bbcuk--2020-04-21--The tiny premature baby who fought off coronavirus

Tracy Maguire remembers the moment she saw doctors insert a swab into her three-week-old baby 's nose to test for coronavirus .
The new mother says it is one of the `` worst things '' she has seen .
`` It was the first time I 'd seen my baby cry tears , '' she said .
`` I held her , I was crying and we were just trying to get each other through the situation '' .
Born prematurely at just 3lbs 5oz ( 1.5kg ) , baby Peyton was diagnosed with Covid-19 at just three weeks old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight weeks before her due date - defied all of the family 's planning .
Despite feeling healthy , Tracy was told she may have pre-eclampsia during a routine appointment and was sent straight to Wishaw General Hospital in Lanarkshire .
'She 's fine - but she has Covid-19' After those first weeks , during which Peyton enjoyed a bath in the ward , she began to show the slightest of symptoms - a sniffle and a few coughs , almost undetectable .
Tracy told BBC Radio Scotland 's Mornings with Kaye Adams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become one of the country 's youngest virus patients was traumatic .
`` They said 'she 's fine , do n't panic - but she has tested positive for coronavirus ' , '' said Tracy .
`` I think the doctor was trying to keep me calm but I was sobbing .
`` As much as she was fine I thought at what point was she with the virus ?
How is she fighting against it when she 's so wee ?
It was just the unknown . ''
Peyton was given steroids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` amazing '' care from neonatal nurses in the days that followed her diagnosis .
However , after recovering from her Caesarean section , Tracy was told she would have to go home and isolate for 14 days away from her baby .
She said : `` I was pleading on the phone with the doctor saying I do n't want to be away from her .
`` As much as everyone was looking after her , I 'm her mum .
Even if it was the cold , I 'd want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relented and allowed Tracy to stay - but Adrian would have to go home and complete the isolation period in order to see his baby girl .
As days passed , the number of deaths in Scotland caused by the virus continued to increase - but Peyton recovered .
She and Tracy were discharged on Monday and Adrian has now held her for the first time since leaving hospital .
Tracy said : `` From Adrian 's point of view , I think he felt a bit useless - first his baby is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't well and he could n't be there . ''
Now home and settling into a routine , Tracy and family have praised the doctors and nurses at Wishaw General who guided them through a remarkable and daunting birth .
Tracy said : `` They are doing a job that is unreal - they put their life at risk to make sure my baby was getting fed and cuddled in their full PPE .
`` It 's spectacular , you 'll never understand how grateful you can be to people .
Peyton is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world and I trusted them to look after her .
`` To any mums that are worried , put your trust in these nurses . ''

"As much as she was fine I thought at what point was she with the virus? How is she fighting against it when she's so wee? It was just the unknown."


bbcuk--2020-04-21--The Papers: Protective kit criticism and vaccine trial begins

In other developments , virus tests given to thousands of NHS staff so they could return to work have been @ @ @ @ @ according to the Daily Telegraph .
The paper says it has seen a leaked memo @ @ @ @ @ warns of “ degraded ” performance , meaning the results are less reliable than first @ @ @ @ @ it raises the prospect that thousands of nurses and doctors who were told they were @ @ @ @ @ have been sent back to work while they were still contagious .

But he says he's having to deal with individual trusts. The government says it has had more than 8,000 offers of support from suppliers of PPE and that it's speeding up efforts to respond to companies.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--'NHS Susan' and those Twitter bot rumours: What we know

There is no verifiable evidence for viral rumours implying the Department of Health was behind a network of Twitter accounts posing as NHS staff .
In fact , there is not currently any verifiable evidence that these accounts existed at all .
The claims , which began on Twitter but spread to Facebook , were called out as `` categorically false '' by the DHSC .
Twitter said it had not seen evidence linking the government to a network of fake accounts .
These accounts , allegedly fake `` bots '' posting in support of the government , appear to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop bad information going viral • The people fighting viral fakes from their sofas It is unclear whether this was by whoever was running the accounts .
or by Twitter who say they `` remove any pockets of smaller coordinated attempts to distort or inorganically influence the conversation '' .
The only thing we have to analyse is an alleged screenshot of one of the fake accounts which was shared as an example of this network .
It used the name NHS Susan and claimed to belong to a junior doctor .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The profile in the screenshot was using a photo of an actual NHS nurse with a different name .
The description in the profile 's bio said she was `` transitioning in 2020 '' and `` fighting COVID on behalf of all LGBTQ & non-binary people ' .
'Susan ' was also said to be deaf .
This description , along with a number of tweets allegedly made by the account , could point towards the profile being satire or looking to provoke a reaction .
Misleading information or accounts that evoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go viral as are claims that inspire an emotional reaction from us .
During the general election , there was evidence of people pretending to be bots on Boris Johnson 's Facebook page as a joke or in order to inspire a reaction .
Until there is any evidence to suggest these allegations are true , whilst it 's useful to interrogate them , it is unhelpful to re-share them .

The only thing we have to analyse is an alleged screenshot of one of the fake accounts which was shared as an example of this network. There's also a Google cache of tweets posted under that Twitter handle.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: 'I spend the final moments with dying patients’

Having access to a ventilator can mean the difference between life and death for patients who are seriously ill with Covid-19 .
But sometimes even these breathing machines can not save someone 's life .
Juanita Nittla is a senior sister in the intensive care unit ( ICU ) at London 's Royal Free Hospital .
She is often present when the support these machines provide is withdrawn .
Ms Nittla has been working for the NHS as an intensive care specialist nurse for the past 16 years .
The work can be traumatic and painful , the 42-year-old says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am somewhat responsible for someone 's death . ''
Ventilators take over the body 's breathing process when coronavirus has caused the lungs to fail .
This gives the patient time to fight off the infection and recover , but sometimes it 's not enough .
Medical teams face tough decisions about when to stop treatment for patients who are n't getting better .
The decision is made after careful consideration , analysing factors such as the age of the patient , underlying health conditions , their response to the virus and likelihood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and how do they work ?
• What happens in an intensive care unit At the start of a morning shift in the second week of April , Ms Nittla was told by the registrar in the ICU that her first task would be to stop treatment for a nurse in her 50s with Covid-19 .
Restrictions in place at the time meant that she had to talk through what would happen with the woman 's daughter on the phone ( Health Secretary Matt Hancock has since said that close family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say goodbye under new coronavirus guidelines ) .
`` I reassured her that her mum was not in pain and looked very comfortable , '' Ms Nittla said .
`` I also asked about her mother 's wishes and religious needs . ''
Ms Nittla 's patient was in an eight-bed bay , surrounded by people who were also unconscious .
`` I closed the curtains and turned off all the alarms . ''
The medical team stopped talking and Ms Nittla placed a phone next to the patient 's ear , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Nittla played the music the family had requested and the support provided by the ventilator was withdrawn .
`` I saw flashing lights on the monitor and the heart rate hit zero - flat line - on the screen , '' she says .
`` I stood beside her , holding her hands until she passed away . ''
The patient died in less than five minutes and Ms Nittla disconnected the tubes providing sedation drugs .
The patient 's daughter was still talking to her mother and Ms Nittla picked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over .
`` With the help of a colleague , I gave her a bed bath and wrapped her in a white shroud and placed her in a body bag .
I put a sign of the cross on her forehead before closing the bag , '' she says .
Ms Nittla says that being able to care for the dying has helped her cope with the crisis .
Due to a massive surge in the number of admissions , the hospital 's critical care unit has expanded from 34 to 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we maintain a one-to-one ratio [ one nurse per patient ] .
Now it is one nurse for every three , '' says Ms Nittla .
`` If the situation continues to worsen , it will be one for every six patients . ''
Some nurses in her team have shown symptoms of the virus and are now in self-isolation .
The hospital is retraining other support nurses to work in critical care .
`` Before the start of the shift we hold our hands together and say 'stay safe ! '
.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We make sure everyone is wearing the gloves , masks and protective gear properly , '' says Ms Nittla .
The ICU is recording one death per day , well above the average they had before the pandemic .
`` It is daunting , '' says Ms Nittla .
As a senior sister , she sometimes has to suppress her own fears .
`` I do have nightmares .
I am unable to sleep .
I worry I will get the virus .
Everyone is scared . ''
Last year she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tuberculosis .
She knows her lung capacity is diminished .
`` People tell me I should n't be working but this is a pandemic .
I put everything aside and do my job , '' she says .
`` At the end of my shift I do think of the patients who died in my care , but I try to switch off when I step outside of the hospital . ''
Since speaking to the BBC , Ms Nittla has been asked by her employer to remain at home , due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue to offer support by doing administrative tasks , working from home .
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Restrictions in place at the time meant that she had to talk through what would happen with the woman's daughter on the phone (Health Secretary Matt Hancock has since said that close family members would be able to see dying relatives to say goodbye under new coronavirus guidelines).


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Human clinical trial to start on Thursday

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said scientists at Oxford University will begin trialling a vaccine on people this Thursday - a @ @ @ @ @ years to reach .
The plan is to test it on around 500 volunteers by @ @ @ @ @ proves successful , give it to thousands more volunteers .
Speaking at the daily coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the government will be giving £20m to the Oxford team to fund their human clinical @ @

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said scientists at Oxford University will begin trialling a vaccine on people this Thursday - a stage which can often take years to reach.
The plan is to test it on around 500 volunteers by mid-May and if that work proves successful, give it to thousands more volunteers.
Speaking at the daily coronavirus press conference, he said the government will be giving £20m to the Oxford team to fund their human clinical trials.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Artist Tom Croft paints NHS key worker portraits for free

It started off as an online post and now has lead to artists giving away free portraits to front-line workers @ @ @ @ @ Tom Croft offered to paint a key worker 's portrait in a post on Instagram @ @ @ @ @ of A & E nurse Harriet Durkin , he has now introduced 500 artists to @ @ @ @ @ on the front line in the fight against coronavirus .

It started off as an online post and now has lead to artists giving away free portraits to front-line workers around the world.
Artist Tom Croft offered to paint a key worker's portrait in a post on Instagram. Having completed his painting of A&E nurse Harriet Durkin, he has now introduced 500 artists to their subjects, who work on the front line in the fight against coronavirus.
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories
Reporting: Will Gompertz
Editing: Alex Stanger


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Radiohead's Ed O'Brien goes solo during pandemic

He ’ s best-known as a guitarist in one of the world ’ s most revered rock bands , Radiohead @ @ @ @ @ ’ Brien is taking centre stage , releasing his first solo album , “ Earth @ @ @ @ @ pandemic cancelling tours , gigs and festivals , that stage is looking very different to @ @ @ @ @ used to .
He discusses how Covid-19 is changing the music industry , and why @ @ @ @ @ caught the virus himself .

He’s best-known as a guitarist in one of the world’s most revered rock bands, Radiohead. Now, Ed O’Brien is taking centre stage, releasing his first solo album, “Earth”.
But with a pandemic cancelling tours, gigs and festivals, that stage is looking very different to the one he’s used to. He discusses how Covid-19 is changing the music industry, and why he thinks he may have caught the virus himself.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: 'I had to tell my wife I was going to die'

A couple have spoken about how they coped when one of them thought they might not recover from coronavirus .
Tony Trueman , 63 , from Birmingham , was discussing end-of life-care when he was admitted to hospital on 1 April .
He had `` soaring temperatures '' and was deemed unsuitable for ventilation due to underlying health conditions .
His wife of 16 years , Emma , said it was a `` miracle '' her husband was back home after they had said their final goodbyes in a `` really hard '' phone call .
`` His prognosis was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He just said to me , 'Look , I do n't think I 'm going to make this ' . ''
Mr Trueman can not remember much of his time in hospital , but Emma , 49 , said that saying goodbye was `` very difficult '' .
`` I could hear him struggling to breathe , '' she said .
`` I was just in pieces . ''
The couple discussed funeral arrangements and Mrs Trueman said she had been `` waiting for that phone call '' from the hospital staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall .
NHS doctors and nurses had `` packed ice around his body '' to cool him down .
`` It was a slow recovery , '' Mr Trueman said .
`` I 'm very lucky . ''
He was discharged from Birmingham 's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 10 April and has since been self-isolating in their Woodgate home .
`` We 've not even had a hug yet , '' Mrs Trueman said .
Mr Trueman 's isolation period comes to an end on Friday , which also marks the couple 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said : `` A big hug '' .
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"His prognosis was very poor," she said. "He just said to me, 'Look, I don't think I'm going to make this'."


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Worst retail sales in Scotland as Covid-19 takes hold

Scotland has recorded its worst retail sales figures as the industry struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic .
Total sales dropped by 13 % in comparison with March 2019 , when they decreased by 3.7 % , according to the SRC-KPMG retail sales monitor .
It is the lowest figure recorded since the monitor began in January 1999 .
Scotland 's chief economist has warned that GDP faces an `` unprecedented '' drop of as much as 33 % due to the impact of the virus .
Even when adjusted for deflation , the decrease is 12.2 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Consortium 's head of policy and external affairs , said `` March was nothing less than a shocker on Scotland 's high streets '' following the government lockdown .
`` These are truly dismal figures , which expose just how hard retail has been hammered by coronavirus .
`` The worst overall retail sales performance ever .
The worst non-food sales ever .
The worst fashion and footwear sales ever . ''
He added : `` Beneath the headline figures is a tale of extreme polarisation . ''
• Covid-19 has become an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks of the trading period had seen unprecedented levels of grocery shopping , with household staples being stockpiled before sales fell back into negative territory in the last two weeks .
Across the month , office supplies , toys and games , health and hygiene products , and fridges and freezers all saw significant growth as customers adapted homes for lockdown .
`` Conversely , the bad news was truly rotten , '' he said .
`` Fashion and footwear sales collapsed .
Large-item sales crumbled as consumer confidence fell sharply .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reducing spending as they adapt to these new circumstances and economic concerns . ''
• Pre-lockdown , the monitor recorded a 9 % growth in the first three weeks of March • This was followed by a decline of 44 % in the last two weeks of that period • Scottish sales decreased by 14.5 % on a like-for-like basis compared with March 2019 , a four-week month when they decreased by 4.1 % .
• Total food sales were up 12.1 % against the previous year while total non-food sales were 33.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were down 5.6 % .
• Adjusted for the estimated effect of online sales , total non-food sales decreased by 27.9 % The Scottish government advice during the Covid-19 outbreak has warned people to only leave their homes for essential shopping trips or exercise .
Numerous packages of support have been introduced to help businesses cope with the pressures brought on by having to close until it is deemed safe to reopen .
Mr MacDonald Russell said : `` Retail has gone through the most difficult month in a generation .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who remain trading are doing so in incredibly hard circumstances . ''
He added that retail workers had worked incredibly hard to continue to provide the vital goods families needed .
He said schemes set up by the Scottish and UK governments in the last month - including rates relief , worker support , and grants - were keeping many retailers afloat .
`` Hopefully that will ensure our industry can play its part in getting the economy back on its feet when the time is right , '' he added .
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He said the first three weeks of the trading period had seen unprecedented levels of grocery shopping, with household staples being stockpiled before sales fell back into negative territory in the last two weeks.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Nine more Covid-19-related deaths in Northern Ireland

There have been nine more coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland , the Department of Health has said .
It brings the number of deaths in Northern Ireland recorded by the Public Health Agency to 216 .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the executive sent its `` heartfelt sympathies '' to the relatives of those who had died .
Revised modelling has indicated NI could see 1,500 deaths in the first 20 weeks of the pandemic .
In the UK , 823 new deaths have been recorded , bringing the total of deaths across the UK to 17,332 .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republic of Ireland brought its total to 730 , as the government in Dublin said gatherings of more than 5,000 people would remain banned until at least September .
Speaking at the executive 's daily press conference , Ms O'Neill said her thoughts were with the families of those who had lost loved ones .
`` I begin each day by recognising all those who have died because it 's important we keep all those who have died at the forefront of our minds , '' she added .
`` It reflects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we 're doing . ''
First Minister Arlene Foster said now was not the time to `` take the foot off the pedal or return to our pre-Covid-19 routine '' .
`` All of us need to think about what society may look like when restrictions are eventually lifted , '' she said .
`` We must all face the reality that when the initial threat recedes , it will not be business as usual .
`` Everyone in a position of responsibility in the public and private sectors need to prepare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
The first and deputy first ministers said they were working to map out a path to recovery but warned it would not come quickly .
`` It will be graduated , one step at a time , taken at the right time , '' said Mrs Foster .
`` Please remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for now we must not forget that Covid-19 is still here , '' added Ms O'Neill .
• NI 's chief scientific advisor says the curve for cases is `` flattening '' and there could soon be a downward slope • Stormont parties are divided on whether cemeteries should reopen • The health secretary says human trials for a vaccine will begin in the UK on Thursday • Pedestrian access has been reopened to country and forest parks

"I begin each day by recognising all those who have died because it's important we keep all those who have died at the forefront of our minds," she added.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Bodies 'may not be collected' without PPE

A lack of PPE may prevent bodies of coronavirus victims being collected , according to a group representing funeral directors .
The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors said its members were struggling to get sufficient supplies of PPE .
The group 's chief executive , Terry Tennens , said funeral directors were `` forgotten '' key workers .
The Welsh Government said it was aware of the issues around PPE .
Mr Tennens said : `` It 's a major concern but if you ca n't fulfil the safe removal of the deceased , there 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members end up falling sick , it could mean funeral homes will close if they have n't got fit staff .
This could result in them being unable to pick up the bodies of the deceased . ''
Mr Tennens said resilience forums were still supplying equipment , but supplies were running low and it was becoming a `` scramble '' .
`` Funeral directors understandably have n't wanted to take attention away from front-line NHS staff in the struggle to get adequate PPE supplies but nonetheless they are part of the emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated like a forgotten service , '' he added .
UK government guidelines advise funeral directors , among other professionals , should wear masks , gloves , eye protection and plastic aprons when dealing with someone who may have died with coronavirus .
Gareth Jenkins , a funeral director from Baglan , Neath Port Talbot , said his sister was making PPE for him and his staff .
`` My sister usually makes curtains but because she 's had to close her business , Gaynor is now making our PPE , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ badly affected by it that we 've had to do this .
• TRANSLATOR : What do all the terms mean ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health '' We 've had lots of meeting with the staff and directives from the government and council .
We usually have a high level of PPE but now we 've gone to extremes .
`` We used to wear paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to be waterproof .
`` We 've had masks and gloves from the council but that supply is running out . ''
The Welsh Government said : `` We are aware of some issues relating to the distribution of PPE for funeral directors and are working to resolve them as soon as possible . ''

"If our members end up falling sick, it could mean funeral homes will close if they haven't got fit staff. This could result in them being unable to pick up the bodies of the deceased."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Government facing fresh questions over EU equipment scheme

The government is facing fresh questions over the time it took to join an EU scheme to source medical equipment .
Officials have insisted the UK did not receive an initial invitation in time because of communication problems .
But Brussels sources have told the BBC the UK was given ample opportunity to take part in the scheme .
On Tuesday , a senior civil servant retracted claims the UK had taken a `` political decision '' not to join .
• Kuenssberg : Questions over decisions at start of outbreak • What are ventilators and how do they work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for not taking part in the EU plan to bulk buy medical equipment - including potentially life-saving ventilators , protective equipment and testing kit - that could be used to tackle the coronavirus .
At the time , Downing Street said the UK was making its own arrangements because it was no longer in the EU , although ministers denied claims that anti-EU sentiment had played a part in the decision .
Opposition parties accused the government of putting Brexit before public health .
Downing Street later issued a statement saying the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials did not see the email because of a `` communication confusion '' .
Asked on Tuesday why the decision was taken not to join the scheme , Sir Simon McDonald - who is permanent secretary at the Foreign Office - told the Foreign Affairs Committee that it was a deliberate move by ministers .
`` We left the European Union on 31 January , '' he said .
Pushed further , he added : `` All I can say is that it is a matter of fact that we have not taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... and the decision is no . ''
But five hours later Sir Simon retracted his comments after Mr Hancock disputed the suggestion .
`` Due to a misunderstanding , I inadvertently and wrongly told the committee that ministers were briefed on the joint EU procurement scheme and took a political decision not to take part in it , '' he wrote .
`` That is incorrect .
Ministers were not briefed by our mission in Brussels about the scheme and a political decision was not taken on whether or not to participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facts of the situation are as previously set out '' and the UK missed the opportunity to take part `` owing to an initial communication problem '' .
The UK now has 10,000 ventilators - 3,000 of which are not being used .
From early May , 1,500 a week should be supplied by ventilator consortium .
However , sources present during Cobra meetings have told the BBC there were discussions about whether to work with the EU at the start of the pandemic .
One minister present said that while there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was clear there was an `` added dilemma '' because of the unfolding politics of our departure from the bloc .
Sources close to Health Secretary Matt Hancock strongly dispute there was any discussion about specific EU schemes .
Speaking at Downing Street 's daily Covid-19 press briefing on Tuesday , Mr Hancock said he had now signed-off on joining the EU scheme on an `` associate '' basis , but `` the impact on our ability to deliver PPE is zero '' .
`` There is no impact at all because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available '' , he added .
Meanwhile , an RAF plane sent to Turkey to pick up a shipment of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) has arrived back at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire , though it is not yet known exactly what supplies it contained .
The plane was originally expected to arrive in the UK on Sunday , reportedly bringing back 400,000 surgical gowns .
The EU 's Joint Procurement Agreement has four schemes .
The first two are for personal protective equipment , including face masks , gloves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is for ventilators , and the fourth is for laboratory equipment , mainly testing kits .
The EU Commission has confirmed that the UK is not involved in any of them , and has not officially requested to be involved in any of them , despite being `` repeatedly invited '' by the EU to do so .
The first meeting to establish this joint procurement plan took place at the end of January , two days before the UK left the EU and entered the transition phase .
Several other EU meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a UK representative was `` not always there '' according to EU officials .
On the 17 March , the procurement procedure was launched , and member states started a public tendering process for suppliers .
This scheme was international , so suppliers worldwide could take part .
The selection process took five days , and the EU commission took five days to co-ordinate , having allowed the fast-tracking of procedures .
The EU Commission says they are now waiting for member states to put in their orders for the PPE and medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be in the `` coming days and weeks '' .
The EU has n't put a figure on the total bulk of purchases they 've made yet , because `` some countries are still finding more suppliers '' , but it 's understood to be worth hundreds of millions of euros .
The EU says the UK can be part of a `` procurement programme in future '' , as there are ongoing discussions about what else might be needed .
There 's now nothing formal for the UK to sign up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat has been missed on the current programme .
Also at Tuesday 's briefing , the health secretary announced that the first human trials for a vaccine , developed by the University of Oxford , would begin on Thursday .
He said two leading vaccine developments at UK universities - Imperial College London and the University of Oxford - would receive a total of £42.5m to support their clinical trials .
Mr Hancock also addressed the shortage of protective gear for the NHS , saying the government was talking to thousands of suppliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It came as a number of British companies told the BBC their offers to help had gone ignored .
On Tuesday , the UK recorded another 823 coronavirus hospital deaths - taking the total number to 17,337 .
Official figures also showed deaths hit a 20-year-high in England and Wales in the week up to 10 April - nearly double what would have been expected - driven by 6,200 fatalities attributed to coronavirus .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
• Only a tiny fraction of vulnerable children in England are taking up the emergency school places kept open for them , official figures show • A group of 25 doctors have written to the health secretary because they are concerned about the UK 's current advice on self-isolation for coronavirus • US President Donald Trump has said his plan to ban immigration into the US will last for 60 days and apply to those seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liberal Democrats Ed Davy has called for an independent inquiry to review the government 's response to the pandemic `` so we can learn the lessons '' once the immediate crisis has passed • London Mayor Sadiq Khan has told the BBC Transport for London will run out of money by the end of this month to pay staff - and it may have to cut services - unless the government steps in • Supermarket and shop workers deserve to be paid a minimum of £10 an hour after coronavirus , a union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand-in , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , will take Prime Minister 's Questions , where he will face Labour leader Keir Starmer for the first time How have you been affected by the coronavirus pandemic ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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The EU Commission has confirmed that the UK is not involved in any of them, and has not officially requested to be involved in any of them, despite being "repeatedly invited" by the EU to do so.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: RAF plane lands in UK with PPE from Turkey

An RAF aircraft has landed in the UK with a delayed delivery of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) from Turkey amid a row over a shortage in the NHS .
The flight arrived at RAF Brize Norton in the early hours of Wednesday morning and is believed to contain up to about half of the promised kit .
Other RAF planes are said to be on standby to collect the rest .
The delivery was originally expected to arrive on Sunday , and had been due to include 400,000 surgical gowns .
It is not clear exactly what supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was given for the delay .
• Are NHS staff getting enough protective gear ?
The RAF aircraft that flew the shipment , which left to pick up the delivery at around 17:00 BST on Monday , can carry about 40 tons of cargo - about half of the consignment .
On Monday , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the flight had been delayed by problems in Turkey .
However , Turkey 's ambassador to the UK , Umit Yalcin , said his government only learned about the deal with a private company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything to help .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
The government remains under pressure for failing to supply enough PPE .
On Monday , Chris Hopson , chief executive of NHS Providers - which represents healthcare trusts across England - said that while the 400,000 gowns from Turkey would be welcome , NHS staff were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking on BBC Breakfast , care minister Helen Whately said there is a global shortage of PPE and that some deliveries face delays or `` do n't turn up '' .
`` The really important thing therefore is that we are working to secure an excess of supply to make sure that we , in due course , will have more than we need and at least what we need , '' she said .
Asked about reports that some PPE is being shipped from British warehouses to countries like Germany , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an `` international market '' in PPE and stressed the importance of maintaining `` reciprocal working relationships '' with other countries .
She added that the UK is a `` net importer of PPE '' and has been supplied `` many , many times over '' by China in return for equipment it sent at the peak of the epidemic in Wuhan .
The delivery from Turkey comes after a number of British companies told the BBC their offers to help had gone ignored .
Ms Whately said 3,000 of the 8,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some detail '' .
She added that while some of the organisations have established supply chains , others that have been set up in the past few days do not and may be unable to provide the standard of equipment required .
`` The government is going through those offers but [ is ] prioritising getting supply from the ones who we are more confident can deliver the supplies that we need , '' she said .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told the programme it `` does n't matter '' if some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We need everybody doing what they can as part of this national effort , '' he said .
It is `` understandable '' that the government `` probably [ has n't ] got enough resources '' to respond to all requests , he added .
Meanwhile , the government is facing fresh questions over the the time it took to join an EU scheme to bulk buy medical equipment - including potentially life-saving ventilators , protective equipment and testing kit - that could be used to tackle the coronavirus .

"The really important thing therefore is that we are working to secure an excess of supply to make sure that we, in due course, will have more than we need and at least what we need," she said.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Experts concerned UK's isolation advice does not go far enough

A group of 25 doctors have written to the Health Secretary , Matt Hancock , because they are concerned about the UK 's current advice on self-isolation for coronavirus .
The guidance says people should stay at home and avoid contact with others for seven days if they develop symptoms .
After that , self-isolation can end - if they feel well and do not have a fever .
But World Health Organization advice says people should self-isolate for 14 days after symptoms have cleared .
And now , Newcastle University public health expert Prof Allyson Pollock and 24 similarly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in support of the UK 's stance .
• What are social distancing and self-isolation rules ?
• Loss of smell and taste may be coronavirus • Coronavirus symptoms 'take five days to show' The Department of Health and Social Care says the recommendations are based on science and expert advice suggesting : • most people will develop symptoms within five days of having contact with the virus • after seven days , the virus is highly unlikely to be passed on to anyone else The UK guidance says a cough may persist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having cleared and does not mean self-isolation should be prolonged .
Although , if symptoms worsen and especially if a person develops shortness of breath or a new fever , they should contact NHS 111 .
The WHO recommendations provide a framework countries then adapt to suit their national circumstances , it adds .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health An official said : `` The government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance is led by science and a world renowned team of clinicians , public health experts and scientists - including epidemiologists - working round the clock to keep us safe . ''
But Prof Pollock and her colleagues say there have been reports of a risk of infection beyond seven days - ranging from 10 to 24 days after symptoms begin .
`` We are also concerned about the narrow spectrum of symptoms the UK is using as an indication for self-isolation , '' they write in their letter to Mr Hancock .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key ones but other common ones may include : '' We are aware that other countries are using a broader range of symptoms for self-isolation , '' they add .

An official said: "The government's response to this virus and all clinical guidance is led by science and a world renowned team of clinicians, public health experts and scientists - including epidemiologists - working round the clock to keep us safe."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Armed police arrest Chatham 'balcony gunman'

Armed police swooped on a block of flats after a man was apparently seen firing weapons from a balcony .
The alleged shooter was seen outside a flat in Dock Head Road , Chatham , at about 08:35 BST , Kent Police said .
A video posted on Twitter suggested he was seen firing shots and loud bangs could be heard .
Officers arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of firearms offences and found four suspected imitation firearms at the scene , the force said .
Witness Sandra Pratt , who works at the Range shop at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Radio Kent she had heard the sound of gunshots .
`` I heard a lot of shouting and what seemed like gunshot .
I looked to my left and there was a guy up on the balcony with a rifle and a pistol .
`` So I quickly ran into the shop and we called in any customers wandering by [ who had ] not realised what was going on and rung the police . ''
Ms Pratt said the man was on a balcony of a flat on the top floor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had about 30 floors .
`` He was carrying on for a good half-an-hour , '' she said .
`` We were all in the front of the shop and you could see the pistol and a rifle and you could see the sparks coming off of it .
He was just randomly shooting . ''
It is not known if anyone was injured .
Ms Pratt said people in other flats were looking out to see what was happening and then officers went up `` in all their gear '' .
Asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in danger , Ms Pratt said : `` Yes , exactly , that 's why I ran into the shop terrified . ''
Kent Police said they were called to `` a disturbance at a flat '' and armed officers were sent to the scene after members of the public reported seeing a man with weapons .
The police helicopter was also deployed and patrols remain at the scene .

"We were all in the front of the shop and you could see the pistol and a rifle and you could see the sparks coming off of it. He was just randomly shooting."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Tiny fraction of 'at risk' children attending schools

Only a tiny fraction of vulnerable children in England are taking up the emergency school places kept open for them , official figures show .
This has prompted concerns `` at risk '' children are facing increased danger in the lockdown , while schools and teachers struggle to get hold of them .
New data shows only a maximum of 5 % of the most needy children have been at school during the Coronavirus crisis .
The Children 's Commissioner says social workers should be `` knocking on doors '' .
The Department for Education data shows just 29,000 so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the Easter holidays .
This compares to the more than 723,000 children who were known to children 's social care services in 2019 .
The figures were described as `` utterly shocking '' by the Liberal Democrats .
But children 's minister Vicky Ford said children who were not in school were being monitored by social workers and supported in other ways .
Anne Longfield England 's Children 's Commissioner told the BBC : `` What we now know is , what we 've been hearing over the last few weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this country are not attending , despite the fact that schools are open .
`` What that means is that they are at home , potentially with a cocktail of risks .
`` They may be in homes with quite fragile environments , potentially domestic violence in the home - which we know is increasing , parents with drug and alcohol addictions or indeed severe mental health conditions .
`` So often these children are quite invisible at home and not in the place which is best at keeping them safe - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for families with nothing to eat Ms Longfield said referrals to social services had dropped by half , and she expressed concerns that bored , vulnerable teenagers could be leaving their homes and getting into situations where they would be exploited and groomed by criminals .
She called for a clearer message from government , adding that `` social workers need to be knocking on doors and everyone needs to be working tirelessly to get these vulnerable children into schools '' .
Manorfield Primary School in Poplar , east London , has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 736 children on its rolls are on the `` at risk '' register .
But only a tiny small fraction of these are coming to the school , which has joined up with 10 local primaries to provide a hub for vulnerable children and those of key workers .
Staff have been phoning their most vulnerable families every other day to check how they are .
Head teacher Paul Jackson said : `` I 've had a senior teacher calling the families of children at risk .
`` If they ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the emails .
If that does n't work , we are carrying out home visits .
`` We are trying every means to contact them , and working through the process to refer those we ca n't get hold of on to social services to see if they 're safe . ''
Mr Jackson adds : `` When we are in normal operational times , we have concerns about children who go missing , children who may face sexual exploitation , children who are getting into criminality , as well as children who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` These concerns are still here at this time , if anything they are exaggerated by the situation . ''
These are children of families where there is known to be domestic violence , substance abuse , parental sickness or disability , as well as poverty - which is closely associated with neglect .
And if the children are not attending , it is very difficult for the school to know where they are and how they are .
Because of the high level of need , the school employs its own social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It 's hard because we are trying to support them but we are restricted by what we can do from afar .
`` It 's about making an extra phone call to see if there 's anything we can do .
But we ca n't see who may be standing next to the phone .
`` We are doing everything we can but there have been a few sleepless nights , '' she says .
`` There is always that nagging feeling : 'Is there something else I can do ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with all these restrictions in place ? '
'' On top of its concerns for children 's safety , the school has mounted a massive effort to ensure its community has enough to eat , after numerous families got in touch to say they had run out of money .
Its operation to deliver food parcels to 300 struggling families in east London resembles that of a humanitarian aid charity in a warzone .
Teachers and school staff are bagging up fresh fruit , vegetables and other essentials , to deliver to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topping up the money it gets for free school meals to buy produce for families who find themselves incapacitated by the epidemic .
It has set up a fundraising campaign to keep this huge effort going , as the school feels what is being offered by the government is not enough for its needy families .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said his first priority was protecting the well-being of children and young people but particularly those vulnerable young people with social worker or special educational needs .
`` Schools are open for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who should attend do so . ''

Mr Jackson adds: "When we are in normal operational times, we have concerns about children who go missing, children who may face sexual exploitation, children who are getting into criminality, as well as children who may not get enough to eat.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Truro nurse furious after coronavirus test mislabelled

A nurse said she was furious her test for coronavirus was mislabelled meaning she would never know the result .
Maria Reid , 34 , a deputy sister at Royal Cornwall Hospital , said the error meant she had been unable to see her children , potentially for no reason .
She said : `` It is unacceptable , that level of incompetence should never have happened . ''
The ambulance service that carried out the test said it was confident the problem would not happen again .
Ms Reid , from Fraddon in Cornwall , said she was told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptomatic but the hospital did not offer to test her .
However , her husband , who she is separated from , works as an emergency care assistant for South Western Ambulance Service ( SWAST ) and when he told his employers about Ms Reid 's symptoms , they offered her a test .
She said : `` I did n't expect it so I was quite grateful at the time . ''
Ms Reid , who works on the trauma unit at the hospital in Truro , was tested on 11 April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 48 hours to arrive .
After chasing the results , she was told on 18 April her sample had been mislabelled and she would never know the outcome .
`` I am out of optimal testing time for a re-swab , '' she said .
`` It should be a basic thing for sampling to be labelled properly .
`` It feels as if I have been done out of a result and I have been isolated potentially for no reason because it could have been negative . ''
She said her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about whether the government could achieve its target of getting 100,000 tests a day done by the end of the month .
Ms Reid said if her test had been negative she would have been able to see her children after seven days and she was told a negative result would have meant her husband - who had to isolate because of contact with her - could have gone back to work after seven days .
The lack of a result meant he instead had to isolate for 14 days and she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same period .
`` The level of rage I feel is incomprehensible , '' she said .
`` I have never ever gone 14 days without seeing my kids and this is all due to someone 's incompetence . ''
• Coronavirus testing and why it matters • What can the UK learn from Germany on testing ?
A spokesman for SWAST said it had tested more than 250 people , `` enabling the vast majority of staff tested to safely return to work when they feel able and well enough to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this instance we did not provide the service we would hope and have apologised to the individual involved , '' he said .
`` Furthermore we have modified our procedures and remain confident it will not happen again . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Ms Reid said if her test had been negative she would have been able to see her children after seven days and she was told a negative result would have meant her husband - who had to isolate because of contact with her - could have gone back to work after seven days.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Speeding drivers flout limit during lockdown

Speeding motorists have been travelling at more than double the limit during lockdown , UK police have revealed .
One driver was recorded at 134mph in a 40mph limit in London , while another was clocked at 115mph on a 40mph road in Greater Manchester .
A crash could put a `` huge strain '' on other blue light services , one force said , if it led to injury or staff being exposed to Covid-19 and forced into self-isolation .
Forces said the minority ignored rules .
It comes as Department for Transport data shows motor vehicle use in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past month , particularly since the UK went into lockdown on 23 March .
Supt Julie Ellison , from Greater Manchester Police ( GMP ) 's specialist operations team , said : `` My officers are working tirelessly to track down these offenders who are using the quieter roads as their own personal racetrack . ''
Police Scotland also said , over the Easter period between 10 and 14 April , 16 people were found committing drink or drug-driving offences .
`` It is astonishing to see people behave so recklessly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be doing our bit to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives , '' said Supt Simon Bradshaw , from Police Scotland 's road policing division .
• Seven people were killed in crashes in London since 20 March - including three motorbike riders and a cyclist • Gloucestershire Police said two people had been killed in separate crashes .
It also recorded one motorist at 74mph in a 30mph limit and another at speeds of up to 122mph on the M5 • GMP said it had caught more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began on 23 March .
The force recorded a driver doing 115mph on a 40mph road and one reaching speeds of 129mph on the M62 • A man was recorded above 130mph on the A90 between Peterhead and Ellon , Aberdeenshire , on 12 April .
• A driver was stopped in Sudbury , Suffolk , travelling at 80mph in a 30mph limit with no insurance and no driving licence • Speeding has doubled on Lincolnshire 's roads under the lockdown despite a reduction in the amount of traffic by two thirds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have relates to those undertaking unnecessary travel .
A serious road collision can result in around 20 emergency services staff attending the scene , '' Ch Insp Steve Lenney from Dorset , Devon and Cornwall roads policing unit said .
`` If someone involved in the collision tests positive for Covid-19 , then that is a substantial number of emergency services staff forced into self-isolation and unable to work , which puts a huge strain on all blue-light services , not just the NHS . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Forces reporting an increase in speeding offences also included Northumbria , Leicestershire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire , Hertfordshire and Merseyside .
Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales said it had seen `` a few separate locations where the community had raised concerns over speeding '' and the all-Wales road safety partnership , Go Safe , would be responding.Supt Andy Cox , from the Met Police 's roads and traffic policing command , said his team had recorded one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone .
Joshua Harris , director of campaigns at road safety charity Brake , said there was `` never an excuse for speeding '' .
He said : `` With only essential travel permitted , we would hope to see speeding decline and so the reported increase is deeply concerning .
`` We urge everyone to follow government guidance and stay home . ''

Inspector Rosie Leech, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said, "Despite a 60% reduction in traffic flow, the health advice and business closures, our preliminary figures indicate only a 39% fall in the detection of speeding offences in the four weeks from 17 March, compared to the same period last year.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Key worker 'licked in face' at Derbyshire petrol station

A man walked up to a care worker and gave her a hug before licking her face , police have @ @ @ @ @ woman , 23 , was at a petrol station in High Street , Brimington , @ @ @ @ @ 14 April when the man approached her .
She was wearing her work uniform , @ @ @ @ @ it is claimed the man thanked her for being a care worker before the alleged @ @ @ @ @ an image of a man they would like to speak to .
• Latest news @ @ @ @ @ Midlands • A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT @ @ @ @ @ and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : @ @ @ @ @ mental health Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send @ @ @ @ @ @ bbc.co.uk .

She was wearing her work uniform, the force added, and it is claimed the man thanked her for being a care worker before the alleged assault.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: UK inflation hits 1.5% as lockdown begins to bite

The UK 's inflation rate fell to 1.5 % in March , largely driven by falls in the price of clothing and fuel ahead of the coronavirus lockdown .
The Consumer Prices Index ( CPI ) fell from 1.7 % in February , according to the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
Clothing stores had offered more discounts as shoppers began staying at home , it said .
Falling oil prices also resulted in cheaper petrol prices .
Economists warn inflation could slide to 0.5 % in 2020 as the economy shrinks .
The ONS 's latest data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before lockdown started on 23 March .
But its head of inflation , Mike Hardie , said there were already signs people were spending less in shops and more on necessities such as food .
The agency said the average price of clothes and shoes fell 1.2 % in the year to March 2020 .
It also said average petrol prices stood at 119.4 pence per litre during the month - the lowest seen since February 2019 , while diesel stood at 123.8p The UK benchmark for oil has fallen to about $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic activity has slowed .
That is a fall of about 75 % since the start of the year .
Sarah Hewin , senior economist at Standard Chartered bank , told the BBC 's Today programme : `` Normally low inflation would be welcomed as it means people have effectively more to spend in the shop but these are not normal circumstances .
`` The fall in inflation , in addition to low energy prices , is an indication of the steep recession we will see in the coming months . ''
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We suspect a larger fall in CPI inflation , from 1.5 % to 0.9 % , is in store for April as Ofgem [ the regulator ] lowers the cap on utility bills to reflect past falls in wholesale energy prices . ''
He added that falling employment , consumer caution and lower energy prices could pull inflation `` down to just 0.5 % in the second half of this year '' .
CPI remains below the Bank of England 's 2 % target for inflation .
Inflation is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England 's Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC ) considers when setting the `` base rate '' .
That influences what interest rate banks can charge people to borrow money , or what they pay on their savings .
In an emergency move last month , Last month it cut rates from 0.25 % to 0.1 % to support the economy in the face of the coronavirus pandemic .
They are now at the lowest level in the Bank 's 325-year history .
It also said it would increase its holdings of UK government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to lower the cost of borrowing .
But Melissa Davies , chief economist at Redburn , said the Bank needs to go further : `` It will be a volatile ride for inflation over the next year , with negative numbers a possibility followed by a sharp reversal . ''
She added : `` More stimulus is needed , with only limited quantitative easing help from the Bank of England and the Treasury 's lending guarantee scheme falling short .
Even the furlough scheme is only delaying an inevitable and large spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to know about the coronavirus ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise

The ONS's latest data was collected on 17 March, just before lockdown started on 23 March. But its head of inflation, Mike Hardie, said there were already signs people were spending less in shops and more on necessities such as food.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: London transport 'may run out of money by end of month'

London 's transport authority could run out of money to pay staff by the end of the month unless the government steps in , Sadiq Khan has warned .
Income from fares has plummeted during the lockdown and Transport for London ( TfL ) has been using cash reserves to keep running , the mayor said .
He told BBC Radio London that without government support , services could be cut `` because we ca n't pay people '' .
The Department for Transport ( DfT ) has been approached for comment .
Fares earned TfL £4.9bn in 2019-20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority 's income .
However , the lockdown has led to a 95 % cut in people using the Tube compared to this time last year after people were told only to make essential journeys .
The number of bus passengers has also dropped , by 85 % , and customers no longer have to tap-in to pay for rides as part of measures to protect drivers .
Recent figures show it is costing £600m a month to run London 's entire London transport network and Mr Khan said TfL was `` struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant `` we 're eating into our reserves '' .
When asked how long that was sustainable for , London 's mayor said `` probably [ until the ] end of this month '' .
`` What we ca n't afford to do is have to make a decision to cut more services because we ca n't pay people , '' he said .
London transport faces a massive challenge unlike anything it has encountered before .
Transport for London ( TfL ) as an organisation was already making cuts to balance its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evaporation of its biggest revenue generator - fares .
Not only is it grappling with reduced income but it still has to run services .
The nightmare scenario for TfL , as well as other transport operators , is that passengers do not return to mass transit after the lockdown is over .
Cities could then face huge upheavals in travel .
Read more from Tom here .
Mr Khan added that TfL was having `` conversations with the government in relation to supporting us through a grant '' .
`` To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have the same issue around the country , '' he said .
A TfL spokesperson said the mayor had been referring `` to reaching our prudent 'minimum cash balances ' by the end of the month , which by then will still be £1.2bn '' when he suggested the organisation would run out of money at the end of April .
`` This is sufficient for us to keep operating the city 's core transport and paying our staff while we are in constructive discussions with the government , '' they said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into furloughing non-front line non-operational staff through the Job Retention Scheme .
The Rail , Maritime and Transport Workers ( RMT ) union said last week they had been told `` all jobs , salaries , pensions and terms of conditions will remain unaffected for all staff '' .
The DfT previously announced it was helping the UK 's rail franchises due to the `` significant drops '' in their income as passenger numbers have fallen .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How to look after your mental health

A TfL spokesperson said the mayor had been referring "to reaching our prudent 'minimum cash balances' by the end of the month, which by then will still be £1.2bn" when he suggested the organisation would run out of money at the end of April.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus cure: When will we have a drug to treat it?

More than 150,000 people have died with Covid-19 , but there are still no drugs proven to help doctors treat the disease .
So how far are we from these life-saving medicines ?
What work is being done to find treatments ?
More than 150 different drugs are being researched around the world .
Most are existing drugs that are being trialled against the virus .
• The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has launched the Solidarity trial aimed at assessing the most promising treatments • The UK says its Recovery trial is the the world 's biggest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part • And multiple research centres around the world are attempting to use survivors ' blood as a treatment What types of drugs might work ?
There are three broad approaches being investigated : • Antiviral drugs that directly affect the coronavirus 's ability to thrive inside the body • Drugs that can calm the immune system - patients become seriously ill when their immune system overreacts and starts causing collateral damage to the body • Antibodies , either from survivors ' blood or made in a lab , that can attack the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug ?
Dr Bruce Aylward , from the World Health Organization , said remdesivir was the only drug that showed any signs of effectiveness , after he visited China .
The antiviral drug was originally designed to treat Ebola , but other options proved more effective .
It has since been shown to be effective at treating other deadly coronaviruses ( Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome ) in animal studies , leading to hopes it will also be effective against the Covid-19 coronavirus .
Leaked results from trials led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drug was effective .
It is one of the four drugs in the WHO Solidarity trial and its manufacturer , Gilead , is also organising trials .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• ENDGAME : When will life get back to normal ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak There has been much talk , but little evidence , that a pair of HIV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be effective at treating coronavirus .
There has been some evidence they can work in the laboratory , but studies in people have been disappointing .
The combination did not improve recovery , reduce deaths or lower levels of the virus in patients with serious Covid-19 .
However , as the trial was conducted with extremely sick patients ( nearly a quarter died ) it may have been too late in the infection for the drugs to work .
Malaria drugs are part of both the Solidarity and Recovery trials .
Chloroquine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have antiviral and immune-calming properties .
The drugs have been thrust into the spotlight as potential coronavirus therapies , largely due to claims made by President Trump , but there is still scant evidence on their effectiveness .
Hydroxychloroquine is also used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis , because it can help regulate the immune system .
Laboratory tests have shown it can inhibit the coronavirus , and there is some anecdotal evidence from doctors saying it appears to help patients .
However , the WHO says there is no definitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune system overreacts to the virus then it can cause inflammation throughout the body .
This is helpful for rallying the immune system to fight the infection , but too much can cause collateral damage throughout body and can be fatal .
• Coronavirus : What it does to the body The Solidarity trial is investigating interferon beta , which is used to treat multiple sclerosis , and lowers inflammation .
Interferons are a group of chemicals released by the body when under attack by a virus .
The UK 's Recovery Trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steroid used to reduce inflammation .
People who survive an infection should have antibodies in their blood that can attack the virus .
The idea is you take the blood plasma ( the part which contains the antibodies ) and give that to a sick patient as a therapy .
The US has already treated 500 patients with what 's known as `` convalescent plasma '' , and other countries are getting involved too .
How long until we have a cure ?
It is too soon to know when we might have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , we should start to get the results of trials in the next few months .
This is much earlier than we will know if a vaccine ( which protects against infection rather than treat it ) is effective .
This is because doctors are testing drugs that have already been developed and are known to be safe enough to use , whereas vaccines researchers are starting from scratch .
Some completely new , experimental , coronavirus drugs are also being tested in the laboratory but are not yet ready for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a treatment ?
The most obvious reason for wanting a treatment is it will save lives , but it could also allow some lockdown measures to be lifted .
Having an effective treatment would , in essence , make coronavirus a milder disease .
If it stopped people who were admitted to hospital from needing ventilation , then there would be less risk of intensive care units being overwhelmed , so controls on people 's lives may not need to be as strict .
So how are doctors treating patients now ?
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for most people it would be mild and can be treated at home with bed-rest , paracetamol and plenty of fluids .
But some people need more intensive hospital treatment , which involves oxygen support such as ventilation .

Anti-virals are expected to hold up against the variants seen so far. None of the mutations seen in Omicron should affect the ability of the drugs to work. However, if the drugs are used widely then there is the potential for drug resistance to emerge.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--A coronavirus survivor's story: 'I touched death'

Elizabeth , 49 , knows she is lucky to be alive .
After falling seriously ill with Covid-19 , she was admitted to hospital earlier this month .
This is her story , which she chose to tell partly to thank the hospital staff who treated her .
The first hint I had that something was n't right was on a Friday .
I felt more tired than normal and by the time I went to bed I was exhausted .
That was a particularly tough weekend .
On the Monday , I started getting pains in my legs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a trapped nerve and took some paracetamol but the doctors later told me the virus had gone directly into my muscles .
I had a cough but it was n't persistent , which people think is always the sign .
I was bed-bound for over a week but then once I did get out - to the local petrol station to get some provisions - that was when it hit me .
I got back home feeling freezing cold and shivering .
At one point I had four hot water bottles on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just could not get warm .
Then the fever set in .
It felt like my body was on fire , and I was getting splitting headaches .
I could n't eat anything , I was vomiting and absolutely wringing wet with sweat , and then my breathing started to get more difficult .
I 'm asthmatic and that really worried me , but I still thought I could ride this out at home .
Within a few more days I was slipping in and out of consciousness and I have vague recollections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd called 111 [ the NHS non-emergency helpline ] for me .
The paramedics arrived and I remember hearing one radio the ambulance driver outside saying : `` She 's very poorly , we need to bring her in . ''
He put an oxygen mask on me and carried me out to the vehicle .
One of my kids had called my mother , June , and she was there watching .
That was one of the hardest things : seeing the look of helplessness on her face .
But she could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart condition and is at high risk if she catches the virus .
When we arrived at hospital , we were in a queue of ambulances just waiting to off-load patients at A & E .
I was lying there for about three hours until it was our turn .
They put me in a wheelchair and I remember them saying they had no cubicles , they were full to capacity .
I sat there with my eyes closed listening to everything - people rushing around , phones ringing , general commotion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to swab you for Covid-19 . ''
He stuck the swab stick so far down the back of my throat that I was retching , and then just as I was recovering , he said : `` Now I have to do it up your nostrils . ''
That was followed by a raft of blood tests and a chest X-Ray .
I felt pummelled .
All I could think was `` What the hell 's going on ? ''
I felt like passing out .
I remember another nurse coming over and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know , your X-Ray results have come back - you 've got pneumonia in the lungs and you 'll have to be on oxygen 24/7 . ''
At one point , I felt the most almighty pain in my chest , like I was being compressed with slabs of concrete .
They told me it was the pneumonia attacking my lungs and they gave me a shot of morphine .
That was followed by terrible stabbing pains in my stomach , as bad as labour contractions , and I cried out : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
I ca n't carry on ! ''
By the time the pains subsided , I was almost delirious .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health There were only four beds in my bay , and everyone in there had tested positive for Covid-19 and had an underlying health issue .
Two other women already in there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought in opposite me after a couple of days .
I do n't remember much of the first few days , just nurses coming in and out all the time , and cleaners coming in to disinfect everything .
Most of the noise was from me ringing the bell and gasping for drinks of water .
I was so weak it 's all I could manage to say , that and `` commode '' .
I was watching the nurses - they were all working a minimum of 12-hour shifts .
You could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One night , I saw a man in what was meant to be our all-female ward .
I rang the bell and the nurse came and explained he was the son of the woman in the bed opposite me and that she was an `` end-of-life '' patient .
I felt dreadfully sad for them but at the same time was thinking : `` So I 've got somebody who 's about six feet from me who 's basically waiting to die and I 'm going to hear it . ''
They had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we did have a modicum of privacy .
That was when I started hallucinating .
I was getting flashbacks of conversations I 'd had in my life and people I 'd met .
At one point I thought : `` Am I alive or dead ?
Do these flashbacks mean I 'm transitioning to death ?
Is this what people mean when they talk about your life passing before you when you die ? ''
And then I 'm saying : `` No , I do n't think actually I am dead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no angels and nobody calling me . ''
Then all of a sudden - it was the early hours - I heard a male nurse outside the door say : `` She 's gone . ''
The poor woman opposite me had died .
I waited for them to come in and remove her body , but nothing happened .
That lady 's body was there for what seemed like hours before they eventually came in .
They were cleaning it and then they 're wrapping it in plastic , like packaging .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a body bag , zip it up and say : `` On the count of three… one… two… three . ''
The noise of that body coming into contact with a metal trolley - that 's a sound you do n't forget .
Someone started cleaning where the woman had been and sprayed lemon scent to try to freshen up the smell .
By daytime I was just looking at an empty bed .
The day before , I 'd been looking at somebody and now the bed was empty .
That thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the woman in the bed diagonal to me .
She slipped into a coma , and I watched her daughter come and say desperately : `` Mum , it 's me !
Mum , it 's me !
`` , and it was pitiful because the woman was already `` gone '' .
It sounds awful but I was waiting for her for two nights to actually die , which was very distressing .
The woman next to me was getting better and she commented that we were in a bay where 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived and that we were on the lucky side of the room .
I had fought to stay alive .
After being almost ready to give up at the start , I had told myself : `` No , I 've got to carry on , I 'm not going yet .
I 'm 49 , I 'm not ready to die , not just for me but for my kids and my family and friends . ''
My sister , Lorraine , and my brother , Richard , had texted me constantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave me the will to fight it .
It was 8 April and I remember seeing the full moon and thinking to myself that this was the start of a new lunar cycle and I 'm going to take this as a sign I 'm on the road to recovery .
Unfortunately the comatose woman died after two days and again I heard the same process .
The plastic , the zipping , the trolley and the cleaning .
What saved my life perhaps was one male nurse who said to me : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medically fit to go home - go !
Do n't make the mistake of staying in hospital because you feel a bit weak .
Believe me , I 've seen it on this ward - every patient who 's been told by doctors 'you can go home ' and have argued saying they do n't feel 100 % and just want one more night in hospital - every one of them has contracted a secondary illness , because this is a high-risk Covid ward and they 've all died . ''
That same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saturation levels and I scraped by .
The doctor said : `` You 've just made it .
I 'm happy to discharge you '' .
I was so excited - I was going home .
It was freezing outside .
I only had a hospital gown and flip flops on , but I could feel the air on my face and I was elated .
I do n't know the name of the female ambulance driver but she was an angel - she had started her shift at 06:00 , and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she 'd done an 18-hour day .
This is what these people are doing .
It 's not just the nurses and doctors .
It 's the people who are driving the ambulances .
It 's the paramedic crews .
It 's the woman at the desk doing the admin .
It 's the man coming in cleaning up after a dead body .
It 's the porter taking it down to the morgue .
Every single person is playing their part .
I have written to the ambulance service and the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dedication .
I 'm bed-bound for the next few weeks and the doctors said it could take three to six months to get over the pneumonia .
Since leaving hospital , my mother has been my lifeline , leaving me food parcels on my doorstep .
I touched death and I 'm very lucky to be alive .
What I 'm now looking forward to is appreciating nature .
You realise material things do n't matter .
When I get outside I want to breathe the air , look at birds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 've been given a second chance .

I started watching the woman in the bed diagonal to me. She slipped into a coma, and I watched her daughter come and say desperately: "Mum, it's me! Mum, it's me!", and it was pitiful because the woman was already "gone". It sounds awful but I was waiting for her for two nights to actually die, which was very distressing. The woman next to me was getting better and she commented that we were in a bay where 50% had died and 50% had lived and that we were on the lucky side of the room.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Facebook launches UK Covid-19 symptom survey

Facebook is to begin asking selected UK users whether they have had symptoms of Covid-19 , later on Wednesday .
It is part of a joint effort with Carnegie Mellon University ( CMU ) to track the spread of the disease .
Facebook said it would not have access to users ’ health data but would simply pass it on to CMU .
One expert said data from the surveys would be useful to scientists but probably not , on its own , reveal much about the disease .
Facebook launched the surveys in the US , on 6 April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
Users have been asked questions about their health and whether they have experienced any common symptoms of Covid-19 , such as a persistent cough or a fever .
And CMU analysts intend “ within a few weeks ” to use data from the surveys and other sources to forecast how many Covid-19 hospital and intensive care admissions are likely in specific areas .
Facebook has already published a symptom map showing its estimated proportion of people with Covid-19 in areas across the US .
Mauricio Santillana , at Harvard University , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
“ The Covid-19 outbreak is presenting us with big challenges in terms of estimating prevalence in the population , ” he told BBC News .
“ The more data sources that we gain access to… the better.
” • A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health But trusting a single data source would not be wise and the Facebook survey data should be treated as “ complementary ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned apps and surveys that askes people about their health would not necessarily be able to sustain a broad response from the public .
“ We ’ ve seen that in apps that ask you every week how you ’ re feeling – usually at the beginning a lot of people get involved enthusiastically and then as time evolves less and less people participate , ” he said .
And the longer the pandemic continued , the more likely “ app fatigue ” might become .

“We’ve seen that in apps that ask you every week how you’re feeling – usually at the beginning a lot of people get involved enthusiastically and then as time evolves less and less people participate,” he said.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Banksy's Girl with a Pierced Eardrum given face mask

A mural by Banksy has been given a face mask in a nod to the coronavirus pandemic .
Girl with @ @ @ @ @ parody of Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer - appeared in the street @ @ @ @ @ Bristol in 2014 .
The mural in Hanover Place has been given a mask similar @ @ @ @ @ staff and key workers during the crisis .
It is not known who put it @ @ @ @ @ has been contacted for comment .
Banksy 's latest work includes a series of pictures @ @ @ @ @ rats wreaking havoc in what is assumed to be his bathroom .
The caption on @ @ @ @ @ My wife hates it when I work from home . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE @ @ @ @ @ myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : @ @ @ @ @ mental health

The mural in Hanover Place has been given a mask similar to those worn by NHS staff and key workers during the crisis.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: 'First Ryanair agreed to a refund, then it didn't'

Steve Childs was hoping to travel to Alicante to visit his father , but then the coronavirus outbreak ruined his plans .
The 43-year-old from Wolverhampton was happy to follow advice not to fly , and Ryanair cancelled his flight as travel restrictions continued .
He received an email confirming the cancellation , and followed the link to apply for the refund to which he was legally entitled .
Then , `` out of the blue '' , he received another message , not confirming his refund , but instead giving him a voucher worth the same amount to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'd been expecting a refund for a few weeks .
When you know you are going to get the money , you make plans for it , '' he said .
He understands the plight of airlines is perilous during this unprecedented crisis .
They face a cashflow nightmare if they pay everyone 's refund straight away , But the manner of his treatment left him `` frustrated '' , he said .
`` They turned around from saying I could have a refund , to saying it would be months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a refund , Ryanair told him , he must reapply , and the request would be placed in a queue `` until the Covid-19 emergency has passed '' - which suggests a very open-ended deadline .
Consumer website Moneysavingexpert has made a formal complaint to the Civil Aviation Authority and Trading Standards about Ryanair 's apparent policy .
A Ryanair spokeswoman said : `` For any cancelled flight , Ryanair is giving customers all of the options set out under EU regulations , including refunds . ''
• 'We 're struggling to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Childs is far from alone .
There has been a wave of complaints from air passengers and holidaymakers who , despite accepting their break had to be cancelled , have had enormous difficulty getting a refund in good time - or at all .
Under EU law , travel companies must refund customers within 14 days if their package holiday is cancelled .
The EU 's Denied Boarding Regulations state that air passengers are due a refund within seven days if a flight with an airline based in the UK or EU , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or EU , is cancelled .
However , the consumer organisation Which ?
has accused many of the UK 's biggest airlines and travel companies of routinely breaking these laws .
It said the travel industry 's own estimates suggested £7bn of travellers ' money was affected .
This was cash that people , struggling themselves as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic , could not afford to go without .
It found none of the 10 biggest travel companies were giving refunds in the legally specified timeframe , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller companies were managing to do so in full and on time .
The same was true of the 10 biggest airlines , none of which were meeting the deadline .
What are my rights ?
• If your flight is cancelled , you are entitled to a full refund to the original form of payment within seven days , although many airlines will be struggling to meet that deadline .
You can accept , or refuse , vouchers or a rebooking but a voucher will probably be invalid if the airline later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going on a future flight , which is not yet cancelled , then there is no right to a refund .
Different airlines have different rules over what you can do but many are waiving any charges for changing to a later flight or having a voucher instead .
Your travel insurance may , or may not , cover you • If you are trying to get home , the airline has a duty to get you back .
However , with so many flights cancelled , this has become increasingly difficult .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in when needed to return those who are stranded • If you are stuck in the EU and a UK or EU carrier is not rerouting or helping you , you should be able to come home on any airline you can and bill the original airline for the new ticket .
The airline is legally obliged to get you home and they should be rerouting you themselves .
If they are failing to do that , they are responsible for the cost of getting you home .
But you should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends the airline 's duty of care towards you and you wo n't be able to claim anything back .
It is best to pay by credit card , for the back-up option to claim from your card provider • If you have a package holiday , then a refund should be provided for the whole holiday within 14 days A spokesman for Abta , which represents travel companies and agents , said : `` The worldwide travel shutdown has led to a huge volume of holidays being affected .
`` Many travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide immediate cash refunds because they have not yet received money back from airlines and hotels , so they need more than 14 days to process refund requests . ''
Airlines UK , which represents the UK aviation sector , said it faced a huge volume of refund claims to get through .
It has been lobbying for airlines to be allowed to offer vouchers , not refunds , during the crisis , as is the case in some other countries .
Which ?
said it did not want the travel industry to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support should not be carried by struggling consumers .
Travellers could choose to rebook if they wanted to , but should not be obliged to , it said .
Instead , it argued that the government , the travel industry , insurers and regulators all had a responsibility to do more .
It proposed a range of measures including an extension of the 14-day refund rule for package holidays to one month , and the introduction of a temporary government travel guarantee fund to support firms unable to fulfil their legal obligations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Companies have a legal obligation to ensure their consumers are fairly compensated . ''
`` We are keeping the situation under review and looking at options to support businesses and consumers through this difficult period . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WILL I GET PAID IF I CA N'T WORK ?
Rules on sick pay and wages • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Which? said it did not want the travel industry to fail, but the burden of financial support should not be carried by struggling consumers. Travellers could choose to rebook if they wanted to, but should not be obliged to, it said.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: What can the 'plague village' of Eyam teach us?

With coronavirus putting households around the world in lockdown , can the English `` plague village '' of Eyam , which quarantined itself for more than a year , offer us lessons on how to fight back ?
As a nightmare tale from history , Eyam 's ordeal takes some surpassing .
When plague arrived in September 1665 , rather than flee this wild corner of Derbyshire - and risk spreading the infection - villagers locked themselves away to suffer in isolation .
And suffer they did .
For 14 months pestilence , pitiless and seemingly random , ravaged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with one woman losing six children and a husband in just over a week .
The graveyard was shut and bodies were dragged into fields for burial .
Traditional estimates put the death toll at about 260 - 75 % of the population .
But along with gruesome tales of self-sacrifice , Eyam offers more - a unique opportunity to study how epidemics work .
And researchers have been trying to unlock its secrets to help fight disease - including coronavirus .
Resident Joan Plant is related to one of Eyam 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Margaret Blackwell was my nine-times great-aunt .
`` According to family legend , while delirious with the plague she went looking for water to relieve her parched throat .
`` By mistake she drank a jug of bacon fat .
Soon after her fever broke and she made a full recovery . ''
All this begs lots of questions .
Just how lethal was the disease ?
Why did so many die when families were isolated ?
Did drinking bacon fat - or perhaps the instant vomiting this caused - really save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , did the quarantine save others ?
Can 21st Century science answer these questions and help us learn from the grim fate of one village 350 years ago ?
It is a detective story of controversial ideas , new discoveries and hard lessons for today .
Sheena Cruickshank , professor in biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester , said : `` Learning about our history with disease informs our future .
`` We know the immune system combines with other factors - the strength and dose of the pathogen , the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine the severity of the epidemic .
`` Some factors - living in proximity to animals and affecting animal habitats - still play a role today with diseases like Zika , SARS , and coronavirus being shown to originate in animals `` She added : `` While many diagnostic details are missing , Eyam is a snapshot of how one community was shaped by - and itself shaped - the spread of a disease .
`` And it is possible that survivors with more effective immunity led to part of the immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and handed down to following generations .
`` As an example , some communities in Africa seem to have a higher incidence of a blood disorder - sickle cell anaemia - because it gave some protection against malaria .
`` Reports have also shown that particular immune signatures were associated with more effective immune responses to plague and this can be tracked through generations . ''
In 2000 , a team studying natural HIV resistance came to Eyam .
They had a remarkable theory that built on the idea of inherited disease resistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CCR5-Delta 32 , was known to give immunity from HIV .
This mutation seemed to date from just a few hundred years ago and existed almost solely in north European populations and their descendants .
What could have caused it ?
An epidemic like the plague ?
Team leader Dr Steve O'Brien later said : `` Could it be that the same mutation that protects against HIV may have also protected medieval Europeans exposed to plague ?
`` The timing is right , the numbers are right - hundreds of years of unforgiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18th Centuries would be sufficient to explain today 's high CCR5-Δ32 frequency . ''
Plague : Forgotten , but not gone Plague feels like a disease of the distant past but the cause , a bacterium called Yersinia pestis , was not identified until 1894 and it has never gone away .
In the late 20th and early 21st Century , 90 % of reported cases of plague occurred in Africa , specifically eastern Africa , central Africa and Madagascar , with small outbreaks occurring in north Africa .
From 1958 to 2008 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 13,000 in Congo , 4,800 in India , and 438 in the United States .
Hundreds have been reported since .
While the infection is treatable with antibiotics , bacteria are constantly evolving and in 1996 two drug-resistant strains of plague were isolated .
And while plague was first used as a biological weapon when diseased corpses were catapulted into the city of Caffa , in 1345 , it did n't end there .
In World War Two the Japanese formed a bio-weapons unit which , among other things , spread plague-infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Cold War experimented with weaponised plague and while several treaties are now in place outlawing its use , Yersinia pestis is regarded as a Category A organism - a threat to national security - by the US .
Dr O'Brien tested 100 people who could trace their families back to the 17th Century .
It showed 14 % of those tested had Delta 32 , against a UK average of 10 % .
Sceptics pointed out this higher percentage was not statistically significant and the pattern of Delta 32 went against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if anything hit southern Europe and Asia even harder .
Perhaps most significant , Delta 32 seems not to protect against plague bacterium , at least in mice .
But new revelations were around the corner .
In 2016 a study by Dr Xavier Didelot and Dr Lilith Whittles used analysis of local records to challenge some of what was understood about Eyam .
Significantly , it found the isolated population was at least 700 , putting the mortality rate at a lower , but still horrific , 36 % .
The village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eyam on a bundle of cloth from London , no-one could have foreseen the ordeal that lay ahead .
The following 14 months were characterised by death and disease , sacrifice and sorrow .
The village 's story has gone on to become part of English history as a symbol of selflessness .
Read more about the sacrifice made by the people of Eyam .
Dr Whittles , infectious disease modeller at Imperial College London , said : `` Eyam is important because it gives us fantastic data for the plague .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and particularly when people died .
In larger populations , like in the cities , you only get weekly death tolls , which do n't allow you to look at the finer patterns at the individual level .
`` With the information from Eyam you can track how the disease is most likely to have spread .
`` It has been understood , classically , that the plague spread from rat to human via the flea .
`` We found human-to-human transmission during this outbreak - especially within families - was a much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Didelot said : `` The risk of person-to-person transmission was almost two orders of magnitude larger if there was an infectious person in the household .
`` Overall three-quarters of the cases were caused by person-to-person transmission .
`` The main lesson here is that before imposing control measures to stop the spread of an infectious disease , it is essential to understand the way it spreads .
`` There is often more than a single route of transmission , in which case it becomes important to estimate the relative importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sad detail was the records also showed children and individuals living in poorer - untaxed - households were hit hardest , a factor still relevant today .
Another question this study answered was whether the village 's isolation had helped stop the spread of the plague .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Some had suggested fleeing would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off and the infection to burn itself out .
Dr Didelot said : `` The importance of person-to-person infection showed isolation was the right thing to do .
`` By staying within the confines of their community , the inhabitants of Eyam did indeed stem the spread of the epidemic , albeit at a tragic cost to themselves . ''
As for the case of Margaret Blackwell , Joan Plant thinks it is `` very unlikely '' that drinking bacon fat saved her .
`` She was more likely lucky to have something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been handed down through the generations .
`` It is moving to think that the unimaginable sacrifice the villagers made benefited not just those communities nearby at the time , but is still benefiting the wider world now . ''
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"We know about individuals, about households and particularly when people died. In larger populations, like in the cities, you only get weekly death tolls, which don't allow you to look at the finer patterns at the individual level.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Dressing up in isolation

Coronavirus: Dressing up in isolation

Photographer Julia Keil decided to turn the camera on herself , making a series of self-portraits inspired by paintings , the cinema or other photographs .
Having been in London for a couple of months , Keil arrived back in Paris just as it was going into lockdown to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
`` Rather than going out and reconnecting with the streets I love to roam , I found myself abruptly bound to the constraints of my sixth-floor flat , '' she says .
`` Like many , I was suddenly isolated and uncertain of tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dream , living somewhere between the real and surreal with the only guidance being news stories , hearsay and the changes I observed happening around me from day to day . ''
`` I quickly realised that with no work and no social life , I had gone from having no time to having plenty .
`` All excuses I gave myself for not pursuing my creative ideas prior were now void .
`` Each day , I decided on a portrait - I 'd immerse myself into that world .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from that era or movie soundtrack and watched movies and documentaries .
`` I studied the pose and emotion which a chosen image or painting exuded and , of course , gave myself the time taking the picture and processing it after .
`` Everything which formed each image I improvised with what I already had at home with the exception of a couple wigs , which I awaited eagerly from Amazon .
`` Pursuing this ongoing project has given a structure and a playground to my days in lockdown as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others could be currently feeling or experiencing .
`` Having the world slow down , despite the tragic circumstances , on some aspects can be taken as a gift - a gift that can be filled with not just fear but with hope and an opportunity to reflect , to learn and to re-connect in ways we perhaps had pushed aside in the world that used to be . ''
With Paris due to remain on lockdown until 11 May , Keil says she will continue taking self-portraits .
You can follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her other work on her website .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise

Image caption,
"This portrait was both inspired by the news that all non-essential orders from Amazon had been suspended in France but also by the Greek myth of Pandora, who gave in to her curiosity and released disease, death and misery upon the world from a mysterious box bestowed upon her by Zeus. She hastened to close the box but realised there was something left inside which felt different. As she opened the box once more, the last thing fluttered out, full of light and spirit, spreading a sense of calm over the previous panic and pain. This light was hope. And hope is a gift we humans have flowing through our collective veins, urging us to keep going while filling us with a knowing that this too shall pass."