bbcuk--2020-08-23--Coronavirus: Charities warn of alcohol problems increasing in lockdown

Alcohol charities are warning of the dangers of more people drinking during the pandemic .
Addiction services say they have @ @ @ @ @ and different groups of people trying to access help .
One support organisation has recorded @ @ @ @ @ people contacting its online service in Scotland .
They are calling for more resources to @ @ @ @ @ Nick Davis was already in recovery when lockdown started and has had to find new @ @ @ @ @ If you 're concerned about addiction , BBC Action Line has help and support .
@ @ @ @ @ became alcoholic during lockdown '

Alcohol charities are warning of the dangers of more people drinking during the pandemic.
Addiction services say they have seen an increase in referrals and different groups of people trying to access help.
One support organisation has recorded a 200% increase in people contacting its online service in Scotland.
They are calling for more resources to continue to help.
Musician Nick Davis was already in recovery when lockdown started and has had to find new ways to stay sober.
If you're concerned about addiction, BBC Action Line has help and support.
Read more: 'I became alcoholic during lockdown'


bbcuk--2020-08-23--Coronavirus: 'Inevitable and necessary differences' with Scotland school return

The UK 's chief medical adviser , Prof Chris Whitty , has said children are more likely to be harmed @ @ @ @ @ than if they catch coronavirus .
Millions of pupils in England , Wales and Northern @ @ @ @ @ to school within weeks .
Schools have already reopened in Scotland .
BBC 5 live @ @ @ @ @ who is a secondary school teacher in Scotland and national executive member for the NASUWT @ @ @ @ @ He told Nina Warhurst that children were `` very happy to be back '' , @ @ @ @ @ , and there must be a universal approach to guidelines on cleaning and social distancing @

The UK's chief medical adviser, Prof Chris Whitty, has said children are more likely to be harmed by not returning to school than if they catch coronavirus.
Millions of pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are due to return to school within weeks. Schools have already reopened in Scotland.
BBC 5 live spoke to Mike Corbett, who is a secondary school teacher in Scotland and national executive member for the NASUWT Scotland teachers' union.
He told Nina Warhurst that children were "very happy to be back", though there are some differences, and there must be a universal approach to guidelines on cleaning and social distancing.


bbcuk--2020-08-22--'Racism is generally invisible in rural areas'

A woman who has experienced racism in her village said it is often a hidden problem in rural areas .
@ @ @ @ @ , Essex , has set up a campaign called `` Black Lives Matter in the @ @ @ @ @ and raise awareness .
She wants to turn people who are not racist into people @ @ @ @ @ tackle discrimination when they see it .
She said : `` In rural areas , @ @ @ @ @ The reason for this is because the community members who live there , who experience @ @ @ @ @ from community life and do n't tell others about it . ''

A woman who has experienced racism in her village said it is often a hidden problem in rural areas.
Gurpreet Sidhu, from Wivenhoe, Essex, has set up a campaign called "Black Lives Matter in the Stix" to hold events and raise awareness.
She wants to turn people who are not racist into people who are actively anti-racist and tackle discrimination when they see it.
She said: "In rural areas, racism is generally invisible. The reason for this is because the community members who live there, who experience racism, find themselves withdrawing from community life and don't tell others about it."


bbcuk--2020-08-23--Newspaper headlines: PM's plea to parents and UK's 'raving idiots'

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The paper devotes its front page to new research from Public Health England which reveals that teachers are far more likely to transmit the virus than the children in their schools. Two thirds of outbreaks recorded in June and July were found to be either staff-to-staff, or staff-to-pupil transmission.


bbcuk--2020-08-23--Witness describes fatal Southampton boat crash as 'horrific'

A witness has described the `` horrific '' aftermath of a boat crash off Southampton in which a 15-year-old girl died .
The teenager was among 12 people on board a rigid inflatable boat ( RIB ) when it hit a buoy near Netley , in The Solent , on Saturday .
She died in hospital , police said .
Eleven others were taken to hospital , some with serious injuries .
Resident Jonathan Parker-Bray said he saw the injured being stretchered away .
`` We saw the lifeboat try and stretcher some chap off , and we saw a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` And there was a younger girl that was brought off .
`` It 's horrific - a very bad accident and hopefully they will get to the bottom of what happened . ''
According to reports in the Daily Echo , an RNLI spokeswoman said the girl had been with her family on the boat , and two people were flung into the water .
`` The girl was not one of those but there are ramifications of crashing into anything at speed and she suffered impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire Constabulary is investigating the incident , which happened just after 10:00 BST , along with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch .
Officers have refused to name the company which owns the RIB but confirmed it had been on a commercial trip run by a local company .
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and video footage from people who may have been out on the water or seen the incident from a ferry heading to the Isle of Wight at the time .
Det Supt Neil Corrigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident , and our thoughts remain with the young girl 's family at this difficult time .
`` We are now building a picture of what happened on the water that day , and the circumstances leading up to this collision .
`` It is important that we gather as much visual evidence as we can , as well as accounts from any witnesses . ''

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and video footage from people who may have been out on the water or seen the incident from a ferry heading to the Isle of Wight at the time.


bbcuk--2020-08-23--Coronavirus: Outdoor contact sports and bingo halls out of lockdown

People of all ages will be able to take part in organised outdoor contact sports as a number of further @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Bingo halls , amusement arcades , casinos , funfairs and snooker halls will @ @ @ @ @ .
Live events such as concerts and comedy will be permitted outdoors , with physical @ @ @ @ @ restricted audience numbers .
Driving lessons can also resume under the Scottish government rules .
@ @ @ @ @ been in lockdown since coronavirus measures were introduced in March .
Further restrictions are due @ @ @ @ @ ( 31 August ) .
They include the reopening of gyms , swimming pools and @ @ @ @ @ , people over the age of 12 will not be able to take part in @ @ @ @ @ September .

Captain Lauren Park told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland: "It's been a long time coming.... it's going to be the first time since March that we've been able to get together in such a large group and have some competitive touch rugby on the go."


bbcuk--2020-08-23--Emergency services deal with gas explosion at Armagh house

A number of families in Armagh have lost their homes after four properties were seriously damaged in a major fire believed to have been caused by gas cylinders .
Fire crews from different areas of Northern Ireland spent several hours on Sunday trying to bring the blaze under control .
The incident happened in Ardmore Avenue in Armagh city .
No injuries were reported by either the police or firefighters .
However , residents were advised to keep their windows closed .
Northern Ireland Fire Service ( NIFRS ) Station Commander Terry McCann said a `` very serious fire had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the scene on Sunday afternoon .
He said : `` There were two properties involved , also four vans in the driveway of one property and a caravan .
`` All those vehicles were involved in the fire as well . ''
He added : `` There 's been two homes damaged directly by fire and two further homes damaged by smoke and water from firefighting .
`` Thankfully all persons had been removed from the vehicles and from the property as well .
`` There was no explosion , there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have let off small bangs as the fire developed , but there was no explosion as such . ''
More than 30 firefighters were sent to the scene and specialist equipment was brought in from Lisburn , Pomeroy and Belfast .
DUP MLA William Irwin said it was `` frightening footage to see in a built-up area , '' referring to a video circulating online of the fire .
He said `` appreciation and respect must go to the fire service for the swift response to this major incident '' .

"There was no explosion, there were some gas cylinders involved, which might have let off small bangs as the fire developed, but there was no explosion as such."


bbcuk--2020-08-23--Coronavirus: Call to extend eviction ban due to pandemic

There are calls for renters in Wales to get more protection from eviction over fears that homelessness services could `` crack '' under increased demand .
In England - except in certain circumstances - renters will get six months ' notice of their landlord 's plan to evict them until March 2021 .
Shelter Cymru said private renters were among the hardest-hit by the pandemic .
The Welsh Government said it would keep its own six-month notice period , due to expire in September , `` under review '' .
Shelter wants ministers to use emergency coronavirus powers to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in England .
In Scotland , a proposal for six months of notice until March requires approval from the Scottish Parliament , while laws in Northern Ireland include a 12-week notice period .
A YouGov poll of just over 1,000 households in Wales , commissioned by Shelter Cymru , suggested an estimated 15,000 private renters had been threatened with eviction since the start of lockdown .
The charity called the number `` off the scale '' compared to the usual number of about 1,500 renters a year .
At the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so landlords would have to give tenants three months ' notice for eviction , instead of two .
Jennie Bibbings , from Shelter Cymru , said homelessness services in Wales would come under increased pressure when the ban on court-ordered evictions comes to an end on 20 September .
`` We are not out of the woods , more people are going to lose their jobs and their homes , '' she said .
`` The Welsh Government needs to extend the emergency legislation to at least the end of March or ideally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have that breathing space . ''
But the National Residential Landlords Association ( NRLA ) said the extension was `` unacceptable '' and called on government to compensate private landlords for lost income during the pandemic .
Douglas Haig , from the NRLA in Wales , said the courts were needed to deal with cases where tenants were committing anti-social behaviour or hade long-standing rent arrears unrelated to the pandemic .
Latest data from Rent Smart Wales suggests more than 70,000 private tenants have fallen behind on rent payments since the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real name ) , a teaching assistant in Blaenau Gwent , along with her partner , was issued a Section 8 `` notice to quit '' in July , giving the couple three months to pay their rent arrears or move out .
Beth fell behind on her rent after being furloughed from her job in March .
She is hoping to be back to work in September and wants to arrange a repayment plan with her landlord who , she says , is `` not being very communicative '' .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have '' after paying £14,000 in rent over three years .
`` The fact that I 've been a good tenant does n't seem to mean anything , not to my landlord , not to my estate agents , not the government , '' she said .
`` It feels like I should n't even try and build anything going forward because it could all just be taken away from me . ''
She and her partner were given their notice just before the Welsh Government extended the notice period to six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced a loan scheme allowing renters to borrow money to pay back arrears built up during the pandemic and Beth said she hoped she would be eligible to apply .
`` My living plans are uncertain , putting me under a great deal of stress , '' she said .
`` And I 'm going to have to go back in a few weeks ' time and teach our nation 's children and do it with a smile on my face . ''
Ms Bibbings fears landlords could benefit from tenants using the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and run '' , using Section 21 notices , so-called no fault evictions , to get rid of tenants they fear may not be able to pay their rent .
She said putting the six-month notice period in place until at least March would ensure landlords `` ca n't use eviction as a quick fix to get rid of tenants once they 've taken out a loan and they receive that money '' .
`` This is the most important emergency measure that the government needs to take , '' she added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will continue to work closely with stakeholders to monitor impacts in the rented sector . ''

Ms Bibbings fears landlords could benefit from tenants using the loan scheme and "take the money and run", using Section 21 notices, so-called no fault evictions, to get rid of tenants they fear may not be able to pay their rent.


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson says it is 'vitally important' children return to class

It is `` vitally important '' children go back to school , with the life chances of a generation at stake , Boris Johnson has said in a message to parents .
As the autumn term begins in Northern Ireland , the prime minister said the risk of contracting coronavirus at schools across the UK was `` very small '' .
He said `` it is far more damaging for a child 's development and their health ... to be away from school any longer '' .
Mr Johnson 's words echoed those of the UK 's four chief medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint statement alongside deputy chief medical officers to reassure parents schools could mitigate risks during the pandemic .
In Scotland , schools have already reopened .
Some pupils in Northern Ireland are returning to school on Monday , while term starts in England and Wales in September .
• How many confirmed cases are there in your area ?
Mr Johnson thanked school staff for spending the summer `` making classrooms Covid-secure '' , in a statement released on Sunday evening .
And in a video message shared on Twitter , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from not being in the classroom .
`` The best way to tackle any mental health problems is to get our kids into school in September , '' he added .
Citing comments from England 's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty at the weekend , Mr Johnson said the risk of catching coronavirus in school was `` very small and it is far more damaging for a child 's development and their health and wellbeing to be away from school any longer '' .
`` This is why it 's vitally important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the classroom to learn and to be with their friends , '' he added .
`` Nothing will have a greater effect on the life chances of our children than returning to school . ''
Prof Whitty said on Sunday that children were more likely to be harmed by not returning to school next month than if they caught coronavirus .
He cited evidence of children `` much less commonly '' needing hospital treatment or becoming severely ill with coronavirus than adults .
According to the Office for National Statistics ' latest data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded as `` due to Covid-19 '' among those aged 19 and under in England and Wales between March and June - and 46,725 deaths among those aged 20 and over .
And of the more than one million children who attended pre-school and primary schools in England in June , 70 children and 128 staff were infected in outbreaks of the virus , according to a Public Health England study published on Sunday .
It said most of the 30 outbreaks detected in that time had likely been caused by staff members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only two outbreaks thought to involve students infecting other students .
The study also suggested children who went to school during June were more likely to catch coronavirus at home than at school .
Dr Jenny Harries , England 's deputy chief medical officer , told BBC Breakfast the study should `` reassure '' teachers that transmission from students to teachers was rare .
But she said the higher risk of staff-to-staff transmission meant teachers should remember `` when it 's their coffee break , and they get a well-earned rest in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their social distancing , good hand hygiene , all those sorts of things while they have their break , because that does seem to be a risk factor '' .
Separate guidance for reopening schools has been published for England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
Paul Jackson , head teacher of a primary school in east London , told the BBC that it would have been useful to have clearer guidance from the government for school leaders and additional funding to help to pay for extra cleaning and other resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small school , with maybe just 70 pupils or whether you are a large school like us with 750 pupils , the guidance issued is exactly the same , '' he said .
The NEU , the UK 's largest teaching union , said schools are being let down by the lack of a `` plan B '' as they prepare to reopen .
It said more staff , extra teaching space and greater clarity on what to do if there is a spike in cases was needed for schools to reopen safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ITV the responsibility of getting children back to school lay with ministers , not the trade unions , and that the government has failed to send a `` strong and clear message '' to reassure parents .
Simon Kidwell , head teacher at Hartford Manor Primary and Nursery in Northwich , Cheshire , said any inconsistencies in schools ' approach to the virus - such as one closing due to an outbreak , but another staying open - would `` erode parental confidence '' .
Dr Harries said , if a pupil tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local Public Health England team , in line with government guidance for schools in England .
She said `` it may not always be necessary for a [ classroom ] bubble to go into isolation '' and that it will depend on the school 's `` local circumstances '' .
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Sir William Borlase 's Grammar School in Marlow , Buckinghamshire , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme that her school would reopen with safety measures such as Perspex screens around teachers ' desks , and had hired marquees to provide extra classroom space .
But she echoed Mr Jackson 's call for clarity and support , and urged the government to set up a dedicated helpline for educational leaders so that if schools need advice about keeping their sites safe , `` we are not going to be sitting up at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as we were before we went into lockdown '' .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson wrote in the Sunday Times that he wanted to reassure every parent and pupil schools were `` ready for them '' , and the autumn return to schools was `` more important than ever '' .
But he was later forced to defend taking a trip to see family in North Yorkshire this month , amid claims he missed a `` crucial meeting '' a week before A-level results were due .
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Layla Moran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM '' had `` lost faith '' in Mr Williamson .
`` To restore confidence among parents , pupils and teachers the best thing the prime minister could do is sack him , rather than speak for him , '' she said .
• SUMMER PLANS CANCELLED ?
: Joe Wicks is here for you - bringing you sunshine in a podcast • GCSE AND A LEVEL STRESS : How to deal with exam result emotions Have you returned to school or college this week ?
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"The idea is that there aren't as many parents in at the same time. But it's actually been the parents who've been struggling with socially distancing the most - we've had several emails from the school reminding us to stand 2m apart. It feels like being back at school yourself."


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: Overseas students fear losing university places

Overseas students who enrolled on University of Hertfordshire courses last September must settle their debts on Monday or risk being suspended .
An email to a student , sent last week and seen by BBC News , gives a deadline of 24 August for 100 % payment .
The university says it has already extended its payment deadlines .
Hundreds of overseas students from several universities have been relying on food banks since part-time work and family funding ran low during lockdown .
Charity workers who have been helping the students say , of the universities they have been negotiating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hatfield-based institution is currently the earliest .
• Help was 'slow ' to get to international students The university says the extended debt-payment deadlines are pegged to students ' enrolment dates .
`` We amended our payment dates to give all students more time to pay both their accommodation and tuition fees - for example , agreed payment plans with students until next enrolment milestone , '' it said .
Students who started their courses in January had until December to pay , the university said .
Another letter , sent earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to the university 's academic website being withdrawn but says a decision was made to allow them to continue their studies and the block removed .
`` However , if your debt remains and the final instalment of your tuition fees , which are due 24 August 2020 , are not paid , you will be debt chased , '' it says .
`` Your StudyNet will be blocked and you may be withdrawn from your course , if your fees remain unpaid . ''
A spokeswoman for the university confirmed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past few days .
But she added : `` We are happy to discuss and put payment plans in place for any students affected , to give them more time to repay . ''
Newham Community Project , in east London , has been providing food parcels to about 600 students during the pandemic , most in their early 20s and from India .
Many are taking master 's degrees and fear being unable to complete their education .
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our experts have answers • SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How many cases in your area ?
• EUROPE LOCKDOWN : How is it being lifted ?
The pandemic has disrupted studies across higher education in the UK , with closed campuses ending access to labs and libraries and tuition moving online .
International students have to prove they have the funds to cover rent , fees and living expenses before being granted visas .
If they are studying full time at bachelor 's level or higher at a UK university , they are usually allowed to work up to 20 hours a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 means many have lost these part-time jobs , while their families in countries with their own outbreaks can struggle to send money - but international students have no recourse to public funds in the UK .
Laqab Mohammed , of Newham Community Project , has helped more than 300 students negotiate with their universities .
`` Covid 19 has really brutally hit them in the sense that they have come to a foreign country with hopes and aspirations , to further their education and their careers , but it 's derailed their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
`` Their sponsors and their family businesses have been basically frozen .
`` They do n't have the money or the support network . ''
He is concerned part-time work is still scarce and some of the revised payment deadlines do not allow students the leeway to recover financially .
Of the 18 universities where Newham Community Project has intervened , most have agreed flexible payment plans with deadlines late this year or early next .
University of Hertfordshire said it `` has been acutely aware of the impact the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and had directly responded in a number of practical ways to support them , including : • immediate non-repayable grants from a new Covid-19 relief fund • amended payment dates to the next enrolment milestone • rent refunds to students who had moved off campus '' We would urge students experiencing any financial difficulties to please contact the university 's student account management directly to discuss their circumstances and to agree a resolution , '' it added .
Newham Community Project said Anglia Ruskin University , which had been asking for payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have granted extended payment plans .
A 15 September payment deadline is , however , looming for 155 University of East London students , also being represented by the charity .

"Covid 19 has really brutally hit them in the sense that they have come to a foreign country with hopes and aspirations, to further their education and their careers, but it's derailed their plans effectively," he told BBC News.


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: Bailiffs return but are told not to shout

Bailiffs resuming operations in England and Wales are being told to keep their voices down to protect against coronavirus transmission .
They will be chasing unpaid council tax after a five-month suspension .
Debt charities have warned of a surge in cases , prompting financial and health risks .
But a trade body for the sector said vital public services would be affected if councils were unable to collect money that has been owed for months .
A similar pause on evictions was extended on Friday by four weeks .
Part of the government guidance on bailiffs working under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` avoid unduly raising their voice '' .
`` This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission , '' the guidance says .
From Monday , authorities are able to use bailiffs - officially known as enforcement agents - to pursue unpaid bills such as council tax or parking fines .
The debts now being chased would have been unpaid before the coronavirus lockdown .
About half of councils have approved agents to be sent out again , under the stricter guidance required owing to social distancing .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take items except in exceptional circumstances and where it is safe .
The policy will be reviewed in line with government and public health guidance .
`` Councils face a deepening financial crisis because of increased costs and lost revenue during lockdown so it is important that civil enforcement work can resume to recover much needed funding for frontline services , '' said Russell Hamblin-Boone , chief executive of the Civil Enforcement Association , which represents bailiffs .
`` Enforcement action is always a last resort by councils when other collection measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in half of all cases , an affordable payment plan is set up through emails or phone calls . ''
Charities have expressed their concerns that the economic fall-out from the coronavirus crisis could be made worse for some people being pursued by bailiffs .
Jane Tully , from the Money Advice Trust , the charity that runs National Debtline , called for greater protection of those in debt from the government , or an extension to the suspension .
`` There is a real risk of a surge in bailiff action relating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming months , which poses both financial and public health risks , '' she said .
Chris Whitehead , a debt advisor at Citizens Advice Newcastle , said : `` This is a crisis that nobody could have planned for financially and we hear daily from people how tough it 's been for them to deal with the immediate issues of putting food on the table , paying the bills and essentially just getting through the day .
`` But we fear the debt problems , which have been building up during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the schemes aimed at preserving jobs and incomes come to an end over the next few months . ''

Chris Whitehead, a debt advisor at Citizens Advice Newcastle, said: "This is a crisis that nobody could have planned for financially and we hear daily from people how tough it's been for them to deal with the immediate issues of putting food on the table, paying the bills and essentially just getting through the day.


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: More schools ask pupils to wear face coverings

More schools are advising pupils and staff to wear face coverings to help combat coronavirus .
Grantown Grammar School in Grantown on Spey and Millburn Academy in Inverness have both said masks need to be worn between classes .
Children across Scotland are not currently required to wear masks in either primary or high schools .
But Nicola Sturgeon has said this advice could change for secondary school students in the `` near future '' .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has issued fresh guidance saying children over the age of 12 should wear masks and the EIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it will `` will press [ the ] Scottish Government further on face covering protocols in light of WHO advice '' .
In a letter to parents , Grantown Grammar School explained the changes are being introduced because `` corridors are becoming crowded between lessons and at break and lunchtime , even with the one way system '' .
Similar concerns about overcrowding as pupils move between lessons sparked the introduction of face coverings at James Gillespie 's High School in Edinburgh .
The letter to parents at Millburn Academy in Inverness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worn on school buses .
Education campaign group Us for Them Scotland , which says it has 9,500 members , claimed any move to make coverings mandatory for children would cause more harm than good .
Organiser Jo Bisset , said : `` Everyone appreciates the health and safety of pupils and teachers has to be a priority .
`` But forcing children to wear masks when there 's little , if any , scientific evidence to support such a move could be hugely damaging .
`` It could have an extremely negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impairments and conditions such as asthma . ''
The Scottish government has said there is currently no evidence that coronavirus among young people is being transmitted in schools .
A growing number of school pupils have tested positive for Covid-19 , but the government believes the infection has been transmitted in other settings , such as house parties or other indoor gatherings .
• DEATHS : Who is dying and where ?
• RULES : What 's still closed in Scotland and why ?
• QUIZ : Test your knowledge of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you wear one ?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued fresh guidance saying children over the age of 12 should wear masks and the EIS trade union posted a message on Twitter that it will "will press [the] Scottish Government further on face covering protocols in light of WHO advice".


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: Teens' anxiety levels dropped during pandemic, study finds

Anxiety levels among young teenagers dropped during the coronavirus pandemic , a study has suggested .
Thirteen to 14-year-olds were less anxious during lockdown than they had been last October , according to the University of Bristol survey .
They said the results were a `` big surprise '' and it raised questions about the impact of the school environment on teenagers ' mental health .
The findings come after Prof Chris Whitty , the UK 's chief medical adviser , said children were more likely to be harmed by not returning to school than they were if they caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical officers have sought to allay parents ' concerns ahead of schools reopening in England , Wales and Northern Ireland in the coming days .
Schools in Scotland have already returned .
And in a bid to encourage parents to send children back to school , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said it is `` vitally important '' pupils return to the classroom , with the life chances of a generation at stake .
• What can we learn from schools that have reopened ?
• Missing school is 'worse than virus for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 'plan B ' , says union Researchers compared findings from a survey taken in October last year to answers given by teenagers in May this year .
Both girls and boys recorded decreased levels of anxiety during that timeframe .
In October , 54 % of 13 to 14-year-old girls and 26 % of boys of the same age said they felt anxious .
When surveyed in May - several weeks after schools shut to most pupils and nationwide lockdown restrictions came into force - the proportion dropped to 45 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Researchers questioned 1,000 year nine students from 17 secondary schools across the south west of England .
`` With the whole world in the grip of a devastating pandemic , which has thrown everyone 's lives into turmoil , the natural expectation would be to see an increase in anxiety , '' said lead author Emily Widnall .
`` While we saw anxiety levels rise for a few of our participants , it was a big surprise to discover quite the opposite was the case for many of them . ''
Ms Widnall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school before lockdown saw a larger decrease in anxiety , raising questions about how the school environment affects some younger teenagers ' mental well-being .
Some parents said their experience echoed the survey results .
Rebecca from Cardiff , who has a son aged 14 with Asperger 's Syndrome and a 12-year-old boy who is also on the autism spectrum , said both children were happy before but the drop in their stress levels has been `` unbelievable '' .
She said they sleep better and have fewer `` teenage episodes '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not wanting to get ready for school , not wanting to get out of bed '' .
Their grades have also improved because `` removing the social side from education has allowed them to focus on the learning '' , Rebecca said , but added that they were fortunate to have a school which handled online learning well .
Caroline Ryder , from Warwickshire , said her sons , aged 13 and 15 , missed friends but had been happier and calmer , with less conflict over homework or school behaviour issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown learning things from YouTube that were unrelated to the curriculum , such as growing vegetables , bread-making , sewing , home-brewing , carpentry and bicycle maintenance .
`` This whole episode has demonstrated to me that school , in its current format , is not a happy experience for many kids , '' she said .
Others said their children had suffered from the lack of school , however .
Hilary Waddington , from Surrey , has a 14-year-old daughter with autism whose isolation and social anxiety increased during lockdown `` to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the garden in case a neighbour sees her '' .
Dr Judi Kidger , from the University of Bristol , said : `` Our findings raise questions about the role of the school environment in explaining rises in mental health difficulties among teenagers in recent years .
`` As schools reopen , we need to consider ways in which schools can be more supportive of mental health for all students . ''
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the rules now ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
There was a 2 % decrease in boys at risk of depression and a 3 % increase in girls at risk of depression .
The findings have been published in a report for the National Institute for Health Research School for Public Health Research .
Meanwhile , the UK 's largest teaching union has accused the government of letting down pupils , teachers and parents by failing to have a `` plan B '' if infections rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represents more than 450,000 members , said more staff , extra teaching space and greater clarity on what to do if there is a spike in cases is needed for schools to reopen safely .
It is expected that pupils in Northern Ireland going into years seven , 12 and 14 will return to school full-time on Monday , with the rest going back from 31 August .
In England and Wales , pupils will return to school from 1 September .
• SUMMER PLANS CANCELLED ?
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bbcuk--2020-08-24--Edinburgh TV Festival: BBC 'must learn from mistakes', says Lord Hall

The BBC has to be `` an organisation that listens and learns from its mistakes '' , its outgoing director general has said .
Speaking at the virtual Edinburgh TV Festival , Lord Hall also emphasised the crucial role played by public service broadcasters ( PSBs ) in combatting the spread of false information .
`` The PSBs are vital to democracy , they inform us , they educate us , '' he said .
`` In this country they do it for all of us , no matter who you are , you have access to the best .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ marked his final speech as director-general of the BBC , after seven years in the job .
He will be replaced by Tim Davie from 1 September .
Reflecting on his time since taking on the job in 2013 , Lord Hall said : `` I do n't need to remind you that seven years ago we were an organisation in crisis .
`` It was in the wake of the [ Jimmy ] Savile scandal .
There were failings over executive pay-offs and fundamental questions hanging over .
Today , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' But , he added , there are still improvements to be made .
`` I believe diversity of thinking leads to great programmes .
We need to attract people who have different ideas , who come from different backgrounds , have different thoughts about what is important , '' he said .
`` We also have to be an organisation that listens and learns from its mistakes . ''
Lord Hall has personally intervened twice in two BBC scandals in the last year - reversing the corporation 's position on the Naga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the n-word in a news report .
Lord Hall reiterated the corporation 's commitment to spending £100m of its TV budget on improving diversity .
He also outlined plans for the corporation to double its worldwide reach to a billion people by the end of the decade .
Lord Hall also said the BBC has shown how crucial public service broadcasting is during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Public service values have never been more needed .
We 've been reminded how deeply stitched we are into the fabric of national life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC as public service media can now do more for the UK than ever before and we are ready to do more .
`` We have been reminded how important those things are that bring us together , we all know and feel how the last few years have heightened the sense of polarisation and Covid has brutally exposed the fault line . ''
Lord Hall drew attention to the educational programming offered to children while they were off from school during the recent lockdown .
He also highlighted the BBC 's recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Great British Singalong which saw several radio stations link up , and April 's The Big Night In , which raised £70m for charity .
`` Public Service broadcasters have always been part of the glue that binds our nations and communities together , but the last few months have emphasised that still further , '' he said .
He described the documentary Once Upon A Time in Iraq as `` a series that pushes the boundary of what the genre does , I 've seen nothing like it '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at something like Michaela Coel 's extraordinary I May Destroy You , I see much more than an unmissable drama , I see a unique voice and talent given unprecedented creative freedom to speak directly to a generation about issues and experiences that matter right now . ''
Touting the BBC 's ratings during lockdown , Lord Hall told the festival : `` Audiences came to us in their millions for information they could rely on and respite from worries everyone was experiencing .
In March , 94 % of British people used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , TV viewing was up nearly 50 % year on year . ''
Lord Hall said the BBC has transformed over the last seven years , saying the corporation is `` leaner and more efficient than ever '' , and with more staff based outside of London .
He continued : `` PSBs can do more for the UK in the year ahead .
We have to keep banging the drum for what only we can deliver . ''
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a @ @ @ @ @ @

"We have been reminded how important those things are that bring us together, we all know and feel how the last few years have heightened the sense of polarisation and Covid has brutally exposed the fault line."


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Liberal Democrats leadership contest: Ed Davey and Layla Moran pitch for votes

Liberal Democrat leadership candidates Ed Davey and Layla Moran have insisted they can rebuild their party as the contest enters its final days .
In a BBC debate , they set out plans to tackle the coronavirus recession through the green economy and by encouraging `` mass retraining '' .
The two MPs criticised the government on education , arguing that schools need more support to reopen after lockdown .
The results of the contest will be announced on 27 August .
The leadership election was triggered when Jo Swinson stepped down following a poor performance by the party in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Moran in race to be next Lib Dem leader • Can 'yellow halo ' lead Lib Dems out of wilderness ?
Asked how she could improve her party 's fortunes , Ms Moran said her lack of experience in Parliament - she has only been an MP since 2017 - would be an asset `` at a time when people do n't trust politicians '' .
She also pointed to her success of overturning `` a massive majority '' in her Oxford constituency adding `` we did that by amassing a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political spectrum '' .
Current acting co-leader Sir Ed said he had learnt from his experience of working with former leader Paddy Ashdown to build up the Liberal Democrats in the 1990s .
He added that he would use the party 's local government base `` as a springboard for results in the future '' .
As leader he said the economy would be his `` number one priority '' and pointed to his background as an economist .
Asked how they would help tackle unemployment amid the pandemic , both candidates said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a universal basic income .
Sir Ed set out his plans for a £150bn investment that he said would create hundreds and thousands of jobs , such as heat insulation installers , over three years .
Ms Moran agreed that promoting the green agenda was `` the right thing to do for our economy '' .
She also said she wanted to see a programme of `` mass retraining '' to help those , who needed to , to change career as a result of the pandemic .
Both MPs championed the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme which would provide every individual in the country with a cash payment at regular intervals , without any requirement to work or qualify for it .
Ms Moran suggested the income should be around £80 per week , while her leadership rival argued the figure should be slightly lower on £40-60 per week .
On the subject of schools reopening following the coronavirus lockdown , both said they wanted to see children back in the classrooms .
However Ms Moran , herself a former Maths teacher , said Gavin Williamson should stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister to `` put someone in who knows what they are doing , for the sake of our children '' .
Sir Ed called for extra funding to help schools safely reopen .
During the debate , the candidates were asked how they would instil confidence in the party 's BAME supporters .
Ms Moran admitted to feeling `` shame '' that the party does not have any black MPs .
She said she wanted to see changes to the Equality Act that would allow political parties to have all-black shortlists when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he wanted to increase the numbers of black Liberal Democrat candidates and pointed to his record in his Kingston and Surbiton constituency of reaching out to ethnic minority communities .
During the 2019 election the Liberal Democrats campaigned to stop Brexit .
While both candidates defined themselves as pro-European , they said they would not be calling for the UK to rejoin the EU in the near future .
Towards the end of the debate Ms Moran was asked about her arrest after slapping her partner in 2013 .
She said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the charges had been dropped .
Sir Ed was asked about his record in the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government when he served as energy secretary under David Cameron .
He acknowledged that they had `` had tough decisions to make '' and added that `` all governments make mistakes '' .
He argued that the Liberal Democrats had offset the `` Tory agenda '' and said the Liberal Democrats would reverse some coalition policies such as the bedroom tax , if they got into power .
Liberal Democrat members have been able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots went out on 30 July .
The ballot closes on 26 August and the results will be announced the following day .

He acknowledged that they had "had tough decisions to make" and added that "all governments make mistakes". He argued that the Liberal Democrats had offset the "Tory agenda" and said the Liberal Democrats would reverse some coalition policies such as the bedroom tax, if they got into power.


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Nóra Quoirin: Malaysia opens inquest into death of London teenager

An inquest has opened into the death of a London teenager who was found dead while on a family holiday in Malaysia .
Nóra Quoirin , 15 , vanished from her room at the Dusun rainforest resort last August .
Her unclothed body was found beside a stream just over a mile away after a 10-day search operation .
Malaysian police said there was no foul play but Nóra 's parents said she would not have wandered off alone otherwise , and fought for an inquest .
• Nora Quoirin 's parents speak publicly for the first time since her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the inquest aimed to determine how and when the teenager died and whether anyone was `` criminally '' connected .
She said that the inquest served to deliver `` justice for everyone '' .
Nóra , her parents and her younger brother and sister arrived at the eco-resort near Seremban , about 40 miles ( 65 km ) south of the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur , on 3 August last year for a two-week stay .
Her disappearance the next day sparked a vast search operation .
An initial post-mortem report said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bleeding from hunger and stress over a prolonged period .
But the family have always insisted it was highly unlikely their daughter - who had severe learning and development disabilities - would have wandered off alone .
Nóra was born with holoprosencephaly , a disorder which affects brain development .
In January , her Irish mother , Meabh , and her French father , Sebastian , expressed their shock at the case being closed by Malaysian police .
They called for an inquest in order to have `` the fullest possible picture of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case was dealt with ” .
They previously said : `` As a vulnerable child , with significant physical and mental challenges , we strongly refute any conclusion that Nóra was alone for the entire duration of her disappearance . ''
Nóra 's parents were unable to attend the proceedings in Malaysia due to the Covid-19 pandemic but are expected to give evidence through video conferencing next week .
The inquest is scheduled to last until September 18 .
• 3 August 2019 : The Quoirins arrive at the Dusun forest eco-resort • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Malaysian police are treating Nóra 's disappearance as a potential abduction , but officers deny any foul play is involved • 6 August : Nóra 's family say they believe she has been abducted • 11 August : Malaysian police set up a hotline dedicated to receiving information about teenager • 12 August : A reward of £10,000 - donated by an anonymous Belfast business - is made available for information leading to Nóra 's safe return

Malaysian police said there was no foul play but Nóra's parents said she would not have wandered off alone otherwise, and fought for an inquest.


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Mike Ashley buys long-time rival's business out of administration

Billionaire businessman Mike Ashley has bought the gym and fitness business from his rival and long-time critic Dave Whelan after they fell into administration .
Mr Ashley 's Frasers Group said it would buy 46 leisure clubs and 31 retail outlets from DW Sports Fitness for £37m to merge with its own business .
Some 922 jobs out of a total of 1,700 across the business will be saved .
DW went bust earlier this month after its income evaporated during lockdown .
The firm owns 75 retail stores and 73 gyms in total , all of which had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frasers , which also owns Lillywhites , Evans Cycles and House of Fraser , said the DW assets would `` compliment ( sic ) '' its own gym and fitness club portfolio , and would now be managed under its Everlast brand .
Susannah Streeter , senior markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown , said it was surprising the group had bought a gym business as they were still `` grappling with the public 's reluctance to train indoors '' .
`` It 's likely to be some time before people bound back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be ascertained whether this latest acquisition will have been the right choice for the company . ''
DW also owns the Fitness First gym chain which is unaffected by the administration .
Mr Ashley , who has been buying up struggling High Street brands over the last five years , has had a feud with DW Sports ' owner , Mr Whelan , dating back two decades .
In 2000 , Mr Whelan was famously reported to have told his younger rival from the south : `` There is a club in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not part of it . ''
Mr Ashley later reported Mr Whelan 's JJB Sports business to the Office of Fair Trading , alleging it was involved in a price-fixing scheme over football shirts .
The OFT issued multi-million pound fines to those involved , including JJB .
Mr Whelan , 83 , a former owner of Wigan Athletic football club , created DW Sports in 2009 when he bought 50 JJB Sports fitness clubs and the adjoining shops out of administration .
During the year ending 31 March 2019 , DW @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Frasers itself has been struggling during the pandemic , calling its most recent financial year the `` most challenging '' in its history .
In the year to 26 April , its sales climbed slightly , but profits dived by 20 % to £143.5m due to lockdown store closures .
Last week , it said that more of its House of Fraser department stores were `` anticipated '' to close , likely resulting in further job cuts .
It has already shut 10 of the 59 stores it bought out of administration @ @ @

"It's likely to be some time before people bound back to the gym in greater numbers and it can be ascertained whether this latest acquisition will have been the right choice for the company."


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Last D-Day craft makes final journey after Portsmouth revamp

The last surviving D-Day tank landing craft has been moved on to dry land following its final journey on water .
LCT 7074 was renovated with a National Heritage Lottery fund £4.7m grant ahead of its permanent display at the D-Day Story museum in Southsea .
It had been due to be delivered on the 76th anniversary of D-Day in June but this was delayed due to coronavirus .
The craft has travelled from Portsmouth Naval Base to Southsea ahead of being installed at the museum .
An attempt in the early hours of Sunday was called off due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of collections and research for the National Museum of the Royal Navy , tweeted on Monday morning to say the latest bid had been as `` smooth as anything '' .
Delays to restoration work on the 59m-long , 300-tonne ship added £75,000 to its cost , the National Museum of the Royal Navy previously said .
The work has included attaching a restored funnel , replacement guns and rocket launchers .
LCT 7074 was one of more than 800 specially designed landing craft vessels involved in the D-Day landings .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shell fire which sank the craft next to it .
It put 10 tanks and a contingent of soldiers ashore at about 02:00 on 7 June 1944 before returning to England with prisoners of war .
The 183ft ( 57m ) vessel later became a floating nightclub before sinking in a semi-derelict condition at Birkenhead Docks .
Since 2014 , the National Museum of the Royal Navy has led a project to rescue the craft from the docks .

But Nick Hewitt, head of collections and research for the National Museum of the Royal Navy, tweeted on Monday morning to say the latest bid had been as "smooth as anything".


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: Does my child have to return to school?

The prime minister has urged parents to send their children back to school for the autumn term .
So , how will the return to classes work ?
Do I have to send my child back ?
Schools in Scotland have now reopened , along with some schools in Northern Ireland .
England and Wales are set to follow next month .
Children must return for the autumn term , unless they - or a close contact - develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus .
Head teachers can follow up pupils ' absences and issue sanctions , including possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but at times some children may shield for longer because of higher local rates of coronavirus .
Separate guidance has been published for England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
What will schools have to do ?
The government has set out a system of controls for schools and said the following four points must happen in all schools , all the time .
• keep pupils with Covid-19 symptoms , or with family members with symptoms , away from school • promote good hygiene around the use of tissues for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to minimise contact between individuals and maintain social distancing wherever possible .
How will the school day work ?
Schools are expected to teach a broad and balanced curriculum when they return , but the school day may look different to previous years .
Schools are also being asked to : • stagger start and finish times , without shortening the number of teaching hours each pupil receives • minimise the number of contacts each pupil has during the day , by putting classes or whole year groups into `` protective bubbles '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than one group What happens if there 's an outbreak ?
A school is said to have a coronavirus outbreak if there are two or more confirmed cases within 14 days , or a rise in the number of children off with suspected Covid-19 .
If this happens , they must work with local health protection teams .
In some cases , these teams may recommend that a larger number of pupils self-isolate at home as a precaution - for instance , the year group .
Where an outbreak in a school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be dispatched there .
Testing will first focus on the infected person 's class , followed by their year group , then the whole school if necessary .
However , government advice says that `` whole school closure based on cases within the school will not generally be necessary , and should not be considered except on the advice of health protection teams '' .
If pupils ca n't come in , schools are expected to have a home-working plan ready to go .
• What are the risks of opening schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school ?
There may be staggered start and finish times to keep groups apart and walking or cycling to school will be encouraged .
Parents should not gather in groups at school gates or go on site without an appointment .
Dedicated school transport services will be asked to : • ask children over 11 to wear face coverings Schools will also need a process for staff and pupils to remove face coverings safely on arrival .
What about breakfast or after-school clubs ?
If possible these should resume in September , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logistically challenging '' and may take some schools longer .
Children should ideally stay within their year groups or bubbles - but if this ca n't be done , then schools should use `` small , consistent groups '' to minimise infection risk .
What else does the government say ?
• take books and other shared resources home , but avoid unnecessary sharing - this also applies to teachers • take part in non-contact physical education - outside if possible - with `` scrupulous attention '' to cleaning and hygiene Ofsted inspections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but schools may be visited to assess how the new arrangements are working .
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

How are Covid rules changing across UK schools? Published 23 February 2022
Image source, Getty Images
All remaining Covid restrictions have now been scrapped in English schools.
Rules have also been eased elsewhere in the UK, but some measures are being retained for the moment.
How are the Covid rules changing in schools?
The legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive test is also being removed, although it is still recommended.
Head teachers groups have warned that the changes to testing and self-isolation "may actually lead to an increase in disruption", as Covid is more likely to spread in the classroom, leading to further pupil and staff absence.
Image source, Getty Images
All school staff and secondary school pupils in Scotland and Northern Ireland are still asked to take two lateral flow tests (LFTs) a week (three in Wales).
In Wales, schools are largely back to normal. Face coverings will no longer be required in classrooms after 28 February, but should still be worn in communal areas of secondary schools.
In Northern Ireland, schools reopened with the same measures as last term. If a primary or post-primary class has multiple Covid cases, all pupils should take an LFT. The guidance that pupils in post-primary schools should wear face coverings still applies.
In Scotland, social distancing remains in place. However, pupils will no longer have to wear masks in school from 28 February.
How many teachers and pupils are off because of Covid?
The latest data for England shows that 182,000 pupils (2.2%) of pupils were absent for Covid-related reasons on 10 February, down from 320,000 (3.9%) on 3 February.
On the same date, 2.8% of teachers and school leaders and 2.5% of teaching assistants and other staff were absent due to Covid, down from 4.4% and 4.1% respectively the previous week.
Almost half England's schools (45%) had one in 20 teachers absent due to Covid.
In Scotland on 17 February, 12,638 students (2.4%) were missing from school due to Covid-related reasons. The highest absence rate this year was seen on 7 January, when 43,565 students (14.1%) were off.
In Northern Ireland, 5.2% of students, 9% of teachers and 11% of classroom assistants in schools were absent due to Covid over the week 24 to 28 January - the highest rates since the new term began.
Image source, Getty Images
Many schools have told the BBC they have struggled to find temporary staff to cover the teachers who are off.
England's Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi urged retired teachers to return and join teacher supply agencies to fill gaps, but a BBC survey suggested there had been a limited response.
Mr Zahawi also suggested schools could merge classes. But teaching unions said there were logistical difficulties and safety issues with teaching large groups of children.
Image source, Getty Images
Can a child go to school if they or someone in their household or class has Covid?
After Thursday 24 February, people in England with Covid will no longer have a legal obligation to self-isolate.
However, people who test positive will still be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days, including school staff and students.
The legal requirement to self-isolate remains in place across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As long as they don't have Covid symptoms, under-18s already don't have to self-isolate if someone else in their household has Covid.
Similarly, whole classes are no longer automatically sent home to isolate if a pupil or teacher tests positive.
However, close contacts aged five or above are strongly advised to test for at least seven days.
All primary and post-primary pupils in Northern Ireland are advised to take an LFT if there are multiple Covid cases in their class.
Which pupils are being vaccinated?
All children aged five to 11 in the UK will be offered a low-dose vaccine, which is being rolled out on a "non-urgent" basis.
It's expected to be offered in England in April, and plans are also under way in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In addition:
the low-dose vaccine is already being offered to five to 11-year-olds with medical conditions that put them at greater risk
all children aged 12 and over are being offered two doses of the Pfizer jab
sixteen and 17-year-olds who had a second vaccine dose at least three months ago can have a booster
the JCVI has also recommended that the booster is also offered to children aged 12-15 who are in an at-risk group or live with someone who is immunosuppressed
Children who aren't at high risk from Covid should wait 12 weeks after a positive test before having a jab.
How will exams work this year?
Grades will again be decided by external marking, instead of the teacher assessments used in 2020 and 2021, but grade boundaries will be more lenient in England, Wales and Scotland.
English exam boards have published details about this year's GCSE, AS and A-level papers for most subjects, including maths, biology, chemistry and languages.
Students taking GCSE exams in English Literature, geography, history and ancient history won't have to answer questions on one option from their course.
In maths and science exams, students will be given sheets of formulae and equations.
Students taking vocational B-Tec qualifications will have fewer internal assessments.


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: Football and rugby training resumes as rules relax

People of all ages are able to take part in organised outdoor contact sports as a number of further lockdown restrictions are lifted .
Amateur rugby and football clubs are among those which can resume training in groups of no more than 15 people .
The relaxation of rules also allows bingo halls , amusement arcades , casinos , funfairs and snooker halls to reopen and driving lessons to resume .
Outdoor live events such as concerts and comedy shows can also begin again .
However , there must be strict observation of guidelines on physical distancing , enhanced hygiene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown rules will change next - and when ?
All of the activities have been in lockdown since coronavirus measures were introduced in March .
Broughton Rugby Club 's women 's team are among those who are `` so excited '' to be reunited and resume serious training .
Captain Lauren Park told BBC Radio 's Good Morning Scotland : `` It 's been a long time coming ... .
it 's going to be the first time since March that we 've been able to get together in such a large group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the go . ''
She said they would train in two bubbles of 15 people , on separate areas of the pitch .
And as well as hand sanitizing `` before during and after '' training , the rugby ball will also be thoroughly cleaned .
`` It 's been a long five months for everyone involved '' in Thorn Athletic in Johnstone , according to its chairman Mark McGee .
The team have kept in touch on WhatsApp , and taken part in 5k challenges and Zoom workouts , but they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routine which benefits their physical and mental health .
And as training almost gets back to normal , and with friendly games due to begin on 11 September , he said : `` Everyone 's absolutely buzzing '' .
Promoter Oli Norman is disappointed that more restrictions have not been lifted on live events in Scotland .
He said guidelines published on Sunday afternoon stated that capacity at outdoor events would be limited to 200 people `` which may sound like a lot but for a commercial outdoor event is northing '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ U-turn on a ridiculous restriction , they 've killed an entire industry at a point when an entire industry is on its knees , '' he added .
He said it put under threat plans to hold GlasGlow - an annual light show in the Botanic Gardens - which attracts about 2,000 people day at the end on October .
These kinds of events are naturally socially-distanced , in acres of parkland , and require authorisation by the council , he added .
`` It 's deeply illogical what is currently happening so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a zoo or a safari park , an outdoor market - indeed a beer garden I was in the other week had 4-500 people drinking alcohol , '' Mr Norman told Radio Scotland .
`` All these events that are hugely needed as we go into the dark months face real risk of cancellation right now unless the government comes to its senses and does something far more pragmatic . ''
The Scottish government has been approached for a comment .
It has previously said its decision-making on coronavirus restrictions was guided by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artists who have faced a summer without gigs and festivals will now be looking to restart live performances Caroline Sewel , regional organiser for the Musicians Union in Scotland and Northern Ireland , said : `` Musicians are creatives and if any industry has the ability to come back then the music industry can , and I 'm sure will . ''
However , she warned that social distancing and reduced capacity for live gigs could mean they are not financially viable for some venues , promoters and musicians .
Glasgow based musician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to switch to building a fan base online during the pandemic .
He said : `` The thing I like most about being forced to do that is that geography becomes irrelevant and you can set up a zoom call with anyone .
`` There is an interesting culture of collaboration that is emerging because of Covid . ''
Driving instructor Tony Clarke was due to take his first lesson in about five months at 10:00 .
Speaking ahead of returning to work , he said he had `` mixed emotions '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pupils who had been left behind , to get them through their test .
That will mean additional cleaning of the car between lessons , masks worn by student and instructor , and windows down throughout each lesson .
The Clydebank-based instructor said he was fully booked and there were a lot of his pupils `` itching to sit a driving test '' .
Some of them might be a bit rusty after five months away from the wheel `` but I wo n't be long in getting them back up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions are due to be lifted next Monday ( 31 August ) .
They include the reopening of gyms , swimming pools and indoor sports courts .
However , people over the age of 12 will not be able to take part in contact sports indoors until 14 September .


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: Covid-19 cuts short students' year abroad studying

Swapping Port Talbot for Paris was a big deal for Maia Evans .
It was the first time she 'd left home and the reason she chose to study French .
So you can imagine the 21-year-old 's frustration when she had to abruptly leave her class , leave her adopted French family and leave France altogether when coronavirus took hold .
`` I was loving it , '' recalled Maia .
`` The children were great , my family was lovely and my French was improving massively .
Then France shut down overnight . ''
When Maia bid au @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to immerse herself in French culture - not just living with different people for the first time , but people who spoke another language .
It was going to be more Seine and Sacre-Coeur than the steelworks and Swansea Bay of home for Maia and she enjoyed every second in Paris ' bustling suburbs .
• What will university be like for 2020 's freshers ?
`` I was an English teaching assistant in a primary school , I was 30 minutes away from the centre of Paris and I was visiting all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school 12 hours a week .
`` It was amazing , I loved it .
And as I lived with a French family , I practised my French a lot and it improved massively - so it was a brilliant experience . ''
Maia was n't alone in choosing a university course specifically because of the prospect of studying abroad - Iestyn Dallimore had to travel the 5,000 miles ( 8,000km ) back from the Arizona desert when Covid-19 came .
The 21-year-old Swansea University student was at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Studies course and relishing a `` once-in-a-lifetime opportunity . ''
`` It was a great life experience as well as a learning experience , '' said Iestyn , from Cardiff .
`` When I looking through the university prospectus , I saw American studies with a year abroad and I thought 'that sounds like fun ' and it was , I was making the most of my great opportunity .
`` It was a completely different style of learning , some interesting topics and living in a completely different culture . ''
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March when Iestyn got the call to cut short his cultural adventure and educational experience .
Both are among about 10 % of undergraduates in Wales that either study , work or volunteer abroad as part of their programme each year .
Now hundreds of foreign placements for university students next year are being postponed or cancelled due to ongoing concerns over international travel .
Students who spend time abroad are 24 % less likely to be unemployed after graduating and earn £1,226 more annually on average than peers who did not go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So for students like George Muter , who was due to swap Aberystwyth University for the United States , it is `` really disappointing '' .
The 20-year-old from Manchester was due to spend the third of his four-year international politics degree at Salem in Oregon , but Willamette University has cancelled all offers to incoming international students .
`` This would 've been a key opportunity to get out there and have that experience , '' said George .
`` It 's really difficult to get a year in America and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live .
I 've been considering trying to look at internships in the US but it 's incredibly difficult to get them . ''
George looked into options but decided to change his degree to one that did n't include a mandatory year abroad .
Some students are opting to press ahead with overseas placements , but have been warned by their university that returning may be at their own expense if Covid-19-related travel advice changes in their host country .
And Maia and Iestyn know how stressful and challenging leaving a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` University encouraged us to come home .
I had three cancelled flights , it was chaotic and a really scary time .
It was very stressful .
• ' I do n't even know when I 'm moving to university' '' I was just completely on edge all the time .
I was just glad to get home .
It is just really sad that it came to an end . ''
Iestyn , too , had a race against time to get back across the Atlantic to the UK as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtually shut down '' .
`` There was a lot of panic within my family about how do we get me back home as quickly and safely as possible because airports started shutting down , '' he said .
`` It got pretty serious , pretty quickly .
We had to try to find a flight home from a new airport and just try to get anything that was available really .
`` We were lucky to get on one of the last flights back from Dallas to Heathrow . ''
The concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will make it difficult for students to go abroad , particularly those from less affluent backgrounds .
Dr Walter Ariel Brooks , education manager for the British Council in Wales , said studying abroad gave students skills which were `` highly valued by employers '' .
`` I think it 's crucial that at this point in history for the benefit of Wales , more and more young people venture out and build those international links that Wales will need for its future , '' he added .

"It's really difficult to get a year in America and spend time there to work or to live. I've been considering trying to look at internships in the US but it's incredibly difficult to get them."


bbcuk--2020-08-23--What can we learn from schools that have reopened?

Millions of pupils in England , Wales and Northern Ireland are returning to school within the coming weeks , after months of disrupted education as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
Parents and teachers where schools have already reopened tells us what they 've learned from their children returning to the classroom .
Colette Reilly says since her daughters , aged 12 and 14 , returned to the classroom , a teacher has told them the current lack of rules about wearing masks is `` likely to change '' at the school in Paisley .
It comes after criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not possible to social distance '' inside schools .
One high school in Edinburgh has already chosen to tell pupils and staff to wear face coverings while moving around between lessons .
`` I 've not got an issue with [ my children wearing masks ] , '' Colette tells Radio 5 Live .
`` Even if it 's [ for a ] year , in terms of a life span , it 's a very short-term issue .
At the end of the day , this is n't about individual families , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all need to look after each other . ''
She says the `` significant changes '' her daughters have noticed about the return to school life include using hand sanitiser at stations throughout school , social distancing from other students inside classrooms , and being given digital-only homework .
The buzz of the classroom Mike Corbett was happy to return to face-to-face teaching at his secondary school in East Dunbartonshire earlier this month .
`` Just that buzz of classroom discussion that you get - that 's completely impossible online - is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best things that we like about teaching , '' the English teacher tells Radio 5 Live .
Mike , who is national executive member for the NASUWT Scotland teaching union , thinks the pupils are `` very happy to be back '' too - but there 's plenty of pandemic protocols for them to get used to such as regularly using hand sanitiser , not doing group work , and wiping down their desks before leaving the room .
• Where have school pupils tested positive for Covid-19 ?
Mike also has things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a line marking out two metres to keep him a safe distance from pupils , because it means he can not approach individuals who are struggling with understanding his lesson .
But it 's `` just as well '' the line is there , Mike says .
On Thursday , his entire classroom had to be evacuated and cleaned as a result of a pupil displaying coronavirus symptoms .
`` The only reason I was able to sleep soundly on Thursday night was because I did not cross that two-metre line , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's chief medical adviser , Prof Chris Whitty , attempting to reassure parents , pupils and teachers that schools are safe , Mike says `` staff out there are very anxious still about the situation '' .
He said the recent increase in cases in Scotland means the virus will `` inevitably '' get into the classroom - `` and then the fear is that there 's a spread in schools '' .
Liz Silverman wants face coverings to be made mandatory within the grounds of her grandchildren 's primary schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mums , dads and grandparents have to wait outside the classroom as the teacher will not release a child until they see the parent or grandparent .
Social distancing is not possible , '' she says .
Liz , 69 , says her daughter and daughter-in-law are both teachers , so would not be able to return to work without her help picking up her four grandchildren from their two separate primary schools , two days a week .
`` I do n't feel safe ...
I would like to say 'no ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Liz says .
Liz from Northwood , London , believes making adults wear masks when dropping off or picking up schoolchildren is a `` simple thing '' to solve a surge in cases and assuage her worries about the safety of her husband , who has been shielding .
`` If I bring anything home to him , it could be devastating . ''
And the view from Germany Alex Nunn lives in Berlin , where her 15-year-old step-children have been back to school for two weeks .
`` There was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going on in the school , '' she says , but that 's because teachers and pupils there must wear masks everywhere around the school , apart from once they 're seated at their desks .
`` As soon as they get up to move around the school , go to the loo , go in the playground , they 're wearing masks the whole time , '' she says .
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules now ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
Alex , 50 , tells Radio 5 Live she struggles to understand why some people in the UK see wearing a mask as `` such a big problem '' , and hopes some anxious parents will learn lessons from her sister , who she has been visiting in London .
`` My five-year-old nephew is wearing one here when he 's going on public transport .
Somehow my sister 's managed to make it a bit of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understands why he 's wearing it - and I simply do n't get why it 's being perceived as being a big deal to wear a mask here , '' she says .
The World Health Organization has said children aged 12 and over should wear masks in line with national recommendations , citing evidence suggesting teenagers can infect others in the same way as adults .


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: PM's school plea, travel industry struggles and teen anxiety

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Monday morning .
We 'll have another update for you at 18:00 BST .
Boris Johnson has issued a direct appeal to parents to send their children back to school when classes reopen in England , Wales and Northern Ireland .
The PM said it was `` vitally important '' to get back to face-to-face learning and the risk to teachers and pupils of contracting coronavirus was `` very small '' .
Unions , though , say schools still need more guidance .
Children in Scotland have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it been like for some of them .
And read more on some of the measures schools are taking .
The UK travel industry has reached a `` critical point '' and further support is vital to prevent even more redundancies and company closures .
That 's the message from industry body Abta .
It says the pandemic has already claimed about 39,000 jobs and `` the government 's stop-start measures '' around quarantine restrictions have meant `` the restart of travel has not gone as hoped '' .
Health charities are urging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a steep rise in the number of people seeking help for drink problems during the lockdown .
One helpline says it has received almost 7,000 calls in England and Scotland since March .
Chris McLone told the BBC how his drinking escalated when he found himself isolated and anxious during the pandemic .
Bingo , funfairs , arcades and casinos are allowed to reopen from today , and people of all ages can take part in organised outdoor contact sports .
Live events such as concerts and comedy will be permitted outdoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume .
Some of the tighter local restrictions imposed in Aberdeen three weeks ago due to a spike in virus cases have also been lifted today .
Hear the voices of some people living in the city .
Much of the debate around schools has focused on the detrimental impact of closures on children 's wellbeing .
However , a study published today suggests anxiety levels among 13 and 14-year-olds actually fell during lockdown .
Researchers at the University of Bristol said the results were a `` big surprise '' and raised questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - pressure , peer relationships and so on - on teenagers ' mental health .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
Find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page .
Plus , 10 countries in the world have no confirmed cases ( excluding North Korea and Turkmenistan ) , but can they call themselves winners ?
The BBC 's Owen Amos takes a look .
What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
In some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
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Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question : • FOOD REVOLUTION : Is the way we produce and buy food set to change for good ?

Health charities are urging the government to update its alcohol strategy after a steep rise in the number of people seeking help for drink problems during the lockdown. One helpline says it has received almost 7,000 calls in England and Scotland since March. Chris McLone told the BBC how his drinking escalated when he found himself isolated and anxious during the pandemic.


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Mothers raising awareness of rare disease H-ABC

H-ABC is believed to be one of the rarest genetic disorders on the planet and currently , there 's no @ @ @ @ @ has spoken to three mothers about how they are trying to raise awareness of the @ @ @ @ @ the only clinical physicians in the world working to find a cure .

H-ABC is believed to be one of the rarest genetic disorders on the planet and currently, there's no known cure.
BBC Breakfast has spoken to three mothers about how they are trying to raise awareness of the disease, and one of the only clinical physicians in the world working to find a cure.


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Newspaper headlines: PM's plea to parents and UK's 'raving idiots'

Boris Johnson 's appeal to get children back to school receives support across a number of editorials .
The paper devotes its front page to new research from Public Health England which reveals that teachers are far more likely to transmit the virus than the children in their schools .
Two thirds of outbreaks recorded in June and July were found to be either staff-to-staff , or staff-to-pupil transmission .
Rape victims may soon be allowed to give their evidence in a pre-recorded statement , rather than in a courtroom , according to the Daily Telegraph .
It reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move - which would include videoed cross-examinations - in a bid to prevent victims from being intimidated by attackers in court .
Justice minister Alex Chalk tells the paper it is vital to protect the vulnerable without reducing a defendant 's right to a fair trial .
Dame Vera Baird , the victims ' commissioner , describes the change as `` essential '' to ensure increasing numbers of victims do n't give up on the justice system .
`` Raving idiots '' is the headline for the Metro - one of several papers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignoring warnings of a spike in coronavirus cases .
It says police were forced to break up at least 100 mass gatherings across Britain over the weekend .
`` Vegans try to finish Thatcher 's work '' is the headline the Times chooses for its report on how campaigners are putting the case to replace free or subsidised cow 's milk in schools with fruit and veg .
Margaret Thatcher earned herself the nickname `` the milk snatcher '' by ending free school milk in the 1970s .
The paper says currently about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free or subsidised cow 's milk .
Schools are able to serve plant-based alternatives if they 're calcium-enriched but these do n't receive the school milk subsidy .
Dr Shireen Kassam , a campaigner for plant-based diets tells the paper : `` The wrong foods are being subsidised ; access to fruit or vegetables for our children would be much more beneficial . ''
And the Proms finds itself front page news in the Daily Express .
Under the headline `` fury at BBC bid to axe Land of Hope and Glory '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Rule Britannia - traditionally belted out on the Last Night of the Proms - might be banned because of jingoistic overtones .
The BBC has said its still finalising arrangements for the Last Night to ensure it complies with Covid-related guidance .

The paper devotes its front page to new research from Public Health England which reveals that teachers are far more likely to transmit the virus than the children in their schools. Two thirds of outbreaks recorded in June and July were found to be either staff-to-staff, or staff-to-pupil transmission.


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: First day back to school for many pupils in NI

Many pupils in years seven , 12 and 14 are back at school on Monday for the first time since March .
Schools closed to all but a few pupils that month due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Education Minister Peter Weir has said that opening schools was probably the `` top priority '' for the executive .
Speaking on the BBC 's Good Morning Ulster programme , he said that the highest level of staff and pupil safety is `` obviously the key concern '' .
Ballyclare Secondary School will not be opening on Monday after a pupil tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school on Thursday , 20 August .
On Friday it was announced that St Kevin 's Primary School on the Falls Road in west Belfast would not be reopening as planned after someone connected to the school tested positive for coronavirus .
St Louise 's College , also on the Falls Road , also confirmed a positive case of Covid-19 among the school community .
The education minister said that there will be `` undoubtedly bumps along the road '' and staff and pupils will have to adapt to a new way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said that `` if there is a particular problem in a particular school then that may lead to a particular action '' .
`` Is everything going to be smooth ?
No .
But I think there is a critical need to get our young people back to school , as indeed our young people have highlighted , that there is a much greater need to get our children back into school safely . ''
Mr Weir said that pupils should adopt safety measures at home .
`` What we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the opening of schools has not led to major problems , but what it does highlight is that problems will not necessarily be in the classroom , '' he said .
`` It is important when a child gets home that they change their clothes , they wash and take precautionary measures . ''
A union representing many principals told a Stormont 's committee there is still a `` real risk '' that many schools will only be able to open part-time .
According to Department of Education ( DE ) guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry out individual risk assessments to assess whether it is safe for some vulnerable staff and pupils to return to school .
The National Association of Head Teachers ( NAHT ) said that `` school leaders have been left unsupported to make serious decisions on risk with potentially very serious ramifications '' .
Sandra Isherwood , principal at Jones Memorial Primary School in Enniskillen , County Fermanagh , told Good Morning Ulster that staff would be giving parents a tour of the school to allow them to see what safety measures were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools last week , Ms Isherwood said principals `` were left to sit down and see how each individual classroom would best fit that purpose '' .
`` So a lot of that is based on individual schools , because every school is totally different , and the intake of pupils is totally different , '' she said .
Guidance for the reopening of schools states that face coverings are `` strongly encouraged '' in NI schools if social distancing is not possible , but are `` not generally recommended for routine use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already said that they will be encouraging the wearing of face coverings and Belfast Royal Academy is making it mandatory for pupils and staff to wear face coverings when they return .
The guidance for the journey to and from school is that it is `` strongly recommended that all pupils , regardless of age , should wear a face covering on all buses , trains or taxis for the journey to school '' if it is appropriate in their case .
Schools are also required to keep most pupils in whole-class `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for `` bubbles '' will mean that most pupils should stay in their own class groups for the entire school day and not mix with pupils in other classes .
• All pupils to return to school full-time • Face coverings 'encouraged ' but not for 'routine use ' in schools In many schools there will be measures in place such as : • Staggered starts and ends to the school day so parents are not dropping all children off at once • Staggered meal and break times so children are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of others at one time • School meals may have to be eaten in classrooms or even outside • Children may not be able to bring things like books or stationery home and then back to school • Items such as Lego and soft toys that are difficult to clean are likely to disappear from classes Previous 'Education Restart ' guidance issued by the department in June had suggested that many pupils may only be able to return to school part-time in September .
Many students starting back at school will have received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant rise in the number of top GCSE grades awarded in Northern Ireland , just days after the education minister said they would be solely based on grades provided by schools .
Mr Weir also made a similar decision on A-Level and AS grades which had already been awarded to students .

"Is everything going to be smooth? No. But I think there is a critical need to get our young people back to school, as indeed our young people have highlighted, that there is a much greater need to get our children back into school safely."


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Coronavirus: Call to extend eviction ban due to pandemic

There are calls for renters in Wales to get more protection from eviction over fears that homelessness services could `` crack '' under increased demand .
In England - except in certain circumstances - renters will get six months ' notice of their landlord 's plan to evict them until March 2021 .
Shelter Cymru said private renters were among the hardest-hit by the pandemic .
The Welsh Government said it would keep its own six-month notice period , due to expire in September , `` under review '' .
Shelter wants ministers to use emergency coronavirus powers to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in England .
In Scotland , a proposal for six months of notice until March requires approval from the Scottish Parliament , while laws in Northern Ireland include a 12-week notice period .
A YouGov poll of just over 1,000 households in Wales , commissioned by Shelter Cymru , suggested an estimated 15,000 private renters had been threatened with eviction since the start of lockdown .
The charity called the number `` off the scale '' compared to the usual number of about 1,500 renters a year .
At the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so landlords would have to give tenants three months ' notice for eviction , instead of two .
Jennie Bibbings , from Shelter Cymru , said homelessness services in Wales would come under increased pressure when the ban on court-ordered evictions comes to an end on 20 September .
`` We are not out of the woods , more people are going to lose their jobs and their homes , '' she said .
`` The Welsh Government needs to extend the emergency legislation to at least the end of March or ideally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have that breathing space . ''
But the National Residential Landlords Association ( NRLA ) said the extension was `` unacceptable '' and called on government to compensate private landlords for lost income during the pandemic .
Douglas Haig , from the NRLA in Wales , said the courts were needed to deal with cases where tenants were committing anti-social behaviour or hade long-standing rent arrears unrelated to the pandemic .
Latest data from Rent Smart Wales suggests more than 70,000 private tenants have fallen behind on rent payments since the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real name - a teaching assistant in Blaenau Gwent , was issued a Section 8 `` notice to quit '' in July , along with her roommate .
It gave them three months to pay their rent arrears or move out .
Beth fell behind on her rent after being furloughed from her job in March .
She is hoping to be back to work in September and wants to arrange a repayment plan with her landlord who , she says , is `` not being very communicative '' .
She said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have '' after paying £14,000 in rent over three years .
`` The fact that I 've been a good tenant does n't seem to mean anything , not to my landlord , not to my estate agents , not the government , '' she said .
`` It feels like I should n't even try and build anything going forward because it could all just be taken away from me . ''
She and her roommate were given their notice just before the Welsh Government extended the notice period to six months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loan scheme allowing renters to borrow money to pay back arrears built up during the pandemic and Beth said she hoped she would be eligible to apply .
`` My living plans are uncertain , putting me under a great deal of stress , '' she said .
`` And I 'm going to have to go back in a few weeks ' time and teach our nation 's children and do it with a smile on my face . ''
Ms Bibbings fears landlords could benefit from tenants using the loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run '' , using Section 21 notices , so-called no fault evictions , to get rid of tenants they fear may not be able to pay their rent .
She said putting the six-month notice period in place until at least March would ensure landlords `` ca n't use eviction as a quick fix to get rid of tenants once they 've taken out a loan and they receive that money '' .
`` This is the most important emergency measure that the government needs to take , '' she added .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to work closely with stakeholders to monitor impacts in the rented sector . ''

Ms Bibbings fears landlords could benefit from tenants using the loan scheme and "take the money and run", using Section 21 notices, so-called no fault evictions, to get rid of tenants they fear may not be able to pay their rent.


bbcuk--2020-08-24--Man arrested on suspicion of theft of puppies

More than 30 puppies , thought to have been stolen , have been found in a van by police .
@ @ @ @ @ Road in Charlton Kings , Cheltenham , on Saturday after a member of the public @ @ @ @ @ loading dogs into a vehicle .
West Mercia Police stopped the van on the M6 @ @ @ @ @ to Gloucestershire for questioning .
A 24-year-old man from Durham has been arrested on suspicion @ @ @ @ @ said `` between 30 and 40 '' puppies were recovered from the vehicle and taken @ @ @ @ @ for assessment .
On Thursday , police officers warned pet owners to be alert after @ @ @ @ @ thefts in the previous week across the county .

Officers were called to Beeches Road in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, on Saturday after a member of the public said they saw a man loading dogs into a vehicle.