bbcuk--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Who should be shielding?

Coronavirus: Who should be shielding?

About 2.5 million people most at risk of needing hospital treatment if they catch coronavirus are being asked to stay at home .
This `` shielding '' is to protect lives .
Why do it ?
While everyone is being advised to keep their distance from other people to help stop the spread of coronavirus , some people with underlying health conditions need to take even more precautions to protect themselves .
The virus poses a high risk if someone who is shielding is exposed to it .
The guidance on shielding is being kept under review .
Infection levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risk of exposure is significantly less than it has been .
People who are shielding in England and Northern Ireland are able to spend some time outdoors , as long as they continue to follow social distancing rules .
It means those with families can go out once a day with members of their household .
People living alone can meet someone from another household while keeping 2m ( 6ft ) apart .
People shielding in Scotland and Wales have been told they can also now spend time outdoors for exercise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family or with people from another household .
From Monday 6 July in England , those shielding from coronavirus can gather in groups of up to six people outdoors , including individuals outside of their household , and form a 'support bubble ' with one other household .
In England and Northern Ireland , the shielding advice is set to be paused from 31 July .
After that date people will no longer need to shield but should take particular care when outside and strictly maintain social distancing .
Those most at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with cancer who are undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy • Women who are pregnant and have heart disease • Some people with rare diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency While it is true that the risk from coronavirus goes up with age , more than half of those shielding are under the age of 70 , say officials .
More than 90,000 are children .
Anyone in this highest-risk category who has not yet received a letter from the NHS or been contacted by their doctor should get in touch with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or online .
This does not include all elderly people , although they are strongly advised to practise social distancing .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore Experts strongly advise people with serious underlying health conditions to follow the advice .
If this applies to you , shielding is for your personal protection - it is your choice to decide whether to follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor to discuss this .
What does it entail ?
It means staying at home and following the guidelines .
You should not go out to work , to shop or visit friends in their homes .
You should avoid any face-to-face contact , so that means no visitors .
Visits from people who provide you with essential healthcare and personal support are fine .
Carers and care workers should stay away if they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus , and anyone coming into your home should keep their hands clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What about any people I live with ?
They do not need to shield themselves but must make sure they follow recommendations to shield you .
They should also stringently follow the guidance on social distancing .
They should also keep some physical distance ( 2m ) from you and keep to a minimum the time spent in shared spaces such as the kitchen , bathroom and lounge .
Shared spaces should be kept well ventilated - open a window .
If you can , use a separate bathroom and bedroom from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also make sure you use separate towels .
If you share a toilet and bathroom , make sure they are cleaned after every use .
Consider drawing up a rota for bathing , with you using the facilities first .
Use the kitchen when others are not in there and take your meals back to your room to eat .
Coronavirus is spread through droplets ( from coughs and sneezes ) , so do not share cutlery or crockery unless it is clean .
Use a dishwasher if you have one .
Soap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus too .
Keep surfaces that are frequently touched - door handles , taps and handrails - clean .
What about my medicine and food ?
People in England can register to get essential food and medicine supplies if friends or family can not help .
Similar support is available in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
People will retain their priority for supermarket delivery slots , and still be able to access help with shopping , medication , phone calls and transport to medical appointments when shielding is eased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .
How long will shielding last ?
• In England , people have been asked to shield until the end of June and this date will be reviewed • In Wales people have been asked to shield until 16 August • In Scotland people have been asked to shield until 31 July • In Northern Ireland people have been advised to shield for at least 12 weeks from when they were first told to The ultimate ambition is to be able to control the virus enough so that people can move out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable this .
What should I do if I get a cough or fever ?
These are symptoms of coronavirus .
It does not mean that you definitely have it , but you should contact the NHS 111 online coronavirus service , or call NHS 111 or your doctor .
Do this as soon as you get symptoms .
Do not visit the GP , pharmacy , urgent care centre or hospital .
In an emergency , call 999 if you are seriously ill. Other tips to stay safe and well Look after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with friends on the phone , by post or online .
Prepare a hospital bag just in case .
This should include your emergency contact , a list of medicines you take and any information on your planned care appointments , as well as things you would need for an overnight stay , such as a toothbrush and pyjamas .

However, if you are at higher risk of becoming ill, it says you may wish to "think particularly carefully" about taking extra precautions when meeting others you do not usually meet, including:


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: When will pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants reopen?

Pubs , bars , cafes and restaurants in England may soon be able to reopen their doors for the first time since lockdown began in March .
On Tuesday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to confirm if the hospitality sector can reopen on 4 July .
Mr Johnson is also expected to announce 2m ( 6ft ) social distancing in England will be relaxed , with some conditions .
But despite the easing of restrictions , a trip to a local bar or place to eat could be a very different experience from how it was before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 11 May , the government said that the hospitality sector - which includes pubs , bars and restaurants - could start to reopen `` no earlier than 4 July '' , if Covid-19 safety guidelines could be met .
It has yet to announce details of what these guidelines would be , but they are expected to include rules on social distancing , heightened hygiene procedures and protection of bar and restaurant staff .
What are the rules now ?
On 20 March , all pubs , bars , restaurants and cafes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of coronavirus .
The only exceptions to this were cafes and canteens at a few selected places such as schools , hospitals and prisons .
Since then , many restaurants have started offering food delivery and takeaways in order to generate income while their doors are closed .
Some pubs have also been allowed to offer takeaway beers .
What about the rest of the UK ?
Each nation is setting its own rules for the reopening of food and drink outlets : • The Scottish government will make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restaurants on or around 2 July .
The hospitality sector in Scotland has been told to prepare to reopen on 15 July • The next review of Wales 's lockdown measures is due on 9 July .
The Welsh government has promised talks with the hospitality sector about a `` potential phased '' reopening of pubs , cafes and restaurants , but no dates have been given for that happening • In Northern Ireland , pubs and restaurants can open from 3 July What are the main obstacles to reopening ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality industry is the issue of social distancing .
Some have insisted that the current 2m social distancing makes it impossible for bars , cafes and restaurants to make a profit .
Kate Nicholls , the chief executive of the industry body UK Hospitality , says that with a 2m rule , outlets would be only able to make about 30 % of normal revenues , whereas 1m would increase that to 60-75 % .
Some Conservative MPs have added their support for reducing social distancing , and the prime minister said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` under constant review '' .
What other measures could be taken ?
At the weekend , Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggested people visiting pubs may have to register before going for a pint .
He said the government is looking at ways to strengthen contact tracing , as the economy reopens .
The Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca says it is considering a range of measures to keep staff and workers safe .
Customers are likely to be given the option of ordering food on apps , while staff will be encouraged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , the Wetherspoons pub chain has said its staff will be provided with face masks and protective eyewear and it will run a reduced food menu .
Bottles of ketchup and mayonnaise will be replaced by individual sachets .
Customers will also be encouraged to sit outside in pub gardens , while some indoor seating areas will be separated by Perspex screens .
How is the hospitality sector coping during lockdown ?
The hospitality sector was the third-largest employer in the country in 2018 , according to UK Hospitality .
But many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the Covid-19 outbreak , in the face of rising rents and falling consumer spending .
Since lockdown began , job cuts and closures have been announced by chains such as Frankie & Benny 's and Carluccio 's .
Thousands of workers in the industry have been furloughed under the government 's job retention scheme , which allows them to receive 80 % of their monthly salary up to £2,500 .
What have other countries done ?
Many other countries have already reopened restaurants , bars and cafes around the world .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lower social distancing recommendations - in France , for example , the recommended distance between customer and staff is 1m .
• Eating and drinking establishments in Paris can now serve customers on outside terraces , but staff must wear masks , and customers must also wear masks when moving around • In Berlin , restaurants , cafes and snack kiosks are open , and people from two separate households are allowed to share a table , if they keep a distance of 1.5m from each other • Spanish bars and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they stick to social distancing rules and only operate at 50 % capacity • Restaurants , bars and cafes in Italy reopened in May - restaurants must host reduced numbers of diners , with tables further apart and plastic shields to separate customers

From 7 August, if conditions allow, there will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others in places like pubs and restaurants. Masks will also no longer be required in hospitality settings. All businesses currently closed - such as nightclubs - will be allowed to reopen subject to ongoing risk assessments.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--Coronavirus: Why have there been so many outbreaks in meat processing plants?

Hundreds of workers have tested positive for coronavirus at meat processing plants and abattoirs .
They include a chicken processing site in Anglesey , where more than 150 workers have become infected with Covid-19 , and plants in Wrexham and West Yorkshire .
There have also been major outbreaks in Germany , France , Spain and the US .
Bev Clarkson from the union Unite , says : `` Unite has warned time and again that coronavirus outbreaks at meat processing factories throughout the UK were likely '' .
Why are meat workers getting coronavirus ?
People get infected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coughed , sneezed or exhaled by an infected person .
The infection may come through close contact with the person or by touching infected surfaces .
`` Factories and , in particular , indoor areas which are cold and damp , are perfect environments for coronavirus to linger and spread , '' according to Lawrence Young , Professor of Molecular Oncology at the University of Warwick .
`` Virus-containing droplets from infected individuals are more likely to spread , settle and stay viable . ''
• Five ways coronavirus is disrupting the food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workplaces is noisy machinery , which requires people to talk more loudly or shout , which can increase the spread of infected droplets .
It is difficult to keep workers two metres apart when they are working on fast-moving production lines , and the absence of daylight may also help the virus to survive .
`` When you have people standing right next to each other working heavily - because of course this is a difficult job - and breathing heavily , you have a chance for spreading virus from just one infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proximity , '' said Tara Smith , professor of epidemiology at Kent State University in Ohio .
`` And then of course you have a chain of dominoes after that . ''
There is no evidence that the meat products themselves could be a source of Covid-19 infection at the plants .
The Food Standards Agency said it was very unlikely that you could catch coronavirus from food because that is not how it is known to be transmitted .
It 's not just conditions inside the plant that may be increasing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these factories have on-site or nearby accommodation where there are several people in each dormitory .
They may be transported on a bus to the site of work , and they will be indoors together all day , '' said Michael Head , senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton .
The Unite union says that while it represents many workers in the meat processing sector , plants often employ migrant workers who may not be entitled to full sick pay , so could lose money if they self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they often do not speak English as a first language and are worried about losing their jobs , so may be reluctant to raise concerns .
The British Meat Processors Association ( BMPA ) told Reality Check that most workers in its members ' plants are full employees rather than agency staff .
What is being done to protect workers ?
The government has issued guidelines on working safely in food manufacturing - including keeping workers at least two metres apart when possible .
The BMPA has also issued guidance , including cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff who develop symptoms and staggering start times and break times .
It also suggests providing additional personal protective equipment ( PPE ) such as visors , if available - staff in meat processing facilities usually wear PPE , but that does not necessarily include masks .
Dr Yvonne Doyle , medical director at Public Health England , said the organisation had been advising on a number of outbreaks in factories , some of which involved meat processing .
`` Where outbreaks occur , we are working closely with NHS Test and Trace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacts , both within and outside of the workplace .
Where required , mobile testing units are being deployed to ensure large workforces are tested promptly . ''
In Germany , the government is banning the outsourcing of abattoir staff - workers will have to be employed directly by the company .
A source close to Defra in the UK told the BBC that another of the factors being looked at in Germany is the poor training and poor language skills of the mainly Eastern European workforce in the meat processing industry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A report from the Center for Disease Control in the US has recommended slowing production lines , putting physical barriers between staff , making everybody wear face coverings and ensuring that nobody would lose money because of self-isolating .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
What claims do you want BBC Reality Check to investigate @ @ @ @

"When you have people standing right next to each other working heavily - because of course this is a difficult job - and breathing heavily, you have a chance for spreading virus from just one infected individual to many that are in close proximity," said Tara Smith, professor of epidemiology at Kent State University in Ohio.


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: The people who are still shielding at home

For the past three months about 2.2 million people with medical conditions that make them extremely vulnerable to coronavirus have been shielding .
From next month that comes to an end for most people in the UK - depending on where you live .
At the beginning of lockdown , we spoke to some of the so-called shielded to see how they felt about avoiding all close contact for 12 weeks .
Now we 've gone back to ask : how do you feel about the prospect of rejoining the wider world ?
Michael Winehouse , a charity fundraiser who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home with his four-year-old son and his wife .
`` The novelty has certainly worn off , '' he says .
`` Just not knowing when it was due to end , knowing that everyone else is going back to normal has an impact . ''
The 33-year-old says shielding has `` certainly worked '' for people , like him , with the genetic condition cystic fibrosis , which means thick mucus clogs the lungs and makes them vulnerable to dangerous infections .
Only 25 people on the UK CF Registry have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The prospect of an end to shielding is `` fantastic '' , he says .
From 6 July , he will be able to meet up to five others outdoors and form `` support bubbles '' with other households .
And he will no longer need to shield from 1 August .
`` It 's just the opportunity to do a shop , or maybe go to a cafe for some food , or to see family and friends most importantly , '' he says .
`` I have n't seen my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I see him at least once a week normally . ''
His son , Oscar , is in Reception at primary school .
He no longer gets to see his friends on Zoom or FaceTime each day because they 've gone back to class .
He ca n't go because the whole family is having to shield .
• Coronavirus : Who should be shielding ?
• ' I 've done the blame game , isolation is my life for a year' '' It 's sad when he says , 'why ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or , ' I miss talking to my friends every day ' .
That will probably be the biggest highlight of it - just letting him go and play with his friends , '' Michael says .
Taking his first walk outside after three months - which happened with Oscar on Father 's Day - made it clear to Michael that he was anxious about leaving the safety of their home in Epping , east London .
`` I was really apprehensive about that little first step outside , going past the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realise how accustomed you become to your four walls , '' he says .
`` There is always going to be a risk .
I ca n't live inside forever , so I 'm just going to have to risk assess every situation , avoid those places where bugs are likely to linger . ''
' I do n't know how much more I could have done' Rachel Hall , who has lupus , says she still worries about how the virus , especially how it affects people from black and Asian communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping - or expecting - that shielding would finish on 30 June , which was the end date of the last government extension , announced earlier this month .
`` I 've even booked annual leave for that last week because I thought I could leave the house . ''
She says other announcements , including the lowering of the coronavirus alert level from level four to three , indicated things were moving in the right direction .
So an extra month of shielding came as a surprise to her .
Rachel - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a condition where an overactive immune system attacks healthy cells in the body - says relaxing guidelines to allow people shielding to exercise outside from 1 June came just at the right time for her .
`` For me anyway , I do n't know how much more I could have done , just being in this house , '' the 31-year-old from Kent says .
`` You do n't realise how much you just miss seeing another view , seeing somewhere else other than your own home . ''
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she says of her first walk .
`` Especially my husband who 's quite anxious .
We were just being extremely careful .
Even though you 're happy to be out , you 're still really worried .
I do n't think we even stayed out long . ''
She says they have n't been out without a mask .
Reconnecting with her family is at the top of her list after missing some important family celebrations and being apart from her grandmother while she was ill with Covid-19 .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just want to spend more time with them somehow , even if it 's just standing outside the house and having a chat , '' she says .
But she knows the threat from the virus will not entirely go away for her , especially as figures show black and Asian communities are disproportionately affected .
`` I think I 'll always be wary of it , always be taking extra precautions at least until they 've got some form vaccine or something , you 're just going to constantly be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Once I 'm able to be around family I think I 'll feel a lot better.
`` ' I still have n't been out' Rachael Paget , who has severe asthma , was put on a ventilator in a medically induced coma in 2017 .
She has n't been out of her house since lockdown began .
Rachel has been taking a cautious approach .
Three years ago she was was in a coma after a severe asthma attack .
So she still has n't left her house in Warrington , despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 've stayed in completely .
I was thinking I might try it this week .
When they said you could go out for a walk , it felt very rushed and I just wanted a bit more advice . ''
`` It 's good that it 's going to be a little bit longer so we can see if any second wave happens after they 've unlocked everything , '' says Rachael of the latest government announcement .
The 35-year-old teacher says that staying in has become `` increasingly more difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolled by .
She says she had to stay apart from her dad on Father 's Day , even though the two are `` best buds '' and normally see each other almost ever day .
`` People are starting to get into bubbles , '' she says .
`` I 'm seeing people talk about how they spent time with their grandparents or their partner or a friend .
That 's quite hard when you 're still stuck at home , '' she says .
At work too , she and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch as their students returned without them .
She says she misses the chatty pupils who insist on recounting every detail of their dinner , their pets , or the book they are reading .
`` I miss all the ridiculous things that I did n't realise I 'd miss . ''
Rachael 's says she feels `` vulnerable '' and is currently hearing about how people are behaving outside from friends and family .
`` I think I 'll be a little bit more cautious just because of what I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They 've said a lot of people are not social distancing , barely anyone is wearing a mask , and so that worries me . ''
`` I think the first time I step out it 'll be a bit nerve-wracking .
I imagine I 'll feel a bit like the first time I went out with the physios post-coma , '' she says .
`` It was both exciting and nerve-wracking and shattering in equal measure . ''

Coronavirus: The people who are still shielding at home Published 22 June 2020
For the past three months about 2.2 million people with medical conditions that make them extremely vulnerable to coronavirus have been shielding. From next month that comes to an end for most people in the UK - depending on where you live.
At the beginning of lockdown, we spoke to some of the so-called shielded to see how they felt about avoiding all close contact for 12 weeks. Now we've gone back to ask: how do you feel about the prospect of rejoining the wider world?
'I can't live inside forever'
Image source, Michael Winehouse
Michael Winehouse, a charity fundraiser who has cystic fibrosis, has been shielding at home with his four-year-old son and his wife.
"The novelty has certainly worn off," he says. "Just not knowing when it was due to end, knowing that everyone else is going back to normal has an impact."
The 33-year-old says shielding has "certainly worked" for people, like him, with the genetic condition cystic fibrosis, which means thick mucus clogs the lungs and makes them vulnerable to dangerous infections. Only 25 people on the UK CF Registry have caught the virus, with one death.
The prospect of an end to shielding is "fantastic", he says. From 6 July, he will be able to meet up to five others outdoors and form "support bubbles" with other households. And he will no longer need to shield from 1 August.
"It's just the opportunity to do a shop, or maybe go to a cafe for some food, or to see family and friends most importantly," he says. "I haven't seen my dad since before this started. And I see him at least once a week normally."
His son, Oscar, is in Reception at primary school. He no longer gets to see his friends on Zoom or FaceTime each day because they've gone back to class. He can't go because the whole family is having to shield.
"It's sad when he says, 'why can't I go back to school?' Or, 'I miss talking to my friends every day'. That will probably be the biggest highlight of it - just letting him go and play with his friends," Michael says.
Taking his first walk outside after three months - which happened with Oscar on Father's Day - made it clear to Michael that he was anxious about leaving the safety of their home in Epping, Essex.
"I was really apprehensive about that little first step outside, going past the end of my driveway. You don't realise how accustomed you become to your four walls," he says.
"There is always going to be a risk. I can't live inside forever, so I'm just going to have to risk assess every situation, avoid those places where bugs are likely to linger."
'I don't know how much more I could have done'
Image source, Rachel Hall
Rachel Hall, who has lupus, says she still worries about how the virus, especially how it affects people from black and Asian communities.
Rachel was among those who were hoping - or expecting - that shielding would finish on 30 June, which was the end date of the last government extension, announced earlier this month.
"I've even booked annual leave for that last week because I thought I could leave the house."
She says other announcements, including the lowering of the coronavirus alert level from level four to three, indicated things were moving in the right direction. So an extra month of shielding came as a surprise to her.
Rachel - who takes immunosuppressant medication to treat lupus, a condition where an overactive immune system attacks healthy cells in the body - says relaxing guidelines to allow people shielding to exercise outside from 1 June came just at the right time for her.
"For me anyway, I don't know how much more I could have done, just being in this house," the 31-year-old from Kent says. "You don't realise how much you just miss seeing another view, seeing somewhere else other than your own home."
"The first time I was really worried," she says of her first walk. "Especially my husband who's quite anxious. We were just being extremely careful. Even though you're happy to be out, you're still really worried. I don't think we even stayed out long." She says they haven't been out without a mask.
Reconnecting with her family is at the top of her list after missing some important family celebrations and being apart from her grandmother while she was ill with Covid-19.
"I'm really close to my family so I just want to spend more time with them somehow, even if it's just standing outside the house and having a chat," she says.
But she knows the threat from the virus will not entirely go away for her, especially as figures show black and Asian communities are disproportionately affected.
"I think I'll always be wary of it, always be taking extra precautions at least until they've got some form vaccine or something, you're just going to constantly be more cautious," she says. "Once I'm able to be around family I think I'll feel a lot better. "
'I still haven't been out'
Image source, Rachael Paget
Rachael Paget, who has severe asthma, was put on a ventilator in a medically induced coma in 2017. She hasn't been out of her house since lockdown began.
Rachel has been taking a cautious approach. Three years ago she was was in a coma after a severe asthma attack. So she still hasn't left her house in Warrington, despite the relaxation of the guidelines on exercise.
"I've stayed in completely. I was thinking I might try it this week. When they said you could go out for a walk, it felt very rushed and I just wanted a bit more advice."
"It's good that it's going to be a little bit longer so we can see if any second wave happens after they've unlocked everything," says Rachael of the latest government announcement.
The 35-year-old teacher says that staying in has become "increasingly more difficult" as the months of shielding have rolled by.
She says she had to stay apart from her dad on Father's Day, even though the two are "best buds" and normally see each other almost ever day.
"People are starting to get into bubbles," she says. "I'm seeing people talk about how they spent time with their grandparents or their partner or a friend. That's quite hard when you're still stuck at home," she says.
At work too, she and some colleagues who are also shielding have had to watch as their students returned without them.
She says she misses the chatty pupils who insist on recounting every detail of their dinner, their pets, or the book they are reading. "I miss all the ridiculous things that I didn't realise I'd miss."
Rachael's says she feels "vulnerable" and is currently hearing about how people are behaving outside from friends and family. "I think I'll be a little bit more cautious just because of what I've heard," she says. "They've said a lot of people are not social distancing, barely anyone is wearing a mask, and so that worries me."


bbcuk--2020-06-21--Coronavirus: Isolating ex-soldier leaves 'uninhabited island'

A former British paratrooper has left the previously uninhabited island where he had been isolating after lockdown measures were introduced during a fundraising challenge .
Chris Lewis , from Swansea , had walked 12,000 miles of the UK coastline after setting off from Wales in August 2017 .
He was given special permission to live in the only house on Hildasay , Shetland , with his dog Jet .
`` I feel I left a part of me behind , '' he said .
The 39-year-old was originally sleeping in a tent on mainland Shetland when lockdown restrictions were imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the keys to a former shepherd 's hut on Hildasay when its owners heard he was camping .
The hut has no running water , heating or electricity .
A regular boat brought him fresh water and coal .
He collected driftwood , foraged and fished for food , and always made sure he had a three-week supply of dog food for Jet .
He said he had been `` the happiest I 've ever been '' while living on the island .
The 108-hectare island of Hildasay sits off the west coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned on Friday .
He thanked locals for the `` outstanding '' love and support shown to him during his stay .
`` As we left the pier , I sat at the back of the boat not really able to say much ! ''
he wrote on Facebook .
`` I was sad and excited at the same time !
!
What an adventure the last three months have been living on our own island in lockdown !
I will never forget it !
`` I feel I left a part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to my return in years to come . ''
Mr Lewis revealed that people had been leaving money at the shop that provided his supplies , while others had left him `` countless gifts , letters and cards '' .
`` It 's amazing how people simply just want to be kind and help whatever way they can .
It 's incredibly good for the soul . ''
He added : `` Leaving Hildasay means more than just leaving the island to me .
I know that very soon it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before I return to the mainland .
`` Heading down the east coast is going to completely change my walk , it will offer a completely new set of challenges for Jet and I compared to what we have been walking . ''
Mr Lewis is raising money for SSAFA , the Armed Forces charity - with donations so far reaching more than £140,000 .
The charity had previously helped Mr Lewis when he became homeless .
Hildasay has been uninhabited since the late 19th Century , with Mr Lewis and Jet joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birds .
Almost 40,000 people have been following his journey on a Facebook page , Chris Walks the UK .
He set off from Llangennith beach on the Gower Peninsula with just £10 in his pocket and a few days of supplies .

"As we left the pier, I sat at the back of the boat not really able to say much!" he wrote on Facebook. "I was sad and excited at the same time!! What an adventure the last three months have been living on our own island in lockdown! I will never forget it!


bbcuk--2020-06-23--The UK-raised teenagers barred from university

The difficulties faced by the children of migrant families brought up in the UK have been described as a potential `` second Windrush-style scandal '' .
It 's often not until they are finishing school that they realise they are not British citizens and do not have the same rights as the children they 've grown up with .
A few years apart and in different London schools , Hanna and Michael were both filling in their Ucas forms when they realised that something was wrong .
`` I remember sitting in the computer room , '' says Michael .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone 's applying , you 're excited , putting in your details , trying to decide what uni you want to go to and thinking about the little things that really do n't matter like what clubs are at the uni , what accommodation you 're going to stay in , what food you 're going to eat , what you 're going to do .
`` That was when it first hit me .
They were asking for these documents and I could n't provide those documents .
I could n't .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get them . ''
A high-achieving pupil at his school in East London , he 'd assumed he 'd be able to study computer science at university and `` hopefully become as rich as Bill Gates one day '' , although he 'd been aware that other children had enjoyed greater opportunities .
`` Growing up we just did n't do certain things , did n't travel .
Did n't go on school trips .
I think I just thought we could n't afford it .
At the back of my mind I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - that this could be an issue .
I did n't really think about it - just a 14-year-old , 15-year-old , it 's not something you think about . ''
Michael is the child of Nigerian parents who brought him to the UK when he was 12 .
As he grew up , his memories of his early years in Nigeria faded and he gradually became a Londoner .
`` It was like any young person 's life , you know , go to school , go home , chill with friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computer games and had similar aspirations to study and get well-paid jobs .
The difference was that - as Michael realised while filling in his Ucas form , in 2015 - he was n't a British citizen , he was n't a refugee and he did n't have indefinite leave to remain .
He soon discovered that he could apply for limited leave to remain - an immigration status that would allow him to legally stay in the UK for a period of time - but he would need to get it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finance need to have had lawful status in the UK for at least three years before the start of the academic year when their course begins .
You can apply for limited leave to remain on the basis of your private life in the UK if : • You have lived in the UK for seven years before your 18th birthday • You have lived in the UK for half your life by your 25th birthday • You have lived in the country for 20 years The application currently costs about £10,000 over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British if you were born in the UK and have lived here for 10 years - this costs £1,000 .
Five years earlier , Hanna had experienced something similar .
Also from a Nigerian family , she had wanted to study finance and accounting and was `` really , really excited '' as she started considering universities in Scotland and Wales .
`` I felt like London was getting a bit small - time to go to another part of the UK , '' she says .
But then she hit the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to realise the invisible difference between her and her friends at further education college .
`` You become British without actually having the British citizenship .
Being in the UK , you 've watched the same stuff as they have , you 've grown up in the same environment as they have , and then suddenly it 's like the government going , 'OK , unfortunately , you 've experienced all of that and it does n't really matter . '
'' In fact , Hanna 's situation was much less secure than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country at the age of 12 , and will therefore have been in the country for more than half his life by the time he is 25 - it was this fact that enabled him to apply for leave to remain .
Hanna , however , was a few months older than Michael when she arrived in the UK .
She was already 13 , so would not have lived in the country for half her life on her 25th birthday , and was not eligible for leave to remain .
Research by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are 332,000 undocumented children and young people living in the UK , of whom 133,000 are in London .
They are unable to access public funds such as Universal Credit or child benefit .
Those over the age of 18 also face the threat of deportation .
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called on the Theresa May government two years ago to `` act now to avoid a second Windrush-style scandal '' .
To mark Windrush Day on Monday , he called on ministers to reduce immigration and citizenship fees , and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In these uncertain times , it is a national disgrace that hundreds of thousands of young Londoners , whose dreams have already been put on hold by Covid-19 , are living in fear of deportation and being denied the chance to secure their future , '' he said in a statement to the BBC .
`` These young people , many of whom were born in the UK , are often unable to access higher education or work , to rent a home or open a bank account , and their numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completes its exit from the EU in less than six months ' time . ''
The Home Office said : `` There are routes available for undocumented children in this situation who have lived here for most of their lives and made the UK their home .
Support is available and we would urge them to contact us so that we can help them obtain the right documentation . ''
In limbo after leaving school , Michael spent his time volunteering , mainly with a youth club and community centre in his area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year , he started working in a bar , waiting for his chance to study .
He wo n't be eligible for student finance for another two years .
But a few weeks ago he received some good news - he has won a university scholarship and will be able to start his computer science degree in the autumn .
While studying , he will still have to earn money somehow , in order to extend his leave to remain .
He 'll have to reapply for legal status every two-and-a-half years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
Only then will he be eligible for indefinite leave to remain .
`` If you have n't got the money to reapply at any point , even if you 're right at the end and you just ca n't get the money to reapply , you basically lose those years you built up already , and you have got to start again from the very beginning , '' Michael says .
`` That means at any point you can lose rights to stay - your rights to work , your rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount you 've worked towards , the amount you 've paid .
It 's all gone . ''
Where to get help Project for the Registration of Children as British Citizens Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants Hanna 's position is more precarious still .
She 's not allowed to work so she relies on friends and relatives to support her financially .
She avoids contact with officialdom for fear of deportation .
While she trusts her GP - a service available whatever your immigration status - she could n't have surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wary of going to a coronavirus testing centre .
`` If the government decided to roll it out and make it compulsory for everyone , I 've been thinking - how are they going to do it ?
Are you going to go in and give an ID ?
Or go in without having to bring ID ?
I have been a bit worried about that… '' When she sees police officers on the street , her strategy is to play it cool , and give them a smile .
`` If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks like you 've got something to hide .
So just being extra cheerful and making it look like , 'Oh , look I got no worries , ' that way they do n't stop and search you , '' she says .
All the time , Hanna is carefully gathering proof of her presence in the UK , because when she can prove she has lived in the UK continuously for 20 years she will be eligible for leave to remain .
She arrived at 13 , she is now 27 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Listen to Michael and Hanna on The Next Episode podcast on BBC Sounds from mid-morning on Tuesday 23 June '' When I was in a further education college , I had dreams .
I wanted to travel , I 'm a sponge so I wanted to take all these things in .
Everyone dreams like , 'Oh in two years ' time I want to be doing this , in three years ' time I want to be doing this . '
And then five years have passed and you 're thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it to tomorrow now , ' '' she says .
On Facebook she sees her former fellow students getting good jobs and moving on with their lives in a way she can only dream of .
But despite everything , she 's hopeful .
`` I 'm really really , really hopeful for the future because I 've got nothing else but hope . ''
The names Michael and Hanna are pseudonyms The Next Episode podcast also includes the story of Dajay Brown , a young actor , who moved to London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father .
As his 18th birthday approached , the council threatened them with eviction from the single hostel room they shared .
Shortly after his birthday , with the help of a community care lawyer .
he was granted British citizenship and was able to apply to drama school .
But then , a year later , his father was deported - listen here on BBC Sounds .
You may also be interested in : Angel fled Zimbabwe in fear of her life after police found her in bed with another woman five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the time since then for her to convince the Home Office that she is gay and will be persecuted if she returns .
But how do you prove something you spent your life trying to hide ?
'How do I convince the Home Office I 'm a lesbian ? '

The Next Episode podcast also includes the story of Dajay Brown, a young actor, who moved to London at the age of two with his father. As his 18th birthday approached, the council threatened them with eviction from the single hostel room they shared. Shortly after his birthday, with the help of a community care lawyer. he was granted British citizenship and was able to apply to drama school. But then, a year later, his father was deported - this podcast will appear soon on BBC Sounds.


bbcuk--2020-06-23--'Mum died and we were left to fend for ourselves'

The death of a parent is particularly distressing and destabilising for a child .
But then to lose the care and attention of the surviving parent can cause a damaging sense of abandonment ; a crack in a young person 's foundations .
Three women have spoken to the BBC about this experience .
`` I absolutely hated him and I still feel a lot of that hatred now , thinking of the things they did and said .
We were just children and we 'd just lost our mum and we really needed our dad to be around and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us . ''
Catherine was 13 when her mum died from cervical cancer .
It was n't long before her dad found someone new .
Catherine remembers it was a Friday when her mum died .
She was at school that day and got to the hospital too late to say goodbye .
`` It had pretty much just happened because the machines were still on so we literally just missed it , '' she says .
Her dad had shown little support in the lead-up to his wife 's death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her while he jetted off for weekend trips with Catherine 's two brothers .
She recalls the day she was told his new partner would join them on their annual camping trip , a year from her mother 's death .
`` I remember feeling excited and thinking 'this will be great ' .
I did n't have a sister and she had a daughter the same age as me . ''
But her stepmum did n't want her daughters to have anything to do with her .
Tears followed .
Her dad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Far from that , he `` kissed and groped '' his new partner in front of everyone .
`` We were heartbroken .
It was just rubbed in our face . ''
Catherine 's relationship with her stepmum reached breaking point when she was 15 .
It was Father 's Day and they were arguing .
`` I was sat on the bed and I remember her saying to me , 'well I am your new mum now ' .
`` I lost it as it is the most upsetting thing you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their mum , because obviously they are irreplaceable . ''
Her childhood home was then sold , and her dog given away as her stepmum did n't want him .
Her dad bought a new house , but Catherine `` was n't invited '' .
`` There was a period of time where I did n't really know where I was going to live , '' she says .
Catherine got in with the wrong group of people and started drinking and taking drugs .
`` From the moment my dad met this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for ourselves .
There was just no parental guidance . ''
The teenager was eventually told she could return home , and she took up the offer as she had `` limited options '' .
`` You feel like you are clinging on to other families and people are kind but you always feel like the odd one out .
`` Before my mum died we were all such a close family , everything was a celebration .
`` And literally when my mum died it was a completely different life ... and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we had to do to survive - and that for me would be spending as much time out of the house as possible . ''
Catherine left her family when she went to university .
The then 18-year-old had almost no contact with her father for the next six years , when she received news he 'd got cancer too .
She visited him a handful of times before he died six months later .
She says she read remorse all over him during their last few hours together .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he regretted it massively . ''
Catherine , who has been married for two years , says her experiences have shaped the person she is now .
`` I think I 'm quite strong and independent but I think the thing I struggle with most is feeling like I do n't have a family . ''
'What about me ? '
`` From the age of 20 I 've had no parental input .
It has left me with self-esteem issues so I kind of grabbed on to any man that has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way without actually thinking 'what do I need from him ? '
I think I was trying to replace what I had lost - a family . ''
Vanessa had always been very close to her dad but he killed himself when she was 14 .
`` I had an idyllic first 11 years with my mum and dad and older sister , a family dog , and we lived in a nice house in Oxford and everything was fine , '' Vanessa recollects .
But all that changed after her dad 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out more .
`` Although I was absolutely fine with that , I felt somewhat neglected .
I was sort of shunted to anyone who could have me for the night , '' Vanessa says .
She turned to drink and drug-taking , something she believes is quite common for bereaved young people to do in a `` life-affirming sort of way '' .
`` When you do risky things you feel alive but you 're also saying 'death come and get me ' '' , she explains .
Her mum found a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at which point there `` was no time spent with me , she was too busy doing her own thing '' .
`` I do n't think I felt angry ; part of me felt relieved she did n't give me much attention because I would have the freedom of doing what I wanted .
`` Indignant is the right word because I thought : 'What about me ? '
'' Vanessa was 19 and a university student in Aberdeen when her mother was diagnosed with a type of bone marrow cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her but her mum only lived for another year .
The 56-year-old , who works for Cruse Bereavement Care , says she is happy her mother rebuilt a life for herself following her dad 's death , but having her around would have `` absolutely changed '' things .
`` She was bothered but she was n't present - that was the issue . ''
Vanessa , who has been through three failed marriages , says she feels her parents did n't purposely abandon her , but that is nonetheless the feeling she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find it hard to value myself , which may come from a sense of abandonment , '' the mother of two says .
`` It 's been a funny old journey , but I 'm fine .
That old saying 'what does n't kill you makes you stronger ' , I think to some extent it 's true .
Dr Reenee Singh , CEO of the Association of Family Therapy , says there are many examples of step-parents doing a wonderful job .
However , she recommends the surviving parent should take their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If a child does n't know what is happening and suddenly finds themselves in a brand-new situation , that can really be detrimental to a child 's mental health . ''
Building a new life is a `` complex '' task for everyone concerned , the clinical practitioner says .
`` The dilemma is how a new couple can form their own identity and a new family , and at the same time keep the dead parent 's memory alive in the right way . ''
Dr Singh points out that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent , if they feel like they are `` too caught up with their new family '' .
She says it 's `` very helpful '' for the development of the bereaved child - and spouse - to maintain a relationship with the family of the deceased parent , but she points out that the new partner can be hesitant to help with this as they might `` want to distance themselves from the ghosts of the past '' .
`` The new partner should allow those links to flourish without feeling terribly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent , '' says Dr Singh .
'He turned to drinking every night' '' When they married , everything changed .
We rarely saw my dad as they were building their life together .
He even said he might not be able to come to my graduation . ''
Leila was 19 when her mum died of breast cancer after about 10 years of on-and-off treatment .
`` My dad did it all , '' Leila says , as she detailed the level of care her mother needed .
`` After being ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end it was almost a relief when she died .
I went back to uni and for me life returned to normal , '' Leila , from the south-west of England , says .
Her dad stayed at home looking after her 16-year-old sister , but Leila was becoming more independent and often went out with friends .
`` He turned to drinking every night and would say things like he 'd gone to the supermarket for company , '' Leila says .
But her dad met a woman soon after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describes her stepmum as the `` complete opposite '' to her mother .
`` Our mum had given it all up to raise us and give us a secure , loving family life and had taken night jobs as a barmaid or on the tills in the supermarket so she could bring us up in the day .
`` Our stepmother had never married or had children and had concentrated her life on her teaching career and travelling in the holidays . ''
Leila is now 47 and has three children but `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her dad and his wife live in a remote location and have `` cut themselves off from outside life '' .
Her dad and stepmum say they `` adore '' her children but have `` little involvement '' in their lives .
`` I feel quite resentful that life would have been so different if my mum had survived .
`` She would have been part of their upbringing and seen them on a regular basis . ''
If you 've been affected by any of the issues in this story , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been changed

"From the age of 20 I've had no parental input. It has left me with self-esteem issues so I kind of grabbed on to any man that has been willing to be with me in any way without actually thinking 'what do I need from him?' I think I was trying to replace what I had lost - a family."


bbcuk--2020-06-23--'It was precarious and still is': Bookshops on the battle with virus and Amazon

Before lockdown , the number of independent bookshops in the UK rose for three years in a row .
But the pandemic drove customers online - and shops had to get creative to survive .
Running an independent bookshop can be a challenge at the best of times , trying to compete with the might of Amazon and the supermarkets .
In recent years , things had been looking up , however , with 890 on our high streets in 2019 , up from 867 three years earlier .
They took a major hit during lockdown , but most have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for Independent Bookshop Week , which runs until Saturday .
Many found new ways to reach readers while their doors were shut , but their long-term futures are still in the balance .
`` As yet we have no idea how many retail casualties may result from the crisis , '' said Meryl Halls , head of the Booksellers Association .
'We 're still very far from out of the woods' Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Norwich had only been open for seven months when it was forced to shut again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic into the business plan , surprisingly , '' owner Leanne Fridd laughs .
She thought about getting a job in a supermarket when the virus struck , but decided to try to keep the business going , making the most of one thing an Amazon algorithm ca n't match - a personal touch .
She put together home-school packs , bundling together educational , activity and story books based on each child 's interests and age .
She also created adult escape packs with a personalised selection of novels plus relaxing treats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dan also made their online store more prominent and ran online storytelling sessions and book groups .
`` When people are at home and the internet is just there , we are fully aware that people have an alternative , and potentially a cheaper alternative , and we ca n't possibly match that .
No independent bookshop can , '' she says .
`` All indies try and offer something that goes a little bit further .
We know your children , we watch them grow , we care about your family .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say , 'We 're still here for you ' , and people have been responding to that quite nicely . ''
Even so , turnover was only 20 % of the pre-pandemic level .
She furloughed both members of staff and was n't eligible for the government 's self-employment support .
The shop reopened last week , with the necessary safety measures and reduced hours .
In the afternoons , customers can book a 15-minute slot to have the shop to themselves , their bubble or family .
`` They do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone apart from us , and we 're obviously suited and booted , '' she says .
`` That 's been really effective because a lot of the families have said , 'This is the first time we 've brought our children out , this is the first shop we 've been into ' . ''
The future is still uncertain , she says .
`` We 're still very far from out of the woods but the bigger fear was that we would n't be able to survive - and still is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimistic and positive and do everything we can .
`` If we do n't survive , it wo n't be because we have n't poured our heart and soul into everything , trying so many different ways to help people feel engaged with us . ''
'It could n't have been timed worse' When lockdown was imposed , The Rabbit Hole in Brigg , Lincolnshire , did n't have an online shop to speak of , and decided it was n't worth trying to create one at short notice .
`` We concentrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get through , '' says Nick Webb , who runs the shop with wife Mel .
`` We worked with a lot of authors and a lot of kids ' groups doing Zoom sessions .
We 're heavily involved with schools - we 're both ex-teachers - so every week we were doing that .
It was another way that we kept in contact with people . ''
The authors who took part included Richard O'Neill , Katie Brosnan and Onjali Q Rauf .
`` We try to improve the diversity of books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's not just what they see on - how shall I phrase this - big online retailers , and in the supermarkets , '' Webb explains .
`` They all spent time talking to the kids on Zoom about books and illustrations - you name it , they talked about it .
And it worked really well .
`` And we do n't know how it happened , but a little lad from South Korea joined .
He asked his mum for permission , because it 's midnight in South Korea when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a market town , so The Rabbit Hole took over a stall when outdoor markets were allowed to reopen from 1 June , two weeks before the shop itself .
The shop originally opened three years ago .
The Webbs were eligible for the government 's self-employment support scheme , which gives 80 % of average monthly profits based on the past three years .
But the shop did n't make a profit for the first two years because they had spent money on the building and stock , Webb explains .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the couple could n't be sure if it would open again .
`` It 's been really difficult , and now it 's crossed fingers and let 's hope we can rebuild it , '' he says .
`` It was just the wrong time .
It could n't have been timed worse for us personally .
`` It was very precarious and still is .
We will just have to see how we go over the next few months .
It will be close , but we 're pretty determined . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ self isolation 'The amount of work has been phenomenal' Linghams in Heswall , Merseyside , used to get around two-thirds of its income from events where authors would come and read and sell their books in person , owner Sue Porter estimates .
When lockdown began , she came up with an idea to replicate that online , along with three other independent booksellers .
The Facebook page for At Home with 4 Indies has so far hosted conversations with Marian Keyes , Joe Wicks and Ian Rankin , with sessions during Independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
`` The amount of work that goes into it and getting everybody set up on tech and promoting it has been quite phenomenal to be honest , '' Porter says .
`` But we have pulled it out of the bag .
`` It was all about community - to make sure we could provide an hour of relief for our customers , and then if we managed to get the book , they would have several hours of relief after that away from the coronavirus . ''
They have struggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ author 's new book , and online sales have not matched the numbers that would normally be stacked on a shop counter .
`` It does n't compare , '' she says .
`` It 's a little bit more now , but we 're miles away from how much we originally sold at our real-life events . ''
Having built up a following with their free online events , the four shops will start running paid-for author webcasts from September .
Customers will get a ticket if they order the book .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other the past three months .
`` It has been hard , and it 's been emotional , '' Porter says .
`` If I was having a bad day , the other girls would get in touch with me and vice versa .
The emotional struggle has been absolutely huge . ''
She furloughed her seven staff when lockdown was imposed , and reopened the shop on Monday , a week later than many places , because of work being done to the shop 's cafe .
`` I have n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it [ lockdown ] started , '' she says .
`` So I 'm looking forward to getting some staff back and maybe taking my foot off the pedal . ''
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

'It was precarious and still is': Bookshops fight back against virus and Amazon Published 23 June 2020
Image source, Bookbugs and Dragon Tales Image caption, Bookbugs and Dragon Tales owner Leanne Fridd has been running online storytelling sessions
Before lockdown, the number of independent bookshops in the UK rose for three years in a row. But the pandemic drove customers online - and shops had to get creative to survive.
Running an independent bookshop can be a challenge at the best of times, trying to compete with the might of Amazon and the supermarkets. In recent years, things had been looking up, however, with 890 on our high streets in 2019, up from 867 three years earlier.
They took a major hit during lockdown, but most have reopened (except in Scotland) in time for Independent Bookshop Week, which runs until Saturday. Many found new ways to reach readers while their doors were shut, but their long-term futures are still in the balance.
"As yet we have no idea how many retail casualties may result from the crisis," said Meryl Halls, head of the Booksellers Association.
'We're still very far from out of the woods'
Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Norwich had only been open for seven months when it was forced to shut again. "We hadn't factored a global pandemic into the business plan, surprisingly," owner Leanne Fridd laughs.
She thought about getting a job in a supermarket when the virus struck, but decided to try to keep the business going, making the most of one thing an Amazon algorithm can't match - a personal touch.
She put together home-school packs, bundling together educational, activity and story books based on each child's interests and age. She also created adult escape packs with a personalised selection of novels plus relaxing treats and mindful activities.
Image source, Bookbugs and Dragon Tales Image caption, The shop now has coloured squares marking out 2m on the floor
She and husband Dan also made their online store more prominent and ran online storytelling sessions and book groups.
"When people are at home and the internet is just there, we are fully aware that people have an alternative, and potentially a cheaper alternative, and we can't possibly match that. No independent bookshop can," she says.
"All indies try and offer something that goes a little bit further. We know your children, we watch them grow, we care about your family. So we felt it was really important to say, 'We're still here for you', and people have been responding to that quite nicely."
Even so, turnover was only 20% of the pre-pandemic level. She furloughed both members of staff and wasn't eligible for the government's self-employment support.
This YouTube post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on YouTube The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts. Skip youtube video by Bookbugs & Dragon Tales Allow YouTube content? This article contains content provided by Google YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Google’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’. Accept and continue The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts. End of youtube video by Bookbugs & Dragon Tales
The shop reopened last week, with the necessary safety measures and reduced hours. In the afternoons, customers can book a 15-minute slot to have the shop to themselves, their bubble or family.
"They don't have to worry about social distancing from anyone apart from us, and we're obviously suited and booted," she says. "That's been really effective because a lot of the families have said, 'This is the first time we've brought our children out, this is the first shop we've been into'."
The future is still uncertain, she says. "We're still very far from out of the woods but the bigger fear was that we wouldn't be able to survive - and still is. But we try and be really optimistic and positive and do everything we can.
"If we don't survive, it won't be because we haven't poured our heart and soul into everything, trying so many different ways to help people feel engaged with us."
'It couldn't have been timed worse'
Image source, The Rabbit Hole Image caption, Nick and Mel Webb run The Rabbit Hole in Brigg, Lincolnshire
When lockdown was imposed, The Rabbit Hole in Brigg, Lincolnshire, didn't have an online shop to speak of, and decided it wasn't worth trying to create one at short notice.
"We concentrated on other things and just tried to get through," says Nick Webb, who runs the shop with wife Mel.
"We worked with a lot of authors and a lot of kids' groups doing Zoom sessions. We're heavily involved with schools - we're both ex-teachers - so every week we were doing that. It was another way that we kept in contact with people."
The authors who took part included Richard O'Neill, Katie Brosnan and Onjali Q Rauf.
"We try to improve the diversity of books that go out to kids, so it's not just what they see on - how shall I phrase this - big online retailers, and in the supermarkets," Webb explains.
"They all spent time talking to the kids on Zoom about books and illustrations - you name it, they talked about it. And it worked really well.
"And we don't know how it happened, but a little lad from South Korea joined. He asked his mum for permission, because it's midnight in South Korea when it's 4pm here."
Brigg is a market town, so The Rabbit Hole took over a stall when outdoor markets were allowed to reopen from 1 June, two weeks before the shop itself.
The shop originally opened three years ago. The Webbs were not eligible for the government's self-employment support, which gives 80% of average monthly profits based on the past three years.
The shop didn't make a profit for the first two years because they had spent money on the building and stock, Webb explains. When the shop shut in March, the couple couldn't be sure if it would open again.
"It's been really difficult, and now it's crossed fingers and let's hope we can rebuild it," he says. "It was just the wrong time. It couldn't have been timed worse for us personally.
"It was very precarious and still is. We will just have to see how we go over the next few months. It will be close, but we're pretty determined."
'The amount of work has been phenomenal'
Image source, Linghams Image caption, Sue Porter unlocked the doors of Linghams on Monday
Linghams in Heswall, Merseyside, used to get around two-thirds of its income from events where authors would come and read and sell their books in person, owner Sue Porter estimates.
When lockdown began, she came up with an idea to replicate that online, along with three other independent booksellers.
The Facebook page for At Home with 4 Indies has so far hosted conversations with Marian Keyes, Joe Wicks and Ian Rankin, with sessions during Independent Bookshop Week culminating with Bernardine Evaristo on Friday.
"The amount of work that goes into it and getting everybody set up on tech and promoting it has been quite phenomenal to be honest," Porter says. "But we have pulled it out of the bag.
"It was all about community - to make sure we could provide an hour of relief for our customers, and then if we managed to get the book, they would have several hours of relief after that away from the coronavirus."
They have struggled on occasion to get stock of an author's new book, and online sales have not matched the numbers that would normally be stacked on a shop counter.
"It doesn't compare," she says. "It's a little bit more now, but we're miles away from how much we originally sold at our real-life events."
Having built up a following with their free online events, the four shops will start running paid-for author webcasts from September. Customers will get a ticket if they order the book.
The four shop owners have been supporting each other the past three months. "It has been hard, and it's been emotional," Porter says. "If I was having a bad day, the other girls would get in touch with me and vice versa. The emotional struggle has been absolutely huge."
She furloughed her seven staff when lockdown was imposed, and reopened the shop on Monday, a week later than many places, because of work being done to the shop's cafe.
"I haven't had a day off since March when it [lockdown] started," she says. "So I'm looking forward to getting some staff back and maybe taking my foot off the pedal."


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Creating an online course 'changed my life'

Like many others , interior stylist Lucy Gough saw her income disappear when the coronavirus hit and naturally felt anxious about her future prospects .
`` Within one week the four shoots I 'd been prepping for were all cancelled , '' she recalls .
However , rather than do nothing , London-based Ms Gough decided to pivot her business and create an online interior styling course after teaching a similar course at London design school Central Saint Martins .
`` Even though I 'd wanted to create a course for the last year it was n't until lockdown was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I started creating it , '' she says .
Covering six modules including shoot styling and home staging , Ms Gough launched the self-paced course in mid-May and within two weeks had already attracted 112 students from as far as Canada and Poland .
She estimates that the course might make her £20,000 this year .
`` It has changed my life in terms of giving me an income when all my jobs as a stylist were cancelled at the beginning of Covid-19 , '' she says .
`` I always envisaged my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the moment it 's my only focus .
When shoots are scheduled in again it will start to become the passive income that I had imagined . ''
Ms Gough is just one of thousands of people worldwide to have created an online course following the outbreak of coronavirus .
Thanks to the pandemic , e-learning platforms are experiencing an unprecedented demand as lockdown has prompted people to take courses on everything from digital marketing and life coaching , to floristry and gaming .
Even before the coronavirus crisis , the value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 300bn ( £250bn ) by 2025 , up from $ 190bn in 2018 , according to the research firm Global Market Insights .
Ankur Nagpal , founder and chief executive of New York-based course-hosting platform Teachable , says lockdown has greatly accelerated the number of people starting an e-learning business .
`` A lot of people who intended to move their courses online in the future found this to be a catalyst and adapted rapidly , '' he says .
Total revenue earned by course tutors on its platform has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its teachers set to earn more than $ 43m in May , up from $ 24m in February .
Even Mr Nagpal was surprised to see the surge in new course sales .
`` I imagined there would be some form of consumer spending slowdown , but we saw the opposite . ''
Greg Smith , founder of Vancouver-based Thinkific , which provides the software for entrepreneurs looking to create online courses , says , `` Consumption has gone up as people are stuck at home and want to learn new professional skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves . ''
The company is seeing demand for courses in areas such as mental health , home school activities for kids , and health and fitness .
However , it is not all rosy in the world of online courses .
Jonathan Little , 26 , a content outreach executive living in Crewe , enrolled in a 14-day free trial of a graphic design course via Shaw Academy , an online learning platform , in May in a bid to improve his skillset .
However , not happy with the course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period .
He says the process was `` incredibly convoluted and damn-near impossible to cancel '' .
`` You have to log into your account and then you go through five to six different screens , each one giving you the same spiel about 'do n't give in on dreams ' .
`` After all these pages you finally get through to what you think is the cancellation page then you 're told you ca n't cancel online and instead need to call .
I rang from a landline and after a lengthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing reviews online I decided to call my bank to make sure no money would go out to them . ''
• The hidden detectors looking for knives and guns • What 's it like to be fired over Zoom ?
• The little lights now packing a deadly punch • Get ready for the 'Holy Grail ' of computer graphics Mr Little says it has made him think twice about signing up to online courses in the future .
`` It 's made me a bit more cautious .
I always usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did it in the spur of the moment .
It 's made me cautious about signing up to things I 've not heard of before . ''
James Egan , chief executive of Shaw Academy , told the BBC that Mr Little encountered an automated voicemail service because he called on a Sunday , when the firm does not have people answering the phones .
`` We apologise that the customer 's cancellation process took longer than usual .
We take customer feedback and satisfaction very seriously and are currently reviewing our cancellation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it easier for the small number of people who choose to cancel our services . ''
How do other sites handle complaints about courses ?
Thinkific 's Greg Smith says , `` If someone alerts us to a scam or fraud we will shut down sites .
However , we have done that very little since we set up eight years ago . ''
Amanda Rosewarne , co-founder and chief executive of the CPD Standards Office , which provides independent Continuing Professional Development ( CPD ) accreditation , says people should be cautious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing number of scams .
`` One scam involves creating a site , charging you for a course , and then never delivering the product , '' she says .
`` Scammers can also easily hook you by selling a course , but then once you have completed it and 'passed ' the assessment , the professional certificate or licence fails to materialise in the post or by email . ''
Despite some problems in the sector , for some , running an online course can be life-changing .
Leila Gharani , 42 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via Udemy since 2016 and takes home a six-figure salary from the e-learning platform .
The lockdown has led to three times as many students as usual taking up her courses , with 10,400 bookings in April .
The Vienna-based course creator says teaching online has changed her `` whole life '' .
She adds : `` I stopped consulting and I switched all my work to online except for some conferences and speaking engagements .
My husband left his full-time work and joined my company .
We have a lot more time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more stability in our private life as we can work from home . ''
For those who never want to go back to an office , online courses might be the future .

"It has changed my life in terms of giving me an income when all my jobs as a stylist were cancelled at the beginning of Covid-19," she says. "I always envisaged my online course being a career sideline but at the moment it's my only focus. When shoots are scheduled in again it will start to become the passive income that I had imagined."


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Rethink: Will companies help us improve our sleep habits?

Sleep scientist Matthew Walker hopes that improved resting habits that have emerged during the pandemic can be incorporated into our future life .
Could companies adjust their working patterns , for example , to help employees sleep better , he asks .
Our sleep does seem to have changed during the pandemic .
There is some emerging data from some sleep-tracking companies that suggests people are going to bed at different times from before , but also , typically , on average , waking up a little bit later .
Now , for some people overall that means that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think what we 'll find is that when we look at the data , there 's probably at least two clouds of results .
There are some people during the pandemic who will have been struggling with sleep and been getting less , and it 's more difficult - and then others who are actually getting more .
But I think what we 're really seeing in this data is that people are starting to sleep more in harmony with what we call your chronotype .
In other words , are you an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , or are you somewhere in-between ?
And it turns out , by the way , that you do n't really get a choice in that .
It 's largely genetically determined , so it 's hard-wired .
But what does this mean for the future , or what could it mean for the future in terms of sleep ?
Well , perhaps when people return to work , what if we asked everyone to fill out a very brief set of questions and we asked them about their preferred sleep times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , when they would prefer to go to bed ?
Companies can then start to try to accommodate - as much as they can - people 's individual work schedules .
And in that way they allow the employee to start sleeping in a much more compatible way with their biology , rather than in conflict , which is what many of us seem to do in this modern world .
Society is really designed to bias and favour these morning types , but there 's a great big range , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees , better-rested leaders .
We know that more sleep does equal more productivity .
It 's not true that less sleep equals more productivity , it 's the opposite - and people utilise fewer healthcare resources when they 're better slept .
There could be manifold consequences .
There 's probably a second implication here , and it comes on to immunity .
What we know is that there is a very intimate relationship between your sleep health and your immune health - and one example I think has implications for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not getting sufficient sleep in the week before you get your standard flu shot , you produce less than 50 % of the normal antibody response , rendering that vaccination far less effective .
So what is an idea for the future ?
Well , perhaps we can start to inquire about people 's sleep as they 're coming in for their Covid vaccination .
Can we try to enhance immunity , enhance the effectiveness of that vaccination , simply by timing that vaccination with the moment when people are well rested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think that could be an interesting idea , based on the scientific data we already have .
BBC Radio 4 , Radio 5 Live and World Service have come together for a unique collaboration : BBC Rethink .
It asks how society and our lives can change for the better after the Covid-19 crisis .
You can hear the BBC Rethink episodes on BBC Sounds .
And read The Pope 's essay on poverty here .

Companies can then start to try to accommodate - as much as they can - people's individual work schedules. And in that way they allow the employee to start sleeping in a much more compatible way with their biology, rather than in conflict, which is what many of us seem to do in this modern world.


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Lockdown lifting: Stories from the UK's first motorway service station

Service stations are the multiple beating hearts of the nation 's road system .
On the first Monday since the coronavirus alert level was downgraded , the BBC visited the UK 's first motorway services to test its pulse and to find out where its visitors were heading to .
When Watford Gap opened as the humble Blue Boar cafe 60 years ago , it became the UK 's first motorway service station .
For many villagers living nearby , it became a destination in and of itself .
It had a futuristic and even sophisticated air , with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Six decades on and what became known as the Watford Gap services , on the M1 in Northamptonshire , is a different beast altogether , with newsagents , various food outlets and even a clothing store .
It might be far emptier than normal but even the slightest scratch beneath the surface reveals some remarkable - and , in some cases , incredibly poignant - personal stories .
Take father-of-10 Atiq Rahman , a 41-year-old Royal Mail HGV driver , for example .
Sitting with four of his children enjoying a picnic outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off on his way from Leicester to Peckham in London .
His family has formed a social bubble with his mother in London , whom he has not seen in five months .
It is to her home that the five Rahmans are travelling .
`` She knows nothing about it , '' he says .
`` It 's a surprise trip . ''
( If you 're reading this and know Mr Rahman , please do n't spoil the surprise ! )
`` I 'm a hugger and the first thing I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mum is hug her .
`` I ca n't wait .
It 's such an emotional trip , I 'm so excited to see her I have a lump in my throat just thinking about it .
`` We have video calls every week but to see her in person makes all the difference .
`` We 'll just sit in the garden and catch up . ''
• Between Junctions 16 and 17 of the M1 , both northbound and southbound • Opened on 2 November 1959 - the same day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to as where the south of England ends ( or begins , depending on your direction of travel ) • It has been a stopping point for some of the world 's most famous musicians including The Beatles , The Rolling Stones and Dusty Springfield • Roy Harper wrote an uncomplimentary song called Watford Gap on his 1977 album Bullinamingvase ( EMI ) • In 2009 , BBC Northampton celebrated Watford Gap 's 50th birthday with a video production called Watford Gap the Musical Higher education teacher Thomas Despositos , a German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with wife Julia Turrell and daughter Isabella for a 15-minute appointment at the German embassy in London .
Travelling from Rochdale , they are making the trip to get Isabella a German passport , which Mr Despositos said needed to be done urgently before she turns 18 .
`` This is my first trip out since the lockdown , '' he said , `` other than going to the supermarket , and I hope it 'll be the last until Christmas when hopefully there 'll be a vaccine .
`` I 'm very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I get it at my age then I might not survive .
`` We 're not even seeing friends in London .
`` We 're going there and back in a day because it 's an essential trip .
Otherwise we would n't be doing it .
I try to entirely avoid travelling . ''
The past few weeks have been a worrying and surreal experience for those involved at the services .
`` At the start of lockdown , this site was painful to see , '' says Mark Fox , chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gap .
`` It looked like a service station under construction it was so empty .
`` Staff told us the worst part was the silence and lack of people .
I 'd never seen it so quiet . ''
Grandmother Sally Gilling has been a staff member at Watford Gap 's WH Smith for the past 10 months .
`` It 's massively different and so strange , '' she said of her current working life .
Most customers have been understanding , she said , although there has been some inconsiderateness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I was restocking the shelves .
I reminded him to keep a 2m distance and he said , 'but I need to get a sandwich ' . ''
The Watford Gap Costa Coffee is one of the busiest on the nation 's road network .
`` We usually have six or seven people serving but now it 's just two or three , '' said manager Tanis Johnson .
`` It 's extremely quiet .
`` People are generally understanding and stick to the rules .
`` It can be difficult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going and when they 're wearing masks . ''
You might also be interested in : • 'We do take anything - everything is money' • How commuters are finding wearing masks on trains • Could the drive-in cinema finally take off in the UK ?
The time people currently spend at the Watford Gap services has roughly halved since before lockdown - from about 25 minutes to between 10 and 12 minutes .
Roadchef boss Mr Fox said road traffic at the start of lockdown was down 93 % .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what might usually be expected .
Along with the dramatic reduction in visitors , and therefore spending , there have been areas of necessary extra expenditure .
In the past six weeks Roadchef has spent £350,000 on signs , barriers , screens and outdoor furniture across its 30 sites nationally .
Mr Fox has two main hopes - a `` staycation '' boom in July and August and a reduction in the social distancing rule from 2m ( about 6ft ) to 1m .
The latter , he said `` would significantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the rest of the hospitality industry '' .
Of all those at Watford Gap , there was a visitor who had very little interest in any social distancing rules .
Her name is Bella , a four month-old rottweiler heading from Chesterfield to Southampton to live with her new family .
For Suzanne Iliniec , collecting Bella has marked her first car trip since lockdown began in March .
`` It 's been OK , '' she said .
`` I feel safe when I 'm out and about .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I do n't think there 's much to worry about .
And hopefully the end is in sight and we 're over the worst . ''
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
• 40,000 DEATHS : Could they have been prevented ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
Find BBC News : East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews @ @

"As long as you keep a two-metre distance, I don't think there's much to worry about. And hopefully the end is in sight and we're over the worst."


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: How to fly during a global pandemic

Jumping on a plane and going on holiday looks and feels very different to how it did at the start @ @ @ @ @ airlines have both been making changes to the way they work to get passengers flying @ @ @ @ @ that help reduce the chances of coronavirus being spread , help ensure social distancing and @ @ @ @ @ passengers need to touch known as 'contact points ' .
The UK government has released @ @ @ @ @ do to keep safe while flying .
It 's currently reviewing it 's measures on @ @ @ @ @ they return to the UK .
Here BBC Health and Science Correspondent , Laura Foster @ @ @ @ @ Airport to show you what you need to do if you 're thinking of catching @ @ @

Jumping on a plane and going on holiday looks and feels very different to how it did before the coronavirus pandemic.
Airports and airlines have all made changes to help ensure passengers can fly safely and stop Covid-19 from spreading.
The UK government has released advice on what you can do to keep safe while flying.
Here BBC Health and Science Correspondent, Laura Foster, has been to Southend Airport to show you what you need to do before you go away and when you're coming back.
This video reflects the rules before the hotel quarantine was introduced in the UK.
Video by Terry Saunders, Ameer Ahmed and Laura Foster


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Talking Pictures TV channel a lockdown hit

Family-run Talking Pictures are based out of a garden office in Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom .
The TV channel @ @ @ @ @ with nearly six million viewers a week during lockdown .
It specialises in British-made films @ @ @ @ @ The BBC 's media and arts correspondent David Sillito went to meet the family .

Family-run Talking Pictures is based out of a garden office in Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.
The TV channel has become a huge hit with nearly six million viewers a week during lockdown. It specialises in British-made films of years gone by.
The BBC's media and arts correspondent David Sillito went to meet the family.


bbcuk--2020-06-22--The virus hunter who got Covid

The virus hunter who got Covid

He ’ s one of the world ’ s leading infectious disease experts .
The man who was part of @ @ @ @ @ deadly Ebola virus in 1976 and who also pioneered research into HIV/Aids .
Until now @ @ @ @ @ being infected by any of the deadly diseases he ’ s spent his life fighting @ @ @ @ @ Professor Peter Piot of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine was struck down @ @ @ @ @ tells our Global Health Correspondent , Tulip Mazumdar , about his experience of the virus @ @ @ @ @ longer term health impacts doctors and scientists are beginning to see as patients recover .

He’s one of the world’s leading infectious disease experts. The man who was part of the team that discovered the deadly Ebola virus in 1976 and who also pioneered research into HIV/Aids.
Until now he had managed to avoid being infected by any of the deadly diseases he’s spent his life fighting. But in the end Professor Peter Piot of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine was struck down by Covid-19.
Here he tells our Global Health Correspondent, Tulip Mazumdar, about his experience of the virus and his concern for the longer term health impacts doctors and scientists are beginning to see as patients recover.


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Reading stabbing: 'Joe was outrageously funny'

Tributes have been paid to the the victims of an attack in Reading on Saturday .
BBC Radio Berkshire presenter @ @ @ @ @ about her friend Joe Ritchie-Bennett .

Tributes have been paid to the the victims of an attack in Reading on Saturday.
BBC Radio Berkshire presenter Sarah Walker has been speaking about her friend Joe Ritchie-Bennett.


bbcuk--2020-06-22--'To the Windrush generation I would say thank you'

The 72nd anniversary of the day the Empire Windrush arrived at the port of Tilbury symbolises the beginning of the @ @ @ @ @ from the Caribbean to the UK .
After the Second World War , the UK @ @ @ @ @ rebuilding and there was a shortage of labour .
To make the move to the @ @ @ @ @ split up , with children separated from their parents and siblings and only sent for @ @ @ @ @ all .
This is the story of BBC reporter Shamaan Freeman-Powell ’ s family – @ @ @ @ @ thousands of miles apart , living very different lives .

The 72nd anniversary of the day the Empire Windrush arrived at the port of Tilbury symbolises the beginning of the migration of thousands of people from the Caribbean to the UK.
After the Second World War, the UK was in desperate need of rebuilding and there was a shortage of labour.
To make the move to the UK, many families were split up, with children separated from their parents and siblings and only sent for years later - if at all.
This is the story of BBC reporter Shamaan Freeman-Powell’s family – where some siblings grew up thousands of miles apart, living very different lives.


bbcuk--2020-06-22--The Papers: Return of culture and tributes to Reading victims

`` Final insult '' is the headline on the front page of the Daily Mirror , as it reports Conservative @ @ @ @ @ sparked fury '' after claiming trainee nurses fighting Covid-19 are `` not providing a service @ @ @ @ @ the comments in a letter responding to concerns that student nurses could face financial hardship @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 .
She later said she was grateful to student nurses for their `` @ @ @ @ @ paper says .

The Daily Telegraph focuses on the hospitality industry. Pubs and hotels will be able to turn their car parks and grounds into temporary beer gardens, it says, and more applications for street closures will be granted to allow restaurants to effectively "turn their spaces inside out."


bbcuk--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Swinney to set out school reopening plans

Education Secretary John Swinney is to make a statement at Holyrood on the next steps towards reopening schools .
Pupils are due to return from 11 August , but will initially have a `` blended '' approach involving face-to-face teaching and at-home learning .
There has been speculation exams in 2021 could be delayed and that blended learning could last for a year .
Mr Swinney has said he wants to see at least 50 % of pupils ' time spent physically in school .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has insisted blended learning will not be in place a moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will accept the risks for full-time school' Ahead of Mr Swinney 's Holyrood statement , Ms Sturgeon said the government wanted children back into education `` on a full-time , normal basis as quickly as possible '' .
She added : `` We recognise that from a mental health perspective getting children not just in school but interacting with their peers and their friends on a normal basis is really important .
`` Hopefully we all agree that the return to full-time , normal education has to be safe and has to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's physical health and also that of teachers , who are also often parents and have families as well . ''
The Scottish Conservatives had demanded the government address MSPs on its plans before leaving for summer recess .
The party 's education spokesman Jamie Greene said : `` The furore surrounding the SNP 's plans for reopening schools is symptomatic of its decade-long shambolic stewardship of Scotland 's education system .
`` Parents are fuming and want answers from this SNP government . ''
Last week , public health expert Devi Sridhar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no reason '' why schools could not return full-time in August if coronavirus was suppressed and other precautions were put in place .
However , teachers ' unions have urged caution over the safe reopening of schools .
Schools and nurseries across the country closed on 20 March , the day after Mr Swinney confirmed there will be no exams this summer , for the first time since the system was set up in 1888 .
Grades for qualifications , including Highers and National 5s , will now be based on estimates by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?

She told BBC Scotland: "I was having to consider resigning from work under blended learning, as with five kids they would all be at school at different times. I felt passionately enough about it to fight for all of Scotland's children, not just my own.