bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Golf, gyms and dog haircuts - how do Scots want to ease lockdown?

The Scottish government has turned to crowdsourcing to come up with ideas to ease the coronavirus lockdown , setting up a website inviting people to debate the way forward .
Are any of the ideas any good , and will they make any difference ?
What is it ?
The website is essentially a combination of the Scottish government 's consultation hub and a social network like Facebook .
People can post their ideas for lifting lockdown , and rate and comment on other people 's ideas .
Thousands of ideas have been posted , some of them attracting hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-selecting survey of people who are willing to sign up to a government consultation , and ca n't be treated like a true opinion poll .
But it still provides a fascinating insight into what people are thinking and feeling about lockdown - and the future .
Some ideas noticeably come up time and time again , sketching out a picture of which aspects of normal life people are really missing - or perhaps what they think could realistically be brought back .
There have been scores of posts asking for golf courses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supportive replies .
It 's impossible to scroll through the forum without stumbling across several of them , teeing off the same debate again .
People seem to really like golf , or at least think this could be an easy restriction to lift .
Outdoor exercise is a popular topic , with suggestions ranging from hill-walking to sailing and even croquet ( `` there are normally no spectators '' ) - but debate over indoor exercise is far more heated .
There are personal trainers highlighting the physical and mental health benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision '' to go back into gyms - possibly with some kind of booking system to keep numbers under control - but plenty of replies from people calling it `` madness '' to encourage `` hot sweaty bodies in an enclosed environment '' .
Boozers are also a topic of fierce debate .
One user suggested a `` pub lottery system '' where people could win a chance to visit their local ( an idea with an average rating of one star ) .
Practical ideas abound - from `` plastic partitions at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to having outdoor portable toilets `` with queues 2m apart '' .
However there has been scepticism from some about the effectiveness of `` drunken social distancing '' .
One pub owner posted to say `` I can not see a safe way to reopen pubs this year , or a financially viable way to do this - so please do not consider reopening pubs unless there are major breakthroughs '' .
Another common battleground is the humble pavement .
A number of users - clearly tired of crossing the street every time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for `` one-way pavements '' or a full-on `` Highway Code '' for footpaths .
Dog grooming is also a hot topic .
Somehow , there have been more calls for pooches to be allowed a haircut than for their owners .
In fact one ( human ) salon owner actually posted a `` completely terrified '' plea for their business to remain closed , saying `` to risk the welfare of salon staff for this level of non-essential vanity seems wild to many of us '' .
As well as finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to a semblance of normality , the website has provided a peek at the things folk have been finding most irritating about lockdown .
Passive-aggressive posts about pavement use are common .
Pedestrians use the site to complain about joggers ; joggers use it to complain about cyclists ; cyclists use it to complain about motorists .
Some people are clearly itching to have the authorities crack down on their neighbours .
One user , titled `` Mummykins '' , asked for the police to set up `` an online form for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
There is also clear frustration at the idea of carving up society into groups - particularly from the over-70s , many of whom rankle at being `` lumped in with frail 95 year olds '' and would like to go hill-walking .
But despite the obvious frustration , it is striking how many of the posts balance this with understanding .
There are many , many posts advocating maintaining the lockdown until it is absolutely safe to lift it .
This is a complex , nuanced thing - and seeing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Nicola Sturgeon 's `` treat people like adults '' approach .
It can be easy to bring a cynical attitude to these exercises , and presume that the site is either a talking shop which will be roundly ignored by ministers or a sort of weird ideas generator .
But this flinty outlook can be hard to maintain when you read through some of the genuine anguish being expressed by users .
Grandparents pleading to be allowed to hug their grandchildren again , or even just see them outside of a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they might be able to be reunited .
Pregnant women asking if their partner will be allowed to visit them in hospital after the birth .
All of the big moments from life are mentioned in there somewhere - moving house , getting married , attending funerals .
Even if none of the ideas put forward are embraced , getting the reality of these feelings across to those making the decisions could be a genuinely significant thing .
As the site effectively amounts to a social network of sorts , inevitably some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , posting political rants or deliberately absurd suggestions .
There have been some clearly tongue-in-cheek proposals about `` welding people into their flats '' and posting armed guards at supermarkets .
It seems possible that the `` staceyb '' who posted a rant about `` mandatory state re-education '' for the `` young whippersnappers gallivanting around '' is not in fact a real 83-year-old .
People have also found space to have political rows about closing borders and which government should be calling the shots , which appear to be mandatory on Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - possibly just compared to other social networks like Twitter and Facebook , but still - how seriously people are taking this .
There is very active moderation to root out bad actors , but the ratio of serious posts to silly ones is still encouragingly grown-up .
When she launched the forum , Nicola Sturgeon said the pandemic had prompted `` remarkable examples of our society 's ingenuity , compassion and kindness '' , saying `` your views are key '' to informing policy-making .
However it 's fair to say nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with the slam-dunk idea that would change the course of the crisis .
Nobody was expecting a `` Eureka ! ''
moment where a printout was slapped on to the first minister 's desk as the nation fell in behind BigStevie99 's brainwave .
But that is n't to say the website ca n't be useful .
It 's effectively created a sort of national diary , a snapshot about how Scots are coping with lockdown .
It 's also turned what might have been a top-down government decision into something more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a truly democratic one - do n't expect an overnight count of the votes cast on the website - but one that people feel engaged with nonetheless .
Psychologists say creating a `` we 're all in this together '' atmosphere is by far the best way to maintain compliance with lockdown and bring people along with the government 's strategy .
And somehow , letting them argue about golf on the internet could ultimately play a little part in that .

There have been scores of posts asking for golf courses to be re-opened, with hundreds of supportive replies. It's impossible to scroll through the forum without stumbling across several of them, teeing off the same debate again. People seem to really like golf, or at least think this could be an easy restriction to lift.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Almost half of NI deaths in care homes

Almost half of coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland have occurred in care homes .
The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) has published its weekly bulletin detailing the latest figures .
It records all fatalities with Covid-19 mentioned on a death certificate .
For the second week running , more people died in care homes ( 71 ) than in a hospital setting ( 39 ) .
Of the 516 deaths Nisra recorded in total to 1 May , 232 , or 45 % , occurred in care homes , 253 ( 49.0 % ) occurred in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred in hospices .
Twenty seven ( 5.2 % ) occurred at residential addresses or another location .
Meanwhile , in the week ending 1 May , 61.7 % of the 115 coronavirus related deaths were in care homes , up from 57 % in the previous week .
The deaths in care homes and hospices involved 66 separate establishments , Nisra reported .
This week , we 've heard care homes described as the new front line in the fight against the virus and BBC News NI has reported deaths in double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes were recognised from the start as being at high risk from this new , particularly transmissible virus .
That 's why many homes moved quickly to suspend visiting , increase cleaning and put PPE in place , limiting the opportunity for Covid-19 to get a foothold .
Once any kind of virus gets into a care setting like a home , virologists will tell you it can be very , very difficult to contain .
Two sets of figures are published in Northern Ireland : • A daily set produced by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital deaths - on 1 May , this was 365 .
• The weekly statistics from Nisra , which cover all fatalities where coronavirus has been recorded on the death certificate The Department of Health has said there is always a time lag for registering deaths in the community , with the process taking up to five days , and that the Nisra report could not feasibly be linked to the daily figures .
The total death toll is ultimately likely to be higher .
The Nisra report also found that over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 704 `` excess deaths '' ( deaths above the average for the corresponding week in previous years ) were registered in Northern Ireland .
Over two-fifths ( 42.2 % ) of all deaths in the week ending 1 May were classified as 'respiratory ' .
In the calendar year to 1 May , 50.4 % of males and 49.6 % of females had Covid-related deaths registered , while those aged 75 and over accounted for more than three quarters ( 77.1 % ) of those who died .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

Coronavirus in care homes: Michelle O'Neill calls for 'universal testing' Published 8 May 2020
Image source, Wavebreakmedia Image caption, Nearly half of the 516 deaths Nisra recorded by 1 May happened in care homes
Universal testing for Covid-19 should take place across all of NI's care homes immediately, Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said.
It comes as official statistics show that for a second week, there have been more deaths in care homes (71) than hospitals (39).
Overall, there have been 232 care home deaths related to coronavirus.
Ms O'Neill said the figures exposed the "serious battle" taking place in care homes.
"There should be a regular programme of testing for all residents and staff and our care homes right now," the Sinn Féin vice-president said on Friday.
"That would help to be able to identify the virus and actually allow speedy action to be taken."
What do we know about the situation in NI's care homes?
Figures released by Northern Ireland's Statistics Agency (Nisra) on Friday show there have been 516 coronavirus-related deaths recorded overall in NI - including 232 in care homes, and four in hospices.
Three separate care homes in Northern Ireland have publicly reported deaths in double figures, including:
Currently, residents and staff are only tested for coronavirus in care homes where there is a suspected outbreak, or if they are new entrants to the care home sector.
In the Republic of Ireland, testing of all care home staff and residents is expected to be completed next week.
Why do care homes have such high mortality figures from Covid-19?
Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said there was a degree of inevitability about the prevalence of the virus in care homes.
"It could be anticipated that those older people in our society, those with underlying health conditions would pay a higher price," Dr McBride told BBC Radio 4's Any Questions? programme.
He said as community transmission has decreased across the UK, transmission in care setting, including hospitals and care homes, has "sadly and tragically" increased.
"There was an inevitability to that," he said.
Care homes house people who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus effects, according to the NI chairman of the British Geriatrics Society.
"It's very challenging for care home staff doing their best to help residents, who may not be able to follow the social distancing advice and might need extra help with care," Dr Mark Roberts told BBC News NI.
For staff trying to deliver compassionate, person-centred care - particularly end-of-life care - the Covid-19 pandemic presents a major challenge, added Dr Roberts.
How can we stop coronavirus spreading in care homes?
Analysis by Louise Cullen, BBC News NI health reporter
Care homes are being described as the "new front line" in the fight against Covid-19, with BBC News NI reporting deaths in double figures at three separate facilities.
Care homes were recognised from the start as being at high-risk from this new, particularly transmissible virus.
That is why many homes moved quickly to suspend visiting, increase cleaning and put personal protective equipment in place, limiting the opportunity for Covid-19 to get a foothold.
Once any kind of virus gets into a care setting like a home, virologists say it can be very difficult to contain.
Read more from Louise here.
The 236 deaths in care homes and hospices involved 66 separate establishments.
Ms O'Neill said the figures demonstrated that Northern Ireland was on a knife-edge.
"Behind all those figures are families who've lost a loved one and we need to realise that, as it drives home the message why we're asking people to continue doing what we're doing for the next three weeks," she said.
The Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland said this week Covid-19 testing for everyone living and working in Northern Ireland's 484 care homes should be the top health priority.
More than a fifth of Northern Ireland's care homes - 110 of the 484 - are now caring for vulnerable older people with coronavirus or flu-like symptoms, which are logged each day in care homes' forms about virus activity, the BBC understands.
The homes have a total of 16,000 beds, not all of which are occupied.
The health department said on Thursday it needed to be sure of the quality of the daily information from care homes before releasing more detailed information.
"While good progress has been made, work is still required to validate the data and ensure its consistency," said the department.
"Once work on this data set is complete, we believe it will provide us with more complete information on the position in our homes than any other part of the UK or Ireland."
'More transparency needed'
By Marie-Louise Connolly, BBC News NI health correspondent
Accessing information about the spread of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland's care homes has been very difficult.
The public wants to know what is happening, especially with older and more vulnerable people, but the various health agencies have been providing few verified facts.
Care home owners say they need to manage information about cases and deaths in a controlled, sensitive manner.
While this is understandable, it means the information tends to emerge first from concerned staff or families.
There are arguments about whether the health department should publish data on individual care homes. But there have also been calls for more transparency about the spread of the virus, so that reports on it are as timely and accurate as possible.
Concerned families want - and deserve - to know about their loved ones living and working in these homes; there is no more important time for openness and clarity than during a pandemic.
What is Northern Ireland's overall picture in terms of confirmed cases and deaths?
There is a considerable difference in the death tolls in the two sets of figures published in Northern Ireland.
While Nisra recorded 516 deaths by 1 May, the Department of Health - which records deaths of patients who tested positive for coronavirus, and therefore mostly died in hospital - had recorded 365 deaths by the same date.
Nisra's toll is 35% higher because its weekly bulletin, released each Friday, records all fatalities with Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate, regardless of where the individual died and whether or not they had been tested for the virus.
So although the health department's daily briefing on Friday recorded 4,022 confirmed cases and five more deaths, taking its toll to 427, the overall death toll will be significantly higher.
The disparity between the two sets of figures has caused confusion, but the department said there was always a time lag for registering deaths in the community - which can take five days - so Nisra's report could not feasibly be linked to the daily figures.
Nisra's report on Friday showed there were 27 patients in intensive care with Covid-19 symptoms, compared to 58 a month ago.
How does Northern Ireland compare to the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland?
Although comparisons between countries and regions are difficult due to differences in how statistics are compiled, Northern Ireland's death rate (27 per 100,000 of the population) is similar to that of the Republic of Ireland (29 per 100,000) and significantly lower than that of Great Britain (43 per 100,000).
A further 626 coronavirus deaths were confirmed across the UK on Friday, taking its total to 31,241.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Does obesity increase the risk?

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

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


bbcuk--2020-05-08--VE Day: Red Arrows flypast over central London

75 years on from the end of World War Two , the Red Arrows fly over the quiet streets of @ @ @ @ @ VE day from home .

75 years on from the end of World War Two, the Red Arrows fly over the quiet streets of London as the nation commemorates VE day from home.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--The Papers: 'Hope' on VE Day and lockdown latest

Many of Friday 's papers go big with coverage of how the 75th anniversary of VE day will be celebrated , alongside black and white images of street parties and crowded cities in 1945 .
`` Keep Smiling Through '' , the Daily Express urges readers , calling on them to take hope from Dame Vera Lynn 's `` We 'll Meet Again '' .
The Daily Mirror calls on us to take our cue from `` that magnificent wartime generation as we fight another cruel enemy '' .
There 's also extensive coverage of how the country will mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to observe the two-minute silence and catch the Queen 's speech , there are instructions - and diagrams - on how to Lindy hop , and tips for the perfect `` socially distanced cream tea '' .
But writing in the Times , the UK 's Chief of Defence staff , Sir Nick Carter , writes that this VE Day anniversary will be especially hard on veterans likely to be celebrating alone .
`` We owe it to them `` he says , `` to remember the legacy their service and sacrifice bequeathed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front page splash is a claim that the fundraising platform JustGiving made thousands of pounds from donations given to Captain Tom Moore during his bid to raise money for NHS workers during the coronavirus crisis .
The 100-year-old war veteran captured the country 's imagination and wallets with his inspiring walk around his garden last month .
But under the headline `` Give it Back '' , the Sun claims JustGiving benefited to the tune of £308,000 by charging a 5 % fee on gift aid donations .
Conservative MP David Jones said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 75th anniversary of VE day for the platform to give the money to the charity it had been intended for .
A spokesman for JustGiving said claiming gift aid back is `` complex , time consuming and expensive for charities '' and `` our expertise and technology means we are able to offer a much cheaper , quicker and more effective way for charities to claim gift aid '' .
The Times leads with claims of disarray at the heart of government over how to ease current coronavirus-related restrictions .
`` PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' is the headline as it reports that Boris Johnson is `` under pressure '' from his cabinet to set specific dates for getting people back to work and some form of normality when he sets out his plan on Sunday .
But an `` ally '' said to be familiar with the prime minister 's thinking , tells the paper it will be `` baby steps '' when Mr Johnson 's announcement comes .
`` Fears No 10 has lost grip on lockdown exit plans '' is the headline for the Guardian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to regain control after `` fierce criticism '' that `` mixed messaging '' was priming people to give up on lockdown .
An unnamed member of the government 's Sage advisory committee is quoted as saying leaks of `` bits and pieces '' of information are potentially `` incredibly damaging '' .
The source tells the paper it risks leading people only to see the `` green lights '' in any government announcement .
The front page of the Daily Telegraph claims Boris Johnson could lift the lockdown in fortnightly stages to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the tunnel '' .
It devotes its lead slot to a call from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to guarantee better protection from the virus to the VE Day generation .
In an article for the paper , Sir Keir points out that many of that generation now live in the care homes and are bearing the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic after years of poor provision for social care .
`` The crisis in our care homes has gone on for too long , '' he says .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our most vulnerable , many of whom protected our country in its darkest hour . ''
Protecting those most at risk is also the focus of Guardian 's editorial as it reflects on official figures which suggest that black people in England and Wales are more than four times as likely to die from Covid-19 .
It admits that the reasons will be complex and are not yet fully understood , and it calls for an urgent assessment on what more can be done to protect such groups .
But it also argues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to be an equally important addressing of deep-rooted health inequalities `` entrenched '' in society `` over the austerity years '' and exposed as `` devastating '' by the current pandemic .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning '' BoE 's 'Panglossian ' view of V-shaped recovery called into question '' is the headline of the Financial Times as it gauges reaction to the Bank of England 's forecast of a deep economic downturn followed by a quick rebound .
The paper reports that many economists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank 's new governor , Andrew Bailey , and it lines up several to explain why .
It concludes that as the reality of a slow recovery becomes clear over the next few weeks , it expects members of the Monetary Policy Committee to vote for more quantative easing in June .
The Daily Telegraph 's editorial reflects on the current coronavirus crisis , against the backdrop of VE Day commemorations .
`` Are we the same people ? ''
it wonders , considering the stoicism of previous generations in wartime .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together and to do the right thing , we are .
But it also highlights polls which show we 're now `` terrified '' of lifting lockdown .
It argues that the most compelling attempts to constrain freedom are those which appeal to public safety , and it calls on Boris Johnson to channel his hero , Sir Winston Churchill , to restore the public 's confidence .
Public concern over easing the lockdown , and in particular that of parents , features prominently in the Times .
`` Heads fear ghost schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details how unions and headteachers are warning that many mums and dads may refuse to send their children back to reopened schools , before a vaccine is found .
The report quotes a survey by website Mumsnet which suggests only one in five parents would back schools reopening now , while fewer than half said they would be prepared for their child to return immediately .
`` Tip tip hooray '' is the take of the Daily Mail as it reports on one service the public is keen to see back : Waste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that hundreds of cars and vans formed long queues at many facilities as they opened again on Thursday .
`` The dash to dump '' weeks of waste from lockdown gardening and DIY was hampered apparently , though , by new social distancing rules limiting number of cars and vans allowed on site .

"PM to keep Britain in lockdown until June" is the headline as it reports that Boris Johnson is "under pressure" from his cabinet to set specific dates for getting people back to work and some form of normality when he sets out his plan on Sunday.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Day trip trio from Slough spark Dorset coast cliff rescue

Three people who travelled from Berkshire to the Dorset coast for a day out sparked a major rescue operation after getting cut off by the tide .
Lifeboats , a helicopter , ambulance and police were involved in the rescue of two of them from cliffs at Old Harry Rocks near Swanage on Thursday evening .
The third person had swum to Studland Bay to raise the alarm .
Swanage Coastguard said the apparent breach of lockdown restrictions was being dealt with by Dorset Police .
The coastguard report said the three had travelled from Slough and walked from Studland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got cut off by the tide and ended up in the sea .
A call was made to emergency services at about 19:45 BST .
Swanage RNLI said the two rescued from the cliff ledge had suffered cuts and scrapes and all three were checked over by paramedics after spending some time in the water .
`` To help protect the public and our volunteers , we urge people to take care at the coast and follow government guidelines to travel and exercise close to home , '' an RNLI spokesman said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• STRESS : How to look after your mental health

The coastguard report said the three had travelled from Slough and walked from Studland to the famous rock formation when they got cut off by the tide and ended up in the sea.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Lockdown remains in Wales but exercise rules eased

People will be able to exercise outside more than once a day in Wales , with some libraries , recycling @ @ @ @ @ to re-open too , First Minister Mark Drakeford has said .
But Mr Drakeford warned @ @ @ @ @ '' to make any other changes .
The rest of the stay-at-home restrictions will be @ @ @ @ @ .
It comes 48 hours before Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces possible changes to the @ @ @ @ @ changes come into force across Wales on Monday .

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


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Bristol boy inspired by Captain Tom wins PM award

A six-year-old boy with spina bifida who raised £280,000 for the NHS , has won an award from the Prime Minister .
Frank Mills , from Bristol , only learned to walk 18 months ago but managed to walk 10 metres a day with his frame .
He was hoping to raise £99 to match Captain Tom Moore 's age but has raised nearly 3,000 times that .
Awarding Frank the Prime Minister 's daily Point of Light , Boris Johnson said he was as `` brave and brilliant '' as Captain Tom .
`` Every day I say thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing something special , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` And today I want to say thank you to you .
Your daily walks are an amazing fundraising feat .
`` Well done and thank you for all you have achieved for our wonderful NHS . ''
Reacting to the announcement , the Mills family said the `` thanks really should go to all those who made it happen '' .
`` What started as a very simple , spur of the moment response to seeing Captain Tom Moore do his fundraising walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money raised for an excellent charity , '' they said .
`` As a family we 've been utterly overwhelmed not only by the amount of money given but by the lovely messages of support and encouragement . ''
As well as having spina bifida - a condition where a baby 's spine does not develop properly in the womb - Frank was also born prematurely at 25 weeks .
He has received care from both Southmead Hospital and the Bristol Children 's Hospital and wanted to raise the money as a thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go to NHS Charities Together - an umbrella organisation that supports health service charities .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

"What started as a very simple, spur of the moment response to seeing Captain Tom Moore do his fundraising walk, has become an incredible amount of money raised for an excellent charity," they said.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--UK 'to bring in 14-day quarantine for air passengers'

UK airlines say they have been told the government will bring in a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving in the UK from any country apart from the Republic of Ireland in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The new restriction is expected to take effect at the end of this month .
Industry body Airlines UK said the policy needed `` a credible exit plan '' and should be reviewed weekly .
People arriving in the UK would have to self-isolate at a private residence .
Government and aviation sources told BBC News that the quarantine would mean people might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the border .
It is not clear how long the new travel restriction would be in place and whether non-UK residents would be allowed to stay in rented private accommodation .
`` We need to see the details of what they are proposing '' , said Airlines UK , which represents British Airways , EasyJet and other UK-based airlines , in a statement .
• When will it be safe to fly again ?
• Passengers told to wear gloves at some UK airports Aviation minister Kelly Tolhurst is expected to clarify the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conference call scheduled for Saturday morning .
UK airports suggested that a quarantine `` would not only have a devastating impact on the UK aviation industry , but also on the wider economy '' .
Karen Dee from the Airport Operators Association , which represents most UK airports , said the measure should be applied `` on a selective basis following the science '' and `` the economic impact on key sectors should be mitigated '' .
BBC News understands that key workers such as lorry drivers who transport goods and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exempt .
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Last Sunday , Andrew Marr asked the transport secretary whether the UK would introduce a quarantine on people arriving in the UK .
Grant Shapps said he was `` actively looking at these issues , right now , so that when we have infection rates within the country under control we 're not importing '' .
He said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sacrifices , in a sense , social distancing , that we 're asking the British people to make are matched by anyone who comes to this country '' .
A Home Office spokesperson said : `` We do not comment on leaks .
The focus remains on staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives . ''
If a quarantine is needed now , some will question why it was not necessary weeks ago .
Tens of thousands of people have flown into the UK during the pandemic , although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning home .

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


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Government to urge us all to walk and cycle more

We need to protect the public transport network as lockdown is lifted , the UK Transport Secretary is expected to say at a press conference on Saturday .
The BBC understands Grant Shapps will encourage the public to continue to work from home if they can .
Those people who need to travel into a workplace will be urged to consider choosing more active ways to travel like walking and cycling .
The intention is to take pressure off roads and public transport networks .
It is believed that Mr Shapps will talk about using the unique `` opportunity '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way we get to work .
How we will travel while maintaining social distancing is one of the biggest challenges the government faces as it seeks to start to lift the lockdown .
Maintaining the two-metre rule will mean buses , trains and tubes will be able to carry far fewer passengers .
Their capacity could be reduced by as much as 90 % , according to some estimates .
There have been fewer buses and trains scheduled during the lockdown , so it will take time to restore normal services .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of crowded buses and trains but , if more people try to commute into work in their cars , the roads are likely to become choked with traffic .
The solution , Grant Shapps is expected to say , is for us all to walk and cycle more .
The BBC understands that the proposal to increase what the government is calling `` active travel '' will be presented as an opportunity for us all to live `` cleaner , greener , healthier lives '' .
Mr Shapps is likely to announce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for alterations to the road network to facilitate this move to more active ways to get around .
He is also expected to announce plans to give local authorities new powers to change the road network and designate extra space for cyclists and pedestrians .
The mayors of London and Manchester - Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham - announced last week that they were planning to close some roads to cars to create dedicated pedestrian and cycle routes .
The Transport Secretary 's announcement comes as a coalition of nine environmental and transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to demand a big increase in spending on walking and cycling .
Their letter calls for a fundamental redesign of the transport network to improve public health , clean the air and protect the climate .
It also points out that the lockdown has led to a dramatic improvement in air quality in Britain 's towns and cities .
Some of Britain 's largest cities have seen a 60 % reduction in levels of nitrogen dioxide , a harmful pollutant gas associated with traffic .
The letter 's signatories include Greenpeace , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protect Rural England ) , and seven other environment and transport organisations .
They argue that making a permanent switch towards more active travel would help protect these improvements in the local environment .
• How much warmer is your city ?
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• Where we are in seven charts Toxic air is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in the UK every year , the letter says .
`` It would be completely absurd if , after the unprecedented efforts and sacrifices made to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we allowed thousands more to be cut short by the devastating impacts of toxic pollution , '' it reads .
The organisations recommend that local authorities widen pavements and increase cycle lanes , as well as giving priority to people who walk and cycle .
They call for the speed limit to be cut to 20 mph in all built-up areas except where segregated cycle lanes are in place .
They also demand £6bn in additional funding over the next five years to invest in new transport infrastructure .

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


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Public urged to watch out for fake products after 'surge' in reports

The public have been warned to stay vigilant to criminals selling fake coronavirus-related products .
The Local Government Association said some councils have seen a `` significant surge '' in reports of scams by those seeking to exploit virus fears .
More than 500,000 sub-standard masks were seized by a London council , while other criminals have attempted to trick people into giving personal details .
The LGA is calling on the public to report scams to their local council .
Fraudsters are seeking to take advantage of public fears by selling bogus medical products and other counterfeit items .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ England and Wales - said criminals have been preying on vulnerable and older people who are self-isolating .
In one case , a woman in her 80s answered the door to a man who demanded £220 to complete a health and safety check .
Meanwhile , a telephone conman is being investigated after posing as a Swindon Council worker sorting lockdown food parcels , in a bid to obtain a pensioner 's personal details .
A car repair garage was reported after allegedly trying to sell coronavirus testing kits to customers .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitiser as well as 500,000 substandard face masks were taken off the market by the local council , according to the LGA .
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Residents are being tricked into buying goods online , door-to-door , by phone , text and email , the LGA said , with councils advising people not to accept services from strangers or cold callers .
Simon Blackburn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stronger Communities Board , warned the public to be `` cautious '' , adding : `` If something does n't seem right or sounds too good to be true , do n't hesitate to end a phone call , bin a letter , delete an email or shut the door . ''
He advised people to report scams to avoid others becoming victims of these `` despicable crimes '' and so fraudsters could be brought to justice , with councils seeking `` the toughest penalties '' .
It comes after the National Crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was increasingly being used as a `` hook to commit fraud '' and that such scams were `` likely to increase '' during the pandemic .
And it 's not just bogus health products being sold by fraudsters .
Some people hoping to buy kittens and puppies during the lockdown are being conned with fake online advertisements , according to Action Fraud , with victims losing more than £280,000 in two months .

Simon Blackburn, chairman of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, warned the public to be "cautious", adding: "If something doesn't seem right or sounds too good to be true, don't hesitate to end a phone call, bin a letter, delete an email or shut the door."


bbcuk--2020-05-08--VE Day: UK's streets not empty as filled with love, says Queen

The Queen has given a poignant address to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day , praising Britain 's response to the coronavirus epidemic that has filled empty streets with `` love '' .
In the broadcast , she said : `` Today it may seem hard that we can not mark this special anniversary as we would wish .
`` Instead we remember from our homes and from our doorsteps . ''
It aired exactly 75 years on from her father King George VI 's address at the end of the Second World War in Europe .
Thanking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` They risked all so our families and neighbourhoods could be safe . ''
`` We should and will remember them . ''
Victory in Europe ( VE ) Day marks the day in 1945 when Britain and its allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany , bringing the war in Europe to an end .
• In pictures : VE Day celebrations across the UK This year 's celebration has been limited due to the lockdown conditions in place across Europe because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our streets are not empty , they are filled with the love and the care that we have for each other '' .
`` And when I look at our country today and see what we are willing to do to protect and support one another , I say with pride that we are still a nation those brave soldiers , sailors and airmen would recognise and admire . ''
In the pre-recorded message from Windsor Castle , her second televised address of the coronavirus pandemic , the Queen described the Second World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where `` no one was immune from its impact '' .
`` At the start , the outlook seemed bleak , the end distant , the outcome uncertain , '' she said .
`` But we kept faith that the cause was right and this belief , as my father noted in his broadcast , carried us through .
`` Never give up , never despair , that was the message of VE Day . ''
Paying tribute to those who were killed during the conflict , she said : `` They died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a world of free nations .
`` They risked all so our families and neighbourhoods could be safe . ''
Reflecting on her own memories of VE Day , the Queen said she `` vividly '' remembered the `` jubilant scenes my sister and I witnessed with our parents and Winston Churchill from the balcony of Buckingham Palace '' .
The Queen , then 19 , later slipped into the crowds outside Buckingham Palace , unnoticed , with her 14-year-old sister Princess Margaret , where the pair joined thousands of other revellers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ATS ) cap she wore to disguise herself from the public that day laid in front of her as she made her address on Friday evening .
It was in the ATS that Princess Elizabeth qualified as a driver and the cap was part of her uniform when she undertook national service in 1945 .
The Queen , sitting behind a desk in Windsor 's white drawing room , also surrounded herself with other historic personal mementos from the war years , including wearing two aquamarine and diamond clip brooches .
The art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from her father in April 1944 - just over a year before VE Day .
Also visible were framed photographs of her father George VI and the Royal Family standing on the Buckingham Palace balcony on VE Day with Prime Minister Winston Churchill .
The monarch 's broadcast marked the culmination of a raft of events throughout Friday remembering the war and celebrating its end in Europe .
Earlier , the UK held a two-minute silence , led by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall , to honour the war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson thanked the VE Day generation , saying `` our gratitude will be eternal '' .
He said : `` We ca n't hold the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past , but all of us who were born since 1945 are acutely conscious that we owe everything we most value to the generation who won the Second World War . ''
In Westminster , Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle laid a wreath on behalf of the House of Commons .
The Royal Air Force display team the Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while RAF Typhoon jets flew over Cardiff , Edinburgh and Belfast .
In the afternoon , solo buglers , trumpeters and cornet players across the country played the Last Post from their homes .
Extracts from Sir Winston Churchill 's VE Day speech were broadcast , 75 years after it was first heard and people were encouraged to join in a toast from their homes .
Later in the evening , Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins , actor Adrian Lester and singer Beverley Knight , performed well-known songs from the 1930s and 40s and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vera Lynn 's wartime classic , We 'll Meet Again .

He said: "We can't hold the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past, but all of us who were born since 1945 are acutely conscious that we owe everything we most value to the generation who won the Second World War."


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Young men 'more likely to ignore lockdown'

Young men are more likely than young women to break lockdown rules , psychologists suggest .
A team from the University of Sheffield and Ulster University questioned just under 2,000 13-24 year olds .
Half of the men aged 19-24 had met friends or family members they did not live with during lockdown , compared to 25 % of women .
The researchers called on the government to better target messages for young people .
Just under half of all those questioned - 917 young people - said they were feeling significantly more anxious during the lockdown - particularly if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key worker .
Those with depression were more likely to flout lockdown rules by meeting up with friends and leaving the house unnecessarily ; while those with anxiety were more likely to practise social distancing and regularly wash their hands .
Dr Liat Levita from the University of Sheffield says mental health is no justification for not following the rules , but it might help us understand why it 's difficult for certain people to comply .
`` The more someone is depressed , the less compliant and de-motivated they are .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often and need to make an effort in following the guidelines , it 's not something that you 're actually going to be able to do very well . ''
Dr Levita says it 's important to understanding how young people are feeling throughout the coronavirus crisis and not wait to help them .
`` If you have a broken leg , you do n't wait two months before you go to the hospital to get it fixed . ''
This research found 150 out of 281 men aged 19-24 had met with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while a fifth had been reprimanded by police - either dispersed , fined or arrested as a result of breaking the rules This male group was also more likely to think they were n't at risk of catching Covid-19 or spreading it to others , and that following the government 's guidelines was not worthwhile .
Dr Levita says `` we know that males in general take more risks and evolutionary psychologists have always explained that in terms of males trying to show off .
`` They will take more risks and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their behaviour actually makes sense to them . ''
The findings come after recent statistics from the National Police Chief 's Council which found a third of those fined by police for breaking lockdown rules were aged 18-24 and eight out of ten were men .
Across all ages , the study showed the majority were not complying with basic hygiene recommendations such as washing hands regularly , but most said they intended to follow the guidelines in future weeks .
The psychologists say the government must do more to explain the reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people understand lockdown rules .
The Department of Health has highlighted the government 's campaign urging people to stay at home and the advice ministers give at the daily press briefing .

"So if you need to hand-wash more often and need to make an effort in following the guidelines, it's not something that you're actually going to be able to do very well."


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

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

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


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus: Grace Millane's family donate care packages in her memory

The family of a British backpacker murdered in New Zealand has given hundreds of care packages to patients , nurses , doctors and carers battling coronavirus .
Grace Millane 's family has donated more than 300 bags full of toiletries to hospitals and care homes across Essex .
The 22-year-old from Wickford in Essex was killed in December 2018 .
Her cousin said it was nice to be doing `` something so positive '' in her name .
Hannah O'Callaghan said : `` We 've had so many messages thanking us , it 's been lovely to read them as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get through some difficult times and given us a purpose . ''
The family set up a campaign called Love Grace x , focused on domestic abuse victims , before the coronavirus pandemic .
It had already donated 6,500 handbags packed with toiletries to refuges across the world , including many in New Zealand .
Seven family members have been involved , including Gillian Millane , Grace 's mother .
Mrs O'Callaghan said : `` Grace would have been really proud of us .
She would have wanted to get involved .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me than a cousin .
She was very family-orientated and we had so many happy times together as a family .
`` I 'm a Geography teacher and she loved to travel , we had that in common .
She was very good at art , so it was important to us to reflect that on the tags . ''
The bags are delivered with a tag which says `` Love Grace x '' in Grace 's handwriting and a flower that she drew , on one side .
The other side has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more about the initiative .
Domestic abuse victims have been in touch with the family to thank them .
Many had to leave home in a rush and had no toiletries , while others had never owned a handbag before , Mrs O'Callaghan said .
`` We want to go back to concentrating on refuges when this is over .
Domestic violence is rising during the lockdown , and I think the handbags will be needed more than ever .
`` We are asking people who might be having a spring clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to one of our collection points when restrictions are lifted , '' she said .
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Mrs O'Callaghan said: "Grace would have been really proud of us. She would have wanted to get involved. She was more like a little sister to me than a cousin. She was very family-orientated and we had so many happy times together as a family.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus lockdown: 'No dramatic overnight change' to restrictions

The public has to be `` realistic '' about the easing of lockdown restrictions , the environment secretary has said .
George Eustice also urged the public to abide by the current coronavirus measures over the weekend , with the PM due to deliver an update on Sunday .
Garden centres in England will be permitted to reopen from Wednesday , a senior government source has said .
Mr Eustice also announced a £16m fund to deliver millions of meals to those struggling during the pandemic .
A further 626 coronavirus deaths were confirmed on Friday , taking the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby with an underlying health condition .
• Mixed messages across the four nations • What will be the 'new normal ' ?
• The five tests for ending lockdown Asked by the BBC 's Ben Wright about whether Boris Johnson would ease restrictions in line with an announcement from Wales , Mr Eustice said there would be `` no dramatic overnight change '' and the government would be `` very , very cautious as we loosen the restrictions we have '' .
Speaking at the No 10 daily briefing , he reiterated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message remained in place over the `` sunny bank holiday weekend '' .
He also said that while each of the devolved nations might take slightly different approaches , they were working together `` to try to have a broadly similar UK approach '' .
Meanwhile , UK airlines have said the government is set to impose a 14-day travel quarantine on arrivals from any country apart from the Republic of Ireland , a move which is expected to take effect at the end of the month .
People arriving in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence and it is not clear how long the measure may be put in place .
Earlier , it was confirmed that garden centres in Wales would be able to reopen from Monday and the government has now confirmed similar plans for England .
Social-distancing measures will have to be obeyed but a senior government source said they were `` typically open large open-air spaces where the risk of transmission of coronavirus is lower '' .
Any cafes or playgrounds associated with the retail space will have to remain closed , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing , Mr Eustice said the government was considering changing the restrictions on funerals but said he did not want to prejudge what Mr Johnson would say on Sunday evening .
`` People want the opportunity to pay their last respects - obviously we have to be very conscious of large social gatherings but it is something we are giving consideration to , '' he said .
Currently lockdown measures allow members of the deceased 's household and close family members or friends , to be present at a funeral , alongside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment secretary also said it was safe for takeaway food shops to reopen , adding that McDonald 's drive-thru restaurants were `` made for social distancing '' .
Many high street chains including McDonald 's , Greggs and KFC chose to shut their doors during the lockdown - although some have begun the process of reopening .
`` I think it is quite possible for these venues to reopen and reopen safely , we never mandated that they should close , '' he added .
• 'Modest ' changes announced to lockdown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the power to make their own decisions on lockdown regulations - and could lift restrictions at a different rate .
Earlier , Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford said he wanted the nation to move in step with the rest of the UK when he announced the changes to its lockdown , which included allowing garden centres and libraries to reopen as well as letting people exercise outside more often .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday the only change she was considering in the immediate term was on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there had been a `` helpful recognition '' from the prime minister that the four UK nations `` may well move at different speeds if our data about the spread of the virus says that that is necessary to suppress it '' .
Arlene Foster , Northern Ireland 's First Minister , said there would only be `` nuanced changes '' to measures in the region .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • FACE MASKS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government announced 97,029 tests had been delivered in the 24 hours to 09:00 BST on Friday , just shy of the 100,000 target Health Secretary Matt Hancock set for the end of April .
That aim was achieved on 30 April and 1 May but has not been reached since .
When asked why in some cases it was taking up to 10 days for people to get their test results back , Mr Eustice said there would be daily fluctuations in availability of tests in any given area .
`` You will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have n't come forward to take them in some areas , and you will have other areas where you do n't have quite enough capacity for that local demand , '' he said .
The prime minister has set a target of increasing testing capacity to 200,000 by the end of May .
Asked whether the R rate - the rate at which the virus spreads - had to remain universally low before lockdown could be lifted , Prof Stephen Powis , national medical director of NHS England , said it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the important thing is that as a whole it stays below one '' .
The R rate is the number of people that one infected person will pass the virus on to on average .
Prof Powis also told the briefing that data would be published on the deaths of those with learning disabilities and autism who had tested positive for coronavirus .
He said : `` We 're looking at how we can report on those groups and I 'll commit that from next week we will be publishing data on learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died in acute hospitals , and we 'll do that on an ongoing basis . ''
Mr Eustice announced more support for vulnerable people , saying millions of meals would be delivered over the next 12 weeks to help during `` this enormously challenging time '' .
At least 5,000 frontline charities across England will benefit from the £16m fund which comes from the £750m pot announced for charities by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on 8 April .
`` These are extraordinary times but I think that £750m is very welcome and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the additional burdens that they have as a result of the coronavirus , '' Mr Eustice added .
• The UK has marked the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day , with celebrations limited by the pandemic • Italy has become the first country in the EU to register more than 30,000 coronavirus-related deaths • Boris Johnson has spoken to the European Commission president about the approach to tackling the virus • The prime minister also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to mark VE Day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to the pandemic with both leaders • And three people who travelled from Berkshire to the Dorset coast for a day out during the lockdown sparked a major rescue operation after getting cut off by the tide

Ms Sturgeon said there had been a "helpful recognition" from the prime minister that the four UK nations "may well move at different speeds if our data about the spread of the virus says that that is necessary to suppress it".


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Gogglebox star June Bernicoff dies aged 82

Gogglebox star June Bernicoff has died at the age of 82 , Channel 4 has announced .
The broadcaster said she was `` at home with her family by her side '' and died on Tuesday after a short illness - which was not related to coronavirus .
Bernicoff appeared on the reality TV show with her late husband Leon .
`` As the first couple to be cast for Gogglebox back in 2013 , June and her husband Leon were a huge part of the programme 's success , '' Channel 4 said .
`` Their warmth , wit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation during the course of the first 10 series . ''
Writing on Twitter , Gogglebox producer Tania Alexander said : `` June and Leon were the Gogglebox originals & a huge part of the show 's success .
I adored them both .
Big kiss June darling . ''
The Bafta-winning show features people sitting in their living rooms watching and reacting to television programmes .
June left the show after Leon 's death in December 2017 at the age of 83 .
She went on to write her first book about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And June : Our Story .
`` Our thoughts are with June 's family - Helen and Ian , Julie and Marc , and her beloved grandchildren Frances , Sam and Faye , '' Channel 4 's statement said .
`` The family would like to ask for privacy at this sad time , but would like to thank the hospice staff that supported them and cared for June so wonderfully and with such compassion in her final weeks . ''
It added June was a `` remarkably independent , principled woman with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge passion for life '' .
`` Despite her departure from the show in 2017 , she remained a passionate supporter of the programme , watching it every week , and she was in regular contact with the production team . ''
The Bernicoffs appeared on the show from their home in Allerton , Liverpool , although June reportedly moved to be near her family in Warwickshire last year .
Gogglebox star Stephen Webb tweeted : `` Rest in peace our June , reunited with Leon !
Forever in our hearts . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` So very sad to hear that June Bernicoff has died after a short illness .
Together with Leon , who passed away two years ago , she was a brilliant addition to Gogglebox . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"The family would like to ask for privacy at this sad time, but would like to thank the hospice staff that supported them and cared for June so wonderfully and with such compassion in her final weeks."


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Sunday Life and Sunday World Journalists warned of UDA threats

Loyalist paramilitaries have issued threats against journalists at the Sunday Life and Sunday World newspapers , according to the papers ' owner .
A number of reporters were visited by police on Friday morning and warned about imminent attacks .
It is understood at least one journalist was told of a planned under-car booby trap attack .
The two Sunday titles are owned by Independent News & Media ( INM ) .
It said police confirmed they had received information indicating a planned campaign of intimidation .
The warnings said journalists at the two Sunday titles were at risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first anniversary of the New IRA murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Londonderry .
Peter Vandermeersch , Publisher at INM , said : `` We will , of course , work with the police to ensure our staff 's safety .
`` Threats against journalists should not be tolerated in any free society .
`` It is depressing that thugs still believe they can silence the press through intimidation .
`` The Sunday World and Sunday Life will continue to publish stories that shed light in dark corners . ''
Séamus Dooley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said it was `` a vile attempt to intimidate editors , journalists and publishers '' .
`` It is the latest in a series of threats in Northern Ireland against journalists but is all the more sinister because it is a blanket threat against two newspapers , titles which have served the people of Northern Ireland fearlessly and often in the face of threats . ''

"It is the latest in a series of threats in Northern Ireland against journalists but is all the more sinister because it is a blanket threat against two newspapers, titles which have served the people of Northern Ireland fearlessly and often in the face of threats."


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Father charged with murdering his two children in Ilford

A father has been charged with murdering his one-year-old daughter and three-year-old son .
Pavinya Nithiyakumar , aged 19 months @ @ @ @ @ both found with stab wounds in Aldborough Road North in Ilford , east London , @ @ @ @ @ died at the scene and Nigish was taken to hospital , but died shortly after @ @ @ @ @ 40 , has been charged with two counts of murder .
The Metropolitan Police said @ @ @ @ @ Thames Magistrates ' Court on Friday .
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Pavinya died at the scene and Nigish was taken to hospital, but died shortly after arriving.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Felling of 'wonderful' Devon bluebell wood investigated

The Forestry Commission and police are investigating the felling of a `` wonderful '' bluebell wood in a south Devon valley .
A tree preservation order has been placed on the woods near Dartmouth by South Hams District Council ( SHDC ) to prevent further felling .
About two hectares ( five acres ) of woodland were flattened between 22 and 26 April , according to local residents .
The woodland is `` part of the landscape that 's held dear by the community and has been for 40 years '' , said Sune Nightingale , who lives nearby .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be tolerated , '' he said .
No-one is sure why the woodland was felled , but local people believe it may have been for logging .
Councillor Keith Baldry , executive member for environment at SHDC , said `` several laws could have been breached '' .
He said : `` Allegations of illegal felling will now be investigated by the Forestry Commission , and allegations of wildlife crime in terms of disturbing nesting birds have been referred to Devon and Cornwall Police . ''
The tree preservation order , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our most valued form of tree protection '' , he said .
A Forestry Commission spokesperson said the agency was `` aware of reports of alleged illegal felling near Capton and have opened an investigation into these allegations '' .
It added : `` As this is an ongoing investigation , we can not offer any further comment . ''

He said: "Allegations of illegal felling will now be investigated by the Forestry Commission, and allegations of wildlife crime in terms of disturbing nesting birds have been referred to Devon and Cornwall Police."


bbcuk--2020-05-08--VE Day celebrations: The UK marks 75th anniversary

People across the UK have marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Millions of @ @ @ @ @ silent at 11:00 BST on Friday to remember those who served in World War Two @ @ @ @ @ since the formal acceptance by Britain and its allies of Nazi Germany 's unconditional surrender @ @ @ @ @ to copyright .

Millions of people throughout the country fell silent at 11:00 BST on Friday to remember those who served in World War Two.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--VE Day: 'I drove general to WW2 unconditional surrender'

`` There was singing and great great joy , there was no question it was all over . ''
Standing in the packed streets of Versailles , France , 75 years ago , Marjorie Morgan celebrated VE Day .
Just hours before , she had driven an Allied general to Reims , and stood outside as a German general signed the unconditional surrender to end World War Two in Europe .
`` To me it was just a job , it was something you think about afterwards '' , she said .
While the 98-year-old believes there was nothing remarkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hers is one of the many incredible stories of sacrifice made by people from communities across Wales all those years ago .
Today , like others who remember that time , Marjorie will celebrate the anniversary of VE Day on a much smaller scale , unable to see her family in person due to the coronavirus restrictions .
`` I 've got to be honest , I think this thing we 're going through now is worse than the war , '' she said .
`` At least we knew who our enemy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be joining in the celebrations going on across Wales , including a sing-along , raising a toast and enjoying scones in a socially-distanced party with her neighbours on her street in Barry in south Wales .
Marjorie , like thousands of women , joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service ( ATS ) , the women 's branch of the British Army during the war effort .
After spending years as an army driving instructor , by 1945 she was driving generals , and ended up driving to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Alfred Jodl , German Chief of Operations , signed the unconditional surrender .
But when her car was requisitioned by another general of a higher rank , Marjorie described how the general `` stole '' a jeep to get there instead , but the gearstick was stuck , and she had to drive all the way there in first gear .
The surrender in Reims was signed in the early hours of 7 May .
There was supposed to be a 48 hour embargo so generals could inform their troops , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day early - so VE Day fell on 8 May .
Afterwards , she was invited by the general to go on a tour of a Champagne cave , before heading back to Versailles , where the streets were `` packed '' .
`` It was tremendous as you can imagine , '' she said .
• Never give up hope , says Auschwitz survivor She said the war was `` very grim '' , and she remembers the bombs falling in London , when she worked at the War Office , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` The bombs had a very specific droning noise , when the engine cut out , and it cut out dead , you knew it was coming down , and you 'd hear a thud where it landed , '' she recalled .
`` You do n't get scared for long ever , about a quarter of an hour .
In the end , you felt almost blase about it , you do n't stay terrified , it 's hard to believe but it 's a fact . ''
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were shot , torpedoed , bombed on that beach '' , says William Davies as he remembers fighting in Arromanches , in Normandy .
Mr Davies , an RAF veteran who described himself as a `` rookie '' , landed in France just after D-Day , in June 1944 .
The 97-year-old , from Tregaron , Ceredigion , went back to the beach last year , in an emotional trip , where he remembered his friends who lost their lives .
During the visit , his nephew found his name on a statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There it was , 'William Davies , ' '' he said , `` all the names of the boys who were in Creully . ''
`` I though the French people of Creully putting our names up there was something very , very special to me , and I have never forgotten that . ''
This year William will not be celebrating VE Day due to the pandemic , but paid tribute to the NHS .
`` We 've got to admire these people that go and help people , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of us war veterans . ''
Draped in a cloak , Betty Hughes was crowned `` Victory Queen '' in Holyhead , Anglesey .
The 96-year-old , who was just 21 back then , was living with her grandmother and working as an ambulance driver when the war ended .
With little money , she said the community rallied around to help her fit the part for the big day , with her family giving their ration coupons so she could afford the beautiful satin , which she picked out in Hendersons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made , a cloak hired and her crown paid for by the council .
When the day came she was crowned by `` Mrs Darcie of Bangor '' .
`` I was driven around in the Lord Mayor 's car , to street parties , '' she said .
`` I had to attend as many as I could and have a cup of tea at each one , '' she said .
Eva May Cotter heard about the German surrender on the TV , and remembers people partying in the streets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , said VE Day was a `` whirlwind '' , with `` tables all up the road '' where she lived in Cynon Valley .
`` We all had caps with red , white and blue , we made sandwiches and cakes and everything for the children , '' she said .
Eva , who now lives in Mountain Ash , had just left school when the war broke out , and she was called up to make shells in a munitions factory in Abercynon .
She gave birth to her son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while on leave , and she said doing it on her own `` was n't easy '' .
When Dennis returned he worked as a colliery shift engineer , but Eva said after the war things were hard .
`` People were poor , '' Eva said .
`` It was a struggle , no one was rich , but we all survived . ''

But when her car was requisitioned by another general of a higher rank, Marjorie described how the general "stole" a jeep to get there instead, but the gearstick was stuck, and she had to drive all the way there in first gear.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: How they tried to curb Spanish flu pandemic in 1918

It is dangerous to draw too many parallels between coronavirus and the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic , that killed at least 50 million people around the world .
Covid-19 is an entirely new disease , which disproportionately affects older people .
The deadly strain of influenza that swept the globe in 1918 tended to strike those aged between 20 and 30 , with strong immune systems .
But the actions taken by governments and individuals to prevent the spread of infection have a familiar ring to them .
Public Health England studied the Spanish flu outbreak to draw up its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key lesson being that the second wave of the disease , in the autumn of 1918 , proved to be far more deadly than the first .
The country was still at war when the virus claimed its first recorded victim , in May 1918 .
The UK government , like many others , was caught on the hop .
It appears to have decided that the war effort took precedence over preventing flu deaths .
The disease spread like wildfire in crowded troop transports and munitions factories , and on buses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Sir Arthur Newsholme for the Royal Society of Medicine .
But a `` memorandum for public use '' he had written in July 1918 , that advised people to stay at home if they were sick and to avoid large gatherings , was buried by the government .
Sir Arthur argued that many lives could have been saved if these rules had been followed , but he added : `` There are national circumstances in which the major duty is to 'carry on ' , even when risk to health and life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were no treatments for influenza and no antibiotics to treat complications such as pneumonia .
Hospitals were quickly overwhelmed .
There was no centrally imposed lockdown to curb the spread of infection , although many theatres , dance halls , cinemas and churches were closed , in some cases for months .
Pubs , which were already subject to wartime restrictions on opening hours , mostly stayed open .
The Football League and the FA Cup had been cancelled for the war , but there was no effort to cancel other matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams playing in regional competitions , and women 's football , which attracted large crowds , continuing throughout the pandemic .
Streets in some towns and cities were sprayed with disinfectant and some people wore anti-germ masks , as they went about their daily lives .
Public health messages were confused - and , just like today , fake news and conspiracy theories abounded , although the general level of ignorance about healthy lifestyles did not help .
In some factories , no-smoking rules were relaxed , in the belief that cigarettes would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate on the pandemic , Conservative MP Claude Lowther asked : `` Is it a fact that a sure preventative against influenza is cocoa taken three times a day ? ''
Publicity campaigns and leaflets warned against spreading disease through coughs and sneezes .
In November 1918 , the News of the World advised its readers to : `` wash inside nose with soap and water each night and morning ; force yourself to sneeze night and morning , then breathe deeply .
Do not wear a muffler ; take sharp walks regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of porridge . ''
No country was untouched by the 1918 pandemic , although the scale of its impact , and of government efforts to protect their populations , varied widely .
In the United States , some states imposed quarantines on their citizens , with mixed results , while others tried to make the wearing of face masks compulsory .
Cinemas , theatres and other places of entertainment were closed across the country .
New York was better prepared than most US cities , having already been through a 20-year campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered a lower death rate .
Nevertheless , the city 's health commissioner came under pressure from businesses to keep premises open , particularly movie theatres and other places of entertainment .
Then , as now , fresh air was seen as a potential bulwark against the spread of infection , leading to some ingenious solutions to keep society going .
But it proved impossible to prevent mass gatherings in many US cities , particularly at places of worship .
By the end of the pandemic , the death toll in Britain was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population are thought to have been infected .
Efforts to kill the virus continued for some time , and the population were more aware than ever of the potentially deadly nature of seasonal influenza .

The flu did not originate in Spain, but Spain was the first country to report deaths from it, leading to the assumption that it must have started there. Spain's newspapers were not subject to wartime censorship, because it was a neutral country. News of the epidemic was initially suppressed in other countries to avoid damaging morale.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--Coronavirus in care homes: Michelle O'Neill calls for 'universal testing'

Universal testing for Covid-19 should take place across all of NI 's care homes immediately , Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said .
It comes as official statistics show that for a second week , there have been more deaths in care homes ( 71 ) than hospitals ( 39 ) .
Overall , there have been 232 care home deaths related to coronavirus .
Ms O'Neill said the figures exposed the `` serious battle '' taking place in care homes .
`` There should be a regular programme of testing for all residents and staff and our care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Féin vice-president said on Friday .
`` That would help to be able to identify the virus and actually allow speedy action to be taken . ''
What do we know about the situation in NI 's care homes ?
Figures released by Northern Ireland 's Statistics Agency ( Nisra ) on Friday show there have been 516 coronavirus-related deaths recorded overall in NI - including 232 in care homes , and four in hospices .
Three separate care homes in Northern Ireland have publicly reported deaths in double figures , including : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Glencairn , west Belfast , out of 59 residents ; • Fourteen deaths at Ringdufferin Nursing Home in Killyleagh , County Down ; Currently , residents and staff are only tested for coronavirus in care homes where there is a suspected outbreak , or if they are new entrants to the care home sector .
In the Republic of Ireland , testing of all care home staff and residents is expected to be completed next week .
Why do care homes have such high mortality figures from Covid-19 ?
Northern Ireland 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was a degree of inevitability about the prevalence of the virus in care homes .
`` It could be anticipated that those older people in our society , those with underlying health conditions would pay a higher price , '' Dr McBride told BBC Radio 4 's Any Questions ?
programme .
He said as community transmission has decreased across the UK , transmission in care setting , including hospitals and care homes , has `` sadly and tragically '' increased .
`` There was an inevitability to that , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus effects , according to the NI chairman of the British Geriatrics Society .
`` It 's very challenging for care home staff doing their best to help residents , who may not be able to follow the social distancing advice and might need extra help with care , '' Dr Mark Roberts told BBC News NI .
For staff trying to deliver compassionate , person-centred care - particularly end-of-life care - the Covid-19 pandemic presents a major challenge , added Dr Roberts .
How can we stop coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being described as the `` new front line '' in the fight against Covid-19 , with BBC News NI reporting deaths in double figures at three separate facilities .
Care homes were recognised from the start as being at high-risk from this new , particularly transmissible virus .
That is why many homes moved quickly to suspend visiting , increase cleaning and put personal protective equipment in place , limiting the opportunity for Covid-19 to get a foothold .
Once any kind of virus gets into a care setting like a home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult to contain .
Read more from Louise here .
The 236 deaths in care homes and hospices involved 66 separate establishments .
Ms O'Neill said the figures demonstrated that Northern Ireland was on a knife-edge .
`` Behind all those figures are families who 've lost a loved one and we need to realise that , as it drives home the message why we 're asking people to continue doing what we 're doing for the next three weeks , '' she said .
The Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living and working in Northern Ireland 's 484 care homes should be the top health priority .
More than a fifth of Northern Ireland 's care homes - 110 of the 484 - are now caring for vulnerable older people with coronavirus or flu-like symptoms , which are logged each day in care homes ' forms about virus activity , the BBC understands .
The homes have a total of 16,000 beds , not all of which are occupied .
The health department said on Thursday it needed to be sure of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes before releasing more detailed information .
`` While good progress has been made , work is still required to validate the data and ensure its consistency , '' said the department .
`` Once work on this data set is complete , we believe it will provide us with more complete information on the position in our homes than any other part of the UK or Ireland . ''
Accessing information about the spread of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland 's care homes has been very difficult .
The public wants to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more vulnerable people , but the various health agencies have been providing few verified facts .
Care home owners say they need to manage information about cases and deaths in a controlled , sensitive manner .
While this is understandable , it means the information tends to emerge first from concerned staff or families .
There are arguments about whether the health department should publish data on individual care homes .
But there have also been calls for more transparency about the spread of the virus , so that reports on it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Concerned families want - and deserve - to know about their loved ones living and working in these homes ; there is no more important time for openness and clarity than during a pandemic .
What is Northern Ireland 's overall picture in terms of confirmed cases and deaths ?
There is a considerable difference in the death tolls in the two sets of figures published in Northern Ireland .
While Nisra recorded 516 deaths by 1 May , the Department of Health - which records deaths of patients who tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital - had recorded 365 deaths by the same date .
Nisra 's toll is 35 % higher because its weekly bulletin , released each Friday , records all fatalities with Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate , regardless of where the individual died and whether or not they had been tested for the virus .
So although the health department 's daily briefing on Friday recorded 4,022 confirmed cases and five more deaths , taking its toll to 427 , the overall death toll will be significantly higher .
The disparity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused confusion , but the department said there was always a time lag for registering deaths in the community - which can take five days - so Nisra 's report could not feasibly be linked to the daily figures .
Nisra 's report on Friday showed there were 27 patients in intensive care with Covid-19 symptoms , compared to 58 a month ago .
How does Northern Ireland compare to the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland ?
Although comparisons between countries and regions are difficult due to differences in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's death rate ( 27 per 100,000 of the population ) is similar to that of the Republic of Ireland ( 22 per 100,000 ) and significantly lower than that of Great Britain ( 43 per 100,000 ) .
A further 626 coronavirus deaths were confirmed across the UK on Friday , taking its total to 31,241 .
The Republic of Ireland reported 27 more deaths , bringing its total to 1,429 .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

Coronavirus in care homes: Michelle O'Neill calls for 'universal testing' Published 8 May 2020
Image source, Wavebreakmedia Image caption, Nearly half of the 516 deaths Nisra recorded by 1 May happened in care homes
Universal testing for Covid-19 should take place across all of NI's care homes immediately, Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said.
It comes as official statistics show that for a second week, there have been more deaths in care homes (71) than hospitals (39).
Overall, there have been 232 care home deaths related to coronavirus.
Ms O'Neill said the figures exposed the "serious battle" taking place in care homes.
"There should be a regular programme of testing for all residents and staff and our care homes right now," the Sinn Féin vice-president said on Friday.
"That would help to be able to identify the virus and actually allow speedy action to be taken."
What do we know about the situation in NI's care homes?
Figures released by Northern Ireland's Statistics Agency (Nisra) on Friday show there have been 516 coronavirus-related deaths recorded overall in NI - including 232 in care homes, and four in hospices.
Three separate care homes in Northern Ireland have publicly reported deaths in double figures, including:
Currently, residents and staff are only tested for coronavirus in care homes where there is a suspected outbreak, or if they are new entrants to the care home sector.
In the Republic of Ireland, testing of all care home staff and residents is expected to be completed next week.
Why do care homes have such high mortality figures from Covid-19?
Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said there was a degree of inevitability about the prevalence of the virus in care homes.
"It could be anticipated that those older people in our society, those with underlying health conditions would pay a higher price," Dr McBride told BBC Radio 4's Any Questions? programme.
He said as community transmission has decreased across the UK, transmission in care setting, including hospitals and care homes, has "sadly and tragically" increased.
"There was an inevitability to that," he said.
Care homes house people who are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus effects, according to the NI chairman of the British Geriatrics Society.
"It's very challenging for care home staff doing their best to help residents, who may not be able to follow the social distancing advice and might need extra help with care," Dr Mark Roberts told BBC News NI.
For staff trying to deliver compassionate, person-centred care - particularly end-of-life care - the Covid-19 pandemic presents a major challenge, added Dr Roberts.
How can we stop coronavirus spreading in care homes?
Analysis by Louise Cullen, BBC News NI health reporter
Care homes are being described as the "new front line" in the fight against Covid-19, with BBC News NI reporting deaths in double figures at three separate facilities.
Care homes were recognised from the start as being at high-risk from this new, particularly transmissible virus.
That is why many homes moved quickly to suspend visiting, increase cleaning and put personal protective equipment in place, limiting the opportunity for Covid-19 to get a foothold.
Once any kind of virus gets into a care setting like a home, virologists say it can be very difficult to contain.
Read more from Louise here.
The 236 deaths in care homes and hospices involved 66 separate establishments.
Ms O'Neill said the figures demonstrated that Northern Ireland was on a knife-edge.
"Behind all those figures are families who've lost a loved one and we need to realise that, as it drives home the message why we're asking people to continue doing what we're doing for the next three weeks," she said.
The Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland said this week Covid-19 testing for everyone living and working in Northern Ireland's 484 care homes should be the top health priority.
More than a fifth of Northern Ireland's care homes - 110 of the 484 - are now caring for vulnerable older people with coronavirus or flu-like symptoms, which are logged each day in care homes' forms about virus activity, the BBC understands.
The homes have a total of 16,000 beds, not all of which are occupied.
The health department said on Thursday it needed to be sure of the quality of the daily information from care homes before releasing more detailed information.
"While good progress has been made, work is still required to validate the data and ensure its consistency," said the department.
"Once work on this data set is complete, we believe it will provide us with more complete information on the position in our homes than any other part of the UK or Ireland."
'More transparency needed'
By Marie-Louise Connolly, BBC News NI health correspondent
Accessing information about the spread of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland's care homes has been very difficult.
The public wants to know what is happening, especially with older and more vulnerable people, but the various health agencies have been providing few verified facts.
Care home owners say they need to manage information about cases and deaths in a controlled, sensitive manner.
While this is understandable, it means the information tends to emerge first from concerned staff or families.
There are arguments about whether the health department should publish data on individual care homes. But there have also been calls for more transparency about the spread of the virus, so that reports on it are as timely and accurate as possible.
Concerned families want - and deserve - to know about their loved ones living and working in these homes; there is no more important time for openness and clarity than during a pandemic.
What is Northern Ireland's overall picture in terms of confirmed cases and deaths?
There is a considerable difference in the death tolls in the two sets of figures published in Northern Ireland.
While Nisra recorded 516 deaths by 1 May, the Department of Health - which records deaths of patients who tested positive for coronavirus, and therefore mostly died in hospital - had recorded 365 deaths by the same date.
Nisra's toll is 35% higher because its weekly bulletin, released each Friday, records all fatalities with Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate, regardless of where the individual died and whether or not they had been tested for the virus.
So although the health department's daily briefing on Friday recorded 4,022 confirmed cases and five more deaths, taking its toll to 427, the overall death toll will be significantly higher.
The disparity between the two sets of figures has caused confusion, but the department said there was always a time lag for registering deaths in the community - which can take five days - so Nisra's report could not feasibly be linked to the daily figures.
Nisra's report on Friday showed there were 27 patients in intensive care with Covid-19 symptoms, compared to 58 a month ago.
How does Northern Ireland compare to the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland?
Although comparisons between countries and regions are difficult due to differences in how statistics are compiled, Northern Ireland's death rate (27 per 100,000 of the population) is similar to that of the Republic of Ireland (29 per 100,000) and significantly lower than that of Great Britain (43 per 100,000).
A further 626 coronavirus deaths were confirmed across the UK on Friday, taking its total to 31,241.