bbcuk--2020-06-06--Football club buys own Covid test machine

Ross County will offer use of their new coronavirus testing machine to other Highland sports people and say each test takes 20 minutes .
The club return to training next week and the Scottish Premiership hopes to begin the 2020-21 season on 1 August .
County have shipped their testing apparatus in from South Korea .
`` We do n't have to wait for 24 , 48 , 72 hours , '' said chairman Roy MacGregor .
`` Within 20 minutes , the test will give us a positive or a negative . ''
And he added on BBC Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imperative that all 12 clubs in the Premiership have testing in whatever way - whether it 's third party , their own or shared .
If one of your club fails a test , the whole club will have to go into quarantine for 14 days , which rules out playing . ''
MacGregor explained how other athletes in County 's local area could benefit from the testing machine .
`` If there 's people wanting to get their living out of professional sport , we 're quite willing to share the testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the test , '' he explained .
`` Although it 's bought for Ross County , we see it very much in a Highland scenario .
I 'm sure the lower-league clubs can do that within their own sphere and maybe share a machine .
`` The testing machine can do a number of tests , not just for Covid-19 .
It can do a blood test , it can do a saliva test .
In the long term , these types of machines will just become part of football clubs . ''

'We need speed of testing' - County's MacGregor
Ross County will offer use of their new coronavirus testing machine to other Highland sports people and say each test takes 20 minutes.
The club return to training next week and the Scottish Premiership hopes to begin the 2020-21 season on 1 August.
County have shipped their testing apparatus in from South Korea.
"We don't have to wait for 24, 48, 72 hours," said chairman Roy MacGregor. "Within 20 minutes, the test will give us a positive or a negative."
And he added on BBC Scotland's The Nine: "It's imperative that all 12 clubs in the Premiership have testing in whatever way - whether it's third party, their own or shared. If one of your club fails a test, the whole club will have to go into quarantine for 14 days, which rules out playing."
MacGregor explained how other athletes in County's local area could benefit from the testing machine.
"If there's people wanting to get their living out of professional sport, we're quite willing to share the testing machine and they would just pay for the test," he explained.
"Although it's bought for Ross County, we see it very much in a Highland scenario. I'm sure the lower-league clubs can do that within their own sphere and maybe share a machine.
"The testing machine can do a number of tests, not just for Covid-19. It can do a blood test, it can do a saliva test. In the long term, these types of machines will just become part of football clubs."
On Saturday's Sportsound on BBC Radio Scotland, MacGregor revealed some of the costs associated with the testing machine.
"For 30 people, players and staff, to be tested twice a week will cost me £3,000 per week," he said. "The machine cost £35,000."


bbcuk--2020-06-05--Duke of Cambridge reveals anonymous helpline volunteering

The Duke of Cambridge has revealed he has been anonymously counselling people during lockdown .
Prince William has been volunteering @ @ @ @ @ service offering support to people in personal crisis .
The video call took place in @ @ @ @ @ the prince 's involvement to mark Volunteers Week , which ends on Sunday .

The Duke of Cambridge has revealed he has been anonymously counselling people during lockdown.
Prince William has been volunteering at Shout, a text service offering support to people in personal crisis.
The video call took place in May but Kensington Palace announced the prince's involvement to mark Volunteers Week, which ends on Sunday.
Read more: William reveals he is secret helpline volunteer


bbcuk--2020-06-06--The Papers: Madeleine suspect latest and Covid infection rates

The Madeleine McCann investigation makes many of the front pages again .
The Daily Mirror and the Daily Express are among those to print images of a German girl , whose disappearance five years ago has been linked to the same man suspected of involvement in the the British case .
The Sun says police are preparing to `` dig up land '' around two Portuguese properties where the suspect lived for a while .
The Daily Telegraph says detectives are keen to trace a string of the man 's former girlfriends - including a British woman with whom he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Algarve before Madeleine went missing .
Other papers focus on how the government plans to steer the economy through the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Boris Budget to Fire up UK '' is the headline on the front of the Daily Mail - which says the PM minister is drawing up what is being called a `` Great Recovery Bill '' to get the economy moving again .
The paper says the Chancellor - who is already under pressure to lower VAT and stamp duty - is also considering giving employers a National Insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been pencilled in for July - but The Financial Times thinks there is unlikely to be any major announcements until the autumn .
It reports that any financial update during the summer months will `` fall far short '' of an emergency budget , with details of a big stimulus package of tax cuts and spending not announced until later in the year .
There could be other changes afoot before then though , according to The Times , which says the government is planning to suspend Sunday trading laws for up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly supported by the Chancellor - thinks the move could help retailers get back on their feet , amid `` mounting concerns '' of impending mass unemployment .
The paper says other proposals under consideration could see pubs and cafes given `` fast-track approval '' to serve food and drink outdoors - while planning laws could be simplified to make it easier for properties to switch between residential and retail use .
Many of the papers pick up on concerns that infection rates are rising in some parts of England .
The Guardian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus has risen above one in the north-west of England has put pressure on the government to bring in tougher lockdowns in some areas .
Elsewhere , millions of people who have taken up a new hobby while in lockdown may experience an unanticipated benefit , according to scientists .
The Daily Mail says rewarding pastimes including baking and gardening have been shown to aid a good night 's sleep .
But be warned .
Becoming obsessed with your chosen leisure activity could have the reverse affect - with the study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominate their life , literally lost sleep as a result .
Many of Saturday 's newspaper front pages have named the suspect in the Madeleine McCann case .
Because of German privacy law , and the BBC website being accessible in Germany , the BBC has not included his surname , nor that of the missing five-year-old German girl , Inga .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox • I MAY DESTROY YOU : The next must-see show in lockdown

"Boris Budget to Fire up UK" is the headline on the front of the Daily Mail - which says the PM minister is drawing up what is being called a "Great Recovery Bill" to get the economy moving again.


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: North-west England schools delay reopening

Many schools in north-west England will delay reopening at least until 22 June over concerns the coronavirus infection rate is on the rise .
Schools in Blackburn said they would not reopen on Monday , as the government has urged , while Tameside Council `` strongly '' advised schools not to do so .
Wirral Council has also urged schools to `` pause '' reopening plans .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said `` there is a challenge '' in the region .
Some scientists say the R number is creeping up across the country and may have surpassed one - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off again - in the region .
Data from Public Health England , released on Friday , gave an R value of 1.01 for the North West and 1.0 for the South West , with all other regions below 1 .
If the R is one or higher , the virus will spread exponentially through the population , while a value less than one indicates the virus is in decline .
Colin Cox , director of public health in Cumbria , also warned on Friday people should not be `` complacent '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number continues to rise .
Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy , Tameside council 's public health director , has written to all head teachers `` to strongly advise them to delay the wider reopening until there is further assurance that the Covid 19 infection rate is reducing , '' the authority has said .
In a statement , the authority said : `` This follows new data published [ on Friday ] showing that the regional R rate has risen above 1 as well as local information that infection rates remain higher and health @ @ @ @ @

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bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Face mask use 'reasonable' to cut transmission rates

Wearing face coverings to protect against coronavirus `` seems reasonable '' , a senior figure in Public Health Wales ( PHW ) has said .
Christopher Williams said there `` should be '' an effect on transmission if a lot of people wore them in `` appropriate settings '' .
In England , face coverings will become compulsory on public transport from 15 June .
The Welsh Government will make an announcement early next week .
First Minister Mark Drakeford has previously said there is only a `` marginal public health case '' for face coverings .
Deputy minister Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give `` a false sense of security '' .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has changed its advice , saying masks should now be worn where social distancing is not possible .
It had previously argued there was not enough evidence to say that healthy people should wear masks .
• What are the new rules for face coverings ?
• Coronavirus : How to make your own face mask On Friday , the British Medical Association said it wanted ministers in Wales to change position .
`` I think in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good principle that things done by lots of people in lots of settings , even if they have a small individual effect , are able to have a large population effect , '' Dr Williams told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast .
`` I think this is some of the thinking behind the use of face coverings .
`` If a lot of people use them in the appropriate settings there may be , there should be , an effect on transmission .
`` Obviously it 's quite difficult to quantify , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it seems reasonable to add them in as an additional level of protection in the same way that staying away two metres from someone else is also a way of avoiding transmission . ''
The Conservatives said the Welsh Government was `` playing catch-up '' and face coverings should be worn where social distancing is not possible .
Plaid Cymru said the use of face coverings should be `` actively encouraged '' by the Welsh Government .
But Brexit Party Senedd leader Mark Reckless said : `` Any requirement should be strictly temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?

"Obviously it's quite difficult to quantify, and the evidence is not 100%, but it seems reasonable to add them in as an additional level of protection in the same way that staying away two metres from someone else is also a way of avoiding transmission."


bbcuk--2020-06-07--George Floyd death: Thousands turn out for UK anti-racism protests

Thousands of people have joined anti-racism demonstrations across the UK .
The protests , sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US , were held in cities including London , Manchester , Cardiff , Leicester and Sheffield .
In London , protesters knelt for a minute 's silence before chanting `` no justice , no peace '' and `` black lives matter '' .
The majority of the day 's protests were peaceful but in the evening there were disturbances outside Downing Street .
BBC home affairs correspondent Tom Symonds said the protest was largely over when missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line .
Police horses were used to regain control , but one horse galloped ahead and its rider fell to the ground after hitting her head on a traffic light .
Her injuries are not life-threatening , the Metropolitan Police said .
Fourteen people were arrested and 10 officers were injured after a smaller group became `` angry and intent on violence '' , the force added .
In a tweet , Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told the protesters `` I stand with you and I share your anger and your pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who became violent `` let down this important cause '' .
The protests went ahead despite officials advising against mass gatherings due to coronavirus .
Home Secretary Priti Patel said the social distancing advice was `` for the safety of all of us '' , while Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said the protests were `` unlawful '' .
• Are you allowed to protest during lockdown ?
• Why the US protests resonate in the UK Thousands of people gathered in the capital , the majority donning face coverings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made reference to coronavirus , including one which read : `` There is a virus greater than Covid-19 and it 's called racism '' .
Meanwhile , in Northern Ireland , police said they had issued `` a significant number '' of fines given the dangers of crowds in the pandemic .
Protests began in the US after a video emerged of Mr Floyd , a 46-year-old black man , being arrested by four officers on 25 May in Minneapolis .
Videos showed Mr Floyd , who was unarmed and in handcuffs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his neck for nearly nine minutes .
The footage - seen all around the world - showed him gasping that he could not breathe .
An officer has been charged with murder while three of his colleagues stand accused of aiding and abetting the killing .
At a protest in his hometown of Watford , Britain 's world heavyweight champion boxer Anthony Joshua told the crowds : `` We can no longer sit back and remain silent on this senseless , unlawful killing and sly racism on another human being . ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knee and raised their fists in the air outside the US embassy amid chants of `` silence is violence '' and `` colour is not a crime '' .
Sarah Law , a 27-year-old train manager , said there was a `` great atmosphere '' at the protest in London .
She said : `` I do n't want my future children to experience what I have .
It 's time for us all to unite together regardless of our race and stand up for what is right . ''
Meanwhile , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have links to the slave trade , replacing street signs with the names of enslaved Africans , black activists and victims of police brutality .
Demonstrations are scheduled in Glasgow , Edinburgh and Aberdeen on Sunday .
In Manchester about 15,000 protesters gathered at Piccadilly Gardens in the city centre , clapping in unison and holding placards bearing the initials BLM .
They gathered despite warnings from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham that mass gatherings were `` high risk '' after fears coronavirus may be spreading rapidly again .
Elsewhere , several hundred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more took part in an online protest organised in the north-east of England .
More protests took place across Europe on Saturday and others have begun in the US capital of Washington DC .
How Floyd 's death resonated in the UK • 'When one is hurt , we 're all hurt' • What does white privilege mean ?
• How many black people die in police custody ?
Meanwhile , police in Northern Ireland said organisers of the protests in Belfast and Londonderry will be reported to the Public Prosecution Service with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belfast had marked out social distancing measurements .
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said regulations must be adhered to as `` these are not ordinary times '' .
O'Neall Rawle , a 27-year-old teacher from Leicester , said he was protesting `` to hopefully spark some change '' .
`` I 'm protesting because I 'm exhausted , '' he said .
`` Exhausted of having to 'accept ' this way of life .
Exhausted of being treated as a second class citizen .
Exhausted of being portrayed as aggressive , loud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Earlier , the home secretary said she understood people 's views and why they wanted to protest but said public health took priority .
And speaking on LBC , Dame Cressida said she understood the strength of feeling but urged protesters to find a way of expressing themselves that did not involve mass gatherings .
She also said that police officers should not `` take the knee '' in solidarity with protesters .
What does the law say about protests ?
Coronavirus regulations for England do n't specifically mention protests but do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than six people - that would make large protests illegal .
Police officers can hand out fixed-penalty notices ( starting at £100 ) to people who wo n't follow the health regulations .
They can also arrest and charge someone with an offence .
Whether they do this in practice is another matter and policing large protests during the coronavirus pandemic presents a challenge .
Dame Cressida has said officers will `` seek to uphold the law '' but will have to make a `` case-by-case '' decision on what to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 June that if they had tried to enforce a mass dispersal at last weekend 's protests , `` we would probably have ended up with very serious disorder '' .
Read more on what the law says on protests here .

Sarah Law, 27, said: "I don't want my future children to experience what I have. It's time for us all to unite together regardless of our race and stand up for what is right."


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Campaigners rename Glasgow streets linked to slave owners

Anti-racism campaigners have renamed streets in Glasgow city centre that have links to the slave trade .
In several streets , signs with a black background and white font have appeared alongside the originals Activists replaced the names of tobacco merchants and slave trade owners in favour of black campaigners , slaves and those killed in police custody .
More than 11,500 people have previously signed an online petition to rename streets linked with slave owners .
• Glasgow 's slave trade past is all around us The petition , set up last September , has gained several thousand more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Sheku Bayoh died in 2015 in police custody in Scotland , aged 32 after he was restrained by officers responding to a call in Kirkcaldy , Fife .
His sister - who is a nurse - said her family would have attended planned demonstrations in Scotland this weekend but the danger of spreading coronavirus was `` still too great '' .
Buchanan Street , named after another Tobacco Lord , Andrew Buchanan , was given the name George Floyd Street , however the sign has now been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Rosa Parks Street instead - after the American civil rights activist .
George Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis on 25 May .
His death has sparked days of protest around the world .

His sister - who is a nurse - said her family would have attended planned demonstrations in Scotland this weekend but the danger of spreading coronavirus was "still too great".


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Places of worship to reopen for private prayer

Places of worship will be allowed to open for private individual prayer under government plans to be announced next week .
These are not expected to include weddings of any size , or full services - which will come at a later date .
The prime minister is set to outline measures which will come into effect on 15 June .
Northern Ireland has already allowed private worship but Scotland and Wales have not yet done so .
Boris Johnson is expected to update his cabinet on the plans on Tuesday .
Ministers have been working with faith leaders on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-open safely with social distancing measures in place .
Individual churches , mosques , synagogues and temples will have to manage the number worshippers attending .
Downing Street says any changes are contingent on the government 's five tests for easing lockdown continuing to be met .
Faith leaders have called for churches , mosques , synagogues and temples to be allowed to reopen as other lockdown measures have been lifted .
Cardinal Vincent Nichols , the Archbishop of Westminster and the most senior Catholic in England and Wales , thanked the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , measured step in restoring '' church services .
He said it was important that `` every care is taken to ensure that the guidance given for this limited opening is fully observed , not least by those entering our churches '' .
• Lockdown rules : What you need to know • What is the future of religious worship in the UK ?
• Churches may not be back to normal by the end of the year While the burden of the lockdown has fallen evenly across the population , religious groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that punctuate their practice over the year .
Christians were unable to attend Holy Week services , and the solemnity of Good Friday and celebration of Easter Sunday were marked at home and not in church .
Muslims have experienced Ramadan without communal Iftar meals each day and evening prayers at the Mosque .
The Jewish community experienced Passover without extended Sedars and attendance at Synagogue .
And Sikhs were unable to mark the festival of Vaisakhi , a long-established harvest festival that since the 17th Century has also marked the moment when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soldier saints .
Although places of worship will reopen solely for private prayer , it seems the government was persuaded that if the public is ready to re-engage in retail therapy then people of faith ought to be allowed to enter places of worship .
All the major religious groups are preparing new hygiene protocols for their places of worship .
Their doors are likely to be opened only for limited periods , numbers attending will be carefully controlled and there will be no communal worship - such as hymn-singing .
But at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the future , this will be a welcome opportunity to seek comfort and consolation in sacred spaces around the country .
A No 10 spokesperson said Mr Johnson recognised the importance of people being able to have space to `` reflect and pray , to connect with their faith , and to be able to mourn for their loved ones '' during the unprecedented time .
`` We plan to open up places of worship for individual prayer in a safe , Covid-secure way that does not risk further transmission . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of worship could reopen was a priority as their `` contribution to the common good of our country is clear '' .
He said : `` People of all faiths have shown enormous patience and forbearance , unable to mark Easter , Passover , Ramadan or Vaisakhi with friends and family in the traditional way .
`` As we control the virus , we are now able to move forwards with a limited but important return to houses of worship . ''
Places of worship have been closed for almost two months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after closing their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Jenrick has warned that large gatherings will be difficult to manage for some time , particularly with the demographics in some religions and rituals such as singing which may lead to the virus .
spreading more freely • SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

A No 10 spokesperson said Mr Johnson recognised the importance of people being able to have space to "reflect and pray, to connect with their faith, and to be able to mourn for their loved ones" during the unprecedented time.


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Roads closed at Scottish beauty spots as people warned away

Police have closed roads leading to some of Scotland 's most popular beauty spots as the public is warned to stay away .
The move is a bid to avoid scenes of crowds swarming to popular areas seen last weekend as lockdown restrictions were eased .
Loch Lomondside and Stirlingshire are off limits to day-trippers .
But despite the warnings , some day trippers were observed at beauty spots on Saturday .
A line of parked cars could be seen near the Devil 's Pulpit near Killearn , while at Arrochar Traffic Scotland issued a warning as parked vehicles were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road users on the A83 .
Last weekend , large numbers of people gathered at parks and beaches as lockdown rules were slightly eased , allowing Scots to sunbathe and meet friends or family from one other household outdoors for the first time in months .
Police dispersed more than 2,000 gatherings and car traffic trebled at some beauty spots .
Following the lockdown breaches , Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland 's coronavirus guidelines could be enforced by new laws if `` even a minority '' continued to flout them .
This weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road beside Loch Lomond to deter day-trippers .
The B-road between Drymen and Rowardennan is shut to vehicles , apart from local residents , for 21 days after people flocked to places like Balmaha last weekend .
The Bracklinn Road near Bracklinn Falls in Callander has also been closed .
He said : `` We have felt it necessary to close the road because of issues last week over illegal parking traffic congestion , dangerous driving and littering so we have had to take this step to protect our local residents .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local area for leisure and recreation and 99 % of the population do n't live within five miles of Balmaha so the clear message is to stay local . ''
Police also issued a warning to anyone considering breaking the five-mile rule .
Insp Andy Bushell from Forth Valley division said : `` Over the past week there has been a significant increase in footfall within our national parks and beauty spots , causing an increase in congestion , potential for accidents , and dangerous and inconsiderate parking on country roads .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups not following the Scottish government regulations , engaging in anti social behaviour and some with no regard for the impact the behaviour was having on local residents .
`` The National Park is currently closed and not in a position to welcome visitors - this means car parks are also closed .
The volume of people coming into this area can not be sustained safely . ''
Gordon Watson , chief executive of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park , said that the time was not right to return there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ including car parks around the National Park will remain closed this weekend .
People should not be going to crowded places .
`` Doing this creates the risk of spreading the infection to small rural communities like we have living here and putting unnecessary pressure on local services which are not yet running as normal . ''
'It will all be waiting' He added : `` We know people come here because they love this place but if you love the National Park please respect it and for now that may mean staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will all be here waiting for you when the time is right . ''
The first minister has also urged people not to gather for mass protests against racism over the weekend because of the coronavirus crisis .
Demonstrations have been planned across the country in the wake of the death of George Floyd in the US .
Nicola Sturgeon asked people to find safer ways of making their voices heard .


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Hundreds found with Covid after hospital admission

Hundreds of patients were found to have Covid-19 after being admitted to hospital for other conditions , the Scottish government has confirmed .
A total of 908 patients were found with the infection and 218 of them died .
It is not clear at this stage if they acquired the infection in hospital , or in their community prior to admission .
Labour called for an inquiry while the Conservatives demanded an urgent statement from the health secretary after The Herald revealed the figures .
The Scottish government insisted it was being transparent but said it was necessary to properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Thursday , Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said there were 125 `` incidents '' of suspected Covid-19 transmission in hospital .
But the Herald reported a much higher figure after asking for the information from the government .
Opposition parties said they wanted to know if any of these people had been released into care homes after being in hospital .
Scottish Labour has called for an independent inquiry into what it called the `` absolutely shocking '' infection rate in hospitals and `` lack of candour '' from the government .
Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scandalous '' the scale of the infection spreading through hospitals had to be `` dragged out '' of the government .
She said : `` These outbreaks coincide with older people being discharged from hospitals into care homes .
`` An urgent independent inquiry is needed .
We need to know how many of the patients who were infected in these hospital outbreaks were discharged into care homes , in the rush to empty the hospitals , and did any of them die from the infection . ''
Miles Briggs , the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The health secretary must now answer if these deaths were known about prior to the mass exodus to care homes , how the virus spread within hospitals and if patients ' families have been informed fully . ''
The Scottish government said any death related to Covid-19 was a tragedy and it was `` working tirelessly '' to reduce infection rates and support those affected .
A spokesman said : `` Any claims that the Scottish government has sought to mislead or hide figures are utterly unfounded .
`` We are committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all figures that are published have first been robustly validated to ensure accuracy . ''
The government said it was still working to establish validated data about healthcare-acquired infections and this would be published as soon as possible .
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• 40,000 DEATHS : Could they have been prevented ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
• WILL I GET PAID IF I CA N'T WORK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wages and time off

"An urgent independent inquiry is needed. We need to know how many of the patients who were infected in these hospital outbreaks were discharged into care homes, in the rush to empty the hospitals, and did any of them die from the infection."


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Golfers hid in van to evade ferry rules

A group of golfers hiding in a van were among hundreds of people caught trying to make non-essential journeys on CalMac ferries .
The `` stowaways '' were discovered on a sailing between Largs and the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde .
CalMac said people `` concealing themselves '' in vehicles were among 273 incidents of attempted non-essential trips since 26 March .
The company is operating a reduced service during the coronavirus crisis .
CalMac has limited use of its ferries to essential travel for islanders , key workers and deliveries of supplies .
The measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the easing of some lockdown restrictions , has seen passenger and vehicle numbers fall by 95 % across its network of 28 routes .
But its staff have had to turn away hundreds of people trying to make non-essential journeys , including day trips .
Police have had to be called on some occasions to help ferry workers verify the reason for passengers ' travel .
CalMac said the incident with the golfers , first reported by the Scotsman , was one of a number on the Clyde which was a `` hotspot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were being refused travel to Cumbrae and the isles of Arran and Bute , the firm said .
CalMac director of operations Robert Morrison said : `` As per Scottish government guidelines , travel to our islands remains for essential purposes only .
`` We have had some occasions when people have tried to gain passage to or from our islands by concealing themselves in vehicles .
`` Anybody found to be doing so will be not be allowed to travel .
`` We would again encourage people to behave responsibly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines allow for non-essential travel . ''


bbcuk--2020-06-06--John Bercow: Ex-Speaker 'sorry' not to receive peerage

Former Commons Speaker John Bercow has told the BBC he is `` sorry '' that he has not been granted a peerage .
Previous outgoing Speakers have been given a seat in the House of Lords , but the government has not put forward Mr Bercow 's name for consideration .
The ex-Conservative MP has been accused of bullying by his former colleagues but denies the claims .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Any Questions he had `` made a lot of enemies '' during his 10-year stint in the Commons .
Mr Bercow accepted he was `` periodically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no for an answer '' , but insisted : `` I do n't think I bullied anyone , anywhere , in any way , at any time . ''
He stepped down as Speaker in October after a decade in the post , during which time he faced accusations of bias over Brexit , as well as questions over his own behaviour towards colleagues .
The Speaker is in charge of what goes on within the House of Commons .
By tradition , the Speaker is above politics and is supposed to represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once elected to the post , the Speaker no longer represents any political party .
Mr Bercow told BBC political correspondent Chris Mason that serving as Speaker had been `` my enormous privilege '' .
`` I did my best - I had some successes , I had some failures .
I endured controversies .
I made friends , I incurred enemies as well , '' he added .
He said , despite `` a long-standing convention '' of giving peerages to former Speakers , the matter was `` best decided by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to sit awake at night worrying about it .
`` There are people who have got grievances and agendas of their own who think I just do n't fit . ''
He would not comment on reports that he was under investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards over allegations of bullying , saying only `` in due course people will know what the truth is '' .
• 2014 : Enrages David Cameron and his allies when he cuts him off during Prime Minister 's Questions and tells him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt by Conservative whips to oust him just before the election • 2017 : Suggests Donald Trump is not welcome in Parliament during state visit • 2018 : Accused of calling cabinet minister Andrea Leadsom a `` stupid woman '' in the Commons • 2019 : Accused of `` unilaterally changing '' parliamentary rules after a row over a government Brexit defeat Mr Bercow has been proposed for a peerage by the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn , amid suggestions by the opposition that the ex-Speaker is being denied a seat for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During his time in the role , Mr Bercow gave unprecedented powers to backbenchers to hold ministers to account and made controversial and far-reaching procedural decisions at key stages of the Brexit process .
In February , he told the BBC there was a `` conspiracy '' to keep him out of the House of Lords .
He named no names , but said it was `` blindingly obvious '' that there was a `` concerted campaign '' to prevent him from being given a peerage .
Cabinet minister Robert Jenrick said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister to give Mr Bercow a peerage and the allegations against him need to be investigated .
Mr Bercow is facing at least one formal complaint regarding his behaviour in the Speaker 's chair .
He has dismissed claims there was a pattern of bullying towards his subordinates , and maintains that the `` vast majority '' of his relationships with colleagues both inside and outside Parliament were constructive .
He told BBC Radio 4 he was upset not to have been given the opportunity to take a seat in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to pretend it does n't matter , '' he said , adding that he would like `` to make a contribution '' .
Mr Bercow added : `` I am just going to go on doing what I think is right , standing up for good causes [ and ] celebrating important principles . ''

He would not comment on reports that he was under investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards over allegations of bullying, saying only "in due course people will know what the truth is".


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Are protests legal amid lockdown?

Solidarity protests against the death of George Floyd in the US are continuing to take place in the UK despite the Home Secretary Priti Patel and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick asking people not to take to the streets .
So are such demonstrations actually legal given the coronavirus lockdown ?
What do the lockdown laws say about protests ?
England now has the loosest lockdown in the UK , with no restrictions on going outside .
But the rules ( officially known as regulations ) do n't explicitly say anything about whether people can protest or not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings to no more than six people .
The law defines a `` gathering '' as a meeting involving `` social interaction with each other , or to undertake any other activity '' .
And so that means , pretty clearly , that a protest is currently illegal along with any other activity that could increase the spread of the virus .
What penalties could you face for taking part in a protest ?
Police have been trying to encourage people to follow the law and the public health message , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death of Mr Floyd , this tended to mean officers directing large parties to stop and ordering people to go to their own homes .
Officers can hand out fixed-penalty notices - a form of on-the-spot ticket - that start at £100 to anyone who wo n't follow the health regulations .
They can also arrest and charge someone with an offence , potentially leading to a large fine in a magistrates ' court .
So taking all that together , officers have the power to break up and ticket people for being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health grounds .
Is there not a right to protest in the UK ?
Yes , but this is where it gets rather tricky because that right is often misunderstood .
And the coronavirus health emergency has complicated things further .
Barrister Audrey Cherryl Mogan , from London 's Garden Court Chambers , explains the European Convention on Human Rights ( in British law as the Human Rights Act ) says that public bodies must respect both the right to assemble and also to express one 's views .
But these two rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another public body can interfere with them if it has a proper legal reason to do so .
`` So it becomes a balancing exercise , '' she says .
`` If what 's being done is to enforce the health regulations , then you can argue that [ stopping a protest ] would be reasonable and proportionate .
`` But , this is where the context of where we are right now becomes important .
`` We are not on the first day of the lockdown .
It 's very clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gather , although only in groups of six . ''
Ms Mogan argues the police should approach these protests in the same way that officers would consider a park full of sunbathing friends .
`` You can see there are people in small groups in parks .
It 's very difficult to argue they are not all in the park for the same purpose .
So if we are talking about stopping a protest , there has to be a fair and just application of the law to these people , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If not , she warns , closing down a Black Lives Matter protest on coronavirus grounds could be seen as unfair and a disproportionate use of the regulations .
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
So where does that leave the police ?
Chief constables today talk about their public duty to `` facilitate '' demonstrations - and that they only turn to force - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they believe they are going to have to quell trouble .
And it seems pretty clear that the police do n't want to break up peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrations even though , on paper at least , they would breach coronavirus laws .
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick has asked people not to come out and protest on the streets .
Speaking on LBC radio on 6 June she said that : `` Coming together in a gathering is not only unlawful but also , perhaps more importantly , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary risk and other people around you . ''
She said officers , if faced with large gatherings , would seek to uphold the law but would make `` a case-by-case decision '' as to what was the right thing to do .
The National Police Chiefs Council have also issued a very strong and unusual statement in the hope of calming tensions .
They said they are appalled by Mr Floyd 's death in Minnesota and know people want to make their voices heard .
`` The right to lawful protest is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which UK police uphold and facilitate , '' the statement added .
It pointed out that with gatherings of more than six people outdoors still restricted , `` we ask that people continue to work with officers at this challenging time '' .

Coronavirus: Are protests legal amid lockdown? Published 8 June 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Protesters in Bristol pull down a statue of slave trader Edward Colston
Protests against the death of George Floyd, the black man who died while being restrained by a Minnesota police officer, have taken place in the UK, organised by campaign group Black Lives Matter.
This is despite Home Secretary Priti Patel and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick asking people not to go on to the streets.
So are such demonstrations actually legal given the coronavirus lockdown?
What do the lockdown laws say about protests?
England now has the loosest lockdown in the UK, with no restrictions on going outside. But the rules (officially known as regulations) don't explicitly say anything about protests.
However, regulation seven restricts public gatherings to no more than six people.
The law defines a "gathering" as a meeting involving "social interaction with each other, or to undertake any other activity". And so that means, pretty clearly, that a protest is currently illegal along with any other activity that could increase the virus's spread.
"There's a reason that we have laws in place temporarily to say that gatherings of over six people should not happen," says Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
What are the penalties for joining a protest?
Police have been trying to encourage people to follow the law and the public health message, and they can break up gatherings. Before Mr Floyd's death, this tended to mean officers directing large parties to stop and ordering people to go home - such as with this rave in the West Midlands last month.
Officers can hand out fixed-penalty notices - a form of on-the-spot ticket - that start at £100 to anyone who won't follow the health regulations. They can also arrest and charge someone with an offence, potentially leading to a large fine in a magistrates' court.
So taking all that together, officers have the power to break up and ticket people for being part of a protest, on coronavirus health grounds.
Image source, Wales News Service Image caption, Hundreds of people joined a protest in Cardiff
Is there not a right to protest in the UK?
Yes, but this is where it gets rather tricky because that right is often misunderstood. And the coronavirus health emergency has complicated things further.
Barrister Audrey Cherryl Mogan explains the European Convention on Human Rights (in British law as the Human Rights Act) says that public bodies must respect both the right to assemble and to express one's views.
But these two rights are not absolute. The government or another public body can interfere with them if it has a proper legal reason to do so.
"So it becomes a balancing exercise," she says. "If what's being done is to enforce the health regulations, then you can argue that [stopping a protest] would be reasonable and proportionate."
Ms Mogan argues the police should approach these protests in the same way that officers would consider a park full of sunbathing friends.
"If we are talking about stopping a protest, there has to be a fair and just application of the law to these people."
If not, she warns, closing down a Black Lives Matter protest on coronavirus grounds could be seen as unfair and a disproportionate use of the regulations.
So where does that leave the police?
Chief constables today talk about their public duty to "facilitate" demonstrations - and say that they only turn to force - such as bringing in riot police - if they have to quell trouble.
And over the first weekend in June, it was pretty clear that the police didn't want to break up peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrations even though, on paper at least, they would breach coronavirus laws.
Dame Cressida and other police chiefs had asked people not to come out and protest on the streets.
She said that: "Coming together in a gathering is not only unlawful but also, perhaps more importantly, it is putting yourself and your family at unnecessary risk and other people around you."
She said officers, if faced with large gatherings, would seek to uphold the law but would make "a case-by-case decision" as to what was the right thing to do.
Why are the protests taking place?
Some of the organisers of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations argued over the weekend that they were completely justified in asking people to protest.
They said it was because racism - and the violence that comes with it - is like a virus that can only be combatted and defeated by taking a stand.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Raheem Sterling: "The only disease right now is the racism that we're fighting"
England and Manchester City striker Raheem Sterling summed up that sentiment in a BBC interview, saying: "The only disease right now is the racism that we are fighting."


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus UK map: How many confirmed cases are there in your area?

There have been more than 280,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and some 40,000 people have lost their lives , government figures show .
However , these numbers only include people who have been tested , and the total number of deaths relating to coronavirus is likely to be higher .
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , which counts death certificates mentioning the virus , suggests deaths had reached more than 48,000 by 22 May .
When looking at deaths over and above the expected number by this time of year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the same date .
Some of these deaths are likely to include people with undiagnosed coronavirus or those who died as an indirect result of the pandemic .
Coronavirus accounted for about 21 % of all deaths in the UK in the week to 22 May , according to death registration data .
In the week to 17 April , when deaths from the virus reached their peak , this figure was just under 40 % .
• Your tributes to those who have died Find out how the pandemic has affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national average : If you ca n't see the look-up click here .
The new coronavirus , which causes the disease Covid-19 , was first confirmed in the UK at the end of January , but the number of daily confirmed cases and related deaths only began to increase significantly by the second half of March .
The UK has the highest official death toll in Europe and the second highest in the world .
However , the government and many experts say it is too soon to make international comparisons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ further 204 deaths .
The majority of the UK 's deaths have been in England , with more than 36,000 so far - about 90 % of the total for the UK .
In Scotland , the official government figure for deaths is 2,415 , but data on death registrations from the National Records of Scotland ( NRS ) suggests it had reached nearly 4,000 by 31 May .
In Wales , the death toll stands at 1,393 while there have been 537 deaths in Northern Ireland .
• What do the stats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's figures from the ONS show the overall death total in the UK for the week to 22 May had fallen , but was still above normal for the time of year .
Research by Public Health England ( PHE ) has found that people from ethnic minorities have a disproportionately higher risk of dying from coronavirus than people of white British ethnicity .
But it is still not clear why - the study did not look at occupations or obesity , which are also known to be high risk factors .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elderly , with NHS England figures showing more than half of deaths have been among people aged over 80 .
About 25 % of all coronavirus related deaths have been among care home residents , according to the ONS , but the latest data suggests that has now stabilised .
What is the R number in the UK ?
The `` R number '' is the average number of people an infected person will pass the disease on to .
If R is below one then the number of people contracting the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , the number will grow .
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies , known as Sage , believes the R number across the whole of the UK is currently between 0.7 and 0.9 .
That estimate is the same for Scotland and Northern Ireland , while it is between 0.7 and 1.0 in England and Wales .
However , new research produced by PHE and Cambridge University 's MRC Biostatistics Unit suggests the R number has increased across England in recent weeks .
The model found it is highly likely that R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but said it is at 1 in the South West and just above 1 in the North West .
Dr Yvonne Doyle , Public Health England 's medical director , said an increase was `` to be expected as we gradually move out of lockdown . ''
Sage 's estimate for the UK figure is based on several different models , including those produced by PHE and Cambridge .
Each uses different methods and assumptions and gives a different set of regional values for R. The government has said that the R number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in deciding when lockdown measures can be eased .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • GLOBAL TRACKER : How is the world coping ?
• TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
New cases also continue to fall The number of newly confirmed cases each day has been falling since a peak in April , despite an increase in the number of tests being carried out , and the seven-day rolling average shows a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were announced on Friday .
However , estimates by the ONS suggest there could be nearly 6,000 cases per day in England alone - not including cases in hospitals or care homes - where people either show no symptoms or have mild symptoms and are not tested for the virus .
Cases were originally concentrated in London , the Midlands and the North West , but Wales and parts of the North East have also had a high proportions of cases .
Going forward , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has raised the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to control the spread of the virus .
The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 has been gradually declining since a peak over Easter .
On Friday , the government said the number of people in hospital with coronavirus had fallen to 7,080 - down 15 % from the same time last week .
However , the picture is different across the UK 's nations and regions , with numbers falling faster in some areas than others .
Testing now available to more people The UK has exceeded its target to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of May , the government has said .
However , the UK Statistics Authority has criticised how the data has been presented , saying the aim appears to be to show `` the largest possible number of tests , even at the expense of understanding '' .
Mr Hancock says he is looking at ways the information could be `` improved '' .
There were 218,187 tests in the 24 hours to 09:00 on Saturday , according to government figures .
At least two million people have been tested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to provide an updated figure for the number of people tested for more than a week .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to come forward for tests if they are showing symptoms .
Increased testing is essential for the government 's `` test and trace '' strategy .

Based on the survey, the estimated peak of the pandemic, in cases if not in deaths, was in late March 2022, where at one point about 4.9 million people were thought to have the virus. However, the survey did not capture the first wave of the pandemic, with trials only beginning in England in April 2020.


bbcuk--2020-06-06--George Floyd: Thousands at anti-racism protests in UK

Crowds gathered in cities around the UK in anti-racism protests triggered by the death of George Lloyd in the US @ @ @ @ @ were thrown and a police horse bolted without its rider .
Earlier , protesters knelt @ @ @ @ @ before chanting `` no justice , no peace '' and `` black lives matter '' @ @ @ @ @ despite officials advising against mass gatherings due to coronavirus .
Read more : Thousands turn @ @ @ @ @

Crowds gathered in cities around the UK for anti-racism protests triggered by the death of George Floyd in the US.
In London, missiles were thrown and a police horse bolted without its rider.
Earlier, protesters knelt for a minute's silence before chanting "no justice, no peace" and "black lives matter".
The protests went ahead despite officials advising against mass gatherings due to coronavirus.
Read more: Thousands turn out for UK anti-racism protests


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Couples’ joy as weddings return to Northern Ireland

From Monday , outdoor weddings can take place in Northern Ireland with up to 10 people present .
The devolved @ @ @ @ @ them as part of its strategy to ease lockdown .
For weeks , couples who @ @ @ @ @ summer haven ’ t been sure if they would be able to .
But now @ @ @ @ @ in the wedding industry - are making plans , as Chris Page reports .

From Monday, outdoor weddings can take place in Northern Ireland with up to 10 people present.
The devolved government has decided to allow them as part of its strategy to ease lockdown.
For weeks, couples who wanted to get married this summer haven’t been sure if they would be able to.
But now they - and people working in the wedding industry - are making plans, as Chris Page reports.
Video producer: Jordan Kenny


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Money advice: Single parents in lockdown

There are nearly three million single parent families in the UK , which is 15 % of all families .
@ @ @ @ @ and they face a particularly high risk of poverty compared with other households .
The @ @ @ @ @ says they 've seen a `` significant increase '' in the number of new claims @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , and `` working parents in receipt of Universal Credit can claim up @ @ @ @ @ childcare costs '' .
But what can single parents do if they 're experiencing financial @ @ @ @ @ We spoke to three single parents and an expert from the charity Gingerbread to get @ @ @ @ @ more on BBC Radio 4 ' s Money Box .
Watch more personal stories during @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus Stories

There are nearly three million single parent families in the UK, which is 15% of all families.
Their finances are often tight and they face a particularly high risk of poverty compared with other households.
The Department of Work and Pensions says they've seen a "significant increase" in the number of new claims for Universal Credit during the coronavirus pandemic, and "working parents in receipt of Universal Credit can claim up to 85% of their childcare costs".
But what can single parents do if they're experiencing financial difficulty during the lockdown? We spoke to three single parents and an expert from the charity Gingerbread to get some answers.
Listen to more on BBC Radio 4' s Money Box.
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-06-06--D-Day anniversary: Emotional surprise for veteran in lockdown

Harry Billinge had planned to be in Normandy for the 76th anniversary of D-Day , visiting a new British memorial @ @ @ @ @ 94-year-old raised tens of thousands of pounds for the memorial - and he was even @ @ @ @ @ efforts .
But the trip was cancelled due to coronavirus .
So BBC Breakfast surprised @ @ @ @ @ past .
Read more : Memorial 'brought to veterans ' for D-Day

Harry Billinge had planned to be in Normandy for the 76th anniversary of D-Day, visiting a new British memorial with other veterans.
The 94-year-old raised tens of thousands of pounds for the memorial - and he was even made an MBE for his efforts.
But the trip was cancelled due to coronavirus. So BBC Breakfast surprised with a face from the past.
Read more: Memorial 'brought to veterans' for D-Day


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Newspaper headlines: Relaxed Covid rules and Black Lives Matter march

The PM has been told to `` dump the rhetoric '' around coronavirus and plan for a second wave , @ @ @ @ @ chiefs have called for a comprehensive plan as faith in the government drops .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ over a U-turn on US trade talks , the paper says , citing a letter @ @ @ @ @ instructs ministers to have `` no specific policy '' on animal welfare in trade talks @ @ @ @ @ image on the paper 's front page is of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua , @ @ @ @ @ Matter protest in his hometown of Watford on Saturday .

The Sunday Times uses its leader article to warn that the government's apparent commitment to an economic recovery has to be "watched closely, if not taken with a pinch of salt" because of a series of missteps in its response to the pandemic.


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Anti-racism protesters urged to stay safe

Anti-racism campaigners in Scotland have been urged to make their voices heard safely and avoid mass gatherings .
A number of marches and rallies are planned following the death of George Floyd , despite the lockdown restrictions .
The first minister has said that in different circumstances she might have joined the demonstrations .
But she said the coronavirus outbreak meant it was `` simply not safe '' and would `` pose a risk to life '' .
The number of deaths among people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland rose by six to 2,415 on Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easing mass gatherings remain banned .
A Black Lives Matter protest is due to go ahead at Glasgow Green at midday after it was moved from George Square to allow easier physical distancing .
An hour later , an event is due to begin at Edinburgh 's Holyrood Park with the organisers asking those attending to wear PPE and to observe social distancing .
A socially-distanced poster protest will also take place at several locations in Aberdeen .
Each event is restricted with protesters booking `` slots '' to display signs , posters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice for the victims of police brutality .
A vigil organised for Bught Park in Inverness was cancelled by the organisers due to coronavirus fears when more than 500 people said they intended to take part .
Protests went ahead south of the border on Saturday despite officials advising against mass gatherings due to the pandemic .
Thousands of people gathered in cities including London , Manchester , Cardiff , Leicester , and Sheffield .
In London , protesters knelt for a minute 's silence before chanting `` no justice , no peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• WATCH : 'This is why we are protesting' • BACKGROUND : Five pieces of context to understand the protests • CRIME AND JUSTICE : How are African Americans treated ?
Nicola Sturgeon spoke about the planned Scottish protests during her daily briefing on Friday , saying people should find safer ways of making their voices heard .
She said : `` We all feel very strongly about this , but I want to ask you to do so safely .
`` Coming together in mass gatherings right now is simply not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to health and it poses a real risk to life . ''
Ms Sturgeon said people could instead `` make your voice heard online , you can lobby your elected representatives or you can donate to anti-racism campaigns '' .
Ahead of the Scottish events , a group of anti-racism campaigners renamed streets in Glasgow city centre that have links to the slave trade .
In several streets , activists replaced the names of tobacco merchants and slave trade owners in favour of black campaigners , slaves and those killed in police custody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organisers of the Glasgow protest , Barrington Reeves , told BBC Scotland he respected the views of those who were urging people not to attend - but insisted that the event would go ahead .
He said : `` It 's not often you look back through history and see a civil rights movement where they effected change by posting on Instagram .
`` We are asking people to stay socially distant and to stay within their households , and if possible after the event to be tested or to isolate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary , Humza Yousaf , and Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone have both pledged that policing of the protests will be `` proportionate '' and that they will be allowed to go ahead .
Mr Yousaf has signed a joint letter alongside other politicians and anti-racism campaigners urging people not to attend the rallies , and to find alternative and safe ways of protesting .
It has also been signed by Kadijartu Johnson - a nurse and the sister of Sheku Bayoh , who died after being restrained by police in Kirkcaldy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on easing lockdown in Scotland is `` fragile '' and said : `` Like so many we want to stand in unity with millions across our planet to show solidarity with those protesting against racial injustice in the USA but also to support those challenging racial injustice and discrimination in Scotland .
`` The rules in place are there to protect people 's health and ultimately people 's lives .
`` Therefore , as long-term anti-racist campaigners we are still urging people to protest but to use the many other methods available at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Anti-racism rallies in Belfast and Londonderry

Up to 1,000 people have taken part in anti-racism rallies across Northern Ireland .
In Northern Ireland , there were protests in Belfast and Londonderry in response to the death of African-American George Floyd in US police custody .
Police said they had issued `` a significant number '' of fines given the dangers of crowds in the pandemic .
A police chief defended their action saying : `` These are no ordinary times '' .
Justice Minister Naomi Long said police were `` put between a rock and a hard place '' and that the protests should not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister Arlene Foster and chief medical officer Michael McBride had asked the organisers to find a different way to protest in the light of the pandemic .
On Saturday , PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd confirmed Community Resolution Notices ( CRNS ) and fines had been handed out .
`` In other times , we would have been working with the organisers and protestors to facilitate a lawful and peaceful protest to mark the avoidable and unnecessary death of George Floyd , however , these are not ordinary times , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in place to protect us all during this pandemic and it is everyone 's responsibility to adhere to them to protect our society . ''
Police said less than 500 people gathered at each of the two protests and , in Newry , a crowd also gathered but dispersed quickly .
The police chief said organisers and others would now be reported to the Public Prosecution Service with a view to prosecution .
Mrs Long added : `` At the end of the day the guidance and the rules and regulations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are all required to respect that .
`` I was very clear that I wanted them to find other ways - and indeed we found other ways to try and show our solidarity with those who are concerned about racism and about the situation regarding George Floyd .
`` But I think it 's important we do that in a lawful manner .
And I think that the police have policed this in a proportionate way .
I think it 's unfortunate that it came to this . ''
Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action `` deeply worrying '' .
`` People have taken to our city 's largest public squares to express their rage at the murder of George Floyd , and take a stand against the racism which BAME people experience in the US and closer to home .
Their voices must not be silenced , '' he said .
`` I pay tribute to today 's protest organisers in Belfast and Derry-Londonderry , who went to great lengths to ensure protests were socially distanced and safe for participants in light of the current public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's understood strict social distancing measures were in place with markers on the road at the rally in Custom House Square .
Across the UK , protests were held in cities including London , Manchester , Cardiff , Leicester , and Sheffield .
In London , protesters knelt for a minute 's silence before chanting `` no justice , no peace '' and `` black lives matter '' .
The protests went ahead despite officials advising against mass gatherings due to coronavirus .
In the Republic of Ireland , several hundred protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dublin .
Organisers had asked people living within five kilometres of the area to join what they called a `` socially-distanced '' protest .
They have been handing out personal protective equipment to those in attendance .
Similar demonstrations were also held in Galway and Limerick .
Meanwhile , a mural highlighting the death of George Floyd , and supporting the Black Lives Matter campaign has been unveiled on the Falls Road in west Belfast .
It was the idea of Belfast tourism organisation Fáilte Feirste Thiar and community arts festival Féile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lyons and Mickey Docherty .
Demonstrations that had been due to take place at other venues in Northern Ireland were later cancelled .
Parliament Buildings was lit up in yellow on Saturday as a sign of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement .
The Assembly Commission said the gesture was `` a strong and visible symbol '' of opposition to racism .
George Floyd , 46 , an African-American man , died after being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis , Minnesota .
Footage of the arrest on 25 May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Floyd 's neck while he was pinned to the ground .
Derek Chauvin , 44 , has since been charged with second-degree murder .
His death has led to widespread demonstrations and civil unrest in the US and further afield .

"People have taken to our city's largest public squares to express their rage at the murder of George Floyd, and take a stand against the racism which BAME people experience in the US and closer to home. Their voices must not be silenced," he said.


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Inside the Welsh Government during outbreak

Responding to the coronavirus crisis has been a `` colossal challenge '' , according to Wales ' top civil servant .
Permanent secretary Shan Morgan said around 80 % of the Welsh Government 's staff were currently working on an aspect of Covid-19 .
She added that the organisation had adapted `` fantastically quickly '' .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the pandemic was `` not like anything we 've had to face '' .
• What Covid-19 decisions are made in Wales ?
• Figuring out the stats on coronavirus in Wales • What are the new lockdown rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusive access to the government 's Cathays Park headquarters to see how the crisis has affected day-to day operations , and how the response to the pandemic is being managed .
The building , which would normally have about 2,500 staff , is largely empty and social-distancing measures have been introduced throughout .
`` We reckon that now about 95 % of our staff are working really well from home .
We 're getting stuff done , '' Ms Morgan said .
She added that `` for the foreseeable future remote working is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked how much of a challenge the pandemic had been for the civil service , Ms Morgan said : `` This is a huge challenge .
`` Getting things right to make sure that we are looking after the people of Wales , that we are not overwhelming NHS capacity… that 's a colossal challenge because it 's a life and death challenge .
`` I 'm very proud of the way that everybody in the Welsh Government , working with all of our stakeholders , has responded to that formidable challenge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had changed the way the government operated with very few ministers going into the office regularly , and daily meetings taking place over Zoom .
`` In some ways , we are more agile in working this way , '' Mr Drakeford said .
But he added that , for those ministers who are not going into the office , `` there 's quite a big loss that comes with no face-to-face contact '' .
`` Zoom calls are very good in many ways and they focus on the business , but those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting .
`` That couple of minutes you have just to speak to somebody , test something - none of that happens in the way we 're working now , and that 's a loss and can make the business of government a bit more challenging . ''
Mr Drakeford said he could not think of anything else like it in 20 years of devolution .
`` We 've had a number of big challenges over the years : foot and mouth was an enormous challenge in parts of Wales , ebola did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the threat of it was real and that was a public health emergency in its time .
`` But this is a public health emergency that has actually arrived and has made our lives , every one of us , completely different and it 's not like anything else we 've had to face . ''
Politics Wales is on BBC One Wales at 10:00 BST on Sunday and on the BBC iPlayer .

"That couple of minutes you have just to speak to somebody, test something - none of that happens in the way we're working now, and that's a loss and can make the business of government a bit more challenging."


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Illegal woodland rave attracts 200 to Rainford

About 200 people turned up for an illegal rave in a woodland , police say .
Officers said they found one male with a broken leg and one female with a broken ankle after the party , which started in Rainford , Merseyside , at 20:00 BST on Friday .
Another female suffered burns to her legs .
Four men were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and equipment , lighting and lasers were seized .
The men were also detained on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and were taken into custody .
Current government rules restrict public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England due to the impact of coronavirus .
`` A large number of young people were seen on the site and attempting to gain entrance from around 8pm , '' a Merseyside Police spokesperson said .
`` Police turned away around 200 people in vehicles and on foot . ''
Officers said they also dealt with 12 people for drugs offences and issued 15 penalty tickets for breaching coronavirus regulations .
`` A significant amount of rubbish , alcohol containers and evidence of drug misuse was located and the site , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waine added : `` It is clear that the organisers and those attending care very little for public health , the community surrounding them or indeed their own safety .
`` Having to deal with these sorts of unnecessary incidents puts an extra strain on both police and our partners at a time when all key workers face a huge challenge to join the national effort to beat this pandemic while continuing to protect the public . ''

"Having to deal with these sorts of unnecessary incidents puts an extra strain on both police and our partners at a time when all key workers face a huge challenge to join the national effort to beat this pandemic while continuing to protect the public."


bbcuk--2020-06-07--George Floyd death: People cannot be silent in the face of racism, says Nandy

Labour 's Lisa Nandy has said people `` can not be silent in the face of racism '' as she backed those attending protests during the pandemic .
The shadow foreign secretary said young people were `` right to raise their voices '' but urged demonstrators to take precautions and socially distance .
Further protests sparked by the death of George Floyd during his arrest in the US last month are planned later .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock urged people not to gather in large groups .
Ms Nandy told the BBC 's Andrew Marr she was `` proud '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-racism protests across the UK on Saturday .
`` I think it 's one of the most important things about living in a free society is that people can go out and protest , '' she said .
She added : `` I 've said repeatedly that it must be safe , people should social distance - please take precautions - but I 'm very proud of those young people who are coming out and speaking up .
`` Now I 'm someone who has lived with racism in my life , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've seen it in our country and I think it requires you to take an active stance against it .
`` You can not be silent in the face of racism and police brutality , and I think those young people are right to raise their voices and to demand change . ''
But Mr Hancock said that , with an estimated one in 1,000 people being infectious with the coronavirus , the protests risked spreading the disease , which would then risk lives .
He added : `` There is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , temporarily , to say that gatherings over six people should not happen and that 's because the virus spreads . ''
Prof John Edmunds , an member of the government 's scientific advisory group Sage , said - even with reduced transmission outdoors - the large numbers protesting increased the risk of spread .
`` If you have a crowd of a few thousand people you would expect some of those people to be infectious , '' he said .
`` And we know that the infection can be passed on by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The Bishop of Dover , Rose Hudson-Wilkin , who is the Church of England 's first female black bishop , told BBC Breakfast racism was killing people .
She said the protests were necessary as `` sadly the world pays no attention when we do not stand up '' .
`` Most people have responsibly weighed up the risk that they would be taking in order to stand up , '' she said .
`` There has been a greater pandemic throughout the world that no one has seen or heard or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
`` And so people are thinking 'We 're dying anyway , so we 're going to stand up now . '
`` People are saying 'Enough is enough , ' '' she added , calling for a renewed social contract to address `` systemic inequality '' .
On Saturday , thousands protested across the UK including in London , Manchester and Cardiff .
While the majority of the day 's demonstrations remained peaceful , there were disturbances in the evening outside Downing Street in central London .
Missiles and fireworks were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrown by some demonstrators .
The Metropolitan Police said 14 officers were injured , including a mounted officer who came off a horse as it bolted down Whitehall , with a further 13 hurt earlier in the week .
Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said she was `` appalled '' by the scenes of unrest on Saturday night , which led to 14 arrests .
She added : `` There is no place for violence in our city .
Officers displayed extreme patience and professionalism throughout a long and difficult day , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would urge protesters to please find another way to make your views heard which does not involve coming out on the streets of London , risking yourself , your families and officers as we continue to face this deadly virus . ''
How George Floyd 's death resonated in the UK • 'When one is hurt , we 're all hurt' • What does white privilege mean ?
• How many black people die in police custody ?

The Prime Minister later tweeted: "People have a right to protest peacefully & while observing social distancing but they have no right to attack the police. These demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery - and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve. Those responsible will be held to account."


bbcuk--2020-06-07--George Floyd: London anti-racism protests leave 27 officers hurt

A total of 27 police officers have been injured during a series of anti-racism protests , 14 on Saturday , the Met Police has revealed .
Dame Cressida Dick , Met Police Commissioner , said the attacks were `` shocking and completely unacceptable '' .
Protests on Saturday were largely peaceful , but were marred later by the disturbances outside Downing Street .
The officers were hurt in a series of protest in the capital sparked by George Floyd 's death in the US .
More demonstrations planned across the UK later .
In a statement Dame Cressida , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers at the protest for their `` extreme patience and professionalism '' .
She said : `` I am deeply saddened and depressed that a minority of protesters became violent towards officers in central London yesterday evening .
`` This led to 14 officers being injured , in addition to 13 hurt in earlier protests this week .
`` We have made a number of arrests and justice will follow .
I know many who were seeking to make their voices heard will be as appalled as I am by those scenes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ find another way to make your views heard which does not involve coming out on the streets of London , risking yourself , your families and officers as we continue to face this deadly virus . ''
Thousands of people took part in anti-racism demonstrations across London on Saturday .
The majority of the day 's protests were peaceful but in the evening there were disturbances outside Downing Street .
BBC home affairs correspondent Tom Symonds said the protest was largely over when missiles and fireworks were thrown at a police line .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after she was knocked from her horse when it hit a set of traffic lights whilst appearing to bolt .
• 'People can not be silent in the face of racism' The officer had struggled to stay in control as she was riding down the street surrounded by protesters .
A rally is scheduled later to be staged outside the US Embassy in Battersea , south-west London .
Demonstrations are also scheduled in Glasgow , Edinburgh and Aberdeen .

"I would urge protesters to please find another way to make your views heard which does not involve coming out on the streets of London, risking yourself, your families and officers as we continue to face [the deadly coronavirus]."


bbcuk--2020-06-07--Coronavirus: Places of worship to reopen for private prayer

Places of worship will be allowed to open for private individual prayer under government plans to be announced next week .
These are not expected to include weddings of any size , or full services - which will come at a later date .
The prime minister is set to outline measures which will come into effect in England on 15 June .
Northern Ireland has already allowed private worship but Scotland and Wales have not yet done so .
Boris Johnson is expected to update his cabinet on the plans on Tuesday .
Ministers have been working with faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worship can re-open safely with social distancing measures in place .
Individual churches , mosques , synagogues and temples will have to manage the number worshippers attending .
Downing Street says any changes are contingent on the government 's five tests for easing lockdown continuing to be met .
Faith leaders have called for churches , mosques , synagogues and temples to be allowed to reopen as other lockdown measures have been lifted .
Cardinal Vincent Nichols , the Archbishop of Westminster and the most senior Roman Catholic in England and Wales , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the `` first , measured step in restoring '' church services .
He said it was important that `` every care is taken to ensure that the guidance given for this limited opening is fully observed , not least by those entering our churches '' .
But he added that `` not every Catholic church will be open on 15 June '' .
`` Local decisions and provision have to lead this process , '' he said .
• Lockdown rules : What you need to know • What is the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Churches may not be back to normal by the end of the year While the burden of the lockdown has fallen evenly across the population , religious groups have been forced to sacrifice major festivals that punctuate their practice over the year .
Christians were unable to attend Holy Week services , Muslims have experienced Ramadan without communal Iftar meals each day .
The Jewish community experienced Passover without extended Sedars and Sikhs were unable to mark the festival of Vaisakhi .
Although places of worship will reopen solely for private prayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if the public is ready to re-engage in retail therapy then people of faith ought to be allowed to enter places of worship .
All the major religious groups are preparing new hygiene protocols , doors are likely to be opened only for limited periods , numbers attending will be carefully controlled and there will be no communal worship .
But at a time of widespread grief and anxiety about the future , this will be a welcome opportunity to seek comfort and consolation in sacred spaces around the country .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the importance of people being able to have space to `` reflect and pray , to connect with their faith , and to be able to mourn for their loved ones '' during the unprecedented time .
`` We plan to open up places of worship for individual prayer in a safe , Covid-secure way that does not risk further transmission . ''
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said ensuring places of worship could reopen was a priority as their `` contribution to the common good of our country is clear '' .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have shown enormous patience and forbearance , unable to mark Easter , Passover , Ramadan or Vaisakhi with friends and family in the traditional way .
`` As we control the virus , we are now able to move forwards with a limited but important return to houses of worship . ''
Places of worship have been closed for almost two months , and in some cases even longer , after closing their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Jenrick has warned that large gatherings will be difficult to manage for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some religions and rituals such as singing which may lead to the virus .
spreading more freely • SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Sir Tom Jones turns 80: Singer shares 'tremendous' memories

As he celebrates his 80th birthday , Sir Tom Jones has said he will keep singing `` as long as there 's breath in my body '' .
The Welsh legend , who was born on 7 June 1940 , said he did not mind growing old because `` the memories are tremendous '' .
And he said lockdown reminded him of his own two-year isolation with tuberculosis from the age of 12 .
`` I sympathise with young people that ca n't go and play , '' he said .
Sir Tom , who grew up in Pontypridd , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's Not Unusual , What 's New Pussycat ?
and Kiss .
He became one of the world 's biggest stars , with his live Las Vegas performances earning the admiration of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra .
Throughout his career he has constantly reinvented himself , moving from pop , rock and country to gospel , soul and blues and then on to electronic and dance music .
Speaking to friend and fellow-singer Cerys Matthews for BBC Radio 2 , he said : `` The memories are tremendous and I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach 80 and to have such wonderful memories and to be still doing it and still making a point , or trying to - thank you to everybody that has been with me , the audience .
`` You ca n't express yourself properly unless there 's people there to listen to you .
`` God has been good to me and my voice is still there .
So as long as it 's there I wan na get up ... singing live to people is the thing . ''
The current lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Sir Tom has experienced self-isolation before , having been kept at home in a single room for two years after his TB diagnosis as a child .
`` With this lockdown now , I 'm thinking 'my God , how are those kids coping ? '
because I remember it , '' he said .
`` It taught me not to take health for granted . ''
You can listen to Sir Tom at 80 with Cerys Matthews on BBC Sounds and watch Tom Jones at 80 on the BBC iPlayer @

"To reach 80 and to have such wonderful memories and to be still doing it and still making a point, or trying to - thank you to everybody that has been with me, the audience.


bbcuk--2020-06-07--BA 'dismissal threat' undermines talks, pilots' union Balpa says

The pilots ' union Balpa has accused British Airways of undermining talks over proposed job losses by threatening to dismiss and re-hire its members under new contracts .
The airline proposes to make 12,000 staff redundant , as it struggles with the impact of the pandemic , with more than 1,000 pilot roles at risk .
British Airways said it was acting now to protect as many jobs possible .
It insisted no final decision had been made .
Balpa has been meeting with the company , unlike some unions , including Unite and GMB , which BA says have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general secretary Brian Strutton said on Saturday night that those talks now hung `` by a thread '' .
`` Balpa reps have been in consultation with BA over its proposed 1,130 pilot job losses and we 've been doing that constructively and in good faith , '' Mr Strutton said in a statement .
`` Then , on Wednesday evening , a letter from BA added another 125 job losses and also for the first time threatened all 4,300 BA pilots with dismissal and reengagement if we did not reach agreement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm appalled at the cavalier attitude shown by BA towards the Balpa reps and to its pilots .
`` This has seriously undermined our talks which now hang by a thread . ''
Willie Walsh , the chief executive of BA 's parent company IAG , emphasized this week in a letter to Parliament that no decision had been made in relation to actual redundancies .
`` There are some who believe the company is exaggerating the scale of the challenge , '' Mr Walsh said in the letter .
`` Nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The situation is unprecedented . ''
British Airways said it was acting now to protect as many jobs possible , as the airline industry faced the deepest structural change in its history .
It called on Unite and the GMB to consult with it on its proposals as Balpa was doing .
Separately , BA , Easyjet and Ryanair have made inroads towards a legal challenge to the government 's plan to impose two weeks ' quarantine on international travellers .
The three have written a letter to Procurator General Sir Jonathan Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official .
In it , they argue the rules for incoming travellers will be more stringent than those for people who are actually diagnosed as having coronavirus - and point out that the rules will not apply for residents of Scotland , Northern Ireland and Wales .
The proposals have been roundly criticised across the travel industry .
The Home Office has said it believes the measures will help stop the spread of the virus .
The BBC has requested comment from the Home Office .

In it, they argue the rules for incoming travellers will be more stringent than those for people who are actually diagnosed as having coronavirus - and point out that the rules are governed by different legislation for residents of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.


bbcuk--2020-06-07--Londonderry: Gun found in search 'similar to Lyra McKee murder weapon'

A gun found by police during searches in Londonderry is believed to be similar to the one used in the @ @ @ @ @ McKee .
The weapon is being forensically examined to establish if it was the gun @ @ @ @ @ a 29-year-old journalist , was shot during trouble in the city 's Creggan area in @ @ @ @ @ , along with a bomb , was found during planned police searches in Derry on @ @ @ @ @ operations took place over two days , covering 38 acres in the Ballymagroarty area .
@ @ @ @ @ McCalmont said `` rigorous forensic examination '' would be carried out on the weapons .
@ @ @ @ @ McIntyre , 52 , from Kinnego Park in Derry was charged with Ms McKee 's @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking on the first anniversary of her death , Det Supt Jason Murphy said @ @ @ @ @ suspects in the investigation .

"The fact that these items were left close to a populated area, and particularly on land where children are known to play, yet again underlines the total lack of regard these violent terrorist criminals have for their own communities," she said.


bbcuk--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Living lockdown in an empty four-star hotel

Durham 's Royal County hotel stayed open through two World Wars - but when the coronavirus shut its historic front doors in March , maintenance manager Will Whelan moved in to help prepare for a new normal .
Guests are long gone and bookings suspended for the foreseeable future .
But four times a day , Will Whelan checks the water quality in the Royal County hotel pool .
It 's all about ensuring the right balance of chemicals for when , at some point in the future , the next person dips their toe .
It 's anyone 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Across the country , most of the UK 's 10,000 hotels are standing empty .
Though some stayed open for key workers and the homeless , the majority were mothballed during the frantic two weeks in the middle of March when many parts of British life came to a halt due to the lockdown .
With its 100 other staff furloughed , Will , 56 , is one of eight maintenance staff keeping the Grade II listed hotel in the heart of Durham alive .
At the height of the lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150 four-star rooms .
`` I 've stayed over before , '' he says .
`` But not like this . ''
`` To be isolated here for some people would be a blessing .
When I first was locked down and staying in the hotel full time it was all sort of a bit exciting , like anyone who goes to a hotel , '' he says .
Will and a colleague used furniture from the banqueting hall to play table tennis and he moved an exercise bike from the hotel gym @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon wore thin .
`` It 's spooky .
It 's not quite The Shining , it 's more like Home Alone .
You can scream as loud as you like , no one is going to hear you , '' he says .
`` Really what you want is to be around other people .
As nice as the beds are , and the showers and the tellies and the fluffy towels and the robes and the complimentary slippers , you can only have so much . ''
Hotels everywhere have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings safe even as revenue stopped practically overnight .
Marriott , the global giant which owns the Royal County , has around 650 staff still working across its 60 managed hotels in the UK .
Simple things like keeping water running through pipes becomes a Herculean effort when guests are n't there to take showers or brush their teeth .
It 's why once a week , Will has to turn each of the Royal County 's 600 taps on for five minutes to release standing water .
It could easily take up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevents bacteria that can cause the lethal Legionnaires ' disease from building up .
The hotel 's 170 toilets need to be flushed twice a week and shower heads need sanitising and hoses replacing .
The ice machines are cleaned , every drawer is left open and rooms kept at precisely 16C to prevent mould , their thick blackout curtains tightly closed .
The UK 's hotel industry , worth over £20bn in 2018 , together with the wider hospitality sector , has so far borne the brunt of the coronavirus .
Almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been furloughed , according to industry body UK Hospitality , equal to 2.7m people - more than any other .
Over a third of accommodation and food businesses think it will be more than four weeks before they reopen , according to a recent Office for National Statistics survey .
The same study showed 60 % of hospitality companies that are still trading have reduced working hours .
Industry leaders are calling on the government to confirm reopening can begin on 4 July - the next date for the potential further easing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will safeguard jobs as the tapering of the furlough scheme nears .
`` If we do n't get that confirmation then there is a very real concern that we 'll see job losses in August because these businesses can not afford to pay anything towards it , '' says Kate Nicholls , the chief executive of UK Hospitality .
One of the biggest problems for hotels , guest houses and holiday parks , is providing enough notice for guests to begin booking again .
In Northern Ireland , businesses have been told they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - though they may open sooner .
It 's the sort of message Ms Nicholls wants to hear from the UK government at Westminster .
`` We need to give consumers certainty that they can book their hotel break from a given date , '' she says .
The 2m rule for social distancing could also cut vital revenue for hotels by reducing the capacity of food and beverage outlets .
Another headwind for the sector is the government 's plan to impose a 14-day quarantine for arrivals into the UK from Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its UK hotels through its worldwide loyalty scheme , describes the policy as `` another blow '' to the industry .
And Ms Nicholls fears the quarantine will have an even longer lasting effect by sending the message that `` Britain is closed '' .
`` That lasts not just the three weeks , six weeks , however long quarantine is in force , but will have a longer lasting impact right the way through the rest of this year . ''
But back in County Durham , Will is optimistic the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a buzz one day soon .
`` People will always travel , '' he says , `` I just want to make sure when that day comes , people walk in and it has that wow factor . ''

It's anyone's guess as to when that might be. Across the country, most of the UK's 10,000 hotels are standing empty. Though some stayed open for key workers and the homeless, the majority were mothballed during the frantic two weeks in the middle of March when many parts of British life came to a halt due to the lockdown.