bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: How might lockdown end and what will be the 'new normal'?

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to announce on Sunday his plans to restart the economy and ease lockdown restrictions .
But what could everyday life be like ?
When can I go shopping again ?
High Street fashion chains and others closed during lockdown are waiting to hear how they might reopen .
Changing rooms could be closed and customers encouraged to shop alone , the British Retail Consortium suggests .
Next says it will prioritise reopening larger , out-of-town outlets , where social distancing is easier .
Some DIY stores , meanwhile , have already reopened - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have shorter trading hours .
But several retailers will be missing from the High Street altogether , the chairman of key-cutting company Timpson has warned .
UK retail sales fell a record 5.1 % in March , the steepest fall since the Office for National Statistics started collecting data , in 1996 .
There is likely to be a bounceback - and bargains as managers try to shift stock .
But with more people working from home and going out less , it may not be as big as retailers need .
Will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and family ?
Not being able to meet up with family and friends is one of the toughest aspects of staying home .
When a grandmother asked a Downing Street briefing if being able to hug her grandchildren would be among the first changes , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the question `` brought home the emotional impact '' of lockdown and he hoped she could do it `` as soon as possible '' .
The Scottish government , meanwhile , has set out options that would allow people to leave home more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area and only mixing with their own household group .
It is also looking at whether a small group of friends or relatives could meet in `` a group or 'bubble ' '' .
But the UK 's chief medical adviser , Chris Whitty , has warned close contact with family may pose a risk to some vulnerable groups for some time .
What will change at my place of work ?
Hot-desking could become a thing of the past , according to draft government proposals to bring UK businesses out of lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at staggering shifts , rethink how equipment is shared and plan safe walking routes for staff - in offices , on factory floors and at building sites .
The issue of how businesses can secure personal protective equipment without competing with the NHS has raised concerns .
And unions say employers must be compelled to protect staff .
What will it be like on public transport ?
Even though there 's likely to be fewer people using trains , trams and buses , keeping passengers apart will be difficult .
Transport Secretary Grant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stagger employees ' working hours , to stop rush-hour crowds .
But one rail boss has warned social distancing of any kind would be `` extraordinarily difficult '' to manage , while another has said it could reduce the capacity of trains by between 70 % and 90 % .
A leaked Transport for London ( TfL ) report says for 2m ( 6ft ) social distancing to be maintained only 50,000 passengers could board every 15 minutes , whereas before lockdown , peak hours would see 325,000 every 15 minutes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people wear face coverings on public transport .
Eurostar passengers are also required to cover their faces .
When will schools and universities return ?
Children in England , Scotland and Wales may be able to make a `` phased return '' to schools , with only certain year groups attending .
Reports suggest primary schools and pupils in Years 10 and 12 - who take key exams in 2021 - would be prioritised .
Scotland 's First Minister , Nicola Sturgeon , meanwhile , has unveiled a paper suggesting pupils could attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of in-school and at-home learning '' .
Across the UK , measures to keep pupils and teachers safe could include : • groups of pupils attending on different days Meanwhile , there is uncertainty over whether students will be able to go to university in person in September or whether they will be taught partially or completely online .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the gym or play sport with friends ?
The lockdown has seen swimming pools , tennis courts , gyms and many other venues closed .
When pools reopen , it is likely fewer swimmers will be let in and for less time .
Breaks might be needed so pools can be disinfected , according to the Pool Management Group .
The Lawn Tennis Association says it is talking to the government about how matches can resume but it is `` too early to speculate '' .
And England Golf says it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which players can tee off .
Meanwhile , there is no word on when gyms will reopen or how they might enforce social-distancing and hygiene rules .
And the chances of being able to play team sports in the coming weeks look slim .
Currently , groups of more than two people who do not live together are banned and you can exercise in public only alone or with members of your household .
When can I go to the pub or visit the cinema ?
Pubs , restaurants , cinemas and theatres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen .
Draft government guidance seen by BBC News says bar areas , seated areas in restaurants and cafes must remain closed even as the economy is opened up - and venues should serve takeaways only .
Last month , Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said his chain had `` for planning purposes '' been assuming pubs may reopen in late June .
But deputy chief medical officer for England , Jenny Harries , has said mixing with people outside your household in a small environment such as a pub would not be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boss Tim Richards is hopeful screens can reopen in mid-July , using social distancing measures .
But theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh fears many theatres will not be able to stage musicals until next year .
Can I have a UK or foreign summer holiday ?
Social distancing is a big challenge for the airports and airlines .
Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye says it is `` physically impossible '' .
But Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary says this would be `` idiotic '' .
Air passengers may have to : • arrive up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screening Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is also `` actively looking '' at quarantining people entering the UK .
But trade body Airlines UK says this would `` effectively kill air travel '' .
Meanwhile , the government has said people should not book holidays at home or abroad until social-distancing rules are relaxed .
And Visit Britain predicts domestic UK tourism will see losses of more than £22bn in 2020 .

If you test positive for Covid you are no longer legally required to self-isolate, but you are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--'Frankly impossible?' Social distancing in schools

Re-opening schools is going to be one of the biggest symbolic steps towards loosening the lockdown .
It has divided opinion about whether it can be safe - and who should go back first .
But there are places , such as Denmark and Germany , where it 's already happening .
`` There was anxiety in the community , '' says Dom Maher , head of the international section of St Josef 's school in Roskilde , on the Danish island of Zealand .
`` A large percentage of parents were in two minds , '' he says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wait a few days to see . ''
But almost three weeks after re-opening , he thinks it has worked better than might have been expected .
Children were relieved to be back and parents have become more confident about safety - and numbers attending schools have steadily risen .
Primary school children have returned first in Denmark , and a system is in place to keep children in small groups and with as little contact with others as possible .
They spend their school day in a kind of virtual cocoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These micro-groups of pupils arrive at a separate time , eat their lunch separately , stay in their own zones in the playground and are taught by one teacher .
There are about a dozen pupils in these groups .
Social distancing means that 's about the maximum number who can go into one room , which requires dividing classes and teaching staff .
• Teachers warn of virus spike if return to school too early • Schools will reopen in phases , says education secretary • What will be the 'new normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are structured where you have primary and lower secondary in the same school , '' says Mr Maher .
That means there is space to spread out , with only about half of the usual thousand pupils on site .
`` We 've had enough classrooms to do that - if school opening went ahead where all students were back , it would be a real struggle , '' says the head .
`` We would n't have enough classrooms and would have to start doing morning and afternoon shifts . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge amount of hand washing and sterilising .
`` There is pretty much hourly washing going on , '' says , Mr Maher , so much so that the new problem is skin irritation and eczema .
But he says the idea of perfect social distancing with small children is not realistic .
`` Most of them are pretty good with it and mindful of space .
But they do forget , '' he says .
There are no face masks - either for pupils or teachers .
Dorte Lange , vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says this lack of personal protection has n't been an issue , because the medical advice has focused on the strategy of keeping pupils distanced , in isolated groups , and a strong emphasis on hygiene .
`` We are glad to say the re-opening up to now has been quite successful , '' the union leader told the BBC .
Teachers who have health issues , or who have family members who might be at risk , can teach online from home , she says .
Some of the Danish and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first in Denmark - older students in Germany • Smaller groups of students so social distancing can be maximised • Groups maintained for duration of the day • In Germany , face masks in communal areas in line with the national plan But she suggests the mood has shifted towards wanting to get children into school again .
`` We can see many of the older students are not thriving at home .
They really need to be back in the community of the school , '' she says .
There has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' unions , local authorities and government , says Ms Lange .
If a further opening of schools were to increase the rate of infection , she says there would have to be a change of plan .
`` But if they say it 's safe to open for older kids , we 'll make it possible . ''
There are still worries among parents , including a Facebook page with worries about not treating children as `` guinea pigs '' .
Sirin posted to say she has kept her four-year-old at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` asks me every day when she 's going to kindergarten again and that she misses her friends so much '' .
`` So I thought about sending them off in about two weeks - since I do n't think this virus will be gone for a long time and I have to start working at some point . ''
Another mother says she feels pressured into sending her child into school .
`` I 'm not comfortable with it .
And I have my grandma who 's on vacation with us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a one-way sign into a school , indicating the highly-structured nature of the Covid-19-shaped school day .
Ida Storm Jansen , an administrator in Copenhagen International School , says about 10 students are allowed per classroom .
It 's an international school but all such schools have to follow their countries ' health advice .
`` I had a great conversation with a four year old .
He said we used to sit on the carpet and now we sit on the tape marks , '' she says .
The system of isolating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practical than only relying on social distancing , she suggests .
`` Frankly it 's impossible .
When they play , of course they forget , '' she says .
But with constant hand washing and minimal contact with any other group , she says there is an effective system - and children have adapted to it very quickly .
Ms Jansen says fears of a `` big backlash from parents '' over re-opening did n't materialise - and children were relieved to be back with their friends .
When some schools opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of planning went down to individual seating plans .
Shaun Roberts , principal of the Cologne International School , says there is a fixed place for each student - so that if someone is found with the virus , the contact tracers will know exactly who was sitting nearest .
In Germany , it 's the oldest year groups which have gone back first .
The top class is revising for the Abitur , the German equivalent of A-levels , which have not been cancelled .
Exam halls are one of the few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is a one-way system in the corridors to minimise contact , break times are staggered , there is a strict cleaning regime - and face masks are worn in common areas .
`` People do what they have to do without making a fuss , '' says Mr Roberts .
But it is n't `` business as usual '' .
The school days are shorter and mixed with online lessons , so different year groups can share classrooms which might now only hold 10 pupils .
And there are staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their health issues or because of concerns about someone in their family .
`` The great unspoken '' , he says is that schools might have re-opened , but there are limits to what can be provided .
France and The Netherlands will be the next to open schools next week - with strong opinions for and against returning .
And plans for schools in the UK will become clearer in the next few days .
Mr Roberts in Cologne describes it as a `` journey back to normality '' , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and into the autumn .
It might only be beginning - but he says , it has to start somewhere .

France and The Netherlands will be the next to open schools next week - with strong opinions for and against returning. And plans for schools in the UK will become clearer in the next few days.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Lockdown adviser quits, climate change warning and 'new normal'

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Wednesday morning .
We 'll have another update for you at 18:00 BST .
Back in March , it was Prof Neil Ferguson 's modelling of the virus 's transmission that persuaded the UK government it should impose the lockdown .
Now , though , he 's been forced to quit as an adviser after admitting undermining those very social distancing rules .
A reminder of them here .
Funds earmarked for the post-pandemic recovery should go to firms that will reduce carbon emissions .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know that we 're living through an unrivalled drop in carbon output due to the economic slowdown - as these five charts explain - but how could a `` Build Back Better '' strategy work ?
3 .
What will the 'new normal ' look like ?
Boris Johnson will set out plans to ease lockdown restrictions on Sunday , but what might they involve ?
From shopping to seeing family , the gym to the cinema , we try to make some predictions .
And from recovery on a societal level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correspondent Laura Foster asks why some people take much longer to get over the virus than others .
4 .
Most firms 'ready to restart within three weeks' A survey by the British Chambers of Commerce found , as you might expect , that businesses who serve customers are the least confident .
Hear from companies in five different sectors about the new ways they 're finding to operate .
Elsewhere , how do you get a school ready to reopen ?
Our education correspondent Sean Coughlan looks at parts of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special needs and their families , the restrictions on everyday life have been particularly challenging , but in Oxford an inclusive choir is using music - and technology to come together .
And in other uplifting news , Capt Tom Moore has been awarded a prestigious gold Blue Peter badge .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
You can find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page , and follow all the latest development via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overtaken Italy to record the most virus deaths in Europe , but can you make a fair comparison between the two countries ?
BBC Reality Check takes a close look .
What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your @ @

Coronavirus: Lockdown adviser quits, climate change warning and 'new normal' Published 6 May 2020
Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Wednesday morning. We'll have another update for you at 18:00 BST.
1. Prominent adviser quits
Back in March, it was Prof Neil Ferguson's modelling of the virus's transmission that persuaded the UK government it should impose the lockdown. Now, though, he's been forced to quit as an adviser after admitting undermining those very social distancing rules. A reminder of them here.
Image caption, Neil Ferguson became known as "Professor Lockdown" to some because of his role
2. UK warned over coronavirus climate trap
3. What will the 'new normal' look like?
Boris Johnson will set out plans to ease lockdown restrictions on Sunday, but what might they involve? From shopping to seeing family, the gym to the cinema, we try to make some predictions. And from recovery on a societal level, to an individual one. Health correspondent Laura Foster asks why some people take much longer to get over the virus than others.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Contactless could be the only way to pay
4. Most firms 'ready to restart within three weeks'
A survey by the British Chambers of Commerce found, as you might expect, that businesses who serve customers are the least confident. Hear from companies in five different sectors about the new ways they're finding to operate. Elsewhere, how do you get a school ready to reopen? Our education correspondent Sean Coughlan looks at parts of the world making it work.
Image source, AFP
5. 'We've found our voice in lockdown'
For people with special needs and their families, the restrictions on everyday life have been particularly challenging, but in Oxford an inclusive choir is using music - and technology to come together. And in other uplifting news, Capt Tom Moore has been awarded a prestigious gold Blue Peter badge.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Coronavirus: Inclusive choir finds voice in lockdown
And don't forget...
You can find more information, advice and guides on our coronavirus page, and follow all the latest development via our live page.
The UK has overtaken Italy to record the most virus deaths in Europe, but can you make a fair comparison between the two countries? BBC Reality Check takes a close look.
Image source, BBC
What questions do you have about coronavirus?
In some cases, your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.
Use this form to ask your question:


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: How does contact tracing work and is my data safe?

Millions in the UK will soon be asked to monitor their movements , to limit the spread of coronavirus .
The trial of a `` test , track and trace '' programme is starting on the Isle of Wight .
Residents will be asked to download a smartphone app designed to quickly trace recent contacts of anyone with the virus .
If it 's successful , a nationwide programme will be rolled out within weeks .
Contact tracing is used to slow down the spread of infectious outbreaks .
When someone gets coronavirus everyone they have been in prolonged contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to self-isolate .
Phoning or emailing the friends and family of coronavirus patients is one way of contact tracing This can be combined with a location-tracking mobile app , to pick up others they have been in contact with , for example on public transport .
Contact tracing is already being used by various countries , including Hong Kong , Singapore and Germany .
The UK is planning to roll out its contact tracing app and phone team by the middle of May .
• Coronavirus : UK contact-tracing app 'ready in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing look like in the UK ?
The government is getting ready to deploy a contact tracing team of 3,000 civil servants and health workers , and 15,000 call handlers .
Their telephone tracing will be used alongside the smartphone app .
The free app tracks when users come into contact with each other .
Once downloaded , the app runs in the background of your phone , provided Bluetooth is switched on .
If a user develops coronavirus symptoms , it is up to them to let the app inform the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alert to users with whom they recently had significant contact , potentially asking those people to go into quarantine or be tested .
Why was the Isle of Wight chosen for the trial ?
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the elderly population on the island - and estimated lower number of smartphone users - was a factor .
If it is successful despite these challenges then that will show it can work across the UK .
John Newton , the UK government 's testing co-ordinator , says that relatively restricted travel to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to study the spread of a virus .
Contact tracing has been credited with helping to lift restrictions in other countries , when combined with other measures .
South Korea never went into lockdown thanks to an early strategy of extensive tracing and mass testing .
There was manual monitoring of credit card transactions , CCTV and mobile phone tracking to piece together where people had been .
The UK probably wo n't use that level of tracking but a widely used app would allow the government to ease some restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus to be totally supressed .
Academics advising the NHS estimate 80 % of smartphone users - 60 % of the population - would have to actively use it .
By comparison , about 67 % of UK smartphone users have downloaded messaging app WhatsApp .
The academics ' model does not take into account the over-70s , due to their average low smartphone usage , and the assumption many will be shielding and so not coming in to contact with lots of other people .
People would also have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inform the NHS .
What if I do n't have a smartphone ?
Only people with a smartphone can access the app .
As it launched the Isle of Wight trial , the government said there would be an option for people to report symptoms and order tests in other ways , including over the phone and via an online service .
Everyone who reports falling ill , including app users , will be asked to record recent contacts either online or via telephone - so the hope is that tracers can reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just people with the app .
One idea is that those without smartphones could end up wearing a Bluetooth-enabled wristband , like those used in other countries to detect lockdown breaches .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health What can the government do with my data ?
Not everyone is happy with the government and third parties being given access to people 's data .
Civil rights group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks seriously , and should not make installing the app a condition to leaving the lockdown or returning to work .
''Millions of us are going to need to trust the app and follow the advice it provides , '' says NHSX , the technology arm of the health service .
It says the information gathered will only ever be used for health and research purposes , and that the app can be deleted at any time .
The UK app will use a `` centralised model '' , meaning the matching process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An alternative , decentralised model was put forward by Apple and Google , where the exchange happens on people 's handsets .
The tech giants say their version makes it harder for hackers or the authorities to use the computer server logs to track and identify specific individuals .
But NHSX says its centralised system will help give it more insight into how the disease spreads and help it to make the app more efficient .
Mr Hancock said the app will take `` full consideration '' of privacy concerns .

Instead, if they have no symptoms and at least two weeks have passed since the second dose, they can get a PCR test. If the result is negative, self-isolation can then be ended.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--The Papers: UK death toll milestone, and 'Prof Lockdown' quits

The news that more people with Covid-19 have died in Britain than in any other European country makes the front of several newspapers .
`` From bad to worst , '' is the headline in the Daily Mirror , which says ministers are facing `` serious questions '' about their strategy for handling the crisis .
`` Those who have lost loved ones have a right to know why the UK has the highest death toll in Europe , '' says its opinion column .
That theme is picked up on the front page of the Guardian , which quotes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Specialists Association , calling for a public inquiry into the government 's response .
But a representative of another union , the British Medical Association , tells the paper that it is too early to come to conclusions , and care has to be taken with the figures to ensure nations are comparing `` like for like '' .
The i newspaper , which leads on the same story , describes it as a `` sobering moment '' , especially after Prime Minister Boris Johnson referred last week to Britain 's `` apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests that phrase jarred with many of its readers and expresses hope that ministers are `` learning fast '' how to adapt their policies .
`` UK is sickest man in Europe '' , is the headline in the Daily Mail , which describes the revelation as `` one of the darkest days of the coronavirus pandemic '' .
The paper considers why Britain compares so badly with other countries .
Possible explanations , it suggests , include the length of time taken to impose the lockdown , the comparatively high population density @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the failure to quickly `` ramp up '' testing , in the way that Germany and Italy did .
The resignation of the government 's scientific adviser , Prof Neil Ferguson , is on most of the front pages .
The headline in the Daily Telegraph , which broke the story , is : `` Lockdown professor steps down after breaking rules to meet married lover '' .
The former Conservative leader , Sir Iain Duncan Smith , is quoted as saying : `` Surely it is a case of we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been doing as he wants . ''
Sir Iain believes that could undermine the government 's message .
But another senior Tory , Sir Charles Walker , points out that people will be `` desperately missing '' those that they love .
`` I totally understand if that separation becomes too much to bear , '' he says .
The Daily Mail 's take on the story is `` Professor Lockdown quits over trysts with married lover '' while the Sun 's headline is : `` Prof Lockdown broke lockdown to get his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismay about a warning within its own pages from the former Prime Minister Theresa May .
She argues that countries around the world should be uniting to tackle the coronavirus , but instead the outbreak is fuelling what she calls a `` shift towards nationalism and absolutism '' .
The Times ' leader column states that `` if countries fall out with their neighbours or obstruct international funding efforts , everyone stands to lose out '' .
And it also points out that if there 's global collaboration on vaccine testing , progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak is putting a wedge between countries also preoccupies the Financial Times .
It reports that Germany 's constitutional court has threatened to block fresh purchases of the country 's bonds , which the European Central Bank has been buying as it seeks to bolster the EU 's economic response to the crisis .
The FT calls the German move `` misguided '' , suggesting it could jeopardise investment and job creation across the Eurozone .
Meanwhile , the Daily Telegraph 's leader asks : `` Is the government refusing to bail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no future ? ''
The paper says Covid-19 has `` wrecked '' the business models of the entire industry but ministers have resisted pressure to intervene .
It suggests that 's a mistake , saying that `` if these companies go under , the wider impact will be enormous '' .
`` How dare China spy on our virus labs ? ''
asks the Daily Express .
It alleges that `` cyber criminal gangs '' backed by Beijing have - according to unnamed security sources - been targeting the British drug companies trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The paper says it 's been told that Russia and Iran have also been linked to such attempts by hackers and that more attacks are expected in the coming weeks .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning With the BBC spy thriller Killing Eve back on television , the Times reports that the `` gruesome and fantastical '' murders carried out by one of its central characters - the assassin , Villanelle - are actually based on real cases .
The paper explains that the BBC 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to draw up a list of unusual execution methods .
The use of a poisoned perfume , says the Times , was inspired by the killing in 2017 of Kim Jong-Nam , the half-brother of the North Korean leader , Kim Jong-Un .
He had nerve agent smeared on his face by two women who believed they were appearing in a prank TV show .
And finally , the Guardian reports that researchers from Exeter University have been trying to work out why otters play with pebbles and small rocks - juggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their paws .
Theories included the possibility that it was a way of improving coordination , or foraging skills .
But after studying 43 otters at three wildlife parks in the UK , the scientists noticed the animals did it more when they had n't been fed .
This led them to conclude that hunger was the main reason , although they still have to work out why .

The paper considers why Britain compares so badly with other countries. Possible explanations, it suggests, include the length of time taken to impose the lockdown, the comparatively high population density in parts of the UK, and the failure to quickly "ramp up" testing, in the way that Germany and Italy did.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Fire destroys homes and manhole covers explode

A fire has swept through two houses and caused manhole covers to explode .
The blaze broke out in a semi-detached house in Woolton Lodge Gardens , Woolton Hill , on the Hampshire-Berkshire border , at 20:10 BST on Tuesday .
It spread to the neighbouring property and led to manhole covers exploding after burning fuel from heating oil tanks got into the water drains .
No-one was injured .
Residents in neighbouring properties in the road had to leave their homes .
Sophie Walker , who lives nearby , made a 999 call after seeing the smoke from her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crackling of the fire and the smoke getting worse , more thick and more black , '' she said .
`` Within 10 minutes of standing outside I heard a few loud bangs and I had no idea what it was . ''
She said her young son was frightened by the explosions , `` he ran to me scared - they were really loud and made me jump as they echoed through the village '' .
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said both homes were completely destroyed in the fire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes were able to return in the early hours .
The fire service said an investigation into the cause of the blaze is under way .

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bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: UK becomes first country in Europe to pass 30,000 deaths

The UK has become the first country in Europe to pass 30,000 coronavirus deaths , according to the latest government figures .
A total of 30,076 people have now died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for the virus , up by 649 from Tuesday .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said they were `` heartbreaking losses '' .
On Tuesday , the number of deaths recorded in the UK passed Italy 's total , becoming the highest in Europe .
The latest total for Italy , which also records deaths of those who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 29,684 .
The UK now has the second-highest number of recorded coronavirus deaths in the world , behind the United States which has more than 70,000 .
Experts have warned that it could be months before full global comparisons can be made .
Each country also has different testing regimes , with Italy conducting more tests than the UK to date .
Mr Jenrick told the government 's daily coronavirus briefing : `` It is difficult to make international comparisons with certainty , there will be a time for that . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) advising the government on the pandemic - said the UK `` should now use other countries to try and learn why our numbers are so high '' .
Prof Spiegelhalter tweeted the remark as he urged ministers to stop referencing an article he wrote for the Guardian `` to claim we can not make any international comparisons yet '' .
He added that his article was only referring to it not being possible to make `` detailed league tables '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the government had been too slow to introduce the lockdown and too slow to increase the number of tests .
And challenging Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the rising numbers of deaths in care homes , the new Labour leader said : `` Twelve weeks after the health secretary declared that we 're in a health crisis , I have to ask the prime minister - why has n't the government got to grips with this already ? ''
Meanwhile , testing for coronavirus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level in a week .
The government provided 69,463 tests in the 24 hours up to 09:00 BST on Wednesday , lower than its testing target of 100,000 for the fourth consecutive day .
It had previously pledged to conduct 100,000 tests a day from the beginning of May - it has reached that number on two occasions .
As well as tests conducted in person , it also includes thousands of postal tests , which have not necessarily been carried out on the day .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth tweeted : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be on this downward trajectory .
Ministers need to explain why they are failing to deliver the testing promised . ''
Earlier , Boris Johnson said it was his `` ambition '' to increase coronavirus testing capacity to 200,000 a day by the end of May .
On Tuesday , the UK recorded 6,111 new cases of coronavirus - the third highest daily total so far .
The number of new cases - more than 6,000 - may seem shocking .
It is after all one of the highest daily totals so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it seems .
Because many more tests are being carried out than they were ( even taking into account the dip in activity since the 100,000 mark was `` hit '' last week ) more cases that would have previously gone undetected are now being diagnosed .
Two thirds of these new cases are among groups that just a month ago would mostly not have been tested , including the over 65s and those who have to leave home to go to work .
It does not mean there is more virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital admissions to deaths - show the number of infections have been falling for some time .
The seemingly large number is simply a consequence of testing more .
It has been just over nine weeks since the UK recorded its first death on 2 March .
The personal stories of those who have died are continuing to emerge .
Among those was Jennie Sablayan , a 44-year-old haematology nurse who worked at the University College London Hospital for more than 18 years .
The hospital said she was an `` expert in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with kindness and dedication .
Senior NHS pharmacy technician , Jermaine Wright , 45 , was described as a `` people person '' with a passion for food and football .
He was called the `` driving force '' behind London 's amateur football scene .
Afua Fofie , a healthcare assistant in London , was `` known for her infectious laugh and willingness to go the extra mile for patients and her colleagues '' , according to the Hounslow and Richmond C ommunity Healthcare Trust .
Meanwhile , five residents have now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a Covid-19 outbreak on the Isle of Skye .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
• Boris Johnson has said he `` bitterly regrets '' the coronavirus crisis in care homes • Former government adviser Prof Neil Ferguson will not face police action after he admitted to `` undermining '' social distancing rules • A new Banksy artwork showing a young boy kneeling by a wastepaper basket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A mother whose baby was born two months early because she was critically ill with coronavirus has praised the hospital staff who saved their lives • The boss of Heathrow Airport said it was trialling a temperature screening system for passengers • Uber has announced plans to cut 3,700 full-time staff after business plunged during the lockdown • Researchers in the US and UK have identified hundreds of mutations to the virus which causes the disease Covid-19 • And Debenhams has confirmed five more stores will not be re-opening after lockdown restrictions are @

Because many more tests are being carried out than they were (even taking into account the dip in activity since the 100,000 mark was "hit" last week) more cases that would have previously gone undetected are now being diagnosed.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson 'bitterly regrets' care home crisis

Boris Johnson has said he `` bitterly regrets '' the coronavirus crisis in care homes - and the government was `` working very hard '' to tackle it .
Latest figures show deaths in care homes continued to rise even amid a fall in Covid-19 hospital deaths .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused the PM of failing to get a grip on the issue at Prime Minister 's Questions .
The PM said a `` huge effort '' was going in - and there had been a `` palpable improvement '' in recent days .
He added that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulties we 've had in supplying PPE to those who need it '' but the government is now `` engaged in a massive plan to ramp up domestic supply '' .
• How big is the problem in care homes ?
• What is the UK 's test , track and trace strategy ?
The prime minister also pledged to reach 200,000 tests for coronavirus a day by the end of May .
The government announced it had hit its target of 100,000 tests on Friday , but that number has since fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently exceeds demand '' and the government was taking steps to address that .
The BBC 's health editor Hugh Pym said government sources confirmed that the 200,000 per day target refers to lab capacity rather than individual tests .
Mr Johnson said his `` ambition '' was to hit 200,000 tests `` by the end of this month - and then go even higher '' .
He also confirmed that he would be setting out plans to begin lifting the coronavirus lockdown on Sunday , adding that he hoped to `` get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday '' .
Mr Johnson was making his first appearance in the Commons - and his first PMQs clash with new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer - since the birth of his son and his recovery from coronavirus .
The government 's 200,000-tests-a-day ambition may not quite be what it seems .
Officials are now saying it refers to the ability of labs to process the tests .
If that is the case , the system is probably not far off that .
Testing is essentially a two-stage process .
Swabs are taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile units and sent out to homes for people to do them themselves .
They are then sent to labs to process .
Some hospitals can do this themselves , but the majority go to one of three mega-labs in Glasgow , Cheshire and Milton Keynes .
These labs are increasingly using an automated system to process them which means they can carry out an increasing numbers .
Currently capacity is around 150,000 - so 200,000 should not be too difficult to achieve .
What remains a problem , though , is getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly - for some it can take 72 hours .
Care homes are still reporting they can not always get staff and residents tested , while drive-thru centres , which are not always conveniently located for other eligible groups , are being under-used .
Tackling these problems will be much more difficult if 200,000 tests a day are actually to be done .
The government must review lockdown measures on Thursday by law - but the PM said he was waiting until Sunday to announce the government 's plans because more data would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be an `` economic disaster '' to relax the lockdown in a way which triggered a second spike in coronavirus cases .
In March , the PM said the government was aiming for 250,000 coronavirus tests a day but did not put a timescale on that .
Sir Keir Starmer said only 84,000 tests were done on Monday , meaning 24,000 were not used , from the 100,000 the government said last week were available .
• PM to update UK on 'steps to defeat ' coronavirus • What is the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Mr Johnson replied : `` Yes , he 's right that capacity currently exceeds demand , we 're working on that , we 're running at about 100,000 a day , but the ambition clearly is to get up to 200,000 a day by the end of this month and then to go even higher . ''
He told MPs that a `` fantastic '' testing regime will be critical to the UK 's long-term economic recovery .
Labour sources said they planned to hold Mr Johnson to account on his latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WILL I GET PAID IF I CA N'T WORK ?
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• TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
The government believes a track , test and trace programme to quickly identify new cases of coronavirus and prevent the further spread of the infection is the best route out of lockdown .
Sir Keir said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate from the virus in Europe because it had been too slow into lockdown , testing and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) .
Mr Johnson said it was too early to make international comparisons .
It came as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that the lockdown in Scotland will continue for at least another three weeks .
Asked by the SNP 's Ian Blackford if the contents of his statement on Sunday would be `` fully agreed '' with the devolved nations , Mr Johnson said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that the outlines of this attract the widest possible consensus . ''

Mr Johnson replied: "Yes, he's right that capacity currently exceeds demand, we're working on that, we're running at about 100,000 a day, but the ambition clearly is to get up to 200,000 a day by the end of this month and then to go even higher."


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Ministers launch hardship fund for dairy farmers

Dairy farmers in England can apply for up to £10,000 in cash payments under a scheme to support the industry during the coronavirus pandemic .
Demand for dairy products in the hospitality sector has dropped with the closure of many cafes and restaurants .
Producers will be eligible for aid to cover 70 % of income they have lost during April and May .
Ministers have already relaxed competition laws in a bid to help the industry .
The Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs said there would not be a cap on the number of farmers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to demonstrate they had lost more than a quarter of their income in April and May to access the funding , the department added .
• Five ways coronavirus is disrupting the food industry Some dairy farmers are having to throw away thousands of litres of fresh milk due to disruption to the supply chain caused by the virus .
Whilst some have managed to redirect supplies towards supermarkets , falling demand has seen excess milk and therefore falling prices .
The government has already relaxed competition rules to allow farmers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a bid to reroute produce .
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• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Environment Secretary George Eustice says ministers were doing `` all we can '' to make sure dairy farmers are `` properly supported '' during the current crisis .
`` We 've already relaxed competition laws so dairy farmers can work together through the toughest months , but recognise there is more to be done , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice-chair of the Leicestershire National Farmers Union , said the new funding was welcome but additional support `` should n't have taken this long '' .
Speaking to the Environment , Food and Rural Affairs Committee on Tuesday , the National Farmers ' Union ( NFU ) president said many farmers were in `` absolute crisis '' .
Minette Batters told MPs : `` We have got a lot of them on a relatively stabilised price of 15p per litre ( of milk ) .
That is about 10p and more below the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sustainable place to be . ''
Tom Hind , chief strategy officer for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board , also told the committee that dairy farmers had lost £7.4m collectively in April through milk price cuts alone - a figure that could rise to £14m in May .
The move comes as a £1m advertising campaign is launched to try and persuade people to drink more milk at home .
Joint funded by industry groups and the government , it will feature adverts on television and posted on social media .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tea and coffee drinking as a `` centre point of most human connections '' .
The union 's dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said the advertising drive would be a `` much-needed and timely boost for the dairy sector '' .

Minette Batters told MPs: "We have got a lot of them on a relatively stabilised price of 15p per litre (of milk). That is about 10p and more below the cost of production. It is not a sustainable place to be."


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Debenhams to close five stores after lockdown ends

Debenhams has confirmed that another five stores will not be re-opening after lockdown restrictions are lifted .
The department store chain has struck deals with landlords to keep most of its 142 stores open , after it fell into administration for the second time .
But five more stores will not reopen when the government lifts coronavirus restrictions on non-essential shops .
It 's understood the retailer has been unable to agree new terms with shopping centre owner Hammerson .
The Debenhams stores affected are in the Bullring in Birmingham , The Oracle in Reading , Centrale in Croydon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glasgow .
The BBC understands that around 1,000 jobs will be affected , including concession staff .
Debenhams said in a statement : `` We can confirm that despite our best efforts , we have been unable to agree terms with Hammerson on our five stores in its shopping centres , and so they will not be reopening .
`` We continue to engage in constructive talks with our landlords and have agreed terms on the vast majority of our stores , which we look forward to reopening when government restrictions allow '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year , it agreed a company voluntary arrangement ( CVA ) with its landlords to cut costs in order to save the business .
Under the agreement , the retailer would close 22 stores in 2020 and 28 stores in 2021 .
Last month , Debenhams still had 142 stores but it was forced to appoint administrators again to protect the business from its creditors as coronavirus forced it to temporarily shut its stores .
It then accelerated negotiations with landlords to agree new terms and conditions , including a five month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has managed to strike deals on 120 stores .
But over the course of the last few weeks , it 's emerged a number of stores would close permanently once the government lifts restrictions on non-essential shops .
A total of 15 stores are now set for closure , including the five outlets in Hammerson shopping centres .
The BBC has approached Hammerson for comment .
The retailer 's Warrington store had been earmarked to shut but this has now been given a last minute reprieve .
However , the future of five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in doubt , unless the Welsh government reverses a decision on business rates relief .
Debenhams is still in discussions with the remaining seven stores in its estate .
The retailer is still trading online `` normally '' while its shops are closed .
Like many other non essential retailers , it has furloughed the majority of its staff who are being paid under the government 's coronavirus job retention scheme which pays 80 % of a worker 's salary up to £2,500 a month .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

Debenhams said in a statement: "We can confirm that despite our best efforts, we have been unable to agree terms with Hammerson on our five stores in its shopping centres, and so they will not be reopening.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Heathrow trialling passenger temperature checks

The boss of Heathrow Airport has told MPs that it is trialling large-scale temperature checks as the aviation industry struggles with coronavirus .
He said they are already being carried out at departure gates on people going to places where this is a requirement .
John Holland-Kaye urged the government to produce a plan on what common standards airports should adopt .
`` If you want to get the UK economy started again , you have to get the aviation sector started again . ''
Mr Holland-Kaye said the introduction of common standards would allow airlines to start flying again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been cancelled due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions .
Tim Alderslade , chief executive of Airlines UK , who was also giving evidence , told MPs that airlines have outlined three levels of measures , with the idea that each country adopts a specific level .
Any flight between two destinations would have to comply with the highest level , with staff wearing personal protective equipment and all passengers wearing masks under the strictest level three , for example .
Several airlines have written to the government suggesting such a `` graded system '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more lasting solution is worked out .
Mr Holland-Kaye told the Transport Select Committee : `` If we are told that the only solution until we can get a vaccine in 12 to 18 months ' time is to socially distance in an airport , then tens of thousands of jobs will be cut .
`` We can not afford to wait that long to get flying again , '' he added .
Mr Holland-Kaye called for additional government support for the aviation sector as it battles with the coronavirus crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and US governments , who have provided large , bespoke rescue packages for their aviation industries saw them as `` fundamental '' , and suggested that was not the case in the UK .
Heathrow 's boss also revealed that he has not spoken to the UK 's Transport Secretary , Grant Shapps , since the beginning of the pandemic .
In comparison , he said the boss of Paris ' main airport , Charles de Gaulle , had told him that he has spoken to the equivalent of the French Transport Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Holland-Kaye said it was a `` very different picture '' in the UK , although he said the airport had had `` regular calls '' with the UK 's junior minister who is in charge of aviation .
`` It 's not clear the ( UK ) government understands the strategic role that aviation plays for the economy '' , he said .
• What will be the 'new normal ' ?
The Transport Select Committee was told that large numbers of frontline jobs at Heathrow were at risk unless operations resumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Virgin Atlantic on Tuesday that it is cutting more than 3,000 jobs in the UK and ending its operation at Gatwick airport for the time being .
Virgin Atlantic , which is in the process of applying for emergency loans from the government , said that jobs will be lost across the board .
The airline currently employs a total of about 10,000 people .
Meanwhile claims for refunds on cancelled flights are `` through the roof '' , according to Airlines UK 's Mr Alderslade .
He said it was impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requires a refund is given within seven days .
He said there should be a system in place that tells passengers it is physically impossible to comply .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

Mr Holland-Kaye told the Transport Select Committee: "If we are told that the only solution until we can get a vaccine in 12 to 18 months' time is to socially distance in an airport, then tens of thousands of jobs will be cut.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--New Banksy artwork appears at Southampton hospital

A new Banksy artwork has appeared at Southampton General Hospital .
The largely monochrome painting , which is one square metre , was hung in collaboration with the hospital 's managers in a foyer near the emergency department .
It shows a young boy kneeling by a wastepaper basket dressed in dungarees and a T-shirt .
He has discarded his Spiderman and Batman model figures in favour of a new favourite action hero - an NHS nurse .
The nurse 's arm is outstretched and pointing forward in the fashion of Superman on a mission .
She is wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an apron with the Red Cross emblem ( the only element of colour in the picture ) .
The artist left a note for hospital workers , which read : `` Thanks for all you 're doing .
I hope this brightens the place up a bit , even if its only black and white . ''
The painting will remain at Southampton General Hospital until the autumn when it will be auctioned to raise money for the NHS .
Paula Head , CEO of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been directly impacted with the tragic loss of much loved and respected members of staff and friends .
`` The fact that Banksy has chosen us to recognise the outstanding contribution everyone in and with the NHS is making , in unprecedented times , is a huge honour . ''
She added : `` It will be really valued by everyone in the hospital , as people get a moment in their busy lives to pause , reflect and appreciate this piece of art .
It will no doubt also be a massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is cared for at our hospital . ''
The artwork is now on view to staff and patients on Level C of the Southampton General .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

She added: "It will be really valued by everyone in the hospital, as people get a moment in their busy lives to pause, reflect and appreciate this piece of art. It will no doubt also be a massive boost to morale for everyone who works and is cared for at our hospital."


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Police officer attacked during West Hendon chase

A Met Police officer was attacked while pursuing a suspect in north-west London .
Police had been pursuing a vehicle @ @ @ @ @ Hendon , shortly after 19:00 BST when one occupant got out .
Scotland Yard confirmed @ @ @ @ @ the suspect in an alleyway , was seriously assaulted during a `` struggle '' .
@ @ @ @ @ later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder .
A force spokesperson said the officer , @ @ @ @ @ to be life-threatening , had not been stabbed .

A force spokesperson said the officer, whose injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, had not been stabbed.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus mutations: Scientists puzzle over impact

Researchers in the US and UK have identified hundreds of mutations to the virus which causes the disease Covid-19 .
But none has yet established what this will mean for virus spread in the population and for how effective a vaccine might be .
Viruses mutate - it 's what they do .
The question is : which of these mutations actually do anything to change the severity or infectiousness of the disease ?
Preliminary research from the US has suggested one particular mutation - D614G - is becoming dominant and could make the disease more infectious .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and formally published .
The researchers , from the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico , have been tracking changes to the `` spike '' of the virus that gives it its distinctive shape , using a database called the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data ( GISAID ) .
They noted there seems to be something about this particular mutation that makes it grow more quickly - but the consequences of this are not yet clear .
The research team analysed UK data from coronavirus patients in Sheffield .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus seemed to have a larger amount of the virus in their samples , they did n't find evidence that those people became sicker or stayed in hospital for longer .
Another study from University College London ( UCL ) identified 198 recurring mutations to the virus .
One of its authors , Professor Francois Balloux , said : `` Mutations in themselves are not a bad thing and there is nothing to suggest SARS-CoV-2 is mutating faster or slower than expected .
`` So far , we can not say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lethal and contagious . ''
A study from the University of Glasgow , which also analysed mutations , said these changes did not amount to different strains of the virus .
They concluded that only one type of the virus is currently circulating .
Monitoring small changes to the structure of the virus is important in understanding the development of vaccines .
Take the 'flu virus : it mutates so fast that the vaccine has to be adjusted every year to deal with the specific strain in circulation .
Many of the Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spikes of the virus - the idea is that getting your body to recognise a unique element of the spike will help it to fight off the whole virus .
But if that spike is changing , a vaccine developed this way could become less effective .
At the moment this is all theoretical .
Scientists do n't yet have enough information to say what changes to the virus 's genome will mean .
Dr Lucy van Dorp , UCL study co-author , said being able to analyse a large number of virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development efforts '' .
However , she told the BBC : `` I love genomes , but there is only so much they can say . ''

Many of the Covid-19 vaccines currently in development target the distinctive spikes of the virus - the idea is that getting your body to recognise a unique element of the spike will help it to fight off the whole virus. But if that spike is changing, a vaccine developed this way could become less effective.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Neil Ferguson to face no police action for 'undermining' lockdown

Former government adviser Prof Neil Ferguson will not face police action after he accepted making an `` error of judgment '' by breaching social distancing rules .
Scotland Yard said Prof Ferguson 's behaviour was `` plainly disappointing '' , but ruled out issuing a fine .
The force said he `` has taken responsibility '' after resigning as a government adviser on the epidemic .
The mathematician and epidemiologist 's modelling of the spread of coronavirus was key to the government 's decision to bring in the lockdown .
His resignation came after the Daily Telegraph reported that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relationship with visited his home on at least two occasions during the lockdown .
In a statement , Scotland Yard said it was committed to supporting `` adherence to the government guidance '' .
But it added : `` It is clear in this case that whilst this behaviour is plainly disappointing , Prof Ferguson has accepted that he made an error of judgment and has taken responsibility for that .
`` We therefore do not intend to take any further action . ''
The force declined to say whether it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers are being advised to explain the law to those breaching the guidance , however , if someone refuses to follow the regulations police can issue an on-the-spot fine of £60 .
• What are social distancing and self-isolation rules ?
• What can the police fine you for doing ?
Downing Street said Boris Johnson agreed with Prof Ferguson 's decision to resign , but denied that the government had pushed for him to step down .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said No 10 was informed `` just before '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Health Secretary Matt Hancock described Prof Ferguson 's actions as `` extraordinary '' , telling Sky News that it was `` just not possible '' for him to continue advising the government .
He praised Prof Ferguson as a `` very eminent '' scientist whose work had been `` important '' in the government 's response but said social distancing rules were `` there for everyone '' and were `` deadly serious '' .
Prof Ferguson 's modelling of the virus 's transmission suggested 250,000 people could die without drastic action .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown on 23 March .
Under those measures , people were told to go out as little as possible , with partners who live separately later being told they should `` ideally '' stay in their own homes .
In a statement , Prof Ferguson said : `` I accept I made an error of judgement and took the wrong course of action .
`` I acted in the belief that I was immune , having tested positive for coronavirus and completely isolated myself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear messages around the continued need for social distancing . ''
He also called the government advice on social distancing `` unequivocal '' , adding that it was there `` to protect all of us '' .
Despite Prof Ferguson 's comments , it is currently unclear whether people who have recovered from the virus will be immune or able to catch it again .
BBC medical correspondent Fergus Walsh said `` Neil Ferguson will know the science is very much developing '' on immunity - and the government was not advising people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had already had the disease .
Sir Robert Lechler , president of the Academy of Medical Sciences , said he did not think Prof Ferguson 's resignation would `` have any material impact '' on the work of advisory group Sage .
He told the BBC that Prof Ferguson had made `` an important contribution '' but he was sure the group would `` continue to provide valuable input '' .
Prof Ferguson 's resignation comes a month after Scotland 's chief medical officer , Dr Catherine Calderwood , quit when it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making two trips to her second home .
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was right that Prof Ferguson had resigned .
`` We all have a role to play in the fight against the virus , '' Sir Keir 's spokesman said .
`` That means taking responsibility and following the official advice . ''
Conservative MP Sir John Redwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resignation would not matter to the public .
`` What matters to the nation is are we getting the right advice and how do we get through this dreadful crisis ? ''
he said .

BBC medical correspondent Fergus Walsh said "Neil Ferguson will know the science is very much developing" on immunity - and the government was not advising people to carry on as normal if they had already had the disease.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Ibstock pub landlord fined after drinkers found in cellar

A pub landlord has been fined and served a prohibition order after breaching coronavirus regulations eight times since March .
Leicestershire Police issued several warnings to The Boot Inn in Ibstock after `` regular activity '' at the pub .
During a raid three drinkers were found hiding in the cellar , and were issued with fixed penalty notices .
The local council said disregarding the prohibition order could lead to the loss of the landlord 's alcohol licence .
Ignoring the order could also lead to criminal charges .
North West Leicestershire District Council said the prohibition order was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the county .
• Latest news and stories from the East Midlands Councillor Andrew Woodman said the landlord had shown `` a continued disregard '' for the wellbeing of residents and the NHS .
The order was issued after several warnings were made to the landlord about `` regular activity at the premises in recent weeks '' .
The landlord could not be reached for comment .
Pubs and restaurants were ordered to shut on 20 March , as part of the UK 's attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ served prohibition notices .
The Staffordshire Arms in Burngreave was shut down on 8 April , while drinkers at The Pitsmoor Hotel were found hiding in cupboards during a police raid on 29 April .
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The Staffordshire Arms in Burngreave was shut down on 8 April, while drinkers at The Pitsmoor Hotel were found hiding in cupboards during a police raid on 29 April.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Baby Archie: Duchess of Sussex reads to son to mark his first birthday

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have marked their son 's first birthday by releasing a video of Meghan reading to a beaming Archie .
The clip , filmed by Prince Harry , shows the duchess reading Duck !
Rabbit !
- one of Archie 's favourite books .
It was posted on Instagram as part of a Save the Children fundraising campaign for children and families struggling due to coronavirus .
Archie , sitting on his mother 's lap , smiles and grips the book throughout .
The couple are believed to have filmed the clip in the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be seen grabbing at the pages and at one point appears on the verge of tears before breaking into a smile .
Prince Harry can be heard laughing in the background at various moments throughout the clip .
In the video , Archie - who Meghan calls `` Arch '' - is seen wriggling around and reaching for another book midway through the story .
He later drops the second book on the floor .
When the duchess tucks it down the side of the chair out of sight , he reaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it on the floor - prompting a laugh from Prince Harry .
At the end of the story , the duchess cuddles her son and says `` good job '' , while Prince Harry cheers `` bravo '' .
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on 6 May 2019 , weighing 7lb 3oz .
His parents introduced Archie to cameras at Windsor Castle a few days after his birth .
On Wednesday , he received birthday wishes from the Queen , the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall , and the Duke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Duck !
Rabbit !
, written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld , asks children to work out whether pictures on the pages are of ducks or rabbits .
A caption for the video , shared on Save the Children 's UK account , reads : `` 'Duck !
Rabbit ! '
with Meghan , the Duchess of Sussex ( and Harry , the Duke of Sussex behind the camera ) ...
Happy Birthday , Archie ! ''
It added : `` Thank you Duchess Meghan for helping us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal . ''
The video is part of the charity 's Save with Stories campaign to support children who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic .
Funds raised in the UK will go towards Save the Children UK 's emergency grants programme to help vulnerable families purchase basic items and food , according to the charity .

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bbcuk--2020-05-06--Co-op stabbing: Church warden John Rees killed in Penygraig

An 88-year-old man who died in a knife attack in a shop in south Wales has been named as John Rees .
The church warden had been shopping in the Co-op , in Penygraig , Rhondda , when he was stabbed at about 13:45 BST on Tuesday .
A 29-year-old woman from Porth has been arrested on suspicion of murder .
Another man is said to be in a stable condition at the University Hospital of Wales , in Cardiff .
Two other people have non-life-threatening injuries .
The grandfather , from Tonypandy , had left his wife Eunice in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go into the village store on Tylacelyn Road for their weekly groceries when he was killed .
His family paid tribute to Mr Rees in a statement , saying : `` John was the very definition of a good man , extremely respected and liked in the community .
`` He was proud of his family , proud to be a Welshman and devoted to All Saints Church .
We will all miss him terribly . ''
Another family friend said Mr Rees was a `` pillar of the community '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Uncle John , he was that sort of man , '' he said .
`` He was a church warden and never had a bad word to say about anyone .
`` He was the perfect gentleman . ''
The grandfather-of-two had worked for the South Wales Electricity Board before he retired .
`` He was a gentleman - a pillar of the community , always very pleasant - just a very lovely person , '' she said .
`` It was a nightmare to hear what happened yesterday .
I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrible . ''
Ms Jones said she had known Mr Rees since she was a teenager working in the Co-op herself .
One of the other people injured has been named locally as nurse Lisa Way , who is understood to have been taken to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant for treatment .
`` I heard she went to help out and got caught up in the middle of the fight , '' said Ms Jones , who described Ms Way as a friend .
Det Ch Insp Mark O'Shea , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team , said the force was not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident .
`` This is a very tragic incident and one man has died and his family is being supported by specially trained police officers , '' he said .
`` Our thoughts and condolences remain with the victim 's family at this very sad time . ''
He added : `` This incident will have understandably caused a lot of shock in the local community and I want to reassure residents that a full investigation has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the village , Ch Supt Dorian Lloyd said it had been a `` dreadful '' incident for the community .
The MP for Rhondda Chris Bryant said he understood Mr Rees would ring the village church bells on Thursdays for key workers during the coronavirus outbreak .
Writing on social media , he said his office was trying to arrange for the bells to be rung in his memory this Thursday .
South Wales Police said it would refer the incident to the Independent Office of Police Conduct , following `` prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The IOPC said it was awaiting a formal referral from the force `` which will be assessed to decide whether any IOPC investigation is required '' .


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Isle of Wight reacts to contact-tracing app

Best known for its white chalk rocks and annual music festival , the Isle of Wight is now at the centre of a government trial that leaders hope will help bring the country out of lockdown .
The coronavirus contact-tracing app goes live to all islanders on Thursday , but there are mixed feelings on the eve of its public release .
The app went live for local authority and health workers at 16:00 BST on Tuesday - two days before it goes live to the rest of the island .
But parish councillor Daryll Pitcher has refused to download @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome being used as a `` guinea pig '' .
`` I am greatly concerned that this trial has been imposed on the Isle of Wight and I believe that the final say should have been local , '' he said .
• What is the UK 's new contact tracing app ?
Mr Pitcher , who is the Covid-19 response co-ordinator for the island 's Wootton village , said he had concerns regarding his civil liberties and data security , because the app traces anyone who has recently been in contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he felt the island was `` not a suitable testing area '' due to its demographics and geography , both of which vary from the UK 's national average .
`` There is no point testing in an area you can be reasonably certain it will never work , '' he added .
'We have to do something' Shaun Davis , from Newport , said he was `` all for '' the app and believes there has been `` a lot of positivity '' about it from fellow islanders .
Mr Davis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to organisations including the NHS and Ministry of Defence , said he did not share other people 's data security concerns .
`` Smartphones are traceable even without the app .
We have to do something - the virus is n't going anywhere and we ca n't all remain in our homes indefinitely , '' he said .
The 36-year-old told the Press Association that using the app could lead to the eventual easing of lockdown and strict social distancing .
`` I had to chuckle at Matt Hancock 's comment , 'where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of Britain will follow ' , because it has been joked that the Isle of Wight has always been a generation behind the rest of the country - so there 's a first for everything . ''
A nurse living on the island , who wants to remain anonymous , said the app `` needs to be part of an effective strategy , otherwise it 's a gimmick '' .
`` The idea of using technology to support public health is an excellent idea , '' he said .
`` The issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what good is that if we 're bankrupt or dead ?
It 's about effectiveness and competence . ''
The nurse said the NHS `` does n't have a strong history '' of effective IT systems , noting that his own practice still uses paper for records , referrals and clinical requests .
He said he would download the app `` in the absence of an alternative '' , but was critical of how the government had managed the crisis overall .
`` I think this government wants to stamp a 'made in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Ben South , a 999 call handler , was among a group of NHS workers observed by the media and Cabinet Office staff as he installed the app moments after it went live to key workers .
He said : `` Initially there 's a screen to ask if you have any symptoms and if you do n't , it will advise you to stay off the app and to come back when you do display any symptoms .
`` All you need to do is put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully signed up and ready to go . ''
Asked what he would say to anyone who had concerns or doubts about using the app , he said : `` I 'd just say how easy it is to use and how important it is to use - it 's important to keep our NHS running and the country running . ''
'The Isle of Wight is ideal' Councillor Debbie Andre who leads the biggest opposition group , Island Independents , on the Isle of Wight Council , has downloaded the app on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind it .
Mrs Andre said : `` I think it falls to all of us to do everything we possibly can to conquer this virus and prevent a second spike coming back especially on the island , as we have one hospital who have been doing a fantastic job . ''
And on the Isle of Wight being the centre of attention in the UK 's response to the pandemic , she said : `` We are unique in terms of the fact we are an island , but we are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major cities .
`` So it makes us ideal , and it 's not the first time we have been in the spotlight .
`` We have a long history of scientific innovation , marine technology - we are the boating centre of the world with Cowes - so the island is quite use to being in the spotlight in a way . ''

Asked what he would say to anyone who had concerns or doubts about using the app, he said: "I'd just say how easy it is to use and how important it is to use - it's important to keep our NHS running and the country running."


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus schools return: Can you really keep children 2m apart?

Re-opening schools is going to be one of the biggest symbolic steps towards loosening the lockdown .
It has divided opinion about whether it can be safe - and who should go back first .
But there are places , such as Denmark and Germany , where it 's already happening .
`` There was anxiety in the community , '' says Dom Maher , head of the international section of St Josef 's school in Roskilde , on the Danish island of Zealand .
`` A large percentage of parents were in two minds , '' he says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wait a few days to see . ''
But almost three weeks after re-opening , he thinks it has worked better than might have been expected .
Children were relieved to be back and parents have become more confident about safety - and numbers attending schools have steadily risen .
Primary school children have returned first in Denmark , and a system is in place to keep children in small groups and with as little contact with others as possible .
They spend their school day in a kind of virtual cocoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These micro-groups of pupils arrive at a separate time , eat their lunch separately , stay in their own zones in the playground and are taught by one teacher .
There are about a dozen pupils in these groups .
Social distancing means that 's about the maximum number who can go into one room , which requires dividing classes and teaching staff .
• Teachers warn of virus spike if return to school too early • Schools will reopen in phases , says education secretary • What will be the 'new normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are structured where you have primary and lower secondary in the same school , '' says Mr Maher .
That means there is space to spread out , with only about half of the usual thousand pupils on site .
`` We 've had enough classrooms to do that - if school opening went ahead where all students were back , it would be a real struggle , '' says the head .
`` We would n't have enough classrooms and would have to start doing morning and afternoon shifts . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge amount of hand washing and sterilising .
`` There is pretty much hourly washing going on , '' says , Mr Maher , so much so that the new problem is skin irritation and eczema .
But he says the idea of perfect social distancing with small children is not realistic .
`` Most of them are pretty good with it and mindful of space .
But they do forget , '' he says .
There are no face masks - either for pupils or teachers .
Dorte Lange , vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says this lack of personal protection has n't been an issue , because the medical advice has focused on the strategy of keeping pupils distanced , in isolated groups , and a strong emphasis on hygiene .
`` We are glad to say the re-opening up to now has been quite successful , '' the union leader told the BBC .
Teachers who have health issues , or who have family members who might be at risk , can teach online from home , she says .
Some of the Danish and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first in Denmark - older students in Germany • Smaller groups of students so social distancing can be maximised • Groups maintained for duration of the day • In Germany , face masks in communal areas in line with the national plan But she suggests the mood has shifted towards wanting to get children into school again .
`` We can see many of the older students are not thriving at home .
They really need to be back in the community of the school , '' she says .
There has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' unions , local authorities and government , says Ms Lange .
If a further opening of schools were to increase the rate of infection , she says there would have to be a change of plan .
`` But if they say it 's safe to open for older kids , we 'll make it possible . ''
There are still worries among parents , including a Facebook page with worries about not treating children as `` guinea pigs '' .
Sirin posted to say she has kept her four-year-old at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` asks me every day when she 's going to kindergarten again and that she misses her friends so much '' .
`` So I thought about sending them off in about two weeks - since I do n't think this virus will be gone for a long time and I have to start working at some point . ''
Another mother says she feels pressured into sending her child into school .
`` I 'm not comfortable with it .
And I have my grandma who 's on vacation with us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a one-way sign into a school , indicating the highly-structured nature of the Covid-19-shaped school day .
Ida Storm Jansen , an administrator in Copenhagen International School , says about 10 students are allowed per classroom .
It 's an international school but all such schools have to follow their countries ' health advice .
`` I had a great conversation with a four year old .
He said we used to sit on the carpet and now we sit on the tape marks , '' she says .
The system of isolating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practical than only relying on social distancing , she suggests .
`` Frankly it 's impossible .
When they play , of course they forget , '' she says .
But with constant hand washing and minimal contact with any other group , she says there is an effective system - and children have adapted to it very quickly .
Ms Jansen says fears of a `` big backlash from parents '' over re-opening did n't materialise - and children were relieved to be back with their friends .
When some schools opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of planning went down to individual seating plans .
Shaun Roberts , principal of the Cologne International School , says there is a fixed place for each student - so that if someone is found with the virus , the contact tracers will know exactly who was sitting nearest .
In Germany , it 's the oldest year groups which have gone back first .
The top class is revising for the Abitur , the German equivalent of A-levels , which have not been cancelled .
Exam halls are one of the few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is a one-way system in the corridors to minimise contact , break times are staggered , there is a strict cleaning regime - and face masks are worn in common areas .
`` People do what they have to do without making a fuss , '' says Mr Roberts .
But it is n't `` business as usual '' .
The school days are shorter and mixed with online lessons , so different year groups can share classrooms which might now only hold 10 pupils .
And there are staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their health issues or because of concerns about someone in their family .
`` The great unspoken '' , he says is that schools might have re-opened , but there are limits to what can be provided .
France and The Netherlands will be the next to open schools next week - with strong opinions for and against returning .
And plans for schools in the UK will become clearer in the next few days .
Mr Roberts in Cologne describes it as a `` journey back to normality '' , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and into the autumn .
It might only be beginning - but he says , it has to start somewhere .

France and The Netherlands will be the next to open schools next week - with strong opinions for and against returning. And plans for schools in the UK will become clearer in the next few days.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--A 'difficult day' on the Covid frontline

The BBC has been granted exclusive access to University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie , North Lanarkshire , including the intensive care unit which has been at the centre of the struggle to save lives in the coronavirus pandemic .
Day and night in intensive care the lights blaze , the monitors beep and the machines buzz .
It is bright and it is noisy but for the patients this is the twilight world , a place where the darkness deepens .
No-one wants to be here , far less to return , but nor do they have a choice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being wheeled back in to the unit he left four days ago .
His kidneys are struggling to cope with Covid-19 and he needs filtration treatment .
`` Ca n't breathe , '' he mumbles as a nurse hooks him up to a jumble of clear plastic tubes and red , yellow and green cables .
A few minutes later John manages a few words , telling us how he was admitted to the hospital three weeks ago and had hoped to be back home with his beloved border collie , Cody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been given makes him hallucinate , he says , a common experience for patients in intensive care and one he describes as `` a bit scary '' .
Doctors here at Monklands say the ubiquitous public health advice - to stay home , protect the NHS and save lives - has worked but they also warn that the first wave of infection to hit Scotland is still washing ashore .
The number of coronavirus patients here has fallen sharply in the past couple of weeks but the average length of a stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Many of those who remain are extremely sick and cases like John 's , where patients need to be readmitted to the intensive care unit , are common .
On the day we filmed in Monklands - Friday 1 May - seven coronavirus patients died , the highest number the hospital had seen in any 24-hour period since the outbreak began .
In intensive care , we met senior nurse Abigail McSherry as she was putting together a pack of memories for the family of one patient who had just died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the patient 's time in the unit , a drawing of a tree based on his handprint and a pair of knitted hearts - one to go with the body , the other to be sent out to the man 's family .
Partners of patients are only allowed in the hospital under very limited circumstances , essentially for births and deaths .
Even then , to enter a Covid ward , visitors have to don the same personal protective equipment ( PPE ) as staff - gloves , aprons , masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , '' says Ms McSherry of the man who had just died .
`` It was very important because they 'd spent their whole life together , from primary school right through .
So , it was very important that we let her in . ''
`` I got his wife to give his wee heart a kiss , '' she adds .
Medical staff are used to dealing with death but that does n't mean they do n't feel its sting .
`` The staff have had a difficult day today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marie McGroarty .
`` We had a death this morning and then another death there , and that gentleman in particular has got no family , '' she says .
`` So that 's hard for them . ''
As a gesture of compassion for a deceased patient who has no-one to mourn for them , she says , staff stand in respectful silence while the body is taken from the ward .
`` That 's just something that helps the staff get through this , '' she tells us .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` we 've been at this from maybe the second week , the third week of January . ''
The coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes , Covid-19 , came early to Monklands because the hospital houses one of Scotland 's four regional infectious diseases units , with some of the first cases in the country arriving in special ambulance transfers at the end of January , according to Dr Nick Kennedy , a consultant in the unit .
`` It 's a strange illness , the likes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he says .
The unusual virus prompted an unprecedented response , a wholesale transformation of this ageing district general hospital with one aim above all - increasing critical care capacity .
In just three weeks in February and March , says chief nurse Karen Goudie , Monklands was fundamentally redesigned and restructured to handle Covid-19 .
Ms Goudie points out new walls , new barriers and new rooms as she explains how the entire building was divided into two separate pathways in an attempt to stop the coronavirus spreading - red for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them ; green for non-Covid .
`` Monklands is 40 years old , '' says chief of medical services Dr Rory Mackenzie .
`` We have advanced plans for a new hospital .
The lack of single rooms is a real challenge for us in terms of managing some of these issues .
So having a new hospital would have made this so much easier to deal with . ''
Instead , Dr Mackenzie and his team had to be creative .
As one of the few areas with a plentiful supply of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was selected to become a high dependency unit ( HDU ) while the original HDU became an intensive care facility .
Operating theatres were converted to house intensive care beds .
Before the pandemic Monklands had the ability to ventilate five patients at any one time .
At the peak , a few weeks ago , 15 patients were on ventilators and Dr Mackenzie says the hospital could now provide 20 ventilated beds if necessary .
For a while the hospital was running three separate intensive care units instead of one .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red , one green .
`` This is not the health service we had two months ago .
This is a different health service , '' says lead intensive care consultant Dr Sanjiv Chohan .
Maintaining such a high level of critical care capacity is putting enormous demands on staff and resources .
`` I do n't think it 's sustainable , '' cautions Monklands ' head of emergency medicine Dr Fiona Hunter .
These days Dr Hunter oversees , in effect , two accident and emergency departments - again , one red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-Covid - a situation she believes must persist while the virus remains prevalent in the population .
For now that means two senior consultants on site at all times , rather than one .
It means double the number of reception staff .
It means more expensive equipment and the cancellation of leave .
For Dr Hunter it even meant postponing her own wedding , which should have taken place on 28 March , a difficult decision , she says , but `` the right thing to do '' .
`` It allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help with the fight in this department against Covid , '' she says .
It 's not just the emergency department which is feeling the strain .
Elsewhere in the hospital , physiotherapists and nurses who usually work in day surgery , operating theatres and the endoscopy unit have been seconded to intensive care .
At the same time the demand for some of those services has risen .
Many Covid-19 patients have intense fatigue and continue to require a great deal of help with rehabilitation , says Kirstin Cleary , a specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care .
`` Even though we 're past the peak there 's going to be a massive impact on physiotherapy services , social care services and services in the community because these patients are going to need a lot of rehab to help them recover from this , '' she says .
Right now the dilemma for Monklands is that it simply can not handle its normal patient traffic while it is configured for a pandemic and yet if there is `` recrudescence '' - another outbreak - intensive care may be overwhelmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the worst of this current outbreak , and undoubtedly we 've seen that in terms of the figures that come through the hospital , '' says Dr Kennedy in the infectious diseases unit .
`` The trouble is , of course , we do n't have an effective treatment .
We do n't have a vaccine .
And so there is every risk that we could have a second wave , '' he adds .
It 's not just here .
Managers across the NHS are now grappling with the challenge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe level while also preparing for an expected rise in emergency admissions as the lockdown eases , and the return of patients with other serious illnesses , whose absence during the past couple of months has apparently led to a rise in preventable deaths from heart attacks , strokes and other causes .
`` The overall occupancy of the hospital has been down , '' explains Dr Mackenzie , and while `` that has made it easier to cope with the Covid patients , the main concern we 've got is there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] have n't been attending the hospital . ''
Matthew Weir from Coatbridge is one of them .
He is being treated in the infectious diseases unit for a lung infection .
It 's a fate that Matthew , 34 , could probably have avoided had he not put off seeking medical help because of his fears about catching the coronavirus .
`` If I 'm honest I probably left it a little bit too long , which is why I ended up staying here rather than it just being treated with antibiotics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
Dr Hunter , in the emergency department , says the pandemic is forcing a rapid reassessment of the balance between providing services in hospital and in the community .
She says the hospital has set up a line for paramedics to seek `` advice and perhaps a bit of back-up '' from consultants on when a patient can safely be cared for in the community , perhaps in a clinic , rather than in hospital .
`` That 's something that they did n't have access to before Covid but a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on after Covid , '' she says , adding , `` I think it 's made a big difference for patient care , by reducing unnecessary admissions to hospital '' .
When it comes to cases that do require hospital treatment though , Dr Hunter is keen to stress that `` we are open for business '' .
That 's the message in intensive care too where coach driver John Johnston is struggling with the effects of Covid-19 .
John has underlying kidney issues and has developed a lung infection .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to breathe but leaves him unable to talk .
Instead he communicates , with great effort , by writing on a small plastic board .
I ask him if he can sum up his message to the staff here .
`` There are too many words to say to them , '' he manages to write before stopping to wipe away tears .
This pandemic has clearly brought immense and painful challenges for patients and staff alike .
Irene Norwood , a 51-year-old housewife from Cumbernauld , is back in the intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank you .
After a brush with death she is on the mend .
She tells us she only has fragments of memory about her time being treated in here for Covid-19 .
`` I remember lying in bed at night thinking the machines were talking to each other .
I think I must have been hallucinating , '' she says .
Irene also recalls a doctor telling her that she was being put on a ventilator and that she should telephone her loved ones because she might not survive .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they said , 'we need to get her to call her family ' .
`` I spoke to my husband and my sons .
You can only say what 's in your heart , '' she recalls .
`` If you do n't say it you might never have got the chance . ''
Irene is hoping to leave hospital today and has a simple message for the public .
`` I do n't think people understand the severity of this illness and that 's what people need to learn .
They do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no reason . ''
Coronavirus : Scotland 's Response is on BBC One Scotland at 20:30 on Wednesday 6 May and on the iplayer .

It's not just here. Managers across the NHS are now grappling with the challenge of how to maintain critical care at a safe level while also preparing for an expected rise in emergency admissions as the lockdown eases, and the return of patients with other serious illnesses, whose absence during the past couple of months has apparently led to a rise in preventable deaths from heart attacks, strokes and other causes.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Behind every door: Life in coronavirus lockdown

Since the lockdown started , back in March , we ’ ve been telling ourselves that we ’ re “ @ @ @ @ @ .
With local Whatsapp groups offering help and support , and Thursday night ’ s @ @ @ @ @ lockdown has often felt like a collective experience .
But as our diplomatic correspondent Paul @ @ @ @ @ is rather different .
Over the past few weeks , he ’ s been finding @ @ @ @ @ of people living close to him , in south-west London

Since the lockdown started, back in March, we’ve been telling ourselves that we’re “all in this together”.
With local Whatsapp groups offering help and support, and Thursday night’s clap for carers, the lockdown has often felt like a collective experience.
But as our diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams reports, the truth is rather different.
Over the past few weeks, he’s been finding out about the lockdown lives of people living close to him, in south-west London.
Video journalist Rachael Thorn


bbcuk--2020-05-06--‘Hospital at home’ to shield the vulnerable

Some older people who become acutely ill and need hospital care are now getting it at home .
New services @ @ @ @ @ speed in some parts of the UK , aimed at preventing those who are frail @ @ @ @ @ go into hospital where there 's a risk of catching COVID-19 .
Doctors say they @ @ @ @ @ fast to protect patients here when they saw the tragic deaths of so many older @ @ @ @ @

Some older people who become acutely ill and need hospital care are now getting it at home.
New services are being rolled out at speed in some parts of the UK, aimed at preventing those who are frail and vulnerable from having to go into hospital where there's a risk of catching COVID-19.
Doctors say they knew they had to act fast to protect patients here when they saw the tragic deaths of so many older people in hospitals abroad.
Reporter: Sophie Hutchinson
Producer: Rachael Buchanan
Editor: Dianne King


bbcuk--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Why do I need to be tested?

Why do I need to be tested ?
BBC Reality Check breaks down what is coronavirus testing and why it @ @

Countries across the world are approaching coronavirus testing differently. Reality Check's Chris Morris explains what testing is and why it matters.
Motion graphics by Jaqueline Galvin. Filmed by Myles Burke. Produced by Soraya Auer.


bbcuk--2020-05-06--VE Day choir sings online to entertain Worcestershire pensioners

Joan Johnson and Don Butler have vivid memories of VE Day .
For Joan , who was a war-time nurse @ @ @ @ @ she met her future husband .
Don , who was just a boy , enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ marking the day the war in Europe ended in 1945 is going to be muted @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
Joan and Don , like many others , are in isolation at their @ @ @ @ @ , Worcestershire .
So the party is coming to them thanks to the Boogaloo Vintage @ @ @ @ @ Voices choir , based in Solihull and Warwickshire .
The music will be played throughout @ @ @ @ @ will get song sheets .

Joan Johnson and Don Butler have vivid memories of VE Day.
For Joan, who was a war-time nurse, it was the day she met her future husband.
Don, who was just a boy, enjoyed a street party.
But marking the day the war in Europe ended in 1945 is going to be muted affair because of the coronavirus outbreak. Joan and Don, like many others, are in isolation at their sheltered housing complex in Redditch, Worcestershire.
So the party is coming to them thanks to the Boogaloo Vintage Harmony Group and the Pop Voices choir, based in Solihull and Warwickshire.
The music will be played throughout the gardens and all tenants will get song sheets.
Video journalist: Catherine Mackie