bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Camberwell church continuing to sell fake Covid-19 cure

A church in London has continued selling a fake Covid-19 cure , despite being under investigation by the charity watchdog .
The Charity Commission launched a probe into the Kingdom Church , in south London , earlier this month for selling coronavirus `` protection kits '' .
But instead of stopping the sale , the church renamed the kits and is now selling `` divine cleansing oil '' .
The church said it was `` convinced '' the oil cured Covid-19 .
Bishop Climate Wiseman , of the Kingdom Church which is based in Camberwell , claimed his kits - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yarn , priced at £91 - would protect his followers from the virus .
When the story came to light , the Charity Commission , which regulates charities in England and Wales , as well as Trading Standards launched an investigation into the church for selling the fake cure .
But BBC London , posing as a customer this week , found the church was still selling so-called `` divine cleansing oil '' which it says prevents and cures Covid-19 if taken three times a day .
In secretly-recorded conversations , BBC London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhaled via a towel or hot water in a bowl .
An employee of the Kingdom Church said on the phone : `` We are helping the nation .
`` We are convinced this cures coronavirus .
We have sold nearly 2,000 of these . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The Charity Commission said it continued to `` examine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was investigating the charity 's involvement in the sale of `` false Covid-19 protection devices '' .
Asked whether it was looking into the church , the Metropolitan Police said it was a matter for Trading Standards rather than itself since it involved the sale of goods .
The Charity Commission said it had been liaising with Southwark Council 's trading standards department , which in turn confirmed it was investigating the issue .
Southwark Council said there were `` many scams relating to Covid-19 '' and warned consumers should `` be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cures and treatments and other financial scams '' .
Former Met Police inspector Peter Kirham said : `` This is dangerous .
`` I ca n't believe that people are so callous and reckless with personal and public safety - to put this product on the market , with the claims that go with it . ''

Asked whether it was looking into the church, the Metropolitan Police said it was a matter for Trading Standards rather than itself since it involved the sale of goods.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Call for churches to reopen during lockdown

Churches should reopen now as part of a gradual series of measures to return to normality , Northern Ireland 's agriculture minister has said .
Edwin Poots said NI had `` put coronavirus into reverse '' , and that people had got the message on the continued need for social distancing .
If off-licences could be trusted to stay open , churches could too , he said .
But a fellow minister has said ministers should not publicly debate how the lockdown should be eased .
`` My preference is to discuss these things at executive , be led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to an agreed position and communicate that very clearly through to the public , '' said Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon .
Nine new Covid-related deaths were announced by Stormont 's Department of Health on Wednesday , bringing its the total to 338 .
That toll relates mainly to hospital fatalities and is likely to rise when community deaths are taken into account .
Across the UK , there have been 26,097 confirmed Covid-linked deaths while the Republic of Ireland 's death toll stands at 1,190 , although both countries use different counting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested garden centres should be allowed to reopen , if they can manage social distancing .
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said the executive would review the lockdown restrictions by 9 May - but stressed the importance of having enforced them in the first place .
In other developments on Thursday : • Universities in Northern Ireland face multi-million-pound losses due to the coronavirus pandemic • Some schools face losing thousands of pounds paid for trips cancelled • A doctor , who left medicine for the clergy , is now back on the wards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on how to implement the Northern Ireland part of the Brexit deal will hold its first meeting on Thursday The pandemic has caused major disruption to religious services across Northern Ireland , with many churches severely restricted funeral services or cancelling them altogether .
Council-run cemeteries were recently reopened to the public following protests from bereaved families .
There had been opposition from some parties in the Executive , but agreement was eventually reached .
Mr Poots said he was not recommending the return of church services as yet , but suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or in small family groups .
`` There 's no reason whatsoever that that can not be supervised , '' the DUP MLA told the BBC 's Nolan Show .
`` We have driven down coronavirus , despite the fact that our supermarkets constantly have people inside them and queues outside them , '' he said .
Reopening churches was among the `` incremental steps '' that could be take now to help return society to a sense of normality , said Mr Poots .
`` The consequences of keeping people at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is increasing domestic violence , '' he added .
Asked if attending church in person was really necessary during a health emergency , Mr Poots said : `` I do n't need to go to a church to pray .
`` But for a lot of people , particularly from the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland community , they like to go to a place of worship and spend some time in prayer . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Stressing there would be no "quick fix", she said: "We're going to have to work our way through it as best as we can."


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Natalie Jenkins disappearance: Albert Park in Middlesbrough searched

Detectives investigating the suspected murder of a woman who disappeared more than four months ago have started searching a park .
Cleveland Police has been trying to find Natalie Jenkins , 32 , since she vanished in Middlesbrough in December .
Two men aged 66 and 40 have been arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed pending further inquiries .
Officers are searching Albert Park in Middlesbrough with divers focusing on the lake and waterways .
A police spokeswoman said the search of the 74-acre ( 30-hectare ) site will `` take a number of days continuing over this weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Jenkins was in CCTV footage of her walking towards the park along Park Road South at 23:38 GMT on 10 December .
The footage showed her wearing a white hat , which she was also seen wearing earlier that evening when she had walked to Middlesbrough from her home in Thornaby .
A 65-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and has also been bailed .
Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction of the person or persons responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Dimelow said : `` Our searches in Albert Park will take several days and will involve teams of officers led by trained search advisors .
The area around the park has always been a significant location to our investigation and information has led us to focus on the inside of the park .
`` I ca n't divulge what this information is for operational reasons , but we are still appealing for people to come forward to tell us what they know .
We 're providing support to Natalie 's family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening with the investigation . ''

"I can't divulge what this information is for operational reasons, but we are still appealing for people to come forward to tell us what they know. We're providing support to Natalie's family and are keeping them updated with what is happening with the investigation."


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson says UK is past the peak of outbreak

PM Boris Johnson said he will set out a `` comprehensive plan '' next week on how to restart the economy , reopen schools and help people travel to work following the coronavirus lockdown .
He said the UK was `` past the peak '' of the virus outbreak , but stressed the country must not `` risk a second spike '' .
Mr Johnson said face masks will be `` useful '' as part of the strategy for coming out of lockdown .
Some 26,771 people have now died with the virus in the UK , a rise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number ?
The prime minister said that `` we can now see the sunlight '' , but he insisted that to avoid the `` disaster '' of a second peak the UK must keep the R rate - the number of people to which one infected person will pass the virus - below one .
More than 81,000 coronavirus tests were carried out on Wednesday , still short of the Downing Street 's target of 100,000 by the end of April .
Mr Johnson insisted : `` We 're massively ramping up testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told BBC One 's Question Time that the government was `` quite likely to get very close to or meet '' the target when the figures for the final day of April are announced on Friday .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the prime minister 's commitment to outline a plan next week as `` a step in the right direction '' .
The BBC 's political editor Laura Kuenssberg asked at what level the reproduction rate should be before the government would be `` comfortable easing restrictions '' .
The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitty , replied : `` We are absolutely confident that the wrong answer is anything over one . ''
He explained that as soon as the R rises above one you `` restart exponential growth '' and `` sooner or later '' the NHS would be at the risk of being overwhelmed .
The current rate is thought to be between 0.6 and 0.9 across the country .
Mr Johnson said that keeping the reproduction rate down `` is going to be absolutely vital to our recovery '' .
The government has set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before lockdown restrictions can be eased , including : • making sure the NHS can cope • a `` sustained and consistent '' fall in the daily death rate • ensuring supply of tests and PPE can meet future demand • and being confident any adjustments would not risk a second peak `` that overwhelms the NHS '' The prime minister 's claim that the UK is past the peak of the virus may surprise some given the big jump in deaths this week .
At the weekend it was announced 20,000 had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed 26,000 .
Those figures had been inflated by the retrospective inclusion of deaths in the community , mainly care homes , dating back to March .
And there is strong evidence from tracking hospital deaths - a sign of transmission in the general population - that the peak was actually seen on 8 April .
Since then , fatalities - when recorded by date of death - have been coming down .
In England the numbers being seen are half what they were then .
But it is , of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the numbers are going up .
It is , effectively , two epidemics .
One in the wider population that is coming under control and one in care homes that is raging .
Our correspondent Laura Kuenssberg also asked whether the economy `` just has to wait '' as the government continues with the lockdown in the UK .
The prime minister said it was `` vital '' to avoid a second peak `` because that would really do economic damage '' , adding that the UK must `` unlock the economy gradually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suppress the disease .
Mr Johnson said he would set out details next week to explain how to get the economy moving , get children back into school and childcare , how people can travel to work and how to make life in the workplace safer .
He said dates and times of each individual measure would be driven `` by where we are in the epidemic '' , and said the government was `` being guided by the science '' .
`` What you 're going to get next week is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of options , '' Mr Johnson said .
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
The prime minister highlighted a coronavirus vaccine being developed by the University of Oxford , which it is hoped could be available for limited use by the end of the year .
But Mr Johnson said `` until this day comes [ when a vaccine is ready ] , we are are going to have to beat this disease by our growing resolve and ingenuity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reviewed next week , on 7 May .
Mr Johnson also said face coverings will be `` useful '' as part of the strategy for coming out of lockdown `` both for epidemiological reasons but also giving people confidence they can go back to work '' .
The Scottish government already recommends people use face coverings when in shops and on public transport .
Meanwhile , Mr Shapps told Question Time there was a `` live discussion '' within government about introducing new quarantine measures at airports for people coming into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing for the first time since recovering from the virus , the prime minister said : `` I 'm not going to minimise the logistical problems we 've faced in getting the right protective gear to the right people in the right place , both in the NHS and care homes .
`` But what I can tell you is that everyone responsible for tackling these problems - whether in government , the NHS , Public Health England or local authorities - we are throwing everything at it , heart and soul , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we will get it right . ''
He added : `` We have come through the peak , or rather we have come under what could have been a vast peak .
`` As though we have been going through some huge Alpine tunnel , and we can now see the sunlight and the pasture ahead of us . ''
Asked about the UK 's response to the pandemic , Mr Johnson said he thought it was `` right to make our period of lockdown coincide ... with the peak of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the government was `` learning lessons every day '' .
The prime minister said he wanted to `` wait until the end [ of the pandemic ] before making international comparisons '' between the UK 's coronavirus death total and other nations .
`` At the moment , I just think the data is not clear , '' he said .
On testing , he said : `` I think I 'm right in saying ... we are now doing about as much testing as any other country in Europe .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these international comparisons but we have massively ramped up our testing operation , we are going to ramp it up further . ''
Speaking on Question Time , former chancellor George Osborne said the country did not have testing `` as quick as we 'd like '' and went into lockdown too late , but he said : `` The hospitals have n't fallen over and the capacity has been built . ''
Meanwhile , on Thursday evening , people across the country took part in the sixth nationwide Clap for Carers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pictured clapping outside No 10 , while fiancee Carrie Symonds - who gave birth to the couple 's son on Wednesday - tweeted she was joining in the clap and had `` another wonderful reason to thank the NHS this week too '' .
During the briefing , Mr Johnson also thanked the NHS and referenced his `` very much happier hospital visit yesterday '' .
• More than 9,000 fines have been issued in England and Wales for breaching coronavirus lockdown restrictions • British Airways has told staff its Gatwick Airport operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Captain Tom Moore , who raised more than £30m for the NHS by walking laps of his garden , has been made an honorary colonel on his 100th birthday • London 's transport system may be unable to cope with a surge in demand when lockdown measures are lifted , a briefing to emergency planners says • Sainsbury 's says customers are likely to see disruption to their shopping , including socially-distanced queues , until September • Firms that fail to refund people for holiday and weddings cancelled because of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watchdog The total number of deaths of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in UK hospitals and the wider community is now 26,771 , according to data published by the Department of Health and Social Care .
This is different to the total of 26,711 initially announced by Mr Johnson at the briefing .

"But what I can tell you is that everyone responsible for tackling these problems - whether in government, the NHS, Public Health England or local authorities - we are throwing everything at it, heart and soul, night and day to get it right, and we will get it right."


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: 'We go hungry so we can feed our children'

Many families are struggling to put food on the table as the coronavirus lockdown robs them of their income .
A report by food bank charities points to an alarming rise in the number of people in need of essential supplies .
How are they coping and what more can be done to help ?
`` We have gone without meals so the children can eat .
It is n't nice when you are feeling hungry and you open the cupboard and there is nothing in there for you . ''
Amie Smith and her partner Marcus were just about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now they have had to give up their zero hours contract jobs and are relying on universal credit payments , food vouchers from the government and the occasional food parcel from local schools .
Their biggest daily struggle is finding enough food in the shops for their four children , aged two to 13 .
• 'Emergency food ' for families with nothing to eat • 'Bare cupboards ' as food bank use rises in pandemic The family is getting by on a weekly budget of about £30 .
The children are entitled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into food vouchers during lockdown , but they ca n't find anywhere to spend them .
Amie says she has about £200 worth of vouchers , but they are mostly for upmarket shops like Marks & Spencer and Waitrose , which are absent from their neck of South London .
`` I do n't think I have ever set foot in a Waitrose in my life , '' she said .
Their car has broken down , so they find themselves using local convenience stores - which charge higher prices .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid £5 for 30 eggs .
That was the cheapest we could find . ''
Labour are calling on the government to `` expand which shops are able to accept free school meal vouchers to include those supermarkets most present in our poorest communities '' .
Under the current scheme , run by private contractor Endenred , every eligible child is entitled to £15 a week in vouchers .
The school or parent must choose a supermarket at which to redeem them , from the following list : Aldi , McColl 's , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asda , Waitrose and M & S .
The government says it recognises it may not be convenient for some families to visit one of these shops .
It is `` working to see if additional supermarkets can be added to this list '' .
In the meantime , it is advising schools to prepare food parcels for pupils on free meals .
Many families - who may not have children on free school meals - are turning to food banks for essential supplies .
This is putting an enormous strain on charities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the UK 's biggest food bank network , the Trussell Trust , said it handed out 81 % more emergency food parcels in the last two weeks of March , than at the same time last year .
People struggling with the amount of income they were receiving from working or benefits was the main reason for the increase , the trust said .
`` Like a tidal wave gathering pace , an economic crisis is sweeping towards us , but we do n't all have lifeboats , '' said chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs Ediblelinks , an independent food bank in North Warwickshire , has noticed a big increase in families with previously comfortable incomes seeking help .
`` There are fresh faces coming through the door , '' she said .
`` People who really do n't want to be here , who have never used a food bank but suddenly find themselves at a point of crisis . ''
These new clients tend to be small business owners , or sole traders , such a hairdressers or cafe proprietors .
They are waiting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's business loan scheme .
The food bank has seen a 20 % increase in demand week-on-week since coronavirus took hold .
What can be done ?
Extreme financial hardship exists even outside a global pandemic .
Debt charity Christians Against Poverty says one in 10 of its clients live without a bed or mattress , or skip meals on a daily basis .
It , and others in the sector , fear coronavirus will mean more people living like this - perhaps for the first time .
Payment `` holidays '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular bills such as rent or council tax .
There is concern people are simply piling up unmanageable debt for the future .
But there is support .
Credit unions can offer low-cost loans for small amounts .
People are also donating generously in this crisis and some of that money is given in grants so those in crippling hardship .
Charity Turn2us has a search tool to check eligibility for these non-repayable grants .
The Child Poverty Action Group has also launched a tool to help people find support during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a crisis on this scale in peacetime and poverty campaigners have welcomed actions to help those in most need , through the benefits system .
But a group of charities , including the Trussell Trust , is calling now for a coronavirus emergency income support scheme .
They say many families need money urgently , to prevent them being from being `` swept into destitution '' .
A government spokesman said it was `` committed to supporting all those affected ... through these unprecedented times '' .
`` We 've implemented an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including income protection schemes and mortgage holidays For those in most need , we 've injected more than £6.5bn into the welfare system , including an increase to universal credit of up to £1,040 a year .
No-one has to wait five weeks for money as urgent payments are available . ''
Amie and Marcus are just about managing to feed their children each day .
But they are worried what the future holds , if they ca n't get back to work soon .
`` There have been times when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toast to give them , '' says Amie .
`` We have to remind ourselves that there are people out there with absolutely nothing .
We should be grateful for what we have . ''

A new report by the UK's biggest food bank network, the Trussell Trust, said it handed out 81% more emergency food parcels in the last two weeks of March, than at the same time last year. People struggling with the amount of income they were receiving from working or benefits was the main reason for the increase, the trust said.


bbcuk--2020-05-01--Coronavirus lockdown: Boots offers safe space for domestic abuse victims

People living with domestic abuse will be able to access safe spaces at Boots pharmacies from Friday .
Those needing help can ask staff at the counter to use the consultation room , where they will be able to contact services for help and advice .
Charity Hestia said it launched the scheme in response to the `` desperate situation '' many people are facing in lockdown .
MPs said there had been a `` surge '' in violence since the lockdown began .
Calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline rose by 49 % and killings doubled since restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report by MPs found earlier this week .
Hestia has seen a similar pattern - with a 47 % increase in victims reaching out via its domestic abuse app , Bright Sky .
• ' I 'm in coronavirus lockdown with my abuser' • Lockdown exit must consider rise in abuse - May Lyndsey Dearlove , from the charity , said : `` We know there is an increased level of uncertainty for people looking to escape an abusive relationship .
Self-isolation offers a new method of control over victims making it very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Although we are in a period of lockdown and isolation , our message to victims is domestic abuse services are open and we can help you . ''
An estimated 1.6 million women and 786,000 men experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in the year ending March 2019 , according to the Office for National Statistics .
My partner had been abusive before the pandemic but it was when lockdown started and we were stuck in the house together that the abuse became so much worse .
On the day that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating a hot bowl of noodles and he just grabbed them and poured them over me , burning my skin .
Lockdown also meant I lost my job as I work in the airline industry ; work was my life , it was my escape and all my close friends were my work colleagues .
While others were quite looking forward to having some time at home , I was dreading it .
I knew it would mean that I would have no chance to escape the physical and emotional abuse .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family living nearby , so my work colleagues are my best friends .
The thought of not seeing them , of not having anywhere to go was so scary .
As time went on during lockdown I became increasingly anxious .
My partner would wait until I was asleep and then he would punch me and scratch me .
In the morning he would deny he had done anything .
I used to be able to escape his violent moods by going to the gym and swimming but during lockdown that became impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting worse and worse and I felt increasingly trapped .
I wanted to leave but I was really worried that there was nowhere to go .
I started looking online when I could but I was n't sure who would be able to help me during lockdown .
Eventually , I told a friend what had been happening and she said : `` Pack a bag and leave now , just get out '' .
I packed the only bag I could find and went and stayed in a hotel .
I stayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money was running out .
That 's when someone gave me the number for the National Domestic Abuse hotline .
I remember calling them and then going to sit in a park for about seven hours while they found me a place .
Arriving at the refuge I felt very safe .
I still have n't told my friends where I am .
It 's not easy though during lockdown .
I 'm having to stay in one room and there 's not much space .
Going out in the garden is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the children need to be able to play .
There are some lovely people here though and it 's so nice to see the children .
I 'm finding not going out and doing my usual workout really tough .
That was how I used to manage my anxiety .
However , overall I feel a big sense of relief and I just hope things get better .
When I heard about the safe spaces scheme I thought it was brilliant and it would have really helped me .
In a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to decide to leave because I had to go , the abuse was so bad .
I had to get help .
Anna 's name has been changed .
For information and support on domestic abuse , contact : • Police : 999 press 55 when prompted if you ca n't speak Online webchats and text services are also available .
Find more information on organisations that can help via the BBC Action Line .

Arriving at the refuge I felt very safe. I still haven't told my friends where I am. It's not easy though during lockdown. I'm having to stay in one room and there's not much space. Going out in the garden is a bit tricky because of the social distancing and the children need to be able to play.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Captain Tom Moore's NHS appeal tops £32m on 100th birthday

The appeal by NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore topped £32m as he celebrated his 100th birthday .
The war veteran , who raised the money by walking laps of his garden , has also been made an honorary colonel .
The occasion was also marked with an RAF flypast and birthday greetings from the Queen and prime minister .
With celebrations under way , Capt Tom said everyone who donated was `` magnificent '' as the fund reached £30m on Thursday morning .
Head of the Army , General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith , called Capt Tom `` an inspirational role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` extraordinary '' to be turning 100 , especially with `` this many well-wishers '' .
Capt Tom was spending most of the day self-isolating with his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her family at his home in Marston Moretaine , Bedfordshire .
`` Reaching 100 is quite something .
Reaching 100 with such interest in me and huge generosity from the public is very overwhelming , '' he said .
`` People keep saying what I have done is remarkable , however it 's actually what you have done for me which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tomorrow will be a good day . ''
Capt Tom , who was recently treated for a broken hip and skin cancer , initially aimed to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together and said he set about raising the money `` for the sake of the nurses and the NHS we have , because they are doing such a magnificent job '' .
His donations page will close at midnight but Capt Tom said people could still give money directly to the charity via their urgent appeal .
The charity 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has achieved will make a lasting difference '' .
`` We can not thank him enough for all that he 's achieved and we wish him a very happy birthday , and look forward to continuing to ensure that what he 's done is used to improve the lives of the NHS staff and volunteers that are giving so much to their communities at the moment , '' she said .
Among the thousands of birthday greetings was a personalised card from the Queen .
`` I am so pleased to know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she wrote .
`` I was also most interested to hear of your recent fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together at this difficult time .
`` I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion .
Elizabeth R. '' Prime Minister Boris Johnson recorded a special message in which he said the veteran was `` a point of light in all our lives '' .
`` I know I speak for the whole nation when I say we wish you a very happy 100th birthday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts have lifted the spirits of the entire nation , you 've created a channel to enable millions to say a heartfelt thank you to the remarkable men and women in our NHS who have all been doing the most outstanding job . ''
Capt Tom said it was `` really outstanding '' to get a message from Mr Johnson .
Capt Tom was informed of his promotion to honorary colonel in a letter presented by Lt Col Thomas Miller , commanding officer of the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment , at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the General Staff , Sir Mark , who made the appointment , said Capt Tom 's `` mature wisdom , no-nonsense attitude and humour in adversity make him an inspirational role model to generations '' .
• Captain Tom tops the charts at the age of 99 • How will Captain Tom Moore 's millions be spent ?
Capt Tom said he was `` very moved '' by the honour because to get that honorary rank in his regiment is `` something we would never , ever anticipate '' .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really am but if people choose to call me colonel , well , thank you very much . ''
The centenarian was also presented with a replacement World War Two Defence Medal ahead of next week 's VE Day celebrations .
• Born in Keighley , in what was then the West Riding of Yorkshire , on 30 April 1920 • He attended the town 's grammar school before completing an apprenticeship in civil engineering • Capt Tom joined the army at the beginning of World War Two , serving in India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • After the war he became an instructor at the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School in Bovington , Dorset • He lived in Kent before moving to Bedfordshire to be with his youngest daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her family in 2007 • In 2018 , he received treatment for skin cancer of the head , and a broken hip after a fall • In April , he was inspired to help the health service by completing 100 laps of the patio before his 100th birthday The birthday has also been marked by a flypast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight , based at RAF Coningsby , which made three passes of his house .
The Ministry of Defence had said it would `` celebrate Captain Tom 's birthday and mark his amazing fundraising achievement '' .
Sqd Ldr Mark Discombe , Hurricane LF365 pilot , said it was a `` huge privilege '' for the Memorial Flight to be selected .
`` I think it encapsulates everything we stand for , commemorating what he did 75 years ago , [ and ] we 're celebrating right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundraising for the NHS and inspiring the future for us all to pull together and work through this pandemic '' .
Capt Tom said it was `` fantastic '' to see them , that he remembered the planes flying `` in anger '' and `` fortunately today they were flying peacefully '' .
Capt Tom is also celebrating his birthday as a chart-topper .
His duet of You 'll Never Walk Alone took the top spot last week , making him the oldest person ever to achieve a number one single in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Michael Ball , sang happy birthday to him via video-link and said he was `` the only man who could get him in a smart shirt and suit during lockdown '' .
Volunteers had to be called in to open tens of thousands of cards sent to Capt Tom , who served in India and Burma ( now Myanmar ) during World War Two .
An estimated 140,000 cards have been received and are on show at Bedford School , where his grandson , Benjie Ingram-Moore , is a pupil .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stamped with a special Royal Mail postmark .
All stamped post up until Friday was being marked with : `` Happy 100th Birthday Captain Thomas Moore NHS fundraising hero 30th April 2020 . ''
The cards even travelled through a dedicated collection box at the South Midlands Mail Centre .
Centre manager Stephen James said : `` None of the team have ever known one person receive so much mail . ''
Other ways Capt Tom 's 100th birthday is being marked : • The Royal Mail has unveiled a special postbox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road , close to where he lives • He was made an honorary England cricketer by former captain Michael Vaughan • Aircraft from the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar will fly on a circuit around Biggin Hill Airfield , near Croydon , during the evening to coincide with the weekly Clap for Carers event • The Great Western Railway intercity express train 800025 named after the veteran goes into service on Thursday • GB Railfreight said a 129-tonne , Class 66 freight locomotive would be named Captain Tom Moore , with the added inscription @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his charity work Capt Tom 's fundraising feats have inspired a host of artists to honour him with their own creative tributes , including garage murals , patchwork collages , knitted dolls and balloon figurines .
The BBC 's Make A Difference project encouraged people to take photographs of themselves saluting the war veteran which were combined to make a mosaic that was presented to him .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Find BBC News : East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews @ bbc.co.uk

"We cannot thank him enough for all that he's achieved and we wish him a very happy birthday, and look forward to continuing to ensure that what he's done is used to improve the lives of the NHS staff and volunteers that are giving so much to their communities at the moment," she said.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: More than 9,000 fines for lockdown breaches

More than 9,000 fines have been issued in England and Wales for breaching coronavirus lockdown restrictions .
Almost 400 of those fined are repeat offenders and one individual was fined six times , according to data from the National Police Chiefs ' Council ( NPCC ) .
Meanwhile , calls about anti-social behaviour have more than doubled compared to the same period last year .
NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said that , while people may become `` restless '' , compliance was still holding up .
For the four weeks to 26 April there were around 215,000 anti-social behaviour reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NPCC data showed .
Many of the calls related to concerns over gatherings , noise or trouble in homes .
In England , there were 8,877 fixed penalty notices issued between 27 March and 27 April , while in Wales there were 299 .
Police have been given powers to hand out a £60 penalty , reduced to £30 if paid within two weeks , for breaches of the lockdown rules .
The fine is doubled for each repeat offence up to a £960 maximum .
Cumbria Police issued a fixed penalty notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend 's house to dye their hair .
The man claimed he was unaware of any coronavirus restrictions when police attended the property on 19 April .
Another man from Manchester was fined after he drove around 100 miles to Keswick in the Lake District for a planned 20-minute walk , according to the force .
Meanwhile , Greater Manchester Police said they had stopped four young men who had travelled from Yorkshire to get a burger .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Mr Hewitt said that , although most of the public were adhering to the restrictions , it would get harder as the weeks went on .
`` It is inevitable people will get restless , '' he said , adding that there were signs last weekend that more people were `` out and about '' .
`` We would assess that over the weekend we sensed across the country a little bit more traffic on the roads and a few more people out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But having said all of that , we are still seeing the same level of compliance from people . ''
Deputy Chief Constable Sara Glen said there were `` definite correlations '' when the weather was hot at `` troublesome spots '' such as beaches or parks .
She added the majority of those breaching lockdown restrictions were younger people .
Figures showed a third of those fined were aged between 18-24 and another third aged 25-34 while around eight out of 10 were men .
DCC Glen added that the vast majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complying , being out in public spaces where they do n't have a reasonable excuse to do so , not listening to the officers ' advice in respect of engaging and explaining '' why they are outside .
Police guidelines state households can go out for specific reasons , such as any medical needs , shopping for essential items or taking exercise .

DCC Glen added that the vast majority of fines "are people actually not complying, being out in public spaces where they don't have a reasonable excuse to do so, not listening to the officers' advice in respect of engaging and explaining" why they are outside.


bbcuk--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Brian May says the shortage of PPE is 'horrendous'

Brian May says the failure to stockpile crucial protective equipment ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic is `` heartbreaking and horrendous '' .
The Queen star told the BBC he was `` angry and sad '' that healthcare workers were `` expected to go in and risk their lives '' without proper protection .
`` People have died .
Young people who had their whole lives ahead of them .
I find it absolutely heartbreaking , '' he said .
The government said it was `` determined to overcome the challenges '' with PPE .
A BBC Panorama investigation this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visors , swabs or body bags in the government 's pandemic stockpile when Covid-19 reached the UK .
`` I think we as a nation have to be ashamed that we were not prepared , '' said May .
On Thursday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : `` We 're determined urgently to overcome those challenges that have become so infuriating .
I 'm not going to minimise the logistical problems we have faced in getting the right protective gear to the right people at the right time , both in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` Everyone responsible for tackling these problems is throwing everything at it , heart and soul , night and day , to get it right .
And we 're making huge progress . ''
• Are NHS staff getting enough protective gear ?
May was speaking as Queen released a new version of their hit single We Are The Champions in support of frontline healthcare workers .
Re-titled You Are The Champions , the single was put together under lockdown with May and drummer Roger Taylor playing in London , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in LA .
Proceeds will go to the World Health Organisation 's Covid-19 fund , which supports medics around the world .
`` As a father with a daughter in the front line , I am ultra aware of the vital work they are doing daily to save us and our society , '' said Taylor , whose daughter is a GP in London .
`` Their bravery and sacrifice must not be prejudiced by anything less than a 100 % effort by our governments to protect them .
They are precious to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champions . ''
The band are not the only musicians hoping to raise money efforts for healthcare staff during the coronavirus pandemic .
Colonel Tom Moore and Michael Ball reached number one last week with their charity cover of You 'll Never Walk Alone , while Britain 's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has recorded a new version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow .
Britpop bands including Dodgy , The Seahorses and Menswear have joined forces to re-record Shed Seven 's Chasing Rainbows .
And indie acts such as Wolf Alice , Foals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together a one-off vinyl album , with the aim of raising £30,000 to buy respirators for NHS Trusts in England and Scotland .
• Brian May on 40 years of Bohemian Rhapsody : ' I still listen to it in the car' Queen 's single came about after the band 's tour was postponed due to the coronavirus earlier this year .
`` I isolated very early on , '' May told the BBC .
`` To me , it was a no brainer .
`` This virus was about to invade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have less human interaction .
So I thought , I 'm doing it for the sake of my own health and for the sake of my family , and for the sake of everyone , really . ''
To pass the time , he started sharing tutorials on how to play some of Queen 's most popular songs , including Bohemian Rhapsody , on Instagram .
Those lessons morphed into jam sessions with fans ; and eventually May teamed up with Taylor to play We Are The Champions .
The guitarist said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become something bigger , but it was n't until Lambert added his vocals that the plan crystallised .
`` I sent an email round to everyone and said , 'You know , we can change the odd word , if we like , to make it mean something different , ' and we had the medics in mind because we 're out there clapping every Thursday night .
`` So I thought , 'Well , what can you change ?
Should it be like .
'You 've paid your dues ? '
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he just changed those couple of words in the last chorus .
So instead of 'we are the champions it became 'you are the champions ' .
`` We all went 'Yes , that 's right .
That 's just a nice little subtle change ' .
`` It means that we are all applauding you , because you are now the champions .
You are the warriors that are saving humanity on this planet . ''
The single , which is released on Friday 1 May , stems from those original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Queen 's touring bassist Neil Fairclough .
`` It was all recorded on iPhones and laptops , '' May confessed .
`` But it just shows you do n't have to have a multi-million dollar studio to make a record . ''
Coincidentally , We Are The Champions was originally inspired by You 'll Never Walk Alone , which has become an unofficial anthem of unity during the coronavirus pandemic .
At the height of their success in 1977 , the band played a gig at Bingley Hall in Stafford - and when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crowd started singing the Rodgers & Hammerstein song in the hope of getting an encore .
`` I can still remember Freddie 's face going , 'What is this ?
We should be embracing it , we should be loving it and encouraging it , ' '' May recalled .
`` So I think at that moment We Are The Champions was born , and We Will Rock You was born - because we were consciously involving our audience from that point on .
`` I love that .
I love that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that we 've kind of generated a community in our audience .
It 's brilliant . ''
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"This virus was about to invade, the only weapon we had was to have less human interaction. So I thought, I'm doing it for the sake of my own health and for the sake of my family, and for the sake of everyone, really."


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Oxford 'started developing coronavirus vaccine in January'

Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca is to manufacture and distribute a coronavirus vaccine that is being developed by the University of Oxford @ @ @ @ @ effective .
AstraZeneca 's chief executive Pascal Soriot tells the BBC why his firm has @ @ @ @ @ developing a vaccine .

Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca is to manufacture and distribute a coronavirus vaccine that is being developed by the University of Oxford, if the treatment proves effective.
AstraZeneca's chief executive Pascal Soriot tells the BBC why his firm has chosen to back Oxford in developing a vaccine.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Nadiya Hussain shares anxiety 'struggle' during lockdown

TV personality Nadiya Hussain has said her anxiety means there have been times during the coronavirus lockdown when she has `` struggled to get out of bed '' .
The winner of 2015 's Great British Bake Off said there had been `` days where I do n't even want to get dressed '' .
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live , the 35-year-old mother of three said she had `` good days and bad days '' .
`` There 's loads of people who feel the same way whether they have mental health issues or not , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has spoken openly and often about her lifelong struggle with anxiety .
Last year she made a documentary for the BBC in which she spoke about and sought treatment for her regular panic attacks .
Nadiya : Anxiety and Me will be shown again on BBC One on 6 May at 23:30 BST .
Speaking to presenter Nihal Arthanayake on Wednesday , Hussain said her family have been in isolation for seven weeks because one of her children is asthmatic .
She said it was important to be `` kind to ourselves '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` productive all the time '' .
`` I 'm so used to constantly doing things , I 'm scared I 'm not productive enough or doing enough , '' she admitted .
`` If I brush my teeth and put a fresh set of clothes on , that 's okay - that can be a goal I 've met . ''
Hussain paid tribute to her `` wonderful '' children - aged 13 , 12 and 9 - for sensing her moods and acting accordingly .
`` They will know when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day and they 'll deliberately shove the cat in my face or bring the budgie over . ''
Speaking last month on The Andrew Marr Show , Stephen Fry said anxiety and stress were `` almost as virulent '' as the coronavirus itself .
The author and broadcaster , who is president of mental health charity Mind , advised people to `` take a deep breath and allow time to take on a different dimension '' .
Deirdre Kehoe from the YoungMinds charity is currently offering advice and support to young people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme .
She advises limiting one 's exposure to news , setting time limits on social media usage and finding distractions like reading , baking and exercise .
If you or someone you know is struggling with issues raised by this story , find support through BBC Action Line .
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: NHS sets out six-week plan for 'return to normal'

The NHS has set out plans for the second phase of the epidemic , including stepping up non-Covid-19 urgent services over the next six weeks as it attempts to return to normal .
In a letter to local trusts and GPs , the head of NHS England said urgent outpatient appointments should go ahead and routine surgery could be restarted .
But GPs are encouraged to continue to use online consultations .
Regular testing will be offered to all staff - even those with no symptoms .
The letter , written by chief executive Sir Simon Stevens and chief operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS 's approach in the coming weeks , following a drop in hospital patients with Covid-19 over the past two weeks in England .
It says the pressure on many staff will `` remain unprecedented '' and employers must keep them safe .
Staff from black , Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds , who could be at greater risk from the virus , should be `` risk-assessed '' as a precaution .
Public Health England has already been asked to look into data suggesting ethnic minorities may be disproportionately affected by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with priority given to `` long waiters '' • protecting and delivering cancer surgery and treatment , by ensuring cancer hubs are working properly • ensuring heart-attack and stroke patients receive the care they need There have been concerns people are not seeking medical care as they normally would because they are afraid of catching the virus and over-burdening the NHS , putting their long-term health at risk .
The letter says there has also been a reduction in road traffic accidents and major trauma during the lockdown - and it is uncertain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' will happen .
• A & E visits down 29 % during epidemic in England • Why millions will soon be using coronavirus apps The letter also says : • Nightingale and independent hospitals will still be required , in case there is another surge in demand for beds • it is likely the flu vaccine programme will be `` substantially expanded '' this winter • the proportion of GP consultations on phone or video has risen from 10 % to 85 % And it encourages GPs - and hospital outpatient departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to - to continue to use online consultation so patients can be `` directed to the most appropriate member of the practice team straight away '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

And it encourages GPs - and hospital outpatient departments, unless there is a good reason not to - to continue to use online consultation so patients can be "directed to the most appropriate member of the practice team straight away".


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Families still waiting for free school meal vouchers

The Department for Education says it does not know how many vouchers for free school meals have been delivered to parents over the past month .
A scheme to give poor pupils in England vouchers worth £15 a week until schools reopen has been beset with problems .
Some school staff have had to stay up late into the night to access the online system , while many parents can not download the vouchers .
Edenred , which runs the scheme , said it was aware of problems .
About 1.3 million children in England are eligible for free school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unable to access vouchers for their vulnerable families for the past fortnight , turned to a charity to provide food parcels .
• 'Emergency food ' for families with nothing to eat Pinvin Federation advisory head teacher Judith Tinsley said the system `` has been a nightmare '' .
`` It 's complicated , overloaded , we 've got families who 've not received a voucher for 10 days , that 's two weeks ' worth of vouchers , '' she said .
`` They have received the codes but then the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redeem their codes .
`` And then some of our families that have actually managed to get that far have turned up at the supermarket and not been able to use them against their shopping . ''
In Wembley , north London , Elsley Primary School has resorted to food parcels and vouchers bought from its own budget .
Head teacher Raphael Moss has even had to use his own personal credit card .
From the outset , he said , the `` unnecessarily complicated '' system had thrown up `` a catalogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the system not being able to cope '' .
In Bodmin , Cornwall , school catering manager Jo Wotton said she had paid for a family 's shopping after the mother 's voucher code failed at a supermarket till .
`` She only had £3 in her purse , '' she told BBC News .
`` The shopping was £16 - it was obvious she had counted her money really carefully , going round the supermarket .
`` She had a small child with her .
`` I could see she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worker told her the supermarket had seen several vouchers fail the same day .
Heather McNeillis , a mother of four children under 10 , three of whom are eligible for free school meals , said she had waited two weeks for her first vouchers .
`` The money matters - we 've been able to eat fresh fruit and vegetables because of it , '' she said .
But she has been unable to download her current vouchers , worth £45 , as the website keeps crashing .
`` It suggests you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quiet time , '' she said .
`` I 've had it on my computer all day , trying several different ways .
`` And it 's always a long wait… and an error code . ''
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have devised their own systems for helping their vulnerable pupils , which are more straightforward and have had fewer reported problems than the English system .
The Department for Education and Edenred said £35m worth of vouchers had been redeemed over the past month .
However , neither were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total were orders registered for the 15,500 schools signed up to the system , as opposed to vouchers actually delivered in a useable form to families .
The Department for Education told BBC News : `` We do not have this data available at this time . ''
They also said they did not know how many eligible children had been registered with the scheme , though they said the total number of schools on the system represented about 70 % of those that qualified for the programme .
They did , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Edenred system work would be reimbursed for creating alternative schemes .
`` We are providing additional funding to schools to cover unavoidable costs incurred due to the coronavirus outbreak that can not be met from their existing resources - including free school meal costs which are not covered by the national voucher system . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
In a statement , Edenred said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme is helping thousands of families and the vast majority of codes and vouchers are being redeemed successfully .
`` We are aware that some schools have faced long wait times when using the site .
`` We would like to thank each and every person who has faced issues in the process of ordering codes and e-gift cards for their patience , particularly given the other pressures facing schools at this time . ''

They also said they did not know how many eligible children had been registered with the scheme, though they said the total number of schools on the system represented about 70% of those that qualified for the programme.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--BA may not reopen at Gatwick once pandemic passes

British Airways has told staff that its Gatwick airport operation may not reopen after the coronavirus pandemic passes .
The admission came in a memo , written by the head of BA 's Gatwick hub and seen by BBC News .
BA 's Gatwick operation , which is currently suspended , is roughly a fifth as big as its Heathrow hub .
In a separate letter to pilots , BA said it can not rule out suspending the rest of its Heathrow operation .
In the memo to Gatwick 's staff , the company says : `` As you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of April and there is no certainty as to when or if these services can or will return . ''
In the letter to pilots , BA notes that some of its rivals abroad are facing tough competition .
It adds that a quarter of BA 's 4,300 pilots are set to lose their jobs .
`` We need to ensure that our remaining operation is efficient , flexible and cost-competitive to enable us to survive in an increasingly lean and unpredictable industry , '' says the letter from senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again ?
On Tuesday , BA said it was set to cut up to 12,000 jobs from its 42,000-strong workforce because of a collapse in business due to the Covid-19 lockdown .
The airline 's parent company , IAG , said it needed to impose a `` restructuring and redundancy programme '' until demand for air travel returns to 2019 levels .
The pilots ' union Balpa said it was `` devastated '' and vowed to fight `` every single '' job cut .
BA has been flying from Gatwick for decades .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to form BA , BEA flew its first routes from the hub in 1950 .
Plane-makers and airlines alike have been struggling to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their businesses .
On Monday , aerospace giant Airbus announced it was furloughing 3,200 staff at its north Wales site .
Hours earlier , Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury had warned the company was `` bleeding cash at an unprecedented speed '' .
Mr Faury also told Airbus ' 135,000 staff to brace for potentially deep job cuts and warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action .
Meanwhile , US aircraft manufacturer Boeing announced that it would cut 10 % of its workforce after it said the lockdown had delivered a `` body blow '' to the business .
Other airlines , including BA 's close rival Virgin Atlantic , have been seeking UK government help .
The aviation industry as a whole has also been lobbying the government for assistance .
On Monday , industry body Airlines UK urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend his job retention scheme beyond June .
It said airlines hit by coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' if the scheme were withdrawn prematurely .
Are you a member of BA staff who has been affected ?
Please get in touch with us by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

In the memo to Gatwick's staff, the company says: "As you know, we suspended our Gatwick flying schedule at the start of April and there is no certainty as to when or if these services can or will return."


bbcuk--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: 'Many said goodbye to loved ones in an ambulance'

When Dr Nigel Kennea talks of the `` unexpectedness and awfulness '' of deaths in his hospital in the past six weeks , he tempers it with a positive focus on helping bereaved families left behind .
As a medical examiner at St George 's Hospital , in south London , his job is to advise clinical teams on completing death certificates , then support relatives through their grief .
But like so much during this pandemic , none of that is straightforward .
`` The most harrowing thing is knowing that many said goodbye to their loved ones in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite staff `` going above and beyond '' to support patients in desperate times , using mobile phones and iPads to connect seriously ill patients and their families , contact is just not always possible .
Even after a patient 's death , social distancing has meant grieving relatives are left in limbo .
`` Normally , registering a death is done face-to-face with relatives , '' Dr Kennea says .
`` They come in , talk through the admin and how to plan for after death .
`` Now , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Kennea 's job is to take an overview of all deaths at the hospital .
It 's a relatively new role in the UK , introduced last year , which is independent of trusts .
Previously he was a specialist in the care of newborn babies .
Now , Dr Kennea discusses each death at the hospital with the doctors and nurses involved in that patient 's care , making sure death certificates are completed correctly and consistently .
With Covid-19 deaths so closely scrutinised , there is added pressure and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is still so much doctors are learning about the virus and its effects on people 's bodies - such as heart failure , thrombosis , kidney problems and pneumonia .
But , Dr Kennea says : `` If a test for coronavirus has been carried out and is positive , that goes on the death certificate as it is likely to have contributed to the death . ''
And the hospital aims to report these deaths to national bodies on the day they happen .
Although , those that seem unnatural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to a coroner .
But the role he is most proud of is supporting bereaved families - talking to them about what is on the certificate , the care the patient received and next steps for the funeral .
`` We share the burden together , '' he says .
These conversations with families are when life stories are told and memories shared .
There is often laughter too .
And there is now more demand than ever for hospitals to have good communication skills and show sensitivity towards families .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were six weeks ago , '' Dr Kennea says .
`` So many people are so grateful for our support .
And they often say they `` appreciated the human touch '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
St George 's Hospital had its first Covid-19 death on 12 March .
Since then , 250 people have died with the illness at the hospital , while more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the worst week , 60 patients died with Covid-19 .
By turning normal wards into intensive care units and training up staff to work there , this large hospital has coped through all the turmoil .
And it has even been able to take Covid-19 patients needing dialysis from other London hospitals .
But there has been immense pressure on front-line staff , kitted out in personal protective equipment day in , day out .
When Dr Kennea goes into Covid-19 areas , he too wears full PPE - but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's hard to share a smile behind a mask and goggles , '' he says .
Now , 60 patients with Covid-19 are being ventilated in the hospital 's intensive care unit .
At the peak , it was 120 .
There is a sense the situation is improving and that is `` really gratifying '' , Dr Kennea says .
Yet there is so much from the past few months he will never forget .
He has marvelled at human powers of recovery - sometimes in the most unexpected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elderly .
But at the same time , he has seen younger people whose lives have been cruelly taken .
`` It is just a violent tragedy , '' he says .
`` It is such an exceptional time for lives being snatched away . ''

But, Dr Kennea says: "If a test for coronavirus has been carried out and is positive, that goes on the death certificate as it is likely to have contributed to the death."


bbcuk--2020-05-01--Lockdown homeschooling: The parents who have forgotten what they learned at school

What is the mean and how is it different from the median ?
How did World War One start ?
What 's an adverb ?
Where does photosynthesis take place ?
If you 've googled any of these questions over the past few weeks , you 're not alone .
Every weekday morning , parents are looking for quick refreshers to help them teach their children at home - and we 've checked the fastest-growing question-based searches in Google Trends .
So what have parents forgotten since they themselves went to school ?
Read on and find out the answers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Bitesize lockdown home-schooling resources .
What is an adverb ?
It 's a type of word that describes how a thing is done - `` slowly '' , say , or `` grumpily '' or `` reluctantly '' .
It does n't always end in 'ly ' - `` well '' is an adverb .
BBC Bitesize : What is an adverb ?
It 's a part of a sentence that gives information about a noun ( naming word ) .
The sentence would still be able to stand without the relative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went out for a half-hour walk , which was nowhere near long enough for the amount of energy the children had today . ''
It 's a literary technique when words close to each other start with the same sound .
Like : `` A long , lazy lockdown morning . ''
Haddy Folivi , a mum-of-two in Essex , says her best subject at school was English , but since working in PR she has been able to rely on proof-readers , and homeschooling as a single parent has taught her how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've realised I 'm actually quite dumb , '' she says .
`` Google is my friend right now . ''
Haddy is flexible about when her six-year-old and her 11-year-old do their studying .
`` I 'm not a teacher .
I 'm here to facilitate , '' she says .
`` I 'm more concerned about their emotional wellbeing - I would rather come out of this with sane children than with academically stretched , miserable children . ''
What is the mean ?
It 's a way of calculating an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the number of numbers - if Emmanuel studies for three hours a day , Temi studies for four hours a day , and Haddy works for eight hours a day , a mean of five hours ' work a day is being done in the Folivi household .
If the numbers on the bottom - the denominators - are the same , just add the numbers along the top .
Easy .
Otherwise , you need to make an equivalent fraction , which is slightly more complicated but just requires you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number that can only be divided by itself and 1 .
It might not surprise you that searches for help with maths rise every day , much more so than other subjects .
Douglas Lloyd , a dad-of-three in North London , says : `` Adults these days use Excel and calculators .
Even if you 're numerate , you are n't forced to do these calculations . ''
He and his wife Estelle say they know from their work on the educational app Azoomee that parents are worried about their children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's mental health .
He says : `` Parents at the moment are out of their depth and feel unqualified to be teaching .
`` The patience and love teachers have is incredible . ''
Where does photosynthesis take place ?
The incredible process by which plants turn sunlight into energy mainly happens in their leaves .
It 's in the nucleus of cells - the middle bit .
It contains the genetic information for life to grow and everything living has it - from a lettuce leaf to an elephant .
Amylase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down into sugars , is made in the salivary glands and in the pancreas .
Joel Lawson , a dad-of-four in Belfast , sits down with the whole family to learn together , as neither he nor his wife can work at the moment .
Although he has three science A-levels to his name , before Easter he found himself checking online how to find the atomic number of an element .
`` A quick Google and it all came back , '' he says .
`` It was quite amazing trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I never used . ''
His 11-year-old , Sam , is at the age when he could be doing the AQE transfer test for entry into second-level schooling , but between the pandemic and the homeschooling situation he has become so stressed out that his parents have stopped him doing practice tests and have stopped mentioning it altogether .
`` The kids will suffer educationally and more importantly socially , '' Joel says , but `` this is an interim thing - we are never going to replace the teachers '' .

Joel Lawson, a dad-of-four in Belfast, sits down with the whole family to learn together, as neither he nor his wife can work at the moment. Although he has three science A-levels to his name, before Easter he found himself checking online how to find the atomic number of an element.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus R: Is this the crucial number?

There is a simple , but crucial number at the heart of understanding the threat posed by the coronavirus .
It is guiding governments around the world on the actions needed to save lives , and it gives us clues to the extent that lockdown can be lifted .
It is called the reproduction number or simply the R value .
The reproduction number is a way of rating a disease 's ability to spread .
It 's the number of people that one infected person will pass the virus on to , on average Measles has one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of 15 in populations without immunity .
It can cause explosive outbreaks .
The new coronavirus , known officially as Sars-CoV-2 , has a reproduction number of about three , but estimates vary .
Why is a number above one dangerous ?
If the reproduction number is higher than one , then the number of cases increases exponentially - it snowballs like debt on an unpaid credit card .
But if the number is lower , the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force the reproduction number down from about three to below one .
This is the reason you 've not seen family , have had to work from home and the children have been off school .
Stopping people coming into contact with each other to cut the virus 's ability to spread .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this mess ?
What is the R number in the UK ?
The reproduction number is not fixed .
Instead , it changes as our behaviour changes or as immunity develops .
Mathematical modellers at Imperial College London are attempting to track how the number has changed as isolation , social distancing and the full lockdown were introduced .
Before any measures came in , the number was well above one and the conditions were ripe for a large outbreak .
Successive restrictions brought it down , but it was not until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one .
It 's a bit technical but by this point scientists refer to the Rt , rather than R , as the number is changing over time .
The figure now seems to be about 0.7 .
There is always some uncertainty in this type of work , but there is a high degree of confidence from the government 's scientific advisers that the figure is below one overall .
The situation is different in some hospitals and care homes where the virus is spreading .
So how does this inform lifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lift lockdown , the aim will be to keep the reproduction number below one .
Dr Adam Kucharski , from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , told the BBC : `` It 's a big challenge making sure you 're not loosening too much and increasing transmission . ''
However it has taken a monumental effort , one that has caused damage to people 's lives , to get the number from three to 0.7 .
`` It does n't give you a lot of room to play with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] '' , Dr Kucharski added .
Earlier in April , Germany 's reproduction number fell to about 0.7 , the same as the UK 's now .
But the Robert Koch Institute said that number had increased in recent days to one , before dropping back to 0.75 .
`` The number should stay below one , that is the big goal , '' said Prof Lothar Wieler , head of the institute .
Which measures could be lifted ?
Unfortunately there is no confirmation how much each intervention affects the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Opening schools versus workplaces versus other gatherings - understanding how much they increase the reproduction number is going to be the challenge , '' said Dr Kucharski .
Another issue is that people 's behaviour changes over time , so the number can creep up even if lockdown policies remain unchanged .
• Coronavirus lockdown : How can we lift restrictions ?
• Why millions will soon be using coronavirus apps • Coronavirus immunity : Can you catch it twice ?
What is likely to be needed are new ways of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extensive testing and tracing or location-tracking apps .
These can suppress the reproduction number in a more targeted way , allowing some of the other measures to be lifted .
Is it the most important number ?
The reproduction number is one of the big three .
Another is severity - if you have a very mild disease that does not cause many problems then you can relax a bit .
Coronavirus , and the disease it causes , Covid-19 , is severe and deadly , unfortunately .
The last is the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deciding when to act .
If you have a high number , but ease restrictions so the reproduction number is about one then you will continue to have a high number of cases .
Having a vaccine is another way to bring down the reproduction number .
A coronavirus patient would naturally infect three others on average , but if a vaccine could protect two of them from infection then the reproduction number would fall from three to one .

Before any measures came in, the R number was well above one and the conditions were ripe for a large outbreak. Successive restrictions brought it down, but it was not until full lockdown that it was driven below one.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Why is Wales not testing over 65s as in England?

The staff and residents of care homes in England can now be tested for coronavirus , even if they do n't have any symptoms , while anyone over 65 with symptoms can also be tested .
But in Wales , the approach is different for the moment .
Testing lets people confirm if they have the disease and provides information about the virus ' spread .
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said on Tuesday he had been given advice that testing everyone in the care sector - there are around 25,000 care home residents - was not the best use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position on testing in Wales ?
The Welsh Government is committed to testing key workers with symptoms , including care home staff and also care home residents , but not to test anyone else over 65 if they have symptoms .
The health minister says he has clear advice from medical and scientific advisers that this is a best use of testing resources and to not simply test `` everyone and anyone '' .
Why not offer it to more people like in England ?
The inference is that you will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , and at the moment Wales does not have the capacity .
But the Welsh Government aims in the future , as we move out of lockdown , to have a larger community testing programme , including tracking and tracing people .
At the moment , ministers do not think there is any point in testing someone today , which may give one result - and if you test them the following day , it would give another .
• Who can get a test in England ?
Chief medical officer Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in `` testing for testing 's sake , we have to test for a purpose '' and Wales was determined to `` follow the science '' .
He also had discussions with colleagues in Germany , which was `` in a very different position '' to the UK with a network of 300 public health laboratories already in place to test and a chemical industry able to produce the reagent .
In Wales , who qualifies for testing ?
If you 're a key worker - and you have symptoms - you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other necessary goods A swab is taken , you get your results back and you will then follow advice on self-isolation .
The aim of this policy is to get these people , virus-free , back to work as soon as possible .
Wales has 438,000 critical workers , including 164,700 healthcare workers and 9,900 police and prison staff .
Care home residents and people in hospital with symptoms are also eligible .
A swab is taken , you get your results back and you will then follow advice on self-isolation .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , there have been nearly 30,000 testing episodes - which can involve someone with symptoms being tested at different times over the course of six weeks .
Currently , Rhondda Cynon Taf and Swansea have the highest numbers of testing episodes , according to Public Health Wales figures .
The highest proportion of tests proving positive is currently in Wrexham ( 42 % ) .
The first test happened on 29 January .
People returning with symptoms from countries affected by the pandemic were tested first , followed by those admitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social care staff .
• Coronavirus : Anger over lack of PPE for nurse Gareth Roberts • Coronavirus : 75 care homes in Wales with cases of coronavirus What happened to the targets ?
There was a target of testing 5,000 people a day by mid-April , rising to between 8-10.000 by May .
But that was clearly not deliverable and brought criticism of the Welsh Government .
England now has a target of 100,000 tests per day by Thursday - which is equivalent to that old 5,000 target in Wales , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' chief scientific adviser said he had set a target of 9,000 a day - based on `` reasonable worse case scenarios '' but the public had observed lockdown measures , which had suppressed the spread of the epidemic significantly .
The Welsh Government said the 1,300 a day test capacity is being increased .
Do lower testing numbers mean we ca n't track the spread of the virus ?
Chief scientific advisor Dr Rob Orford said greater testing would not have made much difference to how the pandemic was managed in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital admissions , ICU beds and calls to 111 , '' he told assembly members .
`` We have introduced the Zoe tracker app which enables people themselves to upload their symptoms .
We have got over 100,000 people in Wales using that app . ''
Dr Orford said the app results were helping to inform the scientific advice to government .
What test is used ?
Diagnostic antigen tests .
A swab is taken from the nose or throat to look for signs of the virus .
It takes at least 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Wales said there is no shortage of machines to conduct tests , and it has received offers from labs to expand capacity .
There was also hope a few weeks ago that key workers , without cars or unable to travel .
would be able to get test kits posted to their homes - and the kits picked up afterwards .
What about testing for immunity ?
The antibody blood test looks for this .
It 's a quicker test .
It can be done with a pinprick and a portable machine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wales , but there is concern many do not provide high reliability .
Experts are worried that unless the exact strain of coronavirus is properly identified it could give a false sense of security .
A `` false positive '' result could be especially worrying if they are frontline health or care workers .
Wales has drive-through centres at Cardiff City Stadium and Newport 's Rodney Parade , with others being added in Carmarthen and Llandudno .
They use the antigen test to swab key workers .
They 're staffed by Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the firm which worked with the UK government to establish the centres .
Who is being tested at the drive-through centres ?
You must be invited to attend a drive-through centre .
The Cardiff centre opened on 7 April with capacity to test 200 daily .
Priority was given to health and care workers displaying symptoms , or those self-isolating because someone in their home had symptoms .
Other critical workers being tested include police , prison , fire and military personnel .
Workers are referred by employers and local authorities .

Coronavirus: Why is Wales not testing over 65s as in England? Published 30 April 2020
Image source, Reuters Image caption, The Welsh Government is only testing 14% of the 5,000 it had hoped to achieve by mid-April
The staff and residents of care homes in England can now be tested for coronavirus, even if they don't have any symptoms, while anyone over 65 with symptoms can also be tested.
But in Wales, the approach is different for the moment.
Testing lets people confirm if they have the disease and provides information about the virus' spread.
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said on Tuesday he had been given advice that testing everyone in the care sector - there are around 25,000 care home residents - was not the best use of resources.
So, what is the position on testing in Wales?
The Welsh Government is committed to testing key workers with symptoms, including care home staff and also care home residents, but not to test anyone else over 65 if they have symptoms.
The health minister says he has clear advice from medical and scientific advisers that this is a best use of testing resources and to not simply test "everyone and anyone".
Why not offer it to more people like in England?
The inference is that you will have to keep on testing people, perhaps multiple times, and at the moment Wales does not have the capacity.
But the Welsh Government aims in the future, as we move out of lockdown, to have a larger community testing programme, including tracking and tracing people.
At the moment, ministers do not think there is any point in testing someone today, which may give one result - and if you test them the following day, it would give another.
Chief medical officer Dr Frank Atherton said they did not believe in "testing for testing's sake, we have to test for a purpose" and Wales was determined to "follow the science".
He also had discussions with colleagues in Germany, which was "in a very different position" to the UK with a network of 300 public health laboratories already in place to test and a chemical industry able to produce the reagent.
In Wales, who qualifies for testing?
If you're a key worker - and you have symptoms - you can book a test.
Key workers include:
Health and social care workers
Emergency workers and national security workers
Local and national government workers
Education and childcare workers
Food and other necessary goods
Transport workers
Utilities, communication and financial services workers
A swab is taken, you get your results back and you will then follow advice on self-isolation.
The aim of this policy is to get these people, virus-free, back to work as soon as possible. Wales has 438,000 critical workers, including 164,700 healthcare workers and 9,900 police and prison staff.
Care home residents and people in hospital with symptoms are also eligible.
A swab is taken, you get your results back and you will then follow advice on self-isolation.
How many are being tested here?
So far, there have been nearly 30,000 testing episodes - which can involve someone with symptoms being tested at different times over the course of six weeks.
Currently, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Swansea have the highest numbers of testing episodes, according to Public Health Wales figures. The highest proportion of tests proving positive is currently in Wrexham (42%).
When did Wales start testing?
The first test happened on 29 January. People returning with symptoms from countries affected by the pandemic were tested first, followed by those admitted to hospital with symptoms and also NHS and social care staff.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Testing areas at the Cardiff City Stadium at Leckwith
What happened to the targets?
There was a target of testing 5,000 people a day by mid-April, rising to between 8-10.000 by May. But that was clearly not deliverable and brought criticism of the Welsh Government.
England now has a target of 100,000 tests per day by Thursday - which is equivalent to that old 5,000 target in Wales, which was abandoned earlier this month.
Wales' chief scientific adviser said he had set a target of 9,000 a day - based on "reasonable worse case scenarios" but the public had observed lockdown measures, which had suppressed the spread of the epidemic significantly.
The Welsh Government said the 1,300 a day test capacity is being increased.
Do lower testing numbers mean we can't track the spread of the virus?
Chief scientific advisor Dr Rob Orford said greater testing would not have made much difference to how the pandemic was managed in Wales.
"We also use measures like hospital admissions, ICU beds and calls to 111," he told assembly members.
"We have introduced the Zoe tracker app which enables people themselves to upload their symptoms. We have got over 100,000 people in Wales using that app."
Dr Orford said the app results were helping to inform the scientific advice to government.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Analysis for Easter Monday showed 678 were carried out
What test is used?
Diagnostic antigen tests. A swab is taken from the nose or throat to look for signs of the virus.
It takes at least 24 hours to get the results.
Public Health Wales said there is no shortage of machines to conduct tests, and it has received offers from labs to expand capacity.
There was also hope a few weeks ago that key workers, without cars or unable to travel. would be able to get test kits posted to their homes - and the kits picked up afterwards.
What about testing for immunity?
The antibody blood test looks for this. It's a quicker test.
It can be done with a pinprick and a portable machine.
Antibody test kits are being trialled in Wales, but there is concern many do not provide high reliability. Experts are worried that unless the exact strain of coronavirus is properly identified it could give a false sense of security.
A "false positive" result could be especially worrying if they are frontline health or care workers.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A health worker being tested in Cardiff
What's happening at drive-through centres?
Wales has drive-through centres at Cardiff City Stadium and Newport's Rodney Parade, with others being added in Carmarthen and Llandudno.
They use the antigen test to swab key workers.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Testing lets people confirm if they have the disease and provides information about the virus' spread
They're staffed by Public Health Wales officials and staff from Deloitte, the firm which worked with the UK government to establish the centres.
Who is being tested at the drive-through centres?
You must be invited to attend a drive-through centre.
The Cardiff centre opened on 7 April with capacity to test 200 daily.
Priority was given to health and care workers displaying symptoms, or those self-isolating because someone in their home had symptoms.
Other critical workers being tested include police, prison, fire and military personnel.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--‘Justice not charity’ - the blind marchers who made history

A century ago blind and partially sighted people marched on London to lobby the government to improve their living and working conditions .
The 1920 Blind March has become a milestone in the history of the disability rights movement .
But as recreating a large gathering is not possible in current circumstances , blind people are using their daily personal exercise to mark the anniversary .
Sixteen years before the historic Jarrow Crusade , a less well-known but perhaps even more remarkable trade union march arrived in London to demand action to end poverty .
Carrying banners with slogans such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the protesters had travelled hundreds of miles to demand state aid , for those who like themselves were blind or visually impaired .
Over the previous three weeks the 250 marchers had promoted their cause to the wider public at large meetings in towns and cities along the way .
They sought government intervention to ensure that blind people were not condemned to poverty because of their impairment .
On their arrival in London on 25 April 1920 , they were greeted at a rally in Trafalgar Square attended by 10,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invited to Downing Street to put their case in person to the Prime Minister David Lloyd George .
While the march did not achieve all its aims , it increased pressure on the Liberal-Conservative coalition government to get the much-delayed Blind Persons Act on to the statute book .
This landmark legislation passed later the same year , placed a duty on local authorities to `` promote the welfare of blind persons '' .
A century on the Royal National Institute of Blind People ( RNIB ) , is seeking to commemorate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urging blind people to mark the occasion by articulating what they believe still needs to be done to achieve equality .
The march was organised by the National League of the Blind ( NLB ) , a trade union founded in 1899 by blind and partially-sighted workers to represent their own interests .
The RNIB 's Director of Development Keith Valentine says : `` The march is symbolic of what 's possible if you take the action yourself .
It 's the sense of 'this is not fair , and I will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a citizen of this country . '
'' Historian Francis Salt says that in the years prior to the march the NLB had unsuccessfully campaigned for action to improve the lives of blind people , many of whom depended on employment in workshops , run by charities where conditions were often poor and wages low .
`` The match was a culmination of their frustration that nobody seemed to be taking any notice , '' says Salt , who is himself blind .
The charities exercised significant control over their workforce .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission from their bosses to marry .
Francis Salt recalls how his own blind grandfather was employed as a brush maker at a workshop in Manchester .
`` My mother told me that my granddad used to come home with tar all over his fingers , '' he says .
`` And if you consider these men that we 're talking about in 1920 , their main way of reading was by Braille , then the last thing they wanted was their fingers being burned every day . ''
The low wages paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get by .
One of the leading figures behind the march , NLB official David Lawley , a former miner who was blinded by a dynamite explosion in 1913 , wrote : `` Of 35,000 blind people in the country 20,000 were existing below the poverty line .
There were 850 beggars on the streets of London and 200 at Manchester .
`` The blind have lost faith in charitable institutions being able to promote their welfare , and what they wanted was state aid to make the unfortunate class , to which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible . ''
By comparison , the NHS says that today there are almost two million people living with sight loss .
Of these , around 360,000 are registered as blind or partially sighted .
'The bigger the better' Efforts to introduce legislation to improve life for the blind people had stalled , even after some soldiers lost their sight in World War One .
The league resolved to do something that would make an impact .
`` Let us go to London , and the bigger we do things the better , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blind Advocate proclaimed in February 1920 , as plans for the march were formed .
On Easter Monday marchers from all over the UK set off in three groups from Manchester , Leeds and Newport .
Although the workshops employed both sexes , it was decided that only men should march as conditions were expected to be basic .
A policy decision was also taken that blind soldiers should not go .
The union did not want to play on patriotic sentiment in its efforts to raise public awareness of the plight of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They did n't want sympathy .
They wanted understanding , '' he says .
One challenge that had to be overcome was finding a way for columns of blind men to safely travel through the country on foot , in an era before the use of guide dogs .
Salt says : `` Some had a rope running through the centre with two men linking arms on either side and a sighted guide in front , whilst another group preferred to link arms four abreast following the guides .
`` Whistles and shouted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the marchers safe when mixing with other road transport and the local police escorted the march from town boundary to town boundary . ''
It must have been an extraordinary logistical feat to pull off .
And the sight of the marchers was , according to contemporary accounts , enough to move some women at the roadside to tears , says Francis Salt .
But he notes that the march was also not without its humorous moments : `` They were n't opposed to cadging a lift .
From Stafford to Stone they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
In another place the city fathers sent a fleet of buses out for them , so they could get to the meeting on time . ''
At night , the marchers often stayed at the homes of supporters , and on occasion some were put up in police cells .
Eventually the three groups joined up at Leicester for the final stages .
On arrival in the capital , the marchers spent several days waiting for their `` interview '' with the prime minister .
During that time some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House of Commons by Lady Astor , only the second woman to be elected an MP .
The meeting with Lloyd George , when it came , proved `` disappointing '' says Francis Salt .
The NLB 's leadership pressed for `` a compensation for blindness grant '' to ensure that the blind did not have to live on less than the sighted .
They also wanted the state to guarantee better education and employment opportunities .
Francis Salt says they also feared that the proposed Blind Persons bill , as drafted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties the legislation placed on them to the very charities the NLB opposed .
Lloyd George responded that he would look at their demands sympathetically .
But he stressed that the war had increased the national debt and `` our taxes are about the heaviest in the world '' .
The only firm commitments given were that the government would provide rail tickets , so the marchers did not have to walk home , and a promise that none of the men would face reprisals from their employers for going on the march @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NLB passed a resolution recording their dissatisfaction with Lloyd George .
`` Such phrases as he employed do not lead us to anticipate that drastic changes are about to be made in the condition of the blind and such a circumstance is in itself wholly unsatisfactory , '' it noted .
Despite this disappointment , the bill that the march helped to bring about was the world 's first disability-specific legislation .
Among the advances it contained was a lowering of the age at which the blind people received their pension from 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ march is regarded as a disability rights milestone .
To mark the anniversary the RNIB is urging blind and partially sighted people to use their daily exercise to take their own symbolic steps for equality .
Some campaigners have responded by posting videos with the hashtag # BlindMarch reflecting on the march and life today .
Several of their contributions have been collected by the RNIB in a video which mixes archive footage of the 1920 marchers with their counterparts of today .
Among those featured is Holly Tuke , author of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said : `` There have been many positive changes that have had a significant impact on the lives of blind and partially sighted people over the last 100 years , however we still have a long way to go to achieve equality .
`` Over the next 100 years I 'd like people to see our ability , not just our disability . ''
For historian Francis Salt , the lockdown has removed a more literal obstacle that has prevented him living as he would like .
`` The biggest hinderance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very independent and got a guide dog - is people parking on the pavement .
That 's the biggest threat to my wellbeing that I meet on a daily basis .
And believe it or not in the last five weeks I 've not had one incident , because they have all stayed at home ! ''
For more Disability News , follow BBC Ouch on Twitter and Facebook , and subscribe to the podcast .

"The biggest hinderance to blind people like myself - who is very independent and got a guide dog - is people parking on the pavement. That's the biggest threat to my wellbeing that I meet on a daily basis. And believe it or not in the last five weeks I've not had one incident, because they have all stayed at home!"


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Quiz of the Week: On UFOs, lockdown loosening and more

It 's the weekly news quiz - how closely have you been paying attention to what 's been going on @ @ @ @ @ past seven days ?
If you can not see the quiz , follow this link @ @ @ @ @ quiz via this link .

It's the weekly news quiz - how closely have you been paying attention to what's been going on in the world during the past seven days?


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: UK is 'past the peak' says PM Boris Johnson

Coronavirus : What is a vaccine and how is one made ?
We look at the work needed to create @ @ @ @ @ might be ready for the coronavirus .

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the UK is "past the peak" of coronavirus.
In a press conference he also said that next week there will be a "comprehensive" plan on how the UK moves on past the virus.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus doctor: 'I see staff crying when their patient passes away'

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect all parts of the UK , frontline health workers have been keeping video @ @ @ @ @ Dr Harmandeep Singh is a consultant at Ealing Hospital in west London .
He and @ @ @ @ @ last month , and even trained their three-year-old daughter to call 999 in case they @ @ @ @

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect all parts of the UK, frontline health workers have been keeping video diaries for the BBC.
Dr Harmandeep Singh is a consultant at Ealing Hospital in west London. He and his wife both had Covid-19 last month, and even trained their three-year-old daughter to call 999 in case they needed emergency help.


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: What it's like to be shielding in your twenties

‘ This virus took me and threw me to the floor' Primary school teacher Brian Mepham says it 's `` @ @ @ @ @ people you love '' after recovering from coronavirus .

Grace is a buzzcut-donning, tattoo-wearing 26-year-old with an invisible illness.
She can’t see her boyfriend or her family and she’s been told she cannot leave her flat for 12 weeks.
Here’s how she’s coping as she shields from coronavirus.
Produced by Megan Fisher
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: UK's weekly clap for carers

How can you tell if it's hay fever or coronavirus? Video, 00:01:35How can you tell if it's hay fever or coronavirus?


bbcuk--2020-04-30--Captain Tom Moore celebrates 100th birthday

The war veteran who has raised millions for the NHS has celebrated his 100th birthday in style , with tributes @ @ @ @ @ the country .
With celebrations under way , the total Captain Tom Moore has raised @ @ @ @ @ garden for NHS Charities Together topped £30m .
Capt Tom was also made an honorary @ @ @ @ @ honorary member of the England cricket team .
The occasion was also marked with an @ @ @ @ @ from the Queen and prime minister .
Watch more of the celebrations on BBC Breakfast @

The war veteran who has raised millions for the NHS has celebrated his 100th birthday in style, with tributes have pouring in from around the country.
With celebrations under way, the total Captain Tom Moore has raised by completing laps of his garden for NHS Charities Together topped £30m.
Capt Tom was also made an honorary colonel, and became an honorary member of the England cricket team.
The occasion was also marked with an RAF flypast and birthday greetings from the Queen and prime minister.
Watch more of the celebrations on BBC Breakfast.