bbcuk--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Health watchdog board resigns over row with officials

The entire board of the watchdog that oversees NI 's care homes has resigned .
BBC News NI has learned that it comes after a row over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
The nine former board members of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority ( RQIA ) claim they were not consulted on a number of decisions taken by the Department of Health .
These included ending inspections of care homes and re-deploying senior RQIA staff to other health bodies .
Health Minister Robin Swann said it was `` a matter of regret '' that a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this most difficult time '' .
The RQIA is responsible for monitoring the quality of health and social care services in Northern Ireland , including carrying out care home inspections .
Its board is responsible for holding the regulator 's management to account .
In a statement to the BBC , the former board members said a number of decisions were made without any input from them which they `` could n't stand over '' .
These included the move to reduce the frequency of inspections in care homes , the redeploying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macleod to other agencies and the decision to make RQIA inspectors work in other roles in care homes .
They said : `` In the board 's view these decisions diluted the RQIA 's independence and critical function as a regulator to maintain the protection of vulnerable adults in residential and nursing homes during the Covid-19 crisis . ''
The Department of Health says the decision in March to reduce the number of inspections of care homes was taken to reduce the risk of infection .
On Monday , the department lifted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 was significantly reduced .
One board member told BBC News NI they felt `` angry and let down '' about how the board had been treated .
The latest official figures show that more than 50 % of deaths with coronavirus took place among care home residents .
A judicial review of the decision to suspend RQIA inspections is due to be heard on Tuesday .
It 's being taken by a family whose loved one was in a care home .
Responding to Monday 's resignations , a Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did the department seek to undermine the board of RQIA and remained in regular communication with the interim chair .
`` The action taken by the department was to ensure that the expertise and resources of RQIA were used to support the wider HSC response to the Covid-19 pandemic and in particular to provide support to the social care sector on which so many vulnerable people rely . ''
They added : `` The offer of an interim chair arrangement was made with the aim of supporting the board at what was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social care . ''
Sinn Féin 's Colm Gildernew , chair of Stormont 's health committee , said he was deeply concerned by the board 's resignation .
`` I am calling on the minister of health to come forward and explain the circumstances which led to this unprecedented action by the health and social care regulator , in the middle of a public health pandemic , '' he said .
`` It is essential that the minister of health urgently explains to all the services and service users who rely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role of the regulator will continue to provide vital services to support and inspect health and social care services . ''
Alliance health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw described the development as `` extremely concerning '' .
She said there had been `` significant concerns about the communication coming from the DH '' for some time .
QUB Professor Phil Scraton called for a thorough independent inquiry into the matter .
He told BBC 's Evening Extra programme the mass resignation was `` unprecedented '' and the result of a `` gathering storm '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ time there was poor preparation for Covid , '' he said .
BBC News NI has also seen emails from the then chair of the RQIA board , Mary McColgan , raising concerns about how the regulator was carrying out directions given by the Department of Health .
In an email sent on May 4 to RQIA 's interim chief executive , Dermot Parsons , Ms McColgan wrote : `` Board members shared their concerns about RQIA 's decisions in response to department directives and communication to providers and users of services in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' She added : `` RQIA communication and conveying key messages to the public is paramount at this critical time . ''
However , Ms McColgan also said a further proposal to send RQIA staff into care homes to work in support roles `` contradicts '' the original decision to reduce inspections .
Later that day , the RQIA interim chief executive , Dermot Parsons , wrote to Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride stating he felt his position was untenable .
Mr Parsons told Dr McBride he felt the RQIA board `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this role '' and he was unsure who he should discuss his `` resignation '' with .
He concluded the email by stating : `` My main concern is that the distraction caused by this apparent conflict between RQIA Board and the executive team , mainly in the person of me , is taking away from time that should be spent working on partial solutions to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and , ultimately , contributing to saving lives of vulnerable people who live in care homes . ''
Dr McBride responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his `` full support and confidence at this unprecedented time . ''
Ms McColgan was later asked by the Department of Health to step aside as interim chair but remain on the board in a non-executive role .
According to board members , this move triggered the mass resignation as they `` had full confidence '' in Ms McColgan .
On Thursday , Health Minister Robin Swann announced the appointment of a new chair of the RQIA , Christine Collins .
In his statement , he said that there had been a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board .
He did not reveal the reasons for the resignations , but said : `` I believe the reasons cited for the resignations could have been addressed to the satisfaction of all concerned and I would place on record my thanks for their service . ''
• How can we stop coronavirus in care homes ?
Commenting on the decision of RQIA board members to resign , Mr Swann said : `` These board positions are by ministerial appointment , yet it is disappointing that none of those resigning made any contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I fully appreciate that this has been an extremely challenging period for everyone across the health and social care system . ''
RQIA said the changes to the board membership would have no impact on its day to day work .

He concluded the email by stating: "My main concern is that the distraction caused by this apparent conflict between RQIA Board and the executive team, mainly in the person of me, is taking away from time that should be spent working on partial solutions to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and, ultimately, contributing to saving lives of vulnerable people who live in care homes."


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Community oxygen tests 'key to second wave'

Oxygen levels in suspected coronavirus cases should be monitored in the community to help hospitals cope with a second wave of cases , according to Wales ' leading respiratory doctor .
Dr Simon Barry said early on in the pandemic it became clear reduced oxygen levels in the blood suggested a patient had Covid-19 .
But flu and pneumonia will be more common in a future winter peak .
This means more community monitoring would be needed , he said .
Dr Barry is leading the implementation of Welsh guidelines to treat the virus , and said work was under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients were admitted to hospital in future .
Most people with coronavirus only have mild symptoms , and sometimes none at all .
But doctors report low blood oxygen saturation levels among those who are admitted to hospital with coronavirus .
Healthy adults usually have saturation levels of between 94 % and 99 % , whereas those with Covid-19 can fall below 90 % and require oxygen therapy and , in some cases , ventilation in intensive care .
Dr Barry , who has treated Covid-19 patients , has also developed a website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors in all Welsh hospitals .
He said : `` Early on there was a clear recognition that this disease caused oxygenation failure in people who presented .
`` The ones who got sick ( the 20 % of patients who get sick ) had low oxygen levels and they came into hospital with low oxygen levels . ''
Dr Barry said far more patients had been treated with a continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP ) device than he had anticipated .
The treatment , which involves a tight-fitting mask that delivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given while the patient is awake and does not require them to be sedated and placed on a mechanical ventilator .
`` We 've learned that actually you can manage patients with quite bad oxygenation failure on the wards , using CPAP , and getting them to lie on their front , '' he said .
`` And we also know that , if you go to ITU [ an intensive therapy unit ] and you 're ventilated , you have very high mortality .
It 's about 70 % if you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is key in providing the best treatment , and monitoring blood oxygen levels could prove crucial in determining whether someone has coronavirus or another respiratory illness .
Dr Barry , who is based at Cardiff and Vale health board , said a winter surge would mean Covid-19 mixing with flu and pneumonia cases .
That , he said , would mean it would be `` extremely difficult '' to manage patients into `` safe streams '' within hospitals , making community testing necessary .
`` We are looking at a mechanism to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests , point-of-care , in the community .
Both in primary care but also using the Welsh ambulance crew , so they will be able to make a specific diagnosis within minutes . ''
Engineers at the University of South Wales have received Welsh Government funding to create a new oximeter , a £50 portable device which can accurately measure a patient 's blood oxygen levels .
Prof Nigel Copner , who has led the programme to rapidly develop the oximeter at the laboratory in Treforest , said the devices would be ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be the first to benefit .
`` Wales obviously has first call , the Welsh Government has funded the project in total .
And we have contract manufacturers down in Sony that can manufacture the device and turn it around very quickly . ''
• What are ventilators and how do they work ?
• 'Our hospitals were n't made to use so much oxygen' Prof Copner said the device had `` no issues '' with pre-existing supply chains , which have been stretched by global demand .
`` We can actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in south Wales , and we can turn around high volumes in a matter of weeks , '' he added .
Clinicians have also responded in innovative ways during the pandemic .
Dr Barry said a pioneering online training platform had helped Welsh doctors to provide the best treatment , as lessons were learned and best practice shared quickly with colleagues .
`` Traditionally in Wales we have seven health boards that do things in seven different ways , '' he said .
`` But if you stood above it and you look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ineffective way to manage cases .
`` We 're trying to rise above that by saying 'look , this is the national guideline ' .
We are getting experts within Wales who are talking about updates and talking about what should be the best practice .
And that seems a logical way to proceed . ''

"We are looking at a mechanism to be able to do all of these specific tests, point-of-care, in the community. Both in primary care but also using the Welsh ambulance crew, so they will be able to make a specific diagnosis within minutes."


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Alton Towers calls for 'clarity' on 2m rule

Alton Towers says it needs `` clarity '' on the 2m ( 6ft ) social distancing rule because it affects how many people will be able to go on roller coasters .
Its Wicker Man ride could run at full capacity of 24 people with a 1m distance , bosses at the theme park have said .
However , that would have to drop to six people if the current 2m rule remains .
Boris Johnson is expected to announce if there will be further easing of lockdown rules in England on Tuesday .
The prime minister 's announcement in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality sector can reopen from 4 July and and that the 2m distancing rule in England will be relaxed , with some conditions .
In March Alton Towers closed the day before it was due to open for the 2020 season .
The resort 's divisional director Emma Catterall said : `` What the whole of the hospitality sector is after is clarity .
`` We really need to hear confirmation of that 4 July date and confirmation of the guidance we need to follow .
Of course if 2m is moving to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our preparations .
`` It 'll mean we can welcome more people into our hotels , more people into our water park and ... seat more people on our rides . ''
She said the Staffordshire attraction was `` only keen to open in a safe way '' .
There are plans for `` enhanced cleaning regimes '' , including people sanitising their hands before getting on rides and staff sanitising handles , Alton Towers said .
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"We really need to hear confirmation of that 4 July date and confirmation of the guidance we need to follow. Of course if 2m is moving to 1m, that makes a significant difference to our preparations.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Lockdown to be relaxed in England as 2m rule eased

Pubs , restaurants , hotels and hairdressers can open from 4 July in England , when social distancing rules will be eased .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should remain 2m apart where possible but a `` one metre plus '' rule will be introduced .
Two households in England will also be able to meet indoors and stay overnight - with social distancing .
The prime minister warned that all the steps were `` reversible '' .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , Wales ' First Minister Mark Drakeford and Northern Ireland 's Arlene Foster have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their nations for the moment .
Indoor gyms , swimming pools , nail bars and indoor play areas are among the list of businesses that will remain closed , as they have been since lockdown started on 23 March .
• Lifting lockdown : All you need to know • 'There will be a shortage of holiday cottages' The meeting of households will not be exclusive so , for example , one set of grandparents could see their relatives one weekend , and the other set of grandparents the next .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to maintain social distance - so family members who live apart will not be able to hug .
Mr Johnson said people would be encouraged to use `` mitigation '' - such as face coverings and not sitting face-to-face - when less than 2m from each other but `` where it is possible to keep 2m apart , people should '' .
Mr Johnson said the `` national hibernation '' was beginning to end , and `` life is returning to our streets '' but warned the virus was still not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Our principle is to trust the British public to use their common sense in the full knowledge of the risks , remembering the more we open up , the more vigilant we need to be . ''
The venues listed as being able to reopen include : • Pubs , bars and restaurants but only with a table service indoors , and owners will be asked to keep contact details of customers to help with contact tracing • Hotels , holiday apartments , campsites and caravan parks but shared facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music halls but they will not be allowed to hold live performances • In other changes weddings will be allowed to have 30 attendees , and places of worship will be allowed to hold services but singing will be banned • Hair salons and barbers will be able to reopen but must put protective measures , such as visors , in place • Indoor attractions where animals are exhibited , such as at zoos , aquariums , farms , safari parks and wildlife centres What can not open from 4 July ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Indoor fitness and dance studios , and indoor gyms and sports venues/facilities - although Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted that ministers hope to be able to reopen gyms and leisure facilities in mid-July • Exhibition or conference centres - other than for those who work for that venue .
Read more detail on how lockdown measures are easing in England here .
Mr Johnson said the government could not open everything at the same time and said `` difficult judgements '' had to be made .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I believe the government is trying to do the right thing and in that I support them '' .
He added he thought it was `` safe for some children to return to school '' and he urged clarity over getting all children back to school safely .
Restrictions have to lift at some point .
The big question is whether the UK is moving too soon .
The number of infections has fallen dramatically .
There are now just over 1,000 new cases a day on average .
That compares with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of March - we do n't know the exact figure because there was limited testing in place .
Huge progress has , therefore , been made .
But the number of infections is still significantly higher than other countries .
France and Germany are seeing fewer than half the number of infections that the UK is ( and Germany has a larger population ) , while Italy has fewer than a quarter .
It is why there are plenty of experts , including former government chief scientific adviser Sir David King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too quickly .
But , of course , not lifting them comes at a cost too - to the economy , to people 's health and wellbeing and to wider society .
At the end of the day it is a finely balanced judgement call .
We will only know whether it was the right one or not in the weeks and months to come .
Current evidence suggests being 1m apart carries between two and 10 times the risk of being 2m apart , scientists advising the government have said .
Under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep 2m apart where they can .
If not , to remain at least 1m apart while taking steps to reduce the risk of transmission .
They include measures such as not sitting face-to-face , cutting the number of people in an enclosed space , or by having hand-sanitiser available to use .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of this mess ?
Mr Johnson said it was each nation 's own responsibility to make their own lockdown restrictions but said all parts of the UK were now `` travelling in the same direction '' .
• Scotland not yet ready to relax 2m distance rule • Wales will only changed 2m rule 'when safe' During the government 's final daily coronavirus press briefing , chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the R value for the UK - the average number of people that one infected person passes the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.9 .
It came after the prime minister said he did not believe there was `` a risk of a second peak of infections that might overwhelm the NHS '' .
He highlighted a further decline in the seven-day rolling average of deaths , and championed an increase in testing - now totalling over 8 million since the beginning of the pandemic .
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said : `` This is not a return back to normal business , but it is a very big moment , and a step to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point to note though , as I understand it , the advice from the government will still be that people should work at home if they can . ''
Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said : `` We are extremely pleased that pubs are reopening on 4 July after a long hiatus .
`` We are going to discuss the precise government proposals with our pub managers and staff before we comment further on the details . ''
UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said : `` Getting venues open again , even with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best way to secure businesses and jobs . ''
But she warned while many businesses would endeavour to reopen the capacity constraints caused by social distancing would mean some were unviable and government support remained `` crucial '' .
A further 171 deaths have been reported across all settings in the UK , taking the total to 42,927 .
Latest testing figures showed there were 874 positive cases identified in the 24 hours to 09:00 BST on Tuesday .
• WEIR , BURROW AND DARBY : Life with MND under lockdown • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Salisbury Poisonings

In a statement in the Commons earlier, Mr Johnson said people would be encouraged to use "mitigation" - such as face coverings and not sitting face-to-face - when less than 2m from each other but "where it is possible to keep 2m apart, people should".


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Scottish schools aim to reopen full-time in August

Scottish schools are aiming to reopen full-time with no physical distancing in August if coronavirus continues to be suppressed , John Swinney has said .
Schools had been preparing to return with a `` blended '' model of face-to-face teaching and at-home learning .
But the education secretary said `` significant progress '' had been made in controlling the spread of the virus .
Mr Swinney said ministers were now preparing for all schools to open full-time in August .
He had previously targeted having pupils spend at least half their time physically in the classroom , leading to concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move was a `` u-turn '' and a `` climbdown '' which had been forced by public pressure .
And union bosses said other measures would need to be put in place to keep staff and pupils safe , such as the use of face coverings and routine testing of teachers .
• 'We will accept the risks for full-time school' Schools have faced difficulty in working out how to bring pupils back in August while maintaining the current 2m ( 6ft 6in ) physical distancing rule , leading to the blended learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered officials to review whether the distancing rule could be relaxed in some circumstances .
Northern Ireland is set to use a 1m rule for school pupils , while England will move to a `` one metre plus '' rule from 4 July .
Mr Swinney said the blended learning plan was a `` necessary '' contingency plan , drawn up a time when the outlook was `` bleak '' - but that `` the picture looks more positive '' now .
He said : `` When we prepared our plans back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we would have made as much progress in virus suppression as we have .
`` It is this more positive outlook that allows the Scottish government to make this change in planning for schools . ''
' I was having to consider quitting work under blended learning' Penni Brown from Edinburgh is `` so unbelievably relieved '' that the Scottish government is now planning to have all schools back full-time from August .
She has five children , two of them dyslexic , and she had to give them a lot of support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
She told BBC Scotland : `` I was having to consider resigning from work under blended learning , as with five kids they would all be at school at different times .
I felt passionately enough about it to fight for all of Scotland 's children , not just my own .
`` I do n't believe the science justifies `` blended learning '' or social distancing amongst children .
I think it may be suitable for teachers to remain socially distanced while allowing children to interact normally .
`` My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents of special needs kids as well as many vulnerable families for whom this is pushing them over the edge . ''
Mr Swinney said full time schooling for all pupils was `` the aim the government is now working towards '' , with no physical distancing rules to be enforced in classrooms .
However , he stressed that this was strictly conditional on Covid-19 continuing to be suppressed and `` stringent '' safety measures being put in place for staff and pupils .
And he said that blended learning may still have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , warning that `` there are no certainties with this virus '' .
The education secretary also announced an extra £100m of funding over two years to help children return to school and `` recover any lost ground '' .
And he said £30m would be spent on laptops for the 70,000 most disadvantaged pupils , amid concerns about the impact of home learning on the attainment gap .
Just last Sunday , John Swinney said it was `` unlikely '' schools would return to normal within the coming school year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could return to normal - or something far more akin to it , with no physical distancing at all - within seven weeks .
So in a little over a week there has been a remarkable change of tack from the government .
It has certainly been enabled by the progress made in suppressing coronavirus , but a key factor will also have been the increasingly vocal concerns of parents - who during that same week were receiving letters from schools underscoring the reality of the `` blended '' learning model .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ u-turns and climbdowns , what those parents will ultimately care about is what is actually delivered in classrooms come August .
If Mr Swinney 's vision of a return to normality can be delivered , the politics around it may largely be forgotten .
Council umbrella body Cosla said the statement from Mr Swinney was `` a significant change in direction '' .
Spokesman Stephen McCabe said local authorities would `` work with the Scottish government , trade unions , parent organisations and children and young people representatives to consider the implications and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils in August '' .
The EIS union said `` a great deal of work at school level has already gone into planning for a blended learning model '' and that there would need to be `` time to adjust plans and conduct revised risk assessments '' .
General secretary Larry Flanagan said there needed to be `` appropriate mitigations '' to protect staff and pupils , such as the use of face coverings , `` proactive '' testing of teachers and physical distancing between pupils and staff .
While opposition parties broadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the government 's handling of the issue .
As recently as 14 June , Mr Swinney had said it was `` unlikely '' that schools could return to normal within the current school year , suggesting that the 2021 exam diet may need to be pushed back .
The Scottish Conservatives said the `` screeching u-turn '' had been forced on the government by `` relentless campaigning from all quarters '' and an `` outburst of anger from parents '' .
Education spokesman Jamie Greene said : `` The sad truth is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed nothing but a complete vacuum of leadership in the handling of this issue . ''
Scottish Labour accused Mr Swinney of `` the mother and father of all ministerial climb-downs '' , with education spokesman Iain Gray saying the government had produced `` a completely new plan at the last possible moment '' .
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How long does it take to get better ?

She told BBC Scotland: "I was having to consider resigning from work under blended learning, as with five kids they would all be at school at different times. I felt passionately enough about it to fight for all of Scotland's children, not just my own.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Daily Downing Street press conference scrapped

The daily Downing Street press conference on coronavirus has been stopped , the government has announced .
Boris Johnson led the final regular briefing , flanked by chief advisers Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance .
From now on televised briefings will be given on an `` ad hoc '' basis to `` coincide with significant announcements , , '' Downing Street said .
It comes as the PM announced an easing of the lockdown in England .
There have been 92 briefings , and two national addresses by the prime minister .
Leading the final briefing , Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their `` heroic work in presenting information to the public so clearly and so powerfully '' .
• Lockdown to be relaxed in England as 2m rule eased He added that there will `` certainly '' be more local outbreaks and `` I do n't think , therefore , that you have seen the last of us by any means but they will not be happening as often as they have been '' .
He said all of the information on hospital admissions , death rates and the spread of the virus presented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published on the government website .
The daily briefings started on 16 March , following criticism of a lack of transparency over government plans to stem the spread of the virus .
At the time , the UK death toll from Covid-19 stood at 55 and the government had yet to introduce lockdown measures .
The total number of deaths currently stands at 42,927 .
Mr Johnson led the first briefing , flanked by the government 's chief medical adviser Chris Whitty and the UK 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid going to pubs and non-essential travel , and work from home if they could .
The PM led the next four briefings , before handing over to a rotating cast of cabinet ministers , normally accompanied by scientific and medical experts .
The panel talked through slides on hospital admissions , deaths and the government 's efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and then took questions from the media , via video conferencing .
Mr Johnson gave a televised address to the nation on the introduction of the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his appearances at the daily briefings to major announcements .
On Sunday 24 May , he appeared at the daily briefing to defend his chief adviser , Dominic Cummings , following revelations that he had driven 260 miles at the height of the lockdown .
The Saturday and Sunday briefings were scrapped shortly afterwards , due to low ratings .
At the end of April , the panel began taking two questions submitted by members of the public .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock led the most daily briefings , with 26 appearances , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab - who filled in for Mr Johnson when he was in hospital with coronavirus - led 16 briefings , with Business Secretary Alok Sharma and Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick hosting six each .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak appeared five times - the same number as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps .
Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove , Environment Secretary George Eustice , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden appeared a handful of times each .
Home Secretary Priti Patel was the only female minister to take a turn at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In recent weeks , ministers have increasingly been appearing on their own , without scientific or medical advisers .
Deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van-Tam last appeared at a briefing on 30 May , while Dr Jenny Harries , deputy chief medical officer for England , made her first appearance in more than three weeks on Monday .

He added that there will "certainly" be more local outbreaks and "I don't think, therefore, that you have seen the last of us by any means but they will not be happening as often as they have been".


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Reading stabbings: 'Heartbroken' families pay tribute to victims

Tributes have been paid by the `` heartbroken '' families of three men who were stabbed to death in a park in Reading on Saturday .
James Furlong , David Wails and Joe Ritchie-Bennett died in the attack .
The PM sent his `` deepest condolences '' to their families , describing the attack as `` abject cowardice '' .
Police continue to question suspect Khairi Saadallah , 25 , who came to the UK from Libya in 2012 .
He was arrested under the Terrorism Act .
• What we know so far • Who were the victims ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialised in clean energy , was the last victim to be named .
His parents said he was a `` kind and much loved son , brother and uncle who never hurt anyone in his life '' .
`` We are broken-hearted at losing him and in such a terrible way , '' they said .
His employer , metals and chemicals firm Johnson Matthey , described him as `` a gentle , thoughtful man with a dry sense of humour '' who was `` proud to use his expertise to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friend Michael Main said he `` always made people smile '' .
Mr Ritchie-Bennett , 39 , was originally from Philadelphia but had lived in the UK for 15 years .
His father , Robert Ritchie , said the family were `` heartbroken '' , while his brother-in-law , Stephen Bennett , and sister-in-law , Katy Bennett , said he was `` the most kind , caring and loving person that you could meet '' .
BBC Radio Berkshire presenter Sarah Walker said Mr Ritchie-Bennett had been married to her close friend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six years ago .
She described him as a `` fantastic human being '' who was `` outrageously funny '' .
Mr Furlong , 36 , was a teacher and head of history , government and politics at The Holt School in Wokingham .
His parents Gary and Janet described him as `` beautiful , intelligent , honest and fun '' .
`` He was the best son , brother , uncle and partner you could wish for , '' they said .
Speaking in the Commons shortly after a minute 's silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson paid tribute to the three victims .
`` To assault defenceless people in a park is not simply an act of wickedness but abject cowardice , and we will never yield to those who seek to destroy our way of life , '' he said .
More than 100 students , some holding hands , gathered at the gates of The Holt School for a two-minute silence on Monday morning , while a flag in the courtyard was lowered to half-mast .
Former pupils and parents have asked for the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Furlong 's memory .
Mourners also gathered for a one-minute silence outside the Blagrave Arms pub in Reading town centre , where the three men were regular customers .
It was described as a `` safe space '' for members of the LGBT+ community .
A tribute on the door called them `` the kindest , most genuine , and most loveliest people '' .
Martin Cooper , chief executive of LGBT+ charity Reading Pride , described the three men as `` true gentlemen '' .
`` They were a support network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be sorely missed by many , '' he said .
Police were called to Reading 's Forbury Gardens at about 19:00 BST on Saturday .
Witnesses say a lone attacker with a knife shouted `` unintelligible words '' and stabbed several people who were in a group .
Three other people who were injured in the attack have since been discharged from hospital , police said .
The suspect , Mr Saadallah , was initially arrested on suspicion of murder .
He was later re-arrested on Sunday under Section 41 of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police have the power to detain him without charge for up to 14 days .
Mr Saadallah originally claimed asylum and was given leave to remain in 2018 , the BBC 's Home Affairs correspondent Daniel Sandford said .
He came to the attention of MI5 last year as someone who might travel overseas , possibly for terrorism purposes , but they assessed that he was not a genuine threat or an immediate risk .
A close member of his family told the BBC that he left Libya to escape the violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from post-traumatic stress from the civil war .
However , he had been thinking of trying to return .
They said his long-standing mental health problems had been exacerbated by the coronavirus lockdown .
Neighbours said Mr Saadallah threw a TV from his top-floor flat this year and had a mental health key worker .
In a statement , his brother , Aiman Saadallah , said : `` We are all shocked and deeply saddened by this senseless attack .
`` I want to express our condolences to the families of the victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery for all those injured . ''
Counter terror police , who are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident , have said they are `` keeping an open mind as to the motive for this attack '' .
They are continuing to appeal for information .
After visiting Reading to lay flowers on Monday morning , Home Secretary Priti Patel told MPs the threat posed by lone attackers was `` growing '' .
She thanked those who responded to the incident , including student police officers - noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` took down the suspect without hesitation '' while another carried out first aid .
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said it was `` heartbreaking that we are having this conversation again so soon '' after attacks at Fishmongers ' Hall near London Bridge in November and in Streatham in February - adding that the public `` will want answers '' .
He previously said that with the Ministry of Justice 's budget having been cut by 40 % over 10 years , the government needed to reconsider the resources available for de-radicalisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring , supervision and risk assessment of released prisoners .

He previously said that with the Ministry of Justice's budget having been cut by 40% over 10 years, the government needed to reconsider the resources available for de-radicalisation programmes in prisons, as well as monitoring, supervision and risk assessment of released prisoners.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Blackpool Airport suspends banner flights

Blackpool Airport has suspended banner flights from its base after the message 'White Lives Matter Burnley ' was towed by an aeroplane over Etihad Stadium .
Lancashire Police is also investigating the banner , which was flown over the stadium during Manchester City 's 5-0 win over Burnley on Monday .
In a statement , manager Stephen Smith said the airport and Blackpool Council are `` outraged by this incident '' .
Burnley say they are `` ashamed and embarrassed '' by the banner .
Blackpool Airport says the incident was reported to police and the Civil Aviation Authority .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ against racism of any kind and absolutely do not condone the activity , the message was offensive and the action reprehensible .
The decision to fly the banner was taken entirely by the banner flying company without the knowledge or approval of the airport or Blackpool Council .
`` Due to the nature of the activity , banners are not checked before take-off and the content is at the operator 's discretion .
`` Following an emergency review this morning , Blackpool Airport will suspend all banner towing operations at the airport with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other airports should also consider this approach in light of what has happened at Blackpool . ''
Chief superintendent Russ Procter said Lancashire Police are making enquiries `` to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident '' and will then be in a position to `` make an assessment as to whether any criminal offences have taken place '' .
He added : `` We recognise that this banner will have caused offence to many people in Lancashire and beyond and we continue to liaise closely with our partners at both the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Moriarty , chief executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority , said his organisation condemned the incident and would `` support the police and other relevant authorities to investigate any reports of inappropriate or illegal activities , providing whatever assistance we can '' .
Burnley and City players and staff had taken a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement moments before the aircraft circled over the stadium .
`` Fans like that do n't deserve to be around football , '' Clarets skipper Ben Mee told BBC Radio 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're embarrassed .
It 's a minority of our supporters - I know I speak for a massive part of our support who distance ourselves from anything like that . ''
In a statement , Burnley said that the banner `` in no way represents '' what the club stands for and that they will `` work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and take appropriate action '' .
Both Burnley and City were wearing shirts with the players ' names replaced with 'Black Lives Matter ' .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Air Ads , which operates out of Blackpool Airport and runs a one-stop shop where they make the banners and fly them .
They have flown over football stadiums in the past , including a 'Moyes Out ' one at Old Trafford .
When BBC Sport contacted the company , a man who answered refused to give his name but said he was packing away the banner .
He said as long as banners were legal and did not use coarse language , the company did not 'take sides ' and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He claimed police had been informed of the banner in advance .
The Premier League resumed on 17 June after a 100-day hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic ; players and officials have been showing their support for the movement for racial equality following the death of George Floyd in the United States last month .
Floyd , a 46-year-old unarmed black man , died as a white police officer held a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
His death sparked protests around the world .

Last updated on .From the section Burnley
Tony Livesey's anger at seeing 'White Lives Matter Burnley' banner
Blackpool Airport has suspended banner flights from its base after the message 'White Lives Matter Burnley' was towed by an aeroplane over Etihad Stadium on Monday night.
The banner was flown over the stadium during Manchester City's 5-0 win over Burnley.
In a statement, manager Stephen Smith said the airport and Blackpool Council are "outraged by this incident".
Burnley say they are "ashamed and embarrassed" by the banner.
Blackpool Airport says the incident was reported to police and the Civil Aviation Authority.
Chief superintendent Russ Procter said Lancashire Police had investigated the incident but "concluded that there are no criminal offences that have been disclosed at this time".
Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said his organisation condemned the incident.
Burnley CEO 'disgusted' by the banner flown over the Etihad
Blackpool airport statement read: "We stand against racism of any kind and absolutely do not condone the activity, the message was offensive and the action reprehensible. The decision to fly the banner was taken entirely by the banner flying company without the knowledge or approval of the airport or Blackpool Council.
"Due to the nature of the activity, banners are not checked before take-off and the content is at the operator's discretion.
"Following an emergency review this morning, Blackpool Airport will suspend all banner towing operations at the airport with immediate effect and we would suggest that other airports should also consider this approach in light of what has happened at Blackpool."
Burnley and City players and staff had taken a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement moments before the aircraft circled over the stadium.
"Fans like that don't deserve to be around football," Clarets skipper Ben Mee told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"We're ashamed, we're embarrassed. It's a minority of our supporters - I know I speak for a massive part of our support who distance ourselves from anything like that."
In a statement, Burnley said that the banner "in no way represents" what the club stands for and that they will "work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and take appropriate action".
The aircraft circled above Etihad Stadium for several minutes before departing
Both Burnley and City were wearing shirts with the players' names replaced with 'Black Lives Matter'.
It is understood that the stunt was carried out by Air Ads, which operates out of Blackpool Airport and runs a one-stop shop where they make the banners and fly them. They have flown over football stadiums in the past, including a 'Moyes Out' one at Old Trafford.
When BBC Sport contacted the company, a man who answered refused to give his name but said he was packing away the banner.
He said as long as banners were legal and did not use coarse language, the company did not 'take sides' and had previously done a Black Lives Matter banner. He claimed police had been informed of the banner in advance.
The Premier League resumed on 17 June after a 100-day hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic; players and officials have been showing their support for the movement for racial equality following the death of George Floyd in the United States last month.
Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, died as a white police officer held a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His death sparked protests around the world.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--PC Harper murder trial: Officer died in 'shocking circumstances'

A police officer was killed in `` truly shocking circumstances '' when he was dragged for more than a mile by a car on a country road , a court heard .
PC Andrew Harper was `` swung from side to side like a pendulum '' after his ankles got caught in a strap trailing behind a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Henry Long in Berkshire in August 2019 .
The Old Bailey heard his uniform was `` ripped and stripped from his body '' .
Mr Long and passengers Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole , both 18 , deny murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new jury after a trial , which started in March , could not be finished due to the coronavirus lockdown .
Jonathan Laidlaw QC , prosecuting , said PC Harper , 28 , from Wallingford , Oxfordshire , was left with the `` most appalling of injuries ... and he died there on the road '' after he became entangled in the tow rope .
`` It was a senseless killing of a young police officer in the line of duty ; a young man who was doing no more than his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the night of 15 August , Peter Wallis called police to report the theft of a quad bike from the drive outside his home in Bradfield Southend .
The court heard PC Harper was due to finish his shift for Thames Valley Police 's roads policing unit , but he and a colleague responded to the call .
`` It was going beyond the call of duty , as it were , and it cost Andrew Harper his life , '' Mr Laidlaw added .
At the scene they saw a Seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution said .
Mr Bowers was a passenger while Mr Cole was riding the quad bike , which was attached to the car with strapping .
Mr Cole loosened the straps before driving the quad bike around the police car .
Mr Laidlaw said PC Harper got out of his vehicle to intercept him .
`` The loop of strapping was now on the ground and being dragged behind the Seat , '' Mr Laidlaw said .
`` PC Harper must have quite unwittingly stepped , with both feet , into the loop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laidlaw said Mr Long then `` sped off '' and PC Harper was `` lassoed '' around his ankles .
PC Harper 's colleague , PC Andrew Shaw , described it `` as if he had lost his footing while water skiing '' with his feet `` being whipped forward and his body being thrown back '' .
Mr Laidlaw said while none of the defendants could have `` possibly intended that that should happen '' it `` must have been very quickly clear to Henry Long ... that the vehicle was now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Seat travelled for more than a mile before PC Harper became detached from the strap .
Mr Long , from Mortimer , Reading , has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but , along with Mr Bowers and Mr Cole , denies murder .
Mr Cole , of Paices Hill near Reading , Mr Bowers , of Moat Close , Bramley , and Mr Long have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal a quad bike .
The trial , expected to last five weeks , continues .

The court heard the officers came face-to-face with the Seat Toledo in Admoor Lane, which was driven by Mr Long. Mr Bowers was in the front passenger seat and Mr Cole was riding the quad bike, the prosecution said, which was being towed from behind with a strap.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Dame Vera Lynn: Calls for statue at Dover's white cliffs

The daughter of Dame Vera Lynn has welcomed calls to install a statue of the Forces ' Sweetheart at the white cliffs of Dover .
Virginia-Lewis Jones said it was an `` amazing idea , '' adding that her mother `` really deserves it '' .
The singer , best known for entertaining troops during World War Two , died on 18 June aged 103 .
Lord Dannatt , former head of the British Army , also backed proposals for a memorial in Dover .
He said he believed `` no-one '' would oppose a statue of Dame Vera , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` fantastically appropriate '' setting .
`` It has my vote , '' he added .
Dame Vera , who lived in Ditchling , East Sussex , was credited with lifting morale during World War Two with songs such as We 'll Meet Again and The White Cliffs Of Dover .
In 2017 , a campaign backed by the entertainer to buy land at the top of Dover 's white cliffs reached its £1m target in under three weeks .
Her daughter said a memorial would be `` absolutely fantastic , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continues to do so much for people , and children and charities '' .
Dover MP Natalie Elphicke said the white cliffs of Dover would be the `` perfect place '' for a memorial to `` recognise Dame Vera 's immense contribution '' .
D-Day Veteran George Batts recalled the impact her music made while he was on deployment in the Far East during the 1940s .
`` It really did bring you back to home , '' he said .
`` We 'd all be sitting around just listening and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tears going down . ''
Mr Batts said that while there was `` a lot of controversy about memorials now , '' a statue of Dame Vera was much deserved and `` can never be argued against '' .
The National Trust , which owns and manages the cliff top , said : `` No formal plans are in place at this time for a memorial , but we are considering what we might do by way of a commemoration . ''
Due to reduced staffing as result of Covid-19 , it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options and seek the input of partner organisations , '' the trust said in a statement .

The National Trust, which owns and manages the cliff top, said: "No formal plans are in place at this time for a memorial, but we are considering what we might do by way of a commemoration."


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Warning thousands could be left with lung damage

Tens of thousands of people will need to be recalled to hospital after a serious Covid-19 infection to check if they have been left with permanent lung damage , doctors have told the BBC .
Experts are concerned a significant proportion could be left with lung scarring , known as pulmonary fibrosis .
The condition is irreversible and symptoms can include severe shortness of breath , coughing and fatigue .
NHS England said it was opening specialist rehabilitation centres .
Retired taxi driver Anthony McHugh , 68 , was admitted to hospital on 6 March with coronavirus symptoms .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care and placed on a ventilator for 13 days .
`` I was feeling breathless , then I just remember being rushed into ICU , and after that it was all just a blank , '' he said .
Mr McHugh , from Hertfordshire , spent a total of four weeks in hospital and another two in an NHS rehabilitation unit .
He returned home in mid-April but still suffers from breathing difficulties two months later .
`` It 's little things like walking up the stairs or watering the flowers outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to stop , '' he said .
CT scans taken while he was in hospital showed a white mist , or `` ground glass '' , pattern in both lungs - a characteristic sign of coronavirus In serious cases it 's thought coronavirus can trigger an exaggerated immune response causing mucus , fluid and other cells to fill the air sacs , or alveoli .
When this happens , pneumonia can set in , making it difficult to breathe without assistance .
An X-ray of Mr McHugh 's lungs taken six weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines , known as reticular shadowing , that could indicate the early signs of scarring or pulmonary fibrosis .
`` With all these cases , we ca n't say for certain at the moment , '' said Dr Sam Hare , an executive committee member of the British Society of Thoracic Imaging and advisor to the Royal College of Radiologists .
`` But usually with a virus or infection at six weeks , you would expect the scan to have returned to normal .
It has n't and that 's the worry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been discharged from hospital , Mr McHugh will need another scan at 12 weeks to see if the suspected scarring on his lungs has deteriorated .
• Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that occurs when fragile parts of the lungs become damaged and scarred • The thickened , stiff tissue makes it more difficult for the air sacs to work effectively • In some cases this can lead to breathing difficulties and fatigue , as well as leaving the patient more susceptible to other lung infections in the future • It is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be progressive , meaning it gets worse over time .
Research into the prevalence of lung damage caused by Covid-19 is still at a very early stage .
It 's thought those with a mild form of the disease are unlikely to suffer permanent damage .
But those in hospital , and particularly those in intensive care or with a severe infection , are more vulnerable to complications .
In a study from China , published in March , 66 of 70 patients still had some level of lung damage after being discharged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , based on the early results of follow-up scans , they are concerned about the long term-effects of a serious infection .
`` In the six-week scans we 're seeing , so far I would say between 20 % and 30 % of patients who have been in hospital appear to show some early signs of lung scarring , '' says Dr Hare , who helped draw up NHS radiology protocols to diagnose Covid-19 .
Other UK radiologists have told the BBC they were noticing a similar pattern .
More detailed data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sars and Mers , found between 20 % and 60 % of patients experienced some form of health problem consistent with pulmonary fibrosis .
Whereas those earlier outbreaks were contained relatively successfully , the virus that causes Covid-19 has spread across the world , with more than eight million confirmed infections to date .
More than 100,000 patients have needed hospital care for Covid-19 in England since the pandemic started in February , according to NHS figures .
`` My concern with Covid-19 is because so much of the population has been infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm worried about the sheer volume of patients that we 're going to have to treat , simply because so many more people have had the virus . ''
Lung fibrosis can not be cured because scarring in the lung tissue is permanent .
But new drugs can slow down the progression of the disease and even stop it completely if detected in time .
`` We now need to understand how big the problem is and when we should intervene with treatment , '' said Prof Gisli Jenkins , of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is running assessment clinics for those discharged from hospital with Covid-19 .
Prof Jenkins , who is based in Nottingham , said : `` My real concern is that never before in our lifetime have so many people been subject to the same lung injury at the same time . ''
NHS England has said it is planning to open a number of specialist Covid-19 rehabilitation centres to help patients recover from long-term effects , including possible lung damage .
In Scotland and Wales the plan is to adapt existing services and provide @ @ @ @

"In the six-week scans we're seeing, so far I would say between 20% and 30% of patients who have been in hospital appear to show some early signs of lung scarring," says Dr Hare, who helped draw up NHS radiology protocols to diagnose Covid-19.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--MPs to vote on bullying complaints panel

The House of Commons will vote later on plans to establish an independent panel of experts to deal with bullying allegations against MPs .
The panel would replace the committee of MPs that currently has the final say on action taken .
But the FDA union says there are concerns over plans to hold debates on the panel 's recommendations .
It says fear of the debates would prevent staff from coming forward and it urged MPs not to back the proposal .
In 2018 an inquiry led by Dame Laura Cox recommended that the process to deal with bullying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be independent of MPs .
The expert panel would be made up of eight members who are `` independent of Parliament '' - so no MPs - and it will be able to impose sanctions and hear appeals .
But if it proposes the suspension or expulsion of an MP , the House will consider a motion to impose the sanction .
Writing in The House magazine , Amy Leversidge , assistant general secretary of the FDA Union said : `` Fear of a debate among MPs risks deterring staff from putting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassment , and staff will clearly be concerned about how the proposed rules can meaningfully be enforced when MPs are protected by parliamentary privilege .
`` There will be little faith that these proposed rules will be abided by because if MPs intended to abide by them , they would n't be asking for the right to debate at all . ''
More than 107 people have signed a petition urging MPs not to agree to debates on the panel 's decisions .
Enya Evans , who started the petition , wrote : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many staff - myself included - will be dissuaded from ever filing a complaint about a Parliamentarian .
`` No one is ever going to complain about them if they think their experiences are literally going to be debated by the perpetrators . ''
Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom and Labour MP Chris Bryant have both put forward suggested changes - amendments - to the motion , which aim to limit the opportunity for MPs to take advantage of debates to attack accusers .
Mrs Leadsom wants to move the opportunity to debate from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Standards Committee , while Mr Bryant has proposed ditching the debate and sending it straight to a vote instead .
Dame Laura Cox 's report , published in 2018 , detailed alleged sexual harassment by MPs from women who said they were `` inappropriately touched '' and `` repeatedly propositioned '' .
`` Disturbing '' cases were `` long been tolerated and concealed '' , the report from the former High Court judge said , adding that senior House of Commons staff needed to make radical changes .
It was followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's on bullying and harassment of past and present staff of MPs , as well as MPs themselves , and an independent review of Parliament 's Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme .

"As leader of this House I am ashamed when people come to see me and tell me what they have suffered, appalled at the stories that they tell me, shocked sometimes they haven't been to the police about them they are so awful," he said.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Liam Treadwell: Grand National-winning jockey dies aged 34

Last updated on .From the section Horse Racing Jockey Liam Treadwell , who rode 100-1 shot Mon Mome to win the 2009 Grand National at Aintree , has died aged 34 .
Tributes have poured in from the racing world , with the rider described as being `` polite , funny , kind and brave '' .
Police attended Treadwell 's Shropshire home after his death , which they are treating as unexplained but said there was no third-party involvement .
It was one of the famous race 's biggest surprises when Treadwell triumphed on Mon Mome for trainer Venetia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the family .
`` It 's a massive shock .
I think we all thought he was in a good place now , having been through some tough times in previous years , '' she said .
`` We shared a day that was certainly the best day of my life , and I suspect of his .
`` He was here for a large part of his racing career , and not a day went by without him putting a smile on somebody 's face . ''
Mon Mome was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grand National since Foinavon in the freak 1967 race , and there has been no longer-priced winner in the race 's history .
Sussex-born Treadwell landed the ride after Aidan Coleman opted to ride stablemate Stan .
Treadwell was treated to a free dental makeover after BBC interviewer Clare Balding joked about his gap-toothed smile .
Balding later apologised for saying he could `` afford to get his teeth done '' ' but he took no offence and she was among those to pay tribute .
`` My heart goes out to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the loveliest guy with a great sense of humour , '' she said .
Treadwell , who was third in the 2015 National on Monbeg Dude , rode 10 winners during the 2019-20 season , all for Shropshire-based trainer Alastair Ralph .
Big wins in Treadwell 's career included the Byrne Group Plate on Carrickboy at the Cheltenham Festival in 2013 and the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree with Bennys Mist two years later .
In a BBC interview in 2016 , he spoke of feeling depressed and struggling with concussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports psychologist encouraged me to watch the good days on TV - good times , successes , so Mon Mome and Carrickboy were two I watched and seeing Clare 's comments about my teeth at Aintree definitely helped me to smile again , '' he said .
`` We used to call him 'Tredders ' .
He just got on with it when he was racing , '' said former jockey Mick Fitzgerald , who won the National in 1996 on Rough Quest .
`` You never knew he was there .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to do the best he could , and it 's just awfully sad for everybody involved . ''
A short statement issued on behalf of Treadwell 's parents , Mark and Lorraine , and brother Nathan read : `` We are heartbroken that this has happened .
`` We ask kindly that everyone respects our privacy in the coming days so that we can begin to come to terms with our loss . ''
The Injured Jockeys ' Fund and the Professional Jockeys ' Association said in a joint statement : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by racehorse trainers for both this and his communication skills .
`` He was polite , funny , kind and brave , having spoken passionately and eloquently about his mental health issues both in the press but also in our own 'Jockey Matters ' films .
`` It is devastating that this has happened , and our thoughts and prayers are with Liam 's family , friends and everyone who knew and supported him . ''
A statement from West Mercia Police said officers were called to an address in Billingsley , near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a man .

Last updated on .From the section Horse Racing
Treadwell rode more than 300 winners during his career
Jockey Liam Treadwell, who rode 100-1 shot Mon Mome to win the 2009 Grand National at Aintree, has died aged 34.
Treadwell returned to the saddle after retiring from professional riding in February 2018.
Tributes have poured in from the racing world, with the rider described as being "polite, funny, kind and brave".
Police attended Treadwell's Shropshire home after his death, which they are treating as unexplained but said there was no third-party involvement.
It was one of the famous race's biggest surprises when Treadwell triumphed on Mon Mome for trainer Venetia Williams, who said he was like part of the family.
"It's a massive shock. I think we all thought he was in a good place now, having been through some tough times in previous years," she said.
"We shared a day that was certainly the best day of my life, and I suspect of his.
"He was here for a large part of his racing career, and not a day went by without him putting a smile on somebody's face."
Treadwell won the National for Herefordshire trainer Venetia Williams
Racing history and a toothy smile
Mon Mome was the first 100-1 shot to win the Grand National since Foinavon in the freak 1967 race, and there has been no longer-priced winner in the race's history.
Sussex-born Treadwell landed the ride after Aidan Coleman opted to ride stablemate Stan.
Treadwell was treated to a free dental makeover after BBC interviewer Clare Balding joked about his gap-toothed smile.
Balding later apologised for saying he could "afford to get his teeth done"' but he took no offence and she was among those to pay tribute.
"My heart goes out to his family and all his friends. He was the loveliest guy with a great sense of humour," she said.
Treadwell, who was third in the 2015 National on Monbeg Dude, rode 10 winners during the 2019-20 season, all for Shropshire-based trainer Alastair Ralph.
Big wins in Treadwell's career included the Byrne Group Plate on Carrickboy at the Cheltenham Festival in 2013 and the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree with Bennys Mist two years later.
In a BBC interview in 2016, he spoke of feeling depressed and struggling with concussion caused by a fall.
"A sports psychologist encouraged me to watch the good days on TV - good times, successes, so Mon Mome and Carrickboy were two I watched and seeing Clare's comments about my teeth at Aintree definitely helped me to smile again," he said.
"We used to call him 'Tredders'. He just got on with it when he was racing," said former jockey Mick Fitzgerald, who won the National in 1996 on Rough Quest.
"You never knew he was there. He wasn't a shouter. He just wanted to do the best he could, and it's just awfully sad for everybody involved."
A short statement issued on behalf of Treadwell's parents, Mark and Lorraine, and brother Nathan read: "We are heartbroken that this has happened.
"We ask kindly that everyone respects our privacy in the coming days so that we can begin to come to terms with our loss."
The Injured Jockeys' Fund and the Professional Jockeys' Association said in a joint statement: "He was a gifted horseman, valued by racehorse trainers for both this and his communication skills.
"He was polite, funny, kind and brave, having spoken passionately and eloquently about his mental health issues both in the press but also in our own 'Jockey Matters' films.
"It is devastating that this has happened, and our thoughts and prayers are with Liam's family, friends and everyone who knew and supported him."
A statement from West Mercia Police said officers were called to an address in Billingsley, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, following the death of a man.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Delivery driver jailed for broken wing-mirror rage killing

A pizza delivery driver who killed a man in a `` grotesque '' overreaction to a broken wing-mirror has been jailed for 14 years .
Uran Nabiev , 63 , drove into John Ambler , 33 , and Jake Kemp , 26 , after one punched his car last October .
Mr Kemp sustained a fatal head injury when he was dragged 9m ( 30ft ) along the pavement on Bickley Road , Erith .
Sentencing Nabiev , who was found guilty of manslaughter , an Old Bailey judge said the killing was `` truly horrific '' .
Judge Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grotesque and wholly unwarranted overreaction to minor damage having been caused to your vehicle '' .
Jurors previously heard Mr Kemp and Mr Ambler had been walking along Bexley Road , Erith , after a night out .
The pair came across the defendant 's car and Mr Ambler punched out at it , damaging the wing mirror .
Nabiev got into his Toyota Prius , mounted the pavement and `` used his car as a weapon '' against the two men , prosecutor Anthony Orchard QC said .
He hit Mr Ambler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pursued Mr Kemp , who attempted to flee .
When he stumbled and fell , Nabiev drove over him , dragging him along the path .
After the attack , father-of-one Nabiev drove to a friend 's house `` shaking , panicking and slurring his words '' , the court heard .
He fled to his native Azerbaijan , but was arrested at Luton Airport upon his return to the UK on 10 November .
Rejecting Nabiev 's claim that he launched the pursuit in order `` to speak to the victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judge Marks said he had shown `` no remorse at all '' for what he did .
Mr Kemp 's father , Maurice , said his family had agreed to donate his son 's organs .
`` We were grateful Jake was able to give the gift of life to others , '' he said .
Nabiev who was also found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm , had denied various charges including murder .

Rejecting Nabiev's claim that he launched the pursuit in order "to speak to the victims about paying for the damage", Judge Marks said he had shown "no remorse at all" for what he did.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Durdle Door: Body found in search for missing swimmer

A body has been found following a search for a man in his 20s who went missing off the Dorset coast .
The alarm was raised when the man , from London , failed to return to shore after swimming near Durdle Door on Sunday .
An air , sea and shoreline search was carried out .
Dorset Police said a body was located in the water near Man O'War Beach shortly after 12:30 BST .
Formal identification is yet to be carried out but the man 's family has been informed .
The man had been swimming with two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near Durdle Door at about 17:45 BST on Sunday .
In addition to two coastguard helicopters , lifeboats from Weymouth and Swanage were involved in the search along with Weymouth , Kimmeridge and Wyke Coastguard rescue teams .
Further shoreline searches were carried out on Monday .
Ch Insp Stu Pitman , of Dorset Police , said : `` Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man at this very difficult time .
`` I would like to thank everyone involved for the prompt and co-ordinated multi-agency search effort and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in sharing our appeal . ''
Crowds have flocked to the beauty spot , near Lulworth , in recent weeks since lockdown restrictions were eased .
Last month , three people suffered serious injuries at Durdle Door after leaping from the landmark limestone arch .
Thousands of people were evacuated from the beach and surrounding cliff area to allow air ambulances to land .

"I would like to thank everyone involved for the prompt and co-ordinated multi-agency search effort and those members of the public who assisted in sharing our appeal."


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Coronavirus lockdown: All you need to know about new measures

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a series of measures to take effect from 4 July , easing the lockdown in England .
From 4 July the 2m distancing guidance will change in England .
The prime minister said that where it is not possible to stay 2m apart , people should keep a distance of `` one metre plus '' - this means staying one metre apart , while observing precautions to reduce the risk of transmission .
Businesses are being asked to help by : • reducing the number of people in enclosed spaces • changing shift patterns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland , the 2m distancing rule remains in place for the time being .
Restaurants and pubs in England will also be allowed to reopen , providing they follow safety guidelines .
All hospitality indoors will be limited to table service , and contact between staff and customers will be limited .
Customers will also have to give contact details when they enter a pub or restaurant .
Holiday accommodation - including hotels , B & Bs , cottages , campsites and caravan parks - can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be free to stay away from home overnight for the first time since lockdown began in March .
Northern Ireland has also said that holiday accommodation can reopen for business from 26 June , and pubs and restaurants can open on 3 July .
Decisions on hospitality and holidays are expected from Wales and Scotland in early July .
• When will pubs , bars , cafes and restaurants reopen ?
Two households of any size will be able to meet indoors or outside .
It will be possible to stay overnight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ same set of households - the prime minister said .
`` It will be possible for instance to meet one set of grandparents one weekend , and the others the following weekend . ''
However , the government does not not recommend meetings of multiple households indoors because of the risk of infection .
In addition , the two households would have to maintain social distancing - unless they were part of the same support bubble .
Outdoors , people from multiple households can meet in groups of up to six - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Scotland , people from up to three different households can now meet up outdoors if they maintain social distancing , up to a maximum group size of eight .
In Wales , any number of people from two different households can now meet outdoors .
Groups of up to six people who are not in the same household can meet while socially distancing outdoors in Northern Ireland .
What else will reopen ?
• More outdoor spaces will open if they can do so safely , including outdoor gyms and children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen , as long as they take precautions .
Other close-contact services such as nail bars will not yet open , but the prime minister said they would be able to open `` as soon as we 're confident they can operate safely '' • Libraries , community centres , bingo halls , cinemas , museums and galleries will be able to open , along with funfairs and theme parks , amusement arcades , outdoor skating rinks , indoor leisure centres , social clubs and model villages • Places of worship will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , including weddings with up to 30 guests - subject to social distancing • THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• Nightclubs and casinos remain closed , along with bowling alleys , spas , swimming pools and indoor soft play centres • Theatres and concert halls will not be able to host live performances - but the prime minister said the government would work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enable choirs , orchestras and theatres to resume live events as soon as possible • CORONAVIRUS NEWSCAST : All of the latest updates on the pandemic • MINDFUL MIX : Calming tracks to help you relax Content available only in the UK

If you test positive for Covid you are no longer legally required to self-isolate, but you are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: 'Our pub is too small for any social distancing'

Ever since time was called on England 's pubs on 20 March , talk of when they could finally reopen has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer .
With a date of 4 July now set , what does this mean for pubs and breweries ?
'Our pub is too small to open' When your pub measures 4.5m by 2.1m ( 15ft by 7ft ) , social distancing is always going to present a major problem , even with the reduction of the rule from 2m to `` 1m plus '' .
Until 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Suffolk held the Guinness World Record for the UK 's smallest pub .
One of its landlords , Geoff Page , said as a consequence , customers are never that far from staff behind the bar .
`` It 's a unique problem for a unique pub , '' he said .
The pub , which features a ceiling covered in currency from around the world , as well as a mummified cat , is so compact that its cellar has a bigger footprint than the bar area .
Geoff compared the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are so tightly packed they need to wear a mask .
`` From the same perspective you should be wearing a mask [ in the pub ] but it 's not conducive to a relaxing beer , '' he said .
Geoff said if social distancing had remained at 2m , it would have been `` impossible '' to maintain in his tiny premises , although he still has concerns about its viability at 1m .
`` Unless people literally stood still inside , it would n't work .
[ And ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone 's going to relax for a bit .
It 's human nature and it 's hard to fight and even harder once you 've got a couple beers in you . ''
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• UK 's first service station 'never been so quiet' • Could the drive-in cinema finally take off in the UK ?
Mr Page said he had been speaking to West Suffolk Council about whether The Nutshell could serve customers on the pavement outside .
`` Were that to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game-changer and would allow us to open .
It 'd be fingers crossed for a sunny summer . ''
'Everyone is keen to do their bit' The Chestnut Horse in Great Finborough , Suffolk , had only been open for six months when it had to close in March .
It 's now going to reopen with the help of villagers who have donated garden furniture to make it a primarily outdoor space .
• Live updates : Coronavirus and other stories from across the east of England As the only amenity in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pub during lockdown and turned it into a community shop selling essential items and made the smoking shelter a library .
`` When it became clear we 'd have to close I was gutted , business had been phenomenal , '' she said .
`` But then I thought a lot of the people in this village are elderly or vulnerable so why not turn it into a shop , just stock the essentials .
People were struggling to get what they needed at the shops .
`` It 's a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community spirit here . ''
It has taken two weeks to convert it back into a real-ale selling pub and locals from the village , famous as the home of DJ John Peel , donated garden furniture , paint and flowers so the outdoor space could be transformed to allow as many people as possible to return on 4 July .
Neil Watts , who helped with donations , said : `` It just has become a hub in the village and still is .
`` The whole community has been delivering furniture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , everyone is keen to do their bit , they 're keen to support Sharon and her team because they 've made such a difference to us . ''
Ms Shipp has said although she is pleased at the changes being made to allow pubs to open she still worries about safety .
Speaking about social distancing restrictions being cut to 1m , she said : `` We 've got to adjust the business for the virus .
We 've got a responsibility , especially as publicans , to keep our community safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bury St Edmunds , has 1,700 pubs nationwide and is introducing £15m worth of safety measures to protect customers and staff , changing the face of a `` normal '' pub experience in the process .
Perspex screens and PPE , ordering by app , hand sanitising upon arrival , distanced tables and a one-in-one-out traffic light system for using the toilets , will be just some of the new methods in place .
Brewer Adnams , which is based in Southwold , said it was `` working towards minimum contact '' at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England .
Staff will be wearing PPE and customers will be able to order , pay and access menus through apps on their phones .
`` Our job is to continue to do everything we can to make our experience as relaxing , enjoyable , safe and clean as possible for our guests . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get out of this mess ?

It has taken two weeks to convert it back into a real-ale selling pub and locals from the village, famous as the home of DJ John Peel, donated garden furniture, paint and flowers so the outdoor space could be transformed to allow as many people as possible to return on 4 July.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: When will pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants reopen?

Pubs , bars , cafes and restaurants in England will soon be able to welcome customers inside for the first time since lockdown began in March .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on 23 June that they would be able to reopen on 4 July .
He also announced that two metre social distancing would be relaxed to `` one metre plus '' , with some conditions .
But despite the easing of restrictions , a trip to a local bar or place to eat could be a very different experience from how it was before the coronavirus outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars , restaurants and cafes were asked to shut in order to stop the spread of coronavirus .
The only exceptions to this were cafes and canteens at a few selected places such as schools , hospitals and prisons .
Since then , many restaurants have started offering food delivery and takeaways to generate income while their doors are closed .
Some pubs have also been allowed to offer takeaway beers .
From 4 July , pubs and restaurants in England will be allowed to reopen with certain restrictions , including changes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more use of hand sanitiser .
The guidelines are due to be updated soon , a government spokesperson said .
Customers will also have to give their details to staff to make contact tracing easier if another customer tests positive for the virus .
What about the rest of the UK ?
Each nation is setting its own rules for the reopening of food and drink outlets : • The Scottish government will make a decision on reopening outdoor spaces at pubs and restaurants on or around 2 July .
The hospitality sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen on 15 July • The next review of Wales 's lockdown measures is due on 9 July .
The Welsh government has promised talks with the hospitality sector about a `` potential phased '' reopening of pubs , cafes and restaurants , but no dates have been given for that happening • In Northern Ireland , pubs and restaurants can open from 3 July What other measures may be taken ?
At the weekend , Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggested people visiting pubs may have to register before going for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking at ways to strengthen contact tracing , as the economy reopens .
The Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca says it is considering a range of measures to keep staff and workers safe .
Customers are likely to be given the option of ordering food on apps , while staff will be encouraged to wash their hands every 20 minutes .
Meanwhile , the Wetherspoons pub chain has said its staff will be provided with face masks and protective eyewear and it will run a reduced food menu .
Bottles of ketchup and mayonnaise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Customers will also be encouraged to sit outside in pub gardens , while some indoor seating areas will be separated by Perspex screens .
How did the hospitality sector cope during lockdown ?
The hospitality sector was the third-largest employer in the country in 2018 , according to UK Hospitality .
But many restaurants and cafes were already struggling even before the Covid-19 outbreak , in the face of rising rents and falling consumer spending .
In the lockdown , job cuts and closures were announced by chains such as Frankie & Benny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers in the industry have been furloughed under the government 's job retention scheme , which allows them to receive 80 % of their monthly salary up to £2,500 .
What have other countries done ?
Many other countries have already reopened restaurants , bars and cafes around the world .
In some cases they have had the use of lower social distancing recommendations - in France , for example , the recommended distance between customer and staff is 1m .
• Eating and drinking establishments in Paris can now serve customers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks , and customers must also wear masks when moving around • In Berlin , restaurants , cafes and snack kiosks are open , and people from two separate households are allowed to share a table , if they keep a distance of 1.5m from each other • Spanish bars and restaurants have now been allowed to reopen if they stick to social distancing rules and only operate at 50 % capacity • Restaurants , bars and cafes in Italy reopened in May - restaurants must host reduced numbers of diners , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate customers

From 7 August, if conditions allow, there will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others in places like pubs and restaurants. Masks will also no longer be required in hospitality settings. All businesses currently closed - such as nightclubs - will be allowed to reopen subject to ongoing risk assessments.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--How and when will cinemas reopen, and which films can you see?

Cinemas in England can reopen from 4 July , the government has confirmed - although many will not be ready to do so by that date .
Below , find out which cinemas are reopening when , what safety measures will be in place , and which films you 'll be able to watch .
When are cinemas are reopening ?
Vue had previously been aiming for 4 July , but needs more time to make the necessary preparations .
Many independent cinemas are choosing to wait longer .
In a survey by the Independent Cinema Office , 13 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in July , with 15 % reopening in August and a further 23 % in September .
Manchester 's Home is among those holding off until September .
Executive director Jon Gilchrist said July was not the best option for venues `` whose programmes do not focus on the summer blockbusters '' .
He said : `` Instead we want to take the time to ensure that we have time to make the necessary adjustments to the building , and to speak to our audiences about how they can be involved in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have yet to be announced by the respective governments .
What safety measures will be in place ?
The chains that have detailed their safety procedures have said they will put in place : • Socially distanced seating , with people from different households sitting apart , and with a limited capacity in each screen • Staggered start and finished times to avoid congestion in foyers The UK Cinema Association will publish full government-agreed guidelines for reopening in the coming days .
Showcase , which has released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage customers to use face masks , although a safety video suggests people can remove them once they have taken their seats .
The chain also promised that an `` anti-viral fogging machine '' will be used on every seat between every screening , and each auditorium will have an air purifying system .
People will be able to order popcorn and snacks in advance , and scan their own tickets to gain entry .
Vue said it was waiting for advice from government , but that its methods had been `` responsibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in countries like Taiwan , Germany and Denmark .
Odeon said it had been `` working hard to implement new health and safety measures across all of our sites '' , and Cineworld said it was following government guidelines `` in order to make cinemagoers feel as comfortable and safe as possible '' .
Which films will be showing ?
Cinemas that are open in early- and mid-July will start by showing classic films .
Vue has said it will screen a remastered 4K print of Star Wars : The Empire Strikes Back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wars film has been in cinemas in ultra-high definition .
Christopher Nolan 's Inception will also be screened for its 10th anniversary .
Cinemas have been given access to an archive of 450 films to choose from while the schedule of new releases ramps up .
Then , major new film releases scheduled for July include : • 10 July : Proxima - Eva Green is the only woman in an arduous astronaut training programme , where Matt Dillon as a fellow astronaut • 17 July : Unhinged - Russell Crowe takes road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes on the trail of a mother who dared to sound her horn at him • 24 July : Mulan - Disney 's live action remake of the 1998 animation about the Chinese girl who becomes a warrior • 31 July : Tenet - Christopher Nolan 's hotly anticipated time- and reality-bending blockbuster in which John David Washington has to prevent World War Three In the autumn and winter - assuming cinemas are not forced to shut again - there will be a glut of big movies , many of which had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Place Part II ( 4 September ) , The King 's Man ( 16 September ) , Wonder Woman 1984 ( 2 October ) , Black Widow ( 28 October ) , No Time To Die ( 12 November ) , Soul ( 20 November ) , and Top Gun : Maverick ( 23 December ) .
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He said: "Instead we want to take the time to ensure that we have time to make the necessary adjustments to the building, and to speak to our audiences about how they can be involved in our plans."


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Margaret Payne completes Suilven stair climb challenge

Margaret Payne has climbed the equivalent of Highland mountain Suilven - 731m ( 2,398ft ) - with trips upstairs at @ @ @ @ @ challenge started on 12 April and took almost 300 trips to complete .
She has @ @ @ @ @ the NHS , Highland Hospice and RNLI .
Mrs Payne , from Ardvar , first @ @ @ @ @ west of Sutherland when she was aged 15 in 1944 .
Her stair climbing was @ @ @ @ @ of Captain Tom Moore .
The war veteran raised more than £32m for NHS charities @ @ @ @ @ his garden before his 100th birthday in April .

Her challenge started on 12 April and took almost 300 trips to complete. She has raised more than £347,000 for the NHS, Highland Hospice and RNLI.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Merthyr Tydfil's Kepal latest meat plant with cases

A third meat processing plant in Wales has cases of Covid-19 among it workers .
Wales ' health minister said there had been 34 cases associated with Kepak in Merthyr Tydfil since April , with eight new cases since the start of June .
There are also 175 cases connected to the 2 Sisters plant on Anglesey and 70 at the Rowan Foods outbreak in Wrexham .
Meanwhile , a union official has written to Rowan Foods to express `` extremely worrying and developing issues '' at the plant , which the company has denied .
• Coronavirus in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I get married in Wales right now ?
In a letter seen by BBC Wales , Unite regional officer David Griffiths says one of the workers who tested positive for Covid-19 returned to work after isolating for six days .
People who have tested positive must self-isolate for at least seven days from when their symptoms began .
He writes : `` The reason for my letter/email is to raise specific and extremely worrying and developing issues at the Wrexham site .
`` We have had many members contacting us in relation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Covid-19 positive that were in work immediately before their positive tests . ''
He added he had been told a manager `` returned within six days of a positive Covid-19 test '' .
`` This being a food manufacturer I am astonished at this happening , '' he wrote .
He said after two managers tested positive `` no care or consideration '' was made to workers who came into contact with those infected .
A spokesman for the company said : `` The factory operated successfully and safely for three months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded ( March-May end ) .
`` In terms of returning to work too early , this is also demonstrably untrue .
The opposite was in fact the case .
The numbers of people off work speak for themselves .
`` Managers told as many people as they could to self-isolate even if there was barely any contact - for super safety . ''
Coronavirus regulations in Wales state workplaces must take `` all reasonable measures to ensure that a distance of two metres is maintained between person on the premises and waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , Health Minister Vaughan Gething said there was no evidence of wider community transmission following outbreaks at 2 Sisters and Rowan Foods and he did not see a need for local lockdowns in response .
Cases of coronavirus have generally fallen across Wales , Mr Gething said , with fewer than 100 cases each day in the first few weeks of June .
There was an increase over the weekend , which was probably related to the outbreaks , he added .
The health minister said outbreaks in meat and food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic around the world and food producers had been `` generally good '' at complying with Covid-19 workplace regulations .
However , he said : `` We also know in the meat processing sector , operating margins can be very tight , many people are employed on fairly low pay and levels of statutory sick pay mean many people feel they have no choice but to carry on working when they are ill. '' The minister said the government would look at the sector `` within a very quick period of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do more .
A fresh lockdown has been ordered in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia after a coronavirus outbreak linked to a meatpacking plant there .
The Food Standards Agency said it was `` very unlikely you can catch coronavirus from food '' as the virus is a respiratory illness .
Dr Graham Brown , consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales , said at Rowan Foods the `` testing process is ongoing '' and additional cases have been found .
`` This does not mean that the company has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection , or that finding additional cases means the infection is increasing .
`` However , we are identifying previously asymptomatic individuals that work for Rowan Foods Ltd with the infection . ''

However, he said: "We also know in the meat processing sector, operating margins can be very tight, many people are employed on fairly low pay and levels of statutory sick pay mean many people feel they have no choice but to carry on working when they are ill."


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Re-testing at Skye care home after worker's result

A care home worker 's second positive Covid-19 test is likely to be linked to their original infection and not reinfection , NHS Highland has said .
The person is an employee at Skye 's Home Farm where 10 residents died amid a coronavirus outbreak at the home .
Local MP Ian Blackford has brought the case to public attention .
NHS Highland said `` emerging evidence '' suggested some people could have `` intermittent negative and positive results over many weeks '' .
HC-One , the home 's owners , said there had been no new Covid cases at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the worker 's result on Sunday .
NHS Highland said precautions had been taken and the worker had been advised to remain at home and in isolation .
Their close contacts are being followed up by the contact tracing process and will be given the standard advice regarding isolation and effective hygiene .
All staff and residents are being re-tested as a further precaution .
Mr Blackford , the MP for Ross , Skye and Lochaber and the SNP 's leader at Westminster , said he had felt it important to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding : `` But I do acknowledge the work that is on going to deliver effective infection control at Home Farm .
`` I am sure that all in the community will want to offer full support to the residents , their families and all staff at what has been a distressing time for all . ''
NHS Highland said reinfection was not expected to be the cause .
A spokesman said : `` Evidence is emerging internationally about Covid-19 and it is now recognised that some people have prolonged positive swab results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive results over many weeks .
`` An ongoing positive result does not therefore mean they are still infectious or that they pose a risk to others .
This is the most likely scenario here . ''
HC-One also said the second positive test was likely the result of the employee 's original infection and not due to a reinfection , adding that the risk of transmission was `` very minimal '' .
A spokeswoman said : `` However , we are of course working closely with our local health and care partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to this .
`` Testing is being made available to everyone who has entered the home recently and will be completed as a matter of urgency . ''
NHS Highland is assisting HC-One with care provision at Home Farm .
The outbreak at the care home , which was detected at the end of April , was the first time the virus had been formally confirmed on Skye .
Last month , the Care Inspectorate took legal action over the running of the private care home .
The inspectorate asked the Sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HC-One-owned Home Farm facility in Portree .
The move followed an unannounced inspection of the home .
The Care Inspectorate said the visit raised `` serious and significant concerns '' about the quality of care .
Court hearings held in May and earlier this month heard the joint working between HC-One and NHS Highland had led to improvements in care at Home Farm .

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bbcuk--2020-06-23--Meat factory workers in Tipton test positive for Covid-19

Workers at a meat processing plant are being tested for Covid-19 after some staff were found to have the virus .
Tulip Ltd said 10 staff from its workforce of about 640 in Tipton , West Midlands , had tested positive for the virus over the past three weeks .
Health chiefs at Sandwell Council said a group of the workforce `` that had seen the most cases '' were now being tested .
Dr Lisa McNally , from the council , said the firm was `` co-operating fully '' with public health professionals .
A spokesman for Tulip Ltd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Henry Road site had tested positive since testing facilities became `` widely available '' and three workers remained off work isolating .
The firm said : `` We are working with Public Health England Midlands to arrange swab testing for a sample group in one particular area of production before deciding upon the need for any further screening .
`` As soon as we receive test results , we will liaise with health partners to assess whether further actions are necessary . ''
Dr McNally , the council 's director for public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the HSE to `` protect the health and wellbeing of their workforce '' .
She said the cases happened despite a range of measures being in place to protect staff from Covid-19 .
As well as testing part of the workforce , managers and health chiefs were discussing increased social distancing measures , she added .
It comes as researchers have been examining the reasons why hundreds of workers at meat processing plants and abattoirs are testing positive for the virus .
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The firm said: "We are working with Public Health England Midlands to arrange swab testing for a sample group in one particular area of production before deciding upon the need for any further screening.