bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: 'There is help out there if you ask for it'

Natalie Raeside has been a painter and decorator for 20 years , following in her father 's footsteps .
The 36-year-old , a former British Young Decorator of the Year , was self-employed and doing well enough to tick along .
She never expected herself to be on the breadline .
But then her 15-year-old daughter , a first-rate figure skater , fell in training and fractured her hip .
Natalie , a single mother from Ayrshire , took time off to look after her , only to find her return to work had been curtailed by the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills went down to nothing .
`` There are many people in the same position as me , working successfully and never thinking we would be in this situation , '' she says .
`` I had enough to get us through March , but getting into April looked hard . ''
She made an application for universal credit , just like 1.4 million other people in the UK in the space of a month .
The first benefits payment takes five weeks to come through , unless you take an advance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment holidays , most significantly for her mortgage .
Financial support promised by the government for the self-employed will not reach her until June .
Then , on a Facebook group , she learned about the Coronavirus Grant Fund from Turn2Us , a charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits , grants and support .
The grants of £500 , which are funded by donations , do not need to be paid back .
People in sudden hardship , with less than £1,000 in savings as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , can apply .
Natalie was one of the very first to benefit .
`` It has allowed me to pay some bills and , most importantly , for food , '' she says .
`` My message is that there is help out there if you ask for it . ''
Where to go for help • Citizens Advice - help with benefits , consumer issues and other work and financial matters That help is being provided by organisations across the charity sector , but also through support from businesses less affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit unions .
Many are drawing on the generosity of spirit displayed in neighbourhoods as they clap their support for NHS and care workers , and are translating that into financial generosity .
The Turn2Us appeal has raised £1.6m in just three weeks , all of which will go to people in hardship in the form of £500 grants .
The money is paid within three days or less of an online application , which must include evidence of an applicant 's difficulties , such as bank statements .
`` It is always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a couple of weeks until benefits come in , '' says Thomas Lawson , the charity 's chief executive .
He says that while government support is generous , it will not reach some people fast enough , if at all .
That was when grant organisations such as his , as well as the welfare system , needed to step in .
We should remember , he argues , that those working in job centres are also on the front line of this crisis .
The charity 's research suggests the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25-year-olds who already had insecure jobs , such as working on zero-hours contracts , were particularly at risk from the economic effects of the pandemic .
Overall , it estimates that 3.5 million people could make new claims for universal credit .
Some 31 % of those seeking help from the organisation did not have enough money to pay for food right now .
`` People on the lowest incomes are often the best at managing budgets .
They want the dignity of working , but there is financial fragility for a vast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
That fragility is also leading to greater demand for borrowing small amounts of money from credit unions to pay for food , rent and bills .
`` If they do not come to us , they could be going to loan sharks , '' says Jonathan Moore , chief executive of Stockport Credit Union .
Its operation is much smaller than that of national charity Turn2Us , but the sentiment is much the same .
In an open letter to the local community , Mr Moore asked residents and business owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local credit union .
This is not a donation , but an alternative savings account , which is fully protected .
The aim is to get 1,000 people to put money in , allowing the credit union to lend £1m at manageable interest rates to local people in need .
People can join the `` Friends Of '' scheme online .
`` It is the ideal opportunity for people who want to help their community if they have some money saved for a rainy day , '' says Mr Moore .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and face the extra costs of children at home , a small credit union loan could make a big difference , he says .
People and businesses are already making investments and donations to help those in need .
One of those includes corporate finance company Oakley Advisory , which has donated to Turn2Us .
`` Sadly it was n't a surprise when we heard the sheer volume of additional calls they are getting and the increasing demand on their services across the board - from their digital services , to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis grants , '' said its managing partner Chris Godsmark .
`` Charities like this are crucial in combating the secondary impact of coronavirus , which is on peoples ' incomes and lives more broadly . ''
For those on the receiving end , there is gratitude .
`` I just want to say a massive thank you , '' says Natalie Raeside , who now has the money to tide her over until government financial support arrives .
`` I am so grateful , but I know there are so many other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
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Rules on sick pay and wages • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

The Turn2Us appeal has raised £1.6m in just three weeks, all of which will go to people in hardship in the form of £500 grants and increasing the opening hours of its free helpline. The money is paid within three days or less of an online application, which must include evidence of an applicant's difficulties, such as bank statements.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--The Papers: 'Betrayal of our bravest' as PPE order delayed

There 's still plenty of discussion in Monday 's papers about how and when the coronavirus lockdown measures may be relaxed .
The Daily Mail says that , with the daily death toll at its lowest level for a fortnight , ministers are under pressure to lay out how restrictions might be eased .
The Daily Telegraph columnist Paul Nuki welcomes the government 's cautious approach , writing that `` a second peak would be an economic tragedy as well as a human one '' which would `` put UK PLC on a slab '' .
The paper 's editorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discussions being held , calling the government 's refusal to discuss the matter `` unacceptable '' .
An editorial in the Sun urges people to `` cut the backseat driving '' and let ministers get on with making decisions away from public scrutiny .
The Telegraph 's front page claims two-thirds of children are not taking part in online lessons being provided by schools .
The report points out that private school pupils are twice as likely to log on - fuelling fears that educational disparities between the rich and poor could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject urges the government to prioritise the reopening of schools as quickly as possible , calling it a matter of `` social justice '' - citing a Norwegian scientific study that showed the future income of children from poorer backgrounds was lowered for every week of schooling they missed .
The Guardian dedicates its editorial to this week 's reopening of Parliament .
It calls the move `` overdue '' , saying that `` in dark days , parliamentary democracy must shine the strongest possible light on the questions that face us all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes a plea for more MPs to be involved , with current plans only allowing 50 members to be in the chamber , with another 70 taking part in debates virtually - a situation it says that could allow proceedings to be controlled by party whips .
Writing in the Times , the Conservative MP and chair of the House of Commons Procedure Committee , Karen Bradley , says that technical hitches are inevitable , as anybody who has attempted to set up a video call with colleagues , friends or family during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning There 's a warning in the Telegraph that some of the UK 's best loved seafood is at risk of extinction because of government plans to relax fishing quotas next year to help the industry survive the current crisis .
The Marine Conservation Society has told the paper that cod , eels and sea bass are all at risk of dying out .
The Daily Express reports that the pandemic is also putting the Great British cuppa at risk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been severely affected in places like India , Sri Lanka and Malaysia , which could cause shortages and sharp prices increases .
And the Guardian says that Danish football fans will be given the chance to watch games in a unique way when the season restarts next month .
With games set to be played behind closed doors , the Superliga side Midtjylland have installed giant screens in a car park outside their stadium where fans will be able to watch the action from their cars .
Screens have also been installed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the drive-in cinema 's crowd back to the players .

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


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Protecting the 'one in a million' girl

`` We did n't really want to take another roll of the dice if we 're honest . ''
Janine Price - and her family - know how to beat the odds .
It took 22 different medical professionals to diagnose their 14-year-old daughter Bex with a rare , life-threatening condition .
Now , three years on from when she was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital by ambulance , the family are facing up to the new risk posed by coronavirus .
Bex has pulmonary hypertension , which affects her heart and lungs .
In December 2016 she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given a general anaesthetic before emergency treatment to save her life .
The family , from Barry , south Wales , spent Christmas in hospital that year , and Bex now relies on intravenous medicine 24/7 .
`` I do think I 'm one of the unlucky lot , but it 's okay for me now because it 's just become a thing and I 'm okay with that , '' Bex said .
`` Since I 've been on my medication I 've been doing a lot better and I can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basketball a lot in the garden .
`` But because of my condition , we decided to isolate quite a bit earlier than everyone else….and it 's making us go a little bit stir crazy . ''
Mrs Price said : `` We 've been told the rarity of Bex 's condition genuinely makes her one in a million .
`` This girl of ours has been prodded , poked and gone through what are quite frankly traumatic experiences , especially a brain MRI , and yet she continues to smile , be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very best life .
`` Bex is our inspiration - she truly amazes us .
Her brother is too .
It 's an awful lot for him to deal with as well . ''
Isolation for the Price family started early , on 13 March , as they were acutely aware underlying health conditions can be fatal at the best of times , let alone in a pandemic .
Mrs Price and husband Gavin prepare Bex 's life-saving medication in batches every few days , which helps to keep her arteries open and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple had to learn the procedure inside out before she was allowed to leave the hospital .
`` She has to wear a large pump that is infusing medicine into her 24/7 , and there can not be any interruption in that , '' Janine said .
`` We have quite a lot of medication stored in the house but you can only stockpile for so long .
`` To give you some idea of the scale of that , typically between six and eight cardboard boxes will turn up when we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our first thoughts with lockdown - will the meds delivery turn up ? ''
`` We know Great Ormond Street Hospital is working with our medical suppliers to ensure that everybody receives three month 's supply in the next delivery as opposed to the usual one month , '' Mrs Price said .
Bex also needs regular blood tests which resulted in a makeshift 'drive through ' experience recently .
`` The Children 's Hospital for Wales arranged for us to drive in at the side of the building so a nurse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly and then head back in via a fire escape to minimise the number of people we came into contact with , '' Mrs Price said .
`` When Bex 's glasses broke we could n't just go to Specsavers , we had to leave the glasses on the bench outside for them to be repaired and returned to us .
• Boy with 24-hour care not sent shielding letter • How long does it take to recover from coronavirus ?
• How to homeschool in a language you do n't speak '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day we could n't just take him to the vet we had to give him medication ourselves .
`` Life has really changed and it 's the little things that are not so easy anymore . ''
Both Janine and Bex 's dad Gavin are teachers at a local college and are juggling looking after the children , working remotely and keeping their students motivated .
Their son Sam , 13 , is using isolation as inspiration for a video diary online , where Bex featured most recently as his makeshift barber .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not being able to just `` pop to the shop '' when he wants something .
Mrs Price said : `` Sam is a complete and utter social animal - he has a fantastic group of friends , he 's into his football , he 's out all the time , so that was a real concern .
`` You do wonder about whether this childhood summer is being stolen away from them . ''
Wales in Lockdown is on Monday 20 April at 20:30 BST on BBC One Wales and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What do all the terms mean ?
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"The Children's Hospital for Wales arranged for us to drive in at the side of the building so a nurse could take blood, but do it quickly and then head back in via a fire escape to minimise the number of people we came into contact with," Mrs Price said.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: How to get to sleep during lockdown

Your hot water bottle is all warmed up , you 've not looked at your phone for the past hour , you 've just counted your 600th sheep - backwards - and yet still , sleep wo n't come .
Sound familiar ?
Since the coronavirus lockdown , the hashtag `` ca n't sleep '' has been trending , with tales of people struggling to get their heads down for the night .
One of those people is Laura Coppell .
`` Before the lockdown , I would sleep like a log .
But now it 's the opposite , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's you , here 's how you can reverse that trend .
Laura says her daily pattern has gone out of the window .
`` Normally , it 's wake up early , go to the gym , go to work , then gym and sleep , '' she says .
But she 's been furloughed - when you 're not working but are kept on your employer 's payroll - which means life does n't have the same structure as before .
Routine is the most important factor in getting good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He 's a psychologist from Loughborough University who 's been running sleep studies for years .
With the lockdown causing a `` rupture '' in our routines , Kevin says it 's unsurprising people are finding it hard .
`` Routine is the guardian of good sleep .
It protects our sleep , '' he says .
Even if your life has changed recently , Kevin recommends preserving your old sleeping pattern if you want a good night 's kip .
`` Get up at your normal time and go to bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it might be to do otherwise . ''
And those extra naps some of us are now taking ?
We 've got bad news .
`` You 've got to save your sleepiness for bedtime .
Treat being sleepy as a precious resource and do n't waste it on a short daytime nap . ''
We ca n't go outside as much as we used to , which is bad news for our sleep because a little daylight can go a long way .
Our eyes need exposure to outdoor light because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - it regulates our sleep and wake pattern .
`` It 's the only way the body has of knowing whether it 's light or dark . ''
If we stay indoors , it means a lack of exposure to proper light , which reduces melatonin levels .
Kevin suggests doing your daily exercise outside , or else making sure you 're taking advantage of the hour-a-day you 're allowed outside .
`` And even if it 's sunny , do n't take sunglasses , get the sun into your eyes , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your sleep quality and your mood . ''
To ( hopefully ) improve the results even more ?
Go outside at the same time each day , so it becomes part of your daily routine .
It 's normal to have worries and stress at a time like this - Laura says her stress and anxiety levels have risen since the lockdown .
`` There 's so much uncertainty - we 've never been in this situation before ... Will it go back to normal ?
Or is this the new normal ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress and anxiety . ''
Kevin says we `` all have concerns , whether it 's our families , our own health or our jobs .
It 's hard to be locked up in your own home without being reminded we 're in serious times '' .
But while it 's OK to be worried , Prof Kevin says we should try not to take those worries to bed .
`` Tell yourself you 've done all you can for that day and there 's nothing more to do .
Then pick it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good night 's sleep . ''
If you need help dealing with stress , here 's some more advice that might be useful .
4 .
Think about your space If you 're working from home and are lucky enough to have options about where in the house you work , avoid your bedroom - your mind associates it with it being time to sleep .
`` Do n't go near the bed .
Do n't sit on it or lie on it - until you actually need to go and sleep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kevin suggests changing how the bed looks .
`` Throw a cover on top and change its appearance , so you continue to only associate it with sleep .
`` Ultimately , it 's about trying to trick your mind that things are normal . ''
You may have a bit more time for TV and films nowadays , activities it might be tempting to have a drink with .
But Kevin says that while alcohol can help us get to sleep faster , it 's not good in the long-term .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality of our sleep . ''
Kevin suggests if you are going to drink , you should do it `` at the same time as you normally would - and drink the same amount you normally would '' .
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"Normally, it's wake up early, go to the gym, go to work, then gym and sleep," she says. But she's been furloughed - when you're not working but are kept on your employer's payroll - which means life doesn't have the same structure as before.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Damien Hirst’s rainbow giveaway

Damien Hirst has created two new artworks in response to the coronavirus .
One is to raise money for charity @ @ @ @ @ raise spirits .
Damien explains how the current situation has inspired him .
You can @ @ @ @ @ Rainbow poster here .

Damien Hirst has created two new artworks in response to the coronavirus.
One is to raise money for charity and the other is to raise spirits.
Damien explains how the current situation has inspired him.
You can download Damien Hirst's Butterfly Rainbow poster here.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Nurse Stephen Pearson died after three days of 'mild symptoms'

The daughter of a nurse who died from Covid-19 said the virus claimed his life after just three days of `` mild symptoms '' .
Stephen Pearson , 51 , a mental health nurse from Cramlington , Northumberland , did not have any underlying health conditions .
His daughter Bethany said her father died within days of feeling shivery and lethargic .
In a tribute to her `` incredible '' dad , she said his goal was to save lives .
Miss Pearson , 20 , said her father came home from work on Good Friday and went to bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was due to work on Saturday but rang his manager to say he was ill and did not want to put anyone else at risk .
Later that day he tested positive for the virus .
Miss Pearson said : `` On Saturday morning he was saying 'You know what , it 's probably nothing , I 've probably just caught the flu . '
`` He got tested on Saturday the results came back positive on Sunday and he mainly lay in bed all day , self-isolating upstairs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he was n't with us any more .
`` It was so quick and sudden , no-one could have prepared for it . ''
Mr Pearson worked in hospitals and prisons for the Cumbria , Northumberland , Tyne and Wear NHS Trust for more than 30 years .
He also leaves behind wife Anne , 50 , and daughter Rebecca , 26 .
Miss Pearson said her father was slightly overweight , but otherwise fit and healthy .
She said that the official cause of death was given as Covid-19 because no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-mortem examination .
Ms Pearson added : `` I find myself smiling every time I think about my dad he was just the most incredible man .
`` The venture he was most proud of was being part of the Newcastle street triage team which is for people in their darkest hours .
`` Words can not describe how proud we are of all of him , just a natural carer , like a big brother from a very , very young age and his goal , other than to be the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best son was to save lives , and he did .
`` He was always on his feet , when he was on the ward he was always running around and when he went to the street triage he was here , there and everywhere .
`` You ca n't be unfit in his job - you 've got to be there in a split second when people need you .
`` I think people need to understand how quickly it can spread because it really does n't take much . ''
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"Words cannot describe how proud we are of all of him, just a natural carer, like a big brother from a very, very young age and his goal, other than to be the best dad, the best brother, the best son was to save lives, and he did.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Nurses write to health minister for PPE clarity

The Royal College of Nursing ( RCN ) in NI has written to the health minister to seek clarity over the reuse of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
BBC News NI understands the letter was sent after Public Health England changed its guidance around PPE use .
It said where there are acute shortages and it is safe to do so , it approves the sessional and reuse of PPE .
The Department of Health said the guidance `` is not implemented in NI at this point '' .
The total number of Covid-19-related deaths in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is now 194 .
On Sunday , it was announced that another 159 people have tested positive for the virus , bringing the total to 2,645 , with a total of 16,490 individuals tested .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Public Health England said its advice about PPE should only apply where items are not available and should be considered a temporary measure until the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's needs .
But the Royal College of Nursing in NI said it was not consulted on the change and has asked Health Minister Robin Swann not to implement the new guidance in Northern Ireland .
Pat Cullen , RCN NI director , said the health minister and other ministers had been asked to reassure them that they will not be placed in a position where , like England , they could be asked to reuse PPE .
`` We asked the minister for health , and the other executive ministers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very concerning conversations with our nurses , that they would also not adopt or not , implement the guidance from England here in Northern Ireland .
In fact , we asked them to specifically reject the guidance , '' she told BBC 's Good Morning Ulster programme .
She added that Robin Swann got back `` promptly '' but she said `` his response does not go far enough for us to be able to go out and give that reassurance to those nurses that are coming on duty that they will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to use items marked for single use a second time or third time '' .
`` That 's not right .
It should n't have to happen , '' she said .
While it is understood that the other devolved nations have already committed not to implement the revised guidance , the Department of Health in Northern Ireland said : `` This guidance on the reuse of PPE is not implemented in NI at this point .
`` And if or when it might be required , the department will consider this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific evidence and will provide further advice at the appropriate time .
`` Such consideration will be undertaken if required , and only following full engagement and in consultation with professional bodies and trade union representative organisations . ''
A spokesperson said that following earlier guidance , issued on 10 April , on `` where PPE can be used for single use or on a sessional basis '' , updated advice regarding the reuse of suitable visors and goggles would be issued through the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frontline need reassurance , '' continued the spokesperson .
`` The department has set up a new dedicated email contact point for all staff to raise PPE concerns . ''
The RCN said it was seeking further clarification .
First Minister Arlene Foster said she was pleased that the Minister for Health had responded to the letter quickly and confirmed the advice would `` not apply here in Northern Ireland '' .
`` Our nurses and our health care workers need to have that clarity , '' she told BBC 's Good Morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the great difficulties within that guide , was that there were no conversations with the RCN and then the guidance was just published and I think that should not have been the case because obviously we are trying to work in partnership and work together on all of these issues .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said it would never be acceptable to issue guidance to reuse PPE .
`` It 's our job to try and track down every single piece of data and get our hands on [ it ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there were three supply chains for PPE being `` constantly sourced '' by Stormont - local manufacturers retooling , GB and then securing supplies from China .
She said PPE had been the `` hot potato '' in this discussion .
Mrs Foster said there is now a system whereby the health minister comes weekly to tell them how much PPE there is in stock and that it was an `` evolving situation '' .

While it is understood that the other devolved nations have already committed not to implement the revised guidance, the Department of Health in Northern Ireland said: "This guidance on the reuse of PPE is not implemented in NI at this point.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: More than 140,000 firms claim wage bill help

More than 140,000 firms have applied for help to pay their wage bill through the government 's job retention scheme , which went live on Monday .
The programme funds 80 % of workers ' wages , up to £2,500 a month , if they are put on leave .
Speaking at the Downing Street press briefing , Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the money would help pay the wages of more than a million people .
But many more than that are expected to be `` furloughed '' due to the lockdown .
The Treasury said the system can process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Employers should receive the money within six working days of making an application , it said .
The chancellor said the scheme would help people who could have lost their jobs if they had not been furloughed .
Employers had made 67,000 job claims within half an hour of the system going live at 08:00 , HMRC chief executive Jim Harra told the BBC 's Today programme .
Mr Harra said : `` The big payroll date this month is on the 30th , so employers can claim anytime today , tomorrow or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get that money into their account for the 30th of April . ''
Mike Cherry , the national chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses said the system had `` held up '' under the weight of applications , adding that employers had generally found it straightforward to submit the information required .
`` Of course this is only day one , '' he said .
`` The real mark of success for this scheme will be money in employer back accounts by the end of the month . ''
Jenna Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on the furlough scheme because she started her job too late .
The airline flight attendant began her role on 9 March , so missed the original cut-off date of 28 February .
The government then said it was extending the scheme to anyone who had started by 19 March .
`` But the small print stated that your employer had to have made a 'Real Time Information ' submission to HMRC by that date , '' Jenna says .
`` That is only ever done two days before you get paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the month , so I am still in this no man 's land . ''
Her previous employer , Thomas Cook , can not furlough her because it went bust last year .
And while her current employer has kept her on on unpaid leave , she feels `` massively let down '' .
`` It is not my current company 's fault - they want to help us as much as they can - it 's the government that is ignoring us . ''
On Friday , Mr Sunak announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended by a further month , until the end of June .
The move came after the government confirmed that lockdown restrictions in the UK would continue for `` at least '' another three weeks .
Mr Harra declined to predict how much the scheme would cost .
Last week , the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated a price tag of £42bn , but that was before the government extended the scheme by a month .
He said he was confident that HMRC could cope with the demand for the scheme .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cope with the maximum number of claims that we could receive - there are well over two million Pay-As-You-Earn schemes and our system is big enough to handle a claim from every one of those . ''
It 's a massive feat of engineering , an unprecedented reverse plumbing of the tax system .
Instead of sucking money out of millions of paypackets , HMRC is pumping cash in to throw companies and employees a lifeline .
The early signs are promising - calls answered , online forms submitted .
But now the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place for payday - starts .
HMRC says funds should be available within six days .
The intervening time is used to check firms are playing by the rules - not illicitly claiming for imaginary employees , for example .
But the head of the tax office has admitted they wo n't catch every fraudulent case ; there has to be a trade-off between speed and compliance .
The smooth start will be a relief to Rishi Sunak , the scheme 's architect .
But what of those who started jobs after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already extended the length of the scheme once - will he have to do that again , and at what cost ?
And , as Denmark has done , might he consider withholding help to companies registered in tax havens ?
With the amount he 's already had to tackle , it 's easy to forget Mr Sunak has been chancellor for less than three months - but several questions remain .
Adam Marshall , director general of the British Chambers of Commerce , said : `` With April 's payday approaching , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is smooth and that payments are made as soon as possible .
`` Any delay would exacerbate the cash crisis many companies are facing and could threaten jobs and businesses , '' he added .
How does the scheme work ?
Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , the government will cover 80 % of workers ' wages , up to a maximum of £2,500 per worker , per month before tax .
Bosses will pay workers and reclaim the money from HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) online after the service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum amount of time that an employee can be furloughed is three weeks , and firms are not expected to start receiving money until at least the end of April .
What does it mean if I have been furloughed by work ?
According to new research by the Resolution Foundation , the take-up of the scheme has been higher than initially anticipated .
It estimates that eight million workers could be furloughed over the coming weeks .
It found that those working in low-paid sectors - such as hospitality or retail - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workforce expected to be put on paid leave .
Daniel Tomlinson , economist at the Resolution Foundation , said : `` The government 's welcome Job Retention Scheme is what stands between Britain experiencing high unemployment over the coming months , and catastrophic depression-era levels of long-term joblessness .
`` It is proving particularly essential in big , low-paying sectors like hospitality and retail , where around half the workforce are no longer working . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I GET PAID IF I CA N'T WORK ?
Rules on sick pay and wages • STRESS : How to look after your mental health High Street chains such as Oasis and Warehouse , as well as fast food firms KFC and McDonald 's , have all furloughed staff as their work has come to a standstill under lockdown .
Rain Newton-Smith , chief economist at the CBI business lobby group , welcomed the launch of the online application service for firms .
`` Rolling out the job retention scheme will make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms and millions of people , protecting jobs and living standards throughout the UK , '' she said .
`` Ensuring support gets to where it 's needed most - fast - is of the utmost importance . ''
Is your company applying for the furlough scheme ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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But what of those who started jobs after 28 February? Also, he's already extended the length of the scheme once - will he have to do that again, and at what cost? And, as Denmark has done, might he consider withholding help to companies registered in tax havens?


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Dentists facing 'critical shortage of kit'

Dentists in England are facing `` critical shortages '' in personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , forcing patients with urgent problems to `` take matters into their own hands '' , says an organisation representing UK dentists .
Over half ( 54 % ) of dentists in England say that PPE shortages are hampering efforts to treat patients at urgent dental care ( UDC ) hubs , according to a survey carried out by the British Dental Association ( BDA ) .
The BDA , which surveyed one thousand dentists , says a lack of PPE has meant some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It says a third of the sites in England remain inactive , compared with just 2 % across Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
In response , the chief dental officer for England , Sara Hurley , says there are now 219 open hubs `` to provide care for those who need it '' and that `` every hub has the relevant PPE and work is ongoing to ensure that supply is maintained . ''
UDC hubs are designed to provide emergency dental treatment for patients with urgent needs , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facial swelling .
Patients requiring emergency treatment are meant to be referred to a UDC hub after a telephone consultation with their local dentist .
Local practices were told to suspend routine face-to-face services on 25 March in order to slow the spread of coronavirus and to set up local UDC hubs to treat patients with urgent needs .
However , BDA Chair Mick Armstrong says progress has been too slow .
`` Many dentists have been redeployed , only to find their hands tied by a critical shortage of kit , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depth of these problems will fatally undermine any progress on getting this network up and running , '' he says .
One dentist , who wanted to remain anonymous , told the BBC they had been redeployed to a UDC hub in the Midlands .
However , they said their hub is currently unable to treat patients until a testing kit to be used on masks arrives .
`` It 's frustrating and disappointing when we know there is a significant need for urgent care because of a lack of training and PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing kits are shared across the region and they 're being been taken up and down the motorway , and we 're still waiting for it to arrive . ''
`` But as soon as we get the PPE , the hub will be up and running '' .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the south , said that while their hub was treating patients , they only had about 20 days ' worth of FFP3 masks remaining .
The FFP3 mask offers one of the highest grades of protection .
The dentist said they would have to stop treating patients if they ran out of masks and replacement ones could not be sourced .
• Has the NHS got enough protective gear ?
• Should we all be wearing masks now ?
The BDA 's survey found that two thirds of dentists at sites in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gowns and that 58 % of dentists say they do not feel fully protected at their sites .
Dentists say PPE is necessary because they can be as close as 20cm from patients ' mouths and are therefore at a high risk of contracting and spreading Covid-19 .
Dr Michael Ehrlich is a dentist based at a practice in Brighouse , West Yorkshire .
He says he 's been giving advice to patients over for the phone for the past three weeks .
`` A broken tooth , a sharp bit of tooth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not urgent but they still cause discomfort .
And then there are certain things that really need seeing and sorting out , but at the moment we have nowhere to send people '' , he says .
`` It just had to come out '' Aircraft fitter Billy Taylor , 33 , from Axminster , Devon , told the BBC that he decided to pull out his own tooth after experiencing `` pretty bad '' pain over the Easter bank holiday weekend .
`` I phoned my dentist .
They said they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency waiting list , but they 're not sure how long it would take to see me '' , Mr Taylor said .
`` The pain was absolutely excruciating so I thought I 'd take it into my own hands '' Mr Taylor said the DIY extraction took an hour and a half .
`` I did n't release how hard it would be to take out a molar tooth '' .
Kathryn Hey , 47 , a teacher from Biddulph in Staffordshire woke up with a sudden sharp pain on 2 April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen by a dentist , despite making two phone calls and is managing with painkillers '' My tooth ache is more manageable now so I 'm waiting for the lockdown to end before contacting my dentist again '' , she says .
`` However , I still ca n't eat or drink on the side my tooth is , so it affects me every day . ''
What happens if you need to see a dentist ?
In the first instance , patients are advised to call their local practice .
If symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medication over the phone ( such as painkillers and antibiotics ) .
In such cases , dentists can contact local pharmacies , which can then prepare medication for patients to pick up .
If a patient has an urgent dental problem , then they should be referred to a UDC hub .
Other emergency treatment may also be available .
For example , some hospitals may offer emergency dental walk-ins .
However , if a patient can not reach their local dentist - or is not registered with one - then the advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Coronavirus: Dentists facing 'critical shortage of kit' Published 21 April 2020
comments Comments
Image source, Science Photo Library
Dentists in England are facing "critical shortages" in personal protective equipment (PPE), forcing patients with urgent problems to "take matters into their own hands", says an organisation representing UK dentists.
Over half (54%) of dentists in England say that PPE shortages are hampering efforts to treat patients at urgent dental care (UDC) hubs, according to a survey carried out by the British Dental Association (BDA).
The BDA, which surveyed one thousand dentists, says a lack of PPE has meant some UDC hubs can't currently treat patients. It says a third of the sites in England remain inactive, compared with just 2% across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In response, the chief dental officer for England, Sara Hurley, says there are now 219 open hubs "to provide care for those who need it" and that "every hub has the relevant PPE and work is ongoing to ensure that supply is maintained."
What are urgent dental care hubs?
UDC hubs are designed to provide emergency dental treatment for patients with urgent needs, such as cracked teeth, gum infections and facial swelling. Patients requiring emergency treatment are meant to be referred to a UDC hub after a telephone consultation with their local dentist.
Local practices were told to suspend routine face-to-face services on 25 March in order to slow the spread of coronavirus and to set up local UDC hubs to treat patients with urgent needs.
However, BDA Chair Mick Armstrong says progress has been too slow.
"Many dentists have been redeployed, only to find their hands tied by a critical shortage of kit, and delays in training and fit-testing. The depth of these problems will fatally undermine any progress on getting this network up and running," he says.
'Frustrating and disappointing'
One dentist, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the BBC they had been redeployed to a UDC hub in the Midlands. However, they said their hub is currently unable to treat patients until a testing kit to be used on masks arrives.
"It's frustrating and disappointing when we know there is a significant need for urgent care because of a lack of training and PPE", they said.
"The testing kits are shared across the region and they're being been taken up and down the motorway, and we're still waiting for it to arrive."
"But as soon as we get the PPE, the hub will be up and running".
Another dentist, based in the south, said that while their hub was treating patients, they only had about 20 days' worth of FFP3 masks remaining. The FFP3 mask offers one of the highest grades of protection.
The dentist said they would have to stop treating patients if they ran out of masks and replacement ones could not be sourced.
The BDA's survey found that two thirds of dentists at sites in England are reporting shortages of FFP3 masks and gowns and that 58% of dentists say they do not feel fully protected at their sites.
Dentists say PPE is necessary because they can be as close as 20cm from patients' mouths and are therefore at a high risk of contracting and spreading Covid-19.
Dr Michael Ehrlich is a dentist based at a practice in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. He says he's been giving advice to patients over for the phone for the past three weeks.
"A broken tooth, a sharp bit of tooth, a lost crown, they are not urgent but they still cause discomfort. And then there are certain things that really need seeing and sorting out, but at the moment we have nowhere to send people", he says.
"It just had to come out"
Image source, BILLY TAYLOR Image caption, Billy Taylor pulled out his own tooth at home with the help of his 11-year-old son
Aircraft fitter Billy Taylor, 33, from Axminster, Devon, told the BBC that he decided to pull out his own tooth after experiencing "pretty bad" pain over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
"I phoned my dentist. They said they're closed and will put me on an emergency waiting list, but they're not sure how long it would take to see me", Mr Taylor said.
"The pain was absolutely excruciating so I thought I'd take it into my own hands"
Mr Taylor said the DIY extraction took an hour and a half.
"I didn't release how hard it would be to take out a molar tooth".
Dentists strongly advise against any patient doing their own dentistry. It is potentially dangerous for an untrained person with no anaesthetic or proper tools and risks significant damage to their mouth, broken teeth and serious infection.
Kathryn Hey, 47, a teacher from Biddulph in Staffordshire woke up with a sudden sharp pain on 2 April. She says she has not been seen by a dentist, despite making two phone calls and is managing with painkillers
"My tooth ache is more manageable now so I'm waiting for the lockdown to end before contacting my dentist again", she says.
"However, I still can't eat or drink on the side my tooth is, so it affects me every day."
What happens if you need to see a dentist?
In the first instance, patients are advised to call their local practice.
If symptoms are serious, local dentists can prescribe medication over the phone (such as painkillers and antibiotics). In such cases, dentists can contact local pharmacies, which can then prepare medication for patients to pick up.
If a patient has an urgent dental problem, then they should be referred to a UDC hub. Other emergency treatment may also be available. For example, some hospitals may offer emergency dental walk-ins.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: RAF plane en route to Turkey amid row over NHS kit

An RAF aircraft has departed the UK for Turkey to pick up a delayed delivery of protective kit amid a row over a shortage in the NHS .
The plane left at around 17:00 BST on Monday to collect 400,000 gowns .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the daily No 10 briefing the government was working `` around the clock '' to address the lack of protective gear .
It comes as another 449 coronavirus deaths were recorded in UK hospitals , taking the total number to 16,509 .
But the number of new confirmed infections was `` flattening out '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser , Prof Dame Angela Maclean , told the briefing .
Meanwhile , more than 140,000 firms have applied for help to pay their wage bill through the government 's job retention scheme , which went live on Monday morning .
• What protective gear do NHS staff need ?
The row over a shortage of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for the NHS has intensified over the last few days .
Doctors , nurses and other healthcare workers complain that a lack of adequate kit such as gowns , masks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catching coronavirus and of spreading it to their patients .
The children of Josiane Ekoli , a nurse from Leeds who died after contracting the disease , said on Monday that her death could have been prevented `` if they gave my mum the proper equipment in the first place '' .
Speaking in Downing Street , Mr Sunak said the shortage of PPE was `` uppermost '' in people 's minds and the government would `` pursue every possible option '' to secure more PPE .
He said ministers were trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been expected to arrive from Turkey on Sunday , but was hit by `` unexpected '' delays .
However , he said there were regular shipments expected from other sources , and cited a delivery of 140,000 gowns from Myanmar .
Mr Sunak said : `` We 're improving our sourcing internationally and domestically to make sure we can get the PPE we need in what is a very challenging international context .
`` But people on the front line can rest assured that we 're doing absolutely everything we can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the equipment they need . ''
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the first of three expected RAF transport aircraft departed from Brize Norton for Turkey on Monday .
Earlier , Chris Hopson , chief executive of NHS Providers - which represents healthcare trusts across England - said there was `` no doubt '' some hospital trusts were already experiencing shortages of the gowns .
He said that while the 400,000 gowns from Turkey would be welcome , NHS staff were getting through approximately 150,000 gowns a day .
Mr Hopson also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed on individual consignments .
He gave the example of an expected consignment of 200,000 gowns from China , which turned out to be 20,000 gowns when it arrived last week .
Downing Street said the government had now delivered one billion pieces of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) to frontline staff .
Speaking at the government briefing , Public Health England 's medical director Prof Yvonne Doyle said a lack of PPE was `` a concern '' .
However , she denied that PPE guidance had been downgraded based on availability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health England changed its advice on Friday to allow the NHS to re-use gowns if stock was running low , saying `` some compromise '' was needed `` in times of extreme shortages '' .
Prof Doyle said : `` The guidance remains exactly the same .
And that is a very precautionary set of advice - it 's quite the opposite to putting people at risk because there are n't enough supplies .
`` It 's trying to ensure that people are well secured and safe when there may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how important it is not to take risks . ''
Meanwhile , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland currently had `` adequate stocks '' of all the main items of PPE but gowns were one of the items `` under most pressure '' .
The owner of a healthcare service in Hampshire providing care to people in their own home said PPE was the `` biggest challenge '' her organisation faced .
Alice Ushumba said she was struggling to get hold of enough masks , and that some staff had resigned because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment available .
`` We 're going into people 's houses who might have Covid but we do n't have anything to protect ourselves except perhaps a little plastic apron and gloves , '' she told BBC Radio 4 's World at One .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise The latest UK death total of 449 was the lowest daily figure announced since 6 April .
The new figures also showed that the number of new infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four days .
Prof Maclean told the daily briefing that infections in the UK were `` flattening out '' , and that the number of patients in hospitals in London had fallen for seven consecutive days .
She added she hoped the fall would be `` replicated '' across the UK .
The number of new deaths announced - 449 - is the lowest for two weeks .
Last week the figures were hovering between 700 and 900 , before dropping below 600 on Sunday .
That is , of course , good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past two days should be treated with caution .
They cover the weekend and we know reporting and recording delays can mean figures drop before rising again .
But the falls are big enough to suggest we may soon start seeing the number of new deaths coming down .
The numbers in hospital with coronavirus have already started dropping gradually so the signs are there that we are beginning to turn the corner .
Mr Sunak said there were `` encouraging signs we are making progress '' in tackling the virus but added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place .
He reiterated the government 's message that the UK needed to meet five tests set down last week before exiting the lockdown - which include increasing testing in the community , and being certain there was no risk of a second peak .
`` We are not there yet and it is very clear that , for now , what we should focus on is following the guidance , staying home to protect the NHS , '' he added .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told colleagues his concerns that relaxing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second outbreak of coronavirus .
He is understood to have had a video call with his deputy , Dominic Raab , on Friday to discuss the crisis .
• The BBC has identified 80 healthcare workers who have died with coronavirus since the start of the outbreak • Prince Charles opened a 2,000-bed field hospital at Cardiff 's Principality Stadium .
The site - called Dragon 's Heart Hospital - becomes Wales ' biggest hospital • Charles ' father , the Duke of Edinburgh , has made a rare public statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and keeping essential services running • The UK is gearing up to use the blood of coronavirus survivors to treat hospital patients who have the disease • Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has `` issued guidance '' to ITV following Eamonn Holmes ' comments about 5G technology and coronavirus on This Morning • The government is considering having a one-minute silence for NHS workers who have died with the virus

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


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Alcohol fuels rise in assaults on over 50s, study suggests

The number of people in their 50s and 60s needing emergency hospital treatment after being assaulted is at its highest level for nine years .
Nearly 21,000 people aged over 51 went to A & E in England and Wales in 2019 for violence-related injuries , according to analysis by Cardiff University .
Researchers said many of the incidents were fuelled by alcohol .
It comes as overall violence-related casualty admissions fell by 6 % , the steepest decline since 2015 .
The figures are based on an annual survey of 111 A & E departments , minor injury centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2002 .
Last year , an estimated 175,764 people attended the emergency NHS facilities with injuries sustained in violence , 11,820 fewer than the previous year .
Most of the victims had been hit , punched or kicked .
Wounds caused by knife attacks - which separate data shows are at record levels - made up only around 5 % of cases , analysts believe .
• A & E visits down 29 % during epidemic in England The number of violence-related emergency admissions has been dropping almost continuously since the survey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 % since 2010 .
In 2019 , the greatest annual decreases were among those most at risk of being assaulted .
Admissions by young adults were down 12 % , and those by people aged 31-50 years fell by 9 % .
But 13,798 men and 7,128 women aged 51 and over are estimated to have sustained injuries after being attacked , an 8 % rise , and the second successive increase among this age group .
As a proportion of the population , the injury rate among those in their 50s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2011 .
The authors of the study said although this was `` difficult to explain '' it was likely to reflect the `` growing '' levels of drinking among older people in England .
And they suggested some older binge drinkers were still behaving as they did when younger , in the 1980s and 1990s .
`` Current cohorts of older people exhibited higher alcohol consumption levels in the past and may be continuing their relatively higher levels into older age , '' the study says .
`` Since heavy binge drinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were much more frequent three or four decades ago , it seems possible that this generational trait is also reflected in slowly increasing the risk of injury in violence . ''

"Since heavy binge drinking, and violence associated with it, were much more frequent three or four decades ago, it seems possible that this generational trait is also reflected in slowly increasing the risk of injury in violence."


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: New working arrangements for MPs as Commons returns

The House of Commons has been trying out its new working arrangements in preparation for MPs ' return later .
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle led a rehearsal on Monday in which ministers faced questions via video link .
Screens have been installed in the chamber to allow MPs to speak remotely while the limited number attending in person will be signposted where to sit .
The new practices will initially operate until 12 May although could remain in place for longer .
They are part of a raft of changes designed to allow Parliament to continue to operate during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , virtual committee meetings and strict social distancing measures within the Palace of Westminster .
The new `` hybrid '' system - in which the number of MPs present in the chamber will be limited to about 50 - must be approved by MPs when they return from their Easter break at 14.30 BST .
This is expected to be a formality .
The measures will then come into force on Wednesday .
It is hoped the Zoom video-conferencing tool will allow up to 120 MPs to respond to ministerial statements and urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attend in person to participate .
Prayer cards normally used to reserve places for MPs on the Commons benches will be replaced by green and red symbols indicating where they should and should not sit in order to keep the recommended six feet apart .
Business on Tuesday and Wednesday is likely to focus exclusively on the government 's response to the pandemic .
While the new system will not initially be used for debating legislation - which will be confined to those actually in the chamber - MPs have called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of parliamentary business .
It is not clear yet what procedures will be used to allow MPs to vote , when this is necessary .
Before Parliament broke up for its Easter recess on 25 March , changes were introduced to reduce the number of MPs required to physically walk through the division lobbies while votes on key legislation , such as the emergency Coronavirus Act , were nodded through without a formal vote .
The Procedure Committee - which looks at the ways MPs conduct business - said it was right that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examine whether remote digital voting could be introduced for a `` strictly time-limited period '' .
In a report welcoming the wider changes proposed by the Speaker , it said remote voting would be a `` fundamental change to the way that the House has conducted its business '' .
`` We will wish to give detailed consideration to any system developed to supplement or to replace existing mechanisms for divisions , where such a system will which enable absentee voting , '' it said .
The committee , chaired by ex-Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the ability of MPs to hold the government to account .
The government announced on Friday that Parliament would only be sitting for three days a week until future notice , with Thursday and Friday sittings axed .
MPs have now called for limits on written questions to be put to ministers to be relaxed , to allow more scrutiny .
The House of Lords will also be using a new hybrid system when it returns on Tuesday but its proceedings will initially not be broadcast , a move which has caused @ @ @ @ @

Prayer cards normally used to reserve places for MPs on the Commons benches have been replaced by green and red symbols indicating where they should and should not sit in order to keep the recommended six feet apart.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Plant disease: UK restricts olive tree imports to halt infection

Severe restrictions will be placed on imports of some very popular trees and plants in an effort to halt a deadly infection .
Xylella fastidiosa has wreaked havoc on olive plantations in parts of Italy and has also been found in France and Spain .
To prevent the disease spreading to the UK , imports of olive trees and lavender bushes will now be curtailed .
There will also be restrictions on almond , rosemary and oleander shrubs .
Xyllela is a bacterium that has caused significant damage to olive trees in Italy over the past seven years .
Spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resulting disease has no treatment and it is said to have cut Italy 's olive harvest to its lowest level in 25 years .
A recently published study suggested that the infection could cause billions of euros in damages if it spreads further into olive-producing regions of Spain and Greece .
But Xylella is not just a disease of olive trees .
According to experts , some 560 species in 72 plant families can be affected by the infection .
For the UK , Xylella poses a threat to iconic species including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To prevent the spread of the disease , the Department for the Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra ) is now placing heavy restrictions on some species .
Imports of Coffea ( coffee plants ) and Polygala myrtifolia will be banned completely , while much tougher requirements will be placed on other high-risk hosts including Olive , Almond , Oleander , Lavender and Rosemary .
These new restrictions put the UK ahead of the rest of Europe in its efforts to curb Xylella .
In a letter , Defra said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pest risk and we are introducing national measures in the absence of EU requirements '' .
Experts say the new limitations will have a substantial effect .
`` They 're quite stringent requirements and they will very much impact the trade flows of things like olive and lavender where huge quantities are moved around in the horticultural trade , '' said Dr Gerard Clover , from the John Innes Centre in Norwich , who is involved in the UK research initiative called BRIGIT , designed to monitor the Xylella pathogen .
Tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK every year , while the numbers of lavender and rosemary plants are higher still .
Some of those involved in the plant breeding industry say the restrictions will mean a ban in practice - with implications for gardeners .
`` There is a new requirement for exporters supplying plants to the UK to show that the area 200 metres around their place of production has been free from Xylella for at least one year , with official test results to prove it .
This is impossible to comply with , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an independent plant breeders agent .
`` Furthermore , it is not possible to switch to domestic British production .
There is very little propagation of lavender and rosemary in the UK - nearly all growers rely on the international supply of unrooted cuttings , young plants or finished plants , '' he added .
The horticultural industry is generally in favour of the move to restrict imports , recognising the threat posed by Xylella .
However , business owners are far more concerned with the immediate threat to their livelihoods from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported in that , they argue , then the government plans to control Xylella might backfire .
`` We have proposed to government a stock compensation scheme - highlighting the benefits of the Dutch grower compensation model - and the re-opening of garden centres to help British growers ' businesses to survive , '' said James Clark , from the Horticultural Trades Association .
`` Without this immediate financial assistance , we will be facing a significantly reduced British grower sector , resulting in the UK being more dependent on the import of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential additional pests and disease risks this carries . ''

"There is a new requirement for exporters supplying plants to the UK to show that the area 200 metres around their place of production has been free from Xylella for at least one year, with official test results to prove it. This is impossible to comply with," said Graham Spencer from Plants for Europe, an independent plant breeders agent.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Ofcom rules on Eamonn Holmes and David Icke comments

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has `` issued guidance '' to ITV following Eamonn Holmes ' comments about 5G technology and coronavirus on This Morning .
The regulator said Holmes ' remarks had been `` ambiguous '' and `` ill-judged '' .
Ofcom said they `` risked undermining viewers ' trust in advice from public authorities and scientific evidence '' .
The regulator also found local TV channel London Live in breach of standards for an interview it aired with David Icke about coronavirus .
Conspiracy theorist Icke , it said , had `` expressed views which had the potential to cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic '' .
On 13 April , in a segment with This Morning 's consumer editor Alice Beer , Holmes cast doubt on media outlets that had debunked the myth that 5G causes coronavirus .
Beer , formerly a presenter on the BBC 's Watchdog programme , said the theory , which has led to phone masts being set alight or vandalised , was `` not true and incredibly stupid '' .
`` I totally agree with everything you are saying , '' said Holmes .
`` But what I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down as not true when they do n't know it 's not true .
`` No-one should attack or damage or do anything like that , but it 's very easy to say it is not true because it suits the state narrative , '' he continued .
Holmes was widely criticised for his comments , which he said had been `` misinterpreted '' on the following day 's programme .
`` For the avoidance of any doubt , I want to make it completely clear there 's no scientific evidence to substantiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he continued .
Ofcom said it had taken this on-air statement into account , along with the `` context '' Beer had provided , before deciding to issue guidance to ITV `` and its presenters '' .
`` In our view , Eamonn Holmes ' ambiguous comments were ill-judged and risked undermining viewers ' trust in advice from public authorities and scientific evidence , '' it said .
`` His statements were also highly sensitive in view of the recent attacks on mobile phone masts in the UK , caused by conspiracy theories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Broadcasters have editorial freedom to discuss and challenge the approach taken by public authorities to a serious public health crisis such as the coronavirus , '' it continued .
`` However , discussions about unproven claims and theories which could undermine viewers ' trust in official public health information must be put fully into context to ensure viewers are protected . ''
In a separate ruling , Ofcom said ESTV , owner of London-based TV channel London Live , had broken broadcasting rules by airing an interview with former footballer and TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , recorded on 18 March and broadcast on London Live on 8 April , `` included potentially harmful content about the coronavirus pandemic '' .
While not mentioning 5G by name , Icke referred to an `` electro-magnetic , technologically generated soup of radiation toxicity '' that he claimed had damaged old people 's immune systems .
He also claimed that official health advice aimed at reducing the spread of the virus were being implemented to further the ambitions of a clandestine `` cult '' , rather than to protect public health .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by Icke `` casting doubt on the motives behind official health advice to protect the public from the virus '' .
`` These claims went largely unchallenged during the 80-minute interview and were made without the support of any scientific or other evidence . ''
The London Live programme was produced by a London-based independent company .
London Live is owned by the Russian businessman Evgeny Lebedev , who also owns the Evening Standard and Independent newspapers .
The channel will be required to broadcast a summary of Ofcom 's findings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulator .
Conspiracy theories linking 5G signals to the coronavirus pandemic continue to spread despite there being no evidence the mobile phone signals pose a health risk .
Fact-checking charity Full Fact has linked the claims to two flawed theories .
One falsely suggests 5G suppresses the immune system , the other falsely claims the virus is somehow using the network 's radio waves to communicate and pick victims , accelerating its spread .
While 5G uses different radio frequencies to its predecessors , it 's important to recognise that the waveband involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it lacks enough energy to break apart chemical bonds in the DNA in our cells to cause damage .
Earlier this year , scientists at the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection completed a major study of related research into the topic .
While it recommended slightly tighter limits on the transmitting capabilities of handsets themselves to minimise any chance of damage caused by human tissue being heated , its key finding was that there was no evidence that either 5G networks or earlier systems could cause cancer or other kinds of illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the work of a Nobel Prize-winning biologist who suggested bacteria could generate radio waves .
But this remains a controversial idea and well outside mainstream scientific thought .
In any case , Covid-19 is a virus rather than a bacteria .
There 's another major flaw with both these theories .
Coronavirus is spreading in UK cities where 5G has yet to be deployed , and in countries like Japan and Iran that have yet to adopt the technology .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

While it recommended slightly tighter limits on the transmitting capabilities of handsets themselves to minimise any chance of damage caused by human tissue being heated, its key finding was that there was no evidence that either 5G networks or earlier systems could cause cancer or other kinds of illness.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--'Make something up' threat Lancashire Police officer suspended

A police officer who threatened to `` make something up '' in order to arrest a man has been suspended from duty .
A clip of the incident , which happened in Accrington , Lancashire , on Friday , had been widely shared on social media .
In a statement the force said : `` We absolutely recognise the impact this footage has had on public confidence . ''
It has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct .
Lancashire 's chief constable said the officer 's behaviour was `` unacceptable '' .
The statement said the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the professional standards department .
Police were on their way to execute a search warrant at an address when they `` stopped to speak to a group of males with a quad bike '' .
In the clip , a young man is shown telling the officer : `` You 're arresting me ?
What for ?
I 've done nothing wrong . ''
The officer responds : `` I 'll lock you up ... .
We 'll make something up… who are they going to believe , me or you ? ''

In a statement the force said: "We absolutely recognise the impact this footage has had on public confidence." It has been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Boohoo blasted over £5 fashion face masks

Online fashion retailer Boohoo has been criticised for selling fashion face masks during the coronavirus pandemic .
The £5 masks came with messages such as `` Eat , sleep , isolate , repeat '' or `` If you can read this , you are too close '' .
The Union of Shop , Distributive and Allied Workers ( Usdaw ) said they were `` scandalous '' and one NHS nurse said it was `` disgusting '' .
Boohoo has apologised and removed the masks from sale .
It insisted they were not designed for `` protection '' .
One nurse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told the BBC : `` It 's disgusting that they are trying to cash in on the crisis especially when so many NHS staff do n't have enough PPE .
`` They should hang their heads in shame . ''
Usdaw 's general secretary Paddy Lillis said : `` Selling fashion clothing is not essential in a period of national emergency , but selling items that look like essential equipment is downright scandalous . ''
Usdaw also claims workers at its warehouse in Burnley , Lancashire are `` terrified '' of catching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing .
Boohoo has rejected Usdaw 's claims that its workers are at risk but admitted an error over the masks .
A spokeswoman said that the fashion mask was `` not suitable or designed to be used as protection and we are very sorry for any upset '' .
She added : `` Our distribution centre in Burnley has extensive social distancing and hygiene measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of our teams.
`` Boohoo employs about 2,000 staff at its warehouse .
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One nurse, who works at a Manchester hospital, told the BBC: "It's disgusting that they are trying to cash in on the crisis especially when so many NHS staff don't have enough PPE.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Texts sent by Meghan and Harry to her father revealed in court papers

The Duchess of Sussex has revealed text messages she and Prince Harry sent to her father before their wedding , as part of legal action against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday .
Meghan claims Associated Newspapers misquoted the messages to paint the couple in a less good light .
She also claims tabloids , in particular those owned by the group , caused a dispute between her and her father .
Associated Newspapers says it will defend the privacy claim `` with vigour '' .
It comes as Meghan and Harry , who have relocated to California after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's tabloid press that they are ending all co-operation with them .
• Analysis : Will the real Meghan and Harry please stand up ?
• In pictures : Harry and Meghan 's life together Meghan brought the legal action after a handwritten letter she sent to her father , Thomas Markle , was published in the Mail on Sunday .
She claims the letter was selectively edited by the paper to portray her `` negatively '' .
Court papers containing the text messages have been filed ahead of an expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document claims they show the newspaper group edited the messages the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent to Mr Markle before their wedding on 19 May 2018 .
'Meg and I are not angry' It said that on 5 May 2018 Meghan wrote in a text to her father : `` I 've called and texted but have n't heard back from you so hoping you 're okay '' .
She then messaged her father the next day after finding out photographs of her father had been staged for a paparazzo photographer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she had attempted to arrange logistics and supplies for her father discretely and with privacy , with care taken not to feed the press , that she is trying to protect her father from heightened press intrusion and scrutiny and that he should keep a low profile until the wedding , '' it says .
On 14 May 2018 , it says , Mr Markle sent Meghan a text message to apologise and confirm that he would not be attending the wedding .
It says that around half an hour later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unanswered , Prince Harry sent the following messages to Mr Markle from Meghan 's phone : '' Tom , it 's Harry and I 'm going to call you right now .
Please pick up , thank you '' '' Tom , Harry again !
Really need to speak to u. U do not need to apologize , we understand the circumstances but `` going public '' will only make the situation worse .
If u love Meg and want to make it right please call me as there are two other options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak to the media , who incidentally created this whole situation .
So please call me so I can explain .
Meg and I are not angry , we just need to speak to u .
Thanks '' '' Oh any speaking to the press WILL backfire , trust me Tom .
Only we can help u , as we have been trying from day 1 '' .
The legal document claimed the newspaper 's summary of these messages contained `` significant omissions '' when it `` merely '' reported that the messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to apologise and that he should call '' .
It adds the description of another exchange `` intentionally omits '' any reference to Meghan or Prince Harry attempting to protect Mr Markle and ensure that he was safe .
The document also states that the UK tabloid media , particularly Associated Newspapers , harassed , humiliated and manipulated Mr Markle .
Meghan alleges the newspaper group caused the very `` dispute '' which they claim justified the publication of the letter and also caused `` substantial damage '' to their relationship .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information , breaching copyright and selective editing when it published the private letter to her father .
The Mail on Sunday has said there was `` huge and legitimate '' public interest in publishing the letter .
The paper argues that members of the Royal Family , including the Duchess of Sussex , `` rely on publicity about themselves and their lives in order to maintain the privileged positions they hold and promote themselves '' .
It claims Meghan `` did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy that the contents of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
As evidence that it did not infringe her privacy , the paper said the letter was `` immaculately copied '' in Meghan 's `` elaborate handwriting '' , arguing that this care in its presentation meant she anticipated it would be seen and read by a wider audience .

"Tom, Harry again! Really need to speak to u. U do not need to apologize, we understand the circumstances but "going public" will only make the situation worse. If u love Meg and want to make it right please call me as there are two other options which don't involve u having to speak to the media, who incidentally created this whole situation. So please call me so I can explain. Meg and I are not angry, we just need to speak to u. Thanks"


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Branson offers Caribbean island to secure Virgin bailout

Sir Richard Branson has pledged his luxury island resort as collateral to help get a UK government bailout of his stricken airline Virgin Atlantic .
The billionaire Virgin Group boss said in an open letter to staff he was not asking for a handout , but a commercial loan , believed to be £500m .
The airline 's survival was in doubt , and his Necker Island home in the Caribbean could be mortgaged , he said .
It comes as Virgin Group 's airline in Australia faces administration .
Both airlines have been hit hard by the global coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to governments in both countries for help .
However , he has been criticised for appealing for taxpayer aid rather than drawing on his huge wealth .
Sir Richard 's fortune is thought to be well over £4bn .
The large US airline Delta owns 49 % of Virgin Atlantic .
Sir Richard said in his letter to staff : `` Many airlines around the world need government support and many have already received it . ''
The crisis facing airlines , and the staff they employ , was `` unprecedented , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this did not mean he had `` cash in a bank account ready to withdraw '' .
And he hit back at criticism that he was a tax exile who did not deserve help , saying he and his wife `` did not leave Britain for tax reasons but for our love of the beautiful British Virgin Islands and in particular Necker Island '' .
He said Necker would be offered as security for any loans .
`` As with other Virgin assets , our team will raise as much money against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs as possible around the group , '' Sir Richard said .
In his letter to staff , Sir Richard said : `` We will do everything we can to keep the airline [ Virgin Atlantic ] going - but we will need government support to achieve that in the face of the severe uncertainty surrounding travel today and not knowing how long the planes will be grounded for .
`` This would be in the form of a commercial loan - it would n't be free money and the airline would pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the £600m loan the government recently gave them ) . ''
He pointed out that Virgin Atlantic started with one plane 36 years ago , before adding : `` Over those years it has created real competition for British Airways , which must remain fierce for the benefit of our wonderful customers and the public at large . ''
Sir Richard offered to inject £250m into the Virgin Group last month , with most of that going to the airline .
Earlier this month , Rolls-Royce , Airbus , Heathrow airport and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government highlighting the importance of Virgin Atlantic to the UK 's manufacturing supply chain .
Meanwhile , it has been reported that Virgin Australia - in which Sir Richard holds a stake of around 10 % - is close to going into administration after being refused help by the Australian government .
The carrier has been forced to cancel nearly all of its flights during the coronavirus crisis and been unable to restructure its debts .
The Australian government refused a request from the company for a A $ 1.4bn ( £720m ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 16,000 - is part-owned by Sir Richard along with Etihad , Singapore Airlines and China 's HNA .
`` The brilliant Virgin Australia team is fighting to survive and need support to get through this catastrophic global crisis , '' Sir Richard said .
`` We are hopeful that Virgin Australia can emerge stronger than ever , as a more sustainable , financially viable airline . ''
He warned : `` If Virgin Australia disappears , Qantas would effectively have a monopoly of the Australian skies .
We all know what that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also addressed the fierce criticism he has faced in recent weeks over his tax situation .
Critics have pointed out he has paid no UK income tax since moving to the tax-free British Virgin Islands 14 years ago .
Sir Richard is the 312th richest person in the world with an estimated $ 5.2bn fortune , according to the Bloomberg billionaires index .
`` I 've seen lots of comments about my net worth - but that is calculated on the value of Virgin businesses around the world before this crisis , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to withdraw , '' he said .
`` Over the years significant profits have never been taken out of the Virgin Group , instead they have been reinvested in building businesses that create value and opportunities . ''
Turning to the question of living abroad he said : `` Joan and I did not leave Britain for tax reasons but for our love of the beautiful British Virgin Islands ( BVI ) and in particular Necker Island , which I bought when I was 29 years old , as an uninhabited island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Over time , we built our family home here .
The rest of the island is run as a business , which employs 175 people . ''

Despite his wealth, this did not mean he had "cash in a bank account ready to withdraw". And he hit back at criticism that he was a tax exile who did not deserve help, saying he and his wife "did not leave Britain for tax reasons but for our love of the beautiful British Virgin Islands and in particular Necker Island".


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Captain Tom Moore's daughter feels 'pain' of being apart

The daughter of a 99-year-old Army veteran who has raised more than £27m for the NHS has said it is `` very painful '' not to be with him .
Captain Tom Moore 's eldest daughter Lucy Teixeira watched from her home in Berkshire as his target of £1,000 for walking 100 laps of his garden grew .
She said visiting him was `` 100 % the first thing '' she would do when lockdown restrictions were lifted .
`` I am just lucky in that I have been able to see him on TV , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25-metre ( 82ft ) loop in his garden in Marston Moretaine , Bedfordshire , well before the deadline of his 100th birthday on 30 April and raised millions for NHS Charities Together .
Ms Teixeira , 51 , who lives in Reading , normally visits him every month and said it has been difficult not being able to , especially with his 100th birthday coming up .
`` It 's very painful not to be with him at the moment , '' the mother of two said .
`` But I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her family have done a sterling job supporting him through this .
`` I am one of those families who ca n't be with someone and I feel their pain as well , but at least I 've seen film crews talking to him .
`` I have already sent him his birthday card - ahead of the millions he 'll probably get - but on the day we 'll probably watch it on TV . ''
Ms Teixeira said her father 's efforts were `` typically him '' and `` he never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 99-year-olds order a running machine ?
That raised a few eyebrows when it arrived , '' she said .
`` But he wanted to improve his ability to walk in the winter because he knew he 'd be sitting around more .
`` It 's amazing what my little old dad has done and captured everybody 's hearts and minds with the result of supporting the NHS at this most critical time .
`` It 's so overwhelming the amount he 's made and I 'm bursting with pride . ''
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"I am one of those families who can't be with someone and I feel their pain as well, but at least I've seen film crews talking to him.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Evening update as 140,000 firms apply to furlough scheme

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Monday evening .
We 'll have another update on Tuesday morning .
1 .
More than 140,000 firms apply for job retention help Chancellor Rishi Sunak , giving the daily briefing from Downing Street , said more than 140,000 firms had applied for relief from the government 's furlough scheme as of 16:00 BST on Monday .
The grants they receive will help pay the wages of more than a million people who `` would have been at risk of losing their jobs '' , he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in UK hospitals reached 16,509 , an increase of 449 on Sunday 's total .
2 .
PM fears second peak if lockdown relaxed too soon Boris Johnson has voiced his concerns to colleagues that if the UK 's lockdown is relaxed too soon it could cause a second peak of coronavirus .
Meanwhile , experts have raised concerns about coronavirus contact-tracing apps and whether or not the technology can live up to its promise of alerting users when someone they were recently near becomes infected .
3 .
Minute 's silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus Britain looks set to hold a minute 's silence on Tuesday next week in memory of the NHS workers who have died with coronavirus .
So far there have been 49 verified deaths of NHS staff during the pandemic , including 84-year-old auxiliary nurse Margaret Tapley .
Meanwhile , the Duke of Edinburgh has issued a rare public statement thanking key workers for ensuring `` the infrastructure of our life continues '' during the coronavirus crisis .
Sir Richard Branson has offered his luxury Caribbean island resort as collateral to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling airline Virgin Atlantic .
The boss of Virgin Group warned that the airline 's survival was in doubt if it did not receive support .
He said he was not asking for a handout , but a commercial loan , believed to be £500m , and that his Necker Island home could be mortgaged .
Dozens of stacks of pebbles have been built on a beach by people doing their daily exercise during the coronavirus lockdown .
The structures have `` transformed '' the beach at Whitley Bay in North Tyneside , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has been taking pictures as the towers have grown .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
You can find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page .
Here 's some advice on the rules concerning self-isolation and exercise during the pandemic .
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In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question : If you are reading this page and ca n't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or send them via email to YourQuestions @ bbc.co.uk .
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Chancellor Rishi Sunak, giving the daily briefing from Downing Street, said more than 140,000 firms had applied for relief from the government's furlough scheme as of 16:00 BST on Monday. The grants they receive will help pay the wages of more than a million people who "would have been at risk of losing their jobs", he added. It comes as the number of deaths in UK hospitals reached 16,509, an increase of 449 on Sunday's total.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Banning cars made easier to aid social distancing

Barriers to imposing car-free streets are being lifted following a government decision to enable key workers to walk or cycle more safely .
Normally , councils in England that want to close streets to cars must follow procedures that can take weeks to implement .
But ministers say councils can now cut red tape governing temporary road closures .
This could help people walk and cycle whilst social distancing .
Health and environment groups say the measures will also promote healthy walking and cycling - and tackle climate change and air pollution .
A letter from the Department of Transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is temporary guidance and will be withdrawn once conditions allow.
” But campaigners say that , even after the epidemic peaks , many workers will still fear infection from public transport .
They will also be wary of car accidents .
That applies particularly to novice cyclists , who have recently dusted off their bikes during the crisis .
The campaign groups want ministers to encourage all councils to make simple changes such as using bollards to shut streets to motor vehicles .
Brighton has already closed off a major road to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while walking , running or cycling .
The organisations behind the road closure initiative include Barts NHS Trust , Cycling UK , British Cycling , Sustrans , Brompton Cycles and The Ramblers .
Jonathan Kelly , deputy director of operations at Barts NHS Trust , told BBC News : “ People require more public space to socially distance safely and the current set-up of the roads isn ’ t facilitating that adequately .
“ As we move out of the virus , it ’ s important to maintain that distance to avoid infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see many more road closures in future to allow people to use forms of travel that are good for them and good for the planet.
” It ’ s part of a global trend .
Road closures have happened in New Zealand , Canada , Germany and the US .
In New York , the city council is preparing plans for 75 miles of “ streets for people ” .
Ashok Sinha , from the London Cycling Campaign , told BBC News : “ First we have a moral responsibility to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis .
“ We know this crisis will end - but we will still be faced with an ongoing climate crisis which , longer term , will cause much more loss of life .
“ We are being taught a lesson here about what a difference it makes to people ’ s activity and air quality and carbon emissions if we allow people to cycle safely.
” Edmund King , president of the AA , said : “ We remain generally supportive of measures to encourage more cycling and walking both during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s heartening to see more children taking to the roads on bikes .
“ It ’ s too early to say exactly what will happen to transport post-pandemic but if trends of more people working from home and lower car use persist , then it might give us the opportunity to re-assess road use in targeted areas.
” It ’ s part of a broader debate on the future of transport in cities .
The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps recently said the overall use of vehicles would need to fall if UK targets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met .
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“It’s too early to say exactly what will happen to transport post-pandemic but if trends of more people working from home and lower car use persist, then it might give us the opportunity to re-assess road use in targeted areas.”


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Stars take part in BBC lockdown learning scheme

Sir David Attenborough , Danny Dyer and Jodie Whittaker are among the celebrity supply teachers who will be helping the BBC educate the nation 's schoolchildren during the coronavirus lockdown .
Footballer Sergio Aguero , Ed Balls and Professor Brian Cox are also involved in the virtual learning initiative .
Launched on the day children were due to return to school , the scheme offers 14 weeks of curriculum-based learning .
The programme is the biggest education offering in the BBC 's history .
`` We said the BBC would be there for people through this crisis and we meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of BBC Children 's and Education .
`` We 're proud that the BBC can bring together so many people to offer such a wide-ranging package of support to help children and parents right across the UK at such a challenging time . ''
UK schools have been closed to all but vulnerable children and those of key workers since 20 March to curb the spread of Covid-19 , and the two-week Easter holiday has just finished .
The programme includes BBC Bitesize Daily , airing on BBC iPlayer and the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20-minute programmes each day aimed at different age groups .
There will also be a maths and English lesson every day for different age groups , daily education podcasts and programmes on BBC Four on weekday evenings to support GCSE and A-level courses .
Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker will be dropping in on Bitesize Daily lessons , while a host of stars will read books aimed at both primary and secondary age children .
They include singer Mabel , Strictly Come Dancing 's Oti Mabuse , One Direction member Liam Payne and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City footballer Sergio Aguero , who will help youngsters learn to count in Spanish • Sir David Attenborough , who will look at geography topics such as oceans and mapping the world • Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls , who will deliver a maths class for 11 to 14-year-olds • Professor Brian Cox , who will teach science topics such as force , the solar system and gravity • EastEnders actor Danny Dyer , who will give a history class for five to seven-year-olds on Henry VIII Dyer found out he had royal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You Think You Are ?
More than 200 teachers and education specialists have helped develop the programme , which the BBC announced earlier this month .
Launching the scheme on Monday , BBC director general Tony Hall praised the `` extraordinary teamwork '' underpinning the venture .
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"We're proud that the BBC can bring together so many people to offer such a wide-ranging package of support to help children and parents right across the UK at such a challenging time."


bbcuk--2020-04-20--The Papers: Tests 'failure' and masks warning

The Metro reports that at least 100 health and social care workers have died of coronavirus – including a nurse @ @ @ @ @ have lived if she had received proper protective clothing .
The paper says the grim @ @ @ @ @ publication NursingNotes and is more than double the official estimate of fatalities for NHS staff @

But, the paper adds, other ministers appear to have taken on board the latest evidence from government scientists that any easing of restrictions could trigger an exponential rise in coronavirus cases, and have rowed back from their initial support for allowing schools and some businesses to return to normal.