bbcuk--2020-09-29--Covid-19: Tracking the outbreak, as deaths pass one million

Coronavirus has now contributed to the deaths of one million people worldwide .
The report of the millionth death arrived just short of 10 months after the first confirmed death , in China in January .
The virus continues its spread across the world , with more than 33 million confirmed cases in 188 countries .
The virus is surging in many regions and some countries that had apparent success in suppressing initial outbreaks are also seeing infections rise again .
Note : The map , table and animated bar chart in this page use a different source for figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by Johns Hopkins University , which results in a slightly lower overall total .
US figures do not include Puerto Rico , Guam or the US Virgin Islands .
Where are cases and deaths rising ?
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has warned the death toll could hit two million before an effective vaccine is widely used .
A number of regions have seen new coronavirus cases rise over the last few months , with India driving numbers in Asia .
The official number of confirmed infections in India has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world after the US .
The virus appears to be spreading much faster in India than elsewhere , with the country recording about 90,000 cases a day earlier in September .
The rise in infections comes as the government continues to lift restrictions to try to boost an economy , but the surge is also a reflection of increased testing .
India has maintained a relatively low death rate , however , given the size of its population .
• Why India 's Covid problem could be bigger than we think In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of deaths , with more than 140,000 so far .
It has also recorded more than 4.7 million cases , the third highest in the world .
Newly confirmed cases in the region are also rising quickly in Argentina , which now has more than 700,000 infections .
In the Middle East , Iran has been badly affected by the virus , and in the past week has confirmed its highest number of new cases since early June .
Neighbouring Iraq has seen a steady rise in cases .
Cases are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country has recorded more than 10,000 deaths - the highest number in South East Asia .
Africa has recorded more than 1.4 million confirmed cases , although the true extent of the pandemic in the continent is not known .
Testing rates are reported to be low , which could distort official estimates .
South Africa and Egypt have seen the largest recorded outbreaks so far on the continent .
Several European countries are recording a rising number of daily cases amid fears of a resurgence of the virus .
A number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions in their worst-affected regions , and there have been fresh appeals for people to wear face coverings and follow social distancing rules .
The pattern of rising infections following the loosening of lockdown restrictions is not limited to Europe , though .
Israel has imposed a new national lockdown after recording a record number of daily cases in recent days .
Other countries that have seen a resurgence of the virus include Russia , Peru , South Korea , Canada and Australia - although following the reintroduction of tougher restrictions some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the table below , countries can be reordered by deaths , death rate and total cases .
In the coloured bars on the right-hand side , countries in which cases have risen to more than 5,000 per day are those with black bars on the relevant date .
US cases slow after second surge The US has recorded more than seven million cases of coronavirus , more than a fifth of the world 's total .
Following a second rise in cases in July , numbers fell back in August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again now .
With more than 200,000 deaths , the US also has the world 's highest death toll .
A projection from the University of Washington suggests there could be about 370,000 deaths by the end of the year , though it says this could be reduced to about 273,000 if 95 % of Americans wear masks in public .
The outbreak has had a devastating impact on the US economy , with GDP falling by a record rate of 33 % in the three months from April to June .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 , was first detected in the city of Wuhan , China , in late 2019 .
The outbreak spread quickly across the globe in the first months of 2020 and declared a global pandemic by the WHO on 11 March .
A pandemic is when an infectious disease is passing easily from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
Europe and North America saw their first major outbreaks in April but as they began to ease , Latin America and Asia started seeing cases spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to limit public movement and close businesses and venues in a bid to slow the spread of the virus .
This has had a devastating impact on the global economy .
Damage to the world 's major economies is four times worse than the 2009 global financial crisis , according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ) .
Meanwhile , the United Nations has said that up to 265 million people could face starvation by the end of the year because of the impact of Covid-19 .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your area ?
• TESTING : What tests are available ?
• JOBS : How will I be kept safe at work ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• HOLIDAYS : Where can I go away in the UK ?
The data used on this page comes from a variety of sources .
It includes figures collated by Johns Hopkins University , data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control , national governments and health agencies , as well as UN data on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries it is important to bear in mind that not all governments are recording coronavirus cases and deaths in the same way .
This makes like for like comparisons between countries difficult .
Other factors to consider include : different population sizes , the size of a country 's elderly population or whether a particular country has a large amount of its people living in densely-populated areas .
In addition , countries may be in different stages of the pandemic .

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This information is regularly updated but may not reflect the latest totals for each country.
** The past data for new cases is a three day rolling average. Due to revisions in the number of cases, an average cannot be calculated for this date.
Source: Johns Hopkins University and national public health agencies


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Aurora and rare moonbows light up Scotland's night

The Aurora Borealis could be seen in the skies from parts of Scotland overnight .
Also known as the Northern @ @ @ @ @ linked to activity on the surface of the Sun .
The aurora is caused by @ @ @ @ @ - a stream of charged particles escaping the Sun - and Earth 's magnetic field @ @ @ @ @ conditions are favourable , Scotland , northern England and Northern Ireland offer some of the @ @ @ @ @ aurora , or Northern Lights as the phenomenon is often known .
Also known as @ @ @ @ @ rare optical phenomenon is caused when the light from the moon is refracted through water @ @ @ @ @

When weather conditions are favourable, Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland offer some of the best places to observe the aurora, or Northern Lights as the phenomenon is often known.


bbcuk--2020-09-28--Life: Doctor Foster spin-off explores 'loneliness in big cities'

Launching a spin-off to a hugely popular TV series can go either way .
There are plenty of success stories ( like Frasier ) but also quite a few flops ( with all due respect to Joey ) .
BBC One 's latest drama , Life , is a spin-off from Doctor Foster , which launched in 2015 and was watched by an audience of more than 10 million .
Life is set in the same world as its predecessor , but only features one familiar character - Victoria Hamilton 's Anna , the friendly neighbour who always had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But does that mean viewers need to have seen all of Doctor Foster to understand its new spin-off , which begins on Tuesday night ?
`` Absolutely not , no , '' says Hamilton .
`` To an extraordinary degree , I think , you really do n't need to have seen it .
`` Life is a very complete story on its own , this is an entirely different universe and you 're given everything you need to know about it in episode one of this story . ''
Those who did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left Parminster in series two , having discovered that her husband had been unfaithful again .
In Life , Anna has changed her name to Belle ( as her full name is Annabel ) and is trying to start afresh .
But she is just one of several main characters , who all live in close proximity to one another .
Set in Manchester , the series follows the residents of a large house divided into four flats , and also stars Adrian Lester , Alison Steadman and Melissa Johns .
The neighbours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and yet their lives intertwine in unexpected ways .
Writer Mike Bartlett ( who was also behind Doctor Foster ) was intrigued by how the characters ' actions could impact on each other , often without them realising .
`` I used to live in a flat which was part of an old house that had been divided up , and I was amazed that we were all one stud wall away from each other , but did n't really know each other , '' he explains .
`` We would hear the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex lives and love lives , and yet you 'd meet in the corridor , and you would n't exchange two words .
`` And I found that really interesting about our nature as people , when we want to be private and when we want community .
We are desperate for connection , and yet so often we end up feeling alone , particularly in big cities , so I wanted to write about that . ''
Some of the biggest shows in TV history were spin-offs .
The hugely successful Frasier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 264 episodes - just behind its predecessor Cheers , which managed 270 .
Happy Days had a whopping seven spin-offs .
The most successful were Mork & Mindy and Laverne & Shirley .
More recently , the Emmy-nominated Better Call Saul launched in 2015 as a spin-off from Breaking Bad , and was created by the same team - Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould .
Young Sheldon is still going three years after it debuted as an examination of the childhood of The Big Bang Theory 's lead character .
But others have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joey lasted just two seasons and failed to match the phenomenal popularity of its predecessor .
And the less said about Only Fools And Horses spin-off Green Green Grass , the better .
• Read more : TV spin-offs : The best and worst Life is appropriately named , as the series covers birth , death , marriage , infidelity and mental health .
The series launches with the arrival of Belle 's teenage niece , who is quite a handful , to put it mildly .
`` Her niece comes into her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the things that Belle has always ended up doing is looking after other people , taking their problems on board and being the person that copes with stuff , '' Hamilton explains .
`` So you watch her try to cope with all of these people and essentially try to carry all of their problems for them , at the same time as being less than honest about how huge her own demons are . ''
But each character in the show has their own inner battles - which is a reflection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who plays David : `` Everyone is going through some unique , incredibly profound , heart-breaking situations , and it 's great to be part of a show that explores that . ''
Steadman 's character Gail finds herself re-evaluating things as she approaches a major birthday .
`` Here was a woman who had been happily married for all these years , lovely home , two kids , and everything seemed fine , but suddenly she looks at her life again , at the age of 70 , '' she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ again at the age of 50 or 60 , but at 70 ?
To suddenly say 'hmm ' and re-appraise it , that seemed interesting and challenging . ''
The fourth main character is Hannah , played by Melissa Johns .
`` In episode one , Hannah is heavily pregnant , and the father of her baby is Andy , who she had a one night stand with eight months previous , '' she explains .
`` I think the term is entanglement - you know , like Jada Pinkett Smith and August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-star Calvin Demba , referring to one recent high-profile affair .
In the absence of a third series of Doctor Foster , Bartlett felt there was potential to explore and develop the character of Anna , but also make a drama which struck a different tone .
`` I 'd written a lot of quite heavy things , '' he says .
`` Doctor Foster goes to very dark places , and this show goes to very dark places too , but what I felt I had n't seen enough of was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength that people have , the kindness , the goodness .
`` A show that really took a group of characters through some of the toughest stuff that everybody has to face in life , and saw how they dealt with it . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"I used to live in a flat which was part of an old house that had been divided up, and I was amazed that we were all one stud wall away from each other, but didn't really know each other," he explains. "We would hear the most intimate details of each other's sex lives and love lives, and yet you'd meet in the corridor, and you wouldn't exchange two words.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--'I monitor my staff with software that takes screenshots'

Shibu Philip admits he knows what it 's like to `` maybe waste a bit of time at work '' .
Shibu is the founder of Transcend - a small London-based firm that buys beauty products wholesale and re-sells them online .
For the last year and a half he has used Hubstaff software to track his workers ' hours , keystrokes , mouse movements and websites visited .
With seven employees based in India , he says the software ensures `` there is some level of accountability '' and helps plug the time difference .
`` I know myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra 10-minute break here or there .
It 's good to have an automatic way of monitoring what [ my employees ] are up to , '' says Shibu .
`` By looking at screenshots and how much time everyone is taking on certain tasks , I know if they 're following procedures .
`` And , if they 're doing better than I expected , I also study the photos and ask them to share that knowledge with the rest of the team so we can all improve , '' he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle at university because of my ADHD' • Working from home : ' I 'm a bit brainier than he thought I was' Employees are fully aware that the software is in use and can delete time spent visiting websites that might have been logged by accident during their break , for example , Shibu adds .
With more of us than ever working from home during the coronavirus pandemic , there has been a spike in demand from employers for surveillance software .
US-based Hubstaff says its number of UK customers is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another company called Sneek offers technology that takes photos of workers through their laptop and uploads them for colleagues to see .
Photos can be taken as often as every minute , although the firm describes itself as a communication platform and says `` everyone on the app has the same experience whether they are an employer or an employee '' .
Its co-founder , Del Currie , told the BBC that it had seen a five-fold increase in its number of users during lockdown , taking the firm to almost 20,000 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Cardiff University and the University of Southampton found that a common fear among bosses is that out-of-sight workers will `` shirk '' , although lockdown did n't actually appear to have had much of an effect on output either way .
The survey also suggested that a third of home workers felt that their productivity had fallen too .
But is technology the answer to either catch out those who might be slacking off or to help those struggling to adjust to working from the kitchen table full-time ? '
I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me' Josh , a 26-year-old photographer living in London , admits that the thing he found hardest about working from home was the drop in his productivity .
Setting up a makeshift studio in the kitchen of his three-bedroom flatshare was logistically challenging but he also struggled with motivation .
`` Some days I would get through everything , but others I would sit and stare at a pair of sandals for a while just thinking , ' I ca n't do this . '
It 's too easy to just go and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cup of tea - you find ways to distract yourself quite easily . ''
He is grateful his boss does n't use any tracking software on him .
`` Those days when it was a bit harder to be motivated , I would have felt bad if I knew somebody was tracking my productivity , '' he says .
Josh has long suspected that he has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) , which can make it difficult to concentrate and manage his time .
His doctor agrees , although he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test .
Having returned to the office recently , he is valuing having some more face-to-face interaction .
`` I find a routine , structure really anchoring and it helps me get through it all . ''
While some bosses who use these types of software might argue that it 's good for maintaining productivity , research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ( CIPD ) suggests that workplace surveillance can damage trust .
`` Monitoring employee behaviour can be a justifiable way to reduce the risk of misconduct and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonny Gifford , senior adviser for organisational behaviour research at the CIPD .
`` However , employers should have clear policies so that workers know how they may be monitored , and crucially , it must be proportionate . ''
Employers will get `` much better results '' by supporting employees , he adds , `` rather than focusing on potentially irrelevant measures of input , such as the number of keystrokes '' .
Jonathan Rennie , partner at UK law firm TLT , also urges caution for firms considering introducing such software @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty to maintain their employees ' trust and confidence , and need to be mindful of how employees might react to the mass roll-out of monitoring software , '' he says .
He suggests that any firms using monitoring software should have written policies in place explaining how and why it is being used .
There should also be clear guidance for managers and safeguards in place to prevent misuse or `` over-monitoring '' , he says .
Does your employer track your productivity at home ?
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"Some days I would get through everything, but others I would sit and stare at a pair of sandals for a while just thinking, 'I can't do this.' It's too easy to just go and put the washing on, or make a cup of tea - you find ways to distract yourself quite easily."


bbcuk--2020-09-28--'If you steal music, you aren't a real music fan'

Wayne Evans 's partner of 18 years left him the night before .
His daughter was getting ready for school that morning , as he tried to pull himself together .
Then , the police came knocking .
`` It was a bit of a shock , to say the least , '' says Wayne who had no prior run-ins with the law .
He was an amateur DJ from Liverpool who designed and sold DJ software .
He had also uploaded £22.5m worth of music illegally , according to the Performing Rights Society .
Wayne had struggled with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim of a violent crime years before .
When he was down , his `` go-to place '' was finding and listening to rare house tracks .
He became renowned for his collection and was inundated with requests to share it .
`` So eventually I just started uploading it onto a site so people could just go there and not trouble me , '' he says .
The PRS says because of his uploads , 700,000 tracks were illegally downloaded .
An ambulance was called .
He pleaded guilty on the spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the music industry .
In 2016 , he was convicted of copyright infringement and one count of fraud , and was jailed for 12 months .
The warden of the prison and fellow inmates often said to Wayne they thought his sentence was `` a bit steep '' , but Wayne says what happened to him is justified .
`` I have thought about it a lot .
So much work goes into making music .
I was taking away from them people - not just the artist , but also the guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people , '' says Wayne .
Piracy costs the UK economy £9bn a year , according to a 2019 report by the government 's Intellectual Property Office .
And while illegal downloading has been around for the past two decades , the nature of the crime continues to change .
• 'One day everyone will use China 's digital currency' • When changing a light bulb is a really big deal File-sharing sites like The Pirate Bay were widely used to illegally download music , but they have waned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them down .
However , they have been replaced by websites and apps that allow users to download music taken from licensed streaming sites including YouTube and Spotify .
Called stream-ripping , it accounts for 80 % of copyright infringement among the biggest piracy sites , according to a recent report by the PRS .
Stream-ripping websites make money from advertisers , touting a mix of legitimate products , scams and pornography .
Over the past three years , the use of it has increased by 1,390 % , says the report .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which to steal music , points out Simon Bourn , the PRS 's head of litigation , enforcement and anti-Piracy .
Rippers use YouTube 's own software interface to steal , and the site 's owner Google is not doing enough to prevent this , he claims .
Persistent thieves might be deterred by blocking their IP address , he suggests .
While it would be trickier , Mr Bourn argues , it would still be possible .
`` You know , this is Google , the most powerful tech company in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll know a whole bunch of other ways that the problem can be tackled , '' he says .
A YouTube spokeswoman said that the site had blocked stream-rippers .
She added : `` We are deeply committed to enforcing against violations of our terms of service , and continue to invest significantly in teams and technology to combat these issues . ''
Downloading music without paying for it harms artists because each time a fan listens to a song they enjoy on a paid-for streaming service , the advertising revenue goes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just downloaded , and you only visited once to get that download , then that 's it for them , '' explains Mr Bourn .
The BBC found and spoke to people who used one such site listed in the PRS report , y2mate .
Sources spoke on the condition of anonymity .
One did so because they liked making fan videos and remixed the music as a hobby .
The other wanted to access tracks that , for legal reasons , were not available in the area .
Another person in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get caught because he was a minor .
He only has electricity for an hour a day , and he downloads it when his internet is switched on , so he can listen to it later .
Mr Bourn agreed the young man was unlikely to be punished because , while the PRS is focused on UK and international enforcement , record labels were more interested in the sites that were offering music than the people taking it .
`` We do n't tend to take action against individuals .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they 're doing is harmful to creators .
`` People sort of often think of piracy as a victimless crime , but if you speak to any of our songwriters , it 's very obvious this is not the case . ''
`` If you steal music , you obviously are n't a real music fan , '' says Martha Goddard , the lead singer of the up and coming Liverpudlian band , the Hushtones .
Martha and her fellow bandmates invest all their time and money to make their music .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their Spotify royalties .
It is spent on band expenses .
`` I can see , in a sense , why people might think that arts and music should be free .
But if that 's the case , then the cost is being placed solely on the musician .
It should n't be like that , '' says Ms Goddard .
Despite losing gigs due to Covid-19 , the Hushtones are lucky because , via Zoom , their new album is being made under the guidance of legendary producer , Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBS music engineer working with The Clash .
He went on to produce other well-known bands , like Culture Club and XTC .
He disagrees with any pop idols who have said they do not care if people pirate their music .
`` When you get a lot of these pop artists , with a team of songwriters , and multiple record producers ... all facilitating their career .
for them to stand on their soapbox and say , ' I do n't care ' , I think that 's shameful , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the food chain to earn their rightful income , '' he says .
`` Literally every single penny can make a massive difference in their ability to survive to the next great song . ''
When Wayne was arrested , he read a lot of the articles online that said he was to serve as a deterrent for other people who might upload music illegally .
He fears his cautionary tale may fall on deaf ears .
`` No matter what you sort of do to try and stop it , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he says .

"I can see, in a sense, why people might think that arts and music should be free. But if that's the case, then the cost is being placed solely on the musician. It shouldn't be like that," says Ms Goddard.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Jet suit trial for Great North Air Ambulance paramedics

A jet suit for paramedics has been tested by the Great North Air Ambulance Service ( GNAAS ) in the @ @ @ @ @ after a year of talks between GNAAS and Gravity Industries .
Andy Mawson , GNAAS @ @ @ @ @ users do not need to be travelling that fast to cover large areas of terrain @ @ @ @ @ foot .

A jet suit for paramedics has been tested by the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) in the Lake District.
It comes after a year of talks between GNAAS and Gravity Industries.
Andy Mawson, GNAAS director of operations, said users do not need to be travelling that fast to cover large areas of terrain, compared with someone on foot.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Coronavirus: 'Homelessness was ended in three days'

When the Coronavirus pandemic hit London in March Newham Council ended homelessness `` in three days , '' says charity @ @ @ @ @ Tabone and her team of volunteers have been feeding homeless people in east London for @ @ @ @ @ says 320 rough sleepers are currently in accommodation found by the council .
`` Now @ @ @ @ @ ca n't see one homeless person .
It just shows you what can happen with @ @ @ @ @ said .
The council says it plans to continue this level of temporary accommodation into @ @ @ @ @ Tabone is concerned about whether they will be able to keep a roof over their @ @

When the Coronavirus pandemic hit London in March Newham Council ended homelessness "in three days," says charity worker Lorraine Tabone.
Lorraine Tabone and her team of volunteers have been feeding homeless people in east London for five years.
Newham Council says 320 rough sleepers are currently in accommodation found by the council.
"Now if you look around you can't see one homeless person. It just shows you what can happen with money," Ms Tabone said.
The council says it plans to continue this level of temporary accommodation into the New Year but Ms Tabone is concerned about whether they will be able to keep a roof over their heads.
Video by Jamie Moreland and Claire Brennan


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Newspaper headlines: 'Tory rebels' virus revolt' amid 'deadly chaos'

And finally , the Times is among a number of papers to report that Britain is facing another potential diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ a cultural treasure .
This time though , it 's not a dispute over the @ @ @ @ @ fossilised shark 's tooth .
It was given to Prince George last week by Sir @ @ @ @ @ the fossil on holiday in Malta in the 1960s .
Under Maltese law , fossils @ @ @ @ @ cultural heritage '' and the country 's culture minister now wants to see its return @

Even if the government placates its backbenchers in the short term, it is unlikely to quell broader anxiety about its coronavirus strategy, according to the Spectator. The magazine detects growing unease about the direction in which ministers are going with lockdowns. It says usually supportive MPs have made it clear the government needs to subject itself to more scrutiny if it is to maintain the backing of its MPs.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Croydon abduction: Three young brothers 'taken abroad' by father

Three young brothers who were abducted by their father are abroad and probably in mainland Europe , police believe .
The Met Police is now offering a £20,000 reward for information to find them and have so far made 15 arrests .
Cdr Bas Javid said he believed the children had been illegally taken out of the UK .
All three brothers were playing in the garden while their foster carer was inside the house in Coulsdon when they were taken on 20 August , detectives said .
Cdr Javid said they believed the father has used an illegal route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , possibly in a lorry as they did not have their passports with them .
Nobody has been charged , but the Met have released an image of a new suspect .
The man , described as bearded and wearing a stripy jumper , was seen in the passenger seat of a red Nissan Qashqai , at the time the children were taken .
`` He may hold valuable information as to where the children and Imran are , '' Cdr Javid said .
`` We appreciate that the image is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to really study it and see if the man in the picture is one that they may recognise .
`` I ca n't imagine how distressing this whole situation has been for the three young boys , who have been taken away from their safe environment , and our efforts to locate Imran Safi continues , '' It is understood the three brothers were up for formal adoption .
Cdr Javid added : `` The investigative team has been working tirelessly on this case and we are appealing again because someone reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these innocent children and I need them to contact us urgently and provide that knowledge . ''

"We appreciate that the image is not the clearest quality but we still need people to really study it and see if the man in the picture is one that they may recognise.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Coronavirus: MP says more restrictions 'inevitable' in Derry

Of 819 confirmed cases in the Derry and Strabane council area , 355 have been diagnosed in the past seven days .
The number of cases in the region per 100,000 people is almost three times that of the NI-wide figure .
SDLP leader Mr Eastwood said everyone in the region now `` needs to be very careful '' .
`` I think that is inevitable but we do n't have to wait for more restrictions for each and every one of us individually to be very very careful , to restrict our movements or stay away from people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in the Derry and Strabane area has continued to rise sharply in recent days - it now has 235 positive cases per 100,000 inhabitants .
The Londonderry GP said people have not been adhering to public health guidance in `` the way they need to '' .
`` We are in a phase where we know this is going to get a lot worse , we know that we are in a second wave , we know that we have to reduce transmission by adhering to the social distancing , face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` When I look around the town I do n't see people adhering to it the way they need to '' .
`` I am fairly confident that this community , who did it very well first time around , will do it again '' .
Despite people being tired and fed up , he added , `` this has to be done again '' .
Meanwhile a Derry hotelier said many businesses in the district will have to make `` tough decisions '' in the coming weeks due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ciaran O'Neill is the owner of Bishop 's Gate Hotel .
It is one of a number of businesses that have had to temporarily close after staff tested positive for the virus .
`` I think all business are going to have to deal with it .
We are one of many businesses in the same situation today .
As the next week or 10 days goes on a lot of other businesses will have difficult decision to make about getting Covid under control , '' he said .

Deaths are death registrations where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA – England, Wales and Northern Ireland updated weekly. Scotland updated monthly.
Cases include positive tests of people in hospital and healthcare workers (Pillar 1) and people tested in the wider population (Pillar 2). Public health bodies may occasionally revise their case numbers. Average is a median average of rates per area in each UK nation. Source: UK public health bodies - updated weekdays.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Covid: Tackling coronavirus 'down to every one of us'

One of Wales 's most eminent doctors has said we are in `` a precarious position '' with almost two million people subject to new Covid restrictions .
Baroness Ilora Finlay said people needed to take personal responsibility to stop the spread of the virus .
She told BBC Wales that without quick action the NHS would become `` completely overwhelmed '' .
Eleven of Wales ' 22 council areas , including Cardiff and Swansea , are in local lockdown with tighter rules .
`` I think that the Welsh Government have got a very difficult job , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner , a member of a group of independent experts that provides advice on health and care in Wales .
`` We have to get the message across to everybody in the population that they have personal responsibility for breaking the chain of transmission , '' she said .
`` It is n't that the government can do it , it is n't that some other body can do it - it 's down to each and every one of us . ''
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and who can be in yours ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
On Monday evening , Neath Port Talbot , Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan joined eight other areas in lockdown in Wales .
Restrictions mean no travel outside council boundaries other than for work , education or medical emergencies , with no indoor mixing allowed and no alcohol sales after 22:00 .
`` This is n't about breaking rules , '' said Baroness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way we talk about death ?
• My neighbours are breaking the rules - what should I say ?
`` This is about caring about the people who you love , who matter to you and realising that if you take that virus home , or you give it to somebody who you 're fond of and love , and they are desperately sick , you live with that guilt for the rest of your life .
`` This is n't transient .
People who are bereaved will live with this for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gwent now has the highest rate of infection in Wales - with 305 positive tests per 100,000 people - and is among the areas in local lockdown .
However , council chairwoman Amanda Moore said some people were still ignoring guidelines while others believed the virus was a `` hoax '' .
`` We have a small number of people who are carrying on as normal and ignore the advice , '' she told BBC Radio Wales .
`` I 'm hearing people say , 'why should I social distance ?
I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still believe the virus is a hoax .
It 's really unbelievable what people are thinking .
`` It 's the ones with the mindset that it does not affect them .
No matter what rules are put in place , there 'll be people who will break them . ''
Baroness Finlay also said testing was `` not a panacea '' and following rules around social distancing and hand-washing were more important .
`` I think that the problem with the message around testing is that bizarrely it can give you a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think if they 've got a negative test , they 're okay .
It does n't mean that .
`` A negative test maybe means that you 're at the beginning and you 're just not producing enough virus for it to be picked up yet .
`` Testing does not give you a free pass , '' she said .
Baroness Finlay said she was concerned NHS staff were `` exhausted '' after responding to the first wave of the pandemic .
`` It is n't about paying them all , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's about recognising that we must do all we can to flatten that curve , to not have that pressure , '' she said .
Her comments were echoed by an intensive care consultant who warned it could only take a few people 's `` bad behaviour '' to `` cripple '' the NHS .
Dr Ami Jones of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said : `` Please do what you can to obey the rules because the NHS can not cope with another big wave of covid , plus the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very simple things - it 's not going into people 's houses , wearing face masks , washing your hands and having flu jabs .
`` A few people 's bad behaviour could absolutely cripple the NHS this year .
Please do n't be one of those people . ''
As one of Wales ' leading end-of-life care specialists , Baroness Finlay is calling for health organisations not to impose a blanket ban on families visiting due to coronavirus restrictions going forward .
During the peak it was not uncommon for next of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours with their loved ones .
`` I think we need to have a much more nuanced , gentle , compassionate approach to how we manage people who are dying and those who love them , '' she said .
`` They want to be with them [ at the end ] , they want to sit with them , of course they do .
`` And I worry that we may have got the balance wrong and we need to get it right . ''

"This is about caring about the people who you love, who matter to you and realising that if you take that virus home, or you give it to somebody who you're fond of and love, and they are desperately sick, you live with that guilt for the rest of your life.


bbcuk--2020-09-28--Lorry driver admits causing deaths of two men on Sheffield M1 'smart motorway'

A lorry driver has admitted causing the deaths of two men on a stretch of smart motorway .
Alexandru Murgeanu , 22 , and Jason Mercer , 44 , died when a lorry ploughed into their stationary vehicles on the M1 near Sheffield on 7 June 2019 .
Prezemyslaw Zbigniew Szuba , 40 , admitted two counts of causing death by driving without due care and attention when he appeared at Sheffield Magistrates ' Court .
Mr Mercer 's wife , Claire , has mounted a campaign against smart motorways and the case has become a leading example in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads in the UK .
The court heard Mr Mercer , from Rotherham , and Mr Murgeanu , from Mansfield , stopped in the slow lane after having a `` minor bump '' on the northbound carriageway of the M1 near Sheffield , between junctions 34 and 35 .
Prosecutor Susan Fisher said Szuba 's Mercedes lorry `` ploughed into both vehicles '' but said he was not speeding and had `` simply not seen the vehicles ... and not slowed down sufficiently '' .
Defence barrister , Nicola Hale , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 34 and their stationary vehicles were only visible `` for a matter of seconds '' .
Szuba , 40 , of Adelaide Street , Hull , was given unconditional bail and is due be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on 19 October .
Ms Mercer , whose campaign groups Smart Motorways Kill and The Broken Hearts Club plan to take a government review of smart motorways to judicial review , said Szuba was `` carrying the can for somebody else 's mistake '' .
`` It would n't have happened if it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` He did n't get up that morning intending to kill two people .
He just did n't have time to react . ''
In October , an eight-year-old boy died when his grandfather 's car was struck by a lorry on the hard shoulder of the M6 being used by moving traffic .

Mr Mercer's wife, Claire, has mounted a campaign against smart motorways and the case has become a leading example in the ongoing debate over the safety of these roads in the UK.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Boris Johnson 'misspoke' over North East Covid restrictions

Boris Johnson has apologised and said he `` misspoke '' when asked to clarify details of new tighter coronavirus restrictions in north-east England .
A new rule , making it illegal for households to mix indoors , including in pubs , affects nearly two million people and comes into force at midnight .
However , confusion arose over whether this included outdoor settings such as pub beer gardens .
Labour said the PM was `` grossly incompetent '' for not knowing the rules .
It comes as the UK recorded 7,143 confirmed coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Deaths recorded within 28 days of a positive test also rose to 71 , the highest total since 1 July .
Meanwhile , about 500,000 people in four council areas in north Wales are to face local lockdown restrictions from 18:00 BST on Thursday .
• What are the new rules on socialising ?
Mr Johnson was asked to clarify the rules after a junior minister was unable to do so .
When asked if people in the North East could still meet people from other households outside , such as in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should follow local guidance and urged them to use their common sense .
He went on to talk about the separate rule of six .
`` In the North East and other areas where extra tight measures have been brought in , you should follow the guidance of local authorities - but it 's six in a home , six in hospitality but , as I understand it , not six outside , '' he said .
On Twitter , Mr Johnson later apologised and clarified that the new law meant those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet people from different households in social settings indoors , including in pubs , restaurants and your home '' .
`` You should also avoid socialising with other households outside , '' he added .
Earlier , when asked on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme if people in the affected areas could meet in pub gardens , education minister Gillian Keegan said : `` I 'm sorry I ca n't clarify that .
`` I do n't know the answer to that question but I 'm sure they can find out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressed , she said : `` I 'm sorry I ca n't answer that question .
I 'm sure there are many people who could .
I do n't represent the North East . ''
'Government accused of not being in control' The rules people are being told to follow are becoming a lot more complicated and can vary significantly in different parts of the UK .
But at the same time the government is ramping up enforcement - creating criminal offences and introducing fines for those who do n't follow them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ministers can explain to the public what the rules are and the rationale behind them .
On two occasions today , the prime minister and a junior minister have been unable to do so .
Opposition parties accuse the government of not being in control and not understanding the rules it is enforcing .
But at the same time the PM is facing pressure from within his own party - with a significant bloc of Tory backbenchers demanding Parliament has more of a say when new restrictions are brought in .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far - and perhaps do n't make sense .
The PM being unable to explain them wo n't help .
People who break the new law banning households from mixing indoors in north-east England , including in pubs , will be fined .
Mixing with other households in pub gardens or outdoor restaurant spaces will not be illegal , but goes against advice , the Department for Health and Social Care has said .
In areas which are not covered by extra restrictions in England , the rule of six - meaning social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applies in private homes , indoors and outdoors , and places such as pubs , restaurants , cafes and public outdoor spaces .
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said the government `` needs to get a grip '' , adding : `` These new restrictions are due to come into force across huge parts of the country tonight . ''
About two million people in Newcastle , Northumberland , Gateshead , North Tyneside , South Tyneside , Sunderland and the County Durham council area have already been advised to avoid mixing .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a law with those over 18 facing a £200 fine for a first offence -halved if paid within 14 days .
A second offence will incur a £400 fine , which then doubles for each subsequent offence - up to a maximum of £6,400 .
One of the key requirements of public health messaging is to create a clear idea of what steps people are expected to follow .
This was easier during spring 's complete lockdown than it is now when the desire to keep society open means guidance has to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant each part of the UK is free to come up with its own versions of what should be done .
On top of that , there are the extra restrictions imposed on local areas with high rates of infection .
It is understandable that these are tailored to local circumstances and therefore vary from place to place .
But the more complicated and intricate the rules become , the more chance the public simply switches off .
Advisers have already warned ministers publicly and privately that this is becoming a real risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules in the first place .
But , as with so much with the pandemic , the problem is easy to identify - the solution less so .
Hospitality business owners in the North East said the ban on households meeting indoors would damage an industry already in `` survival mode '' .
Ollie Vaulkard , who runs bars and restaurants in Tyneside and Northumberland , said he decided to shut all his venues after the new restrictions were announced .
`` We feel we would be losing money by opening our doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newcastle Council leader Nick Forbes told the BBC that the messaging over the new restrictions had been `` shambolically incompetent '' .
`` Frankly , it sends out the message that they just do n't know what they 're doing , they 're making it up as they go along , '' he said .
`` We 've had 24 hours of chaos , of confusion that was entirely avoidable . ''
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When do I need to wear one ?
• SCHOOLS : What will happen if children catch coronavirus ?
• TESTING : What tests are available ?
Mr Forbes said he still had not seen a final list of the regulations and the affected premises .
He said he was telling people affected in the North East `` let 's just get on '' and `` ignore the mess the PM 's made of this '' .
Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon said the rules were `` necessary '' but the local authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking for details after the `` chaotic '' announcement .
The prime minister is due to hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to update the public on the coronavirus crisis , but Downing Street said it was not intended to give a `` specific set of new announcements '' .
Mr Johnson is expected to be joined by England 's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance .

"In the North East and other areas where extra tight measures have been brought in, you should follow the guidance of local authorities - but it's six in a home, six in hospitality but, as I understand it, not six outside," he said.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Wales lockdown: Half a million in the north added to local restrictions

Four councils in north Wales are to go into local lockdown in a bid to tackle the spread of Covid-19 .
People will not be able to leave or enter Conwy , Denbighshire , Flintshire , and Wrexham unless they have a `` reasonable excuse '' such as work or education .
They are the same restrictions as seen in most of south Wales , where lockdowns cover 11 different areas .
The new measures will come into effect at 18:00 BST on Thursday .
It will be illegal to meet others indoors who are not within your immediate household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a local lockdown ?
• Three further deaths with covid in Wales Vaughan Gething , Wales ' health minister , said a similar pattern of transmission had been seen in the four areas as there had been in the south .
Rates in neighbouring Gwynedd and Anglesey currently `` remain low '' , Mr Gething said , making the announcement in the Welsh Parliament on Tuesday evening .
Tuesday 's announcement means 504,956 more people will be added to local lockdowns , with a total of 2.3 million people under tougher restrictions than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the rules ?
Under the restrictions no-one can leave or enter a lockdown area except for a limited set of reasons , including : • to work , if you can not work from home • to meet a legal obligation , and to access or receive public services • to avoid injury or illness or escape a risk of harm It is permitted to travel through the areas concerned , so motorists can continue to use the A55 to get to or out of Gwynedd and Anglesey .
Rules allowing people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning people can only be with their usual household when indoors , including in pubs and restaurants .
Other Wales-wide restrictions apply , including the wearing of face masks in shops .
The announcement follows a meeting between Mr Gething , First Minister Mark Drakeford and council leaders , police and public health experts .
Just six mostly rural counties - Monmouthshire , Pembrokeshire , Ceredigion , Gwynedd , Isle of Anglesey and Powys - will not be subject to restrictions from Thursday .
Mr Gething said : `` Large parts of Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I want to be clear - this is not a national lockdown .
`` These are a series of local restrictions to respond to rises in cases in individual areas . ''
He said there were no `` immediate plans for any further national restrictions '' .
Conwy has seen 42.7 cases per 100,000 people in the latest week , while the equivalent figure for Denbighshire was 41.8 .
In Flintshire it was 45.5 , and Wrexham it is 33.1 .
The worst rate in Wales is in Blaenau Gwent which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven days .
In the south the areas of Blaenau Gwent , Bridgend , Caerphilly , Cardiff , Newport , Rhondda Cynon Taf , Swansea , Torfaen , Merthyr Tydfil , Neath Port Talbot and the Vale of Glamorgan are all subject to restrictions .
The town of Llanelli is also under local lockdown rules .
Mr Gething said in Caerphilly and Newport there had been `` real falls in case numbers '' .
`` We are hopeful that we will be able to take action to relax these restrictions in these areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
What is the political reaction ?
Clwyd West Conservative Member of the Senedd Darren Millar said many `` will question whether such measures are entirely necessary '' .
`` The Welsh Government therefore needs to be fully transparent and outline to all residents of Denbighshire , Conwy , Flintshire and Wrexham why such restrictions in these areas are needed , including sharing community by community data so that we can see whether the measures are proportionate . ''
Plaid Cymru 's Rhun ap Iorwerth said the news would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in those areas soon to be under new restrictions '' and called for `` hyperlocal measures where possible , focusing on specific clusters '' .
The party 's health spokesman said : `` This would be far more effective with a properly functioning and robust testing system - with fast testing and fast results for fast tracing to isolate cases - which we do not currently have and is something the health minister must resolve with absolute urgency . ''

"The Welsh Government therefore needs to be fully transparent and outline to all residents of Denbighshire, Conwy, Flintshire and Wrexham why such restrictions in these areas are needed, including sharing community by community data so that we can see whether the measures are proportionate."


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Foreign butchers and bricklayers 'needed in UK'

Butchers , bricklayers and welders are in such short supply that UK employers should be able to recruit them from abroad when EU freedom of movement rules end , government advisers say .
The Migration Advisory Committee also wants senior care workers and nursing assistants to be added to the `` shortage occupation list '' .
And it warned of shortages in frontline social care staff as most roles do not earn enough to be included on the list .
No 10 says it will consider its report .
MAC chairman , Professor Brian Bell , said it was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be filled , pointing out the problem was `` sector-wide '' .
The committee was asked to review what medium-skill occupations should be included on the shortage occupation list ahead of the introduction of a new points-based visa system on 1 January .
The shortage occupation list , which highlights the occupations employers are having difficulty in finding workers for , includes a minimum salary requirement of £20,480 .
It currently includes jobs such as engineers , scientists and social workers .
• How will the UK points-based immigration system work ?
Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrants coming to work in the UK has already decreased and we are likely to see an increase in unemployment over the next year as the economic impact of the pandemic continues , so this has been a very challenging time to look at the shortage occupation lists .
`` It has made us more willing to recommend some roles for inclusion simply because it is the sensible thing to do , but we have been clear that migration is not always the solution . ''
The committee also recommended additions to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In its report , the MAC says fishmongers , bakers and horticultural workers from abroad should be allowed to work in Northern Ireland ; childminders and nursery nurses in Scotland , and health professionals in Wales .
The MAC said there was a need to make social care jobs more attractive to UK workers by increasing salaries .
Prof Bell said it was his `` personal view '' that wages should be `` significantly , significantly higher '' than £10 an hour .
The government has previously said it wanted employers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training and development for people already in the UK - including EU citizens - and it had provided additional funding to support this .
Downing Street said it would be looking at the MAC 's recommendations closely before responding .
`` We have set out that we want employers to focus on investing in the domestic workforce , '' the prime minister 's official spokesman said .
He added : `` It is worth noting that the Migration Advisory Committee itself is clear that immigration is n't the solution to addressing staff levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Prof Bell said: "The number of migrants coming to work in the UK has already decreased and we are likely to see an increase in unemployment over the next year as the economic impact of the pandemic continues, so this has been a very challenging time to look at the shortage occupation lists.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Universal Credit: Plea not to axe £20 a week ‘lifeline’

Millions of the UK 's poorest households could see their incomes cut by £20 a week from April unless a `` lifeline '' payment continues , charities warn .
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and others are calling on the chancellor to make a temporary rise in Universal Credit , plus other benefits , permanent .
The yearlong hike was introduced in April , after the UK went into lockdown , to help those who had lost their jobs .
But there are no signs it will be extended beyond next April .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week outlined his Winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment to keeping the temporary Universal Credit increase .
Now some 50 children 's charities , food bank providers , housing organisations , benefit and debt advisors , disability groups , and others say if this `` lifeline '' is cut it risks plunging struggling households into poverty .
`` Falling incomes and rising costs throughout the pandemic have put families under immense financial pressure , but the £20 uplift has been a lifeline that has enabled many of them to keep their heads above water and has stopped us seeing a marked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalition of groups say in a letter to the chancellor .
`` However , if the uplift ends in April 2021 , this good work risks being undermined . ''
Modelling by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation suggests around 16 million people will be in households facing an overnight income loss equivalent to £1,040 a year , with those on the lowest incomes and families with children being hardest hit .
They say 700,000 more people will be driven into poverty , including 300,000 children , while a further 500,000 of those already in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a measure which is gauged by being more than 50 % below the poverty line .
`` We are therefore urging you to make the uplift permanent and stop families being cut adrift whilst they need help to stay afloat , '' the letter adds .
The letter also urges the extension of this lifeline to claimants of legacy benefits who are currently excluded from the additional £20 a week support .
`` Further , it is simply not right that those on legacy benefits , who are mostly sick or disabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been most at risk during this pandemic , have not been thrown an equivalent lifeline , '' it says .
`` We urge you to follow the advice of the Social Security Advisory Committee and support 1.5 million more people by applying an equivalent uplift to those on legacy benefits who have so far been excluded from increases . ''
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an independent social change organisation working to solve UK poverty .
Other signatories include Barnado 's , Citizens Advice , Child Poverty Action Group , Macmillan Cancer Support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Save the Children , and Shelter .
It comes a week after think tank the Resolution Foundation issued a similar warning .
It pointed out that unemployment may rise strongly next April , which would add to the hardship of the £20 boost being withdrawn .

"Falling incomes and rising costs throughout the pandemic have put families under immense financial pressure, but the £20 uplift has been a lifeline that has enabled many of them to keep their heads above water and has stopped us seeing a marked surge in poverty levels," the coalition of groups say in a letter to the chancellor.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Brexit: Government Brexit plan gets MPs' final backing

MPs have given their final backing to government plans to override parts of its Brexit agreement with the EU .
Amid concerns that the move would break international law , ministers agreed to give Parliament a say before ever using the powers they would be granted by the Internal Market Bill .
The legislation , which passed through the House of Commons by 340 votes to 256 , will now go to the House of Lords .
The government says it will help protect the integrity of the UK .
But Labour , the Liberal Democrats , the SNP and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government to undo parts of a treaty signed by the EU and UK - it could damage the country 's international reputation and standing .
The UK 's five living former prime ministers - Sir John Major , Tony Blair , Gordon Brown , David Cameron and Theresa May - have spoken out against the bill .
• Why does the UK need another Brexit deal ?
• What are the sticking points in Brexit trade talks ?
• Seven things that will change on 1 January The parliamentary debate on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began a ninth - and final - scheduled round of talks aimed at securing a trade deal .
The post-Brexit transition period - in which the UK has kept to EU trading rules and remained inside its customs union and single market - runs out at the end of the year .
If the sides fail to reach a deal , the UK would trade with the EU after that on World Trade Organization rules .
This would mean tariffs on most goods which UK businesses send to the EU , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods .
The Internal Market Bill is designed to enable goods and services to flow freely across England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland after 1 January .
It gives the government the power to change aspects of the EU withdrawal agreement , a legally binding deal governing the terms of Brexit made earlier this year .
What is the Internal Market Bill ?
The bill sets out rules for the operation of the UK internal market - trade between England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland - after the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• No new checks on goods moving from Northern Ireland to the rest of Great Britain • Giving UK ministers powers to modify or `` disapply '' rules relating to the movement of goods that will come into force from 1 January if the UK and EU are unable to reach an alternative agreement through a trade deal • Powers to override previously agreed obligations on state aid - government support for businesses Ministers say the bill would provide a `` safety net '' in case the EU interprets the agreement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in an `` extreme and unreasonable '' way .
The section - known as the protocol - is designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland .
Labour , the SNP and the Liberal Democrats opposed the bill , while the EU has asked the UK government to remove `` contentious parts '' of it by Wednesday .
In the Commons , Business Secretary Alok Sharma said the legislation would protect the `` shared prosperity '' of the UK 's nations , adding : `` It demonstrates that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater than the sum of its parts . ''
For Labour , shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said it was `` unprecedented '' to `` break '' a treaty signed by the UK and EU , and that the government 's stance was being `` noticed around the world '' .
Ian Blackford , the SNP 's Westminster leader , said ministers had `` typically and arrogantly ploughed on '' despite opposition to the bill in the devolved nations .
The Democratic Unionist Party supported the government , which already has a Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs voted against the bill at its final stage - and although 21 , including Mrs May , did not vote this does not necessarily mean they abstained .

Ministers say the bill would provide a "safety net" in case the EU interprets the agreement, in particular the section on Northern Ireland, in an "extreme and unreasonable" way. The section - known as the protocol - is designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.


bbcuk--2020-09-30--Ascension Island considered as location for asylum centre

The government considered building an asylum processing centre on Ascension Island , a UK territory in the Atlantic .
Home Secretary Priti Patel asked officials to look at asylum policies which had been successful in other countries , the BBC has been told .
And the Financial Times says Ascension Island was suggested as an outpost to process applications .
A source said ministers were looking at `` every option that can stop small boat crossings and fix the asylum system '' .
The idea of `` offshoring '' is being looked at , but sources said finding an appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK has a long and proud history of offering refuge to those who need protection .
Tens of thousands of people have rebuilt their lives in the UK and we will continue to provide safe and legal routes in the future .
`` As ministers have said we are developing plans to reform policies and laws around illegal migration and asylum to ensure we are able to provide protection to those who need it , while preventing abuse of the system and the criminality associated with it . ''
No final decisions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrants who reach the UK ?
• More migrants arrive in September than all of 2019 Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said : `` This ludicrous idea is inhumane , completely impractical and wildly expensive - so it seems entirely plausible this Tory government came up with it . ''
In order to be eligible for asylum in the UK , applicants must prove they can not return to their home country because they fear persecution due to their race , religion , nationality , political opinion , gender identity or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work while their claims are being processed , so the government offers them a daily allowance of just over £5 and accommodation , often in hostels or shared flats .
Delays in processing UK asylum applications increased significantly last year with four out of five applicants in the last three months of 2019 waiting six months or more for their cases to be processed , compared with three in four during the same period in 2018 .
In Australia , asylum seekers can be sent to an offshore processing centre while their claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Pacific island nation of Nauru and another on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea .
Ascension Island , which is a British territory about 5,000 miles from the UK , has a population of fewer than 1,000 .

"As ministers have said we are developing plans to reform policies and laws around illegal migration and asylum to ensure we are able to provide protection to those who need it, while preventing abuse of the system and the criminality associated with it."


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Victorian Society risk list: Auf Wiedersehen, Pet pub added

A circus theatre and a pub featured in Auf Wiedersehen Pet are among the country 's most endangered buildings , the Victorian Society has said .
The society has listed 10 Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England or Wales it deemed to be of national importance but at serious risk of being lost .
A church , hospital , police station and brewery have also been included .
Society president Griff Rhys Jones said the annually-updated list was `` both upsetting and enlightening '' .
`` Many of our Victorian gems have a depressing recent story , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have reached a complete state of dereliction . ''
The hospital opened in 1889 and was built specifically to look after women .
In 1904 it became the Samaritan Free Hospital for Women , joining the NHS in 1948 , before closing in 1997 .
Since then it has been unused and empty and was now `` dilapidated and derelict '' , the society said .
The theatre was designed by Frank Matcham and originally housed an ice rink when it opened in 1897 before being converted to host a permanent circus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its `` most spectacular feature '' was the circular auditorium with its `` richly decorated ceiling in the form of a panelled tent '' .
Plans to convert it into a cinema were approved but fell through in 2015 , while in 2019 plans for a new hotel , spa and serviced apartments were announced but never materialised .
The former Anglo-Bavarian Brewery , claimed to be the country 's first lager brewery , was built in 1864 the wake of the 1830 Beerhouse Act which which liberalised the brewing and sale of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading estate but only a small portion of the ground floor has remained in use .
The rest of the building has been vacant for many years and the site has been placed on Historic England 's Heritage at Risk register .
The 1893-built pub has been boarded up for 10 years and its `` sorry state is a far cry '' from when it featured on TV show Auf Wiedersehen Pet , the Victorian Society said .
Plans to convert it into a high-end gastro pub fell through in 2017 .
Original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can still be found as well as the blackbird motif of Sunderland-based Vaux Breweries .
Malt houses soaked cereal grain in water to create malt to brew beer .
The traditional malt house was largely phased out during the 20th Century by mechanised production and this former Warwick 's and Richardson 's Brewery malt house closed in 1964 , 100 years after it was built .
The society said : `` This unique building stands with a forlorn 'to let ' sign but , with such strong links to the local history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pumping station was a `` Worksop landmark '' but has been `` abandoned for decades '' , the society said .
The Italian Romanesque-style building had a new roof and planning permission for 23 two-bedroom apartments and one attached house , according to a 2018 auction catalogue , but has been `` rapidly deteriorating and the striking , slender chimney is steadily eroding '' , the society said .
The 1889-built office block was designed by Alfred Waterhouse , one of the Victorian period 's `` greatest architects '' who also designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester Town Hall .
The building `` remains empty , un-maintained and deteriorating '' , yet hides a `` stunning lavishly-tiled interior designed to impress potential customers and still effective today '' , the society said .
The landmark was described as being in a `` deplorable state '' and `` extremely uninviting '' with a `` sensitive regeneration long overdue '' .
This `` dramatic gothic-towered '' former police station was in `` dire need of saving '' , the society said .
It was built in 1877 by Milnes and France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms , but has been empty for many years and `` is in need of restoration '' .
In 2003 Bradford Council served an urgent works notice and the building was made secure and weathertight - but further repairs have become `` now long overdue '' .
This `` impressive '' 1900-built Baroque style church was a `` significant local landmark '' with its copper dome and twin west towers , the society said .
Worship ended in 2019 , followed by the departure of other functions in the large basement and adjacent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vacant .
`` The condition is poor and deteriorating with leaking roofs , failing rainwater goods , signs of dry rot and in places structural cracking , '' the society said .
`` This irreplaceable building faces a bleak future as efforts to find a purchaser have failed . ''
Plan Alltran is said to be modelled on Plas Mawr , an Elizabethan town house in Conwy , which has survived to this day .
Built in about 1890 as Holyhead 's first purpose-built doctor 's surgery , Plas Alltran has had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a classroom for a girls ' training institute , accommodation for district nurses and boarding house .
It has been unused since the early 1970s with `` no known plans for it '' , the society said .
All photographs are subject to copyright .

The Italian Romanesque-style building had a new roof and planning permission for 23 two-bedroom apartments and one attached house, according to a 2018 auction catalogue, but has been "rapidly deteriorating and the striking, slender chimney is steadily eroding", the society said.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Coronavirus: NHS well stocked for ventilators this winter

The NHS now has 30,000 ventilators that can help people breathe if they are very unwell with coronavirus .
That is about one for every 2,200 people in the UK - many more than are likely to be needed this winter .
Hospitals in England had 7,400 of the machines at the start of the pandemic , a report reveals .
And the government spent £569m to secure more .
The Public Accounts Committee says ministers prioritised speed over cost but used taxpayers ' money responsibly .
Currently , there are 2,049 coronavirus patients in hospital in the UK .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When coronavirus first struck UK shores , experts estimated the NHS could be overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients and would need 90,000 beds with ventilators to cope .
In response , the government set about buying up as many machines as possible .
And it encouraged UK manufacturers to make new ones , launching its Ventilator Challenge .
The estimate of ventilators needed was later revised down - to 17,500 in England .
But the government had already signed contracts with suppliers and paid money up front , the PAC report says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been recovered by cancelling orders and selling components brought in preparation for manufacture back into the wider supply chain .
The report also says : • The government faced growing competition buying ventilators on the world market and usually had to pay up front , and in some cases more than typical market rates , accepting the risk products may be unsuitable • In one such case , 750 ventilators , bought for about £2.2m , were withdrawn from use following feedback from clinicians • Established NHS suppliers were paid an average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new intensive care unit mechanical ventilators , while another 5,900 were bought from new suppliers for about £30,100 apiece • The Cabinet Office sought assurance over suppliers ' costs , with input from the Ministry of Defence 's Cost Assurance and Analysis Service At the spring peak of coronavirus , 6,818 of 10,900 ventilators available across the UK were being used to treat patients in England .
And by 16 September , about 2,150 of the extra ventilators bought or built had been distributed to NHS trusts .
The remainder are in storage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donnington owned by the Ministry of Defence .
The government has also bought 17,800 other , non-invasive oxygen therapy devices for the NHS , such as continuous positive airway pressure machines .
Labour MP Meg Hillier , who chairs the PAC , said the government had been `` quick off the blocks '' to increase the number of ventilators in the NHS .
`` We were lucky the worst-case scenario did n't come to pass before the extra ventilators had arrived , '' she said .
`` However , the NHS is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Department of Health and Social Care and the Cabinet Office have shown it 's possible to work at pace and get results without writing a blank cheque .
`` In this case , they kept the chancers at arm 's length and have set a benchmark for procurement during the pandemic . ''
Prof Derek Hill , an expert in medical devices from University College London , said : `` In normal times , more than £500m spent on unused medical equipment would be seen as a massive waste of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context of Covid , and risk mitigation , the National Audit Office is not critical of the programme . ''
A government spokeswoman said : `` The NHS now has access to over 30,000 mechanical and 15,000 non-invasive ventilators .
This is more than three times as many as it had at the start of the pandemic so we are well prepared to meet any future need . ''

A government spokeswoman said: "The NHS now has access to over 30,000 mechanical and 15,000 non-invasive ventilators. This is more than three times as many as it had at the start of the pandemic so we are well prepared to meet any future need."


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Egg freezing 10-year limit should be scrapped, says ethics body

The 10-year limit for storing eggs frozen for social reasons could be scrapped to give people concerned about declining fertility more time and options , says a UK ethics body .
Nuffield Council on Bioethics says consumers also need more data on costs and success rates to inform choices .
It criticises methods used by some companies to sell the service .
The government is assessing the 10-year rule .
Eggs frozen for medical reasons can already be stored for longer .
The Nuffield team says research suggests women can feel under pressure to freeze their eggs to avoid regrets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important that marketing strategies do not exploit these anxieties .
Some services have used Prosecco-fuelled marketing events and computer algorithms to target women online with adverts , says Nuffield .
Egg freezing paid for by companies as an employment benefit is another cause for concern .
While some may view it as a workplace `` gender equaliser '' with positive effects on women 's salaries , it might also push women to delay motherhood to show commitment to their career , says the team .
The NHS only funds egg freezing for medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has their eggs frozen for medical reasons - in advance of cancer treatment , for example - can apply to have them stored for up to 55 years .
Nuffield says there appear to be few arguments against increasing the storage limit for social egg freezing .
Dr John Appleby , lecturer in medical ethics at Lancaster University , said : `` The UK 's 10-year egg freezing rule for social egg freezing is not fit for purpose and this briefing highlights how we have very little reason for maintaining it any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the assisted conception debate group Progress Educational Trust , said : `` With more women than ever choosing to freeze their eggs , it is time for the law to be changed . ''
Frances Flinter , Nuffield Council member and emeritus professor of clinical genetics at Guy 's and St Thomas ' NHS Foundation Trust , said : `` It 's vital for women thinking about freezing their eggs to be able to make informed choices .
`` To do this , they need easy access to data on their chances of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - from freezing and thawing eggs , to having a live birth .
But they also need clinics to be frank about the process , and about what is known and unknown about egg freezing . ''
According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority , around a fifth of IVF treatments using a patient 's own frozen eggs result in the birth of a baby , based on figures for 2017 .
Not all eggs survive thawing .
If they do , the chance of a live birth depends to a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the eggs were collected , with success more likely for those under 35 .
The average cost of having eggs collected and frozen for social reasons is £3,350 , with additional £500-£1,500 costs for medication .
Storage costs are extra and tend to be £125-£350 per year .

"To do this, they need easy access to data on their chances of success across various stages of the process - from freezing and thawing eggs, to having a live birth. But they also need clinics to be frank about the process, and about what is known and unknown about egg freezing."


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Covid student chaos: Paying £30k a year and begging security for food

He said : `` I chose Edinburgh because it looked to be a great diverse university with students from 195 countries .
With the historic city and campus it was something I would n't find in the US .
When he chose to travel to the UK in a pandemic , Reese knew there would be no parties , no lectures in big halls , but he was happy to make the best of what he had .
What he was not prepared for was isolation , food shortages and non-enforcement of the rules he was trying to stick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had international students break down in tears over the lack of support .
The only way I have been able to get food delivered is by calling the emergency security number and it is so uncomfortable doing that . ''
His accommodation at Pollock is catered by one cafeteria and he has no facilities to cook for himself .
Because he is self-isolating in his room , he relies on the university to deliver food .
But sometimes nothing arrives until after lunchtime and on Tuesday he still had had nothing by 16:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pays £21,000 in tuition fees and £9,000 for accommodation per year to attend the University of Edinburgh .
He believes students from abroad are paying the most and getting the least help .
Reese 's mum Janie Chamberlain has had to watch her son go through this from 3,000 miles away via Facetime .
She feels let down by the university after the promises it made on its website .
Speaking from New York , she told the BBC : `` It was difficult to send him there but I felt incredibly reassured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website and the details of their Covid response it 's reassuring .
`` We are shocked that none of those things are there , '' she said .
`` The university is woefully unprepared - their plan is good on paper .
I am sure they had high hopes they would n't have to execute that plan but they were truly unprepared .
She added : `` We do know what they have been doing is not working .
As a parent I do n't want something dreadful to happen to one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cope .
There are students who do n't have a mum to call . ''
`` Catering staff will provide three meals a day for all students living in University-provided accommodation .
These meals are available in vegan and gluten-free options to ensure that all dietary requirements are met . ''

When he chose to travel to the UK in a pandemic, Reese knew there would be no parties, no lectures in big halls, but he was happy to make the best of what he had. What he was not prepared for was isolation, food shortages and non-enforcement of the rules he was trying to stick to.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Black History Month: Postboxes painted to honour black Britons

Four postboxes have been painted black to honour black Britons including Sir Lenny Henry and nursing pioneer Mary Seacole .
The Royal Mail postboxes - in London , Glasgow , Cardiff and Belfast - have been painted as part of Black History Month in October .
Each features a significant figure in the British black community and has a social media link .
Royal Mail says the aim is to help mark the success of Black Britons .
A QR code on the postboxes can also be scanned to bring up a list of the black Britons who have appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nurse behind new hospital 's name The London postbox is in Acre Lane , Brixton , near to Black Cultural Archives .
It features the image `` Queuing at the RA '' by Yinka Shonibare , one of six artists who was commissioned by Royal Mail to produce original artworks for a set of special stamps issued to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Academy ( RA ) .
`` As a citizen of the Commonwealth , it was particularly important to me to be making a visible contribution in a historic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Footballer Walter Tull , who became the first black player to sign for Rangers ( just before he was killed at the Battle of the Somme ) , appears on the Glasgow postbox in Byres Road .
He had played as a forward with Spurs and Northampton Town .
He featured in a set of stamps released in 2018 to mark the centenary of the end of World War One and was also the first black Army officer to command troops in a regular unit .
Mary Seacole , a Jamaican-born nurse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Crimean War , features on the Cardiff postbox in King Edward VII Avenue .
And Sir Lenny Henry , a stand-up comedian , actor , singer , writer and television presenter and co-founder of the Comic Relief charity , is honoured by the postbox in Bedford Street , Belfast .
Peter De Norville , Royal Mail 's head of diversity and inclusion , said : `` Black History Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions that black people have made to this country over many generations .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrate the vital work that our black employees do throughout the nation , from the mail bag to the meeting room . ''

It features the image "Queuing at the RA" by Yinka Shonibare, one of six artists who was commissioned by Royal Mail to produce original artworks for a set of special stamps issued to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Academy (RA).


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Eminem fan sets world record for most musician tattoos

An Eminem fan who has 16 portraits of the American rapper tattooed on her body has set a new world record .
Guinness World Records says Nikki Patterson , of Aberdeen , now holds the record for the most tattoos of the same musician .
The nail technician was 19 when she got her first tattoo of The Real Slim Shady star .
Now aged 35 , she has 52 tattoos in total and 28 - including the portraits - are based on her musical hero .
Nikki started getting tattoos when she was 18 with a `` random '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she moved on to her idol .
`` I heard Stan when I was 14 and had never heard anything like that before '' , she said .
`` It blew me away . ''
`` The portraits began three years ago , and I loved everything about them .
I adored them and had to get more .
`` He 's been the one constant in my life , and I have seen him perform live . ''
The official world record was awarded for 15 portraits , and she has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three different body artists in Aberdeen , Edinburgh and Chester - where she is originally from - include her arms , legs , chest and fingers .
Eminem reached number one in the UK chart earlier this year with his latest album Music To Be Murdered By .

"I heard Stan when I was 14 and had never heard anything like that before", she said. "It blew me away."


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Covid rules: How much of the UK is now under some sort of lockdown?

New restrictions have been introduced in parts of north-east England , banning two households from mixing with each other indoors .
The prime minister apologised after he `` misspoke '' when answering a question on the new rules .
In the affected areas , people will no longer be allowed to mix with anyone outside their own household in any indoor setting ( although support bubbles are exempt ) .
In other words , you will be banned from going for a drink or a meal with someone you do n't live with , in a pub or restaurant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pub gardens or outdoor restaurant spaces will not be illegal but goes against advice .
The measure comes into force on Wednesday 30 September and affects County Durham , Gateshead , Newcastle , North Tyneside , South Tyneside , Northumberland and Sunderland .
Households in the region had already been advised to avoid mixing - including in homes - but the new ban will be enforced with fines .
Anyone over 18 found breaking the rules can be dispersed by police , or face fines starting at £200 and going up to £6,400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools or workplaces .
The measures have been criticised for causing `` confusion '' because of a lack of detail .
When asked if people in the North East can still meet people from other households outside , such as in a pub garden , Mr Johnson said people should follow local guidance and urged them to use their common sense .
He went on to wrongly talk about the rule of six .
Which other areas have restrictions ?
The nature and extent of restrictions vary around the UK .
Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People can not mix in homes or gardens with anyone outside their household in Leeds , Wigan , Stockport or Blackpool • People in Merseyside , Warrington , Halton and the parts of Lancashire not already under tightened restrictions must not mix with people outside their household in homes or gardens .
Pubs and restaurants must shut at 22:00 BST • Residents in Bradford , Kirklees , Calderdale , Wolverhampton , Oadby and Wigston are banned from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sandwell are not allowed to mix with anyone they do not live with in their home or garden , unless they ’ re in their support bubble • Those in parts of Greater Manchester - including Salford , Bury , the City of Manchester and Oldham , are advised not to mix with those from outside their household or support bubble • Also in Greater Manchester , in Bolton , there are visitor limits on care homes , while hospitality venues will only be able to serve takeaways and must close between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Darwen and Pendle should not meet anyone from outside their household outdoors • In Leicester , people can not host anyone they do not live with in their home or garden , unless they ’ re in their support bubble • From 18:00 on Thursday , four council areas in north Wales - Conwy , Denbighshire , Flintshire , and Wrexham - will face the same restrictions as those in place in most of south Wales • New restrictions are now in force in Neath Port Talbot , Torfaen and Vale of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Merthyr Tydfil , Bridgend , Blaenau Gwent , Newport , Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly were already in local lockdowns • People should not enter or leave those areas without a reasonable excuse like going to work , unless you can do so from home , or school • Pubs and restaurants must close by 22:20 , but stop serving alcohol at 22:00 • People can not meet other households indoors , including members of extended households • People living in Glasgow city , East Renfrewshire , Renfrewshire , East Dunbartonshire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lanarkshire are subject to small additional restrictions relating to care home and hospital visits , as well as contact tracing • Currently all parts of Northern Ireland have the same rules Further details on the measures in place and specific areas affected have been published by the governments for England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
How many people are under extra restrictions ?
In total , at least 16.6 million people are in local lockdowns in the UK - about one in four people .
• 12.4m people in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • 1.9m people in Wales ( 60 % ) - but from Thursday that will rise to 2.3m ( 73 % ) Currently , 65 % of northern England faces restrictions and 22 % of the Midlands .
When are new restrictions introduced in an area ?
There is no set level of infection that triggers this in a particular place , but if it posts more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people , it is likely that extra restrictions will be considered .
The number of infections is not the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northampton jumped to 125 per 100,000 in August .
But as the rise was almost entirely down to workers at a local factory no restrictions were introduced .
What are 'areas of concern ' ?
Since June , Public Health England has been publishing a weekly Covid-19 surveillance list .
This lists those local authority areas where incidence of the disease is rising , sorting them into three categories : • Areas of intervention - where restrictions or lockdowns are in place • Areas of enhanced support - where the local council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eg extra testing ) • Areas of concern - where the situation is being monitored closely , but no restrictions have been put in place On 25 September , all 33 London boroughs were listed as areas of concern .
How are these rules enforced ?
Local authorities in England have powers to : • Close specific premises ( such as shops , cafes and gyms ) • Shut outdoor spaces ( such as parks , playgrounds and beaches ) • Cancel events ( such as concerts , weddings and sporting events ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in local areas • Restrict the use of transport • What happens if I 'm in an area on the watchlist ?
• Caerphilly county to go under local lockdown Police have powers to make sure people stick to the restrictions .
For example , if they believe that somebody is staying away overnight , they can tell them to return home .
They can also fine people for breaking the rules , and may issue a `` prohibition notice '' directing somebody not to do something .
But if a resident from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bar in another part of the city , for example , there is nothing legally to stop them .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

Find out how the pandemic has affected your area and how it compares with the national average by following this link to an in depth guide to the numbers involved.


bbcuk--2020-09-29--Covid: Can students get a refund from their university?

Can I get a refund if my university stops in-person teaching ?
Even if you ca n't attend lectures in person , it is unlikely you will get a refund if you can access your course online .
Are there any other grounds for a refund ?
Can I be stopped from leaving halls ?
Government guidance says universities should work with Public Health England to identify what a `` whole household isolation '' means in such circumstances .
It says it would normally include `` students living in the same flat or on the same floor who share cooking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's vice-chancellor later said the university had no right to prevent students leaving .
But he called on them to `` follow the guidance for self-isolation set out by the government and Public Health England '' .
Will I be able to go home for Christmas ?
What if my university is caught up in a local lockdown ?
Not all lockdown areas have the same restrictions .
In Leicester and Oldham , for instance , people are permitted to travel in and out of the area .
But in those parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` reasonable excuse '' is needed for any travel in and out .
Who am I allowed to socialise with ?
But you wo n't be able to invite anyone round if there are six or more .

Covid: How are students travelling home for Christmas? Published 2 December 2020
Image source, Alamy
University students around the UK are beginning their journeys home for Christmas, after mass testing to screen them for coronavirus.
Those in England and Wales are being asked to return home during the week-long ''travel window" starting on Thursday after taking the tests, while Scotland is planning a more staggered return.
It is hoped this will reduce the risk of students spreading Covid-19 to their family and friends, following outbreaks on campuses earlier this term.
What are the plans for students in England?
Rapid Covid tests were distributed to universities at the end of November, so that students could be tested at the same time as England's lockdown ended on 2 December.
Students who test negative have been asked to travel between 3 and 9 December, while general infection rates are lower.
This means students ''pose a much-reduced risk to their loved ones and their community", Universities Minister Michelle Donelan says.
Universities in high-risk areas have been prioritised for testing, with results that can be turned around in an hour.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Testing facilities were set up at universities earlier in the year following outbreaks
Unless they test positive or develop symptoms, students are encouraged to travel home during this timeframe, with any remaining teaching conducted online.
Those found to have coronavirus will have to self-isolate for 10 days, but will still be able to get home in time for Christmas.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, How will I travel home in time for Christmas?
Students are "strongly advised" to travel during the window, as they may not make it home for Christmas if they have to self-isolate later.
What about the rest of the UK?
Wales will follow a similar procedure to England, with students asked to travel by 9 December at the latest, and offered a rapid turnaround test before they go.
Students in Scotland will be allowed to return home if they return two negative tests, taken five days apart. Those who test positive would have to self-isolate before going home.
The end dates of courses will be staggered to avoid a "great surge of movement" in December.
The Northern Ireland Executive has not announced any specific plans for the travel windows but is also conducting mass testing of students.
What about returning in January?
Students will have staggered starting dates for returning to universities in England after Christmas - with some not back until 7 February.
Students taking hands-on courses like medicine or performing arts would return from 4 to 18 January, with other subjects initially taught online.
Other students would then return between 25 January and 7 February.
The other UK nations have yet to publish their plans. Scotland's Universities Minister, Richard Lochhead, said lessons must be learned from outbreaks at the start of term in August before finalising plans for January.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, It's not yet known whether teaching in January will move online
Can students get a refund if a university stops in-person teaching?
Most universities went into the new academic year offering a blend of in-person and online teaching.
But some - including the two main ones in Manchester - had already suspended in-person teaching, while all universities will finish the autumn term online.
Even if you can't attend lectures in person, it is unlikely you will get a refund if you can access your course online.
Image source, Getty Images
The government has said students shouldn't expect a refund ''if they are receiving adequate online learning".
However, some MPs have called for students to receive discounts and the National Union of Students wants refunds if ''quality of learning is severely impacted''.
Are there any other grounds for a refund?
They may be receiving online tuition, but students have a right to access other resources too.
''If they don't have access to libraries and research facilities, students would have a claim for breach of contract,'' says Boz Michalowska-Howells, head of consumer law at Leigh Day solicitors.
Any savings universities make by not providing facilities or through government schemes should be passed on to students via fee reductions, she adds.
Higher education regulator the Office for Students (OfS) says it ''can and will investigate'' if it believes universities haven't taken all reasonable steps to protect standards.
Some of those who have been told to self-isolate at short notice in halls are eligible for extra support.
Can students be stopped from leaving halls?
If someone in your accommodation develops coronavirus symptoms - a new, continuous cough, fever or loss of taste or smell - they should self-isolate immediately and arrange to be tested.
Government guidance says universities should work with Public Health England to identify what a "whole household isolation" means in such circumstances.
It says it would normally include "students living in the same flat or on the same floor who share cooking or washing facilities".
How much of a risk do universities pose?
In September, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) - which works with the government - warned of "significant outbreaks associated with higher education".
By early October, almost all of the local areas that had coronavirus case rates of over 1,000 also had high density student populations in England.
A Sage paper also identified the end of term in mid-December as likely to lead to "the peak health impacts of newly seeded infections due to...mass movement [of students]".