bbcuk--2020-03-20--Will I be paid when I'm at home with kids?

Everyone should work from home if they can , according to stringent new measures in the UK to combat the spread of coronavirus .
Meanwhile , schools are shutting , leaving parents trying to work out how to juggle childcare and work .
For many people , homeworking will not be possible , but they still face the possibility of 14 days of self-isolation , under the guidelines announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
Some changes have been made to the sick pay system given the current circumstances , which workers may need to fall back on .
Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look after my children ?
When your children 's school is closed , or if you have a relative who is ill , your employer must give you time off to look after them .
But your employer is not forced to pay you unless your contract requires it .
However , many employers are allowing parents to work flexibly , to try to manage both work and childcare .
Who needs to work from home ?
Everyone who can work from home should do so .
That creates practical issues for employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given clear guidance as to what that means for them .
In normal circumstances , anyone working from home should receive an assessment of their domestic workplace .
Clearly , this will not be possible at present , but some rights can be made clear .
For example , working hours can still be clearly defined , and staff should receive their normal pay .
Who provides the equipment ?
An employer is responsible for equipment they supply , and must say what it should be used for .
The question of who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlined as soon as possible , and would normally be part of any working from home agreement .
Given the current situation , extra costs , such as phone bills , may need to be claimed .
Employers will need evidence , but can explain how the expenses system works , and whether these costs are taxable .
Employees should only take home documents that are proportionate to their job , and should take particular care over safekeeping .
If personal laptops or mobile devices are used to connect to workplace servers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through secure links .
If it is particularly sensitive , work equipment should be supplied .
`` The data commissioner will treat cyber and data breaches that happen whilst staff work from home in exactly the same way as if happened in the workplace , attracting the same penalties , '' warns James Medhurst , a senior associate in the employment law team at legal firm Royds Withy King .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PLANS : What are your rights ?
If a business regularly has staff working from home , it is likely that Employers Liability Insurance will already cover staff irrespective of where they work .
If home working is entirely new to a company , business owners should check the wording of their policy and amend it accordingly , Mr Medhurst says .
Who is responsible for workers while they work ?
An employer has a duty of care for staff , even if they are working at home .
The requirements of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too , according to the employment conciliation service Acas .
What if I can not work from home ?
Owing to the financial pressures , some businesses have asked staff to take unpaid leave .
Employers have the right to tell workers to take holiday if they decide to shut for a period of time .
However , they usually must give the employee twice as much notice as the period of leave being taken .
So for one week of annual leave , they would have to give two weeks of notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work from home .
However , under the new guidelines , if one person in any household has a persistent cough or fever , everyone living there must stay at home for 14 days .
Will I get paid if I self-isolate in this way ?
Provisions for sick leave vary from company to company .
Many employees will have contracts that allow them their normal pay while they are unable to work because they are sick .
Even where people do not get their fully paid sick leave , or if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have contractual sick leave , there may be minimum payments they can rely on , known as statutory sick pay .
Statutory sick pay ( SSP ) is money paid by employers , so self-employed workers are not eligible , but casual or agency workers are .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said that SSP would be paid to people who had been told to isolate themselves , even if they did not have any symptoms .
He said people would soon be able to obtain a sick note from the NHS 111 service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The rules were also changed so that those people would be eligible for SSP on their first day away from work , instead of having to wait until the fourth day as used to be the case .
He also announced that businesses with fewer than 250 employees would be able to claim back from the government two weeks of SSP paid to staff affected by coronavirus .
How much is statutory sick pay ?
It is set at £94.25 a week , although of course employers could pay more if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context , average weekly earnings in the UK in December last year stood at £544 a week .
To get SSP people need to be earning at least £118 a week .
Many people such as those on zero-hours contracts - who work variable hours every week - may earn less than this .
The Trades Union Congress ( TUC ) has calculated that there are two million workers who are not eligible for SSP and Labour has asked the government whether they will now be covered .
We asked the Office for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they estimated that there were 1,766,000 jobs done by adults in the UK that paid less than £118 a week .
The number of people involved is likely to be somewhat lower than this because one person could have more than one of these jobs .
And indeed , if somebody has more than one of these jobs it could take them above the £118 a week needed to qualify .
About 70 % of these jobs are done by women .
The GMB union has called on the government to force companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are isolating themselves to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
It says that the government could use legislation that allows for staff to be suspended on full pay for up to six months for specific medical reasons involving risks of radiation or lead poisoning .
The government could use a statutory instrument in Parliament to extend that to include people isolating themselves because of coronavirus .
Broadly speaking , employees are entitled to sick pay and self-employed people are not .
In the latest UK figures for the last three months of 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and about five million self-employed .
The government has said it will make it `` quicker and easier '' for self-employed people affected by coronavirus to access benefits .
The chancellor said that those on contributory employment and support Allowance ( ESA ) will be able to claim from day one , instead of day eight .
He is also temporarily removing the minimum income floor from universal credit .
The minimum income floor would have taken into account how much you would normally expect to earn in a month when calculating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having the floor means they will be able to claim for time they spend off work due to sickness .
He said they would not need to attend a job centre and could apply on the phone or online instead .
The government has also announced a new £500m fund to support economically vulnerable people , which will be allocated by local authorities .
Update : This piece was first published on 6 March and has been updated to reflect changes announced since .

Coronavirus: Wages, sick pay and time off explained Published 29 May 2020
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Image source, Getty Images
Millions of workers are receiving a smaller pay packet as the economic realities of coronavirus bite.
Struggling companies and self-employed workers have been offered financial help by the government, to help keep their businesses afloat and staff paid during the coronavirus outbreak.
But, with millions on reduced wages, who is affected and what happens when workers fall ill?
Will my salary be paid?
If you work in the private sector, and pay tax through the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) system, your employer can put you on furlough - essentially, lay you off temporarily - by applying for a government grant to pay 80% of your gross salary up to a limit of £2,500 per month.
More than eight million workers have been furloughed since March, at a cost of billions of pounds to the government. Full and part-time employees are eligible, as are those on agency, flexible or zero-hour contracts.
The typical full-time worker is paid £585 a week, about £2,340 a month, using a median average - the middle point of all workers.
It has been hoped the grants, available through Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by the end of April, will stop big redundancy announcements.
The money was backdated to March and the scheme will last until the end of October. New rules will apply over the summer that will see employers sharing some of the burden of these costs.
Employers will be able to bring back furloughed employees part-time from July - although they will be expected to share the cost of paying people's salaries.
An employer still pays their staff, and can decide whether to pay in full or only the 80% that has been covered.
'It is a relief to be paid'
Ria Fortin only started her job as a coordinator with Morepour, a cellar and bar installation and maintenance company, four months ago. Now, she has been furloughed.
"There was an intake of breath when I was paid. It was not as much as I have been used to," says the 34-year-old, who has just bought a home with her self-employed partner.
"But it is a relief just to be paid. At least it is something. Other people are in a much worse situation."
Image source, Ria Fortin Image caption, Ria Fortin says she feels lucky to still have her job
The company she works for is small, so she feels grateful to have been furloughed, rather than laid off, given that the hospitality industry may be one of the last to reopen.
The couple have organised payment holidays on regular bills, but know these will eventually have to be paid, so Ria - a former NHS worker - says they are very conscious of budgeting.
What if I'm self-employed?
If you are self-employed and have had a loss of income, you can receive a taxable grant of 80% of your average monthly profits over the past three years - up to a cap of £2,500 per month.
Initially, this has been available for three months in one lump-sum payment. A "second and final" payment, covering another three months and representing 70% of profits up to a cap of £2,190 a month will be available from August.
You can access the Coronavirus Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) as long as you traded in the past financial year, are still trading now and plan to continue doing so.
Most of your income needs to come from self-employment and your average trading profit needs to have been less than £50,000 a year.
If you became self-employed since April 2019, you will not receive any help under this scheme. This is because you haven't yet have filed a tax return, which is needed to help calculate financial support.
HMRC will contact those who are eligible.
Image source, Getty Images
What if the self-employed support scheme doesn't cover me?
You will have to try to claim benefits - such as universal credit and/or contribution-based employment and support allowance (ESA).
In his Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said claimants could apply for ESA straight away, rather than waiting a week. He also temporarily removed the minimum income floor criteria for self-employed people - which looked at how much people could expect to earn in a month to calculate universal credit levels.
Self-employed people not covered by the SEISS can now access universal credit in full, potentially allowing them to receive a payment equivalent to statutory sick pay (SSP).
However, this does depend on your household's financial situation. If you are already in receipt of other benefits, these could stop when applying for universal credit, so it may be worth getting some advice.
You can now apply on the phone or online, instead of having to attend a job centre.
Benefit levels have also been increased temporarily.
What if I work in the public sector?
You should continue to work and have your wages paid as normal, even if you are home-working or have been told to work at another location temporarily.
What if I'm working from home?
If you can work from home, you should do so. Working hours can still be clearly defined.
Employers still have a duty of care and are responsible for any equipment they give you. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has set out guidance.
Image source, Getty Images
What if I need to look after my children or a sick relative?
If you are an employee, your employer must give you time off in an emergency. But you might not get paid - it depends on the terms of your work contract.
However, many bosses during this period are allowing parents to work flexibly, to try to manage both work and childcare.
Will I be paid if I have to self-isolate or I am sick?
If you are an employee, any sick pay you may receive will depend on where you work.
Some workers' contracts offer full pay to those off ill - albeit for a limited time.
If that time runs out, or if you don't get paid sick leave in the first place, you should receive SSP.
The money - set at £95.85 a week - is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks. So if you are self-employed, you will not be eligible - but if you are a casual or agency worker, you will be.
Image source, Getty Images
To receive SSP you need to be earning at least £120 a week. The ONS estimates there are 1,766,000 adult jobs in the UK that pay less than that amount - although some people will earn money from several jobs over the course of a week.
SSP can now be claimed from a person's first day away from work, rather than the fourth day as before.


bbcuk--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Premier League players join charity FIFA 20 tournament

If you 've been struggling over the last few days with having no football to watch , you 're definitely not alone .
It 's affected fans and people working at clubs like Luke Lambourne , who looks after the social media for League Two club Leyton Orient .
After a weekend without any content to post , Luke came up with the idea of an online FIFA tournament .
FIFA is one of the biggest games in eSports , and an eWorld Cup was launched in 2004 .
With no matches taking place on pitches at the moment due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep English clubs playing together , and raise some money at the same time .
But his request for entrants went viral and he 's now got 128 teams from around the world involved .
`` We 've seen the likes of Crystal Palace putting Andros Townsend forward and Brighton putting Neal Maupay up , '' the 27-year-old tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
`` There 's also a whole host of English clubs letting their players take control so it will be good fun . ''
While some teams are taking it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has their own eSports team to deploy - Luke is just happy to be making some money for charity .
So far the tournament has raised nearly £28,000 , thanks to contributions from football fans and a large donation from SkyBet .
'EFL clubs are going to struggle' Money will go to the mental health charity MIND and to the World Health Organisation .
But funds are also being set aside to go to English Football League clubs , which includes all clubs outside the Premier League .
`` EFL clubs are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postponements , '' says Luke .
`` It 's been well documented in the last 12 months with some clubs going into administration .
This could really send them over the edge , so anything we can do to help support those clubs is fantastic , '' Luke says .
Last year , both Bury and Bolton Wanderers had to rely on takeovers to keep them afloat , and there are serious worries that without match day revenue , lower league clubs will struggle .
Premier League clubs are likely to feel the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety-net of TV rights and sponsorship deals .
Top-flight clubs like Manchester City , Newcastle United and West Ham are all putting up players for the gaming tournament and face some international competition .
Big name European clubs like Ajax and RB Salzburg are also set to battle it out - digitally of course .
`` A lot of English clubs 'travel ' to Australia , which will be fun , '' Luke says .
`` Wolves have been all over Europe this year but have to go a bit further afield now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of the bigger ties is Walsall hosting AS Roma at home - another tie you 'd probably never see in real life but one the Walsall fans will be happy about .
`` And of course I 'm excited about our match as well , which is away to Lokomotiv Moscow - we 'll be the big underdogs ! ''
The appetite for the competition points to the growing interest in eSports in light of the coronavirus - with games like League of Legends and Call of Duty attracting new viewers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the technical details of Leyton Orient 's FIFA tournament are getting sorted - the games will be knockouts with six minute halves - the competition is due to start on Sunday , with streaming information being made available soon .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"It's been well documented in the last 12 months with some clubs going into administration. This could really send them over the edge, so anything we can do to help support those clubs is fantastic," Luke says.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: What is social distancing?

Coronavirus: What is social distancing?

Governments around the world are advising people to socially distance themselves in order to reduce pressures on health services and @ @ @ @ @ ( Covid-19 ) .
This is even more important now UK schools have been closed @ @ @ @ @ what exactly is the advice on social distancing - and who should be doing it @ @ @ @ @ exactly does it stop the spread of coronavirus ?

Governments around the world are advising people to socially distance themselves in order to reduce pressures on health services and stop the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
This is even more important now UK schools have been closed to most children.
But what exactly is the advice on social distancing - and who should be doing it the most? And how exactly does it stop the spread of coronavirus?
The BBC's Health Correspondent, Laura Foster explains.
Video by: Laura Foster, Tobias Chapple and Terry Saunders.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: How can the NHS, students and businesses be supported?

The Question Time panel answer questions from a junior doctor , restaurant owner and student - all concerning the UK @ @ @ @ @ Guests include Health Secretary Matt Hancock , Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham , Tom Solomon from @ @ @ @ @ Frances O'Grady from the British Trades Union Congress and chef and restaurant owner Angela Hartnett @

The Question Time panel answer questions from a junior doctor, restaurant owner and student - all concerning the UK's response to coronavirus.
Guests include Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Tom Solomon from the University of Liverpool, Frances O'Grady from the British Trades Union Congress and chef and restaurant owner Angela Hartnett.


bbcuk--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Nurse's despair as panic-buyers clear shelves

An exhausted nurse has urged panic-buyers to think about other people after finding supermarket shelves empty .
Dawn Bilbrough , @ @ @ @ @ should stop and think that NHS staff like her could be looking after them - @ @ @ @ @ to carry out their task .
The critical care nurse , who has been working @ @ @ @ @ people to stop and leave goods for everyone .

An exhausted nurse has urged panic-buyers to think about other people after finding supermarket shelves empty.
Dawn Bilbrough, from York, said people should stop and think that NHS staff like her could be looking after them - and need to stay healthy to carry out their task.
The critical care nurse, who has been working in West Yorkshire, urged people to stop and leave goods for everyone.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Newspaper headlines: Queen's 'stirring message' as PM offers 'hope'

Photographs of the Queen feature prominently , taken on the day she issued what the Daily Mirror describes as a `` rallying cry to the nation '' as it tries to tackle the coronavirus .
The paper highlights what it sees as the core message of her statement - that the country 's history has always been forged by `` us coming together as one '' .
For the Daily Express , it was a `` stirring message '' , while the Mail backs the monarch 's promise to play her part , describing it as a `` Blitz spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tide in 12 weeks , '' runs the main headline in the Metro , which focuses on Boris Johnson 's assertion that the virus can be `` sent packing '' - but only if people observe what the Mail describes as the `` extraordinary restrictions '' designed to slow its spread .
Writing for the Spectator , Isabel Hardman notes that the prime minister does tend to `` err on the side of optimism '' .
She says it is not clear whether he was basing his assertion on scientific evidence or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public to stick to the government advice , knowing there could be an end in sight .
The Times focuses on the package of tax cuts and wage subsidies for workers struggling with the economic impact of the virus expected to be unveiled today .
It quotes a source as saying the government could , in effect , underwrite 60 % of the average national wage for each worker .
The Guardian says the aim is to prevent `` hundreds of thousands of layoffs '' ; the Daily Telegraph believes it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy since World War Two .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning A photograph in the Financial Times shows a deserted Times Square in Manhattan - a visual illustration of what it says are the growing strains being experienced by the wider US economy in the face of the health crisis .
The New York Times reports that a simulated US government exercise last year - which imagined an influenza pandemic beginning in China - highlighted how `` underprepared '' the US would be for such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from China itself , which has celebrated a day without any new coronavirus cases among its population .
The Independent website shows two medical workers embracing in Wuhan - under the headline : `` A Glimmer of Hope ? ''
The Guardian reports that efforts are under way to develop a UK vaccine for the coronavirus within months .
It says Oxford University researchers are planning a small scale trial on humans next month - with animal trials due to start at the Public Health England laboratory at Porton Down next week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranging from the Oxford Mail to the Sunderland Echo - collaborate to publish the same front page , urging communities to pull together and insisting that in `` the worst of times , the very best in people comes to the fore '' .
The newspapers have a single message to their readers : `` Together we will defeat coronavirus and emerge from it stronger and more resilient than before '' .

"We can turn the tide in 12 weeks," runs the main headline in the Metro, which focuses on Boris Johnson's assertion that the virus can be "sent packing" - but only if people observe what the Mail describes as the "extraordinary restrictions" designed to slow its spread.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Man arrested for 'failing to self-isolate' on Isle of Man

A man has been arrested for failing to self-isolate after arriving on the Isle of Man amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The island passed emergency legislation requiring new arrivals to quarantine themselves for 14 days regardless of symptoms on Tuesday .
People who break the law could face a fine of up to £10,000 or three months in prison , the chief minister has said .
The 26-year-old man is thought to be the first person held in the British Isles for breaching quarantine rules .
He is `` in a specially cleaned '' area at Isle of Man Constabulary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who should be self-isolating '' .
The island 's emergency legal powers came into effect at 23:59 GMT on Tuesday .
A police spokesman urged people to follow the government guidance on self-isolation and `` think about the safety of the community '' .
`` This is an ever evolving situation and it is important we act in the best interests of keeping people safe , '' he added .
• EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • MAPS AND CHARTS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency powers were announced Chief Minister Howard Quayle said the pandemic was `` the gravest threat '' the island had faced in generations .
He said : `` We can not allow our critical health services to become overwhelmed and must have the means to prosecute those who choose to act irresponsibly . ''
The island recorded its first case of coronavirus on Thursday .

Police said the man had been "detained for his safety and the safety of the public" and accommodation where he could self-isolate had now been found.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: 'Embrace spirit of Northern Ireland' to fight virus

The first minister has said she is asking people to `` embrace the spirit of Northern Ireland and work together '' to combat the coronavirus outbreak .
She said the Northern Ireland Executive is united as it combats the coronavirus outbreak .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the priority of every executive decision is to save lives .
The first coronavirus-related death in Northern Ireland was confirmed on Thursday .
Speaking on Good Morning Ulster on Friday morning , Mrs Foster said : `` This is so much bigger than about Britishness or Irishness , unionism or nationalism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what this is about . ''
`` This is about giving hope to people that this will end , making sure that when it does end we come out the other side . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak She said that it may come to the point where more stringent measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're not at that point yet and it 's important that we 're led by the science in all of this .
`` I know it 's very counterintuitive for people to hear me talking about that , they think 'why do n't we do it now ' .
`` But it is about trying to flatten the peak . ''
Speaking on the same programme , Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said Northern Ireland is facing the `` challenge of a generation '' .
`` I 'm a daughter , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fear and concern - my own mummy has underlying health conditions , '' she said .
`` So what I want for everybody else is what I want for my own family .
`` Every decision that we take has only that one priority , which is to save lives . ''
She added : `` We 're in for an uphill struggle , to say the least , in the time ahead so it 's important that we 're joined up and we try to provide the answer to the questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , Health Minister Robin Swann has said he has reached out to manufacturers across Northern Ireland to help produce more ventilators .
Concerns have been raised that there are not enough to treat the number of people officials believe could fall seriously ill because of coronavirus .
There have been 77 positive cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland so far .
The Department of Health said that in the case of an 80 % infection rate , the NI death toll could be in the region of 14,000 .
It was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 adult units and 10 paediatric units ) have been ordered bringing the total available in Northern Ireland to 179 by the end of March .
However , speaking on The View on Thursday night , Mr Swann said he and officials had `` reached out in the past week , through Invest NI , to those manufacturers who can actually step up , retool and produce ventilators , and help us in that style '' .
`` So we are stepping up , we 're ramping up .
`` What we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the private sector in Northern Ireland to make sure we have their capacity captured as well . ''
Speaking on the same programme , Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said testing for the coronavirus is being extended to healthcare workers in self-isolation .
He said that , up until now , testing had been reserved for people in hospital .
`` We will be making announcements about further enhancements in our capacity to provide those tests next week , '' he added .

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the move, which also affects leisure centres and cinemas, would be a further challenge for everyone, but said people "must adhere to them with immediate effect".


bbcuk--2020-03-20--UK pubs and restaurants told to shut in virus fight

Cafes , pubs and restaurants must close from Friday night - except for take-away food - to tackle coronavirus , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said .
All the UK 's nightclubs , theatres , cinemas , gyms and leisure centres have also been told to close `` as soon as they reasonably can '' .
Mr Johnson said the situation would be reviewed each month .
Meanwhile , the government said it will pay 80 % of wages for employees who are not able to work , up to £2,500 a month .
The announcement about closures follows similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ireland , where pubs and bars were asked to close from last Sunday .
There have been 167 deaths in England from the coronavirus outbreak , as well as six in Scotland , three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland .
Speaking at a daily Downing Street press briefing , Mr Johnson said the measures would be enforced `` strictly '' and that licensing arrangements would make doing so `` relatively simple '' .
He urged people not to go out on Friday night ahead of the closures , stressing : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we need to keep people apart . ''
The prime minister added : `` The more effectively we follow the advice we are given , the faster this country will stage both a medical and an economic recovery in full . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Speaking at the same briefing , Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the new measures to help out-of-work employees were `` unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand by their workers during the coronavirus crisis , in the wake of many firms warning of collapse .
England 's deputy chief medical officer , Dr Jenny Harries , told reporters at the briefing that the government was not advising people against going outside .
`` We are saying , if you are going to go outside , go in a way that reduces your social contact , '' she said .
In a separate televised address , Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also asked all restaurants , cafes , pubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster said the measures are `` for the community 's protection '' , while Wales ' First Minister Mark Drakeford said the move was `` the right thing to do '' .
The latest announcement came after Mr Johnson said on Thursday that the UK could `` turn the tide '' on the coronavirus outbreak within 12 weeks .
Most UK schools closed their doors to a majority of pupils indefinitely on Friday , in an effort to stem the spread of the virus .
But many will reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodate the children of `` key workers '' .
Pupils whose exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic will be given grades estimated by their teachers , the government has said .
• Frontline health workers such as doctors and nurses • Workers in key public services including those essential to the justice system , religious staff and public service journalists • Utilities , communication and financial services staff , including postal workers and waste disposal workers Mr Johnson reiterated on Friday that the government does not want to `` immobilise the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he said were `` too important for the delivery of crucial public services '' .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asked people in the capital not to use public transport `` unless genuinely essential '' .
`` If you ignore this advice people will die as a result , '' he said .
The deputy mayor of London for transport tweeted a video of new announcements on the tube reinforcing the message .
The government 's decision to tell pubs , restaurants and other public places to close was welcomed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously criticised the government 's response to the outbreak .
And Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper has already taken advantage of the take-away pints offered by her local pub .
• Speaking alongside the PM on Friday , Dr Jenny Harries insisted the UK has a `` perfectly adequate '' supply of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for frontline staff .
She said in the last 36 hours , a completely separate `` oversight and supply chain '' had been set up to ensure hospitals and other care providers receive the gear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to chair another meeting with representatives of supermarkets on Saturday amid continuing concern over panic buying • Social distancing would be needed for `` at least half of the year '' to stop intensive care units being overwhelmed , according to the government 's scientific advisers .
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) recommended alternating between more and less strict measures for most of a year • MPs from all the main parties are picking up their stethoscopes and returning to old jobs in health and social care in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
It comes after news that around 65,000 retired medics will be asked to return to the NHS to help fight the pandemic .
• Dame Vera Lynn used her 103rd birthday to call on the British public to find `` moments of joy '' during these `` hard times '' .
• Christmas decorations have been appearing across the country , as people stuck at home try to bring some much-needed joy amid the coronavirus pandemic • Major supermarkets have announced plans to hire extra staff to cope with increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 new workers for at least the next 12 weeks ; Aldi wants to recruit 9,000 ( which will include 4,000 permanent roles ) ; and Asda plans to hire more than 5,000 temporary employees laid off due to Covid-19 .
Morrisons said it will create 3,500 jobs to expand its home delivery service , while Lidl hopes to recruit 2,500 staff to start work immediately • In a message to the nation on Thursday , the Queen urged people to come together for the common good .
• Trials of a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Public Health England has said • Military leaders have been told by the head of the armed forces to be ready by the middle of next month to help respond to the pandemic , in guidance seen by the BBC • Train operators across Britain will gradually reduce services from Monday • National commemoration events to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day are to be scaled back What happened when the pubs shut in Ireland ?
The decision to call last orders at pubs around the UK comes nearly a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republic of Ireland - the country which perhaps most shares the UK 's love for a good night down the local .
Mass gatherings had already been banned a few days beforehand .
But then videos of crowded pubs full of tourists ignoring the two-metres-apart social distancing advice and literally `` touching hands '' as they sang Neil Diamond 's Sweet Caroline went viral .
So the Irish government swiftly announced a compulsory closure until at least 29 March .
The measure was widely welcomed by a relieved public that now knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drink .
Some politicians have said they are aware that not all pubs , particularly in more rural areas , are complying - but inspections by police officers have so far found no evidence of breaches .
Several restaurants in Ireland , while staying closed , are now offering takeaway food - but strictly observing the recommended social distance advice as they do so .
The Irish government 's core Covid-19 message that to pull together as a country people will have to spend time apart is certainly currently working .

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bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Government to pay up to 80% of workers' wages

The government will pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic , in a radical move aimed at protecting people 's jobs .
It will pay 80 % of salary for staff who are kept on by their employer , covering wages of up to £2,500 a month .
The `` unprecedented '' measures will stop workers being laid off due to the crisis , chancellor Rishi Sunak said .
Firms have warned the virus could see them collapse , wiping out thousands of jobs , as life in the UK is put on hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants would have a `` significant impact '' on businesses .
It is understood that the wage subsidy will apply to firms where bosses have already had to lay off workers due to the coronavirus , as long as they are brought back into the workforce and instead granted a leave of absence .
The chancellor said the move would mean workers should be able to keep their jobs , even if their employer could not afford to pay them .
He said they were `` unprecedented measures for unprecedented times . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about losing their jobs , about not being able to pay the rent or mortgage , about not having enough set by for food and bills ... to all those at home right now , anxious about the days ahead , I say this : you will not face this alone , '' Mr Sunak added The wages cover , which relates to gross pay , will be backdated to the start of March and last for three months , but Mr Sunak said he would extend the scheme for longer `` if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be run by HMRC , is expected to make the first grants to businesses `` within weeks '' , a Treasury spokeswoman said .
Employers ' body the CBI said Mr Sunak 's announcement was `` a landmark package '' .
`` It marks the start of the UK 's economic fightback - an unparalleled joint effort by enterprise and government to help our country emerge from this crisis with the minimum possible damage , '' said director general Carolyn Fairbairn .
The Resolution Foundation think tank also said the package was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers that were most at risk of job losses .
But other lobby groups warned of the potential risk to firms which had to wait for the money to arrive .
Kate Nicholls , the chief executive of trade body UK Hospitality , said many businesses faced rent payments before the support was due .
`` Banks and landlords need to do more to help us bridge the gap towards this generous government support .
Damage is being done now , so we need help now . ''
The Federation of Small Businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - potentially until the end of April - meant many small firms would still face `` an immediate , potentially terminal cash flow crunch '' .
The government has faced huge pressure to intervene to support workers to prevent mass unemployment as anti-virus measures have seen many firms ' revenues evaporate almost overnight .
The wage package is the latest in a series of government moves aimed at easing the burden on businesses and their employees .
However , there was not the same wages guarantee for the self-employed .
Instead , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fall back on .
Other measures to support firms and workers included : • VAT payments by companies deferred until the end of June • Self-assessment income tax payments for July 2020 deferred for six months • Increase in standard Universal Credit of £20 a week , with the same rise for those still on the working tax credit scheme • Nearly £1bn for those struggling to pay rent , through increases in housing benefit and Universal Credit Capital Economics said that it expected the unemployment rate to rise from just under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the crisis .
However , without this latest government intervention , that rate would have risen to the financial crisis level of 8 % , it said .
This move is an incredible intervention for any British government , let alone a Conservative one , but proportionate to the size of the terrible , but temporary , economic impact that could follow the coronavirus shutdowns .
In theory , it should save hundreds of thousands of jobs .
Perhaps more .
Employers have to accept that the government is doing something they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
At 80 % cent of wages up to £2,500 a month it is a scheme more generous than some of the high welfare Scandinavian countries .
It instantly transforms the social safety net of this nation .
It shows that the Treasury does believe that the very sharp plunge in the size of the economy can be followed by a bounceback - but not if millions of people are scarred by unemployment .
Economics shows that these can have long lasting impact .
The chancellor was given the room for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's biggest ever announcement of purchasing government debt .
There are risks if this pandemic lasts much longer than three months .
But the risks of not acting were much greater .
Now it requires employers to hold their nerve until the payments begin at the end of next month .
And for the banks to help that process .

"I know that people are worried about losing their jobs, about not being able to pay the rent or mortgage, about not having enough set by for food and bills... to all those at home right now, anxious about the days ahead, I say this: you will not face this alone," Mr Sunak added


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Teachers to estimate grades after exams cancelled

Pupils whose exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic will be given grades estimated by their teachers , the government has said .
The announcement comes as most UK schools closed their doors to a majority of pupils indefinitely in an effort to stem the spread of the virus .
But many schools will re-open on Monday with a skeleton staff to accommodate the children of `` key workers '' .
There are concerns the hastily arranged system may struggle to cope .
Teachers in England will look at coursework , mocks and other evidence from A-level and GCSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a process will be agreed with exam regulators and exam boards to see that pupils ' `` hard work and dedication is rewarded and fairly recognised '' .
A similar process is likely to be followed in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
England 's Education Secretary , Gavin Williamson , said cancelling exams was something no education secretary would ever want to do , but it was vital in these `` extraordinary times '' .
`` My priority now is to ensure no young person faces a barrier when it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their lives - whether that 's further or higher education , and apprenticeship of a job , '' he said .
• How long could schools be closed ?
• When will the outbreak end ?
The announcement came as hundreds of thousands of school pupils were saying sometimes tearful goodbyes to each other for possibly the last time .
Pupils at the end of primary , GCSE and A-Level students do not know whether they will see their classmates again in school .
Head teachers and local authority officials have been struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be accommodating when schools partially re-open on Monday .
The government has published a list of key workers whose children can still go to school if they can not be looked after at home .
These workers ' jobs are considered `` critical '' for the response to the pandemic .
The list has been separated into eight categories , including frontline health workers and social-care staff , nursery and teaching workers and those involved in food production and delivery .
It also includes the police , those in key public services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services and utilities .
Northern Ireland Education Minister Peter Weir has said all schools there should be prepared to cater for key workers ' children after they close on Monday .
Anyone who thinks the emergency schools that are due to open on Monday will run like regular ones is wrong .
They will instead comprise a patchwork of available teachers , support staff and pupils whose parents find themselves lucky enough to be on the key workers ' list .
They will not be following a specific curriculum , there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely to be taught in their own year groups .
How many pupils each school can accommodate will be a daily moving picture as staff fall ill. And head teachers will have to make some tough decisions about who can come into class - and sometimes their decisions will not be popular One spoke of arguing with a father who asked for a place because he worked in McDonald 's ; others in more obviously frontline jobs have also been disappointed .
On the up side , the lucky ones may have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways , while their former classmates grapple with online learning from home .
Nurseries , colleges and childminders are also closing their doors , though some are being asked to re-open to accommodate key workers ' children .
Vulnerable children , including those who have a social worker and those with special educational needs , will also be allowed to go to school .
Dr Mary Bousted , joint-general secretary of the National Education Union , said : `` This is a very long list and could result in some schools having the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also called for education workers to be tested for Covid-19 to ensure safe working in schools .
She added : `` There simply wo n't be enough education staff available for work on school sites if all members with symptoms are forced to self-isolate . ''
The government stressed that `` every child who can be safely cared for at home should be '' and asked workers to consult their employers to confirm whether `` their specific role is necessary '' .
The Department for Education said it would help local authorities identify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time '' .
The government has encouraged local authorities to keep residential special schools and specialist colleges open wherever possible .
• Frontline health workers , such as doctors and nurses • Those in key public services , including those essential to the justice system , religious staff and public-service journalists • Utilities , communication and financial services staff , including postal workers and waste-disposal workers

"My priority now is to ensure no young person faces a barrier when it comes to moving onto the next stage of their lives - whether that's further or higher education, and apprenticeship of a job," he said.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Labour urges 'faster' cash for workers

Labour has urged ministers to go `` further and faster '' to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
Unions have welcomed the government 's emergency financial support package for workers , announced earlier by the chancellor .
And business group UK Hospitality said the move could potentially save up to a million jobs .
But shadow chancellor John McDonnell said cash must be available now and not subject to `` weeks of delays '' .
Labour had been calling for the government to intervene to pay the wages of those unable to work due to school closures and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of redundancy - to a level of up to 90 % of monthly earnings .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the government would subsidise the monthly salaries of employees unable to work as part of an `` unprecedented '' package of measures to help protect people 's jobs .
Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street , in which he also announced increases to certain benefits , he said he understood the fear of not being able to pay bills and promised workers `` you will not face this alone '' .
Leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plans in advance , said they represented a huge step forward in stopping millions of low-paid workers falling into hardship .
`` Securing jobs through government underwriting of wages is hugely welcome , and that ’ s what we 've been calling for action on , '' said the GMB 's general secretary Tim Roache .
“ This gives businesses and workers enhanced security and will help us recover in the long term . ''
He called on employers to pay the remaining 20 % to ensure people were not left any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan to pay 80 % of wages for employees not working , up to £2,500 a month , was `` hugely welcome '' .
The government 's announcement was welcomed by leading Labour figures , such as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former leader Ed Miliband .
London mayor Sadiq Khan has said he was `` concerned about the ability of the NHS to cope '' if the number of coronavirus cases increases as expected .
Referring to the `` huge increase '' in the number of people in the capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Londoners to `` please stay at home '' or risk their own health and the lives of the vulnerable .
Asked about the the prime minister 's call for many meeting places to shut their doors , he said , `` It 's right that pubs , that rests , that cafes ... are closed down . ''
He said that only key workers should be using public transport and urged others to work from home .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared is the UK ?
Mr McDonnell warned the government 's plans still represented `` quite a significant wage cut '' and said further action was needed to boost statutory sick pay and to make it easier for the self-employed to claim via universal credit .
`` The chancellor has shifted under the pressure we put on him but ... he needs to go further and faster '' .
Ed Davey , the acting leader of the Lib Dems , welcomed the government 's intervention but said `` far too little is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero hours contracts or those on statutory sick pay and benefits '' .

Labour had been calling for the government to intervene to pay the wages of those unable to work due to school closures and other disruptions and those at most risk of redundancy - to a level of up to 90% of monthly earnings.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Social distancing may be needed for ‘most of year’

Social distancing would be needed for `` at least half of the year '' to stop intensive care units being overwhelmed , according to the government 's scientific advisers .
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) recommended alternating between more and less strict measures for most of a year .
Strict measures include school closures and social distancing for everyone .
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the UK could `` turn the tide '' on the coronavirus outbreak within 12 weeks .
Schools in England , Scotland and Wales will close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for vulnerable children and those with a parent identified as a key worker .
More than 65,000 retired doctors and nurses in England and Wales have been asked to return to work in the NHS to help tackle the outbreak .
And the chancellor is set to announce a wage subsidy package to try to protect millions of jobs .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Documents prepared by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be effective at keeping the number of critical care cases within capacity '' .
Less strict measures would also include social distancing - but just in vulnerable groups .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , said the evidence in the documents published on Friday has `` played a considerable role in shaping our recommendations '' .
`` The UK is home to experts who are at the forefront of their chosen fields and we are making full use of their expertise to grow our understanding of Covid-19 as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
We are in this for the long haul .
The science that has informed government strategy shows we can expect disruption to our lives for most of the next 12 months .
More than half that time is expected to involve the strict measures in place now , which include school closures .
This wo n't all be in one go , instead the heavy restrictions will come and go in order to manage the number of cases .
The government 's aim is to prevent one massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care .
If that happens then death rates would soar as the sickest patients would not get the treatment they need .
Instead the strategy will be to have a series of smaller , manageable peaks .
It should save lives , but the cost is widespread disruption to society for some time to come .
The advice also said : • The best estimate of the proportion of people who die after being infected is in the range of 0.5 % to 1 % • There would be a delay of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put into place and their impact being felt in intensive care • The triggers for the different measures to be implemented or removed could be set at a level of UK nations and regions - suggesting stricter policies could be enforced in London • It is `` unlikely '' that mass school closures will either `` reduce the final size of the epidemic '' or delay its peak by `` more than three weeks '' • It is `` currently unclear '' whether the warmer weather would affect the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rarely seen in these circumstances '' and altruism will `` likely predominate ''

"The UK is home to experts who are at the forefront of their chosen fields and we are making full use of their expertise to grow our understanding of Covid-19 as we work tirelessly to tackle this disease," he said.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Church of England weddings limited to five people

The Church of England has restricted wedding ceremonies to five people , under new guidance to stop the spread of coronavirus .
Only the bride and groom , a minister and two witnesses should attend the ceremonies , the advice says .
The church said it would work with couples who wanted to rearrange .
Bride-to-be Jodie Crane said she had `` broken down '' due to the stress of the situation but was relieved after postponing her wedding .
The 30-year-old was due to marry her partner of four years , Philip Turner , 38 , at Colville Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28 March .
`` Three weeks ago we were worried about whether it would rain on our wedding day and then it turned to whether we would have a virus at our wedding that would potentially harm a lot of people , '' Miss Crane told Radio 1 Newsbeat .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • TRAVEL PLANS : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just so many different changing scenarios that I just ended up breaking down .
`` I rang the insurers and asked if we would be covered if we had a government lockdown and they actually told us that we would n't be covered unless one of us became ill , so that made the decision for us . ''
Miss Crane had already cancelled her hen party in Tenerife over fears of being stranded when Spain went into lockdown .
The couple have moved their celebration to 10 July .
`` Although it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a sense of relief that we do n't have to worry about it now , '' said Miss Crane .
`` We have n't lost any money as everyone - the venue , the florist , the photographer , the band - has been so accommodating .
`` At the moment there 's a lot of panic and scare around it because it 's very new but in four months time we are quite hopeful that it will go ahead . ''
• Why is this town bustling during the virus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while social distancing ?
The pair are planning a get-together at her parents ' house where guests will stay two metres apart , and she will wear her veil .
For couples who go ahead with their ceremony , traditions such as the priest touching the rings or the couple ’ s hands will not happen .
Banns will not be read as public worship services have been suspended so couples will have to apply for a licence .
Baptisms are also limited to the candidate , their parents , guardians or carers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The priest will not hold a child and use a shell or other vessel to put water on their head .
The Bishop of Manchester , Dr David Walker , said : “ Couples and parents , friends and families will have been planning for months , even years for their special moment , whether a wedding or a christening .
“ We encourage those who would have been there to hold couples and families in their prayers , and pray that everyone will know God ’ s love is holding them at @ @ @ @

"I rang the insurers and asked if we would be covered if we had a government lockdown and they actually told us that we wouldn't be covered unless one of us became ill, so that made the decision for us."


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Warning of spike in scams linked to crisis

Councils are warning people to beware of scammers pretending to be health officials or offering to pick up food and medicines .
Fraudsters are also selling counterfeit face masks and hand sanitisers , says the LGA , which speaks for councils in England and Wales .
Hand sanitiser containing an ingredient banned for human use six years ago has been seized in Birmingham .
The LGA is advising people not to accept help from cold-callers .
This means being suspicious of anyone who offers help , either online or in person , the Local Government Association warned , after councils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of attempted scams .
In Lewisham , south London , Neighbourhood Watch reported cold-callers knocking at the doors of elderly people , saying they were from the health authority and were carrying out tests .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak And in Rochdale , there were reports of strangers offering to run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears they are trying to obtain Pin numbers and money by saying they will pick up shopping .
Others are trying to get into victims ' houses .
People who are self-isolating are particularly at risk , says the LGA .
With residents across the UK organising help for vulnerable people , the Association says they will have the most impact by focusing on neighbours they know , making donations to food banks , or obtaining guidance from councils .
The advice to anyone without help to obtain food or medicines is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tricking elderly and vulnerable people in self-isolation to part with their cash , fraudsters are playing roulette with the lives of those most at risk , '' said Simon Blackburn , chairman of the LGA 's communities board .
`` Keeping the elderly and those with underlying health conditions safe is every council 's top priority and councils will do everything in their power to prosecute fraudsters and seek the toughest penalties for criminals taking advantage in this despicable way , '' he added .
Action Fraud , which receives reports of fraudulent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have lost £960,000 in 105 coronavirus-linked cases since the beginning of February .
This is likely to be the tip of the iceberg as many smaller cases are never reported .
Often they paid for mail-order sanitisation products which were never sent .
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau says it has recorded 200 cases of fraudulent emails being sent , which include scammers who : • pretend to be from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or World Health Organization , asking recipients to click a link to report active infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the government , offering tax refunds Trading standards officers in Birmingham have seized bottles of hand sanitiser containing an ingredient banned for human use years ago which were on sale for £5 a bottle .
They claimed to contain an ingredient called glutural , which was banned for human use by the EU in 2014 .
Some bottles had no labelling at all .
Glutural can be used in cleaning products and has previously been used by the NHS to clean surgical tools and surfaces .

"Keeping the elderly and those with underlying health conditions safe is every council's top priority and councils will do everything in their power to prosecute fraudsters and seek the toughest penalties for criminals taking advantage in this despicable way," he added.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: No prosecution for man who 'failed to self-isolate'

A homeless man arrested for allegedly failing to self-isolate after arriving on the Isle of Man amid the coronavirus pandemic will not face prosecution , police have said .
The 26-year-old handed himself in at police headquarters in Douglas on Thursday evening .
He had been unable to find a place to self-isolate after arriving that morning , a police spokesman said .
Not prosecuting was `` in the best interests of everyone '' , he added .
Emergency legislation requiring new arrivals to quarantine themselves for 14 days means those who refuse could face a fine of up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police said the man had been `` detained for his safety and the safety of the public '' and accommodation where he could self-isolate had now been found .
He was not presenting any symptoms of the virus .
The island 's emergency legal powers came into effect at 23:59 GMT on Tuesday .
A police spokesman urged people to follow the government guidance on self-isolation and `` think about the safety of the community '' .
• EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guide to the outbreak When the emergency powers were announced Chief Minister Howard Quayle said the pandemic was `` the gravest threat '' the island had faced in generations .
He said : `` We can not allow our critical health services to become overwhelmed and must have the means to prosecute those who choose to act irresponsibly . ''
The island recorded its first case of coronavirus on Thursday .


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: M&S invokes wartime spirit as virus impact hits

Marks & Spencer said it was preparing for the contingency that some of its stores may have to close temporarily .
In a gloomy update on the coronavirus impact , the 136-year-old firm said clothes sales have suffered .
But it added : `` M & S has served customers without cease through two world wars [ and ] terrorist bombings and we are determined to support customers now . ''
Also on Friday the Wetherspoon 's boss said his pubs would stay open , despite government advice to avoid pubs .
Tim Martin told the BBC there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice for people to avoid pubs .
`` In the early part of the current week , following the Prime Minister 's advice to avoid pubs , sales have declined at a significantly higher rate , '' he said .
But a shutdown in the face of coronavirus would be `` over the top '' , he said .
He said a sensible balance was for pubs to open but to implement `` social distancing '' measures , like no drinking at the bar .
His stance is contrary to many other retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or shut shops .
Marks & Spencer said it was planning for a `` prolonged downturn '' in demand for clothing and home goods , although it expected its food business to trade profitably throughout .
It said it had benefited on a `` small scale '' as customers stocked up on food , but its `` heavy bias to chilled and fresh means we are not seeing the forward buying uplift experienced by the major grocers '' .
Nevertheless , it said it expects to benefit from the `` significant shift '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will undoubtedly be supply interruptions , we do not expect these to be prolonged or financially material . ''
`` At this stage we are not assuming a return to normal trading in the Autumn , '' the retailer added .
`` However , our business model of operating parallel clothing and food businesses and our strategy to move online including the Ocado joint venture should provide more resilience than some single sector businesses . ''
But Marks & Spencer said it was `` preparing for the contingency that some stores may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition it has : • said it will not pay a dividend for this financial year • redeployed staff from its clothing and home stores into food where possible • EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
Elsewhere , other businesses have revealed details of how the pandemic is affecting them .
• The owner of Sports Direct , Frasers Group , says Covid-19 is set to cause `` significant disruption '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet its earnings growth forecasts .
• InterContinental Hotels Group says demand for hotels is `` currently at the lowest levels we 've ever seen '' .
In China in February it saw revenue per available room - a key measure in the hotels sector - drop 90 % .
It expects this revenue measure to drop by 60 % across its global business in March given the restrictions being put in place .
• Property listings website Rightmove says the speed of the slowdown in the housing market has been `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut its charges for agency , new homes and commercial customers by 75 % from April for four months , which it says will cost it between £65m and £75m .
• Estate agent Foxtons says it anticipates `` an inevitable material disruption '' to trading in the coming months and is evaluating a number of measures to preserve cash .
• Heathrow Airport says it is taking steps to reorganise and shrink its operation to remain open during the crisis , but its financial performance will be `` significantly impacted '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating costs , cancelling executive pay , freezing recruitment and reviewing all capital projects .

Tim Martin told the BBC there would be no pub closures despite the government's advice for people to avoid pubs. "In the early part of the current week, following the Prime Minister's advice to avoid pubs, sales have declined at a significantly higher rate," he said.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Match of the Day returns to BBC One on Saturday

Match of the Day will return on Saturday as part of a variety of football content on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this weekend .
Football in England has been suspended until at least 30 April because of the coronavirus outbreak .
But the BBC will continue to provide programmes featuring interviews , debate and repeats of FA Cup classics .
This includes Match of the Day , in a new visualised version of the new MOTD podcast , at 22:20 GMT on Saturday .
In the new show , Gary Lineker , Alan Shearer and Ian Wright debate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier in the day , at 12:00 GMT , Dan Walker introduces some of the best interviews and features from the season so far on Football Focus .
At 16:00 GMT , Guy Mowbray unearths some memorable games , including Watford v Arsenal from 1987 and the 1978 match between West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest , in the first part of his FA Cup quarter-final classics .
The second part , which features Everton v Ipswich in 1985 , Derby v Sheffield Wednesday in 1993 and Manchester United v Portsmouth in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday at 16:40 GMT .
Also available to watch on BBC iPlayer are a range of sport documentaries : • Shame In The Game : Racism in football • Doddie Weir : One more try • Inside The Cage : The rise of female fighters More can be found on BBC iPlayer here .
The Match of the Day : Top 10 podcast is now available only on BBC Sounds , with a new episode dropping every Wednesday thereafter for 11 weeks .
Listen to the first episode here .

Last updated on .From the section Football
A Match of the Day FA Cup quarter-finals highlights special will be shown on BBC One on Sunday at 16:40 GMT.
It is the second of two programmes shown by the BBC this weekend, following Saturday's 'FA Cup rewind' which can be watched via BBC iPlayer.
Sunday's offering features Everton v Ipswich in 1985, Derby v Sheffield Wednesday in 1993 and Manchester United v Portsmouth in 2008.
The programmes are part of a variety of sport content on the BBC and iPlayer.
This includes Match of the Day, in a new visualised version of the new MOTD podcast, which will be available via BBC iPlayer.
In the new show, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright debate the greatest captains of the Premier League era.
Earlier on Saturday, Dan Walker introduced some of the best interviews and features from the season so far on Football Focus.
And the BBC will continue to provide programmes featuring interviews, debate and repeats of FA Cup classics.
Guy Mowbray unearthed some memorable games, including Watford v Arsenal from 1987 and the 1978 match between West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest, in the first part of his FA Cup quarter-final classics,which was broadcast on Saturday.
Football in England has been suspended until at least 30 April because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Also available to watch on BBC iPlayer are a range of sport documentaries:
More can be found on BBC iPlayer here.
The Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast is now available on BBC Sounds, with a new episode dropping every Wednesday thereafter for 11 weeks. Listen to the first episode here.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: How radio and TV hosts are keeping their shows on air from home

Restless pets , hungry children and slow internet connections became a major challenge for broadcasters this week as many presenters hosted programmes from home amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Susanna Reid dialled in to Good Morning Britain from her house after her son became ill , while Gloria Hunniford , appeared on Loose Women via video link after going into self-isolation .
On radio , countless presenters have broadcast entire programmes from their own homes as stations prepared for an increasingly uncertain future .
Sarah Montague , presenter of BBC Radio 4 's The World At One , hosted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an arrangement that may soon become permanent .
But while it might avoid having to commute into the studio , home broadcasting comes with its own challenges .
`` Doing an outside broadcast from your kitchen is weird , but it was fun , '' Montague tells BBC News .
`` My daughters kept popping their heads in - I had barked at them in advance that they were n't allowed to be on wi-fi , which was a bit of a challenge for teenagers at lunchtime . ''
Montague was using an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line ) to get on air , but was still heavily reliant on a strong internet connection for emails , messaging the editor , monitoring script changes and staying across incoming news stories .
`` So I did n't want anyone using Netflix , '' she laughs .
`` But your children expect you to be there , expect you to be able to answer them . ''
While the show 's trial run went smoothly , one of the biggest challenges in staying on air turned out to be a restless pet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round , and during the programme I saw him chasing after the dog round the kitchen , because the dog had got hold of a plastic bag and was shaking it , making loads of noise , '' she recalls .
`` That was the maddest moment , but otherwise it was surprisingly straightforward . ''
While radio can largely get by with presenters at home and guests on the phone , changes to TV shows are more noticeable .
Viewers of The One Show will have spotted this week that Alex Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal , but her co-host Matt Baker was in his own living room .
Baker is currently self-isolating , but was feeling fit and well enough to broadcast .
So producers were able to make him appear on a vertical screen propped up on the BBC One sofa next to Jones .
`` Self-isolation has become a sudden and confusing reality for households across the country , so it made perfect sense for us to reflect Matt Baker 's experiences of that live on air , '' The One Show 's editor Rob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial reaction had been to just check in with him briefly on his first day at home , but it became clear as we all discussed it that a more engaging and uplifting treatment would be to continue to involve him throughout the programme , effectively co-presenting as normal , but from his own sofa rather than the one in the studio .
`` Inevitably that produced challenges , but Matt enthusiastically embraced the idea .
Once we were on air , he was working without autocue , delivering links in his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd emailed . ''
He adds : `` The intention was to retain the natural interaction we 'd typically have when he and Alex Jones are sitting next to each other - which is no mean feat when there 's a slight delay and the sound and wi-fi signal can be variable . ''
The One Show is going to become one of the BBC 's major sources of information and advice over the coming months , and the viewing figures have increased dramatically this week .
Wednesday 's episode attracted an audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show 's 3.1 million average .
Meanwhile , Susanna Reid appeared from home on Good Morning Britain and , along with her studio-based co-hosts Piers Morgan and Charlotte Hawkins , was able to put questions to guests such as Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay .
On Loose Women , Gloria Hunniford , who as a 79-year-old is in an at-risk group , dialled in from home and told her fellow panellists : `` I 'm feeling absolutely fine but things all changed for me last Sunday when more and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-diabetic , so when I listened to all the research I thought I had to take action . ''
Broadcasting from home at short notice is often easier on the radio , as some presenters store emergency broadcast kit .
Nick Robinson hosted Radio 4 's Today programme from his basement on Thursday , and was one of several presenters to post pictures of their home studios .
Large red cushions to absorb the echo could be seen in the picture he tweeted , as well as a laptop screen showing the exact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plate of toast .
Chris Evans was n't so much working from home as working from boat on Thursday , as he presented his Virgin Radio breakfast show on the water .
Several presenters will have to be careful their pets do n't accidentally press the wrong buttons .
Iain Lee 's cats enjoyed a wander round his home set-up before his talkRADIO show , while Iain Dale 's dog was a special guest for his LBC slot .
Rob Bonnet , sport presenter for the Today programme , is a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was ready for this .
His set-up looked a bit like a voting booth , and , like Robinson 's cushions , helps to absorb any echo within the room while he 's speaking .
Amanda Holden 's home studio picture may have shown that she is the DJ with the best taste in wallpaper , but if there was an award for best microphone , it would surely go to Elvis Duran .
The presenter on US station iHeartRadio hosts one of the most popular breakfast shows in the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the blingiest microphone .
However , while getting a presenter on air may be easier than ever , other elements of radio production have become more challenging .
The World At One producers did not have access to their usual software , so Montague and the team used an online document-sharing service to write and edit scripts .
But using unfamiliar technology can come with its own difficulties , particularly when it comes to group video calling .
`` In the morning , we tried a meeting on Zoom , and everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't understand muting , and they were all shouting 'Can you mute ?
! '
'' Montague laughs .
`` Someone said that was probably the most quoted sentence from that day . ''
Keeping across the strict timings involved in live radio was also trickier than normal , and Montague still had to deliver accurate and regular time checks to listeners .
`` We were WhatsApping things like out-times , '' she says , referring to the cues she receives from the studio alerting her to how long a pre-recorded item @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to have to get a decent clock , because otherwise you 're relying so much on your phone . ''
The One Show hopes to continue getting Matt Baker on air after the success of this week ( and the popularity of Matt 's dog , Bob ) .
Unsworth explains : `` It was Matt 's idea to involve his own dogs , which went down particularly well with viewers , and again highlighted the new normality for so many people : working from home with all the domestic distractions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted us to continue with him presenting in isolation for a second day , but it was n't intended to be a full-time thing - although we 'll continue to catch up with at home throughout his isolation , giving an opportunity for us to cover all aspects of staying positive throughout this crisis . ''
Distractions and dodgy wi-fi aside , there were undoubtedly benefits to broadcasting from home , Montague says .
`` Not having to commute was a dream , although straight afterwards I got off air and then everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They would n't normally expect that , they 'd have to get it themselves .
That was the downside , '' she says .
`` But the upside was that within minutes after coming off air we were all sitting round the table eating , and the dog jumped up on my lap . ''
There was one other major perk to working from home , Montague points out .
`` There 's much better coffee here than at the BBC . ''

"Our initial reaction had been to just check in with him briefly on his first day at home, but it became clear as we all discussed it that a more engaging and uplifting treatment would be to continue to involve him throughout the programme, effectively co-presenting as normal, but from his own sofa rather than the one in the studio.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: What next in the UK coronavirus fight?

Coronavirus is spreading in the UK and the government is seeking ways to minimise its spread .
Without drastic measures - which could be in place for weeks , or even months - it is feared that more than 250,000 people could die .
What steps should I take ?
All members of the public should reduce the time they spend with others : • Everyone should stop non-essential contact with others .
This is particularly important for people over 70 , those with underlying health conditions and pregnant women • People should work from home if they can • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed from Friday night - except for take-away food - to tackle coronavirus .
• Those with the most serious health conditions - around 1.4 million including patients undergoing chemotherapy - should be shielded from social contact for 12 weeks .
These patients will receive detailed guidance from the NHS Everyone should continue to regularly wash their hands and avoid contacting the NHS unless it 's essential .
The strongest warnings are in place for those who are ill and the people close to them : • Anyone with a fever or persistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days if they live alone , or 14 days if they live with others .
• Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also stay at home for 14 days .
People who have to isolate themselves should ask others for help How has the UK 's strategy changed ?
It started off trying to contain coronavirus by isolating people who tested positive and asking anyone who had close contact with them to self-isolate too .
Ministers then introduced policies to delay and reduce the peak , when the most cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by pushing it back to the summer it would allow the NHS to cope .
But modelling from Imperial College London prompted a change in approach .
It warned the policy of a managed spread could lead to more than 250,000 deaths , with hospital intensive care units getting overwhelmed .
Ministers are now seeking to suppress the spread completely .
They hope this will keep deaths below 20,000 .
How long could the restrictions be in place ?
We are in uncharted territory - so it is impossible to tell .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` we can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks '' .
But the problem with trying to suppress the virus is that as soon as you lift those measures the fear is it could quickly return .
One option from experts advising the government is to go through a cycle of lifting and reapplying restrictions , using demand on intensive care as a guide .
There will be close attention paid to China , which is now looking at how it lifts restrictions .
It is not realistic to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus it will go away .
Then you have to consider the social and economic factors at play .
Businesses are going to struggle and people are going to lose their jobs .
And how long are the public going to put up with being told they can not go out , need to work from home and can no longer watch sport or go to festivals ?
It leaves the government with some very difficult decisions to take .
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak What about the NHS ?
Can it cope ?
The whole of the NHS has been put on an emergency footing .
From mid-April all routine operations , such as knee and hip replacements , are being cancelled for three months .
Hospitals have plans to keep coronavirus patients separate and supply staff with protective masks and suits .
All hospital patients with flu-like symptoms are being tested .
Patients with mild symptoms - a high temperature or new and persistent cough - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Community teams will keep an eye on them if need be .
But people are being advised not to ring NHS 111 to report their symptoms unless they are worried .
How will the NHS treat seriously ill patients ?
Currently there is no treatment or cure , so hospitals are trying to relieve the symptoms .
Specialist ECMO breathing equipment is at five units for patients whose lungs fail .
There are between 4,000 and 5,000 intensive care beds .
But NHS officials said they can effectively increase that to between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for planned surgery and those available in the private sector , Ministry of Defence , new ones being made and old stocks that are no longer used .
Ministers are also working with private companies to ramp up production .
A third of patients who need hospital care require intensive care support , evidence from China and Italy suggests .
Doctors warn that some difficult decisions may need to be made about which patients get treatment .
What questions do you have about the UK 's coronavirus plans ?
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But NHS officials said they can effectively increase that to between 11,000 and 12,000 by using ventilators reserved for planned surgery and those available in the private sector, Ministry of Defence, new ones being made and old stocks that are no longer used.


bbcuk--2020-03-20--Who are the workers whose children can go to school?

Schools across the UK are closing on Friday to the vast majority of pupils , possibly until September .
A small proportion of children will still be able to attend .
Can my children go to school ?
Government advice is that all children should stay at home , if at all possible , from Monday .
But schools , nurseries and childminders have been asked to provide care for some children - those who are vulnerable , and those whose parents are key workers `` critical to the Covid-19 response '' , who can not be safely cared for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in touch with parents , but if you think your children qualify you can also contact your local authority .
Vulnerable children include those with a social worker or special educational needs .
A child 's parent is a key worker if their job is considered critical to keeping the country running and/or fighting the spread of the virus .
The government has published a list of key worker jobs : • Health and social care : Doctors , nurses , midwives , paramedics , social workers , care workers , frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those producing and distributing medicines , supplies and protective equipment • Education and childcare : Teaching staff , nursery workers , social workers and those in special education • Key public services : Those in the justice system , religious staff , charities , workers delivering frontline services , those responsible for the deceased , journalists in public service broadcasting • Local and national government : Those essential to the effective delivery of the response to the pandemic , and benefits services • Public safety and national security : Police and support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed forces personnel critical to the virus response • Transport : Those in air , water , road , rail passenger and freight services and anyone in transport systems through which supply chains pass • Food and other necessary goods : Those in production , distribution , sale and delivery of food and other necessary goods • Utilities , communications and financial : Staff in banks , building societies and financial markets , as well as those in gas , oil and electricity sectors , those in network operations and call centres , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , delivery and waste disposal sector A child only needs one parent to be a key worker to be eligible to attend school .
Which schools will be open ?
It is not clear which will remain open , but the government has suggested most children will be able to go to their usual school .
The number of children likely to attend is unclear .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said that in England the aim would be to provide support in school for an estimated 10 % of pupils .
• How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Should you let your children play with other children ?
But demand will not be evenly spread and some schools have much higher numbers of pupils to care for .
The government hopes they will be open from Monday , but confusion over who is eligible could cause delays .
It 's also not clear what hours the schools will be open , whether they will offer care outside normal school hours , and whether they will be open over the Easter holiday .
What will children in schools be doing ?
Any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual in schools is wrong .
Head teachers will have to take a pragmatic approach when they know which teachers and which children are coming in .
There will be no curriculum to follow , no strict year groups and pupils of different ages mixing in class , or working on projects together .
Heads say there will probably be a lot of physical exercise and a big push to make the education on offer creative and engaging .
What about children staying at home ?
The situation is very unclear .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or preparing homework packs for children .
But this often depends on families having internet access and devices pupils can use .
It may also depend on adults being able to supervise learning .
When it comes to playing , the advice is that children can still go outside - with appropriate oversight - but will have to reduce their social contact .
They could go for a bike ride , for example , with a friend but would have to remain two metres apart .
They should not take part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash their hands regularly .
How long are schools likely to be closed ?
It is increasingly likely that schools may be closed until September , although nothing has been formally announced .
The peak of the virus outbreak is likely to be in May and June , after which most schools start to wind down .
Ultimately it will depend to a large extent on the effectiveness of measures to reduce the spread of the outbreak .
What will happen about exams ?
Summer exams have been cancelled in England , Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A-levels in England and Wales , plus primary school national curriculum tests , known as Sats , in England .
In Scotland , Highers and Nationals will not be going ahead .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
How will children be assessed instead ?
Exams watchdogs have been working together on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sit important exams , such as GCSEs and A-levels .
The Department for Education has announced that in England , teachers will be asked to submit the grade they believe the student would have received if exams had gone ahead , based on their performance in mock exams and classwork .
The exam board will then combine this information with other relevant data , including prior grades , and produce a calculated grade for each student .
Students will be provided with these calculated grades by the end of July .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will have the right to appeal , to sit the exams early in the next academic year , or to re-sit in the summer of 2021 .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland are also planning to award grades for equivalent exams on the basis of coursework , teacher assessment and prior grades .
Have you been affected by the school closures due to coronavirus ?
Please get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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How are Covid rules changing across UK schools? Published 23 February 2022
Image source, Getty Images
All remaining Covid restrictions have now been scrapped in English schools.
Rules have also been eased elsewhere in the UK, but some measures are being retained for the moment.
How are the Covid rules changing in schools?
The legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive test is also being removed, although it is still recommended.
Head teachers groups have warned that the changes to testing and self-isolation "may actually lead to an increase in disruption", as Covid is more likely to spread in the classroom, leading to further pupil and staff absence.
Image source, Getty Images
All school staff and secondary school pupils in Scotland and Northern Ireland are still asked to take two lateral flow tests (LFTs) a week (three in Wales).
In Wales, schools are largely back to normal. Face coverings will no longer be required in classrooms after 28 February, but should still be worn in communal areas of secondary schools.
In Northern Ireland, schools reopened with the same measures as last term. If a primary or post-primary class has multiple Covid cases, all pupils should take an LFT. The guidance that pupils in post-primary schools should wear face coverings still applies.
In Scotland, social distancing remains in place. However, pupils will no longer have to wear masks in school from 28 February.
How many teachers and pupils are off because of Covid?
The latest data for England shows that 182,000 pupils (2.2%) of pupils were absent for Covid-related reasons on 10 February, down from 320,000 (3.9%) on 3 February.
On the same date, 2.8% of teachers and school leaders and 2.5% of teaching assistants and other staff were absent due to Covid, down from 4.4% and 4.1% respectively the previous week.
Almost half England's schools (45%) had one in 20 teachers absent due to Covid.
In Scotland on 17 February, 12,638 students (2.4%) were missing from school due to Covid-related reasons. The highest absence rate this year was seen on 7 January, when 43,565 students (14.1%) were off.
In Northern Ireland, 5.2% of students, 9% of teachers and 11% of classroom assistants in schools were absent due to Covid over the week 24 to 28 January - the highest rates since the new term began.
Image source, Getty Images
Many schools have told the BBC they have struggled to find temporary staff to cover the teachers who are off.
England's Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi urged retired teachers to return and join teacher supply agencies to fill gaps, but a BBC survey suggested there had been a limited response.
Mr Zahawi also suggested schools could merge classes. But teaching unions said there were logistical difficulties and safety issues with teaching large groups of children.
Image source, Getty Images
Can a child go to school if they or someone in their household or class has Covid?
After Thursday 24 February, people in England with Covid will no longer have a legal obligation to self-isolate.
However, people who test positive will still be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days, including school staff and students.
The legal requirement to self-isolate remains in place across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As long as they don't have Covid symptoms, under-18s already don't have to self-isolate if someone else in their household has Covid.
Similarly, whole classes are no longer automatically sent home to isolate if a pupil or teacher tests positive.
However, close contacts aged five or above are strongly advised to test for at least seven days.
All primary and post-primary pupils in Northern Ireland are advised to take an LFT if there are multiple Covid cases in their class.
Which pupils are being vaccinated?
All children aged five to 11 in the UK will be offered a low-dose vaccine, which is being rolled out on a "non-urgent" basis.
It's expected to be offered in England in April, and plans are also under way in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In addition:
the low-dose vaccine is already being offered to five to 11-year-olds with medical conditions that put them at greater risk
all children aged 12 and over are being offered two doses of the Pfizer jab
sixteen and 17-year-olds who had a second vaccine dose at least three months ago can have a booster
the JCVI has also recommended that the booster is also offered to children aged 12-15 who are in an at-risk group or live with someone who is immunosuppressed
Children who aren't at high risk from Covid should wait 12 weeks after a positive test before having a jab.
How will exams work this year?
Grades will again be decided by external marking, instead of the teacher assessments used in 2020 and 2021, but grade boundaries will be more lenient in England, Wales and Scotland.
English exam boards have published details about this year's GCSE, AS and A-level papers for most subjects, including maths, biology, chemistry and languages.
Students taking GCSE exams in English Literature, geography, history and ancient history won't have to answer questions on one option from their course.
In maths and science exams, students will be given sheets of formulae and equations.
Students taking vocational B-Tec qualifications will have fewer internal assessments.