bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Meet the UK's DIY mask-makers

Last summer , Sophie Passmore sat with a pot of glue and sequins , applying the finishing touches to costumes for ITV 's reality show The Masked Singer .
She did n't expect that , less than 10 months later , she would be replying to Facebook comments with advice for making a very different kind of mask .
She is one of thousands who have taken it upon themselves to produce cloth masks since the start of the coronavirus outbreak , despite official advice in the UK not to wear them .
Requests for masks on social media have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their destinations range from high street shops to care homes and even - in one example given to the BBC - a hospital .
A debate around the use of face masks in the UK has been gaining momentum in recent weeks , with supporters of the idea - including London Mayor Sadiq Khan - arguing they can help reduce the risk of people with the virus passing it on to others .
But the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has said there is no evidence to support the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people who are not in health and care facilities should only wear them if they are sick or caring for those who are .
Dr Jake Dunning of Public Health England said there is `` little evidence of widespread benefit '' of masks and that people should `` prioritise good personal , respiratory and hand hygiene '' .
However , on Tuesday , the government 's scientific advisers were due to discuss whether the public should be urged to wear them .
Sophie , who has made about 100 masks since she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a friend last month , says she had to ask people not to post requests because members were `` sewing through the night '' to keep up with demand .
`` Originally the majority of our requests were coming from care homes ... but within the last three or four days it has been individuals , '' she says over the phone from her home in Brighton .
`` It was quickly running away from us . ''
• Masks for public 'could put NHS supplies at risk' Hospital bosses in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks could be put at risk if the government starts advising the public to wear them .
But Sophie stresses that the cloth masks she makes are very different from the surgical masks and N-95 respirators used in medical settings .
She uses a pattern from the Centers for Disease Control in the US , which - unlike authorities in the UK - says homemade masks `` can be used as an additional , voluntary public health measure '' .
They are made , essentially , from two pieces of breathable fabric and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harmful droplets the wearer breathes out , rather than preventing them from being breathed in .
About 80 miles away from Sophie in Poole , seamstress and tutor Amanda Brown is preparing to live-stream a tutorial for a more complicated pattern .
She says that although she was sceptical about the effectiveness of homemade masks at first , she would , ultimately , want anybody who visited her elderly parents to wear one - even if there was only a small chance of reduced transmission .
`` I like my masks to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had an elderly parent or grandparent , and I 've got somebody coming in with a mask on , I kind of want it to look colourful and pretty so it 's not scary for them , '' she says .
It can be an expensive hobby , according to Paola Despretz , who lives in London .
She had been making masks for friends , family and local shop assistants using bed sheets and elastic from the supermarket , but had to bulk-buy elastic online after being asked to make 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons that a cotton mask is `` better than nothing '' .
But some mask-makers have inserted interfacing - blue paper towels or even vacuum cleaner filters - in the hope they will be able to protect themselves from breathing in the virus .
Dr Finola O'Neill , a GP from Devon and co-founder of the Masks4All campaign in the UK , which has attracted the support of more than 100 medics , stresses that homemade masks are not medical masks and urges people against including homemade filters .
`` These are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't want any complications or risks , '' she says .
What are the rules around face masks ?
• Official World Health Organization ( WHO ) guidance is that only people who have the virus or its symptoms and their carers need to wear face masks • Medical masks should be kept for medical workers only , the WHO adds • WHO special envoy David Nabarro believes that in society `` some form of facial protection is going to become the norm '' • The UK government is currently following the advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is under review • European advisers do not recommend reusable cloth masks , as they say they may even increase the chance of infection WHO guidance issued this month warned that masks can create a `` false sense of security '' and lead to people ignoring other protective measures - and said they can even be a source of infection when not used correctly .
But Dr O'Neill says these are `` assumptions '' and that people should be trusted when it comes to standards of hygiene .
`` The public have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 've been asked to do .
They 've been amazing .
So I see no reason why they would n't do the same here , '' she says .
She points out that people in other countries have been told to wear masks .
Sophie believes a real sense of community has been born out of the crisis .
`` It feels like the war effort , '' she says , referring to the production of clothing for soldiers on the home front during World War One and World War Two .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a purpose right now , we feel that we 're doing something to help . ''
While her Facebook group acts as a support network , Amanda 's local group is more like a production line .
The founders rely on donations to gather the materials .
Designated local coordinators deliver them to individual members who produce the masks .
They are then collected , washed , and distributed .
`` Everybody 's kind of working in a chain , it 's quite sweet really , '' Amanda says , adding that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sewing .
One of the local seamstresses is Pratthana Sherring , who took out her sewing machine from the attic for the first time in a decade .
`` The woman who dropped off the fabric , I do n't even know her .
It 's a big community and people want to put their hands up and help , '' she says .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise

A debate around the use of face masks in the UK has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with supporters of the idea - including London Mayor Sadiq Khan - arguing they can help reduce the risk of people with the virus passing it on to others. But the World Health Organization (WHO) has said there is no evidence to support the use of masks by the general population, and that people who are not in health and care facilities should only wear them if they are sick or caring for those who are.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Another 24 hours in lockdown

Seventeen years ago , a group of 24 photographers set out to document every hour of New Year 's Day , every year , for 24 years .
But during these unprecedented times , members of the collective have come together again , this time turning their attention and lenses to the Covid-19 pandemic , to document 24 hours in lockdown .
This is the second set of pictures from the collective .
Each of the 24 photographers was allocated one hour , starting at midnight , to document what it means to be on lockdown , creating a unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time but by a global pandemic .
`` Images tell a story and that is very important , '' says photojournalist Brian Harris who curated the photographs .
`` This collection shows the variety , spread and breadth of 24 very different views of the world in lockdown .
`` Some are quietly profound - the playground wrapped in police tape , the elderly lady and her jigsaw - others are coy and imaginative - the picnicking pair in the garden .
But they all reflect how people respond to this experience and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space . ''
The project is carrying on , and each week , while lockdown lasts , the photographers will continue to document their experiences .
During the current coronavirus crisis , we are interested in seeing your pictures of how you are coping with the restrictions imposed on many people around the world .
So please share your photos , you can find out more details here .
You can see the first set taken by the group under lockdown here .

Seventeen years ago, a group of 24 photographers set out to document every hour of New Year's Day, every year, for 24 years. But during these unprecedented times, members of the collective have come together again, this time turning their attention and lenses to the Covid-19 pandemic, to document 24 hours in lockdown. This is the second set of pictures from the collective.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: The NHS staff living away from homes and families

Many healthcare workers have made the difficult decision to live away from their families while they go to work during the coronavirus outbreak .
Some are living in hotels , others are in mobile homes or caravans .
Four people explain why they felt they had to leave home while carrying out vital work for the NHS . '
I need to protect my son' Shani Stocker , a nurse from Worcestershire , has a 13-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son who has an auto-immune condition .
Her daughter has gone to live with relatives and , when the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ms Stocker made the decision to go and live in a caravan on the driveway of the family home .
`` As a mother you miss hugging your kids , and my son has been through a lot in the last year .
I do n't see this as a negative , but it 's something I need to do to protect my son .
`` Yes this is difficult but I 'm willing to do it , to help get people better .
`` My 13-year-old daughter went to live with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of harm 's way , but my son is in active treatment , so I ca n't send him away .
With his condition , no-one knows how he 'll react , it 's a rare disorder . ''
The 50-year-old infectious disease nurse described her caravan as `` basic '' .
`` I 've hooked up some electric , and got one of those electric frying pans , there 's a toilet and a sink and other bits and a double bed , '' she said .
`` At first I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] but that meant my son had to stay in his bedroom , but you ca n't do that to kids .
With me out of the equation it allowed him to be around the house .
`` I just do n't know if I 'm bringing anything home , I just did n't want to run the risk of giving it my partner , I need him to look after my son . ''
Despite the situation , Ms Stocker said she had the best team at work , who were supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Sarah Link is a healthcare assistant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital , in Birmingham .
She and her husband bought a caravan on the day the lockdown began and moved out of their home so her mother could stay in the house .
Mrs Link has worked in the NHS for 17 years , while husband Gary is a fishmonger who has still been making deliveries .
The basic amenities of the caravan prompted a neighbour to give her a key to their gate so she could use their outside shower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooking us our food , she puts it in the garage on paper plates and we take it back to the caravan , '' Ms Link said .
`` Luckily we 've got a washer and dryer in the garage so we go in there to do the washing , I disinfect the washer and dryer and we 've got little radiators to dry things on .
But it 's absolutely freezing , I can see my breath some nights . ''
She added : `` The caravan faces the front door so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 're really close , I lost my dad when I was 13 , he was only 50 , so we 're a really close family and all look out for each other .
That was why when this happened my first thought was I 've got to keep mum safe - but this way I can still see her .
`` I feel like I 've got a window in front of me and I can see my old life but I ca n't get back to it .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm very teary . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Midwife Jessica Atoklo stayed in hotels for two weeks to allow her to carry out front-line work for University Hospitals Birmingham .
Although she normally has a non-clinical role , she offered up her time to help cover a short-fall of staff in other areas .
`` Because my husband is high-risk , I felt uncomfortable being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then running the risk of bringing anything home , '' she said .
`` It was actually a relief to be able to go to work , go back and not have to worry so much .
I have a 12-year-old son at home so I did feel really guilty being away from him . ''
Ms Atoklo would use handwashing laundry detergent and soak her scrubs overnight in the hotel bath .
`` Because I knew I was staying at the hotel , I worked loads , I told them to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover them all because there was no point in having a day off to sit in the hotel room , '' she said .
She has since returned to her usual role and will be supporting staff rather than working directly with patients , which has allowed her to move back home .
`` I was so relieved , '' she said .
`` I had been starting to get a bit irritable , I was desperate to get home . ''
Dr Ashley Liston spent 30 years in Tyneside before relocating to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was due to retire as a GP at the end of March .
But when the coronavirus outbreak happened he decided retirement was not an option .
`` I offered my services in West Cumberland as they 're really struggling to recruit GPs , it 's a lovely area but just a bit out of the way , '' he said .
Dr Liston has been working in a red centre , dealing with patients who report Covid-19 symptoms .
`` It 's an hour and a half 's drive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consecutive days and initially I was going to stay in my camper van .
`` We 'd sorted out a car park where it could stay and I would use the showers at the GP surgery .
Then , my first day , I was told about a local hotel offering rooms and I got in touch and they said 'yeah you 're very welcome ' - and what a difference of having a comfortable bed . ''
And he was full of praise for the hotel owners .
`` They 're the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quietly offered to help .
Coming back at the end of the day , watching some TV and sleeping well makes all the difference . ''
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to : newsonline.westmidlands @ bbc.co.uk

"We're really close, I lost my dad when I was 13, he was only 50, so we're a really close family and all look out for each other. That was why when this happened my first thought was I've got to keep mum safe - but this way I can still see her.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Businesses adapting to life under lockdown

`` A restaurant kitchen is completely different from a production kitchen , and we had never delivered a unit of food , '' Andrei Lussmann says .
His firm now completes about 400 online orders in one weekend .
Andrei is just one business owner who has totally upended operations because of the coronavirus lockdown .
He owns a chain of six restaurants , focusing on food from sustainable sources .
The pandemic hit Lussmanns hard .
The week before the closure of restaurants and pubs was announced by the government , it had opened its latest outpost in Oxford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we should close sooner rather than later , '' he says .
`` But because we have a slightly older generation that eat with us , we thought we should do very good food that can be delivered to the door . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health The majority of its wait staff were furloughed and one of the six restaurants became a `` dark kitchen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local delivery that include organic ready meals and pantry items .
After 30 years of running a restaurant company , Andrei had to turn the business into an e-commerce site within 30 hours .
The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit by lockdown measures as consumers stay away from pubs , restaurants and cafes .
But after the initial shock of the sweeping shutdown , and the realisation any return to normal could be months off , some firms are facing up to a stark choice : adapt or face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KFC and Burger King have opted for the former , reopening some restaurants with a pared-back menu for delivery only .
Both fast-food firms have said that fewer staff will be working in the kitchen as a result , and should be able to observe social distancing measures - keeping at least 2m apart from each other .
Burger King 's workers will wear masks and gloves and be trained in running delivery-only kitchens hygienically .
Sandwich chain Pret a Manger has done something similar , reopening just 10 restaurants near London hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC 's Today programme that its shops will only offer takeaway or delivery , manned by staff who have volunteered to come back .
One worker will be allowed in a certain area of the store , such as the fridge or break room , at a time .
While many restaurants have pivoted to online in order to survive , some fashion chains have had to do the same .
Next , which makes more than half of its sales online , has warned it faces a `` very significant drop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders on 26 March and closed its High Street stores on 23 March - one day before lockdown came into place .
After a three-week break , the firm started selling some items online including children 's clothes , after improving social distancing measures at its warehouses .
Once a certain number of orders has been placed , the website now becomes `` browse-only '' , to ensure those workers can cope .
As the High Street remains in shutdown , other retailers such as Topshop have opted to cancel orders with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Look also recently informed its suppliers that payment for stock already sitting in its shops or distribution centre would be delayed `` indefinitely '' .
It told manufacturers that it was `` a matter of survival '' .
As Lord Wolfson , the boss of Next , said : `` People do not buy a new outfit to stay at home . ''
Struggling airlines are also looking at how to adapt their services in anticipation of social distancing rules remaining in place until a vaccine is found - thought to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said it is considering keeping the middle seat on its planes empty when it resumes flights .
London-based Wizz Air has floated the idea of providing protective gear for passengers .
However , the crisis has n't deterred one small travel firm .
Travel Curious , a London-based tour company , was set up just 12 months ago .
But as travel came to a standstill , it decided to ask its guides to run live virtual tours on Instagram .
Where governments are allowing people to walk in cities , walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already sharing a household with the guide .
Other tours are hosted from home , where restrictions on movement are more strict .
One Venice `` excursion '' recently took place from a tour guide 's apartment that overlooks the Grand Canal .
Viewers are then asked to give a tip at the end of the tour .
Amir Azulay , chief executive of Travel Curious , said : `` Watching a live-streamed tour on Instagram is not quite the same as actually being there on your own , but it 's the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support our tour guides at this time , and to provide some welcome respite for people by bringing the world into their homes . ''
Supermarkets have also been forced to make big changes , although for another reason entirely - to keep up with soaring demand and ensure the safety of shoppers and staff .
Tesco boss Dave Lewis , for example , wrote to customers saying staff will draw new floor markings in the checkout areas , install protective screens on checkouts and introduce one-way aisles .
Meanwhile , Waitrose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its stores at any one time , with `` marshals '' enforcing social distancing rules .
Most UK supermarkets are prioritising deliveries for vulnerable and elderly shoppers during lockdown too .
This has been a sticking point for many people who , despite following Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's request to stay at home and use online deliveries , find themselves unable to book slots .
Asda and Tesco have added hundreds of thousands of delivery slots , while Morrisons has partnered with Deliveroo to offer a 30-minute delivery service from 130 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products available .
And while boosting his firm 's online presence has been a success so far , restaurant owner Andrei does have some worries about what happens next .
`` We have no idea what things will look like on the other side , '' he says .
`` If government restrictions are lifted , the general public wo n't come bouncing back into restaurants , and the whole point of hospitality is there 's a personality , a handshake , a smile . ''

"It became very clear that we should close sooner rather than later," he says. "But because we have a slightly older generation that eat with us, we thought we should do very good food that can be delivered to the door."


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Which regions have been worst hit?

London has suffered its highest number of registered deaths in a single week for more than 40 years , regional data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) shows .
Driven by the coronavirus outbreak , there were 2,832 deaths registered in the capital in the week ending 10 April .
That 's the highest weekly number in London since February 1976 .
The second highest weekly number since 1976 was recorded in the week ending 3 April this year .
Normally the number of registered deaths is falling at this time of year , and is certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu season in the winter .
But sadly the numbers in London this month are unprecedented for April .
The figures for the week of 10 April are nearly three times higher than the average for the same week over the previous five years .
We still do n't know exactly how many of the excess deaths in London and other regions can be attributed to Covid-19 .
But ONS data suggests that on a national level it is just over three-quarters of them .
And Professor Sally Sheard , Head of Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool , says it is not surprising that London has borne the brunt .
`` There are similarities with how the 1918 , 1957 and 1968 influenza pandemics moved through British communities , with urban areas again showing the biggest impact , '' she says .
`` This reflects issues such as overcrowded housing and international travel patterns . ''
`` But the current urban focus of Covid-19 also reflects the more recent growth of the gig economy , in which people have multiple places of work and sites of interaction . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government data for deaths in London going back to 1966 , and data for the rest of England and Wales going back to 1993 .
In every region across England and Wales registered deaths in the week of 10 April were the highest on record outside the winter months .
The ONS data records deaths in the community as well as deaths in hospital , so it paints a more accurate picture than the daily figures released by the Department of Health .
And the table above shows that registered deaths in every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past two weeks are far higher than the average that might have been expected .
It 's also worth remembering that 10 April this year was Good Friday - a Bank Holiday when many registry offices were closed .
So the figures released so far may not reveal the full picture - the ONS says an additional 2,000 deaths across England and Wales would be a `` conservative estimate . ''
It is worth remembering that other regions are behind London in the curve of the pandemic , but that also means that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Though the daily figures released by the Department of Health seem to be stabilising , '' says Sarah Deeny , assistant director at the Health Foundation , `` these deeply concerning weekly figures from the ONS show the impact of the pandemic in London in the first half of April . ''
`` We can be hopeful however that social distancing measures may make the trend in deaths less stark around the rest of the country . ''
'Too early to tell' One of the biggest issues for policymakers over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establish what other factors maybe causing the current surge in excess deaths .
Further deaths from Covid-19 will continue to happen around the country despite the lockdown .
But it will also be vital to establish how many deaths may be happening because of the lockdown , if people are not getting the treatment or support they need for other health conditions .
`` The steep rise in figures for the capital is reflected in the levels of pressure we have seen on hospital intensive and critical care units and ambulance services in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from healthcare thinktank the Nuffield Trust .
`` But it is too early to tell at this point whether deaths where Covid-19 was not mentioned are the result of some cases not being recognised as coronavirus , or a substantial increase in people dying from other conditions .
National Records Scotland releases figures on a slightly different timescale .
In the week to 12 April , there were 2,020 deaths registered in Scotland , up from the five-year average of 1,100 .
Of those , 962 mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst hit by the virus .
• Coronavirus in Scotland : Who is dying and where ?
In Northern Ireland for the week ending 10 April there were 435 deaths registered , up from the five-year average of 295 .
Covid-19 was mentioned on 162 death certificates .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigate ?
Get in touch

Separate ONS data released on 1 May shows that, once you take the age of population into account, the rate of deaths involving Covid-19 is roughly twice as high in the most deprived areas of England and Wales as in the least deprived.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Hampshire woman, 99, survives Covid-19

A 99-year-old woman is recovering at home after being admitted to hospital with coronavirus .
Carrie Pollock tested positive at @ @ @ @ @ Portsmouth , in early March after she was admitted with hallucinations and suspected pneumonia .
@ @ @ @ @ is now back at home in Hayling Island with her family and says she 's @ @ @ @ @ .
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak : Your Coronavirus Stories

A 99-year-old woman is recovering at home after being admitted to hospital with coronavirus.
Carrie Pollock tested positive at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, in early March after she was admitted with hallucinations and suspected pneumonia.
The former Special Branch officer is now back at home in Hayling Island with her family and says she's feeling "much better".
A film by Abby Newbery
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Online music therapy group a 'lifeline' in pandemic

Members of a music therapy group for people with dementia have welcomed its continuation online .
Together in Sound has @ @ @ @ @ couples - those living with dementia and their partner or carer - since 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ forced the group , based in Saffron Walden , Essex , to move to virtual @ @ @ @ @ a lifeline , really , '' one participant told the BBC .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ to and we ca n't wait for it to come . ''
The group is @ @ @ @ @ Trust and the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research , based at Anglia Ruskin University @

Members of a music therapy group for people with dementia have welcomed its continuation online.
Together in Sound has been delivering the therapy for couples - those living with dementia and their partner or carer - since 2017.
But the coronavirus pandemic has forced the group, based in Saffron Walden, Essex, to move to virtual sessions.
"It's a lifeline, really," one participant told the BBC. "It's just something to look forward to and we can't wait for it to come."
The group is a partnership between Saffron Hall Trust and the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, based at Anglia Ruskin University.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--The Papers: Protective kit criticism and vaccine trial begins

In other developments , virus tests given to thousands of NHS staff so they could return to work have been found to be flawed , according to the Daily Telegraph .
The paper says it has seen a leaked memo from Public Health England which warns of “ degraded ” performance , meaning the results are less reliable than first thought .
The paper says it raises the prospect that thousands of nurses and doctors who were told they were free of the virus may have been sent back to work while they were still contagious .
The Daily Express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two vaccines that might protect against coronavirus raises the hope that the UK will lead the world out of the pandemic .
It 's among several papers to lead on the development and the promise by Health Secretary Matt Hancock that the government will `` throw everything '' at supporting the researchers .
The announcement is also the main front page story in the Times and the i , though the Times sounds a cautious note , reminding us of the words of the government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Valance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine is a `` long shot '' .
The Daily Telegraph claims tests for coronavirus given to NHS staff have been found to be flawed , meaning thousands of doctors and nurses who thought they were free of the virus may have been sent back to work while contagious .
It says it 's seen a leaked memo from Public Health England saying the results are less reliable than was first thought .
Public Health England says no diagnostic test is 100 % sensitive , and that the tests were inconsistent in less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's now switching to commercially produced test kits and insists that was always the plan .
There 's continuing criticism of efforts to obtain and distribute the vast quantities of protective equipment required by health and care workers .
The Daily Mirror says thousands of plastic visors may be sent abroad by a firm in Nottingham because the NHS has n't placed a large scale order .
John Tolley , whose wife is an intensive care nurse , switched production at his company , Printers Prime Group , to making visors and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But he says he 's having to deal with individual trusts .
The government says it has had more than 8,000 offers of support from suppliers of PPE and that it 's speeding up efforts to respond to companies .
Meanwhile two Tottenham footballers are in trouble for appearing to breach rules on social distancing .
The Spurs right-back , Serge Aurier , posted videos on Instagram showing him training with Moussa Sissoko , and the two of them sitting together afterwards .
Spurs says it will be `` speaking to both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the pair have apologised and are to make a donation to the NHS .
`` You clowns '' is the back page headline in the Daily Mail .
The Guardian says the club also has questions to answer about why some of its senior employees are continuing to ignore rules on physical distancing .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning The Sun pays tribute to `` a nationwide army of amateur stitchers '' who are working flat out to make homemade scrubs for medics to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One hundred `` scrub hubs '' have been set up across Britain since an east London doctor asked her local WhatsApp group for volunteers .
Between them the teams have now made almost 25,000 sets of scrubs , the paper says .

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


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Social restrictions 'to remain for rest of year'

The UK will have to live with some disruptive social measures for at least the rest of the year , the government 's chief medical adviser has said .
Prof Chris Whitty said it was `` wholly unrealistic '' to expect life would suddenly return to normal soon .
He said `` in the long run '' the ideal way out would be via a `` highly effective vaccine '' or drugs to treat the disease .
But he warned that the chance of having those within the next calendar year was `` incredibly small '' .
`` This disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not going to disappear , '' he said , at the government 's daily coronavirus briefing .
`` So we have to accept that we are working with a disease that we are going to be with globally ... for the foreseeable future . ''
The latest figures show a further 759 people have died with the virus in UK hospitals , bringing the total number of deaths to 18,100 .
• Raab vows to hit 100k test target in eight days Prof Whitty said the public should not expect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away '' suddenly after the peak .
`` In the long run , the exit from this is going to be one of two things , ideally , '' he said .
`` A vaccine , and there are a variety of ways they can be deployed ... or highly effective drugs so that people stop dying of this disease even if they catch it , or which can prevent this disease in vulnerable people . ''
Prof Whitty warned there were multiple different ways in which the coronavirus epidemic would result in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as those dying from Covid-19 , he said others may die indirectly because the NHS has had to be `` reoriented towards Covid '' , leading to fewer elective procedures and screening .
He also said if the interventions in place `` extend deprivation among people '' that would increase the risk to their long-term health .
`` So what we have to do is think very seriously about this : what is the best balance of measures that gives us the best public health outcome ? ''
He said there was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to consider .
The government 's chief medical adviser and other experts have often said the only secure long term route out of the coronavirus epidemic is the discovery of either a vaccine or effective drugs .
So Prof Whitty 's latest comments are not a total surprise , however they throw cold water on any idea that lockdown restrictions will be fully lifted in the summer or even the autumn .
A vaccine and drugs are unlikely to materialise until next year and until then some form of social distancing will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But that certainly does n't mean all the current restrictions remain in place until then .
Schools , some businesses and public transport might well be reopened in the not too distant future .
Pubs and restaurants , under this scenario , will probably be nearer the bottom of the list .
Prof Whitty of course is an adviser and it 's up to the politicians to decide .
They will have to weigh up the impact on the economy and society but also , as they often say , be guided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the briefing , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said easing social distancing measures too soon would risk a second spike of coronavirus cases .
He said this could trigger a second lockdown that would `` prolong the economic pain '' across the country .
Mr Raab , who is deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson , acknowledged the mental , physical and economic strain social distancing measures were having on people throughout the UK , but said they `` must remain in place for the time being '' .
Gen Sir Nick Carter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also joined Wednesday 's press conference and described the military response to coronavirus as the `` single greatest logistical feat '' of his 40 years of service • A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Gen Carter said the military has worked in support of healthcare workers on the front line , and has been involved with planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Office with repatriation efforts .
He added that the military was also preparing mobile pop-up testing centres in a bid to roll-out more Covid-19 testing .
Earlier , the government insisted it would meet its target of 100,000 tests a day by the end of April - an increase of 82,000 on Monday 's levels .
Sir Keir Starmer , who was making his debut in Prime Minister 's Questions as Labour leader , said the UK had been `` very slow and way behind other European countries '' on testing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ go from 18,000 tests a day to 100,000 in just eight days .
Mr Raab said the UK currently had testing capacity of 40,000 a day and , with new laboratories coming on stream , the government would reach its target .
• Coronavirus is likely to result in a high mortality rate in care homes , Prof Whitty says • E-commerce giant eBay has built a new pilot e-portal for NHS staff to order personal protective equipment ( PPE ) which it says is in the final stage of testing • Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Office permanent secretary to retract his testimony to MPs that a `` political decision '' was taken not to join EU schemes to source medical equipment • An RAF plane carrying a delayed delivery of protective equipment has arrived in the UK as the government remains under pressure about NHS supplies • The last Britons to remain on a cruise ship during the pandemic will finally disembark the Costa Deliziosa in Genoa , Italy , on Wednesday , the Foreign Office says • A group of 25 doctors has written to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's current advice on self-isolation for coronavirus • Delays in diagnosing and treating cancer could lead to more years of lost life than with Covid-19 , a leading cancer expert says

Prof Whitty of course is an adviser and it's up to the politicians to decide. They will have to weigh up the impact on the economy and society but also, as they often say, be guided by the science.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Hard to prevent care home deaths, says Chris Whitty

Coronavirus is likely to result in a high mortality rate in care homes , England 's chief medical officer has said .
Chris Whitty said it was hard to prevent deaths in care homes `` sadly because this is a very vulnerable group '' .
Current statistics were likely to be an `` underestimate '' , he added .
It came as new figures suggested deaths have increased significantly in recent days .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said on Tuesday 1,000 people died in care homes in the week to 10 April .
But now the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could have seen another 1,000 deaths .
Asked about the figures at the daily Downing Street press conference , Mr Whitty said : `` In care homes , what we have is a large number of people of the most vulnerable age for this virus . ''
• How big is the problem in care homes ?
• Deaths hit 20-year high - but peak may be over When it was possible to `` look back over this epidemic '' , he added , `` I 'm sure we will see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because this is a very vulnerable group and people are coming in and out of care homes and that can not , to some extent , be prevented . ''
The Department of Health has said it also feared a `` significant rise '' in deaths not related to coronavirus among residents .
The ONS data released on Tuesday showed there had been 1,043 people linked to Covid 19 in England and Wales - with nearly 1,000 of those in English care homes .
The Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now produced preliminary data for April 11-15 , they suggest there were 1,000 further deaths linked to Covid-19 .
They also say there may be a significant increase in non-Covid deaths - in line with what the ONS official statistics suggest .
Those figures are expected to be published on April 28 , once they have been verified .
Christine Mullin contracted coronavirus in a care home but was subsequently moved to hospital , where she died .
The 78-year old 's death will therefore be reflected in NHS figures .
Her daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dementia , '' but was not `` severely disabled '' .
She told the BBC the elderly were identified `` from the beginning '' as a vulnerable group and should have been an `` immediate '' priority in efforts to stop the virus spreading .
For her family - like many others - the central question is whether vulnerable residents have been well enough protected .
The notifications from care providers may include some people who died in hospital .
As these deaths are already reflected in NHS figures , the numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjusted and checked .
Care providers have always had to notify the CQC when a resident dies .
But the forms have now been adjusted to collect information on whether a death is linked to coronavirus .
The reporting mechanism is different from that used by hospitals and the data can take longer to pull together , because there are far more care homes than hospitals .
The death toll in UK hospitals has now risen in the last 24 hours by 759 to 18,100 .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise He told MPs earlier : `` In the same way that we pay tribute to and we remember all of those NHS staff who have died , so too we do for those who serve our country and look after people in social care . ''
The daily death figures from UK hospitals have been one of the main statistics used by the government to track the progress of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that it does not include people who die in care homes or in their own homes .
But Mr Hancock warned against comparing the different figures to make conclusions about the overall death toll , saying they were compiled on different time frames and needed `` rigorous analysis '' to ensure the comparison was accurate .
Doubling in five days sounds terrifying , but that is the story of the epidemic .
The number of deaths announced for the UK as a whole was doubling every three days up to the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowed down to doubling every week before growth eventually stalled .
So this trend for care homes from a week ago is not very different to ones we have seen elsewhere .
Their new data is preliminary and we should be careful about comparing the first week of their data to ONS figures from the preceding week .
But the big issue has been about knowing what 's happening in care homes now : has growth in deaths stalled there too or are they continuing to climb ?
The other data sources we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those daily figures from DHSC mainly cover deaths in hospitals , so miss most care home deaths .
The complete figures based on death certificates that capture care homes take over a week to be collated and analysed .
The Care Quality Commission are notified of every death of a care home resident , so can give a fuller picture .
But when they are included in official figures , it will give us critical information about a group of people who are among the most vulnerable to the coronavirus .
It comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address a shortage of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for care home workers , amid reports of staff , or their employers , having to pay inflated prices for masks and gowns .
Labour former cabinet minister Lord Hain said : `` The government needs urgently to give billions more to care homes instead of leaving them so badly in the lurch during this crisis . ''
Acting Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey told the BBC the CQC figures were `` alarming '' and accused the government of being `` very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now seeing what appears to be a huge number of deaths , '' he added , and he called on the government to `` get it 's act together '' .

When it was possible to "look back over this epidemic", he added, "I'm sure we will see a high mortality rate in care homes sadly because this is a very vulnerable group and people are coming in and out of care homes and that cannot, to some extent, be prevented."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Test data 'reassuring for frontline healthcare workers'

A study of NHS staff tested for coronavirus offers some reassurance to frontline workers , say researchers .
A Newcastle University team analysed the results of 1,000 tests carried out on workers at local hospitals in March .
They found the number of frontline workers testing positive was no different to that of staff working in non-clinical roles .
This is `` reassuring for frontline healthcare workers and suggests that PPE is effective '' , they say .
In the study , published in a letter to The Lancet , staff at two hospitals in Newcastle were offered tests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local GPs and paramedics were also eligible .
The staff fell into three groups : • staff who did not see patients but might be at greater risk of hospital infection ( cleaners , lab staff ) The researchers found no evidence of a significant difference between the three groups , with rates of infection of 15 % in the first group , 16 % in the second , and 18 % in the third .
The data also gives an insight into the growth of the epidemic in England , with signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of social distancing measures .
`` We got a glimpse into the epidemiology of the Covid pandemic in England , '' said Dr Duncan .
`` And we got evidence , although it 's not direct proof , that the social distancing measures introduced by the government are having an impact on the spread of coronavirus in England . ''

Researchers at Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals found no evidence of a significant difference between the three groups, with rates of infection of 15% in the first group, 16% in the second, and 18% in the third.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Big Night In: Doctor Who stars past and present unite for BBC charity show

Ten Doctor Who actors from the past 50 years will say thank you to real doctors and other NHS staff on a star-studded BBC fundraising telethon later .
Jodie Whittaker will be joined by a host of her predecessors as the Doctor on BBC One 's The Big Night In .
Little Britain , Peter Kay , The Vicar of Dibley and Catherine Tate will all also return during the three-hour special .
The show begins at 19:00 BST and will see Children in Need and Comic Relief join forces for the first time .
The Doctors have recorded a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus crisis .
It will be broadcast just before the weekly Clap For Carers at 20:00 BST .
The actors taking part range from Tom Baker , who played the role between 1974-81 , to current Tardis-dweller Jodie Whittaker , and Jo Martin , who appeared as an alternative incarnation of the Doctor in two episodes earlier this year .
Other highlights of the night will include Matt Lucas and David Walliams doing Little Britain on TV for the first time in a decade .
Dawn French will revive The Vicar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new video for ( Is This The Way To ) Amarillo .
Tate will bring back schoolgirl Lauren - who is struggling with being remotely educated by her teacher , played by David Tennant .
The three-hour show will aim to raise millions of pounds for vulnerable people around the UK who have been affected by the pandemic .
The government has pledged to match all public donations , with a minimum of £20 million .
The programme also promises to `` celebrate the acts of kindness , humour and the spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation going '' .
It will include the unveiling of a home-made video for a charity single featuring stars like Dua Lipa , Chris Martin and Rita Ora .
They - along with the likes of Ellie Goulding , Jess Glynne , Paloma Faith and Rag ' N ' Bone Man - have recorded a cover of Foo Fighters ' 2003 track Times Like These .
Gary Barlow , Steve Coogan , Rob Brydon , Jack Whitehall , Romesh Ranganathan , Miranda Hart and the cast of People Just Do Nothing are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show .
And the Strictly Come Dancing professionals have come up with a new routine for people to learn at home .
The programme will be hosted by Matt Baker , Zoe Ball , Sir Lenny Henry , Paddy McGuinness and Davina McCall .
`` It 's so exciting to actually be able to do something positive ... especially bringing Comic Relief and Children In Need together for one night only , '' McCall told BBC Radio 5 Live on Wednesday .
`` We 're actually going to be in a studio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about - being in the same room as other people .
`` We 're going to be in the BBC One Show studio , so there will be Matt , Lenny and me for the first hour and we will all be two metres apart . ''
• Little Britain back on TV for BBC 's Big Night In • 9 shows to help you through self-isolation Sir Lenny told BBC Breakfast on Saturday : `` We 're all going to be socially distanced , and then do a bit , and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then nearly everybody else is doing stuff from home or from a remote location .
It 's going to be great ! ''
The aim of the night is to let `` the key workers and the care workers know that we really respect what they 're doing '' , he said .
Speaking about the fundraising , he added : `` A lot of the projects that we support have come to us and said that they 're really struggling in this time .
They need our help . ''
Follow us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

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


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Hospital stay over for West Midlands Police officer

This is the moment a top police officer sheds a tear over nurses ' support during his battle with Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ applaud Ch Supt Phil Dolby 's departure from hospital after a 24-day stay .
The @ @ @ @ @ two weeks in intensive care and needed the support of a ventilator .

This is the moment a top police officer sheds a tear over nurses' support during his battle with Covid-19.
Medical staff stood to applaud Ch Supt Phil Dolby's departure from hospital after a 24-day stay.
The West Midlands Police officer spent two weeks in intensive care and needed the support of a ventilator.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Durham University reverses online teaching plan after criticism

A university has reversed its plan to cut the level of face-to-face teaching it offers students after criticism .
Durham University has moved some modules online amid the coronavirus pandemic and hundreds were set to remain in that form permanently .
Its vice-chancellor , Professor Stuart Corbridge , said it was now `` very clear most academics do not want to let go of their courses '' .
The University and College Union ( UCU ) welcomed the U-turn .
Plans initially revealed by Palatinate , the student newspaper , sought to put `` online resources at the core enabling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
There was set to be a further roll-out of online modules after the pandemic , with the aim of at least 500 modules being fully online by the end of the 2020-21 academic year , and another tranche the following year .
However , Prof Corbridge has now said heads of departments will not be required to reduce the number of `` live '' courses they had originally planned to teach in the 2020-21 academic year '' On the worst-case assumption that nobody is here [ in the autumn ] , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be a bit ambitious to get all 100 % of our modules ready by October .
`` So we did initially say perhaps you would care to think about not putting on 25 % .
That was done to try and acknowledge the fact it is a difficult time for people and workload pressures .
`` I am happy to say that I think we misjudged our academics .
It is very clear that most academics do not want to let go of their courses . ''
Last week , the UCU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commenting on the move to reconsider , general secretary Jo Grady said : `` Changes to any university 's higher education system should be led by staff from the ground up , whether they are necessitated by Covid-19 or not . ''
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria @ bbc.co.uk .

"What we are now saying is it is up to you if you want to put on 100% of courses in your department and if you feel you can do that that's great."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Prince Louis' rainbow tribute in second birthday pictures

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 's son Prince Louis has been photographed making a colourful rainbow poster - a symbol of hope during the coronavirus lockdown - to mark his second birthday .
His handprint artwork is one of several photographs released by the family to celebrate the occasion on Thursday .
Similar pictures by children have appeared in windows across the country .
Prince Louis was photographed by his mother the Duchess of Cambridge in Norfolk earlier this month .
In a series of images , Kate has captured her son - wearing a smart blue gingham-style shirt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ displaying his brightly painted palms and fingers .
In one portrait , his coloured digits are raised to his cheeks with apparent excitement .
The duchess - a keen amateur photographer and patron of the Royal Photographic Society - has regularly released pictures she has taken of her other children , Prince George and Princess Charlotte , to mark their birthdays .
Louis ' artwork is likely to be part of William and Kate 's home-schooling lessons , with the duchess recently admitting she kept the make-shift classroom up and running during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having that bit of structure , actually .
It 's great , there are so many great tips online and fun activities that you can do with the children so it has n't been all hardcore , '' she said .
Kate also revealed her surprise at her children 's awareness about the coronavirus outbreak and how she has tackled the subject with them in `` age appropriate '' ways .
Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge , fifth in line to the throne , was born on St George 's Day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lindo Wing of St Mary 's Hospital in Paddington , London , weighing 8lb 7oz .
He was christened at 11 weeks old , by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby , in the Chapel Royal at St James 's Palace in front of friends and family .
Prince Louis has featured in a number of images released by the Cambridge 's and recently appeared in a video with his older brother and sister applauding the nation 's health workers and carers .

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


bbcuk--2020-04-22--'Thousands missing out on cancer diagnosis'

Delays in diagnosing and treating people with cancer could lead to more years of lost life than with Covid-19 , according to a leading cancer expert .
A drop-off in screening and referrals means roughly 2,700 fewer people are being diagnosed every week , Cancer Research UK says .
Cancer screening has paused in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland , with few invitations sent out in England .
People are still advised to contact their GP with worrying symptoms .
But Richard Sullivan , professor of cancer and global health at King 's College London , said there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer at the moment .
With GPs more difficult to contact than normal , this was resulting in a `` dramatic drop-off '' in referrals to specialists , he said .
`` Most modellers in the UK estimate excess of deaths is going to be way greater than we are going to see with Covid-19 , '' he said .
With cancer patients generally much younger , Prof Sullivan predicted `` years of lost life will be quite dramatic '' on top of `` a huge amount of avoidable mortality '' . '
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has spread' Maggs Bailey , 58 , from Reading , had a mole removed last year and found out it was melanoma ( a type of skin cancer ) in February .
She had another appointment in April to find out if her cancer had spread .
But she was `` really upset '' to find out it had been cancelled and no one had contacted her to say so .
`` I sort of swing between feeling completely positive ... to thinking 'oh my god I 've got cancer cells running through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're doing ' . ''
Maggs says she completely understands that the NHS is under immense pressure with coronavirus , but wonders if the right decisions are being made .
She is now considering private surgery .
`` To be not able to have the treatment I feel I should be getting - I did n't really have any choice but to do something else about that .
It 's scary . ''
Sarah Woolnough , executive director for policy at Cancer Research UK , said it was of `` huge concern '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop in urgent referrals by GPs of people with suspected cancer .
According to the cancer charity : • 2,300 people a week are not being diagnosed through urgent referrals • 400 people a week are not being diagnosed through screening '' Our plea is that we get back to some kind of normality as soon as possible , '' she said .
`` Most screening hubs are not sending out invitations .
Even though we have not had official word , screening is effectively paused in England .
Patients are not seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , much of the diagnostic activity is on hold . ''
With a large number of staff self-isolating at home , many cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been delayed .
`` A lot of services have had to scale back - we 've seen a dramatic decrease in the amount of elective cancer surgery , '' Prof Sullivan said .
He said huge numbers of patients would be stuck in a backlog when cancer services were opened up again , creating `` an enormous challenge for hospitals '' .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer services to return to normal - but only if the lockdown measures were unlocked `` very quickly '' , he said .
In the Commons , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was not advisable for some cancer treatments to go ahead during an epidemic , because of the risks of exposure to the virus .
Peter Johnson , NHS clinical director for cancer , said : `` Although the NHS is working day and night to tackle coronavirus , it is also open for business in other vital areas such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have worrying symptoms , you should still contact your GP and be referred for further checks . ''
`` It 's vital that we have a safety net in place for people whose diagnosis and treatment is delayed , so that when we come through the other side of the pandemic , they can be prioritised as a matter of urgency , '' said Bowel Cancer UK chief executive Genevieve Edwards .
She said decisions taken now would undoubtedly have `` a lasting impact '' for some bowel cancer patients .
Rebecca Shoosmith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` Dealing with changes can be extremely difficult and the support offered by charities can be a lifeline at this time .
`` Safety netting by care providers is essential to ensure everyone facing cancellations or changes receives the care they need as soon as they possibly can . ''

"Most screening hubs are not sending out invitations. Even though we have not had official word, screening is effectively paused in England. Patients are not seeking help and then if they are referred on, much of the diagnostic activity is on hold."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: £58m EuroMillions winner's social distancing celebrations

A man who scooped a £58m lottery win celebrated by having a beer with his brothers - at a 2m ( 6ft 6in ) distance .
Ryan Hoyle , 38 , said he was `` shaking '' when he got an email informing him he had become a multi-millionaire in Friday 's EuroMillions draw .
He drove to his parents ' house , passing his phone through the window for them to `` double-check '' his numbers .
After confirming the eight-figure bonanza , he enjoyed a drink in the sunshine with his siblings .
Mr Hoyle , of Rochdale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought he had won £2.30 when he saw an email from the National Lottery on Saturday .
When he read the message , he said it `` looked like a lot of numbers ...
I could n't believe what my eyes were seeing '' .
He said he was `` shaking and really needed a second opinion so ... drove round to mum and dad 's house '' .
`` I kept a safe distance outside and passed the phone through the window for them to double-check for me . ''
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Mr Hoyle then celebrated while socially distancing with his brothers .
`` We kept more than two metres apart .
I needed to talk to them ... and it really helped with the shock , '' he said .
Mr Hoyle , who works as a joiner , said he will finish off renovations on his brother 's house despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself a new car , swap his rented one-bedroom flat for a new home , treat himself to a Manchester United season ticket and take his daughter , aged 11 , to Florida .
But he said his priority was to help his mother , father and brother `` retire this week '' .

"We kept more than two metres apart. I needed to talk to them... and it really helped with the shock," he said.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Hospital chief gets death threat after Ross Kemp filming

A hospital boss criticised for granting a TV crew access to coronavirus wards said he was sent a death threat in response to the decision .
Joe Harrison , chief executive of Milton Keynes Hospital , allowed cameras filming a documentary fronted by Ross Kemp into intensive care units .
Mr Harrison said the threatening letter arrived less than a week after the behind-the-scenes show aired on ITV .
He said the note had been passed to police .
Mr Harrison was widely criticised after the show , featuring former Eastenders hardman Kemp , was shown on 16 April .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS Frontline , showed the actor donning personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and speaking to staff and patients at the hospital .
Critics questioned whether it was right to allow access to a TV crew when current restrictions prevent family members from visiting loved ones .
Hospital bosses defended the decision , saying it `` felt it was important to give a true account on the work being done '' to fight coronavirus .
Mr Harrison said he was left `` irritated and angry '' when the letter arrived at his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat was connected to the ITV programme , and was `` directed at myself and my family '' .
In a tweet , he added : `` Today I worried .
I guess that 's what these threats are designed to do .
Threats like this are n't debate .
They are meant to frighten and control . ''
`` We have a duty as a hospital to show the public what is happening , '' he said , `` as well as reinforce the government message '' .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if anyone else gets abuse they must report it and make it public .
We will stand by the team at Milton Keynes who are doing the best job they can . ''
Thames Valley Police has been approached for comment .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself • AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

"We are here to do a job, and if anyone else gets abuse they must report it and make it public. We will stand by the team at Milton Keynes who are doing the best job they can."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--East Finchley shooting: Man to face fifth trial over same murder charges

An Old Bailey judge has ruled that a man can go on trial on the same murder charges for a fifth time .
Obina Ezeoke is accused of shooting dead a 53-year-old woman and her nephew at a flat in north London .
Mr Ezeoke , 27 , denies murdering Annie Besala Efoko and 21-year-old Bervil Kalikaka-Efoko in East Finchley , in September 2016 .
The first trial , in 2017 , was abandoned after the judge became ill .
Juries at two subsequent trials , in 2018 and 2019 , were unable to reach verdicts .
At the fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jury was discharged after they had started deliberations but before agreeing verdicts .
Mr Justice William Davis said : `` The discharge was required once the number of jurors fell below nine .
`` This occurred against the background of the Covid-19 epidemic , '' he added .
The judge said the prosecution had then applied for a fifth trial and he had granted its request , following a hearing on Monday .
Mr Justice Davis set out his reasons for granting the trial in a 31-paragraph ruling .
The details can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial - expected to be held this Autumn - has finished .

The judge said the prosecution had then applied for a fifth trial and he had granted its request, following a hearing on Monday.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Welsh health minister caught swearing about Labour AM

The health minister has been caught swearing about a Labour colleague in a virtual Welsh Assembly session after he left his microphone on by mistake .
Vaughan Gething made the comment about Cardiff Central AM Jenny Rathbone .
He has since apologised to Ms Rathbone .
She had been asking questions about the Welsh Government 's coronavirus response .
Opposition leaders have called for Mr Gething to be sacked by the First Minister Mark Drakeford .
Mr Gething tweeted : `` I 'm obviously embarrassed about my comments at the end of questions today .
I 've sent a message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rathbone if she wishes to do so .
`` It is an unwelcome distraction at a time of unprecedented challenge . ''
After he finished his contribution to the day 's Senedd business Mr Gething was heard off-camera talking about Ms Rathbone .
He told an unknown person : `` What the [ expletive ] is the matter with her ? ''
A number of AMs , taking part in the session through the video conferencing system , Zoom , could be seen laughing .
Jenny Rathbone remained in vision , before eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones , presiding officer , told Mr Gething to turn his microphone off .
After continued difficulties the Senedd went into a short break .
The clip has since been shared widely on social media .
In her questions , Ms Rathbone referred to concerns from Nobel-prize winning scientist Sir Martin Evans , saying `` we should n't be shooting the messenger '' .
During her comments she called for more domestic production of PPE , and gave examples of care home workers struggling to be tested because they do not have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have responded to calls to manufacture PPE , that some PPE could be reused by based on the evidence of what is safe and that there are not just `` drive-in '' testing facilities .
The exchange led to strong statements from Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives .
'He does not have the right attitude' A Labour AM said most of their colleagues will be `` very angry '' and would see it as `` unacceptable behaviour '' .
Plaid leader Adam Price said Mr Gething `` has not only failed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has failed to acknowledge that he has failed and aggressively attacks even those within his own party who question him . ''
`` He does not have the right attitude , skills or temperament to lead the government 's response to the Coronavirus pandemic .
`` To maintain public confidence the FM [ first minister ] needs to relieve him of these responsibilities with immediate effect .
`` There are experienced members on the FM 's backbenches who could be brought into government to fill any vacuum . ''
Welsh Conservative assembly leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entitled to ask serious and challenging questions of ministers and it 's essential that they are able to do so during this pandemic .
`` For a health minister to show such unprofessionalism and disdain at this time is completely unacceptable and he should be sacked . ''
However former Welsh Conservative Senedd leader , Andrew RT Davies , said while he had concerns about Mr Gething 's record `` I 'd also have concerns over a Labour backbencher coming in during the midst of the COVID-19 crisis '' .
One ministerial colleague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told a Twitter user asking if it was a resignation matter : `` Let 's have a sense of perspective here . ''

Plaid leader Adam Price said Mr Gething "has not only failed over the last month several times, he has failed to acknowledge that he has failed and aggressively attacks even those within his own party who question him."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: How big is the problem in care homes?

The government has promised to step up testing for coronavirus in care homes where symptoms of the virus have been found .
But is it possible to get accurate figures about the scale of the problem ?
How many deaths have there been in care homes ?
This is difficult to calculate - there are more than 15,000 care homes in England , compared with about 200 hospitals trusts .
There is a two-week time lag in the data collected for official statistics .
The most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics are for the week ending 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been 1,043 Covid-19-related deaths in care homes in England and Wales .
This means that about 10 % of all COVID-19 deaths to that point had occurred in care homes - a high proportion , considering they house less than 1 % of the country 's population .
However , estimates from the National Care Forum ( NCF ) suggest as many as 4,000 could have died .
The NCF research includes confirmed and suspected cases of Covid-19 , the latter of which is n't always picked up by the ONS data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led some politicians to call for efforts to be made to provide daily figures , as with hospital deaths , and to include suspected deaths .
England 's care regulator , the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) , along with the ONS , are working to produce data which include suspected , as well as confirmed , deaths .
Preliminary findings suggest a further 1,000 people died in care homes between 10 and 15 April alone .
The complete findings will be released on 28 April .
In Scotland , a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 April were in care homes .
England 's care home regulator , the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) , already has to be notified when there is a death in a care home .
It is also now asking care providers to give daily updates on deaths and the number of confirmed and suspected coronavirus cases .
How many people live in care homes ?
Most care homes in the UK are privately run , and there is no official data on the exact number of residents .
The CQC says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing support for older and disabled people in England , with an estimated 457,361 beds available .
Occupancy rates seem to be about 90 % which would suggest there are about 411,000 people living in care homes in England and Wales .
At the 2011 census , 60 % of the elderly care home population were 85 or older - but this is now likely to be higher , given the ageing population .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own homes ?
Each week in the UK , it is estimated that 540,000 people receive support in their own home .
That adds up to a million home-care visits happening each day .
What 's provided on these visits can range from help going to the toilet , to preparing a meal or support with medication .
Care workers can at times see up to 20 clients during a day .
This has raised concerns about the danger of spreading coronavirus if the workers do not have enough personal protective equipment ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social care staff have ?
The government 's advice to care homes on personal protective equipment ( PPE ) is almost identical to that given to hospital workers - they should have single-use disposable gloves , aprons and face masks .
Care providers have been saying for some weeks that it is difficult to get enough of these items to keep their staff and clients safe .
The government says it has already delivered seven million items of PPE , meaning every registered care home should have received 300 face masks each .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of PPE were authorised to be released to care homes via local authorities ( although some equipment was earmarked for other key services ) .
These items include eight million aprons , four million masks and 20 million pairs of gloves .
The government has also released £1.6bn of funding to local authorities - which are in charge of providing social care - with instructions that most of this should reach the adult social-care sector .
On 22 April , the government said 15 social care staff had died from coronavirus .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homes ?
There is no current breakdown , but the government has now announced that as laboratory capacity increases , all care home residents who develop symptoms will be tested .
So far , only the first five residents in a care home who show symptoms of coronavirus are tested to confirm whether there is an outbreak within a home .
Patients returning to care homes from hospitals will also be tested for Covid-19 , even if they have no symptoms .
Testing was made available to social-care staff just before Easter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested 1,000 care staff and is due to test a further 1,000 who are currently self-isolating .
The government has said as capacity increases it will roll this out so that every care worker who needs a test can get one .
The care sector has always struggled to recruit enough staff because of its reputation for low pay and a lack of recognition - it 's estimated that there are currently 122,000 full-time equivalent vacancies in England .
Those problems have been made more acute with staff having to self-isolate if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown potential symptoms .
Some care providers have reported having at least a quarter of their staff off as a result .
The government says it aims to recruit 20,000 extra social care staff over the next three months .

Coronavirus deaths: How big is the epidemic in care homes? Published 15 May 2020
Image source, Alamy
About a quarter of known coronavirus deaths in Great Britain have happened in care homes, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying he "bitterly regrets" the epidemic and that the government is "working very hard" to tackle it.
How many deaths have there been in care homes?
Up to 1 May, there had been 8,312 deaths in care homes in England and Wales where coronavirus was written on the death certificate, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This represents a quarter of all deaths associated with the virus to that date.
The number increases to 12,526 when care home residents who died outside care homes - such as in hospital - are included.
In Scotland, 1,438 people had died in care homes - or 45% of all deaths.
Northern Ireland currently does not produce similar breakdowns.
The ONS statistics provide the most detailed breakdown of deaths in England and Wales, but because of the challenge of collecting accurate data from 15,000 care homes, they are on a two-week lag.
However, care homes have been hit by an alarming increase in "excess deaths".
These are the number of deaths above the average for the same period in the preceding five years.
While on average April sees about 8,400 deaths in care homes - this year there have been 26,563 deaths in England and Wales, so about 18,000 more than expected.
With only 8,000 of these attributed to coronavirus on death certificates, questions have been raised about what has contributed to the other 10,000 deaths.
Why has coronavirus hit care homes so hard?
According to health guidance, care homes are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of disease for three main reasons:
Infections are able to spread quickly because of close contact between residents
Carers can unintentionally spread the infection where there isn't appropriate protection
Residents are often elderly and have other underlying diseases
More than one in three deaths from coronavirus in Great Britain have been people aged over 85, despite representing just over 2% of the population.
At least 60% of the elderly care home population is aged 85 and over.
What is the problem with PPE?
The government's advice to care homes on personal protective equipment (PPE) is almost identical to that given to hospital workers - they should have single-use disposable gloves, aprons and face masks.
For weeks, care providers have been saying that it is difficult to get enough of these items to keep their staff and clients safe.
The government has said 131 social care staff have died from coronavirus. Separately, the ONS has estimated that care staff are twice as likely to die as healthcare workers.
More than 1.2 billion pieces of PPE have been delivered to health and care settings in England, according to the government.
The government has also released £3.6bn of funding to local authorities - which are in charge of providing social care - with instructions that most of this should reach the adult social care sector.
However, the Local Government Association has warned that with less income available from business rates and parking charges, the funding might not be enough to cover additional costs to tackle the virus.
Getty How many work in care? Numbers for England, 2018 1.2mAdult social care workers giving direct care 465,000 in care and nursing homes
610,000 provide care at people's homes
150,000provide day and community care Source: Skills for Care
How many tests are being carried out in care homes?
There is no regular breakdown, but the government has now announced that as laboratory capacity increases, all care home residents who develop symptoms will be tested.
Patients returning to care homes from hospitals are also meant to be tested for Covid-19, even if they have no symptoms.
The government says all elderly care home staff and residents will have been offered tests by 6 June.
Are staff being tested?
Testing was made available to care staff on 15 April.
The care sector has always struggled to recruit enough staff because of its reputation for low pay and a lack of recognition - it's estimated that there are currently 122,000 full-time equivalent vacancies in England.
Those problems have been made more acute with staff having to self-isolate if they or a member of their family has shown potential coronavirus symptoms.
To prevent the virus spreading between care homes, the government has requested that staff do not work in more than one care home.
But many care staff are on zero-hours contracts or work for agencies, meaning they go wherever there is demand for carers.
The government said on 15 April it aimed to recruit 20,000 extra social care staff over three months.
How many people live in care homes?
Most care homes in the UK are privately run, and there is no official data on the exact number of residents.
The CQC says there are 15,517 residential and nursing homes providing support for older and disabled people in England, with an estimated 457,361 beds available.
Occupancy rates seem to be about 90% which would suggest there are about 411,000 people living in care homes in England and Wales.
How many people receive care in their own homes?
Each week in the UK, it is estimated that 540,000 people receive support in their own home. That adds up to a million home-care visits each day.
What's provided on these visits can range from help going to the toilet, to preparing a meal or support with medication.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: 'First Ryanair agreed to a refund, then it didn't'

Steve Childs was hoping to travel to Alicante to visit his father , but then the coronavirus outbreak ruined his plans .
The 43-year-old from Wolverhampton was happy to follow advice not to fly , and Ryanair cancelled his flight as travel restrictions continued .
He received an email confirming the cancellation , and followed the link to apply for the refund to which he was legally entitled .
Then , `` out of the blue '' , he received another message , not confirming his refund , but instead giving him a voucher worth the same amount to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'd been expecting a refund for a few weeks .
When you know you are going to get the money , you make plans for it , '' he said .
He understands the plight of airlines is perilous during this unprecedented crisis .
They face a cashflow nightmare if they pay everyone 's refund straight away , But the manner of his treatment left him `` frustrated '' , he said .
`` They turned around from saying I could have a refund , to saying it would be months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a refund , Ryanair told him , he must reapply , and the request would be placed in a queue `` until the Covid-19 emergency has passed '' - which suggests a very open-ended deadline .
Consumer website Moneysavingexpert has made a formal complaint to the Civil Aviation Authority and Trading Standards about Ryanair 's apparent policy .
A Ryanair spokesman said : `` For any cancelled flight , Ryanair is giving customers all of the options set out under EU regulations , including refunds .
`` The process time for cash refunds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are having to process 10 times the usual volume and have fewer staff available due to social distancing measures . ''
He added that vouchers and rebookings were quicker , as the processes were automated .
• 'We 're struggling to get a refund on our £17,000 chalet' • Can I get a holiday refund and what are my travel rights ?
Mr Childs is far from alone .
There has been a wave of complaints from air passengers and holidaymakers who , despite accepting their break had to be cancelled , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in good time - or at all .
Under EU law , travel companies must refund customers within 14 days if their package holiday is cancelled .
The EU 's Denied Boarding Regulations state that air passengers are due a refund within seven days if a flight with an airline based in the UK or EU , or from an airport in the UK or EU , is cancelled .
However , the consumer organisation Which ?
has accused many of the UK 's biggest airlines and travel companies of routinely breaking these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's own estimates suggested £7bn of travellers ' money was affected .
This was cash that people , struggling themselves as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic , could not afford to go without .
It found none of the 10 biggest travel companies were giving refunds in the legally specified timeframe , with some refusing refunds all together .
Some smaller companies were managing to do so in full and on time .
The same was true of the 10 biggest airlines , none of which were meeting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • If your flight is cancelled , you are entitled to a full refund to the original form of payment within seven days , although many airlines will be struggling to meet that deadline .
You can accept , or refuse , vouchers or a rebooking but a voucher will probably be invalid if the airline later goes bust • If you decide against going on a future flight , which is not yet cancelled , then there is no right to a refund .
Different airlines have different rules over what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges for changing to a later flight or having a voucher instead .
Your travel insurance may , or may not , cover you • If you are trying to get home , the airline has a duty to get you back .
However , with so many flights cancelled , this has become increasingly difficult .
Now , the government has agreed to step in when needed to return those who are stranded • If you are stuck in the EU and a UK or EU carrier is not rerouting or helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come home on any airline you can and bill the original airline for the new ticket .
The airline is legally obliged to get you home and they should be rerouting you themselves .
If they are failing to do that , they are responsible for the cost of getting you home .
But you should not cancel and accept a refund as this ends the airline 's duty of care towards you and you wo n't be able to claim anything back .
It is best to pay by credit card , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your card provider • If you have a package holiday , then a refund should be provided for the whole holiday within 14 days A spokesman for Abta , which represents travel companies and agents , said : `` The worldwide travel shutdown has led to a huge volume of holidays being affected .
`` Many travel agents and tour operators are unable to provide immediate cash refunds because they have not yet received money back from airlines and hotels , so they need more than 14 days to process refund requests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK aviation sector , said it faced a huge volume of refund claims to get through .
It has been lobbying for airlines to be allowed to offer vouchers , not refunds , during the crisis , as is the case in some other countries .
Which ?
said it did not want the travel industry to fail , but the burden of financial support should not be carried by struggling consumers .
Travellers could choose to rebook if they wanted to , but should not be obliged to , it said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the travel industry , insurers and regulators all had a responsibility to do more .
Its RefundPassengers campaign has been trending on Twitter .
It proposed a range of measures including an extension of the 14-day refund rule for package holidays to one month , and the introduction of a temporary government travel guarantee fund to support firms unable to fulfil their legal obligations .
The Department for Business said : `` Companies have a legal obligation to ensure their consumers are fairly compensated . ''
`` We are keeping the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support businesses and consumers through this difficult period . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WILL I GET PAID IF I CA N'T WORK ?
Rules on sick pay and wages • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

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


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Making face masks feels 'like the war effort'

Last summer , Sophie Passmore sat with a pot of glue and sequins , applying the finishing touches to costumes for ITV 's reality show The Masked Singer .
She did n't expect that , less than 10 months later , she would be replying to Facebook comments with advice for making a very different kind of mask .
She is one of thousands who have taken it upon themselves to produce cloth masks since the start of the coronavirus outbreak , despite official advice in the UK not to wear them .
Requests for masks on social media have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their destinations range from High Street shops to care homes and even - in one example given to the BBC - a hospital .
A debate around the use of face masks in the UK has been gaining momentum in recent weeks , with supporters of the idea - including London Mayor Sadiq Khan - arguing they can help reduce the risk of people with the virus passing it on to others .
But the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has said there is no evidence to support the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people who are not in health and care facilities should only wear them if they are sick or caring for those who are .
Dr Jake Dunning of Public Health England said there is `` little evidence of widespread benefit '' of masks and that people should `` prioritise good personal , respiratory and hand hygiene '' .
However , on Tuesday , the government 's scientific advisers met to discuss whether the public should be urged to wear them .
Sophie , who has made about 100 masks since she set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend last month , says she had to ask people not to post requests because members were `` sewing through the night '' to keep up with demand .
`` Originally the majority of our requests were coming from care homes ... but within the last three or four days it has been individuals , '' she says over the phone from her home in Brighton .
`` It was quickly running away from us . ''
• Masks for public 'could put NHS supplies at risk' Hospital bosses in the UK have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be put at risk if the government starts advising the public to wear them .
But Sophie stresses that the cloth masks she makes are very different from the surgical masks and N-95 respirators used in medical settings .
She uses a pattern from the Centers for Disease Control in the US , which - unlike authorities in the UK - says homemade masks `` can be used as an additional , voluntary public health measure '' .
They are made , essentially , from two pieces of breathable fabric and aim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ droplets the wearer breathes out , rather than preventing them from being breathed in .
About 80 miles away from Sophie in Poole , seamstress and tutor Amanda Brown is preparing to live-stream a tutorial for a more complicated pattern .
She says that although she was sceptical about the effectiveness of homemade masks at first , she would , ultimately , want anybody who visited her elderly parents to wear one - even if there was only a small chance of reduced transmission .
`` I like my masks to be colourful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had an elderly parent or grandparent , and I 've got somebody coming in with a mask on , I kind of want it to look colourful and pretty so it 's not scary for them , '' she says .
It can be an expensive hobby , according to Paola Despretz , who lives in London .
She had been making masks for friends , family and local shop assistants using bed sheets and elastic from the supermarket , but had to bulk-buy elastic online after being asked to make 80 masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a cotton mask is `` better than nothing '' .
But some mask-makers have inserted interfacing - blue paper towels or even vacuum cleaner filters - in the hope they will be able to protect themselves from breathing in the virus .
Dr Finola O'Neill , a GP from Devon and co-founder of the Masks4All campaign in the UK , which has attracted the support of more than 100 medics , stresses that homemade masks are not medical masks and urges people against including homemade filters .
`` These are not supposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want any complications or risks , '' she says .
What are the rules around face masks ?
• Official World Health Organization ( WHO ) guidance is that only people who have the virus or its symptoms and their carers need to wear face masks • Medical masks should be kept for medical workers only , the WHO adds • WHO special envoy David Nabarro believes that in society `` some form of facial protection is going to become the norm '' • The UK government is currently following the advice saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is under review • European advisers do not recommend reusable cloth masks , as they say they may even increase the chance of infection WHO guidance issued this month warned that masks can create a `` false sense of security '' and lead to people ignoring other protective measures - and said they can even be a source of infection when not used correctly .
But Dr O'Neill says these are `` assumptions '' and that people should be trusted when it comes to standards of hygiene .
`` The public have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've been asked to do .
They 've been amazing .
So I see no reason why they would n't do the same here , '' she says .
She points out that people in other countries have been told to wear masks .
Sophie believes a real sense of community has been born out of the crisis .
`` It feels like the war effort , '' she says , referring to the production of clothing for soldiers on the home front during World War One and World War Two .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose right now , we feel that we 're doing something to help . ''
While her Facebook group acts as a support network , Amanda 's local group is more like a production line .
The founders rely on donations to gather the materials .
Designated local coordinators deliver them to individual members who produce the masks .
They are then collected , washed , and distributed .
`` Everybody 's kind of working in a chain , it 's quite sweet really , '' Amanda says , adding that she hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of the local seamstresses is Pratthana Sherring , who took out her sewing machine from the attic for the first time in a decade .
`` The woman who dropped off the fabric , I do n't even know her .
It 's a big community and people want to put their hands up and help , '' she says .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise

A debate around the use of face masks in the UK has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with supporters of the idea - including London Mayor Sadiq Khan - arguing they can help reduce the risk of people with the virus passing it on to others. But the World Health Organization (WHO) has said there is no evidence to support the use of masks by the general population, and that people who are not in health and care facilities should only wear them if they are sick or caring for those who are.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Easing restrictions will 'take a long time'

The UK will have to live with some disruptive social measures for at least the rest of the year , @ @ @ @ @ adviser has said .
Speaking at a press conference , Prof Chris Whitty described the @ @ @ @ @ or drugs to treat coronavirus in the next calendar year as `` incredibly small '' @

The UK will have to live with some disruptive social measures for at least the rest of the year, the government's chief medical adviser has said.
Speaking at a press conference, Prof Chris Whitty described the chances of an available vaccine or drugs to treat coronavirus in the next calendar year as "incredibly small".


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Domestic abuse victims 'have no escape' during lockdown

Charities fear domestic abuse victims are unable to seek the help they need because they can not escape their partners @ @ @ @ @ Police has made 400 arrests for domestic abuse in the past fortnight but officers fear @ @ @ @ @ .
The BBC followed a team of specialist officers who are trying to deal with @ @ @ @ @ filmed was a man being arrested on suspicion of assaulting his wife and children .

Charities fear domestic abuse victims are unable to seek the help they need because they cannot escape their partners during lockdown.
West Midlands Police has made 400 arrests for domestic abuse in the past fortnight but officers fear more crimes may go unreported.
The BBC followed a team of specialist officers who are trying to deal with the problem.
Among those filmed was a man being arrested on suspicion of assaulting his wife and children.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Prime Minister's Questions goes 'virtual'

Coronavirus has changed the way everyone works , not least politicians .
In the first 'virtual ' Prime Minister 's @ @ @ @ @ over video link and the few who were in the House of Commons respected social @ @ @

Coronavirus has changed the way everyone works, not least politicians.
In the first 'virtual' Prime Minister's Questions, MPs asked questions over video link and the few who were in the House of Commons respected social distancing guidelines.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Hospital staff line roads to salute 'incredibly popular' surgeon

Hundreds of staff gathered outside Whiston Hospital to applaud an `` incredibly popular '' orthopaedic surgeon who died after contracting @ @ @ @ @ 58 , who worked for St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust , died @ @ @ @ @ evening .
The surgeon from St Helens , who had tested positive for Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ working for the trust .

Hundreds of staff gathered outside Whiston Hospital to applaud an "incredibly popular" orthopaedic surgeon who died after contracting coronavirus.
Sadeq Elhowsh, 58, who worked for St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, died at Whiston Hospital on Monday evening.
The surgeon from St Helens, who had tested positive for Covid-19, spent more than 17 years working for the trust.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Grandmas' top tips to get through lockdown

The elderly are some of the most vulnerable to the risks associated with coronavirus , but in times of such @ @ @ @ @ best advice and words of encouragement .
So the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme spoke @ @ @ @ @ of 90 from around the world to get their tips on how to stay positive @ @ @ @ @

The elderly are some of the most vulnerable to the risks associated with coronavirus, but in times of such uncertainty they often have the best advice and words of encouragement.
So the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme spoke to people over the age of 90 from around the world to get their tips on how to stay positive and get through lockdown.
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-04-22--PMQs: Starmer's first question on coronavirus testing

Sir Keir Starmer asked his first PMQs question as Labour leader , asking First Secretary of State Dominic Raab about @ @ @ @ @ said the UK was “ way behind ” other European nations , and asked how @ @ @ @ @ by the end of the month would be achieved .
Dominic Raab , standing in @ @ @ @ @ he had to “ correct him ” and the “ capacity ” was now 40,000 @ @ @ @ @ quoted by the leader of the opposition .

Sir Keir Starmer asked his first PMQs question as Labour leader, asking First Secretary of State Dominic Raab about coronavirus testing rates.
He said the UK was “way behind” other European nations, and asked how the 100,000 daily tests pledged by the end of the month would be achieved.
Dominic Raab, standing in for Boris Johnson, said he had to “correct him” and the “capacity” was now 40,000 daily, double the figures quoted by the leader of the opposition.
PMQs live coverage from the Commons


bbcuk--2020-04-22--The Papers: 'Glimmer of light' but social distancing to continue

The pandemic is leading to heart attack and stroke victims waiting at least two hours and 20 minutes for an @ @ @ @ @ Daily Mail .
The paper says emergency response times are at their worst on record @ @ @ @ @ in demand at a time when many are off sick .

It reports that, with senior scientists due to meet once again to discuss the issue, the government may be about to change its advice and encourage people to try to stop the infection spreading by wearing masks.