bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Catholic churches preparing to suspend Mass

Roman Catholic churches in England are `` preparing for a time '' when the celebration of Mass may have to `` come to an end '' , the Catholic leader in England and Wales has said .
Catholics have an obligation to go to Mass every Sunday .
But large gatherings could be banned in the UK from as early as next weekend , as the coronavirus continues to spread .
The Church of England is also following these procedures , as well as refraining from passing collection plates around .
The Muslim Council of Britain has urged mosques , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governments hygiene practices .
It also urged mosques to have contingency plans in place for Ramadan - which begins in the second half of April - as it may have to suspend mass gatherings .
The United Synagogue asked its members to refrain from shaking hands and kissing religious artefacts , such as communal siddurim , which is a Jewish prayer book .
Cardinal Vincent Nichols said Catholic churches were `` adjusting '' to minimise the spread of infection .
He said : `` We are preparing for a time when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big numbers of people together , so we might come to an end of the celebration of Mass or other services . ''
Many churches have already brought in measures to avoid exposing congregations to the virus .
In some churches , holy water has been removed from the entrances , the sign of peace - normally a handshake - has been replaced by bowing and churchgoers can no longer drink wine from shared chalices .
Church ministers are also washing their hands before distributing communion .
Speaking to BBC 's Radio 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` These are not the essential parts of mass , '' adding that he hoped everyone will be `` cooperative and calm '' .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
However , he said : `` The presence of the church and the space that it offers will be very important in the coming months , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live-stream services .
`` Even if the priest is there with one helper , we can stream them and people can join in from home and gather if they wish on a Sunday to follow the mass and say their prayers together , '' he said .
He added that , in his view , churches would `` always remain open '' because they were `` places where people can go , they can sit quietly , they can pray there 's , plenty of space in them and there are no @ @ @ @

"Even if the priest is there with one helper, we can stream them and people can join in from home and gather if they wish on a Sunday to follow the mass and say their prayers together," he said.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: NI 'school closures will last for at least 16 weeks'

When schools shut in Northern Ireland over coronavirus it will be for at least 16 weeks , Arlene Foster has said .
The first minister was speaking after a meeting between senior ministers from the NI Executive and Irish government .
Two primary schools have said they will close voluntarily , the first primary schools in NI to do so .
The two are Lurgan Model Primary School , in County Armagh , and St Scire 's in Trillick , County Tyrone .
Lurgan Model said it would close for the week , while St Scire 's will close on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures on Tuesday and Wednesday .
Five new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in NI while a second person has died in the Republic of Ireland .
There have been 129 confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland while coronavirus deaths have doubled in 24 hours in the UK .
The first and deputy first ministers met counterparts include Taoiseach ( Irish prime minister ) Leo Varadkar in Armagh on Saturday .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Speaking after the meeting , Mrs Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill were both still split over the issue of school closures .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill repeated her call for them to be shut immediately , in line with the Republic of Ireland .
Meanwhile , in a statement on social media , Lurgan Model Primary School said it remain closed all this week .
The school said it was already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday due to St Patrick 's Day and will bring planned closures due for May forward to this week .
It is the first school in Northern Ireland to close voluntarily over the outbreak .
The school said it `` will not officially reopen until Monday , 23 March '' but will `` monitor the situation of this incoming week '' .
St Scire 's , in Trillick , said the school would stay closed on Monday ahead of planned closures on Tuesday and Wednesday for St Patrick 's Day .
It added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Thursday .
Speaking after the meeting in Armagh , Mrs Foster said that schools will close `` when we are advised on the medical evidence '' .
`` Children will be at home for quite a considerable period of time , given that when we do close the schools they will be closed for at least 16 weeks .
`` Then of course you are into the summer period , so they will be off school for a very long time . ''
Ms O'Neill said all parties in the executive agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a matter of timing .
She said : `` In my opinion schools should close now .
I think we need to be consistent across this island '' I think the fact that you can have two schools a mile apart and one school 's open and one school 's closed that 's a very confusing picture and a very confusing message for the public . ''
Ms O'Neill first called for schools to close immediately on Friday , a day after she , along with First Minister Arlene Foster , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had reached that stage .
On Saturday , SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also called for schools to close , after Archibishop Eamon Martin , the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland , wrote to NI 's education minister to ask him to consider closures .
However , Taoiseach ( Irish prime minister ) Leo Varadkar said the main differences between the two governments was over timing .
He said the Northern Ireland Executive and Irish government shared the same objective in slowing the advance of coronavirus but it was inevitable there would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added : `` But the differences that exist are mostly around timing .
`` What there is n't any difference about is our common objective , which is to slow down this virus in its tracks and push it back as much as possible and limit the harm to human health and human life . ''
Mrs Foster said both governments had `` very coherent messages '' .
Mr Varadkar also explained that the short notice of Irish school closures given to counterparts in Northern Ireland and the UK was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` I absolutely guarantee you I did not intend to make that announcement or speak to Irish people on the steps of Blair House in Washington DC , '' he said .
`` We had a plan in place to move to delay phase .
We had to bring that forward almost overnight . ''
He added that Irish officials gave `` as many people a heads up as we could , including authorities here in Northern Ireland '' but it was also `` important that the Irish people should hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government '' .
`` That 's why the notice that we gave people here and elsewhere was so short but there was no perfect way of doing this unfortunately and I appreciate the understanding of the first minister and deputy first minister , '' he added .
Health Minister Robin Swann , Tánaiste ( Irish deputy prime minister ) Simon Coveney and Irish Health Minister Simon Harris also attended the meeting .
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald - who was not at the meeting - said the UK 's response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` totally unacceptable in the north of Ireland '' .

"That's why the notice that we gave people here and elsewhere was so short but there was no perfect way of doing this unfortunately and I appreciate the understanding of the first minister and deputy first minister," he added.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: How many cases are there in your area?

A total of 1,140 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK , with the country now in the second stage of the government 's phased plan to tackle the outbreak .
Some 37,746 people in the UK have been tested for the respiratory infection so far .
Twenty one people who tested positive have died .
Find out how many people have confirmed cases in your area ( figures correct up to 13 March and will be updated when new figures are released on 14 March ) : If you ca n't see the look-up click here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graphics will help you understand the situation in the UK and how the authorities are dealing with it .
1 .
The number of UK cases is growing The new coronavirus , which causes the respiratory disease known as Covid-19 , was first confirmed in the UK at the end of January .
While there were a number of people testing positive throughout February , figures in the UK began to increase significantly at the beginning of March .
Since then , cases have been reported across the UK , with 342 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers for the UK are lower than other European countries , such as Italy , for example , where there have been more than 17,000 cases and more than 1,200 deaths , according to 14 March figures from the World Health Organization .
However , the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said there are probably between 5,000 and 10,000 people infected in the UK at this time .
He also said that many people will no longer be tested if they are showing mild symptoms .
Only those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test in hospital .
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , said the peak of the UK outbreak is most likely still 10 to 14 weeks away .
Globally , authorities have confirmed more than 140,000 cases of the coronavirus and more than 5,000 deaths .
More than half the cases - about 80,000 - are in China , where the virus originated in December .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PLANS : What are your rights ?
2 .
We are in the second phase of the government 's response The government has published its action plan for dealing with the virus , which involves three phases - contain ; delay ; mitigate - alongside ongoing research .
While the emphasis has been on the contain and research phases up until this week , the country has now moved to the `` delay '' phase to stop the wider spread of the virus .
As part of the delay phase , people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a temperature above 37.8 C or a `` new , continuous '' cough - are being asked to self-isolate at home for seven days to protect others and help slow the spread of the disease .
Schools are also being advised to cancel trips abroad and people over 70 and those with pre-existing health conditions are being told not to go on cruises .
The delay phase could also mean further `` social distancing '' measures at a later date , but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out closing schools at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings might soon be banned to ease pressure on emergency services .
It is thought a ban could take effect as early as next weekend .
If the virus becomes even more widespread , the government may then decide to enter the third phase of mitigation , when health services are asked to focus on critical care and retired NHS staff could be asked to return to work .
3 .
People who think they have coronavirus should self-isolate If you have a `` new , continuous '' cough or high temperature and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
Instead , you should self isolate for seven days .
If symptoms persist beyond seven days or if you get worse you should contact the NHS 's dedicated 111 online coronavirus service if you are in England .
In Scotland , you should call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours .
In Wales call 111 ( if available in your area ) or 0845 46 47 .
In Northern Ireland call 111 .
Testing will now only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital .

Based on the survey, the estimated peak of the pandemic, in cases if not in deaths, was in late March 2022, where at one point about 4.9 million people were thought to have the virus. However, the survey did not capture the first wave of the pandemic, with trials only beginning in England in April 2020.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--What are the symptoms?

What are the symptoms?

Coronavirus has spread to more than 110 countries , including the UK , and claimed more than 4,600 lives .
So , what is the disease and how does it spread ?
How do I protect myself ?
The best thing is regular and thorough hand washing , preferably with soap and water .
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air .
These can be breathed in , or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on then your eyes , nose or mouth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not touching your face with unwashed hands , and avoiding close contact with infected people are important for limiting the spread .
Face masks do not provide effective protection , according to medical experts .
What are the coronavirus symptoms ?
Coronavirus infects the lungs .
The symptoms start with a fever followed by a dry cough , which can lead to breathing problems .
It takes five days on average to start showing the symptoms , scientists have said , but some people will get symptoms much later than this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) says .
But some researchers say it may be up to 24 days .
People will be most infectious when they have symptoms , but there have been suggestions some can spread the virus even before they are sick .
The early symptoms can easily be confused with other winter bugs including colds and flu .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' phase ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The proportion dying from the disease appears low ( between 1 % and 2 % ) - but the figures are unreliable .
Thousands are being treated but may go on to die - so the death rate could be higher .
But it may also be lower if lots of mild cases are unreported .
• 6 % become critically ill - lung failure , septic shock , organ failure and risk of death • 80 % develop mild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have pneumonia Older people , and those with pre-existing medical conditions ( such as asthma , diabetes , heart disease , high blood pressure ) , are more likely to become severely ill .
The data from China also suggests that men are at slightly higher risk of dying from the virus than women .
Treatment relies on keeping the patient 's body going , including breathing support , until their immune system can fight off the virus .
Work to develop a vaccine is under way .
• How close are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should I do if I think I have coronavirus ?
The NHS says an epidemic in the UK is `` likely '' .
Patients with mild symptoms - such as a new continuous cough or a high temperature above 37.8C- should self-isolate at home for at least seven days , according to the latest advice issued by Public Health England on Friday .
Community teams will keep an eye on them if need be .
But people are being advised not to ring NHS 111 to report their symptoms unless they are worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their GP , or A & E .
Details for Scotland are to check NHS inform , then ring your GP in office hours , or 111 out-of-hours .
In Wales call NHS 111 , and in Northern Ireland , call your GP .
If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected , you may be told to self-isolate .
People needing to do so should take `` common-sense '' steps to avoid close contact with other people , says Public Health England .
Advice for people who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas and who may need to self-isolate , has been issued .
Other countries have introduced their own measures For example , the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people showing symptoms to call their healthcare provider , and those who are mildly ill to self-isolate .
The World Health Organization has also issued advice for the public .
Who gets tested and how does it work ?
People showing symptoms who call 111 who have been to one of the affected areas , or who have been in close contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be tested .
All hospital patients with flu-like symptoms will also be tested .
If you need testing in the UK , you may have to give samples of mucus , blood or faeces .
These will be tested and results may be available on the same day .
While you await your test results , you may be asked to stay at home and self-isolate .
How fast is it spreading ?
Hundreds of new cases are being reported worldwide each day .
However , it is thought health agencies may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting in China , coronavirus is now spreading fast in countries like South Korea , Italy and Iran .
This explainer will be regularly updated to reflect the audience 's questions about coronavirus .
Details of how to get in touch are below .
What questions do you have about the coronavirus ?
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Use this form to ask your question :

Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure), are more likely to become severely ill. Men are at slightly higher risk of dying from the virus than women.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--UK doctor on recovering from 'grim' coronavirus

A former chair of the Royal College of GPs has told Radio 5 Live Breakfast about how she 's getting @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus experience .
Doctor Clare Gerada believes she contracted the virus in New York but @ @ @ @ @ the mend .
• EASY STEPS : What can I do about the virus ?
@ @ @ @ @ What are the symptoms ?

A former chair of the Royal College of GPs has told Radio 5 Live Breakfast about how she's getting through a "grim" coronavirus experience.
Doctor Clare Gerada believes she contracted the virus in New York but says she is now on the mend.
Read more: Countries close borders as coronavirus cases rise


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Has coronavirus fear struck shoppers and sports fans around England?

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise , so too does the the impact on daily life around England .
BBC News looks at how people up and down the country have been responding .
Concerns about crowds certainly seem to have struck shoppers , with a number of shopping centres and high streets noticeably quieter than an average Saturday .
Birmingham 's bull was kitted out in full St Patrick 's Day garb but the usual selfie-taking shoppers gathered around the local landmark were nowhere to be seen .
The city 's Bullring shopping centre was markedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In London , there were still plenty of shoppers in the capital 's major retail areas like Oxford Street , but things were quieter .
The same goes for tourism hotspots like Buckingham Palace where visitors could be seen taking in the sights wearing face masks .
London 's public transport system - known for its rush hour crowds - has been emptier in recent days .
Retailers in Above Bar , Southampton 's main shopping street , said they had been feeling the impact .
Boots optician Carol Betts said five of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which she put down to fears about close contact .
`` I have n't seen any patients for more than two hours .
`` We ca n't keep hand sanitiser in the store for love nor money - as soon as you put it out , it 's gone . ''
Stall owner Vinnie Singh said footfall was down and blamed news coverage .
`` You can see it today .
The media is making it sound worse .
Scaring and frightening people is not the way forward , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coastal resort of Tynemouth in North Tyneside , the outbreak does not seem to have deterred the weekend crowds .
Longsands Fish Kitchen said it was very much business as usual , with a `` lot of footfall at both the restaurant and the takeaway '' .
While there had been a few cancellations , the spaces had `` very quickly filled up '' , they said .
Meanwhile many are reporting that their local supermarkets are being hit by panic buying .
For some , Saturday is a day for sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with all professional football suspended , Saturday 's biggest sporting event in London was Sutton United 's clash with Hartlepool United .
A bumper crowd turned up for the game , with some of those in attendance saying they had done so because other matches they were due to go to had been cancelled .
The National League announced on Friday that fixtures in its three divisions will go ahead as planned .
Sutton chairman , Bruce Elliot , said he thought it would have a `` serious affect on us , other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' had the game been cancelled .
In the East Midlands Notts County fan Iris Smith said she was `` not nervous '' about going to watch her team play Eastleigh as `` the virus could get us anywhere '' .
She extended an invite to fans of city rivals Nottingham Forest to visit Meadow Lane after their match against Sheffield Wednesday was called off .
However , not all seemed to be that keen .
AFC Fylde 's match against Aldershot is also going ahead , with the Peters family from St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as school is open , we are going to carry on as normal , '' they said .
With no live match to provide a tweet commentary for , Leyton Orient decided to take an alternative route .
Away from football , the Badminton All England Championships in Birmingham and the first rounds of the boxing Olympic qualifiers at London 's Copper Box Arena both went ahead as planned.. Organisers said the annual Bath half marathon would take place on Sunday because it was `` too late to cancel or postpone the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Cumbria has gone ahead , albeit with reduced attendance .
Borderway UK Dairy Expo in Carlisle is the largest of its type in the country , featuring hundreds of dairy cattle and dozens of trade stands reflecting all sectors of the industry .
There was a huge drop in the number of farmers and exhibitors attending - an estimated 1,000 instead of the usual 5,000 - and there are concerns for the future .
David Pritchard , joint managing director of Harrison and Hetherington which organises the show , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very difficult .
The summer shows do look in jeopardy .
`` We 've got a big event in November which we 'll be closely looking at for the next few months . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?

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bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Confirmed Scottish cases rise to 121

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Scotland has risen to 121 .
Saturday 's figures rose by 36 in 24 hours - the highest daily rise so far - after the country suffered its first fatality on Friday .
The elderly patient in the Lothian NHS area had existing underlying medical conditions .
A total of 3,715 people have been tested in Scotland .
Across the UK , 798 people have been confirmed as positive and 10 more people have died .
The total number of UK deaths is now 21 .
The rise in cases came as Glasgow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus and were now in self-isolation .
It is not yet clear whether they are students or staff , but university staff are working with Health Protection Scotland and said the campus would remain open .
The university has already followed other Scottish institutions in suspending face-to-face teaching to slow the spread of coronavirus .
On Friday , St Andrews University said a student who had recently been in Switzerland had also tested positive .
'Routine stuff will have to wait' The Scottish government has asked members of the public to visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phoning NHS 24 as the telephone helpline is being swamped by calls .
Prof Jason Leitch , Scotland 's national clinical director , said : `` NHS 24 is experiencing a significant increase in calls today .
We would appreciate the public 's help .
`` If you are experiencing mild symptoms and/or self isolating you do not need to contact NHS 24 or your GP .
Only do so if you are deteriorating or you are seriously ill. '' Many Scottish GP surgeries have now notified patients that practices are closed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop the virus spreading .
Andrew Buist , head of the BMA 's GPs committee in Scotland , said the Scottish government 's support for medical staff had stepped up in the past week .
He told BBC Radio 's Good Morning Scotland programme : `` They have agreed to provide the correct personal protective equipment .
It has either arrived or it is due to arrive this week .
We are working very closely with the Scottish government . ''
He said patients would have to accept that Covid-19 would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Whether you are in for hospital work or primary care work , routine stuff is going to have to wait longer .
`` Blood tests , smear tests , routine blood pressure checks - all of that is going to have to go on the back burner for a few months . ''
On Saturday morning , airline Jet 2 cancelled all flights to Spain , the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands `` with immediate effect '' from nine UK airports .
The airline 's passengers at Glasgow Airport were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again ravaged as people posted pictures of empty shelves on social media .
They reported a rush to buy all food including toilet rolls , frozen goods , store cupboard essentials , snacks and even cat litter .
Ewan MacDonald-Russell , of the Scottish Retail Consortium , said retailers were experiencing `` Christmas levels '' of buying .
`` Retail supply chains remain robust - particularly the products we are talking about - loo rolls etc - there are plenty of these things in the supply chains , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - lots of people buying a lot at once . ''
He said that in the coming weeks , shoppers would need to be more altruistic and sensible and only buy the things they needed for the next few days .
He said consumers should be `` a bit more community-minded '' .
He added : `` Shop like it is a normal day .
The supply chain is robust but the gaps are a result of people getting excited and creating a demand spike .
We are confident we can maintain supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The weekend began in Scotland without any professional sports activity .
The Scottish football season has been suspended indefinitely , along with Scotland 's Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff .
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival , which had been due to take place on 23 and 24 May , was postponed on Saturday .
Neil Kilgour , Edinburgh Marathon 's race director said `` We are devastated to have to make this decision but we believe that this course of action is in the best interests of our participants , our affiliate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event and the emergency services who support the event . ''
He said the organisers hoped to be able to announce a new date on Monday .
The LGT World Men 's Curling Championship , due to take place at Glasgow 's Emirates Arena from 28 March to 5 April , has been cancelled .
All elite football in England has also been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus .
As events continued to be cancelled , the Scottish government announced a £320m package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them through the Covid-19 crisis .
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said the cash would be used to offer substantial rates relief for retail , hospitality and leisure sectors and provide grants of at least £3,000 to small businesses in sectors facing the worst economic impact of Covid-19 .
• 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 @

Neil Kilgour, Edinburgh Marathon's race director said "We are devastated to have to make this decision but we believe that this course of action is in the best interests of our participants, our affiliate charities, the event team who deliver the event and the emergency services who support the event."


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Second death confirmed in Republic of Ireland

A second death related to coronavirus has been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland .
The total number of confirmed cases in the Republic is now 129 , a rise of 39 in 24 hours .
Five new cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland , bringing the total number of cases to 34 .
It comes after the first community transmission cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Northern Ireland on Friday .
Senior ministers from the NI Executive and Irish government met on Saturday to discuss the cross-border approach to tackling the virus .
• EASY STEPS : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 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 outbreak Coronavirus deaths have doubled in 24 hours in the UK .
The United States has announced a ban on travel from the UK and Ireland will begin at 00:00 Eastern time on Monday ( 04:00 GMT on Tuesday ) .
The Public Health Agency ( PHA ) in Northern Ireland has repeated advice for people to stay at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Testing is now being `` principally provided for patients requiring hospital treatment and those with particular medical conditions '' .
It added that healthcare workers who have been in contact with symptomatic or confirmed cases will also require testing .
On Friday , the Health Minister Robin Swann said non-urgent health services are to be reduced in order to care for coronavirus patients .
The cancellations and postponements will be phased in over the coming days and weeks .
Mr Swann apologised to those whose appointments will be postponed or cancelled but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health challenge for at least a generation '' .
New cases in the Republic Among the 39 newly confirmed cases in the Republic , 29 are male and 10 are female , Irish health officials have said .
Two are located in the west of the country , three in the north west , 13 in the south and 21 in the east .
Healthcare staff are also among the cases confirmed on Saturday .
In other developments on Saturday : • Model Primary School in County Armagh said it was closing voluntarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison said people should order prescriptions and take their medicines as normal , adding that there is no shortage of prescription medicine and that `` stockpiling or purchasing medication that you do not need is completely unnecessary and could disadvantage other patients '' • Jet2 cancelled all flights to Spain - the airline operates nine routes to the country from Belfast International Airport • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said planning restrictions would be relaxed to allow supplies to be delivered to shops outside of authorised hours , in a move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food and other supplies as retailers feel the strain of bulk buying • A number of passengers have been left abroad after a number of Aer Lingus flights from the Canary Islands to Dublin , Shannon and Cork airports were cancelled - the airline said it was a result of air traffic control restrictions and it was working to help its customers Speaking to BBC News NI , one Aer Lingus passenger in Gran Canaria said her flight for Dublin , due to take off on Saturday evening , had been cancelled at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former head teacher at Hazelwood Integrated College in Belfast , said she and her husband had travelled to the island a couple of weeks ago before the escalation of the coronavirus situation .
`` At the moment I have no idea how we are going to fly , it would just be good if someone could just get us some information , '' she said .
`` Tell us something .
It does n't take that much to put something on a website . ''
A spokeswoman for Aer Lingus said passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` working to rebook guests on our next available services and provide hotel accommodation where necessary '' .

"At the moment I have no idea how we are going to fly, it would just be good if someone could just get us some information," she said.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Swansea Bay health board restricts hospital visits

Patients in hospitals in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot are to be allowed visitors for just one hour a day @ @ @ @ @ the spread of coronavirus .
Swansea Bay University Health Board said it was also introducing @ @ @ @ @ time policy immediately .
Visiting at all sites , including Morriston , Singleton and Neath @ @ @ @ @ run from 15:00 GMT .
It said those with suspected COVID-19 could not have visitors @ @ @ @ @ its measures include no child visitors .
The rules `` may be relaxed '' for @ @ @ @ @ health board added .
The restrictions apply to all sites , including community and mental @ @ @ @ @ for the inconvenience or distress caused by the restrictions .
Powys Teaching Health Board has @ @ @ @ @ in place at the moment .
Hywel Dda University Health Board advised families to restrict @ @ @ @ @ and not visit if unwell .

Patients in hospitals in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot are to be allowed visitors for just one hour a day in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Elderly to be 'shielded' as PM seeks to equip NHS

Boris Johnson is launching a drive to equip the NHS with more ventilators , as No 10 indicated it could soon step up measures to tackle the coronavirus .
These include `` shielding '' elderly and vulnerable people - where they are kept apart from the wider population - and asking entire families to self-isolate .
The government has faced pressure to do more to tackle the epidemic after the UK death toll rose to 21 on Saturday .
Downing Street said it would continue to be guided by its medical experts .
Its Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` household isolation '' as the next steps to tackle the spread of the virus .
The latter could see entire households told to self-isolate even if just one person falls ill .
Meanwhile , the prime minister is to urge British companies to join a `` national effort '' to produce more ventilators and other medical equipment `` at speed '' to help the NHS deal with the coronavirus outbreak .
Work is also underway to buy up thousands of private hospital beds to boost NHS capacity should it be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
It follows strong criticism of the government 's strategy from more than 200 scientists who have written to ministers urging them to introduce tougher measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19 .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has reached 1,140 while 37,746 people have been tested .
Downing Street said its `` next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon , and that it will publish models and data it has used during its decision-making process .
Writing in the Sunday Telegraph , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that government , local authorities , charities , friends and neighbours `` will need to be part of the national effort to support the shielded '' .
He also asked manufacturers to `` transform their production lines '' to make ventilators , and said the British public had `` never been tested like this '' since the Second World War .
`` Everyone will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect themselves and others , especially those most vulnerable to this disease , '' he said .
What do I do if I ... Have symptoms : If you are experiencing a new , continuous cough and/or a fever - defined as a temperature of above 37.8C - you should self-isolate at home for at least seven days , according to guidance released on Friday by Public Health England ( PHE ) .
People with mild symptoms who are self-isolating at home are not currently being tested .
All hospital patients with flu-like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or been in close contact with a positive case : The seven day isolation period now applies to everyone regardless of where you might have travelled or if you have had close contact with a confirmed case .
An emergency bill giving the government temporary powers to tackle the outbreak will be published next week - but Mr Hancock said he hopes many of the measures `` wo n't be needed '' .
A new public information campaign will also be launched , featuring the UK government 's chief medical adviser Prof Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soldier Spy actor Mark Strong .
The campaign , which will stress the need for people with symptoms to self-isolate for a week , will appear across TV , radio , newspapers , social media and billboards .
Of the latest deaths in the UK , eight were men aged over 80 and all were in `` at-risk '' groups .
Prof Whitty said : `` I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked to Covid-19 will be a cause for concern for many .
The public should know every measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives and protect the most vulnerable . ''
Most of the confirmed UK cases are in England .
There have been 121 confirmed cases in Scotland , 60 in Wales and 34 in Northern Ireland .
People who are self-isolating with mild symptoms are no longer being tested for the virus .
The government said on Friday it estimated the true number of UK cases to be around 5,000 to 10,000 .
People visiting elderly and vulnerable relatives have been reminded to take extra care , after the government released new advice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` generally unwell '' not to visit , the advice says .
Meanwhile , government sources said mass gatherings might soon be banned in the UK to ease pressure on emergency services .
It is thought a ban could take effect as early as next weekend .
• Airlines have warned that the UK 's aviation industry may not survive the coronavirus pandemic without emergency financial support • The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) has advised against all but essential travel to parts of Spain as well as the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend its European coronavirus travel ban to include the UK and Republic of Ireland from 04:00 GMT on Tuesday • Donald Trump has tested negative for the coronavirus , the White House physician said

Prof Whitty said: "I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked to Covid-19 will be a cause for concern for many. The public should know every measure we are taking is seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable."


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Supermarkets ask shoppers to be 'considerate' and stop panic buying

Supermarkets are urging shoppers not to buy more than they need amid concern over coronavirus-linked stockpiling .
In a joint letter , UK retailers have reminded customers to be considerate in their shopping , so that others are not left without much-needed items .
`` There is enough for everyone if we all work together , '' it adds .
It comes after some shops began rationing the sales of certain products to avoid them selling out completely .
In the letter , the retailers say online and click-and-collect services are at `` full capacity '' and staff and suppliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the nation fed '' .
The retailers say they are working `` closely '' with government and suppliers to make more deliveries to stores so that shelves are well-stocked .
`` We understand your concerns but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without , '' the letter reads .
Speaking on behalf of retailers , Helen Dickinson , chief executive of the British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) , said : `` In the face of unprecedented demand as a result of coronavirus , food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers to support each other to make sure everyone can get access to the products they need . ''
The plea follows widespread concern over shoppers emptying supermarket shelves as fears grow over the spread of coronavirus .
Items including toilet paper , hand sanitiser , pasta and tinned foods are among those that have been in short supply .
At Tesco , shoppers are limited to buying no more than five of certain goods , including anti-bacterial gels , wipes and sprays , dry pasta , UHT milk and some tinned vegetables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a temporary cap on some items on its website , including some anti-bacterial soaps and wipes .
Boots and Asda are both restricting some types of hand sanitiser to two bottles per person .
Campaigners have warned stockpiling could hit the `` most vulnerable '' hardest .
Some food banks say they have a shortage of basic items which have already been panic bought by shoppers .
The government has said there is no need for anyone to stockpile items , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging people to `` behave responsibly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is relaxing restrictions on delivery hours for retailers to try to ensure shops remain stocked with basic items .
Deliveries to supermarkets are usually restricted overnight to avoid disturbing local residents .
Environment Secretary George Eustice said allowing night-time deliveries would allow stock to move more quickly from warehouses to shelves .
Meanwhile , the Competition and Markets Authority watchdog has warned retailers not to `` exploit '' fears about coronavirus by dramatically increasing the price of protective goods such as hand gels and face masks .

But with demand unprecedented for the time of year - weeks before the expected UK peak of the pandemic - this unusual joint letter from the major supermarkets shows they feel a strong message needs sending to customers. They will be hoping that the coordinated effort will help their strained supply chains cope and ensure everyone, including the most vulnerable, can get what they need.


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: 'Future of UK aviation' at risk, say airlines

The UK 's aviation industry may not survive the coronavirus pandemic without emergency financial support , airlines have warned .
Trade body Airlines UK has asked the government for a package worth several billion pounds .
US travel restrictions will hit all transatlantic routes from Tuesday , further denting the aviation sector .
The government said it was open to supporting all businesses , including airlines .
In a stark message , Airlines UK said the government 's `` prevarication '' and `` bean counting '' had to stop .
`` We 're talking about the future of UK aviation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unless the government pulls itself together who knows what will be left of it once we get out of this mess , '' it added .
Airline bosses have been talking to ministers , and executives at Virgin Atlantic are due to write to the prime minister .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
The demand comes after the US announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to include the UK and Republic of Ireland .
The ban , which will begin at 04:00 GMT on Tuesday , will hit vital routes for the likes of British Airways , Virgin Atlantic and Norwegian Air .
The government said in a statement that it recognises the difficulties UK airlines are facing .
`` We are engaging with the sector 's leadership to support workers , businesses and passengers , '' it said .
`` We have influenced the European Commission to relax flight slots and HMRC is ready to help all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals , experiencing temporary financial difficulties due to coronavirus . ''
• US adds UK and Ireland to coronavirus travel ban Under European law , if flights are not operated , designated take-off and landing slots have to be forfeited .
Last week , Virgin Atlantic confirmed it was forced to operate some near-empty flights after bookings were dented by the outbreak .
British Airways warned employees on Friday that the industry was facing a `` crisis of global proportions '' that was worse than that caused by the SARS virus or 9/11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Survival of British Airways '' , the company 's boss Alex Cruz said that it is to ground flights `` like never before '' and lay off staff .
On Thursday , Norwegian Air said it was set to cancel 4,000 flights and temporarily lay off about half of its staff .

"We're talking about the future of UK aviation - one of our world-class industries - and unless the government pulls itself together who knows what will be left of it once we get out of this mess," it added.


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Throbbing Gristle's Genesis P-Orridge dies aged 70

Genesis P-Orridge , founding member of cult experimental bands Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV , has died .
The musician and artist , who had been battling leukaemia for two-and-a-half years , was 70 .
With Throbbing Gristle , Genesis helped pioneer the genre of industrial music .
In later life , they became a `` body evolutionist '' , proposing a new gender that was beyond male and female .
The death was confirmed by Genesis 's daughters , Genesse and Caresse .
In a statement , they said their father `` dropped he/r body early this morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S/he will be laid to rest with h/er other half , Jaqueline 'Lady Jaye ' Breyer who left us in 2007 , where they will be re-united . ''
They concluded the post by thanking people for their `` love and support and for respecting our privacy as we are grieving '' .
Born Neil Megson in Manchester , Genesis P-Orridge 's career began in Hull in 1969 with the radical art outfit COUM Transmissions .
Alongside then-partner Cosey Fanni Tutti , the group played an abrasive brand of industrial rock , often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1976 exhibition at London 's Institute of Contemporary Arts , titled Prostitution , scandalised the art world , and prompted Conservative MP Nicholas Fairbairn to denounce the group as `` the wreckers of civilization '' .
Shortly afterwards , Genesis and Tutti branched out to form Throbbing Gristle with Peter `` Sleazy '' Christopherson , releasing their debut album The Second Annual Report in 1977 .
Crude , uncompromising and deliberately malicious , it was not an easy listen - based around multiple versions of the songs Slug Bait and Maggot Death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder .
Only 785 copies were pressed , but the album was a key influence on the industrial movement , a more antagonistic cousin of punk .
`` In terms of being shocking , punk was pretty tame in comparison , '' said Simon Reynolds , the author of Rip It Up and Start Again : Postpunk 1978-1984 .
`` They were writing songs about serial killers and cutting themselves onstage . ''
The band upped the dread on their second album , D.O.A , but discovered a more accessible side on 1979 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a tape machine they had borrowed from Paul McCartney .
Two years later , Genesis formed another band , Psychic TV , who explored the singer 's interest in the occult and fetishism ; and scored a minor hit with Godstar , a tribute to late Rolling Stone guitarist Brian Jones .
The band 's output was prolific - releasing more than 100 albums , and entering the Guinness Book of World Records after issuing 14 live records in the space of 18 months .
In the early 1990s , Genesis 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yard 's Obscene Publications Squad after a Channel 4 programme alleged the musician was the leader of a Satanic cult .
Although no files were charged , the artist went into self-imposed exile in the US ; where they met Jacqueline `` Lady Jaye '' Breyer , a dominatrix , nurse and soon to be muse .
Together they launched a `` Pandrogeny Project '' - surgically altering their bodies to resemble each other as closely as possible , becoming a single `` pandrogynous '' being named Breyer P-Orridge .
The couple also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - explaining that they wanted to create a third gender .
`` It 's not male or female , not either/or — just complete , '' Genesis told Paper magazine last year .
`` We thought it was important to remind people of that idea , and as artists , we figured the best way to do so was visually . ''
In 1995 , Genesis nearly lost their left arm while escaping a fire at the Los Angeles home of the producer Rick Rubin .
S/he was awarded $ 1.5m in damages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiments in photography , collage , sculpture and cosmetic surgery .
Having been a fringe artist for years , Genesis began to find h/er work embraced by the fine art world , including Tate Britain , which acquired several pieces .
After Lady Jaye died of an acute heart arrhythmia in 2007 , Genesis continued their Pandrogeny Project , and recording a final album with Psychic TV , Alienist , in 2016 .
Genesis is survived by two daughters , Genesse and Caresse and first wife Paul P-Orridge , now known as Alaura @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Bus cuts leave a million people without a regular service

More than a million people in Great Britain now live at least a mile from a bus stop with a regular service , BBC research suggests .
The Campaign for Better Transport ( CBT ) said cuts to services had left some people `` trapped in their homes '' .
Bus pass use by older and disabled people in England has fallen by almost a fifth in a decade .
The government has promised £5bn over five years for buses and cycling .
However , Department for Transport ( DfT ) figures show local and central government support for buses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 years .
Analysis of bus route data for the BBC 's Panorama showed 550,000 properties , equivalent to about 1.3 million people , are at least 2km ( 1.2 miles ) from a bus stop with a service calling on average four times a day .
'Your heart sinks when you need to get to the doctor's' Marion Crawford , from Lower Denby , West Yorkshire , said her local bus stopped about seven years ago , leaving her reliant on charity-run services .
`` I 'm not benefitting from my bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I do n't know what I 'd do without the community bus .
I 'd have no way to go grocery shopping or to the doctors , I 'd be reliant on friends . ''
The 92-year-old said : `` When you go to the doctor and they say they want to see you again , your heart sinks , you think 'how am I going to get here ? '
'' Paul Jones , chief officer of the Denby Dale Centre , which provides a charity-funded bus service , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus routes do not actually reach their villages any more and they feel left alone . ''
The charity has received grant funding from the government and the National Lottery for its services .
Judith Lawrence , 75 , said she had not left her village of Helperby , North Yorkshire , at all this year because of a lack of bus services .
No private operators run routes through the village , so the local council provides a minibus to take residents to a nearby town twice a week .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus , '' Ms Lawrence said .
`` It 's almost like a discrimination against the people in rural areas with low incomes who ca n't afford to take a taxi somewhere . ''
The lack of buses is also affecting people trying to get to work .
Construction worker Marti Blagborough said buses between his home in Farnley and Leeds city centre are often delayed or do not turn up .
He said : `` If there 's no buses there 's no work , because we ca n't get there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I guess you 've got no other choice .
`` If I lived locally I 'd have the option of maybe bicycle to work and stuff like that but working further away it 's the only option . ''
Bus use has declined over the past decade along with a fall of about 10 % in the number of miles covered each year , but it varies across Great Britain .
According to annual DfT figures , the areas with the most steady declines in estimated miles travelled by bus include Blackburn with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % reduction since 2014 ; Stoke on Trent ( 41 % reduction ) ; and North Yorkshire ( 41 % ) .
Martin Kelly , Blackburn with Darwen Council 's director of growth and development , said the authority had invested in public transport but `` several travel companies in the area have stopped trading or have reduced the services due to falling passenger numbers '' .
He said other factors included austerity cuts to council funding , changing employment patterns and `` lower demand for traditional shopping patterns '' .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , and we have recently been granted funding from the DfT which should allow us to increase certain services , '' he added .
Stoke-on-Trent City Council said commercial operators ' fares increase when usage falls , creating `` a vicious circle '' .
The council is bidding for funding from the government to improve bus reliability and provide more services .
The government funds free bus passes for pensioners and disabled people in England but the number of journeys made with them has fallen by 18 % since 2010 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the fall in pass holders because the age at which people can receive them has risen in line with changes to the state pension age .
Darren Shirley from the CBT said : `` We 're seeing people who are trapped in their home , essentially . ''
He said many people left without a bus service would be `` reliant on the goodwill of neighbours '' to get around .
On average , pensioners and disabled people in England took 26 fewer bus journeys a year on their passes than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed .
In Somerset the number of concessionary journeys taken was down by 45 % .
A spokesman for Somerset County Council said it had reduced spending on concessionary fares for `` a variety of reasons , including reductions in both subsidised and commercial bus services '' and the collapse of a bus operator in 2016 .
He added that the council continued to `` meet and exceed '' its statutory duties .
A spokeswoman for the DfT said : `` Buses are crucial to communities , providing key links to work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 've pledged £5 billion to overhaul bus and cycling links , which is on top of the significant £220 million investment we 've already made to make buses more reliable and convenient .
`` We 're also publishing a national bus strategy which will help transform local transport services in every region across the country . ''
• If you are in the UK , you can watch Panorama : Britain 's bus crisis on Monday 16 March at 20:30 on BBC One or catch up afterwards on iPlayer .

The 92-year-old said: "When you go to the doctor and they say they want to see you again, your heart sinks, you think 'how am I going to get here?'"


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Bath half marathon to go ahead despite backlash

The Bath half marathon is to go ahead later despite an outcry over it taking place during the coronavirus crisis .
Despite the Premier League , Football League and other sporting events being cancelled this weekend , organisers of the race said they were pressing ahead .
It has prompted a backlash with the city 's MP , Wera Hobhouse , among thousands condemning the decision and several organisations have pulled out .
Race officials said they have taken advice from government experts .
Six National League football games took place on Saturday and there are horse racing meetings scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are drawing up plans to ban mass gatherings in the UK from as early as next weekend in response to the spread of the virus , which the World Health Organization has classified as a pandemic .
Ms Hobhouse said `` cancelling the event to protect the most vulnerable in our city from a further spread of the infection must be the priority '' .
On Friday organisers of the London Marathon announced that race will be postponed until October because of the coronavirus pandemic .
On the Bath half marathon 's Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a large number against the decision to go ahead .
Many hundreds more have also spoken out on Twitter .
Amber Morgan said : `` Absolutely crazy .
All those people coming to Bath , using our public transport , restaurants , shops , public toilets .
The residents will not thank you . ''
While Paula Bailey added : `` Give it two weeks and you 'll be regretting this decision .
Look at Italy ! ''
Others described the move as an `` absolute joke and a PR disaster '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision '' .
Others , such as Sharon Smith , said they have pulled out because of health concerns within her family .
`` I think it would be completely irresponsible of me to run , '' she added .
Some though , were supportive saying it was `` on last hurrah for Bath before lockdown '' .
There was a similar negative response on Twitter .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PLANS : What are your rights ?
Organisers said that to `` cancel at this late stage '' would be wrong as they `` anticipate thousands of runners would still turn up '' and we `` would owe a duty of care to those runners '' .
They also claimed the event `` does not impose any burden on the NHS or police , as our medical and stewarding services are independent of public services '' .
Additional hand wash facilities will be provided for runners , spectators and volunteers who choose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of organisations have said they will not be taking part including Bath Rugby Foundation , which said it did `` not want to put any of our supporters or their loved ones at risk '' .
Dorothy House Hospice and the Forever Friends Appeal said runners have been told `` it 's their choice whether they run or not '' .
In 2019 , runners raised more than £2m for a range of charities and local voluntary groups .


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Postcard bid to help self-isolating neighbours

A woman has designed a postcard aimed at helping people to look after their neighbours if they are self-isolating .
@ @ @ @ @ shared on social media , with those in need able to request shopping , urgent @ @ @ @ @ phone call '' .
Becky Wass , from Falmouth , Cornwall , said the idea @ @ @ @ @ and her husband discussed ways to help .
`` Because fear has spread so quickly @ @ @ @ @ try to spread kindness , '' she said .
Users are encouraged to leave items @ @ @ @ @ contact .
Ms Wass said the response to the cards had been `` incredibly heartwarming @ @ @ @ @ think in times like this everybody wants to do something to help , and this @ @ @ @ @ little bit easier . ''
• EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• @ @ @ @ @ are the symptoms ?

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bbcuk--2020-03-15--Mark Carney: What legacy will he leave the Bank of England?

Mark Carney steps down as Bank of England governor this weekend after almost seven years in the job .
The Canadian oversaw big changes at the Bank , which was given more power in the wake of the financial crisis .
He also led efforts to support the economy through Brexit and the coronavirus outbreak .
Mr Carney will leave the Bank more open and diverse than when he joined in July 2013 , but his tenure has not been without controversy .
Here are some of the changes that happened on his watch .
The world was very different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic growth was gaining traction , but unemployment was still high , at close to 8 % .
This led to speculation about the timing of the first post-crisis interest rate rise .
The Bank believed the economic recovery needed more time to take hold .
It wanted to reassure people that borrowing costs would not rise any time soon , even if growth picked up .
Mr Carney had previously done this in Canada , which became the first G7 nation to raise interest rates after the global crisis .
So the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) that sets interest rates tried something similar .
It said it would n't even start thinking about rate rises until unemployment fell to 7 % .
The Bank also added some conditions that would overrule this `` forward guidance '' .
These included any signs of runaway inflation , or threats to financial stability .
• What the rate cut means for you But unemployment started falling much faster than the MPC had anticipated , quickly dipping below the 7 % threshold .
David Miles , a bank policymaker between 2009 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy at the time .
He now says the various caveats made forward guidance confusing .
The quick drop in unemployment raised speculation over interest rates .
The Bank later changed its guidance to state that any rises would be `` limited and gradual '' .
Mr Miles , an economics professor at Imperial College , London , said : `` The problem always was that any explicit and public rule to guide future policy would need to be complicated and contain many caveats if it was one that allowed the MPC to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that meant the guidance was of the form 'we will do X unless Y or Z were to happen in which case , then unless Q has happened , we will ... ' .
I think in retrospect we got this wrong . ''
Martin Weale , another former MPC member who voted against the policy , agrees : `` With hindsight , people found it much too complicated .
I suppose they wanted a simpler story . ''
Mr Carney also came under fire for hinting at rate rises but not following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bank to an `` unreliable boyfriend '' for sending mixed messages to British households .
Mr Carney has stressed all guidance is based on an `` expectation not a promise '' , with interest rate decisions always data dependent .
Michael Saunders , who currently sits on the MPC , said forward guidance is very useful to people who do n't follow interest rate movements closely .
`` Giving general guidance on the direction of interest rates over the next quarter to few years is very useful , allowing [ people ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he recently told MPs .
The vote to leave the European Union in June 2016 surprised investors , with the value of the pound plummeting against the dollar and euro .
Mr Carney addressed the nation shortly after David Cameron resigned as prime minister in a bid to assure everyone that it was business as usual .
He said commercial banks would have enough cash , and worthy borrowers would have no problem getting loans .
The Bank was well prepared and would take all necessary steps to ensure economic and financial stability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fresh low of 0.25 % , restarted its money printing programme and designed a new scheme to encourage lending in a world of low rates .
However , some said Mr Carney 's pre-Brexit interventions were too political .
The Governor warned ahead of the vote that it could tip the economy into recession .
Separate Bank analysis said choosing to leave the European Union would hit economic growth , stoke inflation and raise unemployment .
Mr Weale , a professor at King 's college London , was involved in producing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The Bank was obviously in a difficult position .
On the one hand people wanted to know its views .
On the other hand it risked being seen as partisan if it offered them . ''
Interest rates were just 0.5 % when Mark Carney joined the Bank of England .
They 're now even lower , at 0.25 % .
With little room for rates to go lower still , the Bank 's interest rate setters had to find new ways to support the economy .
As well as increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quantitative easing ( QE ) programme - policymakers started buying corporate debt in the wake of the Brexit vote .
They also created a new Term Funding Scheme ( TFS ) to support bank lending immediately after the referendum .
It offered cheap money - on the condition that commercial banks lent the cash to customers .
This protected bank profit margins and got cash to worthy borrowers .
Under Mr Carney 's leadership , the Bank also took steps to rein in borrowing without using interest rates .
The Bank 's Financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 to prevent another housing bubble by imposing limits on the amount people can borrow to buy a home .
Mr Carney 's transparency drive means interest rate setters now meet eight times a year instead of 12 , and publish information about those meetings alongside decisions .
The reforms came after a review by former US central banker Kevin Warsh .
While the changes have been widely welcomed , Mr Miles described a decision to publish transcripts of some of the MPC 's conversations as `` wholly negative '' .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commons Treasury Select Committee .
`` My observation was that it much reduced the usefulness of the decision meeting because most of the MPC members - and Mark Carney was an exception - decided they would simply read out pre-prepared statements of their view and their vote .
Debate and open discussion dwindled . ''
Mr Weale said he also started reading pre-prepared statements and described his comments as more `` stilted '' .
`` I became more reluctant to revise what I was saying in light of what other people had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 , and will be published with an eight year lag .
The governor has consistently highlighted the threat to the financial system from climate change .
He has warned that extreme weather events like hurricanes , heatwaves and floods pose significant risks to banks and insurers , which could end up suffering heavy losses .
Mr Carney and other global leaders have been trying to get companies to calculate their exposure to climate risks .
It 's a drive he will continue in his new role as UN special envoy for @ @ @ @ @

Mr Miles, an economics professor at Imperial College, London, said: "The problem always was that any explicit and public rule to guide future policy would need to be complicated and contain many caveats if it was one that allowed the MPC to react to unexpected events.


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Basingstoke man says wheelchair isn't a barrier to flying

Stuart Miller may not be able to walk , but he can fly .
The trainee pilot , from Basingstoke @ @ @ @ @ using a wheelchair since sleep-walking out of a fourth floor window when he was eight @ @ @ @ @ been training for his pilot 's licence with the help of charity Aerobility at Blackbushe @ @ @ @ @ fly and says : `` Once you 're up in the air , there 's @ @ @ @ @ more on Inside Out South on BBC One in the south of England on Monday @ @ @ @ @ and on BBC iPlayer here .

Stuart Miller may not be able to walk, but he can fly.
The trainee pilot, from Basingstoke in Hampshire, has been using a wheelchair since sleep-walking out of a fourth floor window when he was eight years old.
He's been training for his pilot's licence with the help of charity Aerobility at Blackbushe airport.
Stuart loves to fly and says: "Once you're up in the air, there's no disability."
See more on Inside Out South on BBC One in the south of England on Monday 16 March at 19:30 GMT and on BBC iPlayer here.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--The Papers: UK on 'war footing' as elderly face isolation

The Sunday Times says the new rules for the elderly and whole families are expected to be imposed this week @ @ @ @ @ that the public is `` prepared '' for the introduction of `` draconian powers '' @ @ @ @ @ in a separate article , the paper claims that the Islamic State terror group has @ @ @ @ @ Europe because of the virus .
The paper 's travel section also tells readers where @ @ @ @ @ best of Italy '' … in the UK .

The concerns of "hundreds of scientists" that the UK response to the virus is wrong, or has fallen short, make the front page of the Observer. The paper contrasts the situation in the UK with measures being taken by other countries around the world: borders closed by Denmark and Lithuania; ports closed in Norway; national lockdowns in France and Spain; and the US extension of a flight ban.


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Extinction Rebellion: 'Why is climate activism so white?'

Climate change campaigners say there is not enough diversity at climate change protests .
Serayna Solanki worries that climate activists @ @ @ @ @ and middle-class and says that has to change .
At a gathering in Leicester Serayna @ @ @ @ @ alarming is the lack of diversity that 's here considering we 're in Leicester , @ @ @ @ @ the whole of the UK . ''
You can see this story in full on @ @ @ @ @ at 19:30 BST on Monday on BBC One , or via iPlayer for 30 days @ @

Climate change campaigners say there is not enough diversity at climate change protests.
Serayna Solanki worries that climate activists tend to be largely white and middle-class and says that has to change.
At a gathering in Leicester Serayna said: "What's alarming is the lack of diversity that's here considering we're in Leicester, the most diverse city in the whole of the UK."
You can see this story in full on BBC Inside Out East Midlands at 19:30 BST on Monday on BBC One, or via iPlayer for 30 days afterwards.


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Isolation for over-70s 'within weeks'

Every Briton over the age of 70 will be told `` within the coming weeks '' to stay at home for an extended period to shield them from coronavirus Health Secretary Matt Hancock says .
He told the BBC the rules will not come into force just yet but when it does it will last `` a very long time '' .
The government has faced pressure to do more to tackle the epidemic after the UK death toll rose to 21 on Saturday .
All deaths so far have been of people over 60 or with underlying conditions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ health conditions - will be told they must remain at home and have groceries and vital medication delivered .
The health secretary was asked by the BBC 's Andrew Marr when the new requirement - reported to last as long as four months - would begin .
He said : `` I 'm not going to go into any more detail on the timings because we want to be ready to say that when we judge , based on the scientific advice , that the time has come . ''
`` We know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this sort of thing that they tire of it , it also has negative impacts , '' he added .
And speaking of broader measures designed to combat the virus , Mr Hancock warned : `` Every single person in this country is going to be affected and they are going to have to do things . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the government 's strategy has been criticised by some scientists , who have written to ministers urging them to introduce tougher measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19 .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the public did not want ambiguity from the government .
`` People just want clear advice .
The prime minister should be out there daily speaking to the nation and explaining why things are changing , '' he told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested .
Only patients in hospital are currently being tested for the virus .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to urge British companies to join a `` national effort '' to produce more ventilators and other medical equipment `` at speed '' to help the NHS deal with the coronavirus outbreak .
He will hold a conference call with industry leaders later , Mr Hancock said .
Work is also under way to buy up thousands of private hospital beds to boost NHS capacity should it be needed .
An emergency bill giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak will be published next week .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has asked for `` urgent sight '' of the draft laws and for a meeting with the prime minister to discuss the crisis .
His party has already called on the government to publish the scientific modelling and data that it is using to inform its approach .
Why and when should vulnerable self-isolate ?
Shielding the vulnerable and elderly will be an essential part of the government 's strategy when cases are rising rapidly - it was one of the decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
Half of the overall cases are expected within a period of a few weeks , with 95 % in a period of around 10 weeks .
So officials will ask those at most risk of developing severe illness to stay at home .
They believe if they get the timing right and people adhere to it the move could reduce the number of deaths by up to a third .
But it of course carries its own risks - mentally and physically .
They believe the longest they could ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 weeks or so .
That 's why it 's essential people do n't go too soon .
At the moment the vulnerable groups should be protected to a degree by the fact that the small number of people with the virus should be self isolating .
But the officials recognise that individuals will make their own decisions about when to start .
Meanwhile , a new public information campaign is to be launched featuring the UK government 's chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty .
• The Foreign Office advised against all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain after restrictions were put in place by the Spanish government • Around 600 Britons are among the passengers stranded on a Fred Olsen cruise ship that has been unable to dock in the Bahamas after five people on board tested positive for the coronavirus • Airlines warned the UK 's aviation industry may not survive the coronavirus pandemic without emergency financial support • The US will extend its European coronavirus travel ban to include the UK and Republic of Ireland from 04:00 GMT on Tuesday

Jeane Freeman, Mr Hancock's counterpart in Scotland, said: "We don't want people who are elderly to be stuck in their homes alone not contacting anyone, with their families not able to be in touch with them and to help them."


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Supermarkets ask shoppers to be 'considerate' and stop stockpiling

Supermarkets are urging shoppers not to buy more than they need amid concern over coronavirus-linked stockpiling .
In a joint letter , UK retailers have reminded customers to be considerate in their shopping , so that others are not left without much-needed items .
`` There is enough for everyone if we all work together , '' it adds .
It comes after some shops began rationing the sales of certain products to avoid them selling out completely .
In the letter , the retailers say online and click-and-collect services are at `` full capacity '' and staff and suppliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the nation fed '' .
The retailers say they are working `` closely '' with government and suppliers to make more deliveries to stores so that shelves are well-stocked .
`` We understand your concerns but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without , '' the letter reads .
That was echoed in an email to customers from Sainsbury 's boss Mike Coupe , who said : `` There are gaps on shelves because of increased demand , but we have new stock arriving regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep shelves stocked . ''
In a plea to shoppers , he said : `` Please think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need . ''
Speaking on behalf of retailers , Helen Dickinson , chief executive of the British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) , said : `` In the face of unprecedented demand as a result of coronavirus , food retailers have come together to ask their customers to support each other to make sure everyone can get access to the products they need . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ emptying supermarket shelves as fears grow over the spread of coronavirus .
Supermarkets are used to spikes in demand , for example over the festive period .
But they have usually been expecting them .
It has been clear from repeatedly emptied shelves that many shoppers have not heeded the official advice that there is no need to stockpile .
The BRC lobby group insists its members are resilient and there wo n't be long-term shortages .
And supermarkets have adapted quickly .
For example , Sainsbury 's has told customers today that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more stock .
Tesco is among the brands that will take up the government 's offer of extending delivery hours to keep up with demand .
But with demand unprecedented for the time of year - weeks before the expected UK peak of the pandemic - this unusual joint letter from the major supermarkets shows they feel a strong message needs sending to customers .
They will be hoping that the coordinated effort will help their strained supply chains cope and ensure everyone , including the most vulnerable , can get what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand sanitiser , pasta and tinned foods are among those that have been in short supply .
That has led some supermarkets to limit the sale of some products , while Aldi has restricted customers to buying a maximum of four of each item .
Tesco , shoppers are limited to buying no more than five of certain goods , including anti-bacterial gels , wipes and sprays , dry pasta , UHT milk and some tinned vegetables .
Meanwhile , Waitrose has brought in a temporary cap on some items on its website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Boots and Asda are both restricting some types of hand sanitiser to two bottles per person .
Campaigners have warned stockpiling could hit the `` most vulnerable '' hardest .
Some food banks say they have a shortage of basic items which have already been panic bought by shoppers .
The government has said there is no need for anyone to stockpile items , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging people to `` behave responsibly and think about others '' .
The government is relaxing restrictions on delivery hours for retailers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic items .
Deliveries to supermarkets are usually restricted overnight to avoid disturbing local residents .
Environment Secretary George Eustice said allowing night-time deliveries would allow stock to move more quickly from warehouses to shelves .
Meanwhile , the Competition and Markets Authority watchdog has warned retailers not to `` exploit '' fears about coronavirus by dramatically increasing the price of protective goods such as hand gels and face masks .
Have you been stocking up because of the coronavirus ?
Have you been affected by panic buying ?
Share your experiences by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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bbcuk--2020-03-15--Bristol fire: Crews tackle Guildhall blaze

Fire crews have spent the night tackling a major blaze in Bristol .
Emergency services were called to the Guildhall @ @ @ @ @ GMT and 50 firefighters remain at the scene .
Nearby roads , including Baldwin Street @ @ @ @ @ police said disruption in the area would continue `` for some time '' .
Residents @ @ @ @ @ buildings , including a number of students from their accommodation .
The fire service said @ @ @ @ @ fire '' and concerns about structural stability forced crews to retreat from inside the historic @ @ @ @ @ from outside .
Steve Quinton , area manager for Avon Fire and Rescue , said @ @ @ @ @ was in the roof space that has now fallen into the building and several of @ @ @ @ @ to the basement so we will continue damping down for a number of hours still @ @ @ @ @ , Bristol City Council and the building owners have been to the site and an @ @ @ @ @ how safe the building is .

Steve Quinton, area manager for Avon Fire and Rescue, said: "Where the fire was in the roof space that has now fallen into the building and several of the floors have gone through to the basement so we will continue damping down for a number of hours still."


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Daniel Radcliffe says his parents helped him cope with fame

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has revealed that remaining in the UK and having supportive parents helped him stay grounded after he became famous .
The actor was 11 when he won the title role in the Potter film series .
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 's Desert Island Discs , Radcliffe said his family helped him keep a sense of `` perspective '' .
Yet he said he could understand why other child actors have had substance issues in the years following their youthful stardom .
`` I think a huge problem for a lot of people is they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing something when they 're 10 , '' the 30-year-old told presenter Lauren Laverne .
`` They are committed for several years , and they stop enjoying it .
`` They are , by that point , the breadwinner for their family , so multiple people are reliant on them continuing to do this job and they feel pressured into it .
`` If they do n't enjoy it they go 'well , I will enjoy all the other things this life gives me , even if I hate the work ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can see people going to drugs .
`` You can also just see people go to drugs and drink because it 's fun and they 're available and it seems like a good idea , and there 's nobody around you talking about the consequences or being honest about that . ''
The actor praised his parents and his fellow Harry Potter actors , `` who were able to give me enough perspective on my life and help me at key moments '' .
The main reason he has continued to work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he continued , was that he has always `` loved being on set '' .
The actor has starred in several films and TV series since the Potter series ended after eight films in 2011 .
His post-Potter films include Horns , Swiss Army Man , Now You See Me 2 and current UK release Escape from Pretoria .
Radcliffe also said that living and working in London had helped to ensure he had not been carried away by fame .
`` I spend time in LA [ Los Angeles ] now and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` I do n't know what it would be like to grow up in LA from the age of 10 and continue growing up there .
`` I think the other thing that 's hard about being famous when you 're young is you have n't figured out who you are yet , '' he continued .
`` If you are having a perception of your identity reflected back at you , where everyone else expects you to be a certain thing while you 're still figuring out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be really hard for people .
`` But again , very fortunately , I knew that I liked being on set enough so that if everything else about it went away , the money and the fame , I would still like being on set , and I would like to still do that in some way . ''
Radcliffe is currently appearing alongside Alan Cumming at London 's Old Vic theatre in Endgame and Rough for Theatre II , both by Samuel Beckett .
Desert Island Discs is broadcast on BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will be available on BBC Sounds .
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"But again, very fortunately, I knew that I liked being on set enough so that if everything else about it went away, the money and the fame, I would still like being on set, and I would like to still do that in some way."


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Rushden Station cat Thomas welcomed after Alfie cat's demise

A new cat is welcoming visitors to a heritage railway three years after its much-loved moggy mascot died .
Rescue cat Thomas is hoping to fill the puss 's boots at Rushden Station in Northamptonshire after ginger tom Alfie passed away in June 2017 .
Thomas is now living at the station bar - as his predecessor did - after being put forward by a cat charity .
The `` owners '' of both Alfie and Thomas said the new `` station cat '' already had `` the run of the place '' .
Alfie mysteriously turned up at volunteer-run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the previous station cat had died .
He made it his home and became a favourite with visitors and cat fans from all over the world who followed his adventures on Facebook .
`` When he died , people kept asking , 'When are you going to get another station cat ? '
, '' said Fiona York , who looked after him in the station bar with her partner .
`` But we always said Alfie came here because he wanted to , and if we get another cat it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here too . ''
However , a cat charity thought Thomas would fit in perfectly .
`` They said he was feisty , but not vicious and gets on with everyone , '' Ms York said .
Two weeks ago Thomas came to stay and within a day of posting photos of the new station cat in situ , the Facebook page was inundated with comments from as far away as the US and New Zealand .
`` The photos reached about 45,000 people - everyone loved Alfie - but they seem to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms York said .
`` He 's settled in to his new home in the bar and already has the run of the place , '' she added .

"But we always said Alfie came here because he wanted to, and if we get another cat it has to be because he wants to be here too."


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: How many cases are there in your area?

A total of 1,140 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK , with the country now ramping up measures as part of the second stage of the government 's phased plan to tackle the outbreak .
Some 37,746 people in the UK have been tested for the respiratory infection so far .
Twenty one people who tested positive have died .
Find out how many people have confirmed cases in your area : If you ca n't see the look-up click here .
The following maps , charts and graphics will help you understand the situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealing with it .
1 .
The number of UK cases is growing The new coronavirus , which causes the respiratory disease known as Covid-19 , was first confirmed in the UK at the end of January .
While there were a number of people testing positive throughout February , figures in the UK began to increase significantly at the beginning of March .
Since then , cases have been reported across the UK , with 342 new cases announced on Saturday .
Most of the confirmed cases are in England - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 121 in Scotland , 60 in Wales and 34 in Northern Ireland .
While London has 313 confirmed cases , Hampshire is the English local authority with the highest number so far , at 41 .
Confirmed case numbers for the UK are lower than other European countries , such as Italy , for example , where there have been more than 21,000 cases and more than 1,400 deaths , according to 15 March figures from the World Health Organization .
However , the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 people infected in the UK at this time .
He also said that many people will no longer be tested if they are showing mild symptoms .
Only those with the most serious symptoms will be given a test in hospital .
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , said the peak of the UK outbreak is most likely still 10 to 14 weeks away .
Globally , authorities have confirmed more than 140,000 cases of the coronavirus and more than 5,000 deaths .
More than half the cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where the virus originated in December .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
2 .
We are in the second phase of the government 's response The government has published its action plan for dealing with the virus , which involves three phases - contain ; delay ; mitigate - alongside ongoing research .
While the emphasis has been on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , the country has now moved to the `` delay '' phase to stop the wider spread of the virus .
As part of the delay phase , people with even mild coronavirus symptoms - defined as a temperature above 37.8 C or a `` new , continuous '' cough - are being asked to self-isolate at home for seven days to protect others and help slow the spread of the disease .
Schools are also being advised to cancel trips abroad and people over 70 and those with pre-existing health conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruises .
The delay phase could also mean further `` social distancing '' measures at a later date , but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out closing schools at this stage .
Action to isolate the over-70s for an extended period to shield them from coronavirus is planned in the coming weeks , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed .
Government sources have also said mass gatherings might soon be banned to ease pressure on emergency services .
If the virus becomes even more widespread , the government may then decide to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when health services are asked to focus on critical care and retired NHS staff could be asked to return to work .
3 .
People who think they have coronavirus should self-isolate If you have a `` new , continuous '' cough or high temperature and think you have coronavirus you are advised not to go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
Instead , you should self isolate for seven days .
If symptoms persist beyond seven days or if you get worse you should contact the NHS 's dedicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England .
In Scotland , you should call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours .
In Wales call 111 ( if available in your area ) or 0845 46 47 .
In Northern Ireland call 111 .
Testing will now only focus on identifying people with the virus in hospital .

Based on the survey, the estimated peak of the pandemic, in cases if not in deaths, was in late March 2022, where at one point about 4.9 million people were thought to have the virus. However, the survey did not capture the first wave of the pandemic, with trials only beginning in England in April 2020.


bbcuk--2020-03-15--The Papers: UK on 'war footing' as elderly face isolation

Increasing concern over the coronavirus pandemic is the main focus for most of Sunday 's papers .
`` Death toll leaps and forces Johnson to act '' is the headline in the Sunday Times .
The paper says Prime Minister Boris Johnson is accelerating plans to buy up beds in private hospitals and potentially make the elderly and vulnerable self-isolate - possibly for months .
It reports the strict new measures could be brought into force this week - a fortnight earlier than medics and scientists had originally expected .
The front page of the Sunday Express also homes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Over-70s face stay at home order '' is the headline as it details what it describes as a `` dramatic plan to save lives '' .
The move comes , the paper says , as Britain is `` rocked '' by the increase in deaths .
It suggests the new rules will also apply to anyone under 70 with pre-existing medical conditions .
The Sunday Telegraph claims Mr Johnson has put industry on a `` war footing '' to equip the NHS for the `` battle ahead '' .
In what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call to arms '' , it claims that Mr Johnson is asking manufacturers - including Rolls Royce and JCB - to transform production lines to enable them to make ventilators .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock writes in the paper that firms `` can not make too many '' ventilators - and he sets out how the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) has said extra measures to `` shield '' older and medically vulnerable people will need to be instituted soon .
He urges people to pull together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World War .
Cartoonist Matt attempts to inject a note of humour .
His sketch depicts a suited man saying , as he leaves home for the day , that he 's going to self-isolate .
Or , he adds - in a reference that will strike home for many retailers - `` as I call it , open my shop '' .
The Telegraph also reports that the UK 's biggest teaching union , the National Education Union , has written to Mr Johnson `` demanding to know why schools are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ireland and Spain have all announced school closures and the Union says its members deserve to see the modelling government is basing its decisions on .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning The Mail on Sunday is one of many papers to carry photographs showing scenes of chaos and shelves stripped bare in shops , as it reports that ministers have made plans to deploy troops to guard hospitals and supermarkets as panic-buying hits .
Its `` at a glance '' guide points out that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have died from winter flu worldwide than from the virus since it was first reported .
But it also reports that emergency legislation will be put before MPs to requisition land for `` extra graveyards '' and to relax regulations to allow for speedier cremations and burials .
`` It 's war on the virus '' is the declaration of the Sunday Mirror , which claims that 8,000 private hospital beds will be rented by the NHS , troops will be mobilised and over-70s will be told to self-isolate for up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of scientists '' that the UK response to the virus is wrong , or has fallen short , make the front page of the Observer .
The paper contrasts the situation in the UK with measures being taken by other countries around the world : borders closed by Denmark and Lithuania ; ports closed in Norway ; national lockdowns in France and Spain ; and the US extension of a flight ban .
Away from the many pages devoted to the epidemic , the Mail on Sunday reports that the disclosure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has revealed a `` smoking gun text '' in the case of Anne Sacoolas - the US citizen who left the UK under diplomatic immunity after she was involved in a fatal collision with Harry Dunn last summer .
The Mail suggests the correspondence shows that - in spite of insistence from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) that it had objected in clear and strong terms to Mrs Sacoolas ' departure - a departmental official had stated in the communications that she was free to `` leave on the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it acted properly and lawfully .
And the paper also brings us news of a new phenomenon , which may bring timely inspiration for those facing the prospect of self-isolation .
Following the rise of the `` silver surfer '' , it 's now the turn of the `` PlayStation pensioner '' .
It says the State of Online Gaming report , which quizzed 4,500 people , found that some pensioners spend almost three hours a day on their consoles , while 7 % said they 'd played a game continuously for five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' is the Sun on Sunday 's headline as it reports that just 21 injured veterans have been seen at a new £300m armed forces rehabilitation centre since it opened in Loughborough in 2018 .
Treatment at the centre is only guaranteed for serving personnel .
The paper points out that this leaves thousands injured on the frontline who 've since left service to `` go through the NHS '' , putting `` more strain '' on local services .
It says charities and politicians are calling for a more `` common sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concludes that couples are dropping `` the blame game '' after figures show that the number of people citing adultery as a reason for divorce has more than halved in the past decade .
A bill to introduce `` no fault '' divorce is currently passing through Parliament , but , at the moment , the most common ground given is `` unreasonable behaviour '' .


bbcuk--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Scottish Covid-19 testing expanded to communities

Testing for coronavirus is to be extended into Scotland 's communities but there will be no routine testing of people with minor symptoms .
The Scottish government said testing will now take place in GP surgeries , covering up to 1.2 million people .
Tests will be offered to people presenting relevant symptoms , including flu-like symptoms or general respiratory illness .
People with minor symptoms are advised to remain at home for seven days .
The Chief Medical Officer said surveillance testing at GP surgeries would provide information on how fast the virus is spreading and inform decisions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this `` real-time '' data could be used to predict when the coronavirus outbreak would peak .
• UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said action to isolate over-70s for an extended period is planned in the coming weeks • Strathclyde University has become the latest university to suspend face-to-face teaching from Monday .
The campus will remain open but teaching will be carried out online for the rest of the academic year • The 2020 Glasgow Kiltwalk , due to take place on 24 April , has been postponed On Saturday the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rose to 121 - a jump of 36 in 24 hours and the highest daily rise so far .
The country suffered its first fatality on Friday .
The elderly patient in the Lothian NHS area had existing underlying medical conditions .
According to the latest update , a total of 3,715 people have been tested in Scotland .
Dr Calderwood said : `` This new approach to testing will enable us to understand the pattern and spread of coronavirus in the community , to develop a clear assessment of the situation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , without having to test everyone with possible symptoms .
`` Everybody has a role to play in helping contain this outbreak by following the latest health advice and basic hygiene precautions such as washing hands frequently , not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing . ''
She reiterated the current public health advice for Scotland : • Those with mild symptoms do not need to be tested .
• They should continue to stay at home for seven days and only contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition worsens .
• Common symptoms of coronavirus include fever/temperature of above 37.8°C and a new continuous cough Key workers such as NHS staff will continue to be tested if they show symptoms .
• 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 outbreak

Dr Calderwood said: "This new approach to testing will enable us to understand the pattern and spread of coronavirus in the community, to develop a clear assessment of the situation and to predict the peak number of cases, without having to test everyone with possible symptoms.