bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Does being overweight or obese affect how ill people get?

Being obese is known to increase the risk of a number of diseases , including heart disease , cancer and type 2 diabetes .
Early research suggests it may also make people more ill with Covid-19 , but why is this the case ?
Is there evidence obesity is a risk for the virus ?
This question has been the subject of many studies as experts try to work out the answer .
• In a study of nearly 17,000 hospital patients with Covid-19 in the UK , those who were obese - with a body mass index ( BMI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 33 % greater risk of dying than those who were not obese .
• A separate study of NHS electronic health records found a doubling of the risk of dying from Covid-19 among people who were obese .
If other health conditions linked to obesity such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes were also taken into account the risk would be even higher , the researchers said .
• And a study of critically ill patients in UK intensive care units found that nearly 34.5 % were overweight , 31.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( a total of 73 % ) , compared to 26 % with a healthy BMI .
These figures compare to 64 % overweight and obese in the UK population - 35 % with a BMI of 25-29 and 29 % with a BMI of 30 or higher .
Body mass index is calculated as someone 's weight in kilograms divided by their height in metres squared .
Given high rates of global obesity , the World Obesity Federation says a high percentage of people who contract coronavirus `` will also have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the US , Italy and China also suggest it is an important risk factor .
Ageing , being a man and underlying health issues all increase the risk of becoming more seriously ill from Covid-19 .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Why is being obese a risk ?
The more overweight you are , the more fat you 're carrying , the less fit you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This means it is a bigger struggle to get oxygen into the blood and around the body .
This impacts on the heart and blood flow too .
`` Because people are more overweight , they also have a demand for more oxygen .
So that means their system is actually undergoing greater pressure , '' says Prof Naveed Sattar , from the University of Glasgow .
During an infection like coronavirus , this can be serious .
`` Eventually the obese body becomes overwhelmed by the lack of oxygen getting to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sellayah , from the University of Reading .
That is one reason why overweight and obese people in intensive care are more likely to need assistance with breathing and support with kidney function .
Scientists have discovered that an enzyme called ACE2 , present in cells , is the main way for the virus to enter the body .
Higher levels of this molecule are thought to be found in adipose tissue , or fatty tissue , which people who are obese have more of - under the skin and around their organs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a higher risk of catching the disease and a higher risk of being ill with it .
Is the immune system affected too ?
On top of everything else , the ability of the body to fight off the virus - known as the immune response - is not as good in people who are obese .
That 's due to inflammation driven by immune cells called macrophages which invade our fat tissue .
They interfere with how our cells respond to infection .
According to scientists , this can lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life-threatening over-reaction of the body 's immune system which causes inflammation and serious harm .
A specific type of fat tissue is prone to macrophage invasion .
This may explain why people from black , African and ethnic minority backgrounds ( BAME ) , who have more of this type of tissue , `` have elevated rates of diabetes , and may be more vulnerable to the virus , '' Dr Sellayah says .
Could there be other hidden problems ?
Obesity often comes with other health issues , such as a weak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or type 2 diabetes .
This may not come to light until the development of a severe infection such as Covid-19 and they all put extra stress on the body .
Blood clots are also more likely to develop , but it 's not clear why .
There can be challenges when it comes to managing patients with obesity in intensive care because it is more difficult to intubate them , and to scan them because of weight limits .
Heavier patients may also be more tricky to turn , or prone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What can I do to be healthy ?
The best way is to eat a healthy , balanced diet and exercise regularly .
Fast walking , jogging and cycling are good options , even with social distancing measures in force .
Otherwise , try to eat slowly and avoid situations where you could be tempted to overeat .

The more overweight you are, the more fat you're carrying, the less fit you are and the lower your lung capacity. This means it is a bigger struggle to get oxygen into the blood and around the body. This impacts on the heart and blood flow too.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus lockdown: When will it end and how?

We have gone weeks without seeing friends and family , without school , holidays or even being able to go to work .
On 10 May , Boris Johnson is expected to address lockdown measures , although people should `` not expect big changes . ''
So what can be lifted and when ?
Why ca n't we just lift lockdown ?
This virus remains massively contagious .
Before lockdown , one infected person passed it onto at least three others on average ( the so called R-number ) .
And less than 5 % of the UK population is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put that another way - more than 63 million are still vulnerable .
If we just lift the lockdown , then another explosive outbreak is inevitable .
Is there any wiggle room ?
The goal of lockdown has been to cut infections by around 70 % to force the R-number below one ( the point at which the outbreak starts to decline ) .
That has been achieved .
However , it is only just below one .
`` There is n't much wiggle room , '' a source within the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country `` ca n't make a huge number of changes '' .
One set of modelling suggests opening schools - and nothing else - would be enough to almost tip us back into rising cases .
The aim is to create more `` wiggle room '' - you identify cases and then perform rapid contact tracing and put those at risk in quarantine .
This strategy , also called `` seek and destroy '' , will be supported by a voluntary smartphone app which will help identify contacts .
The more successfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will reduce the ability of the virus to spread and the more restrictions can be lifted on day-to-day life .
`` At the moment you need , on average , a 60-70 % reduction in social interactions to stop the outbreak increasing , '' said Dr Kucharski .
`` If we can get that down to 30 % that gives you a lot more to play with . ''
But even this is not life as normal and other measures would still be needed to keep the disease in check .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are now , '' said Dr Kucharski .
• When will the outbreak end and life get back to normal ?
• How does contact tracing work and is my data safe ?
What about protecting those at risk ?
Another strategy proposed by some is `` enhanced shielding '' .
Instead of trying to suppress the coronavirus across every section of society , you could instead aim to stop it completely for the most vulnerable .
Prof Mark Woolhouse , from the University of Edinburgh , said : `` Very crudely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not vulnerable this is a nasty virus , but it would n't overwhelm the healthcare system and it would n't lock down society .
`` If we really bolster that shielding , make a very strong shield indeed , then it buys you a lot more room and it may mean you can relax some measures permanently . ''
That would mean all staff hospitals , care homes or anyone visiting those deemed vulnerable being regularly tested to ensure they are clear of the virus .
Ideally , antibody tests would prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger is , having more virus circulating in the community could put those `` shields '' under intense pressure .
Which lockdown measures could be lifted ?
Some restrictions are less risky in terms of spreading the virus .
`` Essentially we 've got a lot of not very good options - it wo n't be one day and everything will change , but things could open up , '' Dr Adam Kucharski , from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , told the BBC .
Dr Kucharski argues lifting different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ categories : Those with low , moderate and substantial risk of increasing transmission of the virus .
Low risk includes exercising outdoors , which has been restricted in some countries .
Wales has already announced that from 11 May , people will be able able to exercise more than once a day .
Moderate risk would include letting some non-essential shops re-open or having occasional gatherings with people outside the household .
Substantial increases could come from lifting advice to work from home , reopening schools or isolating sick people and quarantining households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went in will be reflected in the order things will be lifted , '' he says .
There remains a nervousness within the scientific advice to government about lifting restrictions in areas , like pubs , whose whole purpose is to bring people together .
And there is an emerging question around primary schools as young children , some studies suggest , can not be infected as easily .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-NUMBER : Is this the crucial number ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
When could restrictions be lifted ?
There is a decision about how far we go with suppressing the virus now we 've passed the peak .
We could drive levels down as low as possible .
That will greatly limit the ability of the virus to bounce back in a second wave and make testing and contact tracing more likely to be effective .
The trade-off is maintaining the lockdown for longer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept having a higher number of cases , which creates its own problems .
What could shift the balance ?
The biggest thing that could come along is a vaccine , as immunising people would mean there was no need for any social distancing measures .
That is thought to be more than a year away .
Failing that , the concept of herd immunity may kick in when around 70 % of the population have been infected and the virus can no longer cause large outbreaks .
Effective drugs would also make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 progressing from a cough or fever into a serious disease needing intensive care .
We might get closer to normality , or at least normality for some , in the months to come .
But we are all still in this for the long haul .
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We might get closer to normality, or at least normality for some, in the months to come. But we are all still in this for the long haul.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Six money-saving ideas for lockdown and beyond

Wages have been cut , work contracts have dried up , or that pay rise you were banking on has disappeared .
Finances are being stretched by the effects of the coronavirus outbreak .
So what can you do to find , save , or free up some extra cash in these uncertain times ?
We asked some experts for their top tips .
1 .
Use tech to shop around Money blogger Andy Webb says anyone who uses price comparison sites once a year for car insurance or energy bills should think about using online price search sites more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily found via a search engine , that track and compare prices at thousands of shops , as well as displaying reviews .
For you , that can mean finding the cheapest price in a couple of clicks .
`` Shopping around for the best price is really easy when you 're doing it online , '' says Andy , who writes the Be Clever With Your Cash blog .
`` There are some you can use day in , day out to save money on everything from TVs to trainers .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the price history tool .
You 'll be able to see if the current price is higher or lower than usual - a handy guide to work out if the lowest price is actually the best price too . ''
2 .
Chase refunds for services you ca n't use The gym membership is even more idle than you during lockdown , as are subscriptions to restaurant clubs and many other services .
`` Know your rights and stick up for them , '' says Iona Bain , founder of the Young Money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer use products or services due to the lockdown are fully entitled to cash refunds - no ifs , no buts . ''
The regulator , the Competition and Markets Authority , will take complaints if you are unsuccessful .
`` Be polite , patient but persistent , but know that ultimately there 's a last resort that 's got your back , '' she says .
She also suggests talking to your bank , insurers , utility companies , mobile network and landlord if you are struggling .
`` Do n't bottle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without consultation , as this will do more harm than good , '' she says .
3 .
Claim the benefits you are entitled to Financial support from the government may be there for you , but you probably need to claim it .
There are benefits such as statutory sick pay , employment and support allowance , jobseekers ' allowance , and personal independence payments .
There are also others that top up your income , such as universal credit , where the amount you receive depends on what you have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other benefits such as tax credits , so it is worth checking before you claim .
`` Council tax support is available .
If you 're struggling to stay afloat look into any available grants .
Talk to your energy and water supplier to see what help they can provide , '' says Lee Healey , of money advisers IncomeMax .
`` There are schemes to help parents of children that normally receive free school meals .
Students should contact their college or university to see what help is available . ''
Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - help with benefits , consumer issues and other work and financial matters • Search for grants from a range of organisations Many people have been given payment breaks for rent , mortgages , or other debts - but they will come to an end fairly soon .
If you are struggling , talk to a debt adviser , but good budgeting will help millions of people to cope , says adviser Sara Williams , who writes the Debt Camel blog .
`` A good approach is a money detox to reduce spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down unwanted direct debits , cutting utility bills and building a small emergency fund , '' she says .
`` If your main aim is to clear a credit card or catalogue debt but you ca n't afford large payments , my tip is to set up a standing order for the current minimum payment ( or round it up ) .
This clears the card many years sooner and saves a lot of interest . ''
If you already have savings , do n't just leave them in an old account , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see if a bank or building society will give you a better return , says Anna Bowes , from comparison service Savings Champion By reviewing regularly over time , this can make a big difference to how much is in these accounts - even though interest rates are not very generous in general at the moment .
`` Those who do have savings but have not reviewed them , or have left cash in their bank , could actually see an increase to their interest if they switch to one of the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` After this is over and hopefully your income recovers , remember to keep saving .
Just a little bit each month can make a difference .
There may be a luxury that you can do without , and save instead . ''
In financial terms , the current crisis is more of a downpour than a rainy day - a time when you may have to fall back on this sort of savings to avoid racking up huge debts .
`` This situation illustrates the need for everyone to try and put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
6 .
Return items - even if shops are closed Helen Dewdney , who blogs under the name The Complaining Cow , points out you are entitled to return an item that you bought from a store if it is faulty , if it 's not as described when sold , or has not lasted a reasonable length of time But the store may be closed .
She advises having a record of informing the company of your complaint .
You will need to do this in writing , not by phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trail .
Email customer services and explain the situation .
`` Offer them the option of picking up the item safely and providing you with a replacement or to take it away for a repair .
If the item is less than 30 days old then you are entitled to a refund .
It would still be prudent to email the company and state that you want the refund , '' she says .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get tested for coronavirus ?
The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment , tax , legal or other form of advice .
You should not rely on this information to make ( or refrain from making ) any decisions .
Links to external sites are for information only and do not constitute endorsement .
Always obtain independent , professional advice for your own particular situation .

There are also others that top up your income, such as universal credit, where the amount you receive depends on what you have already. Applying for universal credit can stop other benefits such as tax credits, so it is worth checking before you claim.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: How is Suffolk's Little America coping in lockdown?

While most of the country looks to Downing Street for guidance on the coronavirus crisis , there is one corner of England whose fortunes are also influenced by the decisions of the US government .
How are the communities that rely so heavily on the US airbases coping with the pandemic ?
There is no defined border for `` Little America '' - arriving there is mostly signalled by a preponderance of large , American cars and signs bearing the Stars and Stripes .
It is an area of north-west Suffolk largely reliant on the custom of those occupying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RAF Lakenheath , Mildenhall and Feltwell .
Between them , the bases employ more than 12,000 US and UK nationals - and the United States Air Force claims their presence is worth a combined £700m ( $ 910m ) to the surrounding economy .
When the BBC visited in 2017 , it found a community where the American dollar thrived .
But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic , these businesses are as much affected by the dictates of the US military as those of the British government .
Before the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James would see a steady flow of air service personnel perusing the automatic cars at their showroom , Mildenhall Car Sales .
The firm also usually carries out up to 40 MOTs a week and offers advice to its customers about driving on the `` wrong '' side of the road .
But the couple has temporarily shut up shop .
About 80 % of their business came from the US air bases , which have suspended their usual service rotations under Stop Movement Orders made by the US Department of Defence banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances .
`` We have furloughed five staff , '' says Mr James .
`` The government 's scheme to pay 80 % of salaries has been fantastic , and I am going to pay them the other 20 % .
`` I could have kept the MOT centre open but there was no point because I could not have got the parts for repairs anyway . ''
A dramatic drop in custom was one aspect behind his closure ; the other was that because of social distancing , showing customers prospective cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic will fundamentally change the way people work in the future - the `` personal touch '' offered by businesses such as his might become a thing of that past as employees continue to work remotely .
As for when his own business will reopen , Mr James remains uncertain .
He says it will be dependent on what the government requires and when his suppliers are back up and running .
He has a tentative target of 1 June , but that is not set in stone .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I 'm trying to keep positive , '' he adds .
`` Social distancing will make it very difficult .
But we have the 'welcome back ' banners and flags ready to put out once we get the OK. '' In the town of Mildenhall , which lies at the south-eastern side of the base , most shops are closed until further notice .
It is usually a bustling centre serving both those living in the town and the numerous outlying villages , but only its Co-Op supermarket , which houses its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Town centre manager Mark Knight says the bases are a crucial part of life in the area and the absence of US personnel on the town 's streets had been noticed and felt .
`` The base and the town are closely entwined , '' he explains .
`` For example , when we were having an issue with a bridge here the base sent out a team of engineers to help out .
They come and help us out for our summer events . ''
`` Everyone is feeling the pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , whether they 're Americans or locals . ''
Also feeling the effect is Bill Flynn , the managing director of a removals firm in the town .
In a normal year , his company Safepac handles about 2,000 US house shipments , helping service families move their belongings back and forth `` across the pond '' .
Because base staff are currently unable to move , business has `` disappeared '' and he has had to furlough 30 people .
`` Cash-flow has been a killer , '' he says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my business has gone and we are staring down a barrel . ''
The haulage side of his business is still functioning and his costs - as a result of the drop in the price of fuel - have decreased .
But Mr Flynn remains concerned about the general economic future .
`` Even when the furlough scheme ends and people return to work , what will the consumer confidence level be ? ''
The Stop Movement Order came into effect at the bases on 25 March , four days after their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an active duty airman at RAF Lakenheath , the other a dependent of a service member at RAF Mildenhall .
The US Department of Defense recently extended the order to 30 June .
A spokesman for the base says the restrictions were implemented to help stop the spread of coronavirus and base leaders were reminding airmen to follow both the UK government 's guidelines and the US order .
`` [ We are ] communicating to Liberty Airmen and families the importance of adhering to UK lockdown measures regarding physical distancing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for essential needs only . ''
Mr Knight says that planning for the end of lockdown , and the re-opening of the business bearing the brunt of their disappearing customers , is not an option at the moment .
They - as with much of the country - are looking to Sunday , when the prime minister will reveal whether any restrictions can be eased .
`` We are holding our breath , '' says Mr Knight .
`` And keeping positive . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• R-NUMBER : Is this the crucial number ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
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While most of the country looks to Downing Street for guidance on the coronavirus crisis, there is one corner of England whose fortunes are also influenced by the decisions of the US government. How are the communities that rely so heavily on the US airbases coping with the pandemic?


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Challenge of reshaping UK cities for after lockdown

If you 've performed the `` social distancing dance '' outdoors during lockdown , you 're not alone .
People across the UK have told BBC News they are finding it impossible to stay safe outside because our cities were not built for social distancing .
Pavements are too narrow for people to pass safely at a 2m distance .
Public transport is closed or reduced , leading more people to cycle , but there 's limited space where they can feel safe .
If cyclists are pushed into the gutter or on to shared-use paths , that can bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities , UK transport groups and public health experts are calling for radical changes already happening globally - like wider pavements , traffic restrictions and cycle networks .
Such changes would prevent further waves of infections , improve air quality and public health , and help countries achieve their climate goals , they say .
In Manchester , Deborah Todd has given up on pavements and now walks in the roads with her children .
Carrie-Ann Lightley was forced into an accident because pedestrians did n't make space for her wheelchair on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to queue to walk through the narrow alleyway outside her home in Wiltshire .
And in London , Anne Bookless has stopped going outside altogether because there is no room for her wheelchair .
Cycling has increased by 22 % in places like Greater Manchester , including by key workers commuting by bike when public transport is closed .
And when public transport reopens , capacity will be severely restricted .
In London , the Tube will be able to handle less than 15 % of its pre-pandemic rush hour peak : 50,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 325,000 before , according to leaked documents seen by the BBC .
If more people travel by car instead , road space - already at a premium - will be under even greater pressure .
`` The crisis has exposed how little space is allocated to people - it 's exposed that everyone wants safe streets , '' Chris Boardman , Cycling Commissioner for Manchester and former Olympic cyclist , says .
The UK should urgently follow the lead of cities like Paris , Berlin and New York City and install temporary measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to community groups and transport and planning experts the BBC has spoken to .
Using temporary traffic orders , councils can widen pavements , install networks of temporary cycle lanes , and close residential streets to through traffic .
`` If we enable people to travel differently , we will protect them now during the crisis , and afterwards when the public health benefits of more people exercising and breathing in cleaner air kick in .
That 's how you protect the NHS , '' says Mr Boardman .
• How the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skies But banning cars ignores the needs of many road users , says Duncan Buchanan , policy director at the Road Haulage Association ( RHA ) .
`` Selective bans will have detrimental impacts on all other roads , add to congestion and journey times as well as increase pollution and CO2 emissions , '' he says .
In for the long haul Scientists warn we will need to practise social distancing for at least the next 12-18 months .
Public transport will be severely reduced , and commuters will need to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs people will turn to their cars in greater numbers than pre-lockdown : 56 % of drivers currently without a car plan to buy one post-lockdown , according to car sales company AutoTrader .
In Wuhan , China , private car usage nearly doubled when lockdown ended , rising from 34 % before the outbreak to 66 % after lockdown .
`` There is an avalanche of private car usage coming if we do n't do something about it , '' says Leo Murray from climate action charity Possible , which campaigns for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polluted urban areas , where two studies suggest the air quality is putting people at higher risk of dying from Covid-19 , there is an extra sense of urgency .
People in cities like London , Birmingham , and Glasgow are already struggling with respiratory disease and heart attacks linked to air pollution .
• Eight ways the lockdown has changed the UK If driving surges , it will be catastrophic for public health and well-being , Mr Murray suggests , as well as for the climate change goals that require cutting private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There is a real incentive to keep our respiratory health as good as possible .
Walking and cycling is the way to keep London moving in a safe and socially distanced way , '' says Caroline Russell , London Assembly and Islington councillor for the Green Party .
Just 9 % of people want a total return to pre-lockdown life , according to a YouGov survey .
Most journeys in the UK are short - 68 % are under five miles - meaning that most people could complete them easily by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Habit change is notoriously difficult , according to psychologists , but the crisis has transformed behaviours overnight .
`` We 've got this really precious moment to change how we live and we ca n't let it slip between our fingers .
Let this tragedy redefine in a positive way what living in cities is about , '' says Will Butler-Adams , the CEO of UK bike manufacturer Brompton .
British cities are lagging behind their counterparts elsewhere , including : • Paris , where 650km of cycleways are being built , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the end of lockdown • After motor traffic dropped 30-75 % , Italian city Milan announced plans for a car-free future .
Officials hope to avoid a post-lockdown resurgence in traffic by building cycle lanes , widening pavements and introducing 20pmh speed limits • In the Lithuanian capital , Vilnius , cafes and bars will be allowed to take over public squares to allow residents to safely enjoy a drink outside • In the US , 75 miles of streets in New York City will be allocated to pedestrian and cyclists • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority and can use the entirety of streets in the city centre , where the speed limit is lowered to 20km/h The government has made it easier for councils to close streets to cars , and London has announced its Streetspace Plan to encourage millions more to cycle and walk .
But councillors and planners say more is needed .
`` Local councils are overwhelmed with emergency work and lack funding - the government itself needs to lead , '' says Adam Trenter , Cycling Mayor for the city of Coventry .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves the Tactical Urbanistas took matters into their own hands .
Last week they widened the pavement outside a busy high street supermarket , using painted circles on the road surface and makeshift barriers of tyres filled with soil and flowers .
Residents in Tower Hamlets welcomed the change and the barriers were applauded on social media , the group say .
However , the local council objected and removed the tyres , citing safety reasons .
`` London 's streets are not safe for social distancing and a disproportionate amount of space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other road users .
This is a public health risk and needs to be treated urgently , '' Tactical Urbanistas told BBC News .
Plans for building cycle networks already exist - government and local authorities just need to enact them , say numerous experts including Brian Deegan , a street engineer who helped design the London and Manchester cycle networks .
Light segregation of roads for cycle paths and widening pavements would be cheap and quick , he adds .
`` It demands an emergency response .
If residents do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reverse them when the crisis is over .
But history shows people prefer the quieter and cleaner streets '' he suggests .
In Germany , officials concluded that temporary cycle lanes installed in Berlin helped residents observe social distancing measures and had no negative impact on traffic flows .
Community groups that have long called for greener , sustainable cities hope the pandemic could bring that change .
`` So much has been taken away from us , and now people are focussing on the smaller things , '' Paul Riley from Transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is possible to implement change , if we want it . ''

In Manchester, Deborah Todd has given up on pavements and now walks in the roads with her children; Carrie-Ann Lightley had an accident because pedestrians did not make space for her wheelchair on the pavement in Cumbria; Julie Taylor has to queue to walk through the narrow alleyway outside her home in Wiltshire. And in London, Anne Bookless has stopped going outside altogether because there is no room for her wheelchair.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: My lockdown hen party was virtually as good as the real thing

`` I woke up on my would-be hen weekend with no expectations - but this day will go down in history as one of my favourites . ''
Bride-to-be Erica Banks had to postpone her wedding - and her hen party - due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Erica , 28 , of Aberdeen , knew little about what was originally planned for the `` girly Scottish retreat '' on a weekend at the end of April .
When the date came around , she had expected to spend her lockdown Saturday at home doing her daily 10,000 steps and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But her friends , family and fiancé Richard Frew had other ideas .
They plotted a surprise virtual hen do , featuring an afternoon tea , flowers , drinks , quizzes , music and dancing - and the virtual company of many of her nearest and dearest .
The chief organiser of the virtual hen party was school friend Abbie McKerlie , who said the idea came about because she thought Erica might be `` a wee bit sad '' .
`` It was really just the week before , I suggested a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party attire , '' she said .
`` A few people took on different roles , organising afternoon tea to be delivered to the house , flowers , and a couple of wee surprises - balloons , a veil , and sash , all to make her feel like a bride . ''
Fiancé Richard was contacted so he could hide the party items needed for the big reveal , and make sure his wife-to-be was at home at the right time .
`` He was brilliant , '' said Abbie .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Zoom , and everyone was on about 20 minutes before Erica - she was shocked when she saw us all on screen . ''
As well as food and drink deliveries , they had also organised games , and a music play-list , and the party continued from the afternoon well into the night .
`` There was lots of dancing , '' Abbie said .
`` It 's fair to say the hangovers the next day were real . ''
Erica - who is originally from Dumfries and works in PR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had envisaged her actual hen weekend as `` yoga on the lawn and sipping prosecco with friends and family '' .
`` As the threat of lockdown loomed back in March and we grasped the importance of staying home , we decided to push the wedding , hen do and stag weekend into 2021 , '' she said .
`` So when I woke up on the morning of my would-be hen weekend , I had no expectations whatsoever . ''
Plans for a bracing stroll ended when she opened the front door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She prepared a table with the china and magnum of prosecco her friends had `` sneakily '' delivered .
`` Halfway through the sandwiches the doorbell rang again - a bunch of flowers and hen do postponement poem , '' Erica said .
`` When Richard placed the laptop in front of me with a ceremonious flourish , I was definitely a bit teary-eyed when I realised that , looking back at me , were the miniature faces of 17 of my favourite people .
`` We embarked on the modern hen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hilarious Q & A round - my mum had apparently given unlimited access to my reports from primary school , '' she added .
`` I danced my socks off and retired to a bed full of white 'Team Bride ' balloons . ''
Erica said she wanted to thank `` the most thoughtful , generous , creative and fun friends and family a girl could dream of - it really was the world 's best-kept secret '' .
Bride-to-be Erica Banks and reporter Ken Banks are not related - the shared @ @ @ @ @ @

"He was brilliant," said Abbie. "On the day, he logged onto his Zoom, and everyone was on about 20 minutes before Erica - she was shocked when she saw us all on screen."


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus in the UK: The first 100 days

The first confirmed case of coronavirus in the UK was on 31 January .
Since then more than 30,000 people @ @ @ @ @ and thousands more have needed hospital treatment .
Here 's how the crisis has evolved @ @ @ @ @ the first case , and how the government 's policy has shifted as the situation @ @

The first confirmed case of coronavirus in the UK was on 31 January. Since then more than 30,000 people have died with the disease and thousands more have needed hospital treatment.
Here's how the crisis has evolved in the 100 days since the first case, and how the government's policy has shifted as the situation changed.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Bread and cake tips from a self-isolating baker

During the UK lockdown , baking is growing in popularity .
But for Ray Rinkoff , who runs his family @ @ @ @ @ profession .
He is currently self-isolating with his wife , Esther , and the pair @ @ @ @ @ their baking on social media .

During the UK lockdown, baking is growing in popularity. But for Ray Rinkoff, who runs his family bakery, it's his profession.
He is currently self-isolating with his wife, Esther, and the pair have started sharing videos of their baking on social media.
Produced and edited by Bella McShane
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-05-08--VE Day: The Queen addresses the nation

VE Day: The Queen addresses the nation

The Queen has addressed the nation to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
The monarch 's pre-recorded message @ @ @ @ @ father , King George VI , gave a radio address 75 years ago .
She @ @ @ @ @ still a nation those brave soldiers , sailors and airmen would recognise and admire .
@

The Queen has addressed the nation to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
The monarch's pre-recorded message marks the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address 75 years ago.
She said: "We are still a nation those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire."


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Lockdown restrictions to be lifted gradually

Why the R number is important to fight coronavirus Experts keep discussing the value of R , but what is @ @ @ @ @ matter ?

The environment secretary George Eustice said the PM will lay out a 'road map' to gradually ease restrictions on Sunday.
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, he told the BBC's Ben Wright that it was essential that people abide by the current restrictions over the sunny weekend.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--VE Day: Sir Winston Churchill announces the end of WW2 in Europe

VE Day , or Victory in Europe Day , saw the Allied powers formally accept Nazi Germany 's surrender .
@ @ @ @ @ British Prime Minister at the time , Winston Churchill , told the nation that after @ @ @ @ @ fighting , Nazi Germany had been defeated , bringing World War Two to an end @ @ @

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, saw the Allied powers formally accept Nazi Germany's surrender.
This was the moment the British Prime Minister at the time, Winston Churchill, told the nation that after six long years of deadly fighting, Nazi Germany had been defeated, bringing World War Two to an end in Europe.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--The Papers: 'Never give up', and all arrivals to be quarantined

`` Day Britain forgot its troubles '' is how the Daily Mail describes Friday 's commemoration of the 75th anniversary @ @ @ @ @ VE ) Day , when Britain and its allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi @ @ @ @ @ in Europe to an end .
In her second televised address during the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ nation 's lockdown spirit , adding World War Two heroes would admire our response to @ @ @

"Furlough phase out plan takes shape" is the claim of the Financial Times. Its front page suggests the Treasury is considering a softer exit from the current scheme than had originally planned and that ministers have signalled it will be phased out gradually over the summer, with some workers allowed to return part-time. It points out that officials say no decision has yet been taken, but it suggests an announcement could be made on Tuesday.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Overcrowded households on pain of lockdown life

Figures suggest coronavirus is hitting deprived communities hardest , with cramped living conditions held up as one possible explanation .
How are families in overcrowded housing coping with life in lockdown ?
Anab Ahmed weeps as she recalls the moment her four-year-old son asked : `` Do we live in prison , mummy ? ''
She told him no , they were not locked-up against their will .
But she believes the truth is their life is `` not different from the people who are in prison . ''
Things were tough before lockdown , she says , with four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mattress doubles as a dining table .
But her three children , all aged under five , were out of the house at nursery while she worked as a self-employed beautician .
Weekends and evenings , weather permitting , would be spent in public playgrounds near their home in Plaistow , east London .
Now stuck indoors for most of the day , her son has begun to question why he does n't have the simple things that some children take for granted - like his own room or a bed .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have that ? '
That makes me cry .
I feel so depressed , '' the 32-year-old says .
London is England 's most overcrowded city , according to government figures .
But the problem spreads beyond the capital .
Across the nation , about 788,000 households are classed as overcrowded , the English Housing Survey found .
Polly Neate , chief executive of housing charity Shelter , believes lockdown will be making things tougher for families `` already desperately trying to keep their children happy and safe while packed like sardines '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to limit her children 's time outside , fearful of what would happen in such close quarters if one of them should fall ill .
Her son 's asthma adds to her anxieties .
`` If I get sick I do n't have any way to self-isolate myself from my children .
If it happens , everyone will catch the virus , '' she says .
The single mother says government advice - which recommends that , where possible , sick people use a different bathroom and do not share a bed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think I am someone who is left behind , '' she says on a video call while pacing around her flat .
Next to the bed she shares with her older two children , Anab pulls up a play mat , along with toys in a travel cot for the younger girl .
They have a blackboard and chalk for drawing , a TV and little else for entertainment .
Tricycles and a pram lie unused , taking up valuable space .
They have no garden to play in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children ] have no physical movement and emotionally they are not happy , '' she says .
`` They look out the window at people walking through and ask me to take them outside . ''
Anab arrived in Britain in 2001 aged 13 having fled civil war in Somalia .
Her housing association home is in the borough of Newham , which , according to the 2011 Census , is the worst-affected area in the country .
A quarter of households here are overcrowded .
The council says it is at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and plans to build 1,000 council homes by 2022 .
It says it is working with landlords to identify vulnerable families and has so far made 15,000 welfare phone calls and issued 10,000 parcels of food , medicine and household essentials .
According to the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , people in the most deprived areas of England are dying with Covid-19 at twice the rate as those in the least deprived areas .
Newham has the highest rate of coronavirus-related deaths in the country .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we 're not all in the same boat , '' says Helen Barnard , acting director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation .
People in deprived areas are more likely to have public-facing jobs - increasing the risk of catching the virus - and live in overcrowded homes , making it hard to social distance and therefore `` increasing the risk for whole families , '' she says .
It means the challenges of lockdown - like `` turning our homes into offices , classrooms and spaces to exercise '' - are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Barnard .
On the other side of the Thames , in Southwark , Olabisi Agbaje lives in a two-bedroom flat with her 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son .
The children share a bunk bed in a room so small they can not close the door .
After several weeks of lockdown , the reality of her children being cooped up indoors without the usual respite that school provides , became unbearable .
She sent them to live with a sister who has a larger home with a garden in another part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she will be alone .
`` It is hard to be away from them… [ but ] I have to think what is best for them , '' says Olabisi .
She believes the government has not considered people who live in social housing in densely-populated parts of the capital , where homes are often accessed via communal lifts and doorways .
Public Health England says self-isolation advice should still be followed `` where possible '' , but points out that it was drawn-up before lockdown , with a focus on protecting asymptomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and go .
The government says councils are required to help people who are worried about self-isolation and overcrowding , via local health protection teams .
A spokesperson said that money to `` help families in need to find safe and suitable accommodation '' was included in a pot of £3.2bn made available to councils during the pandemic .
Southwark Council leader Peter John says the authority is `` making every effort '' to move vulnerable people , like rough sleepers and families in homeless hostels , to homes where they can self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large number of `` relatively less urgent overcrowded households '' will also be relocated as usual `` if they require an essential move '' .
Olabisi has already spent seven years on the council 's waiting list .
`` I 'm a single mum and self-employed .
There is no way I can afford to rent on the open market , '' she says .
`` We are at the mercy of the council . ''
The British Nigerian says it is the `` sad reality '' that many of those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minorities .
Some 15 % of black African households are classified as overcrowded , as are just under a third of Bangladeshi households , according to government statistics .
For white British households , the figure is 2 % .
Public Health England is reviewing the impact of coronavirus on ethnic minorities after data from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre suggested they were being disproportionately affected .
Scientists have said there may be several factors at play , including that some groups are more likely to have pre-existing conditions like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - making it more difficult to social distance .
But it 's not only London 's ethnic minority communities who live in cramped conditions .
Kelly - not her real name - sleeps on a blow-up bed in the front room of the two-bedroom Brighton flat she shares with her three children , aged from two to 11 .
More than 7,500 households are overcrowded in the seaside city , according to the 2011 Census .
Brighton and Hove City Council says it is committed to `` improving the supply of affordable housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build hundreds of new council homes .
For Kelly , the past few weeks have felt `` suffocating '' .
She suffers from depression and anxiety , which have been put under `` extra strain '' - especially when school and nursery normally provide time and space for her to `` recharge '' .
She worries , too , about the impact on her daughter , who she describes as having `` autistic traits '' , and her son , who has asthma .
The ONS found that across England and Wales , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice as likely to have some form of health problem if they live in overcrowded housing .
Monica Lakhanpaul , professor of integrated community child health at University College London ( UCL ) , says cramped conditions could affect children 's health in a number of ways , from a greater risk of asthma through exposure to damp and fungal spores , to developmental delays due to a lack of space to crawl or walk .
Other issues typically seen in children living in poverty - like malnutrition and vitamin D deficiency - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
All could be made worse by lockdown and will be harder for health professionals to identify during the crisis , she warns .
The government must also do more to consider the long-term impacts of lockdown , she says , suggesting children be screened for problems like malnutrition , tooth decay and speech delay once restrictions are eased .
PHE says there are no plans to implement mass-screening and it is confident in existing measures , which are run by the NHS .
But Prof Lakhanpaul says mobile units - similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced a humanitarian crisis like Sierra Leone - may be needed to catch up on `` lost time '' .
`` We are really going to have work very hard to reach out to people and bring the healthcare systems to them , '' she says .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

The council says it is at the "acute end of the housing crisis" and plans to build 1,000 council homes by 2022. It says it is working with landlords to identify vulnerable families and has so far made 15,000 welfare phone calls and issued 10,000 parcels of food, medicine and household essentials.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--VE Day anniversary marked in Scotland under lockdown rules

The 75th anniversary of VE Day is being marked across Scotland in accordance with lockdown rules .
Public events have been cancelled , but Prince Charles led the country in a two-minute silence from Scotland at 11:00 .
The poignant moment saw the Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall each lay a wreath at a memorial near Balmoral .
A single shot from Edinburgh Castle market the beginning and the end of the nationwide tribute .
The Duchess of Cornwall placed spring flowers on the memorial , which were picked personally by Her Royal Highness from the garden at Birkhall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his floral tribute read : `` In everlasting remembrance '' , while Camilla left a note with her bouquet in memory of her father Major Bruce Shand , who served with the 12th Lancers during the war .
The duchess wrote : `` In memory of my darling father and all the officers and men of the XII Lancers who fought so bravely to give us peace . ''
First minister Nicola Sturgeon marked the two-minute silence on the steps of St Andrew 's House in Edinburgh .
Later at her daily coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` draw strength '' from World War Two veterans to tackle the virus outbreak .
`` The challenge they made then is very different to the one we face today - we are not fighting a war .
But we should nonetheless draw strength and inspiration from their example , '' she said .
PoppyScotland broadcast a live virtual concert on Facebook featuring performers who were due to perform at a celebration in Princes Street Gardens .
To start the day , people were invited to join a `` collective salute '' from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel and reservists at bases across Scotland led the honour .
Members of Legion Scotland and the general public joined in from their homes , posting their photos on social media using the hashtags # VEDay75 and # HeroesOfWW2 .
Victory in Europe ( VE ) Day on 8 May 1945 saw Britain and its Allies formally accept Nazi Germany 's unconditional surrender .
At 15:00 , Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end , following Germany 's surrender the day before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country as people celebrated the end of six years of armed conflict in Europe although the war with Japan continued throughout the summer .
A major programme of anniversary events had previously been planned across the UK - including veterans ' parades and street parties - and the May Day Bank Holiday was moved to 8 May .
The coronavirus outbreak meant public gatherings had to be cancelled and replaced by alternative activities that would not put people at risk .
Legion Scotland chief executive Dr Claire Armstrong said despite the cancellation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked `` tirelessly '' to come up with safe alternatives .
`` We believe the new 'virtual ' programme is equally exciting and will bring the nation together in a truly unique way , while keeping everyone safe at the same time , '' she said .
Care homes which have found themselves on the front line of the coronavirus crisis were offered `` the Best Seat in the House '' for a special VE Day edition of the online variety concerts created by the Armed Forces charity - the Not Forgotten .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Executive , said : `` It 's a variety show with good old fashioned music and our show today is special with a special message from Dame Vera .
It was earmarked for the care homes but it 's for anyone to enjoy World War Two music . ''
• We were apart on VE Day but knew we 'd meet again • I remember waking up thinking everything is going to be alright A series of special programmes are being shown on BBC One Scotland throughout the day .
The coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of special programmes including VE Day 75 , starting at 14:45 BST , which will feature extracts from Sir Winston Churchill 's victory speech exactly 75 years ago .
The revised programme from armed forces charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland , together with the Scottish government , the military and the media , continued throughout the day : • 10:39 - Facebook pages of Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will begin broadcasting a live virtual service of remembrance conducted by National Padre Karen Campbell .
• 11:00 -Prince Charles leads the UK-wide two-minute silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alistair Irwin will lay a single wreath at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh .
The first minister has recorded a reading for the virtual service .
• 12:00 - the charities will make another Facebook broadcast of an hour-long tribute concert , featuring many artists who had been due to take part in a free open air concert in Edinburgh 's Princes Street Gardens .
• During the afternoon , Poppyscotland is inviting households to celebrate the day at `` virtual '' VE Day parties on various video call platforms .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-recorded address , broadcast on BBC One at the exact moment her father , King George VI , gave a radio address 75 years ago .

"The challenge they made then is very different to the one we face today - we are not fighting a war. But we should nonetheless draw strength and inspiration from their example," she said.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--VE Day: Northern Ireland marks 75th anniversary

Commemorations in NI have been held to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
Church bells rang out , while both Belfast 's City Hall and Enniskillen Castle were illuminated to mark the anniversary .
The majority of commemorations , though , took place virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Victory in Europe Day marks the day fighting against the Nazis came to an end .
Official commemorations began at 11:00 BST with a national moment of remembrance and a two-minute silence .
The leaders of Northern Ireland 's four main Christian churches asked people to remember the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a joint statement , the heads of the Church of Ireland , Methodist Church , Catholic and Presbyterian Churches said World War Two `` had brought immense pain and suffering with millions of lives destroyed '' .
`` We must not forget that VE Day was not a day of rejoicing for everyone '' said the Church leaders .
`` For those who lost loved ones in the conflict it had more sombre undertones as they mourned the death of their nearest and dearest . ''
The statement was issued by Presbyterian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin , Church of Ireland Archbishop Reverend John McDowell , Methodist Church President Reverend Sam McGuffin and Reverend Ivan Patterson of the Irish Council of Churches .
• How is VE Day being celebrated this year ?
• 'The heroes of then and the heroes of today ' - celebrating in lockdown The pandemic has changed how the end of fighting in Europe is being remembered .
In Belfast , planned events had included a concert at Belfast 's St Anne 's Cathedral and an afternoon tea for veterans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online as organisers encouraged people to mark the occasion in their own homes .
`` Belfast City Council wishes to recognise the service of veterans in the Second World War , particularly those who hailed from Belfast , and all those who contributed to the efforts in bringing about peace , '' said a council spokesman .
A video message from 100-year-old World War Two veteran Teddy Dixon was broadcast on Belfast City Council 's social media platforms .
Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle , Lord-Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast , , also recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Belfast City Council .
Enniskillen Castle was lit in red by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council , while two beams of light will also be projected into the night sky over Enniskillen each night until Sunday to form a symbolic ' V ' sign representing a beacon of hope .
On Thursday evening , a World War Two siren was sounded during the `` clap for carers '' .
Likewise in North Down , a World War Two siren sounded to remember the dead , while in Londonderry the city 's role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a new online collection on the Tower Museum 's website .
Mid and East Antrim Council asked people to `` join in the wartime spirit and decorate their homes - and themselves - in 1945 Garden Party style , all while following the public health rules on social distancing of course '' .
UK-wide events on Friday included a public sing-along of Dame Vera Lynn 's We 'll Meet Again , a song synonymous with World War Two .
The Queen commemorated the 75th anniversary with a televised address to the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the exact moment her father , King George VI , gave a radio address 75 years ago .
She praised the UK 's response to the coronavirus epidemic , which she said had filled empty streets with `` love '' .
The UK government had moved the traditional early May bank holiday from Monday to Friday 8 May to allow celebrations to take place .
The BBC is gathering thoughts and recollections about VE Day - you can send them to us on our Share Your VE Day Memories page .

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bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: 'Modest' lockdown changes announced in Wales

People will be able to exercise outside more than once a day in Wales and some garden centres set to reopen , First Minister Mark Drakeford has said .
Announcing only `` modest '' changes to the coronavirus lockdown , Mr Drakeford warned it was `` too soon '' to go further .
The rest of the stay-at-home restrictions will be extended for another three weeks until 28 May .
It comes 48 hours before Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces a `` roadmap '' for easing the lockdown in England .
But a UK government minister said there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions .
Earlier , Nicola Sturgeon urged people in Scotland to stick to lockdown restrictions and stay at home over the bank holiday weekend .
The changes to the seven-week-old lockdown in Wales come into force from Monday .
• What are the 'reasonable excuses ' for going out ?
• Analysis : How do we get out of lockdown ?
• Further 28 die with coronavirus in Wales Mr Drakeford warned anyone thinking of travelling to beaches or mountains that they will be stopped and sent home .
`` We must not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said in a special broadcast on Friday evening .
`` All of us must continue to work from home wherever we can .
All of us must only travel when absolutely necessary . ''
Despite reports of tensions between the different governments , Mr Drakeford said he wanted to `` move in step with the other nations of the United Kingdom '' .
He told a press conference that just a small increase in the rate of transmission of the coronavirus - the so-called ' R ' number - would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many as 7,200 deaths .
So far at least 1,285 deaths involving Covid-19 have been registered in Wales , as of 24 April , according to the Office for National Statistics .
Lockdown rules must be reviewed every three weeks - the next review of regulations in Wales have to take place by 28 May .
Governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland have already announced extensions to lockdown rules there .
The UK government is responsible for the lockdown in England .
He said the Welsh Government believed that , as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small changes to the regulations could be made .
From Monday , people will be allowed to exercise more than once a day , but will be told not to travel `` a significant distance '' from home .
Exercising more than once a day has been illegal in Wales since the start of the lockdown , but not in England .
Garden centres will be allowed to re-open , provided they can ensure the two metre social distancing rule is followed .
Councils will begin to work on plans to re-open libraries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the most at-risk groups , who have received official `` shielding '' letters , should continue to follow that advice .
Calling them `` modest adjustments '' , Mr Drakeford said they would `` make a difference in people 's lives '' .
Lockdown was already different in Wales from the rest of the UK , with specific rules on social distancing in the work place and a different system of fines .
Mr Drakeford said the R number stands at around 0.8 in Wales .
Welsh Government estimates suggest that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die from coronavirus between 8 May and 7 August .
But he warned that if this rose to just 1.1 , `` we would see 7,200 '' deaths .
The first minister explained the Welsh Government believed the R rate in care homes is higher than in the community more widely - although said it was harder to be precise .
Will the prime minster 's announcement be similar ?
The first minister believed Mr Johnson 's lockdown announcement for England on Sunday will be `` broadly '' similar to Wales ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the prime minister 's public address was `` not an attempt to place any restraints '' on Downing Street .
The Welsh Government is all about the message and it 's still `` stay at home '' , despite the minor relaxations they 've just announced .
That 's why Thursday 's newspaper headlines trumpeting the end of the lockdown in England alarmed Welsh Government ministers , who were wondering how they could enforce two such different approaches on the densely-populated border .
After a phone call with the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reassured that any adjustments Boris Johnson does announce on Sunday will be modest and cautious - just like in Wales .
But what about the next steps ?
If the prime minister sets out a timetable , along with dates , for possible further easing measures in the future , the Welsh Government is likely to be uneasy about the message that might send .
The first minister will be discussing exit plans from lockdown over the weekend with UK ministers at a meeting of COBRA .
Mr Drakeford said there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a roadmap on the way ahead - the UK government is expected to begin to do so on Sunday .
He added : `` We will be listening carefully to what the prime minister has to say when he makes announcements on Sunday evening . ''
The Welsh Labour leader said the Welsh Government `` will be a part of that conversation '' and `` will set out how that will be put to work here in Wales '' .
Talks between the Welsh and UK government over coronavirus have taken place `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed .
Mr Drakeford spoke to Mr Johnson on Thursday , but has called for more regular formal meetings as the crisis continues .
In response to the Welsh Government announcement , Downing Street has said the UK government remains committed to a four-nation approach to lockdown `` wherever possible '' .
• What can the police fine you for doing ?
• What Covid-19 decisions are made in Wales ?
The PM 's spokesman stressed any `` easement that we do make will be very limited '' and added that Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
Environment Secretary George Eustice told the daily UK government news conference the PM would set out a `` roadmap of how we can evolve the current restrictions that we have '' .
`` We will be very very cautious as we loosen the restrictions we have , '' he added .
Asked about the Welsh Government 's announcement , Mr Eustice said : `` I do n't think we need to get too worked up about timings . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolation and exercise • FACE MASKS : Should I be wearing one ?
The Welsh Local Government Association said recycling centres would not reopen immediately as each council will use its discretion to decide if it is safe to do so .
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price welcomed the announcement and called on the prime minister `` not to implement an England-wide relaxation of restrictions that would completely undermine this approach and potentially have a disastrous impact on Wales '' .
Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Paul Davies said : `` While I recognise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a matter for the Welsh Government , it is vital that governments across the UK coordinate their efforts as much as possible to avoid confusion amongst the public . ''
But Brexit Party Senedd leader Mark Reckless objected : `` The reason Coronavirus will be with us far beyond July is the government dragging this out , destroying our wellbeing , lives and the economy '' .
Business lobby group , CBI Wales , said getting Wales back to work `` will minimise the impact on livelihoods from a crisis that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It must be done gradually , based on science , to avoid a devastating second wave and retain public confidence .
Moving too far , too fast could set back the economic restart , '' said director Ian Price .
This was an attempt to row back from the sort of news stories - and these have n't come from Wales , they 've come from Westminster - that there was going to be a major relaxation of the lockdown rules .
Yes there are some changes , like being allowed to exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the new message we heard there was as well as stay at home , stay safe and stay local .
Mark Drakeford denied this was an attempt to put pressure on Boris Johnson , but he knows perfectly well , and Nicola Sturgeon knows perfectly well , that this does put pressure on Boris Johnson .
Because these are governments saying , if you relax too far thousands of people will die ; in England that equates to tens of thousands of people .

Yes there are some changes, like being allowed to exercise outside more the once a day, but the new message we heard there was as well as stay at home, stay safe and stay local.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Battle of Britain veteran Terry Clark dies aged 101

One of the last survivors of the Battle of Britain , Flight Lieutenant Terry Clark , has died aged 101 .
Mr Clark , originally from Croydon , had been living at a North Yorkshire care home where he died on Thursday , the eve of the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
His death leaves John `` Paddy '' Hemingway as the last member of `` The Few '' who took to the skies in summer 1940 .
Mr Clark served as a radar operator during World War Two , defending the UK against Luftwaffe attacks .
The Battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 544 RAF pilots and aircrew out of a group of 3,000 .
Their bravery and sacrifice in withstanding the greater numbers of German pilots of the Luftwaffe and a possible invasion was recognised by then Prime Minister Winston Churchill .
`` Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few , '' he told MPs .
RAF Benevolent Fund controller Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot said : `` Our condolences go to Terry 's family and friends at this sad time .
`` This news is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sacrifice of all those who fought for us today , the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
`` Terry belonged to a generation of servicemen and women who answered their country 's call without question .
`` We owe a debt of gratitude to every one of them and their legacy must be to remember their service . ''
He added : `` John 'Paddy ' Hemingway is now the last surviving member of The Few and in September we will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the battle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying tribute to those pilots and air crew who 'gave so much to so many ' . ''
The Battle of Britain Memorial said Mr Clark joined No 615 Squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force at Kenley in March 1938 as an aircrafthand , before training to become an air gunner , flying Hawker Hectors on Army Co-operation duties .
He joined No 219 Squadron at Catterick on 12 July 1940 , two days into the Battle of Britain , and later trained on radar as a Radio Observer , flying in Beaufighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk .

She added: "John 'Paddy' Hemingway is now the last surviving member of The Few and in September we will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the battle.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--UK 'to bring in 14-day quarantine' for air passengers

UK airlines say they have been told the government will bring in a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving in the UK from any country apart from the Republic of Ireland in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The new restriction is expected to take effect at the end of this month .
Industry body Airlines UK said the policy needed `` a credible exit plan '' and should be reviewed weekly .
People arriving in the UK would have to self-isolate at a private residence .
Government and aviation sources told BBC News that the quarantine would mean people might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they arrive at the border .
It is not clear how long the new travel restriction would be in place and whether non-UK residents would be allowed to stay in rented private accommodation .
`` We need to see the details of what they are proposing '' , said Airlines UK , which represents British Airways , EasyJet and other UK-based airlines , in a statement .
• When will it be safe to fly again ?
• Passengers told to wear gloves at some UK airports Aviation minister Kelly Tolhurst is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airport representatives in a conference call scheduled for Sunday morning .
UK airports suggested that a quarantine `` would not only have a devastating impact on the UK aviation industry , but also on the wider economy '' .
Karen Dee from the Airport Operators Association , which represents most UK airports , said the measure should be applied `` on a selective basis following the science '' and `` the economic impact on key sectors should be mitigated '' .
BBC News understands that key workers such as lorry drivers who transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry would be exempt .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • FACE MASKS : Should I be wearing one ?
Last Sunday , Andrew Marr asked the transport secretary whether the UK would introduce a quarantine on people arriving in the UK .
Grant Shapps said he was `` actively looking at these issues , right now , so that when we have infection rates within the country under control we 're not importing '' .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do ensure that the sacrifices , in a sense , social distancing , that we 're asking the British people to make are matched by anyone who comes to this country '' .
A Home Office spokesperson said : `` We do not comment on leaks .
The focus remains on staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives . ''
If a quarantine is needed now , some will question why it was not necessary weeks ago .
Tens of thousands of people have flown into the UK during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast majority were returning home .
• The BBC understands Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will encourage the public to continue to work from home if they can , while those who need to travel will be encouraged to walk or cycle • A further 626 coronavirus deaths were confirmed on Friday , taking the UK total to 31,241 • The environment secretary says the public has to be `` realistic '' about easing lockdown restrictions • Young men are more likely than young women to break lockdown rules , psychologists suggest • Up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ships around the world because of coronavirus lockdowns , the industry 's trade body tells the BBC

"People have been brought back in relatively large numbers and many of them are telling us that they have no information or advice given out about what they should be doing when they get home," she said.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Garden centres in England to reopen next week

Garden centres in England will be allowed to reopen next week as one of the early steps to ease coronavirus lockdown measures .
A senior government source told the BBC centres can reopen from Wednesday , if they comply with social distancing .
Nursery bosses must control the number of people inside their shops so customers can keep 2m from each other , while in-store cafes must stay closed .
The Welsh Government has said garden centres can open from Monday .
Wales ' First Minister Mark Drakeford announced only `` modest '' changes to the lockdown on Friday - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to exercise more than once a day .
He warned that it was `` too soon '' to go further .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will confirm the announcement regarding garden centres when he addresses the nation on Sunday .
• Why are MPs keen for garden centres to re-open ?
• Millions of garden plants set to be binned Guidance issued by the government will tell garden centres they will not be able to reopen any cafes or playgrounds associated with the retail space .
A senior source in the UK government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large open-air spaces where the risk of transmission of coronavirus is lower .
`` With strict social distancing measures in place we believe they can open safely from next week . ''

Guidance issued by the government will tell garden centres they will not be able to reopen any cafes or playgrounds associated with the retail space.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Government to urge us all to walk and cycle more

We need to protect the public transport network as lockdown is lifted , the UK 's transport secretary is expected to say at a press conference on Saturday .
The BBC understands Grant Shapps will encourage the public to continue to work from home if they can .
Those who need to travel to work will be urged to consider more active ways to travel like walking and cycling .
Extra funding is likely to be announced for English local authorities to help alter road networks to facilitate this .
The intention is to take pressure off roads and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking are devolved .
For example , Wales has had legislation in place to boost both activities since 2013 .
It is believed that Mr Shapps will talk about using the unique `` opportunity '' of the lockdown restrictions to change the way we get to work .
How we will travel while maintaining social distancing is one of the biggest challenges the government faces as it seeks to start to lift the lockdown .
Maintaining the two-metre rule will mean buses , trains and tubes will be able to carry far fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by as much as 90 % , according to some estimates .
There have been fewer buses and trains scheduled during the lockdown , so it will take time to restore normal services .
Many commuters will also be concerned about the safety of crowded buses and trains but , if more people try to commute into work in their cars , the roads are likely to become choked with traffic .
The solution , Grant Shapps is expected to say , is for us all to walk and cycle more .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the government is calling `` active travel '' will be presented as an opportunity for us all to live `` cleaner , greener , healthier lives '' .
Mr Shapps is likely to announce extra funding for local authorities to pay for alterations to the road network to facilitate this move to more active ways to get around .
He is also expected to announce plans to give local authorities new powers to change the road network and designate extra space for cyclists and pedestrians .
The mayors of London and Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced last week that they were planning to close some roads to cars to create dedicated pedestrian and cycle routes .
The Transport Secretary 's announcement comes as a coalition of nine environmental and transport pressure groups have written to the government to demand a big increase in spending on walking and cycling .
Their letter calls for a fundamental redesign of the transport network to improve public health , clean the air and protect the climate .
It also points out that the lockdown has led to a dramatic improvement in air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some of Britain 's largest cities have seen a 60 % reduction in levels of nitrogen dioxide , a harmful pollutant gas associated with traffic .
The letter 's signatories include Greenpeace , the countryside charity the CPRE ( Campaign to Protect Rural England ) , and seven other environment and transport organisations .
They argue that making a permanent switch towards more active travel would help protect these improvements in the local environment .
• How much warmer is your city ?
• What is your diet 's carbon footprint ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toxic air is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in the UK every year , the letter says .
`` It would be completely absurd if , after the unprecedented efforts and sacrifices made to save thousands of lives from Covid-19 , we allowed thousands more to be cut short by the devastating impacts of toxic pollution , '' it reads .
The organisations recommend that local authorities widen pavements and increase cycle lanes , as well as giving priority to people who walk and cycle .
They call for the speed limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all built-up areas except where segregated cycle lanes are in place .
They also demand £6bn in additional funding over the next five years to invest in new transport infrastructure .

This is a devolved issue and in Wales the assembly is suggesting a number of new policies including road and lane closures with filters for cyclists. Scotland announced funding for "active travel infrastructure" in April. No specific measures have been announced yet in Northern Ireland although the infrastructure minister is expected to appoint a cycling and walking champion.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Key safeguards needed for schools to reopen - unions

Schools should not reopen unless key measures are in place to stop the spread of coronavirus , unions have warned .
The Trades Union Congress ( TUC ) is urging ministers to work closely with unions to agree a way forward .
There was speculation schools may return in England from 1 June , but it was ruled out in Scotland and Wales .
England 's Department for Education said it would follow scientific advice about the `` right time '' to reopen schools .
Schools across the UK closed in the last week of March as part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will give details on Sunday of his `` roadmap '' to get the UK out of that lockdown .
Wales ' First Minister Mark Drakeford said Mr Johnson 's plans for easing the measures in England would be `` very much in line '' with `` modest '' changes already outlined in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland .
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 's Today programme , Mr Drakeford added : `` We 're not going to be reopening schools in Wales in the next three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • What is the UK 's test , track and trace strategy ?
Unions , including the National Association of Headteachers ( NAHT ) and the National Education Union ( NEU ) , have called for `` clear , scientific published evidence '' that schools are safe to re-open .
In a joint statement sent to UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson , they said there should be no increase in pupil numbers until a national test , track and trace scheme has been fully rolled out .
The government 's three-pronged coronavirus strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the NHS contact-tracing smartphone app currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight before a UK-wide expansion .
They have called for extra resources for deep cleaning , personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and local powers to close schools if there is an outbreak of the virus in a particular area .
Some of the other `` essential '' measures unions said must be in place before pupils return , include : • Safety and welfare of pupils and staff as the paramount principle • A national Covid-19 education taskforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to agree statutory guidance for safe reopening • Consideration of the specific needs of vulnerable students and families facing financial hardship Frances O'Grady , general secretary of the TUC which published the statement , said : `` Parents and staff need full confidence that schools will be safe before any pupils return . ''
She urged No 10 to `` work closely '' with unions to `` agree a plan that meets the tests we have set out '' , adding the best way to do this would be through a `` national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and education stakeholders '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • FACE MASKS : Should I be wearing one ?
A spokeswoman for England 's Department for Education said Mr Williamson has not set a date for schools reopening , and the department would ensure the education sector has `` sufficient notice to plan and prepare '' for schools , nurseries and colleges to return .
`` Schools will remain closed , except for children of critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific advice indicates it is the right time to re-open and the five tests set out by government to beat this virus have been met , '' she added .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , meanwhile , said pupils will only be allowed to return to school when it is safe to do so .
It follows a warning by the British Irish Group of Teacher Unions of the `` very real risk of creating a spike in the transmission of the virus by a premature opening of schools '' .
Labour 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government to `` take heed of the tests set out today by trade unions and commit to not opening schools unless they have been met '' .
Last week at the Downing Street daily briefing , NHS England 's national medical director Prof Stephen Powis said the `` science is still evolving '' on how much children contribute toward virus spread .
It comes as the public was urged to be `` realistic '' about the easing of lockdown measures , as a further 626 coronavirus deaths were confirmed on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leading the No 10 news conference on Friday , Environment Secretary George Eustice said there would be `` no dramatic overnight change '' and the government would be `` very , very cautious as we loosen the restrictions we have '' .
Meanwhile , the government announced 97,029 tests had been delivered in the 24 hours to 09:00 BST on Friday , just shy of the 100,000 target Mr Hancock set for the end of April .
Mr Johnson has set a target of increasing testing capacity to 200,000 by the end of @ @

"Schools will remain closed, except for children of critical workers and vulnerable children, until the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to re-open and the five tests set out by government to beat this virus have been met," she added.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: 'Up to 2,000' UK seafarers stranded

Up to 2,000 UK seafarers are stranded on ships around the world because of coronavirus lockdowns , the industry 's trade body has told the BBC .
The UK Chamber of Shipping wants the UK government to become the first to sign up to a global plan to get crews home .
And the Nautilus International maritime union said seafarers stuck on ships for months were depressed and homesick , `` with no end in sight '' to their ordeal .
The government said it was working to `` ensure '' those affected could get home .
• UK 'to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers Because of port and air route bans for individual travellers , many of the world 's 1.6 million seafarers can not go home , while relief crews can not be brought in .
They are working past the end of their contracts and the International Chamber of Shipping estimates 150,000 of them are stuck on board cruise ships , transporters , tankers and other vessels .
The UK Chamber of Shipping said up to 2,000 - or around one in 13 - of the UK 's 25,750 seafarers were among the stranded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelly Tolhurst , urging the UK government to become the first in the world to sign up to the International Maritime Organisation 's new plan to ensure crew changeovers can resume .
The letter , seen by the BBC , also calls for seafarers and offshore workers to be exempt from `` any potential air travel quarantine restrictions which may be introduced '' .
Getting them home is `` increasingly taking on a humanitarian dimension '' , it adds .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Mark Dickinson , general secretary of Nautilus International , said many UK seafarers were working 90-hour weeks .
He said : `` It 's a confined workplace - not the Hilton Hotel - for three , four or five months .
The accommodation is fairly basic and you 're with a small group of people .
`` You get into a situation where you think , ' I 've got six weeks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four weeks to go , ' and even when this is extended by 24 hours it 's pretty awful .
It 's worse when it 's so open-ended . ''
Mr Dickinson praised the UK government for classifying seafarers as key workers and allowing them to travel via the country 's ports and airports , unlike those of many other countries .
He added : `` My frustration has been with the governments who faff about , locking things down without actually giving any thought to the consequences of that . ''
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` worrying time for British crew on board cruise ships around the world '' , but it was `` primarily the responsibility of their employers '' to ensure their welfare and safety .
They added : `` The government is in direct contact with these operators about the issues , as well as directly with many crew members and their families , and we will continue to do what we can to ensure UK crew can access flights home . ''
Ms Tolhurst has said she is in `` constant dialogue '' with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnificently '' to the coronavirus crisis , `` working round the clock to keep the nation fuelled , fed and supplied with vital goods '' .

"You get into a situation where you think, 'I've got six weeks to go,' 'I've got four weeks to go,' and even when this is extended by 24 hours it's pretty awful. It's worse when it's so open-ended."


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus rules 'an enormous ask', says first minister

The first minister has acknowledged extending the lockdown is damaging people 's sense of mental well-being .
Mark Drakeford said `` we should all be anxious '' about how long it can be sustained .
He said he hopes changes to the regulations will help people `` do the bigger things we 're asking of them '' .
From Monday , people in Wales will be allowed to go out to exercise locally more than once a day and garden centres can reopen .
Mr Drakeford said only the `` very smallest and most modest steps '' could be taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of the virus would lead to a significant increase in deaths .
• What do the new lockdown rules mean ?
• Figuring out the stats on coronavirus in Wales • What Covid-19 decisions are made in Wales ?
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme , Mr Drakeford said : `` The evidence that we heard from behavioural scientists in making our decisions was that if you can offer people a little bit more freedom at the margin it actually strengthens people 's ability and willingness to abide with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still have to ask people in Wales to abide by .
`` So by allowing people to go out to exercise more than once a day , by reopening garden centres , by allowing local authorities to begin to prepare for the reopening of libraries , then , we think , that by doing those modest things , it actually helps people to do the bigger things we 're asking of them .
`` But , of course , it 's an enormous ask we 're making , and we should all be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this because by sustaining it there 's other damage being done to people 's sense of mental wellbeing and so on . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce his plans for the potential easing of any lockdown measures in England on Sunday .
Mr Drakeford said his view was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much in line with one another . ''
`` Our new regime wo n't come in until Monday so that we move in a timely way together across the United Kingdom , and I still think that that is very much the preferable route . ''
Asked about when schools might reopen , Mark Drakeford said he was `` not convinced '' reopening schools in `` any significant way '' would be right at this point .
He added : `` we 're not going to be reopening schools in Wales during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Asked if that meant he was ruling out reopening schools for the whole of June , a spokesman for the first minister said nothing had changed since the education minister 's statement on Thursday which stated schools would not reopen on 1st June .

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Drakeford said: "The evidence that we heard from behavioural scientists in making our decisions was that if you can offer people a little bit more freedom at the margin it actually strengthens people's ability and willingness to abide with the major thrust of the restrictions that we still have to ask people in Wales to abide by.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Lotto winner loses out on £1m after deadline passes

A £1m Lotto winner has missed out on their prize after failing to come forward in time .
The winning @ @ @ @ @ on 9 November but the deadline to claim it passed at midnight on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ bought in Swindon , matched five main numbers and the bonus ball .
Unclaimed prize @ @ @ @ @ , goes to charities chosen by the National Lottery .
Andy Carter , senior winners @ @ @ @ @ Lottery , said : `` Unfortunately , I can confirm that the ticket-holder did not @ @ @ @ @ to claim their prize and has now sadly missed out on this substantial amount of @ @ @ @ @ current situation and to avoid this unfortunate situation happening again , we 're urging all @ @ @ @ @ and check their tickets online . ''
Playing online or using the app means players @ @ @ @ @ win .
Winners have 180 days to claim their prizes .

Andy Carter, senior winners' advisor at The National Lottery, said: "Unfortunately, I can confirm that the ticket-holder did not come forward within the deadline to claim their prize and has now sadly missed out on this substantial amount of money.