bbcuk--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: MPs urge churches to allow small funerals

A group of Tory MPs are calling on the Church of England to ease restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak to allow small-scale funerals in churches .
A letter signed by 36 MPs suggests clergy be allowed to enter their churches to officiate at funerals while observing safety measures .
Churches closed in March , with funerals only permitted to take place at the graveside or the crematorium .
The Church of England said its advice came after safety concerns .
It comes as a virtual meeting of the House of Bishops is due to take place .
• How are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a letter addressed to the Lord Archbishops and Diocesan Bishops of the Church of England , the MPs say they are concerned `` that the wishes of the deceased and bereaved are not being fulfilled with a proper committal in the church of their wish '' .
It says the government guidance on funerals `` is clear '' and that services can take place with `` proper measures in place '' .
`` It is now a matter for you to decide , and is within your ability , to enable small-scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now take place . ''
The MPs say the Church should `` consider , most intently , the pain and anguish of those families unable to have a funeral '' , asking for their compassion `` to shine through in your considerations and deliberations today '' .
`` Therefore , we write to ask that you give permission , in line with the law and government guidance , for clergy to enter their church and to officiate at funerals within the church building , while observing necessary safety measures . ''
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be discussed by the House of Bishops at its meeting .
On its website , the Church of England says funerals can only happen at a crematorium or at the graveside and only immediate family members can attend .
Responding to the letter , the Reverend Dr Brendan McCarthy , the Church of England 's adviser on healthcare policy , said : `` The death of a loved one is painful under any circumstances and the current situation has made this all the more difficult for those who have been bereaved .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently and advice is reviewed regularly and updated as circumstances allow .
`` The Church of England has consistently stated that it will always ensure that , where requested , a priest is present to conduct a funeral service , either at a crematorium or at the churchyard .
`` Any suggestion that the Church of England is responsible for 'direct cremation ' could not be further from the truth - that is against both Government guidance and the Church 's commitment to provide pastoral care for all .
`` The advice not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and it is advice , not instruction - was given because of concerns about parishes having capacity to conduct funerals safely , including being able to deep-clean church buildings between services . ''

The prime minister's spokesman said the issue was "ultimately a matter for the Church of England" but added that the guidance was "clear that funerals are able to go ahead in places of worship and crematoria where it is possible to do so".


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Nearly two million claim universal credit

Nearly two million people have applied for universal credit benefits since the government advised people to stay at home due to coronavirus .
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said there had been more than 1.8 million claims since 16 March .
Ms Coffey told MPs that figure was six times the normal claimant rate , and in one week there had been a `` tenfold '' increase in claims .
She said about 8,000 staff had been redeployed to deal with the claims .
The figures show the growing increase in demand on the benefit system since the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with others to curb the spread of the virus .
Ms Coffey told MPs there had also been more than 250,000 claims for Jobseeker 's Allowance and over 20,000 claims for Employment Support Allowance .
`` Overall , this is six times the volume that we would typically experience and in one week we had a tenfold increase '' .
She said that the rate for universal credit had appeared to have stabilised at about 20,000 to 25,000 claims per day , which she said was `` double that of a standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We 've also issued almost 700,000 advances to claimants who felt that they could not wait for their routine payment and the vast majority of these claimants received money within 72 hours . ''
Universal credit is a consolidated monthly payment for those of working-age , which replaced a host of previous benefits including income-based Jobseeker 's Allowance , housing benefit , child tax credit and working tax credit .
In October 2019 , there were 2.6 million universal credit claimants - just over a third of whom were in work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government needed to `` widen the safety net '' of support for everyone who needs it .
The shadow work and pensions secretary said : `` The social security system we had going in to this crisis was a safety net with too many holes in it '' .
Mr Reynolds said that the amount universal credit claimants receive had been significantly increased since the lockdown began , but asked when people on legacy benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance would see the same increases .
He highlighted calls from charities and anti-poverty campaigners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which puts a limit on the overall amount working age families can claim .
And he said the two-child limit , which restricts the child element in universal credit and tax credits - worth £2,780 per child per year - to the first two children should be lifted .
`` People three years ago could not have been expected to make family choices based on the likelihood of a global pandemic shutting down our economy , '' said Mr Reynolds .
`` The government has suspended sanctions during the crisis but the two-child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third and fourth child in a family and surely it should go too . ''
Mr Reynolds also said the five-week wait for the first payment of universal credit , another issue highlighted by charities as a cause of hardship despite the availability of advance loans , `` should not exist at all '' .
And he raised concerns over the impact of universal credit on maternity allowance , warning it could result in a `` low-paid pregnant woman being as much as £4,000 a year worse off '' .
MPs thanked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unprecedented increase in the number of claims for support .
Ms Coffey said that average waiting times for calls to DWP helplines were `` now below five minutes '' .
The work and pensions secretary also said a new government website had been set up to advertise new jobs , which had 58,200 vacancies on offer .

Mr Reynolds also said the five-week wait for the first payment of universal credit, another issue highlighted by charities as a cause of hardship despite the availability of advance loans, "should not exist at all".


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: First Gwent ITU patient 'back from brink of death'

A coronavirus patient has said he was `` brought back from the brink of death '' after eight weeks in hospital .
Scott Howell , 48 , from Wyllie , near Blackwood , was the first Covid-19 patient in the Royal Gwent Hospital 's intensive care unit in March .
Scott , who has diabetes and asthma , was put into an induced coma for more than two weeks during which his heart stopped - twice .
`` They [ NHS staff ] are fantastic people , I 'll remember them forever , '' he said .
Scott , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill with pneumonia in early March , however things took a drastic turn for the worse after it spread to both lungs .
During his time in intensive care , he was twice resuscitated by hospital staff .
His only memories are vivid dreams of being chased and captured , and it was only when he later read the his medical notes that he realised just how close he came to dying .
`` They said 'you 've been as ill as anybody can get with this virus ' , and that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalled .
`` No-one said anything , but I was reading the nurses ' notes , when they put the tracheotomy in , it said 'your heart stopped and we performed CPR because your oxygen levels just dropped out ' .
`` I thought , 'Oh my goodness , I could have died . '
• Q & A : Why are the Gwent valleys a hotspot ?
`` It 's wonderful and lucky that I 've come out of it .
It makes you readjust and reassess life .
So it did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's changed my life because the little things just do n't matter anymore .
`` You just want to be with your family and in the fresh air .
I could go and live in a tent , because I just reassessed that nothing matters apart from your health and your family . ''
While Scott was fighting for his life , his wife Helen was at home looking after their children .
Not allowed to visit , she would talk to him via their mobile phones - in the hope he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the line .
`` The nurses said I could ring Scott 's phone while he was in the coma and he may be able to hear me , '' she said .
`` It 's just been the worst time ever , worrying that the hospital were going to ring with bad news .
Every day you 've just got to get on with it . ''
A video of Scott being clapped by NHS staff as he left hospital on Thursday has been watched more than 235,000 times on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I should have been clapping them .
They were doing all the hard work to save my life , '' he said .
`` They brought me back from the brink of death .
They are wonderful , fantastic people and I 'll remember them forever .
`` I told them , ' I wo n't be clapping you on Thursday , I 'll clap you every day of my life because I 've got my life back , thanks to you . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

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bbcuk--2020-05-04--Project Restart: Premier League doctors raise concerns over resuming season

A number of Premier League club doctors have raised a range of concerns with league bosses over plans to resume the season , BBC Sport has learned .
One issue that the senior medics have sought assurances over includes their own liability and insurance cover if players contract the virus .
The Premier League has also been asked to provide some clarity over medical protocols , testing and player welfare .
The Premier League is hopeful of a potential 8 June resumption .
The 20 club doctors have been holding their own discussions about Project Restart - the label given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a view to feeding their thoughts into the Premier League 's leadership .
A Premier League source told the BBC that they viewed the move by the medics as a natural part of the process with clubs , and a means of reaching `` the best possible set of protocols '' .
They also confirmed that the league was in talks with insurance companies over the issue of club and doctor liability , and that this would be brought up with government representatives this week .
• 'Hard to see fans returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no fans at Premier League games next season , which club would suffer most ?
The Premier League is represented on a cross-sport working group of medical experts and public health officials which will meet for the second time in a week on Wednesday .
The panel is devising the health and hygiene measures that players , managers and club staff will be asked to agree to before full training and then competition can resume , but only if the government deems it safe to do so .
The government is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the Premier League meeting to vote on the plans next Monday .
A number of players and sports medics have already voiced their concerns about whether it is safe to return to action .
Eamonn Salmon , the chief executive of the Football Medicine and Performance Association ( FMPA ) , has told BBC Sport that opinion among doctors and physios at English football clubs regarding resumption plans was varied .
Speaking last week , he said : `` I guess the views of our members will be a kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are those who think it can be done , there are those that are doubtful and there are those that probably suggest it is an impossible task .
`` We have to wait , this is a waiting game all the time , it is such a changing landscape and fluctuating on a day to day basis .
`` This is just the start in some respects , whatever proposals are put there it is then open to debate and for comment and opinion to feed into that . ''
If training is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , BBC Sport understands players will be tested for coronavirus twice a week and would be screened for symptoms every day .
All tests would be carried out by health professionals at a drive-through NHS testing facility that each club would have access to .
Training grounds will be optimised for social distancing and high hygiene levels .
• Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times .
• They must not shower or eat on the premises .
If clubs want to provide players with food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeaway to players ' cars .
• Only essential medical treatment would be allowed , with all medical staff in full PPE .
• All meetings and reviews must take place virtually and off-site .
In Germany , where the Bundesliga is set to become the first major football league in Europe to return to competition , 10 positive results have been returned from 1,724 coronavirus tests from clubs in the top two divisions .
Cubs have been training in groups and the tests are being taken before a planned return to training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation of the affected person '' have been taken , said the DFL .
Top-flight side Cologne have had no further Covid-19 infections after three people tested positive last week .
Bundesliga officials suggested resuming on 9 May but the government delayed the decision and a restart may now be on 16 or 23 May .

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Liverpool lead the table by 25 points but have not played a Premier League game since 7 March
A number of Premier League club doctors have raised a range of concerns with league bosses over plans to resume the season, BBC Sport has learned.
One issue that the senior medics have sought assurances over includes their own liability and insurance cover if players contract the virus.
The Premier League has also been asked to provide some clarity over medical protocols, testing and player welfare.
The Premier League is hopeful of a potential 8 June resumption.
The 20 club doctors have been holding their own discussions about Project Restart - the label given to plans to resume action - with a view to feeding their thoughts into the Premier League's leadership.
A Premier League source told the BBC that they viewed the move by the medics as a natural part of the process with clubs, and a means of reaching "the best possible set of protocols".
They also confirmed that the league was in talks with insurance companies over the issue of club and doctor liability, and that this would be brought up with government representatives this week.
The Premier League is represented on a cross-sport working group of medical experts and public health officials which will meet for the second time in a week on Wednesday.
The panel is devising the health and hygiene measures that players, managers and club staff will be asked to agree to before full training and then competition can resume, but only if the government deems it safe to do so.
The government is set to review its lockdown measures later this week, with the Premier League meeting to vote on the plans next Monday. A number of players and sports medics have already voiced their concerns about whether it is safe to return to action.
Eamonn Salmon, the chief executive of the Football Medicine and Performance Association (FMPA), has told BBC Sport that opinion among doctors and physios at English football clubs regarding resumption plans was varied.
Speaking last week, he said: "I guess the views of our members will be a kind of snapshot of society really.
"There are those who think it can be done, there are those that are doubtful and there are those that probably suggest it is an impossible task.
"We have to wait, this is a waiting game all the time, it is such a changing landscape and fluctuating on a day to day basis.
"This is just the start in some respects, whatever proposals are put there it is then open to debate and for comment and opinion to feed into that."
If training is resumed before social distancing rules are relaxed, BBC Sport understands players will be tested for coronavirus twice a week and would be screened for symptoms every day.
All tests would be carried out by health professionals at a drive-through NHS testing facility that each club would have access to. Training grounds will be optimised for social distancing and high hygiene levels.
In addition:
Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times.
They must not shower or eat on the premises. If clubs want to provide players with food, it must be delivered as a takeaway to players' cars.
Only essential medical treatment would be allowed, with all medical staff in full PPE.
All meetings and reviews must take place virtually and off-site.
In Germany, where the Bundesliga is set to become the first major football league in Europe to return to competition, 10 positive results have been returned from 1,724 coronavirus tests from clubs in the top two divisions.
Cubs have been training in groups and the tests are being taken before a planned return to training as teams.
Measures including "the isolation of the affected person" have been taken, said the DFL.
Top-flight side Cologne have had no further Covid-19 infections after three people tested positive last week.
Bundesliga officials suggested resuming on 9 May but the government delayed the decision and a restart may now be on 16 or 23 May.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Dave Greenfield: The Stranglers keyboard player dies at 71

The Stranglers keyboard player Dave Greenfield has died at the age of 71 after testing positive for Covid-19 .
Greenfield died on Sunday having contracted the virus after a prolonged stay in hospital for heart problems .
He penned the band 's biggest hit , Golden Brown , a song about heroin , which went to number two on the UK singles chart in 1982 .
The Stranglers bass player Jean-Jacques `` JJ '' Burnel paid tribute to Greenfield as a `` musical genius '' .
He said : `` On the evening of Sunday May 3rd , my great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the musical genius that was Dave Greenfield , passed away as one of the victims of the Great Pandemic of 2020 .
`` All of us in the worldwide Stranglers ' family grieve and send our sincerest condolences to [ Greenfield 's wife ] Pam . ''
Drummer Jet Black added : `` We have just lost a dear friend and music genius , and so has the whole world .
`` Dave was a complete natural in music .
Together , we toured the globe endlessly and it was clear he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talent , a great loss , he is dearly missed . ''
The Stranglers formed in 1974 in Guildford , Surrey .
Greenfield , who originated from Brighton , joined within a year and they went on to be associated with the punk era .
He was soon known for his distinctive sound and playing style on instruments including the harpsichord and Hammond electric organ .
Critics compared his sound to that of Ray Manzarek from The Doors .
In an interview with the band 's website , however , the man himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of other famous keyboard players .
`` The only tracks by the Doors I knew were Light My Fire & Riders on the Storm , '' said Greenfield .
`` Before I joined my main influences were probably Jon Lord [ Deep Purple ] and then Rick Wakeman [ Yes ] . ''
In the same interview he said he always considered the Stranglers to be `` more new wave , than punk '' , and also admitted to having had an interest in the occult , evident from him wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Pentagram represents the microcosm ( as opposed to the macrocosm ) , '' he said .
`` The relation between the self and the universe .
I studied ( not practiced ) the occult quite intensively in those days . ''
Golden Brown , perhaps Greenfield 's finest moment , eventually won them an Ivor Novello award ; however his bandmates initially discarded the song and did not consider it a single .
The band 's other hits include No More Heroes , Peaches and Something Better Change .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hugh Cornwell left in 1990 .
Cornwell posted on Twitter he was `` very sorry '' to hear of his old bandmate 's passing .
`` He was the difference between The Stranglers and every other punk band , '' wrote Cornwell .
`` His musical skill and gentle nature gave an interesting twist to the band .
He should be remembered as the man who gave the world the music of Golden Brown . ''
Current vocalist and guitarist Baz Warne described Greenfield as `` a true innovator '' and a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genius is bandied around far too easily in this day and age , but Dave Greenfield certainly was one , '' said Warne .
The band recently postponed their farewell tour from this summer due to the pandemic .
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In the same interview he said he always considered the Stranglers to be "more new wave, than punk", and also admitted to having had an interest in the occult, evident from him wearing a pentagram pendant in many early band pictures.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: ITV host Piers Morgan's Covid-19 test negative

Piers Morgan has said he has tested negative for coronavirus after showing potential symptoms of the illness .
Ben Shephard @ @ @ @ @ 's Good Morning Britain , alongside regular co-host Susanna Reid , while Morgan awaited his @ @ @ @ @ tweet , Morgan said he would be back on the show `` as soon as @ @ @ @ @ OK to return to work '' .
He said he was advised to take a @ @ @ @ @ and was eligible as an essential worker .
Last week , he was cleared of @ @ @ @ @ rules after 4,000 complaints about his questioning of care minister Helen Whately .
During an @ @ @ @ @ to say the number of health workers and care workers who had died with coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ `` shouting at me and not giving me a chance to answer your questions '' @ @ @ @ @ points '' .

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bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Aer Lingus review after packed flight complaint

Aer Lingus has said it is reviewing procedures on its Belfast to London flights following a claim it was not observing social-distancing measures .
Passenger Sean Mallon took photos on a flight to Heathrow on Monday , showing most passengers sitting close together .
Almost every seat was occupied and there was `` no social distancing whatsoever , '' said Mr Mallon .
Aer Lingus said safety was its `` top priority '' and any necessary changes would be implemented urgently .
The coronavirus crisis has seen all flights suspended , apart from two London services operating from Belfast City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mallon , who was travelling to England for work , said airline staff did not offer any guidance on social distancing before or during Monday morning 's flight , and passengers were allowed to take their seats as normal .
`` I would say there was about 95 % of the seats taken on the flight , '' he told the BBC 's Evening Extra programme .
Passengers had queued up and boarded the plane in the same way as they would have done before the pandemic , he said .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to the tarmac as they were before all this happened , '' he added .
Passengers were not offered hand sanitiser or told of any extra safety measures as they boarded the plane , said Mr Mallon .
The only advice they were given was a reminder to wash their hands after landing .
In a statement , the airline said : `` In light of the unexpectedly high loads on the Belfast – London Heathrow service this morning and the level of demand for the route , Aer Lingus is reviewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation of this service .
`` The safety and security of Aer Lingus ’ customers and crew is our top priority and any process changes that are identified as being required will be implemented as a matter of urgency . ''
The only other route operating from Northern Ireland is Logan Air 's service between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted .
In other developments on Monday : • The leaders of Northern Ireland 's four main Christian Churches say now is not the right time for a return to collective worship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more `` national support '' for the higher education sector • One of Northern Ireland 's largest house builders , Hagan Homes , resumes work on eight of its sites • Reduced hot-desking and alternatives to social distancing where it is not possible , are among measures being considered to let workplaces reopen .
Both benefited from a government package worth £5.7m to support remaining NI flights during the pandemic .
Loganair 's chief executive , Jonathan Hinkles , said conversations were continuing about how to move on after lockdown , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to : • The air conditioning systems on aircraft that recycle air in the cabin , which Mr Hinkles said defeated the purpose of social distancing Instead , Loganair has said it would provide passengers with masks - something other airlines will have to think about .
The European Commission is preparing to unveil a set of rules for the safe reopening of air travel when the lockdown ends .
Measures being considered include compulsory face masks , disinfection of planes and social distancing requirements in planes and airports .

In a statement, the airline said: "In light of the unexpectedly high loads on the Belfast – London Heathrow service this morning and the level of demand for the route, Aer Lingus is reviewing its processes and procedures applicable to the operation of this service.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Money worries in pandemic drive surge in anxiety

Nearly half of people in Britain experienced `` high anxiety '' as the country 's lockdown began , an Office for National Statistics survey suggests .
Anxiety levels were highest among an estimated 8.6 million people whose income fell , according to the weekly survey on the impact of coronavirus .
Renters and the self-employed were also particularly affected .
Measures of well-being were at their lowest levels since records began in 2011 , the ONS said .
The survey 's finding suggested that more than 25 million people - 49.6 % of over-16s in Britain - rated their anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double the amount who did so at the end of 2019 .
Those suffering the greatest level of worry were an estimated 2.6 million people who said they were struggling to pay bills .
• How to protect your mental health The survey data suggested that 8.6 million people had seen their income fall , with this group also reporting anxiety levels 16 % higher than average .
Women reported anxiety levels 24 % higher than men on average , with the ONS saying the difference might be because a larger proportion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower paid jobs or working part time .
David Shaw , who has been signed off work with anxiety , is trying to juggle providing for his family with the care of his severely disabled 16-year-old daughter , who has scoliosis .
Mr Shaw , who manages a supermarket in Brandon , Suffolk , said : `` My daughter would be extremely vulnerable to the virus and I ca n't risk bringing the virus home to her . ''
The 43-year-old said his employer was a good company and gave him two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was no longer being paid .
Mr Shaw said : `` I can get a mortgage holiday but that is just one bill .
I am not sure if the doctor will keep signing me off so I do n't know what I will do . ''
He added he felt guilty that his colleagues were working while he was not but that he had to put his daughter 's safety first .
Lucy Tinkler , head of the quality of life team at the ONS , said : `` All measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and happiness , are at their worst levels since we began collecting data in 2011 . ''
`` The most recent data showed a slight improvement in anxiety compared to previous weeks , but remained much higher than before the pandemic . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WILL I GET PAID IF I CA N'T WORK ?
Rules on sick pay , wages and time off • PUBLIC TRANSPORT : Is it safe to travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested for coronavirus ?
The ONS is carrying out a weekly opinions and lifestyle survey of about 1,500 people to understand the impact of the coronavirus on Britain , and comparing it with the results of a similar survey it normally carries out monthly .
It found the average reported anxiety level rose from 2.97 out of 10 at the end of 2019 to 5.18 at the end of March as the lockdown was beginning .
In the most recent survey , from 9 April to 20 April , that fell slightly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to time but if it is affecting your life then there are things you can do to help yourself and ways to seek help .
Symptoms of anxiety can include headaches , a faster heartbeat , feeling tense , difficulty sleeping , problems concentrating and not being able to enjoy leisure time .
The NHS suggests ways to manage anxiety including breathing exercises , eating healthily and exercising .
More advice is available from mental health charity Mind which has published wellbeing advice for the coronavirus pandemic .
The proportion of Britons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8.4 % at the end of 2019 to 20.7 % at the end of March .
Finances were the biggest worry for an estimated 5.3 million people , while 6.2 million were most concerned about their work and 8.5 million most concerned about their well-being , the survey suggested .
Lucretia Thomas , a project adviser at Citizens Advice Enfield , said it had had a `` spike '' in people asking for advice about employment , benefits and debt issues as the pandemic prevented many people from working .
`` The loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect on families , because their normal household expenses have increased , '' she said , explaining that families were often missing out on free school meals .
People were also reporting that landlords had been issuing notices in preparation for when evictions might resume in June , she said , adding to the stress for some families .
Others are saying that their employers are preparing to make them redundant once the furlough period is over .
`` People are ringing us for reassurance , thinking that we might have a timeline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ client asked me , 'When do you think my husband might be able to go back to work ? '
I 'm not able to answer that question , '' Ms Thomas said .

"People are ringing us for reassurance, thinking that we might have a timeline for when this is over. A client asked me, 'When do you think my husband might be able to go back to work?' I'm not able to answer that question," Ms Thomas said.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Second death at Skye care home with 57 cases

Two residents have died at a care home on the Isle of Skye where 57 people have tested positive for coronavirus .
The outbreak was first detected at Home Farm independent care home in Portree last week .
The company which runs the home , HC One , said 30 of the home 's 34 residents - including the two who died - and 27 staff were confirmed to have the virus .
An Army-run mobile testing unit has been set up on Skye following the outbreak .
A spokesman for the home said its thoughts and sympathies were with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman told the Scottish government 's daily briefing that all residents had been isolated in their rooms while the local GP and advanced nurse practitioner undertook `` medical assessments '' .
The health secretary said her `` best thoughts and good wishes '' went out to those who have tested positive at Home Farm and other care homes across the country .
The GMB union later called for an investigation into the scale of the outbreak at Home Farm .
Drew Duffy , senior GMB organiser for public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drivetime with John Beattie : `` The numbers involved in the Isle of Skye is just a tragedy , so we do need to immediately look at what was put in place for residents and staff , but clearly this has just highlighted years of underfunding within social care .
`` The private sector care homes having been running on minuscule budgets , cutting corners and the crisis has just highlighted the disease that has been austerity for years - they just can not cope . ''
A Care Inspectorate report in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised some concerns about cleaning and staffing at the home .
But the care home insisted these were `` swiftly resolved '' and it had sufficient staff to maintain `` high standards of cleanliness '' .
A spokesperson added : `` In response to the coronavirus outbreak in the UK , which we have been planning for since February , all colleagues completed additional , specific coronavirus training and infection control training . ''
Local MSP Kate Forbes , who is the Scottish government 's finance secretary , earlier told the BBC 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be used on the island to track the spread of the virus .
• Half of Scots coronavirus deaths now in care homes '' Skye , as a self-contained island community , shows the advantages of contact tracing and I think that contact tracing is going to be an important part of our capability on Skye in dealing with the outbreak , '' she said .
`` That will form a vital part of NHS Highland 's response , as you can see from that increased testing capacity and the way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not just with those who have tested , but with their households as well . ''
Ms Forbes said some members of staff had part-time jobs in the community as well as their work at the care home , making contact tracing an `` important '' way of containing the virus .
Former Scottish Tory leader Baroness Goldie , speaking on the same programme , said the testing strategy on the island should be designed to `` absolutely ensure the safety of residents '' .
Despite the situation on Skye , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK was `` past the peak '' of the virus .
She said : `` I do n't want to in any way diminish the gravity and the horror of what 's been happening in the care home , that 's been a very tragic and worrying situation .
`` But the data now shows that the peak is past .
`` We see deaths beginning to fall , we see rates of infection beginning to fall , we see hospital admissions beginning to fall , but that is not a sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Baroness Goldie urged people to adhere to the restrictions put in place to control the virus , saying it was important that the measures were not lifted too early .
Last week , soldiers set up mobile testing sites in Dunoon , Motherwell , Prestwick Airport , Elgin , Galashiels , Stranraer and Peterhead .
A further three sites will be added this week in Peterhead , Thurso and Arbroath .

"That will form a vital part of NHS Highland's response, as you can see from that increased testing capacity and the way that they have already started to make contact, not just with those who have tested, but with their households as well."


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Stoke-on-Trent charity finds donated items sold online

A charity that supports parents with babies and young children has spoken of its `` hurt '' after finding some of its donated goods for sale online .
Volunteers at The Nappy Project said they spotted a pram donated to a family posted for sale on social media .
The Stoke-on-Trent charity , which also donates items such as milk and nappies , says its name will be written on items it gives out in future .
The online listing was reported to police .
However , officers said the sale of goods given in kindness was not considered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up about 20 months ago and initially worked with 20 families in Stoke-on-Trent .
Now , during the coronavirus pandemic , volunteers have carried out 1,200 deliveries in the last five weeks , travelling as far as Congleton , Crewe and Manchester .
Usually , the charity finds only one or two instances of its goods being sold on in a six-month period , founder Hayley Jones said .
But , in the last three weeks , it has seen about six sales .
One such instance saw a pram donated to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social media for £50 .
`` It 's hurtful to be honest , '' Mrs Jones said .
`` It 's happening because we 're doing non-contact deliveries so we ca n't get people to sign the usual legal form . ''
Mrs Jones said she had also seen people selling donated milk powder online .
`` This individual said her baby was starving so had tubs of milk from us for three weeks .
Then we saw it for sale as 'three for £10 ' on Facebook , '' Mrs Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the sales continue , Mrs Jones said , adding that volunteers are now writing the Nappy Project 's name on everything they give out .
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Usually, the charity finds only one or two instances of its goods being sold on in a six-month period, founder Hayley Jones said. But, in the last three weeks, it has seen about six sales.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: GPs use donated PPE after 'nothing received since March'

A GP says her practice is using personal protective equipment ( PPE ) made by schools and residents after government supplies stopped in March .
Dr Helen Kirby-Blount said the Riverside Partnership has received no supplies from the government for several weeks .
She said the Nottinghamshire GP group had bought some equipment online but faced problems buying masks and gowns .
The government said it was working hard to deliver PPE as quickly as possible .
It has committed to providing protective equipment to health workers dealing with Covid-19 patients , including care home workers , GPs and hospice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no PPE had been available to her group since they received a small supply of masks and gowns in March .
The partnership , which has 18,000 patients at four surgeries in the Bassetlaw area , has instead sought to buy online .
She said demand had sent prices soaring - with the price of a roll of aprons rising from £2 to £10 - and created shortages .
So the group has been using hundreds of surgical masks and aprons donated by local firms , and more than 50 visors made by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GPs wore aprons , surgical masks and gloves for every face-to-face consultation , but reserved the best PPE for the most high-risk situations .
Dr Kirby-Blount said she was concerned about the long-term situation with the pandemic likely to continue into the winter and beyond .
She said : `` We 're going into care homes to meet people face-to-face who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 , so it is n't like we 're kicking up a fuss for no reason .
`` We 're very concerned .
We 've already seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff . ''
A survey by the British Medical Association ( BMA ) said almost half of doctors in England might be buying their own protective equipment or are relying on donations .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said : `` We are working around the clock to ensure PPE is delivered as quickly as possible to those on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have delivered over one billion items since the outbreak began , including to GPs . ''
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A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: "We are working around the clock to ensure PPE is delivered as quickly as possible to those on the frontline of this global pandemic.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Bikers fined for 200-mile fish and chips trip

Two bikers who went on a 200-mile round trip to buy fish and chips have been fined for breaching coronavirus lockdown restrictions .
The pair had travelled from Rochdale in Greater Manchester to Whitby in North Yorkshire before being stopped , fined and sent home by police .
Whitby Neighbourhood Policing Team said the trip was not `` reasonable travel '' .
North Yorkshire Police has previously said people were breaking lockdown rules to travel to the area .
Posting on Facebook , the force said : `` Whilst Whitby would usually welcome visitors to sample our finest fish and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this does not constitute reasonable travel .
`` Whitby Neighbourhood Policing Team were patrolling the A169 and stopped two motorcyclists who had travelled from Rochdale purely for fish and chips .
`` Both were sent home and issued fines . ''
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• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
The same force said on Monday that people were `` blatantly ignoring '' lockdown rules by visiting local beauty spots .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend [ 2/3 May ] proved to be another busy weekend for police in North Yorkshire , with the force seeing no dip in visitors to the area or the number of fines issued . ''
• What is banned and what is n't ?
The force added : `` Sixty-one fines were issued across Saturday and Sunday , with Malham again proving to be a `` hot-spot '' for out-of-area day-trippers , with 12 of the 61 fines issued being in the vicinity . ''
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A force spokesman said: "This weekend [2/3 May] proved to be another busy weekend for police in North Yorkshire, with the force seeing no dip in visitors to the area or the number of fines issued."


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Head teacher buys food for vulnerable families

A head teacher says he has spent £2,000 of his own money to buy food for vulnerable families who are waiting to receive free school meal vouchers .
Lloyd Mason-Edwards from Peel Park Primary School in Bradford , said only about half the families eligible at his school had received vouchers .
He said the system was a `` shambles '' and was failing those in need .
Edenred , which runs the voucher scheme , said it was aware of problems and that many had successfully claimed vouchers .
More stories from around Yorkshire The government has said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover such `` unavoidable costs '' .
Staff at Peel Park school are making up parcels of food and toiletries and Mr Mason-Edwards delivers them to 10 of its most vulnerable families each week .
He said of the 650 pupils at his school , 150 qualified for free school meals and about 10 of those were really struggling .
`` They [ the government ] are not providing for the most vulnerable members of our community , '' he said .
`` The ones that do n't speak English , or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to receive money .
`` We have some parents that started up a business five months ago and are not receiving any payments either . ''
The government scheme to give poor pupils in England vouchers worth £15 a week until schools reopen has experienced numerous problems .
Mr Mason-Edwards said the vouchers were provided by email so those without internet access were `` slipping through the net '' .
School staff are applying on behalf of those families without internet access , but many vouchers provided this way have not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not working .
After hearing about this , Mr Mason-Edwards went to a supermarket and spent £2,000 buying gift vouchers to distribute to families , so they could buy their own food .
He has since been refunded the money by the school , and hopes the school will be able to claim the cost through the Department for Education 's recovery scheme .
The school said food used in the parcels comes from community donations , local businesses and some from Tesco on Canal Road in Bradford , which Mr Mason-Edwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Department for Education said schools that could not make the Edenred system work would be reimbursed for creating alternative schemes .
It previously told BBC News : `` We are providing additional funding to schools to cover unavoidable costs incurred due to the coronavirus outbreak that can not be met from their existing resources - including free school meal costs which are not covered by the national voucher system . ''
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School staff are applying on behalf of those families without internet access, but many vouchers provided this way have not been accepted at supermarket checkouts as the barcodes were not working.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Head teacher goes Solo for Star Wars school assembly

A Perth secondary school has marked Star Wars Day with a special assembly from the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon .
Bertha Park High School produced the video for pupils , who are currently at home due to the coronavirus lockdown .
Head teacher Stuart Clyde said he made the video with `` bits and bobs I had lying about the house '' .
A `` massive fan '' of the films , he plays both Han Solo and Darth Vader in the virtual assembly .
Enthusiasts celebrate May the 4th as Star Wars Day in reference to the film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with you '' line .
In the school 's video , characters including R2D2 are seen patrolling the grounds of the school , which was officially opened in January .
Mr Clyde said he put the video together over the last week on a tablet and two home computers .
He said : `` There 's a lot of footage that 's downloadable online from YouTube and the Star Wars website itself .
`` So , it 's just a case of hunting about the internet looking for some tutorials on how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The head teacher said he hoped the online assembly would `` keep people 's spirits up and keep them engaged '' .
He said : `` We did n't want to lose the idea of an assembly all together , we thought it would be good to get all the kids in one place virtually at the one time .
`` We try to keep in touch with our whole community as much as possible , and try and keep everybody in the loop , probably even more so than we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The special assembly also features a tribute to the Star Wars series ' opening titles `` crawl '' .
It reads : `` It 's a dark time in the galaxy .
`` The threat from the Imperial Virus is high but a small band of rebels from Bertha Park are doing what they can to keep people learning and pass on advice that might just keep them safe . ''
Mr Clyde has reached out to Star Wars actors Mark Hamill and Ewan Mcregor on Twitter in the hope they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of followers .
He said : `` It 's been really positive so far , it seems to be going down really well , which we 're absolutely delighted about . ''

"We try to keep in touch with our whole community as much as possible, and try and keep everybody in the loop, probably even more so than we would do if we were in school."


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: How does contact tracing work and is my data safe?

Millions of people in the UK will soon be asked to track their movements to limit the spread of coronavirus .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that the trial of a `` test , track and trace '' programme will start on the Isle of Wight on Tuesday .
All residents will be asked to download an app .
If it 's successful , the programme will be rolled out to the rest of the UK .
Contact tracing is a method used to slow down the spread of infectious outbreaks .
It is commonly used in sexual health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contact anyone with whom they have been intimate .
In the coronavirus pandemic , it means tracking down anyone sufferers have been in prolonged contact with , to potentially ask them to self-isolate .
This is often done through phone calls to the friends and family of coronavirus sufferers , complemented by an automated location-tracking mobile app .
Unlike tracing in sexual health clinics , it can be difficult to know who you 've come into close enough contact with to spread coronavirus .
And scientists do n't entirely agree what `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization recommends staying one metre apart , while the UK government recommends two .
Its scientific advisers say two seconds spent one metre apart is as dangerous as spending one minute two metres apart .
Only distance will be captured by the app , so it will miss many of these key risk factors , like length of time spent in proximity with some and in what setting ( inside or outside , well-ventilated or not ) .
These will have to be picked up in discussions with the `` army '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already being used extensively by various countries , including Hong Kong , Singapore and Germany .
The UK is planning to roll out its contact tracing app and phone team by the middle of May .
• Coronavirus : UK contact-tracing app 'ready in two to three weeks' What will contact tracing look like in the UK ?
The 18,000-strong team will feature about 3,000 civil servants and health workers , and 15,000 call handlers .
This telephone system will be used in tandem with a tracing app , available to download on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app tracks when its users come into contact with each other , automating the tracing process .
If a user develops coronavirus symptoms , it is up to them to let the app inform the NHS .
Their disclosure may trigger an anonymous alert to users with whom they recently had significant contact , again potentially asking those people to go into quarantine or be tested .
For those without smartphones , an alternative could be a Bluetooth-enabled wristband , like those being used in other countries to detect lockdown breaches .
Announcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the programme will allow the government to take a `` more targeted '' approach to the lockdown while containing the virus .
The app will take `` full consideration '' of privacy concerns , Mr Hancock said .
Why was the Isle of Wight chosen for the trial ?
Mr Hancock says the elderly population on the island - and projected lower number of smartphone users - was a factor in choosing it .
He says this means the trial will therefore address `` as many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the app out nationwide .
John Newton , the UK government 's testing co-ordinator , says that relatively restricted travel to the island makes it an `` ideal place '' to study the spread of a virus .
Will they help end lockdown ?
Contact tracing has been credited with helping to lift restrictions in other countries , when combined with other measures .
South Korea never went into lockdown thanks to an early strategy of extensive tracing , combined with mass testing .
The nation not only asked citizens to recall their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CCTV footage and mobile phone tracking to piece together where they had been .
After a daily peak of 900 cases , it is now diagnosing just a handful of new daily cases .
If adopted widely enough , contact tracing might help ease UK restrictions , although it is unlikely citizens will be tracked to that extent .
The UK government first attempted contact tracing early on in the outbreak , before there were too many cases for it to be effective .
However , less movement under lockdown means new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Phone tracing can be very labour intensive and time consuming , with tracers in Ireland reporting making about 40 phone calls per infected person .
The mobile app is easier , but take-up will have to be colossal for the virus to be totally supressed .
Academics advising the NHS estimate 80 % of smartphone users - 60 % of the population - would have to actively use it .
By comparison , about 67 % of UK smartphone users have downloaded messaging app WhatsApp .
People would also have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inform the NHS .
• 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 What can the government do with my data ?
Not everyone is happy with the government and third parties being given access to people 's data .
Civil rights group Liberty said the government must take the risks seriously , and should not make installing the app a condition to leaving the lockdown or returning to work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to trust the app and follow the advice it provides , '' says NHSX , the digital development arm of the health service .
It says the information gathered will only ever be used for health and research purposes , and that the app can be deleted at any time .
The UK app will use a centralised model , meaning the matching process will take place on a computer server .
An alternative , decentralised model was put forward by Apple and Google , where the exchange happens on people 's handsets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes it harder for hackers or the authorities to use the computer server logs to track and identify specific individuals .
But NHSX says its centralised system will help give it more insight into how the disease spreads and help it to make the app more efficient .

Instead, if they have no symptoms and at least two weeks have passed since the second dose, they can get a PCR test. If the result is negative, self-isolation can then be ended.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Labour Party: Jennie Formby's departure will help Keir Starmer

Jennie Formby 's departure is the clearest sign yet that Labour is under new management .
The party 's general secretary was a key ally of Jeremy Corbyn - and of the leader of the Unite union , Len McCluskey .
Ms Formby 's supporters maintain that she oversaw swifter and stronger action in tackling allegations of anti-Semitism .
But her detractors accused her of not being robust enough .
She underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer last year but she has made no suggestion that she was resigning for health reasons .
• Formby to stand down as Labour general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sir Keir Starmer , had wanted a new general secretary in place .
When Jeremy Corbyn first became leader in 2015 , the then general secretary Iain , now Lord , McNicol had been appointed under the previous leadership - and there were widely reported tensions between the new leader 's office and party HQ .
Keir Starmer 's team did not want this repeated - but it is difficult to force out an incumbent who is determined not to go .
So before Ms Formby 's intentions became known , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an inquiry into the leaking of an internal document - which contained confidential staff messages - could provide the mechanism for removing her .
The general secretary is appointed by the party 's National Executive Committee ( NEC ) and following recent elections to the ruling body , Keir Starmer 's backers have a narrow majority .
They were keen that Jennie Formby should be replaced before further elections to the NEC take place later this year , in case their slender advantage is lost .
It had been assumed Ms Formby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party conference in September .
This would have been after the inquiry in to the leaked document reports in July .
And it would probably have been after the Equality and Human Rights Commission delivers the results of its investigation in to anti-Semitism in the party .
But Ms Formby has instead chosen to go sooner , on her own terms , without awaiting the verdict of these probes .
Already , her possible replacements are being talked about in Labour circles .
One potential candidate is Lisa Johnson , a senior official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the left of the party but her union never toed the Corbyn leadership line .
However , the GMB is in turmoil following the departure of its general secretary Tim Roache - and the launch of an internal investigation in to serious allegations about his conduct in office .
Another possible candidate - thought to be favoured by some in Starmer 's inner circle - is Annaliese Midgley .
Although , like Jennie Formby , her background is in the Unite union , she is seen as someone who would be loyal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significance of today 's resignation is that it should help Sir Keir Starmer in his mission to have the party HQ and the Labour leader 's office working in harmony .

When Jeremy Corbyn first became leader in 2015, the then general secretary Iain, now Lord, McNicol had been appointed under the previous leadership - and there were widely reported tensions between the new leader's office and party HQ.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: NHS staff to help find out why people get sick

Hundreds of frontline NHS workers who 've been exposed to coronavirus are donating blood samples to find out why some @ @ @ @ @ others do n't .
It 's hoped the University of Nottingham research at the Queen @ @ @ @ @ will give us a better understanding of how the disease works and could mean patients @ @ @ @ @ treatments .
It ’ s also thought the information could be used to identify ways @ @ @ @ @ less susceptible to Covid-19 .

Hundreds of frontline NHS workers who've been exposed to coronavirus are donating blood samples to find out why some of them contract Covid-19 and others don't.
It's hoped the University of Nottingham research at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham will give us a better understanding of how the disease works and could mean patients get more efficient, tailor-made treatments.
It’s also thought the information could be used to identify ways for people to make themselves less susceptible to Covid-19.
Video by Laura Foster


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: How it feels to be a dementia carer under lockdown

The Alzheimer 's Society says it 's facing unprecedented online demand for support during the coronavirus crisis .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ in people signing up to its web service offering guidance for those affected by dementia @ @ @ @ @ people with dementia live in the community in the UK and the charity says it @ @ @ @ @ who rely on carers who may need to self-isolate .
After first meeting Julia and @ @ @ @ @ husbands ' carers , last year , the BBC has been back to revisit them @ @ @ @ @ coping .

The Alzheimer's Society says it's facing unprecedented online demand for support during the coronavirus crisis.
It's seen a 600% increase in people signing up to its web service offering guidance for those affected by dementia.
It's estimated 500,000 people with dementia live in the community in the UK and the charity says it fears for those at home who rely on carers who may need to self-isolate.
After first meeting Julia and Anne, who are their husbands' carers, last year, the BBC has been back to revisit them to see how they're coping.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: 'Drive through disco' held at Yarmouth care home

Residents at a care home in Norfolk were treated to a `` drive through disco '' as staff found a @ @ @ @ @ to safely see their loved ones .
Burgh House care home in Great Yarmouth let @ @ @ @ @ in the car park while they waved flags and sang songs .
About 50 cars @ @ @ @ @ , which was signed off by Norfolk Police .
Joseph Greiner , the manager of @ @ @ @ @ was `` a pretty special event '' .
• Coronavirus : Live updates from across @ @ @ @

Residents at a care home in Norfolk were treated to a "drive through disco" as staff found a novel way to allow families to safely see their loved ones.
Burgh House care home in Great Yarmouth let family members drive past residents in the car park while they waved flags and sang songs.
About 50 cars attended the event on Saturday, which was signed off by Norfolk Police.
Joseph Greiner, the manager of the home, said it was "a pretty special event".


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Hancock explains how contact-tracing app will work

A large zoo says it needs government grants as it has no visitors or income but still has to look @ @ @ @

The health secretary has set out the UK's plan to test its contact-tracing app across the Isle of Wight.
Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing, Matt Hancock said the phone software will allow the government to take a "more targeted" approach to the lockdown while containing the virus.


bbcuk--2020-05-03--Dealing with curly hair during lockdown

Dealing with curly hair during lockdown

Kezia from Birmingham , is struggling to find the products she needs for her hair during lockdown .
High street @ @ @ @ @ would usually get advice and products to keep her moisturised , are currently closed .
@ @ @ @ @ from Dominique , who has been running online hair tutorials during the coronavirus crisis .

Kezia from Birmingham, is struggling to find the products she needs for her hair during lockdown.
High street hair shops, where she would usually get advice and products to keep her moisturised, are currently closed.
She asked for some tips from Dominique, who has been running online hair tutorials during the coronavirus crisis.
Video journalist: Simone Stewart


bbcuk--2020-05-04--The Papers: Leaked back-to-work plan and 'glimmer of hope'

Meanwhile , the Daily Mail says the government has ordered an `` urgent review '' into whether obesity , ethnicity @ @ @ @ @ of dying from the coronavirus .
The paper says Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it @ @ @ @ @ that there was a link to weight , but said data from around the world @ @ @ @ @ case .
University of Liverpool researchers warned that obesity increased the risk of dying by @ @ @ @ @ a third , the paper adds .

The government's furlough scheme requires staff who have been temporarily laid off to remain at home. In a statement, Harveys says managers with keys were given the option to check on a number of stores where there had been leaks or attempted break-ins in recent weeks - and at no point had anyone been asked formally to work.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--How Coronavirus restrictions have changed UK beaches

As summer approaches , England 's beaches are looking very different places to the ones we are used to .
The deckchairs , buckets and spades have gone , while dogs - usually banned on tourist beaches at peak times - have been allowed by some councils to stay .
Some spots have become a place where only locals can exercise while others are seeing some unusual wildlife .
And few people have been stopping , except perhaps to contribute to artworks made in the pebbles and sand .
In Bournemouth , Christchurch and Poole , dogs would usually be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1 September but this year , to help with social distancing measures , the restrictions have been temporarily eased .
Beaches in Morcambe in Lancashire and Weston-super-Mare in Somerset , as well as Skegness , Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea in Lincolnshire , are among others to have their seasonal dog bans lifted or relaxed .
North Somerset councillor Mike Bell said opposing views on dog restrictions made it a `` Marmite issue '' but added : `` We feel it 's appropriate to enable everyone to use the spaces available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Tyneside , locals have been building pebble stacks on the beach at Whitley Bay , creating a huge , evolving art installation .
Photographer Owen Humphries said : `` The pebble stacks keep growing as people add them on their daily exercise where hundreds , if not a thousand , have been built . ''
In Highcliffe , Dorset , a grey seal was seen on the normally busy beach below Hoburn Naish Holiday Park , which has been temporarily closed .
Imogen Rayner , who photographed the seal , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in these odd times . ''
Elsewhere , artwork has been appearing on beaches , much of it dedicated to the NHS .
The Torquay Sand Man , known for creating elaborate sand art in the Devon resort , created a huge motif on the beach .
Sand art tributes have also appeared in Blackpool , Bournemouth , Porthcawl in Cornwall and Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland .
Avon Beach , in Dorset , has become the site of a growing collection of painted pebbles dedicated to key workers .
The stones have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the promenade near Mudeford .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, dogs would usually be banned on the beaches from 1 May to 1 September but this year, to help with social distancing measures, the restrictions have been temporarily eased.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Scottish test, trace and isolate system 'in place by end of May'

The Scottish government hopes to have a testing and tracing system to suppress coronavirus in place by the end of May .
Testing for the virus has already been ramped up across the UK as laboratory capacity has increased .
Now a new paper has set out how the Scottish government plans to use this to suppress Covid-19 when lockdown restrictions start to be eased .
Thousands of contact tracing staff are to be taken on , and new digital tools including an app are being developed .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the testing and tracing strategy would work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical distancing , hand washing and the use of face coverings .
However , she said moving to this phase `` depends on suppressing the virus to as low a level as possible '' , warning that there will be `` no quick fixes '' .
She urged people to `` stick with '' the current lockdown , saying that easing up early could `` extinguish the light at the end of the tunnel '' .
The Scottish and UK governments are working on plans to gradually ease the restrictions on everyday life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the virus .
Ms Sturgeon has warned that lockdown will not be lifted in a `` flick of the switch '' moment , and that a `` new normal '' will have to be established until a vaccine has been developed .
The latest review of the lockdown is due this week , but the first minister said the infection rate `` remains too high right now to make any meaningful change without risking the virus running quickly out of control '' .
The Scottish government paper says a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' approach will be a `` key aspect '' of the next phase of the battle against the virus , and says targets having health boards ready to deliver it across the country `` by the end of May 2020 '' .
It says tracing will be used to identify the close contacts of people who have tested positive for the virus , who may have had it transmitted to them .
This will include everyone who has been within two metres of a confirmed Covid-19 patient for 15 minutes or more .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ go into isolation for 14 days to reduce the risk of the virus spreading further .
A support system for people in isolation will be implemented , modelled on the current `` shielding '' group .
The paper notes that `` people may face self-isolation not just once , but on repeat occasions '' .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` It is important to stress that 'test , trace , isolate ' will be most effective when levels of infection are low - lower than now - and stay low , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowing and agreeing what to do if we have symptoms , and being prepared to self-isolate when advised to do so . ''
Work is continuing to increase the capacity for coronavirus testing , with the paper noting that 15,500 tests per day will be needed to pursue a `` test , trace , isolate '' strategy .
Around 2,000 extra staff will be taken on to run the contact tracing system .
A number of digital tools are being developed to help with this , including an app which people could download @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they have been near someone who later tests positive .
However it is thought up to 60 % of the population would need to use such an app for it to be effective , with Ms Sturgeon saying `` old-fashioned contact tracing '' would still be key .
Scotland needs to recruit a small army of `` contact tracers '' .
Around 2,000 need to be in place for the end of May as Scotland gears up to move out of lockdown .
This is a skilled job .
It requires speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they pass on the virus , and sensitivity - posing personal questions about health and who people have met .
Who will they be ?
It 's my understanding that these contract tracing teams will likely draw on existing public and environmental health professionals .
For example , those people who currently trace sexual health infections such as HIV .
There could also be a tiered approach , with a place for returning retired medical professionals and newly graduating students to supplement the core teams .
The scale of challenge is immense .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day could be needed in Scotland - and would clearly involve significant parts of the population being asked to stay at home for 14 days at time , perhaps on multiple occasions .
Test , trace , isolate , support will need understanding from employers and - most importantly - widespread cooperation from the public if it 's going to work .
Ms Sturgeon said `` real and significant progress '' had been made in suppressing coronavirus , but she said it was `` very likely that on Thursday I 'll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit longer '' .
She said transmission in care homes `` continue to be a big challenge '' , with a private care home in Skye the latest to suffer from a significant outbreak .
On Tuesday , the government is to set out further data about the infection rate and how quickly coronavirus is spreading in Scotland .
There have been 12,226 confirmed cases in Scotland so far .
A total of 1,720 patients are in hospital with the virus , 99 of whom are in intensive care .
A total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive have been recorded - although wider figures covering suspected cases have suggested the death toll is far higher .
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Ms Sturgeon said: "It is important to stress that 'test, trace, isolate' will be most effective when levels of infection are low - lower than now - and stay low, and that its success relies on all of us knowing and agreeing what to do if we have symptoms, and being prepared to self-isolate when advised to do so."


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: NI plan for easing lockdown may not include dates

The first and deputy first ministers have suggested that they do not support placing dates on phases of lifting lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland .
The executive has been meeting to discuss how and when Covid-19 measures should be eased .
On Friday , the Republic of Ireland 's government announced a timetable for lifting restrictions , starting 18 May .
The NI executive must review its own coronavirus laws by this Saturday .
The regulations initially took effect on 28 March , and have already been extended once by the executive .
Ministers have previously warned that while they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to ease the lockdown , any relaxing of the current restrictions will be slow and gradual .
The Irish government has set out a five-stage approach , running from 18 May to 10 August , to help the Republic of Ireland reopen slowly .
Speaking at the NI Executive 's daily press conference on Monday , Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said using projected dates , as the Republic of Ireland has done , could pose challenges .
`` I believe there are difficulties presented by putting down dates , and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Every action will have an impact in terms of virus spread , it is a balancing act . ''
On Monday , a further six deaths related to Covid-19 were reported by the Department of Health .
Five of the deaths happened in the last 24 hours , while one occurred earlier but has only now been recorded .
It takes the total , mostly comprising of hospital deaths , to 387 .
These figures are one of two sets published in Northern Ireland - the other are weekly statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all deaths where coronavirus has been recorded on the death certificate .
By 24 April , Nisra had recorded 393 Covid-19 related deaths here .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in NI now stands at 3,836 .
The number of people who have died with confirmed coronavirus across all settings in the UK has risen by 288 to 28,734 .
Ministers are trying to work out which areas would pose least risk and offer the most benefit if the rules are relaxed , said Arlene Foster .
The first minister added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxious for us to produce a plan immediately , we must remain focused on getting it right .
`` The challenge for this executive is how do we loosen restrictions in a way that is science-led , proportionate and not going to expose society to another infection .
`` We are planning for change but until then , we need you to work with us . ''
The executive will meet throughout the course of this week to discuss the plan before it will be made public .
The UK government , meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposals on Sunday , following a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee involving ministers from the devolved administrations .
`` We will be part of the Cobra call later this week , and we 'll have a clearer view as to what the prime minister will be saying , as regards moving ahead , '' said Mrs Foster .
`` I think it 's important we look at the totality of what is going on so we can plan in the fullest way . ''
The first minister had previously suggested Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a different pace to the rest of the UK .
In other developments on Monday : • The leaders of Northern Ireland 's four main Christian Churches say now is not the right time for a return to collective worship • Economy Minister Diane Dodds calls for more `` national support '' for the higher education sector • One of Northern Ireland 's largest house builders , Hagan Homes , resumes work on eight of its sites • Reduced hot-desking and alternatives to social distancing where it is not possible , are among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , Justice Minister Naomi Long said while there would be co-ordination with the Republic of Ireland , there would need to be differences in Stormont 's plan .
`` I think we are likely to be emerging on a similar trajectory but much of the funding that supports people through this will come from London , '' she told BBC Radio Foyle 's Breakfast show .
`` We have to be cognisant of that because we ca n't ask businesses here to stay closed if the funding to support them is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Stormont ministers recognise the lifting of any restrictions will not be without risk .
Mrs Long said she would not support moves that could lead to an `` a la carte '' easing of measures , which could prompt a bigger spread of the virus in Northern Ireland .
Last week , DUP Agriculture and Environment Minister Edwin Poots called for churches and garden centres to reopen on a controlled basis .
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"We have to be cognisant of that because we can't ask businesses here to stay closed if the funding to support them is drying up from London with no replacement."


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus could 'come back with a vengeance'

Coronavirus will `` come back with a vengeance '' if lockdown measures are eased too quickly , Wales ' chief scientific adviser for health warned .
Dr Rob Orford said a `` very careful , cautious approach '' was required .
He said communicating the plan effectively to the public would be key and that children could be among the first to see changes .
Surveillance measures would also need to be in place to track and trace ongoing infections , Dr Orford added .
`` The risk of a second and third ( Covid-19 ) wave are ever-present , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing app could be used in Wales '' We do n't know the prevalence of the infection - we do n't know if people have a lower risk if they 've been exposed and have become ill from coronavirus .
`` So there are some key questions that we need to answer as we edge our way forward . ''
He said if we `` throw the doors wide open '' , the virus could `` come back with a vengeance '' .
Asked if it was premature to talk of easing restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dr Orford said work on both elements was happening `` hand in hand '' .
`` A complex set of calculations and policy decisions need to go on , '' he said .
`` We 're working very closely at a UK level and looking overseas at international efforts so we can learn from others . ''
Testing would become `` more important '' , he said , but was `` not a panacea '' .
Deployment of a smartphone app to track and trace people with symptoms - currently being trialled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also being considered alongside other `` technological innovations '' .
On whether schools and nurseries should be among the first parts of society to reopen , Dr Orford said there was an increasing amount of evidence suggesting the virus had less impact on younger age groups .
He said : `` You can probably conclude from that they would be the best group to look at first . ''
However , he said there was less certainty about the role of children in transmission of the disease .
`` We need to carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure we not only reduce the direct impact of coronavirus on children but also think about the indirect harms closing schools will have on their future as well , '' he added .
'Long way off beating it' Meanwhile , Professor Judith Hall , a Cardiff-based consultant anaesthetist , said an easing of lockdown restrictions should be done `` cautiously '' .
Prof Hall , who has an OBE for her services to medicine and was once named Welsh Woman of the Year , has been on the front line fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives , '' she said .
`` It 's our mothers , fathers and ourselves that could be put it risk .
We need to extraordinarily cautious because we really do not yet know enough about this virus - and we 're a long way off beating it .
`` Just because the infection rate and the number of patients being admitted to intensive care are starting to come down , I think we can become far too complacent . ''
Prof Hall said she was hopeful that when the lockdown starts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensibly '' and not `` rush out to get-togethers and parties , because that 's the problem '' .
She has seen for herself the impact on her colleagues as they treat the sickest Covid-19 patients at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff .
Most of the 184 people who have died in the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Trust area with Covid-19 died in hospital .
`` The psychological toll on staff has been tremendous , '' said Prof Hall .
`` People keep saying a second peak is inevitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's make that second peak as small as possible . ''
While the lockdown in Wales will be reviewed this week , First Minister Mark Drakeford has said he was in `` broad agreement '' with a draft UK government strategy for England , seen by the BBC .
He has also called for the four UK nations to ease restrictions according to a `` common timetable '' .
However , Prof Hall said : `` I do n't think we should act at the same rate as England .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more rural in general , so I think we should make our own decisions . ''

"We need to carefully look at what other countries are doing to make sure we not only reduce the direct impact of coronavirus on children but also think about the indirect harms closing schools will have on their future as well," he added.


bbcuk--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: heart condition woman says Covid saved her life

A woman says contracting coronavirus ended up saving her life , when Covid doctors discovered she had an undiagnosed heart condition .
Angela Schlegel was hospitalised after 11 days of coronavirus symptoms .
Her heart condition - which medics said could have proved fatal - came to light while she was in intensive care at London 's Royal Brompton Hospital .
The 36-year-old said : `` It just blew my mind as I was told my heart was not functioning the way it should be . ''
She had initially been taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital , on 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her lungs and heart .
She was transferred to the Royal Brompton and diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis ( EGPA ) - a condition that can damage various organ systems in the body including the heart , joints , lungs , and nerves .
Ms Schlegel said she had been `` going back and forward to the doctor with asthma '' for two years but had `` no idea my heart was in trouble . ''
`` If the EGPA was left undiagnosed I could have just dropped dead .
`` Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under a lot of stress and doctors said it had accelerated my EPGA .
`` It saved my life in the long term , but in the short term coronavirus did nearly kill me . ''
Ms Schlegel , who spent five weeks in hospital , described the NHS staff who treated her as `` just outstanding '' .
• ' I found out I had cancer on the day of lockdown' One of her consultants , Dr Pugan Patel told BBC Breakfast that watching Ms Schlegel recover had a `` huge impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do see that patient getting up on their on two feet and smiling it makes a tremendous impact , '' he said .
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Ms Schlegel said she had been "going back and forward to the doctor with asthma" for two years but had "no idea my heart was in trouble."


bbcuk--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Key workers to trial NHS tracing app

An NHS app that aims to track the spread of coronavirus is being rolled out for the first time , as part of a trial on the Isle of Wight .
Council and healthcare workers will be the first to try the contact-tracing app , with the rest of the island able to download it from Thursday .
If the trial is successful , it could be available nationwide within weeks .
Concerns have been raised over privacy , though ministers say the app has been designed with this `` front of mind '' .
The app aims to quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for the virus .
It is part of the government 's strategy for coming out of lockdown , which aims to have widespread testing and contact tracing in place to monitor and reduce any future outbreaks .
If the trial is successful , the app will be rolled out nationwide by the middle of May , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said .
Meanwhile , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for a `` national consensus '' on tackling the virus when the UK begins to move out of lockdown .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in the UK reached 28,734 , an increase of 288 .
The daily increase in deaths is lower than at any point since the end of March , but the figures reported at the weekend tend to be lower and are expected to rise , Mr Hancock said .
How does the app work ?
The new app - published on Apple and Google 's app stores - works by using a Bluetooth connection .
It records when two people who have the app are within a certain distance of each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
If one of those people later reports having symptoms , all the other app users they came into significant contact with over recent days will be alerted and , if judged necessary , told to self-isolate .
`` The exact advice on what you should do will depend on the evolving context and approach , '' the NHS has said .
Mr Hancock urged everyone on the Isle of Wight to download the app when it was available to them .
Social distancing rules would still be in place during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downloading the app , you are protecting your own health , you are protecting the health of your loved ones and the health of your community , '' he said .
`` Where the Isle of Wight goes , Britain follows . ''
The island was chosen for the trial because it has a lower number of new infections , is covered by a single NHS trust and because travel to and from the island is quite restricted .
Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast the app would be an `` incredibly important part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the more people who downloaded it , the more lockdown restrictions could be eased .
Sir Keir said he hoped the app would be successful but questioned whether take-up would be high enough .
`` I am a bit concerned that a similar app in Singapore only had , I think , something like a 20 % take-up rate in the public , '' he told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
The Labour leader added that traditional methods of tracing , for example phoning people , would have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
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The `` centralised '' model of the app - meaning there is a central computer server which works out which phones have matched - has raised some privacy concerns .
This is different to the `` decentralised '' model used by Apple and Google , where the matches take place on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` centralised '' approach gives the app advantages , for example by making it easier to spot hotspots where the disease is spreading .
But others say a central system increases the risk from potential hackers .
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Law professor Orla Lynskey said the option on the app for users to opt in and share their location data `` poses a big risk '' .
But NHSX - the part of the health service that developed the app - said the app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal data stored by the app at the start would be the first part of the user 's postcode .
Additional location data will only be recorded if users agree to a further opt-in request , NHSX added .
Mr Hancock said the software was `` designed with privacy and security front of mind '' .
He said the data was stored on the phone and only sent to the NHS when someone needs a test .
The UK 's `` test , track and trace '' strategy has seen testing be scaled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hancock 's pledge to reach 100,000 tests by the end of April .
The UK passed the target , providing more than 122,000 tests on the last day of April .
Latest figures show there were 85,186 tests on Sunday .
Meanwhile , the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) , which has been advising the government on the pandemic , has published some of the evidence which informed its guidance .
The documents cover the group 's meetings up to 14 April .
Among the papers published by Sage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , which suggests lockdown restrictions should be eased `` very gradually '' to avoid measures needing to be reintroduced , which could undermine public trust .
• Trade unions have warned draft government guidelines for getting people back to work could compromise employees ' safety • Mr Hancock said the issue of maintaining social distancing on flights was a `` really difficult question '' and safety `` has got to come first '' .
His comments came after photos of an Aer Lingus flight showed passengers sitting close together , with most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs are calling for restrictions around funerals to be eased , to allow small-scale ceremonies in churches rather than just at the graveside or crematorium • The government is now paying the wages for nearly a quarter of UK jobs , under the furlough scheme that helps people put on leave due to the pandemic • Doctors working for Premier League football clubs have raised concerns over plans to resume the football season • Thousands of nurseries and childminders could shut permanently due to the pandemic , research suggests .
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The UK's "test, track and trace" strategy has seen testing be scaled up over the last month, following Mr Hancock's pledge to reach 100,000 tests by the end of April. The UK passed the target, providing more than 122,000 tests on the last day of April. Latest figures show there were 85,186 tests on Sunday.


bbcuk--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: UK car sales plunge to lowest level since 1946

New car registrations almost ground to a halt in April after coronavirus lockdown measures were introduced , the motor industry has said .
Figures from industry body the SMMT show only 4,321 cars were registered , the lowest monthly level since 1946 .
April 's figure marked a 97 % plunge in sales from the same month last year .
The closure of car dealerships as part of measures to try to combat the disease has hit consumer registrations .
The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders ( SMMT ) said that of the registrations made last month , 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fleets .
The cars would most likely have been on order before the lockdown , said Mike Hawes , SMMT chief executive .
`` If you are told to close all your car showrooms for the entirety of April it 's no surprise sales are almost non-existent , '' he told the BBC .
Many of the 4,000 cars sold last month were needed to support key workers and for those who had a pressing need for them , an SMMT spokesman said .
Those cars would not have been bought from dealerships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from wholesalers , or directly from manufacturers .
The 4,000 figure for April compares to 161,064 new cars that were registered in same month last year .
• New UK car registrations plunge by more than 40 % The industry body said it now expects 1.68 million new car registrations in 2020 compared with 2.3 million in 2019 .
Staff at some UK car manufacturers began returning to work this week , although the start of full production is a long way off , Mr Hawes said .
The supply chain is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to figure out how to start operations in a safe environment , '' he said .
`` But it will be slow and production will be ramped up very slowly . ''
The coronavirus crisis has come at what was already a difficult time for the motor industry , which had been struggling with falling sales and a collapse in demand for diesel vehicles , while struggling to meet tough new emissions targets .
The figures are certainly dramatic , expected to be the lowest sales since February 1946 .
But since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a halt when the lockdown was introduced , they are not entirely unexpected .
What matters now is what happens when the restrictions are eased and customers are allowed back into the showrooms .
You would expect there to be some pent-up demand - after all , dealerships began to close in mid-March , traditionally one of the strongest months of the year for new car sales .
However , since then harsh economic realities have come into play .
Huge swathes of the workforce have been furloughed , and the signs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recession .
Under those circumstances , with so much uncertainty and so many jobs at risk , how many people will really be willing to buy a new car ?
We can expect a wave of incentive programmes - and quite possibly a wave of new scrappage schemes - as car companies start fighting tooth and nail for every single sale .
All of the UK 's major car factories suspended work in March , and it is not yet clear when they will reopen .
Ian Plummer , commercial director at online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With retailers forced to close the doors to their physical forecourts , it 'll come as no surprise to anyone to see just how dramatic an impact it 's had on the new car market .
`` Some brands have been able to sell remotely , but uncertainty in the government 's guidelines or a lack of the required infrastructure to operate home delivery in a safe way , has limited it to all but a handful of retailers . ''
However , he said Auto Trader data indicated that the market had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that there would be a chance `` for the industry to accelerate the adoption of low emission vehicles '' when restrictions lift .
`` However , it 'll be essential for manufacturers to push more electric vehicles into their UK networks along with greater financial incentives , '' such as scrappage schemes , he said .

The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that of the registrations made last month, 70% were by companies buying for their fleets. The cars would most likely have been on order before the lockdown, said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.


bbcuk--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Sir Keir Starmer calls for new workplace safety standards

Sir Keir Starmer has said much more needs to be done to reassure people they are safe to return to work when the UK begins to move out of lockdown .
The Labour leader said government plans were `` full of gaps '' and a `` national consensus '' was needed between political parties , employers and unions .
He is calling for new safety standards in the workplace to reassure people `` very anxious '' about returning to work .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said any new measures had to be `` practical '' .
Boris Johnson is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of lockdown on Sunday .
Ministers are required by law to review the UK 's lockdown restrictions every three weeks , with the next review due by Thursday .
Mr Johnson has warned the UK must not lift restrictions too soon .
Many companies have been shut since widespread limits on everyday life were imposed on 23 March in a bid to limit the effects of the virus 's spread on the NHS .
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• What is the UK 's new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who took over as leader of the party last month , told the BBC that Labour supported the restrictions being extended and pledged to work `` constructively '' with the government .
But he said it was `` not unreasonable '' to ask for more clarity on what was expected of businesses and their staff to minimise the risk of the infection rate going back up again .
Sir Keir , who will hold talks with the PM and other opposition leaders later this week , set out out seven `` core principles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the government as part of its planning for an exit strategy .
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These include bringing in a `` national safety standard '' for businesses and schools , in order to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's draft guidance on getting people back to work .
`` The government put out a consultation document out at the weekend which was very vague , with lots of gaps in it , '' he told Radio 4 's Today programme .
`` We need something stronger .
`` Reassurance really matters here .
I think the vast majority of people are really anxious about going back to work .
`` I think people are more likely to be reassured and have confidence if they see political parties , trade unions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think is right and enforceable . ''
And he said ministers should urgently make the existing furlough scheme `` more flexible '' to manage people 's gradual return to work .
Up to 6.3 million workers - 23 % of the UK 's employed workforce - have been placed on the scheme , in which the state pays up to 80 % of their wages .
Sir Keir said he agreed with Chancellor Rishi Sunak that this could not go on indefinitely and industries expected to return sooner needed more help so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to business '' .
Sir Keir said it was `` inevitable '' people will `` probably '' have to wear face coverings in places where social distancing can not be guaranteed after lockdown while it was likely more train services would have to be laid on .
On vaccines , Sir Keir said the government should set out how it intends to ensure the manufacture and distribution of any vaccine , while ministers should also publish a national plan for the winter flu season .
A plan to ensure supply chains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteed and a `` structured approach to easing and tightening restrictions '' must also be formed , he said .
Mr Hancock told the BBC that the government was consulting with unions and employers on the way forward .
`` Clearly it is absolutely vital that people are as safe as possible when they 're at work .
We 've got to do that in a way that 's practical , '' he said .
In a video message posted on Twitter on Monday , Mr Johnson said the the UK must not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister said the UK would only be able to move on to `` the second phase of this conflict '' when the government 's five tests had been met , including a sustained and consistent fall in daily deaths and being confident any adjustments would not risk a second peak which could overwhelm the health service .

The prime minister said the UK would only be able to move on to "the second phase of this conflict" when the government's five tests had been met, including a sustained and consistent fall in daily deaths and being confident any adjustments would not risk a second peak which could overwhelm the health service.