bbcuk--2020-07-03--Coronavirus: Lifting of Wales' travel limits gets go-ahead

Travel restrictions in Wales will end on Monday , First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed .
`` Stay local '' @ @ @ @ @ stay within five miles of home , will end , with no limits on travel @ @ @ @ @ able to open .
Two households will also be able to stay together indoors from @ @ @ @ @ the number of coronavirus cases continues to fall .
Mr Drakeford called for people to @ @ @ @ @ we go and why '' .
Travel restrictions were introduced across the UK at the @ @ @ @ @ , although Wales kept its travel restrictions longer than the UK government did in England @ @ @ @ @ abandoned the rule in May - the difference in policy led to warnings not to @ @ @ @ @ Welsh government later changed the stay home advice to `` stay local '' - giving @ @ @ @ @ .


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Bobby Storey funeral: O'Neill 'sorry' for grieving families' hurt

Michelle O'Neill has said she is `` sorry for grieving families experiencing more hurt '' after complaints about her attending an ex-IRA leader 's funeral .
The deputy first minister was accused of breaching social distancing regulations at the funeral of Bobby Storey on Tuesday .
Four executive parties , including the DUP , had called for her to step aside .
Ms O'Neill has reiterated that she believes she stuck to the coronavirus lockdown guidelines .
There have also been calls for an independent investigation into Mr Storey 's cremation at Roselawn Crematorium .
Mr Storey 's body was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken to Milltown Cemetery .
Belfast City Council has said executive guidance was followed at the crematorium .
It is Stormont 's biggest political crisis since devolution was restored in January after a three-year hiatus .
In an appearance at an assembly committee on Wednesday , Ms O'Neill did not apologise despite a call from First Minister Arlene Foster for her to do so .
On Friday , she issued a public statement ahead of a meeting of the executive party leaders .
She said : `` I have listened carefully to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones .
`` No family 's grief is more important than another 's .
`` I am particularly concerned that grieving families , who have lost a loved one during the pandemic had their heartache compounded by the necessary restrictions which were in place at that time .
`` Not being able to have their family and friends ' support to help them through was hugely difficult .
`` I am also concerned that those grieving families are experiencing more hurt over recent days .
`` I am sorry for that . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevented her from attending the funeral she would not have gone , and said she kept to the regulations at both the funeral and Requiem Mass .
Earlier on Friday , Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told RTÉ : `` I do understand that looking at the images of very busy pathways in west Belfast and taking all of that in obviously has jolted and has caused some hurt among some of those families , and for that I am very sorry .
`` That certainly would never have been my intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Storey family as they laid Bobby to rest . ''
On Thursday , Mrs Foster said she could not currently `` stand beside '' Ms O'Neill - who is Sinn Féin 's deputy leader - and `` give out public health advice '' after her attendance at the funeral .
Bobby Storey was a former prisoner and close friend to leading Sinn Féin figures and was considered the head of intelligence of the IRA for a period from the mid-1990s .
Tuesday 's funeral was the latest in a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds during the Covid-19 pandemic .
The Democratic Unionist Party ( DUP ) , Ulster Unionist Party ( UUP ) , Alliance Party and SDLP have called for an investigation into Ms O'Neill 's behaviour and believe the executive 's health message aimed at containing Covid-19 has been undermined .
It is understood Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney spoke with the party leaders on Thursday evening .
A meeting was held at Stormont involving Ms O'Neill , the DUP leader Mrs Foster , Colum Eastwood of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Long and Steve Aiken of the UUP but it is not clear what was discussed .
The party leaders ' forum was established as part of the New Decade , New Approach deal which re-established the power-sharing executive in January .
The UUP has called for an independent investigation into Mr Storey 's cremation at Roselawn Cemetery , which is run by Belfast City Council .
There have been claims that a number of council staff were sent home from the cemetery during the funeral and that Sinn Féin marshals were on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that no burials were permitted after 14:00 BST and no cremations after 15:00 to accommodate Mr Storey 's cremation .
Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster 's Nolan Show , Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said Sinn Féin had turned the situation `` into a circus '' .
Mr Beattie said his party 's councillor Sonia Copeland would be asking the chief executive of Belfast City Council what had happened , and his party would put the response into the public domain .
In a statement , the council said it had followed Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to gather outside '' , and that all cremations held on Tuesday complied with the guidance .
The council said it had been in contact with an unnamed local elected representative , and plans had been put in place for people appointed by the family to work with Belfast City Council in stewarding the event .
It said these people were in place `` to ensure that those allowed on the site were only those permitted by the family '' .
The council said some staff who were due to go home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave at 14:00 .
It said this was `` to avoid a situation where staff would be photographed , as has happened with other high profile funerals or sensitive cremations in the past '' .
It said an `` operational decision '' had been taken not to hold any more cremations that day , `` in order to protect the privacy of other members of the public and their cremation services '' .
The council added it had made the decision `` impartially in what is often a complex and difficult political environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there needed to be an investigation into whether the regulations had been breached .
He said : `` We will also be asking the PSNI to specifically investigate any potential regulatory breaches by executive ministers , including the deputy first minister . ''
Mr Donaldson said Ms O'Neill `` failed to realise the public mood on this and the deep concern that people are taking this personally '' .
Current coronavirus regulations state a maximum of 30 people are allowed to gather together outdoors .
About 120 mourners were inside St Agnes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's funeral , BBC News NI understands .
The deputy first minister told a Stormont committee on Wednesday that Requiem Masses were now possible due to this week 's reopening of places of worship .
However , guidance on religious services issued to faith leaders last week stipulated that it did not apply to weddings , baptisms or funerals .
Updated guidance , seen by BBC News NI on Wednesday and published on the Department of Health website on Thursday , said funeral services could now be conducted in a place of worship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the venue will determine the maximum number that can attend the service safely whilst observing social distancing of at least 2 metres , wherever possible , '' it continued .
`` It is recommended that face coverings are used for indoor services . ''
The guidance for those gathering outdoors remains the same with the guidance , issued for funeral directors , stating `` a maximum of only 30 are permitted to gather for the committal at the graveside or at the front of the City of Belfast Crematorium '' .

It said some staff who had been due to go home at 16:00 BST were allowed to leave at 14:00 "to avoid a situation where staff would be photographed, as has happened... in the past" and that a decision had been taken not to hold any more cremations that day "in order to protect the privacy of other members of the public and their cremation services".


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Boris Johnson's newt-counting claim questioned

The prime minister has been accused of inventing an allegation that wildlife rules are holding back house-building .
In his recent speech on job creation , Boris Johnson said : `` Newt-counting delays are a massive drag on the prosperity of this country . ''
But environmental groups say the allegation is a political trick with no basis in fact .
And BBC News has been unable to find evidence that wildlife surveys are unduly delaying development .
Downing Street passed our inquiry to the environment department Defra , which has not offered evidence .
Nor has Natural England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Local Government Association said it was not aware of any evidence that newt surveys were unnecessarily holding back projects .
And the Home Builders Federation said it has many concerns over planning , but newt surveys were at the bottom of the list .
`` The PM 's speech was pure fiction , '' Craig Bennett , head of the Wildlife Trusts , which runs conservation projects and education projects , told the BBC .
`` It may sound funny referring to newts , but actually it was rather sinister .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newts is a dog whistle to people on the right of his party who want environmental protections watered down . ''
There have been complaints about newt-related delays in the past , but the authorities have moved to speed permits for new developments .
Historically , would-be developers would have to wait for a survey to check whether their plans might disturb great crested newts , which are uncommon in Europe .
Now technology is taking over .
Natural England , is using a method in which samples of pond water are taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DNA .
The process is so fast that the organisation is often able to carry out research in advance so developers can get instant information .
• Are the biggest newt species in the UK and have been around for approximately 40 million years • During the breeding season males develop a jagged crest which has a break at the base of the tail and females take on a `` bulky '' appearance • Adults grow up to 15cm ( 6in ) in length • Their skin is black or dark brown with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underside is bright orange with irregular black blotches • Populations have disappeared from many sites across Europe due to habitat loss and intensification of farming practices A springer spaniel called Freya is also playing a part .
She works for Wessex Water , sniffing out newts in ponds .
The firm says that , thanks to Freya , it can conclude its surveys in days , not weeks .
What 's more , if great crested newts are discovered , that does n't sterilise development on the site .
Under recent rules , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they provide alternative sites in a way that leaves nature better off than before .
Newt rules have been under attack in the past from politicians complaining that the UK has `` gold-plated '' EU regulations .
But a government review in 2012 said : `` The directives are working well , allowing both development of key infrastructure and ensuring that a high level of environmental protections is maintained . ''
The head of Natural England , Tony Juniper , told the BBC : `` We have to find the best ways of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time as the economic one .
These two things have to be pursued together , not traded off against each other . ''
Green groups furious with Mr Johnson are meeting Environment Secretary George Eustice next week to express their concerns about his speech .
I understand he is uncomfortable about the PM 's apparently evidence-free reference to newts .

But the head of Natural England, Tony Juniper, told the BBC: "We have to find the best ways of pulling together our environmental ambition at the same time as the economic one. These two things have to be pursued together, not traded off against each other."


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Bangor business park empty for 20 years has cost £11m

The Welsh Government has spent more than £11m on a business park that has remained empty for 20 years .
Bryn Cegin was opened in 1999 following a consultation that suggested it was needed .
Senedd member Siân Gwenllian dubbed the matter `` a scandal '' and called for an independent investigation into the spending .
The Welsh Government said it was working with Gwynedd Council to `` attract businesses to the site . ''
The figures came to light following a BBC Wales Freedom of Information about the site , just outside of Bangor .
The Welsh Government did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been spent on .
`` It is absolutely unacceptable that so much money has been spent on this site and yet there is nothing - nothing - to be seen there in terms of any jobs of any kind , '' Ms Gwenllian said .
`` I do n't know what has gone wrong , and I think we need an investigation into that .
Is it that that is not a priority for the Welsh Government ?
`` I simply do n't know , but I do know that it is scandalous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be used to stimulate the local economy following Covid-19 's effects .
There was a need for `` high quality jobs '' in the area , she said .
The site was advertised as being able to host up to 1,600 jobs over a 70,000 sq m site .
However there are no businesses are trading there .
About £3.5m of the £11.37m spent came from the European Union , while £4.9m of it came from the Welsh Development Agency .
The site is part of the North Wales Growth Deal - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wales .
The North Wales Economic Ambition Board , responsible for handling the North Wales Growth Deal , said it was `` aware of the potential for employment and business growth '' and was `` working with partners '' .
Gwynedd Council said part of the land is being used for a park-and-ride scheme .

"It is absolutely unacceptable that so much money has been spent on this site and yet there is nothing - nothing - to be seen there in terms of any jobs of any kind," Ms Gwenllian said.


bbcuk--2020-07-03--'Puppy scam' reports in North Yorkshire amid pandemic

Would-be pet owners in North Yorkshire are being scammed into buying puppies that do not exist , police have said .
Criminals are using the coronavirus restrictions as an excuse to persuade customers to pay up before they are allowed to see their new pets .
Once the money has been paid , the scammers become uncontactable and no puppy arrives .
North Yorkshire Police said it had received several reports from victims who have been duped .
• Why you should n't buy a pet during lockdown Kevin Ross , of North Yorkshire Police 's Fraud and Economic Crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pets online unless from a reputable seller .
He said people that had fallen victim to the scam had also been asked to transfer money for vet bills , vaccinations and other costs .
`` Purchasing a new pet is a decision that should never be taken lightly and we would urge anyone considering doing so to follow the RSPCA 's guidance . ''
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How long does it take to get better ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
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Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"Purchasing a new pet is a decision that should never be taken lightly and we would urge anyone considering doing so to follow the RSPCA's guidance."


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Coronavirus: NI hotels and bars to reopen their doors

Northern Ireland 's hotels , bars , restaurants and cafes can reopen from Friday , after months of closure during the coronavirus lockdown .
Pubs and bars must serve food and operate on a table service basis ; those pubs that do not serve food will be allowed to sell alcohol outdoors .
The tourism industry had been given an initial indicative date of 20 July , but had lobbied for earlier re-opening .
• Q & A : What has and has not changed in NI lockdown ?
The hospitality sector was a cornerstone of Northern Ireland 's economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in revenue each year , said Mrs Dodds .
`` But these businesses also represent something more , '' she added .
`` They are the places people go to socialise , relax and enjoy themselves .
`` People will be very pleased to once again have the opportunity to visit cafés , hotels , pubs , restaurants and visitor attractions . ''
What else can open ?
Visitor attractions such as museums and heritage sites can also reopen on Friday , including the Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh and the Giant 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Causeway general manager Max Bryant said : `` We are delighted to be able to reopen the site and we 're really looking forward to welcoming visitors back .
`` The safety of our staff , volunteers and visitors is our top priority and we have been working hard behind the scenes to implement social distancing measures and hygiene practices.
`` Tourists wishing to visit Rathlin Island using the ferry service will be permitted to do so , but capacity on board vessels will be restricted due to social distancing measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and leisure facilities will remain closed for now .
Betting shops can also re-open on Friday .
What will eateries look like ?
The first and deputy first ministers had previously stressed that social distancing rules must be adhered to by all those businesses seeking to reopen .
Last month , the Stormont executive agreed to reduce social distancing in Northern Ireland from 2m ( 6ft ) to 1m , with restrictions .
Members of the hospitality industry had argued the 1m move was necessary to help them restart their businesses .
Jody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harbour and Company in Donaghadee , County Down , said he would be adopting the 1m social distancing guidance while trying to make sure customers had `` as normal an experience as possible '' .
`` We 've put measures in place on a social distance front and we 've got both restaurants ready and we 're looking forward to receiving the customers , '' he told BBC News NI .
`` I feel the time is right , the cases of the virus are low and the trend is going lower and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the directive to go . ''
Joan Noble , the owner of Riverfront Coffee House in Omagh , County Tyrone , admitted feeling nervous about opening , but added that she was looking forward to it .
Customers seated at tables would be shielded by a perspex screen and `` they should feel very safe within it '' , she said .
`` The virus is here - it 's not going anywhere , it 's not going away and to get open again we have to put staff and customers at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Noble .
`` We just have to make sure they 're safe - to do that we have taken big measures .
We want to get people back out again . ''
However , Simon McCance of Ginger Bistro in Belfast will not be opening his business until at least the start of August .
`` Personally , as an employer with a duty of care to my staff , I feel it 's just a little bit risky , '' he said .
`` We are in a situation where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't open and close again , if something like what has happened in Leicester or Florida or Texas [ happens ] , that would be devastating for me . ''
Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people to drink responsibly when bars reopen .
He said : `` I am not out to spoil anyone 's enjoyment .
However , I have to remind everyone once again that the threat from Covid-19 is still very much with us .
`` We are all familiar with the phrase 'when the drink 's in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope and trust this will not be the case in Northern Ireland . ''
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride urged the public not to put at risk the progress made in the fight against coronavirus .
`` Responsible socialising means remaining vigilant about the virus and continuing to follow the public health advice , '' he said .
Guidance to help businesses keep staff and customers safe has been published on the Tourism NI and nibusinessinfo websites .

"We are in a situation where we can afford to stay closed but we can't open and close again, if something like what has happened in Leicester or Florida or Texas [happens], that would be devastating for me."


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Coronavirus: Where can I go on holiday? A guide to destinations

The prospect of a summer holiday abroad has moved a big step closer , as the government eases quarantine rules in England .
From Saturday , the Foreign Office 's warning against all but essential international travel will be lifted for some countries .
And from 10 July , people returning to England from certain countries will not need to self-isolate .
We wo n't see the full list of more then 50 countries that will be exempt until later on Friday , but here 's what we do know for Europe 's most popular warm weather destinations .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK ?
• UK quarantine : Which countries can I travel to ?
Need to quarantine on arrival ?
No Need to quarantine when back in England ?
No Spain , including the Balearic Islands and the Canaries , is the most popular destination for Britons on their summer holidays , and 400,000 people from the UK own second homes in the country .
It 's had one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe , recording 28,355 coronavirus deaths up to the end of June .
But it is now in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its borders are open to tourists .
What restrictions are still in place ?
Visitors arriving from the UK will not be required to self-isolate - but you will have to undergo a temperature check .
People must stay 1.5m apart in public .
Everyone aged six and over should wear face masks on public transport , in shops and in public spaces where it is not possible to follow the 1.5m distance rule .
Where can you stay ?
Hotels and other accommodation such as campsites and hostels are open - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity limits so all guests can stay 1.5m apart .
Bars and restaurants are open but are only running at 50 % capacity and must follow strict social distancing rules .
Exhibitions , theatres and cinemas have reopened but only at 30 % capacity .
Outdoor concerts of up to 400 people are allowed but with social distancing .
Nightclubs can also open although capacity is limited .
To give an idea of what a night out is like in Barcelona , a popular party destination , people have to provide contact details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a seating area .
Visitors are able to go to the beaches , while most water parks , zoos , museums and theme parks are reopening or planning to in July , although with reduced capacity .
One of Spain 's most visited sites , the Alhambra Palace near Granada , has already welcomed back visitors .
Barcelona 's Sagrada Familia cathedral will reopen on 4 July although to local police officers and health workers first - with tourists welcome four days later .
How can you get there ?
The country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ferry , train or air .
Travellers catching flights in must wear face masks , fill in a health card and undergo temperature checks .
Many major airlines are running flights including Ryanair , EasyJet and British Airways .
EasyJet has said it will be flying the majority of its routes this summer , and aims to have 75 % of routes up and running by the end of August .
Its website is taking bookings for July and August but prices vary widely , with many flights to Spain stretching to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on arrival ?
No ( according to the UK transport secretary , but has yet not been announced officially by France ) Need to quarantine when back in England ?
No France is the second-most popular country for UK visitors , with around 17 million crossing the Channel every year , and 200,000 Britons have chosen it as the place for a second home .
It began to ease its strict lockdown on 11 May .
President Emmanuel Macron declared on 14 June that France had won its `` first victory '' against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country , which had recorded nearly 30,000 coronavirus deaths by the end of June .
What restrictions are still in place ?
France has a voluntary 14-day quarantine measure for travellers arriving from the UK - although it is expected to be lifted when the UK officially lifts its quarantine .
People should remain 1m apart from others , and wear a mask if social distancing is n't possible .
No more than 10 people may gather in any public space .
You also have to wear a mask if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When travelling by train , you need to make a reservation in advance .
If arriving by Eurotunnel , travellers are being asked to fill out and carry with them a statement certifying that they do not have any coronavirus symptoms .
Where can you stay ?
Hotels , gites , and campsites are now open to the public , as well as private rental accommodation .
Bars , restaurants and cafes are allowed to open inside and outside areas , but they have to follow strict hygiene rules .
Customers are asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside , but this can be removed when seated .
No service is allowed at the bar and a distance of 1m is kept between tables .
There is a limit of 5,000 people for large venues and strict health rules apply for shows and cinemas .
Nightclubs remain closed .
Beaches and parks have reopened , and you can now stay and sunbathe or have a picnic , and play non-contact sports .
River cruises will be allowed from 11 July .
Museums , monuments , zoos and theme parks are gradually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask is required to visit .
The Eiffel Tower started allowing visitors on 25 June .
Disneyland Paris begins a phased reopening on 15 July .
Some water parks have also set dates for when they will accept visitors again , with new rules in place .
For example Aqualand , which has eight sites across the country , has advised visitors to arrive in their swimming costumes .
How can you get there ?
It is once again possible to get to France by air , sea or train .
Eurotunnel has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a weekend .
Eurostar is operating a reduced service , with only direct trains to Paris .
It will resume trains to Disneyland Paris on 2 August .
The major airlines , Ryanair , EasyJet and British Airways , all have flights to France this month , although at a lower frequency than normal .
A variety of routes across the Channel are on offer from ferry companies P & O , DFDS and Brittany Ferries .
Need to quarantine on arrival ?
No Need to quarantine when back in England ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit hard by the virus , it is the third-most visited destination for UK travellers every year .
Italy , which surpassed 34,000 virus-related deaths in June , imposed one of the strictest and earliest lockdowns on 7 March .
It reopened its borders on 3 June to travellers from other European countries , although the mayor of the island of Capri has recently complained that visitors have n't been obeying the rules at its hotels and beaches .
What restrictions are still in place ?
The country 's tourist board has released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this summer .
In four regions - Sardinia , Sicily , Puglia and Calabria - tourists are required to register in advance .
People must stay 1m apart in public areas , including hotels and other communal spaces .
Holidaymakers over the age of six will need to wear a mask at all times in public spaces indoors , and outdoors where social distancing is n't possible ( except in Lombardy where a mask outdoors is mandatory ) .
On public transport travellers will be required to wear masks , while temperature scanners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and airports .
Where can you stay ?
Hotels , campsites , mountain huts and beach resorts have made arrangements to safely welcome visitors .
However , an Italian hotel industry trade report said 60 % had remained closed in June , while more than 20 % are expected to still be shut in August .
Bars , cafes , restaurants and gelaterias reopened on 18 May , but they are hosting reduced numbers of diners , with tables further apart and plastic shields to separate customers .
Masks must be worn when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up from your table .
Many venues are asking customers to provide their name and contact details before using their services .
Parks and beaches have reopened , along with swimming pools , although the tourist board says you need to wear a swim cap in a pool .
Most museums , galleries and archaeological sites are open , but entry must be pre-booked online .
Capacity has been vastly reduced at some major tourist sites , like the Colosseum in Rome and the Uffizi gallery in Florence .
Other attractions are opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Roman amphitheatre which will hold its first event on 25 July .
Amusement parks , zoos , fun fairs and water parks are also open but entrance numbers may be limited .
How can you get there ?
Airlines running flights include Ryanair , EasyJet and British Airways , although the number of destinations and flights is markedly reduced .
Ryanair and British Airways were operating flights to Rome in June , while EasyJet is currently set to fly there from 17 July .
Need to quarantine on arrival ?
No , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be tested on entry Need to quarantine when back in England ?
We do n't know yet .
Portugal has had fewer coronavirus cases and deaths than some other southern European nations .
After initially lifting restrictions , it later reintroduced some of the rules following local outbreaks in Lisbon .
By the end of June , Portugal had recorded 1,576 deaths .
Its border is open to British citizens - but anyone going to Madeira or the Azores will face tighter health screening .
What restrictions are still in place ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there are capacity rules in shops and on public transport .
Face masks are compulsory in enclosed spaces such as shops .
Drinking alcohol in public places , except for pavement cafes and restaurants , is banned .
Gatherings are limited to 20 people , except for religious ceremonies and family events , such as weddings and christenings .
In Lisbon , there are tighter restrictions with gatherings limited to 10 people , limits on the sale of alcohol and shops having to close at 8pm .
If you are travelling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are further requirements including showing proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test or taking one on arrival .
Where can you stay ?
Tourism accommodation that meets the so-called `` Clean and Safe '' hygiene standard are allowed to open .
Restaurants , cafes and bars are allowed to open with capacity rules and 1.5m distancing in place .
Last orders are at 11pm .
It is up to the local area whether markets will open .
Beaches are open but with measures in place to limit capacity and people must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile app to assess how full beaches are .
Water sports have also been given the green light .
Museums , art galleries , monuments , palaces and historic buildings have all reopened , as well as zoos .
How can you get there ?
Many flight routes between the UK and Portugal have already resumed .
Flights vary vastly in price , with a single Ryanair ticket from Manchester to Faro costing between £30 and £386 in July , although prices drop heading into August .
Need to quarantine on arrival ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ go until at least 15 July Need to quarantine when back in England ?
Yes Greece acted swiftly to impose lockdown in late February , and it was first eased in late April .
At the end of June , it had a total of 3,409 confirmed cases and a death toll of 192 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Its tourism season officially began on 15 June and it has already opened its borders to some countries .
However , travellers from the UK can not fly to Greece until 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's two-week quarantine rule therefore still applies to travellers from Greece until at least the same date , the UK transport secretary said .
What restrictions are still in place ?
People should aim to stay 1.5m apart and face masks must be worn on public transport - including flights and ferries - at airports , in lifts and in taxis .
Masks are also strongly advised in other closed spaces .
Travelling in a car or taxi is limited to a maximum of two adult passengers as well as the driver , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit .
Where can you stay ?
All hotels , campsites and Airbnb accommodation are allowed to reopen .
Hotels can run at capacity but they have specific rules , including having a doctor on standby .
Reception desks must also be moved outdoors where possible , and food served in buffets must be placed under protective acrylic screens known as sneeze guards .
Read more on what Greek hotels might be like here .
Shops , cafes , bars , restaurants and nightclubs are now able to reopen but with limits on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can sit at a table together , although children are exempt .
Beaches and parks have also opened .
Swimming pools can open but the number allowed in will depend on the size of the pool , while water slides may be shut .
Most tourist attractions , including museums , zoos , gardens and theme parks are up and running again , while archaeological sites such as the country 's world-renowned Acropolis in Athens have also reopened .
How can you get there ?
The major airlines are gradually reinstating flights to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were cancelled after the Greek government extended its travel ban for UK citizens .
For those nationalities allowed to enter , travel to the Greek islands is also possible , although passengers will need to complete a health questionnaire before boarding or take temperature checks .
Travel by yachts and private sailboats is now allowed .
But cruise ships and ferries coming from other countries are banned from landing in Greek ports .
What about elsewhere in Europe ?
We are yet to find out if the UK will lift quarantine rules for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopened its borders to UK visitors on 12 June , and passengers are required to complete a form before arriving .
Face masks are compulsory in crowded places and on public transport .
In certain provinces , face masks are compulsory at all times outside the home .
There remains an ongoing curfew for those aged over 65 , those born after 1 January 2002 , and those who have a chronic medical condition .
Croatia : Visitors from the UK must complete a form in advance and have proof of accommodation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with pools and aquaparks , although social distancing rules apply .
Large public gatherings are allowed and nightclubs can also open .
Passengers on public transport must wear masks .
Germany : The country is open to travellers from the UK , but people must keep a distance of 1.5m .
Face masks are required in some public spaces but it varies by state .
All shops , tourist accommodation and restaurants are open - but bars and cafes in some states are shut .
However , one area was put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : UK visitors are currently `` strongly advised '' to go into quarantine for 14 days on arrival .
Tourists must reserve accommodation in advance .
There is no maximum limit on the number of people allowed inside places including shops , museums and at outside venues like zoos and theme parks - provided people stick to 1.5m social distancing .
Face masks are mandatory on public transport for anyone aged 13 and over .
Nightclubs will not reopen before 1 September .
Belgium : Its borders are open to Britons .
Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people aged 12 and over should wear a masks on public transport .
Restaurants , bars , cafes and shops are open but with strict rules , and tourist accommodation and activities can resume .
Swimming pools are still closed .
Switzerland : No travel restrictions for UK travellers .
Social distancing here is 2m .
Most places are back open including shops , restaurants , bars and cafes are open with a limit of four customers per table and tables 2m apart .
Passengers are advised to wear masks on public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cable cars are running .

Coronavirus: Where can I go on holiday? A guide to destinations Published 27 August 2020
Image source, EPA Image caption, Beaches around Europe have seen an influx of holidaymakers since June when many countries lifted border restrictions
The prospect of a holiday abroad is on the cards again, after the UK government eased quarantine rules.
People returning to the UK from certain countries do not need to self-isolate. The full lists of the countries that are exempt from the quarantine rule are here for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Here are details of what to expect when you're in some of the most popular warm weather destinations for Britons.
Spain - back on quarantine list
Need to quarantine on arrival? No
Need to quarantine when back in UK? Yes
Spain is the most popular destination for Britons on their summer holidays, and 400,000 people from the UK own second homes in the country.
It had one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe, recording 28,355 coronavirus deaths up to the end of June.
Since then, its borders have reopened to tourists but it is currently facing the worst coronavirus infection rate in Western Europe. Daily cases have risen from fewer than 150 in June to more than 1,500 throughout August.
As of 26 July, people returning from Spain to the UK must quarantine for 14 days. In addition, the Foreign Office is now also advising against all but essential travel to Spain, including the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Some beaches - like Cala Aiguablava Beach near Girona - remain busy
What restrictions are in place?
Visitors arriving from the UK will not be required to self-isolate - but you will have to give your contact details and undergo a temperature check and health check on arrival at the airport.
People must stay 1.5m apart in public. Everyone aged six and over should wear face masks in public spaces where it is not possible to follow the 1.5m distance rule.
However, different provinces in Spain have introduced different measures. For example, masks are compulsory everywhere, even when the social distancing rule can be followed, in areas including Madrid, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
Some areas have also reintroduced lockdowns after local outbreaks. In July, parts of Catalonia - including Barcelona - faced new restrictions, with cinemas, theatres and nightclubs temporarily closed.
Smoking in public spaces is also banned in areas such as Galicia and the Canary Islands.
Where can you stay?
Image source, Reuters Image caption, German tourists are greeted by receptionists at a hotel in Ronda, in Spain's Andalucía region
Hotels and other accommodation, such as campsites and hostels, are open - but they are required to put in place capacity limits so all guests can stay 1.5m apart.
What tourist attractions are open?
In most of Spain, bars and restaurants are open but are running at reduced capacity and must follow strict social distancing rules. Nightclubs are also open, although capacity is limited and people must provide contact details and wear masks.
Exhibitions, theatres and cinemas have reopened, again with reduced capacity. Outdoor concerts of up to 400 people are allowed with social distancing measures in place.
Visitors are able to go to the beaches, while most water parks, zoos, museums and theme parks have reopened to a limited number of visitors.
Two of Spain's most visited sites, Barcelona's Sagrada Familia cathedral and the Alhambra Palace near Granada, have already welcomed tourists back.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Spain's Alhambra Palace reopens to visitors
How can you get there?
The country is open to tourists entering by car, ferry, train or air.
However, some travel companies, including Jet2 and Tui have cancelled flights and holidays to mainland Spain, as well as the Balearic and Canary Islands, since the UK government changed its guidance.
British Airways and Ryanair continue to operate scheduled flights to Spain.
France - back on quarantine list
Need to quarantine on arrival? Not currently, but France has suggested measures are to be introduced
Need to quarantine when back in UK? Yes, quarantine measures were imposed on travellers arriving in the UK from France from 15 August at 04:00 BST
France is the second-most popular country for UK visitors, with around 17 million crossing the Channel every year. Some 200,000 Britons have chosen it as the place for a second home.
The country began to ease its strict lockdown on 11 May. President Emmanuel Macron declared on 14 June that France had won its "first victory" against the virus as he lifted more restrictions, which has recorded more than 30,000 deaths.
A quarantine-free travel corridor was established between the UK and France in early July, but after a surge in cases in August, the UK government changed its travel advice, requiring people arriving from France to self-isolate.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Tables and deckchairs are set out to respect social distancing on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice
What restrictions are in place?
People should remain 1m apart, and no more than 10 people may gather in any public space.
You also have to wear a mask in all enclosed public spaces. When travelling by train, you need to make a reservation in advance.
France is one of several European countries to tighten coronavirus restrictions in August, amid a rise in infections - particularly among younger people.
Paris and Marseille are among those areas now deemed so-called "red zones" - high risk areas where local authorities have extra powers to impose restrictions. In both cities, masks are now compulsory in all public spaces.
Where can you stay?
Hotels, gites, and campsites have reopened, as well as private rental accommodation.
Are tourist attractions open?
Image source, EPA Image caption, Disneyland Paris, one of Europe's top visitor attractions, has reopened
Bars, restaurants and cafes are allowed to open inside and outside areas, but they have to follow strict hygiene rules. Customers are asked to wear a face covering when walking inside, but this can be removed when seated. No service is allowed at the bar and a distance of 1m is kept between tables.
There is a limit of 5,000 people for large venues and strict health rules apply for shows and cinemas. Nightclubs remain closed.
Beaches and parks have reopened, and you can now sunbathe or have a picnic, and play non-contact sports. River cruises have been allowed since 11 July.
Museums, monuments, zoos and theme parks are gradually opening their doors again - but a mask is required to visit.
The Eiffel Tower started allowing visitors on 25 June. Disneyland Paris began a phased reopening on 15 July.
Some water parks have new rules in place. For example Aqualand, which has eight sites across the country, has advised visitors to arrive in their swimming costumes to avoid contamination in changing areas.
How can you get there?
It remains possible to get to France by air, sea or train. If arriving by Eurotunnel, travellers are being asked to fill out and carry with them a statement certifying that they do not have any coronavirus symptoms.
The major airlines, Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways, all continue to fly to France, although at a lower frequency than normal.
A variety of routes across the Channel are on offer from ferry companies at reduced capacity, but since the re-imposition of quarantine measures in August, some companies have reduced passenger services.
Italy - welcoming British visitors
Need to quarantine on arrival? No
Need to quarantine when back in UK? No
Italy, which surpassed 35,000 virus-related deaths in July, imposed one of the strictest and earliest lockdowns on 7 March.
The first European country to be hit hard by the virus, it is the third-most visited destination for UK travellers annually.
Italy reopened its borders on 3 June to travellers from other European countries, although the mayor of the island of Capri has complained that visitors haven't been obeying the rules at its hotels and beaches.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Attractions like the Colosseum in Rome are open for business again
What restrictions are still in place?
The country's tourist board has released an extensive list of guidelines for visitors this summer.
In four regions - Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia and Calabria - tourists are required to register in advance.
People must stay 1m apart in public areas, including hotels and other communal spaces. In most parts of the country, holidaymakers over the age of six will need to wear a mask at all times in public spaces indoors, and outdoors where social distancing isn't possible. However, in Lombardy - the area around Milan, and the location of Italy's original coronavirus outbreak - a mask outdoors is mandatory at all times.
On public transport travellers will be required to wear masks, while temperature scanners may be in operation at train stations and airports.
Where can you stay?
Hotels, campsites, mountain huts and beach resorts have made arrangements to safely welcome visitors. However, an Italian hotel industry trade report said 60% stayed closed in June, with about 20% reportedly deciding not open their doors again this summer.
Are tourist attractions open?
Image source, EPA Image caption, Tourists at the Leaning Tower of Pisa have to wear face masks and an electronic device which sends out signals and sounds if anyone gets within 1m
Bars, cafes, restaurants and gelaterias reopened on 18 May, but they are hosting reduced numbers of diners, with tables further apart and plastic shields to separate customers.
Masks must be worn when you go inside and anytime you get up from your table. Many venues are asking customers to provide their name and contact details before using their services.
Parks and beaches have reopened, along with swimming pools, although the tourist board says you need to wear a swim cap in a pool.
Most museums, galleries and archaeological sites are open, but entry must be pre-booked online.
Capacity has been vastly reduced at some major tourist sites, like the Colosseum in Rome and the Uffizi gallery in Florence.
Amusement parks, zoos, fun fairs and water parks are also open but entrance numbers may be limited.
How can you get there?
Airlines running flights include Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways, although the number of destinations and flights is markedly reduced.
Greece - Britons now allowed
Need to quarantine on arrival? No
Need to quarantine when back in UK? No
Greece acted swiftly to impose lockdown in late February, and it was first eased in late April. As of 27 August, it had a total of 9,280 confirmed cases and a death toll of 248, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Its tourism season officially began on 15 June and it has already opened its borders to some countries. But British travellers had to wait after a ban on flights from the UK was extended.
Since 15 July, British holidaymakers can now fly there, but may be asked to take a test and practice social distancing and self-monitor for coronavirus symptoms until they get a negative result (usually within 24 hours). If the test result is positive Greek authorities are likely to ask you to self-isolate for 14 days.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Greek islands like Santorini are a big draw for tourists
What restrictions are still in place?
People should aim to stay 1.5m apart and face masks must be worn on public transport - including flights and ferries - at airports, in shops, cafes, hairdressers, government offices, lifts and taxis. Masks are also strongly advised in other closed spaces.
Travelling in a car or taxi is limited to a maximum of three adult passengers as well as the driver, although children do not count towards the limit.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Restaurants and cafes have been open for a while in Greece
Where can you stay?
All hotels, campsites and Airbnb accommodation are allowed to reopen.
Hotels can run at capacity but they have specific rules, including having a doctor on standby. Reception desks must also be moved outdoors where possible, and food served in buffets must be placed under protective acrylic screens known as sneeze guards. Read more on what Greek hotels might be like here.
What tourist attractions are open?
Shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs are now able to reopen but with limits on capacity. No more than six adults can sit at a table together, although children are exempt.
Beaches and parks have also opened. Swimming pools can open but the number allowed in will depend on the size of the pool, while water slides may be shut.
Most tourist attractions, including museums, zoos, gardens and theme parks are up and running again, while archaeological sites such as the country's world-renowned Acropolis in Athens have also reopened.
Image source, EPA Image caption, The Acropolis Museum in Athens has reopened
How can you get there?
The major airlines have gradually reinstated flights to Greece, although they had to cancel some flights in the first half of July when the Greek government extended its travel ban for UK citizens.
For those nationalities allowed to enter, travel to the Greek islands is also possible, although passengers will need to complete a health questionnaire before boarding or take temperature checks. It is obligatory to wear masks when travelling on all ferries, where capacity is limited to allow for social distancing.
Portugal - open despite local outbreak
Need to quarantine on arrival? No, but arriving in mainland Portugal you will be subject to health screening and travellers to Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores will be tested on entry
Need to quarantine when back in UK? No
Like Greece, Portugal has had fewer coronavirus cases and deaths than some other European nations.
After initially lifting restrictions, it later reintroduced some of the rules following local outbreaks in Lisbon. As of 27 August, it had a total of 56,274 confirmed cases and a death toll of 1,809, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, British tourists usually flock to beaches like this one in the Algarve
What restrictions are still in place?
People must keep 2m away from others and there are capacity rules in shops and on public transport. Face masks are compulsory in enclosed spaces such as shops and on public transport for everyone over the age of 10.
Drinking alcohol in public places, except for pavement cafes and restaurants, is banned. Gatherings are limited to 20 people, except for religious ceremonies and family events, such as weddings and christenings.
The Greater Lisbon area is in a state of contingency due to localised outbreaks. Restrictions currently in place include gatherings are limited to 10 people, while shops have to close at 8pm.
Where can you stay?
Tourism accommodation that meets the so-called "Clean and Safe" hygiene standard are allowed to open.
What tourist attractions are open?
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Portugal has recently seen a rise in new cases around Lisbon
Restaurants, cafes and bars are allowed to open with capacity rules and 2m distancing in place. Last orders are at 11pm. It is up to the local area whether markets will open.
Beaches are open but with measures in place to limit capacity and people must stay 2m apart. There is a mobile app to assess how full beaches are.
Water sports have also been given the green light.
Museums, art galleries, monuments, palaces and historic buildings have all reopened, as well as zoos.
How can you get there?
Many flight routes between the UK and Portugal have already resumed.
United States
Need to quarantine on arrival? Yes, but British nationals are not allowed in anyway
Need to quarantine when back in UK? Yes
Holidays to the US are still not a likely prospect. British nationals are not allowed to enter the USA if they have been in the UK (or a number of other countries) within the past two weeks.
Those who are eligible to enter the US - such as US citizens flying in from the UK - must be prepared to quarantine for 14 days. Even US travellers arriving from some US states must quarantine.
And, since the US is not exempt from the UK's quarantine, anyone returning to the UK will have to self-isolate for 14 days. What's more, the Foreign Office still advises against non-essential travel to the US.
The US has reported more than 5.8 million cases of coronavirus, and more than 179,000 deaths nationwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Disney has shut its resort in Hong Kong, but its Florida one is open
What restrictions are still in place?
Well, it varies state by state. You can check individual states' rules here. A number of US states have now made face masks compulsory while in public.
Social distancing of 2m is recommended by the USA's Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Where can you stay?
Hotels are reopening across the country, the Foreign Office says, but there will be local rules on capacity.
What tourist attractions are open?
Again, it depends on the state. Shops, restaurants, bars, beaches and other leisure activities are likely to be following local regulations.
California - a popular holiday destination for Britons - reintroduced sweeping restrictions on 13 July following a surge in cases. It ordered all indoor restaurants, bars, shopping malls and cinemas to close again.
Churches, gyms, shopping malls, zoos, museums, hair salons and non-essential offices must shut indoor operations in some of the state's worst-affected counties, including Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Florida - another popular destination - is fast becoming the centre of America's latest Covid-19 outbreak. However, its Disney World resort reopened with limited capacity on 11 July.
Image source, EPA Image caption, Supermarket chain Walmart announced it would make all customers wear masks
How can you get there?
Some flights are running between the UK and US, but on a reduced schedule and at higher than usual prices.
What about elsewhere?
You can also return to the UK from these destinations without needing to isolate, as well as many others listed here.
Turkey: It reopened its borders to UK visitors on 12 June, and passengers are required to complete a form before arriving. Face masks are compulsory in crowded places and on public transport. In certain provinces, face masks are compulsory at all times outside the home. Those aged over 65 (although this doesn't apply to those visiting for tourism) require a permit to travel between cities and must remain at their destination for a minimum of 30 days unless travelling for an international flight.
Germany: The country is open to travellers from the UK, but people must keep a distance of 1.5m. Face masks are required in some public spaces but it varies by state. All shops, tourist accommodation and restaurants are open - but bars and cafes in some states are shut. Travellers using Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg airport to return to the UK will transit France and therefore will be required to self-isolate.
Switzerland: Self-isolation rules might change soon for travellers returning from Switzerland to the whole of the UK, following Scotland's decision to tell people to self-isolate on their return. Social distancing here is 1.5m. Most places are back open including shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Masks are compulsory when travelling on public transport, except for children under 12. In the Alps, mountain railways and cable cars are running.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--How mortgage holidays can affect your ability to borrow

`` At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic , my revenue stream evaporated in six days , '' says Sara Taylor .
Ms Taylor runs an events management company .
It 's been voted the worst industry to be working in during 2020 by the website Reddit , because of the impact of the lockdown .
She did not qualify for any of the government support for people who had lost their incomes during the pandemic , so she took a mortgage holiday - a payment deferral - to cut her outgoings as much as possible .
Ms Taylor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgage holders , or nearly two million people , have suspended their payments during the pandemic .
Now many of those borrowers are approaching the end of the three-month payment holiday and will have to decide whether to extend .
Not expecting her industry to recover until next year , Ms Taylor says she will ask for an extension .
`` My need is as great the second time round as it was the first , '' she says .
'It will come back to bite you' Mortgage holidays were introduced in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ostensibly without affecting their credit rating .
However , what seemed like a quick and simple way to cut people 's outgoings immediately could have unintended consequences .
Some borrowers who have taken mortgage holidays have now found they are being declined when applying for loans .
Lisa Orme is the managing director of Keys Mortgages .
She has been warning borrowers not to take them unless they have no other option .
`` We know , anecdotally , that people have used them to pay off credit cards , pay for holidays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` I 've been saying to people , despite all these promises about how it wo n't affect your credit file , I absolutely guarantee it will come back to bite you . ''
' I 've now been told I ca n't get a loan' Matt Pollen was just about to launch his start-up and was trying to raise funding from investors when the lockdown began .
The launch had to be delayed , so he applied for a mortgage holiday as a security measure , in case the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only advice I saw was the general advice from the government that it would n't affect any future credit history , '' he says .
But when Mr Pollen and his girlfriend tried to find out if they could take out a loan in the future to fund an extension , he was told he would n't be accepted .
`` One of the first questions they asked was had we taken out a mortgage holiday - and when I said yes , they said a lot of the companies they work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the moment . ''
How do people decide who can borrow money ?
The advice from the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) is that a mortgage holiday will not affect your credit record , but that it could affect future lending decisions .
Even though there is no mark left on your credit report when you take a mortgage holiday , when you try to borrow money , lenders look at thousands of pieces of data .
Sarah Coles , personal finance analyst with Hargreaves Lansdown , explains : `` Banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And if you 've got a three-month gap around this period , they are going to know that has clearly come from a mortgage holiday .
`` If you 've got a six-month gap , they are going to know you 've had to extend it .
And that will give them a really clear indication that you were having some financial issues at the time .
So it will then make it harder to borrow . ''
In May , the FCA updated its guidance to clarify this : `` Lenders may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as bank account information , to take account of other factors in their lending decisions .
These factors could include changes to income and expenditure . ''
Lenders are currently writing to customers who are nearing the end of their three-month mortgage holidays to outline the details of their new monthly payment .
Virgin Money Group says any payment holiday will not affect its future lending decisions - but that 's unusual .
Lloyds Banking Group - which includes the Halifax - says it has approved 450,000 payment holidays for its customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Halifax , explains that being on a mortgage holiday could affect your ability to borrow : `` We base our decisions on a full understanding of a customer 's up-to-date circumstances , '' he says .
`` We do take into consideration your latest financial position , but we recognise as well that these are unprecedented times and we will consider individual circumstances as part of that process . ''
He advises borrowers to wait three months after resuming payments before applying for more borrowing - and if people are able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as this stops extra interest being charged .
NatWest said : `` We will take customers ' circumstances into consideration when considering any borrowing requests .
If a customer 's income is currently impacted by Covid and they are unable to afford their mortgage , we would consider this . ''
The bank also said that if customers resumed repayments after a payment holiday , the deferral would not be a factor in any lending decision .
Joe Garner , chief executive of Nationwide , the country 's biggest building society , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought a second mortgage holiday should be marked on a borrower 's record , although it is not doing so , in line with FCA guidance .
A spokesperson for the Treasury said : `` The Financial Conduct Authority has been clear that payment holidays should not have a long-term impact on people 's credit rating . ''
Mortgage holders have until 31 October to apply for a three-month mortgage holiday if their finances have been affected by the pandemic .
The FCA has banned repossessions until the end of October .

"If you've got a six-month gap, they are going to know you've had to extend it. And that will give them a really clear indication that you were having some financial issues at the time. So it will then make it harder to borrow."


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Coronavirus: 'Refunds unlikely' if travellers have to self-isolate

Holidaymakers will be `` bearing all the risk '' when overseas getaways return as they face little chance of refunds if they go into self-isolation .
Anyone who gets coronavirus symptoms at the time they are booked to go away is highly unlikely to get their money back when they cancel their holiday .
Package holiday firms and travel insurance will probably not pay out .
Alex Neill , of resolution service Resolver , said UK tourists needed to be aware they were `` taking a risk '' .
`` It is likely that new travel insurance policies wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going on holiday - and if the flight or packaged holiday is n't cancelled then you have no automatic right to compensation , '' she said .
`` While it 's important to the economy to support the travel industry , at this time it 's the customer who is bearing all of the risk . ''
• Can I get travel insurance , or a holiday refund and what are my travel rights ?
From Saturday , blanket restrictions on non-essential overseas travel are to be relaxed in the UK .
Travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' after ministers announced that restrictions would be eased .
Interest has been heightened by the announcement that dozens of countries will be exempt from travel quarantine requirements when holidaymakers return to England .
That should mean English holidaymakers returning from lower-risk countries will not need to self-isolate for 14 days when they get home .
Restrictions remain for people returning to the rest of the UK .
People going on overseas getaways are strongly advised to take out travel insurance , which will still cover them for accidents , injury , lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Insurance Card will also give access to state healthcare in the EU .
Some new travel insurance policies will now cover medical treatment for Covid-19 which has been caught while in a resort .
However , people who need to cancel a holiday because they or a loved one develop symptoms before going away , or are told to self-isolate at home , are highly unlikely to be covered .
Similarly , package holiday providers are unlikely to give a refund or allow rebooking if a customer cancels in such circumstances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ holidays booked may try to ignore symptoms , or discard advice from contact tracers to self-isolate .
The government has said people have a `` civic duty '' to quarantine if they receive a call from test and trace advisers .
`` Most people would behave responsibly even if that meant losing their holiday , but I would also expect holiday and insurance companies to show a little compassion in these circumstances , '' Ms Neill said .
`` Driving consumers to do the wrong thing ca n't be an unintended consequence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Insurance companies argue that coronavirus is no longer an unforeseen event , so may not be included in cover .
The added protection usually available from booking via a credit card is also unlikely to be successful in such cases .
When holidays may be protected There may be better news for people who already had a travel insurance policy bought or renewed prior to early March as they may still be able to make a claim for such a cancellation , but they should check their policy .
If the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on travel as a result of a fresh outbreak , then a package holiday company or airline should refund holidays or flights that they then need to cancel .
However , refunds are unlikely if a 14-day quarantine rule is brought back in and a holidaymaker chooses to cancel as a result .
People taking a holiday within the UK will have to look at terms and conditions when booking for information about their cancellation rights .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• RECOVERY : How long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?

"It is likely that new travel insurance policies won't cover you if you develop symptoms before going on holiday - and if the flight or packaged holiday isn't cancelled then you have no automatic right to compensation," she said.


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Shirley Baker's street scenes of Manchester and Salford

Shirley Baker , born in 1932 , was a pre-eminent street photographer who captured the daily life of working-class communities @ @ @ @ @ online exhibition at the James Hyman Gallery has been co-curated by Baker 's daughter , @ @ @ @ @ of older people from the photographer 's archive .
The black-and-white photos show elderly people @ @ @ @ @ Salford over three decades .
The exhibition also includes some rare colour photos from Baker @ @ @ @ @ are now starting to see the easing of the lockdown and with that we can @ @ @ @ @ enjoy the sunshine and play sport , '' said co-curator Nan Levy .
Current government @ @ @ @ @ 70 and over should take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household @ @ @ @ @ I have gathered together a collection of Shirley 's photographs taken from the mid-60s to @ @ @ @ @ older people enjoying their daily lives in the community in a way that is not @ @ @ @ @ ''

Levy adds: "I have gathered together a collection of Shirley's photographs taken from the mid-60s to the mid-80s; these show older people enjoying their daily lives in the community in a way that is not possible at the moment."


bbcuk--2020-07-03--F1 2020: Alex Albon's make or break year in a rollercoaster career?

As Formula 1 emerges from a long shutdown , few will be more impatient to get back on track than one of the sport 's rising stars Alex Albon .
2020 represents his big chance to make it to the top of F1 , but with huge opportunity comes huge pressure .
Radio 1 Newsbeat chatted to the 23-year-old just before lockdown and it was clear that he 's more than up for the challenge .
`` It 's an opportunity to show everyone what I can do , '' he says .
At the start of the 2019 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young racing driver dreams of - his first race in F1 .
Smiling at the memory , Alex remembers how nervous he was before making his debut in Australia as one of the world 's 20 best racers .
Back then , he would n't have believed anyone who told him just how well his first season would pan out .
`` I 'd have said you were drunk ! ''
Alex jokes .
'Nothing I could have imagined' Many F1 drivers have to wait years to get a drive with one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of winning races .
Some never get that opportunity .
It took Alex just 12 Grand Prixs .
But the path to success has been far from straightforward for the British-Thai driver , who only last year moved away from his family home in Milton Keynes , before returning to live with them in lockdown .
Eight years ago , he came close to quitting motorsport altogether , when he was dropped from Red Bull 's young driver programme .
But thanks to financial backing from sponsors and his mum 's home country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his racing career alive .
After years of hard work climbing the notoriously tough motorsport ladder , he bounced back from that early disappointment to make it to Formula 2 , the F1 feeder series in 2017 .
But despite two years of doing well at F2 level , last winter he had to wait a long time to find out if he 'd impressed Red Bull bosses enough for them to invite him back in to the fold , with their F1 sister team , then called Toro Rosso .
`` To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most restless of my life , just kind of not knowing what to expect , '' Alex tells Newsbeat .
`` I was ... pooing myself , would be the right word for it ! ''
Alex took full advantage of his big F1 break and did n't stay in the other team for long .
Its main team is led by Max Verstappen .
The Dutchman is one of the fastest and most exciting drivers on the grid .
Few doubt that he 's destined for world titles .
Max 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could n't keep up with him .
It meant Red Bull decided to swap the drivers , promoting Alex to the main team and demoting Pierre for the second half of the year .
Alex impressed enough to keep the seat alongside Max for the 2020 season - a spectacular rise through the motorsport ranks .
`` It 's been a crazy 12 months .
Nothing I could have imagined , '' he says .
`` It still feels weird now to be honest .
But here I am . ''
If results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be the start of a long career at the front F1 , potentially even fighting for world championships .
If he does n't stay close to Max 's pace , there 's a chance he could be dropped and his F1 career could be over .
Alex says : `` Being a two man sport , you 're always going to get compared to your team mate .
It 's about ignoring that , trying to put that all to one side because it is very easy to fall into a mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very quick .
At the same time , I want to do my own job .
I want to have good results . ''
`` It 's quite normal in Formula 1 , in motorsports , '' Alex adds .
`` It 's a very cut-throat environment where every year could be your last . ''
'Oh god ... Why am I on that billboard ? '
Alex is the first Thai Formula 1 driver since Birabongse Bhanudej , whose last F1 race was in 1954 .
Alex has a Thai Mum and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race under a Thai flag .
It means he 's helping to raise the sport 's profile there .
`` I stand in pride , '' he says .
`` Motorsport in Thailand is n't actually that big .
`` It 's improving and last year made a big step forward .
Hopefully we can have a race there , that would be my my dream . ''
Alex talks about his last trip to Thailand in the autumn .
`` Suddenly , there were billboards and trains stickered up with my face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so to see all that was a bit of a shock .
`` It 's weird .
I 'm sure the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen get used to it , but when you first see , it feels like 'Oh god why am I on there !
? '
'' 'We 're not mates when we have our helmets on' This year will be the biggest test Alex has ever faced in his motorsport career , but at least he 'll have some friendly faces around him .
Last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver George Russell were also new to the sport , which was comforting for Alex .
The three regularly travelled to races together and have become good mates .
`` Me and George grew up together , we raced against each other .
Lando was a bit of a younger generation compared to George and I , but we 've kind of come into this whole world together .
`` When you 're racing against people like Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel , these guys are the titans of the sport .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look across your shoulder and you 're like , 'Oh it 's George and Lando ' .
It 's nice to have other rookies that you can hang out with . ''
Alex says he usually spends more time in F1 than he does with his own family .
But it 's rare for drivers at this level to be firm friends , on or off track .
`` I think the younger generation are a bit more open to being friends .
`` It 's not to say , when we put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mates , we 're definitely not mates when we have our helmets on - that 's just the way it is . ''
Alex actually hit Lando while overtaking him at the Japanese Grand Prix last year , so did they just go to the pub after the race and chat about it ?
`` I 'm not sure there are many pubs in Japan .
We could have gone to a karaoke night maybe !
`` Of course , Lando was n't happy , but I apologised and there 's no hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're here to do a job and get results . ''
'It 's what I 've been doing all my life' Alex is still finding his feet at Red Bull .
He 's polite and mild-mannered , but clearly not short of confidence in his own ability .
More than used to battling against the odds , Alex insists he can cope with the pressure that F1 2020 will bring .
`` Once you put on the helmet and you 're in the car , all that pressure suddenly goes away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're the pilot .
`` It 's what I 've been doing all my life .
That 's when I feel the most confident . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

Alex is still finding his feet at Red Bull. He's polite and mild-mannered, but clearly not short of confidence in his own ability. More than used to battling against the odds, Alex insists he can cope with the pressure that F1 2020 will bring.


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Theatre Royal Plymouth: 'I don't know what I'd be doing without it'

A woman has sent dozens of personal stories in a letter to the government to highlight the urgent need for support for the theatre that launched her career .
Playwright Laura Horton has collected accounts from more than 60 people explaining how Theatre Royal Plymouth ( TRP ) changed their lives .
Last week , TRP said 100 jobs were at risk because of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Ms Horton said the news was `` deeply sad '' .
`` When I found out , I was so upset and angry I just needed to channel it into something positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Oliver Dowden , Ms Horton said she wanted to highlight the improvement the theatre makes `` to mental health , mutual understanding , education and community spirit '' .
Ms Horton previously worked at TRP as an usher , shredder and press assistant .
Now the theatre has embraced her as a playwright .
`` I went to a local comprehensive and was n't from a privileged background .
I never would have thought I was capable of doing a job like this .
`` There 's a long way to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you lose the producing venues of the country , we 'll be set back so much .
`` I do n't think it 's good enough to just have London as a hub of theatre , '' she said .
Alex Ward , 20 , says without TRP `` I do n't know what I 'd be doing '' .
`` It enabled me , as a working class boy , to find myself and my passion , '' he says .
`` I am a product of TRP and I say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ward did his first young company production when he was 17 .
`` It 's a place I can go be heard for the person I am and the work I want to create , '' he says .
Mr Ward fears any risk to TRP will hit working class children the hardest who `` wo n't get the chance to express themselves and have their voices heard '' .
`` I am just one of many young people born in a deprived part of the country who has been given a path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
Aged 16 , Roni Neale took part in National Theatre Connections - a project that brought together young people from around the UK .
The performance that year took place at TRP and it was there they made friends for life .
`` It was absolutely life-changing and showed me what theatre was outside of my very rural bubble .
`` Coming to TRP , there was just something extraordinary about the scale and spectacle of a dedicated , properly funded performance space and it allowed me to perform to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport said performing arts were `` one of the UK 's great success stories '' and it was `` doing all we can to support the sector '' .

"There's a long way to go to make the arts more diverse but if you lose the producing venues of the country, we'll be set back so much.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Coronavirus in Scotland: 'Our village won't survive without tourists'

Self-catering businesses can reopen in Scotland from today but hotels , restaurants and B & Bs must remain closed .
The impact of the lockdown and social distancing on tourism has been disastrous , with the loss of thousands of jobs .
BBC Scotland 's The Nine found out how one community has been coping .
She was just four weeks old when her mum , Emma Gibb , and gran Gail Stone both lost their jobs .
Gail was the head of housekeeping at the Claymore Hotel in the Argyll village of Arrochar , some 40 miles north west @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housekeeping supervisor .
The hotel closed on 22 May along with a sister property , the Tarbet Hotel , just a mile and a half away across the isthmus separating Loch Long and Loch Lomond .
Fifty jobs went in all - a huge blow for these small connected communities , home to fewer than 1,000 people .
`` It was devastating , '' says Gail who had worked at the Claymore for more than a decade .
`` A horrible situation , '' adds Emma , who was on maternity leave when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ napping in a car seat on the foreshore of Loch Long while we chat .
The tide is out , the water still , and the ragged peak of Ben Arthur - better known as The Cobbler - hides somewhere in the morning mist above us .
Both Emma and Gail had spent two months on the UK government 's furlough scheme before the Claymore 's parent company , Specialist Leisure Group , collapsed .
The coronavirus which swept across Scotland in the spring arrived at a disastrous time for the nation 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who make up 8.3 % of the national workforce .
As the sun blazed in May and the sector entered what should have been its prime earning period the country was locked down : bars and restaurants were closed , hotels sat empty .
It was particularly painful for Argyll and Bute where a much higher proportion of workers - 15 % - are directly employed in tourism .
`` It 's so strange to see it so quiet , '' Emma tells me .
`` At this time of year you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3pm because it would be packed with walkers . ''
She says about 300 people would arrive in the area at the start of the week and another 300 on a Friday to stay at the Tarbet and Claymore Hotels .
`` The [ remaining ] hotels , cafes , even the local pub , it all relies on people coming to the village , '' she added .
`` There 's not enough in the village for it to survive without . ''
According to the national tourist agency VisitScotland , hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually jump from just under half in April to about 90 % in May , where they remain until September .
The occupancy of guest houses , self-catering properties and B & Bs normally peaks in August .
How much is tourism worth to Scotland ?
According to figures from VisitScotland , in 2018 : • 15.5 million tourists visited Scotland and stayed for at least one night • In addition there were 153 million day trips , the lowest level since 2011 , spending £5.5bn No-one is more aware of that than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association of Scotland 's Self-Caterers .
The trade body represents 1,000 businesses , a membership which has leapt up from 600 at the start of the crisis .
She says she worked day and night to persuade politicians that the sector would be plunged into an even deeper crisis if it had to wait until mid-July to reopen as originally planned .
Inside the kitchen of an elegant country house in Arrochar , which she rents out to tourists , she tells me that the situation is `` terribly , terribly sad '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already lost .
`` It 's not just property owners like me who are affected , '' she says - there is also an impact on cleaners , maintenance staff and gardeners , plus other local firms and tour operators .
Ms Campbell 's lobbying appears to have paid off .
Self-catering is leading the way out of Scottish tourism 's lockdown from today , 3 July , while hotels , bars and restaurants are still scheduled to reopen on 15 July .
Ms Campbell says they are `` delighted '' to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourist economy `` stand back up on its own two feet '' .
`` As a sector we 're in prime position to reopen , '' she insists , glancing around a spotless kitchen with empty pots and pans hanging above a large , gleaming stove .
This house has , she says , been scoured `` to within an inch of its life , '' in accordance with `` robust cleaning protocols '' adopted by `` the Scottish , English , Welsh and Northern Irish governments '' .
Not only is it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 100 days in lockdown `` people are desperate to get away '' - to restore their sanity with `` open spaces , beautiful scenery , fresh air '' .
`` The timing of this whole pandemic has just been catastrophic in all manners , '' adds Ms Campbell .
But self-catering alone will not revive Argyll 's economy .
In 2018 , the latest year for which figures are available , 700,000 day trippers to the region ate a meal in a bar , restaurant , hotel or café , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fall of 30 % from the previous year .
Another 382,000 purchased a snack in a fast food outlet or takeaway , down 37 % on 2017 .
Many business owners here are nervous about talk of a fortnight 's quarantine for visitors heading north into Scotland , which is reporting fewer cases and deaths than England , where a local lockdown has been imposed to try to contain recrudescence of the coronavirus in the East Midlands city of Leicester .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insists her decisions are primarily driven by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has not ruled out such a measure if Scotland and England continue to diverge in containing the virus .
The discussion is being monitored carefully in Argyll and the isles , where four in every five visitors last year were from Great Britain .
Although most travelled from Scotland , English and Welsh visitors spent more , accounting for nearly half of overnight tourism expenditure .
The other big problem for the industry is social distancing .
Jane Ireland runs restaurant and bar Slanj in Tarbet with her son Tom , supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the pandemic has been `` devastating… there 's not another word '' .
At this time of year , business would usually be continuous from 09:00 until they stop serving food at 22:00 .
Slanj can usually serve a maximum of 110 people , but keeping customers two metres apart means reducing the capacity to around 40 , she reckons .
Ms Ireland is not convinced that it will be worthwhile making the investment in screens and other measures in order to reduce the capacity to one metre , as suggested by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She says she 'd rather stick with two metres and no additional costs for now , even though , in her view , no-one in tourism will be making any money this year with such limited custom .
`` I think everybody 's going to have to dip into their savings , '' she says .
`` It 'll just be a case of surviving .
It 's just keeping our head above water . ''
From this Monday , 6 June , Ms Ireland intends to reopen her beer garden - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still not allowed to open , she thinks business will be limited mainly to camper vans with their own facilities .
She is very keen on the return of the camper vans though , pointing out that each one spends on average £47.25 in a 12-hour period in her bar , restaurant and shop .
She is generally supportive of the Scottish government 's approach to handling the pandemic , and grateful for financial help from the UK government .
But she wants to see clear , simple advice on how businesses can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Treasury support will be cut too fast in the autumn .
`` If we withdraw it too quickly we wo n't get through , '' she warns .
`` There will be redundancies .
There will be businesses closing because we need the support .
We absolutely need the support . ''
And she added : `` January , February , March - that 's when I think you will see businesses going under . ''
Keeping the economy afloat without risking lives is the challenge of our times and it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arrochar has had one Covid-19 death , but also wave after wave of day-trippers flouting the lockdown , putting villagers on edge .
The pandemic , says Angela Mckell , practice manager and nurse at the village 's GP surgery , `` has n't stopped people travelling to Arrochar to climb The Cobbler '' .
It 's not locals that are breaking the rules , she adds , but people who are coming from outwith the area .
With official car parks closed , many visitors ' vehicles have been abandoned dangerously on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The local fire engine even crashed into one .
`` So there 's been issues around safety and maybe people bringing Covid to the village , '' she says .
Still , she adds , `` there was already a good community spirit here - but I think it 's increased .
I think people have come together to look after each other . ''
There 's evidence of that in the setting up of a public larder containing food , drink and other essential items , to which vulnerable or struggling locals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says that `` particularly since the hotels have closed , we 've seen that we 're stocking it up a bit more '' .
There is one other piece of good news .
Gail Stone already has a new job , as head of housekeeping in the Loch Long Hotel .
`` I 'm one of the lucky ones , '' she admits .
It is a rare bright spot at a gloomy time .
Everyone here knows that Arrochar faces a dilemma .
Locals , says Ms Mckell , are anxious in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 because of extra people coming into the village .
But at the same time , they know that a lack of tourism will have `` a huge impact '' .

Self-catering businesses can reopen in Scotland from today but hotels, restaurants and B&Bs must remain closed. The impact of the lockdown and social distancing on tourism has been disastrous, with the loss of thousands of jobs. BBC Scotland's The Nine found out how one community has been coping.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Coronavirus: 'We'll be cutting hair from midnight' post-lockdown

Hairdressers and barbers in England will be allowed to reopen from 4 July - and some do n't want to wait a moment longer .
Carole Rickaby , who owns Tusk Hair in Camden , north London , will be opening the doors of her salon at the stroke of midnight .
`` It is just a fun thing to do [ but ] we 're busy anyway .
We are completely booked up from 7:00 in the morning until about 8pm because we 're spreading our clients out as well , taking longer over each appointment . ''
Four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and allow up to 15 minutes between each client for cleaning .
Cuts will be booked in in the morning , with colour treatments that take longer in the afternoon .
Carole and all her staff will also wear visors , and will wash only one client 's hair at a time .
Sandra Jacobs has been going to Carole for haircuts and colour for about 30 years .
But the last time that she managed to get a haircut was in early March - just before lockdown measures were introduced in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've been doing what I can with products and rollers , but it 's not looking great , '' she says .
`` I 'm wearing a lot of hats these days ! ''
She will be Carole 's first client once Tusk Hair is allowed to reopen at midnight on 4 July .
`` She 's fully booked for weeks after reopening , and I 'm just not a morning person .
So I thought why not ?
It 'll be a fun experience . ''
• What to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's customers on Saturday will be coming with long hair needing a cut or roots that need re-dyeing .
But she has heard of some DIY hair horror stories , '' I 've got one client - it was horrific what she did .
She had a really nice red bob and she thought she 'd take the scissors to the hair ... and she literally hacked it , '' says Carole .
`` So she wo n't be coming back to see me just yet because it still needs to grow out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in salons and barbers ?
• Social distancing must be observed , with 2m between clients , or 1m with additional protection , such as a plastic screen • Clients must be seen by appointment only • A clear visor should be worn by the hairdresser • Clients should be given disposable gowns , or a separate one which is washed before and after each use • Equipment such as scissors or chairs should be cleaned between each client Carole is n't alone in opening at midnight for clients desperate for a haircut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we posted on social media just to say the booking system was open , '' says Matt Hughes , who owns Idris Barbering Company in Tottenham .
With appointments booked for the coming weeks , Matt decided to open exclusively for a few regulars at midnight on 4 July .
`` It is a bit of fun and to be honest , we are all absolutely buzzing to get back in the shop .
I never thought I 'd want to get back to work so bad after three months off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team will be offering a stripped back service though , amid the pandemic : `` We 're not going to offer any service where we have to come fully in front of the customer .
`` We will still trim down the sides of the beard - and we 'll do what we can because a lot of people will have pretty heavy growth on there . ''
He adds : `` I have no doubt that what will probably start happening is you 'll find that higher-end , premium barber shops will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a little bit longer . ''
Twenty-nine-year-old Levi Robbins has been one of Matt 's regular customers over the last year and is looking forward to a trim on Saturday .
`` Once you 've got a hairdresser you know is amazing , you want to stick with them .
When Matt said they 're offering midnight cuts , I thought , 'Of course ! '
`` I definitely need a haircut , it 's terrible at the moment , '' Levi says , adding that his girlfriend was also roped in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut , which has grown out again - so I 'm desperate ! ''
Levi says that he will wear a face mask to attend his appointment , although he is `` almost certain '' that he got coronavirus around March .
`` It 's more disconcerting knowing you may be passing it on to other people unwittingly .
So my partner and I are treating it as though it 's full lockdown .
`` Being safe at home has been enjoyable , but it will be nice to mark a break with @ @ @

"It is a bit of fun and to be honest, we are all absolutely buzzing to get back in the shop. I never thought I'd want to get back to work so bad after three months off the tools," he says.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Hairdressers reopening: Meet the people not returning to the salon

How to look after afro hair during lockdown Many people with afro hair are used to going to the hairdressers @ @ @ @ @ or styled .
What can you do to look after your tresses at home ?

Hairdressers are set to reopen on 4 July as coronavirus restrictions continue to be eased in England.
Despite many hurrying to sort their barnet out, with one salon reporting 50,000 calls to their appointment line in an hour, the BBC has spoken to some who say they'd prefer to stick with their home haircuts from lockdown.
From a 12-year-old cutting her octogenarian grandmother’s hair to a seven-year-old getting a style overhaul by her mum, these are their stories.
Produced by Megan Fisher


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Newspaper headlines: 'Pressure' on Prince Andrew and 'super Saturday'

The arrest and court appearance in the US of Ghislaine Maxwell is the main story for most of the papers .
The former girlfriend of the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has been charged with assisting his abuse of young girls The Times says the Duke of York has been drawn further into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal after the arrest of his friend .
The Telegraph believes the spotlight of public scrutiny will turn once again to Prince Andrew .
The Guardian says that with Ms Maxwell now in the headlines , there seems little respite in sight from the unrelenting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The prince has previously denied any involvement in or knowledge of Epstein 's actions .
For its lead , the Financial Times says the chancellor will put jobs at the heart of his post-coronavirus economic statement next week - but has told Tory MPs not to expect big tax cuts .
It says Rishi Sunak 's statement will mark a shift in his coronavirus strategy from a support phase , where the government `` wrapped its arms around the UK economy '' , to a stimulus phase , where it encourages households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
According to the paper , he wants to help those sectors most exposed to the fallout from Covid-19 , such as hospitality .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox In Scotland , the main news is First Minister Nicola Sturgeon 's announcement that the wearing of face coverings will be mandatory in shops from next week .
`` Scots face the big cover-up as lockdown eased further , '' is the headline in the Scotsman .
The SNP MP , Gillian Martin - writing in the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unenthusiastic about putting on masks , but if most have to do it , there wo n't be any embarrassment and it will become part of everyday life .
She tells readers that whether their covering is disposable , made from a tea towel , a bandana , is a chi-chi one from an online designer , or in their football colours - wear it with pride .
The Daily Telegraph reports that pupils will be able to get a GCSE in French , German or Spanish without being able to speak the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courses because of the lockdown .
It says that next summer , the oral component of modern foreign languages exams - which makes up 25 % of the grade - will be axed and pupils will instead receive a `` teacher endorsement '' .
The paper quotes Ofqual , the exam watchdog , as saying it had heard from teachers that the recording takes time to arrange and manage .
Finally , Boris Johnson 's appeal to drinkers `` not to overdo it '' when pubs in England reopen on Saturday is widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Express .
In a message in the Daily Telegraph , the prime minister also urges the public : `` Be sensible and super Saturday will be a great success '' .
However , the i says fears of a `` wild weekend '' appear to be `` overblown '' .
A survey carried out for the paper suggests that only 7 % of the 2,000 people questioned plan to go to a pub , feeling it is too early to venture out .
The research - by Redfield & Wilton Strategies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be going to the cinema and 5 % will have their hair cut .
Instead of going out this weekend , the paper says people will be raising a glass at home .
• GROUNDED WITH LOUIS THEROUX : Louis sits down with Chris O'Dowd

The SNP MP, Gillian Martin - writing in the National - says Scots have so far been unenthusiastic about putting on masks, but if most have to do it, there won't be any embarrassment and it will become part of everyday life.


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Coronavirus: Sniffer dogs trial going 'very well'

A trial to see whether dogs can detect coronavirus is going `` very well '' , according to the charity behind it .
Six dogs are being trained by Medical Detection Dogs in Milton Keynes .
Claire Guest , the charity 's co-founder and chief executive , said the dogs were already showing signs that they would be able to sniff out the virus .
She has previously trained dogs to spot the scent of malaria , cancer and Parkinson 's disease .
`` The study is moving forwards very well and the signs are all really positive , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment , we are cutting up tiny strands of a tennis ball , and then touching the strands with a piece of paper and hiding the paper , and they are able to find it .
They are incredibly skilled . ''
• Live updates : Coronavirus and more from the East of England Norman , Digby , Storm , Star , Jasper and Asher will be trained to smell the virus on sterilised socks , stockings and face masks worn by NHS staff in London .
The team expects the 3,200 samples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scientists will work out whether they contain the virus and the dogs will be tasked with spotting the positive samples from the negative ones and alerting the trainers .
Dr Guest said her rescue dog Asher has been doing `` exceptionally '' well in training .
The cocker spaniel was rehomed seven times because of his high drive before he found a home with her .
`` He had already learned how to spot malaria and Parkinson 's so we knew he would be well suited to this .
He has been finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` He is really leading the way and Storm is also doing incredibly well .
He is very driven and really enjoying the work . ''
After eight weeks ' initial training , the successful dogs will move on to a second phase to test them in live situations .
It is hoped the scheme will be expanded and dogs will be able to screen up to 250 people per hour , potentially at airports .
They could also be used at testing centres .
The trial , backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Durham University .
Dr Guest started training dogs to detect cancer in 2002 and set up the charity in 2008 .
A year later , her fox-red Labrador Daisy , trained to detect bladder and prostate cancer , started pawing at her chest .
Doctors discovered she had a breast cancer tumour so deep it would have been very hard to detect had she not been alerted .
`` I know from my own experience how clever these dogs are .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we are very optimistic we can help in the fight against coronavirus . ''
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"He had already learned how to spot malaria and Parkinson's so we knew he would be well suited to this. He has been finding the training odour without any errors," she said.