bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Nearly a million universal credit claims in past two weeks

Nearly a million people have applied for universal credit benefits in the past fortnight as the coronavirus pandemic has worsened .
The Department for Work and Pensions said 950,000 successful applications for the payment were made between 16 March , when people were advised to work from home , and the end of the month .
The department would normally expect 100,000 claims in a two week period .
Officials said they were working `` flat out '' to help people get support .
But Labour said the figures were `` truly shocking '' and the government `` must wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the millions of those at risk of losing their jobs and the self-employed not covered by government hardship schemes .
The figures show the massive increase in demand on the benefit system since the government urged people to avoid non-essential travel and contact with others to curb the spread of the virus .
There was a warning on Wednesday that 20 % of small businesses could fold in the next month due to the collapse in consumer demand , despite unprecedented government intervention to support jobs .
Universal credit is a consolidated monthly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replaced a host of previous benefits including income-based jobseeker 's allowance , housing benefit , child tax credit and working tax credit .
In October 2019 , there were 2.6 million universal credit claimants - just over a third of whom were in work .
The government said the benefit system was still `` delivering '' despite the massive increase in demand .
`` With such a huge increase in claims there are pressures on our services , but the system is standing up well to these and our dedicated staff are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need , '' a spokesperson said .
`` We 're taking urgent action to boost capacity - we 've moved 10,000 existing staff to the help on the front line and we 're recruiting more . ''
Since the virus struck , the government has made a series of changes designed to make it easier for the self-employed to claim the benefit and to ensure they will not lose out as their earnings dry up .
Labour has urged ministers to go much further , saying the verification process for new claimants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advances - available for those in urgent need - should not have to be repaid .
`` People need help now , '' said shadow work and pensions secretary Margaret Greenwood .
`` The government should turn advances into non-repayable grants to end the five week wait and make sure people get the support they need quickly at a level that genuinely protects them from poverty . ''

The numbers of people losing out on work could therefore be higher even than this significant level. But given the numbers who have managed to register, there are obviously very significant efforts going on at the DWP to expand the service to try to meet the scale of the need.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Wimbledon cancelled due to coronavirus - where does that leave tennis in 2020?

Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War Two because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The tournament was due to be played between 29 June and 12 July .
The entire grass-court season has been abandoned , and there will be no professional tennis anywhere in the world until at least 13 July .
Wimbledon is the latest major summer sporting event to be called off , with Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics postponed for 12 months .
It follows the postponement of the French Open , which was due to begin in May but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is a decision that we have not taken lightly , and we have done so with the highest regard for public health and the wellbeing of all those who come together to make Wimbledon happen , '' said Ian Hewitt , All England Lawn Tennis Club chairman .
`` It has weighed heavily on our minds that the staging of the Championships has only been interrupted previously by World Wars but , following thorough and extensive consideration of all scenarios , we believe it is ultimately the right decision to cancel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concentrate on how we can use the breadth of Wimbledon 's resources to help those in our local communities and beyond .
`` Our thoughts are with all those who have been and continue to be affected by these unprecedented times . ''
The All England Club did not need to make a decision before the end of April , but the writing has been on the wall for some time .
That is when on-site preparations would have had to begin in earnest : a forlorn hope given the current restrictions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the thought that by the end of June , 40,000 people would be able to take their seats in packed stands , and jostle for the best vantage point in the narrow walkways bordering the outside courts .
The government 's advice that large gatherings should not take place is aimed , in no small part , at relieving the pressure on the emergency services , which would otherwise be in attendance .
It is undeniably optimistic to assume the demands on the health service will have returned to normal levels by mid-summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losses that Wimbledon , and the LTA 's series of grass-court events , might incur - but there is also the issue of perception .
The All England Club would not want to be seen to be pushing ahead with a sporting event as the death toll continues to rise and the country remains in the grip of the pandemic .
Sticking resolutely to a place on the calendar , only to cancel abruptly , or postponing by a few weeks before having to concede defeat , is messy .
It is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , instead , to face facts and plan to return with a flourish in 2021 .
What about refunds and impact on finances ?
The All England Club had the foresight to take out insurance policies which will shield them from eye-watering losses .
They will therefore be able to refund ticket holders , broadcast partners and sponsors - a bill which , even according to conservative estimates , will top £200m .
The Lawn Tennis Association will also receive its 'annual surplus ' of profits .
The payment , which effectively funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ahead , was more than £40m in 2018 .
It is likely to fall , but should not leave an irreparable hole at the heart of the LTA 's finances , especially as they have tens of millions of pounds in reserve .
But the LTA has lost over £12m in the past two years , and will also be hit by the loss of all of the summer grass-court events .
Of those , only the Fever Tree Championships at Queen 's Club actually returns a profit , but as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year 's losses will inevitably be greater .
But the biggest blow for British tennis is the loss of the best shop window of the year .
No Queen 's , Eastbourne or Wimbledon means no BBC TV exposure for the sport , and even if we are allowed to return to the courts , there is very unlikely to be the dramatic spike in participation usually seen in the months of June and July .
Will there be any tennis at all in 2020 ?
No-one is holding their breath for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bastad , Bucharest and Lausanne on 13 July .
The Olympic tournament is already on hold ; the prestigious events in Toronto and Montreal in the middle of August are said to be under threat ; and the USTA has publicly floated the possibility of pushing back the US Open start date of 31 August .
There has even been talk behind the scenes of staging the US Open in Indian Wells , California , in December .
But if you take the US Open out of New York and push it back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US Open .
If professional tennis is able to resume , then the WTA in particular seems keen to make up for lost time and continue beyond the WTA Championships scheduled for the first week in November .
But the global nature of the sport , which requires players to cross continents with so much regularity , may yet make this debate an academic one as far as 2020 is concerned .
As the 2006 Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo said on Twitter earlier this week : `` I think we are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 tennis season .
`` An international circuit = players of all nationalities , as well as coaches , spectators and those coming from all four corners of the world to bring these events to life .

Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep were the 2019 singles champions
Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War Two because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The tournament was due to be played between 29 June and 12 July.
The entire grass-court season has been abandoned, and there will be no professional tennis anywhere in the world until at least 13 July.
Wimbledon is the latest major summer sporting event to be called off, with Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics postponed for 12 months.
It follows the postponement of the French Open, which was due to begin in May but has been rescheduled to 20 September-4 October.
"This is a decision that we have not taken lightly, and we have done so with the highest regard for public health and the wellbeing of all those who come together to make Wimbledon happen," said Ian Hewitt, All England Lawn Tennis Club chairman.
"It has weighed heavily on our minds that the staging of the Championships has only been interrupted previously by World Wars but, following thorough and extensive consideration of all scenarios, we believe it is ultimately the right decision to cancel this year's Championships, and instead concentrate on how we can use the breadth of Wimbledon's resources to help those in our local communities and beyond.
"Our thoughts are with all those who have been and continue to be affected by these unprecedented times."
Why decide now?
The All England Club did not need to make a decision before the end of April, but the writing has been on the wall for some time.
That is when on-site preparations would have had to begin in earnest: a forlorn hope given the current restrictions in place in the UK.
As was the thought that by the end of June, 40,000 people would be able to take their seats in packed stands, and jostle for the best vantage point in the narrow walkways bordering the outside courts.
The government's advice that large gatherings should not take place is aimed, in no small part, at relieving the pressure on the emergency services, which would otherwise be in attendance. It is undeniably optimistic to assume the demands on the health service will have returned to normal levels by mid-summer.
Swift cancellation should help reduce any losses that Wimbledon, and the LTA's series of grass-court events, might incur - but there is also the issue of perception.
The All England Club would not want to be seen to be pushing ahead with a sporting event as the death toll continues to rise and the country remains in the grip of the pandemic.
Sticking resolutely to a place on the calendar, only to cancel abruptly, or postponing by a few weeks before having to concede defeat, is messy. It is not the way Wimbledon does things. Better, instead, to face facts and plan to return with a flourish in 2021.
What about refunds and impact on finances?
The All England Club had the foresight to take out insurance policies which will shield them from eye-watering losses. They will therefore be able to refund ticket holders, broadcast partners and sponsors - a bill which, even according to conservative estimates, will top £200m.
The Lawn Tennis Association will also receive its 'annual surplus' of profits. The payment, which effectively funds British tennis' governing body for the year ahead, was more than £40m in 2018.
It is likely to fall, but should not leave an irreparable hole at the heart of the LTA's finances, especially as they have tens of millions of pounds in reserve.
But the LTA has lost over £12m in the past two years, and will also be hit by the loss of all of the summer grass-court events. Of those, only the Fever Tree Championships at Queen's Club actually returns a profit, but as they are not insured against cancellation, this year's losses will inevitably be greater.
But the biggest blow for British tennis is the loss of the best shop window of the year. No Queen's, Eastbourne or Wimbledon means no BBC TV exposure for the sport, and even if we are allowed to return to the courts, there is very unlikely to be the dramatic spike in participation usually seen in the months of June and July.
Will there be any tennis at all in 2020?
No-one is holding their breath for a resumption of the tour in Hamburg, Bastad, Bucharest and Lausanne on 13 July.
The Olympic tournament is already on hold; the prestigious events in Toronto and Montreal in the middle of August are said to be under threat; and the USTA has publicly floated the possibility of pushing back the US Open start date of 31 August.
There has even been talk behind the scenes of staging the US Open in Indian Wells, California, in December. But if you take the US Open out of New York and push it back three months, it won't be the US Open.
If professional tennis is able to resume, then the WTA in particular seems keen to make up for lost time and continue beyond the WTA Championships scheduled for the first week in November.
But the global nature of the sport, which requires players to cross continents with so much regularity, may yet make this debate an academic one as far as 2020 is concerned.
As the 2006 Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo said on Twitter earlier this week: "I think we are going to have to draw a line under the 2020 tennis season.
"An international circuit = players of all nationalities, as well as coaches, spectators and those coming from all four corners of the world to bring these events to life.
"No vaccine = no tennis."


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Champions League & Europa League suspended 'until further notice'

All Champions League and Europa League matches have been suspended `` until further notice '' by Uefa because of the global coronavirus pandemic .
All national team games in June have also been postponed , including play-off matches for Euro 2020 - already postponed to 2021 - and qualifying matches for the Women 's Euro 2021 .
The Premier League is suspended until at least 30 April .
The Euro 2020 play-offs are set to feature Northern Ireland , the Republic of Ireland and Scotland .
Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea are both still in the Champions League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Premiership side Rangers are all in the Europa League .
The finals of the Champions League , Europa League and Women 's Champions League , all of which were scheduled for May , had already been postponed .
While most leagues in Europe hope to finish their domestic seasons once restrictions on movement and social contact are lifted , Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said last week the season could be lost if play does not start by the end of June .
`` If we do n't succeed in restarting , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Slovenian said .
He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica : `` There is a plan A , B and C. '' The three options are to start again in mid-May , in June or at the end of June .
`` There is also the possibility of starting again at the beginning of the next [ season ] , starting the following one later .
We will see the best solution for leagues and clubs . ''
Ceferin says that playing remaining games behind closed doors would have to be an option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me to imagine all the matches behind closed doors , but we still do n't know whether we 'll resume , with or without spectators , '' he said .
`` If there was no alternative , it would be better to finish the championships . ''
A mini-tournament to decide the Champions League and Europa League is expected to be one option put forward to ease fixture congestion caused by the coronavirus crisis .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Paris St-Germain fans gathered outside the Parc des Princes in March, despite the club playing their Champions League last 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund behind closed doors
All Champions League and Europa League matches have been suspended "until further notice" by Uefa because of the global coronavirus pandemic.
All national team games in June have also been postponed, including play-off matches for Euro 2020 - already postponed to 2021 - and qualifying matches for the Women's Euro 2021.
The European governing body's 55 member associations met on Wednesday.
The Premier League is suspended until at least 30 April.
The Euro 2020 play-offs are set to feature Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea are both still in the Champions League, while Manchester United, Wolves and Scottish Premiership side Rangers are all in the Europa League.
The finals of the Champions League, Europa League and Women's Champions League, all of which were scheduled for May, had already been postponed.
While most leagues in Europe hope to finish their domestic seasons once restrictions on movement and social contact are lifted, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said last week the season could be lost if play does not start by the end of June.
"If we don't succeed in restarting, the season will probably be lost," the Slovenian said.
He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica: "There is a plan A, B and C.
"The three options are to start again in mid-May, in June or at the end of June.
"There is also the possibility of starting again at the beginning of the next [season], starting the following one later. We will see the best solution for leagues and clubs."
Ceferin says that playing remaining games behind closed doors would have to be an option across Europe.
"It's hard for me to imagine all the matches behind closed doors, but we still don't know whether we'll resume, with or without spectators," he said.
"If there was no alternative, it would be better to finish the championships."
A mini-tournament to decide the Champions League and Europa League is expected to be one option put forward to ease fixture congestion caused by the coronavirus crisis.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--DJ Ace: High-risk people like me can get coronavirus and be fine

BBC 1xtra 's DJ Ace says he 's fully recovered after testing positive for coronavirus .
The presenter is on the waiting list for a new kidney - meaning he 's at a higher risk of getting severe symptoms from the virus .
He 's posted on Instagram reassuring people with underlying health problems that getting Covid-19 does n't always mean `` the worst case scenario '' .
But he stresses it 's important to `` do everything [ experts ] tell you to do '' .
Chronic kidney disease is on the list of conditions considered `` higher risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are being `` strongly advised '' to follow social distancing rules .
Ace has been waiting for a new kidney for two years .
This means going to hospital for regular dialysis sessions - where he 's hooked up to a machine that filters his blood .
`` You might have noticed I have n't been on the radio for the past two weeks , '' he says in this latest post .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KNOW : How to understand the death toll • STRESS : How to look after your mental health '' It 's because my condition puts me in a high risk and vulnerable category , so I 've been advised not to go back to work for now .
`` But I have had to continue having my dialysis sessions three times a week and about 10 days ago I had fever and I had some real body aches . ''
He explains that he was sent to a dialysis session in isolation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days later , he says , that test came back positive .
`` I 'm just putting this video out there for people who are like me who have underlying health issues to say you can get the virus and you can still be fine , '' he adds .
`` I had symptoms for like two days , I had fever and I had body aches , I did n't have the cough and I 've come out of it very well . ''
Following official advice , he 's now gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 34-year-old Faizan Awan from Blackburn is waiting for a new kidney .
But he does his dialysis treatments himself , at home , and this means he has n't left his house - at all - in nearly a month .
`` It 's been a month , but it 's felt like a year , '' he tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
`` It can get tiresome , it can start to play with your head a bit .
Days drift into each other after a while but it 's for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's `` not scared '' of coronavirus - and agrees with Ace that the most important thing is to follow official advice .
`` I live with my family and my mother is getting older and my brother has asthma so although they 're healthier than I am I would n't want to put them or myself at risk by not listening to guidelines . ''
A spokesperson for kidney support charity The National Kidney Federation has told Newsbeat : `` We know the current Covid-19 pandemic is a worrying time for patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by everyone , but kidney patients have extra concerns about keeping themselves safe .
`` The National Kidney Federation operates the only UK helpline dedicated to kidney patients and their families , for help and advice in this worrying time , call free of charge on 0800 169 09 36 . ''
If you 're worried about what the UK government advice on coronavirus is for you , visit here .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

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bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Nottinghamshire 'lock-in' pub closed under new laws

A pub that was holding a `` lock-in '' for regular drinkers has been shut down under new coronavirus legislation .
The licensee was serving drinks at The Blue Bell , in Nottinghamshire , unbeknownst to its owners , police said .
Nottinghamshire Police officers were called to weekend reports that drinks were being served and , along with Ashfield District Council , shut it .
All stock and alcohol has also now been removed from the premises , in Mansfield Road , Sutton-in-Ashfield .
Following the government 's social distancing measure announcement on 20 March , all pubs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stories from the East Midlands Ch Supt Rob Griffin said this `` sends a very clear message '' that `` police and our partners will not tolerate those people who deliberately break the rules and put other people 's lives in danger '' .
Councillor Helen-Ann Smith , from Ashfield District Council , said the bar manager was `` irresponsible '' and `` drinking with even one friend goes against the government 's guidelines '' .
`` It beggars belief why this group of people thought it was acceptable to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were staying home to help save lives , '' she said .
Lee Anderson , MP for Ashfield , reported the lock-in to the police after it was brought to his attention .
He said : `` At a time when the vast majority of residents are obeying government advice we have a small majority who think the rules do not apply to them . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
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Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"It beggars belief why this group of people thought it was acceptable to have a private party when the majority of residents were staying home to help save lives," she said.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Social distancing plea by family after boy, 13, died

The family of a boy , 13 , who died after testing positive for coronavirus have pleaded with the public to follow social distancing rules to protect the NHS and save lives .
Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab , from Brixton , south London , died in hospital on Monday .
Ismail , who had no underlying health conditions , was described as a `` gentle and kind '' boy .
He tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday , his family said .
`` We are all praying at this difficult time for all the people affected by this Covid-19 virus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ismail 's family said in a statement .
`` We also wanted to reiterate the need for people to listen to government guidance .
`` So please , do everything you can to ensure that we adhere to social distancing ; that people stay at home as much as they possibly can , to protect the NHS and save lives . ''
• Should young people be worried about coronavirus ?
Ismail 's death was confirmed by the NHS , which stated he was among patients with no known underlying health condition who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is understood he died after suffering a cardiac arrest .
Family friend Mark Stephenson , who was speaking on behalf of the boy 's mother and six siblings , said there would not be a post-mortem examination .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak On Tuesday Dr Nathalie MacDermott , clinical lecturer at King 's College London , said Ismail 's death `` highlights the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can to reduce the spread of infection in the UK and worldwide '' .
`` While chronic underlying medical conditions are known to result in worse outcomes in Covid-19 infection , we have heard of cases of younger individuals with no known medical problems succumbing to the disease , '' she said .
`` It is essential that we undertake research to determine why a proportion of deaths occur outside of the groups expected to succumb to infection , as it may indicate an underlying genetic susceptibility of how the immune system interacts @ @ @ @ @

"It is essential that we undertake research to determine why a proportion of deaths occur outside of the groups expected to succumb to infection, as it may indicate an underlying genetic susceptibility of how the immune system interacts with the virus."


bbcuk--2020-04-01--York woman fined for breaching coronavirus rules

A woman has been fined for breaching coronavirus restrictions after she refused to tell police who she was and why she was at a railway station .
Marie Dinou , 41 , from York , was arrested at Newcastle Central Station at 08:00 GMT on Saturday .
North Tyneside Magistrates ' Court imposed a £660 fine under the Coronavirus Act 2020 on Monday .
Dinou , who did not enter a plea , was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £66 and costs of £85 .
British Transport Police assistant chief constable Sean O'Callaghan said enforcement of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In this case , officers tried their utmost best to engage with Dinou .
`` I can assure you we would much rather not have to take such action . ''
People risk committing an offence if they appear to be breaching restrictions laid out in the emergency legislation and fail to give a reasonable excuse when challenged .
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• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Follow BBC Yorkshire on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk .

A woman has been fined for breaching coronavirus restrictions after she refused to tell police who she was and why she was at a railway station.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus forces postponement of COP26 meeting in Glasgow

A key climate summit in Glasgow will be delayed until next year due to disruption caused by the coronavirus .
The announcement was made in a joint statement from the UK and UN after a `` virtual '' meeting of officials .
Dozens of world leaders were due to attend the COP26 gathering that was set to run in Glasgow from November 9 this year .
It is expected that the conference will now take place by the middle of next year .
• Government insists COP26 summit will be in Glasgow As the virus has spread around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks that the COP26 talks would be delayed .
Around 30,000 delegates , journalists and environmental campaigners were due in Scotland for the meeting .
However the changing priorities that coronavirus has forced on governments can be clearly seen in Glasgow 's Scottish Events Campus ( SEC ) which was due to host the talks .
It is now set to become a temporary hospital to house patients affected by Covid-19 .
The decision to move COP26 was taken by UN officials , including UN climate chief Patricia Espinosa and UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president-designate of the meeting .
`` The world is currently facing an unprecedented global challenge and countries are rightly focusing their efforts on saving lives and fighting Covid-19 , '' Mr Sharma said in a statement .
`` That is why we have decided to reschedule COP26 . ''
`` We will continue working tirelessly with our partners to deliver the ambition needed to tackle the climate crisis and I look forward to agreeing a new date for the conference . ''
Five years on from the landmark Paris agreement , all nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action plans on the table at the Glasgow meeting .
Environmental groups said the decision was understandable .
`` Postponing COP26 is the right thing to do - public health and safety must come first now , '' said Laurence Tubiana , one of the architects of the Paris agreement and CEO of European Climate Foundation .
`` This crisis has shown that international cooperation and solidarity are essential to protect global well-being and peace .
COP26 next year should become a centre piece of revitalized global cooperation . ''
The summit has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rows between the UK and Scottish governments , and with Claire O'Neill , the minister originally appointed to run the talks , sacked by Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
While the delay was almost inevitable in the light of coronavirus , some officials believe there may be a silver lining .
Governments are set to spend huge amounts to boost their economies once the pandemic is over .
There 's a view that when the summit is eventually held , it could be an important forum for ensuring that money is spent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic will also reorder to an extent the priorities for COP26 , as alongside the UN climate process countries will be devising stimulus packages for economies hard-hit by the crisis , '' said Adair Turner , Senior Fellow at the Institute for New Economic Thinking .
`` With low-carbon stimulus as a new priority for COP26 , it should be seen as an opportunity to rebuild economies hit by coronavirus in ways that are healthier , more resilient to future shocks and fairer to a wider range of people . ''
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Governments are set to spend huge amounts to boost their economies once the pandemic is over. There's a view that when the summit is eventually held, it could be an important forum for ensuring that money is spent on sustainable and renewable projects.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Missing Owen Harding 'on 280-mile trek to girlfriend'

A teenager missing for six days may have tried to walk 280 miles to see his girlfriend , his mother has said .
Owen Harding , 16 , was last seen leaving his home in Saltdean , Sussex , last Thursday .
His mum Stella said he had been upset at being unable to get a train to visit girlfriend Meg in Pocklington , near York , amid the coronavirus lockdown .
She said relatives were desperately worried and urged the public to be on the lookout for Owen .
In an earlier appeal over her son 's disappearance - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Harding said he had left home to watch the sunset .
Some of Owen 's friends have since said they believe he has attempted to walk from Saltdean to the North , Ms Harding said .
`` While it is extremely out of character for Owen to leave and not be in contact , Covid-19 has put everyone under lots of strain and we do n't want to rule anything out , '' she said .
`` Because search activity and resources are limited right now , I 'm begging the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on their daily walks .
`` But please make sure that , in doing so , you adhere to social distancing and government guidance and do not put yourself or anyone else at risk . ''
Sussex Police said searches have taken place in the Saltdean and Telscombe cliffs area near Brighton .
Det Ch Insp Alasdair Henry asked anyone who was driving near the cliffs last Thursday after 18:00 GMT to check if they had dashcam footage of Owen .
He said police were keen to hear from anyone who could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request to abide by government guidance at all times .
The force would link up with colleagues across the country if there was anything to suggest Owen had travelled out of Sussex , he added .
Owen is described as white , between 5ft 11ins and 6ft , and of athletic build with short brown hair .
The appeal to find Owen has been shared by TV presenter and family friend Nadia Sawalha .

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bbcuk--2020-03-31--Birth in a pandemic: 'You are stronger than you think'

The coronavirus crisis is throwing many pregnant women 's birth plans up in the air and leading some health trusts to increase home births .
The image captured hearts on social media 10 days ago .
Faolán , Gaelic for `` little wolf '' , was born in Drogheda in Ireland on Saturday 14 March and a few days later his grandfather dropped round to see him - through the window .
He stayed for 10 minutes , gazing at his first grandchild .
It was hard to have family so close and yet separated by a pane of glass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold Faolán , says his mother , Emma Dillon Gallagher , who went into labour before Ireland 's lockdown and emerged from hospital into a different world .
Like parents of newborns in the UK , Emma and her husband Mìcheál then self-isolated for 14 days , while visiting family members took turns at the window .
A tweet of the photograph above , with the caption `` three generations of social distancing '' , has since collected nearly 730,000 likes .
But this is just one of many changes brought about by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some pregnant women it has opened up the prospect of having to give birth alone , or of being unable to have the Caesarean section they were hoping for .
For others it 's a case of not being able to have the baby in a midwife-led birth centre , but in a hospital instead - or even at home .
While some health trusts are clamping down on home births because of the virus , others are planning to deliver babies this way whenever it 's medically safe .
Nikki Dennett-Thorpe gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Emma Dillon Gallagher , on 19 March - the day before all UK schools and nurseries were closed indefinitely .
She needed a Caesarean section , so when she developed a persistent cough her hospital in Eastbourne suddenly had to make special arrangements .
She waited in an isolation room , ready in her hospital gown and compression socks as the staff tried to find an operating theatre which would n't be needed immediately afterwards - allowing time for it to be decontaminated before the next patient .
Nikki worried that her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be disturbing .
`` I thought , when Stanley comes out he is going to be faced with mummy and daddy with surgical masks on , '' she says .
But in the end , the consultant decided it would be safe to postpone the Caesarean section for 24 hours , while Nikki was tested for coronavirus - and fortunately she got the all-clear .
Nikki and her husband then went into isolation for 14 days , with Stanley and their toddler .
Like Faolán during his isolation , Stanley has yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Women who have chosen to have a Caesarean section when it is n't a medical necessity - because they are anxious about natural birth , for example - are in some cases being told that it may have to be delayed , or even cancelled , says the charity Birthright .
One woman who called the group said she 'd been told she would have to wait and see if there was capacity to have a C-Section on the day , and may have to have an induction instead .
The NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be at higher risk from coronavirus and should only leave the house for very limited purposes The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ( RCOG ) says `` pregnant women do not appear to be more likely to be seriously unwell than other healthy adults if they develop the new coronavirus '' .
There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage if a pregnant woman becomes infected , according to the RCOG , and `` given current evidence , it is considered unlikely that if you have the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's development '' .
It adds : `` In all reported cases of newborn babies developing coronavirus very soon after birth , the baby was well .
Health trusts currently have competing priorities .
One is to limit transmission of the virus by keeping people out of hospital as much as possible .
Another is to divert staff to help treat Covid-19 patients , and a third is to free up space for these patients to be treated .
It 's for the last reason that a number of midwife-led Birth Centres have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In some areas , women will now be giving birth in a hospital environment instead , but in others the plan is to switch to home births in all cases where this is medically possible .
At the same time , in parts of the country women have been told that the home births they were planning may no longer be possible because of a shortage of midwives - two are often required to be present throughout - or ambulances .
An ambulance must always be available in case something goes wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospital .
First time mum-to-be Hanna Cesek-Shaw has her heart set on giving birth at home and has been told so far that this can go ahead .
`` I have never been less keen to go to a hospital , '' she says .
`` I like the idea of my baby being born into a pool in our living room into a nice calm environment , one that we have control over one where I can be in my own bed after and eat my own food . ''
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the Birth Centre has closed and women are being offered home births as a possible alternative .
It may not be an option they all want to take up .
For Hanna , by contrast , her primary fear is that something may happen at the last minute to derail her carefully laid home-birth plans .
She 's in touch with other women online who have been told there are n't enough midwives or ambulances .
But she says she 's not `` anti-hospital '' and has noticed a great wave of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital births in the last few days .
`` They 've all been sharing really positive things about labour wards , so they 're like , 'Labour ward birth , not what you had planned , but look how good it can be . '
And that 's been really reassuring and good to see . ''
If Hanna does have to give birth in hospital , she wo n't be able to take her doula , and her husband , Rhodri , will be asked to leave two hours after the baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give birth without a loved-one present at all .
Who will look after any existing children when the baby is being born ?
With lots of grandparents now in self-isolation they are out of the equation , as is anyone who could bring coronavirus into the new baby 's home .
One pregnant woman told me that when she goes into labour her husband will have no choice but to drop her off in the hospital car park and then drive home with their toddler .
Her Ghanaian parents are no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I am trying to be brave about having to go through it all without my husband there to hold my hand or rub my back , but some days it all gets too much , '' she says .
`` I am just going to try to focus on meeting my baby at the end . ''
Rebecca Campbell , a nurse from Cheshire , gave birth alone on Tuesday morning because her husband , Richard , has a health condition that means he can not safely enter a hospital during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the birth of his twin sons , four years ago , and took for granted that he would be present for the birth of his daughter - until coronavirus came along .
He said he felt `` devastated '' to miss it .
Rebecca made plans to FaceTime Richard once she had their daughter in her arms .
The hospital was aiming to give her personal protective equipment and her own room to recover in but she was well aware that it might not be possible and was prepared in that case to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter , in a family member 's empty house .
The idea of being away from her husband and boys was distressing , but she steeled herself for it - because returning to her family and taking the coronavirus with her was too great a risk to take .
It has n't been possible to ask her , in the hours since the birth , whether she will have to isolate or not .
None of these women could have imagined nine months ago that they would be giving birth during a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` You are braver and stronger than you think . ''
For young Stanley Dennett-Thorpe , meanwhile , the breaking news updates on the television are a blur .
He often sleeps through the UK government 's daily 5pm briefing .
The constant deluge of coronavirus information exists outside his orbit .
His world revolves around his mum , and for that she is thankful .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide @ @ @

She's in touch with other women online who have been told there aren't enough midwives or ambulances. But she says she's not "anti-hospital" and has noticed a great wave of positivity on her social media feed about hospital births in the last few days. "They've all been sharing really positive things about labour wards, so they're like, 'Labour ward birth, not what you had planned, but look how good it can be.' And that's been really reassuring and good to see."


bbcuk--2020-04-01--How Matt Lucas' Baked Potato Song will help feed NHS workers

When Matt Lucas updated a 20-year-old comedy song with lyrics giving advice about avoiding coronavirus , he expected about 500 people to watch it .
`` That 's probably as many people as would normally look at my Twitter , '' the Little Britain star says .
But the video for his revised Baked Potato Song has now had three million views , and he is about to release it to raise funds for his FeedNHS campaign .
`` When the idea was put to me , it was a no brainer , '' he tells BBC News .
Lucas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ madcap comedy quiz Shooting Stars , where the singing vegetable delivered some sensible life lessons - from `` Do be early , do n't be late '' to `` Always eat what 's on your plate '' .
`` Sometimes people write to me about that song because it appeared on Shooting Stars about 20 years ago , and it 's something that people still remember , '' Lucas says .
He was inspired to revisit it after seeing footage of people socialising last Tuesday , when he was already in isolation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a way of helping to spread the message rather than the virus , and I thought , if I can connect with kids , then maybe the kids can tell their parents , '' he says .
`` I was sat at my piano and I just remembered the baked potato song . ''
In its new incarnation , the baked potato instructs people to wash their hands , stay indoors and not touch their faces .
`` I watched over the next 48 hours as it went viral , and three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says Lucas .
`` And then people started doing their own versions and their own animations .
And kids were filming themselves singing it and sending it to me , and it sort of took on a life of its own . ''
As that was happening , Lucas was speaking to actors Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory , as well as the boss of food chain Leon , to set up a campaign that would provide hot meals to NHS workers .
FeedNHS is aiming to take food from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have been forced to shut down and send it to hospitals .
A fundraising page has already raised almost £600,000 .
`` I have an aunt who 's in hospital at the moment with the virus .
I know two people who 've passed away from it , '' Lucas explains .
`` People message me on social media to say they work in the NHS and they 're completely oversubscribed .
So it was pretty plain and simple to all of us that we should try and get them at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's good quality food as well . ''
So a singing baked potato will be helping to feed doctors and nurses .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Lucas is about to become the new co-host of The Great British Bake Off and is rumoured to be working on new Little Britain material with David Walliams .
But he says he 's not using the time afforded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The only creative thing I 've done in the last two and a half weeks is rewrite the lyrics to this song , '' he says .
`` I 've only been focused on this charity , my family and my friends .
`` I want to be able to look back and think that I tried to do something to help some people during this particular crisis .
I have asthma so I have to isolate .
But many people are literally risking their lives to help people . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"People message me on social media to say they work in the NHS and they're completely oversubscribed. So it was pretty plain and simple to all of us that we should try and get them at least one hot meal a day, and it's good quality food as well."


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Self-isolating in a multi-generational household

A family of 13 , spanning four generations , has described the difficulty of self-isolating while all living under one roof .
Health officials have warned that those in multi-generational households are at more risk of infecting their elders .
Hayaat Karim lives in Bradford along with his grandparents , parents , six siblings - two of who are married - and his three-year-old nephew .
Some are now living in another part of the house to avoid getting sick .
Medical student Mr Karim said : `` It 's been difficult because we 're so used to seeing everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together • How to keep your family safe during the outbreak His grandparents , aged 72 and 86 , are staying in a separate part of the house , while his brother-in-law , who is a key-worker , has been nominated as the only person allowed to leave the house to pick up shopping .
`` It 's just been about taking a moment to have those discussions with the family and how we can adapt the government advice and make it work practically in the home , '' said Mr Karim .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so even if my brother-in-law comes in and has something on his clothes for example , he changes them . ''
In Yorkshire and the Humber , more than 80,000 people over the age of 70 live with someone of working age .
But in ethnic minority communities , that number is significantly higher .
Prof John Wright , a medical doctor and epidemiologist at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust , said people living in multi-generational families was one of the reasons for the virus spread in Italy and Spain .
`` These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Bradford but also other big northern cities .
`` This is a much more difficult environment to socially isolate ... but we need to encourage people living in these households that hand hygiene is really important ... because the risk is that you bring the virus into the household . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
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"This is a much more difficult environment to socially isolate... but we need to encourage people living in these households that hand hygiene is really important... because the risk is that you bring the virus into the household."


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Clear nights skies delight photographers

With most people spending many hours at home , photographers are having to find new ways to express their creativity .
And with fewer aircraft in the skies , those who venture out at night to photograph the heavens no longer have to spend hours removing passing aeroplanes from their pictures .
`` I usually end up spending a lot of time removing light trails caused by passing aircraft but I only had one plane to remove from these images , instead of the usual 20-30 , '' says student Ben Lockett , from Staffordshire , who takes pictures such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise .
The pictures are taken using a long exposure , with the apparent motion of the stars due to Earth 's rotation .
Another photographer , Andrew Whyte , says : `` On Friday night , I continued to observe the lockdown and did n't even cross the threshold of my front door . ''
`` At a time when there 'd usually be a steady passage of friends and couples on their way home from the pub or taxis dropping off partygoers , I saw a single person out for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I was further relieved when it came to processing the shot , because the sky was empty of planes . ''
Photographer Jon Mills believes the pictures perfectly capture the incredible times the world is experiencing .
He says : `` While those on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic are ever in our thoughts , many of us will spend weeks or even months shut in our homes .
`` The extraordinary nature of this situation is giving us a unique opportunity to enjoy the incredible beauty that is all @ @ @ @

"I usually end up spending a lot of time removing light trails caused by passing aircraft but I only had one plane to remove from these images, instead of the usual 20-30," says student Ben Lockett, from Staffordshire, who takes pictures such as the one above during his daily exercise.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Charles speaks following virus diagnosis

Prince Charles has spoken of a `` strange , frustrating and often distressing experience '' following his diagnosis of the @ @ @ @ @ a recorded a video message in support for the charity , Age UK , the @ @ @ @ @ `` faith in ourselves and in each other '' as the world battles the pandemic @

Prince Charles has spoken of the "strange, frustrating and often distressing experience" of being without family and friends during self-isolation. He was diagnosed with the virus in March.
In a recorded a video message in support for the charity, Age UK, the Prince of Wales called for "faith in ourselves and in each other" as the world battles the pandemic.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--The Papers: Hospital building 'heroes' and testing 'shambles'

Frontline NHS staff who are not receiving masks and tests are like soldiers being sent to war with no helmets @ @ @ @ @ told , reports the Metro .
Dr Samantha Batt-Rawden , chair of the Doctors ’ @ @ @ @ @ were putting their lives on the line every time they turn up to work , @ @ @ @ @ absolutely unacceptable ” .

Under the headline "Questions without answers", the paper says the government is unable to say why the UK is lagging behind other nations on testing, why so few NHS workers have been tested, or when new antibody tests will be ready.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: NI could see 3,000 deaths in 'first wave'

Northern Ireland could see 3,000 deaths in a `` first wave '' of the coronavirus pandemic , officials have warned .
Expert modelling has also indicated there could be second wave later in 2020 in the absence of a vaccine or sufficient population immunity .
Arlene Foster said the `` sobering statistic '' was `` about 500 people short of the lives lost during the Troubles '' .
She also confirmed the Eikon exhibition centre was being considered as NI 's `` Nightingale Hospital '' .
The first minister was speaking at the daily press briefing , which also covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( PPE ) .
`` Our healthcare workers are crying out for PPE , they 're crying out for testing '' said Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill .
She said the executive was pursuing every possible procurement route to source the equipment - and that the Chinese government had pledged to give support .
So far 30 people of 689 who have tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland have died .
The latest figures from the Republic of Ireland reveal a further 14 patients have died , bringing the total number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , 2,352 people ( out of nearly 30,000 who tested positive ) are known to have died .
The experts ' model indicates the first wave will peak between 6 and 20 April .
Based on local data , the study sets out a `` reasonable worst-case scenario '' , which assumes a two-thirds reduction in contacts due to social distancing and 70 % of those with symptoms self-isolating .
Under these circumstances , the modelling suggests the peak hospital admissions would be around 500 per week .
It also indicates that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people would lose their lives during 20 weeks of the pandemic .
The authors of the modelling have said their work is for planning purposes and should not be viewed as a prediction .
The delivery of new ventilators will mean there are 165 available in Northern Ireland , up from 139 in March , the chief medical officer has said .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak While he accepted the next few weeks would be `` more challenging '' , Michael McBride said there was a further batch of ventilators expected from a UK allocation , while more had been ordered from a company in Galway .
Health Minister Robin Swann said earlier a further 650 units capable of providing respiratory support were being procured .
Mr McBride said a memorandum of understanding was `` imminent '' to detail co-operation between health authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` reinforces and underpins the long-standing cooperation that we have had '' and follows previous shared services in cardiac and cancer treatments , he added .
The health service “ would have a realistic prospect of coping in this initial period if a sufficient proportion of the population adhere to the social distancing and self-isolation measures , ” Health Minister Robin Swann told the BBC .
He also said evidence showed an estimated two thirds of people in Northern Ireland were observing the rules over social distancing .
`` Your actions today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days can have a direct impact on the number of people that could actually die from Covid-19 , '' Mr Swann told BBC Newsline .
• An MoT test centre and Belfast 's SSE Arena are to be re-purposed as coronavirus test centres , BBC News NI understands • The Housing Executive has asked about 5,000 private landlords if they can help provide emergency housing for people at risk of homelessness • PSNI has written to a number of officers eligible to retire this summer to ask if they would consider staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services '' .

While he accepted the next few weeks would be "more challenging", Michael McBride said there was a further batch of ventilators expected from a UK allocation, while more had been ordered from a company in Galway.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Dog trainer Sue McCabe's tips on keeping pooches active

Dog trainer Sue McCabe says lockdown can be less stressful if you keep your dogs ' minds active by teaching @ @ @ @ @ Newcastle-based pet lover believes they can be a comfort during self-isolation , but they too @ @ @ @ @ She suggests hiding their treats in different spots in your garden or yard , and @ @ @ @ @ if space is limited .

Dog trainer Sue McCabe says lockdown can be less stressful if you keep your dogs' minds active by teaching them new tricks.
The Newcastle-based pet lover believes they can be a comfort during self-isolation, but they too also need alone time.
She suggests hiding their treats in different spots in your garden or yard, and lots of toy-based activities even if space is limited.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Health experts 'frustrated' by low UK virus testing

Health officials say they are `` frustrated '' by a lack of progress in expanding UK coronavirus testing .
Prof Paul Cosford of Public Health England ( PHE ) said `` everybody involved '' is unhappy testing has not `` got to the position yet that we need to get to '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson responded to criticism of the UK 's strategy by hailing screening as a solution to `` unlock the puzzle '' of coronavirus .
It came after the UK saw its biggest daily increase in deaths - 563 .
As of 17:00 BST on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the virus in the UK was 2,352 .
Mr Johnson , who is self-isolating in Downing Street after contracting the virus himself , has faced widespread criticism over his government 's testing strategy - with around 13,000 tests available each day against a target of 25,000 .
Prof Cosford said testing would hit 15,000 per day `` imminently '' and that PHE had played its part in ensuring tests were `` available to support clinical treatment of patients who need it '' .
The government has confirmed that 2,000 NHS frontline staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been tested for coronavirus since the outbreak began .
Prof Cosford , PHE 's emeritus medical director , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme the figure was `` nowhere near where we need to get to but it 's a good start '' .
But Labour 's Shami Chakrabarti said the slow pace of testing showed `` a lack of clarity of what the plan is and how it is going to be executed '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Sir Paul Nurse , chief executive of the Francis Crick research institute - which will soon be able to conduct 500 Covid-19 tests a day - said a Dunkirk-style effort was needed to co-ordinate smaller laboratories and increase test numbers .
`` We are a lot of little boats and the little boats can be effective , '' he said , referring to the evacuation of Allied troops from the beaches of the French city during World War Two .
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , destroyers in place .
That 's a bit more cumbersome to get working and we wish them all the luck to do that , but we little boats can contribute as well . ''
In a video message on Twitter on Wednesday evening , Mr Johnson said that increased screening would be how the UK defeats the coronavirus .
`` I want to say a special word about testing , because it is so important , and as I have said for weeks and weeks , this is the way through , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle .
This is how we will defeat it in the end . ''
Mr Johnson said more coronavirus testing would enable staff who were self-isolating - either because they had symptoms or shared a household with someone who was sick - to know if they were safe to work .
Antibody tests - which look for signs of immunity in the blood - could also show who had already had coronavirus and was therefore not at risk of being infected or passing the infection on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , these tests are not yet ready for use and it is not clear when they will be .
On Wednesday , Dr Yvonne Doyle , Public Health England ( PHE ) medical director , said during Downing Street 's daily coronavirus briefing that the `` intention '' was for testing for frontline staff to increase from `` thousands to hundreds of thousands within the coming weeks '' .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said the government was working with NHS England , Public Health England and other organisations to boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labs and testing sites .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has held talks with industry figures , issuing what his department said was a `` rallying call '' to improve diagnostic capability .
However , some NHS trusts have said they are limited in the number of tests they can carry out due to continued shortages of swabs , reagents and testing kits .
One large English district hospital in the Midlands reported it was only able to test three staff members per day due to a lack of swabs , NHS Providers said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that while it could carry out up to 300 tests per day , a shortage of reagent and testing kit availability meant only 20 were carried out daily .
Despite there being capacity for 12,750 daily tests , only 8,630 were taken on Monday , the prime minister 's official spokesman said .
As of 09:00 on Wednesday , 152,979 people in the UK had been tested for the virus with 29,474 confirmed positive .
Meanwhile , Addenbrooke 's hospital in Cambridge has become the first in the UK to use a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and patients .
Called Samba Two , it gives a result in just 90 minutes - as opposed to the 24 hours tests currently take - and has been adapted from an HIV test by a small Cambridge technology company .
Businessman and philanthropist Sir Chris Hohn , who is helping make the test more widely available , told the BBC it could be a `` game-changer '' in helping hospitals cope with the crisis .
• Loan and credit card payments could be frozen to support those struggling as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to announce it will suspend around 36,000 staff due to the crisis • Some 950,000 new universal credit claims were made in just two weeks from the middle of March - the normal figure for a two-week period is 100,000 • A third prisoner in the UK has died after contracting coronavirus at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire • Up to 3,000 armed forces reservists have been called up to aid the military response to the coronavirus pandemic • The Treasury is to announce changes to its emergency loans scheme for businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after thousands of struggling companies had their applications turned down • Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has become the fourth cabinet minister to self-isolate • NHS 111 has responded to more than 1.7 million inquiries over the past 15 days from people concerned they might have symptoms of coronavirus • Wimbledon is cancelled and Uefa has suspended all Champions League and Europa League matches `` until further notice '' Do you work in the NHS ?
Have you been tested ?
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Antibody tests - which look for signs of immunity in the blood - could also show who had already had coronavirus and was therefore not at risk of being infected or passing the infection on to others, the prime minister said.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Interest-free overdraft plan for struggling borrowers

People struggling financially amid the coronavirus pandemic should not be charged interest on the first £500 of existing overdrafts for 90 days , the UK 's financial watchdog has proposed .
The Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) also suggested repayments on loans and credit cards should be frozen for up to three months for those in trouble .
The FCA said the outbreak had caused an “ unprecedented financial shock ” .
Experts suggest that support from banks at present is `` patchy '' .
Banks said they were facing record numbers of calls for help , but were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for emergency measures , the City watchdog is asking banks to respond to its proposed measures by Monday 6 April , and it wants them to come into force by Thursday 9 April .
After the FCA recently announced an `` overhaul '' for overdraft charges , many banks increased their charges for some customers and clustered around a similar figure of about 40 % .
In its latest announcement , the watchdog said : `` Over the next 90 days , firms would have to ensure all consumers are no worse off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have under previous prices . ''
Other measures it has proposed to help struggle borrowers include : • A temporary freeze on credit card and store card debt up to three months • Zero interest for three months on up to £500 for customers affected by coronavirus using an arranged overdraft for up to three months The FCA also said that consumers using any of these measures should not see their credit rating affected .
FCA interim chief executive Christopher Woolard said : `` If confirmed , the package of measures we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the temporary financial support they need to help them weather the storm during this challenging time . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Some lenders have already put measures in place to assist people hit by the financial impact of the outbreak , but Martin Lewis , founder of Moneysavingexpert , described the picture as a `` banking lottery '' .
If approved , these proposals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borrowers .
However , they would still need to contact their bank to access the help , rather than just stopping repayments .
`` If you 're struggling to afford interest and debt repayments , do n't assume any of these things are in place until it 's confirmed by your bank .
If you just halt payments without confirmation , you may end up being chased for payments and having charges added to your debt , '' said Sarah Coles , personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown .
These are emergency rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by the crisis do n't fall through the cracks .
They could make a big difference because customers can apply for help knowing that the regulator - the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) - is on their side .
Banks have already put their own measures in place to help families who are hit by a sudden loss of income .
But their concessions vary and some do n't match up to the level of protection that the FCA wants to see .
On top of that , the new guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from bank loans to catalogue credit .
Customers still need to be aware that interest charges might build up in the background and have to be paid later on .
But on overdrafts , the stop-gap regime is clear : you can request to pay zero interest for three months .
This could make a big difference because it comes just as most big banks are introducing overdraft rates of nearly 40 % .
Contacting banks can be frustrating at present , with long queues , but information is also available on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online applications for help .
Apart from the zero interest on £500 of arranged overdrafts , firms would be entitled to charge a `` reasonable rate of interest '' when a customer requested a repayment holiday on loans , credit cards , and store cards .
Mr Lewis said : `` Payment holidays mean exactly what they say - you do n't pay , but you can still be charged interest .
And with interest rates often high , especially on cards , that can mean storing up trouble for future .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice , but if you do n't need to do it , do n't . ''
Banks are already offering three-month mortgage repayment holidays for some struggling customers .
Stephen Jones , chief executive of UK Finance , which represents banks and other lenders , said : `` It is critical that the FCA 's proposals do not disrupt the provision of credit to borrowers and takes account of the business models of all credit providers including those outside the mainstream market . ''
Mr Jones said that lenders have been receiving a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced staffing pressures .
He urged customers to check their lender 's website first to see if it answers their question , and consider getting in touch via online chat , social media and online banking and mobile apps .

"If you're struggling to afford interest and debt repayments, don't assume any of these things are in place until it's confirmed by your bank. If you just halt payments without confirmation, you may end up being chased for payments and having charges added to your debt," said Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Shoppers face 'essential items' confusion

Easter eggs , milk , exercise weights , garden plants , shampoo , children 's colouring books - just what exactly should you go out shopping for during the coronavirus lockdown ?
The government 's restrictions brought in on 23 March says people should only be leaving their houses for `` very limited purposes '' - one of those is to buy `` basic necessities '' .
But there 's been confusion over what this actually means .
One police force said it had taken action against two people who had met at a house party and were `` going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another police force said it was `` disappointed '' to see people out buying bags of compost and plants - saying this was not `` essential shopping '' .
While some convenience stores have complained they 've been told Easter eggs are non-essential goods .
It 's led some shoppers to question what they can buy when heading to the shops .
Sue Davies , head of consumer protection group Which ?
, said it was important for the public to have all the information they needed so they could act responsibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow government advice and shop as infrequently as possible during the lockdown , stocking up on food , medicine and essentials only when necessary .
`` If there is confusion among consumers about which products are essential , it is really important that the government provides the utmost clarity about what is expected of people , so that the vast majority who want to act responsibly have all the information they need to do so . ''
What are the rules ?
The government says you should only leave the house for very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic necessities , for example food and medicine , which must be as infrequent as possible '' .
It 's allowed `` essential retailers '' to stay open which includes places such as supermarkets , pharmacies , off-licences , petrol stations , newsagents , home and hardware stores and garages .
But crucially , there are no restrictions on what products these businesses can sell .
Retail analyst Andrew Busby , from consultancy Retail Reflections , thinks it 's difficult for the government to offer more rules on what you should be going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessity from one person to another might be viewed completely differently .
`` You could say , 'Is a bicycle shop a necessity ? '
It 's been deemed a necessity because you have to go out and get exercise .
`` I ca n't see a situation where the government could ever list what is a necessity .
If they really want to that 's another definition of lockdown altogether .
`` The government has to manage a delicate balancing act .
If you lose the population emotionally there 's far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the guidelines they 're being told .
`` We have to keep focused on what we 're trying to achieve but , within that , be allowed to use our common sense . ''
What do shops say ?
Most supermarkets have n't told shoppers what should be classed as priority or essential goods - but have put restrictions on the number of items you can buy of certain products .
These have included paracetamol , toilet roll , hand sanitiser , baby milk , pasta , rice and canned goods .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dispatch of certain items that are most needed by its customers during the lockdown - including food , health and personal care products , books and items needed to work from home .
Boots - which is allowing customers to collect online orders in its stores - has stopped selling items including perfume , electrical beauty and self-selection make-up on its website .
It said this was to `` help everyone have access to healthcare and essential items '' .
• What is banned and what is n't ?
• How do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some shops appear to be stopping customers from buying goods they consider to be `` non-essential '' .
Mum-of-two Becki Jones , 41 , from Sheffield , went out to buy food and cleaning products for her family after spending more than a week in isolation .
While in the shop she asked for some compost as she has her own vegetable patch , but was told by a staff member they could n't sell it as it was `` non-essential '' .
`` I said , 'Why can I buy a chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my garden but compost is non-essential ? '
They could n't give me an answer .
It 's ridiculous .
`` It 's the one thing that 's useful , if you grow your own veg you do n't need to buy it .
`` I left very confused and slightly annoyed as to why it was n't essential . ''
Time to do up the garden ?
But some shoppers have questioned why certain stores are open to sell what they consider to be non-essential items .
Police in Peterborough revealed they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a car full of people and said he was going to Halfords to look at a new bike .
One shopper asked the BBC : `` Why are stores like B & Q , Homebase and Superdrug allowed to trade ?
I 've seen people coming out of Homebase , with flatbed trollies with compost , plants and pots ? ''
Some people say this could expose staff and shoppers to possible risk .
Dominic Watkins , head of retail and food at law firm DWF , says the government guidance is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` does not mean shopping for discretionary purchases are permitted '' .
`` We should not be shopping for non-essential products such as a new sofa or flowers for the garden .
`` However , it is recognised that there will be things that require fixing around the house during this time and therefore stores need to available to provide those goods , and that is the reason that home and hardware stores are permitted to open .
`` Unless goods are essential for the upkeep , maintenance or function of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be trying to purchase them . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• NEW GUIDANCE : What must I do ?
• NEW RESTRICTIONS : What are they ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak He said there was more of a grey area around what people purchased while they 're also shopping for essential items .
`` If they are in the supermarket or DIY store , clearly it also sells non-essential items and once you are there , there is no legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The government said the coronavirus restriction guidance was `` constantly under review '' .
It said the rules that existed around shops was about `` the closure of certain retail premises - not about the products that business can or can not sell '' .
It added : `` It remains a decision for individual shops to choose which products they stock . ''

"If there is confusion among consumers about which products are essential, it is really important that the government provides the utmost clarity about what is expected of people, so that the vast majority who want to act responsibly have all the information they need to do so."


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Man jailed for coughing on police officer

A man who coughed on a police officer and claimed to have coronavirus has been jailed for six months .
Adam Lewis , 55 , told the officer : `` I am Covid and I am going to cough in your face and you will get it . ''
The Met said the officer had been flagged down by a member of the public during a cycle patrol in Westminster when it happened on Tuesday afternoon .
Lewis was sentenced by Westminster magistrates after being convicted of assaulting an emergency worker .
The officer was told that a man had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors in the area , magistrates heard .
Lewis resisted the officer 's attempt to search him and smashed a bottle of wine he was holding on the floor , police said .
As well as coughing on the officer , Lewis also tried to cough up phlegm and threatened to bite him , the Met said.Ch Supt Helen Harper said : `` My officers are doing everything they can to keep the public safe and police to the very best of their abilities - and we appreciate that the vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the measures the government has introduced . ''
She added that what happened was `` horrendous '' and promised a `` robust '' response to any `` unacceptable behaviour '' police encountered .

Ch Supt Helen Harper said: "My officers are doing everything they can to keep the public safe and police to the very best of their abilities - and we appreciate that the vast majority of people are making every effort to comply with the measures the government has introduced."


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Boots staff feel 'unsafe' as shoppers still browse makeup

Boots staff have told the BBC they feel `` unsafe '' at work as customers continue to browse for hair dye and fake tan despite the coronavirus pandemic .
Staff said they were frustrated some branches had reopened beauty aisles and lifted limits on the number of shoppers allowed inside at once .
Some stores were still waiting for visors , face masks and gloves for pharmacy workers , others said .
Boots said it was doing whatever it could to protect its staff .
'No one needs to buy fragrance' One staff member who works on the pharmacy at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC she was wearing her own gloves to work because her team had not been provided with any to use during shifts .
Her store had initially closed off aisles containing non-essential products and limited the number of customers allowed in – but she said those measures were lifted this week with no explanation given to staff on the shop floor .
`` The doors are just open and anyone can wander in - people are looking at makeup , wandering around , '' she said .
`` No one needs to buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pharmacy was `` overwhelmed '' and that the plastic screens placed between staff and customers were `` small '' and `` pointless '' .
• Shoppers confused over what are 'essential items' 'At the good end of the scale' Like other pharmacy chains , Boots has been designated an essential retailer in the UK 's effort to prevent the spread of the virus , which is why its stores can stay open .
It is not alone in having to strike a balance between serving customers and keeping pharmacy teams safe - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pharmacists ' Defence Association union , said it was `` at the good end of the scale '' when it came to protecting pharmacy staff .
He said community pharmacists up and down the country , which had already been `` squeezed '' , were under increased pressure because of the outbreak .
And Boots , like other chains , faced the additional question of how to protect non-pharmacy staff .
An employee who works on the tills at a branch in the West Midlands said Boots should `` only let a certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not sell things like `` mascaras and candles '' .
Tracey Clements , chief operating officer for Boots UK , thanked staff for the `` amazing care and commitment they are showing '' .
`` I know that this is a difficult time and we are doing all we can to make sure our colleagues have the NHS-recommended PPE available , alongside extra Perspex and plastic screening and social distancing equipment they can use , '' she said in a statement .
`` We have over 60,000 colleagues and we are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they work on the frontline of healthcare.
” Two online petitions - which together have more than 1,400 signatures - say `` non-essential '' Boots sales assistants should not have to come in to work and should be given paid leave .
Boots no longer requires staff on its No7 beauty range to come into work , has furloughed beauty advisors and said it was one of the first retailers to ask all vulnerable and pregnant colleagues to stay at home on full pay .
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health A customer adviser in a Devon branch , who specialises in skincare , said she was `` flabbergasted '' that she and her colleagues were expected to go in to work.. '' I went in on Monday morning and I witnessed staff hanging around doing nothing – chatting in the canteen because there ’ s nothing to do , '' she said .
She said staff were counting packets of crisps and tidying the stock room to fill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are actually travelling on public transport to get into Boots to do these non-essential jobs , '' she said , adding that she had to take two buses to get to work .
A sales assistant on the makeup aisle in a branch in north-east England said the store was mostly empty , but people still came in looking at mascaras while staff were `` standing around doing nothing '' .
`` This puts us at extreme risk as it only takes one infected customer to enter the store and pass it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knock-on effect of this would be huge . ''
He acknowledged that it was a `` stressful '' time for Boots , but added that shop floor staff had not received direct communication from the company and needed more `` clarity '' .

"I know that this is a difficult time and we are doing all we can to make sure our colleagues have the NHS-recommended PPE available, alongside extra Perspex and plastic screening and social distancing equipment they can use," she said in a statement.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--BBC radio stars lead the nation in a mass singalong

UK radio listeners formed a nationwide choir on Thursday , as five BBC stations teamed up for a communal singalong .
For the first time , Radio 1 , Radio 2 , 6 Music , 1 Xtra and Asian Network all broadcast the same programme , designed to lift spirits during the lockdown .
`` This is a unique moment , '' said Radio 1 's Greg James .
`` Isolation does n't mean you have to be lonely . ''
Songs were suggested by listeners , with choices including Neil Diamond 's Sweet Caroline and Prince 's Raspberry Beret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now coronavirus anthems Radio 1 's audience submitted Florence + The Machine 's You Got The Love , while 1 Xtra listeners chose Toast , an uplifting reggae-soul song by up-and-coming Jamaican artist Koffee .
`` For anyone hearing this for the first time , I promise it 's exactly what we need right now , '' said 1 Xtra 's breakfast host Dotty , calling Toast `` the most uplifting song I 've heard in years '' .
`` If you do n't know it , nod your head and raise a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the broadcast , people were encouraged to film themselves singing along and post videos on social media .
Several BBC presenters joined the fun from home , too .
Greg James kicked off the simulcast just after 09:00 BST , explaining : `` Radio is brilliant at bringing people together , and at this time its power is magnetised . ''
`` Radio is a great pal to all of us .
We 'd love to see you singing along ...
This is a massive , brilliant community . ''
Indeed , radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The BBC says live streaming of its networks has risen by 18 % .
Global , which owns Capital FM , Heart and talk station LBC ; and Bauer , whose stations include Absolute and Magic , have both seen listening increase by 15 % .
Lorna Clarke , the controller for BBC Popular Music , said : `` In these challenging times , we know that many people have been turning to radio as a lifeline .
`` The live broadcasts from our amazing presenters are providing people with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time where many of us are feeling distant from our loved ones . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: 'Lower priority' crime cases put on hold

Suspected fraudsters and gangsters should not be charged during the coronavirus outbreak to avoid `` clogging up '' courts , new guidance recommends .
Cases involving serious organised crime and major fraud are among those dubbed `` lower priority '' .
The guidance will apply to courts in England and Wales for several months .
The National Police Chiefs ' Council and Crown Prosecution Service document also advises that some people charged be released on bail for long periods .
Cases in this category include certain types of domestic abuse , serious violence , and terrorism where there are no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to allow the current crisis to pass '' and is likely to be needed until social distancing restrictions , imposed due to the virus , are lifted .
New jury trials have already been halted in all parts of the UK .
The seven-page guidance , titled `` Interim CPS Charging Protocol '' , says the criminal justice system is facing an `` unprecedented crisis '' with courts unable to start any new jury or summary trials .
Most current trials have been stopped , it says , because of problems over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyers and jurors .
`` It follows that there must be careful consideration of what new offences are fed into the system and how those offences are progressed , '' the guidance says .
It suggests placing offences into one of three categories , according to how quickly criminal proceedings have to be brought , with priority given to cases where a suspect needs to be remanded into custody .
These cases , classed as `` immediate '' , include murder , serious domestic abuse where there is a risk of further offending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offences under the Terrorism Act and violent disorder .
Attacks on emergency workers , frauds related to Covid-19 and other crimes linked to the virus would also be passed to the courts immediately .
The next type of case , referred to as `` high priority '' , would involve the suspect not appearing in court for up to eight weeks after being charged .
`` This will hopefully allow the current crisis to have passed and thereafter enable a structured timetable for future hearings , '' the guidance says .
Court proceedings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` other cases '' , would be delayed .
They include criminal damage , benefit fraud , common assault and lower-level road traffic offences - as well as serious fraud and large-scale serious organised crime cases .
The document says fraud and organised crime require `` lengthy investigations and consideration of disclosure '' , adding that they are `` likely to clog up the court system if charged and actioned at this stage '' .

Sue Hemming, CPS legal director said: "It is right we should try to prioritise the most serious cases to make sure dangerous offenders are dealt with quickly. However, this does not mean crimes will go unpunished and all offences, including fraud and organised crime should be reported in the usual way."


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Up to 3,000 armed forces reservists to aid military response

Up to 3,000 armed forces reservists are being called up to aid the military response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Individuals with specialist skills will provide medical and logistical support to the NHS , engineers and accountants , the Ministry of Defence said .
The MoD said it had identified the units and individuals it will need and notified their employers .
Reserves who are already working in the NHS or delivering front-line services will not be called up .
The MoD has already set up a 20,000-strong Covid-19 response force to help in the fight against the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel have so far been deployed .
They have been assisting in tasks such as delivering protective clothing to the NHS and building the Nightingale Hospital in east London , the first of several new temporary hospitals to be set up across the UK .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The hospital , being set up in London 's ExCeL centre , is due to be operational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting last Wednesday .
The 4,000-bed facility will be split into more than 80 wards containing 42 beds each and will be one of the biggest hospitals in the world , according to its chief operating officer , Natalie Forrest .
The facility will be used to treat Covid-19 patients who have been transferred from other intensive care units across London .
A further two hospitals will be built at Birmingham 's NEC and the Manchester conference centre and will be ready later this month .
It comes as the UK once again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - 563 - taking the overall toll to 2,352 .
The government is facing growing pressure to increase the testing of medics , so that those who are self-isolating unnecessarily can return to work .
In a video message posted on Twitter , the prime minister , who is self-isolating after contracting the virus , reiterated the government 's commitment to `` ramp up '' testing .
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They have been assisting in tasks such as delivering protective clothing to the NHS and building the Nightingale Hospital in east London, the first of several new temporary hospitals to be set up across the UK.


bbcuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: BA expected to suspend 36,000 staff

British Airways is expected to announce it will suspend around 36,000 staff .
The airline , which grounded much of its fleet due to the coronavirus crisis , has been negotiating with the Unite union for more than a week .
The two sides have reached a broad deal but are yet to sign on some details .
The agreement means that up to 80 % of BA cabin crew , ground staff , engineers and those working at head office will have their jobs suspended but no staff are expected to be made redundant .
The decision will affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airport after the airline suspended its operations at both locations until the crisis is over .
Those affected are expected to receive some of their wages through the government 's coronavirus job retention scheme , which covers 80 % of someone 's salary capped at a maximum of £2,500 a month .
No one who works at British Airways will be surprised at today 's expected announcement .
When the planes are sitting on the ground - and nearly all of BA 's fleet is doing just that , dispersed to regional airports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for the army of workers who fly the aircraft , maintain them , load and unload the bags , and serve the passengers .
Staff typically make up about 40 % of an airline 's costs , and BA should be able to reclaim 80 % of wages from the government employment support scheme set up to help companies affected by the virus .
BA has not , so far , asked the government for any other specific financial assistance .
Nor has EasyJet , where senior sources say the general assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - should be sufficient .
Virgin Atlantic , however , continues to press , and has written to MPs pointing out that it provides the only British-flagged competition to British Airways on many key routes from Heathrow .
So far the Chancellor , Rishi Sunak , has taken a hard line , saying airlines should exhaust all financial revenues before turning to the taxpayer .
If Virgin does make a formal application for more aid , it will have to be able to show it has met the chancellor 's test .
John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` tough negotiations '' between BA and the Unite union meant it had taken a while to reach an agreement .
`` The pilots ' deal for half pay was concluded rather earlier , I guess there was a recognition as to just how serious that issue was , '' he said .
It is thought that the Unite union has been pushing for staff to be paid more than that .
BA has already reached a separate deal with its pilots who will take a 50 % pay cut over two months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airlines Group ( IAG ) , is in a better financial position than some of its competitors .
The group has made healthy profits in recent years .
But the airline 's expected decision to suspend such a large number of workers gives a sense of how hard UK aviation has been hit by travel restrictions , designed to stem the spread of the pandemic .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled for the foreseeable future , airlines have been haemorrhaging cash .
Over the next three months , the International Air Transport Association expects airlines to rack up losses of almost $ 40bn ( £32.3bn ) .
It said carriers were burning through their cash reserves fast , mainly because of the multi-billion-pound cost of refunding tickets for cancelled flights .
Many staff at Virgin Atlantic have had their jobs suspended for two months and crews at Easyjet are out of work for three months .
This week , British Airways has run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British nationals home from Peru , after the country went into lockdown .
It is one of several UK-based airlines that has agreed to run further repatriation flights in the coming weeks as hundreds of thousands of people are still stuck in other parts of the world .
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No one who works at British Airways will be surprised at today's announcement. When the planes are sitting on the ground - and nearly all of BA's fleet is doing just that, dispersed to regional airports around the country - there is no need for the army of workers who fly the aircraft, maintain them, load and unload the bags, and serve the passengers.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: 'I was left gasping for air'

Jozef Wallis is a 40-year-old in good health , but ended up in an intensive care unit after contracting coronavirus .
After a busy but otherwise `` normal Wednesday '' on 11 March , he went for drinks in the evening .
Not long afterwards , he began to feel light-headed and his joints were aching .
By the time he got home to Canada Water , south-east London , he was `` shivering uncontrollably '' , he said .
I curled up on the sofa feeling pretty unwell .
That quickly escalated into a fever .
I felt either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had cold sweats and tingling sensations across my body .
Then there was the onset of a painful dry cough which left me gasping for air .
I really did n't want to move at all .
'Where did I catch it ? '
I 'm fairly fit and healthy .
I had no underlying health conditions .
• The latest news , information and advice about the coronavirus in London But several days later , I felt more weak and exhausted so my family called an ambulance .
I was admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thomas 's Hospital where they carried out tests .
About 30 hours later , I was told I had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Where could I have caught it ?
I 'm always on the Underground and frequently meeting many people .
They wore hazmat suits to take me home I was moved to a shared ward with five other patients who had coronavirus , and my condition was stabilised by doctors .
I saw a range of ages and fitnesses .
Two patients were moved to intensive care on assisted breathing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discharged after five nights and people in hazmat suits transported me home We should be immensely proud of the whole NHS .
From the ambulance crew to the porters , nurses and doctors .
The system is under huge pressure but they still smile and make you feel comfortable .
Three weeks later , I 'm feeling much better but still get tired quickly .
Information is muddled , I 'm not sure how much longer I have to isolate .
Could I still be contagious or am I immune ?
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I was lucky to catch it early on .
The hospital had the situation under control , but because of the man-power needed for each of the isolated patients , we must all reduce the burden on the NHS by staying at home .
I 'm very thankful to the people there for us at our time of need . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

The hospital had the situation under control, but because of the man-power needed for each of the isolated patients, we must all reduce the burden on the NHS by staying at home.


bbcuk--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Big Issue sellers struggle for cash in lockdown

Big Issue sellers , forced off the streets by the coronavirus lockdown , are relying on emergency bailouts being provided by the magazine .
Lord Bird , founder of the magazine , which helps the homeless earn a living , says many have been left in a `` parlous state '' without an income .
He says sellers and the magazine are unable to get government support for lost earnings during the crisis .
So the Big Issue is giving sellers cash from online sales and subscriptions .
The ban on street selling has threatened to take away the regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genuinely do n't know what I 'm going to do , I really do n't , '' says Robin Price , in Weston-Super-Mare , Somerset , who has been selling the magazine for 26 years .
Apart from providing an income , Robin says selling the magazine helps his mental health .
`` I 'm going to miss my customers , '' he says .
`` I 'll miss the banter . ''
Meanwhile , Simon Gravell , a vendor in Norwich , fears it will `` put me back to where I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
In a bid to ensure the Big Issue survives the lockdown , the magazine has switched to subscriptions and online sales .
This income will be distributed to sellers , including those who have been put into temporary accommodation for the homeless .
• The homeless people stranded by the pandemic And for the first time , the Big Issue will also be on sale in shops , including Sainsbury 's and McColl 's .
Lord Bird says there would usually be 1,500 to 2,000 street sellers over the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with about 1,000 of these .
And they will be given cash , vouchers or top-ups for electricity and gas during the weeks when no street sales are possible , including by digital transfer .
Billions have been promised by the government to support those employed or self-employed whose incomes have disappeared because of the coronavirus shutdown .
But Lord Bird says the sellers , who operate as independent traders , are unlikely to have the financial records needed by the self-employed to get assistance .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health The Big Issue is not their employer , so can not claim under the job-retention scheme .
And it has been trying to help sellers get universal credit support - but that can mean delays .
Will Adams , who sells the magazine in Exeter , says : `` My life has been affected drastically , as the Big Issue was my only income .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the universal credit route , which is really hectic as you can imagine .
`` I hate the fact I have to go back on benefits , as I have been working for a while now . ''
Lord Bird says the magazine will carry on being independent and promoting self-reliance - under the principle of a `` hand up , not a handout '' .
`` We 've never taken any government money , always relied on the marketplace , '' says Lord Bird , a former rough sleeper himself .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirited club of solidarity '' will return to the streets after the lockdown .

And they will be given cash, vouchers or top-ups for electricity and gas during the weeks when no street sales are possible, including by digital transfer.