bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: How easy it for the UK to make more ventilators?

British engineering firms have been called on to switch to making medical ventilators as concern grows about the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
For patients critically ill with Covid-19 , access to a ventilator could be a matter of life or death .
The machines get oxygen into the lungs and remove carbon dioxide from the body when people are too sick to breathe on their own .
That might sound simple but it is crucial to keep pressure to a minimum to avoid causing further damage .
In addition , if the oxygen level is too high , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result , intensive care unit ( ICU ) ventilators need to not only keep people breathing but also accurately monitor their lungs , using a mix of airflow , temperature , humidity and pressure sensors .
Hospitals across the world now urgently need more of this kit .
In the UK , the government is speaking to a wide range of manufacturers to see if they can lend a hand .
The goal is to have `` many times '' the current number - about 20,000 additional machines as quickly as possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturers to make a different product to what they normally make is unprecedented since the World War Two , '' Justin Benson , from the consultancy KMPG , said .
`` It 's a relatively complex piece of equipment with lots of components and a dedicated supply chain .
So asking someone who makes a car to produce a respirator would take them some time . ''
Others are more plain spoken about the idea ventilator assembly lines could be established at places such as Honda 's Swindon plant .
`` It would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phipson , chief executive of the engineering trade body Make UK .
`` We already have companies that build other people 's designs for them - everything from alarm systems to signalling systems for trains .
These are the companies you need , which can place components on circuit boards , do the wiring , testing and assembling .
Building cars is a very different matter . ''
So while big name manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce and JCB have also been invited to discuss playing a role , it could be lesser known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Renishaw is one to have already been approached by the Cabinet Office .
The company makes small precision-measurement parts , which are used in other types of medical equipment as well as aircraft .
`` We 're still trying to understand the medical device requirements , '' said spokesman Chris Pockett .
`` But we 're willing and want to contribute to the national effort . ''
Woking-headquartered TT Electronics is another potential contributor .
It makes speciality coils and ultra-fine wound wire for radiation therapy equipment and surgical navigation devices .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts for ventilators before , a spokeswoman said it was `` ready to help in any way that we can '' .
Other parts , however , may still need to be sourced from further afield .
This is where companies such as Dyson might have a role to play , suggested Make UK , helping to ensure supplies of semiconductor chips and other parts that would be too complex to make locally .
`` It takes us a matter of weeks to scale up a factory to assemble something but sometimes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , '' said Mr Phipson .
`` So making sure that that point is covered off first , which is the priority , is really important . ''
A spokeswoman for Dyson said it was already `` working with other companies to see if we can provide a rapid solution '' .
It typically takes two to three years to develop and launch a ventilator .
So convincing the industry 's big players - such as General Electric and Philips - to let their products be made locally under licence is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there would still be other hurdles to overcome .
Abingdon-based Penlon already makes a bulkier type of ventilator used during anaesthesia .
Its marketing chief , Craig Thompson , warned bureaucracy may be the biggest challenge of all .
`` Ventilators are less sophisticated than things like smartphones and Xboxes , '' he said .
`` This is not a technical challenge but a regulatory compliance one . ''
Even if a ventilator used an existing design , he said , it still needed to undergo rigorous testing if made at a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was usually a long wait for the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to sign off the product .
Under normal circumstances , all this typically takes a year .
`` The purpose of the process is to make sure that the device is effective and safe , and it takes a long time , '' Mr Thompson said .
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And even an expedited procedure would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The NHS is looking for a solution for this crisis in the next six to eight weeks , '' he said .
`` The only way you can make that requirement would be to source them from existing factories , so definitely not from the UK . ''
Make UK was more optimistic and suggested such a regulatory impasse could be overcome if there was enough political pressure .
But it too warned making the kinds of numbers of ventilators the NHS needed may not be possible in the timescale desired .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking 20 weeks to deliver , '' said Mr Phipson .
`` We need to go through the detail and work out what is possible .
We should have a clearer picture by the end of the week . ''

"The fact the government is asking manufacturers to make a different product to what they normally make is unprecedented since the World War Two," Justin Benson, from the consultancy KMPG, said. "It's a relatively complex piece of equipment with lots of components and a dedicated supply chain. So asking someone who makes a car to produce a respirator would take them some time."


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: What next in the UK coronavirus fight?

Coronavirus is spreading in the UK and the government is seeking ways to minimise its spread .
A worst-case scenario , if nothing is done , could see 80 % of people infected .
So what is the UK doing about coronavirus ?
The government 's strategy has been changing quickly over recent weeks .
It started off trying to contain the outbreaks by isolating people who tested positive and asking anyone who had close contact with them to self-isolate too .
In early March , ministers accepted that was no longer viable so instead introduced policies to delay and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that by pushing the peak back to the summer it would allow the NHS to cope .
But new modelling released by Imperial College London then prompted a change in approach .
It warned the policy of a managed spread could still lead to more than 250,000 deaths with hospital intensive care units getting overwhelmed .
Ministers are now seeking to suppress the spread completely - hoping in the process to keep deaths below 20,000 .
What steps are being taken ?
The government is taking arguably the most drastic steps in peacetime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce social contact , with the strongest warnings for the most vulnerable .
Those who show symptoms , and those they live with , are being asked not to leave their homes .
• Anyone with a fever or persistent cough should stay at home for seven days if they live alone or 14 days if they live with others .
Anyone who lives with someone displaying coronavirus symptoms should also stay at home for 14 days .
People who have to isolate themselves should ask others for help • Everyone should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is particularly important for people over 70 , those with underlying health conditions and pregnant women • People should work from home where they can • People should avoid places like pubs , clubs and theatres .
This applies especially to those in London which is `` a few weeks ahead '' of the rest of the UK • By the weekend , those with the most serious health conditions - around 1.4 million with conditions such as heart disease , diabetes , or asthma - should be shielded from social contact for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice also remains , which is that everyone should regularly wash their hands and avoid contacting the NHS unless it 's essential .
Why are schools still open ?
Schools and universities are not being asked to close .
But the evidence informing the government does acknowledge this may be necessary in the future .
There are several issues to consider .
Children are not badly affected - it is thought hardly any of those infected even develop symptoms .
There is , therefore , some debate about whether they actually play much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would mean parents having to take time off work - this is particularly pressing for health workers .
The option remains on the table with government officials suggesting it may be needed at some point .
What is going to happen next ?
We are in uncharted territory - so it is impossible to tell .
The problem with trying to suppress the virus is that as soon as you lift those measures the fear is it rebounds with a vengeance .
One option put forward by experts advising the government is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reapplying the brakes , using demand on intensive care as a guide .
There will be close attention paid to China which is now looking at how it lifts restrictions .
The hope is that you break the spread of transmission and the virus goes away .
But that is not considered realistic .
Then you have to consider the social and economic factors at play .
Businesses are going to struggle and people are going to lose their jobs .
And how long are the public going to put up with being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to work from home and can no longer watch sport or go to festivals ?
How do you balance stopping society against saving lives ?
It leaves the government with some very difficult decisions to take .
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
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Can it cope ?
The whole of the NHS has been put on an emergency footing .
From mid-April all routine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacements , are being cancelled for three months .
Hospitals have plans to keep coronavirus patients separate and supply staff with protective masks and suits .
All hospital patients with flu-like symptoms are being tested .
Patients with mild symptoms - a high temperature or new and persistent cough - are being asked to self-isolate at home .
Community teams will keep an eye on them if need be .
But people are being advised not to ring NHS 111 to report their symptoms unless they are worried .
How will the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no treatment or cure , so hospitals are trying to relieve the symptoms .
Specialist ECMO breathing equipment is at five units for patients whose lungs fail .
There are between 4,000 and 5,000 intensive care beds .
But NHS officials said they can effectively increase that to between 11,000 and 12,000 by using ventilators reserved for planned surgery and those available in the private sector , Ministry of Defence , new ones being made and old stocks that are no longer used .
Ministers are also working with private companies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients who need hospital care require intensive care support , evidence from China and Italy suggests .
Doctors warn that some difficult decisions may need to be made about which patients get treatment .
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But NHS officials said they can effectively increase that to between 11,000 and 12,000 by using ventilators reserved for planned surgery and those available in the private sector, Ministry of Defence, new ones being made and old stocks that are no longer used.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: No jury trials longer than three days in England and Wales

No new Crown Court trials will take place in England and Wales if they are expected to last longer than three days , following concerns from lawyers amid the coronavirus crisis .
They had urged a halt to jury trials to stop `` Russian roulette '' with the health of legal staff , jurors and the public .
The government says during the current phase of the outbreak , courts and tribunals will continue to operate .
But long cases listed to start before the end of April will be adjourned .
Pressure on the government and judiciary to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been growing , as jurors and court staff up and down the country heed government advice to self-isolate .
A statement from the Judicial Office said : 'In all jurisdictions steps are being taken to enable as many hearings as possible to be conducted with some or all of the participants attending by telephone , video-link or online . '
However , Crown Courts where jury trials of the most serious criminal cases take place present particular problems because so many participants , judge , jury , defendants , witnesses , lawyers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The statement continued : `` Given the risks of a trial not being able to complete , the Lord Chief Justice has decided that no new trial should start in the Crown Court unless it is expected to last for three days or less .
`` All cases estimated to last longer than three days listed to start before the end of April 2020 will be adjourned .
These cases will be kept under review and the position regarding short trials will be revisited as circumstances develop and in any event next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken in respect of all cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court . ''
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Trials that are under way will continue in the hope that they can be completed .
Those taking part should follow Public Heath England guidance `` suitably adjusted to reflect the distinct features of a court as a working environment for all concerned , including jurors. ''
.
The statement is unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , Amanda Pinto QC , chairwoman of the Bar Council , which represents all barristers in England and Wales , called on the government to temporarily end jury trials during the Covid-19 outbreak .
`` We are calling for the Ministry of Justice to put an urgent halt to jury trials for the time being , '' she said .
`` Barristers up and down the country are telling us that jurors are having to drop out of cases because they are self-isolating or , worse , coming to court when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's health at risk .
`` Being in a jury trial should not be a game of Russian roulette with the participants ' health . ''
Court users `` should not be expected to attend court , whilst the rest of the country is very strongly urged to work from home and to avoid 'non-essential contact ' and 'confined spaces ' , '' Ms Pinto argued .
Despite government advice to work from home and avoid contact with others , the latest HM Court Service guidance says : `` Jury service is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizen can undertake and is an essential part of the criminal justice system .
`` If you are serving on a jury now , your jury service will continue as normal and you are expected to attend court unless you have a reason not to ( for example , you have symptoms or need to self-isolate ) . ''
Jurors considering the alleged murder of PC Andrew Harper were sent home on Tuesday after one of them fell ill , and a juror in the trial of Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into self-isolation over the weekend .
There is now a divergence between Westminster and the court systems of Scotland and Northern Ireland .
On Tuesday , the Scottish government announced : `` No new criminal jury trials will be commenced or new juries empanelled until further notice .
`` This will be kept under review .
`` Where jury trials have already commenced , these will run to conclusion of the trial , if practical to do so . ''
In Northern Ireland , there will likewise be no new jury trials for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lord Chief Justice , Sir Declan Morgan .
But jurors serving in a Crown Court trial or an inquest that has already started should continue to attend , the Belfast Telegraph reported .
Many lawyers believe it will be only a matter of time before Westminster follows suit .
The Lord Chief Justice , Lord Burnett , said earlier that there was an `` urgent need to increase the use of telephone and video technology immediately to hold remote hearings where possible '' in England and Wales .
Emergency legislation is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that expand the powers in criminal courts to use technology in a wider range of hearings .
The halting of jury trials raises a host of highly challenging issues for a criminal justice system that is already beset by time delays due to a reduced number of court sitting days .
With some defendants held on remand , the time limits for holding in custody are likely to have to be extended .
In addition , barristers and solicitors fear they will not be paid and could go out of business or have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sets of chambers .
Some believe another option to keep the system going might be to reduce the number of jurors .
During World War Two , legislation was passed to allow juries to sit with seven members , except in murder and treason cases .
The Law Society Gazette reports that one family judge has imposed emergency measures in Berkshire and Oxfordshire , ordering lawyers to stay at home if possible , despite the government claiming courts will continue to `` operate normally '' .
In an email , His Honour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Berkshire , said all suitable hearings should be conducted via video link , Skype or telephone .
Physical presence in court buildings `` should be kept to a minimum '' , witnesses should give evidence remotely where possible and , if coming to court is unavoidable , attendance should be limited to advocates , said the judge .

"All cases estimated to last longer than three days listed to start before the end of April 2020 will be adjourned. These cases will be kept under review and the position regarding short trials will be revisited as circumstances develop and in any event next week. As events unfold decisions will be taken in respect of all cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court."


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Will UK schools close over coronavirus?

Will UK schools close over coronavirus?

Many countries are closing schools as part of their efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus .
So , what 's happening in the UK ?
Why is my child 's school still open ?
At the moment , the government is advising schools to stay open .
But the government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , told MPs at a hearing on Tuesday afternoon that closing schools was still `` on the table '' , as one of the measures that could be used to fight the virus .
The UK 's approach is that children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus as adults .
The government is also concerned that closing schools would cause widespread disruption .
Many parents - including much-needed NHS staff - would have to take time off work to look after their children .
And there are concerns that if grandparents - a vulnerable group - were drafted in to help with childcare , infected children could transmit the disease to them .
There are also fears that vulnerable children , such as those in danger of neglect , could be at risk if schools were closed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my child 's school be closed ?
The government has the power to close schools .
On Monday , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson met head teachers about the challenges facing schools as a result of the coronavirus .
`` The most immediately pressing challenge is the difficulty in keeping schools open with growing numbers of staff having to self-isolate , '' head teachers ' leaders said .
`` It is likely that a number of schools will have to close because there are too few staff available to teach , support and supervise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are asked to take may differ around the UK .
Keeping England 's schools open is the `` best course of action '' , Mr Williamson has said .
In Northern Ireland , First Minister Arlene Foster has said that when schools shut it will be for at least 16 weeks .
And in Wales , schools closures have not been ruled out , with Health Minister Vaughan Gething saying `` they could be `` effective later on '' .
In Scotland , a number are closed for deep cleaning - a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also taken themselves .
But teaching unions have said the uncertainty of the current situation was causing `` intolerable pressure '' for schools .
Chris Keates from the NASUWT said `` a lack of specific information for schools understandably has created a rising sense of panic '' .
The National Education Union is calling for school closures `` at least for some time and at least in some areas '' .
England 's schools watchdog Ofsted has been given permission by the government to temporarily suspend all routine inspections of schools , further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providers .
We do n't know yet .
The current advice from all the exams watchdogs is that teachers and students should prepare for exams as normal .
In Scotland , where exams start earlier than the rest of the UK , the Scottish Qualifications Authority said there was no change to the exam timetable .
It is currently due to run from 27 April until 4 June 2020 .
All its deadlines for coursework , and other assessments , remain in place .
The advice is similar elsewhere in the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to prepare for exams and to keep across any updates .
England 's watchdog , Ofqual , said : `` Our overriding priorities are fairness to students this summer and keeping disruption to a minimum . ''
What if someone at my child 's school is ill ?
Schools are being urged to ensure pupils and staff wash their hands frequently .
And they are being told to clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly .
Schools and nurseries are being told that anyone who becomes unwell with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high temperature should be sent home .
If pupils become unwell at school they should be isolated while they wait for their parents to collect them .
Ideally , this should be in a room behind a closed door , with a window open .
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If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be moved to an area at least two metres away from other people .
While the advice is that overseas trips should be cancelled , domestic trips can go ahead , as long as fresh risk assessments have been carried out .
What if I want to keep my child off school ?
The official guidance is that children should stay at home if they are unwell , to avoid spreading the infection to others .
Otherwise , the advice is that they attend school as normal .
Under current rules , children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too ill to go in or if parents have got advance permission from the school .
It is not yet clear what the situation will be for those parents who have decided to take their children out of school over concerns about the coronavirus .
Parents do have a right to home-educate their children - but if they are enrolled in a school , families can expect to be contacted by the school if they do not turn up .

How are Covid rules changing across UK schools? Published 23 February 2022
Image source, Getty Images
All remaining Covid restrictions have now been scrapped in English schools.
Rules have also been eased elsewhere in the UK, but some measures are being retained for the moment.
How are the Covid rules changing in schools?
The legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive test is also being removed, although it is still recommended.
Head teachers groups have warned that the changes to testing and self-isolation "may actually lead to an increase in disruption", as Covid is more likely to spread in the classroom, leading to further pupil and staff absence.
Image source, Getty Images
All school staff and secondary school pupils in Scotland and Northern Ireland are still asked to take two lateral flow tests (LFTs) a week (three in Wales).
In Wales, schools are largely back to normal. Face coverings will no longer be required in classrooms after 28 February, but should still be worn in communal areas of secondary schools.
In Northern Ireland, schools reopened with the same measures as last term. If a primary or post-primary class has multiple Covid cases, all pupils should take an LFT. The guidance that pupils in post-primary schools should wear face coverings still applies.
In Scotland, social distancing remains in place. However, pupils will no longer have to wear masks in school from 28 February.
How many teachers and pupils are off because of Covid?
The latest data for England shows that 182,000 pupils (2.2%) of pupils were absent for Covid-related reasons on 10 February, down from 320,000 (3.9%) on 3 February.
On the same date, 2.8% of teachers and school leaders and 2.5% of teaching assistants and other staff were absent due to Covid, down from 4.4% and 4.1% respectively the previous week.
Almost half England's schools (45%) had one in 20 teachers absent due to Covid.
In Scotland on 17 February, 12,638 students (2.4%) were missing from school due to Covid-related reasons. The highest absence rate this year was seen on 7 January, when 43,565 students (14.1%) were off.
In Northern Ireland, 5.2% of students, 9% of teachers and 11% of classroom assistants in schools were absent due to Covid over the week 24 to 28 January - the highest rates since the new term began.
Image source, Getty Images
Many schools have told the BBC they have struggled to find temporary staff to cover the teachers who are off.
England's Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi urged retired teachers to return and join teacher supply agencies to fill gaps, but a BBC survey suggested there had been a limited response.
Mr Zahawi also suggested schools could merge classes. But teaching unions said there were logistical difficulties and safety issues with teaching large groups of children.
Image source, Getty Images
Can a child go to school if they or someone in their household or class has Covid?
After Thursday 24 February, people in England with Covid will no longer have a legal obligation to self-isolate.
However, people who test positive will still be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days, including school staff and students.
The legal requirement to self-isolate remains in place across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As long as they don't have Covid symptoms, under-18s already don't have to self-isolate if someone else in their household has Covid.
Similarly, whole classes are no longer automatically sent home to isolate if a pupil or teacher tests positive.
However, close contacts aged five or above are strongly advised to test for at least seven days.
All primary and post-primary pupils in Northern Ireland are advised to take an LFT if there are multiple Covid cases in their class.
Which pupils are being vaccinated?
All children aged five to 11 in the UK will be offered a low-dose vaccine, which is being rolled out on a "non-urgent" basis.
It's expected to be offered in England in April, and plans are also under way in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In addition:
the low-dose vaccine is already being offered to five to 11-year-olds with medical conditions that put them at greater risk
all children aged 12 and over are being offered two doses of the Pfizer jab
sixteen and 17-year-olds who had a second vaccine dose at least three months ago can have a booster
the JCVI has also recommended that the booster is also offered to children aged 12-15 who are in an at-risk group or live with someone who is immunosuppressed
Children who aren't at high risk from Covid should wait 12 weeks after a positive test before having a jab.
How will exams work this year?
Grades will again be decided by external marking, instead of the teacher assessments used in 2020 and 2021, but grade boundaries will be more lenient in England, Wales and Scotland.
English exam boards have published details about this year's GCSE, AS and A-level papers for most subjects, including maths, biology, chemistry and languages.
Students taking GCSE exams in English Literature, geography, history and ancient history won't have to answer questions on one option from their course.
In maths and science exams, students will be given sheets of formulae and equations.
Students taking vocational B-Tec qualifications will have fewer internal assessments.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: How many cases are there in your area?

A total of 1,950 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK - but the actual number of cases is estimated to be between 35,000 and 50,000 .
The country is now ramping up measures to tackle the outbreak , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson issuing new guidance for the public on Monday .
Some 50,400 people in the UK have been tested for the respiratory infection .
More than 70 people who tested positive have died , according to latest figures available .
Find out how many people have confirmed cases in your area : If you ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The following maps , charts and graphics will help you understand the situation in the UK and how the authorities are dealing with it .
1 .
The UK has changed course The new coronavirus , which causes the respiratory disease known as Covid-19 , was first confirmed in the UK at the end of January .
While there were a number of people testing positive throughout February , figures in the UK began to increase at the beginning of March .
On Monday 16 March , Prime Minster Boris Johnson announced significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , including : working from home where possible ; stopping all unnecessary travel and for over 70s to self isolate at home in the coming weeks .
The number of people that have died from the virus in the UK has now risen to 71 , according to figures published on 17 March .
Confirmed case numbers for the UK are lower than other European countries , such as Italy , for example , where there have been almost 28,000 cases and more than 2,000 deaths , according to 17 March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Globally , authorities have confirmed more than 184,000 cases of the coronavirus and more than 7,500 deaths .
There have now been more than 100,000 cases outside China - overtaking the 82,007 in the country where the virus originated in December .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• EASY STEPS : How can I try to stay well ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the pandemic 2 .
We are in the second phase of the government 's response The government has published its action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which involves three phases - contain ; delay ; mitigate - alongside ongoing research .
While the emphasis has been on the contain and research phases up until this week , the country has now moved to the `` delay '' phase to stop the wider spread of the virus .
As part of the delay phase , people with even mild coronavirus symptoms - defined as a temperature above 37.8 C or a `` new , continuous '' cough - are being asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday , that even if you have no symptoms , you should still : • Stop all non-essential contact with others • Work at home where possible The government is now encouraging self-isolation at home for over 70s , and those more vulnerable to the virus , for 12 weeks from Friday .
British nationals should also avoid all non-essential foreign travel to tackle the spread of coronavirus , the Foreign Office has advised .
If the virus becomes even more widespread , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third phase of mitigation , when health services are asked to focus on critical care and retired NHS staff could be asked to return to work .
3 .
People who think they have coronavirus should self-isolate If you have a `` new , continuous '' cough or high temperature and think you have coronavirus you are advised not to go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
Instead , you and the people you live with should self isolate for 14 days .
If symptoms persist you should contact the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or call 111 .

Based on the survey, the estimated peak of the pandemic, in cases if not in deaths, was in late March 2022, where at one point about 4.9 million people were thought to have the virus. However, the survey did not capture the first wave of the pandemic, with trials only beginning in England in April 2020.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Pictures show London's empty streets

Streets around some of London 's most popular landmarks are much quieter than normal after the government announced new measures to protect people from the coronavirus outbreak .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned people to avoid social contact , to work from home where possible and advised people to stay away from pubs , bars and restaurants .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the London Underground would be running a reduced service after passenger numbers dropped in recent days .
It was revealed at a government press conference on Tuesday that the coronavirus outbreak in London was `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the UK .
Oxford Street , long considered Europe 's busiest shopping street , was far from busy this afternoon but it was not empty .
The people milling around were n't weighed down with shopping bags .
Instead most were walking with a purpose , perhaps to go to work or to pick up lunch .
The bigger shops had several people inside but if you looked through the windows of the more specialists shops , the sales assistants were standing alone , with no-one to serve .
People eating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating alone , however places where food could be taken away had a steady trade .
There were still a few tourists , strolling down either looking for their hotel or pointing out the sights , but how long they will stay here remains to be seen .
London is not on lockdown - but people are definitely attempting to keep a social distance .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights ?

There were still a few tourists, strolling down either looking for their hotel or pointing out the sights, but how long they will stay here remains to be seen.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus mortgage relief for homeowners

The government has announced new measures to help those facing financial difficulties during the coronavirus crisis .
Speaking at a @ @ @ @ @ Sunak said mortgage lenders will offer a three month mortgage payment holiday to those struggling @ @ @ @ @ said the government would go further if the financial help was n't enough .

The government has announced new measures to help those facing financial difficulties during the coronavirus crisis.
Speaking at a news conference, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said mortgage lenders will offer a three month mortgage payment holiday to those struggling to pay.
He also said the government would go further if the financial help wasn't enough.
Read more: Chancellor unveils £330bn lifeline for economy


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Dominic Raab advises against global travel

Dominic Raab has announced new advice against all `` non-essential travel globally for an initial period of 30 days '' @ @ @ @ @ this new advice was being made because of `` domestic measures introduced here in the @ @ @ @ @ and a range of other restrictions which have been taken by countries right around the @ @ @

Dominic Raab has announced new advice against all "non-essential travel globally for an initial period of 30 days".
The Foreign Secretary said this new advice was being made because of "domestic measures introduced here in the UK alongside changes to border and a range of other restrictions which have been taken by countries right around the world".
Read more: Britons urged to avoid non-essential travel abroad


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Transplant patient in self-isolation feels 'forgotten'

It wo n't just be the elderly who are asked to stay at home for 12 weeks as part of @ @ @ @ @ .
Thousands of younger people with serious lung or heart problems will also be among @ @ @ @ @ from Bracknell , has begun his three-month isolation .
The IT engineer had a lung @ @ @ @ @ health issues .
That means he ’ s in the highest risk category for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s been talking to reporter Ben Moore .

It won't just be the elderly who are asked to stay at home for 12 weeks as part of the government's coronavirus strategy.
Thousands of younger people with serious lung or heart problems will also be among them.
Adam Divall, from Bracknell, has begun his three-month isolation.
The IT engineer had a lung transplant which resulted in other health issues.
That means he’s in the highest risk category for COVID-19. After taking precautions, he’s been talking to reporter Ben Moore.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Londoners on why they're still going into work

Yesterday , Boris Johnson said people in the UK should work from home where possible , to help curb the @ @ @ @ @ BBC spoke to London commuters outside Kings Cross station to hear why they 're still @ @ @ @

Yesterday, Boris Johnson said people in the UK should work from home where possible, to help curb the spread of coronavirus.
The BBC spoke to London commuters outside Kings Cross station to hear why they're still going into work.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Guest house owner: 'We're £12,000 down because of coronavirus'

Britain 's tourist industry should be gearing up for the Easter break .
But hoteliers say they are seeing a @ @ @ @ @ home and abroad because of the coronavirus .
Guest house owner Kristian Hayter from Eastbourne @ @ @ @ @ 's been hit .

Britain's tourist industry should be gearing up for the Easter break. But hoteliers say they are seeing a lot of cancellations from both home and abroad because of the coronavirus. Guest house owner Kristian Hayter from Eastbourne is one of those who's been hit.
Video and script: Jeremy Howell. Filmed by Peter Page.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Three elderly hospital patients die in Yorkshire

Three elderly patients have died at two hospitals in Yorkshire after being diagnosed with coronavirus .
A man and a woman , both in their 70s , were being treated at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust while the other was at the Harrogate and District NHS hospital .
All tested positive for Covid-19 and had `` significant '' underlying health conditions , health bosses said .
The deaths are the first fatalities from the virus in Yorkshire .
Their families have been informed , the trusts said .
Martin Barkley , chief executive of The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a distressing time for the families and our thoughts are with them .
`` The trust is continuing to follow all of the appropriate infection control guidance to provide safe and effective care to our patients . ''
A Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson added : `` Our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time . ''
According to the latest Department of Health figures , the total number of deaths in the UK from the virus has risen to 67 .
• EASY STEPS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk .

A man and a woman, both in their 70s, were being treated at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust while the other was at the Harrogate and District NHS hospital.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--'Highly possible' Scottish schools could shut within days

Nicola Sturgeon has said that Scotland could see nationwide school closures within days .
The first minister appeared on Reporting Scotland before talks with Education Secretary John Swinney on measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus .
She said : `` It is highly possible we will see a more blanket approach to school closures in the coming days . ''
It comes after a second person died in Scotland after becoming infected .
At present , schools in Scotland remain open , though attendance is reported to be low in some areas and most activities , clubs and trips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a blanket closure of schools was not being recommended because of the impact on children 's welfare and on frontline NHS and social care staff .
She added that this approach was `` not fixed '' and that scientists were still looking at evidence .
However , she acknowledged that as the virus spreads , teacher absences were increasing and there was `` pressure '' on teacher attendance .
Ms Sturgeon said the protection of children and the population was the `` driving force '' behind the decision-making .
General secretary of Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said the EIS wanted the Scottish government to `` get ahead of the game '' so that schools could plan for closures .
He told BBC Scotland 's The Nine that provisions could be made for young people who relied on free school meals .
`` Schools could be open on a limited basis in relation to providing some support for groups of young people , '' he said .
`` What we 'd like to see is a planned arrangement around the impact of school closures and trying to maintain that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for pupils themselves . ''
Earlier , it was confirmed that the number of confirmed cases in Scotland is 195 - a rise of 24 from Monday .
The elderly patient who became the second person in Scotland to die from the virus was being treated by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and had underlying health conditions .
Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said she was formally putting NHS Scotland on an `` emergency footing '' .
The measure , under sections 1 and 78 of the 1978 NHS Scotland Act , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
Ms Freeman told MSPs : `` Our goal is simple : to protect and save lives and we need everyone 's help to achieve this . ''
She said a `` swift and radical change '' was needed in the way the NHS does its work , calling it the most rapid reconfiguration of the health service in its 71-year history .
• Urgent care such as cancer treatment will continue Ms Freeman also assured MSPs that further supplies of protective equipment had been issued to health boards for distribution to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Our nation faces a challenge to its way of life and to public health in a manner that has never been seen before in our lifetimes . ''
The highest number of coronavirus cases in Scotland is in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde region , with 49 cases confirmed on Tuesday .
The first patient to die in Scotland was being being treated by NHS Lothian , which has the second highest number of cases .
The number of people who have died with the virus in the UK has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for Covid-19 - although the actual number of cases could be as high as 55,000 .
In the last 24 hours , the UK government has announced a range of measures designed to slow the spread of the virus .
They include advice that entire households should self-isolate for 14 days if one member has symptoms - either a new cough or fever .
Britons have also been advised to avoid all non-essential foreign travel for the next 30 days .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?

The number of people who have died with the virus in the UK has reached 56, with 1,950 people testing positive for Covid-19 - although the actual number of cases could be as high as 55,000.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Beannchor Group temporarily lays off 800 staff

The Beannchor Group has announced the temporary layoff of up to 800 staff .
It will also temporarily close most of its portfolio of bars and hotels .
The Dirty Onion and Yard Bird , The National , Bullitt , the Ulster Sports Club and the Park Avenue Hotel , all in Belfast , are among the group 's portfolio .
Meanwhile , staff at the Newry-based fit out company MJM Marine have been told that a large number of redundancies are unavoidable .
The news comes as Stormont 's Finance Minister unveiled a rates relief package for businesses as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The Stormont Executive is putting an extra £100m package in place to deal with emergency rates relief in NI .
On Tuesday , the Chancellor announced a significant economic package worth £330bn and said the devolved administrations would receive £3.5bn as part of that spend .
Northern Ireland secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £640m of that would be made to the Northern Ireland Executive to support its fight against Covid-19 .
In a statement , Beannchor 's managing director Bill Wolsey said it had been an `` emotional and extremely tough decision but if we do not act now , we will not have a business to return to '' .
`` We have made this decision because we feel we have to act responsibly in the best longer term interests of the group and its staff . ''
'No prospect of new work' MJM Marine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sector devastated by coronavirus .
With the exception of one project all the company 's work has been postponed .
The firm 's customers have told it there is no prospect of new work for the foreseeable future .
One customer has said that will not be until 2022 at the earliest .
The one outstanding project is due to be completed in April and will only require a small number of staff .
The wider MJM group currently employs around 500 people .
It is understood that up to 300 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The family-run business , founded by Brian McConville , was established in 1983 .
It 's most recent accounts for 2018 showed a £17m pre tax profit on turnover of £100m .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has as said many businesses in Great Britain will get a rates holiday for the next 12 months .
Rates are devolved and therefore the Stormont administration has had to come up with its own plan to relieve the pressure on businesses .
Domestic rates bills will also be deferred from April until June , under the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said deferring the issue of rates bills from April until June would help businesses with their short-term cash flow .
In addition to the measures for businesses , Mr Murphy also announced the deferral of rate bills for households until June .
Meanwhile , UK trade experts have warned most businesses do not have insurance cover to compensate them for coronavirus losses .
Small businesses , in particular , are unlikely to have such a policy .
Business interruption cover is generally sold to compensate for damage to premises , following instances such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of British Insurers said standard policies did not include forced closure by the authorities .

In a statement, Beannchor's managing director Bill Wolsey said it had been an "emotional and extremely tough decision but if we do not act now, we will not have a business to return to".


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Second death confirmed in Swansea

A second patient in Wales has died from coronavirus , it has been confirmed .
The 96-year-old patient was being treated at Morriston Hospital in Swansea .
It comes as the older people 's commissioner said elderly people in Wales needed to know `` we are looking out for them '' .
Heléna Herklots said she believes the nation `` can rise to the challenge , '' as everyone was urged to stop non-essential contact with others .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the advice was particularly important for those over 70 .
On Tuesday afternoon , chief medical officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest death in Wales .
`` I 'm sorry to report that a second patient in Wales who tested positive for Covid-19 has sadly died , '' he said .
`` I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends and ask that their request for privacy is respected . ''
A person at Wrexham Maelor hospital was confirmed on Monday .
There are 136 confirmed coronavirus cases in Wales , though the overall number of cases is likely to be higher .
A series of new measures were outlined by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice to avoid pubs , clubs and theatres , work from home where people can , and avoid all unnecessary travel .
• How can I look after my older relatives ?
`` I think we are all really facing a change to the way of living for some weeks and months , '' Ms Herklots said .
`` It 's about changing the way we live our lives .
`` We need to find other ways of showing that we are holding people close - even if we ca n't do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ?
• Health Minister Vaughan Gething - who himself is in self-isolation at home because a child developed new cough symptoms - will give an update on the outbreak to the Senedd • The Welsh Local Government Association will set out how councils are responding • Campaigners have called for evictions to be banned during the crisis • Plaid Cymru calls for final-year medical students to be `` fast-tracked '' through courses to help fight the virus .
Ms Herklots has held talks with the Welsh Government , Age Cymru and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lot of community groups and voluntary organisations are really having to change what they are doing , '' she said .
`` They are not going to be running day centres in the usual way . ''
She said Wales needed to be `` really creative '' to make sure `` every older person knows they have people who are looking out for them , who are caring for them and are in touch with them '' .
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales , Chief Medical Officer Frank Atherton said the advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social contact .
`` That means avoiding any gatherings , avoiding going into busy places as much as possible , '' said Dr Atherton .
But he emphasised : `` What we are not saying is not to go outside .
Go have a walk in your local park , just do n't congregate with a lot of other people . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights ?

She said Wales needed to be "really creative" to make sure "every older person knows they have people who are looking out for them, who are caring for them and are in touch with them".


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Renters 'need more help' in UK's plans

The government is being urged to do more for families and workers affected by the coronavirus crisis after it announced £350bn of help for companies .
Ministers promised mortgage `` holidays '' for those in financial difficulty , as well as £330bn in loans and £20bn in other aid to protect businesses .
But some MPs , trade bodies and unions said more support was needed sooner , particularly for renters and those working in the so-called gig economy .
It comes as the UK death toll hit 71 .
In other developments across the globe : • The European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bloc for 30 days • All 50 states in the US have now been hit by the virus after West Virginia reported its first case on Tuesday • The US is working on an $ 850bn stimulus package • The World Health Organization says South East Asian countries must `` act now '' to tackle the virus • There are about 200,000 cases worldwide and nearly 8,000 people have died • Prof Neil Ferguson , who has been advising the UK government on its response to the outbreak and was in Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was self-isolating after developing coronavirus symptoms • LATEST : Live updates from around the world • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Unveiling the measures at a press conference on Tuesday , Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed to do `` whatever it takes '' to support the UK economy through a challenge unprecedented in peacetime .
The chancellor said the £330bn in loans - equivalent to 15 % of GDP - would be available from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies , rent and salaries .
Other measures to be put in place include extended business rates relief for all firms in the hospitality sector and funding grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 for small businesses .
Mortgage lenders will also offer a three-month holiday for people in financial difficulty as a result of the virus .
Help for airlines , which have been hit by travel bans and a slump in demand , is also being considered .
Rachel Reeves , Labour chairwoman of the Commons Business Committee , said there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer financial support to people who were already on statutory sick pay , self-isolating or had been laid off .
And unions raised concerns there were no measures to help freelancers and people working in the gig economy .
Other MPs called for more help for renters .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma told BBC Breakfast that measures which will offer support to renters will be announced `` very shortly '' .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn urged the government to suspend home rental fees and ban evictions of tenants during the coronavirus crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more questions on the government 's response to the crisis when he appears before MPs in the Commons for Prime Minister 's Questions at 12:00 GMT .
Companies and trade bodies welcomed the financial measures , but said they needed to work through the fine print .
Adam Marshall , chief executive of the British Chambers of Commerce , said the size of the grants and loans were good news for smaller businesses .
`` But what 's going to be hugely important is that cash actually gets to the front line and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Paul Johnson , director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies , said the business rates holiday offered `` a substantial level of support '' but was `` probably not well targeted at saving jobs in those industries '' .
`` It will remain as expensive to pay people and if demand is down then jobs are likely to go , '' he added .
He said it may be necessary to cut employer national insurance contributions , delay increases to the National Living Wage , and increase support for individuals through Universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public were told to avoid all non-essential contact and travel .
By next weekend , those with the most serious health conditions must be `` largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks '' , under the latest government guidance .
Meanwhile , Environment Secretary George Eustice is holding talks with all major supermarket chains about how to ensure they do not run out of food .
It comes as chains including Sainsbury 's and Tesco introduced limits on how many of certain products customers can buy , after some shoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of its 24-hour stores will shut overnight so shelves can be restocked , while Sainsbury 's will give elderly and other vulnerable customers priority in the first hour of opening from Thursday .
Elsewhere , leading scientists at Porton Down , the Ministry of Defence 's highly secure research laboratory in Wiltshire , have been called in to help deal with the spread of coronavirus , the BBC has been told .
A team of about 10 defence scientists at the laboratory are now working with public health officials to analyse the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with testing .
The laboratory was also called in to help following the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury .
The number of people who have died with the virus in the UK reached 71 on Tuesday , after a second death was confirmed in Scotland , as well as a second in Wales and a further 14 in England .
The government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said it would be a `` good outcome '' for the UK if the number of deaths from the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,950 people have tested positive for the virus in the UK , according to the latest Department of Health figures - but the actual number of cases could be as high as 55,000 .
Among the latest confirmed cases is a newborn baby at James Paget hospital in Norfolk .
• All non-urgent operations in England and Scotland will be postponed from 15 April for at least three months to free up beds for virus patients • The Foreign Office advised British nationals to avoid all non-essential foreign travel for at least 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take place in England and Wales if they are expected to last longer than three days • The government set out emergency legislation , which would give police the powers to arrest and isolate people to protect public health • British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been temporarily released from prison in Iran because of the outbreak .
She will be required to remain within 300m ( 984ft ) of her parents ' home in Tehran • Toyota has suspended production at its Derbyshire factory in Burnaston and in Deeside in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,200 people • BMW has also temporarily closed its plants in Oxfordshire , Birmingham , Swindon and Goodwood .
The company has 6,000 manufacturing staff in the UK • BBC One soap EastEnders has postponed filming `` until further notice '' .
The BBC also confirmed it would reduce the number of episodes broadcast to two per week • Parkrun , which organises 5km weekly runs around the world , has suspended its 675 events in the UK until at least the end of March

He added: "The House should expect further decisions to be taken imminently on schools and how to be sure we square the circle, making sure we stop spread of the disease but relieve pressure on the NHS."


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Sainsbury's and Asda limit sales of all food items

Supermarkets have introduced strict limits on how many goods people can buy to try and curb stockpiling as the coronavirus pandemic escalates .
Sainsbury 's and Asda have both said they will stop shoppers buying more than three of any particular food item .
Sainsbury 's has also said it will prioritise vulnerable and elderly people for online deliveries .
Its boss Mike Coupe said the firm `` is trying to make sure everyone has access to the items they need '' .
Asda 's buying restrictions will also apply to cleaning and toiletry products .
In a blog post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a heightened demand '' for products both in stores and online .
`` We have plenty of products to go around , but we have a responsibility to do the right thing for our communities to help our customers look after their loved ones in a time of need , '' it added .
• Business Live : Boots boss says there 's enough paracetamol • What are shops doing about stockpiling ?
Aldi has already introduced limits of four items per shopper on all products , while Morrisons has said it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers including Tesco and Boots have set limits on particularly popular products such as pasta , tissues and hand sanitiser .
Boots chief executive Sebastian James said the issue was not supply , but demand .
`` No supply chain can survive a sudden , unexpected global ten-fold increase in demand .
And what we thought was incredibly important was that as many people as possible could get what they actually needed , '' he told the BBC 's Today programme .
Other businesses have also announced new measures to combat the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The online retailer is stopping sellers from sending `` non-essentials '' to its US and UK warehouses to make space for sought-after baby products and groceries .
• Pret : From Thursday the chain will no longer allow customers to sit in-store , `` to reduce points of contact '' in shops .
• Selfridges : The luxury department store chain will temporarily close its four shops from 19:00 on Wednesday , but will continue trading online .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
• TOUCHING STUFF : How long does it last on surfaces ?
Supermarket chain Sainsbury 's already had a two-item limit on its most popular goods , including toilet paper , soap and long-life milk .
From 23 March , it said disabled customers and those over 70 will be given priority for online delivery slots .
And on 19 March the first hour of shopping will be dedicated to older and vulnerable people in its 600 UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in introducing reserved time slots for the elderly .
They include Iceland outlets across the country and all 39 Lidl stores in Northern Ireland .
Sainsbury 's told the BBC that it would consider future dedicated shopping hours `` in line with government guidance '' , after the one-off on Thursday .
Sainsbury 's chief executive Mike Coupe added it was `` focusing all of our efforts on getting as much food and other essential items from our suppliers , into our warehouses and onto shelves as we possibly can .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we all just buy what we need for us and our families . ''
Mr Coupe confirmed that it was closing its cafes as well as its fish , pizza and meat counters to free up more staff to work on `` keeping the shelves as well stocked as possible . ''
Asda will also temporarily shut down its `` non-essential '' services including its cafes and pizza counters to free up its workers and space in its warehouses .
The announcements came as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps signed off a temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver goods to stores around the UK .
A Department for Transport statement said the rule change applies only to drivers supplying food and `` essential products to supermarkets '' .
Sainsbury 's competitor Morrisons said on Tuesday it is creating 3,500 jobs to meet surging demand for its home delivery service caused by the pandemic .
The chain said it would be recruiting 2,500 pickers and drivers and hiring about 1,000 people to work in distribution centres .
In its preliminary results for the week ending 2 February , its chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented challenges '' when dealing with Covid-19 .
Despite the increased uncertainty , it said it had seen sales increase in recent weeks due to customers stockpiling .

"We have plenty of products to go around, but we have a responsibility to do the right thing for our communities to help our customers look after their loved ones in a time of need," it added.


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Glastonbury festival cancelled due to coronavirus

Glastonbury 's famous Pyramid Stage will remain dark in June , as the festival becomes the latest event to be cancelled due to coronavirus .
Taylor Swift , Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar were due to appear , alongside Diana Ross and Dua Lipa .
Just six days ago , organiser Emily Eavis said she had `` fingers firmly crossed '' the event would go ahead .
But after the government advised people to avoid mass gatherings , cancellation became increasingly likely .
Organisers took the decision to call off the event before 1 April , when festival-goers were expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £270 tickets .
• How coronavirus could affect your festival plans More than 200,000 people would have descended on Worthy Farm in Somerset if the festival had gone ahead as planned from 24 to 28 June .
Other acts on the line-up included Noel Gallagher , Lana Del Rey , Herbie Hancock , the Pet Shop Boys , AJ Tracey and Haim .
Glastonbury 's cancellation comes after BBC Radio 1 cancelled plans to host its Big Weekend festival in Dundee in May .
It will also call into doubt the viability of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park , All Points East , Lovebox and Latitude .
Questions are also being raised about whether the Eurovision Song Contest can proceed as planned in May .
In the US , the Coachella and South By Southwest festivals have already been postponed or called off , while concert giants Live Nation and AEG have halted all forthcoming concert tours , with acts like Celine Dion , The Who and Billie Eilish among the artists postponing dates .
Live Nation 's share price finished trading at $ 33.92 ( £28,26 ) on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time last month .
But many artists - including Coldplay , Christine and the Queens and Yungblud - have started to live-stream concerts to keep fans ' spirits up during self-isolation .
Bruce Springsteen also uploaded a full 2009 concert with the E Street Band to YouTube , telling fans to `` practice social distancing and stream '' live music `` from the comfort of your own home '' .
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bbcuk--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: EastEnders, Casualty, Doctors and Holby City suspend filming

The BBC has suspended filming on dramas including EastEnders , Casualty , Doctors and Holby City `` until further notice '' amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The number of EastEnders episodes screened will also be cut from four to two per week , the broadcaster said .
In a statement , the corporation said that would allow it to make the existing recorded episodes last for `` as long as possible '' .
It added that the decision was made after the latest government update .
`` In light of the spread of Covid-19 , after much consideration , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be postponed until further notice , '' a BBC spokesperson said .
`` We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England . ''
Since 2001 , EastEnders has been broadcast every weeknight except Wednesdays .
Tracey Brabin , the shadow culture secretary and a former EastEnders , Coronation Street and Casualty actress , tweeted : `` Thinking of all my friends on the show who must be pretty anxious right now . ''
In reference to Casualty , Doctors , Holby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Scottish drama River City , the corporation confirmed `` it has decided that filming on all BBC Studios continuing dramas will be postponed '' .
ITV has not yet announced whether programmes such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale will follow suit .
Australian TV soap Neighbours has already announced it will not film this week as a precaution , after reports suggested a person working on the show had come into contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19 .
The show 's parent companies Network Ten and Fremantle have opted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to adapt their filming schedules to minimise the impact of the outbreak .
On Tuesday , the BBC announced that news programmes including Politics Live and Victoria Derbyshire had been temporarily suspended , allowing the BBC News Channel to focus on `` core news '' .
Question Time , which sees political figures and commentators take questions from the public , will move to a prime time 20:00 slot on BBC One .
However , it will proceed without a studio audience for the time being .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FOR THE OLYMPICS , F1 AND SIX NATIONS ?
Impact on sport • MORE OF YOUR QUESTIONS : Answers on breastfeeding , pets and church Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Corrie has already banned kissing scenes in an attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus on set. An ITV spokesperson said any scenes with kissing or close contact were being altered to minimise contact between actors.


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Brenda Page: Man aged 79 charged over 1978 murder

A man has been charged in connection with the murder of a scientist in Aberdeen 42 years ago .
The @ @ @ @ @ , 32 , was found in her flat in the city 's Allan Street in @ @ @ @ @ scientist was working at the University of Aberdeen at the time of her death .
@ @ @ @ @ man had been charged and was expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Wednesday @

The genetic scientist was working at the University of Aberdeen at the time of her death.


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Second-home owners urged to stay away

Second-home owners and caravanners have been urged not to come to north Wales to self-isolate from coronavirus .
A GP said health services have been inundated by people with second homes in Gwynedd looking for medical care .
The area has more second homes than any county in Wales .
Dr Eilir Hughes has called on the Welsh Government to class travelling to second homes and caravans as `` non-essential travel '' .
The Welsh Government has declined to comment .
Dr Hughes , GP and leader of the Dwyfor Primary Care Cluster , said : `` Services expect seasonal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try our best to prepare our services for this increased demand but are currently seeing a surge in demand for medical advice and assessment .
`` We have seen several patients coming to use their second homes to self-isolate and using primary care services where they are not registered .
`` It really does place a great strain on our infrastructure and our services , '' he told Radio Wales Breakfast .
Dr Hughes is concerned that the NHS in the area does not have the resources to deal with an increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday urged people to avoid all unnecessary travel .
Now Dr Hughes wants the Welsh Government to issue the advice to people not to travel and to return to their primary homes .
`` People are travelling from outside the area , and increasing the viral load in the community .
`` We have evidence that a significant amount of people who own holiday homes and static caravans have decided to travel down under the impression they 'd be safer here .
`` We must also remember that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often retired , meaning they are likely to be of an age at a greater risk of Covid-19 . ''
Two people have died in Wales after contracting the virus .
His calls have been echoed by Dwyfor Meirionydd MP Liz Saville Roberts who said she was `` extremely concerned '' by reports of people coming into the area .
`` It is highly likely that the virus is already established in the population of Gwynedd , but the lack of testing means no cases have yet been recorded , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area are seeing maps of Gwynedd as being free of Coronavirus and deciding to relocate here . ''
EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

"It is highly likely that the virus is already established in the population of Gwynedd, but the lack of testing means no cases have yet been recorded," she said.


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Plan to protect veterans from 'vexatious claims'

The government is to present new legislation to protect military personnel and veterans from prosecution for alleged historical offences in conflicts overseas .
Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer says the bill will tackle what the government calls `` vexatious claims '' .
But human rights groups said the proposals would undermine international law .
Separate plans are being announced for troops who served in Northern Ireland .
The legislation , which will be introduced on Wednesday , proposes a five year limit on criminal prosecutions from the date of an incident - unless there is compelling new evidence - and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving personal injury or death .
The bill will also compel any future government to consider a derogation - effectively opting out - from the European Convention on Human Rights in any conflict overseas .
• New office to improve support for veterans • Major rethink in plan to deal with Troubles killings The Conservatives have previously promised to to end what they call `` vexatious claims '' against serving and former soldiers who they say have been hounded and repeatedly investigated for alleged war crimes such as unlawful killing and the abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says many claims have been made without foundation .
In their election manifesto , the party promised action on the issue within 100 days if it was re-elected .
But human rights groups have expressed anger , saying the legislation would place the military above the law and undermine existing international conventions .
Speaking in the Commons on Monday , Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed the bill would `` deal with overseas operations '' only .
However , he said it would be accompanied by a statement from the Northern Ireland Office setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland veterans .
`` They will be as equal , as similar , to the protections we 're going to look at overseas , '' he added .
The plans for Northern Ireland will see only cases where there is `` new compelling evidence and a realistic prospect of a prosecution '' move to a full-blown investigation .
And once a case has been considered there will be a legal bar on any future investigation , which the Northern Ireland Office said would `` end the cycle of reinvestigations '' .

The Conservatives have previously promised to end what they call "vexatious claims" against serving and former soldiers who they say have been hounded and repeatedly investigated for alleged war crimes such as unlawful killing and the abuse of detainees.


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: UK stocks fall despite stimulus plans

UK stocks have fallen as major UK and US stimulus plans failed to quell worries about the coronavirus pandemic .
The FTSE 100 index of top UK companies fell more than 4.7 % in early trading , with aerospace firms , travel companies and housing firms leading the declines .
It came after Wall Street 's main indexes rebounded by more than 5 % on Tuesday following Monday 's steep falls .
In the US , the Trump administration outlined a $ 1 trillion ( £830bn ) package to support the world 's biggest economy .
And on Tuesday UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for UK firms , including £330bn of business loans .
It includes £20bn in other aid , a business rates holiday , and grants for retailers and pubs .
Help for airlines is also being considered .
Mr Sunak told a news conference that it was an `` economic emergency .
Never in peacetime have we faced an economic fight like this one . ''
However , stimulus measures taken globally failed to buoy up Asian stocks .
Japan 's benchmark Nikkei 225 ended down by 1.7 % , the Hang Seng in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China 's Shanghai Composite closed 1.8 % lower .
US stock market futures were also indicating a weaker open for Wall Street .
Earlier US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he supports sending money directly to Americans as part of a $ 1tn stimulus aimed at averting an economic crisis caused by the coronavirus .
`` We 're looking at sending cheques to Americans immediately , '' he said .
The $ 250bn in cheques are part of a huge aid package which the White House is discussing with Congress .
A $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the entire UK budget - would be larger than the US response to the 2008 financial crisis , amounting to nearly a quarter of what the US federal government spent last year .
• US plans to pay Americans as part of $ 1tn stimulus In Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is reportedly forming a panel of key economic ministers and Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda to discuss measures to prop up an economy hit by the fallout from the coronavirus epidemic .
The move would put Japan in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat the impact of the coronavirus that has pushed economies around the world towards recession .
Big shifts in the stock market are often in the news , whether they are booms or falls owing to coronavirus or the financial crisis .
As companies grow , they issue shares .
The largest companies in the UK have shares which are bought and sold on the London Stock Exchange .
Their collective performance is often quoted amid a blizzard of numbers that may feel confusing and irrelevant .
Rarely does anyone mention during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has dropped well below 7,000 points .
But there are good reasons why this performance affects your life and finances .
Many people 's initial reaction to `` the markets '' is that they are not directly affected , because they do not invest money .
Yet there are millions of people with a pension - either private or through work - who will see their savings ( in what is known as a defined contribution pension ) invested by pension schemes .
The value of their savings pot is influenced by the @ @ @ @ @

"Idiosyncratic factors such as the UK's monetary and fiscal response or Brexit are beside the point: this is about the US dollar, which is proving unstoppable as global financial markets stare into the abyss of crisis-like conditions," he said.


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Grace Millane's killer to appeal against conviction and sentence

The killer of British backpacker Grace Millane has begun the process of appealing against his murder conviction and jail sentence , his barrister said .
Auckland-based Rachael Reed QC confirmed that an appeal had been filed in the New Zealand Court of Appeal .
The 28-year-old , who can not be named , was jailed for at least 17 years for the murder last month .
He strangled Ms Millane in a hotel in Auckland , hid her body in a suitcase and buried it in bushland .
The man claimed the 21-year-old had died accidentally after the pair engaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A jury in November rejected that argument and found the man guilty .
Murder typically comes with a life sentence in New Zealand .
Prosecutors successfully argued that the man must serve 17 years before becoming eligible for parole .
Lawyers Ian Brookie and Ron Mansfield who led the defence during his trial , had asked for their then-client to serve 12 years , later indicating he would appeal .
In sentencing , Justice Simon Moore told the defendant his actions amounted to `` conduct that underscores a lack of empathy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • I went on a date with Grace 's killer After the sentencing , Grace 's mother Gillian Millane , spoke to the court via a video-link and told the man : `` Grace was n't just my daughter .
She was my friend .
My very best friend .
`` I am absolutely heartbroken that you have taken my daughter 's future and robbed us of so many memories that we were going to create . ''
Det Insp Scott Beard of Auckland City Police said the death was `` senseless and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wickford in Essex , met her killer on a dating app while travelling in Auckland in December 2018 .
The pair spent the evening drinking before returning to the man 's room in the CityLife hotel in central Auckland where he killed her .
He then disposed of her body by burying it in a suitcase in the Waitākere Ranges , a mountainous area outside the city .
He was found guilty of murder last year .

"I am absolutely heartbroken that you have taken my daughter's future and robbed us of so many memories that we were going to create."


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Care companies fear bankruptcy

Coronavirus has left companies which support older and disabled people in their own homes struggling to cope , says their professional association .
The UK Home Care Association says the firms need more protective equipment for staff and clearer guidance on protecting clients .
The virus has put care companies which were already financially vulnerable under additional pressure , says UKHCA .
A £350bn package to support businesses `` small and large '' has been announced .
In a statement on Tuesday , Chancellor Rishi Sunak vowed to do `` whatever it takes '' to help the economy and support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The extra demands placed on care at home by the coronavirus outbreak have thrown the underlying social care crisis into sharp relief , UKHCA argues .
In the current situation , home care companies say they are likely to have more people needing care and will need to train extra staff as some will not be able to work if they become ill. Tuesday 's announcement by NHS England that hospitals should free up some 15,000 beds by discharging long-term patients who are medically fit into the community is expected to pile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector in the coming weeks .
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The UKHCA says social care companies not only urgently need extra financial support from government but also changes to the way they are paid by local authorities , so they `` do n't run out of money '' .
The association 's chief executive Dr Jane Townson said : `` We are desperately worried about the ability of care providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers of careworkers who are sick or self-isolating .
`` Councils and the NHS only pay for care delivered .
They will not pay for careworkers who are prevented from working .
People who buy their own homecare will not be able to bear the additional cost of staff absence . ''
The association represents more than 2,000 care providers , from private firms to not-for-profit organisations , many of which are already under financial pressure across the UK after a long-standing failure by governments to reform or fund the council-run system properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who pays ?
• The issue of social care in 10 charts Local authorities buy most of the care for people in their own homes and at the end of each month , the number of minutes of support provided by care staff is totted up and the firm is paid for that in arrears .
The UKHCA wants councils to pay companies upfront , based on the average amount of care they have provided in previous months , with the final figures worked out later .
On the subject of personal protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive of NHS England , has told MPs that there is enough of it but there have been problems getting supplies to the right places .
`` Let 's be clear , this is a challenge facing every country , '' Sir Simon told the Commons health and social care committee .
`` A lot of the Chinese supply for some of the more basic items has been disrupted .
`` So , we are going to have to ramp up the production of gowns , in particular , and some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flash in the pan… we are going to have to ramp up domestic production of those items as well . ''

"So, we are going to have to ramp up the production of gowns, in particular, and some of the face masks, given this is not a flash in the pan… we are going to have to ramp up domestic production of those items as well."


bbcuk--2020-03-18--HMP Eastwood Park: Concern over segregated transgender women prisoners

The segregation of a jail 's transgender women prisoners for `` long periods '' has been noted as a concern by a watchdog .
The Independent Monitoring Board ( IMB ) also had `` serious concerns '' about the lack of rehabilitation courses , and of women facing homelessness on release from HMP Eastwood Park .
It praised the jail near Gloucester for being `` well run '' and said prisoners were `` treated with respect '' .
The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment .
IMB 's annual report said most prisoners were treated fairly but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` most concern '' .
It said there were `` usually three to four transgender prisoners at any one time '' at Eastwood Park .
It said some were left segregated for more than six weeks while decisions were made about their future .
IMB chair Arthur Williams said : `` Most transgender prisoners are well integrated into the prison community .
`` However those who were considered to be a risk to others were segregated for periods in excess of 42 days , before being transferred elsewhere which the IMB considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about rehabilition , the IMB said it had recently been informed there would be no funding in 2020-21 for `` long-awaited new classrooms '' , which would mean limited numbers of courses to help women rehabilitate .
It also said resettlement services were `` inadequate although showing signs of improvement '' , with `` homelessness undermining progress '' when the women were released .
The report said there was `` still a lack of suitable accommodation in the community to support those released in maintaining a crime-free life '' .
This issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Prisons Peter Clarke last year , when he said in his report that the prison was `` setting women up to fail '' by not helping them find housing .

It said there were "usually three to four transgender prisoners at any one time" at Eastwood Park. It said some were left segregated for more than six weeks while decisions were made about their future.


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Single-use plastics ban in Wales unveiled

Plans to ban a wide range of single-use plastics have been confirmed by the Welsh Government .
Plastic straws , cotton buds and balloon sticks are among the items set to be outlawed from 2021 , or subject to sales restrictions .
It comes ahead of a consultation over how the measures would work in practice .
Environment charities have welcomed the move but said more could be done to tackle ocean waste .
A ban on plastic straws , stirrers and cotton buds in England is set to come into force next month , with the UK Government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Government to set new controls on plastic straws But the Welsh measures are set to go further , focusing on a longer list of single-use plastics recently banned by a new EU directive .
Scotland has already banned plastic-stemmed cotton buds and intends to match the recent EU directive too .
What will the ban cover ?
Plastic straws , stirrers , cotton buds , balloon sticks , plates and cutlery will all be taken off the shelves .
Food and drinks containers made of expanded polystyrene and products made from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of carrier bags , are also being banned .
Legislation would need to be passed first , with the changes set to be introduced in the first half of 2021 .
What if I rely on these products ?
The minister in charge of recycling , Hannah Blythyn said the Welsh Government would carry out a public consultation `` to understand the impact of this proposal , particularly on any citizens who may be reliant on some of the items we have included , to make sure we get it right . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson have warned that ditching plastic straws could cause problems for people who rely on them to drink independently .
Under the UK government 's plans , people will still be able to ask for a plastic straws in bars and restaurants in England .
And medical and scientific laboratories will still be able to buy plastic cotton buds .
The Welsh Government stressed no firm decisions had been taken yet about how the bans would work in practice , and this would be subject to the public consultation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` The single use plastics we want to ban are hard to recycle and often found on beaches and seas around our coast , blighting our beautiful country and harming our natural and marine environments .
`` It is vital we do n't throw away our future - which is why we believe taking this direct action will have a significant impact on changing people 's behaviour and make them think about their waste when 'on-the-go ' . ''
Jemma Bere , policy and research manager at charity Keep Wales Tidy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumer choice would be `` very small because so many alternatives to these products exist '' .
`` It essentially sends a message to the public to urge them to look into the alternatives , '' she said .
However she stressed banning items was not enough on its own to tackle litter and pollution , a point also reiterated by Haf Elgar , Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru .
Ms Elgar said : `` This is just one step and we do need to urgently move to being a zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other measures the Welsh Government is currently consulting on such as introducing a latte levy and deposit return scheme will also be introduced soon . ''

The minister in charge of recycling, Hannah Blythyn said the Welsh Government would carry out a public consultation "to understand the impact of this proposal, particularly on any citizens who may be reliant on some of the items we have included, to make sure we get it right."


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: What are shops doing about stockpiling?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged shoppers to be sensible when buying food .
His comments come after shoppers have been emptying shelves around the UK following the coronavirus outbreak .
So can panic-buying be controlled and what are supermarkets doing to restock shelves ?
How many people are panic-buying ?
Social media is full of reports of empty shop shelves , with similar scenes in countries such as Australia and the US .
At the moment , we do n't have any official data on the scale of stockpiling in the UK .
However , we do know some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products - due to high demand .
Across different supermarkets , this includes : What else are supermarkets doing ?
Tesco , the Co-op and Waitrose would not comment on supply chain plans , although they say that , like other shops , they are restricting people from buying more than a certain number of particular products .
Sainsbury 's acknowledges there are currently some gaps on shelves , but says it has ordered more stock of essential items from its suppliers and , `` other than a small number of exceptions '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock back on the shelves soon .
A spokesperson said the supermarket had also increased staffing at its warehouses and distribution centres , the number of lorries on the road delivering products to stores , and the number of its online delivery drivers so it can add in more online slots .
It says it will also prioritise vulnerable and elderly people for online deliveries and limit people to only buying three of any single item .
Morrisons said it would increase the number of delivery slots by recruiting 2,500 extra pickers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of food parcels for order .
Marks and Spencer was not able to comment , and Lidl , Aldi , Asda and Waitrose have not yet responded .
Iceland and other shops are introducing an hour at the beginning of the day during which only elderly people or those with disabilities can shop .
The British Retail Consortium , which represents supermarkets , says they have had `` well-rehearsed '' contingency plans in place for years - since the Sars outbreak in 2003 .
`` Supply chains are robust and we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
What is the government saying ?
The government has said there is no reason for anybody to stockpile .
Speaking on Tuesday , Mr Johnson said : `` We are absolutely confident our supply chains are working , and will work , and we will get farm to fork food supplies .
`` Therefore people should have no reason to stockpile or panic buy . ''
Public Health England has said that people should plan ahead and think what they will need if they have to self-isolate for at least seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should ask friends or family to drop off anything they need or order supplies online .
Any deliveries should be left outside their homes .
However , the government 's powers to deal with this situation are so far untested , according to Paul Dobson , from the University of East Anglia .
But he said he expected the government would speak to supermarkets to secure a series of voluntary agreements on issues around supply , and limiting panic buying .
Supermarket delivery hours were extended earlier in March to help shops remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watchdog has warned retailers not to `` exploit '' fears about coronavirus by dramatically increasing the price of protective goods like hand gels and face masks .
The government could also relax competition rules to enable greater co-ordination between supermarkets .
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Retail analyst Bruno Monteyne said a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus `` really breaks through '' and the number of people off work increases well above the number of people who are sick .
`` When kids have to stay home , many parents will have one person staying at home , '' he said .
`` Equally , if somebody is ill , a family member will likely stay with him or her '' .
`` When you have labour absences , then you reduce the food-retail capacity .
Everything is ultimately linked to staff members : numbers of drivers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of shelf fillers to fill the shelf , number of check out people to do check outs .
So a 10 % absence rate , means a 10 % capacity reduction . ''
If the virus outbreak gets to the stage where `` capacity is materially reduced to maintain food supply '' , retailers would enter into a `` feed the nation '' phase by reducing ranges .
`` But none of that will go smoothly .
Mistakes will be made , trucks will be late , some stores will run empty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a risk of a real panic breaking out , '' he said .
`` That is the moment that the army would step in and be accompanying the trucks and support food distribution and stop food riots from happening , '' Mr Monteyne added .

Other initiatives include Tesco introducing floor markings showing which direction to walk down the aisles in some of its larger stores. Morrisons has a queuing zone if there are too many customers to be separated by the floor markings, while Asda is bringing in directional barriers.


bbcuk--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Gin distilleries switch to make hand sanitiser

Gin distilleries have announced plans to switch to producing hand sanitiser during the coronavirus pandemic .
The boss of one distillery in Lincoln said `` desperate times call for desperate measures '' and it would donate hand sanitiser to vulnerable people .
Bristol 's Psychopomp Micro-distillery is supplying the public with 100ml of the product at a time for a donation .
58 Gin , in London , will launch hand atomisers in about three weeks ' time after making a batch for a charity .
The firm in Hoxton , east London , said a share of its profits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity as members were `` on its knees '' right now .
Danny Walker , director of Psychopomp and Circumstance in Kingsdown , Bristol , said it had received donations with one person giving £20 for a 100ml refillable glass bottle .
The firm is restricting purchases to one bottle at a time `` as we want to help more rather than less people '' .
In a week it has raised about £800 for Bristol 's Children 's Hospital .
The firms are following the lead of the Louis Vuitton 's owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be using perfume production lines to start making hand sanitiser to protect people against coronavirus .
Matt Felgate , the owner of Lincoln Gin , said : `` We are trying to use the resources we have - namely high-strength alcohol - to put together a functional hand sanitiser .
`` I do not want a penny from this .
I 'm here to help and do the right thing . ''
He started making small batches for friends , family and elderly neighbours after he was unable to buy any in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` She had a kidney transplant a few years ago , and has no immune system due to her being on medication , '' Mr Felgate said .
The firm wants volunteers to get in touch on Facebook to help distribute it to vulnerable people , including to elderly neighbours , homeless charities and those in care homes .
Mr Walker , from Psychopomp , has applied for two licences to make and purchase denatured alcohol which is required for hand sanitiser production .
`` We plan to sell it commercially at cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pubs that are staying open , '' he said .
58 Gin 's director Carmen O'Neal said its first sanitiser , made for a charity event , contained 96 % ethanol - pure alcohol - and aloe vera .
The company said it would be producing an atomiser containing the emollient glycerol instead of aloe vera as prices had `` rocketed across the world '' .
So far in the UK 1,950 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 71 people have died , with 23 of those deaths in London , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
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The firm in Hoxton, east London, said a share of its profits would go to the drinks industry's charity as members were "on its knees" right now.