bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Advice for people with health conditions

Coronavirus can affect anyone , but people with pre-existing health problems and older people are thought to be at greater risk of developing severe symptoms .
If you have a long-term health condition you may be feeling anxious .
So here 's what experts are advising .
Who is at risk ?
Having a health condition does not make you more likely than anyone else to contract coronavirus , which is a respiratory disease .
But it appears people who are older , those with weakened immune systems and people who have underlying chronic conditions , including heart disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk of severe effects .
Most people recover from coronavirus quickly after a few days ' rest .
For some people , it can be more severe and sometimes life-threatening .
The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common , such as cold and flu : I have asthma , what should I do ?
Asthma UK 's advice is to keep taking your preventer inhaler ( usually brown ) daily as prescribed .
This will help cut your risk of an asthma attack being triggered by any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your blue reliever inhaler with you every day , in case you feel your asthma symptoms flaring up .
If your asthma is getting worse and there is a risk you might have coronavirus , contact the online NHS 111 coronavirus service .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore The latest advice from the government 's chief medical adviser is that everyone - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopping non-essential contact with others to help stop the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable .
That means avoiding gatherings with friends and family as well as crowded places such as pubs .
This is particularly important for people over 70 and those with underlying health conditions because they are at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms if they become infected .
In the coming days , every Briton over 70 will be told to stay at home for an extended period - around three months - to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people of any age with underlying health conditions .
Caroline Abrahams , charity director at Age UK , recommends that people with elderly friends and relatives make sure they check on them regularly .
Older people and their families can call Age UK Advice for free on 0800 169 65 65 .
What if I have a chronic health issue ?
Those with underlying medical issues such as high blood pressure , lung complaints and weakened or compromised immune systems are more likely to develop serious illness as a result of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from viruses such as cold or flu should take sensible steps to reduce the risk of picking up infections .
Those who begin to show symptoms - a new , persistent cough and fever - should stay at home .
If the symptoms get worse or are no better after seven days , they should call their GP or use the NHS 111 service .
I have diabetes , what should I do ?
Those living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes could be at greater risk of more severe symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Diabetes UK , said : `` Coronavirus or Covid-19 can cause complications in people with diabetes .
`` If you have diabetes and you have symptoms such as cough , high temperature and feeling short of breath , you need to monitor your blood sugar closely . ''
You should stay at home for seven days and continue taking your medication .
Do not go to a GP practice , pharmacy or hospital .
For those who routinely monitor their blood glucose , on the advice of their clinical team , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if you feel you can not cope with your symptoms at home , your condition gets worse or your symptoms do not get better after seven days .
There is no evidence yet that pregnant women are a high-risk group .
Like anyone , they should take steps to avoid infection .
They are among people who should be `` particularly stringent '' in minimising their social contact , says the official advice .
Deborah Arnott , chief executive of public health charity , Ash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should either cut back or try to quit entirely to lower their risk .
`` Smokers are more likely to get respiratory infections and twice as likely to develop pneumonia as non-smokers , '' she said .
`` Quitting smoking is good for your health in so many ways and smokers should see coronavirus as further motivation to give quitting a go to build up their body 's defences now before coronavirus becomes widespread in the UK . ''
What about my medication ?
It is important that even if you are unwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medication .
If you need to collect prescriptions while unwell , ask a friend or family member to collect them for you .
Coronavirus is an entirely different virus to flu , so the flu jab wo n't prevent infection , but flu can also make you sick and can be severe in certain people .
If you have not yet had your flu jab there is still time to get one .
People aged 65 and over , pregnant women and children and adults with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS .
So how can I stay safe ?
The virus is thought to be spread by coughs and via contaminated surfaces , such as handrails and door handles in public places .
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve ( not your hands ) when you cough or sneeze • Put used tissues in the bin immediately • Wash your hands with soap and water often - use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available • Try to avoid close contact with people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes , nose or mouth if your hands are not clean The British Lung Foundation says it does not recommend using a face mask `` as there is n't enough evidence to show how effective they are .
Also , for people living with a lung condition wearing a face mask can make breathing more difficult . ''

If you have these symptoms you should stay at home for seven days and continue taking your medication. Do not go to a GP practice, pharmacy or hospital, even if you have a hospital appointment. Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, your condition gets worse or your symptoms do not get better after seven days.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: UK changes course amid death toll fears

Change course or a quarter of a million people will die in a `` catastrophic epidemic '' of coronavirus - warnings do not come much starker than that .
The message came from researchers modelling how the disease will spread , how the NHS would be overwhelmed and how many would die .
The situation has shifted dramatically and as a result we are now facing the most profound changes to our daily lives in peacetime .
This realisation has happened only in the past few days .
However , it is long after other scientists and the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going all-out to stop the virus .
The crucial piece of evidence came from the scientists at Imperial College London who first realised the scale of the problem in China and whose advice is heavily influential in government .
• Suppression - break chains of transmission , effectively trying to stop the epidemic in its tracks , and bring cases down as low as possible , as China has done • Mitigation - accept you can not stop the coronavirus so slow its spread and prevent a massive peak in cases that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect those most at risk of severe disease , which appeared to be the UK strategy last week • Do nothing - and let the virus rip through the population • EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
It was on only Friday that Sir Patrick Vallance , the chief scientific adviser , explained the mitigation plan to the BBC .
He said : `` Our aim is to try and reduce the peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it completely .
`` Also , because the vast majority of people get a mild illness , to build up some kind of herd immunity so more people are immune to this disease . ''
If mitigation worked it would have avoided the most draconian measures other countries have used and built up immunity , which would help limit the spread of coronavirus .
Mitigation involves some social distancing strategies , while suppression beefs up those measures , including possible restriction of movement and increased periods of isolation .
The modelling projected that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of people would be infected and 510,000 would die from coronavirus by August .
The mitigation strategy is better , but would still result in about 250,000 deaths and completely overwhelm intensive care in the NHS .
The experience of Italy , and the first cases in the UK , led to this dawning realisation .
About 30 % of cases that end up in hospital are expected to need intensive care , such as ventilators or ECMO machines , which take over the job of breathing from the lungs .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS to cope .
The analysis estimated the limits of intensive care would be `` exceeded by at least eight-fold '' even under the most optimistic mitigation plans .
`` Even with the sort of interventions which were being planned and been announced last week , there would be a risk of intensive care units being overwhelmed , '' said Prof Neil Ferguson from Imperial .
The report concludes `` suppression is the only viable strategy at the current time '' .
It is hoped deaths could be limited to the thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has always said it is following the science and the science has changed profoundly .
Hence , we should be waving goodbye to pubs , clubs and theatres , work from home and isolate whole households if any one person becomes sick .
However , the suppression approach comes with major problems .
It effectively requires shutting down parts of society and there is no exit strategy .
As fewer people would be infected there would be little immunity in the population and cases would soar soon after measures were lifted again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Research suggests 95 % of people in Wuhan were still susceptible to the virus at the end of January .
The report suggests we may have to wait 18 months for a vaccine , but even that is not guaranteed .
We could be in this for the very long term .
It is worth stressing this is all based on mathematical models .
They make assumptions , they are not perfect and what they find is not written in stone .
This virus emerged only in December and we 're still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale and role of asymptomatic infections or the summer weather in the pandemic are still unknown .
But Dr Adam Kucharski , another disease modeller who was not part of the Imperial study , told me : `` There 's no simple solution to this , it is probably toughest epidemic I 've ever had to analyse .
`` There is no way of it playing out without some serious downsides . ''

About 30% of cases that end up in hospital are expected to need intensive care, such as ventilators or ECMO machines, which take over the job of breathing from the lungs.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--'My father kept Parkinson's a secret, I haven't'

When sports broadcaster Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson 's at the same age as his father - 44 - he knew he could n't keep it a secret .
His dad , Alan , had been so worried about the stigma around it at the time that he did n't tell anyone and eventually took his own life .
Alan Clark , was a sales rep in Bradford when he was diagnosed with Parkinson 's , a neurological disorder that attacks the area of the brain which controls movement .
It was the 1980s and he was worried he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had the disease .
He continued to work full-time to provide for his wife and two sons .
Even when he turned up to meetings with hands that shook so much he was accused of being drunk , he still refused to reveal what was going on .
Alan 's son , Dave , a Sky Sports presenter , says : `` He went to the doctors by himself , did n't eat with the family because he was worried about his shakes .
He did n't tell anyone he had Parkinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't end well for my dad .
He died when he was 52 , took his own life . ''
Unknown to Alan , his son had discovered this closely guarded secret as a teenager .
Dave happened to watch a documentary , which explained the condition , while he was off sick from school .
It said Parkinson 's causes symptoms such as shaking and slowness of movement due to a reduction of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain .
Dopamine helps transmit signals between nerve cells .
Dave says : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as disabled and lose his job .
We did n't have a lot of money growing up as a kid and his job was vital .
The whole thing was very sad . ''
Dave , a broadcaster for more than 30 years , has covered World Cups , Olympics and a plethora of other sports , more recently becoming synonymous with TV darts coverage .
But decades after his father 's death , he started to suspect something may be up .
Moments before a live television broadcast , his hand excessively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his tie and cufflinks .
He hid in a cupboard to escape the producer who was shouting at him to hurry up .
Dave managed to sort himself out with moments to spare .
Although Parkinson 's UK said it 's very rare for the condition to be passed on genetically , Dave suspected he may have the same illness as his father and visited a specialist .
But the tactless way his then-consultant delivered the diagnosis in 2011 still shocks him .
Listen to How not to tell someone they have Parkinson's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big mortgage ?
How many kids have you got ?
Sorry to say you 've got Parkinson 's ' .
`` That was a lousy way of telling it , as if he thought he was God . ''
Dave was devastated by the diagnosis , but determined to deal with it differently to his father and not keep it a secret .
`` I walked away from the specialist , across Wimbledon Common , and tears were running down my cheeks .
But the sun was shining and I thought , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit longer yet . ''
He allowed himself 24 hours to feel down about the news , although admits the first three months were hard to get through .
Dave and his wife Carolyn , a clinical psychologist decided to tell their sons , then aged seven and four , that their dad had the neurological condition as soon as questions arose , to make it a normal part of family life .
Carolyn has since helped to write a guide on talking to children about Parkinson 's .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day one because , again , just what happened with my dad , just keeping a secret .
And I think it 's important that they knew about it .
`` They know I 'm getting worse and they know it 's very serious , but I 'm just 'Dad ' . ''
He says the way his children have accepted it makes him feel guilty about the way he viewed his own father when he turned up unannounced to his football games .
`` I did n't like to see him hunched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pitch and I 'm embarrassed by that reaction now .
`` My kids do n't have a choice : I turn up for everything . ''
He 's also conscious of the impact Parkinson 's can have on mental health and always plays music in the house , often Bruce Springsteen , to keep his spirits up .
There is a scientific reason behind that too .
Parkinson 's can trigger depression due to a drop in levels of the chemical messenger linked to pleasure : dopamine .
Although Dave takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain , he estimates he is down to his last 10 % .
`` You 've got to be careful because the dopamine rush that you get from the meds can cause addictions , '' he explains .
`` I 've got a slight addiction to guitars .
If I 'm not careful , I 'd end up buying loads of guitars on eBay .
I 've got seven already , which is too many ! ''
Nine years on from his diagnosis , Dave continues to work in broadcasting , although he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on so he can focus on his health .
About 145,000 people have Parkinson 's in the UK , with that number predicted to grow as life expectancy increases .
Several high profile people have recently revealed they live with the progressive condition , for which there is currently no cure .
Ozzy Osbourne announced in January he had a `` mild form '' of Parkinson 's , comedian Billy Connolly made a documentary about it , and the BBC 's Rory Cellan-Jones has been charting his progress after a neurologist noticed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC .
Dave spends a lot of his time exercising , to keep his body and mind working .
The former Capital Gold reporter has also undertaken several bigger physical challenges from walking the Dales Way to coast-to-coast , generating thousands of pounds for charity but says he `` needs one big challenge to finish it off '' .
That 's come in the form of an 18-day trek to Mount Everest base camp for Parkinson 's UK , which he will undertake in November .
`` I 've always wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I still can , I 'll do it ' , '' he explains .
Base camp is just short of 18,000ft ( 5,500m ) where the air is thin so he 's unsure how his body will react to the atmosphere .
`` Some people say altitude is good for Parkinson 's , some people say it 's bad .
Michael J Fox went to meet the Dalai Lama and said he 'd never felt as good . ''
The expedition will add to an already wide and varied collection of memories .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ moments came during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta with legendary boxer Muhammad Ali , arguably the most famous person to have had Parkinson 's .
`` I was in the stadium and they did n't know who was going to light the torch , and they passed it on through various superstars , and then Ali came out wearing a white tracksuit and his hand really badly shaking , he could hardly move .
`` I was quite upset at the time because I thought about my dad back in the day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just an amazing moment .
It transcended any sporting occasion I 've ever been to . ''
While Dave 's final big challenge will involve Everest , he says it 's important to recognise that every person 's experience of the condition differs .
`` People with Parkinson 's do amazing things .
Walk coast-to-coast , or just walk down the shops if you 've not walked down the shops for a while .
`` That 's an amazing thing if you 're really struggling - keep going , keep fighting . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have something in the diary that excites you • Play music in the house so you do n't get in that dark place • Get up , get out , get dressed - but get dressed before you get out !
• Have the odd sofa day but do n't make a habit of it You can follow Harry on Twitter .
For more Disability News , follow BBC Ouch on Twitter and Facebook , and subscribe to the podcast .

When sports broadcaster Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson's at the same age as his father - 44 - he knew he couldn't keep it a secret. His dad, Alan, had been so worried about the stigma around it at the time that he didn't tell anyone and eventually took his own life.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Trailblazer playwright on the need to keep black British history alive

In 2003 Winsome Pinnock was described as the `` Godmother of Black British playwrights '' - and the label has stuck .
She has a new play at the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester which digs into attitudes in Britain to the historical slave trade between Africa and the Caribbean .
Pinnock has encountered several people lately who were convinced British playwrights had already written about British involvement in the African slave trade - finally outlawed in 1833 .
`` In fact until recently almost no one here had written about it , '' she says .
`` I suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the African American plays which have been produced over the years .
But that 's not our story . ''
By `` our story '' Pinnock means all Britons , regardless of skin colour .
`` This year there have been at least three new plays which do focus on Britain and slave trading but it 's new territory .
People should think about what that omission says about our willingness to talk about those events . ''
Now in her 50s , Pinnock was born in London to Jamaican parents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ father worked at Smithfield meat market .
`` They were the Windrush generation , '' she says , `` and often it was n't easy for them . ''
Her first full-length play was Leave Taking in 1987 which echoed parts of her parents ' life .
She 's had around 20 plays produced since , illuminating the black British experience perhaps more than any other writer for the stage .
Rockets and Blue Lights does n't take a straightforward approach to Britain 's involvement in the slave trade .
Half is set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1840s when painter JMW Turner is working on his painting The Slave Ship .
The picture 's generally assumed to have been inspired by the maritime Zong massacre of 1781 .
The Zong was a ship belonging to Liverpool merchants which sailed to Jamaica laden with slaves from Accra in what is now Ghana .
Almost half the slaves were thrown overboard to drown so the ship 's owners could claim insurance money ( they later claimed they 'd run out of drinking water ) .
Eventually the horrific murders became public knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1800s .
In the modern 21st Century sections of the play we see Lou , a black British actress played by Kiza Deen , who has been cast in a film retelling the story .
Pinnock says Turner 's painting is n't as well-known as it might be because it belongs to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston .
`` If it were in Britain it would force us to have a real conversation about the history it depicts .
It 's a really important image . ''
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make a name for herself writing for the stage .
`` But for most theatre writers you accept it 's a long apprenticeship .
`` It takes years to find out what you can do with theatre and when you 're older hopefully you 've internalised all that hard-won craft and experience .
You sustain your career by engaging with life and with your own life - that 's all any writer has .
`` When I was a young writer I was really afraid that eventually you come to an end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through different stages all your life and your writing changes with that .
`` But it can be scary because you see the emphasis in theatre on youth and you think they 'll see you as some old fuddy-duddy . ''
She mentions Caryl Churchill ( who 's 81 ) as someone whose long writing career she admires .
`` Her most important work has come later in life , which is a big encouragement .
`` But statistics show that women have always been less likely to have their plays produced - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's amazing to be at the Manchester Royal Exchange with Rockets and Blue Lights . ''
When Pinnock started out , a black British female writer was rare .
Her play Leave Taking started life at the Liverpool Playhouse but went on to become the first play by a black woman staged at the National Theatre .
`` A couple of years ago it was given a new production by the Bush Theatre in London and I had n't read it for a long , long time .
`` But it still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run .
It was just chance that at that time the Windrush scandal had broken . ''
( Some Caribbean people were threatened with being sent back although they had been in Britain for decades . )
`` My 30 year-old play had referenced this .
A character says you could be kicked out of the country if you do n't get your papers in order .
It made me think that often if you 're in a specific group like black writers or female writers you seem ahead of your time because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the stories you want to tell .
`` It gave me hope that long after I 'm gone some of my plays may still seem worth staging .
But if Leave Taking still seems relevant all these years later that means there really has n't been change since 1987 .
My play spoke to a new generation because in some fundamental way society had n't changed as much as people thought it had . ''
Pinnock has reached a stage where she 's much in demand to sit on panels discussing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a topic she 'd prefer to move on from ?
`` The organisers want you to talk about women in the theatre or black people in the theatre .
And you hear other people say , 'oh I 'm so fed up talking about this ' .
`` But I think , 'why have n't you still got the energy to fight ? '
This kind of equality is n't somehow going to happen overnight - so you 'd better be prepared still to be talking in 20 years ' time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'll stop talking about it . ''
Rockets and Blue Lights is at the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester until 4 April .
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"My 30 year-old play had referenced this. A character says you could be kicked out of the country if you don't get your papers in order. It made me think that often if you're in a specific group like black writers or female writers you seem ahead of your time because other people haven't heard your arguments or the stories you want to tell.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--'How am I meant to self-isolate and do the school drop-off?'

A GP who is due to give birth in two weeks has criticised the logistics of pregnant women self-isolating when @ @ @ @ @ Speaking to BBC Breakfast , Dr Punam Krishan said she had taken her maternity leave @ @ @ @ @ that her husband , who is also a GP , was `` terrified '' of @ @ @ @ @ her .

A GP who is due to give birth in two weeks has criticised the logistics of pregnant women self-isolating when they already have children.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Dr Punam Krishan said she had taken her maternity leave early due to Covid-19 but that her husband, who is also a GP, was "terrified" of bringing the virus home to her.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--How is Holby City reacting to coronavirus?

How do soaps like Holby City keep up to date when fast-moving developments like coronavirus need to be incorporated into @ @ @ @ @ ?
Holby City has filmed a 'topical drop-in ' for the first time .
But @ @ @ @ @ 's been employed for decades in other productions like EastEnders .
You can watch Newsnight @ @ @ @ @ on weekdays .
Catch up on iPlayer , subscribe to the programme on YouTube and @ @ @ @ @

How do soaps like Holby City keep up to date when fast-moving developments like coronavirus need to be incorporated into storylines at the last minute?
Holby City has filmed a 'topical drop-in' for the first time. But it's a device that's been employed for decades in other productions like EastEnders.
Produced by Stuart Denman
You can watch Newsnight on BBC Two at 22:30 on weekdays. Catch up on iPlayer, subscribe to the programme on YouTube and follow it on Twitter.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Amputee Richie Wintle hopes to play for England

Three years after losing part of his leg in a motorcycle accident , Richie Wintle is hoping to break into @ @ @ @ @ .
The 21-year-old signed up for West Bromwich Albion 's amputee squad after seeing a @ @ @ @ @ his rehabilitation .
He caught the eye of an England scout and has been training @ @ @ @ @ .
West Brom play in the England Amputee Football Association ( EAFA ) Championship League @ @ @ @ @ backed by The Albion Foundation , the charity arm of the Hawthorns club .

Three years after losing part of his leg in a motorcycle accident, Richie Wintle is hoping to break into the England amputee football team.
The 21-year-old signed up for West Bromwich Albion's amputee squad after seeing a publicity poster in hospital during his rehabilitation.
He caught the eye of an England scout and has been training with the national development squad.
West Brom play in the England Amputee Football Association (EAFA) Championship League, and the team is backed by The Albion Foundation, the charity arm of the Hawthorns club.
Video journalist: John Bray


bbcuk--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: What does the latest UK advice mean?

Coronavirus : What does the latest advice mean ?
The BBC 's Laura Foster explains what the UK government 's @ @ @ @ @ the virus in the UK means for everyday life .

The BBC's Health and Science Reporter, Laura Foster, explains what the latest advice from the UK government and the next stage of response to coronavirus means for everyday life.
Read more: Avoid office, pubs and travel to stop virus - PM


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Newspaper headlines: 'Life put on hold' as UK begins coronavirus 'lockdown'

The implications of the prime minister 's advice for people to avoid pubs , clubs and theatres are told in stark headlines on the front pages .
`` Life put on hold , '' the Telegraph declares .
For the Star , it 's `` Home Alone '' .
The Times has `` Britain in lockdown '' - accompanied by a picture of a deserted concourse at Waterloo Station in London during rush hour .
`` Britain shuts up shop '' is the Mail 's headline .
The paper describes the restrictions as the biggest shutdown of normal life since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson has put up the closed sign on Britain - and Mother 's Day this weekend is , in effect , cancelled .
But the Express tries to rally its readers with the headline : `` We can do it together . ''
The Telegraph 's commentator , Harry de Quetteville , writes that all our lives changed in that technical phrase used by the prime minister at his news conference - no more `` non-essential contact with others '' .
Visits to the pub ; an five-a-side after the office ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round to granny and grandpa .
Somehow , he says , it 's the cancellation of the mundane that cuts through .
Henry Deedes writes in the Mail that life , as we know it , is about to get very different .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning Reporting on the lockdown measures in the US , the New York Times says the fast-spreading virus has put an end to movies , date nights and other economic activity .
It says it is clear everywhere that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an unparalleled halt and will remain that way for months .
But it adds that without concrete assurances of financial assistance from the federal government , employers and employees are torn between fears of being exposed to the virus and fears of running out of money to pay for food and electricity .
In the UK , the Financial Times reports that the government 's measures drew an angry response from the hospitality and entertainment industry - with pubs and theatres saying the `` strong advice '' to avoid their businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave many unable to claim insurance .
But the Times reports that the chancellor has started work on a significant new bailout for businesses .
James Forsyth - on the Spectator website - says he suspects the £12bn of coronavirus measures announced in the Budget will turn out to be just the start of what the government has to spend to try and limit the social and economic damage .
According to Buzzfeed News , teachers have warned that schools risk becoming `` breeding grounds '' for the coronavirus because the government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep cleaning and hand sanitisers .
A teacher at a secondary school in Yorkshire with more than 1,000 pupils and staff says that in order to follow official guidance , there would have to be about 6,000 hand washes a day , but it 's just not happening because there are n't enough santisers - or sinks to get everyone washing their hands regularly .

The Sun says Boris Johnson has put up the closed sign on Britain - and Mother's Day this weekend is, in effect, cancelled. But the Express tries to rally its readers with the headline: "We can do it together."


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Underground empty as Londoners heed warnings

Londoners are starting to avoid the Underground to try to stop the spread of coronavirus .
The government has asked people to work from home and avoid public places in a bid to slow transmission of the virus , which is rising more rapidly in the capital .
Pictures showed that many Tube lines were empty on Tuesday when they would have normally been full .
However , according to cameras the roads appeared to show normal traffic levels .
BBC London 's travel reporter Rob Oxley said : `` Two usual indicators of how busy London traffic is are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the A13 through Dagenham - both of which are as busy as a normal rush hour . ''
He added that he could still see a stream of people walking over London Bridge into the City .
As of Monday , London had 480 confirmed coronavirus cases .
A total of 55 people have died in the UK , with 14 from London .
Mayor Sadiq Khan said public transport was included in the advice issued by the prime minister to avoid public gatherings .
Transport for London said it was enhancing its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help stop the virus spreading .
Mr Khan said public transport was running as normal on Tuesday but as demand goes down over the next few days , it would reduce to a weekend service during the week and run even less frequently at the weekend .
London 's transport commissioner Mike Brown said : `` We and our staff are doing everything we can to ensure that people who need to make essential journeys can continue to do so .
`` Part of that involves matching service levels to the actual demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way and will evolve over time . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?

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bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Wales can 'rise to challenge' for over-70s

Elderly people in Wales need to know `` we are looking out for them '' , the older people 's commissioner has said .
Heléna Herklots said she believes the nation `` can rise to the challenge '' .
Her comments come after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others - especially those over 70 .
One person has died out of 124 confirmed coronavirus cases in Wales , though the overall number of cases is likely to be higher .
A series of new measures were outlined by the prime minister on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs and theatres , work from home where people can , and avoid all unnecessary travel .
• How can I look after my older relatives ?
`` I think we are all really facing a change to the way of living for some weeks and months , '' Ms Herklots said .
`` It 's about changing the way we live our lives .
`` We need to find other ways of showing that we are holding people close - even if we ca n't do that physically . ''
What is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vaughan Gething will give an update on the outbreak to the Senedd • The Welsh Local Government Association will set out how councils are responding • Campaigners have called for evictions to be banned during the crisis • Plaid Cymru calls for final-year medical students to be `` fast-tracked '' through courses to help fight the virus .
Ms Herklots has had held talks with the Welsh Government , Age Cymru and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action .
`` A lot of community groups and voluntary organisations are really having to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` They are not going to be running day centres in the usual way . ''
She said Wales needed to be `` really creative '' to make sure `` every older person knows they have people who are looking out for them , who are caring for them and are in touch with them '' .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS @ @ @ @ @ @

She said Wales needed to be "really creative" to make sure "every older person knows they have people who are looking out for them, who are caring for them and are in touch with them".


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Van Dyck painting thieves 'may have escaped in boat'

Art burglars who stole a work by 17th Century master Anthony Van Dyck may have used a boat to escape after the heist , police have said .
A Soldier On Horseback by the Flemish artist , a leading court painter under King Charles I , dates from around 1616 .
The work was among three stolen from the University of Oxford 's Christ Church Picture Gallery on Saturday .
Thames Valley Police said a boat could have been used `` to access and leave the site '' .
The thieves also made off with A Boy Drinking ( c. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Rocky Coast , With Soldiers Studying a Plan ( late 1640s ) by Salvator Rosa .
Det Insp James Mather said : `` This is just a hypothesis at this time , but we would like to hear from anyone who has had their boat stolen recently or has noticed any unusual activity around where their boats are docked .
`` We are initially asking people with boats based on the River Cherwell or the River Thames near Oxford to get in touch if you have noticed any unusual activity .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivers on Saturday night , we would also ask you to get in touch .
`` Also , please make a report if you find any abandoned boats which have appeared since the early hours of Sunday morning . ''
A Christ Church College spokesman said staff had initially alerted police to the theft of the `` important cultural artefacts '' , and the gallery will be closed until further notice .

Det Insp James Mather said: "This is just a hypothesis at this time, but we would like to hear from anyone who has had their boat stolen recently or has noticed any unusual activity around where their boats are docked.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Emergency cash to help businesses, and operations delayed

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled an `` unprecedented '' set of financial measures to support the UK economy through the coronavirus pandemic .
They include mortgage `` holidays '' for those in financial difficulty as well as £330bn in loans to protect businesses facing losses as a result of the virus .
Meanwhile all non-urgent operations in England and Scotland will be postponed to free up beds for virus patients .
It comes as the UK death toll hit 71 .
The government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said it would be a `` good outcome '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the virus could be kept below 20,000 .
`` Never in peacetime have we faced an economic fight like this one , '' Mr Sunak said at a Downing Street press conference , as he detailed measures to ease financial burdens caused by the virus .
The chancellor said the £330bn in loans - equivalent to 15 % of GDP - would be available from next week to help businesses pay for supplies , rent and salaries .
Other measures to be put in place include extended business rates relief and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulty as a result of the virus .
`` We must act like any wartime government and do whatever it takes to support our economy , '' Prime Minister Boris Johnson said at the same conference .
Labour 's shadow chancellor John McDonnell said there was nothing in the statement to protect renters - although Mr Sunak said measures would be announced in the `` coming days '' .
Mr McDonnell also called for statutory sick pay to be increased and for those losing their jobs to be given some support .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced to help freelancers and people working in the so-called gig economy , NHS England 's chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said postponing routine surgery from 15 April would help to expand critical care capacity to the maximum - to prepare for `` the likely influx of more coronavirus patients '' .
The emergency policy to free up 30,000 beds will be in place for at least three months , he said .
However , cancer operations will continue to go ahead , Sir Simon added .
Sir Simon said the health system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are plans to increase this to 12,000 .
British engineering firms have been called on to switch to making medical ventilators to help efforts to cope with the virus , which causes the disease Covid-19 .
The government set out emergency legislation before MPs in the Commons to tackle the outbreak , including measures giving powers to police and immigration officers to detain people and put them in isolation to protect public health .
In another day of fast-changing developments across the globe : • The Foreign Office advised British nationals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 30 days • The European Union will seal its borders for 30 days • The number of deaths in Italy has passed 2,000 and the total in Spain has reached nearly 500 • US primary elections have been thrown into uncertainty as polling stations closed • The Euro 2020 tournament has been postponed until 2021 • An International Olympic Committee member says plans for the Tokyo games to go ahead are `` insensitive and irresponsible '' • All horse racing in Great Britain will be suspended from Wednesday until the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Open has been postponed until September • All McDonalds restaurants in the UK and Ireland will become takeaways , drive-thrus and delivery operations Meanwhile Sir Patrick said that , despite the upcoming Mother 's Day celebration , the over-70s should avoid having Sunday lunch with their families .
He also advised people taking painkillers to use paracetamol instead of ibuprofen , after French health officials indicated anti-inflammatory drugs could worsen the virus - a suggestion Sir Patrick said `` may or may not be right '' .
BBC news online health editor Michelle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 100,000 hospital beds could be freed up for coronavirus admissions by discharging other patients who are well enough to go home or be cared for in the community .
She added that Sir Simon would not say whether the measures will ultimately be enough to ease the pressure on the NHS .
Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said emergency measures by the NHS in Scotland would also include doubling the number of intensive care beds .
The number of people who have died with the virus in the UK has reached 71 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Scotland , as well as a second in Wales .
and a further 14 in England .
Some 1,950 people have tested positive for the virus in the UK , according to the latest Department of Health figures - but the actual number of cases could be as high as 55,000 .
Sir Patrick told the health select committee that a death rate of one fatality for every 1,000 cases was a `` reasonable ballpark '' figure , based on scientific modelling .
More than 50,000 people have been tested for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is primarily testing people who are in hospital .
This means many people who have mild symptoms may never be diagnosed with the virus .
Earlier the Foreign Office advised British nationals to avoid all non-essential foreign travel .
The restrictions will be in place for 30 days initially but could be extended , the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told the House of Commons .
It is the first time the UK has advised against foreign travel anywhere in the world .
`` UK travellers abroad now face widespread international border restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Raab said in a statement .
`` The speed and range of those measures across other countries is unprecedented . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak British people currently abroad do not have to immediately return to the UK - except for those in a few countries detailed in the Foreign Office 's travel advice .
But the Foreign Office said travellers should bear in mind that flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign countries grapple with restrictions being imposed by their own authorities .
The foreign secretary added the government would issue advice on how the flow of food and goods to the UK can be maintained , and that staff working on shipping routes should continue to do so as their travel was `` essential '' .
The travel advice for British nationals has in part been brought in because of the stringent social distancing measures announced by Boris Johnson on Monday .
The key new measures the prime minister announced included : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , as well as large gatherings and crowded places , such as pubs , clubs and theatres • People should avoid non-essential travel and work from home if they can • All `` unnecessary '' visits to friends and relatives in care homes should cease • People should only use the NHS `` where we really need to '' - and can reduce the burden on workers by getting advice on the NHS website where possible • By next weekend , those with the most serious health conditions must be `` largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks '' • If one person in any household has a persistent cough or fever , everyone living there must stay at home for 14 days • Those people should , if possible , avoid leaving the house `` even to buy food or essentials '' - but they may leave the house `` for exercise and , in that case , at a safe distance from others '' While schools will not be closed for the moment , a union leader has described the `` intolerable pressure '' teachers are under as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about pupil and staff safety .
Sir Patrick said closing schools remained an option to help curb the spread of the virus but would cause an `` enormous problem '' for the workforce .
He told MPs such an intervention could have `` all sorts of complicated effects '' such as that children off school might have to be looked after by elderly grandparents .
• Chris Whitty : The man with our lives in his hands • 'We have gone from £140,000 a year to nothing' • How families can cope with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Johnson told ministers : `` We are engaged in a war against the disease which we have to win . ''
Mr Johnson has set up a daily meeting about the virus , which he will chair .
In other developments in relation to coronavirus : • The Queen will move to Windsor Castle on Thursday - a week earlier than usual at this time of year .
She is likely to stay there beyond the Easter period , Buckingham Palace said • Ofsted inspections are being halted to `` remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said • Gatwick Airport said it has terminated the employment of 200 staff as part of `` decisive action to protect the business '' • Nissan has suspended production at its Sunderland factory , which employs around 7,000 people • The Royal Albert Hall and the British Museum are among the latest cultural venues to close their doors - following theatres , museums , and most cinemas • Center Parcs announced the closure of all its UK parks from 20 March to 16 April • The Archbishops of Canterbury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England services and other public worship should be suspended until further notice - although weddings and funerals can still go ahead , a spokesman said • Workers at Amazon 's UK warehouses are being told to do overtime to tackle huge demand • And the UK 's mobile networks are experiencing problems as people follow government guidance to work from home Have you been affected by travel restrictions ?
Are you struggling to get back to the UK from overseas ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

More than 50,000 people have been tested for the virus in the UK, but the government is primarily testing people who are in hospital. This means many people who have mild symptoms may never be diagnosed with the virus.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Manchester Arena bombing: Hashem Abedi guilty of 22 murders

The brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi has been found guilty of murdering 22 people .
Hashem Abedi had denied helping to plan the `` sudden and lethal '' blast which killed or injured `` nearly 1,000 '' .
The Old Bailey heard the pair worked together to source materials used in the suicide blast after an Ariana Grande show at the venue .
Prosecutors said Hashem was `` jointly responsible '' with his brother for the attack on 22 May 2017 .
The Manchester-born siblings `` stood shoulder to shoulder '' in the plot , with younger sibling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as the bomber himself , the court heard .
• The road to the Manchester Arena bombing Hashem , 22 , was also found guilty of one count of attempted murder , encompassing the remaining injured , and conspiring to cause explosions .
He was not in court for the unanimous verdicts after he dismissed his legal team last week and decided to take no further part in the trial .
Some of the victims ' family members burst into tears as the verdicts were delivered after the seven-week trial .
Figen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said while the verdicts bring her `` comfort to know the British justice system has played its role ... it does n't give us closure '' .
His father , Paul Hett , added that while `` this verdict will not bring back the 22 victims murdered by Salman and Hashem Abedi , '' he said it will provide `` an overwhelming sense of justice to all those affected by this heinous crime '' .
• Manchester attack : Who were the victims ?
Twenty-two men , women and children , aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack while 264 `` were physically injured '' and 670 more have since `` reported psychological trauma as a result of these events '' .
Duncan Penny QC , prosecuting , said the Abedi brothers had spent `` months '' planning the blast and had a `` shared goal [ to ] kill , maim and injure as many people as possible '' .
They worked together to source chemicals and buy screws and nails to use as `` anti-personnel shrapnel '' in experimental improvised bombs , the court was told .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ five months - some for as little as two hours - and used a variety of vehicles , despite neither passing their driving test , to transport components around the city .
Afterwards , police found Hashem 's fingerprints at key addresses and in a car , which still contained traces of explosives .
Although he was in Libya when the device was detonated he was `` just as guilty '' as his brother , Mr Penny said .
Greater Manchester Police said Hashem may have been the senior figure in the plot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloodshed '' around the world .
The former Manchester College electrical installation student held down a series of menial jobs working in restaurants and takeaways , including a £5-an-hour role as a delivery driver .
He was described as `` unreliable '' and `` with the wrong idea of Islam '' by his boss , before he left for his parents ' home country of Libya , 2,000 miles away , a month before the bombing .
Hashem was detained a day after the attack , and claimed he was subjected to torture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years later .
He told police he was `` relieved to be back in the UK '' , adding : `` [ I ] wish to assist in this investigation as much as I can . ''
He then offered `` no comment '' during police interviews .
Det Ch Supt Simon Barraclough said Hashem was `` with his brother throughout the entire process '' of making and building the bomb and that he had taken a four-minute phone call from Salman on the night the device went off .
`` At that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that last-minute inspiration ( from Hashem ) ... and he 's telling him what he 's about to do , '' he said .
`` I believe he provided encouragement right up to the end .
This was all about the sick ideology of Islamic State and this desire for martyrdom . ''
He added : `` These two brothers are literally hand in glove in this process . ''
Following the verdicts , lawyer Victoria Higgins - representing 11 of the bereaved families - said they were relieved that the `` calculating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice .
`` Families have waited a long time to see Hashem Abedi face justice for his crimes and I think the overwhelming emotion for most will be one of relief that he can not hurt anyone else , '' she said .
Sentencing will take place at a later date but the judge Mr Justice Jeremy Baker said it was a `` little way off '' .
A public inquiry into the bombing is due to begin in June .

Afterwards, police found Hashem's fingerprints at key addresses and in a car, which still contained traces of explosives. Although he was in Libya when the device was detonated he was "just as guilty" as his brother, Mr Penny said.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Sweeping virus powers announced

Sweeping virus powers announced

Airports could be shut and people held on public health grounds under emergency powers to tackle coronavirus .
Police and immigration officials would be able to place people in `` appropriate isolation facilities '' under plans .
Patients could be discharged early to make space for the seriously ill while social care could be prioritised for those with the greatest needs .
Ministers said the measures were intended to save lives and support health and social care workers .
The bill would give ministers the power to close schools or keep them open and enable councils to make the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workforce in determining care levels .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said they were `` proportionate to the threat we face '' but stressed they would only be used `` when strictly necessary '' and remain in force only for as long as required to respond to the crisis .
The measures are expected to be fast-tracked through Parliament next week - with MPs set to `` nod them '' through rather than proceeding through the voting lobbies as normal .
Mr Hancock said the primary goal was to slow down the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far led to 71 deaths - and to help prepare the health service for the unprecedented pressures it will face in the coming weeks .
Key measures intended to increase capacity in the NHS include : • Recently retired staff will be able to return to work without any negative impact on their entitlements • Special insurance cover will be provided for staff caring for staff outside their day-to-day duties • Paperwork will be reduced to help doctors discharge patients more quickly • Extra employment safeguards for volunteers to allow them to pause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks Elsewhere , the process of arranging funerals could be speeded up as part of efforts to `` manage the deceased in a dignified way '' should the UK experience `` excess deaths '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak More court hearings could take place by phone or video while the Border Force could temporarily suspend operations at airports and other transport hubs if there are insufficient resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the bill would would give unprecedented powers to law enforcement agencies to detain people and put them in appropriate isolation facilities if necessary .
Ministers say they hope this will not be necessary as people will act responsibly , adding that the legislation will `` support and protect the public to do the right thing and follow public health advice '' .
Mr Hancock said the measures would be `` timed to maximise their effectiveness '' and would be `` switched off '' once no longer necessary , in line with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ By planning for the worst and working for the best we will get through this , but this is a national effort and we must all work together , '' he said .
`` Crucially they give the government the powers it needs to protect lives . ''
The government has unveiled what it said was an `` unprecedented '' set of financial measures to support the UK economy , including mortgage `` holidays '' for those in financial difficulty as well as £330bn in loans to protect businesses facing losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The NHS also confirmed that all non-urgent operations will be postponed from 15 April to free up beds for virus patients .

“By planning for the worst and working for the best we will get through this, but this is a national effort and we must all work together," he said. "Crucially they give the government the powers it needs to protect lives."


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Alex Salmond says sex assault claims are 'deliberate fabrications'

Alex Salmond has claimed that sexual assault allegations against him are `` deliberate fabrications for a political purpose '' or `` exaggerations '' .
The former SNP leader also told his trial that he had `` never attempted to have non-consensual sexual relations with anyone in my entire life '' .
And he denied claims that female civil servants were not allowed to work alone with him while he was first minister .
He said he now wished he had `` been more careful with people 's personal space '' .
Mr Salmond denies 13 charges of sexual assault against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all said to have happened during his time in office .
Mr Salmond was cleared of a further charge of sexual assault against a 10th woman after it was dropped by the Crown when the prosecution case ended at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday afternoon .
• Follow @ bbcphilipsim for live updates from the trial Giving evidence in his own defence on Tuesday morning , Mr Salmond was asked by his lawyer Gordon Jackson QC about some of the specific charges against him .
They included an allegation that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ servant known as Woman B , asked her to recreate an `` inappropriate '' image from a Christmas card and tried to kiss her .
Mr Salmond insisted that the alleged incident had merely been `` high jinks '' and a `` bit of fun '' .
He strongly denied a further allegation that he put his hand on the leg of an SNP politician known as Woman C while they were in the back seat of a car , saying it would have been `` impossible '' to have done so without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach over an armrest .
Mr Salmond admitted that he had occasionally `` tugged '' the hair of a civil servant known as Woman D , but insisted it had been `` affectionate '' and nothing sexual .
He also said he had once stroked her face after she fell asleep in his car during a foreign trip , but said he had just wanted to gently wake her up .
Mr Salmond said : `` From where I stand now I wish I 'd been more careful with people 's personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offend .
`` I 'm of the opinion that events are being reinterpreted and exaggerated out of any possible proportion . ''
When asked why , Mr Salmond replied : `` Some are fabrications , deliberate fabrications for a political purpose .
Some are exaggerations , taken out of proportion . ''
He went on to deny sexually assaulting a Scottish government official known as Woman G by touching her bottom , saying that it `` did n't happen '' .
He denied a further charge of sexually assaulting Woman G by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual remarks to her and attempting to kiss her .
Mr Salmond said he had been trying to comfort her and there had been nothing sexual whatsoever .
What has the trial heard so far ?
• Woman claims former first minister gave her 'very sloppy ' kisses • Woman says former first minister 'apologised ' for behaviour • Woman says Salmond kissed her after 'zombie walk' He went on to deny sexually assaulting a civil servant known as Woman D and said `` nothing improper '' had happened with an SNP party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was alleged have assaulted after doing a zombie impression .
And he insisted that he `` did n't grab the bottom '' of a former civil servant known as Woman K while he was having his photograph taken with her at Stirling Castle .
Later in Mr Salmond 's evidence , he said it would have been `` insane '' for him to have kissed a senior Scottish government official known as Woman A in public , as she alleged , and to have touched her on the bottom and breasts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fabrication from start to finish '' , and went on to also deny sexually assaulting a civil servant , Woman F , with intent to rape .
Mr Salmond claimed he and Woman F lay side by side on a bed having what he described as a `` sleepy cuddle '' that had lasted a few seconds .
He said he had given her a kiss on the cheek before they agreed it was a `` bad idea '' and she left .
The former first minister also denied attempting to rape Woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but said there had been an `` earlier consenting sexual encounter '' between them which did not result in full sex .
Mr Jackson asked Mr Salmond whether his position was that the attempted rape allegation was a lie .
Mr Salmond replied : `` Yes , that is correct . ''
When he was asked whether he could think of any reason why Woman H would make up the allegation , Mr Salmond said he believed it was because he had refused to endorse a personal political project she had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first indication he had been given that Woman H was making serious allegations against him was in January 2018 .
He said : `` It was suggested to me that if I was to put my name forward to be a candidate ( in the election ) again then there would be a complaint against me . ''
When asked if he had any intention of making a political comeback at that time , Mr Salmond replied : `` No , and I did n't pay the friendly warning any regard as I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a complaint , and I had no intention of becoming a parliamentary candidate again . ''
The court was told on Monday by civil servants Chis Birt and Michael McIlhenny that steps were taken to prevent women having to work alone with the first minister after two female colleagues complained about alleged incidents involving Mr Salmond .
But Mr Birt said he did not believe the policy was ever formally written down .
When asked by Mr Jackson whether he had been aware of such a policy , Mr Salmond replied : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no policy like the one described . ''
Mr Salmond says he is innocent of all the allegations against him .
He has entered not guilty pleas to all 13 of the charges which he still faces , which include one charge of attempted rape , one of sexual assault with intent to rape , nine sexual assaults and two indecent assaults .

He strongly denied a further allegation that he put his hand on the leg of an SNP politician known as Woman C while they were in the back seat of a car, saying it would have been "impossible" to have done so without anyone seeing because he would have had to reach over an armrest.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Laura Ashley nears collapse as firms demand help

Fashion and furniture chain Laura Ashley has become the latest business casualty of the coronavirus pandemic .
Just two weeks after regional airline Flybe collapsed , the retailer has said it will have to call in administrators , putting 2,700 jobs at risk .
It is one of the many firms reeling from the impact of the coronavirus , with the government advising people to avoid unnecessary contact with others .
Its action comes as the chancellor prepares fresh support for companies .
Firms from many industries including airlines , retailers , restaurants , theatres and pubs have said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with several warning of imminent collapse without government help .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has already announced a £12bn Budget package to help businesses deal with the crisis , including business rates relief for small firm and a new hardship fund .
But he said in his Budget speech he would `` not hesitate to act '' if more was needed , and he is expected to unveil new financial measures in the government 's daily briefing on the outbreak on Tuesday afternoon .
Carolyn Fairbairn , head of the CBI business lobby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action to support businesses .
`` We do not want to look back and say we acted too late , '' she said .
The bosses of sixty big High Street retailers including Top Shop owner Arcadia , Costa Coffee , JD Sports and Primark wrote to the government on Tuesday pushing for a suspension of business rates for large retailers .
`` Turning specifically to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic : there is no doubt that it is already being widely felt amongst the members of this group , with footfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % in many towns and shopping centres , '' the chief executives said .
Earlier Robert Chote , head of the Office for Budget Responsibility , told MPs that Britain was facing something akin to a wartime situation for its public finances .
He added that now was not the time for the government to hold back on spending .
Sectors which have warned of problems include : • Nissan has suspended production at its Sunderland car plant .
• The hospitality industry warned on Tuesday that new government restrictions around coronavirus could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carluccio 's said it could see closures `` in days '' due to the impact of the virus .
• Airlines have had to cancel thousands of flights and ground planes and airports have warned they may have to close down operations .
• The UK tourism industry is seeing a sharp drop in bookings amid travel restrictions across Europe and elsewhere .
• Cinema chains Odeon , Cineworld and Picturehouse will temporarily close their doors until further notice .
• Most sporting events have been suspended including Premier League football games , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nations rugby tournament .
Most businesses do not have insurance cover to compensate them for coronavirus losses , a trade body and other experts have said .
Small businesses , in particular , are unlikely to have such a policy .
The Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB ) chair Mike Cherry said : `` Many will feel like they are being made to choose between their health and the very survival of their business .
Nobody should have to make this choice . ''
He added that the prospect for small businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bleak '' .
However , some retailers are seeing a huge spike in demand , with Amazon workers abeing told to work overtime to tackle demand for goods .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What 's the UK 's plan and what could happen next ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
Laura Ashley said the outbreak `` has had an immediate and significant impact on trading '' .
It had been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds to continue trading .
But based on cashflow forecasts and continued virus uncertainty , it said it would not get that money in time .
The firm , which was also facing challenging High Street conditions , said : `` The Covid-19 outbreak has had an immediate and significant impact on trading , and ongoing developments indicate that this will be a sustained national situation . ''
The outgoing head of the Office for Budget Responsibility , Robert Chote , has warned the Treasury Select Committee that some businesses will `` inevitably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Far from his usual approach of urging fiscal restraint , Chote says a temporary spike in borrowing would be sensible - saying it 's better to spend a `` little too much '' than too little , adding : `` When the fire is large enough , you just spray water '' ( and worry about the clean up after ) .
He highlighted that the government ran deficits of 20 % of GDP for five years during the WW2 era ( vs just under 2 % of GDP last year ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
He also urged help for those working in the gig economy .
His words , coming hours before the chancellor is expected to outline more support , helped limit the fall in the FTSE 100 this morning .

Far from his usual approach of urging fiscal restraint, Chote says a temporary spike in borrowing would be sensible - saying it's better to spend a "little too much" than too little, adding: "When the fire is large enough, you just spray water" (and worry about the clean up after).


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Many schools 'will have to shut in days'

Many schools across the UK will not be able to remain open past the end of the week , says a head teachers ' leader .
ASCL general secretary Geoff Barton said experienced head teachers in large schools were saying they would struggle to stay up and running past Friday .
It comes after teaching unions spoke of the `` intolerable pressure '' of staying open as more and more staff get sick .
The government 's chief scientific adviser has reiterated that schools will remain open for now .
But Sir Patrick Vallance , speaking to MPs at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures were still `` on the table '' , as one of the measures that could be used to fight the virus .
At his press conference on Tuesday afternoon , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said school closures were under `` continuous review '' .
Mr Barton told the BBC : `` Some very seasoned head teachers have been calling me to say they will not be able to manage much longer .
`` One said he had 17 members of staff call in sick .
And I think this will be replicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be worst hit than others , but there 's an inevitability about this .
The trajectory can not go anything other than downwards .
`` People are saying they will do well to get to the end of the week . ''
He thought it was time to work out how schools could best support the community if they did have to close , and said he had discussed this with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson at a meeting on Monday .
`` If the assumption is we ca n't run schools as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting ourselves some time to plan for the next phase of this , '' Mr Barton said .
Decisions would have to be made , he said , as to who should be prioritised : `` Would it be those with exams coming up or children on free school meals ? ''
Earlier , NASUWT union head Chris Keates said government advice to keep schools open is causing chaos and confusion , amid fears pupils are carrying the virus .
She told of a `` rising sense of panic '' in schools as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more people get ill. Another teaching union , the National Education Union , has urged ministers to close schools , and said it would be advising members with underlying conditions to stay off work from next Monday .
The schools watchdog in England , Ofsted , has been given permission by the government to temporarily suspend all routine inspections of schools , further education , early years and social care providers .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said funding for early years grants will continue during any periods of nursery , preschool or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not attend due to coronavirus .
The uncertain situation is causing concern among many parents .
Hayley Beards from Sutton Coldfield , who has an eight-year-old , says she does n't feel confident people will `` follow the rules '' .
`` There are other parents with vulnerable children , or vulnerable people all still sending their children in .
`` People are n't used to making decisions and it 's like they want to be told what to do - they want less guidance and more telling . ''
Jen from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrated by the lack of information from her son 's school .
`` My son has had a cold since the end of last week , as children do , but last night he told me he feels like someone 's punching him in his chest and his throat feels weird .
`` This morning I was still in two minds but I called the school and the head teacher answered in two rings and said we should definitely self isolate as he 's got two pregnant members of staff and children with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure from teaching unions , the government insists sending hundreds of thousands of pupils home would leave NHS and frontline care staff facing childcare crises .
It has said closures may be necessary in the future , but only `` at the right stage '' of the outbreak .
This notion was reflected by head teacher of The Chantry School , in rural Worcestershire , Andy Dickenson .
He wrote on Twitter : `` If I close my school tomorrow to avoid a mass gathering are you coming for me @ BorisJohnson ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC he had been moved to question the policy due to the inconsistency between advice about mass gatherings and schools remaining open .
`` Schools are an absolute breeding ground for bugs - we know that .
Equally we have a social responsibility so ensure we are not putting into the care of their grandparents or NHS workers . ''
He suggested setting online learning for pupils at home and schools running on a skeleton staff to support the children of parents who need to go to work .
Nicola from Aberdeenshire has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand washing has been implemented , and teaches in a secondary where there are no gels or hand washing .
`` It seems like they are relying on students to follow guidance themselves , but they are teenagers so they just do n't - it feels like we 've been forgotten , '' she said .
Tara Telford from Cumbria , who has an eight-year-old and a five-year-old , is vulnerable because because she takes immunosuppressive medication due to a chronic disease .
`` I have reason to be terrified but my kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , have the conversation , if more did what my kids ' school did we could keep schools open for longer . ''
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"This morning I was still in two minds but I called the school and the head teacher answered in two rings and said we should definitely self isolate as he's got two pregnant members of staff and children with grandparents to think about."


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Pregnant women ‘should keep antenatal appointments’

Pregnant women are being urged to attend antenatal appointments as normal after the government said they should be shielded from coronavirus .
The Royal College of Midwives said the appointments were `` essential to ensure the wellbeing of pregnant women and their babies '' .
The government says limited evidence suggests there are no coronavirus-related complications in pregnancy .
But pregnant women are being advised to limit their social contact .
Officials say they should stay away from others due to the coronavirus - but not to panic , according to new advice .
The guidance , issued on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact for up to 12 weeks from this weekend .
Gill Walton , chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives , said that despite this , antenatal and postnatal care continue to be important .
`` We would urge all pregnant women who are well to attend their care as normal .
If you are pregnant and have symptoms of possible coronavirus infection , you should call to defer routine visits until after the isolation period is over , '' she said .
Addressing concerns from some pregnant women about contracting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gaurav Gupta told the BBC that hospitals `` can actually be a place of safety '' .
`` We should n't think of hospitals as a place to avoid at all costs , '' he said .
Further guidance for pregnant women from three Royal Colleges is due to be published shortly .
What is the government 's advice for pregnant women ?
The government has issued five points that people in at-risk groups such as the over-70s , those with underlying conditions , and pregnant women should follow `` as much as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus .
These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough ; • Avoid non-essential use of public transport , varying your travel times to avoid rush hour , when possible ; Work from home , where possible .
Your employer should support you to do this • Avoid large gatherings , and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs , cinemas , restaurants , theatres , bars , clubs • Avoid gatherings with friends and family .
Keep in touch using remote technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media • Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services The UK government 's chief medical adviser , Prof Chris Whitty , said the new advice was needed because the UK was still `` very early in what we know about this '' .
Pregnant women join other at-risk groups including the over-70s and younger people with underlying conditions - roughly equivalent to those offered the annual flu jab by their GP - in being asked to stay at home .
Prof Whitty said that , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small but appreciable additional risk '' and as this was a new virus there was still not enough evidence for people in early stages of pregnancy .
`` Infections and pregnancy are not a good combination in general and that is why we have taken the very precautionary measure while we try and find out more , '' he explained .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced sweeping new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus in the UK on Monday - but stopped short of forcing schools to close .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can keep a distance from others .
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Dr Punam Krishan , a GP from Glasgow , told BBC Breakfast she did not understand how it would be possible for a pregnant mother like her to stay away from her six-year-old son and do the school run .
She said : `` Many pregnant women across the globe have got other children .
`` So at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logic of why schools are not closed - my husband also works in the NHS - at the same time , how do I socially distance myself while I have to drop off my son at school .
`` My elderly parents are no longer my support system - it 's really scary . ''
Hannah Antoniades told the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire Programme the lack of specific advice was causing her anxiety and led her to decide to isolate her entire family .
She said : `` There 's no advice about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - we 've made the decision to self-isolate .
`` It 's quite scary to think we could go into hospital - we all know there is more risk going into hospital with infections .
`` There is absolutely no advice about what to do with newborns . ''
Pub landlord Danielle Bacchus , who is 17 weeks pregnant , said she has had to isolate in half of her home .
`` My assistant manager and husband are having to run the pub , '' she said .
`` I 'm taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can continue to run the pub .
`` I phoned 111 and explained that I am pregnant and have a medical condition which means my immune system is low .
`` I have a lot of doctor appointments and hospital appointments for my B12 injection but how can I leave my home without putting myself at risk ?
I 'm walking around with a Dettol spray . ''
The government has stopped short of ordering pregnant women to follow its new advice and is for the moment strongly encouraging them to follow it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For example , attending things like medical appointments , but avoiding big crowds .
If contact with other people is essential , then they should remain 2m ( 6ft ) apart .
The BBC has asked the Department of Health how pregnant mothers can keep their hospital appointments for things like antenatal scans and the school run under the new guidelines .

"We would urge all pregnant women who are well to attend their care as normal. If you are pregnant and have symptoms of possible coronavirus infection, you should call to defer routine visits until after the isolation period is over," she said.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe released from Iran prison

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been temporarily released from prison in Iran because of the coronavirus outbreak , her husband says .
The British-Iranian charity worker will be required to wear an ankle tag and remain within 300m ( 984ft ) of her parents ' home in Tehran .
“ The issue now is to make it permanent , ” her husband Richard Ratcliffe said .
He added : “ It is hard to relax just yet.
” Iran has temporarily released tens of thousands of prisoners in recent weeks in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 85,000 prisoners who had tested negative for the virus and had posted bail .
There had been reports that Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe would be released earlier this month , but she was kept in detention .
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The 41-year-old from London was jailed for five years in 2016 after being convicted of espionage charges that she has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she is innocent .
She was arrested at Tehran airport after visiting her family on holiday .
She insists the visit was to introduce her daughter Gabriella to her relatives .
What has the reaction been ?
`` I am relieved that Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was today temporarily released into the care of her family in Iran , ” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement on Tuesday .
“ We urge the regime to ensure she receives any necessary medical care , ” he added .
• What is the Zaghari-Radcliffe case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Iran as tensions rise “ My feelings today have been all of a mix – pleased at the happiness for Nazanin and Gabriella , but fear this is a new drawn out game of chess , ” Mr Ratcliffe said .
“ It is one feeling to walk out of prison .
It is completely different to walk back in .
No-one should be asked to go and be a hostage again .
So we are watching carefully , ” he said .
In a statement released through the Free Nazanin campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so happy to be out ” .
“ Even with the ankle tag , I am so happy , ” she said .
“ Being out is so much better than being in - if you knew what hell this place is .
It is mental .
Let us hope it will be the beginning of coming home . ''
Earlier this year , Mr Ratcliffe urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to be tougher with Iran .
He said there had been “ no breakthrough ” in efforts to secure her permanent release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would leave `` no stone unturned '' to help free Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe .
The charity worker remains on medication for depression and on beta blockers - medicines which slow down the heart - for the panic attacks she 's been suffering in jail , her husband said at the time .
Her family and the UK government has always maintained her innocence and she has been given diplomatic protection by the Foreign Office - meaning the case is treated as a formal , legal dispute between Britain and Iran .
While he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been in Iran training journalists when she was arrested .
She has always maintained she was in Iran visiting relatives .

“Even with the ankle tag, I am so happy,” she said. “Being out is so much better than being in - if you knew what hell this place is. It is mental. Let us hope it will be the beginning of coming home."


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Kellie Sutton: Mum texted abusive boyfriend before death

A mum-of-three sent her abusive boyfriend a text reading `` this is your fault '' before taking her own life , an inquest has heard .
Kellie Sutton , 30 , was found unconscious at the home she shared with partner Steven Gane in Welwyn Garden City on 23 August 2017 .
Hatfield Coroner 's Court heard Gane , who was later jailed for his controlling and coercive behaviour , had bullied and abused Ms Sutton .
He also assaulted her , the court heard .
The inquest was told of Ms Sutton had spoken to friends of Gane 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men during their five-month relationship .
His abuse included smashing her head against a table , and police were called to their home in the weeks before her death when neighbours heard banging and shouting .
On 23 August , Gane left Ms Sutton 's home for work and at about 06:00 there were phone and text exchanges between the pair , the court heard .
Shortly after 08:00 Gane returned home but phoned 999 when he got there and was told how to perform CPR on Ms Sutton , who was unconscious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shortly before she was found , the court heard , Ms Sutton sent a text to Gane saying : `` Hope you feel bad , for this is your fault , you told me to do everyone a favour so that 's what I shall do .
`` Hope your life 's better without me . ''
In March 2018 Gane was also found guilty assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by beating and jailed for four years and three months .
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Shortly before she was found, the court heard, Ms Sutton sent a text to Gane saying: "Hope you feel bad, for this is your fault, you told me to do everyone a favour so that's what I shall do.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Andre Bent murder trial: Vasilios Ofogeli found guilty

A 17-year-old boy who stabbed a man to death during a brawl after a rap concert has been convicted of murder .
Vasilios Ofogeli killed 21-year-old Andre Bent on 25 August outside Gallery nightclub in Maidstone .
At Maidstone Crown Court , Ofogeli , who was 16 at the time , was also found guilty of two counts of attempted murder , and wounding with intent .
A judge lifted an order protecting the identity of Ofogeli , who will be sentenced on 24 April .
The court heard Mr Bent had been out celebrating a friend 's birthday on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched rapper Mostack perform at the club .
Violence broke out after Mostack 's entourage left the venue 's VIP lounge just before 03:00 GMT .
At that point Ofogeli stabbed Mr Bent , as well as Lucas Baker , Patrick Silva-Conceicao and Joshua Robinson with a large machete-style knife .
Mr Bent , from Lambeth , south London , was stabbed in the chest , and bled to death about 40 minutes after .
The father-to-be was headed to university a few weeks later to study business .
Officers were able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos he had posted online , but Ofogeli fled to Greece hours after murdering Mr Bent .
Kent Police discovered the weapon he had used during a search of a neighbour 's garden , and when Ofogeli returned to the UK in August he was arrested at Stansted airport .
Det Ch Insp Patrick Milford said : `` Ofogeli and his friends had travelled to Maidstone from their home in London and brought with them a level of violence that we simply do not tolerate here .
`` There is no excuse for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knife .
`` He is fully deserving of the lengthy prison sentence he will now have to serve . ''
Jurors found Ofogeli 's co-defendants Ryan Lowe-White , 21 , of Hornsey , and Ali Aziz , 24 , of no fixed address , not guilty of GBH with intent .
The pair had already admitted violent disorder .
Seven other men previously admitted the same offence , and will also be sentenced : • Rheo Lawrence , 29 , of Otley Way in Watford

Det Ch Insp Patrick Milford said: "Ofogeli and his friends had travelled to Maidstone from their home in London and brought with them a level of violence that we simply do not tolerate here.


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Portbury Hundred shooting: Spencer Ashworth lawfully killed, jury says

A man shot dead by police after firing an air pistol at an officer was lawfully killed , a jury has found .
Spencer Ashworth , 29 , was shot by firearms officers attending reports of a gunman firing from a car on the M5 .
When he pulled over on the A369 Portbury Hundred near Bristol , he fired an air pistol at police who returned 15 rounds , killing him at the scene .
After an inquest , senior coroner for Avon , Maria Voisin , offered her condolences to Mr Ashworth 's family .
During the inquest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls made to police as Mr Ashworth drove down the M5 on September 27 2017 , and bodycam footage from police officers .
Mr Ashworth 's mother , Yvonne Maunder , said he had become `` insular '' in his late teenage years , and would play computer games alone in his bedroom .
Originally from the Southampton area , Mr Ashworth left the family home aged 22 , and and kept in touch with his mother through email and the occasional phone call .
In one email , he wrote about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and described how he wanted to go to California `` before I have to shoot it out with the police '' .
Jurors heard Mr Ashworth , who was awaiting two prosecutions , had warning markers on his Police National Computer record for violence , mental health and suicide .

In one email, he wrote about his new "James Bond air pistol," and described how he wanted to go to California "before I have to shoot it out with the police".


bbcuk--2020-03-17--BBC News to streamline output during coronavirus outbreak

The BBC has announced a number of changes to its news output in light of the coronavirus outbreak .
Programmes including Politics Live and Victoria Derbyshire have been temporarily suspended , allowing the BBC News Channel to focus on `` core news '' .
Question Time , which sees political figures and commentators take questions from the public , will move to a prime time 20:00 slot on BBC One .
However , it will proceed without a studio audience for the time being .
The practicalities of putting questions to the panel during this period is `` still being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amol Rajan said .
Flagship programmes like Breakfast , and BBC One 's the News at Six and News at Ten , which have seen ratings increase during the coronavirus outbreak , will be unaffected .
Newsnight on BBC Two and The Andrew Marr Show on BBC One will remain on air but will be operated by fewer technical staff ; while The Andrew Neil Show , Newswatch and the News Channel 's The Travel Show will be suspended .
Hardtalk will also be suspended from next week .
Radio news will see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Radios 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 Live will be combined into a single output from Friday .
The Americast , Beyond Today and The Next Episode podcasts will be suspended , while Newscast will become the BBC Coronavirus podcast for the foreseeable future .
Announcing the changes to staff , the BBC 's director of news , Fran Unsworth , said : `` These are unprecedented and difficult days .
`` Trusted , accurate information is vital in a public health emergency and the BBC has a key role to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our audience a continuous news service on TV , radio and online but this will look a bit different in the weeks ahead . ''
Further changes to news output are expected to be announced later in the week , with plans split into `` further phases as the virus spreads '' , said Rajan .
`` Like many organisations we are unable to have all our staff on site due to the coronavirus outbreak , '' added Unsworth .
`` We are therefore making some changes to what we do to streamline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with fewer people and protect the staff who are at work . ''
Other TV shows , including ITV 's Loose Women and Channel 5 's Jeremy Vine , have already opted to film without a studio audience as the virus spreads ; while filming on dramas like Peaky Blinders and Line of Duty has been suspended .
The Bafta TV Awards have been postponed until later in the year .
In the US , Sunday 's debate between prospective presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden was also conducted without a studio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1976 .
Media reports were broadly in favour of the format , enforced though it was , saying it improved the quality of debate because the candidates stopped playing to the crowd .
`` The question of who won could be decided less by how the candidates performed and more by what they said . ''
wrote Slate 's Fred Kaplan .
`` After the coronavirus scare is over , all debates should be done this way . ''
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Lord Hall added: "It will take time to emerge from the challenges we all face, but the BBC will be there for the public all the way through this. Clearly there will be disruption to our output along the way, but we will do our very best."


bbcuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: How families can cope with self-isolating together

“ Whether you ’ re living in a massive six bedroom house or all sharing a smaller two-bed flat , we ’ re all going to feel the walls closing in a little bit more , ” says Eloise Rickman , who runs courses on home-schooling .
Feeling cooped up might be just one of several potential knock-on effects as more families self-isolate together following the coronavirus outbreak .
The government ’ s current advice is that if anyone develops symptoms , everyone they live with must self-isolate .
And although schools are currently open , the government has warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead .
Among the families already in quarantine are Annie Ridout , 34 , her husband and their three young children .
Two of her children have developed symptoms .
“ It ’ s a very weird time , ” she said .
“ We are focusing on getting through it and being as upbeat as we can.
” Ms Ridout , who teaches online courses for freelancers and entrepreneurs , says she has created a daily schedule for her school-age children .
“ An hour of maths , my husband has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then an hour of reading and writing .
There will be creative time , artwork , and then time in the garden , digging and getting muddy .
And that will be it.
” She says originally she planned a schedule with 30-minute chunks , but it ’ s now less rigid and more focused on ticking off tasks each day .
“ We had to loosen up in terms of accepting they are going to watch telly , ” she says .
Ms Rickman , from south London , agrees that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are already at nursery or school and will be used to routine .
“ Children really thrive on predictability , especially when life is changing around them , ” she says .
But the 31-year-old , who already home-schools her children , stresses that any schedule should be more like a “ flow ” - rather than something strict .
She suggests creating weekly or daily activities and then read the plan out or “ stick it on the wall ” .
“ Maybe Wednesdays have a family film afternoon .
Or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their friends , ” she suggests .
Educational psychologist Zubeida Dasgupta also stressed the importance of structure , from her home in Brighton and Hove where she and her family are also currently self-isolating .
“ We know when people are faced with uncertainty or worry , having some certainties , for example through a bit of structure , could really help , ” she says .
“ Although on the face of it , some children may feel excited by being off school , the reality is weeks - or months - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not be as fun as we think .
“ It ’ s about getting a balance - having a structure and integrating some fun , ” she says .
“ It might be helpful to think about how we distinguish weekdays and weekends.
” In terms of schoolwork , some schools and teachers have already spoken about the possibility of setting work for pupils to access online .
The current health crisis is certainly a “ unique situation ” for schooling , says Ms Rickman .
“ For parents who are suddenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be a challenge.
” But she adds : “ I have had a few messages from families who said they have always wanted to try home-schooling and are looking forward to doing it for the first time.
” She says the most important thing in home-schooling is family relationships .
A lot of siblings will not be used to being together all day , and “ that ’ s a lovely opportunity to build and strengthen your family relationships - but it will come with some bumps in the road ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some one-on-one time with the children .
Thinking about the environment is also important , she says - but “ this is not about setting up a classroom in the living room ” .
She suggests making spaces for children to do arts or craft - for example covering a coffee table with newspaper and arranging pens in mugs - and even moving furniture .
“ If you don ’ t want the kids looking at the TV for five hours a day , think do we need to rejig the furniture ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tables back so the kids have space to run about , especially if you have a flat.
” '' This is a time we need to prepare for our houses to be a bit messier .
Having kids about all day , it ’ s going to get messy.
” And she says learning at home is not simply replicating school at home .
It ’ s not necessary to do six hours of learning like in school , she says , as lessons will be one-on-one and so more intense .
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But it ’ s not just the children who may be impacted as whole families in isolation .
Parents too could find it a challenge .
Spending hours on end every day with your children can be difficult , says Ms Rickman .
She says the first piece of advice she would give to parents who are with their children at home is to “ think about yourself first ” .
“ Our children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership , ” she says .
“ Especially now when things are being disrupted .
I would say as a parent the best thing to focus on before you go down rabbit holes looking for curriculum is to think about how to support yourself first because you are that bedrock .
“ Even just opening a window and taking 10 deep breaths , doing a free three-minute meditation or writing down 10 things you ’ re grateful for .
And things like limiting how much news you ’ re taking in in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also reiterated by educational psychologist Ms Dasgupta .
“ People need space and time on their own ” , she says , urging families to have conversations to negotiate uninterrupted time alone .
Ms Dasgupta says social contact with the outside world is also vital , as well as exercise , such as going for a walk where you wo n't bump into anyone .
If you are self-isolating after having symptoms , the NHS advises not going for a walk .
“ Being together could feel a little like cabin fever , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so long but also interacting only with the people in your immediate family , '' says Ms Dasgupta .
`` Thank God for being able to Skype and WhatsApp.
” But there are positives , she adds .
“ I suppose the positives are we can spend some time together , some nice , unhurried time .
We don ’ t have to get to places and juggle all the different commitments .
“ You can slow down .
It can help you enjoy the moment a little bit more . ''

“Our children respond so much to ourselves and our leadership,” she says. “Especially now when things are being disrupted. I would say as a parent the best thing to focus on before you go down rabbit holes looking for curriculum is to think about how to support yourself first because you are that bedrock.