bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Commons Speaker calls for 'virtual Parliament'

MPs should be able to take part in Prime Minister 's Questions and debates via video if they are unable to return to work , Sir Lindsay Hoyle has said .
Parliament has been shut down until 21 April to help prevent the spread of coronavirus .
But the Commons Speaker says it should operate `` virtually '' if the UK is `` still in the grip '' of the virus on that date .
He says a trial of virtual committee hearings had been successful - and he wants to extend the idea .
He has asked officials `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology '' for use in the Commons chamber .
• Can MPs find ways to hold ministers to account ?
• MPs call for 'digital Parliament ' to be set up In a letter to Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg , Sir Lindsay asked if he would `` make representations to government '' to enable the Commons to legislate , scrutinise and represent constituents in this way .
Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg said that every technological solution would be considered .
`` We are exploring options with the parliamentary authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sir Lindsay urged Mr Rees-Mogg to indicate `` as early as feasibly possible '' if the Commons will return after its longer Easter recess on 21 April - or whether it will be extended further .
Sir Lindsay said `` numerous '' MPs had raised issues with him about how Parliamentary scrutiny could continue during the crisis .
`` Once the House returns , if we are still in the grip of the crisis where the physical presence of members , or too many Members , in the Palace is not appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to participate in key Parliamentary proceedings virtually , for example , oral questions , urgent questions , statements , ' he said .
He said it would be up to the government to authorise any changes , `` as I can not do so under my own authority '' .
Sir Lindsay also asked if it would be possible for the government to set up a forum of MPs during this recess , possibly via select committee chairs , who could quiz senior government representatives at set times on different days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can be improved '' .
`` MPs are being swamped right now with questions and case work from distressed constituents who need answers , '' he said .
`` Responses can not wait for the House to sit again . ''
Responding to the Speaker 's letter , Mr Rees-Mogg said : `` Parliament 's role of scrutinising government , authorising spending and making laws must be fulfilled and in these unprecedented times that means considering every technological solution available .
`` We are exploring options with the parliamentary authorities in readiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , more than 100 MPs signed an open letter calling for the creation of a digital Parliament .
The group of MPs from Labour , the Lib Dems and the SNP say that during the `` exceptional circumstances '' of the coronavirus outbreak `` Parliament must work exceptionally '' .
In the letter to the Clerk of the House of Commons , the MPs said `` it is clear that Westminster is not a safe working environment and can not be made so whilst including a representative number of MPs '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is self-isolating in Downing Street after being diagnosed with coronavirus , chaired the first virtual cabinet meeting , with members of his ministerial team dialling in via a video conferencing system .
Earlier on Wednesday , The Welsh Assembly - or the Senedd - claimed to be the first major democratic institution in the UK to meet remotely .
Members of used Zoom video conferencing to meet virtually from across Wales for the weekly plenary session , which usually takes place in Cardiff .

"Once the House returns, if we are still in the grip of the crisis where the physical presence of members, or too many Members, in the Palace is not appropriate, I am keen that they should be able to participate in key Parliamentary proceedings virtually, for example, oral questions, urgent questions, statements,' he said.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Should the UK use drones to disinfect public spaces?

A group of drone experts is calling on the UK government to relax regulations on chemical spraying from the air during the coronavirus pandemic .
It wants to train drone pilots from the emergency services to spray public areas with disinfectant .
It has been done in China and India - but aerial spraying is largely banned in Europe .
The drones can cover large areas - but there is debate around whether the method is effective .
The Department of Health and Social Care said there were no plans to disinfect outside on a large scale .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be an effective use of resources , '' a spokesman said .
`` We want to focus our efforts and resources on measures which have been recommended by scientific experts to have the most benefit in protecting the NHS and saving lives . ''
At the moment , Public Health England advises decontamination only where there has been a possible or confirmed case of the virus .
The Health and Safety Executive did not comment .
The Civil Aviation Authority , which oversees drone flight safety , said it was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be more protected than people walking the streets or driving vans with spray equipment , because they would be further away , said Jonathan Gill , from Harper Adams University , in Shropshire , who has spent four years researching spray drones used on farm crops in several countries outside of Europe .
`` The spray drones would keep people away from dull , dirty , dangerous jobs , '' he said .
The disinfectant would be likely to drift from its target and travel further than intended , he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do the same and specialists had calculated the best type of nozzle and droplet size to target hard surfaces .
`` Doing something is better than doing nothing , '' he added .
Chinese Investment Connections director Robert Pearson , who has been working with Chinese company XAG , which says its drones disinfected over 902 sq km ( 350 square miles ) in 20 provinces of China , said : `` It 's not one solution - but it 's an important part of the arsenal . ''
`` A drone can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's the equivalent of 100 workers . ''
Last month , DJI announced it had adapted its agricultural drones to spray disinfectant over 3 sq km in the city of Shenzhen , including `` factories , residential areas , hospitals , and waste treatment plants '' .
But this month , a spokesman told BBC News : `` The effectiveness of using drones for spraying disinfectant is still being tested '' .
And it appears from a note on its blog the company has stopped doing it .
`` DJI will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and scientific community to offer the most effective form of assistance it can provide , '' it said .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
University of the West of England associate professor in aerospace engineering Steve Wright said UK drone laws focused on safety .
And crashes and malfunctions had to be taken into account , as well as the relatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All our legislation is about the prevention of failure , '' he said .
`` However , now people are working the numbers and saying , 'Is the danger of flying a drone over a public park greater than the danger of not doing it ? '
`` In times of crisis , people 's attitudes to technology completely transform . ''

The disinfectant would be likely to drift from its target and travel further than intended, he said, but other forms of distributing disinfectant would do the same and specialists had calculated the best type of nozzle and droplet size to target hard surfaces.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Meet the ex-NHS staff who are returning to work

Thousands of retired doctors , nurses and other healthcare workers have offered to return to the NHS during the coronavirus crisis .
Why are they going back and how can they make a difference ?
For Dr Jane Williams , a retired GP , evidence of the mounting pressure on the NHS came worryingly close to home .
She was contacted by a friend who had become breathless and was worried they had coronavirus .
She urged the friend to call the NHS 111 service .
Despite quickly getting through initially , they did n't get a call back for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe pressures the 111 service must be under , ” Dr Williams says .
“ It ’ s very hard to stop being a doctor .
I feel the sooner that I can be deployed to help , the better really.
” In the next few days , she hopes to start working from home doing telephone triage for 111 , a role she feels that at the age of 64 , she is safest doing .
• ' I waited four days for NHS 111 to call back' • Is the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Williams kept her medical licence after retiring from the Surrey GP surgery - where she had been a partner for 30 years - in October 2016 .
It meant that just last week , she was able to step in when two doctors were self-isolating .
“ I had missed being on the frontline .
It was a really lovely experience , meeting the staff who are all pulling together , but also many of the patients I knew .
It really signifies the GP is the family doctor.
” When Kim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , left to teach student nurses and other healthcare workers , she kept her medical licence out of pride and in the knowledge she might one day need it .
“ When the chips are down , you ’ ve got to stand up and be alongside your colleagues.
” And stand up she did .
After a 25-year break from working in intensive care , Kim has returned as a bank nurse , covering shifts at an intensive care unit .
“ It is about being with people at that really terrible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` Everybody is scared.
” The married mother-of-two says although her skills are a bit “ rusty ” , the “ essential ” ones - talking to people , working in a team , and being kind - never leave you .
For her , kindness has been the most important part of being back on the frontline .
“ The other day , [ a patient ] had a suitcase with them , and I thought I ’ d open [ it ] and see if they had a toothbrush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to clean their teeth , and sprayed a bit of aftershave on them from their wash bag .
I combed their hair and made sure that they were shaved .
These human things are really important for us all , it ’ s to do with our dignity.
” Her first week back was a “ really big shock ” that left her feeling “ exhausted and drained ” .
But she says it is a “ privilege ” to be back working with colleagues and patients .
Dr Andrew T Cohen is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care medicine , at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust .
He says he felt compelled to return to work after reading stories of NHS staff being redeployed to critical care roles .
“ It just seemed to me that it was outside of their comfort zone but it was exactly where my comfort zone had been for 35 years as a consultant , ” he says .
He says critical care is a “ highly pressurised ” area and staff in the unit have to be able to deal with extreme stress “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , approaching the age of 68 , he is conscious he can ’ t work in the same way he used to .
But having been recently re-registered by the General Medical Council ( GMC ) , he hopes to “ free up ” younger colleagues to do more urgent work .
He says anaesthetists and critical care specialists like him are experts at quickly becoming familiar with different types of equipment - a skill that could come in very useful when hospitals receive new government-ordered ventilators .
“ There will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he says .
“ But our speciality is team-based , and people will pull together and help each other.
” What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • UK LATEST : What 's the UK 's plan and what could happen next ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Meanwhile , Mr Richard Kerr , an honorary consultant neurosurgeon at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of change in his 40 years working for the health service .
But he says the rapid spread of the virus “ has left everyone reeling ” .
“ I think it ’ s pretty scary .
There ’ s a degree of uncertainty .
But being pragmatic , if we don ’ t do something about this , it ’ s only going to get worse.
” The 64-year-old is in discussions about returning to John Radcliffe Hospital , in Oxford , where he performed his last operation - a craniotomy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Mr Kerr , a council member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England , says he could initially return in a supporting role .
But he 's not ruled out going back to the operating theatre or to more junior ranks - taking bloods and putting up drips .
“ I might not get the vein first time , '' he jokes , `` but I can usually get there . ''

Now, approaching the age of 68, he is conscious he can’t work in the same way he used to. But having been recently re-registered by the General Medical Council (GMC), he hopes to “free up” younger colleagues to do more urgent work. He says anaesthetists and critical care specialists like him are experts at quickly becoming familiar with different types of equipment - a skill that could come in very useful when hospitals receive new government-ordered ventilators.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--How coronavirus has affected island life on Coll

The small island of Coll sits in the Atlantic Ocean , a two-and-a-half hour ferry journey from Oban on the Scottish mainland .
What impact has the coronavirus outbreak had on the island and its 200 inhabitants ?
Former Scottish rugby captain Rob Wainwright has lived on Coll for the past 21 years with his wife and four children .
He says the island is `` a great place to be '' - but that its location could pose challenges if anyone developed an acute case of coronavirus .
Lambing season means it is a busy time of year for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ livestock farm .
Farming is one of the three main industries on the 13-mile long island , along with fishing and tourism .
Rob explained how coronavirus , and the restrictions aimed at stopping its spread , have had an impact on many aspects of life .
`` We have nothing as a unique selling point - but the nothing is our unique selling point , '' he said .
`` We have empty beaches and lots of open space , but we are not currently open for business .
We do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thankfully CalMac has been checking reasons for travel . ''
The ferry operator has introduced new rules to discourage travel on its routes during the pandemic .
Anyone who wants to board a ferry must show that they are an island resident or have key worker status .
The ferry would normally run daily at this time of year , but CalMac is now operating a lifeline timetable which is aimed at keeping essential goods , services and people going to and from the islands .
`` There was a worrying period a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get food into the island , '' says Rob .
`` The shop , which normally bulk buys , was not allowed to buy more than three of any item and you ca n't supply a whole island like that . ''
He said everyone on the island had been buying lots of prawns from a young local fisherman who had just bought a new fishing boat - and had now lost his customers .
`` Normally prawns and lobster go out to Spain , but the shellfish market has collapsed during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He has a new fishing boat to pay off so we have all been supporting him by buying his prawns on the island . ''
Rob said two people on the island had shown symptoms of the coronavirus since the start of the outbreak .
One of them self-isolated at home for 14 days .
The other had mild symptoms , but was advised to catch the ferry to the mainland in case the condition became worse .
The islander was able to remain isolated during the ferry journey after regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their cars on certain ferry journeys .
But that journey would not be an option if someone was not well enough to drive themselves to the ferry .
`` This is a great place to be if you do n't have Covid-19 - but it 's not a good place to be if you have a bad case of it , '' he added .
Rob said the helicopter which would usually evacuate inhabitants off the island was not equipped to carry Covid-19 patients .
However , the RAF has also announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stationed at Kinloss Barracks in Moray to handle any requests for assistance from NHS boards in Scotland .
The military has already been called in to help evacuate a critically ill patient from Shetland to Aberdeen to receive intensive care treatment .

The ferry operator has introduced new rules to discourage travel on its routes during the pandemic. Anyone who wants to board a ferry must show that they are an island resident or have key worker status.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Will jugglers and clowns harvest fruit and vegetables?

The UK is facing a shortage of fruit and vegetable pickers this year .
By the end of April , 29,000 will be needed and one farmer , Mark Bowyer , told Farming Today he had only managed to get 13 of his regular staff so far .
`` We 've had inquiries from about 80 people including the local circus , who have been parked up with nothing else to do and want to have a go , '' he said .
`` I do n't know if it 's the jugglers and the clowns , but they 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help us . ''
Mr Bowyer said his farm normally directly recruits between 70 and 100 staff all from Eastern Europe , who work for 10 weeks harvesting asparagus .
One reason overseas workers are recruited for these picking roles is that farmers require temporary , flexible workers who will move around the country following the crops .
It is often difficult for local people to fill these roles as they are extremely busy for a short space of time - for example , two months to pick apples - with no work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the closing of borders and grounding of aeroplanes because of the coronavirus outbreak has made it hard for overseas workers to reach the UK .
Mr Bowyer added : `` We 've had a lot of local inquiries and a lot of national inquiries from people who are prepared to travel for work . ''
`` Of those , I would think 70 % is parents offering their sons and daughters who are home from college and university to come and work . ''
Travel problems are not only affecting overseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting hold of imported fruit and vegetables .
`` We grow across the world , '' Mr Bowyer said .
`` We have quite a lot of vegetable crop in The Gambia .
Traditionally everything that needs to come here on air freight would sit at the bottom of a passenger aeroplane .
`` But with no passenger flights we 're having to resort to ships , which are too slow , or chartered aircraft and chartered freighters to go and collect this product , which is a dramatic increase in the normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that imports from Spain were taking twice as long to transport because restrictions meant trucks can only have one driver instead of the usual two .
Tom Bradshaw , vice-president of the National Farmers ' Union ( NFU ) said it was vital that the Department of Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra ) got behind a UK recruitment campaign .
`` We have to make sure we recruit these absolutely critical workers to enable us to put this fresh fruit and vegetables on the plate , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns for other vital sectors and [ Environment Secretary ] George Eustice has said a lot how valued the food supply chain is at the moment .
`` We 've got to make sure those words really turn into action and we have this joint campaign where we try and recruit from the UK workforce .
`` Many of them are unemployed .
There are a lot of students who are not able to be at university any more and we really need these people to step up and pick for Britain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • UK LATEST : What 's the UK 's plan and what could happen next ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The charity Concordia , which usually helps young people gain experiences abroad , has already signed up 14,000 people to its Feed the Nation scheme to help with picking .
About 70 % of them have never worked on a farm before .
They are mainly students but also carpenters , chefs and former service personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to go into self-isolation for seven days before they are allowed to start work .
A scheme is also being put together with industry bodies British Summer Fruit and British Apples and Pears for fruit pickers .
Between 5,000 and 6,000 people are needed from mid-April to pick asparagus and 6-7,000 to pick lettuce .
From the end of April that number rises to 29,000 to pick strawberries and later in the year , tens of thousands are needed to harvest apples , pears , cauliflowers and cucumbers .

"Many of them are unemployed. There are a lot of students who are not able to be at university any more and we really need these people to step up and pick for Britain."


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Recovering from coronavirus: Three harrowing stories of surviving Covid-19

While the number of coronavirus deaths has risen above 2,000 in the UK , most people who contract the virus go on to get better .
Some people experience relatively mild symptoms , or even no symptoms at all .
Others have no option but hospital treatment .
We have spoken to three people who were hospitalised after developing Covid-19 .
All are at different stages of their lives , and are recovering in isolation . '
I was fighting for mine and my baby 's life' Karen Mannering from Herne Bay in Kent is six months pregnant with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a persistent cough and a fever during the second week of March , but hospital staff were wary of bringing her in .
On day 11 , that changed .
`` I called 999 and my breathing sounded so bad an ambulance was at our house within minutes , '' explains Karen .
`` I was literally gasping for air so they put me on oxygen straight away . ''
Karen tested positive for Covid-19 .
She had pneumonia in both of her lungs and was isolated in a hospital room for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to come and see me , '' she says .
`` It was a very lonely , dark time .
I was bed-bound for two or three days .
I could n't even go to the toilet .
If they needed to change the bed sheets , they would have to turn me over .
`` When I struggled to breathe , I would buzz for help and would have to wait for staff to get their protective equipment on before they could attend to me .
I was constantly on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calm .
I was scared I was going to die and my family say they had prepared for the worst .
`` I was fighting for every single breath .
I was fighting for mine and my baby 's life . ''
Karen says she will never forget the feeling of crisp , cold air on her face the day she left hospital .
`` My husband and I drove home with our face masks on and the windows open , '' she says .
`` The breeze felt amazing .
I suddenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karen is now self-isolating at home , but in a room away from the rest of her family .
She is getting stronger , but still has a dry cough which could last months .
She believes she could have contracted coronavirus at the beauty salon where she works , but she may never know for sure .
She may also never know how her family seems to have escaped the virus .
`` I just wanted someone to help me '' Jessie Clark from Sheffield knew she would be vulnerable if she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease and five years ago had a kidney removed .
When the 26-year-old started coughing and becoming increasingly breathless she started to worry .
Within days , she was struggling to walk .
`` I also had a lot of pain in my ribs , back and abdomen , '' explains Jessie .
`` I felt like I had been beaten up . ''
Two days after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the UK was going into lockdown , Jessie 's fiance Tom drove her to A & E .
They were quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was scared to be alone , but I was so poorly I just wanted someone to help me , '' Jessie says .
`` I was given a green mask with a wired bit around the nose to keep it up .
I was taken to a unit which seemed to be being used for Covid-19 patients .
Social distancing was in place so we had bays separated by walls with a bed in each bay .
`` I was n't tested for Covid-19 .
My doctor told they 'could n't swab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assume I had it ' .
He said the pain I was experiencing was the inflammation from my lungs and that I should keep self-isolating and taking painkillers .
`` I have never had breathing issues before .
It is scary not knowing if you are going to stop breathing or if what you are feeling is normal for the virus . ''
Jessie was in hospital for six hours .
Tom waited for his fiancé in the car park , unsure what was happening .
He is a key worker and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accidentally gave Jessie the virus .
Five days after leaving hospital , Jessie still struggles to walk and sleeps up to 18 hours a day .
She sometimes has coughing fits but can breathe more easily .
`` I think some young people think they 're invincible , but most are taking coronavirus seriously now , '' she said .
`` There has been a lot of information telling us this virus does n't affect people my age , but it definitely does . ''
`` I was within a whisper of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost certain he contracted coronavirus at one of his choir meetings a few weeks ago .
`` We were all social distancing when we met on the Thursday , but by Sunday a high number of people had come down with flu-like symptoms , '' he says .
Over the following 10 days , the 64-year-old 's health declined .
`` It 's quite subtle at first , '' he explains .
`` But then I would try to climb the stairs and be wheezing like an old man .
Soon I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move at all .
The virus was attacking my lungs and I was losing the capacity to fight back . ''
Stewart 's family called 111 and he was taken to hospital .
`` It was like something out of a movie , '' he says .
`` I was wheeled into the 'red zone ' and there were loads of tests being carried out and swabs being taken .
They thought I had coronavirus so they upped my oxygen .
There were a couple of hours where I was within a whisper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought , 'maybe my time is up ' .
But I wanted to live .
`` I could feel the battle in my lungs and it required all my reserves to get through it .
The extra oxygen gave my lungs a break and gave me the added energy to push out the disease .
The NHS staff were incredible , but all they can do is help you fight the virus .
There 's no vaccination or magical potion that can save you .
It 's about your own resilience . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now self-isolating at home .
He has been drinking a lot of water to help his lungs and throat recover .
Meanwhile , his choir has performed a special song for him via Zoom .
`` The song was about looking after me and holding me .
It was stunning , '' he says .
`` I 'm a long way off to getting my singing voice back .
All I can do right now is croak . ''

"I was scared to be alone, but I was so poorly I just wanted someone to help me," Jessie says. "I was given a green mask with a wired bit around the nose to keep it up. I was taken to a unit which seemed to be being used for Covid-19 patients. Social distancing was in place so we had bays separated by walls with a bed in each bay.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: How will it change national security and spying?

A senior intelligence officer rushes in to a meeting with the latest report and places it in front of anxious politicians and policymakers .
In the past , it might have contained details about a planned terrorist attack - perhaps a cell in the Middle East looking at a new way of taking down an airline .
This would lead to the well-practised national security machine cranking into gear .
But in the future , that report may instead be about an outbreak of a virus in a far-off country which was being concealed by its government .
Since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national security has been dominated by terrorism .
But there have been voices over the years who have argued the notion of 'security ' should be broadened and the coronavirus crisis has raised a significant question about whether global health security should be a more central part of national security .
Under the last review , an international pandemic was classed as a Tier 1 national security risk in the UK - meaning it was judged to be of the highest priority - but that has not been reflected in the resources or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been tackled when compared with the other three threats at the same level - terrorism , war and cyber-attacks .
But just as in the wake of 9/11 , there are people who feel they were not listened to when they warned the lights were blinking red about our health security .
• Five things the military can do during a pandemic • Under surveillance and confined at home in Taiwan For spy agencies , adapting may take a significant gear change .
A priority for policy-makers will be knowing the ground-truth about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For agencies like MI6 and the CIA that recruit human sources , it may mean ensuring you have agents in the right place who can report back on what is really happening .
There may also be shifts in what agencies who intercept communications look for and in technical intelligence , satellites may be tasked to look at medical or even burial sites .
Just as technology was developed to remotely 'sniff ' for traces of nuclear material , new devices may be required to scan for health and bio-threats .
But that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence gathering .
The real future may be in the use of more complex data sets and artificial intelligence to spot , understand and predict developments in a population .
Analysing meta-data from phones , online searches or other forms of activity could be used .
Four years ago , the then-director of digital innovation for the CIA told me about work the agency was doing to study population-level data of a whole country using AI and techniques like 'sentiment analysis ' .
The idea was to be able to spot events - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order and the potential for a revolution - before it was necessarily obvious .
Here the US and China are already engaged in a race for superiority , which many in Washington fear they may be losing as China has invested hugely in building capabilities and acquiring data .
One of the major unknowns is how this crisis will play into rising nationalism in recent years .
It could be the spread of the virus underlines the global , interconnected nature of our world and this leads to greater collaboration , including in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or it could be that borders close and countries turn inwards - refocusing the need for intelligence gathering on what other countries might be doing and hiding or new breakthroughs they may have made .
'Biological espionage ' has a long history - in the Cold War , the West and Soviet Union were desperate to understand what secret biological pathogens and nerve agents the other side might be developing .
In the future , the emphasis may be less about weapons and more about vaccines .
The long-held fears that terrorists or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be turbo-charged by recent events with already some signs that far-right groups have thought about deliberately trying to spread the virus .
The US Department of Justice has said those intentionally doing so could be charged as terrorists .
The shift in the last few years to understand and counter disinformation by hostile states already looks to have a continuing importance in this world , but there are also challenges domestically .
One of the questions that may emerge from the current crisis is how far countries with a greater domestic surveillance capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any virus and also understand and control the movement of people to prevent further spread .
China has been using smart-phone tracking software to do this .
Russia has been using CCTV and its facial recognition system to look for people breaking restrictions .
Other countries have created 'electronic fences ' to notify the state when people move out of quarantine areas .
The UK and US have also been talking to tech companies about what they can do .
But civil liberties advocates are worried surveillance tools could be introduced to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place or be repurposed by a country for political control .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • HOW FAST IS THE VIRUS GROWING ?
The UK spread compared to other countries • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll There will also be a need for a different set of skills for those who analyse intelligence .
Health experts will need to sit alongside military experts to process and write reports based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policymakers , but they may be wary of being 'securitised ' by other parts of the state .
A key question for analysts at the moment is how far the virus is undermining the capability of governments and their militaries to act and who else might take advantage of that .
There have already been signs the intelligence world is moving to adapt .
Israel 's foreign intelligence agency , the Mossad , reportedly carried out an operation to bring 100,000 test kits from abroad although they may have been lacking crucial parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security agency Shin Bet began to use phone data to track those who may have come into contact with the virus to warn them .
In the US meanwhile , the intelligence community provided a series of classified briefings to policy-makers in January and February about the dangers of coronavirus based on what it could glean from China .
However , it has also been reported these made little impact with the White House .
That is a reminder of something spy agencies have always known - however good the intelligence is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top do n't listen .

Under the last review, an international pandemic was classed as a Tier 1 national security risk in the UK - meaning it was judged to be of the highest priority - but that has not been reflected in the resources or the way in which the issue has been tackled when compared with the other three threats at the same level - terrorism, war and cyber-attacks.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Bafta Games Awards: How to host a ceremony in lockdown

When you 're hosting an awards ceremony during lockdown , the first thing you do is ask all the nominees to record a winners speech - just in case .
Well that 's what Bafta has done in preparation for its pre-recorded Games Awards .
There might not be a traditional red carpet , champagne reception or live audience but organisers are still hoping to capture some of the magic of a live event .
`` Sounds crazy does n't it , '' says Emma Baehr who 's in charge of the ceremony , `` but that 's where I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` People will have recorded things that will never get played out , but it 's how we can make it feel live .
`` Nobody knows the results , they 'll all get revealed on the night , so the nominees are tuning in from home not knowing who 's won . ''
• Inside the final few days of Death Stranding 's creation Bafta made the decision to cancel its annual live Games Awards event back in March .
It 's been recognising achievements in the gaming industry for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first major awards ceremonies to be impacted by coronavirus .
Given the rules around social distancing , host Dara O'Brien has been filming in his basement ( still wearing a tuxedo ) .
The pre-recorded show will go out on YouTube , Twitch , Twitter and Facebook .
Keeping the mystery of who 's won though is key to Emma .
`` Maintaining the integrity of the ceremony was important to the team .
`` Dara does n't even know the winners , because he would n't usually know them on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change any of that .
`` It 's probably been quite frustrating for him !
Just saying 'And the winner is… ' but not actually knowing !
`` It 's important because it keeps the live element so everybody finds out at the same time as the winners on the night . ''
The mysterious Control and Death Stranding lead the nominations with 11 each .
There are plans for a virtual red carpet with online video interviews before the show officially starts , and the hope is that people will turn to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nominated studios , industry professionals and fans have told organisers they 're planning on hosting viewing parties and posting images and videos throughout the night .
Emma says : `` Why not ?
!
We do n't have nights out any more so we should continue as if we would on the night .
`` Dress up , pour yourself a drink and get involved on social media .
`` There ' so much talent in the nominations that it would be such a shame if we could n't celebrate that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to host an event in the current climate .
No doubt other awards ceremonies will be watching to see if it works .
Emma says that Bafta will be learning from the experience too .
`` It 's been a chance to be creative .
`` We 've got other awards coming up at Bafta and we 're looking at what the options could be for them , since they 've been postponed for now . ''
The Bafta Games Awards start at 7.30pm on Thursday 2 April .
Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - or listen back here .

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bbcuk--2020-04-02--Dua Lipa interview: How I released an album from lockdown

Four weeks ago , Dua Lipa flew back to London after playing Sydney 's Mardi Gras to discover her flat had flooded .
The singer-songwriter rented an Airbnb while the repairs were carried out .
Now , she and her boyfriend are stuck there for the duration of the lockdown .
`` I 'm really enjoying it , '' she tells the BBC over the phone .
`` I 'm doing stuff that I do n't normally get the chance to do , just sleeping in and reading a book and catching up on TV shows . ''
Sleeping in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month .
Dua 's second album , Future Nostalgia , was primed for release at the start of April , and her diary for the rest of 2020 was packed - with a world tour , a Glastonbury slot and an appearance on Saturday Night Live all scheduled for the coming weeks .
But while artists like Lady Gaga , Sam Smith and Haim have delayed their albums due to the coronavirus , Dua chose to bring hers forward , giving it to fans a week earlier than planned .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in tears as she announced the news in a YouTube livestream , not least because the album had leaked online ( a situation she later described as `` a pain in the arse '' ) .
Ultimately , she thinks it was better to set the record free instead of worrying about the `` perfect '' release strategy .
`` I made this album to get away from any pressures and anxieties and opinions from the outside world , '' she says .
`` Yes , it was made to be listened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but at the same time , I wanted to give people some happiness during this time , where they do n't have to think about what 's going on and just shut off and dance .
`` Maybe it had to just come out now , rather than later . ''
• Has Dua Lipa just released the album of the year ?
• Why pop music is going back to the 80s ... again Future Nostalgia is currently heading to number one in the UK and the top five in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest-rated albums of 2020 so far , with an average score of 88 on Metacritic .
As the title suggests , it sounds like a throwback record from the year 2050 - its laser-gun pop melodies fused with squelchy funk basslines and disco grooves .
Dua dreamt up the concept in late 2018 as she walked around the strip in Las Vegas .
`` I 'd already started working on the record and I knew I wanted it to reflect my childhood influences , but I had n't quite figured out what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she recalls .
`` I had my headphones in and was out walking to clear my head , when I was like , 'Oh , I know , Future Nostalgia could work . '
`` At first I worried it was too on the nose , too literal , but by the time I 'd gone back to my hotel , I 'd solidified it in my head .
`` I messaged my manager and said , ' I 've got my album title , I 'm going to start working backwards from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to capture the essence of that idea was Levitating , a euphoric roller-skating jam that clocks in at 103bpm , the same sweet spot as the Bee Gees ' Night Fever .
`` It was the song that helped shape the record , '' says Dua , who got `` so excited '' in the studio that the recording session became an impromptu party .
`` We ate so many doughnuts that we were literally levitating because we were so high on sugar , '' she told fans in a Q & A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as manufactured' Unlike her self-titled debut album , she has a writing credit on every song .
As a result , you get a clearer picture of the star 's personality - smart , strong-willed , passionate and really , really committed to dancing .
`` With my first record , I was lucky to get songs like New Rules and Be The One that I did n't write , but which were also massive parts of my career , '' she says .
`` But I also felt like I had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For a pop artist , people can see you as manufactured , and that you just get a writing credit for turning up .
But , for the songs I did write , I was in those sessions and they are my personal experiences .
And that 's something I wanted to get across in every interview I did . ''
This time , Dua says she did n't go in with an attitude that she 'd reject other people 's songs .
It just turned out that she was `` very inspired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say '' .
That 's clearest on the two songs that bookend the album .
Both look at different aspects of feminism , with the agenda-setting title track declaring : `` I know you ai n't used to a female alpha . ''
`` I 'm not suggesting that 's what I am , '' she says .
`` But when you sing that song , you want to feel stronger and more empowered . ''
Closing the album is the more reflective Boys Will Be Boys , which voices the everyday fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about - from being ignored and treated as inferior to the threat of violence .
One striking line about `` putting your keys between your knuckles '' was borne of real-life experience .
`` I remember walking home , especially in the winter time , when I was getting off my bus and just trying to get to my flat , which was a three minute walk from the bus stop , and just being petrified of boys on bikes cat-calling around the estate , '' recalls the singer .
She included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female fans `` so they feel seen and feel heard and know that we all go through the same things '' .
The song is the fulfilment of everything Dua has been saying about feminism since New Rules catapulted her to global fame three years ago .
She 's spoken out about abortion rights , criticised the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia , and presented a `` five-point plan for the music industry to evolve '' at the Cambridge Union .
Even at the Grammys , where she won best new artist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the podium to criticise former Recording Academy president Neil Portnow , who said women needed to `` step up '' if they wanted fairer representation at award shows .
`` I get a lot of backlash for speaking out , but these are things I 'm passionate about - and that 's that , '' she says .
A lot of other pop stars would bite their tongue or shy away from such confrontation .
Tenacity , however , is in her blood .
Born in London , her Kosovan-Albanian parents took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 13 - but she lasted just two years before returning to the UK , alone , to pursue her dream of becoming a singer .
`` I did n't feel like there was enough opportunity for me to be able to do this from Kosovo .
`` So when I moved back to London at the age of 15 , I was still going to school , but I thought , I 'm going to use social media to my advantage and I 'm going to put some covers online .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justin Bieber effect where someone would find me on YouTube ! ''
To earn money for music sessions , she worked in restaurants and nightclubs , eventually scoring a record contract at the age of 18 .
Her debut album was delayed three times as she struggled to gain traction on the charts - but by February 2017 , she had three singles in the top 15 simultaneously .
That summer , New Rules sent her career into the stratosphere .
The pastel-coloured message of female camaraderie in its video - girls leaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other and supporting each other - crystallised everything that made Dua Lipa unique .
The experience also helped her define who she wanted to be as an artist .
`` I feel like I 'm very much more in touch with who I am now , '' she says .
`` I have a very clear idea of what I 'm doing and what I want to say .
Things I 'm not afraid of . ''
That confidence set the tone for Future Nostalgia .
She put the record on ice after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the visuals ( the album cover literally puts her in the driving seat ) and work on her choreography .
`` On my first record , I was learning everything as it went , '' she says .
`` I felt like the first three shows of every tour were my rehearsal days , figuring out what my set list was going to be and how I was going to perform and how I was going to talk to an audience and all that stuff .
'The best I could be' '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to finish my record and then I really wanted to get into the performance side of it , make sure I had enough time for rehearsal , make sure I made every performance unique . ''
`` I knew what I had to do to be the very best I could be , so I made sure I had a significant amount of time to be able to do that . ''
The change was apparent when Dua performed her comeback single Do n't Start Now at the MTV Europe Music Awards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made fun of her stage presence were won over by the dance moves and staging .
It was , she concedes , `` the first time I came off stage and felt really proud of myself '' .
From that moment , everything about Dua 's second album went to plan - until coronavirus struck .
So she must be gutted that her plans for the rest of the summer have been obliterated ?
`` Oh , I was really upset , but it 's a small price to pay , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album was always to make songs that would live for a long time .
So once all this blows over , I 'm really hoping to pick up where I left off and be able to go out and do festivals and perform these songs and do some club shows just for the hell of it . ''
And if Dua Lipa wants something to happen , you can almost guarantee it will .
Future Nostalgia is out now .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bbc.co.uk .

"My aim for this album was always to make songs that would live for a long time. So once all this blows over, I'm really hoping to pick up where I left off and be able to go out and do festivals and perform these songs and do some club shows just for the hell of it."


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Keeping Chelsea Pensioners safe

The Chelsea Pensioners , with their iconic red tunics , are some of the most famous war veterans in the @ @ @ @ @ seen during events like Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show .
But now , life @ @ @ @ @ .
The BBC ’ s Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale was invited to see what life @ @ @ @ @ , under these new restrictions .

The Chelsea Pensioners, with their iconic red tunics, are some of the most famous war veterans in the UK.
Normally they are seen during events like Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show. But now, life under coronavirus is very different.
The BBC’s Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale was invited to see what life is like for the pensioners, under these new restrictions.
Produced by Eleanor Montague. Video by Olivia Lace-Evans.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Culture from your sofa: Five best activities to see or hear online for free

The three grandmothers self-isolating together Doreen , Carol and Dotty have come up with a plan to live together if @ @ @ @ @ .

This video can not be played
Culture from your sofa: Five best activities to see or hear online for free Close


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: How news is made while there are restrictions

Coronavirus has had a huge impact , and has led to many people either stopping work or altering how they @ @ @ @ @ it is still necessary to carry on , there have been challenges and changes .
@ @ @ @ @ Amol Rajan has been looking at some of the altered ways of working in broadcasting @ @ @

Coronavirus has had a huge impact, and has led to many people either stopping work or altering how they work.
In areas where it is still necessary to carry on, there have been challenges and changes.
The BBC's media editor Amol Rajan has been looking at some of the altered ways of working in broadcasting and news.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus career pivots: 'I now work in a supermarket'

The coronavirus outbreak and government measures to control it have turned normal life on its head for many people - @ @ @ @ @ actress and a commercial sales leader talk about making the sudden switch to working in @ @ @

The coronavirus outbreak and government measures to control it have turned normal life on its head for many people - including their careers.
An actress and a commercial sales leader talk about making the sudden switch to working in a supermarket.
Video by Dougal Shaw and Bella McShane


bbcuk--2020-04-02--The Papers: Hospital building 'heroes' and testing 'shambles'

`` Outrage '' , `` chaos '' , `` shambles '' , `` fiasco '' - just some of the words used to describe the government 's efforts to test NHS workers in England for coronavirus .
Alongside photos of another doctor and a hospital worker who 've died of the disease , the Daily Mirror says the number of official checks so far covers just 0.16 % of NHS staff .
Despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's pledge to boost numbers , the paper says Downing Street is `` failing the test '' .
The Daily Telegraph is among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Questions without answers '' , the paper says the government is unable to say why the UK is lagging behind other nations on testing , why so few NHS workers have been tested , or when new antibody tests will be ready .
Ministers are now under increasing pressure , the paper says , to explain why Britain - one of the world 's leading scientific nations - is `` struggling to match its European neighbour , Germany '' .
For the Daily Mail , the fact that just 2,000 frontline workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` latest shocking example '' of what it calls the UK 's `` testing scandal '' .
It is a statistic , the paper says , which `` humbles ministers '' .
The Times agrees that the government 's plans are `` in chaos '' , reporting that Mr Johnson has now been forced to `` shift strategy '' amid mounting criticism .
Photos on the front of several papers show an empty drive-through testing site for NHS workers in Surrey , where some frontline staff were turned away on Wednesday because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times says some hospitals have resorted to brewing their own chemicals and asking vets for supplies so they can check their own staff .
A government source tells the paper the goal is to expand testing through an appeal to private companies , similar to an earlier call for manufacturers to make more ventilators .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning The Guardian leads on new guidance for doctors issued in a document from the British Medical Association .
The paper says medics may have to ration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older patients with a poor prognosis could be taken off ventilators , even if they 're stable and their condition is improving .
The proposals - which will give doctors ethical advice in the event of the NHS becoming overwhelmed - say life-saving care may have to be limited to younger , healthier people .
The headline in the Daily Express speaks directly to the banks : `` We bailed you out , now do your duty . ''
The paper urges them to `` repay the favour '' of the 2008 bailout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the crisis deepens .
Some lenders , the paper says , have been charging interest of as much as 30 % on government-backed loans .
The Financial Times says pressure from the Bank of England for HSBC to cancel its dividend to shareholders for the first time since records began has `` reignited a debate '' at the top of the bank over whether it should move its legal base to Hong Kong .
With four fifths of HSBC 's profits generated in Asia , one director tells the paper it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England to `` put a gun to its head '' .
And `` Clap of honour '' is the headline in the Sun .
The paper is urging people to carry on clapping their support for NHS workers at 20:00 BST this evening - and every Thursday from now on in a `` show of solidarity '' .
The Daily Mirror says this week 's applause will honour teachers , cleaners , supermarket workers and delivery drivers - as well as NHS staff .

Under the headline "Questions without answers", the paper says the government is unable to say why the UK is lagging behind other nations on testing, why so few NHS workers have been tested, or when new antibody tests will be ready.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: NHS worker 'let down' before death

An NHS worker has died from coronavirus after treating patients with only gloves for protection , leaving his family feeling `` let down '' .
Thomas Harvey collapsed on Sunday after falling ill having helped a patient who later tested positive for Covid-19 .
The 57-year-old healthcare assistant 's family claim with the `` right '' personal protective equipment ( PPE ) at Goodmayes Hospital , London , he may not have died .
The hospital said there were `` no symptomatic patients on the ward '' .
Mr Harvey was signed off sick from the hospital in Ilford on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cough , shortness of breath and body aches .
He had only been given gloves at work and did not have the correct PPE , according to his family and a former colleague .
The colleague said Mr Harvey had contracted the virus at work after treating a patient who later tested positive .
He was told by paramedics to self-isolate , but he was not officially tested for coronavirus .
His 19-year-old daughter , Tamira , told the BBC they called 999 again a few days later but were referred back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , information and advice about the coronavirus in London '' They told us he was n't an emergency , but he was breathing badly . ''
Mr Harvey collapsed in his bathroom on Sunday and died despite efforts by paramedics to resuscitate him .
Tamira said : `` It 's so sad .
I feel like he was let down in so many ways .
`` It 's an absolute tragedy and he did n't deserve to lose his life in the way he did .
`` If he had just had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this predicament and it would n't have escalated in the way it did . ''
She said he had been let down by the government .
`` They underestimated the severity of it .
Something big was coming and they did n't do their best . ''
Thomas Junior , 24 , said his father 's death could have been `` prevented so easily if he had been diagnosed quicker and was given the right equipment and given the right treatment in hospital '' .
The father-of-seven who had three grandchildren , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caring , supportive and selfless man who always put others before himself '' .
His family said Mr Harvey did not have any underlying health conditions and had `` rarely taken a sick day '' .
In a statement , Goodmayes Hospital said : `` At the time Thomas went off sick and self-isolated there were no symptomatic patients on the ward .
`` We are following national PPE guidance . ''
The Department of Health said : `` We are working around the clock to give the NHS and the wider social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Clap for Carers: UK applauds the NHS and other key workers

People across the UK have taken part in a second `` Clap for Carers '' tribute , saluting NHS staff and other key workers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic .
Delivery drivers , supermarket staff , care workers and bin collectors were among those honoured by the nation .
Households banged pots and pans , while others played the bagpipes to show their support .
The event is now expected to happen every Thursday at 20:00 BST .
Households gathered on balconies , doorsteps and gardens to pay tribute to the efforts of key workers during the crisis .
Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the applause .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson - who is currently self-isolating in his flat above Number 11 Downing Street after testing positive for coronavirus - joined in , standing alone in his doorway to applaud .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also joined the tribute , from his Islington constituency .
Last week 's inaugural event paid tribute to NHS workers working on the frontline of the pandemic .
The initiative was devised by Annemarie Plas , from Brixton , south-west London , who was inspired by same event happening in her home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many other countries .
Ms Plas posted details of the event on her social media channels , and enthusiasm for taking part quickly spread across the UK .
A string of buildings including the Shard in central London and Windsor Castle , in Berkshire , were lit up blue to mark the moment .
Meanwhile bagpipers across Scotland performed tunes to pay tribute to key workers .
Finlay MacDonald , 42 , of Clarkston in East Renfrewshire , took part , calling it a `` really special moment '' .
`` All our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rousing round of applause .
We have heard from people in Japan , South Africa , America , Spain and Italy who are all taking part . ''
Comedian Jason Manford took to Twitter to post a photograph of his 96-year-old grandmother joining in the applause .
He wrote : `` She 's beaten breast cancer and Hitler and is still here at the age of 96 .
`` She 's not gon na let a virus get her now !
Thank you to all the NHS workers and every key worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You are incredible . ''
Posting from their Kensington Palace Twitter account , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared conversations they had with staff at two hospitals to thank them for their work during the pandemic .
The couple thanked staff at Queen 's Hospital Burton and University Hospital Monklands , adding : `` The whole country is proud of you . ''
Ear , nose and throat consultant Amged El-Hawrani worked at Queen 's Hospital Burton and became one of the UK 's first senior medics to die after contracting coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultant at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton , Mr El-Hawrani died at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester , on Saturday .
Actor Samuel West posted a photo of a broken spoon on Twitter after paying tribute by banging a pan .
And posting to Twitter , NHS London said a `` huge thank you '' to everyone who took part in the applause .


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Matt Hancock sets aim of 100,000 tests a day by end of April

The government is aiming to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests a day in England by the end of April , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said , as he announced a `` five-pillar '' testing plan .
It comes as the government was criticised for not increasing the number of tests more quickly .
Currently , there are around 10,000 tests being carried out a day .
The new target includes swab tests , which are already in use , and blood tests , which are yet to be launched .
It was originally thought the target would be for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government later issued a correction saying the goal will only be for England .
The number of people with the virus who have died in the UK has risen by 569 , taking the total to 2,921 as of 17:00 BST on Wednesday .
Speaking at the end of his seven days of quarantine after testing positive for the virus , Mr Hancock said 100,000 tests `` is the goal and I 'm determined we 'll get there '' .
The five points in Mr Hancock 's plan , which are designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are : • Swab tests - to check if people already have the virus - in labs run by Public Health England • Using commercial partners such as universities and private businesses like Amazon and Boots to do more swab testing • Introducing antibody blood tests to check whether people have had the virus • Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country • Building a British diagnostics industry , with help from pharmaceutical giants Mr Hancock said that the UK wants to buy 17.5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working '' .
He added that the government was working with nine companies who have offered the blood tests - but he added `` they have got to work '' and the government will not allow them to be rolled out if they are not effective .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth welcomed the new target but said it was `` not the 250,000 Boris Johnson promised '' .
Mr Hancock said the government still hopes to get to 250,000 .
Mr Ashworth also called for more clarity and details , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be blood tests , and what role testing will play in the government 's `` exit strategy '' to end the lockdown .
On Wednesday , there was capacity for 12,799 daily tests in England - although just 10,650 people were tested .
The government 's target by mid-April had been to test 25,000 per day .
Latest figures show 163,194 people in the UK had so far been tested for the virus , of which 33,718 were confirmed positive .
In Wales , the Welsh Government plans to increase testing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of April , while Scotland had a goal of 3,500 by the same deadline .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health After days of mounting criticism , the five-point testing plan was an attempt to reassure the public the government is on top of the issue .
But key questions remain .
There are basically two broad types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - one to diagnose the presence of the virus and one to identify whether an individual has had it in the past ( the so-called antibody test ) .
In the coming week or two , the diagnostic test is the priority .
Staff need access to them to allow them to return to work if they fear they have or their household members have symptoms .
In the longer-term , the antibody test comes into play .
The big unknown is how many people have been exposed to the virus without knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are suggestions as many as half of infected cases may fall into this category .
That could be vital in deciding what to do once the impact of lockdown is felt in falling numbers of cases and deaths .
If there has been widespread infection it reduces the likelihood of a second wave and continued spread of the virus .
The problem is the ability to hit the goal set - 100,000 tests a day - is out of the government 's hands .
A global shortage of the chemicals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious difficulty .
What is more , there are no guarantees the antibody tests the UK government is looking to use will work .
Mr Hancock also said there had been problems with some tests being inaccurate .
`` In one case a test that I 'm being urged to buy missed three out of four positive cases for coronavirus , '' he explained .
`` That means that three-quarters of cases , that test would have given the false comfort of sending someone with coronavirus back on the wards .
Approving tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will not do it . ''
Earlier , senior health officials said they were `` frustrated '' by the UK 's lack of progress in expanding testing , and the current figures were `` nowhere near where we need to get to '' .
Some critics pointed out the UK was well behind countries like Germany in testing , but Mr Hancock said the UK `` did n't go into this crisis with a huge diagnostics industry '' like other countries .
What are the tests for coronavirus ?
There are two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ useful in fighting the epidemic : The antigen or `` have I got coronavirus now ? ''
test will tell you if someone is currently infected and risks spreading it to others .
That 's the one that is being used to check very ill patients in hospitals and will now be rolled out to NHS staff too .
The antibody or `` have I recently had coronavirus '' test is not available to the public yet but Public Health England is ordering it in the millions and will distribute it as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That would help tell us how many people got coronavirus with no or only mild symptoms .
Both are vital to get a better handle on how to stop the spread of this deadly disease .
NHS England medical director Stephen Powis told the briefing there were `` reasons to be hopeful '' - including that there is early evidence the transmission rate had fallen to below one , meaning each infected person infects less than one person .
`` That 's important because if it 's the case that we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple people , so to less than one person for everyone who is infected , then that is additional evidence that infections are going to reduce , '' he said .
But he added people should not become complacent , adding that they are `` reasons to continue '' with the social distancing measures .
The warning came hours before the number of confirmed infections globally passed one million , according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University .
Also announced at the press briefing : • The government was writing off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that hospital trusts are in a `` stronger position '' to deal with the outbreak • Premier League footballers should take a pay cut to help the UK respond to the crisis , Mr Hancock said , adding that : `` Everyone needs to play their part . ''
It comes after some clubs were criticised for using a government scheme to cut the salaries of non-playing staff , while paying players in full • Public Health England has updated its guidance on when staff should wear personal protective equipment • The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown to have had the virus - but Mr Hancock added that it was `` too early in the science '' to give further details • Mr Hancock credited the Labour Party for some of the government 's financial measures , saying ministers listened and `` took those steps '' • Around 8 % of all NHS England staff , and 5.7 % of all doctors , are off work because of coronavirus-related reasons

The antibody or "have I recently had coronavirus" test is not available to the public yet but Public Health England is ordering it in the millions and will distribute it as soon as they are confident about its accuracy. That would help tell us how many people got coronavirus with no or only mild symptoms.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Premier League players should take a pay cut - Matt Hancock

Premier League footballers should `` take a pay cut and play their part '' during the coronavirus pandemic , says health secretary Matt Hancock .
Some clubs have furloughed non-playing staff but not looked at players ' wages .
`` Given the sacrifices many people are making , the first thing PL footballers can do is make a contribution , '' he said at the daily government briefing .
The Professional Footballers ' Association ( PFA ) said `` players will have to share the financial burden '' .
In a statement , the PFA added : `` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players should pay non-playing staff 's salaries .
However , our current position is that - as businesses - if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff , they should .
`` The players we have spoken to recognise that the non-playing staff are a vital part of their club and they do not want to see club staff furloughed unfairly .
`` Any use of the government 's support schemes without genuine financial need is detrimental to the wider society .
`` In instances where clubs have the resources to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players paying non-playing staff salaries will only serve the business of the club 's shareholders . ''
Hancock 's comments came on a day when the number of UK deaths from coronavirus rose to 2,921 and followed those made by Conservative colleague Julian Knight , who is chair of the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport committee .
Knight has written to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters calling for action on player wages , saying clubs which furlough non-playing staff but do not impose cuts on player wages should be subjected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not change approach by Tuesday , 7 April .
`` The purpose of the coronavirus job retention scheme is not to support the economics of Premier League clubs , '' Knight wrote .
The PFA statement added : `` We fully accept that players will have to be flexible and share the financial burden of the Covid-19 outbreak in order to secure the long-term future of their own club and indeed the wider game .
`` Our advice going out to players at this point reflects that expectation . ''
Premier League sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have opted to utilise the government 's job retention scheme .
Players , coaches and executive staff at Norwich have donated £200,000 , made up of a percentage of their salaries , to help local people affected by the pandemic .
Players at Championship leaders Leeds United have already volunteered to take a wage deferral , while Birmingham City players who earn more than £6,000 a week have been asked to take a 50 % cut for the next four months .
In Europe , Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players have taken a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players and manager Maurizio Sarri have agreed to freeze their pay for four months .
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe became the first Premier League boss to take a voluntary pay cut during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday .
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber , technical director Dan Ashworth and head coach Graham Potter have each taken a `` significant '' voluntary pay cut but no decision has been taken on whether to furlough any of the club 's staff .
Some will no doubt view politicians ' criticism of highly-paid footballers as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of intensifying scrutiny on the government 's handling of a national crisis .
No players have so far objected to contributing some of their wealth to help their clubs at a time when their finances are in peril .
But there is now a perception that the PFA has been too slow to agree action , and by failing to take the initiative have ensured a PR disaster for their members , especially after several clubs furloughed non-playing staff .
The PFA needs to look after the interests of less well paid players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it has not gone unnoticed that negotiations are being led by chief executive Gordon Taylor , who promised to stand down from his £2m per year role more than a year ago , but remains in power .
The union has been holding out for a collective wage deferral and has finally broken its silence to explain its position , with some thinly-veiled digs at some clubs in its statement .
But during talks with the Premier League over the past two days it has been made very clear to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required , with clubs deprived of matchday revenue and worried that TV rights-holders will start demanding hundreds of million of pounds worth of refunds .
I understand any cut would not be as high as the 70 % reduction seen at clubs like Barcelona , but that now seems to be the direction of travel with an agreement anticipated on Friday .
For many , however , such a gesture should already have been made .

Hancock's comments came after Conservative colleague Julian Knight said football was in a "moral vacuum" over the issue
Premier League footballers should "take a pay cut and play their part" during the coronavirus pandemic, says health secretary Matt Hancock.
Some clubs have furloughed non-playing staff but not looked at players' wages.
"Given the sacrifices many people are making, the first thing PL footballers can do is make a contribution," he said at the daily government briefing.
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) said "players will have to share the financial burden".
In a statement, the PFA added: "We are aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff's salaries. However, our current position is that - as businesses - if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff, they should.
"The players we have spoken to recognise that the non-playing staff are a vital part of their club and they do not want to see club staff furloughed unfairly.
"Any use of the government's support schemes without genuine financial need is detrimental to the wider society.
"In instances where clubs have the resources to pay all staff, the benefit of players paying non-playing staff salaries will only serve the business of the club's shareholders."
Hancock's comments came on a day when the number of UK deaths from coronavirus rose to 2,921 and followed those made by Conservative colleague Julian Knight, who is chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.
Knight has written to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters calling for action on player wages, saying clubs which furlough non-playing staff but do not impose cuts on player wages should be subjected to a windfall tax if they do not change approach by Tuesday, 7 April.
"The purpose of the coronavirus job retention scheme is not to support the economics of Premier League clubs," Knight wrote.
The PFA statement added: "We fully accept that players will have to be flexible and share the financial burden of the Covid-19 outbreak in order to secure the long-term future of their own club and indeed the wider game.
"Our advice going out to players at this point reflects that expectation."
Premier League sides Tottenham, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Norwich have opted to utilise the government's job retention scheme.
Players, coaches and executive staff at Norwich have donated £200,000, made up of a percentage of their salaries, to help local people affected by the pandemic.
Players at Championship leaders Leeds United have already volunteered to take a wage deferral, while Birmingham City players who earn more than £6,000 a week have been asked to take a 50% cut for the next four months.
In Europe, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players have taken a 70% pay cut, while Juventus players and manager Maurizio Sarri have agreed to freeze their pay for four months.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe became the first Premier League boss to take a voluntary pay cut during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday.
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber, technical director Dan Ashworth and head coach Graham Potter have each taken a "significant" voluntary pay cut but no decision has been taken on whether to furlough any of the club's staff.
Analysis
BBC sports editor Dan Roan
Some will no doubt view politicians' criticism of highly-paid footballers as a convenient deflection tactic at a time of intensifying scrutiny on the government's handling of a national crisis.
No players have so far objected to contributing some of their wealth to help their clubs at a time when their finances are in peril. But there is now a perception that the PFA has been too slow to agree action, and by failing to take the initiative have ensured a PR disaster for their members, especially after several clubs furloughed non-playing staff.
The PFA needs to look after the interests of less well paid players in Leagues One and Two of course. But it has not gone unnoticed that negotiations are being led by chief executive Gordon Taylor, who promised to stand down from his £2m per year role more than a year ago, but remains in power.
The union has been holding out for a collective wage deferral and has finally broken its silence to explain its position, with some thinly-veiled digs at some clubs in its statement.
But during talks with the Premier League over the past two days it has been made very clear to the PFA that an actual pay cut is required, with clubs deprived of matchday revenue and worried that TV rights-holders will start demanding hundreds of million of pounds worth of refunds.
I understand any cut would not be as high as the 70% reduction seen at clubs like Barcelona, but that now seems to be the direction of travel with an agreement anticipated on Friday. For many, however, such a gesture should already have been made.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Eddie Large: Comedian dies aged 78 with coronavirus

Comedian Eddie Large , best known for being part of double act Little and Large , has died with coronavirus .
The star , 78 , was a well known face on TV in the 1970s and 80s and was famous for his partnership with Syd Little .
His family confirmed the news `` with great sadness '' on Facebook , saying he had been suffering with heart failure and contracted the virus in hospital .
Little said he was `` devastated '' by the news .
`` He had been ill for a while but when it happens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We were together 60 years , '' he told BBC Radio Lancashire .
`` It was n't like having a partner .
We were friends . ''
The comedian 's family said they had been unable to visit him in hospital due to restrictions around the coronavirus , `` but all of the family and close friends spoke to him every day '' .
`` We will miss him terribly and we are so proud of everything he has achieved in his career with Syd and know that he was much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every week . ''
Reacting to the news , TV hosts Ant and Dec said the entertainer , who they recently worked with , `` will be missed '' .
`` He just loved making people laugh , '' they wrote .
Large , whose real name was Hugh McGinnis , was born in Glasgow but grew up in Manchester 's Moss Side .
He formed double act Little and Large with Syd Little in 1960 , after watching Little 's set in a local pub , and joining him on stage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on to win the talent show Opportunity Knocks and had a long-running comedy show on BBC One in the 1970s and 80s .
The sketch-based comedy show was as a fixture of Saturday evening TV , with Little mainly acting as the butt of Large 's cheeky humour .
They largely stepped away from the limelight when the show ended in 1991 , after doctors told Large his heart could n't stand the rigours of touring their live show .
`` That phone call to Syd was the most painful I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Mirror in 2017 .
`` I was crying my eyes out because I knew I was putting him out of work .
He had bills to pay .
`` I felt horrible .
We were n't just a double act .
We were mates , right from the start . ''
Large had a heart transplant in 2003 , and became an spokesman for the British Heart Foundation .
In later years , he lived in Portishead , near Bristol , with his wife Patsy Scott .
Little said he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage partner , and spoke to him on Wednesday night , shortly before he died .
`` He was in pain , bless him , but he even asked me how are we up here [ in Lancashire ] , '' he said .
`` He was so thoughtful to everybody . ''
Reflecting on their career , he added : `` We did everything there was to do in showbiz and we did it together .
Happy times . ''
Fellow comics including Little Britain 's Matt Lucas paid tribute on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with his supersonic friend Syd ) was really lovely and kind and encouraging to me when I was a nipper on Shooting Stars .
So sad to hear of his passing . ''
Actress Kate Robbins described him as a `` great chap '' .
`` Sorry to hear the comedian Eddie Large has died , '' she tweeted .
`` A real pro .
Rest in peace Eddie '' .
Manchester City Football Club also paid tribute to Large , who was a lifelong fan , saying everyone at the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our thoughts are with Eddie 's friends and family at this difficult time . ''
Fellow City fan and comedian Jason Manford added : `` So sorry to hear about Eddie Large passing away .
`` Came to every comedy and musical show I did whenever I hit Bristol and was always around for a chat about comedy and Man City afterwards .
Such a gentle , funny man .
RIP Eddie . ''
Call the Midwife actor Stephen McGann described Large as `` a constant feature on telly in my life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalled seeing him perform in Great Yarmouth in 1978 and how he had `` never heard laughter like it '' .
Tommy Cannon , of Cannon and Ball-fame , said he was `` devastated '' to hear of the death of his `` good friend '' .
`` Eddie Large has passed.. very heavy hearts at home today , '' he wrote .
`` Mine and Hazels hearts go out to Patsy and the family . ''
`` Dear Eddie Large - thank you for the laughter and joy , '' added 80s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrymore described Large as `` such a funny and talented man . ''
`` I was his support act for many years and he was nothing but kind caring and supportive to the upstart at the bottom of the bill , '' posted Barrymore on Twitter .
Paul Chuckle , who is currently recovering from having contracted Covid-19 himself , said Large `` was such a funny and lovely man '' .
• Born in Glasgow as Edward Hugh McGinnis the comedian moved to Manchester at the age of eight .
• After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also singing in clubs .
• He met singer and guitarist Cyril Meed ( Syd Little ) after heckling him in a club in 1960 .
They became firm friends and formed their comedy double act in 1963 .
• After years playing in clubs and pubs , they won the TV talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1971 .
• They went on to perform impressions on the Who Do You Do series , before landing their own sketch programme The Little and Large Tellyshow on ITV in 1978 .
• Their show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tradition of the day , with sketches , silly voices and costumes thrown in .
• Two years later , they transferred to the BBC and became one of the most recognisable partnerships on television , regularly attracting TV audiences of 15 million .
• After the show ended in 1991 , they toured caravan parks and theatres across the country , before Large 's heart problems put an end to their stage career .
• Large later worked as an after-dinner entertainer and also appeared in dramas such as The Brief and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a heart transplant and recovered fully .
• He later had a serious fall outside his home in Portishead and suffered pneumonia , pancreatic problems and a collapsed lung while in hospital - but again made a full recovery .
• The star had three children and was married twice .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Bafta Games Awards: Outer Wilds wins Best Game

Action-adventure game Outer Wilds has won the prestigious Best Game prize at the 16th annual Bafta Games Awards .
The title 's writer Kelsey Beachum credited its players saying : `` Word of mouth has been essential in getting people to play the game , you 're all really beautiful '' ' The game where you explore a distant galaxy under threat from an exploding star claimed three awards in total .
It also won in the best design and original property categories .
It was a successful night for role-playing detective game Disco Elysium which also picked up three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , debut game and best narrative categories .
This year 's award ceremony had to be pre-recorded because of coronavirus restrictions .
Host Dara O'Briain pulled the strings from his house with every nominee required to submit a winners speech - just in case they won .
There was disappointment for mysterious adventure game Control .
It had 11 nominations going into the event and only won once .
Martti Sussalo was rewarded for his role in the supernatural title - he picked up a golden mask in the performer in a supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mobile won the EE Mobile Game of the Year , the only award to be voted for by the public .
Japanese game designer Hideo Kojima , creator of the Metal Gear franchise , was honoured with the Bafta Fellowship - the highest accolade the organisation can give .
The fellowship recognises exceptional contributions to the gaming industry .
In an emotional video message he dedicated the prize to his parents saying : `` My determination is stronger than ever .
`` For the rest of my life I will continue to devote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Games are holding their own next to films , or perhaps fusing together with them , evolving into a huge medium of digital entertainment '' .
His latest release , Death Stranding , was nominated for 11 awards and won only one award for technical achievement .
The game was Kojima 's first release since leaving his former employer Konami to set up his own studio .
Last year Radio 1 Newsbeat went behind-the-scenes to see the final hours of the game 's creation .
The Bafta winners in full were : Game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fi Chill Beats To Write To ) Mobile Game of the Year ( Audience Vote ) : Call of Duty Mobile There are many people across the world living in lockdown at the moment and it 's thought that as a result more people are turning to gaming as a way to pass the time .
There are reports that games platform Steam is seeing record figures , streaming sites Twitch and YouTube Gaming have increased viewership and Animal Crossing has become the fastest selling single game in the history of Nintendo 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportunity for the industry to showcase the variety of experiences gaming offers as a way to appeal to a broader audience .
With big blockbuster franchises like Call of Duty and niche independent titles like Untitled Goose Game winning golden masks , the industry will no doubt feel like it 's made the most of that opportunity .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Paramedic 'emotional' as stranger buys food shop

A `` humbled and emotional '' paramedic has thanked a stranger who paid for his shopping and customers who applauded him at a supermarket .
People queuing outside Lidl in Cromer , Norfolk , made way for David Tillyer - who had just finished a night shift - `` with applause and thank-yous '' .
He said a woman who `` ran up and swiped her card '' as he went to pay told him : `` Not much you can do to stop me '' .
His thank-you on Facebook has been shared 78,000 times .
`` I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote Mr Tillyer , who works for the East of England Ambulance Service ( EEAS ) '' Thank you to the lady that did that and thank you to all the shoppers that made me feel special after a tough run of shifts # NHSandProud # stayhome # covidkindness . ''
• Coronavirus - Updates from the East of England Speaking to the BBC , he said he had just finished a 12-hour shift and was about to join the end of the queue waiting for Lidl to open when the young couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead .
`` About two-thirds of the way through the queue someone said 'let 's give him a round of applause ' , and people started clapping and saying thank you .
`` It was really heart-warming to know that people out there really respect what we do and are grateful to everyone on the frontline of the NHS for what we 're doing at the moment . ''
He praised the `` amazing , kind gesture '' from the woman who ran to the till to pay for his shopping .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and there have been so many recently - and it really makes us feel appreciated . ''
EEAS said it was `` extremely appreciative of the fantastic public support '' shown to NHS workers .
`` Our staff and volunteers are working around the clock to ensure the public are safe and cared for , so it is particularly heartening to see this widespread recognition of our collective efforts . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak

"It was really heart-warming to know that people out there really respect what we do and are grateful to everyone on the frontline of the NHS for what we're doing at the moment."


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Doctors face agonising life-death decisions

Doctors are being told that , as the coronavirus pandemic spreads , they will face `` agonising choices '' over who gets potentially life-saving treatments .
The British Medical Association has issued ethical guidance for those working on the front line .
The professional body says there needs to be an urgent public debate about the issue in these `` unprecedented times '' .
It warns that despite `` heroic efforts '' to boost capacity , the NHS may be overwhelmed .
The government has ordered thousands of ventilators to help ease the pressure on hospitals caused by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life-support machines called ECMO ( Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation ) , will be needed for the sickest patients to aid breathing and , when possible , save lives .
Deciding who gets what care Doctors have to make difficult choices about treatment in their everyday practice , but the coronavirus outbreak means they will have to make life-death decisions more often and sometimes based on capacity rather than just need , the BMA is warning .
• All patients should be given compassionate and dedicated medical care , including symptom management and - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available end-of-life care • Nevertheless , it is legal and ethical to prioritise treatment among patients .
This applies where there are more patients with needs than there are resources available .
When resources are too scarce and choices have to be made about who to treat , doctors are urged to consider : The BMA says managers and senior doctors will set `` thresholds '' for admission to intensive care units - the places where the most sick will need treating with ventilators .
By itself , infection with coronavirus should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Patients whose `` probability '' of dying , or requiring prolonged intensive support , exceeds the set threshold would not be considered for intensive treatment .
They should still receive other forms of medical care , says the advice .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Dr John Chisholm , chair of the BMA 's medical ethics committee , said : `` The headlines are stark : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inexorably toward London 's hospitals and then heading to the rest of the UK .
`` Despite heroic efforts to increase supply - and reduce demand - there may come a point where the pandemic will simply overwhelm intensive care beds , ventilators , ECMO life-support .
`` As all working on this know , guidance , essential as it is , does not preclude the need to address these enormously challenging ethical questions .
`` Guidance can indicate how to proceed .
It can not stop the choices being brutal or relieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added : `` Looking ahead to the coming weeks , if hard choices are required , we know they will be contested .
There will be anger and pain .
`` People who , in normal circumstances , would receive strenuous treatment may instead be given palliation in order to favour those with greater likelihood of benefiting .
Nobody wants to make these decisions , but if resources are overwhelmed , these decisions must be made . ''
Medical ethicist and barrister Daniel Sokol said : `` While the guidance highlights the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will leave some puzzled and perhaps frustrated about how to apply the principles in practice .
`` The guidance recognises that a challenge may be that large numbers of people requiring intensive care are likely to be equally suitable for it .
`` But it does n't give a clear answer to how doctors should select among this large group . ''

Doctors have to make difficult choices about treatment in their everyday practice, but the coronavirus outbreak means they will have to make life-death decisions more often and sometimes based on capacity rather than just need, the BMA is warning.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Pets at Home seeing ‘exceptional demand’

Pets at Home says it is seeing `` exceptional levels of demand '' amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The pet store and vets group said people had been spending more as pets played an `` increasingly vital role in our lives '' during the crisis .
As designated `` essential retailers '' , pet shops and vets can stay open during the pandemic .
Pets at Home said it had now shut non-essential parts of the business such as its Groom Room grooming salons .
In an update for the year to 26 March , the retailer said annual profits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recent spike in demand for pet products and healthcare .
However , it warned of an uncertain outlook for 2020-21 saying it was not `` immune '' to the crisis .
Retail analyst Richard Hyman told the BBC that the higher demand the chain was experiencing might be temporary .
`` I think what may have happened is that some of the panic buying that we 've seen domestically has been extended for the same reason for people and pets .
`` I think for supermarkets it will remain at an elevated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating out is paralysed .
Whereas for pets I would expect demand to ease , so this may well be a blip . ''
Which stores are allowed to stay open ?
The government has issued a list of which `` essential '' retailers are allowed to stay open .
They include : Businesses are still able to take online orders and deliver items to people 's homes .
Last week , school leaders criticised Pets at Home for arguing that all of its staff - including non-veterinary workers - should be classed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency childcare .
However , since being officially classed as an essential retailer , the firm said it had moved staff from non-essential parts of the business to essential functions that provided food and medicine .
It said it was seeking to `` strike a balance '' between providing essential services to the public alongside safeguarding the health of customers and staff .
The firm is offering discounts to NHS workers but , unlike some supermarkets , has not offered its own staff pay rises for continuing to go into work .
Boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely grateful that our colleagues and operations have shown such resilience and flexibility to meet the recent exceptional level of demand from both existing and new customers .
`` The health and safety of our colleagues , partners , suppliers , customers and pets remains our top priority .
We continue to take all appropriate action in line with government advice and remain vigilant to the potential impact of Covid-19 as we start the new financial year . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

"The health and safety of our colleagues, partners, suppliers, customers and pets remains our top priority. We continue to take all appropriate action in line with government advice and remain vigilant to the potential impact of Covid-19 as we start the new financial year."


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Will jugglers and clowns harvest fruit and vegetables?

The UK is facing a shortage of fruit and vegetable pickers this year .
By the end of April , 29,000 will be needed and one farmer , Mark Bowyer , told Farming Today he had only managed to get 13 of his regular staff so far .
`` We 've had inquiries from about 80 people including the local circus , who have been parked up with nothing else to do and want to have a go , '' he said .
`` I do n't know if it 's the jugglers and the clowns , but they 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help us . ''
Mr Bowyer said his farm normally directly recruits between 70 and 100 staff all from Eastern Europe , who work for 10 weeks harvesting asparagus .
One reason overseas workers are recruited for these picking roles is that farmers require temporary , flexible workers who will move around the country following the crops .
It is often difficult for local people to fill these roles as they are extremely busy for a short space of time - for example , two months to pick apples - with no work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the closing of borders and grounding of aeroplanes because of the coronavirus outbreak has made it hard for overseas workers to reach the UK .
Mr Bowyer added : `` We 've had a lot of local inquiries and a lot of national inquiries from people who are prepared to travel for work . ''
`` Of those , I would think 70 % is parents offering their sons and daughters who are home from college and university to come and work . ''
Travel problems are not only affecting overseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting hold of imported fruit and vegetables .
`` We grow across the world , '' Mr Bowyer said .
`` We have quite a lot of vegetable crop in The Gambia .
Traditionally everything that needs to come here on air freight would sit at the bottom of a passenger aeroplane .
`` But with no passenger flights we 're having to resort to ships , which are too slow , or chartered aircraft and chartered freighters to go and collect this product , which is a dramatic increase in the normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that imports from Spain were taking twice as long to transport because restrictions meant trucks can only have one driver instead of the usual two .
Tom Bradshaw , vice-president of the National Farmers ' Union ( NFU ) said it was vital that the Department of Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra ) got behind a UK recruitment campaign .
`` We have to make sure we recruit these absolutely critical workers to enable us to put this fresh fruit and vegetables on the plate , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns for other vital sectors and [ Environment Secretary ] George Eustice has said a lot how valued the food supply chain is at the moment .
`` We 've got to make sure those words really turn into action and we have this joint campaign where we try and recruit from the UK workforce .
`` Many of them are unemployed .
There are a lot of students who are not able to be at university any more and we really need these people to step up and pick for Britain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • UK LATEST : What 's the UK 's plan and what could happen next ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The charity Concordia , which usually helps young people gain experiences abroad , has already signed up 14,000 people to its Feed the Nation scheme to help with picking .
About 70 % of them have never worked on a farm before .
They are mainly students but also carpenters , chefs and former service personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to go into self-isolation for seven days before they are allowed to start work .
A scheme is also being put together with industry bodies British Summer Fruit and British Apples and Pears for fruit pickers .
Between 5,000 and 6,000 people are needed from mid-April to pick asparagus and 6-7,000 to pick lettuce .
From the end of April that number rises to 29,000 to pick strawberries and later in the year , tens of thousands are needed to harvest apples , pears , cauliflowers and cucumbers .


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Clap for Carers: UK applauds NHS staff and key workers

People across the UK have taken part in a second `` Clap for Carers '' tribute , saluting NHS staff @ @ @ @ @ with the coronavirus pandemic .
Delivery drivers , supermarket staff , care workers and bin @ @ @ @ @ by the nation .

People across the UK have taken part in a second "Clap for Carers" tribute, saluting NHS staff and other key workers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Delivery drivers, supermarket staff, care workers and bin collectors were among those honoured by the nation.