,000 NHS and social care staff and their relatives have now been tested, but despite the need to test NHS workers to ensure they can continue working, NHS trusts are failing to have their staff tested.
Who can get tests?
Downing Street has said that the lack of take-up from the health service means the eligibility for testing could widened to include more key workers.
Last week, the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, widened the criteria of who could be eligible for Covid-19 testing to include care-home workers, as well as other emergency services.
There have been concerns about the spread of the virus in care homes, where many workers have said elderly residents have been unable to get the testing they need, leading to a spread of the virus.


inews--2020-04-20--Early screening for bowel cancer based on family history of the disease could improve detection rate

Early screening for bowel cancer based on family history of the disease could improve detection rates, study says

Early screening for bowel cancer based on family history of the disease could improve detection rates , study says It found that almost all patients could have been diagnosed earlier if they had been screened according to family history-based guidelines Screening younger people for bowel cancer based on their family history could improve detection rates , according to research .
A study analysed information on adults diagnosed with bowel cancer - also known as colorectal cancer - aged between 40 and 49 .
It found that almost all patients could have been diagnosed earlier if they had been screened according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For people with a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer - a parent or sibling - screening is recommended to start at 40 , or 10 years prior to the age at diagnosis of the youngest relative diagnosed with the disease .
Of those people selected by the study , 2,473 had colorectal cancer and 722 did not .
The researchers found that 25 per cent of individuals with colorectal cancer and 10 per cent of those without cancer met the criteria for family history-based early screening .
Nearly all ( 98.4 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the early screening criteria should have been screened at a younger age than when their cancer was diagnosed .
These people could have had their cancer diagnosed earlier , or even prevented , if they had been screened earlier based on family history-based guidelines .
In many countries bowel cancer in the under 50s is rising .
One of the authors of the study , Dr Samir Gupta of the University of California said the findings showed that using family history to identify people for earlier screening was “ justified ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk for young-onset colorectal cancer . ''
He added : `` We have an opportunity to improve early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer under age 50 if patients more consistently collect and share their family history of colorectal cancer , and healthcare providers more consistently elicit and act on family history . ''

Screening younger people for bowel cancer based on their family history could improve detection rates, according to research.
A study analysed information on adults diagnosed with bowel cancer – also known as colorectal cancer – aged between 40 and 49.
It found that almost all patients could have been diagnosed earlier if they had been screened according to current family history-based screening guidelines.
Current guidelines recommend early screening for colorectal cancer among individuals with a family history of the disease.
Screening
For people with a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer – a parent or sibling – screening is recommended to start at 40, or 10 years prior to the age at diagnosis of the youngest relative diagnosed with the disease.
The study looked at data on people aged 40 to 49 years of age.
Of those people selected by the study, 2,473 had colorectal cancer and 722 did not. The researchers found that 25 per cent of individuals with colorectal cancer and 10 per cent of those without cancer met the criteria for family history-based early screening.
Nearly all (98.4 per cent) patients with colorectal cancer who met the early screening criteria should have been screened at a younger age than when their cancer was diagnosed.
‘Promise’
These people could have had their cancer diagnosed earlier, or even prevented, if they had been screened earlier based on family history-based guidelines.
In many countries bowel cancer in the under 50s is rising.
One of the authors of the study, Dr Samir Gupta of the University of California said the findings showed that using family history to identify people for earlier screening was “justified” and “has promise for helping to identify individuals at risk for young-onset colorectal cancer.”
He added: “We have an opportunity to improve early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer under age 50 if patients more consistently collect and share their family history of colorectal cancer, and healthcare providers more consistently elicit and act on family history.”
The findings are published online in the journal, Cancer.


inews--2020-04-20--The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories, review: Sensible science obscured by dangerous food myths

The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories , review : Sensible science obscured by dangerous food myths The idea that you need to exercise off every calorie you eat is nonsensical The Restaurant That Burns Off Calories , 9pm , BBC2 ★★ Imagine going to a restaurant and ordering your food only to realise that marathon runners and personal trainers were next door , demonstrating how much exercise would be required for you to work off every calorie from your meal .
You ’ d probably be quite confused and annoyed – exactly my reaction to the latest “ food makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That Burns Off Calories .
The idea was based on a study suggesting that , when aware of how long it would take to “ work off ” dishes , diners tended to order 19 per cent fewer calories .
But as dieticians and eating disorder experts pointed out en masse at the time , this system neglects to mention that we also need calories - roughly 1,500 per day , though it varies from person to person - just to live , without any movement at all .
Presenters Zoe Williams and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant ” with menus , all the while sending the calorie counts to those on exercise bikes , rowing machines and treadmills .
Fred stalked around muttering that the diners had “ no idea ” how many calories they were consuming .
Except , actually , they did – when he asked for their estimates , most answered correctly .
“ We ’ ll see what the damage is later , ” he smirked .
The thing is , food isn ’ t “ damage ” .
You don ’ t actually have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plate and fish and chips .
It would have made far more sense to demonstrate how long the excess calories consumed by the diners compared with their daily allowance would have taken to work off , not the grand total .
Most frustrating of all was that Williams , being a GP , knows all this .
She explained about the base number of calories our body needs and spoke to geneticists who showed that overeating can be anything from “ 40 per cent to 80 per cent ” down to genes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nuanced messages about eating had to be dressed up in such a nonsensical – and potentially dangerous – concept .

It’s more than just a World Cup semi-final at stake. It is, as one Aussie newspaper put it, 146 years of grudges, gloating and gripes.
And when Australia’s Matildas take on England’s Lionesses they will hoping to complete a hat trick of victories over the old enemy this summer.
First the Aussies retained the Ashes, then they defeated the Roses in the Netball World Cup final. Now they are hoping to dash the nation’s hopes of footballing glory.
It means that when the Lionesses step on to the pitch at Stadium Australia on Wednesday morning they are set to face not just the Matildas but a cauldron of intensely partisan Aussie fans baying for victory.
Wednesday morning’s semi-final will be the first World Cup soccer match played between England and Australia.
Sports writers have been quick to stoke up the sense of expectation among fans and to remind them of a rivalry between the nations that goes back to 1877 when an England cricket side toured Australia for the first test matches.
In the Sydney Morning Herald, Emma Kemp said the match will “double as a renewal of one of the great sporting rivalries between Australia and England”. And reminded us: “The Matildas got the better of the Lionesses in April, winning 2-0 in a friendly in Brentford.”
Will Swanton wrote in The Australian: “The clash with the Lionesses is a huge occasion. Layer it with 146 years of grudges, gloating and gripes, spanning all sports, and you go to blockbuster and beyond.
“Blockbuster ain’t the word. The beautiful game is a beautiful thing when it pits sworn enemies against each other.”
Added to the mix is the fact that this semi-final will be played at the same venue (Stadium Australia), where England beat Australia in spectacular fashion in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
So, argued Swanton, this historical nugget injects the match with an added piquancy.
“Jonny Bairstow’s stumping,” he added. “W G Grace. The Gatting Ball. The sporting blood feud between Australia and England has centred on cricket since 1877. Here comes football.”
The England v Australia match, he added, is “a familiar opponent in an unfamiliar sport”.
An editorial for the paper hammered home Swanton’s message. In its weekend edition, it said there were just “two more sleeps” before the Matildas take on the Lionesses, adding with some bravado: “We’re in with a great shot to put the Lionesses in their place.”
But not everybody is up to speed with this deep-seated rivalry. When England’s manager, Dutchwoman Sarina Wiegman, was asked about it, she seemed slighty baffled.
“I’m going to have a word with my backroom staff to find out what it’s about,” she said. “I think in general the Australians and English get on really well. And I like the people here. But that doesn’t mean there’s no rivalry.”


inews--2020-04-20--Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, review: Amid the swearing and stomping, the stars bared it all

Celebrity SAS : Who Dares Wins , review : Amid the swearing and stomping , the stars bared it all Ironically for a programme that stripped the stars of their glamour I found myself caring more about these celebrities Celebrity versions of reality programmes usually dial the stakes right down , especially when it ’ s all for charity .
Not so Celebrity SAS : Who Dares Wins , in which ex-special forces soldiers drag stars through an intensive training course , swearing at them liberally and doing a very good impression of not giving a hoot about who they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have been similar to previous series of this popular show , where civilians undergo the harsh physical and mental training regime .
But the twist in episode one was that the trainers , including Ant Middleton , Jason Fox and Ollie Ollerton , turned out to be such good interrogators that we witnessed some of the best celebrity interviewers this side of Prince Andrew-gate .
Middleton , with his ever-present scowl , leant into the task with particular relish .
Several of the stars , helped along no doubt by gruelling days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in quite startling ways .
Katie Price marked herself out early on as a rule-breaker and groaner during push-up drills , but when hauled in to speak to Fox and Ollerton , she was adamant she wanted to be there .
She mumbled something about her “ troubles ” and her “ personal life ” , so Ollerton asked point blank what she was talking about .
Price then spoke about being held at gunpoint in South Africa with her children .
The trainers included Ant Middleton ( centre ) and Ollie Ollerton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Channel 4 ) Meanwhile , boxing champion Tony Bellew lashed out when asked to take punches from the other recruits without retaliating .
When questioned by Middleton and new instructor Jay Morton , he described feeling lost since his career ended and how he feared that he “ could explode at any moment ” .
Ironically for a programme that stripped the stars of their glamour , even replacing their names with numbers , I found myself caring more about these celebrities than I ever have before .
Celebrity SAS ?
Celebrity therapy @ @ @ @

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, 9pm, Channel 4 ★★★★
Celebrity versions of reality programmes usually dial the stakes right down, especially when it’s all for charity. Not so Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, in which ex-special forces soldiers drag stars through an intensive training course, swearing at them liberally and doing a very good impression of not giving a hoot about who they are.
You might expect the result to have been similar to previous series of this popular show, where civilians undergo the harsh physical and mental training regime. But the twist in episode one was that the trainers, including Ant Middleton, Jason Fox and Ollie Ollerton, turned out to be such good interrogators that we witnessed some of the best celebrity interviewers this side of Prince Andrew-gate. Middleton, with his ever-present scowl, leant into the task with particular relish.
Several of the stars, helped along no doubt by gruelling days and soaking wet socks, opened up in quite startling ways.
Katie Price marked herself out early on as a rule-breaker and groaner during push-up drills, but when hauled in to speak to Fox and Ollerton, she was adamant she wanted to be there. She mumbled something about her “troubles” and her “personal life”, so Ollerton asked point blank what she was talking about. Price then spoke about being held at gunpoint in South Africa with her children.
Meanwhile, boxing champion Tony Bellew lashed out when asked to take punches from the other recruits without retaliating. When questioned by Middleton and new instructor Jay Morton, he described feeling lost since his career ended and how he feared that he “could explode at any moment”.
Ironically for a programme that stripped the stars of their glamour, even replacing their names with numbers, I found myself caring more about these celebrities than I ever have before. Celebrity SAS? Celebrity therapy, more like.


inews--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: MSC Magnifica, dubbed 'last cruise ship on Earth,' finally docks in Marseille

Coronavirus : MSC Magnifica , dubbed 'last cruise ship on Earth , ' finally docks in Marseille It marks the end to a dramatic journey for the ship , its 1,769 passengers , 12 of them British , and the 927 crew The MSC Magnifica , dubbed “ the last cruise ship on Earth , ” finally docked at 6am on Monday in Marseille .
It marks the end to a dramatic journey for the ship , its 1,769 passengers , 12 of them British , and the 927 crew .
No passengers are expected to face quarantine .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owns MSC Magnifica : “ All passengers and crew during the past 40 days remained healthy and displayed no flu-like symptoms.
” In early January it left Europe bound for a world cruise .
It was originally scheduled to return on 30 April , however , when ports began to close because of coronavirus there was no option but to return home .
Its passengers were last on land six weeks ago and the last date that MSC Magnifica allowed any new embarkation of passengers or crew was on 10 March in Wellington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days ago .
After Wellington , the ship called on the ports of Sydney , Melbourne and Fremantle for refuelling and provisions , as well as Colombo in Sri Lanka , en route to France .
According to a spokesperson for MSC Cruises no new embarkations were allowed at these ports to “ protect the health and wellbeing of all passengers and crew and to insulate them from the ashore spread of Covid-19.
” Despite this , however , the floating community has arguably enjoyed more freedom compared with many .
Among its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 bars and five restaurants .
There is also a swimming pool , gym , jogging park and a spa .
Captain of the Magnifica , Roberto Leotta , said that while Covid-19 demanded social distancing and was isolating people , the ship had been cocooned from this .
`` Here was the opposite , ” he told the BBC .
“ We became like a family - our guests and our crew together .
The spirit has been beautiful . ''

The MSC Magnifica, dubbed “the last cruise ship on Earth,” finally docked at 6am on Monday in Marseille.
It marks the end to a dramatic journey for the ship, its 1,769 passengers, 12 of them British, and the 927 crew.
No passengers are expected to face quarantine. According to a statement from MSC Cruises which owns MSC Magnifica: “All passengers and crew during the past 40 days remained healthy and displayed no flu-like symptoms.”
Dramatic journey
In early January it left Europe bound for a world cruise. It was originally scheduled to return on 30 April, however, when ports began to close because of coronavirus there was no option but to return home.
Its passengers were last on land six weeks ago and the last date that MSC Magnifica allowed any new embarkation of passengers or crew was on 10 March in Wellington, New Zealand, more than 40 days ago.
After Wellington, the ship called on the ports of Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle for refuelling and provisions, as well as Colombo in Sri Lanka, en route to France.
According to a spokesperson for MSC Cruises no new embarkations were allowed at these ports to “protect the health and wellbeing of all passengers and crew and to insulate them from the ashore spread of Covid-19.”
Cocooned
Despite this, however, the floating community has arguably enjoyed more freedom compared with many.
Among its onboard distractions include a 1200-seat theatre, 12 bars and five restaurants. There is also a swimming pool, gym, jogging park and a spa.
Captain of the Magnifica, Roberto Leotta, said that while Covid-19 demanded social distancing and was isolating people, the ship had been cocooned from this.
“Here was the opposite,” he told the BBC. “We became like a family – our guests and our crew together. The spirit has been beautiful.”


inews--2020-04-20--Coronavirus lockdown: Police should not 'name and shame' people breaking rules online, Justice Secre

Coronavirus lockdown: Police should not 'name and shame' people breaking rules online, Justice Secretary says

Coronavirus lockdown : Police should not 'name and shame ' people breaking rules online , Justice Secretary says Robert Buckland said forces should avoid putting images and video of alleged wrongdoing online Police forces should not be taking to social media to name people who flout the coronavirus lockdown rules unless they have been convicted , the Justice Secretary has said .
When asked about the practice by MPs in the Commons Human Rights Committee on Monday , Robert Buckland said the `` greatest possible care has to be taken '' and warned forces : `` If in doubt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If one is singling out an individual and naming them , that person has had no opportunity to put their side of the story .
`` Frankly I think , if in doubt , do n't .
Frankly most of the time the police should not do that where individuals have not had a chance to explain their side of the story . ''
A police officer asks members of the public to leave the beach in Brighton ( Photo : Getty ) Asked about confusion over the law and whether he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being wrongly prosecuted and fined for offences which did not exist , Mr Buckland said the case of Marie Dinou - who was wrongly fined £660 after she was arrested at Newcastle Central station by British Transport Police - was `` deeply unfortunate '' .
It also emerged during the meeting that alongside official Government guidance and more advice from the National Police Chiefs ' Council on how police should interpret the laws , each force had produced their own set of rules .
Some forces going beyond intention Mr Buckland said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular forces where interpretations have been made that shall we say probably go beyond what most of us would regard as a reasonable interpretation of the exercise of a particular need .
`` But I think the problem here is the speed with which this has been done , the sheer range of different scenarios one can have and the question of what is reasonable . ''
Asked whether forces should make public what guidance they are working by , he said : `` I do n't see the mischief in sharing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help increase certainty when it comes to the law is a good thing because uncertainty is an enemy of the rule of law . ''

Police forces should not be taking to social media to name people who flout the coronavirus lockdown rules unless they have been convicted, the Justice Secretary has said.
When asked about the practice by MPs in the Commons Human Rights Committee on Monday, Robert Buckland said the “greatest possible care has to be taken” and warned forces: “If in doubt, don’t.”
He said: “If one is singling out an individual and naming them, that person has had no opportunity to put their side of the story.
“Frankly I think, if in doubt, don’t. Frankly most of the time the police should not do that where individuals have not had a chance to explain their side of the story.”
Cases of wrongful prosecution
Several forces have used social media platforms to highlight cases of people apparently going against lockdown rules.
Asked about confusion over the law and whether he was concerned by news some people were being wrongly prosecuted and fined for offences which did not exist, Mr Buckland said the case of Marie Dinou – who was wrongly fined £660 after she was arrested at Newcastle Central station by British Transport Police – was “deeply unfortunate”.
It also emerged during the meeting that alongside official Government guidance and more advice from the National Police Chiefs’ Council on how police should interpret the laws, each force had produced their own set of rules.
Some forces going beyond intention
Mr Buckland said: “I know there are aspects of particular forces where interpretations have been made that shall we say probably go beyond what most of us would regard as a reasonable interpretation of the exercise of a particular need.
“But I think the problem here is the speed with which this has been done, the sheer range of different scenarios one can have and the question of what is reasonable.”
Asked whether forces should make public what guidance they are working by, he said: “I don’t see the mischief in sharing and publicising guidance.
“Anything that can help increase certainty when it comes to the law is a good thing because uncertainty is an enemy of the rule of law.”