bbcuk--2020-06-03--Nude sunbather mistaken for dead body near railway line in Essex

A naked man who was sunbathing near a railway line was mistaken for a dead body by police .
Concerned rail workers spotted a pair of feet but `` no signs of life '' within the railway boundary in Essex , British Transport Police said .
In a tweet , BTP said : `` Rushing to the scene , officers found a man in his late 30s enjoying some nude sunbathing . ''
It happened as temperatures reached 25 C ( 77 F ) on Monday .
BTP added : `` Please do n't sunbathe nude on the railway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ details of where the man was found .
A spokeswoman for rail operator C2C , which runs a number of services in Essex , said while it did not believe the most recent incident had taken place on their property , they had experienced similar incidents in the past .
`` It is not as uncommon as you might think , '' she said .
It is understood sunbathing on railway property would be classified as trespass and dealt with accordingly .
The BBC has also approached Network Rail for further details .

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bbcuk--2020-06-03--More than half of all payments made by card even before coronavirus

More than half of all payments were made by card last year - leaving the UK `` inadvertently '' prepared for the coronavirus lockdown , banks say .
It was the first time debit , credit and charge cards accounted for the majority of payments , as cash fell to fewer than one in four payments , UK Finance said .
The trade body said cash withdrawals had since fallen sharply amid lockdown .
It has yet to make long-term forecasts on whether the way we pay for things will change long-term .
Campaigners and banks say cash will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many years .
Withdrawals at ATMs fell by two-thirds in the early weeks of the crisis before levelling out at half of normal levels .
People are buying online and , when they do go to the shops and supermarkets , they are being encouraged not to use notes and coins .
The Wetherspoon pub chain , for example , has suggested customers should pay by app or by card at the bar when its doors reopen , and others could follow suit .
Previously UK Finance has said cash would be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within a decade , but it was unclear as yet whether that prediction may accelerate as a result of changing consumer trends following the virus crisis .
Its research showed that , out of 40 billion payments made last year , about 30 billion were `` spontaneous '' day-to-day transactions by consumers .
Overall , cards were used in 51 % of transactions .
• The number of contactless payments rose by 16 % last year , often in supermarkets .
A new limit of £45 , rising from £30 , has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Some 23 % of all payments were made by cash last year , down from 58 % a decade earlier • Last year , 7.4 million primarily younger people lived close to a cashless lifestyle , but 2.1 million people , often older , mainly used cash day-to-day Some nine in 10 people had experience of shopping online , including eight in 10 older people , so a total of 48 million people bought goods and services over the internet last year .
For the first time , by the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was using mobile phones to do their banking , while 72 % used online banking in some way , the research found .
• Post Office to deliver cash to the vulnerable • Coronavirus 'will hasten the decline of cash' Stephen Jones , chief executive of UK Finance , said the research showed many consumers had been `` inadvertently '' prepared for paying for things during lockdown .
`` With consumers already using contactless payments and remote banking more than in previous years , these technological advances have allowed many people to shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in store .
The impact of Covid-19 may accelerate these habits for many customers , '' he said .
Cash remained the second most popular way to pay last year , with the use of cheques still falling .
Mr Jones said banks were still making cash available to anyone who needed it .
Natalie Ceeney , who authored a report about the risks of moving too fast to a cashless society , said : `` It 's essential that we ensure that everyone is included in our economy , and until digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maintain people 's ability to access and pay with cash . ''
John Howells , chief executive of Link - which oversees the UK 's cash machine network , said : `` There is still almost £1.5bn being withdrawn from ATMs a week and millions of people are n't yet ready to go cashless .
What 's needed now is legislation to maintain cash for as long as it is needed . ''

People are buying online and, when they do go to the shops and supermarkets, they are being encouraged not to use notes and coins. The Wetherspoon pub chain, for example, has suggested customers should pay by app or by card at the bar when its doors reopen, and others could follow suit.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Urban foxes 'more like domesticated dogs'

Urban red foxes are diverging from their country cousins , becoming more similar to domesticated dogs , according to researchers .
A study found urban foxes had smaller brains and were developing a different snout shape , better adapted for urban foraging .
The team , led by the University of Glasgow , stressed that urban foxes remained far from domesticated .
But they said the changes mirrored the way dogs and cats became domestic pets .
Many cities throughout the UK now have established fox populations , with the animals often showing little fear of humans .
A video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend showed a fox fearlessly approaching new mother Jessika Toward , who was enjoying a picnic in the grounds of an Aberdeen maternity hospital , helping itself to a sandwich wrapper and rolling on the picnic rug .
Dr Kevin Parsons , of the University of Glasgow 's Institute of Biodiversity , Animal Health and Comparative Medicine , who led the study , suggests urban foxes do not need the mental agility to catch the variety of live prey they feed on in the country .
But a shorter snout with a stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and devour suburban leftovers .
`` We assessed skulls from hundreds of foxes found within London and the surrounding countryside and saw that urban foxes had a smaller brain size capacity but also a different snout shape that would help them forage within urban habitats , '' said Dr Parsons .
`` There was also less of a difference between males and females in urban foxes , '' said Dr Parsons .
Study co-author Dr Andrew Kitchener from National Museums Scotland said the findings shed light on how dogs and cats become domesticated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the basic environmental aspects that may have occurred during the initial phases of domestication for our current pets , like dogs and cats , were probably similar to the conditions in which our urban foxes and other urban animals are living today .
`` So , adapting to life around humans actually primes some animals for domestication . ''
The team 's research paper is published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society Series B .

He said: "Some of the basic environmental aspects that may have occurred during the initial phases of domestication for our current pets, like dogs and cats, were probably similar to the conditions in which our urban foxes and other urban animals are living today.


bbcuk--2020-06-02--How coronavirus tore through Britain's ethnic minorities

Zohra Khaku is on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus .
But rather than working on a ward , or delivering food , she and her staff are on the end of a phone line .
She runs the Muslim Youth Helpline , which offers counselling for young Muslims in the UK .
She 's one of many people in this country dealing with the overwhelming effect the virus has had on Black and Asian communities .
In a report released on Tuesday , Public Health England ( PHE ) acknowledged the disproportionate effect the pandemic has had on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bame ) people , including making us more likely to become critically ill , and to die .
Black people are almost four times more likely to die of Covid-19 , according to the Office of National Statistics , while Asians are up to twice as likely to die .
Over the past few months , outreach workers like Zohra have been helping those affected by Covid-19 in our communities .
The effects have been brutal - not just physical , but psychological , societal and financial .
And they hint at why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in the first place .
Zohra says they 've had a more than 300 % increase in calls , web chats and emails from distressed teens and young adults since the virus arrived in the UK - including a spike on Eid weekend .
The virus , she tells me , has led to many young people becoming isolated - including those who 'd never had mental health issues before - while others are struggling with bereavement and grief , after suddenly losing parents and other loved ones .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've never been as busy as this , '' she says .
The helpline has had calls from young Muslims with mental health conditions , for whom Friday prayers was their only lifeline to the outside world , providing them with a vital support system and connection to their community .
`` People 's support systems were taken away , '' she says .
`` Because we 've had Ramadan in lockdown , and people not able to go to Friday prayers , people who had depression or were isolated or lonely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only thing they would do with other human beings was once a week on a Friday - they suddenly do n't have that any more either . ''
One call that sticks in her mind was from a 17-year-old girl whose parents had both been taken to hospital with Covid-19 .
`` Because her parents were in hospital she was looking after a 19-year-old sibling who was self-isolating , and a younger sibling who was severely disabled , '' Zohra says .
`` Issue one was , ' I do n't have any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me in the direction of a food bank because I need to be making food for my siblings . '
The second thing was that she was doing her A-levels and applying for university , and this was at a time when we were n't sure what was happening with grades .
She said that if one teacher in particular ends up giving her a predicted grade instead of her doing an exam , then she does n't think she 's going to get into the university she wants , because she does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is a little bit racist .
So she 's worried about her future .
`` And the third thing was , the doctor from the ward that her mum 's in called her just before she called us , and said , 'we do n't think your mum 's going to make it ' .
This girl said to us , 'the next phone call I 'm expecting is to say that she 's died .
How do I make sure she has a Muslim burial ?
I 'm only 17 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that . '
`` That 's just one case , and yet it 's so complex .
She was on nobody 's radar , and if she had n't reached out for help she 'd still be in that situation on her own . ''
• Why are more Bame people dying ?
The outbreak 's impact on ethnic minorities ' mental health has been devastating .
The Muslim Youth Helpline , Zohra says , has seen a worrying increase in calls from people saying they 're considering suicide .
`` We usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , but we get them every night now , '' Zohra says .
`` We had one day last week where half of our enquiries were about suicide , and there have been about three or four every night this week . ''
• For information and support on mental health and suicide , access the BBC Action Line The PHE report reveals that people living in the most deprived areas of the country are twice as likely as those living in the least deprived areas to be diagnosed with and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Asian and mixed ethnicities are all significantly more likely to live in the most deprived 10 % of neighbourhoods , according to government statistics .
Overcrowded households are linked to this deprivation , too .
Overcrowding is significantly more prevalent in lower-income households than in wealthier ones - according to one study , it affects 7 % of the poorest fifth of households , as opposed to 0.5 % of those in the richest fifth .
This poses additional challenges for Ursala Khan , who provides counselling specifically to Bame youths through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dudley .
Since the coronavirus outbreak began , privacy has become a huge issue , she says .
Many of the teens she works with live with large families in small spaces , meaning they do n't have enough privacy to talk on the phone or video-call about mental health .
`` Although we do offer alternatives like online counselling or phone counselling , there are still concerns for people trying to access those , '' Ursala says .
`` If someone lives in an over-crowded house , it 's quite difficult for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the privacy to speak to us about their mental health . ''
According to the English Housing Survey , carried out between 2014 and 2017 , 30 % of Bangladeshi households , 16 % of Pakistani households and 12 % of Black households experienced overcrowding .
This was compared with just 2 % of white British households .
South Asian families in the UK are also more likely than white families to live in multi-generational households , with up to three generations of the same family living together .
This means that school-age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - something outreach workers have said most iterations of the government 's guidance have n't taken into account .
Because of this , many of the teens The What Centre works with are scared of going back to school .
`` I see a lot of young people concerned about returning to school or college , especially if they live with elderly family members or family members who have pre-existing health conditions , '' Ursala says .
Some people have been told to go into work when they have n't felt comfortable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a young man who called the helpline after losing his job , after refusing to go into an office he deemed unsafe .
`` We had a few cases of people saying ' I 'm not sure if it 's safe to go to work , but my employer 's making me ' , and even before the lockdown we had calls about things like PPE , '' she says .
`` Early on in the outbreak , there was one guy who said he got fired for refusing to go in… but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and told us : 'You know what , I have no job , but at least I 'm alive - and I believe that if I 'd continued going into work I would n't be ' . ''
The risk is partly because of the kind of work that many Black and Asian people in the UK do .
South Asians are significantly more likely to work in the NHS , for example .
In England nearly 21 % of NHS staff are from ethnic minority backgrounds , but they only make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the same time , Black and Asian people are also more likely to be in insecure work - such as gig economy jobs , bogus self-employment and zero-hours contracts - than white people with the same qualifications .
Many of these jobs , such as delivery drivers , taxi drivers and supermarket work , are now considered `` essential '' .
Research from the Trade Union Congress ( TUC ) last year found that ethnic minority workers are a third more likely to be in insecure work .
A report released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UCL and Operation Black Vote also found that Bame millennials in particular were 47 % more likely to be on notoriously unstable `` zero-hours '' contracts .
Because of this , Black and Asian people are disproportionately more likely to have been `` key workers '' in front-line jobs during this pandemic - whether that 's caring for patients on a Covid ward , or delivering takeaways .
Rajesh Jayaseelan , for example , was an Uber driver in London who died of coronavirus in April .
Days before he died , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sleep in his car because his landlord had deemed him high-risk , on account of his job .
Healthcare workers have also highlighted racism and workplace discrimination as major issues during the pandemic .
Last month , Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust 's head of equality Carol Cooper told the Nursing Times that Black and Asian nurses felt they were being `` targeted '' for work on Covid wards - more so than their white colleagues .
`` They feel that there is a bias , '' she told the publication .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they are feeling is now influencing their being appointed - and they are terrified .
Everybody is terrified . ''
In another survey last month , carried out by ITV News , about 50 % of doctors and healthcare staff who responded explicitly blamed `` systemic discrimination '' at work for the disproportionate number of deaths among Bame NHS staff .
One in five healthcare workers said they had personally experienced racism - in response , NHS England said protecting staff was its `` top priority '' and that it had asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for now it 's impossible to pin down whether the higher death rate among Bame people is down to sociology or biology , Michael Hamilton from Ubele , a social enterprise working with Britain 's African diaspora , tells me .
According to PHE , this is `` complex '' - but in essence , it 's both .
Socio-economic inequality means we 're more likely to catch the virus , while our biology means we 're more likely to die .
Ubele has set up a fund to help people hold memorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
It is also leading the call for a full independent , non-governmental inquiry into the deaths of Black and ethnic minority people of coronavirus .
So what , in Michael 's opinion , is causing us to die at higher rates than our white British counterparts ?
`` Clearly there are multiple reasons , and I think I am personally , genuinely in a place to say at this point that I do n't know , '' Michael says - adding that jumping to conclusions without all of the information is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` I think people are going to find different answers depending on their own speciality , '' he says .
`` We might find that there is some biology .
The socio-economic stuff , that 's my bread and butter , so I can recite that .
But I want to keep looking , because I genuinely do n't know - but I believe that we do have to know . ''
Dr Enam Haque is a GP in Manchester , but he also works with two Bame outreach groups - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another that works with Bame healthcare workers .
He says he and his Bame colleagues have been `` terrified '' of the virus .
`` It 's quite scary as a GP from a Bangladeshi background myself , when I 've seen Bame colleagues dying disproportionately , '' he tells me .
The virus is very close to home for him - his uncle , Dr Moyeen Uddin , was a cardiologist in the city of Sylhet in Bangladesh , and was the first doctor in his country to die of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too : `` Many of our patients are staying away and not contacting us with health issues .
My fear is that a lot of chronic conditions , lots of worrying conditions are not being diagnosed because people are scared - particularly , I 've observed , from the ethnic minority population - that any kind of access to healthcare will make them exposed to Covid-19 . ''
Scientists have been looking into whether certain pre-existing medical conditions could be playing a part .
Black and South Asian people are significantly more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diabetes and hypertension ( that is , high blood pressure ) , two conditions known to be high-risk .
The PHE report reveals that the proportion of both Black and Asian people who 've died of Covid-19 with diabetes was higher than white patients .
As well as these two conditions , a recent study from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge has found a link between lower levels of vitamin D and higher Covid-19 mortality rates in 20 European countries .
Vitamin D deficiency is particularly common among Black and Asian people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunshine .
I ask Dr Haque what , in his opinion , could be the reason we 're so much more likely to become critically ill , or even die .
He tells me that although there are medical reasons for people from Bame backgrounds to be more vulnerable , biology does n't explain everything .
`` It 's a fact that people from Bame backgrounds , particularly from South Asia , are more likely to have diabetes , heart disease and high blood pressure , all of which make them more at-risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bigger issue , in my opinion , are the social determinants of health . ''
By this , he means the economic and social conditions that make some people more vulnerable to health conditions - in this case , to becoming critically ill from a deadly virus - than others .
`` There 's something that has disadvantaged our population and has put us at risk , '' Dr Haque continues .
`` It 's the inequality in society - there 's so much more deprivation , people in our communities earn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people working in frontline jobs as well .
`` As well as healthcare workers we have a lot of bus drivers , taxi drivers… they may not have access to PPE in these jobs either , so they 're putting themselves at risk while serving the community .
That 's a major factor right there . ''
The problem , Michael Hamilton from Ubele says , is the people we 're relying on the most in this pandemic are the ones who are the most exposed - and yet , by virtue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are rendered invisible .
`` I think one of the things we have to do - the biggest lesson I think we have to take from this - is to look at what we value , and who we value , and how we show them value , '' Michael says .
`` It 's our ability to not value certain types of people that has allowed this to happen . ''

"Issue one was, 'I don't have any money left, please can you point me in the direction of a food bank because I need to be making food for my siblings.' The second thing was that she was doing her A-levels and applying for university, and this was at a time when we weren't sure what was happening with grades. She said that if one teacher in particular ends up giving her a predicted grade instead of her doing an exam, then she doesn't think she's going to get into the university she wants, because she doesn't think her teacher believes in her and is a little bit racist. So she's worried about her future.


bbcuk--2020-06-02--Coronavirus shielders: ‘The virus is still out there’

Scotland has had its first taste of post-lockdown life , as restrictions were eased slightly at the weekend , but for more than 100,000 of the country 's most vulnerable , nothing has changed .
In England and Wales people who have been `` shielding '' for health reasons since the coronavirus lockdown began have been advised they can go outdoors again as long they follow certain rules .
However , in Scotland the advice has not yet changed .
• Coronavirus : Who should be shielding ?
While parks and public areas are busier than they have been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in lockdown , still at risk from the disease and still waiting for what comes next .
Because of their age , Charlotte Levy , 83 , and her 84-year-old neighbour Margaret Woods have been shielding since the beginning of the outbreak 10 weeks ago .
They live in a retirement complex run by Thenue Housing in Calton in the east end of Glasgow .
Both have found it difficult to stay indoors during the hot weather , meeting with friends and neighbours in the shared gardens of the estate .
Charlotte told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's been hard but the fact that we can stay outside our doors and are still able to talk to each other , we are lucky in the sense we can do that .
`` If we were stuck in the house for 10 weeks , it would be very lonely , I would n't like to be that position . ''
Margaret and Charlotte said they have been delivered food parcels by local community groups while the housing association has been collecting shopping and medication for its vulnerable residents .
Charlotte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of this , I have no one here at all , and I was thinking about how I was going to manage for 10 weeks .
`` It was n't possible , especially when I broke a femur and I was waiting to go in get a hip operation .
`` They started bringing us soup and sandwiches five days and that has been absolutely fantastic . ''
Margaret said : `` The worrying bit now is how we are going tackle the shops when we start going back out again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your distance so I do n't think I 'm even going to try that . ''
Charlotte said she had seen the change to the advice for shielders in England and thought it was wrong .
`` I think it 's too soon , '' she said .
Rhoda Morrison , 56 , is a genetics scientist who underwent a kidney transplant in August last year .
She was categorised as high risk at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak and has been staying home in Glasgow 's Broomhill , with her husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rhoda said : `` Luckily we 've got a garden , and we managed eventually to get shopping delivered to the house .
So once that was sorted , it 's actually been manageable , especially with weather .
But we are trapped .
`` I was a wee bit jealous of people in England .
I thought they are moving on and getting ahead of things .
`` But the more I thought about it , I realise nothing has really changed for me .
I 'm still highly at-risk , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught this virus .
And the virus is still out there . ''
John added : `` For us , the risk is still there for Rhoda 's health .
If she got the virus , it would not be a good thing for her .
We are probably here until there is a vaccine or until the virus has pretty much disappeared . ''
`` Although we are locked down , we are still able to go out and enjoy fresh air , '' said Rhoda .
`` But if you were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a balcony , it must be awful .
It must be terrible . ''
Ski instructor Grant McNaughton is 36 and has been living with chronic myloid leukaemia for four years .
He returned from working in France just before lockdown .
He received the official shielding letter on 1 April and has been in his tenement flat in Maryhill for two months .
However , he and his partner Shona have been venturing out in the early hours of the morning for exercise to avoid crowds .
Grant said he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said : `` The first few walks , we were up at 5am and stayed out until maybe 7am .
`` We do n't want to push it too much .
We 've started to notice now , it 's getting much busier when we 're out . ''
He said he would like some relaxation to shielding restrictions but is cautious .
`` I do n't think I would have a good reaction to it if I got it , '' he said .
Shona added : `` Grant was always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay away from people who are sneezing and coughing .
`` He had the flu last year and he was in hospital for it .
It is a real worry - especially now seeing the crowds on TV , but Grant needs to look after himself . ''
Grant said : `` The big worry is when I can get back to work , and when it will be safe to do that . ''
Even though he is n't part of the official shielding group , he 's not been outside since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a top-floor flat near the M8 motorway in Glasgow .
Ryan said : `` After Christmas I was out once sometimes twice a week .
I was beginning to build my confidence and build on my social anxiety then lockdown happened .
`` Mentally , it 's been quite frustrating .
Depressing really but I guess everybody has been in the same boat .
`` In my own personal opinion I think England are moving far too fast .
This virus is still out there .
It 's not completely away yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early . ''

John added: "For us, the risk is still there for Rhoda's health. If she got the virus, it would not be a good thing for her. We are probably here until there is a vaccine or until the virus has pretty much disappeared."


bbcuk--2020-06-02--Enjoying lockdown: 'Not having anything in my diary was a blessing in disguise'

For many of us , life is a series of commitments - whether that 's social events , family gatherings or work-related meetings .
Lockdown has meant that our diaries are suddenly empty , and for those of us with busy lives , the stark change has been difficult to adjust to .
But for others , it 's been a wake-up call .
Rather than lamenting the loss of a packed calendar , some people have found that the quieter , slower life imposed by the coronavirus lockdown offered a much-needed break .
Imthiaz Rehman always used to plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 30-year-old , who lives with a housemate in south-east London , filled every window on his calendar and was always thinking about the next project or event .
`` I could be a really obsessive diary planner , '' he says .
`` I would plan all of my work on Outlook and I had a really unhealthy habit of planning my whole life on Google calendar .
`` So I 'd be working long hours , then I 'd be doing things like self-improvement courses in my own time , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends .
I never had any free time - it was always one thing after another . ''
Imthiaz 's background is in working in communications for charities , but he left his job before lockdown , with plans to go travelling .
True to form , his travel plans were meticulously laid out in his Google calendar .
`` I would obsess and think about where I 'd go , how much things cost , and what was on my to-do list .
It almost felt like work , '' he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown was announced to slow the spread of Covid-19 , Imthiaz 's travel plans were off - and he found himself surprised at how little disappointment he felt : `` Not having anything in my calendar was a blessing in disguise . ''
It was n't an easy transition , though .
The first thing Imthiaz felt when lockdown was announced was `` an overwhelming sense of panic and dread '' , because of the gravity of the situation , and the uncertainty about what life would look like .
Panic was followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt in a while .
`` Being bored does strange things to you , '' says Imthiaz .
`` I was doing things just to take up my time , like online yoga classes and running .
I 've never done them before .
They really lifted my mood and made me feel less stressed , it was like all my self-inflicted pressure had been lifted . ''
He 'd become caught up in the `` sense of urgency '' he thinks comes with being a young professional in a big city .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my age are in the mind-set of living in the rat race and always trying to push yourself , '' he says .
`` But one of the unintended consequences of the pandemic is that we 've had to develop a bit of self-awareness . ''
A couple of weeks into the `` new normal '' , Imthiaz realised that taking a break was something he 'd never done before - and that he did n't miss his old way of life .
`` The things I 've been doing during lockdown have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been going on holiday .
It 's made me think about what 's really important in life . ''
Hayley Comber-Berry , 35 , found the lockdown taught her the need for a work-life balance .
The self-employed designer lives in Sussex with her wife and dog - but says it was often her laptop getting the most attention .
`` When you work for yourself , you never really switch off , because there 's this guilt that if you 're not responding to messages or posting on social media , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
`` It 's quite an emotional rollercoaster - you can get a big job and be really busy , then have two or three months where there 's nothing .
It 's feast or famine .
I guess by always keeping busy , I did n't have to think too much about that .
I literally tried to cram in as much as possible to get myself out there .
But I had a lot of social fatigue because it was so constant . ''
Hayley 's lifestyle did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because a lot of her friends are also self-employed .
But the lockdown forced her to reassess , especially as her line of work is design and branding for the wedding industry , which took a big hit when coronavirus forced the cancellation of weddings nationwide .
Initially , like Imthiaz , she panicked , and spent `` two weeks crying and having no idea what to do with my life '' .
`` The bottom fell out of that industry overnight , '' she continues .
`` I suddenly had to cancel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me events and networking meetings were being cancelled .
Some companies I work with were getting all this emotion from brides because we do n't know what 's going to happen , there are no answers .
People who were going to book me for jobs suddenly said they ca n't . ''
Hayley was able to receive financial help from the government when her last job ended , and is now taking her business in a different direction .
`` I 've had this feeling since last year that I was done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as much anymore , '' she says .
`` Being so busy , I did n't have to face that feeling .
But I 've been forced to stop and say , ' I do n't want to do this anymore ' .
What I 'm doing now is setting up a membership community for wedding suppliers to teach them marketing and PR . ''
She 's also going to prioritise days off and downtime as much as work .
`` I feel like I 've got my work-life balance back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with my wife , which I would n't have done before because I felt too guilty , '' she says .
`` But it 's made me see that there 's more to life than work and business .
`` This has been a life-changing experience .
I 've processed all of the negative things I 've been hiding , and I feel so much happier and more content . ''
For Liz Pusey , 37 , who lives near Southampton with her husband and daughter , keeping busy all the time and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of staving off anxiety .
`` I 've always been someone who naturally finds things to do , '' she says .
`` I am very much a people pleaser , and I 'm quite social .
Liz also struggled with negative feelings about the idea of doing nothing .
`` I always felt that was unproductive , so I had to fill the space , '' she says .
`` When lockdown hit , it was a really big shift .
The schools closed , a lot of my work stopped , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The first couple of weeks were a novelty , it was really nice to enjoy a bit of relaxation , but then I found myself really low and irritable and resenting the fact I did n't have a minute to myself because there were always people in the house . ''
Now , almost 12 weeks into lockdown , Liz is trying to retrain herself to enjoy downtime .
`` I 'm trying to actively enjoy not doing as much , '' she says .
`` If my daughter wants to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing board games , that 's fine .
I 'm even enjoying it . ''
It helps that Liz 's husband has always found it easy to relax .
`` He 's the complete opposite of me , he 's very good at sitting down and saying , ' I 'm exhausted , I 'm not going to do anything this evening , ' '' she says .
`` I 'm trying to learn from him because he does n't feel guilty , and he has n't missed out on anything , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Psychotherapist and author of the The Phone Addiction Workbook , Hilda Burke , says she sees several clients who , like Liz , feel guilty about doing nothing .
`` They 've often received messages when they were younger , like hearing other people described as lazy , and that would have been the worst insult , '' she explains .
`` These messages are deeply ingrained .
In the back of someone 's mind , laziness equals bad person .
So being busy becomes something to strive for , because being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can lead to overscheduling not just with work , but it overlaps into their social life with cramming things in and never turning down an invitation . ''
Hilda is n't surprised that some people are finding lockdown `` relaxing and therapeutic '' .
`` There 's a comfort in knowing you 're not missing out on anything , because nobody is really doing much , '' she says .
`` Nobody can accuse you of not being productive . ''
In terms of keeping a healthier balance as we transition back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identifying the things you learned in lockdown that you want to continue with .
`` Maybe that 's saving one or two evenings , or a day at the weekend , to do nothing , '' she says .
`` It could be ensuring you work your scheduled hours and finishing on time .
It may require conversations with a boss , or with friends , about things you want to do less of .
`` It 's about managing people 's expectations - share with your friends , family or colleagues what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to continue with . ''
For Imthiaz - and the others interviewed - there 's no question that things will be different .
`` I 've got more freedom in my life , '' he says .
`` I 'm definitely going to slow down . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we @ @ @ @ @ @

"It's quite an emotional rollercoaster - you can get a big job and be really busy, then have two or three months where there's nothing. It's feast or famine. I guess by always keeping busy, I didn't have to think too much about that. I literally tried to cram in as much as possible to get myself out there. But I had a lot of social fatigue because it was so constant."


bbcuk--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: London key workers to star on cover of British Vogue

Three front-line workers from London will star on the cover of British Vogue next month .
A London Overground train driver , an east London midwife and a King 's Cross supermarket worker will all feature on July 's front page .
Photographer Jamie Hawkesworth captured the trio of women for a 20-page portfolio for the fashion magazine .
`` They represent the millions of people in the UK who , at the height of the pandemic , put on their uniforms and went to help , '' Vogue 's editor-in-chief Edward Enninful said .
`` This moment in history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thanks to the new front line . ''
Rachel Millar , 24 , has worked as a community midwife at Homerton Hospital , in east London , for almost three years .
She was on shift on one of the delivery suites at the hospital when a team from Vogue came in to take portraits of numerous staff for what she believed was to be a feature on NHS staff .
Talking to the BBC , Rachel , who lives in Leyton , described being on the cover of British Vogue as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit overwhelmed - but in a good way .
I had no idea it would be what I now know it is , '' she said .
`` I 've had so many lovely comments about it and I think people have enjoyed seeing someone from the NHS on the cover .
`` I feel it has given the NHS a lot of recognition and a lot of love to jobs that were perhaps previously overlooked . ''
Narguis Horsford , who has worked for Transport for London for 10 years and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five , said her manager called her to ask if she would like to do an interview for the magazine .
`` At first I thought he was winding me up , '' she said .
`` But it later turned out to be very real . ''
Narguis , who lives Bounds Green , north London , said : `` I feel amazing to be representing the female front-line key workers .
`` It 's very important to highlight the hard work and contributions that we do to keep London moving and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` NHS workers are obviously very important , but it 's also good to highlight other workers in other sectors . ''
Nargius said she initially felt anxious going to work during the coronavirus outbreak but has since gone on to feel an immense sense of pride .
`` I am proud to be a key worker and proud to be a train driver , taking those important workers to work . ''
Also featuring on the cover is Anisa Omar , who works as supermarket assistant at the London King 's Cross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who lives in Islington with her parents , said the pandemic has given her a new sense of pride in her work .
`` My job was not something that was that big of a deal before , '' she said .
`` But now it 's like we 're important .
We have to be here , regardless of what 's happening in the world .
It 's more than just a job now . ''
The full feature will be available in the July issue of British Vogue .

She was on shift on one of the delivery suites at the hospital when a team from Vogue came in to take portraits of numerous staff for what she believed was to be a feature on NHS staff.


bbcuk--2020-06-02--Shielders face dilemma: Should I go outside or not?

People across England and Wales with health conditions that make them vulnerable to coronavirus were allowed to spend time outdoors on Monday for the first time in 10 weeks .
Some welcomed the chance to finally leave their homes , while others opted to stay indoors .
Under the new rules , people who have been `` shielding '' are allowed outside once a day with members of their household , or with someone from another household while maintaining social distancing if they live alone .
More than two million people in England have been strictly isolating at home since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemotherapy and people with severe respiratory conditions .
A surprise announcement relaxing the shielding advice was made over the weekend .
Family doctors were told about the new measures only hours before they were made public , a senior official with the British Medical Association said , and the Royal College of GPs advised extreme caution , saying it was not a green light allowing people to return to ways of life pre-coronavirus .
• Who should be shielding ?
The government said it had engaged with leading health bodies in making the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guidelines because levels of coronavirus transmission were significantly lower than when lockdown was first introduced .
But among some of those now free to leave their homes , there is a dilemma : should they take the risk ?
'There are still too many people dying each day' I 've got severe asthma .
I 'm not going out - I do n't feel comfortable with it and my parents really do n't feel comfortable with it .
I 'm not willing to do anything that will worry my mum and dad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've not had a chance to speak to my doctor yet - the last time I spoke to my consultant was earlier on in the shielding process and he told me not to go outside .
I asked him about going in the garden and he said no more than an hour a day .
I do n't see how it 's changed that much .
I did wonder if I was overreacting but then my MP tweeted that her mum is shielding and she 's advising her to stay in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of going out for a walk .
It 's difficult because people are starting to talk about this `` new normal '' and starting again and getting on with their lives , and I 'm still at home .
I think I 'll go outside when my consultant says it 's OK and when the infection rate drops a bit more .
There are still too many people dying each day and too many infections each day for me to feel comfortable .
The house has become very much a safe haven .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of going back outside .
I went out at about five in the morning into central Brighton .
It was very surreal , very 28 Days Later - shops were boarded up , obviously no-one was around because it was so early .
It was a very odd experience to actually feel some wind .
There was a lone guy playing bongos and it felt like he was putting on a concert just for me .
I had a heart transplant when I was 16 so I 'm on immunosuppressants .
It had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so when the announcement happened at the weekend it was a relief .
I live in a flat and we have a small balcony but it 's kind of just stick your head out levels of space .
This was the first time I 'd really stretched my legs and had a proper walk , which I 've been craving all this time .
I picked 05:00 because while I 'm happy to get to go out I only really want to do it when there are n't other people bustling around .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm going to give it a bit of time before venturing out in the middle of the day .
For now , I 'm going to carry on cautiously .
'Anything less than complete confidence is n't going to cut it' I take immunosuppressants for a condition called myositis and have interstitial lung disease .
For a long time it felt like people like me had been forgotten .
Then we heard the news coming out which should have been great - I 've been wanting to leave my house since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timing of the message .
You ca n't divorce an announcement like that from everything else that 's been happening recently .
We 've got schools going back and the announcement about trying to get retail back on its feet .
I live near a park and I can see people are n't socially distancing .
Lots of prominent scientific voices are saying we 're opening up too early .
And then at the same time you get an announcement saying the most vulnerable people in society are allowed to get a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusing message .
When you 're at the sharp end of this and you feel that stepping out of your front door is a gamble then anything less than complete clarity and confidence in the government and people trying to keep you safe just is n't going to cut it .
For that reason , I 'm not planning to step outside my front door for three weeks .
I figure that 's enough time to see the impact of the easing of restrictions this week .
I think people like me who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this have all become our own experts .
I trust my judgment more than I trust the government 's judgment at the moment .
I have chronic asthma .
At about seven in the evening we got the dog and walked about three miles to go and sit in the garden of a friend .
I 've been out to the doctors a couple of times but it was my first time going out to do something other than that .
I 've got a pretty large garden so it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the cities .
I was a bit anxious but I suppose that 's fairly normal .
I had a mask in my pocket just in case .
I took the dog out again on Tuesday morning - it 's something I 've really missed .
My wife 's been having to walk the dog up to now so she 's very pleased . '
I 'm afraid of what will happen if I get it' I have scleroderma and pulmonary arterial hypertension .
I ca n't see the point in them easing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be OK to go out and be near other people .
People are n't staying two metres apart .
It does n't suddenly go away so I think we 're still in the same dangerous situation we were three months ago .
We got a letter at the beginning of all this saying to stay in shielding because of how dangerous it is for people like me to go out and get the disease but we have n't heard anything from our consultant since .
Things have to open up at some point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal but I 'm afraid of what will happen if I get it .
I feel it 's unfair for us all to go out as if it 's normal when there are people still suffering from it and I 'm worried about the NHS - it 's not really protecting them .
I think we should have been slower to relax the rules .
'There 's a whole different way of life' I 've got a lung condition that I 've had for about seven years , but it does n't really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shock when I got the message that I had to shield .
I was really in two minds about going out on Monday and I was really cautious .
I just went for a walk for 15 or 20 minutes .
It was a really surreal experience - no one expects to not go out for 10 weeks .
I bumped into someone I know and had a brief conversation and I suddenly realised it was my first proper face-to-face contact with someone in 10 weeks .
I was just talking gibberish - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication skills .
I realised there 's a whole different way of life that I had n't seen or witnessed - everything was brand new for me .

Shielders face dilemma: Should I go outside or not? Published 2 June 2020
Image source, Nick Lockey Image caption, Nick Lockey: "People like me have all become our own experts"
People across England and Wales with health conditions that make them vulnerable to coronavirus were allowed to spend time outdoors on Monday for the first time in 10 weeks. Some welcomed the chance to finally leave their homes, while others opted to stay indoors.
Under the new rules, people who have been "shielding" are allowed outside once a day with members of their household, or with someone from another household while maintaining social distancing if they live alone.
More than two million people in England have been strictly isolating at home since March. They include cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and people with severe respiratory conditions.
A surprise announcement relaxing the shielding advice was made over the weekend. Family doctors were told about the new measures only hours before they were made public, a senior official with the British Medical Association said, and the Royal College of GPs advised extreme caution, saying it was not a green light allowing people to return to ways of life pre-coronavirus.
The government said it had engaged with leading health bodies in making the decision, and that it had relaxed the guidelines because levels of coronavirus transmission were significantly lower than when lockdown was first introduced.
But among some of those now free to leave their homes, there is a dilemma: should they take the risk?
'There are still too many people dying each day'
I've got severe asthma. I'm not going out - I don't feel comfortable with it and my parents really don't feel comfortable with it. I'm not willing to do anything that will worry my mum and dad more than they're already worried.
I've not had a chance to speak to my doctor yet - the last time I spoke to my consultant was earlier on in the shielding process and he told me not to go outside. I asked him about going in the garden and he said no more than an hour a day. I don't see how it's changed that much.
Image source, Supplied Image caption, Rachael Paget: "It's very anxiety-inducing, the idea of going back outside"
I did wonder if I was overreacting but then my MP tweeted that her mum is shielding and she's advising her to stay in her house and not follow this new rule of going out for a walk.
It's difficult because people are starting to talk about this "new normal" and starting again and getting on with their lives, and I'm still at home.
I think I'll go outside when my consultant says it's OK and when the infection rate drops a bit more. There are still too many people dying each day and too many infections each day for me to feel comfortable. The house has become very much a safe haven. It's very anxiety-inducing, the idea of going back outside.
Rachael Paget, 35
'I've been craving a proper walk'
I went out at about five in the morning into central Brighton. It was very surreal, very 28 Days Later - shops were boarded up, obviously no-one was around because it was so early. It was a very odd experience to actually feel some wind. There was a lone guy playing bongos and it felt like he was putting on a concert just for me.
I had a heart transplant when I was 16 so I'm on immunosuppressants. It had felt like we were a bit forgotten so when the announcement happened at the weekend it was a relief.
Image source, Joshua Murray Image caption, Joshua Murray: "For now, I'm going to carry on cautiously"
I live in a flat and we have a small balcony but it's kind of just stick your head out levels of space. This was the first time I'd really stretched my legs and had a proper walk, which I've been craving all this time.
I picked 05:00 because while I'm happy to get to go out I only really want to do it when there aren't other people bustling around. I wore a mask as well.
I'm going to give it a bit of time before venturing out in the middle of the day.
For now, I'm going to carry on cautiously.
Joshua Murray, 32
'Anything less than complete confidence isn't going to cut it'
I take immunosuppressants for a condition called myositis and have interstitial lung disease. For a long time it felt like people like me had been forgotten. Then we heard the news coming out which should have been great - I've been wanting to leave my house since the start - but the problem was the timing of the message. You can't divorce an announcement like that from everything else that's been happening recently.
We've got schools going back and the announcement about trying to get retail back on its feet. I live near a park and I can see people aren't socially distancing. Lots of prominent scientific voices are saying we're opening up too early.
And then at the same time you get an announcement saying the most vulnerable people in society are allowed to get a bit more freedom. It's a really confusing message.
When you're at the sharp end of this and you feel that stepping out of your front door is a gamble then anything less than complete clarity and confidence in the government and people trying to keep you safe just isn't going to cut it.
For that reason, I'm not planning to step outside my front door for three weeks. I figure that's enough time to see the impact of the easing of restrictions this week.
I think people like me who are living with the most dangerous realities of this have all become our own experts. I trust my judgment more than I trust the government's judgment at the moment.
Nick Lockey, 40
'I've missed walking the dog'
I have chronic asthma. At about seven in the evening we got the dog and walked about three miles to go and sit in the garden of a friend.
I've been out to the doctors a couple of times but it was my first time going out to do something other than that. I've got a pretty large garden so it's not been as traumatic for me as people in the cities.
I was a bit anxious but I suppose that's fairly normal. I had a mask in my pocket just in case.
I took the dog out again on Tuesday morning - it's something I've really missed. My wife's been having to walk the dog up to now so she's very pleased.
Karl Straw, 55
'I'm afraid of what will happen if I get it'
I have scleroderma and pulmonary arterial hypertension. I can't see the point in them easing the rules because how can it suddenly be OK to go out and be near other people. People aren't staying two metres apart. It doesn't suddenly go away so I think we're still in the same dangerous situation we were three months ago.
We got a letter at the beginning of all this saying to stay in shielding because of how dangerous it is for people like me to go out and get the disease but we haven't heard anything from our consultant since.
Things have to open up at some point and we have to go back to normal but I'm afraid of what will happen if I get it. I feel it's unfair for us all to go out as if it's normal when there are people still suffering from it and I'm worried about the NHS - it's not really protecting them.
I think we should have been slower to relax the rules.
Karen Waller, 60
'There's a whole different way of life'
I've got a lung condition that I've had for about seven years, but it doesn't really affect my life so it was a shock when I got the message that I had to shield.
I was really in two minds about going out on Monday and I was really cautious. I just went for a walk for 15 or 20 minutes.
Image source, Glyn Shemwell Image caption, Glyn Shemwell: "I think it's possibly affected my communication skills"
It was a really surreal experience - no one expects to not go out for 10 weeks. I bumped into someone I know and had a brief conversation and I suddenly realised it was my first proper face-to-face contact with someone in 10 weeks. I was just talking gibberish - I think it's possibly affected my communication skills.
I realised there's a whole different way of life that I hadn't seen or witnessed - everything was brand new for me.
Glyn Shemwell, 49


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: What are the UK travel quarantine rules?

A two-week quarantine period for anyone arriving in the UK will be enforced from 8 June , with further details expected on Wednesday .
More than 200 travel companies have written to Home Secretary Priti Patel asking for the new rules to be scrapped , while some MPs have also voiced concerns .
What are the new quarantine rules ?
Passengers arriving in the UK by plane , ferry or train - including UK nationals - will have to provide an address where they will remain for 14 days .
There is a £100 penalty for anyone found to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits will be used to check they are following the rules .
Those in England could be fined up to £1,000 if they fail to self-isolate , while governments in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland can also impose penalties .
Passengers will be asked to drive in their own car to their destination , where possible .
If they do n't provide an address , the government will arrange accommodation .
They must not go to work , school , or public areas , or use public transport or taxis .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need essential support , and should not go out to buy food or other essentials where they can rely on others .
Why are the measures being introduced now ?
The government says the measures are to `` keep the transmission rate down and prevent a devastating second wave '' .
It hopes quarantine will lower the risk of infection being reintroduced from other countries .
The rules will be reviewed every three weeks to check they remain `` effective and necessary '' .
More than 60 % of 1,500 people polled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the 14-day quarantine proposal , with just 4 % suggesting travellers to the UK should face no quarantine at all .
Do the quarantine rules apply to everybody ?
There are a number of groups who are exempt , including : • Medical and care professionals travelling to the UK to provide essential healthcare • Passengers in transit to another country , if they do not pass through UK border control • Anyone arriving from the Republic of Ireland , the Channel Islands , or the Isle of Man • Seasonal agricultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they are working • UK residents who ordinarily travel overseas at least once a week for work More groups may be added to this list over time .
Initially , it was suggested the rules would also not apply to travellers from France .
However , the government later insisted the quarantine measures will also apply to them .
The possibility of introducing `` air bridges '' is being considered by the government .
This would be an arrangement where countries with low coronavirus levels could agree to exempt one another 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister told the BBC he hoped an air bridge between the UK and Portugal could be secured by the end of June .
Do other countries have quarantine rules ?
Anyone travelling to another country may also have to enter quarantine at their destination .
Fourteen-day quarantine rules apply in destinations including Italy , Greece , Canada , the UAE , Australia and New Zealand .
Many have introduced screening measures such as temperature checks , and entry restrictions .
In Spain , only UK citizens with permanent resident status can enter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries will be allowed in without quarantining , but this does n't include the UK .
• Arrivals in Italy must carry a form explaining their reason for travel , avoid public transport and report to health authorities • The US only has 13 airports open for international flights • Canada has barred most foreign nationals and airlines must carry out health assessments on passengers • The United Arab Emirates has strict entry rules for foreign residents • UK citizens need a special exemption visa to travel to Australia • The New Zealand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What has the response been ?
More than 200 travel companies have written to the government calling for the current quarantine plans to be quashed .
And MPs in the newly-formed Future of Aviation group have written to the transport secretary asking for air bridges to be prioritised .
UK airlines fear the measures will have a devastating impact on their industry and the wider economy .
Airlines UK , which represents various airlines , said quarantine `` would effectively kill off air travel '' .
The British Ports Association , which represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the measures - calling them `` overzealous '' .
• Travel insurance advice from the Association of British Insurers What other measures have been put in place ?
The government guidance says all flight passengers should remain at least 2m ( 6ft ) apart from other people wherever possible and consider wearing a face covering .
People travelling through Manchester , Stansted and East Midlands airports have already been told to cover their faces and wear gloves .
Some temperature-screening trials will also be conducted at Stansted .
Heathrow , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already trialling large-scale temperature checks .
Air France says passengers will be temperature-checked before flying .
The carrier has also made face masks compulsory - similar to several US airlines .
Will airlines still be flying ?
EasyJet will restart a `` small number '' of flights on 15 June , with all passengers and cabin crew told to wear face masks .
Ryanair plans to reintroduce 40 % of its flights from 1 July , subject to travel restrictions being lifted and safety measures being brought in at airports .
British Airways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of its schedule from July , because of the new quarantine rules .
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
Are you planning to travel to or from the UK ?
How will the quarantine regulations affect you ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

What Covid tests do I still need to travel abroad? Published 11 February 2022
Image source, Getty Images
Fully vaccinated people travelling to the UK no longer have to take any Covid tests - either before departure or on arrival.
The prime minister has announced that he intends to remove England's remaining Covid restrictions at the end of the month.
What changes have come into force for vaccinated travellers?
Fully vaccinated travellers (two doses) and under-18s no longer need to take a test either before or after they arrive in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
To qualify as vaccinated, non-UK travellers must have received their jabs in a country or territory with "approved proof of vaccination". This now covers most countries in the world, with more - including China - due to join on 11 February.
What if I'm unvaccinated?
Unvaccinated travellers still have to show proof of a negative Covid test taken two days before departure.
They must also take a post-arrival PCR test two days after arrival. This must be booked before travelling to the UK and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers.
If this is positive, they need to self-isolate.
However, unvaccinated travellers no longer have to self-isolate on arrival, or take a test on day eight.
What other rules are still in force?
All unvaccinated travellers to the UK must complete a passenger locator form before departure.
How do I prove vaccinations and test results at the UK border?
Digital Covid passes showing your vaccination status can be downloaded to your phone, whether you're in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Test results can be in the form of a printed document, or an email or text on your phone. They must be in English, French or Spanish.
European Union residents can use the EU Digital Covid Certificate to show their vaccination status or test results.
Since 3 February, 12 to 15-year-olds in England have also been able to prove their vaccination status via the digital NHS pass.
What about other countries' rules?
You are responsible for checking the entry requirements for any other countries you wish to visit, as well as the local Covid restrictions which are in force. These can change quickly.
Many UK families have cancelled half-term trips to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands because children over 12 must be double vaccinated to enter.
Very few countries allow unrestricted access to those who have not been vaccinated.
It is thought more than 80 holiday destinations around the world still require all UK travellers to take a pre-departure PCR test before arrival.
UK-issued Covid passes can be used throughout the EU to show proof of vaccination - either digitally, or as a printed download (as long as it is dated after than 1 November 2021).


bbcuk--2020-06-03--George Floyd: Black Lives Matter solidarity as England buildings go purple

Buildings across England were bathed in purple light in memory of George Floyd and in solidarity with anti-racism protests around the world .
The illuminations were in tribute to unarmed black security guard Mr Floyd , who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis , US last week .
His death sparked global protests against racism and police brutality through the Black Lives Matter campaign .
On Tuesday night , buildings 4,000 miles away in England were lit purple to symbolise the pain and outrage that has sparked large scale riots in America .
Purple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become synonymous with the struggle against oppression '' , said Rokhsana Fiaz , mayor of Newham in London .
`` In Newham , which as one of the highest ethnic minority communities in the UK , we stand in solidarity with George Floyd 's family and friends , the people of Minneapolis , and everyone who continues to challenge racism , discrimination and inequality , '' she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service ( LDRS ) .
Trafford Town Hall in Manchester shone purple on Tuesday night , where council leader Andrew Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest `` one of the most vile and heartbreaking images I 've ever seen '' .
`` Justice must be served for this man and his family , and we must all stand together to continue to challenge racism , hatred and bigotry in all its forms , '' the LDRS reported .
Brent Council tweeted : `` We stand with black communities in the US , Brent and around the world .
Brent Civic Centre was lit up purple yesterday evening in solidarity with all those fighting injustice and police brutality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bathed in purple with the council tweeting : `` Racism has no place in Birmingham or anywhere else . ''

"In Newham, which as one of the highest ethnic minority communities in the UK, we stand in solidarity with George Floyd's family and friends, the people of Minneapolis, and everyone who continues to challenge racism, discrimination and inequality," she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).


bbcuk--2020-06-02--Peter Crouch on jumping from planes and 'the ultimate retirement'

When Peter Crouch made his debut as a TV football pundit in 2014 , he got a bit of a shock .
`` I went to India for a week to do the World Cup as a pundit .
I thought I 'd cut my cloth out there , '' he recalled on That Peter Crouch Podcast last year .
`` We were in Mumbai , and on my first appearance I was with Mikaël Silvestre and a Bollywood star .
`` We had a little rehearsal and [ the producer ] said , 'Right , so the game 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in 10 minutes .
Here 's the touchscreen , so when you use the touchscreen at half time ... ' and I was like , 'Excuse me ? '
'' Crouch was completely unfamiliar with how to use the device - which allows pundits to freeze-frame moments from the game and draw on-screen graphics to highlight players and analyse strategies .
`` I was dropped into that situation thinking , 'How have I got myself into this position where I 'm live to two billion people with a Bollywood star and Mikaël @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never used before ?
! '
'' Needless to say , when the show went live `` there was a lot of buttons that I did n't use ...
I went with a couple of bendy arrows and moving players '' .
Fortunately , Crouchy is feeling better prepared for his new TV series - Peter Crouch : Save Our Summer - which begins on BBC One this Saturday .
He 's got some help too , in the shape of co-presenters Maya Jama and comedian Alex Horne .
Unusually for a TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presenters will be in the same studio - albeit socially distanced .
The show was originally intended to be a post-match series for Euro 2020 but , of course , football matches were among the many events postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The Euros got cancelled , Glastonbury got cancelled , the Olympics are cancelled , Wimbledon cancelled ...
It 's not been a great summer has it ? ''
says Crouch .
`` So we thought we needed to bring smiles to people 's faces , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we tried to make it around all those things . ''
The format has now morphed into a wider Saturday night show fusing sport , music and entertainment .
`` Some of the people that were supposed to be at the Olympics have kindly signed up , and we 've got a tournament going on , '' Crouch explains .
`` We 've got people playing live gigs , and some amazing guests .
`` I think it 'll take people 's minds off what 's been going on .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In his professional career , Crouch played a total of 468 Premier League matches for Tottenham Hotspur , Aston Villa , Southampton , Liverpool , Portsmouth , Stoke City and Burnley .
Before retiring last July , the striker had scored 108 goals in the top flight , of which 53 were scored with his head - a Premier League record .
But , like many retired footballers before him , he 's now transitioning into a successful broadcast career .
While Dion Dublin has been presenting Homes Under The Hammer and Match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become one of the BBC 's biggest stars , Crouch has built a hugely successful podcast with co-hosts Tom Fordyce and Chris Stark .
That Peter Crouch Podcast from 5 Live is into its fourth series , and was the most downloaded BBC podcast in the first quarter of this year .
In 2019 , the show racked up 12 million downloads , despite only releasing 15 new episodes .
You may have seen the trailers for Save Our Summer , which feature several `` two-metre Peters '' - cardboard cut-outs of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applying social distancing rules during rehearsals .
Asked what attracted him to the show , Horne jokes it was `` mainly Crouchy 's beauty '' , but adds the new format could be an improvement on the original idea .
`` I actually think not having the football in it is going to make it a lot better , because we now do n't have to talk about the home nations ' disappointing performances , '' he laughs .
`` Yeah we 've ruined enough summers , to be honest , '' Crouch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's great to have a live band in the studio .
There are n't enough shows with actual bands playing live - it 's basically Strictly and that 's it .
So it 's a really good atmosphere in there .
`` And obviously we do n't have an audience but we do n't really need it , because there 's nine of us before the guests come on .
So it feels great in there , really fun and summery . ''
For Jama , who recently announced her departure from Radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to her roots .
`` I actually started as a football presenter ... so I thought we were going to do sporty fun [ on the show ] , '' she says .
`` But obviously my first love is music and entertainment , so when I found out that it was changing and we were going to be able to have everything in one , and on Saturday night , I was like : 'Obviously .
Of course . '
'' Halfway through the press launch for Save Our Summer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order in the house .
`` Can you see this ? ''
he asks .
`` The dog 's run in , there 's mud all over the carpet , all the kids have come in , Ab [ wife Abbey Clancy ] is going mental .
And I 'm in the posh living room .
Apologies , carry on . ''
Back on track - Crouch explains that some elements of the series were filmed pre-lockdown .
`` Part of the show is me doing the ultimate retirement , '' he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few ex-team-mates who have retired as well to do things we could n't do when we were playing , and the first one I did with JJ [ former Tottenham team-mate Jermaine Jenas ] was jumping out of a plane .
`` I felt confident the whole way through and as soon as we got to jumping out , that 's when I started losing it .
When I jumped out , I 've never been so cold .
My feet were like blocks of ice and it sort of took away the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He adds : `` In some ways , I hope this show never gets commissioned again , because I 've been close to death on a few occasions .
It 's not been fun , it 's been excruciating at times , and jumping out of a plane was one of them . ''
One of the main benefits of getting in front of the camera , he adds , has been keeping himself busy at a time when many retired players feel at a loose end .
`` I was so scared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories about people struggling and sitting there not having much to do , watching Loose Women , '' he says .
`` And listen , I love Loose Women , but I did n't want to sit there and have not a lot to do .
So I took on a few things , and the things I 've taken on are only things I enjoy doing . ''
Which , in the case of his new TV show , hopefully wo n't involve too many touchscreens .
Peter Crouch : Save Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BST on Saturday .

"I felt confident the whole way through and as soon as we got to jumping out, that's when I started losing it. When I jumped out, I've never been so cold. My feet were like blocks of ice and it sort of took away the enjoyment of the whole process."


bbcuk--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: Volunteers offer lifeline to patients in pandemic

There is a lifeline service operating in Glasgow 's hospitals giving patients a link to the outside world while visiting is banned .
A group of volunteers are running `` Give and Go '' desks where families can drop off parcels for their loved ones .
It means patients can receive a bag of treats and home comforts while confined to hospital during the pandemic .
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have a bank of these desks in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Govan .
Claire Tennant is a dentist who has just dropped off a parcel for her seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very difficult time and I think this is a lifeline for us because when he was in the Royal previously during the pandemic he was n't allowed any personal things and that was very distressing for him , '' Ms Tennant said .
`` We feel we at least have a connection and giving him a few things that we know will pass the time and make things a little bit more bearable for him . ''
Relatives can drop off a bag with fresh clothes , newspapers and sweets - even a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topped up so a patient can communicate with the outside world .
Carly Horne is one of the volunteers who checks in the parcels .
She said : `` I 'm planning to become a doctor so I thought it would be good experience to see what it would be like in a hospital .
`` It 's not been without challenge but it 's really good to see everyone coming together , working hard and doing their jobs . ''
Many of the volunteers are furloughed from their main jobs .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to an abrupt end before lockdown .
He sought out something different and welcomes the feedback from families .
`` I think everyone appreciates what we 're doing here , '' he said .
`` It 's also the fact that it 's volunteering - I think people appreciate that you go the extra mile just to do something good . ''
Another parcel has just come in from Patricia McCormack .
Her husband Bob is upstairs in one of the wards - so the blue plastic bag is placed on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Entering the ward , we don surgical masks and gel our hands as the trolley is wheeled into Mr McCormack 's room by a nurse .
She places the bag on the bed - a fresh shirt emerges and today 's newspapers .
`` I ca n't do without my newspapers , '' Mr McCormack said .
`` It 's a lifeline service when there are no visits or visitors allowed - some contact with the outside world . ''
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has marked National Volunteers ' Week by praising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services during the pandemic .
Back downstairs in the hospital reception , we caught up with Margaret Connolly , the Associate Chief Nurse for Excellence in Care for the health board .
Ms Connolly also praised the volunteers ' work , saying : `` We had a lady who dropped off a dressing gown for her mum and later that day she was able to see her mum on Facetime with her wee dressing gown on , so it 's really about building people 's support and giving them a confidence boost while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncharted waters for us all and we normally have our family support while we have loved ones in hospital .
`` Obviously circumstances do n't allow that at the moment , so we 're trying to bridge that gap and make a positive experience . ''
These small acts of kindness from friends and family for those isolated in hospital are helped along by the band of dedicated volunteers .

Ms Connolly also praised the volunteers' work, saying: "We had a lady who dropped off a dressing gown for her mum and later that day she was able to see her mum on Facetime with her wee dressing gown on, so it's really about building people's support and giving them a confidence boost while in hospital.


bbcuk--2020-06-02--Asian hornet: UK beekeepers on lookout for bee-eater

A new predator could soon be threatening Britain ’ s beleaguered bee colonies .
It is a large hornet that @ @ @ @ @ pollinators .
The so-called 'Asian hornet ' has been been spreading across Europe over the @ @ @ @ @ reached the French coast in 2016 and the Channel Islands already have a problem .
@ @ @ @ @ UK mainland could be next , as our chief environment correspondent Justin Rowlatt reports .

A new predator could soon be threatening Britain’s beleaguered bee colonies.
It is a large hornet that eats bees – and other pollinators. The so-called 'Asian hornet' has been been spreading across Europe over the last two decades. It reached the French coast in 2016 and the Channel Islands already have a problem.
The fear is that the UK mainland could be next, as our chief environment correspondent Justin Rowlatt reports.
Filmed, edited and produced by Tony Smith.
Additional camera work by Robert Hall


bbcuk--2020-06-02--Coronavirus: 'Our son with Down's syndrome is thriving in lockdown'

Ali and Matt say they 've never seen their son Zachary so well .
With Down 's syndrome and a @ @ @ @ @ four-year-old usually has a constant cough and runny nose , and has been in hospital @ @ @ @ @ times .
They live with Matt 's parents in Hampshire and the family have all @ @ @ @ @ although they have not been officially advised to shield , they have barely left the @ @ @ @ @ for walks in nearby fields .
Lockdown has been very difficult for some families with @ @ @ @ @ but Ali and Matt say that for Zachary , reduced exposure to infections has meant @ @ @ @ @ has helped him to grow stronger and move forwards with his speech and language development @

Ali and Matt say they've never seen their son Zachary so well.
With Down's syndrome and a weak immune system, the four-year-old usually has a constant cough and runny nose, and has been in hospital with severe chest infections several times.
They live with Matt's parents in Hampshire and the family have all been isolating together, and although they have not been officially advised to shield, they have barely left the house and garden, except for walks in nearby fields.
Lockdown has been very difficult for some families with children with special needs, but Ali and Matt say that for Zachary, reduced exposure to infections has meant unusually good health, which has helped him to grow stronger and move forwards with his speech and language development.
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-06-03--The Papers: 'Joy' over prospect of summer holidays for Britons

The coronavirus pandemic continues to lead many of the papers - but not completely .
The lead for the Times is Boris Johnson 's pledge to offer nearly three million people in Hong Kong enhanced visa rights and a potential path to British citizenship , if China pushes ahead with its controversial security law .
`` Many in Hong Kong fear that their way of life is under threat '' , Mr Johnson writes in the paper , adding : `` Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away . ''
By using such language , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has made the row a `` matter of national honour '' - which represents a `` dramatic escalation of the confrontation with Beijing . ''
The Daily Telegraph focuses on the prime minister 's domestic agenda , reporting that after a `` chaotic fortnight '' he is to take direct control of the government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis .
Tory MPs , the paper reports , say it could weaken the influence of his controversial chief aide Dominic Cummings .
`` Cummings is not in a brilliant place '' , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris more determined to do it himself . ''
Meanwhile , Home Secretary Priti Patel and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps have put their names to an article in the Daily Telegraph , making the case for the government 's much-criticised quarantine policy .
`` These measures are informed by the science , backed by the public and are essential to protect public health '' , they write .
The joint article is intended as a `` show of unity '' , the Telegraph says .
But it also reports many Conservatives want so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get round the restrictions .
The Telegraph says Home Office sources were keen to stress last night such corridors might not be possible by the end of this month - a position that the paper says `` may spark a Tory rebellion . ''
Meanwhile , the Daily Star is encouraged that overseas trips could soon be back on .
`` Do n't forget your toothbrush ! ''
is its front page headline , below an image of a suitcase adorned with the names of alluring destinations , including Majorca , New York… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer holidays ! ''
is the headline-cum-demand on the front of the Daily Mail .
It reports that Boris Johnson has told ministers to `` keep alive hopes '' of breaks abroad amid a `` backlash over his quarantine plan . ''
A Downing Street source tells the paper : `` We will be guided by the science '' before adding `` but the PM does not want to be standing in the way of people 's holidays unnecessarily . ''
Meanwhile , many of the papers deride the huge queues of MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Mogg Conga '' - as they waited to vote in person on whether to continue voting in person .
`` A tinge of chaos hung in the air '' , says the Daily Mail 's sketch-writer Henry Deedes .
`` Think Stansted Airport on August bank holiday , though sans screaming toddlers , thank goodness . ''
For the Guardian , it 's no laughing matter .
Fewer MPs can physically attend parliament than participate online , and the process is much more time-consuming , it says .
`` Mr Johnson has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concentrate power rather than diffuse it '' , the paper concludes .
In its editorial , the Telegraph suggests it `` may not have been a complete waste of time '' , pointing out that lengthy waits have become commonplace for many people during the epidemic .
`` Having to queue like the rest of us should make MPs rethink the rules '' , its editorial argues .
Elsewhere in the paper , the Telegraph suggests the pressures of the coronavirus crisis appears to be straining marriages - with one legal advice firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiries during lockdown .
Concerns about finances , employment , as well as having to spend an increased amount of time together can add strain on relationships , a family law expert explains .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox The i newspaper considers the impact of the pandemic on universities .
Sir Anthony Seldon , vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham , tells the paper it is `` comfortably ... the biggest crisis ever in the history of universities . ''
Administrators are wrestling with the difficulties of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student income , he says .
Meanwhile students face their own hardships , such as `` virtual freshers ' weeks '' , which - the paper points out - means `` no pub crawls . ''
If universities need advice on how to successfully adapt to the requirements of social distancing , it seems they should not look to the Commons for inspiration .
The Sun claims to have some welcome news for many .
It says it has been privy to a `` secret blueprint to unshutter the nation 's boozers '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business .
It could see pubs fully reopen by the end of June , the paper says , albeit with orders placed remotely via an app .
One landlord - Greg Grundy , of The Egremont in Worthing - says there is definitely demand from customers .
He tells the paper : `` It 'll be a scramble for stock .
There 's an unquenchable thirst for pub beer out there . ''
• CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL : Take a look behind the scenes of the NHS Meanwhile , the Guardian reports UK food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of the coronavirus lockdown .
The Trussell Trust says demand went up 89 % , while for the Independent Food Aid Network the increase was 175 % .
They appeal for an emergency cash support scheme to help struggling low-income households .
A government spokesman tells the paper ministers have taken significant action to support those affected by coronavirus .
And finally , if we humans are struggling , then at least the sea horses are doing OK - according to a report in the i newspaper .
Sixteen of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Dorset - compared to none in 2019 and 2018 .
The key has been the absence of human activity , the paper says , with the `` lure of calm , quiet waters during lockdown coaxing the spiny seahorses back . ''

And finally, if we humans are struggling, then at least the sea horses are doing OK - according to a report in the i newspaper.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Man charged with murdering wife and daughter in Salisbury

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering his wife and daughter .
Nikoletta Zdun , 18 , and @ @ @ @ @ died at a home in Wessex Road , Salisbury , on Monday afternoon .
Police @ @ @ @ @ by neighbours who described hearing loud screams and helped detain a man near the scene @ @ @ @ @ , of Wessex Road , is due to appear before Winchester Crown Court on 5 @ @ @ @ @ at Basingstoke Magistrates ' Court .
Neighbours said the house was lived in by a @ @ @ @ @ .
Wiltshire Police previously said it received a call from a member of the public @ @ @ @ @ following concerns for people in a house .
Officers went to the property and found @ @ @ @ @ the women .
The other woman was found seriously injured and died a short time @ @ @ @ @ Det Ch Insp Darren Hannant from Wiltshire Police said there was likely to be `` @ @ @ @ @ in the area .

Salisbury-based Wessex Care, which provides community and residential care, said in a statement that it was with "great sadness and shock that we have lost a member of the Wessex Care family and also her beloved eldest daughter".


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Schools to reopen in Wales on 29 June

Parents and pupils in Wales will learn later if any classes will return for the final weeks of the summer term .
Education Minister Kirsty Williams said she will make a statement on Wednesday on the way forward for reopening classrooms following lockdown .
Children in England started back on Monday , although some schools have not reopened and attendance has varied .
The Welsh Government rejected plans to bring forward the start of the autumn term to August , according to unions .
The decision leaves the education minister with two other choices : Wait until September to restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 June .
If classes do restart in three weeks , there is speculation different year groups will be prioritised .
In England , reception , Year 1 and Year 6 classes have been the first groups to return .
So far , the only Welsh pupils who have seen the inside of a classroom since the coronavirus lockdown have been children of key workers , or those deemed to be vulnerable , who have been attending school hubs to enable their parents to continue doing their vital jobs during lockdown .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Head teacher Jane Jenkins , of Moorland Primary in Tremorfa , Cardiff , has been running one of those hubs , and told BBC Wales it helped her understand what might be possible when more pupils return .
`` At the moment , my thoughts are [ on returning ] at the beginning of July , increasing our provision and getting buildings up to scratch , '' she told BBC Wales .
`` The one thing the hub has shown is social distancing is impossible with young children .
Under the age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding of it . ''
But the return to school would look very different after lockdown , said Ms Jenkins .
It would be with smaller class sizes , no assemblies or group working , and no whole-school playtimes .
The teacher 's National Education Union in Wales has stated it wants to see classrooms return , but `` not until it is safe to do so '' .
Union officials said they hoped the education minister makes a `` sensible decision '' , taking into account the health and safety of learners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represents school head teachers and leaders , said there had been positive dialogue with the Welsh Government .
`` The Welsh Government have listened to what we have to say .
School leaders have a set of skills and information which the government has drawn on , '' said Ruth Davies , president of the NAHT Cymru .
She added that `` nobody '' wanted to see children returning to school more than staff , but that any next steps have to be done `` carefully '' .
The teaching union UCAC 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We want to see national guidelines which are clear and very detailed to ensure that there 's consistency across Wales and to ensure that all school environments are as safe as possible . ''
• The announcement is being made during the Welsh Government 's daily briefing , streamed on the BBC Wales coronavirus live page at 12:30 BST , broadcast live on BBC One Wales from 12:30 until 13:00 and replayed on BBC Radio Wales at 16:00

Plaid Cymru criticised the decision, saying it was "too early", while the Welsh Conservatives broadly welcomed the move but said there were still questions to be answered, such as whether assistance with school transport, cleaning and school meals would be provided.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Madeleine McCann: German prisoner identified as suspect

A 43-year-old German man who travelled around Portugal in a camper van is now the focus of Scotland Yard 's investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann 13 years ago .
Police believe the man , now in jail for a sex crime , was in the area where the girl , then aged three , was last seen .
Madeleine 's parents Gerry and Kate McCann thanked the police , adding : `` All we have ever wanted is to find her . ''
Police are appealing for information about two vehicles owned by the man .
The day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Jaguar car to someone else 's name .
Madeleine went missing from an apartment on a Portuguese holiday resort on the evening of 3 May 2007 , while her parents were with friends at a nearby tapas bar .
Her disappearance sparked a huge and costly police hunt across much of Europe - the most recent Metropolitan Police investigation , which began in 2011 , has cost more than £11m .
`` Someone out there knows a lot more than they 're letting on , '' said Det Ch Insp Mark Cranwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The force said it remained a `` missing persons '' investigation because it does not have `` definitive evidence '' as to whether Madeleine is alive or not .
However , German investigators have classed it as a murder inquiry .
The London police force said the German authorities had taken the lead at this stage of the case because the German suspect was in custody in their country .
German police told the country 's ZDF TV channel the suspect , who is not being named , is a sex offender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The man has two previous convictions for `` sexual contact with girls '' , according to Christian Hoppe from Germany 's federal criminal police office .
An appeal on German television was broadcast this evening at 19:15 BST .
Det Ch Insp Cranwell said the prisoner , then aged 30 , frequented the Algarve between 1995 and 2007 , staying for `` days upon end '' in his camper van and living a `` transient lifestyle '' .
He was in the Praia de Luz area where the McCann family was staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call at 7.32pm , which ended at 8.02pm .
Police have released details of the suspect 's phone number and the number which dialled him , saying any information about them could be `` critical '' to the inquiry .
The suspect is believed to have been using a Portuguese mobile phone , with the number +351 912 730 680 on the day Madeleine went missing .
The phone received a call in the area of Praia da Luz from a second mobile number , +351 916 510 683 , from someone not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person who made this call to come forward .
`` They 're a key witness and we urge them to get in touch , '' said Det Ch Insp Cranwell .
`` Some people will know the man we 're describing today ... you may be aware of some of the things he 's done , '' he said .
`` He may have confided in you about the disappearance of Madeleine .
`` More than 13 years have passed and your loyalties may have changed , '' he added .
`` Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Is this the breakthrough ?
Is this German prisoner the man who can unlock the mystery ?
It certainly has the feel of a significant development - police have used those very words .
Evidence , according to detectives , places the man near the scene ; the re-registering of his car the next day is undoubtedly suspicious .
And his criminal record , disclosed by the German police , is a disturbing guide as to what his motivations might have been .
But ... there have been so many false trails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sightings and suspects that led nowhere .
Three years ago , during the last major police appeal , Scotland Yard said it was working on one final `` critical '' line of inquiry .
Now , we 're told there 's another one .
That may explain why Met detectives - who 've been involved in the case for nine years - are being rather more cautious than their German counterparts .
In a statement , the McCanns welcomed the appeal : `` We would like to thank the police forces involved for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madeleine .
`` All we have ever wanted is to find her , uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice .
`` We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive , but whatever the outcome may be , we need to know as we need to find peace . ''
Police said the suspect was one of 600 people that detectives on the inquiry , known as Operation Grange , originally looked at , though he had not been a suspect .
After an appeal in 2017 , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided .
Since then , Met detectives have carried out `` extensive inquiries '' in Portugal and Germany in order to gather more details about him .
The force said it was trying to `` prove or disprove '' his involvement in the case and retained an `` open mind '' .
Those with information can contact the Operation Grange incident room on 020 7321 9251 .
• 3 May 2007 : Alarm is raised after Madeleine is found to be missing • September 2007 : Kate and Gerry McCann are made `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their daughter 's disappearance • July 2008 : Portuguese police halt their investigation and lift the `` arguido '' status of the McCanns and another man , Robert Murat • May 2011 : Prime Minister David Cameron asks the Metropolitan Police to help investigate .
A two-year review follows • July 2013 : Scotland Yard says it has `` new evidence and new witnesses '' in the case and opens a formal investigation into Madeleine 's disappearance • October 2013 : Detectives in Portugal reopen the investigation , citing `` new lines of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detectives fly to Portugal amid claims they are planning to make arrests • December 2014 : Detectives question 11 people who it was thought may have information on the case • September 2015 : The British government discloses that the investigation has cost more than £10m • February 2017 : Portugal 's Supreme Court dismisses a long-running libel case against Goncalo Amaral , former head of the local police investigation , ruling that his book , which alleged the McCanns disposed of Madeleine 's body , is protected by freedom of expression laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official suspects investigated by police are ruled out of the investigation but senior officers say they are pursuing a `` significant line of inquiry '' • November 2018 : An extra £150,000 is granted to continue the investigation .
It is the latest in a series of six-month extensions which take the cost of Operation Grange to an estimated £11.75m • March 2019 : Netflix screens an eight-part documentary about Madeleine 's disappearance .
Her parents , who did not participate in the film , feel it could `` potentially hinder '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK government says it will fund the Met Police inquiry , which began in 2011 , until March 2020 • June 2020 : Police reveal that a 43-year-old German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in Madeleine 's disappearance

Now, we're told there's another one. That may explain why Met detectives - who've been involved in the case for nine years - are being rather more cautious than their German counterparts.