bbcuk--2020-09-02--Why 600 books are being published on Thursday

`` You can really tell there 's a big , big flood of books coming , '' says Natasha Randall .
`` You ca n't pretend it 's not a worry for an author . ''
Her debut novel , Love Orange , is published on Thursday .
But according to trade journal The Bookseller , the novel will be one of 579 new books hitting the shelves .
That 's a 24 % rise on the number published at the start of September last year and , like most imbalances in 2020 , it 's because of lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Eye and Lightning Books and former head of buying at Waterstones , says : `` If you 're a publisher and you had a big book coming out between April and August this year , then you probably postponed publication . ''
Ms Randall says : `` Booksellers and book review sections are really up in arms about the volume of books coming at them .
They just ca n't cope with the deluge . ''
She told Radio 5 Live 's Wake Up To Money : `` This is my debut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published 18 months ago , but we picked this date before all this happened .
`` I know of about four or five other books where the date was switched once they learned about the 3 September deluge . ''
But not everyone thinks it is a concern .
Tom Tivnan , managing editor of The Bookseller , says the majority of the books will be academic , educational or professional titles .
Perhaps 45 % will be mainstream works `` jockeying for High Street shop space '' , he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a problem - any extra books during the autumn when bookshops are already hugely stuffed means booksellers will have to make tough choices .
`` But I think the hysteria should be managed .
The bulk of these books being published are simply ones that are not for the general reader , and so really should n't factor into the thinking about Christmas titles , '' Mr Tivnan said .
However , Ms Randall disagrees .
`` People are n't going to parties or the office or going to book clubs in person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life to spread through the population are mostly online , which is a very noisy place .
`` When so many books are published , there is an awful lot of noise you have to compete with , '' she said .
Nicola Gill faces a similar challenge .
Her second novel , We Are Family , is out on Thursday .
`` I would be lying if I said I was n't a bit worried , especially since everywhere you look there 's another article or tweet about how bookshops are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't help but worry about that , particularly as an author at the beginning of their career .
But I am trying to take the view that people do n't just buy books on one day .
They sell over time . ''
However , she does think it will be a more challenging time for authors .
`` Getting reviews , for example , is harder .
Most of the magazines you associate with book reviews said ages ago , 'Look , we 're deluged , we ca n't take any more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impact , but as a writer , you have to stay positive , do the things you can do to publicise your book , but accept to a certain extent that it 's beyond your control . ''
September and October are always big publishing months , Mr Pack says : `` When we get to this point in the year , bookshops completely change and become a gift purchase destination .
`` During January to October , most books are bought by people to read themselves .
When we get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point at which it shifts towards gift buying .
`` Bookshops take on board a whole load of new books and new stock precisely for that market .
Big fat cookbooks , celebrity biographies and funny books .
These all tend to come out in September and early October .
`` And there is only a certain amount of shelf space .
Hilary Mantel must be at the front of the bookshop .
The 100 copies of the Jamie Oliver cookbook you 're definitely going to sell at Christmas have to have shelf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year 's bumper crop of books can increase pressure on smaller publishers .
Aimée Felone is co-founder of Knights Of , an independent children 's book publisher .
On Thursday , it is publishing the fourth and final part of Lu , a series by bestselling author Jason Reynolds .
Ms Felone said : `` We have built a strong following of readers , and so this is a title that has been anticipated .
If this was a brand new debut author who did n't have that following , we would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from independent publishers to stand out is huge anyway , whether it 's 3 September or 3 February .
It 's a constant struggle to shout out among the bigger players . ''
Despite the competition , both Ms Randall and Ms Gill are excited to be launching new books .
`` You have to trust readers , '' says Ms Randall .
`` Readers read and they tell each other if they like a book .
`` One of the most important ways a book becomes known is because someone reads it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
And Ms Gill adds : `` The reality is that most people would give a limb to get a book published , so you really ca n't complain . ''
You can hear more on this story by downloading the Wake Up To Money podcast via BBC Sounds .

However, she does think it will be a more challenging time for authors. "Getting reviews, for example, is harder. Most of the magazines you associate with book reviews said ages ago, 'Look, we're deluged, we can't take any more.'


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Sleepless: What is it like going back to the theatre?

`` If you are reading this , then we have succeeded , '' reads an introduction from director Morgan Young in the programme for new musical Sleepless .
`` You are watching a live theatre performance , '' he writes , `` and there 's no other experience like it . ''
As things currently stand , there is quite literally no other experience like it .
Sleepless is the first , and so far only , indoor theatre show with a full cast to have been staged since the coronavirus outbreak .
The industry has dipped its toe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open-air shows , while the Bridge Theatre has staged Talking Heads - a series of solo performances from actors including Tamsin Greig and Imelda Staunton .
But West End theatres are yet to re-open their doors - and it 's only thanks to the modern and spacious nature of the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley that Sleepless has been able to launch this week .
`` We 're very lucky that we 're in a modern space , '' says Kimberley Walsh , one of the show 's stars .
`` I mean , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the size of the foyer - it 's like everything aligned right for us . ''
It 's true - the venue is ideally suited to the times and there are some extra measures in place to put theatregoers ' minds at rest .
There 's a one way system , hand-sanitising stations , contactless payments at the bar and increased ventilation .
This theatre normally has a capacity of 1,300 .
But that has been reduced to 400 to allow for social distancing between audience members .
As a result , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to keep parties separate and ensure people do n't switch to a better seat at the interval ( we 've all done it ) .
The safety measures are n't just front of house .
Backstage , the members of the live orchestra are socially distanced and separated by screens .
Sleepless , which was already in rehearsals when lockdown began , broadly follows the plot of the 1993 film it is based on - Sleepless in Seattle , which starred Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan .
It tells the story of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jay McGuiness ) , who is grieving the death of his wife and raising his 10-year-old son Jonah on his own .
After speaking to an agony aunt on a phone-in radio show , he suddenly finds himself one of the most sought-after single men in America .
This catches the attention of Annie ( Walsh ) , a journalist who lives on the other side of the country .
It 's a storyline that is particularly appropriate in the current climate .
`` The premise of the show lends itself to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair of lovers who seldom occupy the same physical space , '' noted The Arts Desk 's Marianka Swain .
The pairing of Walsh and McGuiness pleased most critics - although Swain said they `` lack the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan quirky charisma that made the journey as fun as the inevitable destination '' .
`` This production essentially trades off nostalgic affection for Sleepless in Seattle , '' she continued .
`` Yet there 's also nostalgic joy in simply attending an actual fully-fledged musical , in a theatre , with other people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but this feel-good Sleepless does offer sweet dreams . ''
The Daily Telegraph 's Dominic Cavendish said the show was `` more pleasure than one dared hope for '' , awarding it four stars .
`` This new musical version of the hit 1993 rom-com rekindles our love of live performance , '' he wrote .
`` It 's stodgy , but this musical adaptation of Sleepless in Seattle feels like a sweet treat in showbiz-starved times , '' wrote Nick Curtis of the Evening Standard .
`` There is something mad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film into a musical in a big shed in Wembley in the middle of a pandemic .
It is a joy to watch McGuiness take Walsh 's hand and whirl her around in the finale . ''
During the performance the characters are seen hugging , holding hands and dancing together - which is allowed thanks to a rigorous testing process among the cast , which McGuinness explains involves them getting a nose swab every morning .
`` We 're all tested every day , so we know we 're in a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do n't have to socially distance but we still go to extreme lengths to put masks on , just because we 're literally adding every layer of protection that we can . ''
Audience members have to wear masks in the auditorium and - in a demonstration of both excellent branding and exemplary public safety- Sleepless visors are also available at the theatre .
An usher explains , however , these are to be worn in addition to masks , rather than as a substitute for them .
While rehearsing and performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performing to a depleted audience certainly does n't .
In normal times , a theatre that 's less than half full would be cause for concern .
At Sleepless , though , that constitutes a sold-out show .
`` If it was a Girls Aloud or The Wanted concert , having people not chock-a-block together , front to back , would be quite disappointing , '' McGuiness notes .
`` But theatre has a certain formality that means that sort of spread is fine , and we got used to it quite quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're meant to be , the applause is still where it 's meant to be , and we do n't rely on the audience to be whooping and hollering through the whole thing .
`` It 's a performance .
So I would hate to be The Wanted or Girls Aloud right now . ''
`` You could n't do it , could you ? ''
Walsh chips in .
`` That 's why it 's going to take so long really , for live music acts to come back . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wembley Park until 27 September .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"We're all tested every day, so we know we're in a safe environment," explains Walsh. "We don't have to socially distance but we still go to extreme lengths to put masks on, just because we're literally adding every layer of protection that we can."


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Newspaper headlines: Boris Johnson's bid to calm MPs and Ofqual attacks minister

Time for a look at this morning 's papers , which feature plenty of discussion about the prospect of the chancellor raising taxes to pay for the costs of coronavirus support schemes .
The Daily Express argues for a different approach , saying that increasing taxes would `` destroy any hope of recovery '' , and that they should be cut instead to grow the economy and support businesses .
Writing in the Spectator , James Kirkup says ministers should start an honest conversation with voters on the issue now rather than leaving it until later in this Parliament .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to balance the books offers an opportunity for the Treasury to revolutionise the economy - but cautions readers against holding too much hope of politicians embracing the tough decisions required to do so .
The tax rises conversation came up after both Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister Boris Johnson held meetings with MPs .
The Financial Times says the PM was making an effort to improve party relations `` after a summer of policy U-turns '' , while the Guardian describes the briefings as `` an attempt to calm mutinous Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsettled '' by the government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis .
The Daily Telegraph reports that a public information campaign aimed at getting people to return to workplaces has been postponed .
It says the Cabinet Office delayed the project because of fears ministers could be accused of hypocrisy because of the low numbers of civil servants in Whitehall offices .
Meanwhile , the Duke and Duchess of Sussex feature on many of the front pages after agreeing a deal with Netflix to produce what the streaming services called `` inspirational programmes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midgley questions whether the deal will result in many new subscribers signing up to watch what she calls `` woke TV '' .
The Daily Mail 's Tom Leonard proposes that Netflix may not be focused on ratings , but instead adding more star names to its roster - noting that the quotes from the company 's chief executive Ted Sarandos in the statement confirming the deal are almost exactly the same as those he gave when Barack and Michelle Obama agreed a similar deal two years ago .
The paper says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position at the Cabinet Office after an internal investigation in July .
A government spokesman said all standard vetting processes were carried out for the worker to be employed as a contractor , and that they had never met or spoken to Dominic Cummings .
A care worker from Reading who is the first person to have tested positive for Covid-19 twice in the UK has spoken to the Sun She is one of only five people worldwide who 's known to have contracted the disease for a second time - and says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't need to have another test when she went to hospital suffering from shortness of breath due to her previous positive diagnosis .
Writing in the paper , Dr Simon Clarke from Reading University warns that efforts to fight the virus will become much more difficult if re-infection becomes widespread .
The BBC 's decision to perform a U-turn on whether Land of Hope and Glory and Rule , Britannia !
would be sung at the Last Night of the Proms features in many papers .
The Daily Mail 's Robert Hardman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the BBC is very gently readjusting the dial from 'transmit ' mode towards 'listen ' mode '' under the leadership of the new director general , Tim Davie .

She is one of only five people worldwide who's known to have contracted the disease for a second time - and says she was told by doctors that she didn't need to have another test when she went to hospital suffering from shortness of breath due to her previous positive diagnosis.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Teacher Simon Flynn died in paddleboard 'freak accident'

A man who died after falling from a paddleboard and getting tangled in moorings in a `` freak accident '' has been named as Simon Flynn .
The 42-year-old teacher from Cheltenham fell into the water near the sailing club at Rock beach in Cornwall at about 13:30 BST on Monday .
He was rescued by a local boat but died at the scene .
In a letter to parents , his former school Kingsholm Primary described him as a `` firm favourite '' of the students .
Posting on the Facebook page of Mr Flynn 's tutoring service , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with immeasurable sadness that we , Simon 's family must announce that he tragically passed away in a freak accident while having the time of his life in Cornwall .
`` He loved his job , he loved working and developing his students and for this we thank you all for supporting him . ''
Many of the comments on the page are from parents of former pupils , describing him as an `` amazing human being and teacher '' , `` a one-off '' and a `` caring and enthusiastic tutor '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday in Cornwall when he fell off and `` got tangled in moorings '' at Rock beach .
`` Despite the best efforts that were put in by paramedics , the lifeboat crew and others , he was declared deceased at the scene , '' James Instance from Falmouth Coastguard said .

Posting on the Facebook page of Mr Flynn's tutoring service, his family said: "It is with immeasurable sadness that we, Simon's family must announce that he tragically passed away in a freak accident while having the time of his life in Cornwall.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Coronavirus: NI Executive discussing pubs and furlough scheme

Stormont 's executive ministers are meeting to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on pubs and a backlog in driving tests .
Calls for an extension to the government furlough scheme are also expected to be on the agenda .
The first and deputy first ministers will also meet Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove and the Scottish and Welsh first ministers later .
The online meeting will see the latest on Brexit negotiations raised .
The Stormont executive has delayed allowing about 600 pubs , which only serve drink , to reopen .
The 600 premises are thought to amount to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northern Ireland .
Executive ministers abandoned a previous indicative date of 1 September for reopening the so-called `` wet pubs '' and have not agreed an alternative timetable .
Ministers will discuss what kind of financial support might be provided to the wet pubs if they remain closed and whether a tougher enforcement regime should be introduced .
BBC News NI understands that Health Minister Robin Swann had written to executive colleagues to ask for an update at Thursday 's meeting about whether a specific support package could be provided to those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open yet .
• What is yet to open in NI under Covid regulations ?
• Q & A : What has and has not changed in NI lockdown ?
One argument made by the hospitality industry is that tightening restrictions and cracking down on establishments which flout the regulations might enable more pubs which abide by the rules to open .
Finance Minister Conor Murphy is expected to seek the executive 's support to ask the UK Treasury to extend its job furlough scheme beyond October - something the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also likely to raise their concerns at the executive meeting about support for the local taxi and coach industries and the backlog in driving tests .
The plight of learner drivers who wo n't be able to take a test until next year is due to be raised at an emergency meeting of Stormont 's Infrastructure Committee .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• TESTING : What tests are available ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
DUP MLA Keith Buchanan , a member of the assembly 's infrastructure committee , questioned why driving lessons have resumed but there is still no date for the resumption of tests .
Speaking on the BBC 's Good Morning Ulster programme , he said it would be a challenge `` to clear the backlog '' .
`` Those people are waiting and still ca n't get a date to get a test , so those people are in the queue and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
During the executive meeting , Health Minister Robin Swann is expected to update his colleagues on the latest estimates of Northern Ireland 's R number , which indicates the level of transmission of coronavirus locally .
Ministers will also get a briefing from the education minister on the recent re-opening of schools .

"It's very important that we recognise the impact the scheme has had, we believe it needs to be looked at on a sector-by-sector basis, and we have to have a safety net for certain sectors," she said.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Chepstow dentist stalked by Bristol patient feels 'constant threat'

A dentist who was secretly stalked by a disgruntled patient for nearly four years says he feels `` let down by the law '' after learning the man will be released from prison within weeks .
Thomas Baddeley , 42 , was arrested within a mile of Ian Hutchinson 's home in Monmouthshire .
He had what prosecutors called a `` murder kit '' , including a crossbow .
He got an indefinite restraining order but faced a lesser charge because his victim was unaware he had been stalked .
Baddeley was spotted in November 2019 by a concerned passer-by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police found a large knife , a crossbow with bolts , black ski mask , bleach and a hammer in his Citroen .
His car seats were covered in plastic sheeting .
When did the stalking start ?
Baddeley , 42 , had been treated by Mr Hutchinson at his former Bristol dental practice from 2012 to 2016 .
He had some teeth removed and was fitted with braces .
But he was unhappy and claimed the treatment was poisoning him .
When the treatment ended in early 2016 , Dr Hutchinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he heard nothing further from Baddeley .
But documents found by police in Baddeley 's home in Montpelier , Bristol , and in his car revealed he had been following Dr Hutchinson since a few months before his treatment ended , including detailed plans leading up to something he described as `` the event '' .
This is what police found : • `` Surveillance logs '' detailing Dr Hutchinson 's personal and professional movements over the ensuing years • They showed Baddeley had followed him to his Chepstow practice , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Baddeley purchased then abandoned about 30 different cars in a bid to evade detection as he conducted `` systematic surveillance '' of his victim • Notes planning for `` the event '' included the location of CCTV cameras , how not to leave fingerprints and how to answer police questions Baddeley was jailed for 16 months at Cardiff Crown Court in August after admitting stalking without fear , alarm or distress , and two offences of possessing offensive weapons .
An indefinite restraining order was imposed , including a ban on entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to five years ' imprisonment if he breaches it .
Judge Jeremy Jenkins told him : `` I am in no doubt you intended to cause some harm to Dr Hutchinson .
`` It is difficult to envisage a more serious case than this of its kind . ''
But Baddeley avoided a longer jail term because the law stipulates a victim must be aware they are being stalked .
As Dr Hutchinson was unaware , prosecutors had no option but to impose a lesser charge .
Dr Hutchinson , 52 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be released from prison on licence in the coming weeks , due to time served on remand .
In his victim impact statement to the court , Dr Hutchinson said : `` I believe I will be looking over my shoulder expecting Baddeley to be nearby for the rest of my life . ''
In an exclusive interview , he told BBC Wales he had been `` to hell and back '' as a result of the case and felt in a state of `` constant threat '' .
The severity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police arrived unexpectedly at his surgery , warning he would be taken to a `` safe house '' if Baddeley was released on bail pending the court case .
`` When he gets released , I 'll get a warning , '' said Dr Hutchinson , a former chairman of the British Lingual Orthodontic Society , who teaches dentistry throughout the UK .
`` They 've reassured me that the restraining order is very thorough , but at the end of the day it 's simply a piece of paper . ''
Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and dental practice since the case .
`` I 've got my team to look after my patients , '' he said .
`` The police just turn around and say 'we really recommend you change your name , move , and change jobs ' .
`` I 've spent over 20 years refining , learning , now I 'm passing it on to others by teaching and I ca n't just simply disappear - I ca n't just change everything . ''
Dr Hutchinson said he now fears after Baddeley 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something more will happen .
`` I 'm constantly looking over my shoulder .
I feel as though he knows everything about me and my family and there 's nothing we can do about it , '' he said .
`` It 's altered both my personal life and professional life , and it wo n't be the same again . ''
Prosecuting barrister Nigel Fryer told the court that , while there was no specific reference to murder in the notebooks found in his home and car , there was `` strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the event '' was referring to .
When asked about this during police interviews , Baddeley replied `` no comment '' .
`` I 've been in practice for 21 years now and I have never come across a case like this , '' he said .
`` It was extremely unusual , because ordinarily the perpetrator of an offence like this will derive satisfaction from making the victim 's life hell - they will be very visible - but this is almost a unique case where someone is the complete opposite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen and went to such detailed and meticulous ways to cover his tracks .
`` In interview , he said the satisfaction he got was from knowing he was watching Dr Hutchinson , but he did n't know… that was the kick that he got out of it . ''
The fact that his victim was unaware meant Baddeley could not be charged with a more serious stalking offence , which would carry a maximum jail term of 10 years .
Dr Hutchinson said : `` When it comes to the law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shoulder shrug , 'sorry , there 's a loophole , nothing more we can do ' .
`` I 'm just left there hung out to dry thinking , 'how am I going to manage this ? '
`` The charges , I feel , are a complete mockery .
This was a blatant attempt at kidnap or murder and it was purely by good luck that I was late home and it did n't happen .
`` I think the law needs to be changed… we need more protection from people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for stalker investigations has 'teeth' • 'When he 's not in prison , I 'm a wreck' Mr Fryer said while he had `` the utmost sympathy '' for Dr Hutchinson , it had proved `` impossible '' to charge Baddeley with a more serious offence , based on the facts of the case and the available evidence .
`` The various charges were looked at… and the conclusion was reached that this was the correct charge within the law as it currently stands , '' he added .
Dr Jane Monckton-Smith , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Gloucester , said the damage to Dr Hutchinson was `` inestimable '' and the case highlighted gaps in current legislation .
`` I think our stalking legislation has been problematic from the beginning because there is no real strict legal definition of what stalking is… and when you get a case like this you really come up against some of those problems , '' she said .
`` One thing the legislation tells us is that to get the highest sentence , which reflects the most dangerous stalking , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alarmed , or at the very least harassed , by the behaviour , they have to have been frightened of violence .
`` And of course in this case , the threat to the victim was really off the scale , but because he did n't know , it 's almost treated in the criminal justice system as if it was a lesser offence .
`` Once he 'd been told ( about the stalking ) his whole relationship with safety changed in that second , because he then realised he 'd been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time . ''
Dr Monckton-Smith called for a system of multi-agency monitoring for stalking offenders on their release from prison .
`` We need to have processes in place that… stalk the stalker , '' she said .
`` If we 're not going to give them long jail sentences where they can get the treatment some of them need , then we need to be monitoring them and tracking them and making sure they do n't continue to stalk and harass their victims . ''
In a statement , the Home Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime and we 're determined to tackle it .
`` We introduced Stalking Protection Orders in January , which protect victims and address the perpetrator 's behaviour at the earliest opportunity .
We 've also doubled the maximum sentences for stalking and harassment to 10 years .
`` Stalkers are closely monitored by the probation service and police and if there is concern about their risk to the public they can be recalled to prison .
Victims are also informed about the stalker 's licence conditions in advance of their release . ''

"It was extremely unusual, because ordinarily the perpetrator of an offence like this will derive satisfaction from making the victim's life hell - they will be very visible - but this is almost a unique case where someone is the complete opposite, who doesn't wish to be seen and went to such detailed and meticulous ways to cover his tracks.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Coronavirus: UK split over Portugal quarantine rules

People arriving in Wales and Scotland from Portugal must now self-isolate for 14 days , but the rules covering England and Northern Ireland are unchanged .
The difference between the nations has been criticised as confusing .
The rules for Wales apply from 04:00 BST on Friday , while in Scotland they begin 24 hours later on Saturday .
Cases in Portugal have risen in the past week beyond the threshold at which ministers generally consider imposing 14-day mandatory self-isolation .
The Department for Transport said decisions around adding or removing countries from the quarantine list `` take into account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many people are being tested .
`` Portugal has drastically increased its testing capacity , as well as taking measures to control the spread of the virus , '' said a spokesperson , adding it would closely monitor the situation .
• What are the UK 's quarantine rules ?
• Can I still go on holiday to Portugal or Greece ?
• Where are the world 's coronavirus hotspots ?
• You finally got abroad , but was it worth it ?
The latest quarantine rules introduced in Wales apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greek islands and French Polynesia .
The six islands are Crete , Mykonos , Zakynthos ( or Zante ) , Lesvos , Paros and Antiparos .
Scotland has already reintroduced self-isolation measures for arrivals from Greece and has now added Portugal and French Polynesia to its list of countries requiring quarantine .
`` This week 's data shows an increase in test positivity and cases per 100k in Portugal , '' said Scottish justice minister Humza Yousaf .
Changes to the rules for arrivals from Greece coming to England have been considered - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list for now .
In Portugal , the seven-day infection rate has increased from 15.3 to 23 per 100,000 people .
This is above the threshold of 20 which is when the UK government generally considers triggering quarantine conditions .
Greece 's rate overall is below the threshold at 13.8 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to 2 September , down from 14.9 a week earlier .
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Thursday : `` There are no English additions or removals today .
We continue to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wo n't hesitate to remove countries if needed . ''
`` Nonetheless , holidaymakers are reminded - 14-day quarantine countries can and do change at very short notice . ''
He said the government takes several factors into account , including the prevalence of the virus as well as the level and rate of change , how many tests the country is doing , the extent of the contained outbreak and the government 's actions .
Northern Ireland 's department of health also confirmed that NI would not make any further changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When should you wear one ?
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• EUROPE LOCKDOWN : How is it being lifted ?
The changes have drawn criticism from industry experts as well as holidaymakers .
`` The quarantine policy is in tatters and dividing the United Kingdom , '' said Paul Charles , chief executive of travel consultancy firm The PC Agency .
`` Consumers are totally confused by the different approaches and it 's impossible to understand the government 's own criteria any more on when to add or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy has to change .
The weekly reviews have been causing anxiety and financial pain for so many consumers and travel firms , '' he added .
Rory Boland , editor of Which ?
Travel , said : `` Days of speculation around this announcement meant many people rushed to pay extortionate prices for flights back to England to avoid having to quarantine on their return - only to now find out there was no need .
`` The government knows this and yet it continues to offer no clarity around how these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boss described travelling abroad right now as `` quarantine roulette '' because the list of destinations which are affected keeps changing .
But the governments in Westminster , Edinburgh and Cardiff are now clearly at odds over which countries pose a clear risk .
Portugal 's infection rate is above the UK government 's benchmark of 20 cases of the virus for every 100,000 people .
But the UK government has surprised us all and not added Portugal to the list for England .
It 's not clear why .
Greece is even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opting for a policy where only people arriving from certain Greek islands have to self-isolate while Scotland has introduced a quarantine for arrivals from across Greece .
For months the travel industry has been lobbying the UK government for an approach where they consider particular regions in a country but ministers in London are not keen on the idea .
The quarantine was already hard or impossible to police .
But discrepancies between different UK nations makes it even harder as someone could , theoretically , fly into Newcastle from Greece and drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 14 days , but no-one will be checking .
Some holidaymakers have told the BBC they have paid as much as £1,000 for flights to get home from Portugal in anticipation of the rules changing .
Kelly , from Birmingham , and her family changed their flights home from the Algarve from Saturday to Friday at a cost of £900 to avoid potential quarantine because she did not want her children to miss out on two weeks of school .
The 45-year-old said the situation was `` absolutely disgusting '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money and it 's money we did n't need to spend now .
We 've lost an extra night in our villa - we wo n't get that back - we 've got a hire car , so we 're taking that back a day early . ''
She added : `` The government just change the goalposts left , right and centre at the moment .
It 's embarrassing . ''
Damian Martin from Swansea - who is currently on holiday in Lagos , Portugal - said he only arrived earlier on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my holiday from Spain and I wo n't be able to come back early , '' he said .
`` I will be able to self-isolate , I think , but I work for a supermarket so will have to check in with them . ''
He added : `` I 'm supposed to be here eight nights .
I might as well try to enjoy it .
Every year , more than two million Britons visit Portugal .
Most head to the Algarve in the south , drawn by sunny Atlantic beaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During May and June , the Portuguese government reopened its restaurants , coffee shops , museums and beaches .
Hotels have mainly reopened , but nightclubs remain closed .
• ARE VIRUSES ALIVE ?
: Everything you wanted to know about viruses • ANXIETY IN 2020 : `` The pandemic has been my worst nightmare '' Are you currently on holiday in Portugal or Greece ?
Have you made plans to travel there ?
Share your thoughts by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can also get in touch in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

"I had already switched my holiday from Spain and I won't be able to come back early," he said. "I will be able to self-isolate, I think, but I work for a supermarket so will have to check in with them."


bbcuk--2020-09-03--HS2 rail project work begins with pledge of 22,000 jobs

Construction work on HS2 officially begins on Friday , with companies behind the controversial high-speed rail project expecting to create 22,000 jobs in the next few years .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said HS2 would `` fire up economic growth and help to rebalance opportunity '' .
He endorsed the rail link in February , with formal government approval granted in April despite lockdown .
But critics said HS2 will also cost jobs , and vowed to continue protesting .
HS2 is set to link London , Birmingham , Manchester and Leeds .
It is hoped the 20-year project will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's economy through investment in transport links outside London .
HS2 Ltd chief executive Mark Thurston said the reality of high-speed journeys between Britain 's biggest cities had moved a step closer .
When the project was first mooted in 2015 , it was set to cost an estimated £56bn .
But an official government report has since warned that it could cost more than £100bn and be up to five years behind schedule .
Some critics of HS2 describe it as a `` vanity project '' and say the money would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different parts of northern England .
Others , such as the Stop HS2 pressure group , say it will cause considerable environmental damage .
The prime minister said HS2 was at the heart of government plans to `` build back better '' and would form `` the spine of our country 's transport network '' .
`` But HS2 's transformational potential goes even further , '' he added .
`` By creating hundreds of apprenticeships and thousands of skilled jobs , HS2 will fire up economic growth and help to rebalance opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
HS2 's main works contractor for the West Midlands , the Balfour Beatty Vinci Joint Venture , has said it expects to be one of the biggest recruiters in the West Midlands over the next two years .
Up to 7,000 skilled jobs would be required to complete its section of the HS2 route , it said , with women and under-25s the core focus for recruitment and skills investment .
• Another joint venture partner , EKFB , said it would recruit more than 4,000 people over the next two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wood site in Warwickshire south to the Chiltern tunnel portals • Skanska Costain Strabag , Balfour Beatty Vinci Systra , Align JV and Mace Dragados JV , based in Greater London , will collectively recruit more than 10,000 • HS2 Ltd itself is already directly recruiting for 500 new roles over the next three months , with the majority based in Birmingham .
HS2 Ltd 's Mr Thurston said the railway would be `` transformative '' for the UK .
`` With the start of construction , the reality of high speed journeys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North and Midlands and using that connectivity to help level up the country has just moved a step closer , '' he added .
Campaign group Stop HS2 said Boris Johnson and others who hail the creation of 22,000 jobs are `` rather less keen to mention that HS2 is projected to permanently displace almost that many jobs '' .
Said Stop HS2 campaign manager Joe Rukin : `` Trying to spin HS2 as a job creation scheme is beyond desperate ...
Creating 22,000 jobs works out at almost £2m just to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HS2 chairwoman Penny Gaines called the project `` environmentally destructive '' to wildlife : `` This is why there are currently hundreds of activists camped out along the HS2 route .
We do n't expect them to go away any time soon . ''
However , the Northern Powerhouse Partnership ( NPP ) , which fights for investment in the regional economy , said such major infrastructure projects are transformative and called for the planned extensions of HS2 to be started as soon as possible .
`` Increasing capacity on the North 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cities will be vital in the economic regeneration of the Northern Powerhouse - both now and long in the future , '' said Henri Murison , director of the NPP .
This is an important symbolic move for HS2 , but in the real world it changes very little .
Work preparing for the new line - demolishing buildings and clearing sites for example - has already been going on for the past three years .
And in some areas , construction work has also begun .
But the arguments over whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built are continuing to rage .
The government has long insisted that it will help re-balance the country 's economy , by promoting investment outside London .
It now says the jobs created by the scheme will support the post-Covid recovery .
But opponents claim that lockdown has undermined the case for HS2 - by showing how easily people can work remotely , and how little business travel is really needed .
Same dispute , new arguments .
But now shovels are - officially - in the ground .

"I can't see how there's an argument that making it easier to get about this country is somehow going to destroy jobs, quite the opposite in fact. It's clearly going to make the economy level up", he said.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--France 'as committed as UK' to stop Channel crossings, MPs told

French authorities are `` just as committed '' as the UK to stopping migrants crossing the Channel in small boats , MPs have been told .
The Home Affairs Select Committee heard evidence from Dan O'Mahoney , the Home Office 's clandestine Channel threat commander , who said France had stopped 3,000 people crossing in 2020 .
On Wednesday , a record 416 migrants crossed the Channel from France .
Mr O'Mahoney said almost 200 were stopped by the French on the same day .
Citing one example from Wednesday , he told the committee : `` [ They ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflatable boat ] with unbelievably 63 people on it from leaving the beach .
`` There is a lot of joint working and it is delivering results . ''
However , the former Royal Marine who reports directly to the Home Secretary , conceded : `` It 's nowhere near the level we 'd like it to be and that is frustrating . ''
`` Their professionalism and skill is notable and the humanity with which they treat migrants is genuinely impressive , '' he said .
The committee was also told many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some who arrive in England `` do n't even want to come to the UK '' .
Mr O'Mahoney said : `` We hear a lot of stories about migrants who are literally forced on to boats , have no idea where they are when they get to the UK , because the facilitators do n't get paid until they 've done that last leg of the journey . ''
Travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic , better security at the Channel Tunnel and recent good weather `` has had a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in small boats ] , '' he added .
More than 7,400 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats since January 2019 .
Abi Tierney , director general of UK visas and immigration at the Home Office , said the numbers of those seeking asylum had dropped from more than 10,000 in the first three months of the year to 5,789 in the second three months .
`` France , Germany , Italy and Greece accept a much larger proportion of asylum seekers - they stay there , and a small number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said of the 5,000 migrants arriving so far this year , 98 % had claimed asylum .
About half of those applications have been considered so far , she said , with 71 % rejected because the UK was not the responsible country - the migrants had travelled through a safe country before arriving in the UK .
Follow BBC South East on Facebook , on Twitter , and on Instagram .
Send your story ideas to southeasttoday @ bbc.co.uk .

Mr O'Mahoney said: "We hear a lot of stories about migrants who are literally forced on to boats, have no idea where they are when they get to the UK, because the facilitators don't get paid until they've done that last leg of the journey."


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Eat Out to Help Out serves up 100 million meals in August

Restaurants have claimed more than 100 million meals under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme , Treasury figures show .
Diners got a state-backed 50 % discount on meals and soft drinks up to £10 each on Mondays , Tuesdays and Wednesdays during August .
The Treasury said restaurants have so far made 130,000 claims worth £522m , figures likely to rise as outlets have until the end of September to claim .
Restaurant bookings surged during the scheme , especially on the final day .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : `` From the get-go our mission has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this we needed to be creative , brave and try things that no government has ever done before .
`` Today 's figures continue to show Eat Out to Help Out has been a success .
I want to thank everyone , from restaurant owners to waiters , chefs and diners , for embracing it and helping drive our economic recovery . ''
About 84,700 restaurants signed up for Eat Out to Help Out .
According to data from booking site OpenTable , restaurant reservations rose by 53 % compared with the Monday-to-Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , restaurant bookings were down 54 % on Mondays-to-Wednesdays , compared with July 2019 .
The final day of the scheme , Monday 31 August , saw a 216 % jump in bookings against the equivalent day in 2019 , according to OpenTable .
The government has set aside £500m to fund Eat Out to Help Out .
About 80 % of hospitality firms stopped trading in April and 1.4 million workers were furloughed - the highest proportions of any sector - according to government data .
However , the scheme has critics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August , citing increased hostility towards staff trying to cope with the increased demand and need for social distancing .
Some outlets were concerned the scheme could pull in diners earlier in the week to the detriment of weekend trade .
In July , the Institute for Fiscal Studies forecast the scheme would most likely be a `` giveaway '' that benefitted those well-off enough to eat out .
And anti-obesity campaigners said the scheme `` would be a green light to promote junk food '' .
However , Stephen Wall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant chain , said it `` has really been amazing .
It has certainly benefited our early-week figures and seems to have encouraged the British public to dine out safely , as our restaurants are filling up and staying busy throughout the weekend , too . ''
And Jes Staley , chief executive of Barclays , said spending data collected by the bank suggested the scheme had given a `` real boost '' to the hospitality sector .
He added : `` Consumer feedback was also very encouraging , with almost one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often ... and a similar number saying that they will return to restaurants that they would not have visited otherwise . ''
Mr Sunak has ruled out extending the scheme , but some pub and restaurant chains , including Pizza Hut and Bill 's , have said they will finance similar offers this month following the jump in demand .

However, Stephen Wall, managing director and co-founder of the Pho restaurant chain, said it "has really been amazing. It has certainly benefited our early-week figures and seems to have encouraged the British public to dine out safely, as our restaurants are filling up and staying busy throughout the weekend, too."


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Coronavirus: Testing boss 'very sorry' for shortages

Bosses in charge of the coronavirus testing system have apologised after it emerged UK labs were struggling to keep up with demand .
Some people are being asked to travel hundreds of miles to get tested .
UK labs were described as `` maxed out '' after a rise in demand - 170,000 tests a day are being processed , up from 100,000 in mid June .
Baroness Dido Harding , head of NHS Test and Trace in England , said she was `` very sorry '' for the situation .
But she also insisted the `` vast majority '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• How do I get a coronavirus test ?
• Test , trace and the curse of the 0300 phone number • As summer ends , UK must square up to Covid again The booking website is now prioritising high-risk areas , including towns and cities with high infection rates and care homes , for testing .
It means there are restricted numbers of home testing kits and fewer booking slots at local testing centres for people in low-risk areas , the government said .
Officials said they were working hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility would be opened in the coming weeks .
By Friday no-one should be asked to travel more than 75 miles to get a test .
But Prof Paul Hunter , a public health expert at the University of East Anglia , said these issues could act as a `` big disincentive to being tested '' and result in local increases being missed . '
I was offered a test on other side of country' David Llewellyn tried to book a test on Sunday and was directed to a test centre near Blackburn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of England from his home in Stowmarket , Suffolk .
`` I thought I 'd entered my home location incorrectly so went through the booking process again , only to get the same location for testing .
Needless to say I have subsequently ordered a home testing kit , which despite three automated email reminders to take the test has yet to arrive .
I 'd do the test if I had it .
I think it 's ridiculous . ''
Lucy Evans lives in Poole on the south coast .
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oldham and Blackburn .
She tried again and was offered the Isle of Wight .
`` I tried 14 times to get a test nearer and in the end had to get a home test as I ran out of time to get this done within five days .
By the time I was tested my symptoms had disappeared . ''
Lisa lives in Plymouth and tried to get a test for her 14-year-old son .
She was offered a test 688 miles away in Inverness .
`` People are n't going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are they ?
You 'd just have to make stops along the way and could be spreading it around if you had the virus . ''
She eventually got a test locally and her son was negative .
What has caused this problem ?
The government says the network of labs used to process tests has capacity to process 250,000 tests a day at the moment .
Currently around 175,000 tests a day are being processed , which the government has said is more per head of population than many countries .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because demand is not smooth - at weekends it drops and on weekdays there can be surges .
Over the past month it has meant a backlog has developed , meaning the time taken to turnaround tests has been increasing .
To curb demand , the availability of slots at testing centres have been reduced .
The government said it has done this to ensure high risk areas , including care homes and towns with high rates of infections , can be prioritised for testing .
The most recent data shows test results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the average turnaround time 24 hours or less for mobile testing units and local testing centres .
It also said booking slots open up throughout the day so if people keep trying they should be able to get a more convenient location for a test , or order a home test .
A new lab is also being opened near Loughborough at the end of the month that will be able to process 50,000 tests a day .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted there were some `` operational challenges '' , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people could get a test close to home .
How will new tests speed things up ?
Mr Hancock also set out plans to pilot more rapid , easy-to-use tests .
A £500m programme is under way to trial a range of different tests , including ones that use saliva ( instead of nose and throat swabs ) and tests that can be processed quickly , and sometimes on the spot - at the moment swab tests are sent off to labs to be processed .
Repeat testing of members of the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greater Manchester .
Meanwhile , students and school pupils in Southampton will also be tested weekly in another study .
The technologies open up the prospect of mass population testing which , if successful , could reduce the need for social distancing .
Mr Hancock said : `` Short of a vaccine , this is the best chance we have of reducing social distancing whilst controlling the virus , especially with winter coming and all the challenges that brings . ''
But he refused to be drawn on a timescale for when this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential to see if they worked first .
After BBC revelations that some people have been required to drive long distances for virus tests , there has been renewed debate about whether there is sufficient testing capacity .
There has apparently been an increase of more than 60 % in demand for tests since June - and it appears that laboratories have struggled to keep up in some parts of the country .
There 's been an apology to those who were told to go 100 miles or more for a test .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be targeted at areas with local outbreaks .
But they point out that a new `` mega lab '' is set to come on stream in the east Midlands soon .
They also argue that trials of new rapid testing techniques will be expanded , which could prove to be game-changers .
For now though , the system is stretched , even though the official numbers suggest capacity is running ahead of demand .
Questions will continue to be asked about whether the system can cope with challenges ahead , with @ @ @ @ @ @

"I thought I'd entered my home location incorrectly so went through the booking process again, only to get the same location for testing. Needless to say I have subsequently ordered a home testing kit, which despite three automated email reminders to take the test has yet to arrive. I'd do the test if I had it. I think it's ridiculous."


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Extinction Rebellion: More than 300 arrested at London climate protests

More than 300 people have been arrested during the third day of climate change protests in central London .
Extinction Rebellion , which has planned 10 days of action , and other groups gathered at city landmarks on Thursday .
Of those arrested , Scotland Yard said , more than 200 were linked to a demonstration on Lambeth Bridge near the Houses of Parliament .
Extinction Rebellion said police had refused to let peaceful protesters leave the bridge .
The bridge was blocked when some protesters `` locked on '' and attached themselves to it , police said .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , protesters from the group Animal Rebellion glued themselves to the top and the inside of slaughterhouse truck painted pink .
The vehicle was cordoned off after being parked sideways across Victoria Street .
Protesters also glued themselves to the ground around Parliament , while others staged sit-ins around the perimeter of the parliamentary estate .
Extinction Rebellion said it wants the government to declare a climate and ecological emergency , reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025 and establish a `` citizens ' assembly on climate and ecological justice '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Met has imposed restrictions on one event due to be held in Parliament Square .
It has ordered campaigners to stay off main roads and to leave the area by 19:00 BST .

Extinction Rebellion said it wants the government to declare a climate and ecological emergency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025 and establish a "citizens' assembly on climate and ecological justice".


bbcuk--2020-09-04--US Open 2020: Johanna Konta beaten by Sorana Cirstea in second round

Last updated on .From the section Tennis Britain 's Johanna Konta was knocked out of the US Open in three sets by Sorana Cirstea .
It is a second early exit in a Grand Slam in 2020 for 29-year-old Konta , who lost in the first round of the Australian Open in January .
`` My opponent played better than me , that 's really about it , '' said Konta .
`` She obviously raised her level and then we were battling toe-to-toe .
She was better in the end .
`` I did the best that I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • None Follow radio and text updates from day four • None Alerts : Get tennis news sent to your phone Konta , a quarter-finalist in 2019 at Flushing Meadows , had won their two previous meetings , including a controversial Fed Cup rubber in 2017 when Romania captain Ilie Nastase was sent off after swearing at the umpire and abusing Konta and Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong .
Konta was visibly upset and the umpire halted the match for 25 minutes , with Cirstea later claiming the Briton had `` overreacted '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about their meeting in New York with Konta seemingly set for a routine win as she broke Cirstea 's serve three times in the first set and then again to lead 2-1 in the second set .
However , Cirstea broke back immediately and upped her level to turn the match around .
Konta had break points at 4-4 and 5-5 in the second set but could not convert and was taken to a tie-break .
Cirstea dominated it and although Konta saved three set points , Cirstea levelled the match with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executed drop shots were an issue for Konta in the final set , and one particularly feeble effort helped Cirstea get the first break for 2-1 .
Konta levelled immediately but was now routinely having to fight to hold her own service games , winning only 34 % of points on her second serve during the match .
She fought back from 0-30 down to go 3-2 up but a gripping seventh game - which lasted more than 10 minutes - proved pivotal , Cirstea converting her sixth break point by superbly picking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break-back points in the next game but they were quickly snuffed out as Cirstea held for 5-3 .
Excellent serving allowed the Briton to stave off two match points in her next service game , but Cirstea was not fazed as she coolly sealed victory with an ace in two hours and 49 minutes .
Johanna Konta does not tend to dwell on missed opportunities , but there will be plenty of frustration this match slipped away from such a promising position .
Much of that frustration can be directed at Sorana Cirstea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served superbly , and from the middle of the second set onwards was able to sustain a level far above her ranking .
Konta was unable to throw her off course , which will give new coach Thomas Hogstedt some food for thought as they head on to the clay .
Jamie Murray and fellow Briton Neal Skupski made an impressive start to their men 's doubles campaign , beating fourth seeds Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek 6-3 7-5 .
Briton Dom Inglot and Pakistan 's Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi lost to Americans Jack Sock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided by tie-breaks .
Jonny O'Mara and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador were beaten in three sets by Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau .

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Johanna Konta reached the semi-finals of the Western and Southern Open at Flushing Meadows last week
2020 US Open Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 31 Aug-13 Sept Coverage: Selected live radio and text commentaries on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app.
Britain's Johanna Konta was knocked out of the US Open in three sets by Sorana Cirstea.
Ninth seed Konta led by a set and a break but the Romanian world number 77 fought back to win 2-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 at Flushing Meadows.
It is a second early exit in a Grand Slam in 2020 for 29-year-old Konta, who lost in the first round of the Australian Open in January.
"My opponent played better than me, that's really about it," said Konta.
"She obviously raised her level and then we were battling toe-to-toe. She was better in the end.
"I did the best that I could. I really fought hard."
Cirstea, 30, will next play Czech 20th seed Karolina Muchova.
Konta, a quarter-finalist in 2019 at Flushing Meadows, had won their two previous meetings, including a controversial Fed Cup rubber in 2017 when Romania captain Ilie Nastase was sent off after swearing at the umpire and abusing Konta and Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong.
Konta was visibly upset and the umpire halted the match for 25 minutes, with Cirstea later claiming the Briton had "overreacted".
There was no hint of controversy about their meeting in New York with Konta seemingly set for a routine win as she broke Cirstea's serve three times in the first set and then again to lead 2-1 in the second set.
However, Cirstea broke back immediately and upped her level to turn the match around.
Konta had break points at 4-4 and 5-5 in the second set but could not convert and was taken to a tie-break.
Cirstea dominated it and although Konta saved three set points, Cirstea levelled the match with an ace on her fourth opportunity.
Poorly executed drop shots were an issue for Konta in the final set, and one particularly feeble effort helped Cirstea get the first break for 2-1.
Konta levelled immediately but was now routinely having to fight to hold her own service games, winning only 34% of points on her second serve during the match.
She fought back from 0-30 down to go 3-2 up but a gripping seventh game - which lasted more than 10 minutes - proved pivotal, Cirstea converting her sixth break point by superbly picking up a volley.
Konta had three break-back points in the next game but they were quickly snuffed out as Cirstea held for 5-3. Excellent serving allowed the Briton to stave off two match points in her next service game, but Cirstea was not fazed as she coolly sealed victory with an ace in two hours and 49 minutes.
Analysis
BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller
Johanna Konta does not tend to dwell on missed opportunities, but there will be plenty of frustration this match slipped away from such a promising position.
Much of that frustration can be directed at Sorana Cirstea for playing so well.
The Romanian served superbly, and from the middle of the second set onwards was able to sustain a level far above her ranking.
Konta was unable to throw her off course, which will give new coach Thomas Hogstedt some food for thought as they head on to the clay.
Excellent start for Murray and Skupski
Jamie Murray and fellow Briton Neal Skupski made an impressive start to their men's doubles campaign, beating fourth seeds Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek 6-3 7-5.
Briton Dom Inglot and Pakistan's Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi lost to Americans Jack Sock and Jackson Withrow with all three sets decided by tie-breaks.
Jonny O'Mara and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador were beaten in three sets by Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Coronavirus: Police investigate 300 people house party in Midlothian

Police have launched an investigation after more than 300 people were discovered at a house party in Midlothian .
Officers were called to The Mansion House of Kirkhill in Gorebridge at 00:20 on Sunday .
They said the party was being run as a commercial event at the property , which rents for about £1,600 a night on Airbnb .
It was dispersed and a 29-year-old man was issued with a fixed penalty .
Organisers have been criticised for showing a `` blatant disregard '' for laws to limit the spread of coronavirus .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged people not to attend house parties .
In a statement published on Facebook , the owners of the property said the man who made the booking for the entire weekend `` seemed very pleasant '' .
`` We were then sadly as owners contacted at 1.30am Sunday morning by our old neighbours to say there was a huge rave and police were in attendance , '' it added .
`` We are seeking legal action against the organisers of this event and are devastated as a family that our trust was broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's after all our family home and we did not feel safe being there after so many people had been . ''
Police are now investigating culpable and reckless conduct charges against the people behind the party .
Indoor gatherings are limited to no more than eight people from three households and police can issue £60 fines at gatherings of more than 15 people .
Repeat offenders can be fined up to a maximum of £960 .
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham , said : `` Those attending this organised event showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to help save lives and prevent the spread of coronavirus .
`` Anyone attempting to hold such an event , or any party in clear breach of the law , should be aware they will be met with a robust response from Police Scotland . ''
The 12-bedroom Mansion House of Kirkhill can be hired out for a minimum of two nights and can sleep up to 34 guests , according to its AirBnB page .
However it says it can not currently operate at maximum capacity due to social distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlothian Police , Fire and Rescue Board , said : `` Those 300 or so people did n't just put themselves at risk of contracting coronavirus , they put residents across Midlothian and beyond at risk .
`` We realise it can be challenging following the guidance but if the majority of us can do it then so can they . ''
The Midlothian party was one of about 300 reported to police across the country last weekend .
Five were issued after officers attended reports of a house party in Kirkintilloch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , August 30 , 2020 .
Two men were also arrested in connection with a fight at the property .
Alison McCallum , director of public health at NHS Lothian said : `` We must continue to help prevent the spread of coronavirus which is why it is critical we do n't socialise in the same way we did in pre-Covid times .
`` That means we must meet with no more than eight people from a maximum of three households at a time indoors and no more than 15 people from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time outdoors .
`` This is also why nightclubs are currently closed and larger gatherings such as house parties are not permitted . ''
• IMPACT : How is the pandemic affecting life in Scotland ?
• CASES : Where are the latest cases in Scotland ?
• QUIZ : How well do you know the Covid restrictions ?
• BACK TO SCHOOL : Can a school insist on a Covid test ?
• LOCKDOWN EASING : What changes next - and when ?

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Debenhams: No cliff edge for stores group, says boss

Fears have been growing about the future of Debenhams , but its chairman has told the BBC the plug is n't about to be pulled at the end of this month .
Mark Gifford says the business has been doing far better than expected and is n't facing a cliff edge , either .
`` We are sitting with over £95m in the bank , more than £50m higher than we expected to have when we went into administration .
`` That 's really changed the whole complexion and prospects , '' he said .
It is the first interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which tipped the 242-year-old retailer into its third insolvency proceedings in 12 months .
Debenhams has also recently announced plans to lose another 2,500 jobs to cut costs as it battles for survival .
Administrators are looking at a range of options , including a sale of the business .
Liquidators have also been appointed as a last resort .
But Mr Gifford says there 's no need to secure a deal before the end of September as some media reports have suggested .
`` Because we 've been able to build this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administrator can work with the management team to continue to trade the business , '' he said .
Mr Gifford thinks Debenhams will stay in administration until early next year before its future is sealed .
The real question now is whether its current owners will stick with the business or throw in the towel .
When Debenhams first collapsed in April 2019 , its lenders - a group of banks and financial investors led by Silver Point Capital - seized control .
Mr Gifford admits it 's a big decision for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're looking at how our sales are recovering .
They 're looking at the available cost saving opportunities so this business has a viable future .
And so they 're looking at it optimistically , but they have to take a business decision before they conclude anything .
`` And we 're in our 13th week of trading ( since lockdown ) and it 's very early days .
There 's no pressure for them to reach a conclusion given where we are .
But we 've got their support , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to put their hands in their pockets .
The chairman and his team will have to persuade them that Debenhams finances will be strong enough to survive .
If Debenhams can exit from administration , another restructuring is inevitable .
There 's been speculation the business could emerge with 60 stores , half as many as it has now .
`` Undoubtedly there will be fewer stores , '' he said .
`` When the company went through its CVA ( Company Voluntary Arrangement ) in 2019 they said maybe 50 stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 .
`` Maybe there 's another 30 to close .
Nobody knows the answer .
We 're looking at this every day now - which stores are viable and which are not . ''
• Thousands of UK jobs go in sweeping retail closures • One in four BHS stores remain vacant four years on One key factor is how shopping patterns settle down over the coming weeks and months .
Right now , Debenhams says stores outside of major city centres are trading far better as people shop local .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most difficult conditions .
There are less tourists around and less city workers , and that 's all contributing - whether it 's Oxford Street , Edinburgh , Glasgow or Leeds - to them trading less well than we would like .
`` And for them to be long term viable stores we really do need to see a stronger recovery than what we are seeing .
But elsewhere , we 're benefiting so we 're seeing some really , really strong performances in regional towns , '' said Mr Gifford .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ business rates will be also be another big factor in how many stores the company keeps open .
Debenhams currently has 124 shops , and once the government 's business rates holiday is over from next April , it faces an annual rates bill of about £70m , a sum the company says is no longer sustainable .
The company has launched what it describes as a test case in Swansea next month to appeal against a 12 % hike in rates for its store in the city .
This will be followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Debenhams has lined up a further 10 cases in England .
`` It 's really sad that we have to go to court , '' Mr Gifford said .
`` It 's not just a Debenhams issue , this is a retail issue across the country .
It 's really important because many of these stores are the heart and soul of our small communities .
And we want to keep as many of them open .
But I need the support from the government on business rates ( reform ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Debenhams is still in survival mode .
Its chairman ca n't rule out liquidation , especially if there 's a second wave of Covid-19 and another major disruption to trading .
But he believes this is very unlikely to happen .
For now , Mr Gifford insists the company has time to make the right decisions about its long-term future .

"It's really sad that we have to go to court," Mr Gifford said. "It's not just a Debenhams issue, this is a retail issue across the country. It's really important because many of these stores are the heart and soul of our small communities. And we want to keep as many of them open. But I need the support from the government on business rates (reform) to help us reach a better outcome. "


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Seventeen injured after Waverley crashes into pier

A total of 17 people have been injured after the paddle steamer Waverley collided with Brodick Pier in Arran .
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency ( MCA ) said `` a number have been taken to hospital '' following the incident .
People stranded in Arran were later due returned to the mainland by an emergency sailing of a CalMac ferry .
Police , paramedics , coastguards and rescue helicopters were scrambled to the scene after the alarm was raised at about 17:15 .
MCA said it was believed that 213 passengers and 26 crew were on board the vessel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passenger , Graham McWilliams , told BBC Scotland 's The Nine about the moment of collision .
He said : `` As we came into the pier , everything seemed quite normal .
`` Then there was a sudden crash , a loud bang , and the boat stopped very quickly .
I saw people falling and it was quite distressing . ''
He added : `` There was a lady that I saw who literally flew past the window . ''
Mr McWilliams said that , several hours after the accident , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terminal at Brodick .
He said it was unclear if they would be able to leave the island or whether accommodation could be found for them .
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson later tweeted to say arrangements had been made for CalMac to operate an emergency sailing to take the Waverley passengers back to the mainland .
Rita McLeod , who was waiting to board the Waverley , said she saw people being taken away in ambulances .
`` We were actually queued up waiting to get in when it crashed , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first .
It came in far too fast . ''
`` We saw a lot of people falling , a few people fell over .
There were people taken away in ambulances .
`` We saw a lot of people , pretty badly shaken , coming off . ''
The ship was due to into Brodick at about 17.00 after leaving Greenock in the morning .
Another eyewitness saw the crash from the departure terminal as she waited to board .
Anne Cochrane from Bishopbriggs near Glasgow , said : `` It just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming back from the Holy Isle .
We 're just stuck in the departure terminal .
We 've had no information . ''
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been informed of the incident .
The Waverley set sail for the first time in two year less than two weeks ago , an event which was itself delayed due to an `` unexpected technical and administration issue '' .
The ship , described as the world 's last seagoing paddle steamer , missed the 2019 season as it waited for urgent repairs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 and it hit its target in December after receiving a received a £1m grant from the Scottish government to help with the restoration .
This paddle steamer , built by A & J Inglis of Glasgow and first launched in October 1946 , has been involved in accidents before .
It struck the breakwater at Dunoon with 700 passengers on board , 12 of whom suffered minor injuries , in June 2009 In July 1977 it was badly damaged when it struck rocks near Dunoon .
In 2017 , it was involved @ @ @ @ @ @

"We were actually queued up waiting to get in when it crashed," she said. "It came in bow first. It came in far too fast."


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Hair salon told it 'cannot advertise for a happy stylist'

The owner of a hair salon was told she could not run a job advert for a `` happy '' stylist as it `` discriminated against unhappy people '' .
AJ 's in Stroud , Gloucestershire , placed an advert on the Jobcentre Plus website on Wednesday stating it was a `` happy salon looking for happy people '' .
But within hours owner Alison Birch was contacted over the wording of the ad .
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) said the decision was a mistake and has apologised .
Ms Birch , 54 , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up '' when she received the call but when she checked the number found `` it was the Jobcentre '' .
Ms Birch said she placed an advert for a `` happy '' part-time , fully qualified , stylist on the Jobcentre website on Wednesday morning .
But an hour and a half later , she was `` amazed '' when she got a call from the DWP .
`` They said we ca n't place your advert because you have put a discriminatory word in it and we need to change it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said you 're not allowed to use the word happy , in case somebody thinks they ca n't apply because they are not a happy person . ''
She thought it was a client `` winding her up '' but when she realised it was the Jobcentre , she was `` adamant '' she `` did n't want to change it '' .
`` I only want happy people but I am too scared to advertise my job now in case I discriminate against anybody , '' she said .
`` Surely by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make unhappy people even more unhappy by not offering them a job .
`` Anyway I have n't had an application yet and I am still looking for a stylist . ''
A DWP spokesperson said : `` We mistakenly advised a customer to amend a job advert but have since offered to repost the original copy and apologised for the error . ''

Allow Facebook content?
This article contains content provided by Facebook. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Meta’s Facebook cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--London Marathon: 2020 race to take place on circuit around St James's Park

Last updated on .From the section Athletics This year 's London Marathon will take place on a closed-loop circuit around St James 's Park on 4 October .
The finish line will be in its traditional place on The Mall , with no spectator access to the course .
`` We are confident we have created the safest environment for everyone , '' said event director Hugh Brasher .
`` Sports fans all over the world are eagerly anticipating these great races in this unique environment . ''
The revised route will feature 19.6 laps , taking in The Mall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the spur road running adjacent to the front of Buckingham Palace .
Kenya 's defending champion Eliud Kipchoge will take on Ethiopia 's Kenenisa Bekele , who went within two seconds of Kipchoge 's world record last year .
In the women 's race Brigid Kosgei of Kenya , who beat Briton Paula Radcliffe 's long-standing world record in Chicago last October , will also be trying to defend her title in London .
British Paralympic great David Weir will be aiming for a record ninth win in the men 's wheelchair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schar attempting to follow up her 2019 win in the women 's wheelchair race .
Athletes will be tested for Covid-19 four days prior to travel and again on arrival at a hotel outside London , which will be used exclusively by athletes and support staff .
Testing will continue at the hotel until the Friday before the event .
The hotel was chosen for its 40 acres of grounds where athletes will be able to train during race week .
It will be mandatory for everyone inside the bubble to observe social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The BBC is planning eight hours of live coverage of the event .
• None New episodes of detective thriller streaming now • None The clinic helping young people with their skin issues

Last updated on .From the section Athletics
How will the 2020 London Marathon work?
This year's London Marathon will take place on a closed-loop circuit around St James's Park on 4 October.
The event, moved from April because of the coronavirus pandemic, is restricted to elite athletes, who will be in a bio-secure bubble during race week.
The finish line will be in its traditional place on The Mall, with no spectator access to the course.
"We are confident we have created the safest environment for everyone," said event director Hugh Brasher.
"Sports fans all over the world are eagerly anticipating these great races in this unique environment."
The revised route will feature 19.6 laps, taking in The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Birdcage Walk and the spur road running adjacent to the front of Buckingham Palace.
Kenya's defending champion Eliud Kipchoge will take on Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, who went within two seconds of Kipchoge's world record last year.
In the women's race Brigid Kosgei of Kenya, who beat Briton Paula Radcliffe's long-standing world record in Chicago last October, will also be trying to defend her title in London.
British Paralympic great David Weir will be aiming for a record ninth win in the men's wheelchair race, with course record holder Manuela Schar attempting to follow up her 2019 win in the women's wheelchair race.
Athletes will be tested for Covid-19 four days prior to travel and again on arrival at a hotel outside London, which will be used exclusively by athletes and support staff.
Testing will continue at the hotel until the Friday before the event. The hotel was chosen for its 40 acres of grounds where athletes will be able to train during race week.
It will be mandatory for everyone inside the bubble to observe social distancing rules and wear face coverings.
The BBC is planning eight hours of live coverage of the event.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Back to school: Four virus claims that parents should ignore

Children are returning to classrooms , many for the first time in six months .
As they do so , parents are having to wade through masses of guidance and advice about what to expect in a Covid-safe school .
But not everything can be believed .
There has been a range of misleading claims about what could happen to pupils on their return , which have been circulating on social media .
We 've looked at some of them .
1 .
Claim : Schoolchildren can be tested and detained - without parents ' permission Teachers can not take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the permission of a parent .
And it is misleading to suggest they could be held without parental access if they tested positive .
But more than 500 Facebook and WhatsApp posts in the past month - one of which has been shared 10,000 times on Facebook - claim otherwise .
Aimed at `` all caring parents out there '' , many of the posts quote a letter from the children 's commissioner to top officials in the departments of health and education .
The commissioner asks for assurances about the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detain or screen children without parental consent .
In August , the commissioner updated her post online , saying : `` We have had confirmation from the DfE and DHSC that a parent , carer or legal guardian has to be present for a screening to take place under these powers . ''
In the event of a positive test , the most likely result would be self-isolation at home , the commissioner adds .
While powers of detention do exist , they would be used only in extreme cases , where there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shadow public health minister Alex Norris says .
Guidance to public health officials on these powers is available on the UK government website .
2 .
Claim : All schoolchildren will be weighed in September There are no plans to do this .
Many followers of the BBC 's Instagram pages told us they had seen posts suggesting all schoolchildren would be weighed in September .
This appears to have started when Tam Fry , who chairs the National Obesity Forum , suggested pupils ' weight should be taken at the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The idea was to see if they had lost any weight they had put on during lockdown .
The suggestion was discussed on Channel 5 's Jeremy Vine programme , on Monday 10 August , and in various newspaper articles .
But the only weighing of children will be due to the planned resumption of the National Childhood Measurement Programme , overseen by Public Health England .
It weighs children in Reception and Year 6 as part of the government 's childhood obesity strategy .
How can you spot misleading claims in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you spot misleading claims or conspiracy theories being shared in your parents ' WhatsApp or local Facebook group - and stop them spreading ?
• Ask yourself where the information being shared has come from - interrogate the source - is it reliable and do you know the origin of the claim ?
Rumours on group chats or local Facebook groups attributed to an unnamed source are probably not .
Go to reliable places for the latest updates : your child 's school , the NHS website or the BBC News app .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you feel .
Since these posts are often about keeping children safe , they 're likely to be very emotive .
It 's the stuff that makes us fearful , angry , anxious , or joyful that tends to really go viral .
And urgent calls for action are often designed to ramp up anxiety - so be careful .
• Stop and think before you share .
Unless you 're certain information is correct , it 's better not to spread claims in group chats and with other parents .
It gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways to stop bad information going viral here .
3 .
Claim : There are no cases of teachers infected by children It is n't true to say no teacher has been recorded as catching Covid from children .
Public Health England investigated all the outbreaks in schools in June , when schools were below 5 % capacity .
Most were due to staff passing on the virus to each other or pupils .
But in six of the 30 outbreaks , pupil-to-staff transmission was found to be the likely source .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being admitted to hospital with coronavirus or dying from it is low .
The rules around face coverings for pupils differ around the UK - in Scotland and Northern Ireland , older school pupils will have to wear them between lessons .
In England , they are compulsory in areas under lockdown .
But the issue has led to a range of claims about masks recirculating - we 've looked into them in recent months .
There is no evidence , for example , properly worn masks cause hypoxia ( oxygen deprivation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the immune system .
We ca n't find any evidence of people trying to use the tactics in the post below to abduct children .
Likewise , there 's no evidence that wearing masks somehow increases the risks .
This image has appeared in more than 150 posts on Facebook in the past month , mainly in the US but also Canada , the Netherlands and the UK .
And it has been shared more than 26,000 times .
What should be setting off alarm bells about this post is the use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is used by the QAnon conspiracy-theory group .
Its followers believe US President Donald Trump is waging a secret war against elite Satan-worshipping paedophiles in government , business and the media .
• QAnon : What is it and where did it come from ?
Some child-protection charities , such as the KidSafe foundation in Florida , have warned QAnon 's social-media activity `` threatens to diminish our identities , tarnish our reputations and harm our good works '' .
Other charities have said the posts have led to their helplines being overrun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And Save the Children in the US tweeted objecting to the group 's use of # SavetheChildren .
What claims do you want BBC Reality Check to investigate ?
Get in touch

Many followers of the BBC's Instagram pages told us they had seen posts suggesting all schoolchildren would be weighed in September. This appears to have started when Tam Fry, who chairs the National Obesity Forum, suggested pupils' weight should be taken at the start and end of the school year. The idea was to see if they had lost any weight they had put on during lockdown.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--UK travel restrictions: Are Portugal or Greece on the quarantine list?

Holidaymakers returning from Portugal will have to quarantine if they travel to Wales from 04:00 BST on Friday , and to Scotland from 04:00 on Saturday .
People will also have to self-isolate for 14 days if they arrive in Wales from Gibraltar , French Polynesia or the Greek islands of Mykonos , Zakynthos ( or Zante ) , Lesvos , Paros , Antiparos or Crete .
Scotland has also added Greece and French Polynesia to its list of countries requiring quarantine .
How is the quarantine list decided ?
The Joint Biosecurity Centre ( JBS ) - set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works with the chief medical officers of each UK nation and advises which countries should be on its list .
The decision is generally made when 20 or more people out of every 100,000 in a country are infected over seven days .
Other factors are also considered .
These include : Each UK nation sets its own quarantine list , although until recently these have generally been identical .
Why is Portugal under the spotlight ?
Portugal was only removed from the list of countries from which travellers have to self-isolate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infection rate was below the key threshold of 20 cases per 100,000 people .
Cases have swiftly risen since then , and the country has posted a seven-day average of above 20 since the end of August .
But England and Northern Ireland did not change their lists - so Portugal is not on England or NI 's list of countries subject to quarantine rules .
Can I still travel to Greece ?
Greece has seen an increase in cases in recent weeks , although this has stabilised at an average rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this falls comfortably below the trigger level , Scottish ministers have said that a number of cases of the virus in Scotland have been traced back to travel from Greece .
Wales decided to quarantine travellers from six Greek islands - Mykonos , Zakynthos ( or Zante ) , Lesvos , Paros , Antiparos or Crete .
It follows a number of infections which have been linked to flights to Cardiff Travellers from Greece to England an Northern Ireland do not have to quarantine .
Which countries are now on the quarantine list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several countries which were previously exempt : Where can I go without quarantining when I get back ?
Travellers from countries that pose a `` reduced risk '' from coronavirus - in the government 's eyes - are exempt .
Antigua and Barbuda , Australia , Barbados , BES Islands , Cuba , Curaçao , Cyprus , Denmark , Dominica , Estonia , Faroe Islands , Fiji , Finland , French Polynesia , Germany , Greece , Greenland , Grenada , Guadeloupe , Hong Kong , Hungary , Iceland , Italy , Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macau , Malaysia , Mauritius , New Caledonia , New Zealand , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Réunion , San Marino , Seychelles , South Korea , St Barthélemy , St Kitts and Nevis , St Lucia , St Pierre and Miquelon , Slovakia , Slovenia , St Vincent and the Grenadine , Taiwan , Turkey , Vatican City , Vietnam Those entering the UK from the common travel area - the Republic of Ireland , the Channel Islands , or the Isle of Man - are exempt , as are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions at my destination ?

On 24 December, the UK banned travel from South Africa amid concerns over another new strain of the virus linked to that country. People who have transited through South Africa in the past 10 days will also be banned. However, UK and Irish nationals as well as the UK visa holders and permanent residents are exempt, but they will have to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Top-selling songs of the summer revealed

DaBaby 's Rockstar was the UK 's biggest-selling song of the summer , says the Official Charts Company .
Notching up 654,000 combined sales and streams over the summer , the brooding , guitar-driven rap song outsold hits by Lady Gaga and Harry Styles .
It was one of several best-sellers this summer to be boosted by TikTok , where it triggered a viral dance challenge .
The UK 's second-biggest summer song , Jason Derulo 's Savage Love , also started life on the video sharing app .
Originally an instrumental by New Zealand teenager Joshua Stylah ( aka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Derulo after it took off on TikTok .
The US star added vocals to the track , initially without crediting Stylah or obtaining permission for the sample .
After Stylah signed a record deal with Columbia records , the song was released as a collaboration and climbed to the top of the charts .
Savage Love achieved 566,000 chart sales over the summer , closely followed by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande 's Rain On Me , which had 515,000 sales .
The pop divas were closely followed by The Weeknd , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell over the summer after reaching number one earlier in the year .
An even longer-standing hit was Harry Styles ' mouth-watering Watermelon Sugar , which was the seventh most popular song of the summer , despite making its chart debut last November .
The Official Charts combined sales and downloads with video and audio streams to compile its list .
DaBaby 's Rockstar had previously been named the most-streamed song of the summer by Spotify , while on YouTube , the top performers were Korean pop band Blackpink , whose single How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 450 million times in June , July and August .
DaBaby , who comes from North Carolina , has proved to be a master of meme-based marketing , achieving early attention by walking around the South by Southwest festival in Texas wearing only jewels and an adult-sized nappy .
Initially , his `` internet presence was definitely bigger than the music , '' he told the New York Times last year , boasting , `` I 'm so good at marketing '' .
`` Once I knew I had them looking , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
`` I knew what I was doing - it was premeditated . ''
Rockstar was his first UK hit , propelled by a dance craze focusing on the song 's hook on TikTok .
The platform , which allows users to make 15-second videos set to music , has become an increasingly powerful tool for marketing music .
Hits like Doja Cat 's Say So , Megan Thee Stallion 's Savage , and Lil Nas X 's Grammy-winning Old Town Road all gained early attention on the app .
Tik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ songs , scouring submissions for undiscovered talent , and facilitating collaborations among musicians and prominent creators .
• Pop music is getting faster ( and happier ) • Five ways music changed in the 2010s Fourteen of the UK 's top 20 best-selling songs this summer were popular on TikTok before hitting the charts , boosting the profile of lesser-known artists like Gracey , Powfu and Beabadoobee alongside more established acts such as Drake .
However , while record companies increasingly look to the app to seed new hits , the Chinese-owned firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to US national security by the Trump administration .
TikTok was given 90 days to be sold to an American firm or face a ban in the US , leading to the resignation of chief executive Kevin Mayer .

Allow YouTube content?
This article contains content provided by Google YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Google’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Reeta Chakrabarti: My Forgotten Army family ties

One of the defining and longest campaigns of World War Two , in the East , was in Burma , @ @ @ @ @ which was then part of the British Empire .
The Burma campaign was a multinational @ @ @ @ @ of the troops there came to be overshadowed by events in Europe , where the @ @ @ @ @ As part of our People 's War series of reports , Reeta Chakrabarti discovers more @ @ @ @ @ one of the men who belonged to the 14th Army , a force that became @ @ @ @ @ .
All four stories from The People 's War series will be shown in a @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday 15 September at 19:00BST .

One of the defining and longest campaigns of World War Two, in the East, was in Burma, now known as Myanmar, which was then part of the British Empire.
The Burma campaign was a multinational effort. But the achievements of the troops there came to be overshadowed by events in Europe, where the war had already ended.
As part of our People's War series of reports, Reeta Chakrabarti discovers more about her father-in-law, just one of the men who belonged to the 14th Army, a force that became known as the Forgotten Army.
All four stories from The People's War series will be shown in a longer programme on BBC4 on Tuesday 15 September at 19:00BST.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Charlie Gard's parents: 'We never thought we'd be happy again'

The parents of Charlie Gard , who was at the centre of a legal row over his treatment before he @ @ @ @ @ Breakfast about how the arrival of their newborn son has changed their lives .
Baby @ @ @ @ @ Ollie , was born the day after what would have been Charlie 's fourth birthday @ @ @ @ @ : `` I just feel that Charlie has had a massive part to play in @ @ @ @ @ ''

The parents of Charlie Gard, who was at the centre of a legal row over his treatment before he died, have told BBC Breakfast about how the arrival of their newborn son has changed their lives.
Baby Oliver Gard, known as Ollie, was born the day after what would have been Charlie's fourth birthday.
Mother Connie Yates said: "I just feel that Charlie has had a massive part to play in making his brother healthy."
Read more: Charlie Gard's parents 'blessed' with baby boy


bbcuk--2020-09-02--Mishal Husain: My grandfather’s war

Mishal Husain: My grandfather’s war

This week marks the 75th anniversary of World War Two formally coming to an end .
A crucial part of @ @ @ @ @ came from the soldiers of its empire – particularly the Indian Army , which by @ @ @ @ @ had provided more than two million men .
BBC presenter and journalist Mishal Husain ’ @ @ @ @ @ them .

This week marks the 75th anniversary of World War Two formally coming to an end.
A crucial part of Britain’s war effort came from the soldiers of its empire – particularly the Indian Army, which by the end of the war had provided more than two million men.
BBC presenter and journalist Mishal Husain’s grandfather was one of them.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Newspaper headlines: Demand to get UK 'flying again' and BBC's social media 'crackdown'

© 2020 BBC .
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites .
Read about our approach @ @ @ @

The Sun is not convinced. It questions the value of "pumping £106bn we don't have into a commuter rail line when half the country may end up working from home". The tabloid suggests improving the UK's broadband might be a smarter investment.


bbcuk--2020-09-03--Alice Ruggles: Parents fear killer could be transferred to India

The family of a woman murdered by her stalker are worried he could be released early if allowed to complete his sentence in his native India .
Soldier Trimaan Dhillon , then 26 , was jailed for a minimum term of 22 years in 2017 for killing Alice Ruggles .
Her parents fear the minimum term will be interpreted as his full sentence .
Clive Ruggles said if Dhillon stayed in the UK , the family 's views and judge 's `` pretty severe '' remarks would be taken into account before any release .
`` If someone on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose all those reassurances and you could find yourself in a situation where you do n't know if they have been released and all the stress that causes , '' he said .
The Ministry of Justice ( MoJ ) said the prisons minister had spoken to the Ruggles family `` to discuss their understandable concerns '' .
Miss Ruggles , originally from near Market Harborough in Leicestershire , had reported her ex-boyfriend Dhillon to the police a number of times before he cut the 24-year-old 's throat in October 2016 .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted being at her Gateshead flat but claimed she had inflicted the injuries upon herself .
The judge described the murder as an act of `` utter barbarism '' .
Miss Ruggles ' mother Sue Hills said they `` want to know where he is and whether we are in danger if he 's been released '' .
`` He 's made threats against the family , '' she said .
`` If he goes back to his home country , then that would mean that we would n't know where he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every year like we are now , we would just be constantly worried that he 'd been released without our knowledge . ''
Ms Hills also says the fact Dhillon had attacked another ex-partner and showed no remorse for her daughter 's death suggested he would `` just go straight back out and do exactly the same thing again '' if released .
A review last year found Northumbria Police and the British Army had failed to recognise and act upon the former soldier 's jealous and obsessive behaviour .
Ms Hills said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Alice will be being let down again '' .
The MoJ spokesman said : `` While we are determined to punish and deport foreign national offenders , this would only happen where an appropriate sentence is guaranteed to be served overseas . ''
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria @ bbc.co.uk .

"If he goes back to his home country, then that would mean that we wouldn't know where he is, we wouldn't be given information every year like we are now, we would just be constantly worried that he'd been released without our knowledge."