buzzfeed--2020-05-01--People In The Poorest Areas Of England And Wales Are Dying From Coronavirus At Twice The Rate Of Tho

People In The Poorest Areas Of England And Wales Are Dying From Coronavirus At Twice The Rate Of Those In Better Off Areas

The COVID-19 death rate in the most deprived areas of England and Wales is double that of more affluent places , new data published by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) has revealed .
The research shows that in the most deprived areas of England , the death rate was 55.1 deaths per 100,000 population compared with 25.3 deaths per 100,000 population in the least deprived areas .
The death rate progressively rises from the least deprived area to the most deprived places , according to the ONS figures .
Data for Wales revealed a similar trend : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of 44.6 deaths per 100,000 population , almost twice as high as better off places where the rate was 23.2 deaths per 100,000 population .
Nick Stripe , head of health analysis at the ONS , said the gap in the death rate between poorer and richer parts of the country due to COVID-19 was even wider than is normally seen .
“ People living in more deprived areas have experienced COVID-19 mortality rates more than double those living in less deprived areas , ” he said , adding `` general mortality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , but so far COVID-19 appears to be taking them higher still ” .
Deprivation levels were based on the index of multiple deprivation , which measures deprivation based on a range of factors such as income , employment , health , education , crime , the living environment and access to housing .
According to 2019 data , the most recent available index , Middlesbrough , Liverpool , Knowsley , Hull and Manchester have the highest proportions of neighbourhoods among the most deprived in England .
The index also shows that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the highest levels of income deprivation among older people are in London .
Between March and April 17 2020 , there were 90,232 deaths in England and Wales , with 20,283 of these deaths involving the coronavirus .
The vast majority of these deaths are of older people .
The data uses a metric called age-standardised mortality rates to allow comparisons between populations that may contain different proportions of people of different ages .
London has the highest age-standardised mortality rate with 85.7 deaths per 100,000 persons involving COVID-19 , almost double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ONS .
And local authorities with the highest age-standardised mortality rates are all London boroughs : Newham had the highest age-standardised rate with 144.3 deaths per 100,000 population followed by Brent with a rate of 141.5 deaths per 100,000 population and Hackney with a rate of 127.4 deaths per 100,000 population .
Diana Johnson , the Labour MP for Kingston Upon Hull North , said that while she was very aware of the impact that deprivation had on life expectancy , the difference in COVID mortality rates was “ shocking.
” '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists and doctors and researchers are going to be looking at for a long time , but clearly , there is something in it , ” she told BuzzFeed News .
“ These figures are pretty stark , in that if you 're poor if you live in a deprived neighborhood , you are more like you twice as likely I think from those figures to die , which is , is very stark , ” she added .
While she said more research was needed to find out exactly what was behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was clear that `` there 's something that you 're most susceptible to , the poorer and more deprived a community you come from to , to succumb to COVID-19 '' .
Johnson suggested that one factor likely to be driving the discrepancy in mortality rates may be existing health inequalities in poor communities .
`` The doctors keep telling us that if you have a pre-existing condition , then that 's more of a problem for you fighting off COVID , ” she said , “ and I know in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tend to get them earlier . ''
Johnson said that relatively high levels of smoking leading to respiratory issues , more people developing coronary problems at a younger age , and higher rates of obesity were all factors in the deprived communities that she represents .
`` These are factors that we know generally can affect your ability to shake off diseases , '' she said .
`` And they 're obviously having quite a dramatic effect on COVID.
” Johnson suggested that the government should also consider the impact of deprivation alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affecting black and ethnic minority communities in the UK .
“ Perhaps now [ they need ] to be widening that out and looking at deprivation as well , ” she said .
“ I think for communities that are deprived , and also BAME communities , and often there 's quite a lot of overlap there , I think the government really need to look at that , ” she added .
Chris Thomas , a researcher at the think tank IPPR , said that disproportionately severe cuts to public health services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have impacted their resilience to the virus .
Public interventions that have been sharply reduced in those areas — including anti-smoking campaigns , measures to reduce obesity and sexual health clinics — were designed to prevent the type of underlying health conditions that experts now say put people at most risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 .
`` Services designed to keep people in good health were cut by far the hardest in the most deprived local authority areas , ” Thomas said .
Alison Garnham , the chief executive of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News : `` The link between poverty and poorer health is well-established , so it comes as no surprise that deprived communities have worse outcomes when the country is battling the COVID-19 pandemic .
 “ This finding makes it even more important that government measures to support people financially should focus particularly on those who were already struggling to make ends meet before the pandemic struck . ''
She called on on ministers to provide more support to families with children by increasing child benefit by £10 per child per week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate was much higher in urban than rural areas with the highest death rate in “ major towns and cities ” where the death rate is 64.3 per 100,000 population .

The COVID-19 death rate in the most deprived areas of England and Wales is double that of more affluent places, new data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed.
The research shows that in the most deprived areas of England, the death rate was 55.1 deaths per 100,000 population compared with 25.3 deaths per 100,000 population in the least deprived areas.
The death rate progressively rises from the least deprived area to the most deprived places, according to the ONS figures.
Data for Wales revealed a similar trend: the most deprived areas had a mortality rate of 44.6 deaths per 100,000 population, almost twice as high as better off places where the rate was 23.2 deaths per 100,000 population.
Nick Stripe, head of health analysis at the ONS, said the gap in the death rate between poorer and richer parts of the country due to COVID-19 was even wider than is normally seen.
“People living in more deprived areas have experienced COVID-19 mortality rates more than double those living in less deprived areas,” he said, adding "general mortality rates are normally higher in more deprived areas, but so far COVID-19 appears to be taking them higher still”.
Deprivation levels were based on the index of multiple deprivation, which measures deprivation based on a range of factors such as income, employment, health, education, crime, the living environment and access to housing.
According to 2019 data, the most recent available index, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Knowsley, Hull and Manchester have the highest proportions of neighbourhoods among the most deprived in England.
The index also shows that seven of the 10 local authority districts with the highest levels of income deprivation among older people are in London.
Between March and April 17 2020, there were 90,232 deaths in England and Wales, with 20,283 of these deaths involving the coronavirus. The vast majority of these deaths are of older people.
The data uses a metric called age-standardised mortality rates to allow comparisons between populations that may contain different proportions of people of different ages.
London has the highest age-standardised mortality rate with 85.7 deaths per 100,000 persons involving COVID-19, almost double the next highest rate, according to the ONS.
And local authorities with the highest age-standardised mortality rates are all London boroughs: Newham had the highest age-standardised rate with 144.3 deaths per 100,000 population followed by Brent with a rate of 141.5 deaths per 100,000 population and Hackney with a rate of 127.4 deaths per 100,000 population.
Diana Johnson, the Labour MP for Kingston Upon Hull North, said that while she was very aware of the impact that deprivation had on life expectancy, the difference in COVID mortality rates was “shocking.”
"This is something that I'm sure scientists and doctors and researchers are going to be looking at for a long time, but clearly, there is something in it,” she told BuzzFeed News.
“These figures are pretty stark, in that if you're poor if you live in a deprived neighborhood, you are more like you twice as likely I think from those figures to die, which is, is very stark,” she added.
While she said more research was needed to find out exactly what was behind the differences in mortality rates, she said it was clear that "there's something that you're most susceptible to, the poorer and more deprived a community you come from to, to succumb to COVID-19".
Johnson suggested that one factor likely to be driving the discrepancy in mortality rates may be existing health inequalities in poor communities.
"The doctors keep telling us that if you have a pre-existing condition, then that's more of a problem for you fighting off COVID,” she said, “and I know in my constituency, people with chronic conditions tend to get them earlier."
Johnson said that relatively high levels of smoking leading to respiratory issues, more people developing coronary problems at a younger age, and higher rates of obesity were all factors in the deprived communities that she represents.
"These are factors that we know generally can affect your ability to shake off diseases," she said. "And they're obviously having quite a dramatic effect on COVID.”
Johnson suggested that the government should also consider the impact of deprivation alongside its inquiry into why coronavirus is disproportionately affecting black and ethnic minority communities in the UK. “Perhaps now [they need] to be widening that out and looking at deprivation as well,” she said.
“I think for communities that are deprived, and also BAME communities, and often there's quite a lot of overlap there, I think the government really need to look at that,” she added.
Chris Thomas, a researcher at the think tank IPPR, said that disproportionately severe cuts to public health services in areas that rank highest for deprivation may have impacted their resilience to the virus.
Public interventions that have been sharply reduced in those areas — including anti-smoking campaigns, measures to reduce obesity and sexual health clinics — were designed to prevent the type of underlying health conditions that experts now say put people at most risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.
"Services designed to keep people in good health were cut by far the hardest in the most deprived local authority areas,” Thomas said.
Alison Garnham, the chief executive of charity Child Poverty Action Group told BuzzFeed News: "The link between poverty and poorer health is well-established, so it comes as no surprise that deprived communities have worse outcomes when the country is battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This finding makes it even more important that government measures to support people financially should focus particularly on those who were already struggling to make ends meet before the pandemic struck."
She called on on ministers to provide more support to families with children by increasing child benefit by £10 per child per week.
The ONS also found that the death rate was much higher in urban than rural areas with the highest death rate in “major towns and cities” where the death rate is 64.3 per 100,000 population.


buzzfeed--2020-03-10--Here's How UK Media Organisations Are Getting Ready For Coronavirus

UK newsrooms are taking radical steps to combat the spread of coronavirus , such as banning business travel and requiring external visitors to declare themselves fit , according to internal emails at several media organisations seen by BuzzFeed News .
The Times , the Sunday Times and the Sun plan to ban all business travel , while the BBC will require `` visitors , guests and contributors to declare themselves fit ” before entering buildings .
Sky News and the Manchester Evening News are planning for some staff to work from home on Thursday .
An email sent on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent company of the Times , the Sunday Times and the Sun , said `` from the end of Friday this week , all domestic and international business travel will be halted .
This includes travel between different News UK locations . ''
“ Exceptions will be made for editorial purposes ... this policy will remain in place until further notice.
” News UK is also the parent company of multiple radio stations including TalkSport and Virgin Radio .
It plans to launch Times Radio , a new station , soon .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Bob Shennan said that as well as requiring visitors to declare themselves fit , the corporation is encouraging video conference calls rather than face-to-face meetings where possible .

UK newsrooms are taking radical steps to combat the spread of coronavirus, such as banning business travel and requiring external visitors to declare themselves fit, according to internal emails at several media organisations seen by BuzzFeed News.
The Times, the Sunday Times and the Sun plan to ban all business travel, while the BBC will require "visitors, guests and contributors to declare themselves fit” before entering buildings.
Sky News and the Manchester Evening News are planning for some staff to work from home on Thursday.
An email sent on Tuesday to staff of News UK, the parent company of the Times, the Sunday Times and the Sun, said "from the end of Friday this week, all domestic and international business travel will be halted. This includes travel between different News UK locations."
“Exceptions will be made for editorial purposes... this policy will remain in place until further notice.”
News UK is also the parent company of multiple radio stations including TalkSport and Virgin Radio. It plans to launch Times Radio, a new station, soon.
An email sent to BBC staff by managing director Bob Shennan said that as well as requiring visitors to declare themselves fit, the corporation is encouraging video conference calls rather than face-to-face meetings where possible.


buzzfeed--2020-03-10--Tinder Has Become A News Service About Coronavirus, Which Is Not What God Intended

As COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world , people are eager to keep up with developments at its epicentre in Wuhan , China .
But government censorship , partisan media and misinformation have led many to feel the public is n't seeing a full picture of life in a city on lockdown .
So some have developed a creative solution to bypass the gatekeepers and go straight to the source : Tinder .
Most Tinder users use the app to match with people nearby , for obvious reasons .
But the world 's most used dating app has a premium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ user with Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold memberships to choose to swipe in any location — like , say , Wuhan — no matter where they are .
And despite Tinder being banned in China , users say they 're having luck setting their location to Wuhan , allowing them to match with and chat to residents to hear their perspective on the global story .
US-based Twitter user @ drethelin tweeted `` Setting my tinder to Wuhan so I can get the real scoop on what 's going on '' on Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization declared COVID-19 was a public health emergency .

As COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world, people are eager to keep up with developments at its epicentre in Wuhan, China.
But government censorship, partisan media and misinformation have led many to feel the public isn't seeing a full picture of life in a city on lockdown. So some have developed a creative solution to bypass the gatekeepers and go straight to the source: Tinder.
Most Tinder users use the app to match with people nearby, for obvious reasons. But the world's most used dating app has a premium feature, Passport, that allows a user with Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold memberships to choose to swipe in any location — like, say, Wuhan — no matter where they are.
And despite Tinder being banned in China, users say they're having luck setting their location to Wuhan, allowing them to match with and chat to residents to hear their perspective on the global story.
US-based Twitter user @drethelin tweeted "Setting my tinder to Wuhan so I can get the real scoop on what's going on" on Jan. 28 — just before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 was a public health emergency.


buzzfeed--2020-03-10--Italian Tourists Fear They Won't Be Able To Get Home Because Of The Coronavirus Lockdown

Hundreds , or even thousands , of Italians could be stranded in the UK by the novel coronavirus after major airlines announced they were suspending flights to and from Italy in the wake of the Italian government ’ s decision on Monday night to place the entire country on lockdown to tackle the outbreak , a diplomatic source told BuzzFeed News .
The Italian Embassy has already started to receive a “ significant number ” of inquiries from its citizens visiting the UK who now fear being stuck here , the source said .
British Airways and Ryanair were among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights were being halted .
That came after the UK ’ s Foreign Office responded to the Italian government 's move on Monday night by updating its travel advice to warn against all but essential travel to Italy .
BA flights were suspended with immediate effect , and Ryanair ’ s measures will come into effect as of midnight on Friday .
The diplomatic source told BuzzFeed News that it was too early to say how many people from Italy would eventually be affected by the cancellations , and that the embassy was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rome on what to do .
Based on initial contacts , the source estimated that currently , “ hundreds ” of people could be hit by the suspensions , but the figure could eventually rise to the “ thousands , ” they said .
About 1.8 million people visit Britain from Italy each year .
Italian diplomatic outposts around the world are likely to be facing similar pressures .
Spain also announced that it was cancelling flights to Italy , while other airlines , including Qantas and KLM , said they were cutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Irish broadcaster RTE reported that Aer Lingus was set to cancel its flights to and from Italy until April 3 , while Norwegian , which has also halted its flights to Italy , has had to lay off staff because of the coronavirus crisis .
Ryanair and British Airways have said that customers impacted by the suspensions could rebook their flights or receive a refund .
British Airways declined to address specific questions about potentially stranded passengers .
A spokesperson said : “ This is a fast-moving situation , and we recommend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their flight on ba.com.
” A Ryanair statement said : `` All affected passengers have received email notices today informing them of these flight cancellations .
Passengers looking for repatriation can obtain a free move to an earlier Ryanair flight operating up until midnight Friday 13 March .
Affected passengers will be able to choose between a full refund or a travel credit that can be redeemed on Ryanair flights in the next 12 months . ''
Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced on Monday that coronavirus lockdown measures were being extended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be restricted to reasons of work , health , and emergencies .
Any movements and gatherings outside those permitted would not be allowed .
Schools and universities will also remain closed as part of the measures .
Sports events were also suspended .
The measures will last until April 3 .
The latest data shows that Italy has had 9,172 cases of coronavirus .
Of these , 724 people have so far recovered , while 463 have died .
The Italian Embassy has been approached for comment .

Hundreds, or even thousands, of Italians could be stranded in the UK by the novel coronavirus after major airlines announced they were suspending flights to and from Italy in the wake of the Italian government’s decision on Monday night to place the entire country on lockdown to tackle the outbreak, a diplomatic source told BuzzFeed News.
The Italian Embassy has already started to receive a “significant number” of inquiries from its citizens visiting the UK who now fear being stuck here, the source said.
British Airways and Ryanair were among several airlines to announce on Tuesday that flights were being halted. That came after the UK’s Foreign Office responded to the Italian government's move on Monday night by updating its travel advice to warn against all but essential travel to Italy.
BA flights were suspended with immediate effect, and Ryanair’s measures will come into effect as of midnight on Friday.
The diplomatic source told BuzzFeed News that it was too early to say how many people from Italy would eventually be affected by the cancellations, and that the embassy was currently mapping the issue and consulting with Rome on what to do.
Based on initial contacts, the source estimated that currently, “hundreds” of people could be hit by the suspensions, but the figure could eventually rise to the “thousands,” they said.
About 1.8 million people visit Britain from Italy each year.
Italian diplomatic outposts around the world are likely to be facing similar pressures. Spain also announced that it was cancelling flights to Italy, while other airlines, including Qantas and KLM, said they were cutting the number of flights on the route.
Irish broadcaster RTE reported that Aer Lingus was set to cancel its flights to and from Italy until April 3, while Norwegian, which has also halted its flights to Italy, has had to lay off staff because of the coronavirus crisis.
Ryanair and British Airways have said that customers impacted by the suspensions could rebook their flights or receive a refund.
British Airways declined to address specific questions about potentially stranded passengers. A spokesperson said: “This is a fast-moving situation, and we recommend all customers check for the latest on their flight on ba.com.”
A Ryanair statement said: "All affected passengers have received email notices today informing them of these flight cancellations. Passengers looking for repatriation can obtain a free move to an earlier Ryanair flight operating up until midnight Friday 13 March. Affected passengers will be able to choose between a full refund or a travel credit that can be redeemed on Ryanair flights in the next 12 months."
Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced on Monday that coronavirus lockdown measures were being extended to the entire country, with travel to be restricted to reasons of work, health, and emergencies.
Any movements and gatherings outside those permitted would not be allowed. Schools and universities will also remain closed as part of the measures. Sports events were also suspended. The measures will last until April 3.
The latest data shows that Italy has had 9,172 cases of coronavirus. Of these, 724 people have so far recovered, while 463 have died.
The Italian Embassy has been approached for comment.


buzzfeed--2020-03-09--The UK Government Has Reacted With “Incredulity” And “Genuine Disbelief” At Trump’s Handling Of Coro

The UK Government Has Reacted With “Incredulity” And “Genuine Disbelief” At Trump’s Handling Of Coronavirus

Trump was under fire in the US on Monday after his public statements on the coronavirus contradicted medical experts .
Contrary to Trump ’ s claims that fears about the virus are “ fake news ” , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said on Sunday that the outlook was “ not encouraging ” and that it was “ possible ” entire cities could be quarantined .
Last week , Trump falsely claimed that “ anyone who wants a test can get a test ” , despite there being a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and said Americans with the virus stranded on a cruise ship should remain there “ because I like the numbers being where they are .
I do n't need to have the numbers double because of one ship that was n't our fault ” .
A UK government spokesperson declined to criticise other countries ’ approach to COVID-19 on the record , saying : `` Individual countries will approach this in different ways . ''
But speaking to BuzzFeed News , members of the UK government were highly critical of Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Whitehall source said that the US focus on border control with China — something Trump has praised himself for — rather than on providing testing from an early stage was an example of a “ populist measure ” that was not based on scientific and medical advice .
The lack of testing in the US is likely to mean the true number of American coronavirus cases is much higher than recorded and could have been spreading for some time , experts have said .
“ There is a general level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lack of testing , ” a UK official said .
“ People [ in the UK government ] are used to the steady stream of tweets , but the last few days have caused more than the usual eyerolling .
There is genuine disbelief.
” The Whitehall source insisted that by contrast the UK was taking an evidence-based approach based on expert advice from chief medical officer Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance , who said on Monday that airport screening and restricting sporting events and large public gatherings would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus .
Asked about Trump ’ s handling of the crisis , a WHO spokesperson told BuzzFeed News that it was not their “ role to single out countries ” .
But , they added pointedly : “ COVID-19 is a new virus that the world must take seriously .
All governments must work hard to identify cases and trace contacts , share information , and contain the outbreak .
“ WHO is grateful to those governments that provide current disaggregated data .
This enables WHO to provide the type of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for China and others to reverse the course of COVID-19 in their country .
”

UK government ministers and officials have privately reacted with “a general level of incredulity” at Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
A UK official — one of several members of the government who spoke to BuzzFeed News on condition of anonymity about the Trump administration’s response to the virus — said the president’s public statements have caused “more than the usual eyerolling” in London.
In particular, Trump’s false claims about the outbreak of the disease caused by the coronavirus, COVID-19, his tweets, and the failure of the US authorities to adequately test for the virus early on have caused “genuine disbelief” in Whitehall, the official said.
Referring to the UK government’s creation this week of a "fake news unit" to prevent the spread of misinformation about the coronavirus, they added: "Our COVID-19 counter-disinformation unit would need twice the manpower if we included him in our monitoring."
In response to questions about the US response, the World Health Organisation told BuzzFeed News that all countries must "take seriously" the threat of the virus and "work hard" to ensure testing of potential new cases.
The criticism came as Trump fired off a series of tweets on Monday morning attempting to downplay the threat and using it to attack his Democrat opponents.


buzzfeed--2020-06-06--Just 11 Things To Try In June

Just 11 Things To Try In June

`` I 'd been contemplating buying an air fryer for quite some time , but it was n't until I found myself cooking every night with my family due to COVID-19 that I finally decided it was the right time to get one .
Friends of mine were raving about their new Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer , so after reading similar feedback on Amazon , I decided it looked like a winner .
And it happens to be made by the same company that makes the crowd-favorite Instant Pot .
I figured I would be using this appliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an added bonus , it can also roast , broil , bake , re-heat , and dehydrate food .
I 've had this air fryer for about three weeks now , and I can honestly say it 's become the hero of my kitchen .
It preheats quickly , it 's large enough to a good amount of food at once , it 's easy to clean , and it makes food taste crispy on the outside and moist on the inside without any oil .
I 've been using my air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night and it makes them taste so good .
If you 're cooking for kids , picky eaters , or you just do n't get so excited about eating vegetables , the air fryer could be perfect for you .
If you like chicken , the air fryer might change your life , and I do n't mean that to be dramatic .
The air fryer produces restaurant-quality chicken that tastes absurdly decadent , except there 's no oil involved in the cooking — just air .
We also tried making sesame chicken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chicken thighs .
The sesame chicken tasted almost identical to my favorite Chinese takeout , and it had nothing to do with my cooking skills .
Thanks to the air fryer , the chicken gets so crispy .
I could n't believe I made this at home !
! ''
—Hannah Loewentheil Get it from Amazon for $ 119.99 .
Check out the full review , plus some air fryer recipe suggestions for more !

This post features a mix of items that we purchased with our own money and those that were provided to us at no cost for the sake of review. (But! We’re under no obligation to write a review of those things, let alone a positive review.)


buzzfeed--2020-03-28--Police Across The UK Have Been Given New Coronavirus Powers — Here's Everything You Need To Know

It is still okay to leave your house to pick up food and medical supplies — including for pets , for your household , or to help out a vulnerable person , but everyone has been asked to do this only when it 's strictly necessary .
Exercising alone or with members of your own household is allowed once a day , and leaving the house is okay if it 's for a medical reason , to donate blood , or if you 're helping out or caring for someone vulnerable .
Everyone is also allowed to travel to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only if these can not be done from home .
It 's also okay to go out to attend court , answer bail , or take part in other legal proceedings , or to leave home to access public services such as social services , the job centre , victim support , or to take a child to school if it is necessary to do so .
Parents with shared custody arrangements are also allowed to continue these .
Weddings and other celebrations have been cancelled , but funerals are still taking place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the person who has died is a member of their household or immediate family — or if none of those people are attending , it 's okay to attend the funeral of a friend .
Ministers of religion are also allowed to travel to their place of worship .
The government has also said it 's okay to move house where reasonably necessary — but has asked buyers who have n't already sealed the deal to put their completion dates on hold .
And it 's also fine to leave your house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid risk of harm .

It is still okay to leave your house to pick up food and medical supplies — including for pets, for your household, or to help out a vulnerable person, but everyone has been asked to do this only when it's strictly necessary.
Exercising alone or with members of your own household is allowed once a day, and leaving the house is okay if it's for a medical reason, to donate blood, or if you're helping out or caring for someone vulnerable.
Everyone is also allowed to travel to work or to provide voluntary services — but only if these cannot be done from home.
It's also okay to go out to attend court, answer bail, or take part in other legal proceedings, or to leave home to access public services such as social services, the job centre, victim support, or to take a child to school if it is necessary to do so. Parents with shared custody arrangements are also allowed to continue these.
Weddings and other celebrations have been cancelled, but funerals are still taking place. People are allowed to attend these if the person who has died is a member of their household or immediate family — or if none of those people are attending, it's okay to attend the funeral of a friend. Ministers of religion are also allowed to travel to their place of worship.
The government has also said it's okay to move house where reasonably necessary — but has asked buyers who haven't already sealed the deal to put their completion dates on hold. And it's also fine to leave your house to escape illness and injury or to avoid risk of harm.


buzzfeed--2020-03-27--17 People Shared The Best Thing That Happened To Them This Week, And I Smiled So Much My Face Hurt

`` I had two surgeries last week , putting me completely out of action for the next two weeks , @ @ @ @ @ on and supported by my family , friends , coworkers , and students .
`` @ @ @ @ @ cleaning , groceries , meals , and laundry — plus , they have sent me @ @ @ @ @ Even while social distancing , all these people have managed to help and support my @ @ @ @ @ all so much . ''

3. "I had two surgeries last week, putting me completely out of action for the next two weeks, but I have been loved on and supported by my family, friends, coworkers, and students.
"They have taken care of cleaning, groceries, meals, and laundry — plus, they have sent me funny and sweet messages. Even while social distancing, all these people have managed to help and support my family. I cherish them all so much."
—mrskte1


buzzfeed--2020-03-28--Tom Hanks And Rita Wilson Are Back In LA After Recovering From The Coronavirus

And it looks like they totally are !
The pair flew home via private jet on Friday .
Tom flashed @ @ @ @ @ , which is a symbol for how much more at peace I am now that @ @ @ @ @

And it looks like they totally are! The pair flew home via private jet on Friday. Tom flashed the ol' peace sign, which is a symbol for how much more at peace I am now that he's feeling better.


buzzfeed--2020-03-28--The Coronavirus Outbreak Means Pregnant Women Across The UK Are Preparing For The Kinds Of Births Th

The Coronavirus Outbreak Means Pregnant Women Across The UK Are Preparing For The Kinds Of Births They Didn’t Want

Lauren Grimwood , whose first baby is due in May , went to the hospital with her husband earlier this week for a routine ultrasound scan .
When they arrived , there was a sign on the window : Partners were no longer allowed in .
Disappointed , her husband sat in the car .
They were n't surprised by the new policy ; since the coronavirus outbreak has hit the UK , the couple have been bracing themselves for big changes .
Their long-planned home birth could be banned due to pressures on staffing , and they are worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without her partner by her side as the rules are tightened around visitation to limit the spread of the virus .
“ I ’ m setting myself up for having to give birth alone in the hospital , anything else is a bonus , ” Grimwood said .
She is among many expectant mothers across the UK who are growing increasingly anxious about how the epidemic will impact their labour in the coming weeks and months .
BuzzFeed News spoke to a number of pregnant women about rearranged midwife appointments , bans on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of elective caesarean sections ( C-sections ) being cancelled , and who will care for older siblings during labour if grandparents are meant to stay away .
Preparing for a newborn should be an incredibly exciting , joyous time of life — but women have described feeling as though this had been taken away from them as the virus spreads rapidly through the country , putting households on lockdown and forcing the NHS to limit face-to-face contact between patients and medics .
With cases rising exponentially day by day , everything is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans that women have carefully thought about for months if not years .
It ’ s the uncertainty that ’ s the worst .
A baby ’ s birth is unpredictable at the best of times ; add to that a global pandemic and ever-changing government guidance , and anxiety levels go through the roof .
Over in New York , women at two leading hospitals are being told they must now give birth without their partner or doula by their side , to better protect mothers and babies from the virus — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known about how the disease affects them .
In England , it is up to individual hospital trusts to set their own policy around birthing partners , home births and C-sections , and some places are more extreme than others .
Women have already been warned generally that if their partner is displaying the symptoms of the coronavirus — a new , continuous cough and/or a fever — they will not be allowed in the hospital .
But many fear that the rules will become even more stringent in the coming weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laura Burgess , a trade union researcher from Manchester whose second baby is due in May , said she was worried she may not be able to have the elective C-section she has planned .
She said the hospital had agreed to her request after she suffered an emergency C-section with her first baby two years ago .
“ But now I ’ m thinking , because it ’ s purely for maternal request and there ’ s no medical need , I ’ m panicking , ” she said .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away for other patients .
”

Lauren Grimwood, whose first baby is due in May, went to the hospital with her husband earlier this week for a routine ultrasound scan. When they arrived, there was a sign on the window: Partners were no longer allowed in. Disappointed, her husband sat in the car. They weren't surprised by the new policy; since the coronavirus outbreak has hit the UK, the couple have been bracing themselves for big changes.
Their long-planned home birth could be banned due to pressures on staffing, and they are worried she could even have to give birth without her partner by her side as the rules are tightened around visitation to limit the spread of the virus. “I’m setting myself up for having to give birth alone in the hospital, anything else is a bonus,” Grimwood said.
She is among many expectant mothers across the UK who are growing increasingly anxious about how the epidemic will impact their labour in the coming weeks and months. BuzzFeed News spoke to a number of pregnant women about rearranged midwife appointments, bans on home births and water births, the possibility of elective caesarean sections (C-sections) being cancelled, and who will care for older siblings during labour if grandparents are meant to stay away.
Preparing for a newborn should be an incredibly exciting, joyous time of life — but women have described feeling as though this had been taken away from them as the virus spreads rapidly through the country, putting households on lockdown and forcing the NHS to limit face-to-face contact between patients and medics.
With cases rising exponentially day by day, everything is subject to change — including the birth plans that women have carefully thought about for months if not years. It’s the uncertainty that’s the worst. A baby’s birth is unpredictable at the best of times; add to that a global pandemic and ever-changing government guidance, and anxiety levels go through the roof.
Over in New York, women at two leading hospitals are being told they must now give birth without their partner or doula by their side, to better protect mothers and babies from the virus — not least because so little is yet known about how the disease affects them. In England, it is up to individual hospital trusts to set their own policy around birthing partners, home births and C-sections, and some places are more extreme than others.
Women have already been warned generally that if their partner is displaying the symptoms of the coronavirus — a new, continuous cough and/or a fever — they will not be allowed in the hospital. But many fear that the rules will become even more stringent in the coming weeks, as the epidemic reaches its peak.
Laura Burgess, a trade union researcher from Manchester whose second baby is due in May, said she was worried she may not be able to have the elective C-section she has planned. She said the hospital had agreed to her request after she suffered an emergency C-section with her first baby two years ago. “But now I’m thinking, because it’s purely for maternal request and there’s no medical need, I’m panicking,” she said. “You hear of things like anaesthetists being pulled away for other patients.”


buzzfeed--2020-05-10--We Asked Muslim NHS Workers What Ramadan Is Like During The Coronavirus Pandemic

“ From a Ramadan point of view , when I was training as a junior doctor we did long shifts , so I 'm quite used to fasting when doing long shifts , ” Ali said .
“ But now , it 's a little bit more different because the whole circumstances changed in the sense that we 're doing these long shifts long-term now , but also we 're shifting from day to night pretty quick , and that ’ s a little tough really.
” “ Then the other added component is of course the PPE , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not something you can leave on all day .
The way we 've been working is we put on the PPE and then we 'd be in the COVID areas for a few hours at a time and then have a break , because actually having the mask on and having the apron on and the full gear , etc , it can be quite demanding on the body .
“ People don ’ t quite realise , the physical aspect of it is a little bit more draining .
You 're constantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not very comfortable.
” While so far he has been able to fast every day , Ali said he is open to the idea of not fasting should he need to and has welcomed the support and guidance provided by Islamic community leaders on this .
He said : “ It 's a good thing that a lot of the Muslim leaders and the imams , they ’ ve said that it ’ s absolutely fine to not fast , if you are particularly on the front lines , and it 's getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can drink .
So I 'm very much open to that — if I need to do that , I will.
” While he is still on nights right now , he can fast , but he said he may have to take days off when he is working day shifts .
“ If that turns out to be quite hectic and quite challenging then yeah , absolutely I 'll consider not fasting , ” he said , “ because I 'm a strong believer that safety and healthcare of patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromised in any way , then it is advisable not to fast.
” Ramadan is not just about fasting — it is time to come together with family , friends , and the wider community ; to develop spiritually ; and to devote time to charity projects .
Many Muslims look forward to the month of Ramadan — including the fasting — all year round .
“ It 's quite festive , ” Ali said .
`` We get together regularly in the evening , break our fast together , either in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together , as families and friends , and then we have the night prayers in the mosques , but of course , all of that is shut down .
“ So I think what people are struggling with is the spiritual aspect and trying to try to make it feel like it 's Ramadan , because Ramadan is more than just eating , drinking .
It 's everything that surrounds it : the worship , the spiritual aspects , the community , the charity work , the charity events .
So all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Ali said he is the only person on his team fasting , and while his colleagues have been very supportive , breaking your fast alone can be lonely .
“ I will always find that fasting when you 're working can be a bit of a lonely experience , ” he said , “ because you sort of breaking your fast by yourself.
” However , he said for others , every iftar is lonely , even when they are not on shift , because they are temporarily living alone .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , ” he said .
“ They 're living in accommodation by themselves and hotels and flats and whatnot , because they have vulnerable people at home .
“ So I 've seen , I 've heard a lot of experiences where people are feeling that real lonely effect of breaking fast at home and just getting takeaways and then just going back to work and dealing with the psychological aspect of COVID patients.
” Ali was living in an extended family setup and did consider moving out to live alone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and children , as his parents are in a vulnerable group , and he did not want to put them at risk .
When Eid comes around — unless lockdown restrictions are eased — it will be just him and his wife and the kids at home .
There will be cake and presents and new clothes , so it still feels special .
“ We 'll still try and make it feel like Eid , ” he said .
“ At the very least , we 'll still try and decorate our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big feast or something like that , we ca n't go anywhere else , other than the back garden , so we ’ ll just have to enjoy that .
”

“From a Ramadan point of view, when I was training as a junior doctor we did long shifts, so I'm quite used to fasting when doing long shifts,” Ali said. “But now, it's a little bit more different because the whole circumstances changed in the sense that we're doing these long shifts long-term now, but also we're shifting from day to night pretty quick, and that’s a little tough really.”
“Then the other added component is of course the PPE,” he added. “The PPE is not something you can leave on all day. The way we've been working is we put on the PPE and then we'd be in the COVID areas for a few hours at a time and then have a break, because actually having the mask on and having the apron on and the full gear, etc, it can be quite demanding on the body.
“People don’t quite realise, the physical aspect of it is a little bit more draining. You're constantly breathing into a mask, which is not very comfortable.”
While so far he has been able to fast every day, Ali said he is open to the idea of not fasting should he need to and has welcomed the support and guidance provided by Islamic community leaders on this.
He said: “It's a good thing that a lot of the Muslim leaders and the imams, they’ve said that it’s absolutely fine to not fast, if you are particularly on the front lines, and it's getting difficult and if you do need to, you can drink. So I'm very much open to that — if I need to do that, I will.”
While he is still on nights right now, he can fast, but he said he may have to take days off when he is working day shifts.
“If that turns out to be quite hectic and quite challenging then yeah, absolutely I'll consider not fasting,” he said, “because I'm a strong believer that safety and healthcare of patients comes first. So if that is compromised in any way, then it is advisable not to fast.”
Ramadan is not just about fasting — it is time to come together with family, friends, and the wider community; to develop spiritually; and to devote time to charity projects. Many Muslims look forward to the month of Ramadan — including the fasting — all year round.
“It's quite festive,” Ali said. "We get together regularly in the evening, break our fast together, either in the mosques or sometimes we even go out together, as families and friends, and then we have the night prayers in the mosques, but of course, all of that is shut down.
“So I think what people are struggling with is the spiritual aspect and trying to try to make it feel like it's Ramadan, because Ramadan is more than just eating, drinking. It's everything that surrounds it: the worship, the spiritual aspects, the community, the charity work, the charity events. So all of that now is just shifted completely online.”
Ali said he is the only person on his team fasting, and while his colleagues have been very supportive, breaking your fast alone can be lonely.
“I will always find that fasting when you're working can be a bit of a lonely experience,” he said, “because you sort of breaking your fast by yourself.”
However, he said for others, every iftar is lonely, even when they are not on shift, because they are temporarily living alone.
“A lot of doctors have actually moved out,” he said. “They're living in accommodation by themselves and hotels and flats and whatnot, because they have vulnerable people at home.
“So I've seen, I've heard a lot of experiences where people are feeling that real lonely effect of breaking fast at home and just getting takeaways and then just going back to work and dealing with the psychological aspect of COVID patients.”
Ali was living in an extended family setup and did consider moving out to live alone, but instead moved out with his wife and children, as his parents are in a vulnerable group, and he did not want to put them at risk.
When Eid comes around — unless lockdown restrictions are eased — it will be just him and his wife and the kids at home. There will be cake and presents and new clothes, so it still feels special.
“We'll still try and make it feel like Eid,” he said. “At the very least, we'll still try and decorate our house, have presents, have a big feast or something like that, we can't go anywhere else, other than the back garden, so we’ll just have to enjoy that.”


buzzfeed--2020-05-10--21 Sweat Sets That’ll Make You Feel Comfy And Chic At The Same Time

Promising review ( for the sweatshirt ) : `` I absolutely LOVE this sweatshirt !
This is my second purchase .
I am only 5-foot-1 so things tend to be too long in the waist and arms .
This is the perfect length !
I weigh 135 lbs and always wear a size medium , and this is no different .
Perfect medium .
Pretty boxy and roomy , but I love it ! ''
—Melissa Promising review ( for the sweatpants ) : `` After reading the reviews , I did as advised by others and ordered down a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium/large .
I ordered a small .
It was slightly loose when I got it , but after washing , it fit just right .
It is comfortable , and just what I need for lounging around during COVID-19 .
Who needs jeans during isolation ?
I just want to relax . ''
—Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon : $ 8.50 ( for the sweatshirt ; available in sizes S-XXL and in 11 styles ) and $ 8.50 ( for the sweatpants ; available in sizes S-XXL and in seven colors ) @

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.