bbcuk--2020-03-02--Netflix's Cheer: Inside the world of the UK's student cheerleaders

The celebration is deafening as Meg Stovell and her team-mates leap from the sprung floor into each others ' arms .
`` It feels amazing , '' she shouts as Tina Turner 's Simply the Best blasts from the speakers .
Weeks of intensive sessions perfecting everything from somersaults to song lyrics have paid off : the Bournemouth University Falcons are the student cheerleading grand national champions .
Cheer , a Netflix documentary series about cheerleading in the US , has taken millions of viewers on a college team 's tumultuous journey to the national competition in Daytona Beach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compare in the UK ?
London 's Olympic Park is 5,000 miles from Navarro College in Texas , but it seems even further in the February cold outside the Copper Box Arena , where hundreds of students have gathered for Legacy Cheer 's university competition .
Inside , though , the stakes feel just as high .
One by one , teams clad in sparkly uniforms run on to the stage , desperate to wow the panel of five judges with their two-and-a-half minute routines .
They try to mask their nerves with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pyramids and everything in between - all while lip-syncing to carefully-curated backing tracks .
One judge 's sole job is deducting points for slip-ups .
When a stunt goes wrong , it can be difficult to bring the performance back .
At one point , an athlete is helped hobbling , in tears , from the mat by her teammates after a move left her with what looks like a twisted ankle .
The standard of UK university cheerleading has a way to go before it matches its cross-Atlantic counterpart .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven .
Navarro College 's Cirque du Soleil-style stunts unsurprisingly make them a level seven , while the highest mixed level division at Legacy is three .
One of the reasons is that most student cheerleaders , like Lily Norris , 21 , who studies education and psychology at the University of Cambridge , are new to the sport when they enrol .
She says cheerleading had a bad reputation when she was growing up in Southend , Essex .
`` A lot of people just thought of it as pompoms - not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she says .
`` It has got this stigma associated with it that I think really needs to be broken because it 's such a competitive sport . ''
Although it was born on the sidelines of American football fields - and was originally a men 's activity before women took over during the First World War - today cheerleading is a sport in its own right , geared towards competitions .
In the UK , around 89,000 athletes compete at regional and national level .
Legacy is just one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events for everything from children 's `` all star '' teams which train specifically for competition , to the student teams in February 's competition .
The sport is being taken ever more seriously , especially since England 's national team won gold in the World Championships .
SportCheer England , a new national governing body , hopes it will be officially recognised by Sport England within the next two years , and eventually be incorporated into the Olympics .
But it is still not nearly as well resourced as it is Stateside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheerleader for the University of Texas , who founded Legacy with her twin sister .
Breathing a sigh of relief backstage as she removes the earpiece she has been wearing all day , she says : `` It 's just a matter of time .
It has n't had time to evolve to that stage . ''
Andrea still lives in Houston but flies to the UK for competitions .
And her first experience here , 21 years ago , could n't have been further from Friday night shows in front of packed-out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consult on the sport for a competition in Norwich , where judo mats had been pushed together in a sports hall .
The judges asked her how long the routines were meant to be .
`` The competition ran two hours behind schedule and the DJ got up and left because he had another gig , '' she laughs .
`` I remember thinking : ' I want to help fix this ' . ''
She believes the standard of student cheerleading is now `` shifting '' because the sport has been growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who took part as children are now going to university .
In one episode of Cheer , Navarro College 's formidable coach , Monica Aldama , says she likes her female cheerleaders to have a certain `` look '' .
But Laurel Boxall , the 19-year-old secretary of the Oxford Sirens ( the Cambridge Cougars ' main rivals ) says they take on new members based on ability and personality .
`` I like that we 're not all just carbon copies of each other , '' she says .
That said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myriad of hair bows and fake eyelashes in the Copper Box Arena .
Lauren Tyler , 21 , and the rest of the Southampton Vixens spent the evening before the competition applying fake tan .
She says they push themselves physically like any other type of athlete - having broken multiple ribs and wrists herself - but the makeup and hair `` play into '' their performance .
Joanna Cuthbert , chairwoman of SportCheer England , says the sport 's glamorous side can help attract girls who otherwise might not engage in sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being out on a muddy pitch in the pouring rain , '' she says , adding that it has a more athletic look at an international level .
The aesthetic can make recruiting men a challenge , says Meg .
Her teammate , Harry Day , 20 , was adamant that he would join a gymnastics team at Bournemouth University 's freshers ' fair , but his friends convinced him to try cheerleading .
`` The first couple of sessions I was n't so sure , because it was really dancey , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got into it . ''
A striking similarity to the Navarro students is the students ' sense of commitment to their teams and the sport .
`` No one is in for themselves , '' says Lily .
`` When one person 's missing , it sounds really clichéd , but you ca n't put the pyramid up .
You need to have every single member of the team present . ''
And pre-competition rituals are not unique to the Navarro team .
The Southampton Vixens touch their toes in unison before performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other motivational notes .
They even have `` mat talk '' , when team members motivate their fellow athletes during practices .
`` Everyone is telling each other to be a Jerry , '' laughs Laurel , referring to one of the Cheer stars .
The students stress that while the original role of cheerleading - as implied by the name - was to motivate other teams , they are now the main event .
`` If we were just on the sidelines we probably would n't do it , '' says Laurel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether to rename the sport altogether .
Katrina Rutina , the 21-year-old president of the Royal Holloway Bears , says that , even though cheer is an `` aggressive '' sport in its own right , it would be wrong to deny its origins .
`` We are still leading the cheery atmosphere , it 's just in its own athletic and professional lane , '' she says .
`` It 's not other teams that we 're cheering on , it 's ourselves that we 're trying to cheer on . ''

Inside, though, the stakes feel just as high. One by one, teams clad in sparkly uniforms run on to the stage, desperate to wow the panel of five judges with their two-and-a-half minute routines. They try to mask their nerves with rehearsed smiles as they execute hand springs, pyramids and everything in between - all while lip-syncing to carefully-curated backing tracks. One judge's sole job is deducting points for slip-ups. When a stunt goes wrong, it can be difficult to bring the performance back.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--'My husband stole £300,000 to fund his gambling habit'

Becky 's husband was jailed for stealing money to fund his gambling addiction , she now wants more support provided @ @ @ @ @ .
She was eight months pregnant when her husband was jailed for stealing over £300,000 @ @ @ @ @ there 's not enough support for families left to deal with the repercussions .
Listen @ @ @ @ @ Ben 's story on File on 4 on BBC Sounds .

Becky's husband was jailed for stealing money to fund his gambling addiction, she now wants more support provided for families 'left behind'.
She was eight months pregnant when her husband was jailed for stealing over £300,000 from work.
Her husband, Ben, was jailed for three years at Nottingham Crown Court.
Becky says there's not enough support for families left to deal with the repercussions.
Listen to more of Becky and Ben's story on File on 4 on BBC Sounds.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Scotland facing 'serious situation'

The Scottish government has set out its strategy to cope with coronavirus as part of a `` four nations '' action plan .
The first minister said `` well-established '' plans were being activated to tackle a `` serious situation '' .
`` I know people are hearing scary figures and it is important to stress that they are worst case scenarios , '' Nicola Sturgeon said .
The UK government has warned that up to a fifth of the UK workforce could be off sick at the same time .
Scotland has only one confirmed case of coronavirus so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tayside area , is `` clinically well '' , but is in isolation in hospital as a precaution .
The number of cases across the UK currently stands at 39 .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• HOW IS THE UK PLANNING FOR AN OUTBREAK : How prepared are we ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands • HOW TO SELF-ISOLATE : What you need to know • WHERE ARE WE WITH A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts • WHAT 'S THE IMPACT ON ECONOMY ?
Carney warns of 'large ' shock The UK 's coronavirus action plan outlines measures that could be taken if the virus spreads .
They include the police only responding to the most serious crimes and maintaining public order , and the military providing support to the emergency services .
Other possible measures include school closures , reducing social gatherings and working from home .
The Scottish government has activated its `` resilience room '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` We 're not powerless in the face of this .
So much of what we are doing and will continue to do is trying to mitigate and manage this so the impact on human health , the impact on our health service , on the economy and wider society is minimised as much as possible . ''
The first minister said NHS Scotland was working with `` well thought out '' plans to cope with an upsurge in demand as a result of an outbreak that affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an escalation plan that has different stages , '' she said .
`` What it may mean at a later stage is that some non-urgent activity in the NHS would be postponed in order to prioritise capacity for people who needed hospital treatment . ''
The head of NHS 24 has said there was a big increase in callers to NHS helplines after the first case of coronavirus in Scotland was confirmed at the weekend Its medical director , Dr Anna Lamont , said there were in excess of 500 calls to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubled on Monday after one person in Tayside tested positive for covid-19 .
Dr Lamont told BBC Radio Good Morning Scotland programme that NHS 24 has received about 3,000 calls about coronavirus over the past 10 days .
She said people with symptoms of the virus should phone their GP during working hours , or 111 out-of-hours .
`` Our primary aim is to establish whether they have come from an area that is at risk - that list is published online , '' she said .
`` And also to establish whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone who does have coronavirus .
`` If they meet that criteria , and if they have a cough , fever or are short of breath , then we would forward that inquiry through to a clinician either in the out-of-hours service when the GP 's closed or through to the GP during the daytime . ''
A second helpline has been set up for people looking for general information about the virus - 0800 028 2816 .
However , Dr Lamont encouraged people looking for further information to use the NHS Inform @ @

Ms Sturgeon said: "We're not powerless in the face of this. So much of what we are doing and will continue to do is trying to mitigate and manage this so the impact on human health, the impact on our health service, on the economy and wider society is minimised as much as possible."


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Larne: Mother and baby in hospital after fatal stabbing

A woman and a baby remain in hospital after a stabbing near Larne in County Antrim in which a second child died .
Emergency services were called to Bankhall Road in Magheramorne on Monday after three people had been stabbed .
A toddler died and the woman and baby were both injured .
Police are treating it as a domestic incident and said they were `` not looking for anyone else '' .
The woman , who is understood to be the mother of both children , has been named locally as Fiona Magowan .
Ms Magowan , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital .
She was taken to hospital in Belfast along with her injured baby .
Information on the baby 's condition has not been released by hospital authorities .
Ms Magowan is a nurse , according to neighbours who have spoken of their shock at the stabbing .
They reported hearing a police helicopter in the area at about 10:30 GMT on Monday .
It is understood the family has been living in the farmhouse for less than a year .
The house and outbuildings are situated on a narrow lane on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I heard the sirens and the helicopter , the air ambulance , came and it landed up at the back of the farm , '' neighbour Rhonda Kernohan told the Press Association .
`` We thought it was a farm accident but when we looked out there was a lot of shouting and a lot of police , a lot of ambulances about . ''
Another neighbour added : `` We are feeling absolutely awful , so sad it is terrible .
`` The shock of it , when it happens nearly on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the scene for much of Monday and took a number of items from the house .
On Monday , the Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) said their investigation was `` at an early stage '' and detectives are `` not looking for anyone else '' in connection with the child 's death .

On Monday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said their investigation was "at an early stage" and detectives are "not looking for anyone else" in connection with the child's death.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Coronavirus could peak in May or June, Wales' top doctor says

Cases of coronavirus could risk to a peak in May or June , according to the `` best guess '' of Wales ' chief medical officer .
A total of 450 people have been tested for coronavirus in Wales so far , with just one case confirmed in Swansea .
Dr Frank Atherton said there was `` active surveillance in place '' of patients coming through intensive care or seeing their GP .
He was giving details of the Welsh response to the outbreak of the virus .
More than 90,000 people around the world have been infected , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government said on Tuesday up to one in five workers could be off sick with the virus at the same time at the peak of a coronavirus epidemic .
• Police may focus on only responding to the most serious crimes and maintaining public order • The military could provide support to emergency services • Non-urgent hospital care may be delayed to focus on coronavirus patients and retired doctors and nurses may be recalled • Other measures included school closures , reducing social gatherings and working from home However , Dr Atherton said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of calm preparation '' with a `` mantra '' of personal hygiene and looking at social contact .
There are currently no plans to close schools and decisions to do so would only be taken with the scientific evidence to back it up .
He outlined what would happen during different phases of the outbreak , potentially involving a pandemic .
His `` best guess '' was cases would escalate and said modelling suggested this would happen from April , followed by six to eight weeks of a significant increase with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a downturn .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• HOW IS THE UK PLANNING FOR AN OUTBREAK : How prepared are we ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands • HOW TO SELF-ISOLATE : What you need to know • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts There is a scenario which could see NHS operations cancelled and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have plans in place in case this happened .
If there was a `` significant number '' of patients , this could see people treated in isolation facilities .
Most cases were likely to be mild but there was a significant risk the NHS would have to treat more patients .
Plans are also being made to cover increased NHS staff absence , including increasing capacity in hospitals and treating people in their own homes .
Dr Atherton said people who had a cold should not visit an elderly relative in a care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help protect the most vulnerable '' .
Wales ' Health Minister Vaughan Gething said the immediate focus was on containment and delaying the spread .
The NHS 111 line was now available across Wales for coronavirus advice and support , he said .
Previously , the number had only been available to callers from Hywel Dda , Powys , Aneurin Bevan and Swansea Bay health board areas and callers from other areas had been told to use the NHS Direct number , 0845 46 47 .
Why does Wales not have its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four isolation units in England at this stage was a `` deliberate choice '' by all UK nations , agreed several weeks ago , in response to a global issue .
He said it was not about having a `` fortress Wales approach '' and had been taking part in regular Cobra calls with fellow health ministers .
However , the message for today was `` go about your normal business '' , he said , with `` catch it , bin it , kill it '' and hand washing being important to @ @

Coronavirus could peak in May or June, Wales' top doctor says Published 3 March 2020
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Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Medical advice is for people to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently to help prevent spread of the virus
Cases of coronavirus could rise to a peak in May or June, according to the "best guess" of Wales' chief medical officer.
A total of 450 people have been tested for coronavirus in Wales so far, with just one case confirmed in Swansea.
Dr Frank Atherton said there was "active surveillance in place" of patients coming through intensive care or seeing their GP.
He was giving details of the Welsh response to the outbreak of the virus.
More than 90,000 people around the world have been infected, with more than 3,000 deaths.
An adult from Swansea is being treated at the Royal Free Hospital in London after contracting the virus in northern Italy.
Public Health Wales said it had been in touch with the patient's "close contacts" and appropriate action was being taken to reduce any risk to public health.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The vast majority of cases worldwide have been in Asia
The UK government said on Tuesday up to one in five workers could be off sick with the virus at the same time at the peak of a coronavirus epidemic.
Its preparation plans said:
Police may focus on only responding to the most serious crimes and maintaining public order
The military could provide support to emergency services
Non-urgent hospital care may be delayed to focus on coronavirus patients and retired doctors and nurses may be recalled
Other measures included school closures, reducing social gatherings and working from home
Councils in Wales have the powers to apply to magistrates for an order to "isolate, detain or require" individuals to undertake a medical examination.
However, Dr Atherton said now was a time for a "period of calm preparation" with a "mantra" of personal hygiene and looking at social contact.
There are currently no plans to close schools and decisions to do so would only be taken with the scientific evidence to back it up.
He outlined what would happen during different phases of the outbreak, potentially involving a pandemic.
His "best guess" was cases would escalate and said modelling suggested this would happen from April, followed by six to eight weeks of a significant increase with a peak towards May and June, before a downturn.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
There is a scenario which could see NHS operations cancelled and outpatient clinics stopped, but health boards have plans in place in case this happened.
If there was a "significant number" of patients, this could see people treated in isolation facilities.
Most cases were likely to be mild but there was a significant risk the NHS would have to treat more patients.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Watch how germs spread and how you can prevent it
Plans are also being made to cover increased NHS staff absence, including increasing capacity in hospitals and treating people in their own homes.
Dr Atherton said people who had a cold should not visit an elderly relative in a care home, for example, to "help protect the most vulnerable".
Wales' Health Minister Vaughan Gething said the immediate focus was on containment and delaying the spread.
How are businesses coping?
Neil Gregory, director of GOS Tools Engineering, in Blaenavon, Blaenau Gwent, said the disease had already had an impact and fears it could get worse.
"We had visitors due this week from South Korea. Unfortunately, those plans were cancelled.
"We have six staff going to Austria on a training course in two or three weeks but their flights have been cancelled.
"I think in the short term we don't know. The key is not to panic, take the advice available and protect our employees the best we can.
"I think the real, genuine worry to Welsh business is we don't know - particularly if production slows down in Korea or China. That would have an impact on a lot of Welsh businesses."
The NHS 111 line was now available across Wales for coronavirus advice and support, he said.
Previously, the number had only been available to callers from Hywel Dda, Powys, Aneurin Bevan and Swansea Bay health board areas and callers from other areas had been told to use the NHS Direct number, 0845 46 47.
Why does Wales not have its own isolation unit?
Mr Gething said having four isolation units in England at this stage was a "deliberate choice" by all UK nations, agreed several weeks ago, in response to a global issue.
He said it was not about having a "fortress Wales approach" and he had been taking part in regular Cobra calls with fellow health ministers.
However, the message for today was "go about your normal business", he said, with "catch it, bin it, kill it" and hand washing being important to emphasise.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Women with endometriosis 'finally being believed'

A woman who had to change careers because of endometriosis has said an improvement in attitude towards women with the condition feels `` incredible '' .
Endometriosis affects one in 10 UK women and can cause debilitating pain , very heavy periods and infertility .
MPs began an inquiry into the condition after BBC research , and will listen to the experiences of those living with it when hearings get under way later .
Rosie Longman , 40 , said : `` We 're finally being believed and listened to . ''
Ms Longman , from Bishop 's Stortford , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being diagnosed a decade ago and is due to have a hysterectomy .
Her career as a practising criminal barrister came to an end when she could no longer spend hours in court .
`` The pain is like someone has a grip on your insides , pulling and twisting them and kicking you in the crotch , '' she said .
`` You are bent double and ca n't stand at times . ''
More than 13,500 women took part in BBC research into endometriosis , with half saying they had suicidal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to rely on highly addictive painkillers .
Most also said endometriosis had badly affected their education , career and relationships .
On average it takes seven and a half years to be diagnosed , there is no cure and treatment has included hormone therapy and surgery .
Ms Longman is set to be among those to give evidence to the All Parliamentary Group for Endometriosis .
`` For endometriosis to be discussed like this is incredible , '' she said .
`` This inquiry is the culmination of years of campaigning and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is where tissue such as that in the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body - often around the reproductive organs , bowel and bladder • Like the womb lining , the tissue builds up and bleeds every month but , with no way to escape the body , the blood is trapped , leading to inflammation , pain and formation of scar tissue • For some women there are no symptoms , but for others it is debilitating and can cause chronic pelvic pain , painful sex , painful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulties getting pregnant • There is no cure , but treatments can reduce symptoms • In the UK it takes an average of seven and a half years to be diagnosed BBC 5 Live presenter Emma Barnett will also give evidence , having suffered from painful periods for more than 20 years before being diagnosed at 31 .
She said : `` I want to talk about how long it took for me to be diagnosed and how I was n't believed by doctors and told to take painkillers . ''
• Running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control again' The inquiry is due to hear from doctors and look at ways to improve diagnosis and treatment .
Emma Cox , from Endometriosis UK , said : `` We need to see stark changes to the system .
Society and the NHS must wake-up and understand the devastating impact the condition can have . ''

She said: "I want to talk about how long it took for me to be diagnosed and how I wasn't believed by doctors and told to take painkillers."


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Up to fifth of UK workers 'could be off sick at same time'

Up to a fifth of the workforce may be off sick during the peak of a coronavirus epidemic in the UK , the government says in its latest plans .
Police may need to focus on only the most serious crimes and maintaining public order if the virus spreads .
The military could also provide support to emergency services if needed .
The government 's response is in its first stage - containing the outbreak - with the number of UK cases rising from 39 to 51 on Tuesday .
Out of the positive cases , 12 people have since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the UK will see further infection , the prime minister has warned , and the next phase of government contingency planning will be to do with delaying the spread of the virus .
If the coronavirus , which causes Covid-19 , becomes widespread , some non-urgent hospital care may be delayed to focus on treating those who are infected , while recently retired doctors and nurses may be called back to work .
Other possible measures include school closures , reducing large-scale gatherings and working from home .
What do I need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HOW IS THE UK PLANNING FOR AN OUTBREAK : How prepared are we ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • HOW TO SELF-ISOLATE : What you need to know • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that widespread transmission of the virus across the UK was becoming `` more likely '' and urged people to `` act on official medical advice '' .
Meanwhile , 12 new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , eight of whom had travelled from Italy , and one each from Germany , Singapore , Japan and Iran .
The patients are from London , Hampshire , Northamptonshire , Bury , Wirral , Greater Manchester and Hull .
Consultancy firm Deloitte said one of its employees had tested positive for the virus after returning from Asia .
A spokesman said one of the floors in its UK offices was affected .
A British woman has also been diagnosed with the virus at a hotel in Tenerife that was hit by an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About 90,000 people have been infected globally since the outbreak of Covid-19 , with cases in more than 50 countries and more than 3,000 deaths .
A British man who was infected on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan became the first UK citizen to die from the virus last week .
The Queen was seen wearing white gloves when she carried out an investiture at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday .
The palace would not confirm if the decision was linked to the coronavirus outbreak .
It 's a finely balanced judgement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but being straight with them about what might happen and how intervention to limit the spread of the virus might affect their everyday lives .
The government has chosen to make no secret of its assumption that things could well get significantly worse - after all the coronavirus plan published today is entitled `` a guide to what you can expect across the UK '' .
If medical experts are assuming widespread transmission of the virus ministers can hardly hide that from the public .
Preparing secret contingency plans for school closures and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people more .
The plan , though , contains few details of how new powers might be used and how the NHS might find the beds and staff to cope with an increased number of very sick patients .
In the weeks ahead there will be increasing questions about the measures which have been flagged up with the launch of the plan .
While the vast majority of patients in the UK will have a mild to moderate illness , similar to seasonal flu , a minority will require hospital care and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's plans warn .
There are no estimates given in the plans but they do warn of an increase in deaths , particularly among the elderly and those with existing health conditions .
Young children can become infected and `` suffer severe illness '' , but overall the illness is less common in the under-20s .
It is possible an outbreak could come in multiple waves , the government said .
Wales ' chief medical officer has suggested cases of coronavirus could increase from April with a peak in May or June .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by emailing .
There are four stages to the government 's response , which also includes mitigating the impact of the virus once it becomes established and a research programme to improve diagnostics and treatment for the disease .
Boris Johnson reiterated on Tuesday that the `` single most important thing '' people could do was wash their hands with soap and hot water for the length of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice .
He added : `` I want to stress that for the vast majority of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be going about our business as usual . ''
Mr Johnson said schools should stay open `` if possible '' and follow advice from Public Health England .
Meanwhile , Chancellor Rishi Sunak has ordered Treasury officials to work up plans to support the public health response , businesses and the economy in his Budget on 11 March .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has said Labour would seek to work `` constructively '' with the government .
However , he has called for emergency legislation to ensure those working in the gig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the government to provide emergency funding to support the NHS through the outbreak .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has warned the NHS was already at 94 % bed occupancy before coronavirus hit .
Mr Hancock told MPs that people who needed to self-isolate to protect others were entitled to sick pay .
He added that resources had been increased to the NHS , but did not rule out the government taking future action if needed .
• European markets have climbed for a second day after fears over coronavirus affected shares , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said policymakers stand ready to support the British economy • Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said there were currently no plans to postpone the London Marathon nor to restrict public transport • England 's Six Nations game against Wales on Saturday and Scotland 's against France on Sunday will go ahead , however England prop Mako Vunipola has gone into self-isolation as a coronavirus precaution and will not join the squad • UK supermarkets have said they have `` well-rehearsed contingency plans '' to deal with the outbreak and ensure continued availability in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they will use `` all appropriate policy tools '' to tackle the economic impact of the virus • The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games could be postponed to the end of the year , according to the country 's Olympic minister As of Tuesday morning , the Department of Health said 13,911 people had been tested in the UK , of which 13,860 were negative .
The outbreak originated in China 's Hubei province in December before spreading globally .
The battle plan stops short of predicting how many people would be infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Worst case scenario modelling suggests 80 % of people can become infected when there is a new virus like this .
But officials believe it will not be this high .
The evidence suggests just over half of people infected develop symptoms and 1 % of those infected could die .
The elderly and those with existing health conditions are the most at risk .
If there is a widespread transmission - which seems highly likely at this stage - it could take two or three months to peak .
The peak would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 % of people who become infected could become infected in those peak weeks .
There would then be a period of two or three months of declining cases , although the battle plan acknowledges there could be multiple waves .
The government is likely to use its most drastic measures at its disposal just ahead of the peak in an attempt to flatten it .
What questions do you have about the UK 's preparations ?
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bbcuk--2020-03-03--Grenfell architect did not check fire safety guidance for tall buildings

The architect for the Grenfell Tower refurbishment has admitted that he did not check official advice on fire safety in high rises , during the work .
Bruce Sounes , from Studio E , told the inquiry he was not aware of concerns over the safety of combustible panels often being used on housing blocks .
He said fire safety details were for specialist consultants and added that he had not designed the cladding used .
The fire at the 24-storey tower in west London killed 72 people in June 2017 .
The inquiry - now in its second phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to be covered in such cladding during its refurbishment between 2012 and 2016 .
• Grenfell : Seven key points from the first phase report Mr Sounes was in charge of the day-to-day management of the refurbishment project for the tower .
On the second day of hearings , Mr Sounes was being examined about his knowledge of the building regulations and associated guidance .
He was unable to explain to the inquiry how the new cladding system chosen for Grenfell met the government 's guidance for fire safety in tall buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` fundamental to the work of an architect 's practice '' .
Mr Sounes said he was familiar with the broad regulation that a building should not be able to spread fire on the outside .
But he `` did n't recall hearing of '' the specific guidance that materials had to be of `` limited combustibility '' when used above 18m ( 59ft ) .
Inquiry barrister Kate Grange asked him : `` You did n't apply your mind at the time of the Grenfell project to how this clause applied to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He responded : `` As I was n't myself preparing the documents - I did not , no . ''
Later the inquiry was shown the specification for the project - which Mr Sounes had drawn up - and he was asked why he had not checked the products he had chosen complied with regulations .
`` We asked for advice , '' he said , `` but it was n't for us to ... satisfy ourselves because I do n't think that was within our ability . ''
The inquiry had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience of working on tall buildings .
And in Tuesday 's evidence , it heard that the architects had tried to keep the budget for the project below a limit which would have required the project to be put out to tender .
Mr Sounes said fees were delayed to keep the architect 's cost below the £174,000 limit .
Studio E may have designed the refurbished tower but , Mr Sounes said , council building control was responsible for making sure it was within the building regulations .
The Royal Borough of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public sector building control , has admitted Grenfell Tower was not properly inspected , because of a series of failures .
The inquiry has already ruled that Grenfell Tower breached the regulations .
Meanwhile , campaigners have written to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to demand extra money to remove cladding beyond the type used at Grenfell .
In a letter , four anti-cladding groups across the UK , also said funding for the private sector had `` proved woefully difficult to access '' .

And in Tuesday's evidence, it heard that the architects had tried to keep the budget for the project below a limit which would have required the project to be put out to tender.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Priti Patel: Home Secretary expresses regret at top official's resignation

Priti Patel has said she regrets the resignation of her former top civil servant Sir Philip Rutnam amid bullying allegations against her .
In an e-mail to Home Office staff , she thanked him for his service but said it was `` now time for the Home Office to come together as one team '' .
She said she `` deeply cared '' about the `` wellbeing '' of her civil servants and valued their professionalism .
Sir Philip said he had been forced out of his job after a `` vicious '' campaign .
The prime minister has given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office is investigating whether she broke the ministerial code .
She has not commented publicly on the allegations against her , but government sources have said she denies them .
Resigning from his position on Saturday , Sir Philip said he had received allegations that Ms Patel 's conduct towards employees included `` swearing , belittling people , making unreasonable and repeated demands '' .
He said she had failed to disassociate herself from press briefings against him and he now intended to take legal action against the Home Office on the basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to show a united front at the top of the Home Office after a torrid time .
There 's no direct acknowledgement of the bullying allegations levelled against Priti Patel .
But with references to the importance of staff wellbeing and courtesy amongst colleagues , there is a tacit acknowledgement of the kind of controversy that has rocked the department in recent weeks .
And while the use of the word `` regret '' , when it comes to Sir Philip Rutnam 's resignation , may strike a nuanced note of contrition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary has little intention of leaving .
Rather , she 's hoping to put the episode behind her and haul this huge department onto a new chapter .
But with Sir Philip 's plan to pursue a claim of constructive dismissal and an ongoing Cabinet Office inquiry ( albeit one that critics claim will be a whitewash ) this saga likely is n't over .
Not yet .
In the internal email to Home Office staff , Mrs Patel thanked Sir Philip for his `` long and dedicated career of public service '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support they gave to ministers .
The e-mail , co-written by Sir Philip 's acting successor Shona Dunn , adds : `` We both regret Sir Philip 's decision to resign .
`` We both deeply value the work that every person in this department does and care about the wellbeing of all our staff .
`` It is therefore a time for us all to come together as one team .
`` We also recognise the importance of candour , confidentiality and courtesy in building trust and confidence between ministers and civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to making sure the professionalism you would expect to support this is upheld . ''
While acknowledging the `` huge amount '' achieved by her department in a short period , she said it needed to continue to `` drive forward '' the government 's priorities , including tackling violent crime and implementing the biggest changes to the UK 's immigration system in a generation after Brexit .
`` We have one of the most important jobs to do , keeping people safe and our country secure and delivering on the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British people at the recent general election , '' she wrote .
`` Our work continues , and our focus must be on working , in partnership with you , to deliver this agenda as the public would expect . ''
The Cabinet Office is leading an internal inquiry to `` establish the facts '' regarding Sir Philip 's claims and whether they represented a breach of the ministerial code .
Labour has called for Mrs Patel to resign while the First Division Association union , which represents civil servants , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Ms Patel 's behaviour to be led by an external lawyer .
It emerged on Monday that a former aide to Mrs Patel received a £25,000 payout from the government after claiming she was bullied by the then employment minister .
Legal correspondence seen by the BBC alleges the woman took an overdose of prescription medicine following the alleged incident in 2015 .
The DWP did not admit liability and the case did not come before a tribunal .

There's no direct acknowledgement of the bullying allegations levelled against Priti Patel. But with references to the importance of staff wellbeing and courtesy amongst colleagues, there is a tacit acknowledgement of the kind of controversy that has rocked the department in recent weeks.


bbcuk--2020-03-04--Salisbury poisoning: What did the attack mean for the UK and Russia?

On March 4 2018 emergency services received a phone call from members of the public in Salisbury who had seen an old man and a young woman ill on a bench .
It was a call that would set in motion a chain of events leading to a major crisis with Russia .
After the pair were taken to hospital , local police did an online search on the name of the man taken ill .
The result set off alarm bells .
He was a former Russian spy .
A call came into the duty officer at MI6 headquarters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sergei Skripal - a man who had provided MI6 with secrets from his time in Russian military intelligence - had been targeted sent shock waves through the building , challenging the very core of its work in recruiting agents to work with the organisation .
A few hours later , the next call went to Porton Down , home to Britain 's biological and chemical research establishment .
A rapid-response team was quickly deployed .
Samples analysed in labs on-site identified A234 , a military-grade nerve agent from the Novichok family developed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The revelation caused shock .
Detective work by police would identify two officers from Russian military intelligence as the main suspects and a perfume bottle as the means of delivery of the nerve agent onto Mr Skripal 's front door handle .
A local woman , Dawn Sturgess would die months later when she came into contact with the Novichok after it had apparently been discarded .
Russia denied any role - even putting the two accused men on TV to say they had visited Salisbury simply to see the cathedral spire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was behind the attack .
When another former Russian intelligence officer , Alexander Litvinenko , was killed in 2006 ( that time by radioactive polonium ) the response was delayed and perceived as weak .
London was determined to learn its lesson .
Every known Russian intelligence officer operating under diplomatic cover in the UK ( apart from the declared liaison officer for each Russian intelligence service ) was quickly expelled - 23 in total .
Many other countries then followed suit , with 60 expulsions in the US .
It seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprise by the strength of the reaction .
But two years on , the legacy of those events looks more uncertain .
British officials believe they did real damage to Russian intelligence operations in the country but that damage is likely to have been short term as new spies were dispatched to replace them and as Russia continues a shift to rely on alternative means of espionage .
• Sergei Skripal : Who is the former Russian colonel ?
• Russian spy : What happened to the Skripals ?
In the Cold War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were the primary way the Russians could recruit and run agents and steal secrets .
Now there is cyber-espionage and the use of people travelling under different cover , as say businessmen , to operate .
In the wake of the attack , there was also considerable talk of a tougher line over Russian money and influence in London .
But there has been relatively little public sign of action .
The failure to publish the parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee 's `` Russia Report '' about influence and subversion in British life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions as to whether the appetite to deal with this broader issue remains strong .
There are also cracks in Western unity over a tough line on Russia , with President Emmanuel Macron of France pushing for trying to improve relations with the Kremlin and uncertainty over the position of the Trump administration in Washington .
Mr Skripal himself has not appeared in public since the poisoning .
MI5 and the Home Office carried out a `` refresh '' to check on the level of protection for defectors like Mr Skirpal - something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself was a failure , several senior officials who served in British intelligence concede .
A risk assessment was carried out when Mr Skripal was swapped out of a Russian prison in 2010 but the Russia of 2018 was very different from Russia then .
• Mystery of third man in Salisbury poisoning • What next for Russia ’ s spy networks ?
Russia appears to have stepped up a long-standing campaign to track defectors from 2014 , including in the US as well as UK .
That was also the point at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis in Ukraine and Crimea and in which other alleged operations , like the deployment of online trolls to interfere in US politics increased .
One question western intelligence officials have been asking is whether Russia has been deterred from taking such action again by the Western response .
No one seems sure .

British officials believe they did real damage to Russian intelligence operations in the country but that damage is likely to have been short term as new spies were dispatched to replace them and as Russia continues a shift to rely on alternative means of espionage.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Union group TUC asks for sick pay for all workers

Trade union body the TUC has urged the government to provide support for workers who do not qualify for statutory sick pay in the wake of the coronavirus .
People on low incomes , zero-hours contracts and the self-employed are among those who may not qualify .
They might be tempted to attend work if no benefits were offered , said the TUC .
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) said Universal Credit might be available for those kept from work .
`` We all want people to follow the government 's health advice , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No-one should be out of pocket for doing the right thing . ''
Statutory sick pay ( SSP ) is £94.25 per week and can be paid for up to 28 weeks .
It is only paid from the fourth day of sickness .
To qualify , a worker must earn at least £118 per week .
There is no statutory sick pay for the self-employed .
However , if you are a casual or agency worker you should qualify .
For zero-hours workers , staff can ask but might not get it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Employers have been urged to make sure they use their discretion and respect the medical need to self-isolate in making decisions about sick pay , '' a DWP spokesperson said .
`` Anyone not eligible to receive sick pay is able to claim Universal Credit and/or contributory Employment and Support Allowance . ''
The TUC is asking for SSP to be offered to staff from the first day of sickness , and regardless of how much they earn .
It also wants the payments to be raised to the National Living Wage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over-25s .
That would be £287.35 for a 35-hour week .
The TUC also wants those asked to self-isolate by their employer to be paid in full and for an emergency fund to be set up to help struggling firms .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has indicated that sick leave rules could be changed to allow people to sign themselves off work for two weeks in response to coronavirus fears .
Mr Hancock told MPs the issue was `` under review '' given the current situation meant a person must give their employer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill for more than seven days .
The CIPD , the professional body for HR and people development , says employers ought to go above and beyond the letter of the law .
`` Employers must place the health and wellbeing of staff at the heart of their contingency planning and response , '' said Ben Willmott , head of public policy , at the CIPD .
`` We recommend that businesses are as generous with their sick pay and leave policies as possible , both to support staff health and wellbeing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay .
Acas , the independent arbitration service , has said it is `` good practice '' for employers to treat self-isolation as sick leave or agree for the time to be taken as holiday .
`` Otherwise there 's a risk the employee will come to work because they want to get paid , '' it has said .

Boss Frances O'Grady told the BBC: "Unless we sort out our sick pay rules and make them fair, many workers are going to face that invidious choice of do they pay the bills, put food on the table, or do they follow government health advice to self-isolate if they've got symptoms?


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Hand sanitiser rationed at chemists as sales surge

Hand sanitiser sales are being limited at pharmacy chains as fears over the coronavirus have boosted demand .
Boots and LloydsPharmacy both said they are restricting the products - which can help to prevent the spread of the virus when hand-washing is not possible - to two per person .
The decision comes as some hand sanitisers are being sold online at inflated prices .
Pharmacies said they are working to increase the supply of the products .
The NHS says that washing your hands is a key part of preventing the spread of viruses , but hand sanitiser gel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not available .
As the UK warns that widespread infection is `` highly likely '' , chemist chains said they had to ration the products , with market research data from Kantar Worldpanel showing sales more than tripled in February .
• Fifth of workers 'could be off sick at virus peak' • Coronavirus is 'serious situation ' for Scotland Meanwhile , one pharmacy in Coventry told BBC News they have struggled to restock hand sanitisers amid increased demand for the product - including from local businesses such as taxi companies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pharmacy , said : `` We ca n't get any hand sanitisers at all .
The demand has been really , really high .
`` We 're looking at maybe 50 to 60 people a day have been asking for particular hand sanitisers . ''
A spokesman for LloydsPharmacy , which has 1,500 branches across the UK , said : `` We know that having access to products like hand gels is extremely important to our customers , so we are doing everything we can to ensure availability , despite increasing demand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was limiting sales but still had stock in warehouses for online sales and high street stores .
But Well Pharmacy , which has 700 branches , said it was not limiting sales despite a surge in demand which could see some products become temporarily unavailable .
`` We certainly have no intention of profiteering over the current situation by increasing prices , '' a spokesman added .
Amazon Marketplace and other online sales platforms have hand sanitisers available at inflated prices .
A 100ml bottle of Cuticura Total - which kills viruses as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £1.55 by Boots .
But some Amazon sellers are offering 40ml of the brand 's anti-bacterial gel for £24.99 .
On social media , people posted images of empty shelves and patients with weakened immune systems called for shoppers to stop panic-buying .
Hand sanitiser manufacturer PZ Cussons , which makes Carex hand gel , said it was `` working at full capacity in response to the exceptional demand being experienced '' .
Karium , which makes Cuticura hand gel , said sales have `` soared '' due to the coronavirus .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our production volumes , in order to meet this initial increased demand and to avoid empty shelves , '' said marketing director Kerry Owens .
In the House of Commons on Tuesday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock was questioned about low supplies of products such as hand sanitiser and whether the UK will have enough of medicines such as paracetamol .
`` Our no-deal planning and our no-deal stockpiles are playing an important part in making sure we are fully prepared and ready , '' he said .

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bbcuk--2020-03-03--Tommy Robinson charged with Center Parcs swimming pool assault

Tommy Robinson has been charged with common assault after an `` altercation '' at a Center Parcs swimming pool .
@ @ @ @ @ upmarket holiday camp 's Woburn Forest site when a guest sustained a facial injury on @ @ @ @ @ 37-year-old man at the scene , while the injured man received first aid .
Bedfordshire @ @ @ @ @ had been bailed until 2 April to appear at Luton Magistrates ' Court .
The @ @ @ @ @ whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon , released a video saying he had been arrested @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that officers had been called to the site at around 13:10 GMT on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story @ @ @ @ @

Center Parcs and police confirmed that officers had been called to the site at around 13:10 GMT on Sunday.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Parliament: MPs to get an extra £20m for staffing costs

MPs are to be given a £20m increase in their staffing budgets to help deal with `` challenging '' casework , including constituents with mental health issues .
The UK 's 650 MPs will each receive more than £25,000 extra towards their staffing costs , with cash specifically for training , welfare and security .
It follows a review which suggested MPs ' staff were underpaid compared with equivalent workers in other sectors .
Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said his own staff were `` struggling to cope '' .
The £19.7m increase - equivalent to a 13 % year-on-year rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a committee headed by the Speaker on Tuesday .
It follows a campaign by more than 200 MPs last year for their staff to get a pay rise .
A report commissioned by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority ( IPSA ) , the watchdog which oversee MPs ' salaries and expenses , found that the job descriptions of those working for MPs did not `` sufficiently match '' the actual work they were doing .
It concluded that many of the 3,500 staff employed by MPs were increasingly `` dealing with complex and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their offices - necessitating long , unsociable hours .
Staff were often having to support constituents with mental health issues , sometimes at risk to their own safety , while not being properly equipped to do so .
The new measures will mean each of the 650 MPs getting a staffing budget increase of £21,900 in London and £21,600 outside the capital .
An additional £4,000 has been added to each budget to fund training , health and welfare costs .
`` Bearing in mind the growing number of complex cases that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's important staff are paid fairly for the vital job they do , '' said Sir Lindsay , who represents the Lancashire seat of Chorley .
`` My own staff regularly have to help distressed constituents who are suicidal , fleeing domestic violence , have suffered rape , are homeless , need referrals to food banks , have the bailiffs banging at their doors , and are struggling to cope . ''
IPSA 's interim chair Richard Lloyd said MPs ' offices were having to deal with `` difficult and stressful casework '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent on training , wellbeing and development '' .
`` We have provided additional funding in MPs ' 2020-21 staffing budgets for staff training and welfare , security , and changes to the salary bands and job descriptions for MPs ' staff to bring them into line with the jobs they actually do , '' he said .

"We have provided additional funding in MPs' 2020-21 staffing budgets for staff training and welfare, security, and changes to the salary bands and job descriptions for MPs' staff to bring them into line with the jobs they actually do," he said.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--England's Mako Vunipola self-isolating

England's Mako Vunipola self-isolating

Prop Mako Vunipola is training with his club Saracens , despite being stood down by England over coronavirus fears .
The Rugby Football Union confirmed on Tuesday Vunipola was not available for Saturday 's Six Nations game against Wales after he travelled through Hong Kong last weekend .
An RFU spokesperson said Vunipola was `` not sick '' but was not in camp `` on medical grounds '' .
However , he is available for Sarries ' Premiership match with Leicester .
• Coronavirus - how worried should we be ?
The confusion centres around differing interpretations of the governmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .
Vunipola spent much of the past fortnight in Tonga attending to a family illness , missing England 's victory over Ireland on 23 February .
He returned to the UK via Hong Kong , an area which has been hit by the virus since January .
Guidelines say those who have travelled from places such as Hong Kong should self-isolate if they `` have a cough , high temperature or shortness of breath '' .
While the RFU medics took the precautionary measure not to have Vunipola involved this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Therefore Saracens feel Vunipola , along with brother Billy , are both safe to return to the club 's training base in North London .
Ireland 's game against Italy has been postponed because of coronavirus , but Six Nations organisers said on Monday that the rest of the weekend 's fixtures were currently set to go ahead .
Without Vunipola , England head coach Eddie Jones has streamlined his squad to a group of 27 players , with Exeter scrum-half Jack Maunder among those left out .
Exeter prop Harry Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre Ollie Devoto , Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley and Wasps fly-half Jacob Umaga were also omitted .
• Six Nations 2020 : England v Wales & Scotland v France to go ahead

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Mako Vunipola played in England's win against Scotland but missed the victory against Ireland
Guinness Six Nations: England v Wales Venue: Twickenham Stadium Date: Saturday, 7 March Kick-off: 16:45 GMT Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru, with text commentary on BBC Sport website and app.
Prop Mako Vunipola is training with his club Saracens, despite being stood down by England over coronavirus fears.
The Rugby Football Union confirmed on Tuesday Vunipola was not available for Saturday's Six Nations game against Wales after he travelled through Hong Kong last weekend.
An RFU spokesperson said Vunipola was "not sick" but was not in camp "on medical grounds".
However, he is available for Sarries' Premiership match with Leicester.
The confusion centres around differing interpretations of the governmental guidance for those potentially affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Vunipola spent much of the past fortnight in Tonga attending to a family illness, missing England's victory over Ireland on 23 February.
He returned to the UK via Hong Kong, an area which has been hit by the virus since January.
Guidelines say those who have travelled from places such as Hong Kong should self-isolate if they "have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath".
While the RFU medics took the precautionary measure not to have Vunipola involved this week, he has not shown any symptoms.
Therefore Saracens feel Vunipola, along with brother Billy, are both safe to return to the club's training base in north London.
Saracens said the Vunipolas made a "short stop" at Hong Kong airport on their return from Tonga.
"Travellers returning from Hong Kong are not currently subject to mandatory quarantine or self-isolation unless they become symptomatic," the club statement added.
"Neither Billy nor Mako have displayed symptoms of coronavirus and on their return to London were assessed by the club's medical staff.
"The duo have been around the Saracens environment for the past couple of days, with the latter available for selection this weekend."
Saracens will continue to follow the Public Health England and World Health Organisation regulations surrounding coronavirus and the medical staff will be closely monitoring Billy and Mako on a regular basis.
Ireland's game against Italy has been postponed because of coronavirus, but Six Nations organisers said on Monday that the rest of the weekend's fixtures were currently set to go ahead.
Without Vunipola, England head coach Eddie Jones has streamlined his squad to a group of 27 players, with Exeter scrum-half Jack Maunder among those left out.
Exeter prop Harry Williams, Bath hooker Tom Dunn, Exeter centre Ollie Devoto, Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley and Wasps fly-half Jacob Umaga were also omitted.
England squad
Forwards: Cowan-Dickie, Curry, Earl, Ewels, Genge, George, Itoje, Kruis, Launchbury, Lawes, Ludlam, Marler, Sinckler, Stuart, Underhill, Wilson.
Backs: Daly, Farrell, Ford, Furbank, Heinz, Joseph, May, Slade, Tuilagi, Watson, Youngs.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Kaden Reddick Topshop death: 'No guidelines' on securing barriers

An inquest into the death of a boy fatally injured when a Topshop queue barrier fell on him heard there was no manufacturer guidance on how they should be secured to the floor .
Kaden Reddick , from Reading , died after the incident at the town 's Oracle shopping centre in February 2017 .
The inquest previously heard the 10-year-old was swinging on the structure .
The barrier maker said there were no rules on how they were attached to floors as they differed in each branch .
Barrier manufacturer David Renshaw of Realm Projects told jurors at Reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barrier units - three of which had gone to the Reading Topshop store .
He said : `` It was a totally fit for purpose component that did not fail in any way whatsoever . ''
He added the company 's approved design drawings stated the units should be `` fixed in place to the floor . ''
Manufacturer Realm Projects was not involved in the installation of the barriers - that role fell to the shop fitters at each store , the inquest heard .
Former store procurement manager for Arcadia Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained the barrier had originally been designed in metal and would have been bolted to the floor .
But after the supplier went into liquidation in 2012 , Realm Projects was hired to make similar barriers from medium density fibreboard ( MDF ) .
The barriers , which doubled as a display unit , each weighed 110kg and would have been loaded with products encouraging `` impulse '' purchases as customers waited in line .

An inquest into the death of a boy fatally injured when a Topshop queue barrier fell on him heard there was no manufacturer guidance on how they should be secured to the floor.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--HS2: Chris Packham launches legal challenge to rail link

The Springwatch presenter said the government 's approval of the controversial project fails to take carbon emissions targets into account .
Mr Packham said : `` In regard to the HS2 rail project I believe our government has failed . ''
The Department for Transport ( DfT ) said it was considering the challenge and would respond `` in due course '' .
Mr Packham said that the Oakervee review into the project 's spiralling costs and delays was `` compromised , incomplete and flawed '' .
The review strongly advised against cancelling HS2 , saying it would benefit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shovel-ready '' alternative upgrade for the existing railways .
It did however recommend tighter controls on costs and better management .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson approved the decision to build the rail link in February , on the recommendation of the review .
HS2 is set to link London , Birmingham , Manchester and Leeds and it is hoped it will reduce passenger overcrowding and help rebalance the UK 's economy .
Leigh Day , Mr Packham 's solicitors , sent a letter to the prime minister challenging the decision to go ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Oakervee report failed to take into account the full impact of HS2 's potential carbon emissions impact .
The initial environmental assessment for the project was published in 2013 , before the government signed up to achieving `` net zero '' carbon emissions by 2050 .
Tom Short , a solicitor at Leigh Day , said that the `` environmental impacts relevant to the decision whether to proceed have not been properly assessed '' .
Mr Packham also argues that construction of the rail link would damage or destroy almost 700 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woodlands .
Mr Packham added : `` Today some of us are making a last stand for nature and the environment and we will not go quietly into any good night . ''
HS2 says that only 62 ancient woodlands would be affected , and that most would remain intact .
In response to the broadcaster 's crowdfunded campaign , the DfT said : `` We understand campaigners ' concerns , and have tasked HS2 Ltd to deliver one of the UK 's most environmentally responsible infrastructure projects .
`` When finished , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our efforts to tackle climate change , reducing carbon emissions by providing an alternative to domestic flights and cutting congestion on our roads . ''
The legal challenge follows a Court of Appeal ruling against the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport .
Judges found that the government 's decision to allow the expansion was unlawful because it did not take climate commitments into account .

Mr Packham also argues that construction of the rail link would damage or destroy almost 700 wildlife sites, including about 100 ancient woodlands. Mr Packham added: "Today some of us are making a last stand for nature and the environment and we will not go quietly into any good night."


bbcuk--2020-03-03--What are the UK's plans?

What are the UK's plans?

An action plan to deal with a possible major coronavirus outbreak in the UK has been outlined by the government .
So what will happen and is the NHS well prepared ?
Could schools close and public gatherings be banned ?
The government has powers it can use to protect people from infection .
Among the measures which could be introduced if there are major outbreaks are : • School closures .
It also hopes to pass new laws to allow bigger class sizes if there are teacher shortages • Restrictions on the use of public transport • Police focusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public order • New legal powers to make people stay in quarantine A public information campaign will be launched to help people protect themselves .
The main focus will be on regular and thorough hand washing .
When could these powers be used ?
The government 's emergency Cobra committee - made up of ministers , civil servants and officials - is coordinating the response .
Exactly what steps are taken will depend upon the severity of the outbreak .
Drastic steps such as closing schools would have major social and economic consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed the need not to over-react .
It is also virtually impossible to stop all social contact .
As such , measures designed to stop people mixing may be most likely when there are local outbreaks .
This could be in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus and limit the number of cases ahead of an expected peak .
Is the NHS ready for coronavirus ?
A fifth of the UK workforce could be off sick during the peak weeks of a major outbreak , the government says .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths , especially among elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions such as heart or lung problems and diabetes .
The NHS has detailed plans to cope with outbreaks of disease and surges in demand .
There are about 30 hospitals on stand-by to take patients - although most of the UK cases so far have been taken to one of five specialist hospitals in England .
Every hospital has been told to set up isolation pods in case patients arrive with the virus .
These are not to treat patients , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other patients and staff when they arrive .
Patients are being advised to contact NHS 111 in England and self-isolate - the rest of the UK has its own arrangements .
People who are worried they may have coronavirus should not go to A & E , or their GP .
How will the NHS treat seriously ill patients ?
Currently there is no treatment or cure , so hospitals are trying to relieve the symptoms .
Specialist equipment called ECMO - which helps with breathing - is available at a small number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients if their lungs fail .
• Coronavirus : All you need to know • Should I self-isolate and how do I do it ?
In the worst-case scenario of widespread transmission in the UK - an epidemic - the 30 hospitals could start cancelling routine treatments to prioritise coronavirus patients .
Assessments will be made about which patients can be advised to stay at home and isolate themselves .
At the moment all cases are being admitted to hospital .
This is being done to help contain its spread and help doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness caused by the virus for many seems to be mild and passes .
Public Health England officials have said widespread transmission of coronavirus in the UK is `` highly likely '' in the coming weeks and months .
But they are still working on containing its spread .
That involves tracing people who have had close contact with infected people and getting them to self-isolate .
This will continue until there are significant outbreaks in a number of areas of the country .
Even if containment fails , it could buy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be delayed until late spring , or even the summer , the milder weather will help as the NHS would not be under so much pressure .
It also gives scientists more time to learn more about the virus and , hopefully , be a step closer to developing a vaccine .
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But NHS officials said they can effectively increase that to between 11,000 and 12,000 by using ventilators reserved for planned surgery and those available in the private sector, Ministry of Defence, new ones being made and old stocks that are no longer used.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Should I self-isolate and how do I do it?

Some people are being asked to isolate themselves to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
So , what do you need to know about self-isolation and how to do it ?
Do I need to self-isolate ?
You may need to isolate yourself if you have travelled to an affected area , or have been in close contact with an infected person .
Spending 15 minutes within 2m ( 6ft ) of someone with the virus , or having face-to-face contact , is judged to be a significant risk .
When someone tests positive for the virus , health authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time with .
They will then tell those people whether they need to self-isolate .
Advice for people who have travelled back to the UK from the main affected areas and some other countries has been issued by the government .
Full details of the countries concerned and whether you need to self-isolate are available here .
Do n't go to the GP or hospital - stay indoors and call NHS 111 , even if your symptoms - which can include a cough , fever or shortness of breath - are mild .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is n't available , call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 .
In Northern Ireland , call your GP ) .
What should I do in self-isolation ?
Self-isolation means staying at home for 14 days , not going to work , school or other public places , and avoiding public transport or taxis , says Public Health England .
`` Common-sense '' steps include staying in a well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened and keeping away from other people in your home .
Ask for help if you need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's OK to have friends , family or delivery drivers drop off supplies to get you through the two weeks .
But you should n't have any visitors , PHE says .
You can have deliveries left on the doorstep .
• Coronavirus : What you need to know • Britain 's race to contain the coronavirus There have been reports of people stocking up with food and other essentials , with items such as hand sanitiser selling out in some shops .
But the government chief science adviser , Sir Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely no reason to be going out and doing any panic-buying or getting any large supplies of things . ''
What if someone self-isolating shares a home ?
If you are self-isolating and share a kitchen , try to avoid using it when other people are there and take your meals back to your room to eat .
Clean all the surfaces at home with household cleaning products daily .
Although you might not be able to entirely separate yourself from family members or flatmates , the advice is to limit contact as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone in isolation should wash their hands often , using soap and water for at least 20 seconds - especially after coming into contact with them or something they have handled .
You should n't share towels , toiletries or other household items with someone in isolation and they should have a separate bathroom and toilet .
If that is not possible , the isolated person should use the bathroom last , cleaning it thoroughly afterwards if they are able .
Any rubbish that the isolated person has been in contact with should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bags away until you know whether or not the isolated person has the virus .
If the person tests positive , you will be told what to do with their waste .
Will I still get paid ?
Employers should help prevent the spread of the virus by providing sick pay to people told to self-isolate , the government says .
If you 're a permanent employee and unable to work because you 're ill with the virus , you 're entitled to your usual sick pay , or the statutory minimum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many casual or agency workers may also be entitled to sick pay but self-employed people are not .
Citizens Advice says people on zero-hours contracts can still get sick pay and should ask their employer .
However , if you do n't have symptoms and you 're told to self-isolate as a precaution , there 's no automatic legal right to sick pay .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says this is under review .
In the meantime , the government says you can claim universal credit or employment and support allowance if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons .
If you need to care for a relative or your child 's school is closed and you need to look after them at short notice , your employer must give you time off .
You probably wo n't get paid for it , unless it says so in your contract - but you may be able to work from home .

The current restrictions in England don't include any limits on socialising - so friends and family are legally allowed to see each other in private houses, or to meet in public places like pubs and nightclubs.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--The database that means festivals have 'no excuses' on gender balance

Festivals hoping to achieve gender balance on their line-ups have been given a major helping hand - in the form of a massive spreadsheet .
The document lists every female artist signed to a record label or releasing music independently in the UK .
The list of more than 2,000 singers and bands was compiled by former CEO of the Ivors Academy , Vick Bain .
`` Now there is no reason for people to say , 'it 's really difficult to find all these women , ' '' she tells the BBC .
`` I 've done that work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excuse . ''
The spreadsheet , which she has dubbed `` The F-list '' , is freely available on her website and will be continually updated with the details of solo artists and groups with at least one female member .
It covers every genre from rock and pop to jazz and classical , and also include songwriters and composers , making it a resource for the whole industry .
The issue of gender balance at festivals has been a talking point since 2015 , when the music blog Crack in the Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Leeds poster , erasing the names of all the male performers .
Only 10 remained .
Writer and promoter Lucy McCourt has carried on the tradition , and her redacted posters for the 2020 festival season exposed the industry 's lack of progress .
Separate analysis by the BBC suggests only 8 % of the artists headlining the UK 's major festivals this summer are female .
• Emily Eavis : Glastonbury ’ s future has to be 50/50 It was figures like these that prompted Bain to take action .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap for a survey called Counting The Music in 2019 , discovering that just 19 % of the artists signed to record labels in the UK are women .
After reading about this year 's festival season , she realised her research could be turned into a resource for festival bookers and promoters .
`` I do n't think most people have been prepared to put in the hours to find out all of this information - so they can use my list [ instead ] , '' she says .
The document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and music organisations that have signed the Keychange initiative , with the aim of achieving a 50/50 gender balance by 2022 .
Another person who might be interested is Geoff Ellis , who runs Scotland 's TRNSMT festival .
He drew criticism earlier this year after saying it would be `` several years '' before a festival line-up could achieve a 50/50 balance between male and female acts .
`` There are far , far fewer female artists , '' he told Radio 1 's Newsbeat .
`` We need to get more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , playing in bands . ''
Artists including KT Tunstall and Dodie attacked his comments - noting that Spain 's Primavera festival had already achieved gender parity - while fans suggested artists who 'd be suitable for the bill , including Billie Elish , Dua Lipa , Lizzo , Haim , Courtney Barnett , Angel Olsen and Cate Le Bon .
`` I kept seeing more and more people putting forward female artists on social media - and I thought , 'Well , I 've got thousands , ' '' Bain recalls .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry are `` comfortable in their own little world '' and rely on `` regular rosters '' of bands and record labels to populate their festivals .
`` Hopefully , I 've been able to provide the bigger picture . ''
Bain stepped down as the CEO of the Ivors Academy ( then known as the British Association of Songwriters , Composers and Authors ) in 2018 , after a tenure that saw her inducted onto Music Week 's Women in Music Roll of Honour and featured on BBC Radio 4 's Woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works as a freelance music industry consultant and is director of the board of Parents & Carers in Performing Arts ( PiPA ) .
Since publishing her list last week , Bain said had received `` three or four-hundred messages '' from female artists who want their details included .
`` I 'm really impressed at how determined and entrepreneurial female musicians are today , '' she says , adding that she had discovered several new favourite bands , including Nicki Wells and Deep Deep Water , through her research .
Bain acknowledges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets from A-listers like Adele , Taylor Swift and Florence + The Machine .
The real work lies further down the bill .
`` It 's definitely at that entry level and mid-level stage that people can look at this document and get ideas , '' she says .
`` The women who 've been contacting me are doing everything possible to get noticed .
They want to go out and play on those stages .
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If you have a story suggestion @ @ @ @ @

Bain stepped down as the CEO of the Ivors Academy (then known as the British Association of Songwriters, Composers and Authors) in 2018, after a tenure that saw her inducted onto Music Week's Women in Music Roll of Honour and featured on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour Power List.


bbcuk--2020-03-04--Sisters campaign against gender-based street harassment

British sisters Maya and Gemma want to make gender-based street harassment illegal .
They founded the Our Streets Now campaign @ @ @ @ @ harassment .
The sisters have been inspired following the introduction of a new law in @ @ @ @ @ illegal .
Offenders can be issued with on-the-spot fines .
But there are concerns in @ @ @ @ @ do n't go far enough .

British sisters Maya and Gemma want to make gender-based street harassment illegal. They founded the Our Streets Now campaign and collect stories of public harassment.
The sisters have been inspired following the introduction of a new law in France that makes street harassment illegal. Offenders can be issued with on-the-spot fines.
But there are concerns in France that these laws still don't go far enough.
Ellie Price reports for Politics Live
UK viewers can watch Politics Live for 30 days from transmission
Produced by Christina McSorley


bbcuk--2020-03-03--PM: UK 'well prepared' on coronavirus

PM: UK 'well prepared' on coronavirus

Boris Johnson has said it is `` highly likely '' that there will be a growing number of coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ that the county is `` extremely well prepared '' .
He said the government was @ @ @ @ @ possible '' to `` prepare for all eventualities '' .
The prime minister also promised @ @ @ @ @ get all of the support it needs '' in order to fight the virus .

Boris Johnson has said it is "highly likely" that there will be a growing number of coronavirus cases in the UK, but that the county is "extremely well prepared".
He said the government was committed to doing "everything possible" to "prepare for all eventualities".
The prime minister also promised that "the NHS will get all of the support it needs" in order to fight the virus.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Six-year-old praised for 999 call after mother became ill

A six-year-old girl has been praised by police after dialling 999 when her mother fell ill while driving .
Esme @ @ @ @ @ been picked up by her mum Jennifer who started vomiting and fainted when driving along @ @ @ @ @ .
The recording of the call was released by Avon & Somerset Police , who @ @ @ @ @ her bravery .
Her mum Jennifer said : `` I 'm surprised she knew what @ @ @ @ @ never spoken about it , so it was a big surprise when she took the @ @ @ @ @ ambulance .
`` Without a doubt she saved my life . ''

A six-year-old girl has been praised by police after dialling 999 when her mother fell ill while driving.
Esme, from Yeovil had just been picked up by her mum Jennifer who started vomiting and fainted when driving along the A303 in October 2019.
The recording of the call was released by Avon & Somerset Police, who gave Esme an award for her bravery.
Her mum Jennifer said: "I'm surprised she knew what to do as we've never spoken about it, so it was a big surprise when she took the phone out and called the ambulance.
"Without a doubt she saved my life."


bbcuk--2020-03-04--Newspaper headlines: 'Life on hold' as UK 'ready for the worst'

The Metro carries a photo of the Queen wearing gloves while presenting honours at Buckingham Palace - reporting it was @ @ @ @ @ this has happened .
She `` usually has her hands uncovered '' to pin medals @ @ @ @ @ but `` seemed to be taking no chances '' .
The same image of the @ @ @ @ @ front pages .

The newspaper says Department of Health investigation also found that women "may not be being kept fully informed that if they choose to give birth at home or in a midwife-led unit they may have to be transferred if they want an epidural".


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Wirral school closes after child's parent tests positive

A school on Merseyside has closed after a pupil 's parent tested positive for coronavirus after returning from Italy .
Head teacher Mark Bellamy said he took the decision to close Hilbre High School in West Kirby , Wirral , as a precaution .
Some pupils had recently been skiing in northern Italy , but Mr Bellamy said the case was not linked to the trip .
Wirral Council is working with Public Health England and health colleagues to stop the virus spreading .
Writing in a statement on the school 's website , Mr Bellamy said : `` Hilbre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a parent of students at the school has tested positive for the coronavirus .
`` Prior to confirmation that the parent had contracted the virus , a child of the parent attended school yesterday .
`` As a precaution , we are closing to allow our school community to move forward and ensure that the school is clean for all of our staff and students .
`` We have not been asked to close by the local authority or Public Health England . ''
'No need to remain closed' Regarding the pupils ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no students or staff members who were on the school 's ski trip had `` tested positive for coronavirus '' .
He added the school , which has more than 1,100 pupils , would reopen `` when I am confident that there is no risk to students '' .
Julie Webster , director of public health for Wirral Council , added : `` Public Health England have spoken to the school , assessed the risk and confirmed that there is currently no information to suggest that there is any increased health risk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time , and therefore no public health reason to remain closed at the current time . ''
Up to a fifth of the workforce may be off sick during the peak of a coronavirus epidemic in the UK , the government has said in its latest plans .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• HOW IS THE UK PLANNING FOR AN OUTBREAK : How prepared are we ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What you need to know • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts • WHAT 'S THE IMPACT ON ECONOMY ?
Carney warns of 'large ' shock

Julie Webster, director of public health for Wirral Council, added: "Public Health England have spoken to the school, assessed the risk and confirmed that there is currently no information to suggest that there is any increased health risk to any pupils, staff and families at this time, and therefore no public health reason to remain closed at the current time."


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Residents' anger over more Mossmorran flaring

More unplanned flaring is being carried out at the Mossmorran petrochemical plant in Fife after a problem with a major compressor at the site .
The environmental watchdog Sepa was alerted by site operator ExxonMobil just before 15:00 .
Residents , who have repeatedly complained about flaring incidents , said flames were visible from Edinburgh and as far away as Dundee .
Production at the plant only resumed on 21 February after a temporary shutdown .
The site was closed for five months from last August after it suffered two boiler explosions .
ExxonMobil said it was `` progressing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' but could not say when that would happen .
A company statement said : `` To keep the rest of the plant running and reduce total duration of flaring , we safely manage this process through the use of our elevated flare .
`` We are taking actions to reduce the size of the flare during this work , including maximising the use of ground flares .
`` We apologise for any inconvenience to our local communities . ''
Local campaigners said ExxonMobil 's response to the latest incident `` explained nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mossmorran Action Group said , `` Once again ExxonMobil is forced to resort to emergency flaring because something has gone badly wrong .
`` As the ground shakes , and a huge bright flame amid clouds of black smoke looms over communities , they are expected to suffer in ignorance .
`` Reassurances that the plant is 'safe ' do not wash. '' Chris Dailly , Sepa 's head of environmental performance , said : `` Having been clear that flaring must become the exception rather than routine , we 're disappointed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon after the restart .
`` We expect the company to provide timely updates to the community . ''
In February , about 200 workers at the site staged an unofficial walkout over safety concerns .

Chris Dailly, Sepa's head of environmental performance, said: "Having been clear that flaring must become the exception rather than routine, we're disappointed that (it) has occurred again so soon after the restart.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Foster and O'Neill scale back US trip

Stormont 's leaders are set to scale back their St Patrick 's Day trip to the US in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill intend to cancel plans for the New York leg of their itinerary next week .
They are still expected to travel to Washington DC to meet political and business leaders .
Meanwhile , a second case of coronavirus has been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland .
RTÉ News is reporting it involves a female in the east of Ireland who travelled from northern Italy , which has become a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a school , also in the east , was confirmed as the first case in the Republic on Saturday .
He had also returned from northern Italy and the school has been closed for 14 days .
• Coronavirus : What are the symptoms ?
• What might the UK do to stop coronavirus ?
The Republic of Ireland 's chief medical officer Tony Holohan said the government was changing its advice on non-essential travel to northern Italy .
It is now advising against travel to the four affected provinces , previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The change in Northern Ireland 's first and deputy first ministers ' plans , as first reported by PA News , comes as No 10 has ramped up its planning to try to combat coronavirus .
Mrs Foster and Mrs O'Neill had planned to visit New York at the start of next week but with more emergency UK-wide government meetings scheduled for then , Stormont sources said they plan to take part in those discussions before heading to the US .
The executive office said full details were yet to be confirmed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Northern Ireland was `` open for business '' despite concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus , Diane Dodds said people should `` continue to work and live as normal '' and at this stage it was about `` containment , good hygiene and scientific advice '' .
The first case of coronavirus in Northern Ireland was confirmed by the Public Health Agency on 27 February .
The number of cases overall in the UK rose from 39 to 51 on Tuesday .
The UK government said up to a fifth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peak of a coronavirus epidemic , as it revealed its action plan .
It also warned police may need to focus only on responding to the most serious crimes and maintaining order if the virus spreads .
Other possible measures could include school closures , reduced social gatherings and working from home .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts • WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY HOLIDAY ?
Your rights as a traveller Health officials in Northern Ireland have said routine hospital appointments and surgeries may be postponed if Covid-19 - the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus - infects large numbers of people .
Dr Miriam McCarthy , from the Health and Social Care Board , said officials would be looking at `` designating areas where they may admit people affected by Covid-19 '' .
On Tuesday , it emerged the Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage potential disruption to GCSE and A-level exams due to coronavirus .
The Council for the Curriculum , Examinations and Assessment ( CCEA ) said schools should prepare for the 2020 summer exams as normal .
Also on Tuesday , the Republic of Ireland 's health service said it had written to members of a small musical group asking them to self-isolate until Sunday 15 March , as a precautionary measure linked to the first confirmed case of coronavirus in the country .
A community band session last Saturday was attended by that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few GCSE and A-Level exams begin on 4 May with the main timetable beginning on 11 May .
Exam bodies in England , Wales and Northern Ireland are updating existing contingency plans to deal with disruption .
Those plans include what arrangements to make if schools are closed for an extended period or if pupils are ill and can not sit an exam as planned .
Any announcement on widespread national disruption - like the closure of schools - would be the responsibility of relevant government departments .
However , CCEA and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulting disruption to exams and assessments .
Some schools in Northern Ireland have cancelled planned trips to Italy .
A few schools in England have also closed after pupils and staff travelled abroad although Public Health England has said it is not advising schools to shut at present .

Mrs Foster and Mrs O'Neill had planned to visit New York at the start of next week but with more emergency UK-wide government meetings scheduled for then, Stormont sources said they plan to take part in those discussions before heading to the US.


bbcuk--2020-03-03--Yorkshire flood damage 'will take a lot of recovery'

The owner of a bungalow left submerged by flooding has said the `` huge '' damage caused to more than 90 East Yorkshire homes `` will take a lot of recovery '' .
Kevin Lorryman 's home is among dozens in Snaith and East Cowick that were inundated last week when the River Aire overtopped after heavy rainfall .
It was completely engulfed with only the solar panelled-roof visible above the 9ft ( 3m ) deep muddy floodwater .
He said he did not want scores of other flood victims to be forgotten .
`` I just want people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here who have been affected , '' Mr Lorryman , 56 , said .
`` They are all in the same situation I am in .
Even those who 've just had a few inches , it 's caused a huge amount of damage and it will take a lot of recovery . ''
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council estimated 65 properties in East Cowick were affected and 23 flooded in Snaith , while another 30 homes in West Cowick at risk .
Mr Lorryman , who is now living in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in with his wife , daughter , son-in-law and two grandchildren might have to be completely demolished , but was hoping to use his insurance money to build another house on slightly higher ground on his land .
`` Going forward , there needs to be action taken at a much higher level to prevent this happening again , '' he said .
`` And we need to build flood resilience in .
I do n't want my family to go through this again .
I do n't want anyone to go through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency response and added : `` Everyone here has been brilliant . ''
The council said water was being pumped to the River Don and a series of trenches had been dug , which meant levels dropped about 12 inches ( 30cm ) .
It said it was continuing to `` provide a high level of support '' to those affected .
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Mr Lorryman, who is now living in a caravan, said the home he lived in with his wife, daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren might have to be completely demolished, but was hoping to use his insurance money to build another house on slightly higher ground on his land.


bbcuk--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: Three days more sick pay for virus-hit workers - PM

Workers will receive statutory sick pay from the first day off work , not the fourth , to limit the @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson has said .
This breaking news story is being updated and more @ @ @ @ @ .
Please refresh the page for the fullest version .
You can receive Breaking News @ @ @ @ @ via the BBC News App .
You can also follow @ BBCBreaking on Twitter to @ @ @ @ @

Unions will argue this should be the case for any illness, at any time - not just when coronavirus is raging. They will also continue a campaign saying those on very low pay, particularly women, should be eligible. There is lobbying too for millions of freelancers and the self-employed, many of whom do not get sick pay.