bbcuk--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Dentists voice concern as routine care resumes

Routine dental care is allowed to resume in Northern Ireland from Monday .
There will be some restrictions - including up to one hour between some patients being seen , so surgeries can be cleaned .
But some dentists have said a shortage of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) means that not all practices in Northern Ireland can fully reopen .
A number of services , including dentistry , were halted at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March .
BBC News NI revealed last week that a major delivery of PPE had been delayed until 20 July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protective Equipment ( PPE ) were to be delivered , with dentists warning that the week-long delay would see treatments pushed back .
The consignment consisted of level one PPE , which includes items such as gloves and aprons , and is required for non-aerosol-generating procedures ( non-AGPs ) .
Last week the Department of Health said the logistical challenge of the delivery had been `` significant '' and that urgent dental care centres would remain open .
Northern Ireland has five urgent dental care centres , located across each of the five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most emergency care for dental patients throughout the pandemic .
However one dentist has warned that NI dentists are in `` crisis '' .
Alan Clarke , who works at a dental practice in north Belfast , told BBC Good Morning Ulster that dentists may not be able to cover costs and as a result many may have to close .
`` We , as dental contractors , are independent practitioners and we really have no assurances what the situation is going to be going forward for dental care in Northern Ireland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all practices will be getting calls coming in but really we 're in such a difficult situation and I would n't even say it 's a pending crisis .
There is a crisis happening right now , '' he added .
Dentists have appealed to the Department of Health to cover the cost of purchasing a higher level of Personal Protective Equipment .
One professional body had warned that as many as 90 % of NI dental practices may not be able to provide aerosol-generating procedures ( AGPs ) , like fillings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been secured .
Level two PPE , such as gowns and eye protection , is required for AGPs .
It is understood it can not provide level two PPE without jeopardising supply for the trusts .
Like so many things Covid-19 has triggered , dentists are now coming forward and raising their problems .
The cost of providing level 2 PPE could , they say , tip many of the businesses just over the edge with how expensive it is to provide .
What has been interesting in talking to dentists in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the AGPs - which might more normally be referred to as a filling - they have to close down the room for an hour each patient .
One dentist said they might see up to 20 or 30 patients a day , and this measure would mean they might only see a fifth of their normal patients .
Footfall is going to be affected .
Dentists will then perhaps turn down doing fillings , and instead go for the more lucrative treatments like a crown , which would cost perhaps hundreds of pounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that particular treatment .
They are saying if they have to provide level 2 PPE , to treat their patients safely and keep their team safe , then the department should be coughing up more to cover those costs .
The department said the urgent dental care centres will be staffed until the end of August while the gradual resumption of general dental services continues .
In a statement the department said : `` The minister has also announced that the Financial Support Scheme , which has already provided £16 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a further month to support the return of non-urgent dental care as the restrictions are lifted . ''
Libraries across Northern Ireland are also preparing to reopen later as part of a pilot scheme launched by Libraries NI .

What has been interesting in talking to dentists in recent days, if they have to perform the AGPs - which might more normally be referred to as a filling - they have to close down the room for an hour each patient.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Wales' playgrounds and outdoor gyms reopen

Playgrounds , outdoor gyms and funfairs are now able to reopen in Wales after being shut during the coronavirus lockdown .
It is the latest round of measures to ease restrictions .
Pubs , restaurants and cafes were able to resume trading outdoors from last Monday , and hairdressers were also able to reopen .
From 27 July , cinemas , museums and galleries , beauty salons and tattoo parlours can also reopen .
However things will not be immediately back to normal , with Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire confirming some attractions will stay closed , admission will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be limited opening hours .
• Shielding in Wales to end on 16 August • Coronavirus : What do the stats tell us in Wales ?
And it is up to individual councils whether they reopen their facilities , with Neath Port Talbot council 's playgrounds not reopening for another week .
Councils can also set rules such as only one adult being allowed to accompany children at a time , and banning food and drink .
Community centres are also able to reopen from Monday , meaning some childcare schemes will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same day some councils are ending childcare provision for key workers for the summer .
Mark Humprhies owns a gym in Bangor , Gwynedd , and is opening up again for clients after three months of online-only classes .
His car park will now become an open air venue for `` bootcamp-style '' training session , along with local playing fields .
`` We are only allowed to have 30 people in the sessions , and they are already filling up , '' he told BBC Radio Wales ' Breakfast programme .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we do live in Wales - so come rain or shine we are going to go for it . ''
It comes as Public Health Wales ( PHW ) reported 31 new cases on Sunday , meaning 16,928 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Wales .
The rise of 31 cases is the largest since 6 July - the day the Welsh Government eased the stay local lockdown restrictions .
PHW have said 1,547 people have died with coronavirus , but Office for National Statistics figures shows that figure is at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 is suspected or proven are included .
On Thursday it was announced that those most at risk from coronavirus can stop shielding after 16 August .
About 130,000 people in Wales with underlying health conditions had been advised to stay indoors since the start of the pandemic to protect themselves .
Addressing the final daily coronavirus briefing on Friday , First Minister Mark Drakeford said : `` A tiny proportion of people tested in Wales are turning out to have coronavirus .
`` We continue to look carefully at the latest medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus as we make decisions to unlock our society and economy .
`` With rates of the virus in Wales continuing to fall , we are able to carry on with our gradual , step-by-step lifting of the restrictions . ''

"I have told them not to put their hands in their mouths until we get to the car because we've got hand sanitiser there in my bag but I don't want to push my anxieties onto them. We will be cautious but not overly cautious."


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Arthritis sufferers 'must not be forgotten'

Arthritis sufferers run the risk of being overlooked in Northern Ireland as the health service starts to put in place post-pandemic recovery plans , a charity has said .
Versus Arthritis is campaigning to ensure that more than half a million people with muscular skeletal pain are not forgotten .
Elizabeth McLucas is among them .
She has rheumatoid arthritis .
She has been on a waiting list for a hip replacement for more than a year .
`` I had an X-ray before lockdown which said the condition had deteriorated considerably but I have no idea when I 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen , '' she told BBC News NI 's Good Morning Ulster .
Mrs McLucas , from County Down , said that even putting a foot on the floor was extremely painful .
`` I 'm in sheer agony with my hip .
It 's getting so bad that my doctor had to write to the hospital to warn them of my pain levels , although I 've heard nothing from the hospital since .
`` Last time I spoke to a doctor at the hospital he said they have n't resumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so all they can do is increase my pain killers . ''
She added : `` I 'm like a zombie with them , though .
I became very , very depressed , but it was all they could do to ease the pain .
`` Thankfully , I get a lot of support from my husband who is a carer for the NHS , but it means he never gets away from his work . ''
Mrs McLucas said the doctors had done their best but she needs surgery urgently so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
`` Probably arthritis is n't seen as a major concern in the way that cancer is .
The government needs to get waiting lists sorted out . ''
Sara Graham , Northern Ireland director of Versus Arthritis told Good Morning Ulster that Mrs McLucas ' situation was `` far too common '' .
More than 487,000 people in Northern Ireland live with a musculoskeletal condition such as rheumatoid arthritis , osteoarthritis and back pain , she said .
`` Even before Covid-19 , Northern Ireland had by far the worst waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with people waiting years to access vital health services including physiotherapy , rheumatology and crucial joint replacement surgery , '' said Ms Graham .
`` Over half will be waiting a year to get their first appointment to see a consultant for an assessment to go onto another waiting list and they could be waiting for years .
Those are the stories we hear consistently . ''
Versus Arthritis has launched a campaign warning the government that if people continue to be unable to access appropriate health care then thousands are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health service will pay a higher price in the long term .
Ms Graham said : `` The health service has just about survived Covid-19 so far , but at the expense of services that many relied upon to sustain their quality of life .
`` The Northern Ireland government must take urgent steps to ensure people with arthritis are not forgotten or ignored .
We ca n't go back to 'normal ' - we must demand better .
`` It 's imperative that recovery plans include arthritis treatments , including joint replacement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerate further.
`` Addressing waiting lists and restarting planned joint replacement surgery should be a priority , she said .
The charity has launched a campaign called `` Impossible to Ignore '' .
They are asking people to sign a petition to ask that arthritis be taken more seriously .
`` People are living with really debilitating , chronic pain .
Nearly half a million people in Northern Ireland live with some kind of muscular skeletal condition , '' Ms Graham said .
`` Approximately half of those people were told to shield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They have been telling us that their physical and mental health has deteriorated as a result .
We are asking government and health services to prioritise these people and to prioritise reducing these waiting lists . ''

"Over half will be waiting a year to get their first appointment to see a consultant for an assessment to go onto another waiting list and they could be waiting for years. Those are the stories we hear consistently."


bbcuk--2020-07-19--'I was standing at the wrong end of a machine gun'

The BBC 's weekly The Boss series profiles different business leaders from around the world .
This week we speak to British property entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Jack Petchey .
`` Standing at the wrong end of a machine gun I imagined that I might be imprisoned , or worse , '' Sir Jack Petchey says .
In a career that has spanned more than seven decades and taken him from ownership of a single taxi to the helm of a property business now worth a reported £550m , the entrepreneur says his arrest in Portugal was his lowest moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the middle of building a holiday complex in the Algarve when there was a military coup .
There was a lot of suspicion of foreign investors , he says , and this was evident when he found himself in court at 1am , accused of breaching rules on foreign currency .
`` Luckily I held my nerve , was released on bail and after two years the case was dismissed , '' he says .
By that point he was well on his way to amassing his fortune , although he started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1925 , Sir Jack 's early years were spent in Manor Park in East London in a one-roomed flat with an outside toilet .
The family 's tin bath hung on the fence outside and was brought in every Friday evening for bathtime .
Sir Jack 's clearest memories of his childhood are of having fun .
`` We played out on the street , knocking on neighbours ' doors and running away , or sticking coins to the pavement and watching as people tried to pick them up .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I knew we were n't rich ! ''
Despite being an advocate for education today , Sir Jack had no interest in school and left at 13 , getting a job as an office boy soon after .
After war broke out in 1939 he was keen to join the action and he volunteered for the Royal Navy when he turned 17 .
He was chosen for officer training , but failed to get through the selection process .
What rankled was that an Eton-educated man passed , even though in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills and had to be protected from being bullied .
This experience only made Sir Jack all the more determined to succeed , a quality he says has been key to his success in life .
He was transferred to the Fleet Air Arm and ended up as an aircraft engineer , servicing the planes that provided air cover during the Normandy landings of June 1944 .
Once he was discharged from military service , he went back to his pre-war office job , but found himself bored after the `` excitement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another knockback that spurred him to move on .
`` I was ambitious , so I asked to be trained as a manager .
But the personnel officer informed me I was not 'management material ' . ''
• 'Someone needs to help parents control their kids ' spending' • The gaming boss who gets addicted to the games • 'My chronic acne inspired me to start my own skincare company' • ' I used to hate road cycling , now I design biking gear' Outraged , he handed in his notice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay his way - not least the rent and housekeeping money he owed his mother .
So he put his discharge pay of £48 and his life savings together , bought a second-hand car and started a taxi service , picking up returning servicemen from the London docks .
Eventually he acquired another car and then an office , from which he started a car hire company in 1948 .
`` Then I realised that selling cars was more profitable , '' he says .
`` So I bought a car showroom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I realised that selling the car showroom was actually more profitable . ''
That was the start of a career in property , which was characterised by Sir Jack 's willingness to seize opportunities even if it meant taking risks .
After a close shave with bankruptcy in 1974 , when property values crashed , he became a pioneer of the European timeshare movement , in which people buy stakes in holiday properties that they can only use at certain times of year .
He introduced the concept to his own holiday complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursued timeshare projects in the UK too , where he had to defend them from some criticism .
Not all of his ventures went smoothly though .
He bought Watford football club from Elton John in 1990 but sold it back to the singer in 1996 amid criticism over the club 's performance .
Petchey Holdings now manages a large portfolio of industrial and residential properties and a share of its profits - £9m a year - is ploughed back into what Sir Jack regards as his greatest achievement : the Jack Petchey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to give young people a chance to do well , and its motto - Sir Jack 's own - is `` if you think you can , you can '' .
Among other things , it holds its own achievement awards , runs volunteering programmes , gives grants to schools and funds the Scouting movement , another key influence on Sir Jack 's young life .
Fifteen-year-old Aiden Kemp , who has mild cerebral palsy , is one of the 200,000 young people to be recognised by the foundation .
He overcame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speak Out Challenge , for which he had to give a speech in front of an audience of students , teachers and parents .
`` I told myself , ' I 'm going to do it , end of , ' and I did , '' he says .
`` Afterwards I felt really confident that I can do anything and I just want to prove that everyone , no matter their backgrounds or disability , can achieve anything . ''
In its 21 years of existence the foundation has made grants of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recipient matches or adds to the funding .
Sir Jack has just turned 95 , and even if his legs `` wo n't do the walking '' any more , he has n't lost his appetite for work .
It 's taken the Covid-19 outbreak to stop him coming into the foundation 's Canary Wharf office every day .
His grandson Matt Rantell , a trustee of the foundation , reveals that his grandfather always carries a card around in his pocket with `` Think a Smile '' on one side and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , condemn or complain ) on the other .
`` Many people have said I 've been lucky in business , '' says Sir Jack .
`` Well , I spell lucky with a ' p'- plucky !
Because a lot of success is about having courage to make decisions and take advantage of opportunities . ''
Even for such a determinedly `` glass half-full '' person , is there anything in his business life he wishes he 'd done differently ?
`` It 's no good looking back , you always have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer .
`` I can honestly say I have no regrets . ''

It was 1974 and he was in the middle of building a holiday complex in the Algarve when there was a military coup. There was a lot of suspicion of foreign investors, he says, and this was evident when he found himself in court at 1am, accused of breaching rules on foreign currency.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: How does the 'eat out to help out' scheme work?

Diners will soon be able to get money off their bill on certain days in August to encourage a return to cafes , pubs and restaurants .
It 's hoped the `` eat out to help out '' scheme will provide a boost to the struggling hospitality industry , now that the national lockdown is easing .
How does the scheme work ?
The promotion gives people a discount of up to 50 % when eating or drinking soft drinks in a participating restaurant or other food establishment .
It is valid all day Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the UK that are not in a local lockdown .
The maximum discount available is £10 per person when you eat or drink in .
Food and drink will appear on the menu at full price , and the restaurant will deduct the money off the bill and claim it back from the government .
How do I get the discount ?
The discount is only available on food and drink that you intend to consume on the premises , and can be used as many times as you like .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can use the discount in one party , and it includes children .
Participating venues are supposed to offer the full 50 % discount all day Monday to Wednesday and across the whole food and soft drink menu .
There 's no minimum spend and you do n't have to order food to be eligible , for example a £3 coffee would cost £1.50 under the scheme .
The offer can be used in combination with any other promotions and discounts being offered by the venue .
• Can my boss force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Which food and drink places are taking part ?
• Restaurants ( including those in hotels leisure centres and holiday parks ) It is likely that lots of local , independent pubs restaurants and cafes will be taking part , as well as big chains .
Establishments can choose whether to sign up , and can join the scheme at any point .
They need to register online and will be able to claim the money back and have it refunded within five working days , To be eligible they must have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to one , and have been registered with their local authority since at least 7 July 2020 .
Businesses that have used the furlough scheme can apply .
A full list of places taking part will be available next week and will allow people to search for participating venues within a two-mile radius .
What is not included ?
The discount can not be used on alcoholic drinks , service charges or food for a private function or event .
As the idea is to encourage people to eat in , establishments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neither are catering services , bed and breakfasts or mobile food vans .
Businesses must have the facilities for people to dine in to take part , so venues offering informal seating in an area that does not belong to them are not included .
Why is 'eat out to help out ' being introduced ?
To help get struggling cafes , restaurants and pubs back on their feet .
Hospitality is one of the biggest employers in the UK and has been hit especially hard by the lockdown measures .
In April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.4 million hospitality workers have been placed on furlough , the highest proportion of any sector .
Some venues have been able to provide a takeaway service during lockdown .
But this often means lower average spending per head and fewer people employed , and it is not an option for some businesses .
In August , when many premises will have reopened , the government hopes diners will be enticed in by the discount on offer .
It also wants it to boost confidence in going out , and increase footfall at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A survey published earlier this month suggested that many Britons felt uncomfortable about eating at a restaurant .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said just over two-in-10 adults were happy to have a sit-down meal .
The scheme is being used alongside other targeted help such as a cut in VAT for hospitality and tourism businesses .
Why has the scheme been criticised ?
Several fast-food chains have suggested they will take part in the scheme , drawing criticism from some anti-obesity campaigners .
The National Obesity Forum , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` green light to promote junk food '' .
As capacity will be an issue for many restaurants , Helen Miller of the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tanks suggests that including takeaways in the scheme would have been `` more effective in increasing output without compromising social distancing '' .
The SNP 's Alison Thewliss argued the money could be better spent on increasing the child portion of Universal Credit and child tax credits to `` help families put food on the table ... these parents are not eating out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Coronavirus: Will the 'eat out to help out scheme' be extended? Published 28 August 2020
Image source, Getty Images
The "eat out to help out" scheme, which gives diners up to 50% off their bill, is due to end on Bank Holiday Monday (31 August).
Designed to boost the struggling hospitality industry, 64 million discounted meals were ordered during the first three weeks of the scheme.
The Treasury has resisted calls to extend the scheme but several restaurants say they will carry it on at their own expense.
Which restaurants say they will offer the discount for longer?
Chains pledging to continue offering some form of discount include:
Pizza Pilgrims
Tesco Café
The Real Greek
Until 9 September:
Harvester
Toby Carvery
Stonehouse Pizza
A longer list - including independent venues taking part by region - can be found here.
This is separate from the government scheme, so the discounts on offer may vary or change.
How has the Eat Out To Help Out scheme worked?
The UK-wide government promotion gives people up to 50% off when eating - or drinking soft drinks - in a participating restaurant or other food establishment.
The maximum discount is £10 per person.
It is valid all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout August.
Food and drink appear on the menu at full price, but the restaurant takes the money off the bill before claiming it back from the government.
Image source, Getty Images
Can I eat and drink anything?
The discount is only on food and soft drinks that you intend to consume on the premises.
It does not apply to takeaways.
There is no limit on how many times you can use the discount, or for how many people, including children.
There's no minimum spend and you don't have to order food to be eligible. For example, a £3 coffee would cost £1.50 under the scheme.
The offer can be used in combination with any other promotions and discounts being offered by the venue.
Which food and drink places are taking part?
More than 83,000 businesses have signed up to the promotion. These include:
Restaurants (including those in hotels, leisure centres and holiday parks)
Cafes
Bars and pubs that serve food
Canteens
Food halls with a seating area
Members' clubs
Catering services, bed and breakfasts and mobile food vans are not eligible.
Image source, Getty Images
Lots of local independent pubs, restaurants and cafes have been taking part, as well as big chains.
To be eligible they must have a designated dining or drinking area, or access to one. They must have been registered with their local authority since at least 7 July 2020.
A search tool allows people to search for participating local venues within a five-mile radius.
The search tool may not include big chain restaurants taking part, a list of which can be found here. They include:
Ask Italian
Benugo
Bill's
Burger King
Caffe Nero
Costa Coffee
Cote Brasserie
Five Guys
Franco Manca
Giggling Squid
Honest Burgers
KFC
Leon
M&S Cafe
McDonald's
Nando's
Pizza Express
Prezzo
Pret a Manger
Starbucks
Subway
Turtle Bay
Wagamama
JD Wetherspoon
Zizzi
What are the rules for eating out?
Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants can now reopen indoors, with guidance issued for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on measures they must take to keep customers and staff safe.
These include social distancing, controlled access to toilets and the option of ordering food on apps.
Hospitality venues must also collect and keep the details of at least one person in your party for 21 days. This is in case they are needed for contact tracing.
You do not have to provide your details, but bars and restaurants have the right to refuse you service.
Why was 'eat out to help out' introduced?
Hospitality is one of the UK's biggest employers and has been hit especially hard by lockdown. In April, 80% of venues closed, and 1.4 million hospitality workers have been placed on furlough at some point since then.
Some venues have been able to provide a takeaway service during lockdown. But this often means lower average spending per head and fewer people employed.
The scheme has been used alongside other targeted help, such as a cut in VAT for hospitality and tourism businesses.
Why has the scheme been criticised?
Several fast-food chains have taken part in the scheme, which has drawn criticism from some anti-obesity campaigners. The National Obesity Forum, for example, has said it was a ''green light to promote junk food''.
The discount scheme sits alongside the government's healthy eating plan that bans "buy one get one free" deals on unhealthy food, amid growing evidence of a link between obesity and an increased risk from coronavirus.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--The papers: China tensions mount and '200,000 lockdown deaths'

Coverage of the UK 's increasingly strained relations with China is prominent on many of the front pages .
`` China tensions mount as extradition treaty shelved , '' says The Times , as it looks ahead to the anticipated announcement from Dominic Raab later .
A temporary halt rather than a permanent end to the treaty is on the cards , according to Whitehall sources quoted in The Daily Telegraph .
They say that leaves a `` final lever to pull '' if China continues to breach international commitments .
The i paper says that what it describes as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the foreign secretary and the Chinese ambassador in London over alleged human rights abuses in China - represent `` a new low '' in relations .
`` NHS heroes forced to work for free '' is the headline in The Daily Mirror .
It says a poll shows staff were already doing an average of an extra 11 hours of unpaid work every week - before the coronavirus pandemic hit .
The paper blames the `` scandal '' of hospital cuts and , in its leader , insists that Boris Johnson should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they are worth rather than just clapping them .
The NHS , it says , must become a healthy employer .
Online , The Independent says that the NHS is set to pay out £37m for failings in maternity services in a case at Guys and St Thomas 's NHS Trust in London .
`` No recovery till summer of next year '' is the view of many of Britain 's biggest companies , as reported in The Times .
It bases the headline on a survey of chief financial officers conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half believed that demand for goods and services would not return to pre-lockdown levels until next July at the earliest - while only 8 % expected sales to get back to normal before the end of the year .
The paper says it is the latest sign that a V-shaped economic recovery is unlikely .
`` Backlog Britain '' is the headline on The Daily Mail 's front page as it reports that delays created by lockdown in processing passports , birth registrations and driving licence renewals are `` paralysing '' the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than 150,000 babies may not be officially recorded , while thousands of elderly motorists had been left housebound by chaos at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency .
And the lead story for Metro is that in an effort to tempt homeworkers back to the office , some rail operators will offer `` flexible season tickets '' from next month .
They could , for example , allow commuters to buy a ticket for three days out of seven - to encourage a part-time return to the workplace .
Sign up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inbox

The paper blames the "scandal" of hospital cuts and, in its leader, insists that Boris Johnson should fill empty vacancies and pay NHS staff what they are worth rather than just clapping them. The NHS, it says, must become a healthy employer.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Driver, 84, jailed for causing fatal crash near Aviemore

An 84-year-old man who killed a cyclist after ignoring warnings not to drive because of his failing eyesight has been jailed for 32 months .
A judge rejected a plea to spare first offender John Johnstone a prison sentence after he caused the death of Hanno Garbe by dangerous driving .
Lord Fairley said Johnstone had been told twice his eyesight did not meet the required standard for driving .
Mr Garbe , 57 , died in hospital after the crash near Aviemore last March .
Sentencing Johnstone at the High Court in Edinburgh , Lord Fairley told him : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car when it was plainly dangerous for you to do so . ''
The judge said optometrists had on two occasions warned Johnstone not to drive .
Lord Fairley said that the death of Mr Garbe had `` a devastating effect '' on his wife Dagmar .
The judge said he was satisfied that only a custodial sentence was appropriate in the case .
He told Johnstone , of Kingussie , that he would have jailed him for four years if he had been convicted after a trial .
Johnstone admitted causing death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fairley also banned him from driving for five years and four months and told him he would require to sit an extended test if he wanted to hold a licence in future .
Defence solicitor advocate Marco Guarino said : `` It is difficult to underestimate how hard it has been for him to come to terms with what has happened .
It has had a profound effect upon him .
`` He has indicated to me that he wishes to apologise most profoundly to Mr Garbe 's widow and his extended family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has health difficulties , passed his driving test in 1958 and had no previous convictions .
The defence lawyer argued that there was an alternative to custody in the `` very unique case '' of Johnstone .
He said : `` He has not driven since , his licence has been revoked and there is no prospect of him ever driving again . ''
Johnstone was driving home from a vehicle repair business when he collided with Mr Garbe , of Aviemore , on the B9152 near Loch Alvie .
The pensioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he had cataracts in both eyes and must not drive .

Defence solicitor advocate Marco Guarino said: "It is difficult to underestimate how hard it has been for him to come to terms with what has happened. It has had a profound effect upon him.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Paula Bradshaw says she will not holiday in Italy

The Alliance Party 's health spokesperson has said she will not go on a family holiday to Italy .
South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw had told BBC 's Nolan Show that she would not be `` breaking any laws '' by travelling .
She has since tweeted that she `` should have been clearer '' and will not travel abroad while current guidelines remain in place .
NI Direct says that `` you should not travel abroad unless it 's essential '' .
Mr Bradshaw said : `` Like many people , I have a holiday booked - in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear when I said I would operate within the guidance , that obviously includes not travelling if the regulations and guidance at the time state I should not do so .
That is currently the case .
`` It is important everyone , particularly in representative roles , adheres both to the spirit and letter of that guidance . ''
Speaking earlier on Monday , she said : `` A lot of people will be going on holidays , a lot of people will be doing the same as we are doing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She criticised the legislation on lockdown restrictions , saying that it `` is still full of holes which is creating confusion '' .
And added that they had `` weighed it up as a family '' and it is `` very much a private matter '' .
The family were planning to stay at an all-inclusive hotel and Ms Bradshaw said they had read guidance from the airports and airline .
Upon their return , she said that her daughter , who works in a care home , would quarantine for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown we have followed all of the social distancing , all the hygiene control measures , '' she told The Nolan Show .
`` We have worked extremely hard for the last few months and we have , as a family , decided to go on holiday .
`` I think that everyone is entitled to a private life and we will go and we will be respectful of the restrictions in place in Italy and when we come home , we will be respectful of the restrictions here . ''
• What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NI to bring in 14-day quarantine for travellers According to government guidance , published on the NI Direct website , `` you will need to self-isolate if you were in , or if you transited through , a country that is not on the list in the 14 days before your return to the Common Travel Area '' .
But people from Northern Ireland can travel to Italy , as it is on NI 's exemption list .
However , in the Republic of Ireland , passengers entering the country from Italy must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A green list for Irish travel is expected this week .
People coming into the Republic from countries on the list will not be required to quarantine .

Ms Bradshaw said: "Like many people, I have a holiday booked - in my case to Italy. I should be clear when I said I would operate within the guidance, that obviously includes not travelling if the regulations and guidance at the time state I should not do so. That is currently the case.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Key workers' childcare 'struggle' after hubs shut

Key workers say they are struggling to find childcare for their children as school hubs shut for the summer holidays .
Only four councils have said they will continue to offer care for school-aged children in hubs .
And with many holiday clubs cancelled and grandparents often out of the picture due to lockdown restrictions , parents say it is a `` scramble '' .
The Welsh Government said £2.6m had been made available .
The money is intended to fund places for vulnerable children , but the government said councils could also use it to provide places for critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Shielding in Wales to end on 16 August • Figuring out the stats on coronavirus in Wales But the only local authorities who confirmed they would offer some provision during the summer holidays for key workers ' children aged older than five were Caerphilly , Newport , Rhondda Cynon Taff and Torfaen .
The Royal College of Nursing in Wales ( RCN ) urged other authorities to reopen childcare for critical workers .
Some key-worker parents only found out two weeks before the end of term that school hubs would close .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nursing policy professional practice at the RCN , said the change had been a `` real challenge '' for nurses and other key workers .
She said : `` We have had members ' feedback that they have struggled .
`` They want to be there and provide that patient service .
`` But equally , they have an obligation to make sure they look after their children as well . ''
`` We would really like to encourage that there is that equitable provision across Wales , so key workers have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Powles added .
`` Nurses need to feel valued , not just in their salary , but in the way they are treated . ''
The Welsh Government is funding places for children under five through the Coronavirus Childcare Assistance Scheme ( CCAS ) until 31 August .
Mother-of-two Natasha Albinus , 29 , from Haverfordwest , is a support worker for adults with learning disabilities .
Although her two-year-old daughter 's childcare is provided through CCAS until the end of August , her six-year-old daughter Ruby was left with no childcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing hubs .
She said : `` I just felt like 'what am I going to do ? '
`` Without childcare I would have not been able to work which would have made a huge impact on our family life and our finances , our mortgage , everything .
`` I found a place for Ruby somewhere at the last minute , but I was lucky . ''
• The billions being spent on coronavirus in Wales A nurse and mother-of-two from Bridgend , who did not want to be named , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also works for the NHS , had been left with no childcare for their eldest child , aged five , during the summer .
She said : `` I ca n't get all the days we need covered .
I have limited family support and friends are unable to look after her as we are not in their social bubble .
`` We have used a huge amount of annual leave already this year to cover childcare and done the right thing by keeping children at home as much as possible , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support has gone . ''
Gemma Stubbs , a single mother from Cardiff , works in a hub for preschool children .
The 34-year-old said she had been forced to turn to her parents , who are shielding , for childcare .
`` I look after other key workers ' children , but no-one was going to look after my own , '' she said .
`` My daughter would normally go to holiday club but that is n't opening this time .
`` I 'm really lucky that my mum is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel really frustrated and angry .
I did n't expect to have childcare for free , but to have nowhere to send her and having to rely on my mum is not right . ''
Mother-of-three Nia Patten , 40 , from Cardiff , has struggled to find somewhere for her eight-year-old .
`` I had been told the hub would be running over the summer , '' said Mrs Patten , who works as a dentist .
`` The first thing I heard that was n't the case was in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had two weeks to find somewhere for my daughter to go .
`` I only needed childcare for two days a week but most private settings were only taking children full-time on the current guidelines .
`` I managed to sort something out in the end , but it was very stressful . ''
A spokesman for Cardiff council said : `` No decision on key worker childcare was taken at the beginning of the outbreak .
The pandemic and how it was managed was evolving throughout .
`` We apologise if there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no official council communication stating provision would continue throughout the summer holidays .
`` As soon as we had information to communicate about key worker provision we did so . ''
The leader of Newport council , Jane Mudd , said the local authority had decided to provide critical care workers with four weeks ' childcare during the summer .
She said : `` We felt it was really important to do whatever we could to support families and support key workers during this period . ''
The Welsh Government said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been increasing their operations since 22 June .
`` We are working with local authorities and the childcare sector to ensure all can open as soon as possible and have also published guidance to support childcare settings in reopening . ''

"I'm really lucky that my mum is going to help me out, but I feel really frustrated and angry. I didn't expect to have childcare for free, but to have nowhere to send her and having to rely on my mum is not right."


bbcuk--2020-07-20--South Durham Gymnastics Club accused of abuse and mistreatment

Accusations of abuse have been made against the internationally-renowned South Durham Gymnastics Club .
Former gymnasts at the Spennymoor club say children as young as seven were bullied , fat-shamed and put in fear of their coaches .
Some were put under pressure to exercise despite having broken bones , they said .
The club said it `` categorically denies any allegations of abuse and mistreatment of any of its gymnasts '' .
In a statement chairman Paul Anderson also said the club took `` any allegation of abuse or mistreatment very seriously '' and that it found the claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athlete in any sport should be subject to or endure any kind of emotional or physical abuse at any level and the perpetrators must be held accountable , '' he said .
There have recently been allegations of abuse within the sport in Britain .
Olympic bronze medallist Amy Tinkler , who trained at South Durham until 2016 , revealed on Tuesday she had made a complaint to the sport 's governing body but has not said who or where it refers to .
Roxanne Jennison , 32 , from Bishop Auckland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was seven and stayed for 12 years , competing at national level .
She says she was still pressured to practise after an operation on her leg left it in plaster .
`` There 's nothing wrong with your arms - you can go on the bars , '' she said she was told .
She was also told to stop using her crutches and get back into training , which was `` agony '' , she said .
`` You expect long training hours , you expect to be in pain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` What is n't acceptable is to be humiliated and embarrassed and constantly made to feel scared . ''
Vicky Marsden said her daughter Emily , 15 , was subjected to treatment that was `` mentally abusive '' .
`` It really shattered her , '' she said .
`` I did n't know that Emily used to cry herself to sleep - as a mum , that broke me . ''
Another former gymnast , who wishes to remain anonymous , started training at the club when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and screamed at because you could n't perform , '' she says .
`` I broke my fingers and toes .
My mum was told not to take me to hospital to get them checked because they 'd put me in a cast . ''
There are claims so-called `` fat-shaming '' was common at the club .
Miss Jennison said they were `` scared to put on weight '' .
`` I know quite a lot of girls I trained with had , and still have , eating disorders . ''
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical sports survey , girls aged eight and nine were called one by one into a room with their coach and examined by two men .
`` We had to take our leotards down to our waist , '' one said .
`` I kind of made myself think it did n't happen - it just makes me feel really uncomfortable . ''
Miss Jennison 's mother , Eileen Wharton , said the club told her she was `` one of the good parents '' .
`` I think that was because I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manipulated , '' she said .
Ms Wharton complained about her daughter 's treatment to the sport 's governing body , British Gymnastics , but no action was taken , she said .
In a statement the body said it `` condemns any behaviour which is harmful to the wellbeing of our gymnasts '' .
It advises any gymnast `` who feels they have been mistreated '' to report it and said it would not comment on individual cases .
British Gymnastics has stepped aside from an independent review announced on Tuesday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` integrity or independence '' of the process .
It is now being commissioned by UK Sport and Sport England .
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria @ bbc.co.uk .

"No athlete in any sport should be subject to or endure any kind of emotional or physical abuse at any level and the perpetrators must be held accountable," he said.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Almost 900,000 public sector workers get above-inflation pay rise

Almost 900,000 public sector workers , many of whom have fought on the front line against coronavirus , are to get an above-inflation pay rise .
Doctors , teachers and police officers are among those who will see extra money in 2020/21 .
The Treasury said the cash would come from existing departmental budgets .
The chancellor said the workers made a `` vital contribution '' to the country , but Labour said the rise would not make up for years of real-terms cuts .
More than 300 NHS workers have died in England alone after contracting coronavirus , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Teachers continued looking after the children of key workers throughout the lockdown , while police have been enforcing social distancing rules .
Not all settlements will be UK-wide .
• Teachers in England , and dentists and doctors across the UK , will see the largest increases at 3.1 % and 2.8 % respectively • Police , prison officers and National Crime Agency staff in England and Wales will be given a 2.5 % rise in pay , while members of the armed forces across the UK will get 2 % • Members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the UK will also see their pay topped up by 2 % .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : `` These past months have underlined what we always knew , that our public sector workers make a vital contribution to our country and that we can rely on them when we need them .
`` It 's right , therefore , that we follow the recommendations of the independent pay bodies with this set of real-terms pay rises . ''
But Anneliese Dodds , Labour 's shadow chancellor , said the Conservatives had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the rises they introduced after that failed to plug the gap .
`` A pay rise for our police , nurses and teachers now is good news , but for many frontline workers it still wo n't make up for a decade of real-terms pay cuts .
`` And many other public sector workers - including those working on the front line in social care - wo n't get a pay rise out of this at all because the Tories have n't made good on their promises to boost local authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and it 's no way to reward those who 've been at the forefront of fighting this pandemic . ''
After several months of sweating it out on the front line of an unprecedented crisis , this is some welcome news for almost a million key public sector workers .
But economists say that once inflation is stripped out , average pay for public sector workers remains below levels seen in 2010 , due to pay freezes , or very modest increases , in the years of austerity that followed .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for these rises , a reminder that the government is still having to watch the pennies and pounds as it faces the biggest deficit in its finances in peacetime .
The Treasury claims the pay awards are assessed for affordability ; that they should n't affect the provision of public services .
But budgets are already under pressure in some areas - in schools , for example , where extra costs may have arisen and income streams from the likes of clubs may have disappeared .
In those cases , these pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Every year , independent pay review bodies recommend pay rises for sectors , and the government said it had accepted all of their suggestions for 2020/21 .
However , some workers will not benefit from Tuesday 's announcement , including nurses , whose pay continues to rise in line with a three-year deal struck in 2018 .
The pay awards for the armed forces , prison officers , senior civil servants and NHS staff will be backdated to April , the Treasury said .
However , the pay rise for police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professions operating on a different pay schedule running from September to August .

He told BBC Breakfast: "These are the sort of rises we'd expect to see in normal times, not in a time when many of us have not had a day off in six months and have been putting our lives on the line."


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Oxford vaccine triggers immune response

A coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford appears safe and triggers an immune response .
Trials involving 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus .
The findings are hugely promising , but it is still too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection and larger trials are under way .
The UK has already ordered 100 million doses of the vaccine .
How does the vaccine work ?
The vaccine - called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 - is being developed at unprecedented speed .
It is made from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common cold in chimpanzees .
It has been heavily modified , first so it can not cause infections in people and also to make it `` look '' more like coronavirus .
Scientists did this by transferring the genetic instructions for the coronavirus 's `` spike protein '' - the crucial tool it uses to invade our cells - to the vaccine they were developing .
This means the vaccine resembles the coronavirus and the immune system can learn how to attack it .
What are antibodies and T-cells ?
Much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about antibodies , but these are only one part of our immune defence .
Antibodies are small proteins made by the immune system that stick onto the surface of viruses .
T-cells , a type of white blood cell , help co-ordinate the immune system and are able to spot which of the body 's cells have been infected and destroy them .
Nearly all effective vaccines induce both an antibody and a T-cell response .
Levels of T-cells peaked 14 days after vaccination and antibody levels peaked after 28 days .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand how long they may last , the study in the Lancet showed .
Prof Andrew Pollard , from the Oxford research group told the BBC : `` We 're really pleased with the results published today as we 're seeing both neutralising antibodies and T-cells .
`` They 're extremely promising and we believe the type of response that may be associated with protection .
`` But the key question everyone wants to know is does the vaccine work , does it offer protection ... and we 're in a waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of people developed neutralising antibodies after one dose .
Only ten people were given two doses and all of them produced neutralising antibodies .
`` We do n't know the level needed for protection , but we can maximise responses with a second dose , '' Prof Pollard told the BBC .
Yes , but there are side-effects .
There were no dangerous side-effects from taking the vaccine , however , 70 % of people on the trial developed either fever or headache .
The researchers say this could be managed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Oxford , UK , says : `` There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the Covid-19 pandemic , but these early results hold promise . ''
What are the next steps in the trial ?
The results so far are promising , but their main purpose is to ensure the vaccine is safe enough to give to people .
The study can not show whether the vaccine can either prevent people from becoming ill or even lessen their symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take part in the next stage of the trials in the UK .
However , the trial has also been expanded to other countries because levels of coronavirus are low in the UK , making it hard to know if the vaccine is effective .
There will be a large trial involving 30,000 people in the US as well 2,000 in South Africa and 5,000 in Brazil .
There are also calls to perform `` challenge trials '' in which vaccinated people are deliberately infected with coronavirus .
However , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatments .
When will I get a vaccine ?
It is possible a coronavirus vaccine will be proven effective before the end of the year , however , it will not be widely available .
Health and care workers will be prioritised as will people who are deemed at high risk from Covid-19 due to their age or medical conditions .
However , widespread vaccination is likely to be , at the earliest , next year even if everything goes to plan .
Boris Johnson said : `` Obviously I 'm hopeful , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but to say I 'm 100 % confident we 'll get a vaccine this year , or indeed next year , is , alas , just an exaggeration .
`` We 're not there yet . ''
What progress is being made with other vaccines ?
The Oxford vaccine is not the first to reach this stage , with groups in the US and China also publishing similar results .
The US company Moderna was first out of the blocks and its vaccine can produce neutralising antibodies .
They are injecting coronavirus RNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then starts making viral proteins in order to trigger an immune response .
The companies BioNtech and Pfizer have also had positive results using their RNA vaccine .
A technique similar to the Oxford one , developed in China , also seems promising .
However , all these approaches are at the absolute boundary of science and have not been proven to work before .
More traditional methods of vaccine development are also being investigated .
The company Valneva is taking the whole coronavirus , inactivating it and then inject it .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical trials around the world and another 140 in early stage development .
Will the UK get a coronavirus vaccine ?
The UK government has struck deals for 190 million doses of different vaccines .
• 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine made from a genetically engineered virus • 30 million doses of the BioNtech/Pfizer vaccine , which injects part of the coronavirus ' genetic code These have been paid for even though it is uncertain which , if any , of the vaccines may prove effective for immunising a nation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the UK Vaccine Taskforce , told the BBC : `` What we are doing is identifying the most promising vaccines across the different categories , or different types of vaccine , so that we can be sure that we do have a vaccine in case one of those actually proves to be both safe and effective .
`` It 's unlikely to be a single vaccine for everybody .
`` We may well need different vaccines for different groups of people . ''
• INSIDE HEALTH : Why is there an elevated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society ?
• DIET AND MENTAL WELLBEING : Does the food you eat help or hinder you emotionally ... What questions do you have about vaccines and the coronavirus ?
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question :

Coronavirus: Oxford vaccine triggers immune response Published 20 July 2020
comments Comments
Image source, Oxford University
A coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford appears safe and triggers an immune response.
Trials involving 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus.
The findings are hugely promising, but it is still too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection and larger trials are under way.
The UK has already ordered 100 million doses of the vaccine.
How does the vaccine work?
The vaccine - called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 - is being developed at unprecedented speed.
It is made from a genetically engineered virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees.
It has been heavily modified, first so it cannot cause infections in people and also to make it "look" more like coronavirus.
Scientists did this by transferring the genetic instructions for the coronavirus's "spike protein" - the crucial tool it uses to invade our cells - to the vaccine they were developing.
This means the vaccine resembles the coronavirus and the immune system can learn how to attack it.
What are antibodies and T-cells?
Much of the focus on coronavirus so far has been about antibodies, but these are only one part of our immune defence.
Antibodies are small proteins made by the immune system that stick onto the surface of viruses.
Neutralising antibodies can disable the coronavirus.
T-cells, a type of white blood cell, help co-ordinate the immune system and are able to spot which of the body's cells have been infected and destroy them.
Nearly all effective vaccines induce both an antibody and a T-cell response.
Image source, Oxford University Image caption, Sample from patients are analysed as part of the trial.
Levels of T-cells peaked 14 days after vaccination and antibody levels peaked after 28 days. The study has not run for long enough to understand how long they may last, the study in the Lancet showed.
Prof Andrew Pollard, from the Oxford research group told the BBC: "We're really pleased with the results published today as we're seeing both neutralising antibodies and T-cells.
"They're extremely promising and we believe the type of response that may be associated with protection.
"But the key question everyone wants to know is does the vaccine work, does it offer protection... and we're in a waiting game."
The study showed 90% of people developed neutralising antibodies after one dose. Only ten people were given two doses and all of them produced neutralising antibodies.
"We don't know the level needed for protection, but we can maximise responses with a second dose," Prof Pollard told the BBC.
Is it safe?
Yes, but there are side-effects.
There were no dangerous side-effects from taking the vaccine, however, around 17% had fever and more than six-in-10 patients had a headache.
The researchers said this could be managed with paracetamol.
Prof Sarah Gilbert, from the University of Oxford, UK, says: "There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the Covid-19 pandemic, but these early results hold promise."
What are the next steps in the trial?
The results so far are promising, but their main purpose is to ensure the vaccine is safe enough to give to people.
The study cannot show whether the vaccine can either prevent people from becoming ill or even lessen their symptoms of Covid-19.
More than 10,000 people will take part in the next stage of the trials in the UK.
However, the trial has also been expanded to other countries because levels of coronavirus are low in the UK, making it hard to know if the vaccine is effective.
There will be a large trial involving 30,000 people in the US as well 2,000 in South Africa and 5,000 in Brazil.
There are also calls to perform "challenge trials" in which vaccinated people are deliberately infected with coronavirus. However, there are ethical concerns due to a lack of treatments.
When will I get a vaccine?
It is possible a coronavirus vaccine will be proven effective before the end of the year, however, it will not be widely available.
Health and care workers will be prioritised as will people who are deemed at high risk from Covid-19 due to their age or medical conditions.
However, widespread vaccination is likely to be, at the earliest, next year even if everything goes to plan.
Boris Johnson said: "Obviously I'm hopeful, I've got my fingers crossed, but to say I'm 100% confident we'll get a vaccine this year, or indeed next year, is, alas, just an exaggeration.
"We're not there yet."
What progress is being made with other vaccines?
The Oxford vaccine is not the first to reach this stage, with groups in the US and China also publishing similar results.
The US company Moderna was first out of the blocks and its vaccine can produce neutralising antibodies. They are injecting coronavirus RNA (its genetic code), which then starts making viral proteins in order to trigger an immune response.
The companies BioNtech and Pfizer have also had positive results using their RNA vaccine.
A technique similar to the Oxford one, developed in China, also seems promising.
However, all these approaches are at the absolute boundary of science and have not been proven to work before.
More traditional methods of vaccine development are also being investigated. The company Valneva is taking the whole coronavirus, inactivating it and then inject it.
In total there are 23 coronavirus vaccines in clinical trials around the world and another 140 in early stage development.
Will the UK get a coronavirus vaccine?
The UK government has struck deals for 190 million doses of different vaccines.
This includes:
100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine made from a genetically engineered virus
30 million doses of the BioNtech/Pfizer vaccine, which injects part of the coronavirus' genetic code
60 million doses of the Valneva inactivated coronavirus
These have been paid for even though it is uncertain which, if any, of the vaccines may prove effective for immunising a nation with 66m people.
Kate Bingham, chairwoman of the UK Vaccine Taskforce, told the BBC: "What we are doing is identifying the most promising vaccines across the different categories, or different types of vaccine, so that we can be sure that we do have a vaccine in case one of those actually proves to be both safe and effective.
"It's unlikely to be a single vaccine for everybody.
"We may well need different vaccines for different groups of people."
Follow James on Twitter
Image source, BBC
What questions do you have about vaccines and the coronavirus?
In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.
Use this form to ask your question:


bbcuk--2020-07-21--River Thames 'severely polluted with plastic'

The River Thames has some of the highest recorded levels of microplastics for any river in the world .
Scientists have estimated that 94,000 microplastics per second flow down the river in places .
The quantity exceeds that measured in other European rivers , such as the Danube and Rhine .
Tiny bits of plastic have been found inside the bodies of crabs living in the Thames .
And wet wipes flushed down the toilet are accumulating in large numbers on the shoreline .
Researchers at Royal Holloway , University of London , are calling for stricter regulations on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They warn that careless disposal of plastic gloves and masks during the coronavirus pandemic might make the problem of plastic pollution worse .
`` Taken together these studies show how many different types of plastic , from microplastics in the water through to larger items of debris physically altering the foreshore , can potentially affect a wide range of organisms in the River Thames , '' said Prof Dave Morritt from Royal Holloway .
`` The increased use of single-use plastic items , and the inappropriate disposal of such items , including masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products , during the current Covid-19 pandemic , may well exacerbate this problem . ''
The scientists point out that the Thames is cleaner than it used to be with respect to some pollutants , such as trace metals .
What plastics were found in the River ?
Many forms of microplastics were found in the Thames , including glitter , microbeads from cosmetics and plastic fragments from larger items .
The bulk of the microplastics came from the break-down of large plastics , with food packaging thought to be a significant source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found in high abundance on the shoreline forming `` wet wipe reefs '' .
Study researcher , Katherine McCoy , said , `` Our study shows that stricter regulations are needed for the labelling and disposal of these products .
There is great scope to further research the impacts of microplastics and indeed microfibres on Thames organisms . ''
Where does the plastic come from ?
Fibres from washing machine outflows and potentially from sewage outfalls , plus fragments from the breakup of larger plastics , such as packaging items and bottles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Katharine Rowley of Royal Holloway said it 's unclear why there 's such a high density of plastic in the River Thames , but called for people to think about the plastic they use and throw away .
`` People can make much more of a difference than they might think , '' she said .
What is the plastic doing to wildlife in the river ?
Some animals living in the river are ingesting microplastics , including two species of crab .
Crabs contained tangled plastic in their stomachs , including fibres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , elastic bands and carrier bags .
• Seeking the 'plastic score ' of the food on our plates '' Upon bringing these crabs back to the labs at Natural History Museum , it was shocking to find that they were full of plastic , '' said study researcher , Alex McGoran .
`` Tangles of plastic were particularly prevalent in the invasive Chinese mitten crab and we still do n't fully understand the reason for this . ''
Clams near the wet wipe `` reefs '' contained synthetic polymers , some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wipes and other pollutants found on the site such as sanitary items .
How do the findings compare with other rivers ?
Much of the work on microplastics has been carried out in seas and oceans rather than rivers .
By comparison , the Thames has higher quantities of microplastics than levels recorded in the Rhine in Germany , the Danube in Romania , the River Po in Italy and the Chicago River in the US .
However , levels appear lower than those reported for China 's Yangzte river .
Other scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout Greater Manchester and found `` microplastics everywhere '' .
The latest research was carried out in collaboration with the Natural History Museum and Zoological Society , London .
Dr Paul Clark of the Natural History Museum said , `` What our students have shown in this collaboration is that although the Thames is certainly cleaner with regards some chemical pollutants , eg .
heavy metals , the River is severely polluted with plastic .
And once again our wildlife is threatened . ''
The research is reported in two papers in Environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Total Environment .

River Thames 'severely polluted with plastic' Published 21 July 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Plastic on the banks of the River Thames
The River Thames has some of the highest recorded levels of microplastics for any river in the world.
Scientists have estimated that 94,000 microplastics per second flow down the river in places.
The quantity exceeds that measured in other European rivers, such as the Danube and Rhine.
Tiny bits of plastic have been found inside the bodies of crabs living in the Thames.
And wet wipes flushed down the toilet are accumulating in large numbers on the shoreline.
Researchers at Royal Holloway, University of London, are calling for stricter regulations on the labelling and disposal of plastic products.
They warn that careless disposal of plastic gloves and masks during the coronavirus pandemic might make the problem of plastic pollution worse.
"Taken together these studies show how many different types of plastic, from microplastics in the water through to larger items of debris physically altering the foreshore, can potentially affect a wide range of organisms in the River Thames," said Prof Dave Morritt from Royal Holloway.
"The increased use of single-use plastic items, and the inappropriate disposal of such items, including masks and gloves, along with plastic-containing cleaning products, during the current Covid-19 pandemic, may well exacerbate this problem."
The scientists point out that the Thames is cleaner than it used to be with respect to some pollutants, such as trace metals.
What plastics were found in the River?
Many forms of microplastics were found in the Thames, including glitter, microbeads from cosmetics and plastic fragments from larger items.
The bulk of the microplastics came from the break-down of large plastics, with food packaging thought to be a significant source.
"Flushable" wet wipes were found in high abundance on the shoreline forming "wet wipe reefs".
Study researcher, Katherine McCoy, said, "Our study shows that stricter regulations are needed for the labelling and disposal of these products. There is great scope to further research the impacts of microplastics and indeed microfibres on Thames organisms."
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Plastic lining the shore at the Thames Estuary in Kent
Where does the plastic come from?
Fibres from washing machine outflows and potentially from sewage outfalls, plus fragments from the breakup of larger plastics, such as packaging items and bottles, which are washed into the river.
Katharine Rowley of Royal Holloway said it's unclear why there's such a high density of plastic in the River Thames, but called for people to think about the plastic they use and throw away.
"People can make much more of a difference than they might think," she said.
What is the plastic doing to wildlife in the river?
Some animals living in the river are ingesting microplastics, including two species of crab.
Crabs contained tangled plastic in their stomachs, including fibres and microplastics from sanitary pads, balloons, elastic bands and carrier bags.
"Upon bringing these crabs back to the labs at Natural History Museum, it was shocking to find that they were full of plastic," said study researcher, Alex McGoran.
"Tangles of plastic were particularly prevalent in the invasive Chinese mitten crab and we still don't fully understand the reason for this."
Clams near the wet wipe "reefs" contained synthetic polymers, some of which may have originated from the wet wipes and other pollutants found on the site such as sanitary items.
How do the findings compare with other rivers?
Much of the work on microplastics has been carried out in seas and oceans rather than rivers.
By comparison, the Thames has higher quantities of microplastics than levels recorded in the Rhine in Germany, the Danube in Romania, the River Po in Italy and the Chicago River in the US.
However, levels appear lower than those reported for China's Yangzte river.
Other scientists previously tested river sediments at 40 sites throughout Greater Manchester and found "microplastics everywhere".
The latest research was carried out in collaboration with the Natural History Museum and Zoological Society, London.
Dr Paul Clark of the Natural History Museum said, "What our students have shown in this collaboration is that although the Thames is certainly cleaner with regards some chemical pollutants, eg. heavy metals, the River is severely polluted with plastic. And once again our wildlife is threatened."
The research is reported in two papers in Environmental Pollution and in one paper in Science of the Total Environment.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Delyn MP Rob Roberts invited intern to 'fool around' with him

Delyn MP Rob Roberts is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards two junior members of parliamentary staff .
Messages seen by BBC Wales show the MP inviting a 21-year-old female intern to `` fool around '' with him .
He has also admitted asking out another House of Commons employee , which led them to move position .
Mr Roberts said he recognised the request to the staff member `` was inappropriate '' .
But he did not provide a comment about the messages sent to the female intern , when asked for a response .
Mr Roberts was elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north Wales in December 2019 .
His seat was a gain from Labour in the so-called Red Wall and had been previously held by Labour MP David Hanson since 1992 .
A Conservative Party spokesperson said : `` Our party takes all allegations extremely seriously and has safeguarding and complaints processes in place to investigate complaints made to it under the party 's code of conduct . ''
Mr Roberts propositioned the now former intern , who was working in Parliament at the time , in a series of messages in April this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roberts referred to the intern 's `` picture on Twitter earlier .
Lovely legs '' .
`` Do n't ignore me when I 'm making you feel better , '' he told her .
The MP then went on to say that in future she might want to `` fool around with no strings , you might come and visit me in London '' .
Later in the exchange the MP , who has recently split from his wife and come out as gay , told the female intern that he `` might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The woman , who did not respond to the request , explained to the MP that she was in an `` awful state '' and was struggling with her mental health , to which Mr Roberts responded : `` I was just thinking about fun times… Maybe if you thought of them too it might help you . ''
Speaking to BBC Wales , the former intern said the exchange made her feel `` incredibly sick '' .
`` I had had one of the worst days ever , and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I 'm not okay - and his solution to that was to proposition me , '' she said .
`` I felt really vulnerable and I felt like I was being used to make him feel better about everything . ''
`` I kind of felt backed into a corner about everything , '' the intern said .
`` I was worried about my job first of all , and I was worried about being involved in politics and I felt like I had to respond , but I was n't really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` did n't really feel comfortable '' returning to Parliament after the messages .
`` I did n't feel comfortable telling anyone I was friends with in politics about it because I thought it would affect my career in the future or if I wanted to be more politically involved that I 'd be branded by all of this , '' she said .
`` I could n't speak up about it in case my name got implicated or I was blamed for everything . ''
She said the experience made her `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture of politics can be quite toxic when it comes to these things especially when you 're a girl dealing with an MP , '' she said .
`` It was just horrific . ''
In a separate series of messages also seen by BBC Wales , Mr Roberts admitted asking another member of staff in Parliament out , resulting in them moving positions .
He said he told a male parliamentary staffer `` that I liked him and asked him to dinner '' .
`` Really poor judgement on my part , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very well because it created a problem for him that I felt that way , '' he said .
In a further message , Mr Roberts added : `` The chief whip was involved , lots of drama . ''
What has the MP said ?
In response , Rob Roberts told BBC Wales that earlier this year he invited a parliamentary staff member to dinner .
He said : `` My invitation was not accepted and the staff member did not feel comfortable about it .
`` I do now recognise that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invitation to a member of staff in the first place .
`` However , I have found the last few months and the 'coming out ' process to have been particularly challenging and the cause of a great deal of mental stress to me .
`` Creating a story from this interaction which has been dealt with amicably seems calculated to add to that stress , which is distressing . ''

"I know it's something that MPs have been trying to raise awareness of for a little while," she said. "Complaints that have been made to the Conservative Party, complaints that have been made through the parliamentary complaints procedure, and it doesn't seem really like any action has been taken against him yet, which unfortunately to a lot of people who are outside observers looks like a kind of tacit support of his actions."


bbcuk--2020-07-21--'This is our final showdown with Uber, and the stakes are high'

Two former Uber drivers will face the ride-hailing giant in court this week in a case that will decide whether Uber drivers should be classed as workers or self-employed .
`` This is our final showdown with Uber but the stakes could not be higher , '' says Yaseen Aslam .
He and James Farrar say by classing drivers as contractors , the firm denies them basic rights such as holiday pay .
But Uber said the `` vast majority '' of its drivers like being freelance .
`` Drivers can determine if , when and where they drive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cover sickness or injury , as well as maternity and paternity payments , '' said Jamie Heywood , Uber 's regional general Manager for Northern and Eastern Europe .
Why does this matter ?
The courts ruled in favour of the drivers in 2016 and Uber lost a subsequent appeal in 2018 .
Now the US ride-haling firm has appealed again to the UK 's Supreme Court , whose decision will be binding .
Its judgement will affect the working rights of tens of thousands of Uber drivers across the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensation bill .
Rachel Mathieson , of Bates Wells , the law firm representing the drivers , says there could wider consequences for the so-called gig economy .
`` This landmark case will have enormous implications for how well , or badly , workers in the fastest growing sector of the economy are treated . ''
What do the drivers say ?
Mr Aslam and Mr Farrar argue that as drivers for Uber they should have been classed as employees because the firm had so much control over them .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass them on to drivers ; it also stops drivers from providing their contact details to passengers , which drivers would be allowed to do if they were independent contractors .
Mr Farrar , who now leads the United Private Hire Drivers ' union , said that by classing drivers as freelancers , Uber avoided having to offer holiday pay , paid rest breaks and the national minimum wage .
`` [ Working for Uber ] we are not in business on our own account .
We are in business as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the BBC .
`` I do n't control the customer , I do n't control the price .
I 'm effectively performance managed and I 'm penalised .
So I am definitely under Uber 's control . ''
What does Uber say ?
Uber says most drivers like the flexibility of being freelance , and that its working practices have changed since 2016 when the case was first brought .
For example , it says its drivers have more control over their business as they are now able to see a rider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trip .
They also have no obligation to log on to Uber 's taxi booking app .
The US firm said that 9,000 UK drivers benefited from its free health insurance in 2019 , and a recent Oxford University study showed drivers in London were earning well above minimum wage .
`` Over a number of years we 've made significant changes to our app to offer more benefits with total flexibility , '' Mr Heywood said .
What could the outcome be ?
If successful in their case , the Uber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of £12,000 each in compensation , according to law firm Leigh Day .
The firm - which is representing drivers seeking compensation - believes tens of thousands of Uber drivers could be eligible to make a claim .
However , Uber will only be legally required to compensate those who have brought a claim .
Nigel Mackay , a partner in the employment team at Leigh Day , said : `` If Uber loses , it will have no other option but to compensate those drivers who have brought claims for failures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has paid them below the minimum wage . ''
The hearing will last two days but a ruling could take months .

For example, it says its drivers have more control over their business as they are now able to see a rider's destination before they choose to accept a trip. They also have no obligation to log on to Uber's taxi booking app.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: Harmful lies spread easily due to lack of UK law

Misleading and harmful online content about Covid-19 has spread `` virulently '' because the UK still lacks a law to regulate social media , an influential group of MPs has said .
The Digital , Culture , Media and Sport Committee urged the government to publish a draft copy of promised legislation by the autumn .
It follows suggestions the Online Harms Bill might not be in force until 2024 .
The group 's chairman said tech firms could not be left to self-regulate .
`` We still have n't seen correct legislative architecture put in place , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' consciences , '' said Julian Knight .
`` This just is not good enough .
Our legislation is not in any way fit for purpose , and we 're still waiting .
What I 've seen so far has just been quite a lot of delay . ''
Google and Facebook have said they have invested in measures to tackle posts that breach their guidelines .
But the report has already been welcomed by the children 's charity NSPCC .
`` The committee is right to be concerned about the pace of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teeth it needs , '' said Andy Burrows , its head of child safety online policy .
The committee report specifically calls for recommendations set out in the Online Harms Paper published in April of last year to be made into law .
The paper suggested a legal `` duty of care '' should be created to force tech companies to protect their users , and that a regulatory body be set up to enforce the law .
The government has said legislation will be introduced `` as soon as possible '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Lords committee that looked into the same issue reported that the law might not come into effect until three or four years ' time .
In its own report , the DCMS committee said it was concerned that the delayed legislation would not address the harms caused by misinformation and disinformation spread about fake coronavirus cures , 5G technology and other conspiracy theories related to the pandemic .
It also claimed social media firms ' advertising-focused business models had encouraged the spread of misinformation and allowed `` bad actors '' to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the truth .
`` As a result the public is reliant on the good will of tech companies or the 'bad press ' they attract to compel them to act , '' the report said .
Speaking to the BBC , Mr Knight said the major players - Facebook , Twitter and Google owner YouTube - now had to be dragged `` kicking and screaming '' to do more to regulate their platforms .
`` We need social media companies to actually be ahead of the game and we need government as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
`` This is not a freedom of speech issue .
This is a public health issue . ''
Facebook has responded : `` We do n't allow harmful misinformation and have removed hundreds of thousands of posts including false cures , claims that coronavirus does n't exist , that it 's caused by 5G or that social distancing is ineffective .
`` In addition to what we remove , we 've placed warning labels on around 90 million pieces of content related to Covid-19 on Facebook during March and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have clear policies around promoting misinformation on YouTube , and updated our policies to ensure that content on the platform aligns with NHS and WHO [ World Health Organization ] guidance .
`` When videos are flagged to us , we work quickly to review them in line with these policies and take appropriate action . ''
Twitter told the BBC its top priority is `` protecting the health of the public conversation - this means surfacing authoritative public health information and the highest quality and most relevant content and context first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the main groups responsible for spreading online misinformation .
• far-right groups in the US and the UK For various reasons , individuals had also contributed by spreading false information and ideas about fake cures to others online during the pandemic , the MPs said .
Mr Knight also expressed concern that anti-vaccine conspiracy theories might frustrate efforts to tackle Covid-19 once a suitable preventative treatment became available .
Social media companies , he added , `` need to ensure that they are n't just neutral in this - they absolutely must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our society , our neighbours , our friends and our loved ones are safe '' .
The report also criticised the government for setting up its own Counter Disinformation Unit in March .
It suggested this was late , since fake news about coronavirus had begun spreading online in January , adding that in any case the unit had largely duplicated the work of other organisations .

"This just is not good enough. Our legislation is not in any way fit for purpose, and we're still waiting. What I've seen so far has just been quite a lot of delay."


bbcuk--2020-07-21--New penalties proposed for rule-breaking MPs

MPs could be banned from foreign trips or made to take anger management classes under a proposed revamp of Parliament 's sanctions regime .
The Commons Committee on Standards said a wider range of penalties was required for MPs found to have broken the official code of conduct .
Breaches can include misuse of office expenses and incorrectly registering financial interests .
MPs are typically asked to apologise , but can be suspended in extreme cases .
The committee 's power to investigate MPs for bullying or harassment is set to be handed over to a new independent panel recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up the panel , to be made up of eight members , follows a 2018 inquiry led by Dame Laura Cox into how allegations are handled .
Under the current sanctions system , set up in 1995 in the wake of the `` cash for questions '' scandal , the committee can order MPs to apologise or pay back money if they are found in breach of the code .
In serious cases , it can also ask for MPs to be suspended without pay or expelled from Parliament - although this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole .
Under the current regime , the committee has never recommended expulsion , and has only recommended suspension on 15 occasions .
Since 2015 , MPs suspended for longer than two weeks have also been subject to a recall process which can result in them being forced to re-stand as an MP .
In a report , the committee said an `` expanded suite of sanctions '' was required to more appropriately deal with MPs who fall foul of the rules .
Labour MP Chris Bryant , who chairs the committee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only sanctions available against MPs have been a slap on the wrist or suspension from the House . ''
He added that an expanded range of sanctions would give MPs `` a clear idea of the kind of attitudes and conduct we are trying to promote and those we wish to eliminate '' .
Under their proposals , Parliament 's Standards Commissioner Kathryn Stone would get the power to force MPs to attend diversity training - or sign up to `` behaviour agreements '' .
She would also be able to ban MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ membership of a select committee for up to five years .
MPs could also be banned from accessing parliamentary services such as bars and the Commons library - although MPs would have to decide the details .
The committee has also recommended that the new independent panel investigating bullying allegations should get a similar range of powers .
The committee said it had made its recommendations to help the new panel to quickly decide its own sanctions framework .
Both the proposed changes to the sanctions for breaking the code , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be signed off by the Commons as a whole .
In an effort to make penalties fairer , the committee has also published a list of aggravating and mitigating factors to be taken into account .
Under the committee 's proposed system , a harder line could be taken with longer-serving MPs compared to their less experienced colleagues .
On the other hand , MPs could escape harsher sanctions if they can show they are suffering from mental health problems , or show `` genuine remorse '' .
These factors would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do with bullying or harassment .
MPs who have fallen foul of the code in recent years include Boris Johnson , who in April 2019 was found to have not declared a financial interest in a timely manner .
He was ordered to apologise in the chamber and told to attend a briefing from officials on the rules .
The most recent example of an MP suspended from Parliament came earlier this year , when Conservative MP Conor Burns was found to have used his position as an MP to intimidate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he accepted the sanction `` unreservedly '' and also resigned as a trade minister .

Both the proposed changes to the sanctions for breaking the code, and the new powers for the panel, will need to be signed off by the Commons as a whole.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Coronavirus could lead to thousands more cancer deaths

There could be more than 3,500 avoidable cancer deaths in England in the next five years as a result of the coronavirus pandemic , researchers say .
The virus had disrupted services and some people had avoided healthcare , they told The Lancet Oncology journal .
The team looked at the likely impact on four major types of cancer - breast , colorectal , oesophageal and lung .
Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives and anyone who suspects they may have cancer should seek help .
During lockdown , some cancer services were scaled back or delayed , although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential or urgent care .
UK-wide screening programmes to detect early signs of bowel , breast and cervical cancer in people with no symptoms are now trying to catch up with a backlog of appointments .
• More than two million waiting for cancer care in the UK If you are invited for a screening appointment , the NHS staff that see you will be following strict guidance on infection control to protect you and themselves against coronavirus .
The study used hospital data on more than 93,000 cancer patients to estimate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survival .
The researchers stress the figures are a prediction of what might happen , rather than what will .
The model assumes that disruptions due to the pandemic will affect access to routine and urgent cancer diagnostic services and alter health-seeking behaviour for a 12-month period .
Other estimates suggest excess deaths from all types of cancer ( due to coronavirus delays ) could be as high as 35,000 in the UK within a year .
Other new research in the same edition of The Lancet Oncology journal suggests delays in diagnosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a substantial proportion of patients with early-stage tumours progressing from having curable to incurable disease .
Study leader Prof Clare Turnbull , from The Institute of Cancer Research , London , said taking fast action now could still turn things around .
`` Prioritisation of particular patient groups may be effective in mitigating the extent of excess deaths and lost life years , '' she said .
Michelle Mitchell , from Cancer Research UK , said : `` It 's not easy to pin down the exact number of additional cancer deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
`` But studies like this help us to understand the devastating long-term effect a pandemic like Covid-19 will have on the lives of thousands of cancer patients .
`` People should feel reassured that it 's safe to use our health services again .
`` If you have any concerns , please do contact your GP or specialist cancer team for more information . ''
The government must work closely with the NHS to ensure it has sufficient staff and equipment to clear the backlog and deliver prompt care , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS was getting services back up and running as fast as possible and that during the peak some services had be stopped for clinical reasons .
NHS figures show that 106,535 urgent cancer referrals were made by GPs in England in May 2020 , down from 200,599 in May 2019 - a fall of 47 % .
At the same time , 55,500 more people are now waiting to have key cancer tests in England 's hospitals compared with the same point last year .
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Other new research in the same edition of The Lancet Oncology journal suggests delays in diagnosis and treatment of two months could lead to a substantial proportion of patients with early-stage tumours progressing from having curable to incurable disease.


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Idris Elba to receive special Bafta TV award

Actor Idris Elba will receive one of Bafta 's highest honours later this month - the Bafta special award for television .
The London-born star is being recognised for both his craft and for championing diversity and new talent .
The star of Luther and The Wire will receive the accolade at the virtual Bafta TV awards ceremony on 31 July .
Elba said it was `` a great privilege '' and that it was his `` mission '' to give opportunities to emerging talent .
Previous recipients of the special television award include Clare Balding , Cilla Black , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's been a mission of mine to provide opportunity and access to emerging talent from diverse backgrounds in this industry , which is the same opportunity I received many years ago from open-minded and diversity conscious casting , '' said Elba .
`` I thank Bafta for recognising myself and others who are dedicated to the same cause , as these are all necessary steps towards helping to shift the awareness and understanding of the diversity gap in entertainment . ''
Elba rose to prominence as Stringer Bell in The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ title role in BBC crime drama Luther .
He founded production company Green Door Pictures in 2013 with a focus on inclusion and discovering new film-making talent .
The son of African immigrants , Elba was raised in east London .
With a grant from the Prince 's Trust he was able to take up a place at the National Youth Music Theatre .
Last year he returned as Luther on BBC One , while In the Long Run , the semi-autobiographical series he created and stars in , begins its third season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chief executive of Bafta ( British Academy of Film and Television Arts ) , called Elba `` one of Britain 's best known actors in the UK and internationally '' .
`` He is also a driving force for championing diversity , ensuring talented people from all backgrounds achieve their potential , '' she added .
`` We 're delighted to recognise Idris , and his outstanding work , at this year 's ceremony . ''
Sky drama Chernobyl is up for four awards at the TV Baftas , which will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC One on 31 July at 1900 BST .
The drama , about the nuclear disaster that occurred there in 1986 , received seven prizes at last week 's Bafta TV Craft Awards , which honour technical achievement .
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"I thank Bafta for recognising myself and others who are dedicated to the same cause, as these are all necessary steps towards helping to shift the awareness and understanding of the diversity gap in entertainment."