bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Fined Lyme Bay divers from Edinburgh and Cornwall

Two divers who were fined for flouting coronavirus rules in Dorset were from Edinburgh and Cornwall , police say .
The pair went diving in Lyme Bay , sparking a massive search on Saturday after one of them went missing .
He had been reported missing by his friend , who was diving off the same boat , at about 15:30 BST .
Two coastguard helicopters , RNLI lifeboats , fishing boats and a Royal Navy warship searched the area after responding to an HM Coastguard Mayday .
A Dorset Police spokesman said the two men , from Edinburgh and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the regulations '' .
The force said : `` We are unable to confirm the amount of the fine as this will be dealt with by a central administrative process . ''
Lyme Regis is 437 miles ( 703km ) from Edinburgh and over 100 miles ( 160km ) from Wadebridge .
The lone diver was spotted by a sailor on HMS Tyne after nearly two hours of searching for him .
He was three miles from where he had entered the water , having lost sight of the boat .
Coastguards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe and well shortly before 17:30 .
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The force said: "We are unable to confirm the amount of the fine as this will be dealt with by a central administrative process."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Race Across the World victors pledge winnings to help street children

The winners of the BBC 's Race Across the World have pledged £10,000 to help the street children they came across as they travelled through South America .
On Sunday , viewers saw uncle and nephew Emon and Jamiul Choudhury win the 54-day race by just 20 seconds .
They pipped husband and wife Rob and Jen in a nailbiting finish .
Emon and Jamiul immediately promised half of the £20,000 prize to charities after seeing children sleeping rough in Sao Paulo , Brazil .
They have since also reportedly decided to give £5,000 to Emon 's family orphanage in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paulo that if we were to win , we 'd donate at least half of the money to help the kids of Sao Paulo and of Brazil , '' Emon told BBC Breakfast on Monday .
`` It just feels like the right thing to do .
The trip itself was an amazing experience .
You ca n't put a figure on the experience that we had , and we believe the money will go such a long way to help so many people in the areas that we visited . ''
Architecture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a life-changing experience .
I do n't think there 's a price that could be put on everything that we experienced .
I guess it shows you that there 's a bigger world out there and it puts into perspective how minuscule we are in a wider world . ''
Emon , 35 , from Bradford and Jamiul , 25 , from Oldham , took part after reuniting 10 years after Emon left the family following his refusal to settle into an arranged marriage .
The 15,000-mile race took the contestants from Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , Ushuaia in Argentina , with a budget of £1,400 .
It came down to a frantic finale as the leading two pairs dumped their backpacks and scrambled to be first to reach the summit of a hill .
Sunday 's episode was watched by an average of 3.3 million viewers on BBC Two .
The second series of the show was a hit with viewers and critics .
The BBC has been forced to halt production of a celebrity edition of the contest due to the coronavirus pandemic , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series , saying it will return `` as soon as it is safe to do so '' .
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"It just feels like the right thing to do. The trip itself was an amazing experience. You can't put a figure on the experience that we had, and we believe the money will go such a long way to help so many people in the areas that we visited."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Court action over Oxfordshire County Council's transgender policy

Court action on behalf of a 13-year-old girl opposed to a council 's transgender policy is set to proceed later this year .
Oxfordshire County Council 's policy says transgender girls can share toilets , changing rooms and dormitories with girls .
The case will be heard at the High Court after a judge allowed it to proceed to a full hearing .
The council `` utterly refutes '' that its policy puts children at risk .
Mr Justice Choudhury has given permission for the legal action to be taken , with a court date expected in the autumn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( LDRS ) .
The action opposed to the council 's Trans Inclusion Toolkit was initially going to be made on behalf of an Oxfordshire parent , a teacher and the girl , but will now only be made on the girl 's behalf .
The teenager 's mother said : `` The more my daughter reads that gender identity is more important than her status as a young woman , the more frustrated she becomes , because she knows that she is entitled to female-only spaces , to compete in female-only competitions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Safe Schools Alliance , which is supporting the girl 's claim , said : `` There needs to be case law established so that all children can both be safe and feel safe in schools , knowing that their dignity and privacy will be protected and their rights upheld . ''
A council spokesman said the toolkit sought to address the `` challenges faced by young people who feel they are not the gender they were assigned at birth '' .

The teenager's mother said: "The more my daughter reads that gender identity is more important than her status as a young woman, the more frustrated she becomes, because she knows that she is entitled to female-only spaces, to compete in female-only competitions and sleep in female-only dorms."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Captain Tom Moore gets Royal Mail birthday postmark

The 99-year-old war veteran who has raised £29m for the NHS by walking laps of his garden has been honoured with a special postmark .
Royal Mail will stamp all letters with the message to celebrate Captain Tom Moore 's 100th birthday on Thursday .
All stamped post up until Friday will be marked with : `` Happy 100th Birthday Captain Thomas Moore NHS fundraising hero 30th April 2020 . ''
Royal Mail said it was `` honoured '' to issue the postmark .
World War Two veteran Capt Tom , from Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire , has extended his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first 100 laps 14 days ahead of schedule .
His initial £1,000 fundraising target was broken in about 24 hours and he has now raised more than £29m for the NHS .
David Gold , director of public affairs and policy at Royal Mail , said : `` What Captain Thomas Moore has achieved is truly phenomenal , and this is reflected in the affection shown for him across the world .
`` As Royal Mail works to keep the country connected during these challenging times , we are honoured to issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100th birthday . ''
Royal Mail said it had to adapt its sorting machines in the South Midlands Mail Centre to re-route all post to Capt Tom into a dedicated collection box .
A spokesman said staff had already processed more than 100,000 cards using this new process and were expecting thousands more in the run-up to his birthday .
Volunteers have also been brought in to open and display the thousands of cards , which are being put on show at Bedford School where Capt Tom 's grandson attends .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first ever centenarian to top the charts , after his duet with Michael Ball went straight to number one .
Their cover of You 'll Never Walk Alone sold 82,000 copies , with proceeds going to the NHS Charities Together fund .
Capt Tom also opened a new Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate on Tuesday .
He received a standing ovation from NHS staff and military personnel during the virtual ceremony .
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David Gold, director of public affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: "What Captain Thomas Moore has achieved is truly phenomenal, and this is reflected in the affection shown for him across the world.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Self-employed missing out on financial aid

`` To be told , thanks for the all pay-as-you-earn for the last 30 years , we are not going to give you anything as a new start-up business , it is a kick in the teeth . ''
While the government has announced a number of support packages for employees and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic , some new start-ups , and newly self-employed people say they are ineligible for financial help .
Some say they now have no monthly income until they can return to work , putting them under serious financial pressure .
Among them is Sarah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up her own business as a driving instructor in October 2018 , after being made redundant from her job as a bank manager .
Self employed people who have suffered a loss in income , will receive a taxable grant , worth 80 % of their profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month .
Initially , this will be available for three months in one lump-sum payment , and will start to be paid from the beginning of June A person can claim if they have submitted their Self Assessment tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
But because Ms Knott 's return would include her time as an employee , she does not believe she qualifies .
She has taken up a job in a care home in order to keep some income while she is unable to run her business .
Ms Knott has also had to postpone her wedding , which was due to take place on 25 June .
`` I finished the day before the lockdown started because of social distancing , you 're not two metres apart in a car and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` I applied for Universal Credit but was told I was not eligible because my partner is still working .
`` There are about 10 % of us not accounted for , and a lot of us have worked in past , I paid a lot of money to the government over the years and to find out I am not eligible , I cried for two days .
`` The house is in my name , I had the house before I was with my partner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just for the household bills , mortgage , gas and electric .
`` Working in the care home will just bring in a bit of money , I have been able to defer mortgage payments , loans and things , but the banks ca n't afford to do that forever . ''
The government has said some small , or medium-sized , businesses may be entitled to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay ( SSP ) for employee absence due to COVID-19 .
Some businesses in England will be eligible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 1 April 2020 .
If your business is eligible for small business rate relief or rural rate relief in England , you are entitled to a one-off cash grant of £10,000 , while businesses in the retail , hospitality or leisure sector in England , may also be entitled to a cash grant .
Anyone with a property with a rateable value of £15,000 or less will be entitled to a grant of £10,000 A new temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme , delivered by the British Business Bank , has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lending and overdrafts For Laura Baxter-Smith , a self-employed hairdresser and mother-of-one , who has no staff and no premises , these measures have been of little help .
She has been told she is eligible for just £25 per month in Universal Credit , as her wife is a secondary school teacher on full pay .
Mrs Baxter-Smith , from Shawbury in Shropshire , has been working for five-years so will be eligible for the taxable grant , but that money will not come before June .
`` It 's looking like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a while yet so it 's leaving us all very worried on what the future holds , '' she said .
Kelly Hadley , from Wombourne in south Staffordshire , is still waiting to hear if she will qualify for Universal Credit .
Because her husband Russell is still working full-time for an environmental company , they do not believe they will receive much support .
The 32-year-old set up her childminding business in September , and does not qualify for the taxable grant to cover lost earnings as she can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband , 48 , who is type-one diabetic , also classes as high-risk , so Mrs Hadley said she is reluctant to find work in front line services , like caring , and risk putting his health in jeopardy .
`` I do n't think the government quite thought about it , '' she said .
`` I understand it is a serious thing that has happened in such short period of time and a lot of people out there are getting a lot of support , I just feel like we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my husband have worked since we were 16 .
To have been paying into the system for so long and not get a penny , is really rough .
`` We have taken a mortgage holiday but that did n't hit last month , so it was taken out this month , now we have maxed out our overdraft to just pay the bills . ''
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Self employed people who have suffered a loss in income, will receive a taxable grant, worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month. Initially, this will be available for three months in one lump-sum payment, and will start to be paid from the beginning of June


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Puddletown Forest fire 'caused by disposable barbecue'

A disposable barbecue is believed to have started a large forest fire in Dorset .
About 60 firefighters spent more @ @ @ @ @ the blaze , which broke out in Puddletown Forest at about 16:30 BST on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ account , which showed a burnt-out disposable barbecue at the scene , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ how irresponsible this is . ''
Crews were due to return to the area to @ @ @ @ @ and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was `` a completely avoidable wild fire @ @ @ @ @ to `` follow government guidance and only go outdoors when necessary '' , which it @ @ @ @ @ `` damaging , resource-intensive fires '' .

It urged people to "follow government guidance and only go outdoors when necessary", which it said would help prevent such "damaging, resource-intensive fires".


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: English teacher 'energised' by lockdown learning

An English teacher says she feels `` excited , overwhelmed and energised '' after followers of her online lessons grew to more than 40,000 .
Holly King-Mand , 36 , provides daily English Live lessons and had 74 Facebook followers at the start of the UK 's lockdown .
It now stands at 44,000 across three social media platforms .
`` Without teaching , I 'd be finding [ lockdown ] a lot more stressful , '' said Mrs King-Mand , from Leighton Buzzard .
Mrs King-Mand , who lives with two daughters aged two and nine months , hosts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aimed at Key Stage Two and Three levels ( ages 7-14 ) .
She launched lessons and resources on Facebook , having just finished maternity leave , to support parents home-schooling their children under lockdown restrictions .
Within days , the former secondary school teacher gained 18,000 followers which has risen to 38,000 in five weeks and includes support from four continents .
Mrs King-Mand is moving the live lessons to YouTube this week , where she already has 4,000 subscribers .
She has a further 2,000 on Instagram and has been recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just have a rainbow of emotions all the time , I 'm excited , overwhelmed and energised , '' she said .
`` This gets me up in the morning and the teaching , the planning , and messages from all over the world have been a massive lift to me and my family .
`` There would be a good chance that I 'd still be in my pyjamas if I did n't have to teach live to thousands of children every morning . ''
Mrs King-Mand said said her fan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was `` endearing to see the positive impact the lessons are having on people '' .
`` A family from Madrid told me that it made a big difference to their lockdown experience to have a vibrant and lively lesson rather than being trapped in a room with worksheets , '' she said .
`` As a teacher you are lucky if you can reach one child in that way , let alone thousands . ''
Post lockdown , she is looking to bring `` more challenging '' topics to children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'd love to inspire young learners ' passion for English , steering away from a focus on test and exam preparation .
I want them to love English , '' she said .
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"This gets me up in the morning and the teaching, the planning, and messages from all over the world have been a massive lift to me and my family.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Boy with cerebral palsy takes on 'Captain Tom' feat

A nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy has been inspired by Captain Tom Moore to walk a marathon in his street .
Tobias Weller , from Sheffield , uses a walking frame and was only managing about 50m a day before lockdown began .
He had planned to walk 1km in his local park to raise money for charity , but is now walking 750m daily until he has completed the 26 mile ( 42km ) challenge .
Tobias said he heard about Captain Tom and wants to raise £10,000 by doing this `` ginormous '' challenge .
More stories from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £8,000 so far for his two favourite charities , Sheffield Children 's Hospital and Paces School , which he attends .
His mother Ruth Garbutt said : `` He wanted to complete the sponsored walk in May and was disappointed he could n't do it .
`` When he heard about Captain Tom 's challenge , he kind of saw the similarities and decided to replace his sponsored walk with a marathon attempt .
`` We started on 21 March , which is pretty much when we started in lockdown , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of May .
`` He is very , very motivated to do it every single day which is fantastic . ''
She added it was good physiotherapy for him , as he was missing the daily physiotherapy he usually received at Paces School .
'Determined to do it' Paces is a school for conductive education where the emphasis is on developing the children so they can achieve as much independence as possible .
They follow physiotherapy programmes throughout the day as well as being educated at the same time .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of donations rising .
`` As we see it smashing each thousand pound barrier , Tobias is just thrilled about it '' .
Tobias , who also has autism and can not stand or walk unaided , said : `` It 's brilliant , we have loads of lovely neighbours who I have got to know loads better during lockdown .
In a video posted on his Just Giving Page he said : `` This is going to be a ginormous challenge for me .
A marathon is 42,000m but I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of lockdown , I would use my crocodile walker to walk 50m a day , but now I am walking 750m a day '' .
Tobias wants to raise money towards their new fundraising campaign `` A New Home for Paces '' to provide a new school with improved facilities .
Paces Sheffield is a specialist centre , school and charity for children and adults with cerebral palsy and other motor disorders of a neurological origin .
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Paces is a school for conductive education where the emphasis is on developing the children so they can achieve as much independence as possible. They follow physiotherapy programmes throughout the day as well as being educated at the same time.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Why you shouldn't get a pet during lockdown

As the saying almost goes : A dog is for life , not just for coronavirus .
That 's the message coming from The Kennel Club , one of the UK 's biggest dog welfare organisations .
It 's warning people the lockdown is not a time for impulse buying animals without considering their future .
The organisation says searches for puppies on their website doubled between February and March as the restrictions were announced .
Charities including Battersea Dogs Home and the RSPCA have also told Radio 1 Newsbeat they do n't want people to rush into getting new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry animals will be abandoned once life goes back to normal and people no longer spend so much time at home .
`` If you are considering getting a pet during these uncertain times , it 's important to remember taking on an animal is a huge commitment and it 's irresponsible to do so unless you 're really able to care for them in the long term , '' says a spokesperson from Battersea Dogs Home .
The charity had previously stopped all rehoming , only allowing its animals to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 160 animals are currently being looked after this way .
But in the last couple of days Battersea has received new advice from the government and is now back to processing existing applications for adoption of animals at its centres .
But the message about thinking hard before getting a pet still remains the same .
The RSPCA has also told Newsbeat the government 's social distancing and self-isolation advice `` would make it very difficult for someone to adopt or buy a pet at this time '' .
According to the pet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to £13,000 to look after a dog over its lifetime , and that 's without adding in any possible medical problems they might develop .
They also say it costs between £370-£425 to raise a puppy , taking into account vaccinations , food and toys .
But for some people , like 26-year-old Sarah , they 've found ways to buy the pet they always wanted without breaking lockdown rules .
She 's been keeping in touch with her new Maltipoo puppy virtually .
`` I 've been FaceTiming the breeder once a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winnie , is getting on , '' she tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
`` She 's been sending me lots of pictures and all the details I need like pictures of her parents and breeding certificates - it 's allowed me to think rationally about buying a pet . ''
Sarah has always wanted a dog she could bring to the office with her , but has been unable to find the time due to work commitments and holidays .
`` I knew now would be the perfect time to train a puppy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returns to normal , we will have a fully trained dog I can take to work and we can resume our lives with our new friend ! ''
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"If you are considering getting a pet during these uncertain times, it's important to remember taking on an animal is a huge commitment and it's irresponsible to do so unless you're really able to care for them in the long term," says a spokesperson from Battersea Dogs Home.


bbcuk--2020-04-26--Gruffalo artist Axel Scheffler: 'This was something I could do to help'

`` I do n't feel like I 'm very good at drawing real people in the real world '' says a wistful Axel Scheffler .
The illustrator is famous for his weird and wonderful pictures of animals in books like The Gruffalo , but now the coronavirus pandemic has brought him back into the real world with a bump .
The 62-year-old has just helped to produce what must have been one of the fastest books in history .
Coronavirus : A Book for Children was written , illustrated and then published for free online in the space of week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been speaking to a head teacher in East London who told her that many families were really worried and felt a bit helpless , '' Scheffler says .
`` So the idea was to give children aged five to nine some information - as factual as possible - and in a simple language . ''
Facts are important but the book is also frank about the uncertainty the world faces .
There 's a chapter on vaccines which explains that the disease is new and currently has no cure .
`` Honesty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you have to have their trust , '' says Scheffler .
The illustrator 's own life has n't changed much in the last few weeks as he 's always worked from home while drawing .
But he admits to feeling anxious about what 's happening and says it must be a worrying time for children who ca n't go to school .
The book deals with issues such as not seeing grandparents and coping with irritable parents who might be trying to work from home themselves at a stressful time .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychologist and a professor from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine .
It 's already been translated into 45 languages and downloaded by more than a million people .
A charity called Worldreader has put the book on a free app aimed at parents in developing countries where public health information may be scarce .
They can download it on their phone to read to children at night .
Scheffler says the reaction to the book has been overwhelming : `` I 'm not a doctor or a nurse but as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do to help and I feel proud it has had this amazing response . ''
Like all good children 's stories , the book ends on a positive note .
There 's a picture of families , doctors and nurses celebrating together and the caption reads : `` One day this strange time will be over . ''
Scheffler says right now hope is very important for children , `` because one day this pandemic will indeed be over and then perhaps we can stand close together again as the characters do on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
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Facts are important but the book is also frank about the uncertainty the world faces. There's a chapter on vaccines which explains that the disease is new and currently has no cure. "Honesty is crucial for children of any age, you have to have their trust," says Scheffler.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Boris Johnson: I'm sorry I've been away from my desk longer than I would have liked

On his first day back at Downing Street after recovering from the coronavirus the prime minister thanked the country its @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson also warned that the UK was facing the moment of maximum risk and @ @ @ @ @ lose patience with the lockdown .

On his first day back at Downing Street after recovering from the coronavirus the prime minister thanked the country its efforts in fighting Covid-19.
Mr Johnson also warned that the UK was facing the moment of maximum risk and urged the country not to lose patience with the lockdown.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--The Papers: PM 'takes control' and lockdown plans revealed 'this week'

`` Boris bounces back to get UK moving '' is the front page headline of the Daily Mail , which pictures the prime minister smiling as he returns to Downing Street .
But the papers leave him in no doubt about the challenges he 's facing .
In its editorial , the Mail says it is n't plausible that the `` grinding lockdown can prevail much longer '' , while many papers warn the cabinet is split between those concerned about the economy and others worried about an upsurge of infections which could overwhelm the NHS .
There are growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the i 's political editor , Nigel Morris , saying the early approval of the government 's handling of the crisis appears to be ebbing away .
The Daily Telegraph suggests Mr Johnson is `` increasingly bullish '' about modifying the restrictions - possibly as early as this week .
According to the Times , advisers have been appointed to help ministers draw up guidance for different sectors , so companies can get back to work .
It suggests the rules could mean restricting numbers in gyms and barring shoppers from trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Financial Times believes one of the thorniest dilemmas is the question of when to re-open schools .
It highlights research suggesting that two-thirds of British children have not taken part in online learning since the lockdown began and it argues that plans for the safe return to formal education need to be made now .
One possible solution , it believes , is to split school pupils into groups which are kept apart .
The pictures of queues outside DIY stores , sunbathers on the beach , and cyclists bunched together on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown rules - according to the Sun .
Ken Marsh , chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation - which represents rank and file officers , tells the paper the government needs to issue clearer guidance .
He asks : `` Why is it OK to queue with hundreds outside a B & Q but not to sit on a blanket in a park well away from other people ?
It makes no sense whatsoever to my colleagues , and I doubt whether it makes any sense to the public . ''
Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , each weekday morning The papers consider the mystery surrounding the whereabouts of the North Korean leader , Kim Jong-un , who has not been seen publicly for more than a fortnight and missed an important state occasion .
The New York Times says that amid the rumours about his health , American spy satellites have scoured the country for signs of Mr Kim .
The Times says his luxury train has been spotted at an elite seaside resort .
The South Korean paper , Dong-a Ilbo , quotes a former senior official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he may have been injured during a missile test .
Finally , the papers celebrate the efforts of the fundraisers who came up with inventive tests of endurance to make up for the postponement of the London Marathon .
The Times highlights some of the weirdest efforts of the 2.6 challenge - which was inspired by the 26.2 miles in a marathon course .
Olympic champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill bounced a golf ball on a cheese grater 26 times , one girl scored 2,600 netball goals in her back garden , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field 26 times in 26 different outfits - including an Elvis imitation white jumpsuit .
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He asks: "Why is it OK to queue with hundreds outside a B&Q but not to sit on a blanket in a park well away from other people? It makes no sense whatsoever to my colleagues, and I doubt whether it makes any sense to the public."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Victim's fiancée slams 'complacent' lockdown flouters

A woman whose fiancé died after testing positive for coronavirus has warned people not to become `` complacent '' about lockdown rules .
Katie Martin , 25 , from Bacup , Lancashire , told BBC 5 live : `` It 's easy to think 'oh it wo n't happen to me ' .
That 's not the case at all . ''
Her partner Ricky McKeag , 29 , died in hospital despite doctors putting him on a ventilator as his condition worsened .
The government is under mounting pressure to begin lifting the lockdown .
But Health Minister Edward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to ease up '' even if people were feeling frustrated .
Ms Martin , a registered care manager for people with learning disabilities , said web designer Mr McKeag had started working with her as a recruitment manager after the pandemic outbreak .
They both tested positive for the virus after developing symptoms .
Ms Martin said Mr McKeag `` became a lot more unwell '' and was admitted to the Royal Blackburn Hospital by ambulance .
`` He messaged me to say I love you so much , thank you for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` but unfortunately he did n't come out of it . ''
`` I 've not been able to see him or collect his belongings .
Because of the infection , we 're restricted to what we can do .
`` But people are getting complacent .
`` They 're not washing their hands after they go shopping , they 're going shopping for plants and luxury items that they do n't need .
`` Just stay at home and enjoy a bit of time at home and stay safe .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , but I still have n't been to a shop , I still have n't seen people because I 'm frightened .
I do n't want to pass on an infection .
`` Nobody can come to my house for a brew or to comfort me , but that 's the way it is , I 'm just trying to keep everyone safe . ''
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"He messaged me to say I love you so much, thank you for the best life," she said, "but unfortunately he didn't come out of it."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: One big weekly shop back in fashion, says Tesco

People have reverted back to shopping the way they did a decade ago by making one big weekly trip to the supermarket , according to the boss of Tesco .
Chief executive Dave Lewis said Covid-19 social distancing measures mean consumers are shopping less frequently .
He said that the number of transactions in April nearly halved , but the size of the average basket had doubled .
Mr Lewis added Tesco has now broken through the one million online delivery slots a week for the first time .
He expects the supermarket will add a further 200,000 slots over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from vulnerable customers .
Tesco has achieved an increase in online capacity of 103 % in the space of a few weeks , growth which would normally take years to achieve .
The other supermarkets have also ramped up delivery slots .
Before the crisis , only about 7 % of all groceries were bought online .
`` We 're trying to help as many people as we can .
And the single biggest thing has been the change in online shopping , '' he said .
`` The issue that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable customers , it has very specific guidelines and they had about 400,000 that they wanted the retail industry to help .
They gave us 350,000 of those names and we got to 260,000 .
• Tesco tells people to visit stores to get food '' We will want to do more , but there 's still more demand than we 're able to supply , '' Mr Lewis said .
In his first broadcast interview since the outbreak of coronavirus , Mr Lewis spoke about how Britain 's biggest retailer had adapted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
`` People are shopping once a week , a little like they did 10 or 15 years ago , rather than two , three or four times a week that was happening before the crisis . ''
He added that during the surge in panic buying - when customers stripped supermarket shelves of goods like liquid soap , toilet roll and pasta - Tesco `` had seen seven weeks of sales going in one or two days '' .
`` The food supply chain is now back in good shape , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is still in short supply .
Mr Lewis described the last six weeks as `` incredible '' adding that `` just about everything in the business had changed '' .
For instance , Tesco has taken on 45 , 000 temporary workers to help cover for the 51,000 staff who were absent because of Covid-19 and cope with the increase in online deliveries .
Mr Lewis said the company , the UK 's biggest private sector employer with more than 300,000 workers , is now in the process of welcoming back staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hires leave .
`` We still have probably 35,000 to 40,000 double cover at the moment , '' he said .
`` I think what was really quite humbling was the willingness of people to come and work in a supermarket and help us feed the nation .
We 've had some very interesting new colleagues - from BA pilots , West End theatre , to racing drivers ... and we 've trained them all very quickly '' .
The priority is to keep his staff and shoppers safe .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of our customers have adapted to the changes in stores , `` he said .
`` But we have to recognise that until the advice of the government changes , then we need to maintain social distance .
So , we will , for the foreseeable future have to keep those measures in place . ''
The challenge will be keeping the discipline in smaller stores , especially in city centres , when people return to work .
Mr Lewis was asked about the impact of coronavirus on retail and High Streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depended on how customers behave once the crisis is over but he hoped it would encourage the country to think about its future food strategy .
`` I think the food chain has done really very well .
Two weeks after such a big demand spike everything did recover , so there is resilience .
`` I think what this crisis has shown is the importance of food retail .
I think in the past , perhaps , a little bit we may have taken that for granted .
So I hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully about food , food strategy and distribution . ''

The priority is to keep his staff and shoppers safe. "I've been really quite amazed how well 99% of our customers have adapted to the changes in stores, " he said. "But we have to recognise that until the advice of the government changes, then we need to maintain social distance. So, we will, for the foreseeable future have to keep those measures in place."


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Hardship payment for dairy farmers considered

The government is understood to be considering a hardship payment for dairy farmers after warnings tens of thousands of cows could be slaughtered .
Demand for dairy products in the hospitality sector has dropped with the closure of many cafes and restaurants .
George Eustice will discuss the issue with senior Tories , while talks with MPs and trade reps are due on Tuesday .
The Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs said it had relaxed competition law to help the industry .
It also said that farmers could access existing financial support measures .
• Five ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak has led to problems for the dairy industry , with some farmers forced to discard milk .
It is thought a hardship fund could take the form of a targeted time-limited payment for badly affected farmers .
The former environment secretary , Owen Paterson , said : `` There is an urgent need for some form of rapid hardship fund for the minority of dairy farmers , who temporarily have no market for their milk , to avoid seeing cows slaughtered . ''
Conservative MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said he believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £10m to £20m .
`` I do n't want to see tens of thousands of cows slaughtered unnecessarily due to coronavirus , '' he said .
The chair of the Welsh Affairs select committee , Stephen Crabb , said he understood why Defra wanted to take time to assess the problem but `` the time for action has come '' .
`` Some kind of hardship payment does need to be made available for the farmers most affected . ''
He added : `` The issue of slaughter has been raised by local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's likely to happen tomorrow but could , if the right action is n't taken , be a longer term consequence . ''
Chris Loder , the Conservative MP for West Dorset , said : `` The government must act urgently to provide a hardship fund to support dairy farmers in desperate need to avoid any culling of the national herd . ''
The National Farmers Union , Dairy UK and the Provision Trade Federation have proposed action including targeted grant support and a scheme whereby some cows would effectively be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , during recent conference calls , industry members have raised a `` doomsday scenario '' of 80,000 cows being culled - out of a national herd of nearly two million .
However , that figure has been downplayed by some including Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown , who described such a number as `` highly unlikely '' .
The plunge in demand from the hospitality sector comes as UK milk production approaches its annual seasonal peak .
Phil Langslow , chair of the Provision Trade Federation , described the situation as a `` perfect storm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also a director at County Milk Products , estimates that 20m litres of liquid milk a week would normally have been going into the food service with only around 20 % of that market still viable during the current lockdown .
In a letter to MPs last week Mr Eustice said : `` Between 5 % and 10 % of total milk production goes to the food service trade and there is therefore a small proportion of milk production that currently has no home .
`` The vast majority of Britain 's 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the usual price . ''
But Mr Eustice 's letter has attracted criticism from some industry figures .
`` I have n't heard a single farmer who thought that was accurate , '' said Joe Stanley , Leicestershire NFU 's vice-chair .
He claimed that the government had `` vastly underplayed '' the problem .
• Dairy farms 'at risk ' after drop in milk price A Defra spokesperson said the government was working closely with the NFU , Dairy UK and other stakeholders .
`` We have already relaxed competition laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surplus milk and adapt to changes in the supply chain .
`` We also welcome the initiative from milk suppliers and their farmers to temporarily reduce the amounts they are producing , through a range of options , so that when the demand returns it can be met by our dairy farmers .
`` We will continue to work with the industry to understand the potential impacts on farmers and also urge them to access the existing package of government financial support available . ''

"We also welcome the initiative from milk suppliers and their farmers to temporarily reduce the amounts they are producing, through a range of options, so that when the demand returns it can be met by our dairy farmers.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Bereaved frontline families entitled to £60,000

Families of front line NHS and social care staff in England who die from coronavirus will be entitled to a £60,000 payment , the government says .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed 82 NHS and 16 social care workers had died so far during the outbreak .
He said he felt a `` deep personal sense of duty that we must care for their loved ones '' .
Unions have welcomed the announcement , but called for the scheme to be applied to more sectors .
The Welsh government has promised the same payment to its NHS and social care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrangements - although all devolved schemes will be paid for by the UK government .
The announcement comes ahead of a one minute 's silence at 11:00 BST ( 10:00 GMT ) on Tuesday to remember health workers who have died from the virus .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will take part , along with others from across government .
• Live : Latest from around the world • Johnson : This is moment of maximum risk • Analysis : Johnson clear there will be no sudden nirvana Announcing the scheme at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid tribute to the `` essential work '' of NHS and social care staff .
He said : `` Of course , nothing replaces the loss of a loved one .
`` But we want to do everything we can to support families who are dealing with this grief . ''
The general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing , Donna Kinnair , said the new scheme would `` bring reassurance to families in difficult situations '' .
She added : `` No amount of cash can make up for a family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should never add to the worries of those in grief . ''
General secretary of Unison , Dave Prentis , also welcomed the move , saying : `` Providing financial security for the families of all those who 've paid the ultimate price for their professionalism and dedication is the very least we can do . ''
But the unions called for the scheme to be simple and quick , and to be open to more professionals , such as those working in primary care .
Labour welcomed the move but urged ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the supply of personal protective equipment to people on the frontline .
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran , who has been campaigning for such a scheme , said it was what NHS heroes `` need and deserve '' .
But , she added : `` Now , the government needs to go further .
The scheme should include the families of all key workers - carers , teachers and bus drivers to name a few - who die on the frontline .
`` The scheme should also match that given to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funeral costs . ''
Mr Hancock said the government was looking into other groups of key workers and what schemes are already available to them .

General secretary of Unison, Dave Prentis, also welcomed the move, saying: "Providing financial security for the families of all those who've paid the ultimate price for their professionalism and dedication is the very least we can do."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: UK failed to stockpile crucial PPE

The government failed to buy crucial protective equipment to cope with a pandemic , a BBC investigation has found .
There were no gowns , visors , swabs or body bags in the government 's pandemic stockpile when Covid-19 reached the UK .
NHS staff say they are being put at risk because of the shortage of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
The government said it has taken the right steps and is doing everything it can to increase stocks .
The investigation by BBC Panorama found that vital items were left out of the stockpile when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government subsequently ignored a warning from its own advisers to buy missing equipment .
• Why some NHS workers are wearing bin bags • Are NHS staff getting enough protective gear ?
The expert committee that advises the government on pandemics , the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group ( Nervtag ) , recommended the purchase of gowns last June .
Gowns are currently one of the items in shortest supply in the UK and they are now difficult to source because of the global shortage of PPE .
Doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also shortages of the life-saving FFP3 respirator masks .
Panorama has discovered that millions of FFP3 respirator masks are unaccounted for .
There were 33 million on the original 2009 procurement list for the stockpile , but only 12 million have been handed out .
The government refuses to explain where the other masks have gone .
A government spokesperson said there was `` limited demand '' for the masks coming through the Supply Disruption Line , `` which is one reason why they have n't all been distributed '' .
They added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advisory group and would be procured for the `` future stockpile build up alongside all other necessary equipment '' .
Panorama has spoken to a number of NHS insiders about PPE who wish to remain anonymous .
`` There is a complete lack of transparency from the government .
They are creating panic , as we do n't know if they can supply us so we are scrambling to get it elsewhere , '' a head of procurement told the programme .
The government also failed to stockpile visors , the swabs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed for the dead .
Professor John Ashton , a public health expert and long-standing critic of the government , told the programme the lack of preparation was breathtaking .
`` The consequence of not planning ; not ordering kit ; not having stockpiles is that we are sending into the front line doctors , nurses , other health workers and social care workers without the equipment to keep them safe , '' he said .
A government spokesperson said the stockpile was designed for a flu pandemic and that Covid-19 is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They said swabs and body bags were not recommended by Nervtag historically , but eye protection was , so the stockpile contains safety glasses .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Panorama also investigated changes to the government guidance on what PPE NHS staff should wear .
In January this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Infectious Disease ( HCID ) .
The decision was made in consultation with a group of British experts .
A Health and Safety Executive evaluation of PPE published in 2019 had already recommended that all healthcare workers should wear a gown , FFP3 respirator mask and visor when dealing with HCIDs .
Those recommendations were in line with existing UK guidance .
But on 13 March this year , the government downgraded its guidance on PPE and told NHS staff they were safe to wear less protective aprons and basic surgical masks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Panorama understands that on the same day , the government took steps to remove Covid-19 from the list of HCIDs .
But the experts who had recommended the coronavirus be put on the list in the first place were not consulted .
Instead , the government asked its Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens ( ACDP ) .
Panorama has discovered that the ACDP was only asked to consider the matter on the morning of its 13 March meeting .
It was added to the committee 's agenda under `` any other business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remove Covid-19 from the HCID list , but sources on that committee have told Panorama that it had to be , in part , a pragmatic decision based on the availability of PPE .
It was another six days before Public Health England announced that the coronavirus was no longer considered an HCID .
A government spokesperson said Covid-19 was taken off the list because it has a low overall mortality rate and there is now greater clinical awareness and a specific laboratory test for the virus .
They added the committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered an HCID was based entirely on scientific considerations .
`` The HCID classification is used for serious infections where there are limited numbers of cases requiring specialist input and facilities , '' the spokesperson said .
`` This is an unprecedented global pandemic and we have taken the right steps at the right time to combat it , guided at all times by the best scientific advice .
`` The government has been working day and night to battle against coronavirus , delivering a strategy designed at all times to protect our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can watch the full Panorama programme , Has the Government Failed the NHS ?
on iPlayer here .

"Like every other country in the world, [the virus] is unprecedented and the requirements for PPE have risen exponentially and we are doing our absolute best to address those needs and will continue to do so throughout this crisis," she said.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Councils vying for emergency virus cash

Ministers are facing competing demands from councils across England for a £1.6bn emergency coronavirus fund .
County councils are seeking assurances that up to £1bn in added social care costs will be met to support nursing homes , recruit carers , source equipment and relieve pressure on the NHS .
But district councils have warned they risk financial collapse if the new money is not allocated `` fairly '' .
The government said councils were getting `` significant support '' .
Earlier this month , Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick announced a second tranche of emergency funding for councils as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher service costs caused by the pandemic .
But the Local Government Association , which represents more than 300 councils of different sizes in England and Wales , said local authorities could require four times that in order to make it through .
With the government yet to make clear how the money will be allocated , the BBC 's political correspondent Alex Forsyth said many councils were fearful that they could lose out , showing just how stretched services were .
County councils and unitary authorities , which are legally responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , say they ought to be prioritised as they are facing an added £1.3bn financial burden , The County Councils Network , which represents 36 county councils and unitary authorities , has warned already stretched social care budgets could come under further strain if funding mechanisms are `` dramatically altered '' .
They say their members are liable for an estimated extra £322m to meet the escalating costs of care and nursing homes while £259m could be needed to meet growing demand for other services , vital to ensuring people could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added strain on NHS beds .
It warned it might have to take `` unpalatable decisions '' and potentially reduce support for `` life-saving '' services , including providing testing in care homes , helping to `` shield '' the most vulnerable in their homes and meeting shortages of personal protective equipment locally .
It also wants the government , separately , to underwrite the cost of potentially billions in lost revenues due to the anticipated steep fall in council tax receipts , income from business rates and other charges .
• A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise '' It is clear from the evidence provided to ministers that social care is adding the most strain to council budgets as we battle the spread of the disease locally , '' said Councillor David Williams , the body 's chairman .
He added : `` If the government changes the distribution of emergency funding it will disproportionately and unfairly impact those councils responsible for adult and children 's social care . ''
Care England , the largest representative body for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has warned of `` severe '' financial implications from the pandemic and said resources must quickly reach the frontline .
But the 192 district councils in England , which provide services from bin collections to helping the homeless , say they are facing the toughest squeeze on their budgets of any local authorities due to the economic impact of the lockdown and their needs can not be overlooked .
They warned that income from car parking , leisure facilities , planning and licensing applications is `` plummeting '' while financial liabilities could dwarf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall sharply .
The District Councils Network has called for each district to receive minimum amount of temporary funding , supplemented with additional funding based on the number of residents and businesses in each area .
`` We can not run services on fresh air , '' said its chair John Fuller .
`` Districts need to see a significant share of the additional £1.6bn to prevent them winding down services when people and businesses need them most .
`` District councils are the ones who are delivering the final mile of public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resource to step up to the plate and respond to this pandemic . ''
The Department of Communities and Local Government said it would outline where the £1.6bn would be spent as soon as possible but insisted it was standing by councils at a highly challenging time for them .
`` The secretary of state has announced a total of £3.2 billion of funding for councils to support their response to the pandemic , '' a spokesman said .
`` This is a significant package of support which responds to the range of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing and will support them to protect vital services . ''

They say their members are liable for an estimated extra £322m to meet the escalating costs of care and nursing homes while £259m could be needed to meet growing demand for other services, vital to ensuring people could be treated in the community and not put added strain on NHS beds.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Virgin Media goes offline for thousands

Virgin Media goes offline for thousands

Virgin Media , one of the UK 's largest broadband providers , has gone offline for thousands of users , @ @ @ @ @ outage began just after 17:00 on Monday , coinciding with the government daily coronavirus press @ @ @ @ @ recorded more than 30,000 reports .
Many said their service had come back online shortly @ @ @ @ @ reported ongoing problems nearly an hour later .
Virgin said the problem had been fixed @ @ @ @ @ Twitter .
In a statement that followed , a company spokesman said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ broadband issue that lasted for a very short period of time earlier this evening .
@ @ @ @ @ back up and running , our teams are looking into the problem and will work @ @ @ @ @ .
We apologise for any inconvenience caused . ''
However , some users have reported @ @ @ @ @ night , causing problems for services - such as customer service chats and online video @ @ @ @ @ connection .

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bbcuk--2020-04-27--Sunak unveils 100% state-backed loans for small firms

Small firms are to get access to 100 % taxpayer-backed loans after they raised concerns about slow access to existing coronavirus rescue schemes .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the House of Commons the scheme would start next week , offering firms loans up to £50,000 within days of applying .
It aims to unlock a backlog of credit checks by banks amid fears many small firms could fold before getting loans .
The loan terms mean that no capital or interest repayments will be due for one year .
Instead , the government will pay the interest for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire for delays in handing out loans , but have blamed the heavy workload , need to complete the necessary credit checks , and a shortage of staff .
Underwriting the loans removes the risk that banks will not get their money back , which Mr Sunak hopes will speed up the application process .
The new `` microloan scheme '' would provide a `` simple , quick , easy '' solution , he told the Commons .
In a statement issued on behalf of the major lenders to small firms , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finance said the `` welcome changes should enable banks to provide finance to businesses more quickly '' .
The chancellor said : `` Never before have we been able to do something of this magnitude in such a short space of time . ''
It 's not the end of the economic rescue schemes .
They are needed in this `` new normal '' for the economy - which looks set to last for months .
For now , the priority is public health , and controlling the pandemic .
Without public confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shops , workers will not return to offices .
Read more from from Faisal : here In another significant change , firms applying for the new loans will now only have to prove that they were viable in the past before the crisis , not that they will viable after the crisis .
Companies have complained they struggled to prove their future potential with some much uncertainty over the economic environment .
The chancellor had come under pressure to underwrite all loans , not just those up to £50,000 .
But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this as he needed to balance the risk to the taxpayer with the needs of small businesses .
He said : `` I 've heard some calls for the government to underwrite all our loan schemes with 100 % guarantees .
I remain unconvinced by the case for doing that universally .
`` We should not ask the ordinary taxpayers of today and tomorrow to bear the entire risk of lending almost unlimited sums to businesses who may , in some cases , have very little prospect of paying those loans back and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus . ''
• Five firms booming despite the lockdown • Pressure mounts on Chancellor to guarantee 100 % of loans to firms Earlier this month the Governor of the Bank of England , Andrew Bailey , said that slow bank emergency lending `` had to be sorted out '' and that taking on all the risk from banks could `` unblock '' the schemes for small business especially .
Unlike the existing loan scheme , banks will not retain any of the risk for these loans , which could stretch into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on how long the crisis lasts .
Business leaders welcomed the move , with Dame Carolyn Fairbairn , CBI director-general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn calling it transformational for small firms .
`` Sole traders , micro-firms and entrepreneurs will now have a simple route to fast finance to stay afloat , without red tape or time-consuming checks , '' she said .
`` Thousands of businesses could be saved by this lifeline .
Banks now need to continue their work in overdrive to get the loans flowing faster . ''
And the chairman of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cherry , said it would `` give hope to thousands '' of firms .
`` To date , the existing interruption loan scheme has not been working for the small firms that make-up 99 % of our business community .
`` The decision by the chancellor to listen to our recommendation for a 100 % guarantee on smaller loans , alongside the creation of a new fast-track system for those applying for them , will give hope to thousands . ''

In another significant change, firms applying for the new loans will now only have to prove that they were viable in the past before the crisis, not that they will viable after the crisis. Companies have complained they struggled to prove their future potential with some much uncertainty over the economic environment.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: 'When will I be able to hug my grandchildren?'

The first member of the public to ask a question at a coronavirus briefing wanted to know about hugging close family when lockdown is relaxed .
Lynne in Skipton , North Yorkshire , said she missed her grandchildren and wanted to know whether allowing family to hug would be one of the first steps .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the question `` brought home the emotional impact of lockdown '' .
He said he hoped it would be allowed `` as soon as possible '' .
But Chris Whitty , the UK 's chief medical adviser , warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family may continue to be a risk for some time .
He said those groups would include people with `` significant medical conditions '' who were currently `` shielding '' and older people .
`` If she 's in a group that 's vulnerable , then the answer is it might well be prudent - and this will depend entirely on individual circumstances - for her not to get into a situation where she 's putting herself at risk , '' he said .
He said he `` fully accepts '' the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added : `` Nevertheless it is important that people who are vulnerable continue to be protected even after whatever the next steps are . ''
• Why going without physical touch is so hard • This is the moment of maximum risk , Johnson says The question from Lynne , whose surname was not given , was read by Mr Hancock , who said he had not seen it in advance .
The process of choosing it was managed independently by pollster YouGov .
Lynne said : `` I 'm missing my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let me know if , after the five criteria are met , is being able to hug our closest family one of the first steps out of lockdown ? ''
Mr Hancock said : `` We understand the impact of not being able to hug your closest family .
It affects us all too .
`` We just hope we can get back to that as soon as possible .
The best way we can get there , the fastest way , is for people to follow the rules . ''
Stephen Powis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` We all know how hard this is .
My own mother lives hundreds of miles away and I know she 's wondering when she will be able to see me and her grandchildren again . ''
But he said the lockdown measures are `` bearing fruit '' , reducing hospital admissions and deaths , which themselves have `` touched so many people in terms of loved ones '' .
The question was chosen as one of 15,000 submitted online via the government 's website under a new plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their questions to ministers and experts .
Anyone over 18 can send in a question and one will be selected by opinion pollsters by 15:00 BST .
The decision to allow questions from the public came as Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to address criticisms that the government had failed to set out how it was making crucial decisions about the introduction of social distancing rules and how they would be lifted .
He said future decisions about the nation 's response to the virus would be taken with `` maximum possible transparency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock said he hoped the exercise had shown `` questions from the public can be just as important and just as difficult to answer as questions from journalists who are trained to ask them '' .

"If she's in a group that's vulnerable, then the answer is it might well be prudent - and this will depend entirely on individual circumstances - for her not to get into a situation where she's putting herself at risk," he said.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Brexit: No EU mini embassy in Belfast - Gove

Michael Gove has said the European Union does not need a “ mini embassy '' in Belfast after the Brexit transition period .
The comments were made by the cabinet minister after the EU said it wanted a technical base in Northern Ireland .
The transition , sometimes called the implementation period , is due to last until 31 December 2020 .
During this period , the UK will remain in both the EU customs union and single market .
The comments were made by Mr Gove as he gave evidence to a virtual meeting of the European Union committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently examining the UK ’ s future relationship with the EU .
Earlier , it was revealed Paymaster General Penny Mordaunt had written to Michel Barnier to reject the EU 's proposal for an EU Commission office .
The EU said the office was to help oversee the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol after the end of the transition period .
In the letter , Ms Mordaunt said the UK `` can not agree '' to the proposal .
• Trade talks : What do the UK and EU want ?
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s desire to have a base in Belfast by SNP MP Dr Phillipa Whitford .
Dr Whitford questioned why the UK government had rejected the EU request when it had agreed the EU could monitor procedures in Northern Ireland after the transition period .
Mr Gove said such a building in Northern Ireland was “ not necessary “ .
The committee also examined the withdrawal agreement and the latest negotiations between the EU and the UK .
Mr Gove , who is the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , gave his evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the committee had held a virtual meeting because of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions .

The EU said the office was to help oversee the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol after the end of the transition period.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Return to school in children's interests - Ofsted

It is in children 's interests to return to school `` as soon as possible '' , says the head of England 's schools watchdog , Ofsted .
Amanda Spielman told a panel of MPs home and online learning were `` imperfect substitutes '' for school .
But she acknowledged adult health and infection risk needed to be considered .
Ms Spielman also said she expected to see a rise in the number of children needing some form of social care in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Last week , England 's Education Secretary , Gavin Williamson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools to reopen to pupils other than key workers ' children and those considered vulnerable - and certain thresholds in fighting coronavirus would have to be met .
Speaking at the Downing Street briefing on Monday evening , the UK 's chief medical officer Chris Whitty said the reinfection rate , known as the R , was near to three when schools were closed to the majority of pupils in March and is now below one .
Prof Whitty said experts were currently trying to establish what the impact of children returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whilst it remains the case we think that the contribution of children at school is probably less than , for example , for flu , we do think it certainly contributes .
`` And what we 're trying to work out is what proportion of the R it [ schools being open ] contributes and therefore if children went back to school , how much closer to one - and that 's in a bad way - would we be and could it even tip us above one , and what we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and minimise that . ''
On Monday morning , Ms Spielman told the Education Select Committee : `` We have to accept that what can be done while schools are substantially closed is a very poor substitute for full normal education .
`` Children are losing education and it 's not just the children who are disadvantaged or academically behind , it 's children without motivations .
`` And it would be unrealistic for anyone , including me , to expect the vast majority of children to have made the same progress they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in school , which is why I truly believe that it 's in children 's interests to be back in school as early as possible . ''
• Tiny fraction of 'at risk ' children going to school '' There are decisions around adults , adult health and infection , there are decisions around medical provision - clearly , this is a balance that is not mine nor the Department for Education 's to make , '' she said .
But she urged schools to plan for how they could best return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel that normality '' .
The Ofsted boss said she did not expect inspections to resume before the end of the summer term and schools would not be judged on how they had educated children during the current crisis .
There were `` clear expectations '' around safeguarding , she said , but `` no expectations from government on learning '' .
`` We need to recognise that education has been substantially disrupted and will continue to be disrupted for some period after schools reopen , given what we know about likely expectations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Spielman said .
But , she added : `` We need to make sure that parents get the assurance they need that schools are looking after their children properly and educating them well . ''
The social-care area of Ofsted 's work was `` the very busiest at the moment '' , Ms Spielman said .
`` We have every reason to think this [ pandemic ] is putting more pressure on a lot of families - we 've all seen the reports around increased domestic violence , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ under significant financial pressure - and financial strain does not help families ' situations .
`` So , yes , it seems very likely that there will be more children needing social care .
`` But at the moment referrals to local authorities are down , not up - many referrals come from schools .
`` So my expectation , yes , it 's that there will be even more pressure on children 's homes [ and ] home placements [ of children needing to be looked after by their local authority ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The chief inspector also took questions from MPs about unregistered schools , the sex and relationships curriculum and whether schools could study GCSE content over three years rather than the traditional two .
Mr Williamson is due to appear before the committee on Wednesday .
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"And what we're trying to work out is what proportion of the R it [schools being open] contributes and therefore if children went back to school, how much closer to one - and that's in a bad way - would we be and could it even tip us above one, and what we can do, if so, to try and minimise that."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Prince Charles' Aberystwyth lecturer Tedi Millward dies

Prince Charles ' Welsh language lecturer Dr Tedi Millward has died at the age of 89 .
Dr Millward , who taught at Aberystwyth University , was a nationalist , an academic and campaigner , his daughter said in a tribute .
He was asked to tutor Prince Charles ahead of his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969 .
The lessons featured in an episode of The Crown on Netflix , titled Tywysog Cymru - Welsh for Prince of Wales .
Dr Millward was played by actor Mark Lewis Jones who said the Prince and Dr Millward developed `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time even though they came from different worlds '' .
Dr Millward 's daughter Llio Millward said in a statement : `` I think firstly of my father as a nationalist .
`` His passion towards the Welsh language and culture drove every aspect of him , from his personal life , as an academic and as a campaigner .
`` He was very unassuming and I had to nag him to write his autobiography .
`` But you could see he was , as the Welsh Language Society 's former leader Jamie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the quiet giants of our language and our culture . ''
Born in Cardiff in June 1930 , he became active with Plaid Cymru and Welsh Language Society , Cymdeithas yr Iaith , along with prominent Welsh historian John Davies .
He was elected vice-president of the party in 1966 , the same year he stood for the first of two unsuccessful attempts to represent Cardiganshire at Westminster in general elections .
Mr Millward , who continued as a Welsh lecturer at Aberystwyth , went on to serve as Plaid 's spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action against the construction of new reservoirs .
Aberystwyth University 's vice-chancellor , Prof Elizabeth Treasure , said : `` Dr Tedi Millward played a hugely influential role in the study of Welsh over many decades , and his legacy will be an abiding one which will continue to inform all those who follow in his footsteps .
`` Tedi made a vast contribution both in academia and society at large and he will be remembered so fondly as a man of deep principle and decency . ''

Aberystwyth University's vice-chancellor, Prof Elizabeth Treasure, said: "Dr Tedi Millward played a hugely influential role in the study of Welsh over many decades, and his legacy will be an abiding one which will continue to inform all those who follow in his footsteps.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus doctor's diary: 'We aren't diagnosing many cancers now'

Planned surgery has been cancelled at hospitals across the UK , leaving much work to be done once the Covid-19 emergency is over .
But two colorectal surgeons at Bradford Royal Infirmary also believe that the surgical world will be permanently changed - as Dr John Wright discovers in his regular diary .
Like a runner who has discovered halfway through her race that it has changed from a sprint to a marathon , the hospital is coming to terms with a new pace and is recalibrating its stamina .
Numbers of cases have started to fall , but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And as we continue running , we have to look ahead to the future - we have to work out how we can resume normal business , looking after patients with cancer and heart disease , asthma and arthritis .
At present , half the hospital is empty , while the other half has become a Covid-19 Red Zone ; in time it will contain two parallel universes , Covid and non-Covid .
Surgeons , who have concentrated on emergency operations since the start of the epidemic , will resume planned operations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliable test is developed that can be used to confirm that a patient is Covid-negative , the assumption will have to be that they are Covid-positive , and this has some important consequences .
I spoke to two consultant colorectal surgeons , Sonia Lockwood and Frankie Mosley , about what has changed for them so far , and what they think will change in future .
They confirmed that all work except for emergency surgery and some cancer surgery has been put on hold .
They also said that keyhole surgery has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China and some European countries suggests that open surgery is safer for operating theatre staff .
Prof John Wright , a medical doctor and epidemiologist , is head of the Bradford Institute for Health Research , and a veteran of cholera , HIV and Ebola epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa .
He is writing this diary for BBC News and recording from the hospital wards for BBC Radio 4 's The NHS Front Line • Listen to the next episode at 11:00 on Tuesday 28 April , catch up with the previous episodes online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also read the previous online diary entry : A couple inseparable in sickness and in health It may now resume , in some cases , with the increased risk to medical staff being weighed against the risks to the patient of a longer stay in hospital , which is one of the consequences of open surgery .
But increased efforts will also be made to explore non-surgical options .
Appendicitis provides a good example of this , Sonia says .
`` We are looking to treat people conservatively , with antibiotics wherever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex scanning on patients to try and determine who will be suitable for that .
So we 're really avoiding operating on patients wherever possible . ''
And appendicitis also illustrates another point - people who really need treatment are not always coming to hospital .
`` Where we would normally do appendectomies maybe once a day , maybe two or three a day , at first , after the lockdown , we did n't see any .
But then , after a week or so , the patients that are coming in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appendicitis , '' Sonia says .
`` They 've waited at home until it 's perforated , so what would have been a relatively straightforward illness and operation then becomes a much more significant illness and operation . ''
Normally , there would be a minimum of about 30 admissions coming through the hospital 's surgical assessment unit every day but that went down to two or three , Sonia says .
The surgeons are also dealing with fewer cancer patients .
In some cases this is because a calculation has been made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is higher than the risking of waiting .
But there is another factor too , Frankie says .
`` We certainly , at the moment , are n't diagnosing many cancers at all .
Our main modality for diagnosing them is endoscopy - colon endoscopy [ a camera inserted into the body on the end of a tube ] - and we 've more or less ceased that activity , '' she says .
`` We are investigating people - we 're scanning them , so we 'll pick up the most advanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anywhere near the normal numbers .
So we are just putting this work off for later . ''
But operations carried out in full personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , as they must be until there is a test for Covid-19 , are time-consuming .
`` What we may have been able to do six months ago , in a given day , we can only do half of that - and that 's if we get all the theatres back , and all the ventilators back , '' Frankie says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ X-rays , camera tests , endoscopy - everything will take longer because of safety procedures that have been put in place in for both patients and staff .
And this , combined with the fact that there will be a backlog of operations , will lead inevitably to more prioritisation , Sonia and Frankie believe .
At present , cancer surgery is a top priority , and for everyone else it 's been first come first served , as Frankie puts it .
In future they envisage pushing lower-priority operations down the queue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of colorectal surgery ?
`` For us it will be some of people 's haemorrhoid operations .
They might have to put up with bleeding - it is inconvenient and unpleasant , but they might have to put up with it for a bit longer than they traditionally have had to , '' Frankie says .
Sonia adds that when it comes to general surgery , some hernia patients could be de-prioritised .
`` While they 've got lumps and bumps that are maybe uncomfortable and they 've got some symptoms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she says .
• 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 The remarkable drop off we 've seen in hospital referrals , has been matched when it comes to A & E attendances .
While we 're worried about the patients who may not be coming to hospital when they need to , this also suggests that people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always experienced an accident or an emergency .
`` There are lots of people who use the NHS inappropriately , acknowledging that it 's quicker to come to A & E and wait for hours than maybe wait for a GP appointment two weeks from now , '' Sonia says .
`` And I think the Covid crisis has actually highlighted that - that people are trying to bypass the system . ''
In an NHS which is struggling to meet ever increasing demand , we have an opportunity to reduce unnecessary hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patients have discovered the joys of seeing their consultant without leaving the comfort of their own homes , and remote or virtual consultations look like one of the big changes that are here to stay .
The success of our response to Covid-19 in hospitals across the UK has been down to a grassroots movement of doctors and nurses on the front line .
They have been the ones who have taken control of the NHS , put their lives on the line and tamed the Covid dragon .
This has broken down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospitals , Sonia says , and she looks forward to a continuation of open dialogue as we plan for the future .
In management theory , there 's a classical model about change that describes how to unfreeze the existing system and then refreeze it in a new way of working .
It 's a neat concept but in reality this never happens .
Until now .
Covid-19 has defrosted the whole of the NHS , and we have to now work out what we want to keep and what we want @ @ @ @

The remarkable drop off we've seen in hospital referrals, has been matched when it comes to A&E attendances. While we're worried about the patients who may not be coming to hospital when they need to, this also suggests that people who are using A&E have not always experienced an accident or an emergency.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Families foster pets during outbreak

Animal shelters in a number of countries have reported a surge in requests to foster an animal during the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ this is welcome news as they struggle with a smaller workforce or being forced to @ @ @ @ @ based charities have suspended fostering temporarily and there have been renewed warnings that a pet @ @ @ @ @

Animal shelters in a number of countries have reported a surge in requests to foster an animal during the coronavirus pandemic.
For some facilities this is welcome news as they struggle with a smaller workforce or being forced to close.
But some UK based charities have suspended fostering temporarily and there have been renewed warnings that a pet is a long-term commitment.
Produced by Olivia Lang


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus alert: Rare syndrome seen in UK children

NHS doctors have been warned to look out for a rare but dangerous reaction in children that may be linked to coronavirus infection .
An urgent alert sent out to GPs said that intensive care departments in London and other parts of the UK have been treating severely sick children with unusual symptoms .
Some , but not all , tested positive for coronavirus .
It is unclear how many children have experienced the reaction , although the numbers will be low .
NHS England medical director Stephen Powis said they had become aware of reports of rare , severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only in the last few days that we have seen those reports .
We have asked our experts to look into this as a matter of urgency . ''
• This is the moment of maximum risk , Johnson says • How long does it take to recover from coronavirus ?
The alert , issued by NHS England , said there was `` a growing concern '' that a coronavirus-related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK or that there may be another , as yet unidentified , infection linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ varying ages were extremely ill .
They had similar features to toxic shock syndrome , which can include a high temperature , low blood pressure , a rash and difficulty breathing .
Some also had gastrointestinal symptoms - tummy pain , vomiting or diarrhoea - and inflammation of the heart , as well as abnormal blood test results .
Experts say these are the signs you can see when the body becomes overwhelmed as it tries to fight off an infection .
The alert advises these cases need urgent treatment .
But experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill with coronavirus - evidence from around the world suggests they are the population least affected by the disease .
Dr Nazima Pathan , a consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care in Cambridge , said colleagues in Spain and Italy had been reporting similar cases : `` Some of the children have presented with a septic shock type illness and rashes - the kind of presentation we would expect to see in toxic shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease ( which affects blood vessels and the heart ) .
`` Overall , children seem to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following exposure to coronavirus , and the numbers admitted to intensive care units are relatively low . ''
NHS England said it knew of fewer than 20 such cases in the country where an association has been noted by clinicians .
Investigations will continue , but no link has yet been established , said a spokesman .
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health ( RCPCH ) said parents should be reassured by this , but if they are concerned about their children 's health for any reason , they should seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simon Kenny , NHS national clinical director for children and young people , said : `` The advice to parents remains the same : if you are worried about your child for whatever reason , contact NHS 111 or your family doctor for urgent advice , or 999 in an emergency , and if a professional tells you to go to hospital , please go to hospital . ''
When to seek help Whilst coronavirus is infectious to children , it is rarely serious .
If your child is unwell it is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than coronavirus itself .
The RCPCH advises parents seek urgent help ( call 999 or go to A & E ) if their child is : • Becoming pale , mottled and feeling abnormally cold to the touch • Has pauses in their breathing ( apnoeas ) , has an irregular breathing pattern or starts grunting • Has severe difficulty in breathing becoming agitated or unresponsive • Is going blue round the lips • Becomes extremely distressed ( crying inconsolably despite distraction ) , confused , very lethargic ( difficult to wake ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not disappear with pressure ( the 'Glass test ' ) • Has testicular pain , especially in teenage boys

Prof Simon Kenny, NHS national clinical director for children and young people, said: "The advice to parents remains the same: if you are worried about your child for whatever reason, contact NHS 111 or your family doctor for urgent advice, or 999 in an emergency, and if a professional tells you to go to hospital, please go to hospital."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Aston Villa kitchen to cook hot meals for vulnerable

Hundreds of hot meals will be cooked at Aston Villa 's ground to feed vulnerable people across Birmingham .
The Aston Villa Foundation 's Villa Kitchen will be expanded to accommodate up to 500 hot meals each week .
Local organisations will distribute them to those who need them most , the club said .
Funds raised from last year 's sleep out event and a donation from the club 's chief executive Christian Purslow have made it possible .
Mr Purslow said : `` I am delighted to be able to support the Villa Kitchen , particularly during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed more than ever , helping the most vulnerable in our society . ''
He said the club and its foundation will continue to `` aid those who are in need in the city of Birmingham during these most uncertain of times . ''
The kitchen has been in operation since January , cooking 350 meals each week and distributing them to homeless people across the city through a range of outreach charities and organisations .
The club are working with the Active Wellbeing Society , who are coordinating initiatives to tackle food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of a 'Brum Together ' campaign .
Guy Rippon , head of the foundation said : `` The Covid-19 situation means that there are now lots of vulnerable people who are n't eating as they should , so we are therefore expanding the reach through additional resources committed for the foreseeable future . ''
A fundraising page has also been set up for supporters to donate to the work of the Villa Kitchen .
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Guy Rippon, head of the foundation said: "The Covid-19 situation means that there are now lots of vulnerable people who aren't eating as they should, so we are therefore expanding the reach through additional resources committed for the foreseeable future."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus deaths double at Paisley care home

The number of suspected coronavirus deaths at a care home in Renfrewshire has doubled to 22 .
It had emerged on 15 April that 11 residents had died at Elderslie care home in Paisley .
Operator Advinia confirmed a further 11 people have died since then at the 120-room home .
It has also emerged that a number of residents at a home in Edinburgh have died after contracting Covid-19 .
City of Edinburgh Council , which runs Jewel House in Bingham , has not confirmed the number of deaths .
However , the Scottish Sun reported that nine residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughts were with the families , adding : `` Our priority is always the safety of residents and staff in care homes .
`` Whilst we are doing our best to keep care home life as normal as possible for residents , we are carefully following national guidance - as laid out by Health Protection Scotland - and have robust processes and procedures in place to limit the spread of the virus and to protect our residents and staff . ''
Last week it was announced a third of all coronavirus deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It had earlier emerged that 20 residents had died at Berelands House Care in Prestwick , Ayrshire .
But the increase in deaths at Elderslie , which was first reported by the Paisley Daily Express , means more people are known to have died there than at any other care home in Scotland .
At the start of April it had 116 residents which means almost one in five have died .
An undisclosed number of other residents are displaying Covid-19 symptoms and are being barrier nursed at the home .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of each resident at this sad time .
`` Our dedicated team at the home is led by a Queen 's nurse of many years and all of our compassionate colleagues are pulling together to do their very best by the residents at this challenging time . ''
He confirmed a number of staff are also self-isolating , and said there was regular communication with the families of residents .

"Whilst we are doing our best to keep care home life as normal as possible for residents, we are carefully following national guidance - as laid out by Health Protection Scotland - and have robust processes and procedures in place to limit the spread of the virus and to protect our residents and staff."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: UK film piracy surges during lockdown

Visits to film-piracy sites in the UK are up 43 % since before lockdown measures came into effect , piracy-monitoring company Muso says .
The `` unprecedented gains '' are reflected in other countries across the world , the company 's data suggests .
The largest increase was seen in Italy , one of the first countries to go into lockdown , where it surged 66 % .
But while film and software piracy have risen , pirated TV numbers have dropped because of a lack of live sport .
In the UK , for example , Muso 's data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 % , which includes a fall of more than 50 % in live sports streams .
The data was compiled by comparing visits to different piracy sites in the last seven days of February - before widespread lockdown measures began - with the same period at the end of March .
Muso 's chief executive , Andy Chatterly , said piracy consumption trends `` are closely linked '' to similar boosts in official , paid-for content .
`` So , just as Netflix has seen large subscriber gains , we have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piracy sites , '' he said .
Software piracy is also up , the company says - by about 29 % in both the UK and the United States and more than 41 % in Italy .
Muso says it has the world 's largest piracy dataset , tracking illicit streaming , web downloads and torrents on more than 19,000 websites so media companies and rights owners can `` see the bigger picture around how their content is being consumed '' .
And Ernesto van der Sar , editor of piracy news site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match what we would expect '' .
`` We have been following the effects of the pandemic closely and in many countries there 's a sharp increase coinciding with the various lockdown measures , '' he said .
The decline in sports streaming has also led some unlicensed television streaming services to offer to a wider range of content , according to TorrentFreak .
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Muso says it has the world's largest piracy dataset, tracking illicit streaming, web downloads and torrents on more than 19,000 websites so media companies and rights owners can "see the bigger picture around how their content is being consumed".


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus immunity: Can you catch it twice?

Can you catch coronavirus again ?
Why are some people sicker than others ?
Will it come back every winter ?
Will a vaccine work ?
Could immunity passports get some of us back to work ?
How do we manage the virus in the long-term ?
The immune system is at the heart of some of the most important questions about the coronavirus .
The problem is we know very little .
How do you become immune to coronavirus ?
Our immune system is the body 's defence against infection and it comes in two parts .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into action as soon as any foreign invader is detected in the body .
It is known as the innate immune response and includes the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and white blood cells that can destroy infected cells .
But this system is not specific to coronavirus .
It will not learn and it will not give you immunity to the coronavirus .
Instead you need the adaptive immune response .
This includes cells that produce targeted antibodies that can stick to the virus in order to stop it and T @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected with the virus , called the cellular response .
This takes time - studies suggest it takes around 10 days to start making antibodies that can target the coronavirus and the sickest patients develop the strongest immune response .
If the adaptive immune response is powerful enough , then it could leave a lasting memory of the infection that will give protection in the future .
It is not known if people who have only mild symptoms , or none at all , will develop a sufficient adaptive immune response .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
How long does immunity last ?
The immune system 's memory is rather like our own - it remembers some infections clearly , but has a habit of forgetting others .
Measles is highly memorable - one bout should give life-long immunity ( as the weakened version in the MMR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are many others that are pretty forgettable .
Children can get RSV ( respiratory syncytial virus ) multiple times in the same winter .
The new coronavirus , called Sars-CoV-2 , has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts , but there are six other human coronaviruses that can give a clue .
Four produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived .
Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year .
But the common cold is generally mild .
There are two more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( Sars ) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ( Mers ) - in which antibodies have been detected a few years later .
`` The question is not whether you become immune , it 's how long for , '' said Paul Hunter , a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia .
He added : `` It almost certainly will not last for life .
`` Based on antibody studies in Sars it is possible that immunity will only last about one to two years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain . ''
However , even if you are not completely immune it is possible a second infection would not be as severe .
Have people caught it twice ?
There have been reports of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time .
Some have argued people are genuinely being infected twice .
Another school of thought is the virus goes into stealth mode in the body before being reactivated .
However , the scientific consensus is that testing is the issue with patients being incorrectly told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nobody has been deliberately reinfected with the virus to test immunity , but a pair of rhesus macaque monkeys have .
They were infected twice , once to build up an immune response and then a second time three weeks later .
Those very limited experiments showed they did not develop symptoms again after such a quick reinfection .
If I have antibodies am I immune ?
This is not guaranteed and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports as a way out of lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ antibody test then you are safe to go back to work .
This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms .
But while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patients , not all are equal .
Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells .
A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30 % had very low levels of these neutralising antibodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization says `` that cellular immunity [ the other part of the adaptive response ] may also be critical for recovery '' .
Another issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies , it does n't mean you can not still harbour the virus and pass it onto others .
It matters for obvious personal health reasons and whether you will get Covid-19 multiple times and how often .
Immunity will also affect how deadly the virus is .
If people retain some , even imperfect , protection then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Understanding immunity could help ease lockdown if it is clear who is not at risk of catching or spreading the virus .
If it is very difficult to produce long-term immunity , then it could make a vaccine harder to develop .
Or it may change how the vaccine needs to be used - will it be a once a lifetime or once a year like the flu shot .
And the duration of immunity , whether by infection or immunisation , will tell us how likely we are to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are all big questions we still lack answers to .

If it is very difficult to produce long-term immunity, then it could make a vaccine harder to develop. Or it may change how the vaccine needs to be used - will it be a once a lifetime or once a year like the flu shot.