bbcuk--2020-03-23--Behind the scenes of the Alex Salmond trial

After a political career spanning 30 years , Alex Salmond will be more familiar than most with the feeling of sitting waiting for a result to come in .
But never one quite like this .
This time , the constituency passing judgement on the former first minister was a jury of the High Court in Edinburgh .
And rather than a seat in parliament or the outcome of a referendum , his very freedom was on the line .
It was n't just Mr Salmond waiting for a result .
Nine women also sat nervously awaiting the outcome , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault would be believed beyond all reasonable doubt .
When the foreman of the jury stood up and announced that Mr Salmond had been cleared of all charges , the former first minister reacted the way he had throughout the trial - by not reacting .
He calmly thanked the judge as she told him he was free to go , and walked from the courtroom .
The jury 's six total hours of deliberation were preceded by nine days of evidence , with witnesses being questioned by prosecution and defence lawyers amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was presided over by Lady Dorrian , Scotland 's second most senior judge .
While always fair , she was also scrupulously firm .
Lawyers who pushed at the boundaries of what could reasonably be relevant to the case were steered firmly back into line .
Witnesses who strayed into hearsay or speculation were stopped dead in their tracks .
The lawyers leading the two opposing sides were both titans of the court , vastly experienced operators - but could scarcely have been more different in style .
Prosecutor Alex Prentice , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referring to a huge stack of notes and delivering clipped , precise questions .
There was a noticeable pattern to his approach - each woman was asked the exact same things about whether they consented to or invited the former first minister 's alleged advances - as Mr Prentice painstakingly built his case .
Defence lawyer Gordon Jackson , meanwhile , barked out his questions gruffly , darting from one subject to the next ; `` let 's move on '' he would growl , leaving his scepticism about the answers hanging heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , as many including Lady Dorrian called him in reference to his position atop the Faculty of Advocates , was loath to stand still behind a lectern as he pursued his quarry .
He ranged around the courtroom , wig askew , as he mused on the quality of evidence .
This wandering was apparent even when the Crown was taking the lead - at one point he popped up at the back of the press room , watching Alex Prentice 's questions on a monitor amid a pack of slightly startled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salmond sat placidly in the dock throughout .
He occasionally called Mr Jackson over to suggest a certain question , but for the most part seemed content to watch .
At the end of each day 's evidence he would share a joke and some hand sanitiser with one of the security officers before walking out with a calm smile carefully fixed on his face .
The assembly of journalists seated directly behind him peered through the plexiglass screen , seeking in vain for some flicker of emotion .
But at most you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side to side during particularly difficult moments , like when he was waiting for the jury to troop back in with their verdict .
When he came to give evidence , there was little of the showmanship which characterised his approach to politics .
This was a more reserved Alex Salmond , acutely aware of the difficulty of his position .
He did deploy the old politician 's trick of turning his opponents own quotes back on them , reading back his own notes of evidence from the complainers as Mr Jackson guided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into speechifying .
Alex Prentice borrowed a trick from politics himself with a Paxman-style opening to cross examination , posing the same question four or five times - had Mr Salmond considered the feelings of one of the complainers ?
- in increasingly icy tones .
But for all the former FM was irritated , heaving a sigh into his microphone , his composure did not crack .
The nine women named in the charges gave evidence in a closed court , a screen separating them from Mr Salmond and the media decamped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feed .
Their testimony was picked over in occasionally excruciating detail , by both prosecution and defence .
Shelagh McCall QC - in theory the defence 's junior counsel , but one so senior in her field that the title seems laughable - led the cross-examination of several , but both she and Mr Jackson found themselves well matched .
Often , their attempts to pull apart the stories of the complainers only brought out even more eye-catching testimony .
For example the much-discussed system where female civil servants were supposedly not allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evening first came out in cross examination .
This , combined with the limits placed on the questioning of complainers in sex offences trials , meant cross-examination often seemed to fly by in a trial which ended up lasting for only half as long as it was originally scheduled for .
It felt slightly odd to be inside the bubble of the court as the coronavirus story took off outside .
At first , a bottle of hand sanitiser appearing in the media room was as much acknowledgement as it got , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on everyone 's phones the shadow of the virus steadily grew over the court .
Every morning we would nervously count the jurors in , to make sure there were still 15 .
Eventually their number would drop to 13 , although Lady Dorrian stressed there were `` various reasons '' for that .
Mr Jackson spent the better part of the trial coughing and spluttering ; at one point he paused to reassure the jury that he had had his cough for `` about six weeks '' so there was no need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of his witnesses did , however , and was unable to attend court .
Lady Dorrian spoke about these being `` difficult times '' , but was apparently absolutely determined to see the trial through .
She was even rumoured to have been contemplating a Saturday sitting at one point .
Ultimately it feels like there is little room for analysis or evaluation of the arguments actually made in court .
In general , we accept the verdict of the jury in absolute terms ; they pronounce an accused guilty because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular skill of the prosecution .
They pronounce him innocent because his guilt has not been proved , not because his defence team have yanked him from the fire .
This trial is no different .
This does not mean there will be no debate or discussion off the back of it all - far from it , and even Mr Salmond spoke outside court of there being more to say once the coronavirus crisis has eased .
Testimony heard in the court has raised questions for the Scottish government , for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But those will be addressed in the political arena , not the legal one .
As far as the court is concerned , the Alex Salmond trial is over .

Ultimately it feels like there is little room for analysis or evaluation of the arguments actually made in court. In general, we accept the verdict of the jury in absolute terms; they pronounce an accused guilty because he is guilty, not because of the particular skill of the prosecution. They pronounce him innocent because his guilt has not been proved, not because his defence team have yanked him from the fire.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--The Black Forest boy who 'became a hero'

Jens Haas still remembers the first time he suspected his schoolmate Jurgen Klopp had the mind of a football manager .
They were 11 years old , being driven to play football for SV Glatten 's youth team , listening to their beloved Stuttgart 's latest Bundesliga match on the radio .
Young Jurgen began to analyse Stuttgart 's tactics - and suggested a couple of substitutions to alter the course of the game .
Moments later , the commentator confirmed that Klopp 's suggested switches were being made .
`` I was amazed by his knowledge and understanding of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Sometimes I thought he was already a coach . ''
Klopp 's school days in the Black Forest offer the first clues as to how he grew up to become the ultimate modern football manager .
He is revered at Mainz , where he went from player to head coach overnight and took the club into the Bundesliga for the first time ; at Dortmund , where he toppled Bayern Munich ; and now at Liverpool , with a sixth European Cup and a march towards a 19th league title before coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fans , executives and journalists , this smiling , gesticulating , bear-hugging coach seems to embody these clubs whose supporters demand an emotional investment from the man in control of their dreams .
There 's plenty more on Klopp 's personality and methods to come as we speak to some of the key figures in his journey to Anfield .
The story begins in Glatten , the idyllic Black Forest spa village where he spent his formative years .
We meet Haas opposite the bakery , beside a fountain that flows into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes its name .
This is where Jurgen , Jens and their SV Glatten team-mates would gather before travelling to away matches .
A short stroll along the river 's grassy banks , where the boys used to ride their bikes , takes you to Klopp 's childhood home , a large white-fronted house where his mother still lives , opposite the shiny new town hall and less than a corner kick away from the primary school that Klopp and Jens attended .
It is here , among the hills of Swabia - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costumes and hearty foods in south-west Germany - that Klopp developed his sense of freedom , a far cry from the industry and intensity of Mainz , Dortmund or Liverpool .
`` People here are very quiet and solid , '' says Haas .
`` They are cautious with money .
They like to work and they judge people on what they do .
`` Swabian people take a little while to warm up , but once you are friends you are friends for life .
It 's a really good place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself and you can focus on what you want to do . ''
Klopp has two older sisters who he says were like second mothers to him , but it was his father Norbert - a travelling salesman and former amateur goalkeeper - who encouraged him to take up sport .
`` Norbert had a big influence on him , he shaped him , '' recalls Klopp 's first coach Ulrich Rath , who founded the Glatten Under-11s team in 1972 so that his two sons Ingo and Harti could play for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's important to know that Norbert Klopp was n't born here in Glatten .
He 's from Rhineland-Palatinate , close to Mainz .
The people from that area celebrate carnival .
In Glatten and in the Black Forest , we do n't , '' he adds .
`` Norbert was very active here in this club , first in football and then later in tennis .
And Jurgen got his father 's eloquence , enthusiasm and vigour .
`` His mother is originally from Glatten , from a long-established family .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , laid-back people .
They always had to work hard .
They were always strong-willed .
`` When Jurgen is jumping up and down , I can see Norbert in him .
But when he closes the door behind him at home , he finds peace and quiet and collects his strength .
That 's his mother . ''
Klopp was a midfielder and captain for SV Glatten 's youth teams until he switched in his late teens to TuS Ergenzingen , a bigger team in a town 15 miles away .
Rath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' but a `` natural leader '' .
`` He was always right at the forefront and he spoke up when something was not right , '' says the 79-year-old Rath .
`` We had a good relationship .
He was ambitious .
And he would always tell his team-mates 'Let 's go ' and push them . ''
The pitch where Klopp used to play has tall pine trees along one touchline and a stream along the other , from which Haas remembers retrieving many a stray ball .
In 1981 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new sports club , where the yellow and black colours of the local team are an uncanny match for those of Borussia Dortmund .
A photo of Klopp in his Dortmund prime , signed and dedicated to the people of his home town , sits proudly among the other trophies and memorabilia .
This was also the venue for a celebration to honour the village 's most famous son when Klopp led Dortmund to the Bundesliga title in 2011 .
As the cheering and chanting subsided , Klopp went on stage to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his childhood home .
`` It was amazing , '' says Haas , over a local wheat beer in Glatten 's nearest thing to a sports bar , a smokey wooden den with TV screens where the local bikers ' club have taken up residence for the afternoon .
`` One minute he was the professional coach of Dortmund and then the next he was an old classmate .
He was interested in the village , in who everyone was , and he spoke to people in the local dialect . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ becomes emotional when he recalls a surprise phone call from his former pupil on his 75th birthday .
`` He congratulated me and wished me all the best , '' says Rath , choking back tears .
`` This is his home .
And he has never forgotten that . ''
After leaving Glatten , Klopp played for several amateur clubs , including Rot-Weiss Frankfurt , while studying for a degree in sports science at the city 's university .
In 1990 , at the age of 23 , he moved 30 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second division team Mainz 05 , under the watchful gaze of club captain Michael Schumacher .
`` Klopp was a typical student at this time , in both looks and personality , '' laughs the 62-year-old , sitting in a corporate suite at Mainz 's new 34,000-seater stadium , a gleaming symbol of the club 's dramatic rise under Klopp 's management .
`` He was always wearing jeans and a T-shirt and was really easy-going with no stress . ''
Life on the pitch was to prove rather more traumatic for Klopp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second division legs but a first division brain .
`` When he came to us he was a forward , '' adds Schumacher .
`` He was fast and good with his head but he struggled with the technical side of the game .
`` It was hard for him .
When they announced his name , the fans would whistle and boo .
I remember after a game we were sitting in the hydro-massage pool and Klopp said to me 'What can I do ?
The coach always wants to bring me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't the greatest player , but he did what he was told . ''
A switch to defence under the tutelage of influential coach Wolfgang Frank turned the 6ft 4in Klopp into a success at Mainz , where he played 325 games in a decade-long career .
But it was the sudden decision to install him as manager that really brought out his strengths .
Mainz were facing relegation to the third tier of German football when president Harald Strutz made the bold call in February 2001 .
`` The situation was that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick succession , '' says the affable Strutz as he looks out across the pitch at the creaking Bruchweg Stadium , Mainz 's home during Klopp 's time as player and coach which now serves as their training ground .
`` We had a very important game and we said if nobody is here to help the team , they have to do it themselves .
`` Jurgen Klopp was full of passion , a normal man with a special personality .
You could see in all the games that he was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were so impressed with his personality .
`` We decided to make him the manager and that was such an explosion of emotion for all the people living in this city .
And it started the greatest time for this club . ''
The impact was instant .
Mainz beat Duisburg 1-0 in Klopp 's first match and won six of their first seven games to pull clear of the relegation zone .
Better was to follow .
In two successive seasons , the club challenged for promotion right up until the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miss out in agonising circumstances both times .
While lesser men might have cracked , it was the way Klopp galvanised the club and the city that so impressed Strutz .
As 15,000 fans gathered in front of the theatre in Mainz 's main square , Klopp spoke from the heart .
`` Everyone had tears in their eyes , but Jurgen got on the stage and told them we would come back stronger and try again .
It was so impressive for all the people to see such strength .
He always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned to joy the following season when Mainz secured their first ever promotion to the Bundesliga .
`` I can promise we had a beautiful evening , '' says Strutz .
`` Jurgen always tells me he has this image of me that he 'll never forget .
Standing in a pub at 3 o'clock in the morning looking so happy .
Smiling , laughing , drinking . ''
Mainz spent three heady seasons in the Bundesliga , ample time for Klopp 's tactical acumen and infectious charm to make an impression on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German football .
`` When you had to play against Mainz , on the one side the players were not very good , but on the other side it was so difficult to beat them because they had a lot of spirit , '' says Hans-Joachim Watzke , the chief executive of Borussia Dortmund .
`` For the general public he made a real impression during the World Cup in 2006 when he was an expert on TV .
`` For the Germans it was a new thing that this guy had such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it entertainment with a lot of charm .
It was fantastic . ''
After more tears as he said farewell to the fans in Mainz 's main square , Klopp joined Dortmund in 2008 and immediately formed a close bond with the club 's impassioned 'Yellow Wall ' of fans at their 80,000-capacity Westfalenstadoin .
Playing his trademark brand of `` heavy metal '' football while screaming and gesturing from the outer reaches of his technical area , Klopp turned a struggling Dortmund side into one of European football 's most thrilling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2011 and following it up with the league and cup double in 2012 .
`` He gave the team a new spirit , '' says Watzke .
`` He played another style of football to what we played before : aggressive , pressing with power and with his empathy on the side .
`` The fans and the players loved him from the first moment .
The whole city , the whole region was out of control . ''
Klopp 's superstar status is encapsulated in helicopter camera footage of the culmination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With the newly-penned 'Kloppo du Popstar ' anthem blasting out from the speakers , Klopp emerges through a cloud of smoke , dances onto stage in aviator shades , boots a ball into the crowd and waves to every adoring face .
`` He 's one of the most famous men in Germany , '' says close friend Uli Graf , the writer and producer of 'Kloppo du Popstar ' , which reached number two in the German charts .
`` But he does n't want to be a pop star .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the boy from the Black Forest who became a hero . ''
Graf describes holidaying with Jurgen Klopp as `` the biggest fun you can have '' .
`` You 'll be laughing , joking , you can talk about politics , sports , '' he says .
`` He is a very intelligent and clever man , you do n't have to fear what you say . ''
A great football coach , a decent dancer and an ideal holiday companion .
But Jurgen Klopp 's talents do n't end there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was wavering about renewing their deal , they would receive a personal call from Klopp himself .
`` Jurgen Klopp is a marketing man 's dream , '' says Carsten Cramer , who was head of marketing during Klopp 's seven years at the club and is now managing director .
`` A person like him working for an emotional club like Borussia Dortmund was a perfect fit .
He was able to give this club and its identity a human face .
`` He is a weapon , a perfect all-rounder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The sponsors were so touched that the manager of Dortmund was calling them that they all extended their deals . ''
Five years on from another tearful parting of the ways , Cramer and Watzke remain close friends with Klopp and were guests in Kiev and Madrid for both of Liverpool 's Champions League finals under the German .
`` If you work together with a person like Jurgen for seven years it would be a lie to say you do n't miss him .
He 's an extraordinary person , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how he gives hope and power not only to Liverpool Football Club but also to the city makes us very proud . ''

Klopp, born in 1967, grew up in the small Black Forest village of Glatten
Jens Haas still remembers the first time he suspected his schoolmate Jurgen Klopp had the mind of a football manager.
They were 11 years old, being driven to play football for SV Glatten's youth team, listening to their beloved Stuttgart's latest Bundesliga match on the radio.
Young Jurgen began to analyse Stuttgart's tactics - and suggested a couple of substitutions to alter the course of the game. Moments later, the commentator confirmed that Klopp's suggested switches were being made.
"I was amazed by his knowledge and understanding of the game," recalls Haas. "Sometimes I thought he was already a coach."
Klopp's school days in the Black Forest offer the first clues as to how he grew up to become the ultimate modern football manager.
He is revered at Mainz, where he went from player to head coach overnight and took the club into the Bundesliga for the first time; at Dortmund, where he toppled Bayern Munich; and now at Liverpool, with a sixth European Cup and a march towards a 19th league title before coronavirus intervened.
Equally at ease with players, fans, executives and journalists, this smiling, gesticulating, bear-hugging coach seems to embody these clubs whose supporters demand an emotional investment from the man in control of their dreams.
There's plenty more on Klopp's personality and methods to come as we speak to some of the key figures in his journey to Anfield. The story begins in Glatten, the idyllic Black Forest spa village where he spent his formative years.
We meet Haas opposite the bakery, beside a fountain that flows into the River Glatt from which the village takes its name. This is where Jurgen, Jens and their SV Glatten team-mates would gather before travelling to away matches.
A short stroll along the river's grassy banks, where the boys used to ride their bikes, takes you to Klopp's childhood home, a large white-fronted house where his mother still lives, opposite the shiny new town hall and less than a corner kick away from the primary school that Klopp and Jens attended.
Klopp, pictured far left on the back row, with the captain's armband. SV Glatten are lining up against Stuttgarter Kickers and among the opposition is Robert Prosinecki (first row, fourth from left)
It is here, among the hills of Swabia - a land of cuckoo clocks, traditional costumes and hearty foods in south-west Germany - that Klopp developed his sense of freedom, a far cry from the industry and intensity of Mainz, Dortmund or Liverpool.
"People here are very quiet and solid," says Haas. "They are cautious with money. They like to work and they judge people on what they do.
"Swabian people take a little while to warm up, but once you are friends you are friends for life. It's a really good place to grow up. You have time for yourself and you can focus on what you want to do."
Klopp has two older sisters who he says were like second mothers to him, but it was his father Norbert - a travelling salesman and former amateur goalkeeper - who encouraged him to take up sport.
"Norbert had a big influence on him, he shaped him," recalls Klopp's first coach Ulrich Rath, who founded the Glatten Under-11s team in 1972 so that his two sons Ingo and Harti could play for a team alongside Klopp and Jens.
"It's important to know that Norbert Klopp wasn't born here in Glatten. He's from Rhineland-Palatinate, close to Mainz. The people from that area celebrate carnival. In Glatten and in the Black Forest, we don't," he adds.
"Norbert was very active here in this club, first in football and then later in tennis. And Jurgen got his father's eloquence, enthusiasm and vigour.
A young Klopp poses for a photo with his father Norbert
"His mother is originally from Glatten, from a long-established family. The people from the Black Forest are quiet, laid-back people. They always had to work hard. They were always strong-willed.
"When Jurgen is jumping up and down, I can see Norbert in him. But when he closes the door behind him at home, he finds peace and quiet and collects his strength. That's his mother."
Klopp was a midfielder and captain for SV Glatten's youth teams until he switched in his late teens to TuS Ergenzingen, a bigger team in a town 15 miles away. Rath describes him as a "bad loser" but a "natural leader".
"He was always right at the forefront and he spoke up when something was not right," says the 79-year-old Rath. "We had a good relationship. He was ambitious. And he would always tell his team-mates 'Let's go' and push them."
The pitch where Klopp used to play has tall pine trees along one touchline and a stream along the other, from which Haas remembers retrieving many a stray ball.
In 1981, matches moved across the village to a new sports club, where the yellow and black colours of the local team are an uncanny match for those of Borussia Dortmund. A photo of Klopp in his Dortmund prime, signed and dedicated to the people of his home town, sits proudly among the other trophies and memorabilia.
This was also the venue for a celebration to honour the village's most famous son when Klopp led Dortmund to the Bundesliga title in 2011.
Klopp's first major title as a manager was cause for special celebration in his home town
As the cheering and chanting subsided, Klopp went on stage to make a speech before mingling with the people of his childhood home.
"It was amazing," says Haas, over a local wheat beer in Glatten's nearest thing to a sports bar, a smokey wooden den with TV screens where the local bikers' club have taken up residence for the afternoon.
"One minute he was the professional coach of Dortmund and then the next he was an old classmate. He was interested in the village, in who everyone was, and he spoke to people in the local dialect."
Rath rarely sees Klopp these days but becomes emotional when he recalls a surprise phone call from his former pupil on his 75th birthday.
"He congratulated me and wished me all the best," says Rath, choking back tears. "This is his home. And he has never forgotten that."
After leaving Glatten, Klopp played for several amateur clubs, including Rot-Weiss Frankfurt, while studying for a degree in sports science at the city's university.
In 1990, at the age of 23, he moved 30 miles west to sign a semi-professional contract with second division team Mainz 05, under the watchful gaze of club captain Michael Schumacher.
"Klopp was a typical student at this time, in both looks and personality," laughs the 62-year-old, sitting in a corporate suite at Mainz's new 34,000-seater stadium, a gleaming symbol of the club's dramatic rise under Klopp's management.
"He was always wearing jeans and a T-shirt and was really easy-going with no stress."
Life on the pitch was to prove rather more traumatic for Klopp, who has always confessed to having second division legs but a first division brain.
"When he came to us he was a forward," adds Schumacher. "He was fast and good with his head but he struggled with the technical side of the game.
"It was hard for him. When they announced his name, the fans would whistle and boo. I remember after a game we were sitting in the hydro-massage pool and Klopp said to me 'What can I do? The coach always wants to bring me on.' He knew he wasn't the greatest player, but he did what he was told."
A switch to defence under the tutelage of influential coach Wolfgang Frank turned the 6ft 4in Klopp into a success at Mainz, where he played 325 games in a decade-long career. But it was the sudden decision to install him as manager that really brought out his strengths.
Klopp challenges for the ball playing for Mainz against St Pauli in October 1999
Mainz were facing relegation to the third tier of German football when president Harald Strutz made the bold call in February 2001.
"The situation was that we'd gone through three managers in quick succession," says the affable Strutz as he looks out across the pitch at the creaking Bruchweg Stadium, Mainz's home during Klopp's time as player and coach which now serves as their training ground.
"We had a very important game and we said if nobody is here to help the team, they have to do it themselves.
"Jurgen Klopp was full of passion, a normal man with a special personality. You could see in all the games that he was a leader. You could see the supporters were so impressed with his personality.
"We decided to make him the manager and that was such an explosion of emotion for all the people living in this city. And it started the greatest time for this club."
The impact was instant. Mainz beat Duisburg 1-0 in Klopp's first match and won six of their first seven games to pull clear of the relegation zone. Better was to follow.
In two successive seasons, the club challenged for promotion right up until the final day of the season, only to miss out in agonising circumstances both times.
While lesser men might have cracked, it was the way Klopp galvanised the club and the city that so impressed Strutz.
As 15,000 fans gathered in front of the theatre in Mainz's main square, Klopp spoke from the heart.
"Everyone had tears in their eyes, but Jurgen got on the stage and told them we would come back stronger and try again. It was so impressive for all the people to see such strength. He always found the right words."
Tears turned to joy the following season when Mainz secured their first ever promotion to the Bundesliga.
Klopp and Mainz celebrate the third-place finish that sent them up to Germany's top flight in 2004
"I can promise we had a beautiful evening," says Strutz. "Jurgen always tells me he has this image of me that he'll never forget. Standing in a pub at 3 o'clock in the morning looking so happy. Smiling, laughing, drinking."
Mainz spent three heady seasons in the Bundesliga, ample time for Klopp's tactical acumen and infectious charm to make an impression on one of the most powerful men in German football.
"When you had to play against Mainz, on the one side the players were not very good, but on the other side it was so difficult to beat them because they had a lot of spirit," says Hans-Joachim Watzke, the chief executive of Borussia Dortmund.
"For the general public he made a real impression during the World Cup in 2006 when he was an expert on TV.
"For the Germans it was a new thing that this guy had such a high competence for analysis but also made it entertainment with a lot of charm. It was fantastic."
After more tears as he said farewell to the fans in Mainz's main square, Klopp joined Dortmund in 2008 and immediately formed a close bond with the club's impassioned 'Yellow Wall' of fans at their 80,000-capacity Westfalenstadoin.
Playing his trademark brand of "heavy metal" football while screaming and gesturing from the outer reaches of his technical area, Klopp turned a struggling Dortmund side into one of European football's most thrilling sights, storming to the Bundesliga title in 2011 and following it up with the league and cup double in 2012.
"He gave the team a new spirit," says Watzke. "He played another style of football to what we played before: aggressive, pressing with power and with his empathy on the side.
"The fans and the players loved him from the first moment. The whole city, the whole region was out of control."
Klopp left Dortmund in May 2015. He won two league titles, one German Cup, and reached the Champions League final in 2013
Klopp's superstar status is encapsulated in helicopter camera footage of the culmination of Dortmund's title-winning parade in 2011. With the newly-penned 'Kloppo du Popstar' anthem blasting out from the speakers, Klopp emerges through a cloud of smoke, dances onto stage in aviator shades, boots a ball into the crowd and waves to every adoring face.
"He's one of the most famous men in Germany," says close friend Uli Graf, the writer and producer of 'Kloppo du Popstar', which reached number two in the German charts.
"But he doesn't want to be a pop star. He is a man of the people - the boy from the Black Forest who became a hero."
Graf describes holidaying with Jurgen Klopp as "the biggest fun you can have".
"You'll be laughing, joking, you can talk about politics, sports," he says. "He is a very intelligent and clever man, you don't have to fear what you say."
A great football coach, a decent dancer and an ideal holiday companion. But Jurgen Klopp's talents don't end there.
If ever a Borussia Dortmund sponsor was wavering about renewing their deal, they would receive a personal call from Klopp himself.
"Jurgen Klopp is a marketing man's dream," says Carsten Cramer, who was head of marketing during Klopp's seven years at the club and is now managing director.
"A person like him working for an emotional club like Borussia Dortmund was a perfect fit. He was able to give this club and its identity a human face.
"He is a weapon, a perfect all-rounder and he supported us in an awesome way. The sponsors were so touched that the manager of Dortmund was calling them that they all extended their deals."
Five years on from another tearful parting of the ways, Cramer and Watzke remain close friends with Klopp and were guests in Kiev and Madrid for both of Liverpool's Champions League finals under the German.
"If you work together with a person like Jurgen for seven years it would be a lie to say you don't miss him. He's an extraordinary person," says Cramer.
"But to see how he gives hope and power not only to Liverpool Football Club but also to the city makes us very proud."


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Doctor wins landscape photography top award

A doctor has won the overall prize in the latest Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year competition .
Dr Kenny @ @ @ @ @ with a portfolio of images taken in Glen Affric in the Highlands and Isle of @ @ @ @ @ win emerged as cases of coronavirus were beginning to rise in Scotland .
Dr Muir @ @ @ @ @ Hospital , the largest hospital in the Highlands .
He said : “ As a @ @ @ @ @ taking a break from photography to focus on current events , but really appreciate receiving @ @ @ @

He said: “As a hospital doctor I will be taking a break from photography to focus on current events, but really appreciate receiving the award.”


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: 'You must stay at home', Boris Johnson orders

Prime Minister Boris Johnson instructs all UK citizens to stay at home , to protect the NHS during the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ , people can only leave home for one of the four following reasons : • @ @ @ @ @ day • Travelling to and from work , if it 's absolutely necessary and you @ @ @ @ @ In a ministerial broadcast from Downing Street Mr Johnson said citizens would face fines if @ @ @ @ @ the government 's new instructions .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson instructs all UK citizens to stay at home, to protect the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.
From this evening, people can only leave home for one of the four following reasons:
Shopping for groceries or essentials
Any medical need
One form of exercise per day
Travelling to and from work, if it's absolutely necessary and you cannot work from home
In a ministerial broadcast from Downing Street Mr Johnson said citizens would face fines if they fail to comply with the government's new instructions.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Aerial footage shows deserted London streets

At lunchtime on a Monday , central London streets would normally be buzzing .
But with most businesses closed , @ @ @ @ @ home amidst the coronavirus outbreak , the streets are silent and practically deserted .

At lunchtime on a Monday, central London streets would normally be buzzing.
But with most businesses closed, and people told to stay home amidst the coronavirus outbreak, the streets are silent and practically deserted.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Matt Hancock on former clinicians offering help

The health secretary says 7,563 former clinicians have so far come forward to help fight the coronavirus pandemic by offering @ @ @ @ @ .
Updating the Commons , Matt Hancock said the health and social care workers have @ @ @ @ @ of the nation ’ s needs ” and predicted more would come forward .

The health secretary says 7,563 former clinicians have so far come forward to help fight the coronavirus pandemic by offering to return to work,.
Updating the Commons, Matt Hancock said the health and social care workers have “risen to the call of the nation’s needs” and predicted more would come forward.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: 'Healthy' man's plea after illness scare

A young man who was “ fit and healthy ” is urging people to isolate after he nearly died with coronavirus .
Ryan Van Waterschoot , 28 , who thought he “ was never coming home ” , took to social media asking others “ not to be selfish ” .
After 10 days in Peterborough City Hospital he is now recovering at home .
“ If not for the nurses risking their lives ...
I wouldn ’ t be here ...
Please stay at home and don ’ t put them under more pressure , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a car rental firm , initially thought he had a cold after losing his sense of taste and smell on 6 March .
His symptoms began before government advice on social distancing , and he thought he was unlikely to be at risk because he had not been abroad in several years .
However , his condition worsened over the next six days with a serious cough and fever .
Doctors found he had pneumonia and sepsis , related to the coronavirus infection .
He said : “ I felt awful , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutting down.
” “ I ’ ve always been fit and healthy , that ’ s the biggest shock about it .
It went from 0-100 so fast.
” “ When I tested positive it was horrendous .
You ’ re on your own , you just think you ’ re going to die ...
It was the scariest moment of my life.
” Mr Van Waterschoot , of Peterborough , who is married to Ashleigh , was the first of two confirmed cases in the city so far .
He said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who “ risked their lives to save mine ” .
“ They were literally the only people I saw and they kept me positive ...
It takes incredible guts and courage to go into a room with someone with coronavirus , ” he added .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Mr Van Waterschoot , who is still self-isolating at home following his release from hospital on Saturday , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed but believed it was for the best .
He said : “ I still feel completely wiped out .
I spent 10 days in hospital and came out to a totally different world to the one I left .
“ I ’ d say to anyone , just keep each other safe and don ’ t be naive . ''
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bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Nicola Sturgeon says new rules amount to 'lockdown'

Stringent new measures to fight coronavirus will see a ban on people gathering in public and restrictions on people leaving their homes .
Nicola Sturgeon said it amounted to a `` lockdown '' but was necessary to slow the spread of Covid-19 , ease pressure on the NHS and save lives .
In a public address at St Andrew 's House in Edinburgh , she said people should stay at home .
It came on the day the death toll from the virus rose to 335 in the UK .
The first minister was speaking after Boris Johnson announced draconian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will see the closure of non-essential shops , libraries , playgrounds and outdoor gyms , and places of worship .
From now on , people must stay at home except for : • Essential shopping - for food or medicines and only once a day • Exercise - only once a day and alone , or with someone from your household • Medical reasons or for the care of vulnerable people • Travel to and from essential work - all employers should be making provision to work from home Retailers selling non-essential goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public of more than two people who do not live together are to be prohibited .
The first minister said : `` Let me blunt .
The stringent restrictions on our normal day to day lives that I 'm about to set out are difficult and they are unprecedented .
They amount effectively to what has been described as a lockdown . ''
`` I am not going to sugarcoat it in any way , '' the first minister said .
`` Coronavirus is the biggest challenge of our lifetime .
`` Stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That is the message I gave yesterday and I am reinforcing that message now . ''
The first minister said a list would be published detailing what was being imposed .
She said that there should , from Monday night , be no celebratory events involving groups of people , therefore no weddings , no christenings .
She expressed her sadness at having to impose a restriction on funerals to immediate family only .
She said : `` I know how hard this is , but it is essential ' .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she revealed : • all non-essential shops will be required to close • libraries , communal places within parks and places of worship must close • social events must not take place - including weddings and christenings .
• funerals are restricted to immediate family only • gatherings of more than two people will be prohibited , unless part of a household or related to essential work .
Nicola Sturgeon said the public should not see these measures as advice , but `` a set of rules '' to be followed for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS .
She said the majority of people would `` do the right thing '' but that within days emergency legislation would provide powers of enforcement which `` would be used if necessary '' .
Ahead of the new powers being introduced , police will give `` strong advice '' to those in breach of the measures to `` cease and do the right thing '' .
• Strict new curbs on life in UK announced by PM • What are the new restrictions and why are they needed ?
This will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , which will `` likely take the form of fines '' .
She concluded : `` If we do all of these things , if all of us do all of these things , if we all agree , however difficult , to restrict our own lives for a period then many fewer of us will die of this virus than would otherwise be the case .
`` Let 's all do what we are being asked to do now to protect our own health and that of others and to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The number of coronavirus deaths in Scotland has increased by four to 14 , with 499 people testing positive for Covid-19 .
Ms Sturgeon said earlier that these figures were likely to be underestimates - but still showed `` the scale of the challenge '' .
The chief medical officer for Scotland , Dr Catherine Calderwood , said : `` Those 14 deaths probably each represent up to 1,000 people that have become infected .
`` We have 23 people currently in our intensive care units across Scotland who have coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 500 other people that will have become infected in the course of their illness . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

She concluded: "If we do all of these things, if all of us do all of these things, if we all agree, however difficult, to restrict our own lives for a period then many fewer of us will die of this virus than would otherwise be the case.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: 'Wave of deaths' if social distancing not followed

First Minister Arlene Foster has said there will be a `` wave of deaths '' in Northern Ireland if people do not obey social distancing rules as the coronavirus will spread .
Mrs Foster was speaking during a press conference at Stormont on Monday with Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill .
On Monday evening the health minister confirmed a third person had died from coronavirus in Northern Ireland .
The patient was in their late 60s and had underlying health conditions .
On Monday evening Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced strict new curbs on life in the UK to tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities , daily exercise , any medical need and travelling to and from essential work .
Shops selling non-essential goods will also be shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together prohibited .
Speaking at a press conference alongside Arlene Foster at Stormont on Monday Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said : `` This is not a holiday , this is an emergency '' .
Arlene Foster confirmed that the Stormont executive will soon have the legislative power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after many people in Northern Ireland ignored official guidance to avoid large gatherings over the weekend .
In other developments on Monday : • The first and deputy first ministers said food and medicine supplies have been secured so there is no need to panic buy .
• Northern Ireland 's health service is to access all hospital beds across the private sector • The Mater was designated as Belfast 's coronavirus hospital • Letters are being sent this week to 40,000 people in Northern Ireland most at risk telling them to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a limited basis for children of key workers • Emergency legislation that would grant powers aimed at tackling the pandemic is being debated by MPs .
• All learning disability day centres are to close from Tuesday • The chief pharmaceutical officer is targeting more than 200 recently-retired pharmacists with a view to them returning to work Also speaking at at Stormont , the deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said : `` We can come through this .
We can come out the other end .
The message could n't be clearer - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Monday 20 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Northern Ireland , bringing the total to 148 .
Three people have died .
In the Republic of Ireland there were 219 new cases of Covid-19 diagnosed on Monday , bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,125.. Two more people were also confirmed to have died from the illness , bringing the death toll in the Republic of Ireland to six .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Over the weekend photos circulated on social media showing crowds of people in popular north coast tourist destinations Portrush and Portstewart in Country Antrim , as well as beaches in County Donegal , near Newcastle in County Down and at Nutts Corner market .
Justice Minister Naomi Long said people would face fines up to £100,000 if they did not comply with the government 's new measures .
It has also been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role of Belfast 's coronavirus hospital from midday on Tuesday , with all respiratory admissions within the trust area diverted to it .
Its emergency department will close to walk-in admissions from 8:00 GMT .
Patients who are seeking medical treatment for urgent and non-respiratory problems are advised to attend the ED at Belfast 's Royal Victoria Hospital .
Mater emergency department consultant Eoghan Ferry said in order to protect staff and patients `` We are focusing on having those patients who are suspected of having covId come to this site and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directed towards the RVH . ''
It is understood that maternity patients will not be postponed but women may have to be sent elsewhere .
There have been calls for more coronavirus testing and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill tells the daily Stormont briefing that `` we need to ramp it up significantly '' .
She said they would work with the health minister to make sure this is the case `` as quickly as possible . ''
Earlier , assembly members at Stormont were told officials were actively trying to increase the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cope with any upsurge in coronavirus deaths .
The justice committee also heard how some prisoners in Northern Ireland could be released early under new emergency legislation .
But officials told members only those prisoners who would have previously qualified for early release will be eligible to be freed .
Meanwhile assembly members were told there were no plans to call in military support for the police .
On Monday Helath Minister Robin Swann published details of a new childcare scheme for key workers who are `` on the frontline '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It also includes health workers who are looking after patients who have contracted Covid-19 .
Under the scheme , children of people who carry out certain essential roles will be looked after in their own homes `` as much as possible '' , by a daycare worker who will be assigned to their family .
Parents of babies and toddlers will be prioritised .

In the Republic of Ireland there were 219 new cases of Covid-19 diagnosed on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,125.. Two more people were also confirmed to have died from the illness, bringing the death toll in the Republic of Ireland to six.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Stay at home, first minister tells Wales

First Minister Mark Drakeford says the Welsh Government is asking everyone to stay at home in a bid to contain coronavirus .
He was speaking after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a series of stricter measures aimed at tackling the coronavirus outbreak .
All high street shops will be closed except those selling food , pharmacies , banks and post offices .
Sixteen people have died in Wales after contracting Covid-19 .
Mr Drakeford 's announcement is consistent with measures laid out by Mr Johnson and Scotland 's First Minister , Nicola Sturgeon .
Mr Johnson said police will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the imposition of fines and dispersals of gatherings .
He said the restrictions would be reviewed in three weeks ' time .
Public Health Wales announced a further four deaths related to coronavirus on Monday , bringing the total in Wales to 16 .
The UK death toll has reached 335 .
• Live coverage of the crisis in Wales • Plea made to keep children at home during outbreak The first minister urged people to go out just once a day to shop for basic food and to exercise close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as gatherings of more than two people in public will be banned .
In a video statement , Mr Drakeford said : `` Over the last few weeks we have asked everyone in Wales to make changes to the way we live our lives .
`` We have asked you to stay at home , we have asked you to work from home if you can and not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary .
`` We done this to slow the spread of coronavirus in Wales , to save lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But now we have to introduce even more tighter measures . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak What does it mean for you ?
• All high street shops will be closed except a group of businesses such as those selling food , pharmacies , banks and post offices .
• Others allowed to open include newsagents , pet shops and vets , petrol stations , laundrettes and funeral homes • Local NHS services including your GP will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social events , including weddings , baptisms and other ceremonies , as well as gatherings of more than two people in public should not take place .
• Funerals will continue to be held , but only with close family present .
The first minister added : `` We are asking everyone to stay at home .
Please only go out once a day to shop for basic food if you have to and to exercise close to home . ''
`` Everyone should now also work from home , if you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all of us .
We are making them because of the speed the virus is continuing to spread .
`` Please help us to protect you and to save lives . ''
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said that although the measures were `` unprecedented in peacetime '' , they were necessary to suppress the spread of the virus `` which is already threatening to overwhelm our NHS '' .
`` This is n't a national holiday .
This is a national emergency .
Each individual has a responsibility to follow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Which shops can open - and which will shut Cardiff North Labour MP Anna McMorrin said : `` We all have a responsibility to halt the spread .
This wo n't be easy , but a lockdown is the only way to save thousands of lives . ''
Reacting to Boris Johnson 's statement , Conservative AM Andrew RT Davies said : `` That was a statement that no Prime Minister would want to make , never mind someone who values personal freedom and individual responsibility such as Boris Johnson . ''
Former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Preseli Pembrokeshire said it was `` strange and difficult times for our country '' .
`` We are all going to have show more patience , flexibility and kindness in our daily lives to get through this . ''


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Thieves steal oxygen from Manchester hospital

Thieves have stolen oxygen from a community hospital in Manchester , police said .
Greater Manchester Police said people would @ @ @ @ @ disgust '' at the theft during the coronavirus pandemic .
Three men were seen getting @ @ @ @ @ outside Withington Community Hospital on Saturday at 03:30 GMT .
They cut a lock on @ @ @ @ @ eight oxygen and nitrous oxide canisters .
The south Manchester hospital is not believed to @ @ @ @ @ .
Insp Andrew Hughes said : `` We 're determined to find those responsible for @ @ @ @ @ 'd appeal to anyone with information or who may be able to assist us with @ @ @ @ @ as soon as possible . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms @ @ @ @ @ to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Insp Andrew Hughes said: "We're determined to find those responsible for this crime, and I'd appeal to anyone with information or who may be able to assist us with dash-cam footage to come forward as soon as possible."


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: UK brings in strict curbs on life to fight virus

Boris Johnson has outlined strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus , including a ban on public gatherings of more than two people .
He said people should leave home only to exercise once a day , travel to and from work where `` absolutely necessary '' , shop for essential items and to fulfil any medical or care needs .
He also ordered the immediate closure of shops selling non-essential goods .
But police said they had received lots of calls asking what was still allowed .
As of Monday , some 335 people have died with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday evening , nearly 21 million TV viewers watched Mr Johnson tell the country it was facing a `` moment of national emergency '' and that staying at home was necessary to protect the NHS , save lives and tackle `` the biggest threat this country has faced for decades '' .
Police and local authorities will have powers to disperse gatherings , including through fines .
The restrictions would be under constant review and a relaxation of the rules would be considered in three weeks , he said .
`` To put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become seriously unwell at one time , the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die , not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well , '' he said .
For the first time , all the UK 's mobile networks are sending out a government message on Tuesday morning to their customers with details of the new measures .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• NEW GUIDANCE : What must I do ?
• NEW RESTRICTIONS : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Visual guide to the outbreak The new measures came amid fears people were disregarding the government 's social distancing advice .
At the weekend , crowds of people were seen at beaches , parks , markets and other public spaces .
The new guidance says people should only leave their homes for one of four reasons : • Shopping for basic necessities such as food and medicine .
Shopping trips should be as infrequent as possible • One form of exercise a day such as a run , walk or cycle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people you live with • Any medical need , or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person .
This includes moving children under the age of 18 between their parents ' homes , where applicable .
Key workers or those with children identified as vulnerable can continue to take their children to school • Travelling to and from work , but only where work absolutely can not be done from home Even when following the above guidance , people should minimise the amount of time spent out of their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) away from people they do not live with .
The government is also stopping all social events , including weddings , baptisms and other ceremonies - but funerals attended by immediate family members are allowed .
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said if people did not follow the rules , the police would `` have the tools to ensure they are penalised and punished if they put others ' lives at risk '' .
These measures represent some of the most far-reaching curbs on personal freedom ever introduced in the UK in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules can be made to work .
The first hurdle is to get them on to the statute book ; although the prime minister said the restrictions on travel and gatherings would come into effect immediately , police do n't have the powers to enforce them yet , nor have they had official guidance .
The second issue - assuming legal regulations are approved later this week - is the practical difficulty of getting groups to disperse and accurately identifying people who should not be on the streets , without losing public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to persuade those who do not comply have failed , officers will be able to issue fines , with prosecutions likely to be a last resort .
But at a time when officer numbers are increasingly depleted through illness and self-isolation , forces will be hoping communities do the right thing without the need for intervention .
Businesses that will not need to close include supermarkets , petrol stations , post offices , launderettes , bike shops , pet shops , hardware stores and banks .
Mr Gove said all major construction work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at close quarters in someone 's home would not be appropriate .
London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticised that approach , saying too many people had been given `` key worker '' status , including construction workers .
• Five things that will now be banned • This is a lockdown , says Scottish first minister Premises such as libraries , non-essential shops , playgrounds , outdoor gyms and places of worship have been ordered to close .
Hotels , hostels , campsites and caravan parks must also close unless key workers need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there can not get back home .
Parks will remain open for exercise but people are not allowed to gather in groups .
Community centres can stay open but only for the purpose of `` hosting essential voluntary or public services '' such as food banks or service for homeless people , the guidance says .
Prisoners in England and Wales will be confined to their cells for 23 hours a day and allowed out only to shower and use pay-phones , with all visits cancelled , the BBC understands .
Some 83,945 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus with 6,650 testing positive .
However , the true number of cases will be far higher as tests are primarily done on hospital patients with symptoms of the virus .
It seems hard to overstate how huge an impact this will have on the country , and what a massive decision this is for the government to have taken - whose effect will last at least for a period of three weeks at the shortest , potentially for very much longer .
Remember this though is not quite the kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries - at least not yet .
Not surprisingly , there is already therefore enormous controversy about whether the UK has been acting fast enough .
But there were calls for more information about the guidance after the prime minister scrapped his daily press conference on Monday to announce the measures in a statement .
Lincolnshire Police warned of an `` extremely high volume '' of calls and Humberside Chief Constable Lee Freeman said his force had received `` a number of calls '' on the subject , which he said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation , said enforcing the new restrictions would be `` a real , real challenge '' , as there was already `` large amounts of sickness '' among officers across London .
Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a tweet that the next few weeks would be `` testing '' for police but she would make sure officers had `` the resources they need to keep themselves and the public safe '' .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the measures were `` the right response '' but called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers , including the self-employed , as well as renters and mortgage holders , '' he said .
The prime minister said he knew the `` damage '' the restrictions were causing to people 's lives , businesses and jobs - and said `` many lives will sadly be lost '' despite the measures .
But he added there was `` a clear way through '' , by strengthening the NHS with former clinicians returning to work , accelerating the search @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of testing kits .
• Sports Direct has confirmed it will not open its stores to the public following a U-turn by the sportswear retailer • Most of Ryanair 's flights are expected to be grounded from Tuesday - with no further flights likely in April or May • Chemicals giant Ineos is to build a hand sanitiser plant near Middlesbrough within 10 days to produce one million bottles a month • Emergency legislation introducing measures to respond to the virus will go before the House of Lords later after it passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waitrose is limiting the number of people who can shop in its stores as it seeks to protect customers and staff • Carmakers are answering calls from governments to help make more ventilators and face masks • Donald Trump insists the US will `` soon be open for business '' as more states shut down • China announces 78 new cases - 74 of them from abroad .
Wuhan - the city where the virus emerged - is to lift its lockdown next month • One of Africa 's most famous musicians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus • Hundreds of UK citizens stranded in New Zealand come together to ask for help How will you be affected by these measures ?
Email haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

It seems hard to overstate how huge an impact this will have on the country, and what a massive decision this is for the government to have taken - whose effect will last at least for a period of three weeks at the shortest, potentially for very much longer.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Sports Direct U-turns on opening after backlash

Sports Direct has performed a U-turn on keeping its shops open during the coronavirus lockdown following a backlash over its plans .
The government has ordered all UK shops selling non-essential goods to close .
Sports Direct initially said it would remain open as it was `` uniquely well placed to help keep the UK as fit and healthy as possible '' .
But after widespread criticism , it now says it will not open `` until we are given the go-ahead by the government '' .
Sports Direct 's chief financial officer , Chris Wootton , said the chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels '' to confirm whether its shops were deemed to provide an essential service .
But Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said on Tuesday morning that he could not see `` any justification '' for it to stay open .
`` The key thing we need to do is make sure people wherever possible stay at home .
Yes it 's important people exercise but that should be done once a day and it 's a basic thing , '' he told ITV 's Good Morning Britain .
`` People can walk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there is no reason for a store like Sports Direct to remain open . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The retailer had argued that it provided an essential service .
Bosses at the company said the sports equipment it sells can be used to exercise at home at a time when gyms have been closed .
In a letter written by Frasers Group , which owns Sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had said : `` Thus our Sports Direct and Evans Cycles stores will remain open where possible to allow us to do this ( in accordance with the government 's current social distancing guidance ) .
`` There is no one else that has the range of product and range of stores to make this reasonably accessible for the whole population . ''
Bicycle shops are on the list of retailers that are allowed to stay open during the shutdown .
But Paddy Lillis , general secretary of the shop workers ' trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today programme : `` I ca n't see how it [ Sports Direct ] is an essential service .
It 's a sports clothing company .
`` In my mind , an essential service would include food and medicine and the supply chain around that , '' as well as the National Health Service , he said .
Ian Lavery MP , chair of the Labour Party , told the company 's founder and chief executive Mike Ashley to `` take some responsibility '' .
A number of High Street retailers and food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson 's announcement on Monday evening , which set out strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus .
The government has now issued a list of which `` essential '' retailers are allowed to stay open .
They include : Businesses will still be able to take online orders and deliver items to people 's homes .
The government this week said it would pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic , in a move aimed at protecting people 's jobs .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff who are kept on by their employer , covering wages of up to £2,500 a month .
Many retail and hospitality firms have warned the pandemic could see them collapse , wiping out thousands of jobs , as life in the UK is put on hold .
Helen Dickinson , chief executive of retail lobby group the British Retail Consortium , said many shops had already closed temporarily .
`` Any retailers that remain open will be following the very latest government public health guidance to ensure they do everything they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff , '' she said .
The government had already ordered pubs , restaurants and cafes to close amid concerns that people were ignoring its advice to keep social contact to a minimum .
Monday night 's announcement came as the number of UK deaths from coronavirus hit 335 , while there were 6,650 confirmed cases .
Many of the big brands to have already announced closures have promised to pay their staff for several weeks until the government 's coronavirus job retention scheme kicks in .
However , concern is growing about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers who will be forced to rely on benefits in the absence of targeted support .
Neil Carberry , boss of lobby group the Recruitment and Employment Confederation , said the announcement reinforced the need for businesses and workers to access government support measures `` as quickly as possible '' .
`` With the economy and jobs market in lockdown , all employers can do is stand by their staff as far as possible and reap the benefits during the post-crisis comeback , '' he added .


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Sadiq Khan warns 'stop Tube travel or more will die'

London Underground commuters have been warned that if they do not stop packing into trains more people will die from coronavirus .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan issued the alert after photos showed crowds in Tube carriages for a second morning running .
Mr Khan insisted that the network was running for essential workers only .
A transport union called for police officers to be deployed at major stations to stop overcrowding .
More than 130 people have died in London from Covid-19 - a third of the whole of the UK .
But the trains were still crowded during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK on lockdown .
Mr Khan demanded employers enable their staff to work from home `` unless it 's absolutely necessary '' .
`` Ignoring these rules means more lives lost , '' he warned .
Nurse Julia Harris , who commutes to work at Imperial College NHS Trust , said she had left earlier and changed her route in a bid to avoid crowds but still found services busy .
`` Seats on the train all had at least one person so people needed to stand , and the District line was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I still do n't think things have improved as a large amount of people are commuting early in the morning .
`` It is concerning because I have to come to work .
The choice is n't there and my commute is quite long .
I worry for my health more on my commute than actually being in the hospital . ''
Nicola Smith , who works at a central London hospital , said `` I 'm risking my health '' to commute by Tube because it was so busy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reverse his decision to reduce Tube timetables or the prime minister to `` start policing who 's getting on '' .
• Dozens of Tube stations to shut over coronavirus TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said : `` Sadly , the situation on the London Underground has not improved .
`` We urgently need British Transport Police and other officers at major stations across London 's transport network to ensure only those with a valid reason to travel are doing so in this emergency . ''
Public transport is currently meant to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does n't seem to be working .
Union reps on the tube have been left apoplectic for a second day because lines have been very very busy , particularly at the start of the service .
Footage I have seen shows passengers crammed in next to each other and there is now talk amongst members of staff who are union members of a walk out - they are so unhappy with the situation .
They are particularly picking out construction workers and believe all the sites in London should be closed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a financial package for these self-employed workers .
There are also calls for ID checks at stations or the definition of key worker to be tightened .
In the strongest wording I have ever seen - Transport for London says fewer people need to travel or people will die .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak For more London news follow on Facebook , on Twitter , on Instagram and @ @ @ @ @ @

"It cannot go on the way it is or the Tube will not be able to continue. But, let me be clear, we very, very much want it to continue as it is vital."


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Private clinic defends charging £375 for test

A private healthcare clinic in London has defended its decision to charge £375 ( $ 434 ) for a coronavirus test .
The Private Harley Street Clinic said the price reflected `` the costs of these logistic and clinical services that we provide '' and added that it was offering free tests for NHS staff .
It followed newspaper reports that the clinic had sold several thousand at full price .
According to its website , the test is no longer available .
In a statement released on Monday , the clinic said it was `` pausing '' the service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to carrying out more tests nationwide , with an aim to carry out 25,000 tests a day within four weeks .
Chief executive Dr Mark Ali did not respond to the BBC 's request for comment .
It is believed the test offered was made by a firm called Randox Health , which was selling them online for £120 each , although according to its website it is currently out of stock .
Randox Health , which is based in County Antrim , Northern Ireland , was also contacted by the BBC .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying home tests .
It says there is not yet enough information about them .
`` It is not known whether either a positive or negative result is reliable '' , reads a statement on its website .
A spokesman for the General Medical Council said : `` We expect doctors to be clear about the safety and accuracy of Covid-19 tests , and not to offer or recommend tests that are unproven , clinically unverified and/or otherwise unreliable . ''
Prof Martin Marshall , chair of the Royal College of GPs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients should be `` put over making profit from the situation '' .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • UK LATEST : What 's the UK 's plan and what could happen next ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The Private Harley Street Clinic said it had never advertised its service .
Google told the BBC that while it did not have a specific rule about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed the pandemic under its `` sensitive events policy '' , which means ads are banned which `` may capitalise on tragic events such as a natural disaster , conflict or death '' .
Facebook said that test kit ads were banned .
Australian firm Rapidward said that five days ago it began supplying Covid-19 blood tests direct from China to Switzerland , Italy and Iran at a cost of $ 12 each , including shipping .
The test , which detects antibodies , claims to be around 95 % accurate .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal Drugs Agency ( FDA ) in the US but it is registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA ) in the UK .
The firm said it would not sell to individuals .
`` The kits are simple enough to be used by individuals , but we want to supply the medical industry and healthcare sector , '' said founder Milton Zhou .
Mr Zhou added that he believed it was `` outrageous '' to charge more than the cost price .
Academics at Leicester University are developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £2 per unit , it said .
The mask collects a sample of what the wearer is breathing out - which then requires laboratory analysis .

Google told the BBC that while it did not have a specific rule about ads for coronavirus tests, it had placed the pandemic under its "sensitive events policy", which means ads are banned which "may capitalise on tragic events such as a natural disaster, conflict or death".


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: 'Just stay inside' pleads victim's daughter

The daughter of a man who died after being diagnosed with coronavirus has pleaded with people to follow the government 's strict new rules .
Michael Gerard , 73 , died in hospital on Sunday after getting pneumonia-like symptoms two weeks ago .
His daughter suspected he might have coronavirus but this was confirmed just four days before his death .
Strict new curbs on life in the UK to tackle the spread of coronavirus have been announced by the prime minister .
As of now , people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities , daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and travelling to and from work where `` absolutely necessary '' .
Speaking over the phone from her mother 's home in Leicester , Sushila Moles welcomed the new restrictions announced by Boris Johnson on Monday evening .
She and her mother are both self-isolating but are worried other people are not taking the risks seriously .
`` It 's so strange for me because I 'm stuck in this house and have lost my dad and then I look on the news and see all these parks full of people , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know anybody who has died and other countries seem a long way away , but it is going to happen , this is a pandemic that is coming this way and we need to think about the vulnerable people and just stay inside and practise social distancing as best we can . ''
Ms Moles described her father as a `` very frail man who has been unwell for 20 years '' , with health problems including Crohn 's disease , glaucoma and autoimmune diseases .
`` When I heard about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my dad made it through this it would be a miracle , '' she said .
She also warned people they might have coronavirus even if they do not think they have it - as her father thought he had pneumonia .
`` He was n't too worried and neither was my mum - he was quite ill but he was kind of all right , '' she said .
`` They had been calling the doctors who said it sounded like pneumonia which he had before and sent over some antibiotics for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the antibiotics but did n't see any improvement .
I was saying 'are you sure it 's not corona ? '
because it 's quite likely , this is going around . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak He was admitted to hospital on 16 March after being ill for about a week .
He was tested for coronavirus and this was confirmed on 18 March .
He died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Moles described her father as `` loving , kind and always supportive '' .
`` He genuinely took delight in everything that I did and loved me unquestionably , '' she said .
`` He 's one of a kind and will be greatly missed . ''
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , on Twitter , or on Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"They probably don't know anybody who has died and other countries seem a long way away, but it is going to happen, this is a pandemic that is coming this way and we need to think about the vulnerable people and just stay inside and practise social distancing as best we can."


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: MP Nadia Whittome returns to care work

An MP has returned to her pre-Parliament job as a care worker to help deal with the coronavirus pandemic .
Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome said she would donate the salary from her part-time role at ExtraCare to a local Covid-19 support fund .
The 23-year-old said she was doing it because `` the care system is in serious danger of falling apart '' during the outbreak .
The NHS has called for former health workers to return to their jobs .
Ms Whittome , Britain 's youngest MP , said : `` I am returning part-time to my previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care is already in crisis and the care system is in serious danger of falling apart at the seams during the Covid-19 pandemic .
`` Care workers work tirelessly to support communities , yet rarely receive recognition and pay that reflects their contribution . ''
She also called for an `` emergency '' universal basic income and mass testing .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said about 7,500 health workers had answered the call to return to work from Monday .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"We need care workers and me returning is an act of solidarity with my colleagues who are struggling under increased pressure and are already working really hard," she told the BBC.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--What's in the emergency Coronavirus legislation?

The government has passed all stages of their 329-page emergency bill through the House of Commons .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs the emergency legislation will allow `` extraordinary measures '' never seen in peace time in the UK .
The bill will go before the House of Lords on Tuesday .
What does the legislation include ?
The bill gives the government wide-ranging powers , unlike any other recent legislation .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has stressed that the powers in the bill would only be used `` when strictly necessary '' and would remain in force only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the crisis .
• When will the pandemic end ?
Speaking in the Commons , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said 7,563 recently retired clinicians had so far `` answered the call '' to return to work to help with the emergency .
He told MPs that the returnees included nurses , midwives , paramedics and social workers - adding that priority would be given to ensure their training was up to date and they were fully insured .
There are multiple sections aimed at reducing the pressure on other frontline sectors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under mental health laws and increasing the use of audio and video links in courts .
This category of measures shows just how wide the subject matters range .
Organisations could be required to provide space or resources for the storage or management of dead bodies , while rules relating to investigatory powers will be relaxed while the law is in force .
One of the more high-profile measures in the bill is the power to restrict events and shut down premises such as pubs .
If UK and devolved ministers decide an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health , the owner of a venue or an organiser of the event can be forced to cancel , close down or restrict access .
Failure to do so could result in a fine .
Once the bill passes , officials will have the power to close the borders in the event that the Border Force is under intense pressure due to staffing shortages .
It also puts into law powers to isolate or detain individuals who are judged to be a risk to containing the spread of Covid-19 .
Since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure on the government to support workers who are unable to work during the crisis .
To support businesses , the bill will allow employers to reclaim statutory sick pay funds from HMRC to help with the burden of increased staff absence .
For workers , it will scrap the three-day waiting period so that they can receive the payments from the day they stop working .
Are MPs concerned about the bill ?
Following pressure from Tory MPs , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the bill would be debated and voted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` content with its continuation '' .
Acknowledging the `` difficult '' powers being sought by ministers were `` unprecedented in peacetime '' , he insisted they would be `` relinquished '' as soon as the threat to the UK had passed .
A succession of Conservative MPs welcomed the move but sought assurances that the measures would only apply to fighting the virus .
Tom Tugendhat expressed concern that the powers could - in different circumstances - be used in a `` malicious fashion '' .
David Davis sought reassurances that individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they were not working as intended while Steve Baker called for a sunset clause - when the bill would automatically expire - of one rather than two years .
Will anything be changed ?
Labour 's shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said no MPs `` came into this House '' to give powers of this kind to the executive , `` curtailing some of the basic freedoms our forebears fought for and we take for granted '' .
While Labour believed unprecedented measures were now needed to `` save lives and protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures would `` chill every Liberal in the House '' and it only offered its support with a `` heavy heart '' .
However , he said the bill required careful scrutiny to ensure the `` quite extraordinary '' powers were not abused , particularly in changes to rules on mental health sectioning and the provision of social care .
The bill , he warned , would give councils the power to `` downgrade '' care for the disabled and the elderly and that this should be subject to a review by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councils should be able to prioritise those with the greatest needs in the event of staff shortages , `` what no-one of us wants to see is the legal minimum of support become the default '' .
When will it all come in to force ?
Any legislation has to pass to the House of Lords once it has cleared the Commons .
The government has no majority on the red benches , so peers could cause some problems if they want to make changes to the bill .
If they do , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at report stage .
It would then return to MPs on Thursday .
Either way , it should be signed into law by the end of Thursday , giving ministers powers that would be unprecedented in normal times .

While councils should be able to prioritise those with the greatest needs in the event of staff shortages, "what no-one of us wants to see is the legal minimum of support become the default".


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: What are the new restrictions and why are they needed?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a series of new restrictions to fight the coronavirus outbreak in a televised address from 10 Downing Street .
What are the new measures ?
• Shops selling `` non-essential goods '' including clothes and electronics stores will be closed immediately • Libraries , playgrounds , outdoor gyms and places of worship will also close • Gatherings of more than two people ( excluding people who live together ) will be banned • There will be no weddings or baptisms but funerals will be allowed • Parks will remain open but people are only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day Mr Johnson said that if these rules are not followed then police will have the powers to enforce them , including through fines and dispersing gatherings .
People are also being told not to meet friends or family members who do not live with them .
Mr Johnson said people would only be allowed to leave their homes in future for specific and limited purposes : • Shopping for `` basic necessities '' , as infrequently as possible .
People should use delivery services , where they can • Medical reasons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable person • Travelling to and from work , but only if it is `` absolutely necessary '' The measures will last for three weeks from 23 March before being reviewed .
Customers should still be able to receive deliveries placed online .
Amazon told the BBC that there would be some changes , with essential items ( like food and healthcare products ) being prioritised .
That means that delivery times for other items may take longer than usual .
Amazon drivers have been advised to place packages at the customer 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid any unnecessary contact .
What about parents who live in separate places ?
Parents who live separately will also be allowed to move children under 18 between their houses , according to Cabinet minister Michael Gove .
People can still use takeaway shops and delivery companies , according to the government 's guidance .
However , customers must not eat or drink while waiting for their food .
Despite being allowed to remain open , some food retailers have still decided to close - including Greggs and McDonalds .
What about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dry cleaners have been given an exception and are allowed to remain open .
If a customers visits one , they need to ensure they stick to the social distancing rules .
Some other types of non-food retailers are also allowed to stay open , according to government guidance : People are still allowed to go outside for exercise - including walking , running or cycling .
However , this can only be done on your own , or with the people you live with .
Mr Gove says this should be your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only once a day .
Can I still take my car for an MOT ?
Garages are allowed to remain open under the new restrictions .
MOTs for lorries , buses and trailers have already been suspended for up to three months .
The government says these vehicles must be maintained and kept roadworthy .
MOTs for cars , motorcycles and light vans are under review .
Driving tests in England , Scotland and Wales have been suspended for up to three months from 21 March 2020 , except for critical workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland until 22 June 2020 .
How will the measures be enforced ?
The police will be given the powers to enforce the measures - by dispersing groups and issuing fines .
The National Police Chiefs ' Council told the BBC that officers would be talking to people and explaining why should n't they be out .
If they do not accept the advice , they would then be given a fine .
However , fines wo n't be issued until Parliament passes the emergency legislation - which should be by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not say , at this stage , how big the fines are likely to be .
Why are tougher restrictions being introduced ?
The government had already told people that to prevent the spread of coronavirus they should only go out when necessary - for example , to buy food and medicine , or for exercise .
When out , people have been told to keep at least 2m ( 6ft ) apart from other people .
This is known as social distancing .
However , since this advice was issued , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not following it .
At the weekend , parks and open spaces were packed with people .
Snowdonia National Park , for example , said it had experienced the `` busiest ever visitor day in living memory '' .
And with the reduction in train services across the UK and tube trains on the London Underground , passengers on their way to work were crowded together on Monday .
What has the UK already done ?
People had already been urged to work from home where possible , and not to visit pubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other venues .
Last Friday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that these places should all close , although takeaways could still offer a service .
Schools also shut on Friday , although some have been kept open to provide a service for the children of key workers , such as NHS staff .
Why do people need to stay apart ?
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets into the air .
These can be breathed in , or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with unwashed hands .
How does the UK compare to other countries ?
Many countries have already imposed severe restrictions on their populations .
• The whole of Italy has been on lockdown since 9 March , with people only allowed out if strictly necessary • Meetings of more than two have been banned in Germany .
One German state , Bavaria , has implemented a full lockdown for its citizens • More and more US states have introduced severe restrictions , with one in three Americans now being told not to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , although schools remain open in some states • 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

If you leave your home or gather in public for any reason other than those allowed, the police may instruct you to go home or disperse. They may also instruct you to stop your children from also breaking the rules. They also have the power to take you home or arrest you.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Can my car still get an MOT? And other questions

The UK government has introduced strict new measures to try and slow the spread of coronavirus .
But what are you still allowed to do ?
And what does the virus mean for your health ?
Here are the answers to some of the most common readers ' questions .
Can divorced parents keep seeing their kids even if they live in different houses ?
- Safia Finlay , Lymington Yes .
The government guidance on staying at home says , `` Where parents do not live in the same household , children under 18 can be moved between their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Gove has also tweeted a message in answer to claims that advice had not been clear enough .
He said that while children should not normally be moving between households , it may be necessary in these circumstances .
How do you MOT a vehicle if the garage is closed ?
- W. Burgher , Christchurch Garages are allowed to remain open under the new restrictions .
MOTs have been suspended for lorries , buses and trailers for up to three months , and MOT testing for cars , motorcycles and light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Vehicle Standards Agency ( DVSA ) has also suspended driving and motorcycle tests in England , Scotland and Wales for up to three months from 21 March 2020 , except for critical workers .
All practical driving tests are also currently suspended in Northern Ireland until 22 June 2020 .
If you recover from coronavirus , are you immune ?
- RubyRed on Twitter .
It is too soon to tell .
This virus has only been around since the end of December , but from experience with other viruses and coronaviruses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus which will protect you .
With Sars and other coronaviruses we tended not to see reinfection .
Now there are some reports from China of people who are released from hospital subsequently testing positive .
The key thing was that those people were no longer infectious .
What is the incubation period for the coronavirus ?
- Gillian Gibs It takes five days on average to start showing the symptoms , scientists have said , but some people will get symptoms much later than this .
The incubation period lasts up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( WHO ) says .
But some researchers say it may be up to 24 days .
Knowing and understanding the incubation period is very important .
It allows doctors and health authorities to introduce more effective ways of controlling the spread of the virus .
How long are you ill for ?
- Nita , Maidstone For four out of five people Covid-19 will be a mild disease , a bit like flu .
Symptoms include a fever and a dry cough .
You may feel under the weather for a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal within a week or so of symptoms appearing .
If the virus gets well established in the lungs , it can cause breathing difficulties and pneumonia .
About one in seven people may need hospital treatment .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Are otherwise healthy disabled people more at risk from coronavirus ?
- Abigail Ireland , Stockport Coronavirus can be more severe in older people and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lung illnesses , and diabetes .
There is no evidence that disabled people who are otherwise healthy - and who do n't , for instance , have respiratory problems - are at greater risk of dying from , or with , coronavirus .
Should I wear a mask to protect myself and others from the virus ?
- Ann Hardman , Radcliffe , Manchester Although doctors and surgeons often wear face masks , there is little evidence that wearing face masks by the public makes a difference .
Public Health England has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of face masks as a means of protection from coronavirus '' .
They say there is very little evidence of widespread benefit from their use , outside of clinical settings , Can you catch the virus from food prepared by an infected individual ?
- Sean McIntyre , Brisbane , Australia Someone infected with coronavirus could potentially pass it on to someone else , if the food they prepare has not been handled hygienically .
Coronavirus can be spread by cough droplets on hands .
Washing your hands before touching and eating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop the spread of germs .
Can coronavirus be transmitted by door handles , other surfaces and money ?
- Jean Jimenez , Panama If someone infected with the virus coughs on their hand and then touches something , that surface may become contaminated .
Door handles are a good example of a surface that might pose a risk .
It 's not yet known how long the new coronavirus might be able to live on such surfaces .
Experts suspect it is hours rather than days , but there are differences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash your hands regularly to help reduce the risk of infection and the spread of the virus .
The Chinese government has said that cash received by all banks must be sterilised before being released to customers , in order to reduce the spread of the disease .
Using contactless cards can minimise the risk of handling cash .
However , these cards can also harbour germs and viruses .
Best practice is to wash your hands thoroughly after handling cards , coins or banknotes .
Can the coronavirus be transferred through items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Stefan There is no evidence that this is a risk .
Some diseases , including coronavirus , can spread through surfaces contaminated by people coughing or sneezing on them , but it is thought that the virus does not survive for long .
Something sent in the post is unlikely to be contaminated by the time it arrives at its destination .
How do you get gas and electricity if you are on a prepayment meter and ca n't get to a Post Office to top it up ?
- David E @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies have promised to help you if you have a prepayment meter .
So you may be able to authorise a friend to top up your energy card for you .
You could also ask your supplier to send you a card by post , which is already topped up .
The government says that if it 's urgent , the supplier should be able to add credit directly to your account .
You need to ring the company and talk it through .
The new scheme has only just been announced so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it works .
You should be able to top-up online as well .
What questions do you have about the coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question :

How is the government going to protect vulnerable children who remain unvaccinated? My son has cystic fibrosis and will now be forced to mix - he has not had any access to vaccination.
Because your son is in a clinical risk group - and as long as he is over five - he should soon be offered two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. You should be contacted by your GP or specialist team to arrange this.
With regard to the dangers of mixing, the UK has also recommended that Covid vaccines are offered to all children aged 5 to 11, not just those at high clinical risk. This is likely to start in England in April. Children are generally at much lower risk of becoming seriously ill from a Covid infection, although some do still get sick and need hospital care. Over-12s can already be vaccinated, and it's hoped that extending the rollout to younger age groups will help protect even more children from the risk of catching and spreading Covid.
Schools are expected to work with and support families who have concerns about a pupil returning to the classroom. It is compulsory for school-age children to attend, even if they were previously shielding - the only exception is a small number of children whose clinician or GP has advised them not to attend. If you have concerns about this, you should talk to your doctor.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Inside a community pharmacy under pressure

Pharmacists are asking people not to stockpile medicine as many report a threefold increase in footfall .
There are 14,000 @ @ @ @ @ some are restricting patients numbers inside , creating social distancing markers and limiting purchases .
@ @ @ @ @ retired pharmacists and allowing pharmacy students to help are also being discussed .
Community pharmacist @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s like being on the front line of fighting Covid-19 .

Pharmacists are asking people not to stockpile medicine as many report a threefold increase in footfall.
There are 14,000 pharmacies in the UK and some are restricting patients numbers inside, creating social distancing markers and limiting purchases. National plans to temporarily register retired pharmacists and allowing pharmacy students to help are also being discussed.
Community pharmacist Marc Borson shows us what it’s like being on the frontline of fighting Covid-19.