bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Middlesbrough mayor says parks stay closed

Parks in Middlesbrough are to remain closed despite government advice they should reopen .
The town 's mayor Andy Preston said it had `` one of the highest rates of Covid 19 infection outside of London '' and it would be `` dangerous '' for people to mingle .
He cited a think-tank report which claims Middlesbrough is the `` riskiest '' place in the country for coronavirus .
The government has said `` people need parks '' for exercise and mental health .
In a post on social media , Mr Preston said : `` Because of Middlesbrough 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health challenges , we are deemed to be the most coronavirus vulnerable place in the UK .
`` With this in mind I have decided that , for now , our parks remain closed .
`` Parks themselves are not dangerous - but people gathering and mixing inappropriately in parks could be deadly . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise Mr Preston told BBC Tees the situation was being reviewed constantly , adding : `` As soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe and not a risk to public health , we will . ''
He pointed to a report by the Centre for Progressive Policy which says Middlesbrough `` has a combined high case load and high level of systemic risk '' .
The think-thank said it reached its conclusions by analysing confirmed cases against the age of an area 's population , life expectancy and quality of care .
Andy McDonald , Labour MP for Middlesbrough , said while `` these decisions are not easy '' , he thought Mr Preston had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parks are a `` great asset '' to people in densely populated urban areas and `` there would be significant benefits from re-opening our major parks , including depriving people of the excuse of travelling by car to enjoy a green space elsewhere '' .
`` We all benefit for being in a green and pleasant environment and parks are a huge solace for many , '' Mr McDonald said as he urged Mr Preston to reverse the closure decision .
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bbc.co.uk .

In a post on social media, Mr Preston said: "Because of Middlesbrough's high rates of infection and our other health challenges, we are deemed to be the most coronavirus vulnerable place in the UK.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Isle of Wight cliff collapse: Eight rescued from beach by lifeboat

Eight walkers have been rescued after they were cut off on a beach by a `` substantial cliff collapse '' .
Police have warned anyone taking their daily exercise to avoid Shanklin beach on the Isle of Wight following the rock fall at about 16:40 BST on Saturday .
Coastguard and lifeboat crews were called out to Luccombe Bay amid fears that people had become trapped under the rocks , although no-one was injured .
Emergency services and the coastguard helicopter also attended the scene .
Two groups of walkers were in the area when part of the cliff toppled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ventnor Coastguard said the stranded people were brought to a safe part of the shore by lifeboat .
It said the multi-agency response included support from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service , the Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat , Hampshire Police , and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service .
David Hurden , senior maritime operations officer for HM Coastguard , said : `` There is nothing to suggest these two separate groups were breaking lockdown rules .
`` They were socially distancing from each other on a walk near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thankful that no-one has been injured in the incident . ''
Hampshire Police said : `` As a result of the collapse , access to the beach from Luccombe Bay is not safe for the public .
`` If you are out on your daily exercise please avoid this area at all costs . ''

Police have warned anyone taking their daily exercise to avoid Shanklin beach on the Isle of Wight following the rock fall at about 16:40 BST on Saturday.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Emergency virus hospital ready for patients

Construction of Scotland 's temporary coronavirus hospital , NHS Louisa Jordan , has been completed .
The £43m facility at the Scottish Events Campus ( SEC ) in Glasgow will be ready to receive Covid-19 patients from Monday , if required .
It will provide up to 1,036 additional beds to support the pandemic response .
The announcement from Health Secretary Jeane Freeman came on the day the number of hospital deaths from the virus in Scotland reached 903 .
Construction of the hospital began on 31 March after the British Army conducted a feasibility study and work took 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hoped the hospital will not be needed , as ongoing lockdown measures slow the rate of transmission of the virus in Scotland .
Standing in for the first minister at Sunday 's coronavirus briefing , Ms Freeman revealed that a further 10 people had died in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 .
Sunday 's figures showed that the death toll had risen to 903 , with 8,187 people now testing positive for the virus - an increase of 367 in the past 24 hours .
There has been a drop of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a total of 174 and 1,797 people are in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 , a rise of four .
A total of 39,612 tests have now been carried out .
Ms Freeman reiterated that the figures would be an under-estimate , given the low number of death registrations made over the weekend .
She said : `` They should be treated with some caution . ''
• The nurse lending her name to the new virus hospital She said the Scottish government remained confident NHS Louisa Jordan would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK press describing plans for a `` three-stage '' approach for lifting the lockdown and to claims schools may re-open in the next few weeks .
She said : `` These are not plans the Scottish government have seen and from what we have read they are not plans we would currently endorse .
`` We have committed to publishing later this week our initial thinking on how Scotland plots our way forward . ''
Ms Freeman added : `` We confirmed only three days ago that the existing lockdown would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will use that time to assess the evidence and the options before we make any further decisions . ''
The health secretary asked people to continue to follow the current lockdown rules .
She also confirmed that a quantity of face masks had been withdrawn from the ambulance service last week after the model was `` found to have too poor a fit ratio '' and was therefore not safe for issue .
They have since been replaced .
It comes as a plane carrying new equipment for the NHS - including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland from China on Saturday .
Ms Freeman concluded her announcement about the new emergency hospital by thanking those who had `` worked tirelessly '' to transform the SEC and said the decision on whether patients would be accepted to the hospital would be reviewed on a regular basis .
She added : `` I hope this facility will not be needed as , alongside the public 's continued efforts to stay at home , the NHS in Scotland has already taken steps to increase the number of NHS beds . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World War nurse Sister Louisa Jordan who died on active service in Serbia in 1915 as part of the Scottish Women 's Hospitals for Foreign Services .
It will have capacity for an initial 300 patients and this can be expanded to 1036 bed bays .
It will be operational on a phased basis , based on demand and staff will also be phased in from NHS Scotland , including those returning from retirement .
• 23,000 square metres of flooring have been laid • more than 1,000 bed bays have been erected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment have been ordered • 35,000 metres of network cabling have been laid for the nurse call system • 135,000 metres of cabling for lighting and power sockets have been laid • a new bespoke system to ensure oxygen supply to every bed has been put in place with 1,400 medical gas outlets • A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

She also confirmed that a quantity of face masks had been withdrawn from the ambulance service last week after the model was "found to have too poor a fit ratio" and was therefore not safe for issue. They have since been replaced.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: 'I'm the nurse who switches off the ventilator'

Having access to a ventilator can mean the difference between life and death for patients who are seriously ill with Covid-19 .
But sometimes even these breathing machines can not save someone 's life .
Switching off ventilators is part of Juanita Nittla 's job .
She 's a chief nurse in the intensive care unit ( ICU ) at London 's Royal Free Hospital , and has been working for the NHS as an intensive care specialist nurse for the past 16 years .
The work is traumatic and painful , the 42-year-old says .
`` Sometimes I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's death . ''
Ventilators take over the body 's breathing process when coronavirus has caused the lungs to fail .
This gives the patient time to fight off the infection and recover , but sometimes it 's not enough .
Medical teams face tough decisions about when to stop treatment for patients who are n't getting better .
The decision is made after careful consideration , analysing factors such as the age of the patient , underlying health conditions , their response to the virus and likelihood of recovery .
• What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work ?
• What happens in an intensive care unit At the start of a morning shift in the second week of April , Ms Nittla was told by the registrar in the ICU that her first task would be to stop treatment for a nurse in her 50s with Covid-19 .
Restrictions in place at the time meant that she had to talk through what would happen with the woman 's daughter on the phone ( Health Secretary Matt Hancock has since said that close family members would be able to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus guidelines ) .
`` I reassured her that her mum was not in pain and looked very comfortable , '' Ms Nittla said .
`` I also asked about her mother 's wishes and religious needs . ''
Ms Nittla 's patient was in an eight-bed bay , surrounded by people who were also unconscious .
`` I closed the curtains and turned off all the alarms . ''
The medical team paused for a moment and stopped talking , and Ms Nittla placed a phone next to the patient 's ear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Nittla played the music the family had requested .
Then she switched the ventilator off .
`` I sat beside her , holding her hands until she passed away , '' she says .
The patient died less than five minutes after Ms Nittla turned off the ventilator .
`` I saw flashing lights on the monitor and the heart rate hit zero - flat line - on the screen , '' she says .
Ms Nittla disconnected the tubes providing sedation drugs .
The patient 's daughter was still talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the phone .
Ms Nittla picked up the handset to tell her it was all over .
`` With the help of a colleague , I gave her a bed bath and wrapped her in a white shroud and placed her in a body bag .
I put a sign of the cross on her forehead before closing the bag , '' she says .
Ms Nittla says that being able to care for the dying has helped her cope with the crisis .
Due to a massive surge in the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit has expanded from 34 to 60 beds .
`` Normally in critical care we maintain a one-to-one ratio [ one nurse per patient ] .
Now it is one nurse for every three , '' says Ms Nittla .
`` If the situation continues to worsen , it will be one for every six patients . ''
Some nurses in her team have shown symptoms of the virus and are now in self-isolation .
The hospital is retraining other support nurses to work in critical care .
`` Before the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and say 'stay safe ! '
.
We keep an eye on each other .
We make sure everyone is wearing the gloves , masks and protective gear properly , '' says Ms Nittla .
The ICU is recording one death per day , well above the average they had before the pandemic .
`` It is daunting , '' says Ms Nittla .
As a head nurse , she sometimes has to suppress her own fears .
`` I do have nightmares .
I am unable to sleep .
I worry I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scared . ''
Last year she was away from work for months after getting tuberculosis .
She knows her lung capacity is diminished .
`` People tell me I should n't be working but this is a pandemic .
I put everything aside and do my job , '' she says .
`` At the end of my shift I do think of the patients who died in my care , but I try to switch off when I step outside of the hospital . ''
Since speaking to the BBC , Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain at home , due to her underlying health condition .
She plans to continue to offer support by doing administrative tasks , working from home .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak BBC 100 Women names 100 influential and inspirational women around the world every year .
We create documentaries , features and interviews about their lives - stories that put women at the centre .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook and join the conversation .

Restrictions in place at the time meant that she had to talk through what would happen with the woman's daughter on the phone (Health Secretary Matt Hancock has since said that close family members would be able to see dying relatives to say goodbye under new coronavirus guidelines).


bbcuk--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Homeschooling in a language you don't speak

Until a few weeks ago , non-Welsh speaking parents who had chosen Welsh-medium education assumed their children would spend about 30 hours a week immersed in the language - at school .
Now attempting to `` home school '' in a language they do n't speak , they face an extra layer of challenge .
In Cardiff , for example , about 63 % of pupils in Welsh-medium schools come from homes where no Welsh is spoken .
On top of anxiety about coronavirus and general concern about education , some parents are worried their children 's Welsh language skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of them .
She is learning Welsh , but feels she does not know enough to help her two young sons , Riley , eight , and Harley five , with their school work .
`` I can only help them in English and I 'm worried they 'll fall behind with their Welsh language skills , compared to the kids who get Welsh at home every day , '' she said .
She said the boys had been watching a lot of Cyw children 's programmes on S4C and playing games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she wishes they could do more .
Ceri Anwen James , assistant headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Edern , in Penylan , Cardiff , said : `` We know that the vast majority of our parents do n't speak Welsh .
`` When they made the decision , many moons ago , to educate their child through the medium of Welsh , they hardly thought that one day their child would be educated in Welsh from their kitchen or lounge , due to a pandemic lockdown , with them having to navigate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said the school had tried to keep tasks as straightforward as possible and given pupils plenty of links and activities to stay in touch with the Welsh language .
`` It 's essential that they have as much contact as possible with the Welsh language while they are away from school , '' he said .
To help parents like Debbie , a number of Welsh-speaking parents and others have come forward to help by developing new content to ensure children can have fun at home , as well as do their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mei Gwynedd has started ukulele lessons on his YouTube channel every Tuesday and Thursday morning .
`` I think music should be available for everyone , '' he said , adding that he 's trying to secure funding to provide subtitles to help non-Welsh speaking families follow along as well .
Cartoonist Huw Aaron provides daily videos to help kids get creative every weekday on YouTube .
He said he was motivated partly by his worry about how the lockdown could affect non-Welsh-speaking families .
`` If there 's no fun , interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not hear the language much at all for ... .
months ? ''
`` I hope that five or 10 minutes of following simple instructions on how to illustrate a monkey or robots might be helpful to families with long empty days ahead of them for who knows how long . ''
Joe Wicks might be calling himself the UK 's PE teacher , but Rae Carpenter from Ffit Cymru on S4C is trying to challenge him .
She 's doing daily sessions at 09:00 BST .
For children who prefer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posts her Facebook videos at 13:00 BST .
`` If anything positive comes out of this , it 's that kids will have sport as part of their daily life , '' she said .
`` I just want to keep everyone moving , not just children . ''
Aran Jones from Say Something in Welsh spotted the need to help parents early on during the coronavirus crisis , and started new daily lessons to help families learn Welsh together called Bedtime Welsh .
`` We have two-minute lessons on the phone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're keeping it quite short and hope families have fun doing it , '' he said .
`` We have at least 300 involved on our Slack group at the moment .
Anyone 's free to join in . ''
Mr Jones has since started a new venture to help teach the Welsh national anthem by asking famous faces to take part in the video lessons .
S4C has gathered all of its educational children 's programmes together to create Ysgol Cyw so that parents can be assured their children are watching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a variety of educational material available in Welsh too , including Bitesize .
From 20 April onwards , a daily service called Bitesize Dyddiol will be available including short films and animations for pupils aged 3-14 years .

"When they made the decision, many moons ago, to educate their child through the medium of Welsh, they hardly thought that one day their child would be educated in Welsh from their kitchen or lounge, due to a pandemic lockdown, with them having to navigate the intricacies of a Welsh-medium curriculum."


bbcuk--2020-04-18--Momus writing an album inspired by Covid-19

Singer-songwriter Momus has nearly completed an album of songs written during , and about , the Covid-19 lockdown while recovering from a suspected case of coronavirus .
The Scottish indie musician usually operates at the margins but says the outbreak `` puts us all in the same state of existential anguish '' .
Nick Currie - who has made music under the alias Momus for more than 30 years - had just finished the first track from his forthcoming album when he started experiencing symptoms of coronavirus .
`` Having heard accounts of people who have been through very mild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms as me - the chills , the fever , the lack of appetite , the raging thirst , '' he says .
`` At that moment , I was very scared .
I really thought - this is it - and started anticipating all the RIP Momus messages people would be posting . ''
He spent seven days in bed in his adopted home of Berlin recovering from his illness .
Social media has been full of musicians playing live from their living rooms during the lockdown and a trickle of individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But , when he started feeling better , Momus began work on a whole album charting his own and the world 's progress since the day his illness struck on 17 March .
`` This is an amazingly intense moment for the whole of mankind and , for a marginal artist like me , it is an extraordinary opportunity to be on the same page as everyone else , to experience what everyone else is experiencing , '' he says .
Momus has released 33 albums and published eight books during his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to a UK hit was when The Hairstyle of the Devil reached number 94 in the singles chart in 1989 .
`` I 'm always topical .
I 've been writing about Brexit for the last four years .
I think the main difference this time is the emotional resonance , '' he says .
`` Brexit was very divisive , but Covid-19 puts us all in the same state of existential anguish . ''
The song he had written , recorded and released before he started showing symptoms was titled Oblivion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement of absolute pessimism '' .
`` It is funny to think that , if indeed this really was Covid-19 , the virus was already in me when I made that song and , in a sense , the virus was singing that song Oblivion - and it really does sound like that , '' he says .
Since his illness , he has written 11 more songs in the space of 23 days - starting with Optimism , a melancholy track about his own recovery .
Other songs include Empty Paris , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under lockdown , Self-Isolation , Working From Home , Movement and My Corona .
He plans to call the album Vivid , and says : `` It has been a very vivid experience , for better or for worse .
It is quite extraordinary how a confrontation with your own mortality focuses the mind . ''
Momus says the `` science fiction '' of his lyrics has very quickly turned into `` science fact '' .
`` My visions are extending about three days into the future , '' he says .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release a record and you could never be sure that it would still be relevant when it came out .
`` Now , the exact hour and minute you hit 'publish ' on YouTube can make all the difference . ''
Momus usually accompanies his songs with videos often made in his living-room or kitchen , so in some respects the current situation is largely business as usual .
`` Shopping , sight-seeing , these things are fun to pass the time when you do n't have anything else to do , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can do your work alone at home , social isolation in your apartment is kind of wonderful . ''

"It is funny to think that, if indeed this really was Covid-19, the virus was already in me when I made that song and, in a sense, the virus was singing that song Oblivion - and it really does sound like that," he says.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: 'No plans to open schools over summer'

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said there are no plans to open schools over the summer period .
Speaking at @ @ @ @ @ Street he said he ca n't tell parents , pupils and teachers when schools will-reopen @

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said there are no plans to open schools over the summer period.
Speaking at the daily briefing from Downing Street he said he can't tell parents, pupils and teachers when schools will-reopen.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: 'Possible to be infected with Covid-19 more than once'

Scientists working on a coronavirus vaccine in Britain hope to start clinical trials towards the end of next week .
@ @ @ @ @ working on a vaccine , Professor Sarah Gilbert , from Oxford University said scientists believed @ @ @ @ @ infected with Covid-19 more than once .
She added that a vaccine-induced immunity could last @ @ @ @ @ .
Watch the full interview on The Andrew Marr Show .

Scientists working on a coronavirus vaccine in Britain hope to start clinical trials towards the end of next week.
The leader of a team working on a vaccine, Professor Sarah Gilbert, from Oxford University said scientists believed it was possible to become infected with Covid-19 more than once.
She added that a vaccine-induced immunity could last longer than the infected-induced immunity.
Watch the full interview on The Andrew Marr Show.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: 'Balanced judgement' about relaxing restrictions, says Gove

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has said the government will make a `` balanced judgement '' about which coronavirus restriction @ @ @ @ @ and at which time .
Mr Gove also rejected newspaper reports that some children would @ @ @ @ @ May .
Watch the full interview on The Andrew Marr Show .

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has said the government will make a "balanced judgement" about which coronavirus restriction measures will be relaxed, and at which time.
Mr Gove also rejected newspaper reports that some children would return to school from 11 May.
Watch the full interview on The Andrew Marr Show.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--The Papers: 'Betrayal of our bravest' as PPE order delayed

Meanwhile the Daily Telegraph says two-thirds of pupils are failing to log on for lessons during the lockdown .
It @ @ @ @ @ Sutton Trust and Public First as revealing children at private schools are more than twice @ @ @ @ @ online tuition that their state-educated counterparts .
The paper says the poll `` will stoke @ @ @ @ @ education '' during the lockdown .

And the Guardian says that Danish football fans will be given the chance to watch games in a unique way when the season restarts next month. With games set to be played behind closed doors, the Superliga side Midtjylland have installed giant screens in a car park outside their stadium where fans will be able to watch the action from their cars. Screens have also been installed in the ground's stands to broadcast footage of the drive-in cinema's crowd back to the players.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Cornavirus: Witney nurse, 84, dies from Covid-19

An auxiliary nurse who was still working night shifts at 84 has died after contracting coronavirus .
Margaret Tapley continued to work as a healthcare assistant at Witney Community Hospital in Oxfordshire .
Her granddaughter Hannah Tapley paid tribute to her on Facebook , calling her the `` most hard working , caring and perfect woman out there '' .
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust said Mrs Tapley died in hospital in Swindon at 03:00 BST on Sunday .
The trust said she had worked her last shift on April 10 , adding : `` Despite her advancing years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and being part of her hospital family . ''
Hannah Tapley , who is a high jumper who has competed for Team GB , said her grandmother was the `` strongest woman '' she had ever known .
`` I am so proud to call her my grandma ...
Devoting her life to others and working for the NHS doing night shifts as a nurse at her age . ''
Another of her grandchildren , Tom Wood - a senior charge nurse in an A & E department - described his Ms Tapley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was a huge reason as to why I am a nurse today .
She took huge pride in her work but was so humble .
She embodied the nursing spirit , '' he said .
Oxford Health chief executive Stuart Bell said : `` She was a legend on the ward , and more widely throughout the whole hospital .
`` She had worked there for many years , and was remarkable in that she stayed with her team well beyond the point when many others would have retired .
`` Margaret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if she had wished she would have been perfectly justified in self-isolating , but she wanted to continue in her role , doing the job she loved . ''
He added : `` She embodied all that is best in those who work for the NHS . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

"She had worked there for many years, and was remarkable in that she stayed with her team well beyond the point when many others would have retired.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Aberdeen University space team develop ventilator

Scientists have used skills needed to develop life support systems for manned space missions to build a ventilator to help treat the most severe cases of coronavirus .
The Planetary Science Group at the University of Aberdeen say it now has a fully working prototype for use .
It hopes it will be quick and cheap enough to build for nations with underdeveloped healthcare system .
The team is now working to have it certified , so it can be deployed .
• What are ventilators and how do they work ?
A ventilator is used to take over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused a patient 's lungs to fail .
Prof Javier Martín-Torres , who has led the design team , said : `` As a group we have watched the spread of Covid-19 with growing alarm , and we wanted to use our expertise to help .
`` Our hope is that the ATMO-Vent 's cost-effective design and short development time means it can rapidly supplement the number of ventilators being produced by manufacturers . ''
• LIVE : China reports no new virus deaths for first time • A SIMPLE GUIDE : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Prof Javier Martín-Torres, who has led the design team, said: "As a group we have watched the spread of Covid-19 with growing alarm, and we wanted to use our expertise to help.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: One more death in Northern Ireland

One further person has died with coronavirus in Northern Ireland , according to the Public Health Agency .
The total number of Covid-19-related deaths announced by the PHA is now 194 .
The figure for the past 24 hours is the lowest for a number of weeks .
The total death toll in Northern Ireland is likely to be significantly higher , following the publication of new figures earlier on Friday showing Covid-19 deaths were a third higher than reported .
Another 159 people have tested positive for the virus , bringing the total to 2,645 , with a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK the number of deaths has increased by 596 in the past 24 hours , with the total now standing at 16,060 .
The Republic of Ireland confirmed another 39 people have died , bringing the total number to 610 .
There are now 15,251 cases of Covid-19 confirmed by the Department of Health there .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Earlier on Sunday Cabinet Minister Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` balanced judgement '' when deciding how to relax the coronavirus lockdown .
`` The government does not yet have the information to show it would be safe to lift the restrictions , '' he told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show .
Mr Gove was also asked about a wide-ranging report in the Sunday Times which criticised the government 's response to the outbreak .
The report said Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who is currently recovering from Covid-19 , had missed five meetings of the Cobra emergency committee in the run-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` He did n't ( attend ) but then he would n't - because most Cobra meetings do n't have the prime minister attending them . ''
He added that it was `` grotesque '' to portray Mr Johnson `` as though not caring about this '' .
On Friday , the Department of Health in Northern Ireland set up an email contact point for health and social care staff to raise PPE concerns .
The department said the account would be checked daily and the anonymity of staff using it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` the latest demonstration of just how seriously we are treating staff concerns on PPE '' .

The total death toll in Northern Ireland is likely to be significantly higher, following the publication of new figures earlier on Friday showing Covid-19 deaths were a third higher than reported.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus in Wales: Call for action on ethnic minorities virus risks

High-risk workers from ethnic minorities could face `` certain death '' from Covid-19 without urgent action , a doctors ' association has said .
The UK government launched a review after research suggested Covid-19 has a disproportionate impact on black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) people .
The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin ( BAPIO ) said Wales should take steps `` very quickly '' .
The Welsh Government said the UK review would inform its planning and response .
Data from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre ( ICNARC ) suggests that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are from black or minority ethnic backgrounds .
• Are minorities being hit hardest by coronavirus ?
• 'The best human we know ' : The NHS staff who 've died The research is based on 3,300 patients from intensive care units across England , Wales and Northern Ireland .
In the 2011 Census , around 4 % of people in Wales described themselves as being black , Asian or of mixed heritage .
Prof Keshav Singhal , chairman of BAPIO Wales , said authorities needed to find out why these communities may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point is to mitigate this worrying trend , '' he said .
`` We know that certain risks are very high .
So , a male , middle-aged BAME with concurrent diabetes , hypertension , heart disease , is absolutely high risk - putting them on the front line is almost condemning them to a certain death . ''
He said he wanted to see authorities looking at these factors to protect people known to be high risk .
`` Do a risk assessment , make sure that we are not putting them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something very , very quickly , '' said Prof Singhal .
Dr David Bailey , chairman of the British Medical Association 's Welsh Council , said it was `` shockingly clear '' the number of BAME healthcare professionals being adversely affected by Covid-19 was `` significantly disproportionate '' .
`` Action needs to be taken in Wales , and it needs to happen quickly , '' he said .
`` These dedicated doctors and healthcare workers are putting themselves at risk to look after our loved ones , and Welsh Government must do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk , to be able to offer suitable protections . ''
Alongside the review , Public Health England has announced that it will also start tracking data by ethnicity .
Rocio Cifuentes , from the Ethnic Youth Support Team , would also like to see that in Wales .
`` It 's always difficult in Wales to have accurate , statistically significant data on ethnicity because Wales is a relatively small country and within that , the ethnic minority population is also relatively low , '' she said .
`` However , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be disproportionately affected , I think it is really , really pressing that we do act quickly to collect that data now .
`` Not just to have the database ; so that we can act on the evidence and so we can prevent future deaths '' .
Race Council Cymru said authorities needed to allay fears within minority communities .
It has written to the Chief Medical Officer for Wales , Frank Atherton , asking him to look at a number of suggested steps : • Publish data on the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical care in Wales and the number that have died • Support for a national investigation into the impact of the virus on BAME communities and/or whether there will be a Welsh-specific investigation • Look at whether high rates of hypertension , type 2 diabetes , cardiovascular disease and Vitamin D deficiency within the BAME communities have made them more vulnerable • Measures to reduce additional worries and anxieties within BAME communities and address underlying issues that increase their vulnerability to diseases A Welsh Government spokesman said : `` It 's important we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disproportionate number of people from ethnic minorities becoming critically ill due to Covid-19 .
`` The review , by Public Health England and NHS England , will explore the role of pre-existing medical conditions and will inform our planning and response to the virus in Wales and the rest of the UK . ''

Mr Drakeford said: "I want an opportunity to talk to those organisations to get their views on how best we can make sure that we protect those communities here in Wales and mobilise the sorts of research efforts that are needed to understand the patterns that may be there and what is causing them."


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: 'Low confidence' over arrival of PPE from Turkey

There is `` relatively low confidence '' a delayed delivery of 400,000 protective gowns will arrive on Monday , a senior NHS figure has said .
The consignment had been expected to arrive from Turkey on Sunday .
Chris Hopson , chief executive of NHS Providers , told the BBC there was `` no doubt '' some hospital trusts already had shortages of the gowns , which protect those treating coronavirus patients .
A minister said he was `` hopeful '' the Turkish flight would leave on Monday .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the government was `` working very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added there had been `` challenges at the Turkish end '' .
`` I do n't want to start making more and more promises but I understand that flight will take off this afternoon and those [ gowns ] will be delivered , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
Mr Dowden said the government was working in `` a competitive global environment '' for securing personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and was working hard to deal with any supply issues .
Another 25 million gowns from China had been procured and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well '' , he added .
• What protective gear do NHS staff need ?
Mr Hopson , whose organisation represents healthcare trusts across England , said if the delayed consignment from Turkey did arrive on Monday it would `` probably arrive very late on in the day '' .
`` It just illustrates that we need to be careful about focusing on individual consignments , '' he told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
`` Bitter experience over the last few weeks has shown until a consignment of gowns has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been checked and the equipment 's been tested - the NHS simply ca n't count on the gowns being available at the front line . ''
Mr Hopson gave the example of an expected consignment of 200,000 gowns from China which actually only contained 20,000 gowns when it arrived last week .
`` We know that with other orders , when the boxes were opened up and it said on the outside 'gowns ' , when you opened it up , they were actually masks , '' he said .
`` But I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask when all this is over is , actually , was the pandemic stock reserve that was meant to tide us over correctly configured ? ''
Mr Hopson added that while the 400,000 gowns from Turkey would be welcome , NHS staff were getting through approximately 150,000 gowns a day .
`` What we really need to get to is from the current rather hand-to-mouth approach to where sustainable supplies consistently and reliably arrive , '' he said .
The delay to the consignment is a real worry , both in the short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic stocks we have been largely relying on to date are running out , at least in terms of gowns and visors .
It has left us depending on international supply - certainly for gowns - as we do not seem to be able to manufacture them ourselves .
Given the international demand for them , this threatens to be an on-going issue that could cause problems for months to come .
Staff are understandably worried - they are putting their lives at risk .
Ministers and their officials are clearly working hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the future , serious questions will need to be asked about why this situation has arisen in the first place .
The NHS Confederation , which represents organisations across healthcare , said delays on the shipment from Turkey make `` a difficult situation worse '' .
Its chief executive Niall Dickson said `` it would have been better had the government not made the announcement in the first place '' regarding the order .
He added that staff would need to make their own assessment over whether they felt safe with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England changed its advice on Friday to allow the NHS to re-use gowns if stock was running low , saying `` some compromise '' was needed `` in times of extreme shortages '' .
Mr Hopson said some trusts had taken to washing fluid-repellent gowns at 60C and had found , when washed a maximum three times , they remained resistant .
One NHS trust in Essex told the BBC it was looking at the possibility of decontaminating gowns so they could be reused .
Clare Panniker , chief executive of Mid and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trust could find itself `` in a difficult situation in the coming days and weeks '' because of a national shortage of gowns .
`` Initial trials have taken place and are looking extremely positive - they remain fully fluid-resistant , '' she said .
`` While we have not yet started to reuse gowns or coveralls , trialling this procedure is a sensible and responsible step to take so we can be fully prepared . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC has identified 70 healthcare workers who have died with coronavirus since the start of the outbreak .
Those from black , Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds represented 42 out of 60 deaths , where it was possible to establish ethnicity .
The number of people who have died in UK hospitals with coronavirus has passed 16,000 , with a further 596 deaths announced on Sunday .
The figure does not include those who died in care homes or in the community .
BBC health correspondent Nick Triggle said while Sunday 's figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , figures often dropped at weekends because of delays in reporting and recording deaths .
• Are minorities being hit hardest by coronavirus ?
• 'The best human we know ' : The NHS staff who 've died Meanwhile , The Duke of Edinburgh has made a rare public statement , praising those helping to tackle the pandemic and keep essential services running .
Prince Philip , 98 , said he wanted to recognise the `` vital and urgent '' medical and scientific work taking place .
In his message , published online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf of those of us who remain safe and at home , I also wanted to thank all key workers who ensure the infrastructure of our life continues . ''
• The UK is gearing up to use the blood of coronavirus survivors to treat hospital patients who have the disease • Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told colleagues his concerns that relaxing lockdown measures too soon could lead to a second outbreak • The government scheme for workers who have been furloughed - given a temporary leave of absence - has opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support innovative new companies that are not eligible for other coronavirus rescue schemes has also been launched • The government is considering having a one-minute silence for NHS workers who have died with the virus - something unions and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have called for

"It's trying to ensure that people are well secured and safe when there may not be enough supplies, and it also stresses how important it is not to take risks."


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Plasma treatment to be trialled

The UK is gearing up to use the blood of coronavirus survivors to treat hospital patients ill with the disease .
NHS Blood and Transplant is asking some people who recovered from Covid-19 to donate blood so they can potentially assess the therapy in trials .
The hope is that the antibodies they have built up will help to clear the virus in others .
The US has already started a major project to study this , involving more than 1,500 hospitals .
• No date for when schools will reopen , says minister When a person has Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which attack the virus .
Over time these build up and can be found in the plasma , the liquid portion of the blood .
NHSBT is now approaching patients who have recovered from Covid-19 to see if plasma from them can be given to people who are currently ill with the virus .
A statement from the organisation said : `` We envisage that this will be initially used in trials as a possible treatment for Covid-19 .
`` If fully approved , the trials will investigate whether convalescent plasma transfusions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of recovery and chances of survival .
`` All clinical trials have to follow a rigorous approval process to protect patients and to ensure robust results are generated .
We are working closely with the government and all relevant bodies to move through the approvals process as quickly as possible . ''
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• ENDGAME : When will life get back to normal ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak Are other groups doing this ?
Several groups in the UK have been looking into using blood plasma .
University Hospital of Wales ( UHW ) in Cardiff announced this week that it wanted to trial the technology .
Professor Sir Robert Lechler , president of the Academy of Medical Sciences and executive director of King 's Health Partners , which includes King 's College London and three major London hospitals , is also hoping to set up another small-scale trial .
He wants to use plasma for seriously ill patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while a larger national trial is getting under way .
He said : `` I would be disappointed if we were n't able to see some patients given this form of therapy within a couple of weeks .
Let 's hope that the NHSBT national trial gets into gear really quickly . ''
He said the UK had moved slowly to test the treatment .
`` I think there are many aspects of this pandemic we 'll look back on and say , I wonder why we did n't move a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of those '' .
What is the situation in the rest of the world ?
Around the world , trials are now under way to look at using plasma .
In just three weeks , scientists in the US have organised a nationwide project and about 600 patients have been treated so far .
Prof Michael Joyner , from the Mayo Clinic , is leading the work .
He said : `` The thing we 've learned in the first week of administration is that no major safety signals have emerged and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be causing a whole lot of unanticipated side effects .
`` There are anecdotal reports of oxygenation improving and other patient improvements .
Those are certainly heartening , but they need to be rigorously evaluated . ''
He said the therapy was `` rough and ready '' .
`` There 's a lot we do n't understand about the plasma .
We 're going to learn more about what 's in the plasma , the components , the antibody levels , and other factors that may be there as the weeks go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a physician , you just have to try to take a shot on goal when you have a shot . ''
How has this approach helped in previous pandemics ?
Harnessing the blood of recovered patients is not a new idea in medicine .
It was used more than 100 years ago during the Spanish Flu epidemic , and more recently for Ebola and Sars .
So far , only small studies have looked at its efficacy , and there is a great deal of research that needs to be done to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But in the US , they say they have no shortage of people who want to help .
Bruce Sachais , chief medical officer at the New York Blood Center , said : `` People have been amazing .
They keep coming out in droves .
`` We have hundreds and hundreds of donors and we 've been able to collect over 1,000 units already .
It 's really heart-warming to see that for people who have gone through the infection , in various degrees , their main concern is 'how can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But while our options for treating coronavirus are so limited , the hope is it could help until a vaccine is found .

Coronavirus: Plasma treatment to be trialled Published 20 April 2020
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Image source, PA
The UK is gearing up to use the blood of coronavirus survivors to treat hospital patients ill with the disease.
NHS Blood and Transplant is asking some people who recovered from Covid-19 to donate blood so they can potentially assess the therapy in trials.
The hope is that the antibodies they have built up will help to clear the virus in others.
The US has already started a major project to study this, involving more than 1,500 hospitals.
When a person has Covid-19, their immune system responds by creating antibodies, which attack the virus.
Over time these build up and can be found in the plasma, the liquid portion of the blood.
NHSBT is now approaching patients who have recovered from Covid-19 to see if plasma from them can be given to people who are currently ill with the virus.
A statement from the organisation said: "We envisage that this will be initially used in trials as a possible treatment for Covid-19.
"If fully approved, the trials will investigate whether convalescent plasma transfusions could improve a Covid-19 patient's speed of recovery and chances of survival.
"All clinical trials have to follow a rigorous approval process to protect patients and to ensure robust results are generated. We are working closely with the government and all relevant bodies to move through the approvals process as quickly as possible."
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
Are other groups doing this?
Several groups in the UK have been looking into using blood plasma.
University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff announced this week that it wanted to trial the technology.
Image source, Getty Images
Professor Sir Robert Lechler, president of the Academy of Medical Sciences and executive director of King's Health Partners, which includes King's College London and three major London hospitals, is also hoping to set up another small-scale trial.
He wants to use plasma for seriously ill patients that have no other treatment options, while a larger national trial is getting under way.
He said: "I would be disappointed if we weren't able to see some patients given this form of therapy within a couple of weeks. Let's hope that the NHSBT national trial gets into gear really quickly."
He said the UK had moved slowly to test the treatment.
"I think there are many aspects of this pandemic we'll look back on and say, I wonder why we didn't move a little bit faster. I think this could be one of those".
What is the situation in the rest of the world?
Around the world, trials are now under way to look at using plasma.
In just three weeks, scientists in the US have organised a nationwide project and about 600 patients have been treated so far.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A cough is one of the symptoms of Covid-19
Prof Michael Joyner, from the Mayo Clinic, is leading the work.
He said: "The thing we've learned in the first week of administration is that no major safety signals have emerged and administration of the product does not appear to be causing a whole lot of unanticipated side effects.
"There are anecdotal reports of oxygenation improving and other patient improvements. Those are certainly heartening, but they need to be rigorously evaluated."
He said the therapy was "rough and ready".
"There's a lot we don't understand about the plasma. We're going to learn more about what's in the plasma, the components, the antibody levels, and other factors that may be there as the weeks go on.
"But sometimes, as a physician, you just have to try to take a shot on goal when you have a shot."
How has this approach helped in previous pandemics?
Harnessing the blood of recovered patients is not a new idea in medicine. It was used more than 100 years ago during the Spanish Flu epidemic, and more recently for Ebola and Sars.
So far, only small studies have looked at its efficacy, and there is a great deal of research that needs to be done to see how effective it will be against coronavirus.
But in the US, they say they have no shortage of people who want to help.
Bruce Sachais, chief medical officer at the New York Blood Center, said: "People have been amazing. They keep coming out in droves.
"We have hundreds and hundreds of donors and we've been able to collect over 1,000 units already. It's really heart-warming to see that for people who have gone through the infection, in various degrees, their main concern is 'how can I now help others?'"
Scientists say plasma won't be a magic bullet.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Millions to claim as UK furlough scheme goes live

A government pay scheme to keep staff on the payroll despite not working due to coronavirus has gone live .
HMRC chief executive Jim Harra told the BBC 's Today programme that employers had made 67,000 claims for workers in the first 30 minutes .
Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , the government will cover 80 % of workers ' wages , up to £2,500 a month , if they are put on leave .
Millions of workers are expected to be `` furloughed '' because of the lockdown .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : `` We promised support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April - today , we deliver our promise . ''
The Treasury says the system can process up to 450,000 applications an hour .
Employers should receive the money within six working days of making an application , it says .
Mr Harra told Today : `` The big payroll date this month is on the 30th , so employers can claim anytime today , tomorrow or on Wednesday , and there 's time to get that money into their account for the 30th of April . ''
On Friday , Mr Sunak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be extended by a further month , until the end of June .
The move came after the government confirmed that lockdown restrictions in the UK would continue for `` at least '' another three weeks .
Mr Harra declined to predict how much the scheme would cost .
Last week , the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated a price tag of £42bn , but that was before the government extended the scheme by a month .
He said he was confident that HMRC could cope with the demand for the scheme .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cope with the maximum number of claims that we could receive - there are well over two million Pay-As-You-Earn schemes and our system is big enough to handle a claim from every one of those . ''
Adam Marshall , director general of the British Chambers of Commerce , said : `` With April 's payday approaching , it is essential that the application process is smooth and that payments are made as soon as possible .
`` Any delay would exacerbate the cash crisis many companies are facing and could threaten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How does the scheme work ?
Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , the government will cover 80 % of workers ' wages , up to a maximum of £2,500 per worker , per month before tax .
Bosses will pay workers and reclaim the money from HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) online after the service goes live on 20 April .
The minimum amount of time that an employee can be furloughed is three weeks , and firms are not expected to start receiving money until at least the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean if I have been furloughed by work ?
According to new research by the Resolution Foundation , the take-up of the scheme has been higher than initially anticipated .
It estimates that eight million workers could be furloughed over the coming weeks .
It found that those working in low-paid sectors - such as hospitality or retail - are worst-affected , with almost half of the workforce expected to be put on paid leave .
Daniel Tomlinson , economist at the Resolution Foundation , said : `` The government 's welcome Job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiencing high unemployment over the coming months , and catastrophic depression-era levels of long-term joblessness .
`` It is proving particularly essential in big , low-paying sectors like hospitality and retail , where around half the workforce are no longer working . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WILL I GET PAID IF I CA N'T WORK ?
Rules on sick pay and wages • STRESS : How to look after your mental health High Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as fast food firms KFC and McDonald 's , have all furloughed staff as their work has come to a standstill under lockdown .
Rain Newton-Smith , chief economist at the CBI business lobby group , welcomed the launch of the online application service for firms .
`` Rolling out the job retention scheme will make a huge difference to tens of thousands of firms and millions of people , protecting jobs and living standards throughout the UK , '' she said .
`` Ensuring support gets to where it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the utmost importance . ''
Is your company applying for the furlough scheme ?
Share your experiences by emailing 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

But what of those who started jobs after 28 February? Also, he's already extended the length of the scheme once - will he have to do that again, and at what cost? And, as Denmark has done, might he consider withholding help to companies registered in tax havens?


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Witney nurse, 84, 'gave her life to NHS'

Tributes have been paid to a `` one of a kind '' 84-year-old auxiliary nurse who died after contracting coronavirus .
Margaret Tapley had continued to work as a healthcare assistant at Witney Community Hospital in Oxfordshire .
She died on Sunday in hospital in Swindon , Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust said .
Her grandson Ben Wood told BBC Radio 5 Live she `` had such a drive '' and `` gave her life and dedicated it towards the NHS '' .
`` That was the way she was , there would be no talking her out of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been working for just over 40 years doing three night shifts a week and she dedicated her life to the end . ''
The trust said Mrs Tapley worked her last shift on 10 April .
Her family said the grandmother of four had been experiencing symptoms of coronavirus before she was admitted to hospital on Thursday and died three days later .
`` We always said she would outlive all of us with the energy she had and it is tragic her life has been cut short , '' Mr Wood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awful lot to give . ''
Mr Wood said he was grateful for the `` incredible '' response online to his grandmother 's death .
`` We always knew she was a very special , and it 's amazing to see so many others are recognising that and paying tribute as well , '' he said .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Hannah Tapley , a high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said her grandmother was the `` strongest woman '' she had ever known .
Another of her grandchildren , Tom Wood - a senior charge nurse in an A & E department - described his Ms Tapley as his `` inspiration '' .
Oxford Health chief executive Stuart Bell said Mrs Tapley `` embodied all that is best in those who work for the NHS '' .
`` She was a legend on the ward , and more widely throughout the whole hospital , '' he said .
`` She had worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarkable in that she stayed with her team well beyond the point when many others would have retired . ''

"She loved her job, in some ways it's horrible that it's happened but also it's nice for us all to know that she died doing the thing she loved," said Ms MacLennan, who is from Didcot.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Minute silence in memory of NHS staff

Britain may hold a minute 's silence next week to pay tribute to NHS workers who have died with coronavirus .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said government was actively looking at the idea , proposed by health unions Unison , the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives .
It could be on 28 April , International Workers ' Memorial Day , two days before the weekly Clap For Our Carers event .
There have been 43 verified deaths of NHS staff during the pandemic so far .
But the real figure will be higher and continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who still worked within the NHS .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Royal College of Nursing general secretary Donna Kinnair said : `` We 've become used to hearing a great roar on a Thursday night for key workers but this respectful silence will be a poignant reminder of the risks they run to keep us safe .
`` I hope the public gets behind this with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our people . ''
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said : `` This is the ultimate tribute to remember workers who 've lost their lives and put themselves in harm 's way to keep us safe and vital services running . ''
Grandfather Gareth Roberts , who had worked as a nurse at sites across the Cardiff and Vale health board since the 1980s , died at the Prince Charles Hospital , in Merthyr Tydfil .
The board described him as `` extremely popular , fun-filled and well liked '' , while colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Living legend '' Dr Alfa Saadu , who had returned to work after retirement , died at the Whittington Hospital , north London , on 31 March .
He had been working part-time at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Welwyn , Hertfordshire , when he started to show symptoms of coronavirus and immediately self-isolated .
His son Dani said the family had suggested he should be admitted as a patient but his father had insisted he `` did not want to take up a hospital bed , because others would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very passionate man , who cared about saving people , '' Dani said .

His son Dani said the family had suggested he should be admitted as a patient but his father had insisted he "did not want to take up a hospital bed, because others would need it".


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Mortuaries to be expanded by 30,000 spaces

The government says it is to provide an extra 30,000 temporary mortuary places during the coronavirus pandemic .
The move is a precaution rather than a prediction , say ministers .
Local government minister Simon Clarke said the government did not want to alarm people but had to ensure capacity for the worst possible outcome .
`` We all hope these contingencies will not be needed ... that requires everyone to play their part in the national effort , '' said Mr Clarke .
`` We 're trying to strike an appropriate balance , '' he added .
• A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself ?
• STRESS : How to look after your mental health Before the coronavirus crisis there were 18,000 public mortuary places around the country with a similar number provided by funeral directors .
As part of the new capacity , local authorities are using existing buildings and in some places specially adapted modular buildings are being sited next to existing NHS and other public mortuaries .
• UK could be 'worst affected ' country in Europe • Coronavirus : Family can attend loved ones ' funerals , says minister • 'The best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff who 've died Last week , one of the government 's senior scientific advisers - Sir Jeremy Farrar , director of the Wellcome Trust - said the UK was likely to be `` one of the worst , if not the worst affected country in Europe '' in terms of the number of deaths .
In response , Mr Clarke said : `` We have started to see a flattening of the curve because people are following the measures .
`` We want to make sure that we have the right capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's about making sure that we have the right resources in place for a range of outcomes and we all hope these contingencies wo n't be needed .
`` But we do want to make certain that we are not caught without enough capacity , that would obviously be dreadful . ''
Prof Jim McManus , director of public health for Hertfordshire and vice president of his professional body , said his area , like others , had planned for many years for such an emergency .
`` Most people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked on within a matter of weeks . ''
Prof McManus said there was now extra provision in place in Hertfordshire : `` Whatever the numbers , we will be able to hold in dignity all those who might die . ''
Meanwhile the bereaved are being urged to continue to hold funerals as quickly as possible , despite the restrictions they face .
The message from the government is that families should not think it better to wait until the end of the lockdown .
David Collingwood , director of funerals at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , Wales and Scotland - said most families were taking advice and going ahead with funerals .
`` People might now be thinking there 's light at the end of the tunnel .
`` Even if restrictions were lifted we would still be limiting social contact , '' Mr Collingwood said .
The National Association of Funeral Directors has criticised some local councils for banning all mourners .
It said this went beyond government guidance and was not in the interests of bereaved families .
The government has now issued new guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to attend .

Last week, one of the government's senior scientific advisers - Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust - said the UK was likely to be "one of the worst, if not the worst affected country in Europe" in terms of the number of deaths.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson fears second peak from relaxing lockdown

Boris Johnson has told colleagues his concerns that relaxing lockdown measures too soon could lead to a second outbreak of coronavirus .
The PM is understood to have met his deputy Dominic Raab at Chequers on Friday to discuss the crisis .
He is thought to have told Mr Raab and other officials via video that stopping a second peak was his priority .
It comes after criticism Mr Johnson did not chair or attend five early meetings about the virus .
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove confirmed on Sunday that the PM had not been involved in the so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - as reported in the Sunday Times .
• Sturgeon rejects claims of lockdown lift in May • Plasma treatment for coronavirus to be trialled Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth accused Mr Johnson of being `` missing in action '' at the start of the crisis .
But a government spokesman said it was `` entirely normal and proper '' for COBR to be chaired by the relevant secretary of state rather than the prime minister .
They added Boris Johnson `` has been at the helm of the response to this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the whole nation '' .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden also defended his boss , saying the PM was `` being briefed on an hourly and daily basis '' and `` took a very close personal interest '' in the virus early on .
The PM is currently staying at Chequers - the country retreat of the prime minister - while he recovers from coronavirus , and is not officially back at work yet .
Mr Raab - who is deputising for the prime minister during his recuperation - held another virtual meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update them on the government 's handling of the outbreak .
A spokesman for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the meeting had been `` constructive '' and he `` reiterated his support for the government 's decision to extend the lockdown '' .
But he said Sir Keir repeated calls for more detail on the exit strategy for ending the measures and `` raised his concerns '' about the availability of PPE .
Meanwhile , government sources said the review of lockdown measures in three weeks would lead to modifications , rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political editor Norman Smith said the fear in government about another outbreak is not solely of more deaths , but also the impact it would have on the economy if employees are sick and unable to work .
He also said the belief is the additional impact on businesses who were forced to remain shut in a second lockdown would be more profound .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• ENDGAME : When will life get back to normal ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Mr Dowden said the government would take appropriate measures to ease the lockdown `` based on the evidence '' .
But he referenced Mr Johnson 's earlier statement that it could take 12 weeks to `` turn the tide '' on the virus .
Mr Dowden told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` What 's happened is kind of consistent with that .
`` But we will take the appropriate measures based on the facts and evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

BBC assistant political editor Norman Smith said the fear in government about another outbreak is not solely of more deaths, but also the impact it would have on the economy if employees are sick and unable to work.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Sales jump at Premier Foods as customers stock up

Sales of Bachelors Super Noodles , Smash instant mash potato and Loyd Grossman sauces have jumped as people stock up on in-store cupboard items during the lockdown , Premier Foods has said .
The company , which owns the brands , said demand for its Mr Kipling and Cadbury home-baking kits was also up .
It credited the `` exceptional '' demand in March to more meals being eaten at home .
After the trading update , shares in the business jumped 17 % .
The food group said its manufacturing plants and distribution networks continued to work at `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time '' .
It has therefore given each factory worker two additional days of annual leave and a £250 cash bonus .
`` Volumes have started to reduce from the exceptional levels seen in March , although are still expected to continue to be higher than average patterns of demand , '' the St Albans-based firm said .
`` This reflects more meals being eaten at home than usual due to recent measures set out by the government , and hence increased demand for the group 's product ranges . ''
It comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past month , as shoppers have stocked up on essentials .
The average household spent an extra £62.92 at supermarkets in March , equivalent to adding five days ' worth of groceries , according to consumer analysts Kantar .
Premier , which also owns the brands Bisto and Ambrosia , said UK sales were up 15 % in March .
However , not all categories - such as its pre-made Mr Kipling cakes - performed better than usual .
The firm said it now expects to report a profit for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top end of market expectations '' following a strong fourth quarter .

"Volumes have started to reduce from the exceptional levels seen in March, although are still expected to continue to be higher than average patterns of demand," the St Albans-based firm said.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: London's Nightingale hospital discharges first patients

The first Covid-19 patients have been discharged from the NHS Nightingale emergency hospital in London .
Simon Chung and another man were applauded by staff as they left the hospital at the ExCeL centre in Newham on Sunday afternoon , NHS England said .
The temporary facility was built in nine days with capacity for up to 4,000 admissions and received its first patients on 7 April .
Mr Chung , aged in his 50s , will now be treated in a north London hospital .
NHS England said the father of one had been transferred to Northwick Park hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eamonn Sullivan , nursing director at NHS Nightingale London said : `` This is wonderful news and testament to all the clinicians and support staff who have been working around the clock to care for our patients .
`` Although these two patients being discharged today are now out of danger , their long road to recovery is a reminder of why everyone needs to do what they can to stay safe by following the government 's advice . ''
Sir Simon Stevens , chief executive of NHS England , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extensive use of the Nightingale London thanks to the hard work of NHS staff , who have freed up more than 30,000 existing hospital beds , and the public , who have played their part by staying at home and saving lives .
`` It will count as a huge success for the whole country if we never need to use them but with further waves of coronavirus possible it is important that we have these extra facilities in place and treating patients , '' he added .
The London Nightingale is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity .
Captain Tom Moore , the 99-year-old who has raised more than £26 million by completing laps of his back garden , will be the guest of honour at the opening of the Nightingale hospital in Harrogate on Tuesday .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: "We have not yet had to make extensive use of the Nightingale London thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, who have freed up more than 30,000 existing hospital beds, and the public, who have played their part by staying at home and saving lives.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Prince Harry and Meghan tell tabloids: No more co-operation

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have told the UK 's tabloid press they are ending all co-operation with them .
In a letter to editors of all the Sun , Mirror , Mail and Express titles and websites , a representative said the pair had taken the step due to `` distorted , false or invasive '' stories .
Harry and Meghan said they refused to `` offer themselves up as currency for an economy of click bait and distortion '' .
The couple have relocated to California after stepping back as senior royals .
• In pictures : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How Meghan ‘ tripped and fell ’ into Harry ’ s life In the letter , the couple 's public relations representative wrote it was `` gravely concerning that an influential slice of the media '' has printed `` distorted , false or invasive '' articles .
`` There is a real human cost to this way of doing business and it affects every corner of society , '' the letter said .
`` The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have watched people they know - as well as complete strangers - have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good reason , other than the fact that salacious gossip boosts advertising revenue . ''
The BBC was told that the letter had been sent to the editors of the Sun , the Daily Mail , the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express newspapers .
The new policy will apply to the four newspapers , their Sunday editions and associated websites , the Guardian 's media editor Jim Waterson reported .
The Daily Star , which was not specifically mentioned , is published by the same group that publishes the Mirror and Express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the papers will mean that the couple 's PR team will no longer even answer calls from the papers asking them to confirm whether claims made about the couple are true or not .
Outlining the new policy of `` no corroboration and zero engagement '' with all the publications that received it , the letter said the measure would also protect the couple 's communications team `` from the side of the industry that readers never see '' .
`` This policy is not about avoiding criticism , '' the letter continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down public conversation or censoring accurate reporting .
Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex , good or bad .
But it ca n't be based on a lie . ''
The letter said the couple will continue to work with other media and `` young , up-and-coming journalists '' to raise awareness of the issues and causes they care about .
• Why the Royal Family rarely go to court In recent days , photographs of the Sussexes delivering food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been published by two of the newspapers to receive the letter .
And it comes ahead of a court hearing this week in a legal case Meghan has brought against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday over the publication of a letter written to the duchess by her estranged father .
The couple officially stepped back as senior working members of the Royal Family at the end of March as part of a transition following an announcement of their intention to become financially independent in January.. As The Duke and Duchess of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their lives and no longer receive any publicly funded support , we are writing to set a new media relations policy , specifically as it pertains to your organisation .
Like you , The Duke and Duchess of Sussex believe that a free press is a cornerstone to any democracy— particularly in moments of crisis .
At its best , this free press shines light on dark places , telling stories that would otherwise go untold , standing up for what 's right , challenging power , and holding those who abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been said that journalism 's first obligation is to the truth .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex agree wholeheartedly .
It is gravely concerning that an influential slice of the media , over many years , has sought to insulate themselves from taking accountability for what they say or print—even when they know it to be distorted , false , or invasive beyond reason .
When power is enjoyed without responsibility , the trust we all place in this much-needed industry is degraded .
There is a real human cost to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every corner of society .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have watched people they know—as well as complete strangers—have their lives completely pulled apart for no good reason , other than the fact that salacious gossip boosts advertising revenue .
With that said , please note that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be engaging with your outlet .
There will be no corroboration and zero engagement .
This is also a policy being instated for their communications team , in order to protect that team from the side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This policy is not about avoiding criticism .
It 's not about shutting down public conversation or censoring accurate reporting .
Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on The Duke and Duchess of Sussex , good or bad .
But it ca n't be based on a lie .
They also want to be very clear : this is not in any way a blanket policy for all media .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to working with journalists and media organisations all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , regional and local media , and young , up-and-coming journalists , to spotlight issues and causes that so desperately need acknowledging .
And they look forward to doing whatever they can to help further opportunities for more diverse and underrepresented voices , who are needed now more than ever .
What they wo n't do is offer themselves up as currency for an economy of click bait and distortion .
We are encouraged that this new approach will be heard and respected .

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to working with journalists and media organisations all over the world, engaging with grassroots media, regional and local media, and young, up-and-coming journalists, to spotlight issues and causes that so desperately need acknowledging. And they look forward to doing whatever they can to help further opportunities for more diverse and underrepresented voices, who are needed now more than ever.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Ex-soldier self-isolating on 'uninhabited' Hildasay

A former British paratrooper is isolating on a previously uninhabited island after lockdown measures were introduced midway through a fundraising challenge to walk the UK coastline .
Chris Lewis has walked 12,000 miles after setting off from near his home in Swansea in August 2017 .
He has now been given special permission to live in the one house on Hildasay , Shetland , with his dog Jet .
The 108-hectare island sits off the west coast of the Shetland mainland .
The 39-year-old was sleeping in a tent on mainland Shetland when lockdown restrictions were imposed on 23 March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , he and Jet were taken to Hildasay by boat and have remained there ever since .
Their new home is a former shepherd 's hut without running water , heating or electricity .
He was offered the keys by the family of the man who owns it after they heard he was camping .
After lockdown restrictions are lifted , Mr Lewis and Jet will continue their journey around the UK coastline to raise money for SSAFA , the Armed Forces charity - with donations already reaching almost £98,000 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past two years due to the nature of the places we 've been walking , '' he said .
`` When I heard there was going to be a lockdown , I was kindly given a boat to get over to Hildasay , which is an uninhabited island .
`` I thought it would be better if I was n't on the mainland - I did n't want to be in the way . ''
Since then , Mr Lewis has survived thanks to a regular boat drop bringing fresh water and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , forages and fishes for his food , and always makes sure he has a three-week supply of dog food for Jet .
Hildasay has been uninhabited since the late 19th Century , with Mr Lewis and Jet joined only by 15 sheep and thousands of birds .
`` It has really given me a chance to enjoy the island , '' he said .
`` I 'm able to reflect on the walk so far , just realising what this has done to help me personally and the amount of amazing people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm the happiest I 've ever been . ''
Almost 40,000 people have been following Mr Lewis 's journey on a Facebook page , Chris Walks the UK .
Mr Lewis said he struggled to cope with life on `` civvy street '' after leaving the Parachute Regiment and finding himself homeless .
He slept on the street and in cars before SSAFA , which he describes as `` truly amazing '' , stepped in to help .
He set off from Llangennith beach on the Gower Peninsula with just £10 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies to raise money for the charity .
When he is able to resume his fundraising challenge , Mr Lewis will make his way to the north of Scotland before heading down the east coast of the UK .

"I'm able to reflect on the walk so far, just realising what this has done to help me personally and the amount of amazing people there are in the UK.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Meeting the neighbours during isolation

At a time when people ca n't socialise with friends or see family , photographer Zoe Savitz began a portrait series of her street in Dalston , east London .
Savitz spent about 20 minutes with each household , standing on the pavement , chatting at a distance before taking their photo .
Sometimes , her housemate would join her , drawn by the opportunity to interact with people again .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where they came from , what they were doing in the world before it stopped and how long they lived here for was so interesting , '' she says .
`` Some families have lived on the street since the 70s .
`` From Windrush generations , to families from Kashmir , Mauritius , Japan , America , Australia and Europe . ''
Savitz now has a pen pal who lives at the other end of the road .
`` He 's called Theo and is four , '' she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to each other .
`` We have borrowed puzzles from a few doors down , had neighbours make us sourdough and have been offered discounts on home-office furniture .
`` Since sharing the project amongst members of the street , I see people chatting outside each other 's doors , recognising one another from the photos .
`` Now there are so many familiar faces I see on my daily walk , I feel a great community connection that will last a long time and is so rare for city living .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messaged me to say , 'There is so much history on this road and I 'm so glad you are doing this project . '
''

"Hearing everyone's stories, where they came from, what they were doing in the world before it stopped and how long they lived here for was so interesting," she says.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--'Coronavirus is the biggest low in my career'

The BBC 's weekly The Boss series profiles different business leaders from around the world .
This week we speak to UK-based Serbian fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic .
I should be speaking to Roksanda at her east London studio , surrounded by the unusual , colourful clothes that made her name .
But the coronavirus pandemic means we 've had to relegate our interview to a chat over the phone , where her passion for design still shines through , alongside her distress at the current situation .
`` It 's a very sad and challenging time , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - how we and our families are going to survive , and our businesses as well .
''Sadly , this time is the biggest low in my career , and I just hope together we are going to find some answers . ''
So , how does one lead a team of 35 while designing from home ?
With difficulty , Roksanda says .
`` It 's not easy , because in design lots of things are done in 3D , so you have to assess things on a model , and see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's very tactile . ''
The UK has been the Serbian designer 's home for more than two decades , after she enrolled on a masters degree in fashion at the prestigious Central Saint Martins college in London .
Born and raised in Serbia , she knew just one person in London when she started in her early 20s .
Despite her `` zero '' fashion contacts , Roksanda 's self-titled designs have become the go-to look for some of the world 's most famous women .
Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term supporters of her brand .
While Meghan Markle wore one of her designs on her 2018 tour of Australia with Prince Harry .
It promptly sold out , prompting a host of High Street lookalike versions .
''When you see how many different women - the Duchess of Cambridge , but also other incredible women - wear me , I am very proud I can appeal to women who are diverse , not just in personality , but in body shape and style , '' the designer says .
Accordingly , Roksanda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and says she is more inspired by her mum and her daughter than by her famous fans .
When discussions turn to getting the UK moving again , post coronavirus , the fashion industry may not be top of the list .
Yet the sector is worth £32bn to the British economy and employs almost 900,000 people .
That 's a bigger workforce than the car industry , as Roksanda points out .
And fashion is n't the bubble that some would have us believe , she says .
Look at Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of World War Two were a direct reaction to the drab , utilitarian clothing worn during the conflict .
`` Clothes are worn to protect us , like a uniform .
But fashion is something very different .
It is a mirror of society and what 's going on , '' says Roksanda .
`` In hard times , some people want to retreat and go to the basics , while others want to dream and escape .
Fashion tackles and answers both of those needs . ''
Roksanda 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her wider preoccupations , all the way back to her Saint Martins studies , where `` terrible homesickness '' for Serbia inspired her designs .
''The colours that I 'm so well known by came out of nostalgia for my country .
Back home we have wonderful strong suns , and colours bursting from nature , and I wanted to brings those elements in to my work , to remind me what I 'm missing , '' she explains .
Despite this pining - and the fashion world 's frosty reputation - Roksanda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a city of `` endless possibility '' .
After graduating from Saint Martins , she was given financial support from the British Fashion Council 's `` NewGen '' scheme .
Sponsored by fashion store chain Topshop , it backs new designers .
Then in 2005 , Roksanda made her London Fashion Week debut , showcasing 11 dresses .
Her reputation and sales grew from there .
• ' I reinvented the hair tie from my uni halls' • 'We all have resilience ... You 've got to make it grow' • The tech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today , like her Saint Martin 's peer Stella McCartney , Roksanda has become synonymous with British fashion industry , and she now helps to campaign for more British exports .
Her status was cemented earlier this year when she hosted her 2020 London Fashion Week show in the grand surroundings of the UK government 's Foreign and Commonwealth Office , looked on by stars such as actors Cate Blanchett and Vanessa Redgrave .
Roksanda 's brand has `` a real signature look , which helps it to stand out in a crowded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior retail analyst at market research group Mintel .
Regarding the wider luxury fashion sector , Ms Baram says it had been performing far better than the mainstream clothing , footwear and accessories market over the past few years .
However , she warns that the large-scale shut down of Italy and China will be a huge blow to the high end fashion industry this year .
`` Luxury industries , and all fashion sectors , are going to take a big hit in 2020 , '' says Ms Baram .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going , but they will hopefully be able to pull through and see success in 2021 . ''
Back at Roksanda 's studio , she says that if you want to be successful in business , or whatever else you want to do well in , you have to dedicate your life to it .
`` There is this myth , when you look at somebody successful , that you think it happened quick , or it was effortless , '' she says .
`` But with every win comes many losses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gain something .
It 's important to have passion , belief and patience for something you really want to do , and not to expect things to happen overnight . ''

''When you see how many different women - the Duchess of Cambridge, but also other incredible women - wear me, I am very proud I can appeal to women who are diverse, not just in personality, but in body shape and style,'' the designer says.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: How do I home-school my children?

Schools across the UK would normally be opening for the summer term about now .
However , they remain closed to all but a few pupils and there is no current reopening timetable .
Most parents are now responsible for their children 's education .
For many , working from home and supporting their children 's school work is not easy .
BBC Bitesize has launched a big push to help children - and parents - with home-learning , but what 's realistic , and where can parents find support ?
What can parents and children actually do ?
First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that parents are able to replace teachers .
A joint statement by the main teachers ' unions said that `` we can not home-school the nation 's children '' .
They acknowledged that many parents have their own complicated work patterns .
However , many schools provided learning packs when the lockdown started , and are trying to run some online learning - for this , they are relying on parents being able to supervise their children .
But what is more important , say educationalists , is maintaining a degree of normality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's progress in English or maths .
Home-schooling for now is `` about encouraging parents to help their children create regular routines and study habits '' , says Prof Becky Francis , of the UCL Institute of Education .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health How do I support my children ?
`` Recreating the school environment is really tricky , '' says Helena Gillespie , professor of learning and teaching in higher education at UEA .
But there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the experience relatively rewarding and stress-free : • Set a routine - if possible , have children dressed and breakfasted by 08:30 on weekdays - this will help them adjust when schools reopen • Identify a set time of day when you will help children with projects , and other times when they can do things by themselves • To avoid children losing academic skills they do n't practise , including reading , writing and maths , make these the most important daily sessions What resources are available ?
The BBC has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC Bitesize , to provide regular daily lessons in English , maths and other core subjects .
BBC director general Tony Hall describes it as `` the biggest education effort the BBC has ever undertaken '' .
It includes : • Bitesize Daily - six different 20-minute shows , each targeted at specific age groups from five to 14 , covering maths , science and English , as well as subjects including history and geography • more than 150 new lessons added every week to the Bitesize website and app • advice for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils with special educational needs • for older students , BBC Four is showing evening programmes to support the GCSE and A-level curriculum • specific content for students in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
The government has also announced that it is backing a new national online school , called Oak National Academy , to provide 180 hours of free lessons a week .
It will offer content based on the curriculum , from Reception to Year 10 , for teachers to use when planning remote learning .
It also says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connections for some children in Year 10 who do not have access to a computer .
Other resources include YouTube 's Free School , which offers a range of videos on topics as diverse as the US constitution , coral reefs and the solar system .
And the organisation behind the Ted talks has a division called Ted-Ed , full of `` lessons worth sharing '' from teachers around the globe .
Out of the classroom Apart from missing lessons , it is important to remember that school has a social function for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's relationships with their friends are heavily restricted by lockdown regulations .
Keep up communication with the school and encourage children to keep in contact with their friends as much as possible - something with which younger children may need more encouragement and support .
The Children 's Commissioner 's `` digital 5 a day '' campaign gives tips on how children can connect with each other , and look after their own mental wellbeing .
Try also using this time to help children acquire life skills - such as hanging out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most of the opportunity to talk to each other more , for example by trying to have lunch together every day .
When will children return to school ?
There is currently no timetable for children to return to school in the UK before September , although this has not been ruled out .
A paper by academics at University College London recently questioned whether the closure of schools had any impact on controlling coronavirus .
One of the authors , Prof Russell Viner , said its value should be weighed against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health .
However , the government 's chief medical officer , Prof Chris Whitty , responded that while schools were `` not dangerous '' for children during the pandemic , the decision to close them would slow the rise of infections .
In a move likely to be watched by other nations under lockdown , Denmark has now become the first European country to start allowing children up to the age of 11 back to school .
How much should we be doing ?
Prof Gillespie says that much depends on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they can stay focused for between an hour and three hours , a day that would be fantastic '' .
Guidance from teaching unions suggests children do no more than three hours ' work a day .
But Prof Gillespie says parents should not worry too much on how much time the child spends learning : `` It 's much better to have a really successful hour where the child enjoys their work , then watches telly . ''
It 's important to know when to bail out , she says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone is getting frustrated , she advises .
`` Do n't beat yourself up - you can pick things up again tomorrow .
`` Children wo n't remember finishing that geography homework , but they will remember how it made them feel and what the vibe in the house was like . ''

The government has also announced that it is backing a new national online school, called Oak National Academy, to provide 180 hours of free lessons a week. It will offer content based on the curriculum, from Reception to Year 10, for teachers to use when planning remote learning. It also says it will help provide laptops and internet connections for some children in Year 10 who do not have access to a computer.