bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus in Scotland: Total number of deaths rises to more than 1,600

The total number of deaths in Scotland linked to coronavirus has risen to 1,616 , new statistics have shown .
The National Records of Scotland figures include all deaths where coronavirus was believed to have been present , rather than just confirmed cases .
They showed that 651 deaths were registered between 13 and 19 April - up from 610 the previous week .
A third of the deaths were recorded in care homes .
The number of deaths linked to the virus in care homes has more than doubled in a week , from 237 to 537 .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been mentioned on the death certificate either as a confirmed or suspected factor , 910 ( 56 % ) were in hospitals , while 537 ( 33 % ) were in care homes and 168 ( 10 % ) were at home or in non-institutional settings .
• Coronavirus in Scotland : Who is dying and where ?
Almost three-quarters of the total deaths were of people aged 75 or older , with only 10 of those who died aged under 45 .
Of all deaths to date involving Covid-19 in Scotland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were female .
Scottish government data that was also released on Wednesday showed that there have now been a total of 2,085 suspected cases of the virus recorded in the country 's care homes - an increase of 212 since yesterday .
The figures also showed that 495 ( 46 % ) care homes have recorded at least one suspected case - of which 308 have recorded more than one case .
More than a third - 384 or 35 % - of care homes have a current outbreak of suspected Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms during the past fortnight .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the figures were `` extremely difficult '' to hear and were `` higher than we would ever want to think about '' .
But she said the data was `` really important '' to provide as full a picture as possible of the spread of the virus .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` It 's not unusual for people to become sick in care homes .
Residents are often frail and nearing the end of their lives .
`` But that does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these cases to be inevitable or that we do n't do everything we possibly can to prevent them .
`` Older people in care homes require as much , if not more , support and protection as anyone else in our society and we 're working with care homes and other partners to provide that . ''
Speaking at her daily briefing , Ms Sturgeon said 1,776 patients were currently in hospital with the virus , 155 of whom were in intensive care .
Both of these figures have been falling in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a cause for cautious optimism '' .
However , she warned that `` even a very small easing up '' in restrictions and social distancing `` could throw all of that progress into reverse '' .
The National Records of Scotland ( NRS ) figures also showed that the total number of people who died in Scotland in the week to 19 April was 1,911 - nearly 80 % higher than the average number registered in the same week over the past five years ( 1,067 ) .
Of these 844 excess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 was the underlying cause , while 38 were attributed to cancer and 83 to dementia and Alzheimers .
More than 100 of the `` excess '' deaths for that week are still to be explained , and Ms Sturgeon said `` this is an issue we need to do further work on to make sure we understand it fully '' .
Doctors have urged people to continue to come forward with non-coronavirus health concerns , with referral rates for suspected cancer cases falling by 72 % .
Where do these figures come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Scottish government at its regular briefing come from Health Protection Scotland ( HPS ) , and only include deaths where coronavirus has been confirmed by laboratory testing .
The stats which come out on Wednesdays from NRS provide a much wider picture , covering all cases where coronavirus is mentioned on a death certificate - even if the patient was not in hospital and had not been tested , and where the virus is suspected or assumed to have been present .
This is why they are referred to by NRS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the data captures all deaths where the virus was a confirmed , suspected or probable cause of death , either as an underlying cause or directly contributing to it .

The stats which come out on Wednesdays from NRS provide a much wider picture, covering all cases where coronavirus is mentioned on a death certificate - even if the patient was not in hospital and had not been tested, and where the virus is suspected or assumed to have been present.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: NI Covid-19 pandemic death toll rises to 250

The number of Covid-19 related deaths in Northern Ireland has risen to 250 , the health minister has said .
Eight more deaths occurred in the past 24 hours , but another 26 over previous days have been added to the total because of counting system problems .
It means the death toll has risen by 34 from 216 fatalities reported on Tuesday .
Robin Swann said he had asked officials to investigate after figures on Sunday recorded only one more Covid-19 death .
Revised modelling has indicated NI could see 1,500 deaths in the first 20 weeks of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Health on Wednesday show there are currently 675 people being treated for Covid-19 , while more than 2,500 people with suspected or confirmed cases have been discharged from hospital since the outbreak began .
The figures also show there are currently 36 people in intensive care with Covid-19 - a drop from 42 on Sunday - while 40 intensive care beds remain available .
There have been 57 coronavirus outbreaks in care homes .
At the executive 's daily press conference , Mr Swann said he appreciated the overall number of deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` significant '' .
He said that due to the length of time it takes to register a death , there had been a delay in some deaths being reported .
`` It 's not that the deaths were never going to be reported , but it 's the timeline , '' said the health minister .
`` I appreciate that this latest total will cause some alarm , given the scale of the increase from yesterday .
`` These daily figures are compiled for surveillance purposes to help us track the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible . ''
Daily figures would always be subject to some degree of revision , as deaths were being officially registered at different times in busy hospitals , he added .
Speaking at Stormont , the minister confirmed that a rigorous programme of testing , tracing and tracking would now be implemented in Northern Ireland .
He said an expansion of testing would include : Testing in care homes would also be increased , he said , while there would also be testing and surveillance in GP practices and emergency departments .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , sadly , there will be more deaths in the days and weeks ahead , '' Mr Swann told the press briefing .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
He said there could not be a `` quick fix '' but , speaking cautiously , he did believe there had been an improvement in infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McBride said health officials had recorded a `` flattening '' of the Covid-19 infection curve .
`` We have seen a flattening of the curve , the number of admissions to hospitals has begun to stabilise and decline , and we have seen the number of admissions to ICU stabilise , flatten and begin to dip , '' said Dr McBride .
However , he warned that it was still too early for people to `` drop their guard '' .
Dr McBride added that the figures being reported currently were not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of deaths from Covid-19 in Northern Ireland .
`` There will be excess deaths that will not be reported in the data where Covid-19 has been the cause of death yet , '' he said .
It would be some weeks before those figures would become clear , added the chief medical officer .
• A further 49 deaths related to Covid-19 have been recorded in the Republic of Ireland , bringing the country 's total to 769 • More than 3,000 small businesses eligible for a Stormont grant are yet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urge the executive to consider reopening cemeteries in NI - but parties are split on the issue • Translink is tweaking its weekend local bus services to cater for essential workers who need to travel at peak times • The head of the NI Civil Service has held talks with the group of chief executives who oversee the 11 councils , about different restrictions some councils have been relaxing • NI exams board CCEA will consult on how GCSE , AS and A-level results can be appealed in 2020

"We have seen a flattening of the curve, the number of admissions to hospitals has begun to stabilise and decline, and we have seen the number of admissions to ICU stabilise, flatten and begin to dip," said Dr McBride.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Plane engine stalled and caught fire after 'engineer's fuel error'

An aircraft had to make an emergency landing after one engine caught fire and the other stalled due to a fuel additive error , a report has found .
The plane took off from Gatwick Airport on 26 February after an engineer using an internet calculator added 37 times too much of the chemical .
The engineer had not carried out the task before , the Air Accidents Investigation Branch ( AAIB ) said .
The Titan Airlines plane returned to the airport safely .
The Airbus A321 was being moved from Gatwick Airport to Stansted Airport at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board , but no passengers .
The amount of Kathon - which is used to prevent contamination by microbes - to be added to the plane 's fuel was about 1.6kg , but after using an internet calculator the engineer added 60kg , the AAIB reported .
`` [ The engineer ] did not recognise that he was using an excessive quantity . ''
The task had not been designated as `` critical '' , which meant no additional checks were carried out to ensure it was done properly , the AAIB said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was told that at about 500ft ( 152m ) one of the plane 's engines started `` banging and surging '' , shortly after it took off at about 00:10 GMT .
The flight commander said the plane was `` yawing and fishtailing all over the place '' , before flames were seen coming from the engine .
The commander issued a Mayday call before seeing the other engine 's controls `` begin to fluctuate '' .
A `` stall '' message was displayed in the cockpit three times , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the AAIB said .
A full report will be published in due course , the investigators said .
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The amount of Kathon - which is used to prevent contamination by microbes - to be added to the plane's fuel was about 1.6kg, but after using an internet calculator the engineer added 60kg, the AAIB reported.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Study to track infection and immunity levels

Twenty thousand households in England are being contacted to take part in a study to track coronavirus in the general population .
The study aims to improve understanding of infection levels and how many people may have immunity to the virus .
Volunteers will provide nose and throat swabs on a regular basis to see whether they have the virus .
The findings will help to inform the government 's strategy for easing the lockdown .
Meanwhile , the government 's scientific advisers will present their findings to ministers later on whether the public should wear face masks .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expectation is that the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) will recommend that the public should not wear medical face masks , Newsnight 's Nicholas Watt says .
But the scientists may well say that people should be free to wear their own masks or a scarf across their face as they do provide some benefit , he added .
• Should we all be wearing masks now ?
• When will we have a drug to treat coronavirus ?
• Experts : Does UK 's isolation advice go far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Royal College of GPs , said advising the public to wear masks as a voluntary activity rather than a mandatory one `` makes sense '' .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` In most cases there 's no researched evidence to support wearing a mask if you 're basically fit and well , '' he said , adding that it can lead to a `` higher risk '' of infection if people touch the mask and their eyes .
`` However… if someone is coughing and spluttering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks in order to protect other people . ''
The tracking study being announced by the Department of Health is the largest to date of the population in England , with 20,000 households being approached by the Office for National Statistics to take part in the pilot phase .
Tests will initially be undertaken once a week for five weeks and then every month for 12 months .
Both those with symptoms of the virus and without will be tested - with participants drawn from a representative sample of the UK population by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antibody tests ) will also be taken from adults in 1,000 households to ascertain whether they have had the virus in the past and have developed some form of immunity .
Monthly samples will continue to be taken for a year .
One of the great unknowns when it comes to coronavirus is just how many people are infected but do not show symptoms .
There is some evidence that as many as half of infections are asymptomatic .
Knowing the extent of this will be crucial in managing the gradual moves out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study will provide help with that - and more .
With the initial results expected early in May it will also provide some clue to the extent of transmission in the community overall .
The lack of testing means officials are only able to estimate the spread of the virus from the numbers coming into hospital .
As we move forward , it will also enable the government to respond quickly to any speeding up of transmission .
Meanwhile , the antibody element to the work - when a reliable test is available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
But surveillance is just one prong in the armoury the government needs to get the UK back to normal life and keep the virus at bay .
A more difficult element to achieve is a widespread and efficient testing regime .
This is essential to allow any outbreak in any part of the population to be contained .
We still do not have that in place .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the research would answer `` crucial questions '' as policy makers , clinicians and scientists `` continue to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
These include improving understanding of the proportion of people who have had the virus without showing symptoms and how long any immunity to the disease lasts .
The answers will refine computer modelling used by scientists to test the impact of easing various lockdown measures before trying them out .
The first results should be available next month .
Antibody testing - those that show if someone has had the virus in the past - is considered crucial in providing an exit pathway from the current lockdown , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But England 's chief medical officer , Prof Chris Whitty , told Wednesday 's daily Downing Street briefing that there is currently not a test available that Public Health England has enough confidence in .
Earlier this month , the government admitted that none of the 3.5 million test kits it had bought from China at a cost of £20m was usable but insisted it was continuing to work with other potential suppliers .
Scientists at Oxford University are in the process of validating an antibody test , also known as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this study .
They are on track to have a `` fully validated and an accreditation compliant test '' in place by 4 May , according to Prof Derrick Crook , who is among those co-ordinating the programme of work at Oxford University .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Introducing an antibody blood test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection among the public is one of `` five pillars '' of the government 's testing strategy , designed to suppress the virus and prevent a resurgence of infections later this year .
The government has pledged 100,000 tests a day by the end of April .
Wednesday 's figures showed 22,814 tests were carried out .
'Not going to be eradicated' The study comes after Prof Whitty warned the UK would have to live with some `` disruptive '' social distancing measures for at least the rest of the year .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way out of lockdown would be via a `` highly effective vaccine '' or drugs to treat the disease , he said .
Wednesday 's figures showed a further 759 people died with the virus in UK hospitals , bringing the total number of deaths to 18,100 .
However , Mr Raab told reporters at the coronavirus briefing there was `` light at the end of the tunnel '' after it was confirmed the UK had reached the peak of infections .
• England 's deputy chief medical officer has said she believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` very unpleasant experience '' which led her to take 10 days off work • The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin ( BAPIO ) has written to the heads of NHS bodies in the UK calling for staff to be risk assessed over wider concerns over the disproportionately high number of black and minority ethnic healthcare worker deaths due to Covid-19 • Current statistics on deaths in care homes are likely to be an `` underestimate '' , Prof Whitty says • All of Germany 's states have announced plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of coronavirus • Prince Louis has been photographed making a colourful rainbow poster - a symbol of hope during the coronavirus lockdown - to mark his second birthday How have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
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Blood samples (antibody tests) will also be taken from adults in 1,000 households to ascertain whether they have had the virus in the past and have developed some form of immunity. Monthly samples will continue to be taken for a year.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson was 'just another patient' - New Zealand nurse

Boris Johnson was just `` another patient we were trying to do our best for , '' the New Zealand nurse credited with helping to save his life has said .
Jenny McGee was praised by the PM for standing by his bedside `` when things could have gone either way '' while he was in intensive care with coronavirus .
She said she had n't expected him to mention her , saying it was a `` shock '' .
She insisted Mr Johnson received no special treatment and `` absolutely needed '' to be in intensive care .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specifically thanked by the PM , said it felt `` quite strange '' looking after Mr Johnson , as he had never cared for someone so high profile before .
Speaking to Television New Zealand ( TVNZ ) , Ms McGee said she was not `` fazed '' by treating the prime minister , adding it was `` just another day at the office '' .
`` As a unit he was just another patient we were trying to do our best for , '' she said .
`` We take it very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these patients who come into us , it 's a very scary thing for them so we do n't take it lightly . ''
She said the pair `` chatted away '' and that Mr Johnson was `` interested in where I came from and what my story was '' .
Ms McGee , who has worked in intensive care for 10 years , said it is `` heartbreaking '' to watch some patients pass away without their families , calling it the `` saddest part '' of her job .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to these patients by `` holding their hand '' , when the virus makes it `` unsafe '' for some loved ones to visit .
Nurses also have to keep a `` cool head '' in stressful situations and prioritise getting patients `` through the night '' , she added .
• Boris Johnson : 'It could have gone either way' • Caring for PM in hospital 'surreal ' for nurse After being singled out by Mr Johnson in a video thanking NHS staff , Ms McGee , from Invercargill on the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jenny from New Zealand '' .
She said the PM 's praise came `` totally out of the blue '' , adding her first reaction was that her friends were playing a `` joke '' on her .
`` I could n't believe what he said on TV , '' she added .
She later received a message of thanks from her `` hero '' New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern .
Ms McGee said : `` I think she 's amazing , she just said how proud she was of me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so heart-warming and that 's something I will never forget . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Asked why she chose not to return home to New Zealand in the wake of the pandemic , despite being on holiday there as the virus began to strike around the world , she said she felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help fight it in the UK .
She said : `` I have lived here for 10 years and I have worked in NHS for that amount of time and I 'm one of the sisters on the unit , a leader on the unit .
`` It was n't an option not to come back and I think by being over here and helping over here I 'm hoping one day to get back to New Zealand . ''
Mr Johnson was discharged from St Thomas ' Hospital in London on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted to be treated for coronavirus .
He spent several nights in the intensive care unit where he was given oxygen .
In a video message after he was discharged , he said the NHS had `` saved my life , no question '' and specifically thanked Ms McGee and another nurse , Luis Pitarma from Portugal .
He said the reason he was able to get enough oxygen was due to the pair keeping watch by his bedside for 48 hours `` thinking ... caring and making the interventions I needed '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has worked at St Thomas 's for nearly four years , revealed he was nervous after being told he would be caring for the prime minister , but said his first conversation with Mr Johnson put him at ease .
In a statement , he said : `` I asked how he would like to be addressed and he said to call him Boris . ''
He said this made him `` less nervous '' because `` he took away any formality '' .
`` He just wanted to be looked after like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big responsibility and I gave it the same respect as I would with any other patient '' , he added .
Mr Pitarma , who is originally from Aveiro in Portugal but lives in west London , said he told Mr Johnson he had been inspired by Florence Nightingale , who established the first professional nursing school in the world at St Thomas ' Hospital in 1860 .
`` I told him how I 'd dreamed about working at St Thomas ' since my first day of training in Portugal in 2009 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her connection to the hospital .
`` He said it was amazing that I wanted to work here for so long and was glad I was there when he needed our care .
It was a pleasure to look after him . ''
Mr Pitarma said he was `` extremely proud '' when Mr Johnson thanked him in person for `` saving his life '' , adding he felt `` so happy '' when the prime minister mentioned him in his video .
Hours later , he received a message of thanks from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling it `` surreal '' .
`` I could n't really believe what was happening .
Apparently I 'm a celebrity in Portugal now !
It 's great to get more recognition for nurses there . ''
The prime minister continues to recover at his country residence , Chequers .

Asked why she chose not to return home to New Zealand in the wake of the pandemic, despite being on holiday there as the virus began to strike around the world, she said she felt a "real sense of duty" to help fight it in the UK.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Pressure to give businesses lockdown 'hope'

The government is facing pressure to give businesses `` hope '' after a warning that social distancing could last for the rest of the year .
Senior Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said it must discuss a return to normality or risk businesses folding .
The hospitality industry has warned that maintaining social distancing until next year will be catastrophic .
Cabinet minister Brandon Lewis said there is a difficult balance to strike between health and economic concerns .
It comes after the government 's chief medical adviser , Professor Chris Whitty , said the UK would have to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least the rest of the year .
• The businesses adapting to life under lockdown • What are the social distancing rules ?
Sir Geoffrey , treasurer of the influential 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme that some companies are `` likely to cease trading '' unless they receive `` some form of indication '' of when they can resume business as usual .
`` We have to , on behalf of the businesses of this country , begin to give them a little bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to get back to normality , '' he said .
He stressed that the next steps must be carried out `` gradually '' .
In response , Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Lewis said certain businesses are `` starting to reopen more stores '' with social distancing measures in place .
However , Mr Lewis said `` we do n't want to get ahead of ourselves '' and the best way to protect the public and the NHS was to stay at home .
`` One of the most damaging things for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lockdown too early , '' he said , adding that this would risk a second peak .
BBC Newsnight 's Nicholas Watt said that in a `` very tense '' meeting of the 1922 Committee 's executive , members voiced fears that unless the lockdown is eased within the next few weeks , the UK may no longer have much of a functioning economy .
His comments come as the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies said the UK 's budget deficit is set to see `` an absolutely colossal increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Paul Johnson told the BBC that the economic impact of coronavirus was likely to push the deficit to as high as £260bn .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said it was `` more likely than not '' that the government would spell out `` possible flexing and bending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its next review of the lockdown on 7 May .
She said ideas were being considered that could allow for `` a semblance of normal life '' while maintaining social distancing .
No firm decisions have been taken yet , she added , but considerations included staggering rush hours , employers introducing shift patterns , and different year groups attending school on different days .
Speaking during Wednesday 's daily coronavirus briefing , Prof Whitty said it was `` wholly unrealistic '' to expect life would suddenly return to normal soon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the ideal way out would be via a `` highly effective vaccine '' or drugs to treat the disease .
But he warned that the chance of having those within the next calendar year was `` incredibly small '' .
`` This disease is not going to be eradicated , it is not going to disappear , '' he said .
The latest figures show a further 759 people have died with the virus in UK hospitals , bringing the total number of deaths to 18,100 .
Meanwhile , the government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers later on whether the public should wear face masks .
No decision has yet been made , but the expectation is that the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) will recommend that the public should not wear medical face masks , Newsnight 's Nicholas Watt said .
• What has gone wrong over PPE ?
But the scientists may well say that people should be free to wear their own masks or a scarf across their face as they do provide some benefit , he adds .
Prof Martin Marshall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GPs , said advising the public to wear masks on a voluntary basis rather than a mandatory one `` makes sense '' .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` In most cases there 's no researched evidence to support wearing a mask if you 're basically fit and well , '' he said , adding that it can lead to a `` higher risk '' of infection if people touch the mask and their eyes .
How are you coping with life under the current social restrictions ?
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BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said it was "more likely than not" that the UK government at Westminster would spell out "possible flexing and bending" of the restrictions around the time of its next review of the lockdown on 7 May.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Knife crime in England and Wales rises to record high, ONS figures show

Knife crime in England and Wales increased last year to a new record high , figures released by the Office for National Statistics have shown .
The ONS said police recorded 45,627 offences in the year to December 2019 .
That is 7 % more than in 2018 , and the highest since knife crime statistics were first collected in 2010-11 .
The figures - which do not include Greater Manchester Police because of IT issues - showed a 13 % rise in the West Midlands .
Robbery offences were also up - for the fourth year running - with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 83,930 offences .
There were 670 cases of murder and manslaughter in 2019 , excluding Greater Manchester Police , which is up 15 on the year before .
The total includes 39 people whose bodies were found in a lorry in Grays , Essex , in October .
• Number of suspects charged with crime hits new low • The crimes least likely to be solved Overall trends in crime remain broadly stable , according to the ONS , with the Crime Survey for England and Wales - which includes offences that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was a fall of 5 % compared with 2018 .
The proportion of suspects charged with a crime in England and Wales , meanwhile , has fallen to a new record low .
Home Office figures show that only one in every 14 offences led to court proceedings - less than half the rate five years ago .
The charging rate has been in decline almost continuously since 2014-15 , when changes were made to the collection of the data .
Last year , 7.1 % of crimes resulted in a suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court .
The previous year it was 8.2 % - and in 2014-15 it was 15.5 % .
The percentage of crimes in which suspects were cautioned has also fallen , to 1.3 % from 4.6 % in 2014-15 .
The main reason for the decline appears to be an increase in the number of victims who are co-operating with police investigations and prosecutions .
In 2014-15 , there were 8.7 % of cases where the victims did `` not support action '' .
Last year , that figure had risen to 22.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for rape , with just one in every 66 offences recorded by police leading to a prosecution , or 1.5 % .
In more than 40.6 % of rape cases the victim did not support action being taken .

The figures do not include the period immediately before and during the lockdown, but statistics released by the National Police Chiefs' Council last week showed that serious assaults had fallen by 27% and robberies by 37%; it's thought knife crime will have followed a similar pattern.


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Drivers being 'ripped off for petrol'

Motorists are being ripped off by petrol companies , the AA has claimed , as falling oil prices are not being reflected at the pump .
The motoring group calculates drivers are overcharged by more than £5 a tank .
`` Questions will be asked about the fairness of pump prices during the great oil crash of 2020 , '' the AA said .
Brian Madderson , chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association , told the BBC that independent retailers are `` struggling to survive '' .
The price of oil has crashed in recent days , leaving the wholesale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a litre mark , according to the AA .
But the average pump price for unleaded has remained around the £1.10 mark , inching only slightly below that this week .
While the bulk of that price is made up of tax , the AA reckons average pump prices should be about £1 .
• Coronavirus : Why is the petrol price nearing £1 a litre ?
• Why oil is still most important price in the world • Oil plunges for a second day on gloomy outlook Each litre sold of petrol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the retailers ' margin - plus VAT .
The AA reckons petrol sellers should be happy with a margin of 9p a litre , which would make the average pump price of petrol around £1 a litre when the wholesale price is 16p .
`` Instead , the average pump price is higher because retailers say they need to charge 10p a litre more to offset the lower volumes of fuel they are selling , '' said the AA 's fuel spokesperson Luke Bosdet .
But Mr Madderson argues that the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's a once-in-a-lifetime trading situation where independent retailers are seeing volumes down by up to 85 % , '' he said .
If independent garages took a small margin , many of them would go to the wall , he warned .
`` Many [ independent garages ] are the only option in rural areas which means they are essential in helping to keep key workers on the road . ''
He also pointed out that many are selling petrol they bought at the beginning of April , when oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high taxes , which causes high-priced petrol , leads to drivers having to pay more than they should .
`` The immoral fuel supply chain has been ripping off drivers to the tune of more than £20m per day , '' said Howard Cox , founder of the FairFuelUK campaign .
`` Our essential workers need honestly-priced fuel , so they are not under even more financial pressure to help us all . ''
Tory MP Robert Halfon said the big oil companies should do their bit to help : `` They must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living and pass on quickly the fall in international oil prices to drivers .
`` When the coronavirus is over , those who profiteered unnecessarily , will face harsh consequences . ''
Petrol prices are cheapest at supermarkets where chains keep prices low to attract shoppers into their stores .
Some supermarkets have sold petrol at about £1 a litre in recent days , but independent garages ca n't afford to join the price war .
`` In theory petrol prices could fall below £1 per litre if the lower wholesale costs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time people are driving very few miles , so they 're selling vastly lower quantities of petrol and diesel at the moment , '' pointed out RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams .
`` We are concerned about smaller forecourts that provide a vital service in areas where the supermarkets do n't have a foothold .
`` It would be bad news all round if these forecourts shut up shop for good . ''
Mr Madderson said one thing the government could do to help would be to extend the Rural Fuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per litre to petrol retailers in specified rural areas to support hard-pressed businesses .
`` If that was extended to more independent community garages , then that would help them to keep open and keep supplying key workers , '' he added .

"In theory petrol prices could fall below £1 per litre if the lower wholesale costs were reflected at the pumps, but at the same time people are driving very few miles, so they're selling vastly lower quantities of petrol and diesel at the moment," pointed out RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: UK borrowing to see 'colossal increase' to fight virus

The UK 's budget deficit is set to see `` an absolutely colossal increase to a level not seen in peacetime '' , the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies has said .
The economic impact of coronavirus was likely to push the deficit to as high as £260bn , Paul Johnson told the BBC .
He was speaking after latest figures showed that the deficit hit £48.7bn in the 2019-20 financial year .
But Mr Johnson said those figures were `` the numbers before the storm '' .
The deficit last year - the gap between the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £9.3bn higher than in the 2018-19 financial year and equivalent to 2.2 % of GDP .
The Office for National Statistics , which released those figures , said they did not capture the big spending announced by the government to cope with the virus .
`` The coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) pandemic is expected to have a significant impact on the UK public sector finances , '' it added .
`` These effects will arise from both the introduction of public health measures and from new government policies to support businesses and individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects of coronavirus on the public finances would become clearer in the coming months .
Mr Johnson told the BBC 's Today programme that there was still `` a huge amount of uncertainty '' surrounding the economic impact of the virus .
However , the government had announced tax cuts and spending increases worth £100bn , so the effect was `` likely to dwarf the record that we saw during the financial crisis '' .
Mr Johnson said the economy was unlikely to recover quickly afterwards and would remain `` smaller than it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that tax rises and a growing deficit were the likely outcome .
`` I would be astonished if in a couple of years the economy was back where it would have been if it [ the virus ] had never happened , '' he said .
Meanwhile , a closely watched survey of UK businesses has indicated that the economic impact has been even worse than feared .
The IHS Markit/CIPS flash UK composite purchasing managers ' index ( PMI ) , which measures activity in the services and manufacturing sectors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12.9 in April , down from 36 in March .
Any reading below 50 indicates contraction .
Economists polled by Reuters had expected a figure of 31.4 .
`` The dire survey readings will inevitably raise questions about the cost of the lockdown and how long current containment measures will last , '' said Chris Williamson , chief business economist at IHS Markit , adding that the figures pointed to a quarter-on-quarter economic contraction of at least 7 % .
In another development , the Treasury has announced that it is speeding up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cover the cost of its coronavirus measures .
It will now be issuing £180bn worth of government bonds , known as gilts , in the May-to-July period , more than originally intended in those months .
We already knew the government was likely to have to borrow huge sums of money to support the economy .
But now it 's not a `` scenario '' from the Office of Budget Responsibility , but concrete reality .
This morning , the Debt Management Office , the arm of the Treasury that borrows on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , announced how much the government is actually planning to borrow .
That 's £45bn in April alone and a further £180bn from the start of May to the end of July - a total of £225bn in just four months .
One reason is the huge cost of programmes such as furloughing , now expected to cost well north of £50bn .
The other reason is that the government 's revenues - the tax it collects through income tax , VAT and national insurance - are collapsing .
If you shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also turn off the tap on much of the government 's tax income .
The OBR 's scenario was that the government might need to borrow £382bn for the year - about seven times what was expected pre-Covid .
That depends , though , on the shutdown being lifted sooner rather than later .
The Resolution Foundation estimates that if the shutdown continues for six months , borrowing will be even higher for the year - a truly mind-boggling £500bn .
That 's about a quarter of the size of the entire economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the unprecedented support announced for people and businesses means the government expects that a significantly higher proportion of total gilt sales in 2020-21 will take place in the first four months of the financial year , in order to meet the immediate financing needs resulting from Covid-19 , '' the Treasury said .
`` This higher volume of issuance is not expected to be required across the remainder of the financial year . ''

One reason is the huge cost of programmes such as furloughing, now expected to cost well north of £50bn. The other reason is that the government's revenues - the tax it collects through income tax, VAT and national insurance - are collapsing. If you shut down much of the economy, you also turn off the tap on much of the government's tax income.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Heads say 1 June earliest realistic school opening

The earliest `` realistic '' point at which schools in England could start re-opening would be 1 June , head teachers ' leader Geoff Barton has said .
`` We can not see any realistic way that schools could be re-opened to more pupils before the second half of the summer term , '' said the ASCL leader .
And `` planning would need to begin very soon '' in order to meet a 1 June target .
Schools closed their doors to all except vulnerable children and those of key workers over a month ago .
At the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date was set for returning to school , quashing speculation about an imminent return .
The education secretary said if and when five thresholds in the fight against coronavirus were reached , a date could be set for schools to reopen : • the NHS 's ability to cope is fully protected • there are sufficient supplies of testing and protective equipment • there is no risk of a `` second peak '' of infections It 's a safety-first approach , with school leaders backing the reliance on medical advice .
Once those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be set for schools to re-open .
But it would not be immediate , with schools expecting a further `` lead in '' time , possibly of weeks , to prepare for a complicated , staged return that allows them to maintain social distancing .
Parents would also have to be persuaded it was safe .
With such a time frame , starting this half term becomes very unlikely .
If opening after half term , it would mean somewhere in the seven weeks between 1 June and the term ending in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whether social distancing can really be feasible in schools .
• No date set for schools to re-open • Laptops offered for pupils learning at home in the lockdown Katharine Birbalsingh , head of Michaela Community School , in Brent , north London , criticised the `` pretence '' social distancing might work in schools , with narrow corridors , small classrooms and lots of interactions , particularly between younger children .
`` Social distancing in schools is simply impossible , '' she said .
`` We 're considered to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would find it impossible . ''
And there are other questions around safety : • Would children with family members vulnerable because of health conditions return to school ?
• How many vulnerable staff would need to be shielded ?
• What protective equipment might be needed for teachers ?
Earlier this week , a petition from NHS nurse Iain Wilson warned against any early push to re-open schools .
`` Do not make us the global guinea pigs , '' he said .
`` It is self-evidently unwise to force hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a pandemic . ''
If schools are to maintain social distancing , they could not run at full capacity , meaning a phased return , such as starting with a few year groups or pupils rotating between studying at home and school .
Mr Barton , general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , said it could mean staggering break times and putting a limit on class sizes .
Robert Halfon , who chairs the Education Select Committee , said primary schools should be the first back .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling behind at an early stage , the MP said .
But Mr Barton said the priority should be Years 10 and 12 , who are part-way through GCSEs and A-levels , and Year 6 , where children are about to move to secondary school .
And Jules White , head of Tanbridge House School , in West Sussex , asked what plans there would be for next summer 's exams when so much study time has been lost .
Star academy trust chief executive Hamid Patel , meanwhile , said it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order in which its pupils return .
There is also a possibility that some pupils will not go back at all this term - or at least for anything like a regular timetable .
`` We want to be back as soon as it 's safe , '' said National Education Union joint head Kevin Courtney .
`` But there 's a chance that there will be no full re-opening before the end of term .
`` There 's a responsibility to think about what that will mean for children 's education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked about the importance of getting pupils back before the school year finishes .
And in the meantime , other countries might provide evidence of how a return might work .
In France , primary-school pupils will start to go back , in classes of no more than 15 , from 11 May .
And in the Netherlands , they will go back , on a part-time basis , on the same date , with secondary pupils returning from 1 June .
`` What is crucial is that schools are able to re-open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff , pupils and parents - and that it is as safe as possible , '' said Mr Barton .

With such a time frame, starting this half term becomes very unlikely. If opening after half term, it would mean somewhere in the seven weeks between 1 June and the term ending in mid-July.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Twitter bans incitement to attack 5G towers

Twitter is to delete `` unverified claims '' that could lead directly to the destruction of critical infrastructure or cause widespread panic .
It changed its rules following a series of attacks on mobile phone towers in the UK , fuelled by the spread of false conspiracy theories on social media .
Twitter said it would not remove 5G and coronavirus misinformation , but would remove direct incitement to action .
Tweets that could cause `` widespread panic '' will also be removed .
Twitter gave two examples of tweets that would violate its new policy : • `` 5G @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towers in your neighbourhood ! ''
• `` The National Guard just announced that no more shipments of food will be arriving for two months !
Run to the grocery store and buy everything . ''
Scientists say the idea of a connection between Covid-19 and 5G is `` complete rubbish '' and biologically impossible .
The conspiracy theories have been branded `` the worst kind of fake news '' by NHS England medical director Stephen Powis .
On 20 April , media regulator Ofcom found TV channel London Live to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aired with David Icke on coronavirus .
It said Icke had `` expressed views which had the potential to cause significant harm to viewers in London during the pandemic '' .

It said Icke had "expressed views which had the potential to cause significant harm to viewers in London during the pandemic".


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Prince Louis' rainbow tribute in second birthday pictures

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 's son Prince Louis has been photographed making a colourful rainbow poster - a symbol of hope during the coronavirus lockdown - to mark his second birthday .
His handprint artwork is one of several photographs released by the family to celebrate the occasion on Thursday .
Similar pictures by children have appeared in windows across the country .
Prince Louis was photographed by his mother the Duchess of Cambridge in Norfolk earlier this month .
In a series of images , Kate has captured her son - wearing a smart blue gingham-style shirt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ displaying his brightly painted palms and fingers .
In one portrait , his coloured digits are raised to his cheeks with apparent excitement .
The duchess - a keen amateur photographer and patron of the Royal Photographic Society - has regularly released pictures she has taken of her other children , Prince George and Princess Charlotte , to mark their birthdays .
Louis ' artwork is likely to be part of William and Kate 's home-schooling lessons , with the duchess recently admitting she kept the make-shift classroom up and running during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having that bit of structure , actually .
It 's great , there are so many great tips online and fun activities that you can do with the children so it has n't been all hardcore , '' she said .
Kate also revealed her surprise at her children 's awareness about the coronavirus outbreak and how she has tackled the subject with them in `` age appropriate '' ways .
Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge , fifth in line to the throne , was born on St George 's Day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lindo Wing of St Mary 's Hospital in Paddington , London , weighing 8lb 7oz .
He was christened at 11 weeks old , by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby , in the Chapel Royal at St James 's Palace in front of friends and family .
Prince Louis has featured in a number of images released by the Cambridges and recently appeared in a video with his older brother and sister applauding the nation 's health workers and carers .
Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall wished their grandson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their Clarence House twitter account .
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bbcuk--2020-04-23--Zoom meetings targeted by abuse footage sharers

Investigations are under way after at least three Zoom meetings were infiltrated by people sharing footage of children being sexually abused .
The latest incident occurred on Tuesday during a legal education seminar on the video conferencing platform .
A law lecturer , who was a guest speaker at the online event , said his computer screen was `` overtaken '' by `` incredibly distressing '' footage .
Zoom said it was `` looking into '' what had happened .
The case has been referred to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre , which is part of the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee , reader in English law at King 's College London , told BBC News around 40 people were logged into the meeting , which had been publicised on social media .
About 20 minutes in , as he delivered his presentation , the session was interrupted .
`` All the screens were overtaken by someone sharing abuse images , '' said Mr Lee .
`` I tried to pull all the plugs out of my computer .
`` I 've never seen anything like it - it was incredibly distressing . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ resumed more child abuse footage appeared , so it was abandoned .
It is thought three pre-recorded video clips had been played .
They were described by those present as containing images of the most extreme abuse of very young children .
Prof Michael Doherty , from Lancaster University , who organised the virtual meeting , said on Twitter : `` Just had an absolutely awful experience of Zoombombing ... huge apologies to everyone in the meeting .
`` We will need to move to a different system with passwords and invitation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , a Zoom meeting organised by the 40,000-strong Federation of Young European Greens was infiltrated by someone streaming child sexual abuse material .
It was reported to police in Belgium , where the organisation is based .
A similar incident is also believed to have happened last Friday during an online discussion about Covid-19 contact tracing apps , hosted by the Open Rights Group , which aims to `` preserve and promote '' people 's rights in the digital age .
The Internet Watch Foundation , which works to remove child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had been alerted .
Zoom said it was `` looking into '' what had happened .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
A company spokesperson said : `` These incidents are truly devastating and appalling , and our user policies explicitly prohibit any obscene , indecent , illegal or violent activity or content on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behaviour and recently updated several features to help our users more easily protect their meetings . ''
The firm said it had made the Zoom Meeting ID less visible and had added a new security icon to its meeting controls .
`` We encourage users to report any incidents of this kind either to Zoom so we can take appropriate action or directly to law enforcement authorities , '' the spokesperson added .
Earlier this month , Zoom 's chief executive , Eric Yuan , apologised for `` falling short '' on security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privacy features .
The NCA said it was aware of a `` number '' of reports .
NCA deputy director Charles Yates said : `` The NCA is working with partners in the UK and abroad , law enforcement and private sector , to respond to these cases .
`` Operators of these platforms need to do all they can to ensure their services are n't exploited or compromised in this way , particularly at a time when live streaming applications have reported significant increases in their use . ''

"Operators of these platforms need to do all they can to ensure their services aren't exploited or compromised in this way, particularly at a time when live streaming applications have reported significant increases in their use."


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Chatham balcony shootings suspect Michael Alunomoh charged

A man has been charged with possessing imitation firearms after weapons were apparently fired from the balcony of a block @ @ @ @ @ were called to the apartments in Dock Head Road , Chatham , on Wednesday morning @ @ @ @ @ , was later arrested and six imitation firearms were seized , Kent Police said Mr @ @ @ @ @ East , is accused of possessing imitation weapons with intent to cause fear of violence @ @ @ @ @ appear at Medway Magistrates ' Court later .

A man has been charged with possessing imitation firearms after weapons were apparently fired from the balcony of a block of flats.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--World Book Night: One in three reading more during lockdown

People in the UK are turning to books to help them through lockdown , according to a new survey by The Reading Agency .
The figures , released on Thursday to mark World Book Night , suggest 31 % of people are reading more since lockdown restrictions were imposed in the UK .
Most are reading fiction , with classics and crime novels proving popular .
Almost half ( 45 % ) of the young people - aged 18-24 - asked said they were reading more than they had been before .
And many of the 2,103 people surveyed cited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escapism or distraction during these troubled times , and that having more time was the key to reading more .
Notably , the research found that titles regarding fictional epidemics , such as Albert Camus ' The Plague , and The Viral Storm , by Nathan D. Wolfe are seeing increased sales .
This is in line with films such as Contagion becoming more popular on streaming and download platforms .
Publishers and authors including Bernardine Evaristo , Margaret Atwood and Matt Haig have lent their support to the annual World Book Night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy a chapter alone or with loved ones and people online , during a # ReadingHour from 19:00 BST on Thursday .
It will see 50,000 books in all formats given away to people in prisons , hospitals , youth centres and mental health groups .
While audio and digital books can be given away immediately , the print books will not be distributed until later this year , following government advice .
Debbie Hicks , from The Reading Agency , stressed the scheme - also backed by the writers JoJo Moyes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now help `` bring individuals , friends and families together to connect a nation in self isolation '' .
`` This year 's World Book Night celebrations provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the proven power of reading to connect people , '' she said .
`` Never has this connectivity been needed more than at this anxious time of social distancing . ''
• BBC Culture : The best books of 2020 so far The 2020 list of books being given away include How to Be a Footballer by Peter Crouch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as Double Crossed by Brian Wood , Diversify by June Sarpong , and The Hitchhiker 's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams .
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn is also listed and its author added it was `` quite magical '' to be involved in a night of national collective reading .
`` When I was a little girl reading by torchlight under the bedcovers , I could n't possibly have imagined how books would change my life , '' said Winn .
`` So to have The Salt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite magical , I 'm very proud to add my written words to the millions of others tonight and watch their transformative power change more lives . ''
World Book Night 2020 titles , to be given away : The Hitchhiker 's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie The Dead Ex by Jane Corry How to Be a Footballer by Peter Crouch Practical Zen : Meditation and Beyond by Julian Daizan Skinner The Truth About Lies by Tracy Darnton The Man I Think I Know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lara Cliffe ( Quick Reads ) by Milly Johnson Bedtime Stories for Stressed Out Adults by Various , ed .
by Lucy Mangan One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus Things a Bright Girl Can Do by Sally Nicholls Somebody Give This Heart a Pen by Sophia Thakur On the Come Up by Angie Thomas Death in the Dordogne by Martin Walker Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

The 2020 list of books being given away include How to Be a Footballer by Peter Crouch, North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, as well as Double Crossed by Brian Wood, Diversify by June Sarpong, and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Fears some ambulances 'left Covid patients at home'

Some seriously-ill Covid-19 patients in London may not have been taken to hospital by ambulance because of a system temporarily used to assess people , a BBC investigation suggests .
Patients could have `` become very sick or died at home '' instead , a paramedic claimed .
One family said they had to plead to get hospital care .
The London Ambulance Service ( LAS ) says it keeps its systems for assessing patients under review .
Medical professionals use a scoring system , called 'NEWS2 ' , as one way of identifying patients at risk of deteriorating , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under normal circumstances , ambulance teams would blue-light anyone with a score of five or above to hospital .
But on March 18 , LAS workers were told to apply the NEWS2 check to suspected Covid patients - and that many of those with a score up to seven could be `` suitable for community care '' , even if there were issues with breathing rate , oxygen supply and consciousness .
LAS said the system of checks it used reflects evolving understanding of how the disease progresses to identify those at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are used by ambulance crews , who are also expected to use their own clinical judgement .
But one paramedic , who wanted to remain anonymous because she did not have permission to speak to the media , said she believed that as a result of the NEWS2 advice , crews went to patients `` who may have been seen by ambulance before and then suddenly became very sick or even just dropped dead . ''
The LAS directive came just one day before Northwick Park , a major north-west London hospital that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients it has received , declared a major incident and said that its critical care unit was full .
Over the Easter weekend , the LAS changed its guidance to say suspected coronavirus patients with a wider range of symptoms and a much lower NEWS2 score of three to five should be taken to A & E for assessment .
A LAS spokesman said : `` We are constantly updating our guidance to staff to better reflect the national understanding of this new disease and ensure we always provide the best advice for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our staff . ''
Sital Punja , from north west London , said she had to plead with paramedics to admit her husband to hospital when his Covid-19 symptoms worsened .
Anand Punja , 45 , was fit and healthy before he contracted coronavirus .
But on March 30 , day eight of his illness , he was struggling to breathe.
, The family spoke to NHS111 and a GP who recommended calling an ambulance .
But the paramedics refused to take him to hospital , even though Anand 's oxygen saturation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be 96-98 % , Mrs Punja said : `` The paramedics said he was fine and that I should just give him paracetamol and water . ''
But two days later he was unable to get from the bed to the toilet and was begging for oxygen , so she called 999 again '' I waited three hours for an ambulance .
The paramedics were the same two people as the previous visit .
They said that they had been there before and they did n't need to assess him .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to be admitted and they said that he would need to be blue lipped and in cardiac arrest . ''
She said that , even though her husband was then taken in , the experience of having to persuade them was traumatic .
`` It 's just playing a lottery with lives . ''
He was in hospital for five days and needed intravenous antibiotics and oxygen .
LAS said patient confidentiality meant they could not comment on the case .
An emergency medicine doctor , who also wanted to remain anonymous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had capacity for seriously-ill patients and that it was a concern that his hospital had seen fewer of them .
`` We were surprised over those weeks that the emergency department was not as busy as we thought it would be , and overall patient attendances were low , '' she said .
`` At the same time we , as emergency department staff , became aware of the rules implemented by the LAS where they were not bringing possible Covid patients into hospital unless they had an early warning score of seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many potentially sick patients have been left at home to deteriorate . ''
A spokeswoman for the GMB union which represents some ambulance personnel said : `` Never before have our ambulance members faced a challenge like Covid-19 .
We 're beyond proud of them .
`` They have handled the pressure put on both them and their families with courage , professionalism and determination . ''
Trisha Greenhalgh , professor of primary care health sciences at Oxford University , and an expert in identifying at-risk patients , said NEWS scores were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid , and NHS staff need to use their clinical judgement too .

But one paramedic, who wanted to remain anonymous because she did not have permission to speak to the media, said she believed that as a result of the NEWS2 advice, crews went to patients "who may have been seen by ambulance before and then suddenly became very sick or even just dropped dead."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Test data 'reassuring for front-line healthcare workers'

A study of NHS staff tested for coronavirus offers some reassurance to front-line workers , say researchers .
A Newcastle University team analysed the results of 1,000 tests carried out on workers at local hospitals in March .
They found the number of front-line workers testing positive was no different to that of staff working in non-clinical roles .
This is `` reassuring for front-line healthcare workers and suggests that PPE is effective '' , they say .
In the study , published in a letter to The Lancet , staff at two hospitals in Newcastle were offered tests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local GPs and paramedics were also eligible .
The staff fell into three groups : • staff who did not see patients but might be at greater risk of hospital infection ( cleaners , lab staff ) Researchers at Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals found no evidence of a significant difference between the three groups , with rates of infection of 15 % in the first group , 16 % in the second , and 18 % in the third .
The data also gives an insight into the growth of the epidemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flattening '' after the introduction of social distancing measures .
`` We got a glimpse into the epidemiology of the Covid pandemic in England , '' said Dr Duncan .
`` And we got evidence , although it 's not direct proof , that the social distancing measures introduced by the government are having an impact on the spread of coronavirus in England . ''

Researchers at Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals found no evidence of a significant difference between the three groups, with rates of infection of 15% in the first group, 16% in the second, and 18% in the third.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Pub landlords turn to punters to survive lockdown

Pubs and restaurants around the UK are turning to crowdfunding websites to survive the lockdown .
Village locals and inner-city craft beer bars are among those asking for pledges of up to £30,000 .
Nick Antona , chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale ( Camra ) , said many venues have had to become takeaways or shops to pay the bills .
But some , faced with rent , rates and cellars of lost stock , are having to ask for help as a last resort .
The BBC found at least 15 active appeals on the website Crowdfunder.co.uk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music venues to help them through the lockdown , though there are likely to be dozens more .
Some are using other sites such as GoFundMe , or are launching donation schemes locally .
'We will get through this' Barge East , a floating pub and restaurant in Hackney Wick , has carved out a reputation as one of London 's top-rated venues on Trip Advisor .
But co-owner 'Tommo ' Thomson said it would only survive until June without some form of emergency funding .
He and his two business partners launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed on 23 March .
Since then , the venue has raised £32,000 in just under a month , £5,000 more than the target .
`` It really has helped secure our future , '' said Mr Thomson , 34 .
`` It means that , providing this crisis does n't go on for the next year , we will survive as a business - we will get through this . ''
Those pledging will effectively receive vouchers for use in the restaurant on a 19th Century Dutch barge .
But other `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
For £500 , the head chef will cook at a house for up to six people .
The word `` covid '' appeared more than any other in 1,000 titles of appeals hosted on the Crowdfunder website .
People have been turning to crowdfunding sites to help raise money for the NHS , most notably 99-year-old Captain Tom Moore , who raised tens of millions of pounds through Just Giving , but there are also lots of requests for funding to help `` save '' businesses and venues or help them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have pledged to the schemes on Crowdfunder most of which offer vouchers that can be traded in when the venue reopens .
Mr Antona said about 2,000 pubs across the country have moved to `` effectively becoming off-licences or takeaway restaurants '' .
Some , particularly those with an on-site micro-brewery , were even thriving during the pandemic by delivering produce .
`` Unfortunately , others have had to resort to things like crowdfunding to keep money coming in and pay the bills , '' said Mr Antona .
`` If people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's a great initiative - and it really goes to show how much we love our pubs . ''
The 15 pubs around the UK contained in the sample are asking for £296,000 worth of funding .
As of last week , their combined campaigns had amassed £97,672 .
Cities around the country , including Bristol , Manchester and Newcastle , have launched voucher schemes to try to encourage people to buy meal and drink tokens for use when the lockdown lifts .
But some smaller communities around the UK face losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pub does not survive .
'This is our life , our home' Bradley and Charlotte Marchant , who run the Abinger Hatch in Surrey , were on course to have their best trading year since taking over in 2018 .
Their pub is the centre of village life in Abinger Common , which sits miles away from the nearest shop .
However , the lockdown has forced the couple to ask for a month 's worth of costs - £16,000 - through Crowdfunder .
`` For my wife and I this is our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Mr Marchant , 30 .
`` We live above the pub and we love being part of the community .
`` We 've gone from having a good income to having nothing coming through the door . ''
As it stands the couple are still shy of the £16,000 they are hoping for and their premises is just too large to apply for the government 's £25,000 supporting loan .
Though they have started a food home delivery service using their suppliers , the venture is just covering costs .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the couple say they can only last until the end of May without support .
`` We get new emails coming though every time there is a new donation and it has made us cry nearly every time , '' said Mr Marchant .
`` A name will pop up and we will say ' I know that person ' .
The support has been amazing . ''
The rules of the Crowdfunder site require a campaign to reach its project total or the funds are not paid .
'It 's come at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , James and Debra Bolam are hoping to raise £10,000 to see The Cottage Inn through the lockdown .
The pub in Dunstan village relies largely on passing holiday trade through the summer season .
`` The lockdown has come at the worst possible time , '' said Mrs Bolam , 55 .
`` We were fully booked up on our rooms from mid-March through to June .
`` The Easter period usually kicks off our finances for the year , but we have lost all of that . ''
The Bolams also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too large to apply for any discretionary help through the government while their insurance policy only covers outbreaks of a small range of infectious illnesses .
They are about £9,000 short of their total and are seeing their utility bills and rent stack up .
All of their cellar beer will have to be returned before they reopen as it will be out of date .
`` We have to make this work as this is our home as well as our business .
We will hang on as best as we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening again . ''

People have been turning to crowdfunding sites to help raise money for the NHS, most notably 99-year-old Captain Tom Moore, who raised tens of millions of pounds through Just Giving, but there are also lots of requests for funding to help "save" businesses and venues or help them "survive".


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Calls for inquiry on Cheltenham Festival go-ahead

There are calls for an investigation into whether the Cheltenham horse racing festival should have gone ahead , due to concerns it may have led to a high number of local coronavirus cases .
About 150,000 people attended the four-day event in March , which ended 10 days before lockdown measures began .
A former director of Public Health in the region said it should not have gone ahead , and lessons must be learned .
The government has defended its decision not to cancel the festival .
Prof Gabriel Scally , former director of public health in the south @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the University of Bristol , said there `` seemed to be '' a high number of virus cases in Gloucestershire .
`` I think it 's very tempting to link it to the Cheltenham Festival , '' he said .
`` Really from a health point of view [ it ] should have been stopped in advance . ''
Government data shows there have been 972 cases of the virus in Gloucestershire , and 147 people have died .
Earlier this week , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden defended his decision at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the festival .
`` The risk at mass gatherings was no greater or less than it would have been in pubs or restaurants , and the advice at that point was that we did not need to ban mass gatherings , '' he said .
Tewkesbury 's Conservative MP Laurence Robertson , whose constituency Cheltenham Racecourse is in , and who attended this year 's festival , said there should not be a public inquiry specifically into the event taking place .
`` No , I do n't think there should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be an inquiry into the whole handling of coronavirus at an international level . ''

"The risk at mass gatherings was no greater or less than it would have been in pubs or restaurants, and the advice at that point was that we did not need to ban mass gatherings," he said.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Street art thanks NHS staff for tackling coronavirus

Spectacular street art has sprung up all over England to thank NHS workers for their dedication during the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ the country have used their talents to make a big show of their gratitude , @ @ @ @ @ walls .
Sculptor Jamie Wardley created a 100-metre long tribute in a Yorkshire field , @ @ @ @ @ a 1.8m ( 6ft ) statue of a nurse in Exmoor .
Mural artist Rachel @ @ @ @ @ Pontefract .
She said : `` I think people just want to show their appreciation @ @ @ @ @ , I have , in some small way allowed that message to travel . ''
@ @ @ @ @ some of the stunning tributes to the NHS staff .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : @ @ @ @ @ ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise

Mural artist Rachel List has been prolific in Pontefract. She said: "I think people just want to show their appreciation for the NHS and hopefully, I have, in some small way allowed that message to travel."


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Preparing for a Ramadan under lockdown

For Dr Kiran Rahim this year 's Ramadan will be like no other as she spends hours behind a hot mask on an intensive care ward treating people suffering from Covid-19 .
Normally the paediatric registrar would take her children to her mother 's house where the family would eat together or head out into the city to meet some girlfriends at a restaurant for their Iftar - the ritual fast-breaking meal .
This year she will be returning home from Homerton University Hospital , in north-east London , to her husband and their two boys , six and three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she can not fast because of the intensity of her work .
The month of Ramadan , which this year begins on Thursday evening , is considered the holiest of months in the Islamic calendar and normally sees Muslims fast by not eating or drinking during daylight hours as well as being a time for prayer and reflection .
`` Many like me are choosing not to fast when we are working in the ITU ( Intensive Therapy Unit ) , '' Dr Rahim says .
`` It is tough in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can only go one or two hours at a time before you have to take it off and take a drink . ''
She said colleagues in the British Islamic Medical Association had sought advice from scholars who had said there could be an exemption for those working in such an intense and vital role .
`` It is a relief but it is also really sad because the fast is something I want to do , '' she says .
For others in the medical profession breaking their fast will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12-hour shift in stark contrast to times which have gone before .
Any chance of taking a holiday during Ramadan , as some do , also went out of the window when the lockdown began .
And with restrictions set to remain in place until at least 7 May , Dr Rahim , 33 , said she thought it was unlikely that Eid al-fatir , which comes at the end of Ramadan , would be able to be celebrated in the usual way .
`` Ramadan can be very hard but you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
`` I am not sure we will be able to celebrate Eid this year . ''
While things may be tough she says the current situation could help to put things in perspective during a time of spiritual reflection .
`` It will be different but perhaps in many ways it will be a more sincere Ramadan .
We are living through what we might call hell on earth but most of us are fortunate enough to still be able to do what we want to do .
We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There will be many people without jobs or who are struggling to keep a roof over themselves . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise The Muslim Council of Britain has warned people that it will be `` a very different experience '' and advised worshippers to stay at home .
With the mosques closed , families separated , sometimes even in their own houses , Muslims will not be able to break fast and pray together - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are also positives as in the spirit of Ramadan , which calls for community and charity , Muslims seek to help those in need in their areas .
In Stanmore , north-west London , the Hujjat Mosque is running an Iftar on wheels delivery service to provide more than 150 households with meals throughout Ramadan with volunteers helping donate supplies and deliver the food while restaurants in the community take on the catering duties .
`` I think we are seeing the best in people , '' says Asim Nurmohamed , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think 200 volunteers in 48 hours is pretty incredible .
`` Normally we would feed 1,500 people at our centre over the month and some people really rely on it . ''
The hope is to reach about 200 households every night of Ramadan , with about 1,000 people , registering their interest .
The centre has also been given over to Harrow Council to use for distributing food to those in need with donations coming in from the community , Mr Nurmohamed said .
Like many mosques Hujjat has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to Ramadan and will continue to do so throughout the month .
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association ( AMYA ) , a UK Muslim youth charity , has held online fitness classes as well as social activities and prayers but will also be seeking to reach out to the wider community during Ramadan .
Abdul Lodhi , director of charities and welfare at AMYA , said there would normally be large meals which members of the wider community are invited to to learn about Ramadan and Islam but instead they were looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One thing we thought could really help at the moment with all this uncertainty around is the lessons you learn from fasting and how they can be applied to the lockdown situation , '' Mr Lodhi , who lives in east Cheshire in Lancashire , said .
`` It is a very similar state to when you are fasting .
It is not just about starving , there is much more to it .
You are not meant to use unnecessary speech , to use foul language , watch television .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bite your tongue at times .
Everyone knows how annoyed you can get when you are hungry .
`` I think that resilience is something people can really relate to and use at the moment . ''
London-based imam Sabah Ahmedi , 26 , said Ramadan would be tough for worshippers with congregational worship not a possibility in real life but that he would be taking to Instagram for classes and prayers .
`` Ramadan is all about upping your spirituality and nearness to God and we all have more time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
But the most important message is that everyone should stay home and not try to visit family or go to their mosque , which will be closed , he adds .

"It will be different but perhaps in many ways it will be a more sincere Ramadan. We are living through what we might call hell on earth but most of us are fortunate enough to still be able to do what we want to do. We can still put food on the table. There will be many people without jobs or who are struggling to keep a roof over themselves."


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: The parents in lockdown with violent children

For some parents , being at home with their children means facing threats , abuse and violent outbursts .
How can they cope in the isolation of lockdown ?
Julie found out you could buy large knives on the internet when she witnessed her son brandishing one and slashing the furniture at home .
In the past couple of months , she says she has had to call the police twice to their home , most recently as she was barricaded in the bathroom while her son - a young adult - tried to break down the door with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in lockdown together , struggling with isolation , a loss of their support network and a claustrophobic atmosphere that Julie describes as a `` tinderbox '' .
• The children who hit their parents She says she believes her son when he told police that he never meant to hurt her , that he just wanted her to know how angry he was .
But incidents of intimidation happen two or three times a week , she says .
Liam suffered trauma as a child and has learning difficulties which affect memory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family manage his aggressive outbursts with the help of a list of friends and supporters who come round at a moment 's notice to help defuse tensions .
But these coping techniques are threatened by the social distancing rules .
Her husband has to work outside the home , so Julie says if she can not call on these supporters , `` I am very much on my own '' .
It 's not known precisely how many parents live with violence from their children .
Figures compiled by the BBC last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police doubled to 14,133 between 2015 and 2018 - but many may go unreported .
Helen Bonnick , a former social worker and campaigner on the issue , says that international evidence suggests about one in 10 parents may experience some violence from their children , although severe incidents are more rare .
Some aggressive children have problems dealing with their emotions , she says , but others are `` much more manipulative and controlling , in a way that feels more like adult violence '' .
Lockdown raises the stakes for these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the message to parents from violent children `` that they ca n't go out , that they 're stuck in here with them , that they can do what they want and no one will know , '' says Ms Bonnick .
`` Parents who have experienced intimate partner violence and then child-to-parent violence will often say this feels worse - because it 's your own flesh and blood , '' she says .
Neil , who lives in the east of England , says the aggression from his son , Ben , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and became worrying when he was eight .
Now he is living with a teenager and `` suddenly it 's quite dangerous '' - with Ben increasingly reaching for knives or bottles .
Ben is autistic and has moderate learning difficulties as well as ADHD .
The disruption to his routine caused by the coronavirus outbreak has sent his stress levels soaring and made angry outbursts more likely , his father says .
`` He 's that much closer to boiling over constantly .
It really does n't take much for him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like living with a bucket of nitroglycerine sometimes , '' says Neil .
A key coping strategy before the lockdown was taking Ben for long drives , which he found calming .
Now even that has become loaded with anxiety , as they fear being stopped by the police for making an unnecessary journey .
`` Life was hard already and Covid is making it harder , '' Neil says .
Peter Jakob , a clinical psychologist who helps people facing this issue , says the isolation and shame that parents already feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their children .
But he says it can still be addressed , even in lockdown .
Dr Jakob encourages parents to have a network of supporters who can launch what he calls a `` campaign of concern '' - where after an incident , a number of people contact the child using messaging or video-chatting apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime .
`` Most children do n't want others in the community to know that they act in violent , aggressive or otherwise destructive ways , '' he says .
If they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from telling others about their behaviour , they often feel forced to change , he says .
But Suzanne Jacob , chief executive of domestic abuse charity Safelives , says that parents in these circumstances need understanding from the authorities as well as from their communities .
She says in some cases children have used police enforcement of the lockdown against their parents , knowing the adults will be blamed if they flout the law .
`` So while parents are already feeling blamed and inadequate and guilty , this situation is reiterating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how much people will misunderstand the situation they 're in , '' she says .
Ms Jacob says she wants to see more acknowledgement from government that home is n't a safe place for some people , whether that 's victims of abusive partners or parents with violent children .
`` Just acknowledging it is helpful to people .
Survivors often say being acknowledged , being visible is really important - it validates that fact that this is a thing that goes on , '' she says .
`` Those messages would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going mad . ''
* Names of family members and some identifying details have been changed to protect their identities .
For more information on organisations that can help if you are experiencing domestic abuse , visit BBC Action Line .

Neil, who lives in the east of England, says the aggression from his son, Ben, was just "cute" aged four and became worrying when he was eight. Now he is living with a teenager and "suddenly it's quite dangerous" - with Ben increasingly reaching for knives or bottles. Ben is autistic and has moderate learning difficulties as well as ADHD. The disruption to his routine caused by the coronavirus outbreak has sent his stress levels soaring and made angry outbursts more likely, his father says.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Can my boss make me return to work? And other questions

Coronavirus is an infectious disease discovered in China in December 2019 .
Its more precise name is Covid-19 .
There @ @ @ @ @ - most of which circulate amongst animals , including pigs , camels , bats and @ @ @ @ @ a few - such as Covid-19 - that infect humans .
Some coronaviruses cause mild @ @ @ @ @ as the common cold .
Covid-19 is among those that can lead to more serious @ @ @ @ @ Most infected people will have only mild symptoms - perhaps a fever , aching limbs @ @ @ @ @ will recover without special treatment .
But some older people , and those with underlying @ @ @ @ @ disease , diabetes , or cancer are at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell .
@ @ @ @ @ symptoms .

How is the government going to protect vulnerable children who remain unvaccinated? My son has cystic fibrosis and will now be forced to mix - he has not had any access to vaccination.
Because your son is in a clinical risk group - and as long as he is over five - he should soon be offered two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. You should be contacted by your GP or specialist team to arrange this.
With regard to the dangers of mixing, the UK has also recommended that Covid vaccines are offered to all children aged 5 to 11, not just those at high clinical risk. This is likely to start in England in April. Children are generally at much lower risk of becoming seriously ill from a Covid infection, although some do still get sick and need hospital care. Over-12s can already be vaccinated, and it's hoped that extending the rollout to younger age groups will help protect even more children from the risk of catching and spreading Covid.
Schools are expected to work with and support families who have concerns about a pupil returning to the classroom. It is compulsory for school-age children to attend, even if they were previously shielding - the only exception is a small number of children whose clinician or GP has advised them not to attend. If you have concerns about this, you should talk to your doctor.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Private hospitals enable vital surgery to go ahead

Private healthcare facilities - largely the preserve of the affluent prior to the coronavirus pandemic - have been made available to NHS patients in recent weeks .
It has meant some cancer or cardiac patients considered at high risk if they contracted Covid-19 are now able to undergo critical surgery .
On the day the UK went into lockdown , 32-year-old Robert Rodrigues received the news that he had cancer .
`` I was due to get married the week I found out I was diagnosed , '' he said .
The wedding and honeymoon were all put on hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were restricted - and Mr Rodrigues tried to make sense of his diagnosis .
`` I saw the coronavirus as a lesser evil compared to suffering from cancer and it spreading , '' he said .
`` I tend not to be a worrier which is a good thing .
The doctors were all so professional and pulling me through all the way .
`` Their opinion was let 's act quick and I kept telling myself that everything was in hand . ''
Because of the risk of spreading or catching coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his consultations were carried out remotely .
Within three days he was in the privately-run London Bridge Hospital having his tumour removed before it spread .
It was all possible because of a historic deal made between the NHS and private hospitals to acquire thousands of extra beds , ventilators and medical staff .
`` I would definitely urge anyone to get checked out , '' he added .
`` There is no reason for being stuck at home - the healthcare system is still looking after people who have things not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of 28 private and independent hospitals in the capital which have helped the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak .
Operating theatres , beds and intensive care units have all been made available to NHS patients at no extra cost , the hospital 's chief executive Janene Madden said .
Strict precautions are in place to ensure the hospital remains as coronavirus free as possible .
Temperatures are taken and full personal protective equipment ( PPE ) is donned by staff during complex surgeries .
Patients are swabbed in the throat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgery to make sure they are not coronavirus positive - if they are then the surgery is put on hold .
Former milkman Ted Grenham , from East Peckham in Kent , is another patient who has undergone a life-saving operation , this time to have a valve put into his heart .
Mr Grenham has just turned 83 and because of his age and heart problem is considered to be at risk from coronavirus .
Many London hospitals have large numbers of Covid-19 patients and undergoing surgery at one would have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 1,000 Covid patients at King 's [ College Hospital ] , '' says Prof Phil MacCarthy - part of a team of doctors at the hospital who have come to London Bridge to operate on Mr Grenham .
`` There are many , many wards full of patients .
`` So this risk benefit about exposing the patient [ to coronavirus ] versus leaving them alone is that much more difficult at King 's because trying to keep them Covid free at King 's is very much harder .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital in this relatively Covid-free environment is a lot less than at King 's .
`` We are working on a recovery plan to get the patients back to King 's to start doing these procedures but that 's a complex plan .
`` What we are seeing for the first time is NHS staff working with private hospital staff and they work very well together - I 've been very impressed . ''
The extra resources for the NHS have helped make other urgent treatments possible during the pandemic .
The NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need arises , but it is the mass purchasing of these resources which is unprecedented .
Elsewhere across the capital , The Cromwell Hospital , in Kensington , is also ensuring critical urology , gynaecology , colorectal and endocrine surgery are made available for patients from several London NHS trusts .
Director Phil Luce said Bupa was `` dedicated to helping alleviate pressure '' on the NHS and it had also shared ventilators with the new temporary Nightingale hospital in east London .
`` We 're facing the greatest challenge in healthcare that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` We will do whatever we can to support the NHS to ensure patients get the medical help they need . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

"I would definitely urge anyone to get checked out," he added. "There is no reason for being stuck at home - the healthcare system is still looking after people who have things not related to Covid-19."


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Should I start taking vitamin D?

Should I start taking vitamin D?

Public Health England is recommending people consider taking daily vitamin D supplements throughout the spring and summer as the coronavirus lockdown continues .
Normally , many of us get enough of it by spending time outdoors .
Our skin makes it when exposed to the sun .
The sunshine vitamin , along with others , can help our body stay fit to ward off illness and infections - important during a pandemic .
So who might need supplements ?
What is the advice ?
People in the UK are already advised to consider taking a supplement of 10 micrograms a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October to March ) , and all year round if we are n't spending much time outdoors .
Public Health England is concerned that people could be missing out on the vitamin during the coronavirus pandemic when we are being advised to stay at home more .
It recommends vitamin D throughout the year if : • you are not often outdoors - if you are housebound because you are shielding , for example • you usually wear clothes that cover up most of your skin when outdoors People with dark skin may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they spend time outdoors .
Scottish and Welsh governments have issued the same advice .
Sara Stanner of the British Nutrition Foundation said : `` Unfortunately , as the effects of coronavirus continue , many of us are limited in the time we can spend outdoors .
Correctly abiding by government rules and staying at home is immensely important and , while many of us have limited access to sunlight , this means we need to take a little extra care to keep our vitamin D levels healthy . ''
Why do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important for healthy bones , teeth and muscles .
A lack of it can lead to a bone deformity illness called rickets in children and a similar bone weakness condition called osteomalacia in adults .
Some studies suggest avoiding deficiency helps our resilience to common colds and flu , although there is no evidence that vitamin D boosts the immune system .
Should I take lots of it ?
No .
Although vitamin D supplements are very safe , taking more than the recommended amount every day can be dangerous in the long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vitamin D supplements : • Children aged 1-10 should not have more than 50 micrograms a day • Infants ( under 12 months ) should not have more than 25 micrograms a day • Adults should not have more than 100 micrograms a day and if they are going to take supplements the recommended amount is 10 micrograms a day Higher doses may sometimes be recommended by a doctor for patients with proven vitamin D deficiency .
Some people with certain medical conditions , such as kidney problems , can not safely take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence that it reduces the risk of catching or getting ill with coronavirus .
But experts do think that it may have benefits during the pandemic .
Vitamin D supplements will improve the health of people who are deficient .
Some researchers have suggested that vitamin D deficiency might be linked with poorer outcomes if someone catches coronavirus .
But other underlying risk factors , such as heart disease , are common in these patients too , making it hard to draw conclusions .
Spanish and French researchers are doing clinical trials to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prof Jon Rhodes , emeritus professor of medicine in the UK , says vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects and there is some research that suggests it may dampen down the body 's immune response to viruses .
This could be relevant in very ill coronavirus patients where severe lung damage can result from an inflammatory `` cytokine storm '' in response to the virus , although much more research is needed to explore this , he says .
Where can I buy it ?
Vitamin D supplements are widely available from supermarkets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vitamin D or part of a multivitamin tablet .
Do not buy more than you need to help keep supplies of supplements available for everyone , say experts .
The ingredient listed on the label of most Vitamin D supplements is D3 .
Vitamin D2 is produced by plants , and Vitamin D3 is the one made by your skin .
Vitamin drops are available for babies .
Although eating a well-balanced diet can help ensure the normal functioning of the immune system , no individual nutrient , food or supplement is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels .
It 's difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone .
Eating a well-balanced diet is important for good health and is advisable even when people are n't facing a pandemic disease outbreak .
It can include vitamin D rich foods such as oily fish and eggs .
Some breakfast cereals , margarines and yoghurts are fortified with vitamin D. Although you can not overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight , strong sun burns skin so you need to balance making vitamin D with being safe in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or protect your skin with sunscreen to prevent burning and damage .
What about children , babies and pregnant women ?
• breastfed babies from birth to 1 year of age should be given a daily supplement of 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D to make sure they get enough • formula-fed babies should not be given a supplement until they are having less than 500ml ( about a pint ) of infant formula a day because formula contains vitamin D • children aged 1 to 4 should be given a daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults ( 10 micrograms a day ) applies to pregnant and breastfeeding women .

Some researchers have suggested that vitamin D deficiency might be linked with poorer outcomes if someone catches coronavirus. But other underlying risk factors, such as heart disease, are common in these patients too, making it hard to draw conclusions.