bbcuk--2020-07-28--Birmingham tornado 15 years on: 'A scene of total devastation'

`` I remember thinking this is what it would look like if a bomb had gone off ... and no one seems to remember it '' .
It is 15 years since a tornado devastated areas of Birmingham .
Lasting just minutes , it injured 20 people and caused damage that cost an estimated £40m to repair across Balsall Heath , Small Heath , Moseley , Sparkbrook and Kings Heath .
For some residents and emergency workers , the tornado was a defining moment but others have said the impact it had has been largely forgotten .
Adam Aston , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council , was on his first day as an ambulance technician at West Midlands Ambulance Service , and responding to the tornado was his first 999 call .
He said it was `` amazing '' no-one was killed .
`` When we got there , it was n't clear , initially , what had happened and it was only on the way we were told it was some kind of weather event , possibly a tornado , '' he said .
`` It was a complete scene of devastation , big chunks had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lying in the road , street signs had been ripped off , trees were everywhere , there was glass everywhere .
`` Our patient was a gentleman with a severe leg injury who was driving a works van which had been half picked up by the tornado and landed on its side . ''
For Mr Aston , it is a first day he will never forget .
`` It was a very bewildering experience , a real baptism of fire , '' he said .
`` I was incredibly nervous , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope your first job as a front-line paramedic is something simple and this was n't .
`` Paramedics say you will always remember your first job and I certainly do .
`` Over the years I have attended thousands of 999 calls , I do n't remember most , but there are one or two I will always remember .
`` The declaration of a major incident is very rare and I have not been involved in one since . ''
Tornados form when ground temperature increases causing moist air to heat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cold dry air , it rises further and a thunder cloud may start to build .
The upward movement of air can become rapid , and winds from different directions cause it to rotate and a `` cone '' or `` funnel '' of wind drops out of the cloud and hits the ground .
The UK gets an average of 30-50 tornadoes a year , but most are small and do not have much impact .
Birmingham 's 2005 tornado covered a 1km path and reached speeds of up to 130mph , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , in that time it caused an estimated £40m of damage as it travelled past 4,400 homes and 617 businesses .
Victoria Royce-Pagett , from the Midlands Storm Chasers , who uses technology to follow weather across the country , said UK tornadoes are short-lived and tend to be quite benign , occurring over open fields and not too often over cities .
She adds , though , that just through sheer mathematical probability , conditions will eventually create an urban tornado .
Iejaz Uddin was at home in Moseley when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of a sudden , so much that I could n't see anything in the room , '' he said .
`` Facing my house there were two very large trees in the distance , they had always been there and I saw them flop to one side , it was unreal .
`` Unwisely , I tried to open the window and it was nearly pulled off its hinges . ''
After it had calmed , Mr Uddin began walking around the area with a camcorder , recording the immediate aftermath of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ladypool Road when I saw a friend I had n't seen for a while , the shop he had been working in was now just a pile of rubble and he said he would be looking for a new day job . ''
The chance meeting with a friend sparked an idea and he ended up setting up a website that provides free CV templates .
`` That has all come from a chance meeting with someone after a tornado in Birmingham , '' he said .
Deborah Kaya was a newlywed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flat in Woodstock Road when the tornado struck .
She never spent another night in that home after it was damaged and , after staying in her sister 's attic room for four months , moved into her current Birmingham home .
The day after the tornado , she had to return to the flat to rescue her pet rabbit .
`` I was walking down Woodstock Road and I remember thinking this is what it would look like if a bomb had gone off , '' she said .
`` Every house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows smashed .
`` Inside the flat it hardly looked like it had been touched , but then I realised I could see about three or four inches of daylight through the roof , and it had basically been picked up and dropped back down . ''
But Ms Kaya said she felt like nobody remembered the incident today .
`` People you speak to , even people in Birmingham , do n't seem to remember it happened , '' she said .
`` I still think about it quite often , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my old flat recently and he did n't realise that was what had happened .
`` I have kids and I tell them about it and they are amazed that we had a tornado in Birmingham . ''
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Tornados form when ground temperature increases causing moist air to heat and rise. When that moist air meets cold dry air, it rises further and a thunder cloud may start to build. The upward movement of air can become rapid, and winds from different directions cause it to rotate and a "cone" or "funnel" of wind drops out of the cloud and hits the ground.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Coronavirus: 'Lockdown saved me from life on the streets'

Simon had been sleeping rough in shop doorways in Manchester for three years when the coronavirus pandemic reached the UK @ @ @ @ @ emergency funding to get people sleeping rough off the streets during lockdown , Simon was @ @ @ @ @ at the Holiday Inn .
He says the opportunity has given him a chance to @ @ @ @ @ good .
But as we come out of lockdown , what will happen to people @ @ @ @ @ the full story here .

Simon had been sleeping rough in shop doorways in Manchester for three years when the coronavirus pandemic reached the UK.
After the government released emergency funding to get people sleeping rough off the streets during lockdown, Simon was offered an en suite room at the Holiday Inn.
He says the opportunity has given him a chance to get off the streets for good.
But as we come out of lockdown, what will happen to people like Simon?
Listen to the full story here.
Producer: Simon Maybin
Filmed and edited by: Eleanor Layhe


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Elmhurst Ballet School helping young dancers with body image

The ballet world is competitive and the pressure on young dancers to achieve the `` perfect physique '' is high @ @ @ @ @ day during practice , it is easy for some students to have anxiety about their @ @ @ @ @ to issues with body image and diet .
The BBC 's Claudia Redmond went to @ @ @ @ @ to find out how they support young dancers .
This video was filmed before social @ @ @ @ @ .

The ballet world is competitive and the pressure on young dancers to achieve the "perfect physique" is high.
Surrounded by mirrors all day during practice, it is easy for some students to have anxiety about their appearance.
This can lead to issues with body image and diet.
The BBC's Claudia Redmond went to Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham to find out how they support young dancers.
Filmed by Alex Stanger.
Produced and edited by Claudia Redmond.
This video was filmed before social distancing rules were in place.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Lorry smashes through Essex level crossing barrier

Drivers have been warned to take care at level crossings after a lorry smashed through a barrier , completely tearing @ @ @ @ @ was closing .
The crossing near Manningtree , Essex , had to be shut for @ @ @ @ @ the incident on Friday causing delays to rail and road traffic .
Network Rail posted @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter urging drivers that `` when the lights are flashing you should stop .
@ @ @ @ @ the lorry company for a comment .

Drivers have been warned to take care at level crossings after a lorry smashed through a barrier, completely tearing it off, as it was closing.
The crossing near Manningtree, Essex, had to be shut for repairs for several hours after the incident on Friday causing delays to rail and road traffic.
Network Rail posted a video of the moment on Twitter urging drivers that "when the lights are flashing you should stop."
The BBC has contacted the lorry company for a comment.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Newspaper headlines: PM's 'second wave' fears, and airport test calls

The same story of a spike of coronavirus in Europe leads the Financial Times , which carries quotes from the @ @ @ @ @ institute in Germany , Lothar Wieler , saying he was `` very concerned '' by @ @ @ @ @ Germany .
He tells the paper : `` We do n't know if it 's @ @ @ @ @ wave , but of course it could be . ''

And scientists may have finally discovered why leaves on the line cause so much chaos for commuters. The Times reports research by scientists at the University of Sheffield, which has found that they change into an extraordinarily slick paste when crushed, which causes the friction between rails and wheels to become similar to that seen between ice and an ice-skate.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Tashan Daniel: Tube stabbing weapon 'was from Fast & Furious film'

A knife used to kill a football fan on his way to an Arsenal match was taken from the set of the latest Fast & Furious film , a court heard .
Tashan Daniel , 20 , was stabbed to death by Alex Lanning at Hillingdon Tube station last September .
Mr Lanning claimed to jurors at the Old Bailey he took the weapon , which was a film prop , from Warner Bros studios where he worked .
He and his co-defendant Jonathan Camille , of Chelsea , both deny murder .
The weapon , previously shown to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` designed for NATO military aircraft rescues with the capacity to saw through laminated glass and cut through seatbelts '' .
The film F9 , the ninth main instalment in the Fast & Furious film franchise , has been delayed until April 2021 due to coronavirus .
Mr Lanning said he took the knife from the `` store area '' of the Warner Bros studio and wanted it as `` memorabilia '' of his time there .
When asked by prosecutor Jonathan Rees QC where the weapon came from , Mr Lanning replied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warner Bros studio .
`` I had gadgets I had to clear out , knives and yes I had the knife and I decided to take it . ''
Mr Lanning said his father , who also works for Warner Bros , called him and asked if the knife had been taken , but he did n't want to get his dad into trouble for the knife going missing .
Answering questions from his defence barrister John Femi Ola QC , Mr Lanning said he brandished the knife `` to scare '' Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two sets of friends began fighting on the platform after Mr Lanning , of Uxbridge , was `` looked at '' across the tracks , the court .
Mr Lanning told jurors he made a `` rash decision '' to grab a knife from his bag instead of a glass bottle .
He said : `` At that moment in time I thought if I picked the bottle it would be easy for me to smash it use the glass than to use the knife in the sheath .
`` After I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tashan turned around and pursued me .
`` Tashan threw numerous punches at me as I 'm still waving the knife at distance .
I kept back-pedalling and I had no intention to cause harm to them whatsoever.
`` Mr Lanning said he did not know how the knife `` became released '' from its sheath .
He described giving Mr Daniel a `` bear hug '' and holding the knife away from Mr Daniel 's body .
Mr Lanning continued : `` He spun his body and elbowed me in the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down and he fell on the floor . ''
• Arsenal fan stabbed 'for looking at killer' After the stabbing , Mr Lanning said he and Mr Camille fled the station and discarded the knife and clothing in a nearby housing estate .
Mr Lanning said he took some floral pyjamas `` because he was scared and covered in blood '' He also told the jury he took a child 's scooter because his right knee was `` in a lot of pain '' .
The 22-year-old said in court that he accepted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken someone 's life by the actions I caused '' .
But he added , `` I never meant to kill anybody '' .
Asked by Mr Rees about his friendship with Mr Camille , Mr Lanning said the pair met in a nightclub in Uxbridge and `` instantly clicked '' .
The prosecutor asked why the pair had not seen or spoken to each other until a day before the stabbing and Mr Lanning replied that he was busy with work .
Mr Lanning added that the pair arranged to meet at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprise birthday '' for Mr Camille .

Mr Lanning said his father, who also works for Warner Bros, called him and asked if the knife had been taken, but he didn't want to get his dad into trouble for the knife going missing.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Scotland's rail services to be increased as Covid restrictions ease

The number of rail services operating in Scotland is to be increased from next week , ScotRail has said .
From Monday 3 August , more than 90 % of normal services will be operating .
All routes will once again have normal early morning , late night , and peak services .
Scotland 's principle rail operator said 100 % of normal capacity would be provided at peak times , however many seats would need to stay empty to allow for social distancing .
• Masks to be compulsory on public transport • Social distancing on trains to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services comes ahead of schools reopening on 11 August , which it anticipates could result in an increase in the number of people travelling .
The rail operator said this means it is not possible yet for its full service to operate .
Where a reduced service must continue to operate will be targeted at the times when fewer people travel .
ScotRail added that passengers were still being urged to consider alternative travel options where possible .
Operations director David Simpson said : `` We 'll operate as close to a normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Like businesses across the world , we continue to face challenges caused by coronavirus , but we will have every available train in service from 3 August .
`` We do need everybody to continue taking personal responsibility for their travel choices , because physical distancing ca n't be guaranteed . ''
He reminded passengers that face coverings were compulsory on public transport .
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• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters

It added that the increase in services comes ahead of schools reopening on 11 August, which it anticipates could result in an increase in the number of people travelling.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--DUP backbenchers defy party over bill to give ministers more power

Eleven Democratic Unionist Party ( DUP ) assembly members ( MLAs ) have defied the party by refusing to vote for a controversial piece of Stormont legislation .
Although they abstained , the Executive Committee Functions Bill still passed comfortably .
Earlier MLAs clashed over claims the bill overturned safeguards and could allow ministers to make `` solo runs '' on key decisions .
A senior DUP source said they did not expect any disciplinary action to be taken over the abstentions .
The rebellion came after former DUP adviser Richard Bullick warned the bill effectively removed the DUP 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagreed with .
He cited the example of Martin McGuinness abolishing the 11-plus exam on his last day in office as education minister in 2002 .
During Tuesday 's debate on the bill 's final stage , DUP MLA Christopher Stalford - who voted in favour - said his party fully supported the change , which he said would ensure the continuation of `` collective government in the spirit of co-operation '' .
He insisted that under the new provisions : `` Ministers will not be able to go off on solo runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` completely consistent with the St Andrews Agreement '' , which his party helped negotiate .
But former DUP MLA Jim Wells said many backbenchers were extremely concerned and were only voting for it because they had been whipped by the leadership .
Those who abstained from voting included former ministers Mervyn Storey and Michelle McIlveen , with the rebellion a blow to the authority of party leader Arlene Foster , The Executive Committee ( Functions ) Bill was fast tracked through the assembly before Stormont went into recess on Tuesday .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers and was introduced after a court judgement two years ago over a waste incinerator raised questions about the way executive decisions were made .
The executive argued that the judgement would have restricted the power of the infrastructure minister to take decisions without the approval of her executive colleagues , which could have major implications for planning applications .
But Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said the bill would have far-reaching consequences .
He said : `` It will create a combative executive and will lead to dysfunctional government . ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` step outside collective government '' .
Accusing the DUP of a U-turn he said : `` At St Andrews , they said they fixed the Belfast [ Good Friday ] Agreement by stopping ministers going on solos runs , yet here they are backtracking on that principle '' DUP Junior Minister Gordon Lyons said the bill `` not only protected but enhanced the St Andrews Agreement '' .
Defending the need to fast track the bill , Sinn Féin Junior Minister Declan Kearney said it was to allow decisions to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the legislation would provide the clarity needed to increase co-operation within Stormont 's five-party coalition .
The bill was passed by 58 votes to 13 with 11 abstentions and will now go forward for Royal Assent .
The assembly has been adjourned until 7 September .

The executive argued that the judgement would have restricted the power of the infrastructure minister to take decisions without the approval of her executive colleagues, which could have major implications for planning applications.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Terror after girl falls 100ft down Llanberis waterfall

The family of a girl who survived falling down a waterfall have spoken of their terror at seeing her plunge more than 100ft ( 30m ) .
Phoebe , six , was pulled from the water with hardly any injuries , despite being washed over the top and falling in what rescuers called `` a genuine accident '' .
The family , from near Chester , have called for better safety measures at Ceunant Mawr waterfall near Llanberis .
Gwynedd council said warning signs were already in place .
Phoebe 's mother 's partner Liam Bolland , who jumped into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said the family had been very careful during their day out .
`` I was taking pictures from the viewing area when I heard a horrible , horrible scream from my partner , Phoebe 's mother , '' he said .
`` I turned , and the look of terror on her face was horrendous .
`` She shouted 'she has fallen in ' .
I jumped in myself , unable to see her at all beneath the bubbling white water in the top pool .
`` When I hit the water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breath and I got pulled under too .
`` I tried getting to her whilst trying to get myself above the water too .
The water was dark , cold and loud .
`` I tried so hard to get her , I really , really did .
But I just could n't . ''
Mr Bolland said he then heard Phoebe come up above the water - but go over the edge of the main waterfall .
`` I could hear the screaming from my partner and son and the water bashing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began shouting for help as I was now stuck too .
I realised nobody could hear me and managed to pull myself out by climbing some tree roots . ''
Other family members had also seen Phoebe go over the edge of the waterfall , and began shouting down to people by the lower pool where the water lands .
One man managed to get into the water and pull her out - in shock , but physically unharmed other than some bruises .
`` She is an amazing little girl , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of small bruises and a bit of a scrape on her arm .
`` We have spoken about it quite clearly and she remembers a lot of it - falling , being under the water , seeing the rocks , going down .
`` I hugged the man who got her from the water when I thanked him . ''
Phoebe was taken by ambulance to Bangor 's Ysbyty Gwynedd to be checked over .
The family has returned to the waterfall since the accident to try to work out what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were any warning signs that they had missed .
`` We have talked this over again and again , '' Mr Bolland said .
`` Phoebe 's mum says that they were by the top pool and Phoebe bent down , lost her balance and fell backwards .
Mum was two feet away from her .
`` All we can think is that some vegetation or dead leaves must have been covering a dip in the rock that no-one had seen . ''
Mr Bolland called for the area to be assessed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a busy area .
When we went back , there were lots of people , and the ground was wet and slippery .
`` There 's no life belts by the bottom pool .
Considering the sheer drops , I think that 's awful . ''
The public footpaths and land next to the waterfall are not council-owned .
A Gwynedd council spokesman said : `` Land adjacent to the waterfall itself is not owned by Gwynedd Council , nor any public footpaths looking down on the waterfall .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning of potential hazards .
`` There is an old vantage point near the road , and whilst the views are impaired by trees , it is far safer than venturing to the edge of the waterfall .
`` In terms of the pool at the bottom of the waterfall , we urge members of the public to take care in this area and not to enter the water .
`` Numerous warning signs are in place in that area which is managed by the council urging members of the public not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

The family has returned to the waterfall since the accident to try to work out what happened, and to see if there were any warning signs that they had missed.


bbcuk--2020-07-29--Coronavirus: Business rescue package has 'delayed the inevitable'

A wave of `` zombie companies '' kept afloat during lockdown are on a cliff-edge going into the autumn , experts say .
Analysis by the BBC shows a surge of firms went bust in March , then the rate slowed in the first few months of lockdown amid a £160bn support package .
However , the Institute for Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) says many firms have piled on debts and will struggle .
The government said it would `` adjust support '' as the economy reopens .
So-called zombie companies are businesses that function day-to-day , but can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owe or find cash to invest and grow .
Julie Palmer , a partner at the financial consultants Begbies Traynor , said : `` This crisis will force many zombie companies out of business .
`` While these were clinging on to survival prior to the pandemic , many will now have become simply unviable due to high levels of debts and poor sales . ''
Stuart Adam , from the IFS , said : `` Many firms have been tided over during the period of hibernation partly through loans and tax deferrals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will make it harder for them to carry on in the longer term . ''
The BBC Shared Data Unit looked at how many companies had posted insolvency notices in the London Gazette , the official paper of record for public notices .
A company is insolvent when it ca n't pay its debts .
Our investigation found there was a spike of 4,200 insolvencies in March as the UK headed into lockdown .
The rate of insolvencies slowed over the next three months , with a further 5,000 businesses insolvent - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same period last year .
• What does it mean to declare insolvency ?
As well as government support , it is thought changes to insolvency law and reduced court services have contributed to the slowdown .
Firms in the information and communication sector saw the largest increase in insolvencies .
'People are just hanging on' Business owner Richard Millward is working as a driver for a supermarket while he watches his long-standing firm run out of cash .
For 30 years , he has worked in the events industry , putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marathon .
He is currently working as a driver for Waitrose , with no prospect of events income until at least April next year .
His business has benefitted from the furlough scheme and a business rate relief grant - part of billions of pounds in government support and legal changes to help firms cope with Covid-19 's impact .
But his company of 17 years has ongoing costs and Richard is facing the choice of holding on , or closing it down before it runs out of money .
He knows of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or already closed down .
`` It 's sad and also quite worrying , '' he said .
`` We 're going to lose an awful lot of the skill , the talent pool that we have .
I think a lot of people are just trying to hang on for as long as possible . ''
What do the experts say ?
In separate research , financial consultants Begbies Traynor said 527,000 businesses were in `` significant financial distress '' at the end of June .
Ric Traynor , its executive chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a `` toxic mix '' of reduced sales and increased debt .
He said : `` Many of the support measures will have simply delayed the inevitable , with the can being firmly kicked down the road . ''
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The IFS 's Stuart Adam said : `` I think pretty much everyone agrees a perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be bad . ''
But he said investment in new businesses was key to recovery .
`` Getting new businesses starting up and hiring people is exactly the kind of thing that needs to happen over the coming year or two , '' he added .
While many companies are struggling , some people have been using the lockdown to launch new business ventures with more than 170,000 new firms registered from April to June .
One of those new start-ups is run by Shahid Hussain , from Essex , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` People said we were crazy to be setting up a business during Covid when everyone was going into lockdown .
`` What we realised was that Covid was going to fundamentally change the way we eat .
People wanted fast delivery food , but restaurant quality .
`` It 's going really well .
The delivery market was picking up even before Covid ; it just accelerated it .
We definitely launched at the right time .
It 's going so well , we have got plans to open two or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so . ''
Nurse Tom Parkinson , 25 , is hoping to register his baking business soon , making sourdough bread from home alongside his NHS work .
He said : `` I think there 's going to be a revival , I think more people are into food that 's come from a local producer and done with a bit of love and care , I think there 's a market for it . ''
The government said its job retention scheme had protected more than nine million jobs and the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VAT cut for some businesses , the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Bonus , and investment in greener buildings and homes .
A spokesman said : `` As the economy reopens , we will continue to look at how to adjust our support in a way that ensures people can get back to work , protecting both the UK economy and the livelihoods of people across the country . ''

"It's going really well. The delivery market was picking up even before Covid; it just accelerated it. We definitely launched at the right time. It's going so well, we have got plans to open two or three outlets in the next week or so."


bbcuk--2020-07-29--Airport coronavirus tests 'not silver bullet' for saving holidays

The culture secretary has told the BBC that coronavirus testing at airports is not a `` silver bullet '' to stop the need for quarantine .
Oliver Dowden said testing for coronavirus was not enough because the virus can develop over time .
The boss of Heathrow said airports should be allowed to test for coronavirus to avoid the `` cliff edge '' of quarantine .
The travel industry is seeking ways to rescue the holiday season .
The government 's sudden change to travel advice for Spain at the weekend prompted a fresh wave of confusion and uncertainty to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TUI said on Wednesday it had cancelled holidays to the Balearics and Canary Islands until 4 August after the UK extended its advice against non-essential travel to Spain to include its islands .
• Coronavirus : Why is n't the UK testing travellers on arrival ?
Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye told the BBC 's Today programme the confusion caused by the changes to guidance over Spain showed the need for an alternative .
The company 's results , out on Wednesday , showed passengers all but stopped travel in the three months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a year ago as global aviation came to a virtual standstill .
Revenue was 85 % lower than last year at £119m .
Mr Holland-Kaye said : `` Today 's results should serve as a clarion call for the Government - the UK needs a passenger testing regime and fast .
Without it , Britain is just playing a game of quarantine roulette . ''
He said he wanted the government to work with the company on the plan and he could have testing sites set and ready `` within weeks '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying : `` We are not at the point where there is a viable alternative to the 14-day quarantine . ''
However , he added that all options were under review .
Other countries are operating airport testing .
It is voluntary - and free - at some German airports now although that may become mandatory , as it is in France for arrivals from high-risk countries such as the US and Brazil .
The Netherlands approach is to single out people coming from specific areas with high levels of infections - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain and the UK city of Leicester and urge them to self-isolate .
Dr Hans Kluge , Europe regional director for the World Health Organization , endorsed testing at airports as part of general attempts to track the movement of coronavirus .
He told the Today programme : `` Testing is never wrong - whether at airports , community or drive-in centres - what 's the difference between day-to-day life and travelling ? ''
Mr Holland-Kaye said a UK airport test would cost about £150 each , and passengers would be expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not cheap '' , but that the test would come down over time as more people took it .
But he said there would be those prepared to stand the cost : `` There are people who are worried about being able to go back to work or get the kids into school , there will be people who are prepared to pay that to avoid the extra period of quarantine . ''
The idea of introducing testing at airports is an attractive idea .
The theory being people could travel where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrive back in the country , negating the need to self-isolate .
But the government is not convinced .
Why ?
Logistically testing all the travellers who arrive every week will be difficult .
Testing capacity has increased but this would stretch the system .
Not to mention the practical difficulties of setting up testing facilities in busy airports .
But the other factor , which is perhaps more crucial , is that in the early stages of infection the test may not even pick it up .
Instead , officials are much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted approach to self-isolation .
That would involve asking only those coming from certain regions in a country where the infection rates are highest to self-isolate .
That could then be complemented by then asking them to get tested after a week , meaning if they test negative , there would be no need for the full 14-day self-isolation .
All this and more is being discussed behind the scenes .
Mr Holland-Kaye said : `` The aim would be to have a test on arrival .
We could have it up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then we need to work with government to see what happens next . ''
He said the plan would be for passengers to go into quarantine and have another test after eight days : `` If they were infected we would be confident that it had shown itself .
If it was clear , they would be allowed to go out of quarantine earlier than had been the case .
It 's very scientifically based . ''
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Under current rules , those arriving in the UK from certain countries must self-isolate for 14 days .
The government has indicated that it is keeping all quarantine measures under review .
It is said to be considering an eight-day stretch between tests , whereas figures within the travel sector are keen for a five-day period .
The number of days required between each test is critical in reducing the possibility of `` false negative '' results .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has recently contracted Covid-19 is not showing symptoms .
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He said the plan would be for passengers to go into quarantine and have another test after eight days: "If they were infected we would be confident that it had shown itself. If it was clear, they would be allowed to go out of quarantine earlier than had been the case. It's very scientifically based."


bbcuk--2020-07-29--Unhealthy diets are ‘slow-motion disaster’

Free school meals should be extended to another 1.5 million children in England , says a government-commissioned review into food and healthy eating .
The National Food Strategy warns that England 's eating habits are a `` slow-motion disaster '' .
The review warns of the toxic connection between child poverty , poor diet and hunger .
And it warns of `` wilfully misleading '' packaging which can give a false impression that foods are healthy .
The food industry is accused of `` clothing itself , and its products , in false virtue '' - with the report highlighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Marks & Spencer .
The report says these sweets are promoted with the claim they have `` no artificial colours or artificial flavourings '' and to be `` soft gums made with fruit juice '' .
• Have government anti-obesity plans ever made any difference ?
• Marcus Rashford gets result in U-turn over free school meals But it asks how any parents check to see that the `` three largest ingredients by weight are glucose syrup , sugar and glucose-fructose-syrup '' .
Report author , Henry Dimbleby , said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it is the biggest sinner '' but because it is a `` well-trusted company '' which pledges to `` always strive to do the right thing '' .
In response , a spokesman for Marks & Spencer said : `` All our products have clear labelling so that customers can make informed choices about what they buy '' - and that there was a `` range of Percy Pigs with one third less sugar '' .
The food review from Mr Dimbleby , co-founder of the Leon restaurant chain , takes issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Phrases such as `` low fat '' might mean `` high starch '' and labels such as `` 'free from ' and 'less ' are sprinkled around without context , '' says the report , which `` if not quite lies , are at least wilfully misleading '' .
Mr Dimbleby said some snacks might be `` clothed in a veneer of goodness and might not be better for you than a Mars bar '' .
The negative impacts of unhealthy eating or going hungry are long-lasting and corrosive , says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most significant in England for decades .
`` One of the miserable legacies of Covid-19 is likely to be a dramatic increase in unemployment and poverty and therefore hunger , '' says the food strategy report .
As an immediate intervention , the review calls for many more children to be eligible for a free meal at school , as `` only 1 % of packed lunches meet the nutritional standards of a school meal '' .
The review says they should be available to a further 1.5 million children , in addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so almost one in three children would get free meals .
The extension of free school meals , at a cost of £670m per year , would expand eligibility to all children in households where the parent or guardian is claiming universal credit or equivalent benefits .
Such a move would aim to stop pupils being hungry at school and prevent the negative consequences for learning and behaviour .
Footballer Marcus Rashford recently raised the profile of the importance of school meals during the summer holidays for families who are struggling financially , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing over the summer break .
The food strategy proposes making a long-term commitment to feeding more families over the summer holidays , by making another 1.1 million children in England eligible for the `` holiday activity and food programme '' , at a cost of £200m per year .
Paul Whiteman , leader of the Nation Association of Head Teachers , said there were already too many children who `` arrive at school hungry and unable to learn '' .
`` Free school meals at least guarantee that children going hungry at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
There are serious consequences from a poor diet , says the review , with one in seven deaths in the UK attributable to poor diets .
`` A nutritionally poor-quality diet is the leading risk factor for ill-health in the UK , yet we do not treat it with the same seriousness afforded to other risk factors .
• FEELING LOST ?
: How to start thinking about the future '' That has to change , '' said Susan Jebb , Oxford University professor of diet and population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is the first part of the review , with the second part next year expected to focus on environmental issues , such as climate change , pollution , sustainable farming and the spread of diseases .
Environment Secretary George Eustice said the food industry had `` worked round the clock '' to keep supplies going through the Covid-19 lockdown .
`` But we know there is more to do and we will carefully consider this independent report and its recommendations as we emerge from the pandemic and build a stronger food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Eustice .
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Phrases such as "low fat" might mean "high starch" and labels such as "'free from' and 'less' are sprinkled around without context," says the report, which "if not quite lies, are at least wilfully misleading".


bbcuk--2020-07-29--Wiley permanently suspended by Twitter over anti-Semitism

Grime artist Wiley has been permanently suspended from Twitter , five days after posting anti-Semitic remarks .
The ban follows @ @ @ @ @ by many users over what they said had been an unacceptable delay in dealing with @ @ @ @ @ We are sorry we did not move faster , '' Twitter said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ day after Facebook and Instagram deleted the music star 's accounts for `` repeated violations @ @ @ @ @ Twitter said that it has taken a similar step because the artist had broken its @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco-based firm had previously temporarily suspended Wiley and left many of his past tweets @ @ @ @ @ it had decided to now make the ban permanent and wipe all his past posts @ @ @ @ @ further consideration '' .
`` We deeply respect the concerns shared by the Jewish community @ @ @ @ @ '' a statement said , promising to continue to tackle anti-Semitism .

When asked what he would like to say to his fans, he responded angrily saying fans were fickle and, at 41, he was no longer "current" and was at the end of his career.


bbcuk--2020-07-29--Terror after girl falls 100ft down Llanberis waterfall


bbcuk--2020-07-29--TikTok swing challenge: Ely and Tredegar teens rescued from baby swings

A TikTok challenge is thought to be behind a number of rescues of teenagers trapped in baby swings .
Firefighters up and down the UK have been called to free youngsters who have attempted to film themselves using children 's swings before getting stuck .
Girls have been freed in two separate incidents in Rhyl and Mold , North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said .
In south Wales , crews have been called out twice this week alone , in Cardiff and Blaenau Gwent .
The fire service tweeted : `` If you are over the age of four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in one ! ''
It said calls like these , in Ely in Cardiff and Tredegar in Blaenau Gwent , prevented crews from attending other emergencies .
Earlier in July , a video of a 14-year-old girl from Oxfordshire being rescued from a swing by fire crews made headlines around the world .
Layani Mclean was in a local park in Faringdon when she got stuck after climbing into a baby swing .
Firefighters managed to release her after she had been stuck for 90 minutes .
Another swing incident has been reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14-year-old boy got stuck in Wigmore Park in Luton on Sunday for half an hour before a Bedfordshire Fire Service crew rescued him uninjured .
They said : `` Please remind your teenagers they are called 'baby ' swings for a reason ! ''
Greater Manchester Fire Service also asked people not to `` waste their time '' after receiving three calls over `` copycat '' incidents .

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bbcuk--2020-07-29--Barclays: We want our people back in the office

Barclays boss Jes Staley has signalled that he wants employees working from home during the pandemic to return to the office `` over time '' .
`` It is important to get people back together in physical concentrations , '' he told Bloomberg TV .
He said 60,000 Barclays staff were working `` from their kitchen tables '' , but stressed that another 20,000 were in offices , branches and call centres .
In April , Mr Staley had said big city offices `` may be a thing of the past '' .
In recent years , banks worldwide have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial hubs , but Barclays and its rivals still have busy offices in places such as London 's Canary Wharf .
In his latest remarks , Mr Staley appeared to cast doubt on the idea of abandoning those hubs , saying : `` We also have a responsibility to places like Canary Wharf , like Manchester , like Glasgow . ''
He added : `` We want our people back together , to make sure we ensure the evolution of our culture and our controls , and I think that will happen over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chime with government plans to encourage more people to return to their workplaces from next month , as part of what Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes will be a `` significant return to normality '' by Christmas .
However , not all big banks take the same view .
Last week , NatWest told more than 50,000 staff in a memo that they could continue to work from home until next year .
The bank , then known as RBS Group , said it had been reconsidering how the bank works `` in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell staff about `` future ways of working '' later this year .
Originally , it had intended for its employees to work from home until the end of September , but it has now extended the period to early 2021 .
The Barclays boss was speaking after the bank reported a 58 % fall in pre-tax profits to £1.3bn for the first half of this year , compared with £3bn for the same period in 2019 .
It said it had set aside £1.6bn in the second quarter of the year to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , largely as a result of the coronavirus crisis .
That took its total provisions for bad loans to £3.7bn for the first half of the year .
Its shares were down 2.6 % in Wednesday morning trading .
`` These results are n't exactly unexpected , but they paint a pretty bleak picture of the UK economy nonetheless - particularly if you happen to be a business owner , '' said Nicholas Hyett , equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown .
`` Given the backdrop , a large increase in provisions for bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected - and Barclays now expects disruption to drag well past 2020 . ''

It said it had set aside £1.6bn in the second quarter of the year to cover the cost of non-repayment of loans, largely as a result of the coronavirus crisis. That took its total provisions for bad loans to £3.7bn for the first half of the year.


bbcuk--2020-07-29--PC Andrew Harper's widow asks PM for murder retrial

PC Andrew Harper 's widow has written to the prime minister to ask for a retrial after her husband 's killers were acquitted of murder .
The officer died when he was dragged behind a car for more than a mile along a road in Berkshire .
Henry Long , Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were convicted of manslaughter but cleared of murder at the Old Bailey .
In an open letter on Facebook , Lissie Harper called for `` the retrial that [ PC Harper ] unquestionably deserves '' .
Mrs Harper wrote to Boris Johnson , Home Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Labour home secretary , urging them and others `` to right such a despicable wrong for our country '' .
She vowed to `` keep fighting on behalf of Andrew , the future that was stolen from us and also the victims who find themselves in this unjust situation in the future '' .
The Home Office has been approached for comment .
During the trial , the judge ordered extra security measures amid fears of potential juror intimidation by the defendants ' supporters .
A female juror was discharged a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a prison officer mouthing the words `` bye boys '' to the teenagers in the dock .
The defendants , who had been seen laughing during the trial , hugged each other after the verdicts were returned following more than 12 hours of deliberations .
It is hard not to have the deepest sympathy for Lissie Harper but she has a legal mountain to climb to secure a retrial .
It is extremely rare for verdicts of `` not guilty '' to be set aside , whatever the strength of feeling about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their decision .
There are only two possible routes .
First , under reformed `` double jeopardy '' laws , the Court of Appeal can , in very limited circumstances , quash an acquittal and order a retrial if fresh and compelling evidence emerges .
This provision has been typically used in cases where DNA links a suspect who 's already been cleared to a rape or murder years later .
The second route allows the High Court to order a retrial where an acquittal is `` tainted '' because of intimidation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or juror .
But for this to happen someone would have to be first convicted of an offence relating to jury or witness tampering in the case - and the court would have to be satisfied that it resulted in the acquittal .
PC Harper , 28 , was dragged for more than a mile along country lanes after he and a colleague responded to reports of a quad bike theft on 15 August last year .
The newlywed officer became `` lassoed '' to the back of a Seat Toledo after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the loop of a tow rope as he tried to apprehend one of the defendants , jurors heard .
Prosecutors said he was `` swung from side to side like a pendulum '' after Long sped off to escape the scene .
The court heard PC Harper was dragged for more than a mile before he became detached and died in the road .
During the trial , prosecutors had argued the defendants were guilty of murder because they were aware the officer was behind the car .
But their defence claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that no-one could have planned or foreseen .
Outside court last week , Mrs Harper said she was `` immensely disappointed '' and had been left `` utterly shocked and appalled '' by the manslaughter verdicts .
PC Harper , from Wallingford , Oxfordshire , had been married for just four weeks to his childhood sweetheart before his death .
Within weeks , they had been due to go to the Maldives for their honeymoon .
In her letter , Mrs Harper wrote : `` I implore you to hear my words ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than hope that you might help me to make these changes be considered , to ensure that Andrew is given the retrial that he unquestionably deserves and to see that the justice system in our country is the solid ethical foundation that it rightly should be .
`` Not the joke that so many of us now view it to be . ''
The government is separate from the independent judiciary and can not order a retrial - a principle designed to ensure consistent application of the law regardless of who is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College Piece , Mortimer , Reading , pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murder along with Bowers and Cole .
Cole , 18 , of Paices Hill near Reading , Bowers , also 18 , of Moat Close , Bramley , and Long all admitted conspiracy to steal a quad bike .
The defendants are due to be sentenced on Friday .

In her letter, Mrs Harper wrote: "I implore you to hear my words... and I ask with no expectations other than hope that you might help me to make these changes be considered, to ensure that Andrew is given the retrial that he unquestionably deserves and to see that the justice system in our country is the solid ethical foundation that it rightly should be.


bbcuk--2020-07-29--'Fix your bike' website crashes as scheme launches in England

A website offering £50 bike repair vouchers in England crashed after the government scheme launched on Tuesday .
An initial 50,000 `` Fix Your Bike '' vouchers were due to be made available online at 23:45 BST on a first-come , first-served basis .
However , many people complained they received an error message when they tried to access the website .
It was back up just before 04:00 BST but was later paused and by 09:00 BST vouchers were no longer available .
`` Vouchers are being released gradually to reflect the capacity of the bike repairers signed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , adding that more vouchers will be made available `` as soon as possible '' .
Earlier on Wednesday the website had been `` temporarily paused due to extreme volumes of traffic '' .
Some cyclists have tweeted pictures showing they had been successful in getting a voucher , although others said they continued to see error messages .
The government has said the vouchers , which are part of its obesity strategy , were being released in batches `` to help manage capacity '' so that the scheme promoted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being rolled out more widely .
Sarah Talbot tweeted that the site had crashed at 23:45 and after `` repeated attempts to get on it 's now coming up HTTP Error 404 '' .
She added that it was `` very disappointing '' .
Aaron Bailey wrote on Twitter that the page had been offline since it was supposed to launch , describing the scheme as a `` good idea but poorly executed '' .
Another social media user , Tom Dale , joked that `` cyclists finally know how it feels to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
• How to protect your bike • Will a £50 voucher get this bike-shy town moving ?
The initiative is part of the government 's obesity strategy which was announced on Monday amid growing evidence of a link between obesity and an increased risk from Covid-19 .
The vouchers would typically cover the bill for a standard service and the replacement of a basic component such as an inner tube or cable .
Thousands of miles of new protected cycle lanes , cycle training for children and adults , and access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the government plans to promote cycling .
• FEELING LOST ?
: How to start thinking about the future

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bbcuk--2020-07-29--Reading stabbings: Inquest opens over Forbury Gardens attack

Three men killed in a suspected terror attack in a park each died after being stabbed in the neck , an inquest heard .
James Furlong , 36 , David Wails , 49 , and Joe Ritchie-Bennett , 39 , were killed in Forbury Gardens , Reading , on 20 June .
Khairi Saadallah , 25 , who is charged with their murder , is set to face trial on 30 November .
Inquests into their deaths were opened and adjourned at Reading Coroner 's Court pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings .
During the hearing , senior coroner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` all victims of the Forbury Gardens incident , just around the corner from this building '' .
`` They sustained stab wounds on that terrible day and died shortly afterwards despite the best efforts of the emergency services , '' she said .
Ms Connor said all those who tried to help the victims , including members of the public , should be commended , adding : `` There were far more people to help that day than cause harm . ''
The court heard post-mortem examinations found the cause of death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stab wound to the neck .
She added : `` The impact of these three tragic deaths has been felt not just in Reading or the UK but across the world . ''

Ms Connor said all those who tried to help the victims, including members of the public, should be commended, adding: "There were far more people to help that day than cause harm."


bbcuk--2020-07-29--Guinness World Record: Women circumnavigate world on tandem bicycle

Two women have broken the world record for the fastest time circumnavigating the globe on a tandem bicycle .
Cat Dixon , 54 , and Raz Marsden , 55 , accomplished the feat in 263 days , beating the previous record of 281 days .
They set out from Oxford last June , finishing in March shortly before the coronavirus lockdown .
Their achievement has been confirmed as part of the launch of Guinness World Records Day .
The pair covered 18,263 miles ( 29,391 km ) in precisely 263 days , eight hours and seven minutes , on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During their trip , which included flights where crossings were impossible , they faced a heatwave across Europe , monsoons in Asia , and the Australian bush fires .
The journey then became a race against time as they boarded one of the last ferries to the UK on the day the travel ban started .
The previous record was set by UK cyclists Edward Collier and Louis Paul Snellgrove last May .
Ms Dixon , a lawyer from Yorkshire , and Ms Marsden , a Motor Neurone Disease nurse consultant at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £40,000 for charity .
In a joint statement they said : `` The experience was incredible and certainly not without its challenges - most notably racing to make it home as borders closed behind us due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Setting the world record really was the adventure of a lifetime and we hope that it will inspire others to believe that anything is possible if you follow your dreams . ''
Craig Glenday , Guinness World Records editor in chief , said : `` I was thrilled to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women 's title but the overall round-the-world record . ''
He said their `` high-spirited story of determination , ambition and friendship has been a tonic in these troubled times '' .

"Setting the world record really was the adventure of a lifetime and we hope that it will inspire others to believe that anything is possible if you follow your dreams."


bbcuk--2020-07-29--Coronavirus vaccine: UK signs deal with GSK and Sanofi

The UK government has signed a fourth coronavirus vaccine deal , securing up to 60 million doses of an experimental treatment being developed by drug giants GSK and Sanofi .
The government has already signed up for 100 million doses of the Oxford University vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca .
It has also secured another 90 million doses of two other promising vaccines .
However , it is still uncertain which , if any , of the vaccines may work .
Governments around the world have pledged billions of dollars for a Covid-19 vaccine and a number of pharmaceutical firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test potential drugs .
• Coronavirus vaccine : When will we have one ?
The vaccine involved in the latest government deal , developed by Sanofi in partnership with GSK , is based on the recombinant protein-based technology used by Sanofi to produce a flu vaccine , as well as GSK 's established pandemic technology .
Sanofi , which is leading the clinical development , said regulatory approval could be achieved by the first half of 2021 if trials were successful .
In the meantime , Sanofi and GSK are scaling up manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year overall .
The vaccine has already been at the centre of an international political storm after Sanofi rowed back on an apparent promise to prioritise the US market .
Sanofi chief executive Paul Hudson sparked a row in May by saying the US government had `` the right to the largest pre-order because it 's invested in taking the risk '' .
But he changed his view after then French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe responded by saying access for all was `` non-negotiable '' .
In their latest announcement , GSK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to making the vaccine available globally '' .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• JOBS : Can my boss force me to go to work ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
`` With our partner GSK , we are pleased to co-operate with the UK government as well as several other countries and global organisations as part of our ongoing efforts to develop a safe and effective vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible , '' said Thomas Triomphe , executive vice-president and global head of Sanofi Pasteur .
Roger Connor , president of GSK Vaccines , added : `` We thank the UK government for confirmation of purchasing intent , which supports the significant investment we are already making as a company to scale up development and production of this vaccine . ''
UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma said : `` It is important that we secure early access to a diverse range of promising vaccine candidates , like GSK and Sanofi , to increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so we can protect the public and save lives . ''
Kate Bingham , who chairs the UK government 's Vaccines Taskforce , said : `` This diversity of vaccine types is important because we do not yet know which , if any , of the different types of vaccine will prove to generate a safe and protective response to Covid-19 .
`` Whilst this agreement is very good news , we must n't be complacent or over-optimistic . ''

"With our partner GSK, we are pleased to co-operate with the UK government as well as several other countries and global organisations as part of our ongoing efforts to develop a safe and effective vaccine and make it available as quickly as possible," said Thomas Triomphe, executive vice-president and global head of Sanofi Pasteur.


bbcuk--2020-07-29--Coronavirus: Where can I go on holiday? A guide to destinations

The prospect of a summer holiday abroad is on the cards again , after the UK government eased quarantine rules .
People returning to the UK from certain countries do not need to self-isolate .
The full list of the countries that are exempt from the quarantine rule for England , Wales and Northern Ireland is here .
For Scotland , the list is here .
For some of Britons ' most popular warm weather destinations , we 've got details of what to expect when you 're there .
• Which countries can I travel to ?
• Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK ?
Need to quarantine on arrival ?
No Need to quarantine when back in UK ?
Yes Spain is the most popular destination for Britons on their summer holidays , and 400,000 people from the UK own second homes in the country .
It 's had one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe , recording 28,355 coronavirus deaths up to the end of June .
But it has now entered the `` new normal '' phase and its borders have reopened to tourists .
As of 26 July , people returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 14 days .
The Foreign Office is now also advising against all but essential travel to Spain , including the Balearic and Canary Islands .
What restrictions are still in place ?
Visitors arriving from the UK will not be required to self-isolate - but you will have to undergo a temperature check .
People must stay 1.5m apart in public .
Everyone aged six and over should wear face masks on public transport , in shops and in public spaces where it is not possible to follow the 1.5m distance rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can revert to previous stages of lockdown and introduce different measures - for example masks are compulsory everywhere including on beaches and swimming pools in Andalusia and the Balearic Islands .
Some areas have also reintroduced lockdowns after local outbreaks .
Parts of Catalonia - which is the epicentre of most new outbreaks - are facing restrictions , including Barcelona where cinemas , theatres and nightclubs have closed .
Restrictions have also been introduced in Galicia .
Where can you stay ?
Hotels and other accommodation such as campsites and hostels are open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place capacity limits so all guests can stay 1.5m apart .
In most of Spain , bars and restaurants are open but are only running at reduced capacity and must follow strict social distancing rules .
Exhibitions , theatres and cinemas have reopened but also at reduced capacity .
Outdoor concerts of up to 400 people are allowed but with social distancing .
Nightclubs can also open although capacity is limited .
To give an idea of what a night out is like , people have to provide contact details , wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seating area .
Visitors are able to go to the beaches , while most water parks , zoos , museums and theme parks have reopened or are planning to in July , although with reduced capacity .
Two of Spain 's most visited sites , Barcelona 's Sagrada Familia cathedral and the Alhambra Palace near Granada , have already welcomed back visitors .
How can you get there ?
The country is open to tourists entering by car , ferry , train or air .
However , some travel companies , including Jet2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mainland Spain , as well as the Balearic and Canary Islands , since the UK government changed its guidance .
British Airways and Ryanair said they would continue to operate full schedules of flights to Spain .
Travellers catching flights in must wear face masks , fill in a health card and undergo temperature checks .
Need to quarantine on arrival ?
No Need to quarantine when back in UK ?
No France is the second-most popular country for UK visitors , with around 17 million crossing the Channel every year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the place for a second home .
It began to ease its strict lockdown on 11 May .
President Emmanuel Macron declared on 14 June that France had won its `` first victory '' against the virus as he lifted more measures in the country , which has recorded more than 30,000 deaths .
However , there are a rising number of cases in the north-west and in eastern regions , in particular in the north-western department of Mayenne .
What restrictions are still in place ?
Travellers from the UK do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France .
People should remain 1m apart from others , and no more than 10 people may gather in any public space .
You also have to wear a mask in all enclosed public spaces .
When travelling by train , you need to make a reservation in advance .
If arriving by Eurotunnel , travellers are being asked to fill out and carry with them a statement certifying that they do not have any coronavirus symptoms .
Where can you stay ?
Hotels , gites , and campsites are now open to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rental accommodation .
Bars , restaurants and cafes are allowed to open inside and outside areas , but they have to follow strict hygiene rules .
Customers are asked to wear a face covering when walking inside , but this can be removed when seated .
No service is allowed at the bar and a distance of 1m is kept between tables .
There is a limit of 5,000 people for large venues and strict health rules apply for shows and cinemas .
Nightclubs remain closed .
Beaches and parks have reopened , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or have a picnic , and play non-contact sports .
River cruises have been allowed since 11 July .
Museums , monuments , zoos and theme parks are gradually opening their doors again - but a mask is required to visit .
The Eiffel Tower started allowing visitors on 25 June .
Disneyland Paris began a phased reopening on 15 July .
Some water parks have also set dates for when they will accept visitors again , with new rules in place .
For example Aqualand , which has eight sites across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their swimming costumes .
How can you get there ?
It is once again possible to get to France by air , sea or train .
Eurotunnel has already attracted a record number of bookings over a weekend .
Eurostar is operating a reduced service , with only direct trains to Paris .
It will resume trains to Disneyland Paris on 2 August .
The major airlines , Ryanair , EasyJet and British Airways , all have flights to France this month , although at a lower frequency than normal .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on offer from ferry companies P & O , DFDS and Brittany Ferries .
Need to quarantine on arrival ?
No Need to quarantine when back in UK ?
No The first European country to be hit hard by the virus , it is the third-most visited destination for UK travellers every year .
Italy , which surpassed 35,000 virus-related deaths in July , imposed one of the strictest and earliest lockdowns on 7 March .
It reopened its borders on 3 June to travellers from other European countries , although the mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that visitors have n't been obeying the rules at its hotels and beaches .
What restrictions are still in place ?
The country 's tourist board has released an extensive list of guidelines for visitors this summer .
In four regions - Sardinia , Sicily , Puglia and Calabria - tourists are required to register in advance .
People must stay 1m apart in public areas , including hotels and other communal spaces .
Holidaymakers over the age of six will need to wear a mask at all times in public spaces indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't possible ( except in Lombardy where a mask outdoors is mandatory ) .
On public transport travellers will be required to wear masks , while temperature scanners may be in operation at train stations and airports .
Where can you stay ?
Hotels , campsites , mountain huts and beach resorts have made arrangements to safely welcome visitors .
However , an Italian hotel industry trade report said 60 % had remained closed in June , while more than 20 % are expected to still be shut in August .
Bars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 May , but they are hosting reduced numbers of diners , with tables further apart and plastic shields to separate customers .
Masks must be worn when you go inside and anytime you get up from your table .
Many venues are asking customers to provide their name and contact details before using their services .
Parks and beaches have reopened , along with swimming pools , although the tourist board says you need to wear a swim cap in a pool .
Most museums , galleries and archaeological sites are open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Capacity has been vastly reduced at some major tourist sites , like the Colosseum in Rome and the Uffizi gallery in Florence .
Other attractions are opening later this summer , such as Verona 's Roman amphitheatre which will hold its first event on 25 July .
Amusement parks , zoos , fun fairs and water parks are also open but entrance numbers may be limited .
How can you get there ?
Airlines running flights include Ryanair , EasyJet and British Airways , although the number of destinations and flights is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were operating flights to Rome in June , while EasyJet resumed flights there in July .
Need to quarantine on arrival ?
No Need to quarantine when back in UK ?
No Greece acted swiftly to impose lockdown in late February , and it was first eased in late April .
At the end of July , it had a total of 4,279 confirmed cases and a death toll of 203 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Its tourism season officially began on 15 June and it has already opened its borders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to wait after a ban on flights from the UK was extended .
Since 15 July , British holidaymakers can now fly there , but may be asked to take a test and practice social distancing and self-monitor for coronavirus symptoms until they get a negative result ( usually within 24 hours ) .
If the test result is positive Greek authorities are likely to ask you to self-isolate for 14 days .
What restrictions are still in place ?
People should aim to stay 1.5m apart and face masks must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ferries - at airports , in shops , cafes , hairdressers , government offices , lifts and taxis .
Masks are also strongly advised in other closed spaces .
Travelling in a car or taxi is limited to a maximum of two adult passengers as well as the driver , although children do not count towards the limit .
Where can you stay ?
All hotels , campsites and Airbnb accommodation are allowed to reopen .
Hotels can run at capacity but they have specific rules , including having a doctor on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved outdoors where possible , and food served in buffets must be placed under protective acrylic screens known as sneeze guards .
Read more on what Greek hotels might be like here .
Shops , cafes , bars , restaurants and nightclubs are now able to reopen but with limits on capacity .
No more than six adults can sit at a table together , although children are exempt .
Beaches and parks have also opened .
Swimming pools can open but the number allowed in will depend on the size of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut .
Most tourist attractions , including museums , zoos , gardens and theme parks are up and running again , while archaeological sites such as the country 's world-renowned Acropolis in Athens have also reopened .
How can you get there ?
The major airlines are gradually reinstating flights to Greece this month , although they had to cancel some flights in the first half of July when the Greek government extended its travel ban for UK citizens .
For those nationalities allowed to enter , travel to the Greek islands is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to complete a health questionnaire before boarding or take temperature checks .
Travel by yachts and private sailboats is now allowed .
But cruise ships and ferries coming from other countries are banned from landing in Greek ports .
Need to quarantine on arrival ?
No , but travellers to Madeira and the Azores will be tested on entry Need to quarantine when back in UK ?
Yes Like Greece , Portugal has had fewer coronavirus cases and deaths than some other European nations .
After initially lifting restrictions , it later reintroduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Lisbon .
By the end of July , Portugal had recorded 1,722 deaths .
Travellers will face health screening when they arrive .
Anyone going to Madeira or the Azores will need to take a test on arrival .
However , although Portugal 's border is open to British citizens , the UK government advises only going to Portugal if it 's essential - although trips to Madeira and the Azores can be non-essential .
What restrictions are still in place ?
People must keep 2m away from others and there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport .
Face masks are compulsory in enclosed spaces such as shops and on public transport for everyone over the age of 10 .
Drinking alcohol in public places , except for pavement cafes and restaurants , is banned .
Gatherings are limited to 20 people , except for religious ceremonies and family events , such as weddings and christenings .
In parts of Lisbon , a local lockdown has been extended until the end of July .
In 19 areas , people must stay at home , while in Greater Lisbon gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to close at 8pm .
Where can you stay ?
Tourism accommodation that meets the so-called `` Clean and Safe '' hygiene standard are allowed to open .
Restaurants , cafes and bars are allowed to open with capacity rules and 2m distancing in place .
Last orders are at 11pm .
It is up to the local area whether markets will open .
Beaches are open but with measures in place to limit capacity and people must stay 2m apart .
There is a mobile app to assess how full beaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the green light .
Museums , art galleries , monuments , palaces and historic buildings have all reopened , as well as zoos .
How can you get there ?
Many flight routes between the UK and Portugal have already resumed .
Need to quarantine on arrival ?
Yes , but British nationals are not allowed in anyway Need to quarantine when back in UK ?
Yes Holidays to the US are still not a likely prospect .
British nationals are not allowed to enter the USA if they have been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries ) within the past two weeks .
Those who are eligible to enter the US - such as US citizens flying in from the UK - must be prepared to quarantine for 14 days .
Even US travellers arriving from some US states must quarantine .
And , since the US is not exempt from the UK 's quarantine , anyone returning to the UK will have to self-isolate for 14 days .
What 's more , the Foreign Office still advises against non-essential travel to the US .
The US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus , and more than 149,000 deaths nationwide , according to Johns Hopkins University .
What restrictions are still in place ?
Well , it varies state by state .
You can check individual states ' rules here .
A number of US states have now made face masks compulsory while in public .
Social distancing of 2m is recommended by the USA 's Center for Disease Control and Prevention .
Where can you stay ?
Hotels are reopening across the country , the Foreign Office says , - but there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it depends on the state .
Shops , restaurants , bars , beaches and other leisure activities are likely to be following local regulations .
California - a popular holiday destination for Britons - reintroduced sweeping restrictions on 13 July following a surge in cases .
It ordered all indoor restaurants , bars , shopping malls and cinemas to close again .
Churches , gyms , shopping malls , zoos , museums , hair salons and non-essential offices must shut indoor operations in some of the state 's worst-affected counties , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another popular destination - is fast becoming America 's latest Covid-19 epicentre .
However , its Disney World resort reopened with limited capacity on 11 July .
How can you get there ?
Some flights are running between the UK and US , but on a reduced schedule and at higher than usual prices .
What about elsewhere ?
You can also return to the UK from these destinations without needing to isolate , as well as many others listed here .
Turkey : It reopened its borders to UK visitors on 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete a form before arriving .
Face masks are compulsory in crowded places and on public transport .
In certain provinces , face masks are compulsory at all times outside the home .
There remains an ongoing curfew for those aged over 65 ( although this does n't apply to those visiting for tourism ) and those who have a chronic medical condition .
Croatia : Visitors from the UK must complete a form in advance and have proof of accommodation .
Restaurants , accommodation and beaches are open , along with pools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply .
Large public gatherings are allowed and nightclubs can also open .
Passengers on public transport and in taxis must wear face coverings , and they are also compulsory in shops and other commercial premises .
Germany : The country is open to travellers from the UK , but people must keep a distance of 1.5m .
Face masks are required in some public spaces but it varies by state .
All shops , tourist accommodation and restaurants are open - but bars and cafes in some states are shut .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local lockdown , but it has since been lifted .
Netherlands : UK visitors from Leicester are currently `` strongly advised '' to go into quarantine for 14 days on arrival .
Tourists must reserve accommodation in advance .
There is no maximum limit on the number of people allowed inside places including shops , museums and at outside venues like zoos and theme parks - provided people stick to 1.5m social distancing .
Face masks are mandatory on public transport for anyone aged 13 and over .
Nightclubs will not reopen before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are open to Britons .
Everyone should keep 1.5m apart from others and people aged 12 and over should wear a face mask on public transport and in indoor public spaces .
Restaurants , bars , cafes and shops are open but with strict rules , and tourist accommodation and activities can resume .
Swimming pools are still closed .
Switzerland : No travel restrictions for UK travellers .
Social distancing here is 1.5m .
Most places are back open including shops , restaurants , bars and cafes .
Masks are compulsory when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children under 12 .
In the Alps , mountain railways and cable cars are running .
Australia : Its borders are closed to foreign nationals , and all travellers entering must undergo a 14-day quarantine .
Travellers entering the UK from Australia do not have to self-isolate .

Coronavirus: Where can I go on holiday? A guide to destinations Published 27 August 2020
Image source, EPA Image caption, Beaches around Europe have seen an influx of holidaymakers since June when many countries lifted border restrictions
The prospect of a holiday abroad is on the cards again, after the UK government eased quarantine rules.
People returning to the UK from certain countries do not need to self-isolate. The full lists of the countries that are exempt from the quarantine rule are here for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Here are details of what to expect when you're in some of the most popular warm weather destinations for Britons.
Spain - back on quarantine list
Need to quarantine on arrival? No
Need to quarantine when back in UK? Yes
Spain is the most popular destination for Britons on their summer holidays, and 400,000 people from the UK own second homes in the country.
It had one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe, recording 28,355 coronavirus deaths up to the end of June.
Since then, its borders have reopened to tourists but it is currently facing the worst coronavirus infection rate in Western Europe. Daily cases have risen from fewer than 150 in June to more than 1,500 throughout August.
As of 26 July, people returning from Spain to the UK must quarantine for 14 days. In addition, the Foreign Office is now also advising against all but essential travel to Spain, including the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Some beaches - like Cala Aiguablava Beach near Girona - remain busy
What restrictions are in place?
Visitors arriving from the UK will not be required to self-isolate - but you will have to give your contact details and undergo a temperature check and health check on arrival at the airport.
People must stay 1.5m apart in public. Everyone aged six and over should wear face masks in public spaces where it is not possible to follow the 1.5m distance rule.
However, different provinces in Spain have introduced different measures. For example, masks are compulsory everywhere, even when the social distancing rule can be followed, in areas including Madrid, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
Some areas have also reintroduced lockdowns after local outbreaks. In July, parts of Catalonia - including Barcelona - faced new restrictions, with cinemas, theatres and nightclubs temporarily closed.
Smoking in public spaces is also banned in areas such as Galicia and the Canary Islands.
Where can you stay?
Image source, Reuters Image caption, German tourists are greeted by receptionists at a hotel in Ronda, in Spain's Andalucía region
Hotels and other accommodation, such as campsites and hostels, are open - but they are required to put in place capacity limits so all guests can stay 1.5m apart.
What tourist attractions are open?
In most of Spain, bars and restaurants are open but are running at reduced capacity and must follow strict social distancing rules. Nightclubs are also open, although capacity is limited and people must provide contact details and wear masks.
Exhibitions, theatres and cinemas have reopened, again with reduced capacity. Outdoor concerts of up to 400 people are allowed with social distancing measures in place.
Visitors are able to go to the beaches, while most water parks, zoos, museums and theme parks have reopened to a limited number of visitors.
Two of Spain's most visited sites, Barcelona's Sagrada Familia cathedral and the Alhambra Palace near Granada, have already welcomed tourists back.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Spain's Alhambra Palace reopens to visitors
How can you get there?
The country is open to tourists entering by car, ferry, train or air.
However, some travel companies, including Jet2 and Tui have cancelled flights and holidays to mainland Spain, as well as the Balearic and Canary Islands, since the UK government changed its guidance.
British Airways and Ryanair continue to operate scheduled flights to Spain.
France - back on quarantine list
Need to quarantine on arrival? Not currently, but France has suggested measures are to be introduced
Need to quarantine when back in UK? Yes, quarantine measures were imposed on travellers arriving in the UK from France from 15 August at 04:00 BST
France is the second-most popular country for UK visitors, with around 17 million crossing the Channel every year. Some 200,000 Britons have chosen it as the place for a second home.
The country began to ease its strict lockdown on 11 May. President Emmanuel Macron declared on 14 June that France had won its "first victory" against the virus as he lifted more restrictions, which has recorded more than 30,000 deaths.
A quarantine-free travel corridor was established between the UK and France in early July, but after a surge in cases in August, the UK government changed its travel advice, requiring people arriving from France to self-isolate.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Tables and deckchairs are set out to respect social distancing on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice
What restrictions are in place?
People should remain 1m apart, and no more than 10 people may gather in any public space.
You also have to wear a mask in all enclosed public spaces. When travelling by train, you need to make a reservation in advance.
France is one of several European countries to tighten coronavirus restrictions in August, amid a rise in infections - particularly among younger people.
Paris and Marseille are among those areas now deemed so-called "red zones" - high risk areas where local authorities have extra powers to impose restrictions. In both cities, masks are now compulsory in all public spaces.
Where can you stay?
Hotels, gites, and campsites have reopened, as well as private rental accommodation.
Are tourist attractions open?
Image source, EPA Image caption, Disneyland Paris, one of Europe's top visitor attractions, has reopened
Bars, restaurants and cafes are allowed to open inside and outside areas, but they have to follow strict hygiene rules. Customers are asked to wear a face covering when walking inside, but this can be removed when seated. No service is allowed at the bar and a distance of 1m is kept between tables.
There is a limit of 5,000 people for large venues and strict health rules apply for shows and cinemas. Nightclubs remain closed.
Beaches and parks have reopened, and you can now sunbathe or have a picnic, and play non-contact sports. River cruises have been allowed since 11 July.
Museums, monuments, zoos and theme parks are gradually opening their doors again - but a mask is required to visit.
The Eiffel Tower started allowing visitors on 25 June. Disneyland Paris began a phased reopening on 15 July.
Some water parks have new rules in place. For example Aqualand, which has eight sites across the country, has advised visitors to arrive in their swimming costumes to avoid contamination in changing areas.
How can you get there?
It remains possible to get to France by air, sea or train. If arriving by Eurotunnel, travellers are being asked to fill out and carry with them a statement certifying that they do not have any coronavirus symptoms.
The major airlines, Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways, all continue to fly to France, although at a lower frequency than normal.
A variety of routes across the Channel are on offer from ferry companies at reduced capacity, but since the re-imposition of quarantine measures in August, some companies have reduced passenger services.
Italy - welcoming British visitors
Need to quarantine on arrival? No
Need to quarantine when back in UK? No
Italy, which surpassed 35,000 virus-related deaths in July, imposed one of the strictest and earliest lockdowns on 7 March.
The first European country to be hit hard by the virus, it is the third-most visited destination for UK travellers annually.
Italy reopened its borders on 3 June to travellers from other European countries, although the mayor of the island of Capri has complained that visitors haven't been obeying the rules at its hotels and beaches.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Attractions like the Colosseum in Rome are open for business again
What restrictions are still in place?
The country's tourist board has released an extensive list of guidelines for visitors this summer.
In four regions - Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia and Calabria - tourists are required to register in advance.
People must stay 1m apart in public areas, including hotels and other communal spaces. In most parts of the country, holidaymakers over the age of six will need to wear a mask at all times in public spaces indoors, and outdoors where social distancing isn't possible. However, in Lombardy - the area around Milan, and the location of Italy's original coronavirus outbreak - a mask outdoors is mandatory at all times.
On public transport travellers will be required to wear masks, while temperature scanners may be in operation at train stations and airports.
Where can you stay?
Hotels, campsites, mountain huts and beach resorts have made arrangements to safely welcome visitors. However, an Italian hotel industry trade report said 60% stayed closed in June, with about 20% reportedly deciding not open their doors again this summer.
Are tourist attractions open?
Image source, EPA Image caption, Tourists at the Leaning Tower of Pisa have to wear face masks and an electronic device which sends out signals and sounds if anyone gets within 1m
Bars, cafes, restaurants and gelaterias reopened on 18 May, but they are hosting reduced numbers of diners, with tables further apart and plastic shields to separate customers.
Masks must be worn when you go inside and anytime you get up from your table. Many venues are asking customers to provide their name and contact details before using their services.
Parks and beaches have reopened, along with swimming pools, although the tourist board says you need to wear a swim cap in a pool.
Most museums, galleries and archaeological sites are open, but entry must be pre-booked online.
Capacity has been vastly reduced at some major tourist sites, like the Colosseum in Rome and the Uffizi gallery in Florence.
Amusement parks, zoos, fun fairs and water parks are also open but entrance numbers may be limited.
How can you get there?
Airlines running flights include Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways, although the number of destinations and flights is markedly reduced.
Greece - Britons now allowed
Need to quarantine on arrival? No
Need to quarantine when back in UK? No
Greece acted swiftly to impose lockdown in late February, and it was first eased in late April. As of 27 August, it had a total of 9,280 confirmed cases and a death toll of 248, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Its tourism season officially began on 15 June and it has already opened its borders to some countries. But British travellers had to wait after a ban on flights from the UK was extended.
Since 15 July, British holidaymakers can now fly there, but may be asked to take a test and practice social distancing and self-monitor for coronavirus symptoms until they get a negative result (usually within 24 hours). If the test result is positive Greek authorities are likely to ask you to self-isolate for 14 days.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Greek islands like Santorini are a big draw for tourists
What restrictions are still in place?
People should aim to stay 1.5m apart and face masks must be worn on public transport - including flights and ferries - at airports, in shops, cafes, hairdressers, government offices, lifts and taxis. Masks are also strongly advised in other closed spaces.
Travelling in a car or taxi is limited to a maximum of three adult passengers as well as the driver, although children do not count towards the limit.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Restaurants and cafes have been open for a while in Greece
Where can you stay?
All hotels, campsites and Airbnb accommodation are allowed to reopen.
Hotels can run at capacity but they have specific rules, including having a doctor on standby. Reception desks must also be moved outdoors where possible, and food served in buffets must be placed under protective acrylic screens known as sneeze guards. Read more on what Greek hotels might be like here.
What tourist attractions are open?
Shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs are now able to reopen but with limits on capacity. No more than six adults can sit at a table together, although children are exempt.
Beaches and parks have also opened. Swimming pools can open but the number allowed in will depend on the size of the pool, while water slides may be shut.
Most tourist attractions, including museums, zoos, gardens and theme parks are up and running again, while archaeological sites such as the country's world-renowned Acropolis in Athens have also reopened.
Image source, EPA Image caption, The Acropolis Museum in Athens has reopened
How can you get there?
The major airlines have gradually reinstated flights to Greece, although they had to cancel some flights in the first half of July when the Greek government extended its travel ban for UK citizens.
For those nationalities allowed to enter, travel to the Greek islands is also possible, although passengers will need to complete a health questionnaire before boarding or take temperature checks. It is obligatory to wear masks when travelling on all ferries, where capacity is limited to allow for social distancing.
Portugal - open despite local outbreak
Need to quarantine on arrival? No, but arriving in mainland Portugal you will be subject to health screening and travellers to Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores will be tested on entry
Need to quarantine when back in UK? No
Like Greece, Portugal has had fewer coronavirus cases and deaths than some other European nations.
After initially lifting restrictions, it later reintroduced some of the rules following local outbreaks in Lisbon. As of 27 August, it had a total of 56,274 confirmed cases and a death toll of 1,809, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, British tourists usually flock to beaches like this one in the Algarve
What restrictions are still in place?
People must keep 2m away from others and there are capacity rules in shops and on public transport. Face masks are compulsory in enclosed spaces such as shops and on public transport for everyone over the age of 10.
Drinking alcohol in public places, except for pavement cafes and restaurants, is banned. Gatherings are limited to 20 people, except for religious ceremonies and family events, such as weddings and christenings.
The Greater Lisbon area is in a state of contingency due to localised outbreaks. Restrictions currently in place include gatherings are limited to 10 people, while shops have to close at 8pm.
Where can you stay?
Tourism accommodation that meets the so-called "Clean and Safe" hygiene standard are allowed to open.
What tourist attractions are open?
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Portugal has recently seen a rise in new cases around Lisbon
Restaurants, cafes and bars are allowed to open with capacity rules and 2m distancing in place. Last orders are at 11pm. It is up to the local area whether markets will open.
Beaches are open but with measures in place to limit capacity and people must stay 2m apart. There is a mobile app to assess how full beaches are.
Water sports have also been given the green light.
Museums, art galleries, monuments, palaces and historic buildings have all reopened, as well as zoos.
How can you get there?
Many flight routes between the UK and Portugal have already resumed.
United States
Need to quarantine on arrival? Yes, but British nationals are not allowed in anyway
Need to quarantine when back in UK? Yes
Holidays to the US are still not a likely prospect. British nationals are not allowed to enter the USA if they have been in the UK (or a number of other countries) within the past two weeks.
Those who are eligible to enter the US - such as US citizens flying in from the UK - must be prepared to quarantine for 14 days. Even US travellers arriving from some US states must quarantine.
And, since the US is not exempt from the UK's quarantine, anyone returning to the UK will have to self-isolate for 14 days. What's more, the Foreign Office still advises against non-essential travel to the US.
The US has reported more than 5.8 million cases of coronavirus, and more than 179,000 deaths nationwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Disney has shut its resort in Hong Kong, but its Florida one is open
What restrictions are still in place?
Well, it varies state by state. You can check individual states' rules here. A number of US states have now made face masks compulsory while in public.
Social distancing of 2m is recommended by the USA's Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Where can you stay?
Hotels are reopening across the country, the Foreign Office says, but there will be local rules on capacity.
What tourist attractions are open?
Again, it depends on the state. Shops, restaurants, bars, beaches and other leisure activities are likely to be following local regulations.
California - a popular holiday destination for Britons - reintroduced sweeping restrictions on 13 July following a surge in cases. It ordered all indoor restaurants, bars, shopping malls and cinemas to close again.
Churches, gyms, shopping malls, zoos, museums, hair salons and non-essential offices must shut indoor operations in some of the state's worst-affected counties, including Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Florida - another popular destination - is fast becoming the centre of America's latest Covid-19 outbreak. However, its Disney World resort reopened with limited capacity on 11 July.
Image source, EPA Image caption, Supermarket chain Walmart announced it would make all customers wear masks
How can you get there?
Some flights are running between the UK and US, but on a reduced schedule and at higher than usual prices.
What about elsewhere?
You can also return to the UK from these destinations without needing to isolate, as well as many others listed here.
Turkey: It reopened its borders to UK visitors on 12 June, and passengers are required to complete a form before arriving. Face masks are compulsory in crowded places and on public transport. In certain provinces, face masks are compulsory at all times outside the home. Those aged over 65 (although this doesn't apply to those visiting for tourism) require a permit to travel between cities and must remain at their destination for a minimum of 30 days unless travelling for an international flight.
Germany: The country is open to travellers from the UK, but people must keep a distance of 1.5m. Face masks are required in some public spaces but it varies by state. All shops, tourist accommodation and restaurants are open - but bars and cafes in some states are shut. Travellers using Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg airport to return to the UK will transit France and therefore will be required to self-isolate.
Switzerland: Self-isolation rules might change soon for travellers returning from Switzerland to the whole of the UK, following Scotland's decision to tell people to self-isolate on their return. Social distancing here is 1.5m. Most places are back open including shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Masks are compulsory when travelling on public transport, except for children under 12. In the Alps, mountain railways and cable cars are running.